For many a mainstay of any visit to Disneyland is riding the iconic “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but Disney has decided to make a significant change to the ride.
The Orange County Register reported Friday that the ride will have its “bride auction” scene will be altered to de-emphasize the sale of women of pirates, who are looting the town. Instead, according to Disney, the “brides” will now be part of an auction scene that sells off the stuff of people in the sacked town. The character “Redhead” will now help lead the auction. In the current scene, “Redhead” is No. 2 in the line to be auctioned off and is being ogled by the pirates.
The move has already generated plenty of controversy on social media:
If you're mad about Pirates of the Caribbean removing human trafficking from the ride, then your priorities are in the wrong place.
— Leo Camacho (@LeoZombie) June 30, 2017
Going on Pirates of the Caribbean 1st time since the refurbishment and before they make the new politically correct change to it
— Lisa Ward (@BlondieLW81) June 30, 2017
“We believe the time is right to turn the page to a new story in this scene, consistent with the humorous, adventurous spirit of the attraction,” said Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown in a statement.
The ride has been a staple of Anaheim’s Disneyland since 1967 and has inspired five movies.