The Redhead Gets A New Role As More Changes Announced For Pirates of the Caribbean

The famous auction scene in Pirates of the Caribbean with its bawdy redhead and rowdy bidding pirates has been a beloved staple of this classic Disney attraction since the very beginning. But as with all things Disney, it's subject to change -
yesterday Disney Parks Blog and D23 announced that "Take A Wench For A Bride" would no longer be a part of the attraction.


We Wants the Redhead

In Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom the changes will occur in 2018, following a previously scheduled refurbishment for the attraction. The beloved redhead will be "trading her fashionable bonnet for a pirate's hat." This time she'll be one leading the auction. But this will be a loot sale, not brides, as the townspeople turn over their precious goods to the sassy redhead at the Mercado auction.

Like all changes that Disney makes to its classic attraction, the news has been met with mixed reviews amongst Disney fans as the Internet is buzzing. This is hardly the first time this ride has been altered and it began in 1997 with pirates no longer chasing women in the village, or speaking of what they'll do with them when they are caught. These simple changes caught the ire of fans and a few of the original Imagineers calling the refurbishment at that time "Boy Scouts of the Caribbean."

The softening touches were just the first of a long wave of enhancements and changes to come for the attraction, because with the launch of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' in 2003 even more exciting things were in store for a ride that was already a cult classic. Fans clamored for tales of the clever Jack Sparrow and his pirate bretheren.


The Redhead Gets A New Role

In 2006, Walt Disney Imagineering debuted refurbishments inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean films to coincide with the release of the second movie, 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.' New Audio-Animatronic figures of Captain Jack Sparrow (the curly haired girl in the barrel) and one of Captain Barbossa (who replaced the original captain of the Wicked Wench). New special effects, better lighting and enhanced audio, as well as an appearance by the second and third films' supernatural character Davy Jones became a part of the attraction's storyline.

In 2011 to celebrate the opening of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," Blackbeard, as played by Ian McShane replaced Davy Jones in the grotto scene's spectral waterfall.

In 2012 the shadowy figures of mermaids were added swimming beneath the water of Deadman's cove, guests can see a mermaid skeleton washed up on the beach that got some new rock work and lighting.

In 2015 costume changes enhanced the current style of the story with Hector Barbossa and Jack Sparrow now reflect the attire of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.' Audio-animatronics with newer technology were replaced in several spots at this time as well to enhance the overall guest experience.

All of these enhancements, changed the storyline, and continued the adventure. They gave guests more tangible ways of connecting with their favorite elements from the larger Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.


Artist Concept Drawing For New Scene

Critics say that this is political correctness gone too far, that the classic attraction needs to be left alone. Even amongst my own family the gut reaction to the new scene has been one of dread. However - I think I believe that in today's volatile society, where so many families face daily issues of uncertainty and violence, a gentler, romanticized view of the pirate band is needed in our happy place. Turning the famous redhead into a cheeky pirate is an idea whose time has come, and I'll be happy to let my daughters and granddaughters relish in the fun.

When interviewed about the new scene in Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar said "Change is a 'tradition' at Disneyland" and that's the truth. No matter how much we love the classics, Uncle Walt relished the idea that the Park, and even a single attraction, would never be completed.

Disneyland is something that will never be finished. It's something that I can keep developing. It will be a live, breathing thing that will need change. A picture is a thing, once you wrap it up and turn it over to Technicolor, you're through. Snow White is a dead issue with me. But I can change the park, because it's alive. - Walt Disney

So no matter what you think of the redhead's new gig, the fact remains the pirates adventure continues in new and exciting ways for the generations of tomorrow and beyond. Go ahead a leave me a note in the comments, let me know how you're feeling.