A look at The Pirate Ride

I wrote an article this week looking back at the old Pirate Ride and its history, and why I believe it was an unacknowledged influence on Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean.

I enjoyed reading the article, interesting conclusion and it makes sense. I wish CP would bring back some of the diversity in attractions they had back in the 60's and 70's. Shoot The Rapids was a nice addition and a step in that direction. I hope they get another dark ride at some point.

I think they also need more for younger children.

Very interesting article. I miss the Pirate Ride.

Jayme Criscione said:
I think they also need more for younger children.

Agreed. And rides that spin in a circle that barely fit petite adults isn't the right direction either. StR was a step in that direction until the 46" height requirement (not CP's fault). IMO Knott's Berry Farm has the best mix of thrill attractions and family oriented rides out of the Cedar Fair parks.

Very cool article!

~Rob

I found a video on Youtube that shows the inside of Pirate Ride and all you have to so is search: cedar point 1996 and pick the one with Swichaben or however you spell it. ( sorry no link my computer crashed and im using my Wii to make my post which doesnt allow links :( )but when somebody finds it can they post it here... thanks:)

So much for that old saying, 'where there's a Wii, there's a way'...

Ensign you have been on a roll lately. :)

Great footage find! I think my ride-count on the Pirate Ride as a kid is somewhere in the thousands.

Man my daughter would be in love with this ride. I totally forgot about the journey through the belly of the fish!

Since no one else did, here is the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys2Q-SeuUO4

^ thanks :)

Jason Hammond said:
Since no one else did, here is the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys2Q-SeuUO4

Cool video but could they have picked worse backround music?

Man I feel old now. I am having flashbacks to the Earthquake ride and Jumbo Jet. I remember some of my friends getting thrown out of the Pirate ride for screwing around on it in the 1970s

We need to start a campaign to bring back the Himalaya sign (as seen at 1:58 in the video).

Amen to that. Perhaps the woodcarver on Frontier Trail could take that on as one of his seasonal projects, although I'm not sure if he's ever done anything of that scale.

The Schwabinchen project was pretty big.

I remember seeing that one at the park while he was working on it. Any ideas on where it went? I assume he gets to keep whatever he carves.

I remember being the leader of that ride in 1994. We had such a sweet crew. I must say that there were always sensor problems. Yes a bit on the not-so-exciting side but the kids loved it! And so did I! May it rest in peace:(

Pete said:
I enjoyed reading the article, interesting conclusion and it makes sense. I wish CP would bring back some of the diversity in attractions they had back in the 60's and 70's. Shoot The Rapids was a nice addition and a step in that direction. I hope they get another dark ride at some point.

I miss dark rides...those were fun! I'd love to see one at CP!

You and me both.

i want one to...