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Walt Disney and the Pirates

In this February 3, 1966 photo, Walt Disney checks out some of the heads for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that was to open at Disneyland. (via LA Times)

In a Los Angeles Times story on the new attractions, staff writer Dave Felton reported:

When Walt Disney opened his animated, bigger than real life amusement park in Anaheim 11 years ago, he remarked, “Disneyland will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”…

“New Orleans Square” will feature mainly shops, coffeehouses and sidewalk cafes of the famous French Quarter, all suitably historic and selling contemporary wares.

From the square, boats will leave for “Pirates of the Caribbean,” by far Disneyland’s longest and rowdiest ride. The cruise will begin and end with a waterfall ride.

In between, scores of bloodthirsty electronic pirates will engage in gunfights with ammunition flying overhead. Stores will be looted and a jail burned.

“Not very attractive ladies of the town will be willingly auctioned off,” said one guide. The children should love it.

Walt Disney passed away on Dec. 15, 1966. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride opened on March 18, 1967.

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