The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow, a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is undergoing a soft opening ahead of its grand opening on Dec. 6. My family and I were able to cast off and experience the new attraction this past weekend and get a glimpse of Disney’s beloved and rum-loving pirate.
Our wait for the show was about 30 minutes in a queue outside the soundstage that formerly was home to the Journey into Narnia attraction. This is not an interactive queue, like so many recent additions at Walt Disney World, so be prepared with something for the young kids to do to pass the time — electronic games, coloring books or small toys usually will do the trick.
Because guests are admitted to the attraction in large groups, you’ll want to keep your party together. There really is no reason to rush inside because you can see well enough from most spots. You first will enter a small room where a talking skull mounted high on the wall invites guests to join a pirate adventure.
Then, you’ll walk into the main room, which is dominated by the centerpiece that is Captain Jack Sparrow’s ship, the Black Pearl. The backdrop contains large screens that will feature most of the action in this theatrical production. The scene also is fully developed with three-dimensional pirate vignettes along the walls.
I wondered if we would be able to view actual props from “The Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, but so far there is no sign of that. The attraction does take guests through the four films of the popular franchise while they watch battles and key actions play out in front of them. And one lucky child is invited to participate in the show.
Perhaps the most surprising element in the eight-minute show is when Sparrow appears — the high-definition projections make it hard to believe it’s not an actor interacting with the audience. It really is that good.
Parents with young children should be aware that the theater does get quite dark and the action can be loud and scary, so it may not be appropriate for all ages. If your child does like Disney’s pirate franchise, The Legend of Jack Sparrow offers a taste of the swashbuckling life at a theme park that previously did not have one.
To see a video of the attraction and more photos, click here.
Wow. Our experience was so much different than yours.
We took our family to Hollywood Studios after spending a wonderful day at Universal (2 park pass) where we had a blast. The kids were not able to do everything in one day, so I would recommend 2 days at Universal.
As far as Disney Hollywood studios? Big fat disappointment. Huge long lines, they were unprepared to handle the number of guests at a park where there are only 3-5 real substantial rides. The first ride (if you want to call it that), was Ride the Movies. Weird…sadly in need up updating the video they play at the beginning that references movies through history…but only up until about the 1990?s….how hard would it be to add in a few later movies, Disney? Are you short staffed?
And the Jack Sparrow experience?… Let me share our reaction… When we came out of that after standing in line for 45 min to an hour, everyone in the group looked at each other and burst in to laughter. The overriding sentiment, “What the &^^#*@ was that?!?” What a joke. Fire this team of people that created such a lame joke of an experience, Disney! So much less than we have come to expect from you.
I have seen many reviews of this ride and they all have a similar theme. This is like taking one of the portions of the QUE sideshows in the lines you wait on and segmenting it off and calling it a ride/show in and of itself. You feel cheated and ripped-off for standing in a line to go and watch a cheesy show and stomp and say argggg like a bunch of preschoolers. Disney it appears to have lost its moorings on this one.
And if you are visiting Orlando, avoid this attraction and go on the Star Wars ride another time. Or just go get a corn dog, it will be a better use of your time.
Better yet, just avoid Hollywood studios altogether and go to Universal a second day. You will love it!!! New and changing rides, modernized, and they are better set up to handle the crowds.
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