Disney Announces Closure of Iconic Ride

If you're planning to visit Disneyland in the month of May, heads up that the park will be without a longtime ride.

The good news, though, is that it won't be closed forever. According to the park, they're only closing this ride for refurbishment and plan to have it up and running again soon.

So, while the closure isn't permanent, it still stings for those visiting the park during the time it's down.

Famed Disney Ride Closing, But the Good News Is That It's Temporary

Anyone who's been to Disneyland or Disney World has likely experienced the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It's simply a landmark of the Disney brand. Now, according to Disney, both the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and Blue Bayou Restaurant will be temporarily closed.

"Blue Bayou Restaurant will temporarily close for refurbishment on May 4, 2026, and is tentatively scheduled to reopen in late May," Disney states. "The restaurant will offer a modified dining experience while Pirates of the Caribbean is also under refurbishment, as views will be obstructed and Guests may hear some refurbishment noise."

If you're heading to Disneyland in the month of May, this is a bummer, but these things happen. If it's one of your favorite rides, it would be worth a trip back to the park when the ride is back up.

Beloved Disney Experience Dates Back to the 1960s

Pirates of the Caribbean first opened to the public on March 18, 1967, WDW Magazine, at Disneyland Resort, and it quickly became one of the most beloved attractions at Disney parks around the world.

"Pirates of the Caribbean is a dark boat ride that tells the story of 17th and 18th-century pirates in the West Indies islands around the Caribbean," the outlet adds. "While the ride is considered to be one of the most memorable, immersive attractions in Disneyland, it originally was going to look far different."

Walt Disney's official website adds that "within each decade since 1967, a new and wider audience has had the opportunity to set sail through the Caribbean. One by one, Disney parks in Florida, Tokyo and Paris brought Pirates of the Caribbean into their gates." I've experienced this ride in Florida, and it's one of my favorites.

When the ride first opened, Disney says it was truly "unlike anything the world had ever seen." Created solely by Disney Imagineers, the experience "became an instant classic, spawning merchandise, a music album, legions of fans, and new attraction iterations around the world."

Of course, in 2003, the franchise took to film, "capturing the imaginations of a whole new global audience, many of whom had never been to a Disney park."

So, the Pirates of the Caribbean has a long history. Don't worry about it being closed for a small amount of time. There's no way Disney would ever close this ride for good.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 2:05 AM.