Pirates of the Caribbean Courtyard at the Magic Kingdom

Near Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is this small courtyard. In fact, Pirates of the Caribbean actually more or less surrounds this courtyard. While not all of it is seen here, the courtyard is more or less triangular in shape. The area at the left of the photo is the Pirates entrance, and behind the doors at the right of the photo is the main waiting area. Behind where I was standing when I shot this is the attraction’s exit.

Yet with all of that happening right around it, this courtyard usually remains empty. Maybe it is because everyone enjoys the shade that the surrounding structures provide, especially during the summer months. Or maybe it is just because there really isn’t anything to do inside the courtyard, so no one bothers to wander through it.

I would imagine that the Imagineers were looking to create something similar to the Court of Angels near Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, which is also an open courtyard. But the Caribbean architecture isn’t quite as fanciful, or familiar, as the New Orleans architecture. And the frequent Florida rains don’t allow for much use of the Caribbean space, either.

So the courtyard is often empty. Not that I am complaining. It is always fun to find some little out-of-the-way places where you can escape the crowds for just a bit. And besides, if it weren’t for the tell-tale trash can, you just might think you really were in the Caribbean.

About the Photo

A single RAW exposure, processed in Adobe Lightroom. Read more about the photo software and gear I use at the camera gear page.
Camera: Canon EOS 60D
Lens: Rokinon 8mm