What’s in the Water at Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland?

There’s something about the water at Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland that sticks with you – literally and figuratively.

If you’ve ever ridden this iconic attraction, you probably know exactly what we’re talking about. That distinctive smell, the way it clings to your clothes, and how it somehow transports you right back to the ride even when you’re nowhere near Disneyland. It’s enough to make you wonder…what exactly is in that water? Turns out, the answer is a little more scientific (and a little less mysterious) than you might think. Let’s break it down!

The Smell

First things first – the smell. If you’ve been on Pirates of the Caribbean before, you KNOW the smell of that water. It’s not quite like a pool, and it’s definitely not like a lake or the ocean. Instead, it’s this oddly comforting, almost nostalgic scent that Disney fans recognize instantly. But why does it smell that way?

The answer lies in the way Disney treats the water. Unlike most pools, which use chlorine to disinfect and clean the water, Disneyland uses bromine. Bromine is a more expensive alternative to chlorine, but it has some major advantages – especially when it comes to an attraction where guests are likely to get splashed.

The Science Behind It

Bromine is a chemical that works similarly to chlorine, killing bacteria and keeping the water clean, but with a few key differences. It has a much milder smell than chlorine (which explains why Pirates water doesn’t have that harsh “pool” scent), and it’s also less irritating to skin and clothing. That’s a big deal when you consider how often guests get splashed on this ride.

Another perk? Bromine is actually better at keeping the water clean over time. Unlike chlorine, which can break down quickly in sunlight and heat, bromine remains effective for longer periods. That’s a major plus for an attraction like Pirates, where the water is constantly moving, splashing, and circulating throughout the ride.

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A Ride-Long Sensory Experience

While the bromine plays a huge role in the signature smell of Pirates of the Caribbean, it’s not the only factor at play. If you’ve ever noticed how different scenes in the ride have their own distinct scents, that’s intentional! Disney is famous for using scent as a way to immerse guests in an experience, and Pirates is no exception.

The smell of burning wood in the town scene? That’s pumped into the air on purpose. The musty, damp cave scent in the earlier parts of the ride? That’s part of the atmosphere, too. All of these elements combine to make the water smell so iconic, adding to the overall experience of sailing through a pirate-infested adventure.

Hidden Treasures in the Water

Beyond just the scent, there are some fun surprises hiding in the waters of Pirates of the Caribbean – literally! If you look closely during certain scenes, you might spot gold coins, treasure chests, and other pirate loot just below the surface. While these are mostly props placed by Disney Imagineers to enhance the theming, guests have also been known to toss their own coins into the water.

But don’t expect to fish them out – Disney collects the coins periodically and donates them to charities, just like they do with the fountains throughout the parks. So if you’ve ever tossed a coin into Pirates water, consider it a little contribution to a good cause!

So, What’s REALLY in the Water?

At the end of the day, the water in Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t some magical elixir (even if it smells like one). It’s a carefully maintained mix of water, bromine, and just a little bit of Disney magic. The scent, the splashes, and the hidden treasures all work together to make it one of the most immersive and memorable ride experiences in the parks.

So next time you’re on Pirates of the Caribbean, and you take a deep breath of that nostalgic water smell, just remember – it’s all part of the Disneyland experience!

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You’re Not a REAL FAN if You Don’t Know This Pirates of the Caribbean Secret

Was this what you thought would be in the water at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments.

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