189. Disney's Pirate Wax Museum: From the Rogues Gallery to the Pirates of the Caribbean - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 3

189. Disney's Pirate Wax Museum: From the Rogues Gallery to the Pirates of the Caribbean - Pirates of the Caribbean Part 3

May 16, 2026 · 1h 34m · Season 5 · Episode 189

About this episode

This episode explores the origins and development of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction from its early concepts to its iconic status.

How did a small wax museum tucked under the Blue Bayou Mart evolve into one of Disney’s most iconic rides? On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk , we set sail for adventure as we uncover the fascinating origins of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Beginning before Disneyland even opened and continuing throughout the 1950s and 60s, we explore rare early concepts for the Rogues Gallery Wax Museum and the many artists who helped shape the project. After stepping through Claude Coats’ atmospheric interpretation of a pirate adventure, we then dive into Marc Davis’ research, artwork, and storytelling process as the Rogues Gallery slowly transformed into Pirates of the Caribbean. Along the way, we encounter some dastardly pirates, discover unused ideas for pirate scenes, learn where “pirate speak” originated, and uncover who the fiercest pirates of all were before they were ultimately cut from the attraction. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate’s YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@disneycicerone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at…

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