Puerto Dorado, the fictional village that Pirates of the Caribbean is set in, is home to many animatronic figures - possibly the most in one ride aside from the Haunted Mansion. There are so many, in fact, that several figures actually share the same faces. For one reason or another, Imagineers reused a few of the molds they had already cast in order to better populate the village with pirates and residents alike. Was it budgetary? Or possibly a way to save money in the long term - it's always cheaper to make/buy parts if those parts can also be used in other places. Either way, the artists in Imagineering were able to craft some great illusions, turning a few heads into several different characters!
This is part one of a series that looks at each head and finds it's twin - or at least a slightly altered version of it - within Pirates. Keep in mind that some of these images might not reflect the citizens and invaders of Puerto Dorado as they are currently, since Pirates tends to get a refresher from time to time, but it should be a good collection of the reused faces.
All photos courtesy of the amazing Davelandweb.com, and are used with permission.
Face 1: Pointy Nose Man
Pointy Nose Man is the first animatronic we see within Pirates, though not actually located within the story of the ride itself. Positioned in three locations - one on the outside of Puerto Dorado, and two inside - he is our first impression of the magic that lays ahead. It's also a good example of just how different the Imagineers can make a character look with a bit of paint and different clothes.
PNM #1 - Beacon Joe
Good Ol' Beacon Joe. Apparently, he's the man who settled Big Thunder Mountain, back in 1849, and then somehow made his way down to the bayou to made the swamp his home in the 1860's. No wonder he looks tired.
PNM #2 - Unnamed Official of Puerto Dorado
This unlucky man is in line at the well, and will surely get introduced to the chair dunking system if Carlos doesn't give up the information first. We are assuming he's with the local government, since Carlos is the Mayor, and what pirate worth their salt only rounds up one single government official? I wish these guys had names ...
PNM #3 - Jail Guy With Bone
And finally, here he is again, locked up behind bars, desperately trying to lure that crazy jailhouse dog over so his buddies can grab the key. What was always weird about this scene was how the town fought back, captured, and locked these guys up during a siege on their village, and yet, everyone we just saw in the previous scenes of the ride are all in their nightclothes. Are these pirates? Are they townsfolk?
Face 2: Puffy Face Man
Spitting out water or blowing on his flute, Puffy Face Man is in four places within Pirates - three of them are in the same scene!
PFM #1 - Unnamed Official of Puerto Dorado
Being third in line to be tortured doesn't seem so bad, I guess. The skinny guy looks like he'll cave pretty easily, so this guy should be ok.
PFM #2 - Carlos the Mayor
Here we have the Mayor of Puerto Dorado being essentially tortured until he gives up the goods on the treasure map Jack Sparrow has. His wife at the top (whom we'll get to in part 2) calls out for him to not be chicken, which is just such a memorable line from this ride. The scene overall is in the top three for sure, and it's made even better by having this same face multiple times within it.
PFM #3 - The Flautist
This stubby guy is playing a jolly tune while his twin is being dunked. What a world Disney has created!
PFM #4 - Whistle Guy
Finally, here is our friend whistling for the dog with the keys before the fort collapses, rope in hand.
Face 3: Surprised Man
We only get two of this face, which is too bad. It looks like it's the same exact mold, just painted differently. Maybe there's a slight modification in the mouth there, but it's hard to tell.
SM #1 - Unnamed Official of Puerto Dorado
He's almost looking to the boats passing by for help!
SM #2 - Chased for Love
This pirate looks scared, but for a different reason. The occupant of his particular house looks like she just wants to hug and kiss Surprised Man to death. Not a terrible way to go, but when the village is on fire, lovin' can wait.
Face 4: Very Serious Boy
Serious Boy might be the most reused face so far - as well as the most changed. He's in here six times, and only has one possible exact facial expression.
VSB #1 - Cannon Pirate
Situated aboard The Wicked Wench, Serious Boy is firing cannon balls at the fort, trying to bust his way into Puerto Dorado. But that's not all he does ...
VSB #2 - Pirate Captain
Our friend is also the Captain! Dunking Carlos here and generally being a bad - albeit serious - boy.
VSB #3 - Well Armed Boy
A few steps away is yet another version of Serious Boy! Here he is holding a gun, threatening the other inhabitants, we assume, into not stepping in to help their mayor.
VSB #4 - Looting and Running
Securing the bag, this pirate looks like he's having a blast running for his life. I mean, who wouldn't?
VSB #5 - Firestarter
For some reason, burning down the village you are also ransacking and looting (and kidnapping) in, sounds like a bad idea. But our Very Serious Boy here doesn't care about rules!
VSB #6 - Sad Jailed Man
If you were locked up in a jail while the whole fort burns around you, you'd be sad, too.
Hopefully next time you ride Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland, you'll be able to recognize a few of these faces in the crowd. Next time, in part two we'll get to more shared faces in Pirates!
Have you recognized any of these before? Let us know below!
