Ahoy mateys! On this day in 1955, the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant officially opened in Disneyland, where the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction appears today. There was something for people of all ages aboard the Pirate Ship. Children loved to explore the craft, and the detail and beauty were a marvel to adults — a perfect spot for family photos. It wasn’t unusual to find a pirate or even Peter Pan or Captain Hook inhabiting the stationary vessel. Of course there was good eating onboard, too, with Chicken of the Sea as the sponsor. Not only did Disneyland guests enjoy the Pirate Ship, it was very special to cast members, as well. Peggy Rose, who worked at Disneyland for more than 20 years, recently shared her memories of the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship during the time she worked in the Character Department. “To me, the pirate ship was as iconic a part of Fantasyland as Sleeping Beauty Castle or King Arthur Carrousel. Going there to do our “sets” was like walking into Never Land. Kids loved the sense of adventure it invited and adults loved the great tuna salad. There was even a parrot named Paco in a cage who talked — a REAL parrot! Somewhere I think I still have one of his feathers.”
