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The Disney Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant Memorabilia

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The Disney Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant was a unique dining experience that was located in Disneyland’s Fantasyland from 1955 to 1982. The restaurant was designed to resemble a pirate ship, complete with masts, rigging, and a crow’s nest. The ship was also equipped with cannons that fired simulated blasts and a large anchor that was lowered and raised using a pulley system. We take a look at some of the Disneyland Chicken of the Sea collectibles, ephemera and memorabilia. Most of the items available to collectors are original period photographs, maps, guides, and items from the restaurant rather the collectibles made for collectors today (click to view items on ebay).

Disneyland Chicken Of The Sea Restaurant postcard
Disneyland Fantasyland Chicken Of The Sea Restaurant postcard. Sold for $12.99 on ebay, January 2023.

Aboard the pirate ship in Fantasyland, guests enjoy the dinner of their choice, ‘Tuna of the Chicken of the Sea Restaurant, and glimpse the wonders of this realm in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

The restaurant was named after the popular brand of canned tuna, Chicken of the Sea, which sponsored the attraction. The menu featured a variety of seafood dishes, including tuna salad sandwiches, clam chowder, and fried shrimp, as well as non-seafood options like hamburgers and hot dogs.

Disneyland Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship 8ft Jolly Roger Flag
Disneyland – Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship 8ft “Jolly Roger” Flag (Walt Disney, c. 1960s-70s). “Aboard the pirate ship in Fantasyland, guests enjoy the dinner of their choice, Tuna of the Chicken of the Sea Restaurant, and glimpse the wonders of this realm in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom.” This is an exceptionally rare pirate flag from the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant in Fantasyland. Ever since the 1955 opening of the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, the ship flew this style of “jolly roger” pirate flag with its distinctive skull and crossbones. Later, after Pirates of the Caribbean opened in 1967, these same flags were simultaneously used on the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, and within the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Even after the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship was demolished during the New Fantasyland refurbishment of 1983, Pirates of the Caribbean has continued to use this style of flag, even into recent years. The vintage flag, hand-produced by Disney artists, is a wonderful artifact from the history of both the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant, as well as Pirates of the Caribbean. Being sold at Heritage Auctions Art of Disneyland sale (March 2023).

Being a Pirate Ship it had a great connection to the classic Disney animated film, Peter Pan. In the film, the ship was famously commandeered by the villainous Captain Hook, who used it as his base of operations in Neverland. The ship’s design and atmosphere were inspired by the ship in the film, and the restaurant staff dressed as pirates, which included Captain Hook himself. The staff, dressed in pirate costumes, would engage in staged sword fights and musical performances, and would encourage guests to join in on the fun. The ship was also equipped with animatronic figures of pirates and sea creatures, which added to the immersive atmosphere.

In addition to the dining experience, the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship also offered guests the opportunity to explore the ship and climb up to the crow’s nest for a view of the surrounding area. The ship was also used as a stage for special events and performances, such as the annual Pirates of the Caribbean Day celebration.

The Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant was located in Fantasyland, adjacent to Skull Rock, which was another popular attraction in Disneyland. Skull Rock was a large artificial rock formation that was designed to resemble a pirate’s hideout, complete with a waterfall, caves, and secret passages. The two attractions were also connected by a path that wound around the rock formation and provided a scenic route for guests to explore.

Vintage Disneyland Photo Skull Rock and Chicken of the Sea Tuna Boat circa 1960
Vintage Disneyland Photo Skull Rock and Chicken of the Sea Tuna Boat circa 1960. Sold for $10.99 on ebay, January 2023.

Despite its popularity, the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant was eventually closed in 1982 to make way for new attractions in Disneyland’s Fantasyland. However, its legacy lives on, and it remains a beloved part of Disneyland’s history and lore.

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Disneyland Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship memorabilia on ebay


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