THROWBACK THURSDAY: Captain Hook's Galley and Skull Rock

History

Originally known as the "Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship", Captain Hook's Galley was a restaurant within a pirate ship-- as the name would suggest, a replica of the ship belonging to Captain Hook of the beloved 1953 Disney adaptation of Peter Pan. The galley was permanently situated in a shallow pond in the center of Fantasyland, surrounded on all sides by still-standing attractions such as the Mad Tea Party, King Arthur Carousel, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Due to an initial sponsorship with Chicken of the Sea, the galley served tuna-centered dishes, even after the name was changed.

Original location of the galley

Sometime later, the galley was joined by a faithful recreation of the infamous Skull Rock, to further expand the small, Peter Pan-themed pocket of the park. It stood over the water behind the ship, creating an iconic view that represented Fantasyland for many years. In 1982 when Dumbo and the Carousel were relocated, Captain Hook's Galley and Skull rock were both removed for good.

Captain Hook's Galley and Skull Rock today

The empty spot where the galley once was

Unlike many other former Disneyland attractions, no traces of this old restaurant remain in the park today. However, in Disneyland Paris, you can still visit a Captain Hook's Galley restaurant and Skull Rock, similar to the ones removed from Disneyland long ago. They are appropriately situated somewhat near Pirates of the Caribbean.

The Disneyland Paris version of Skull Rock looks more grim

Here in California however, Disneyland had its own revival of the ship and rock formation. At the Disneyland Hotel's Neverland Pool, a small-scale version of the ship was docked on dry land, beside a Skull Rock water slide. It was a nice nod to the forgotten attraction, but the Neverland Pool too became just a memory, as it was remodeled in 2011 and now contains no references to Peter Pan. Perhaps someday Captain Hook will return to pillage Disneyland, and reclaim his territory in Fantasyland.