Is Shanghai Disneyland's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' ride better than the original?

SHANGHAI, China – The hype is deserved. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure” is nothing like any ride you’ve ever experienced.

There is no song, “A Pirate’s Life for Me.” But you don’t care. This ride doesn’t need it.

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First, the setting: The exterior of the ride is the fictional city of Tortuga. Treasure chests full of dubloons are lying about with wine bottles and swords. While waiting in line, you’ll see scenes like the ride in Anaheim with vintage fuiture and skeletons.

Second, the boat: It’s bigger. It’s smoother. It doesn’t run on a track. It’s pulled by magnets below the surface of the water. The coolest thing about the boat is that it spins around at key points of the ride.

Third, the experience: The ride is amazing. It feels like you’re sailing into the middle of an IMAX dream with CGI images overwhelming your senses. Captain Jack Sparrow fights Davy Jones as you float perilously close.

The first part of the ride takes place underwater, as if your boat has been sucked down by Davy Jones. Then the boat rises, and you’re in the middle of caon blasts among battling ships.

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The ride uses robots, projection images and even old-school singing faces like those inside the Haunted Mansion. But it all works together for a mind-blowing experience.