Skull Rock (1960–1982) was a scenic lagoon and rock formation in Disneyland’s Fantasyland, inspired by the skull-shaped cave from Disney’s Peter Pan (1953). Located near the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant (later Captain Hook’s Galley), it featured waterfalls, a quick-service dining area, and a pirate-themed atmosphere.
[Disneyland in 1978 by foundin_a_attic, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license]
It was demolished in 1982 to make way for the New Fantasyland’s Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Below are 10 fun facts about Skull Rock:
- Peter Pan Inspiration: Opened in 1960, Skull Rock was a 30-foot-tall rock sculpture designed to resemble the skull-shaped cave from Peter Pan, where Captain Hook takes Tiger Lily to trick Peter Pan, complete with eerie eye sockets and a cracked forehead.
- Pirate Ship Companion: The rock formation was built to enhance the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant (1955–1982), creating a lagoon called Skull Rock Cove or Pirates Cove, shaped like a lopsided rectangle covering about a quarter acre.
- Waterfall Features: Waterfalls cascaded from the skull’s open mouth and sides, fed by a shallow turquoise pond, adding a dramatic effect that made the area feel like a secluded Never Land hideout.
- Nighttime Glow: At night, the skull’s eye sockets were illuminated with an eerie green light, creating a spooky ambiance that drew guests to explore the cove after dark.
- Quick-Service Dining: Guests ordered food like tuna sandwiches and burgers at a counter near the pirate ship, dining on the ship’s deck or at umbrella-covered tables on a side patio overlooking the lagoon.
- Walk-Through Pathways: The area included a short path through the rock formation, allowing guests to walk near the waterfalls and explore the cove’s plant-lined scenery, though it was not a formal walk-through attraction.
- Skyway Vantage Point: The Skull Rock lagoon was a highlight for guests riding the Skyway (1956–1994), offering an aerial view of the skull and pirate ship, which were less engaging for pedestrians due to limited interactivity. The lagoon’s design was enhanced in 1960 with additional plant life to create a lush, tropical feel, complementing the nearby Monstro the Whale at the Storybook Land Canal Boats entrance.
- Chicken of the Sea Sponsorship: From 1955 to 1969, the restaurant was branded as the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, serving tuna-themed dishes; it was renamed Captain Hook’s Galley in 1970 after the sponsorship ended.
- Demolition for Dumbo: Skull Rock was dismantled in 1982 during the New Fantasyland refurbishment to make space for a relocated Dumbo the Flying Elephant, as the lagoon occupied valuable real estate with minimal guest engagement.
- Hidden Remnant: A small piece of the original rock formation remains embedded in the bushes behind the current Dumbo ride, near the Storybook Land Canal Boats, as a subtle nod to the lost attraction.
