Apparently Disney has made several changes to the Pirates IN the Caribbean party. Kristin Ford (aka A Mom and the Mouse who writes for the Orlando Sentinel) found these changes to be better for families (not starting so late at night, 3 show segments, and various activities, including games for the children). She mentions that the diversity also seems to help alleviate crowding in any one area at a time.
See her article here:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/dis...mily-friendly/