Here's the real deal:
* The Curse: Jack Sparrow was cursed by the Aztec gold, but the curse didn't turn him into a skeleton. Instead, it caused his flesh to rot away, leaving him with a skeletal appearance.
* The Ride: In the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Jack Sparrow's figure was inspired by the "skeleton pirates" that were part of the original ride's design. They were always meant to be ghost pirates, representing the ride's theme of pirates and adventure.
So, Jack Sparrow's skeleton-like appearance is permanent, a result of the Aztec gold curse, and not something that happens only at night.