From the moment it opened at Disneyland back in 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean has been considered the quintessential Disney Parks attraction. Its popularity has only grown in the past decade, with the release of the epic Pirates of the Caribbean films. The success of the movies, however, has created a new challenge for Disney's Imagineers. Going forward, entire generations will come with expectations established by the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow, so the presentation in the parks has had to be updated accordingly.
Upon the 2006 release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, the attraction was enhanced with a new entrance statement, a ghostly image of Davy Jones and Audio-Animatronic figures placing Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa into familiar scenes. Since that time, additional "plussing," including background music from the films and enhanced props and fixtures in the merchandise locations, has been implemented throughout the Caribbean Plaza section of Adventureland.
The Pirates Bazaar in the Plaza del Sol Caribe now features several richly-detailed vignettes. The one pictured above is among my favorites. I love the intricate design on the treasure chest, not to mention the fact that the map has been tacked to the wall with daggers.
Nearby is The Pirates League, added in 2009. This experience brought more of the story of piracy and the East India Trading Company into Adventureland. If you missed it, be sure to go back and read my earlier article on Pirates League and some of the amazing Hidden Disney details found within its walls.
Debuting in 2007, the interactive show Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial offered young guests a chance to join the crew and learn how to be a pirate. The show proved so popular, it was updated in 2009 and moved to a permanent stage location across the square.
The stage, dressed as a dock for cargo being shipped and received by the East India Trading Co., easily attracts scalawags the likes of Captain Jack's first mate, Mack, especially with the stores of rum on hand and the enticing map tucked behind a scrim on the back wall.
Hang around Mack long enough, and you'll find yourself in the company of Captain Jack Sparrow himself. Careful, though. He's a clever one. Savvy? Should you suddenly hear him exclaim, "Look! The Governor's daughter!," he may just slip away.
No comments:
Post a Comment