"To all who come to this happy place - welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. Thank you."

―Walt Disney^[src]

Disneyland is a theme park in California that is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. It contains various attractions, including the Pirates of the Caribbean, located at New Orleans Square. Named for Walt Disney, the park opened in 1955, and has run successfully ever since.

History

New Orleans Square

Main article: New Orleans Square

New Orleans Square was among the last additions to Disneyland overseen by Walt Disney himself. Opened in 1966, it is meant to capture the flavor and architectural detail of New Orleans's Bourbon Street. New Orleans Square is also home to the Blue Bayou Restaurant near the entrance to Pirates Of The Caribbean. Those wishing for a souvenir can visit the Pieces of Eight shop and have their future told by Fortune Red.

Nearby is the Disney Gallery, which features various Disney art, including art from Pirates of the Caribbean. Also, Tom Sawyer Island has been converted to the Pirate's Lair for the summer of 2007.

Pirate Square

Early plans, according to 101 Things You Never Knew About Disneyland, show that Pirates of the Caribbean, the The Haunted Mansion, and Tom Sawyer Island were to be linked by a common theme: Jean Laffite. The plan called for for a treasure-filled crypt next to the Haunted Mansion. The crypt would contain a treasure trove with undead pirates and exit at a pirate's hideout on Tom Sawyer Island.

Hosting Pirates Premieres

"Where else would you want to have the premiere other than the place where it originated?"

―Jerry Bruckheimer^[src]

As Disneyland was home to the original attraction, it was decided that the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl would take place there. Because of The Curse of the Black Pearl's success, more films were made. And so Disneyland would host premieres for sequels Dead Man's Chest, At World's End, and On Stranger Tides. For the premiere of On Stranger Tides, a "black carpet" was used instead of the traditional red carpet.

Park Attractions

Here's where it all began for Pirates of the Caribbean. While the original attraction has been updated since the first Pirates movie, it retains its original essence as a dangerous world of myths and legends and the desire to be free to sail the seas.

Pirates of the Caribbean - Adventure deep into the heart of the Caribbean, where the waters are as treacherous as Captain Jack Sparrow is eccentric! Sail through a seaport set ablaze by pillaging pirates led by the barbaric Captain Barbossa.^[1]

Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island - Beware! Pirates have overtaken Tom Sawyer Island! Sail across the Rivers of America and embark on thrilling new adventures with a boisterous crew of pirates.^[2]

Fantasmic! - Mickey Mouse battles evil and conjures good in a musical pyrotechnic spectacular with a magnificent floating scenes—including an unbelievable pirate ship—that will leave you breathless.^[3]

World of Color - The World of Color nighttime water spectacular weaves water, color, fire and light into a kaleidoscope of fantasy and imagination. More than 1,000 jets of water form incredible shapes in time to the music as Disney characters come to life on a shimmering veil of mist. Be immersed in this dazzling new dimension of magic at Disney California Adventure Park.^[4]

Merchandise

Pieces of Eight - If it's a pirate treasures ye be seeking', matey, this is the right place! Find pirate clothing, play knives and swords and more.^[5]

World of Disney at Downtown Disney - Strike the goldmine of Disney treasures—including plenty of Pirate merchandise—at this whimsical store filled with Disney toys, apparel,souvenirs, and collectibles.^[6]

Disneyland Resort personal-sized party cake - Enhance your celebration by adding a Disney Pirate treasure chest to your full-service dining experience—each comes with a special surprise and an individual cake!^[7]

Special Events

Exclusive Sneak Peek of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Join Jack's Crew ... and set sail for adventure! Enter the world of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides at Disneyland Park, the pirates come out at night... and they won't set sail 'til they've found a crew!

From March 25 - May 30, 2011, Disneyland offered a 3D sneak peek of the fourth Pirates film, On Stranger Tides, release on May 20.^[8] Making your way to Big Thunder Ranch, aside from seeing the sneak peek, guests were able to interact with live pirates, finding Pirates merchandise and other accessories, and enjoying a hearty helpin' of pirate grog (non-alcoholic).

Dining

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Disneyland Park and watch brave explorers as they enter the world of the Pirates of the Caribbean from your table at the Blue Bayou.

Blue Bayou - Savor down-home, Louisiana-inspired cooking and full table service in moonlit ambience as Pirates of the Caribbean passenger boats drift past.^[9]

See also

• Disneyland at Disney Wiki

External links

• Official Disneyland Website
• Disneyland on Wikipedia

Notes and references