First off, I would like to say that Disney has CONFIRMED that Superstar Limo will, indeed, NOT be opening on May 23rd--whether or not the rest of this rumor is true (with a new ride coming) is up in the air, but this ride will at least closed through July 1 (and if it's not open by then, it won't be opening this summer). Regardless, not to dissappoint, Disney opened the brand-new Pirates of the Caribbean exhibit at the Disney Gallery this week, which looks pretty kewl! Be sure to check out the new website for the upcoming movie, as the story has been added to the site...along with the movie's full name!
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Looks like an awesome movie, but as far as I can tell, not for kids...anyway, here comes the update!
Pirates of the Disney Gallery - The new Disney Gallery exhibit opened this weekend, featuring the artwork of both Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and the upcoming live-action movie.
As you enter the Gallery, you encounter a bounty of gold, gems and silks, overflowing from a stack of treasure chests. Disney Gallery employees are dressed in the costumes from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, instead of their traditional formal garb.
The front room is decorated with artist renderings from the Disneyland attraction. Fans of Marc Davis will enjoy the large collection of his sketches.
The next room has a small collection of Pirates merchandise. Some of these items are new for this exhibit, but most were previously available at the Pieces of Eight store in New Orleans Square.
A collection of artwork is available through the popular Print on Demand system, with more images to be added in the coming weeks. All of the images are on display in the hallway, so you can see what you finished item will look like before you print it.
Display cases in the third room hold a collection of figures and maquettes, many crafted by sculptor Blaine Gibson.
One visitor commented that she had hoped to see more artwork from the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The fourth room is devoted entirely to the new movie, but there is very little to see - a handful of sketches are spread across the walls, with a single sculpture in the middle. Gallery Cast Members said that they are hoping that more props and drawings from the production will be available as the movie's premier draws closer.
You can learn quite a bit about the new movie from what little is present, so be warned - you may want to avoid this room until you have seen the movie. If spoilers don't bother you, spend some time enjoying the concept art and renderings.
As previously mentioned here, Disneyland is planning a merchandise special event to promote the new exhibit and the new movie. The event will be Sunday, June 29, 2003 at Disneyland. Event guests will attend a preview screening of the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie - further details have yet to be announced.
Good-bye, but not quite yet - As David Koenig shared two weeks ago, Disney Gallery merchandise hostess Beverly Butrum announced that, after 37 years, she will retire from Disneyland. Her last day was scheduled to be March 3, 2003. Plans have changed a bit, and Bev's final shifts will be Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15, 2003. She is scheduled for the closing shift both nights. Her fellow Gallery employees want to invite her friends and fans to come visit Bev during her last shifts.
It's not a secret any longer - In January, Visa replaced American Express as the official card of the US Disney theme parks. Disney also announced that the Disney Club program would end in December 2003.
To replace both of these programs, Disney is now accepting applications for a new Disney-branded Visa credit card. If you apply by March 24, you'll be recognized as a "Cardmember since Day 1," and receive a collectible pin. You can apply online at www.disneysecret.com, or call 1-888-688-4868.
For some longtime members of the Magic Kingdom Club, and the Disney Club it evolved into, this new Visa program is a disappointment. The standing merchandise and travel discounts have disappeared, replaced with unspecified "Special Disney Bonus Offers." This new card allows cardholders to earn points, which can later be redeemed for Disney products and services. Of course, the Disney Club was supposed to have a similar feature, which never materialized. And there is a cap on the number of "Reward Dollars" you can earn, unlike the American Express Membership Rewards program.
The newest addition to the permanent hiatus club - Move over LightMagic and Rocket Rods, and make room for Superstar Limo. The ride, closed for over a year, was scheduled to return on May 21. Our sources now tell us that Limo is gone for good. The attraction will remain closed until at least October, when, pending budget approval, work will begin on a Monsters, Inc. retrofit. The Monsters ride would use the same building, track and ride vehicles, but with new sets and scenes.
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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – through March 27
Rivers of America – through March 27
Mark Twain Riverboat – through March 27
Sailing Ship Columbia – through March 27
Splash Mountain – through March 13
Critter Country – through March 13
Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough – indefinite
Disney’s California Adventure
Superstar Limo – indefinite
Future Attraction Closures:
Mad Tea Party – April 28 - May 15
Pirates of the Caribbean – April 28 - May 30
Blue Bayou Restaurant – April 28 - May 30
Indiana Jones Adventure – September 2 - October 24
Space Mountain – September 2003 - August 2004
Just a little add-on opinion--not sure why Disney is deciding to close Pirates right before the new movie comes out, and while the exhibit is in the Disney Gallery--seems like really bad timing for their marketing campaign...anyway, if you would like to see pictures of the new Pirates exhibit, be sure to stop by mouseplanet.com. Cheers! (12 days till Disneyland!)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Looks like an awesome movie, but as far as I can tell, not for kids...anyway, here comes the update!
Pirates of the Disney Gallery - The new Disney Gallery exhibit opened this weekend, featuring the artwork of both Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and the upcoming live-action movie.
As you enter the Gallery, you encounter a bounty of gold, gems and silks, overflowing from a stack of treasure chests. Disney Gallery employees are dressed in the costumes from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, instead of their traditional formal garb.
The front room is decorated with artist renderings from the Disneyland attraction. Fans of Marc Davis will enjoy the large collection of his sketches.
The next room has a small collection of Pirates merchandise. Some of these items are new for this exhibit, but most were previously available at the Pieces of Eight store in New Orleans Square.
A collection of artwork is available through the popular Print on Demand system, with more images to be added in the coming weeks. All of the images are on display in the hallway, so you can see what you finished item will look like before you print it.
Display cases in the third room hold a collection of figures and maquettes, many crafted by sculptor Blaine Gibson.
One visitor commented that she had hoped to see more artwork from the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The fourth room is devoted entirely to the new movie, but there is very little to see - a handful of sketches are spread across the walls, with a single sculpture in the middle. Gallery Cast Members said that they are hoping that more props and drawings from the production will be available as the movie's premier draws closer.
You can learn quite a bit about the new movie from what little is present, so be warned - you may want to avoid this room until you have seen the movie. If spoilers don't bother you, spend some time enjoying the concept art and renderings.
As previously mentioned here, Disneyland is planning a merchandise special event to promote the new exhibit and the new movie. The event will be Sunday, June 29, 2003 at Disneyland. Event guests will attend a preview screening of the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie - further details have yet to be announced.
Good-bye, but not quite yet - As David Koenig shared two weeks ago, Disney Gallery merchandise hostess Beverly Butrum announced that, after 37 years, she will retire from Disneyland. Her last day was scheduled to be March 3, 2003. Plans have changed a bit, and Bev's final shifts will be Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15, 2003. She is scheduled for the closing shift both nights. Her fellow Gallery employees want to invite her friends and fans to come visit Bev during her last shifts.
It's not a secret any longer - In January, Visa replaced American Express as the official card of the US Disney theme parks. Disney also announced that the Disney Club program would end in December 2003.
To replace both of these programs, Disney is now accepting applications for a new Disney-branded Visa credit card. If you apply by March 24, you'll be recognized as a "Cardmember since Day 1," and receive a collectible pin. You can apply online at www.disneysecret.com, or call 1-888-688-4868.
For some longtime members of the Magic Kingdom Club, and the Disney Club it evolved into, this new Visa program is a disappointment. The standing merchandise and travel discounts have disappeared, replaced with unspecified "Special Disney Bonus Offers." This new card allows cardholders to earn points, which can later be redeemed for Disney products and services. Of course, the Disney Club was supposed to have a similar feature, which never materialized. And there is a cap on the number of "Reward Dollars" you can earn, unlike the American Express Membership Rewards program.
The newest addition to the permanent hiatus club - Move over LightMagic and Rocket Rods, and make room for Superstar Limo. The ride, closed for over a year, was scheduled to return on May 21. Our sources now tell us that Limo is gone for good. The attraction will remain closed until at least October, when, pending budget approval, work will begin on a Monsters, Inc. retrofit. The Monsters ride would use the same building, track and ride vehicles, but with new sets and scenes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – through March 27
Rivers of America – through March 27
Mark Twain Riverboat – through March 27
Sailing Ship Columbia – through March 27
Splash Mountain – through March 13
Critter Country – through March 13
Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough – indefinite
Disney’s California Adventure
Superstar Limo – indefinite
Future Attraction Closures:
Mad Tea Party – April 28 - May 15
Pirates of the Caribbean – April 28 - May 30
Blue Bayou Restaurant – April 28 - May 30
Indiana Jones Adventure – September 2 - October 24
Space Mountain – September 2003 - August 2004
Just a little add-on opinion--not sure why Disney is deciding to close Pirates right before the new movie comes out, and while the exhibit is in the Disney Gallery--seems like really bad timing for their marketing campaign...anyway, if you would like to see pictures of the new Pirates exhibit, be sure to stop by mouseplanet.com. Cheers! (12 days till Disneyland!)