Hong Kong Disneyland Announces an Unprecedented Deal with Pirates for an Adventureland Takeover!
HONG KONG (April 12, 2007) Pirates stormed Hong Kong Disneyland today, negotiating with senior management to claim Adventureland as their temporary headquarters in what is to become the Pirate Takeover - an authentic and immersive pirate experience set to delight and dare the senses. This is a timely event to celebrate the upcoming release of the third movie in Disney's blockbuster trilogy, “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” which opens in theaters in Hong Kong on May 24, 2007.
After sailing through Victoria Harbor this morning, the unruly pirate crew anchored their ominous ship at the Disneyland Resort Pier and ordered an immediate meeting with Mr. Bill Ernest, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Several rounds of negotiations ensued before Mr. Ernest and the pirates emerged from the ship with a firm agreement.
“In an unprecedented move, we have agreed to parlay terms with the pirates to present an exciting Pirate Takeover. From the scenic and atmospheric makeover of Adventureland, to the pirate-inspired characters, interactive guest entertainment, themed photo opportunities, games, dining and merchandise, there’ll be daring pirate surprises around every corner in the new Pirate Land,” said Mr. Ernest joined by pirates on the Disneyland Resort Pier.
The Pirate Takeover will kick off on May 4 until June 30, 2007 and will allow guests to step back in time to a place where pirates reined over the seas vying for treasure. A total experience that only Hong Kong Disneyland can provide, the Pirate Takeover will immerse guests in a world of mischief, singing and revelry as pirate adventures are vividly brought to life.
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It’s a Pirate’s Life for Us…..Ahoy There Matey!
Guests will first encounter Disney’s Pirate Takeover at the entrance to Adventureland where pirates have refashioned the towering archway with unmistakable pirate paraphernalia.
For the daring, guests can get in touch with their inner swashbuckling self as they learn how to be a pirate in Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Boot Camp. All newly trained guest pirates can further seek adventures in the rest of the Pirate Land. Midway games such as Rum Tumble and Captain Hook’s Ring Toss as well as Treasure Hunt are the best options to practice the Pirate’s skills.
Equipped with their new skills, guests can dare to journey into uncharted waters on board the Jungle River Cruise, Pirate Takeover! where pirate sightings, frights and delights await them around every corner. A giant pirate flag reading, “PIRATE ISLAND – BEWARE” hoisted above Tarzan’s Tree House, will serve as a reminder that the pirates are the rulers of Adventureland now.
Known for their loud yet vibrant music, the pirates will teach guests how to “Wake the Dead” with the “The Doctors of Soul” VooDoo Drum Show, performing against an eerie backdrop of shrunken heads and Cajun-style grave stones lurking in the foliage.
And if the rhythmic drum beats aren’t enough, there’s always the Pirate Procession, where guests, armed with washboards and spoons, are encouraged to make as much noise as possible to create a sound that is music only to pirates’ ears.
Guests beware……..the procession may lead them to a mysterious encounter with Mirabella, The Gypsy Fortune Teller whose crystal ball is all knowing about what the future has in store. She may predict that guests will encounter the ever loveable Disney characters, Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Pluto, who will swing into pirate mode with special costumes.
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Captain Hook, one of the world’s most infamous pirates, will terrorize Adventureland as he meets and greets guests with his signature hook and partner in crime - giant crocodile “Tic Toc”. Guests can be photographed with their head in Tic Toc’s mouth!
Adventureland will also be dotted with special themed photo corners, where guests can pose next to an authentic, oversized ship’s wheel, life-size pirate cut outs, or a skeleton pirate that has literally been there for ages!
For guests looking to refuel after a hard day’s pirate work, a delicious menu of hearty snacks and meals are available at the aptly named “Pirate View Café”. At the Tahitian Terrace, guests will dine to a symphony of pleas for mercy as a pirate dangles by his feet from the thatched roof top.
Two new and specially created pirate kiosks will also be added to Hong Kong Disneyland Park to ensure no pirate goes hungry! Pirate Chow!, which is located opposite Tahitian Terrace in Adventureland, will serve delicious crepes, while The Galley! will be located near Fantasyland and will serve the Middle Eastern delicacy Shawarma, a savory wrap with ingredients including roasted beef and roasted chicken.
And for that perfect take home keepsake, Hong Kong Disneyland will present over 100 pirate-themed merchandise ranging from collectible pins featuring pirate characters; adorable plush toys, mobile phone ornaments and figurines. An array of Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise is also available and includes super cool T-shirts, caps, pencil cases and bags.
As of tomorrow (April 13), guests eager to glimpse some of the fun they can expect during the Pirate Takeover can visit hongkongdisneyland.com where they can “virtually” discover all of the pirate shenanigans on offer during the unprecedented event.
Guests can play interactive pirate-inspired games, download pirate “treasures”, learn more about the Pirate Takeover as well as how to be a pirate.
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About Hong Kong Disneyland
Opened on September 12, 2005 and located on lush Lantau Island overlooking Penny’s Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a brand-new, world-class family entertainment and recreation center consisting of a magical, Disneyland-style theme park of shows and attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (400 guestrooms), Disney’s Hollywood Hotel (600 guestrooms) and Inspiration Lake, a public area featuring boat rentals and a 3.5 hectare arboretum. Offering guests of all ages a full day immersed in imagination and creativity uniquely Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland is home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Stitch, Donald Duck and other Disney characters beloved the world over.