Typically when something special happens at Disneyland Park,
they roll out the red carpet. But this past Saturday – in preparation for the world
premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films‘ “Pirates of the
Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” – Disneyland rolled out a black carpet.
In fact, when Angela and I arrive at 2 p.m., while Main
Street, U.S.A. was already decked out with all sorts of pirates-related finery, they were
still in the process of laying that section of black carpet which led into New Orleans
Square. Which was where Saturday night’s world premiere event was actually
going to be held.
Final prep for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” world premiere event
at Disneyland Park. Photo by Angela Ragno
Mind you, thousands of “Pirates of the Caribbean” fans (not to
mention 187 different media outlets) lined Main Street, U.S.A. Each of them
eager to see all of the stars & celebrities that were expected to attend Saturday night’s event.
And Disneyland … Well, it did what it could to keep the
crowds entertained & energized as they waited for the first of the red
carpet … er .. . black carpet arrivals. Which is why the Park sent all sorts of
entertainment out over the course of Saturday afternoon.
Disneyland cast members and performers kept the crowd entertained
as they waited for the first celebrities to arrive. Photo by Angela Ragno
But then – as afternoon gave way to evening – the first of the
celebrities began arriving. Cameron Mathison from ABC‘s “All My Children” came
strolling by, carrying his daughter Leila.
“All My Children” star Cameron Mathison and his daughter Leila at
Saturday night’s event. Photo by Angela Ragno
“Dancing with the Stars” hunk Maksim Chmerkovskiy
made an appearance at the “Pirates” premiere as well.
Max and his “Dancing with the Stars” partner Kirstie Alley both
made appearances at Saturday night’s event at Disneyland.
Photo by Angela Ragno
Along with another reality TV star, Steven Tyler of
Aerosmith fame. Who’s recently become one of the celebrity judges on “American
Idol” for Fox.
Steven Tyler “Walks This Way” down the black carpet. Photo by Angela Ragno
And speaking of rockers … Keith Richards of the Rolling
Stones (who plays Captain Teague in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. But
more importantly, is supposed to be one of Johnny Depp‘s main inspirations for his
performance as Captain Jack Sparrow) got a hero’s welcome as he strolled into
the theme park.
Keith Richards and his wife, Patti Hansen wave to all of the “Pirates of
the Caribbean” fans standing along Main Street, U.S.A.
Photo by Angela Ragno
But – then again – so did Chiquita, the cute little ape that played
Jack the Monkey in the “Pirates” pictures.
Chiquita and her handler smile for the camera. Photo by Angela Ragno
I’ll say this much about the fans who were lined up along
Main Street, U.S.A. They gave the newest members of Disney’s “Pirates of the
Caribbean” family – to be specific Ian McShane (who plays the fearsome
pirate Blackbeard) …
Ian McShane stops and signs autographs en route to New Orleans
Square. Photo by Angela Ragno
… Penelope Cruz (who portrays Blackbeard’s daughter Angelica) …
Penelope Cruz chats with the press en route to “On Stranger
Tides” world premiere. Photo by Angela Ragno
… even the lovely young ladies who play the mermaids that
prey upon unlucky sailors who venture out into Whitecap Bay …
Mermaid on Main Street, U.S.A. Photo by Angela Ragno
… all got a warm welcome. As did “On Stranger Tides”
behind-the-cameras component, director Rob Marshall …
“On Stranger Tides” director Rob Marshall hugs a member of the “Pirates
of the Caribbean: production team. Photo by Angela Ragno
… and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
“Pirates of the Caribbean” producer Jerry
Bruckheimer signing autographs. Photo
by Angela Ragno
But the biggest reactions of the night were reserved for the
returning veterans of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. With a
huge cheer ringing out for Geoffrey Rush (AKA Captain Barbossa) as he waved to
the crowd on his way to New Orleans Square.
Geoffrey Rush waves as he strolls up the black carpet.
Photo by Angela Ragno
And as for Johnny Depp (who – admittedly – is very hard to
see in the photo below. Given the three huge bodyguards that followed him all
the way down Main Street, U.S.A.) … While some members of the media were
admittedly miffed that Johnny wouldn’t come over to their side of the street and
answer their questions, Depp was absolutely terrific with all the “Pirates”
fans. Many of whom had waited all day to see Captain Jack Sparrow in the flesh.
Which is why these folks were absolutely thrilled when Johnny made a genuine
effort to work the fan side of the street, signing as many autographs as he
could / shaking as many hands as possible before Depp then had to be hustled
into New Orleans Square for the start of “On Stranger Tides” ‘s world premiere.
Johnny Depp does right by his fans at the world premiere of Disney’s “Pirates of
the Caribbean: On Stranger Rides.” Photo by Angela Ragno
Given the size of the crowd and all of the logistics
involved with an event of this size, it was hard not to be impressed by how
smoothly this whole “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” event went.
But then again, given that this is the third world premiere for this film
franchise that Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films have held at
Disneyland Park …
And that’s a wrap … At least until it’s time for the “Pirates 5” world premiere.
Photo by Angela Ragno
… Well, they’ve already had some practice.
Come the next morning, Disneyland cast members were already hard at work dismantling the temporary seat arrangements that had been set up for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” in-park screening …
This set of stands started in New Orleans Square and then extended well out into the
Rivers of America. Photo by Angela Ragno
Not to mention stripping away much of the theming that was used to hide the elaborate series of supports which had been built to hold this world premiere’s giant movie screen in place.
Temporary decorative rockwork is stripped away to reveal all of the wiring and cable
necessary to hold the world premiere of a major motion picture inside of a theme
park. Photo by Angela Ragno
Anyway … It was a very enjoyable night. And JHM got lots of
shots (more to the point, got to interview all sorts of celebrities from our
spot along the black carpet). Which we’ll be sharing with you folks at we get
closer to “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” ‘s official release
date. Which is May 20th.
Your thoughts?