At first glance, it appears that it’s just business as usual at NYC’s World of Disney. Minnie, Pluto & Mickey occupy their usual spot on the store’s marquee.
But wait a minute … Who’s that in the second story window? Is that … Capt. Jack Sparrow?
Photo by Jeff Lange
And what’s the deal with all these undead pirate skeletons leering out at the tourists strolling up 5th Avenue?
Photo by Jeff Lange
Well, just like every other arm of the Disney Corporation was doing last week, NYC’s World of Disney store was hyping the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” With special pirate-themed decorations …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… as well as a special event that lead up to the city’s very first screening of this Gore Verbinski film (Which was held at midnight at the Ziegfeld Theater), “Pirates in the Big Apple.”
250 hardcore “Pirates” fans paid $120 apiece to gain access to Disney’s flagship store after-hours. Where they got the chance to kibitz with Jason Surrell (seated, foreground), author of “Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies” as well as Mark “Crash” McCreery (seated, background) who designed Davy Jones as well as many of the creepy creatures that you see in “Dead Man’s Chest” …
Photo by Florence Lange
… as well as bid on some very cool limited edition merchandise. Like these handsomely framed version of Crash’s Davy Jones concept painting …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… as well as these uncut sheets of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” playing cards.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Mind you, not everything that was up for bid at this event was “Pirates of the Caribbean” themed. There were a few very cool “Haunted Mansion” -related items …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… But — for the most part — the World of Disney’s “Pirates in the Big Apple” was about celebrating Disney’s “Pirates.” The movies as well as the theme park attractions. With all sorts of limited edition merchandise that commemorated this event, like this snazzy t-shirt & watch.
Photo by Jeff Lange
In addition to all the shopping opportunities, event participants got to nibble a few noshes …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… as well as have their picture taken with some very colorful streetmosphere performers.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Later in the evening, Surrell & McCreery took the stage to tell some special “Pirates” -themed stories. With Jason talking about the history of the Disney theme park attraction while Crash chatted about all the challenges that were involved with making of “Dead Man’s Chest.”
Photo by Florence Lange
After that, it was time to begin the walk over the Ziegfeld Theater to the midnight screening. Though some of us — like Brian Ramsey of Mouse Surplus — had a tougher time than others. Given that they were weighed down by all the “Pirates” booty that they’d purchased during their after-hours visit in NYC’s World of Disney store.
Photo by Jeff Lange
The movie … Well, that was just the cherry on top of the sundae. After a private party filled with “Pirates” -themed fun, what better way is there to cap off a summer evening in the Big Apple than to be among the first people on the planet to see “Dead man’s Chest”?
Photo by Jeff Lange
Speaking of seeing … If you’d like to get a sense of what it was actually like to be inside NYC’s World of Disney store this past Thursday night, Jeff Lange has already put together a new DVD that commemorates this event, “Jeff Lange Remembers … Pirates in New York City.” If you’d like to learn more about this disc or any of the other recordings that Jeff Lange Productions offers, I suggest that you follow this link.