Captain Blackbeard To Temporarily Haunt “Pirates of the Caribbean”

WDWNT on May 6, 2011

From Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald on the Disney Parks Blog:

Rendering of Ian McShane as Captain Blackbeard in the Pirates of the Caribbean Attractions at Disney Parks

On February 11, actor Ian McShane appeared on a soundstage in Los Angeles for a very special “head shot” – one that will soon be featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Captain Blackbeard will make his appearance on the ghostly waterfall in the grotto scenes of the park attractions beginning May 20, coinciding with the release of the new film, “Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides,” in which McShane plays a starring role.

Walt Disney Imagineering writer Michael Sprout (who wrote the script for Bill Nighy as Davy Jones several years ago) was on hand to direct the special shoot with Ian McShane. Michael said, “He came in wearing his complete Blackbeard costume, including the sword, saying it helped him stay in character!”

Look for Blackbeard soon in this classic attraction, and the return of Davy Jones later this year.

 

Phineas & Ferb, Pirates, Pooh, and Cars Characters Around the World

WDWNT on April 4, 2011

Here are a few character updates for Walt Disney World in the next few weeks:

-From the Disney Parks Blog:

Heads up pirate fans – we’re happy to break the news that a new scalawag will land at Magic Kingdom Park in time for the May 20 opening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

The new pirate will be Angelica, who is portrayed by actress Penelope Cruz in the film. Angelica is the daughter of the legendary pirate captain, Blackbeard, and she’ll appear in Adventureland beginning April 15.

According to our partners in Entertainment, Angelica is “a world-famous pirate with a reputation for skill and cunning – rivaled only by that of Captain Jack. Fresh from her pursuit of the Fountain of Youth, Angelica, along with several loyal crewmen, will establish her headquarters adjacent to the Pirate’s League in search of willing pirates for future adventures.”

-In other news: Lightning McQueen will be replacing Herbie The Love Bug in “Lights, Motors Action! Extreme Stunt Show” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting in June to promote Cars 2. A remodeled meet and greet with Lightning and Mater should also debut around that time in the space next to the Premiere Theater where the current “Casa Della Tires” meet and greet resides.

-To promote “Winnie-the-Pooh”, Pooh is replacing Lotso inside the Magic of Disney Animation. The Lotso meet and greet will close towards the end of April.

-The Phineas and Ferb “play and greet” experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios previously announced will be debuting on May 16th. Guests will take part in the filming of a movie with the characters when the experience begins next month.

Robert Ashburn’s 3/30/11 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on March 31, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Robert Ashburn visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday to attend the soft-opening of Town Square Theater, but believe it or not, there is other stuff going on at the park! Who would have though? Anyway, here are some other newsworthy photos from the Magic Kingdom

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The covers for “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” projectors still look out of place…

Read More about Robert Ashburn’s 3/30/11 Magic Kingdom Photo Report