Originally Posted By 1Gee1 I attended the "Moonlit Voyage" this past Thursday (into Friday). Let me say, I didn't hesitate to spend the $$ on a ticket for this because the Pirates event held for "Curse of the Black Pearl" was SOooo OUTSTANDING. At THAT intimate event, we had a wonderfully tasty dining experience at the Blue Bayou, including "dinner-theater" interaction with terrific pirate characters. The gifts were so nice, including a compass in a wooden laser-engraved box. Okay...fast forward to this year and "Dead Man's Chest." Like I said, the other event was so great, the Disney event planners had set the bar quite high for themselves. Event registration was at the DL Hotel between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. At registration, attendees received all their "commemorative gifts and amenities" which were: Mickey ears pirate hat--embroidered with the date (very cute), deck of "Dead Man's Chest playing cards, official-credential lanyard, map postcard, two sets of postcards in a burlap sack, and event gift--a little pirate's chest which opened to reveal a velvet bag with a nice dangle-pin, LE to the event. Attendees that pre-purchased merchandise were directed to the pick-up area. Merchandise varied in price from $12.95 (pin) to over $5500 (one-of-a-kind mural by Elisabete Gomes). Nearby, there was a back drop for the photo opportunity and the "Skull Toss Game" in which you won metal pirate coins. Several artists were on hand for signings at 6:00. At 7:00, the curtain on the doorway of one of the DL Hotel banquet halls opened to reveal a huge dark room (the “Moonlit Bayouâ€), lit only by candles and the essence of moonlight. Tables were numbered (we were each assigned to a table at registration). I was lucky as my table (#41) happened to be right next to the stage. The decor was definitely "pirate." Centerpieces were tall, moss-draped, hurricane-type candle holders set upon black fishnet-type material with votive candles around; table linens were black. Waiting for us on the tables were Mickey-shaped beignets (donuts). Drinks were available at 2 or 3 bars (long lines) with the complimentary rum “grog†in the light-up glass being very popular. Dinner was served buffet style and included: Two different green salads, an assortment of fresh fruits, boneless beef ribs, red bean rice, asparagus with spinach stuffed tomatoes, chicken gumbo in miniature bread bowls and a variety of breads. During dinner, a group of four talented "pirates" (Billy Hill & the Hillbillies) entertained us (IMHO, they saved the entertainment portion of the event). As we were finishing our dinner, some pirates led a group of captives onstage…they were six Disney legends and artists. Forgive me if I can’t remember everyone (someone help me here), but they included Alice Davis, Blaine Gibson, Harriet Burns, and X. Atencio. Very interesting discussion highlighted this portion of the evening, reliving creation of the original attraction. Dessert was soon delivered: On an island of brown sugar, was an edible pirates chest was filled with vanilla pudding and fresh fruits. A cookie-palm tree stood above the chest, and a white-chocolate banner imprinted with the “Moonlit Voyage†logo was nearby. There was some other dialogue onstage during the evening by pirate characters, but it didn’t seem to flow very well and the “Capt. Jack†character really seemed to be lacking in theatrics. By 8:30, we were dismissed to go into DL for a ride through the POTC. With our lanyards, we were given entrance to the park via the side gate by the newsstand. There was a special “Moonlit Voyage†queue with virtually NO wait. I felt a bit guilty walking past those in the regular queue, but not so guilty that I didn’t ride it twice. Then, it was over to the AMC theaters to see the movie which would preview at 12:15 AM. Attendees of the event occupied one theater. We were given coupons for complimentary pop corn and a soda, but the snack bar lines were outrageously long and many viewers didn’t use the coupons. The movie was great! However, because of the late hour, I saw a few heads nod occasionally (including mine). There have been many threads about the movie so I won’t go into a review. All in all…it was a fun time! I’m not really sure it was worth the price, but it is money spent and memories made! It didn’t compare to the first Pirate’s Event (maybe that had to do with the fact there were SO many more people this time), but like I said initially, that would have been a difficult one to duplicate. So, that's it (in a very large nutshell). Sorry this is so long!!!!!!!!!!
Originally Posted By dzy76 Thanks for the write up. It sounds like a good time. I wish I lived close enough to do those type of events. Alas - Oregon is a bit far. Anyway, I'm glad you posted your experience.
Originally Posted By 1Gee1 I know what you're thinking..."Oh no...not MORE from 1Gee1!" I forgot to mention that there is an online charity auction tied to POTC to benefit "Make-a Wish Foundation": *"A private boat ride on POTC with an Imagineer, dinner at BB, Balcony seating for Fantasmic! and 4 park hoppers" "and more..." Go to www.disneyauctions.com *"2 Unique opportunities to make your mark in POTC at DL" *"Be a pirate LIVE in a performance of Fantasmic! at DL"
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Originally Posted By Monsieur-Potato-Head THANK'S for the report ! It's too bad they are a-little vague in their explinations for an event. I think the Disney Gallery page said.."Tapas in the Hotel" Nothing about entertainment or panel discussion. THAT was confusing to me. "Finger-Food" IN a Hotel..when they could have used the Festival of Fools area to have dining IN the park ! (Even though it was Fourth of July week..they wanted the Blue Bayou open for the regular guests and have Their dubloons go into the Mouse's pockets !" To me that breaks the bubble for the night .. walk from a Hotel in .. take a side-door to the park .. hit the ride .. then you have to kill Three hours till the movie. (Instead of being in the park) You said the lines were Long for the soda+popcorn .. Couldn't they have extra counters staffed It would have been nice to say in the Gallery page: "Buccaneer Buffet" .. "Mutany Musicans" .. "Historical Tales" .. from Disney Crew" .. etc. Attending theses events aren't easy living in the Bay Area. Count the airfare..hotel.. ..rent-a-car..And trying to get a-coupla days off work during the week ! Adds up the cha-ching And hope the days I wan't off aren't taken ! ) Nine tines out of Ten they are ! Didn't the page say 'Separate admisson needed to get in the park ..?" Besides buying one of the packages ? Heyyyyyy ... THANK'S for the Trip Report in a Bottle ! ARRRRRRRRRRRRR .....
Originally Posted By DlandDug I was pleased to hear that the panel discussion was with creators of the attraction. I stopped going to the Special Events when they turned unabashedly into promotions for products. Experiences may not be as tangible as collectibles, but as the years have gone by, I find I treasure them more.
Originally Posted By Ursula Thanks for the review!! I wanted to go, but I just couldn't justify spending more Disney money this year on top of my usual, plus we have a WDW trip coming too. Oh, yeah, and I think I'm burned out with the phrases Disney and Pirates Event!
Originally Posted By cstephens 1Gee1 - Thanks for letting us know how it all went. Sounds like you had a good time. /cs
Originally Posted By englishboy Had I known that Davis, X, Burns, etc., would be there to talk about the attraction, I would've forked over the admission in a heartbeat.
Originally Posted By Roger55 I attended this event and had a great time! The merchandise and gift aspets of the event were nice, but the overall experience was what made it special. Just getting lost in an evening of POC was great. Listening to the Disney legends talk about when they were creating the attraction was awesome. Oh, and for myself, I felt no guilt at all walking passed all those people standing in line! LoL... I figured that we did pay for the privilege. Overall, as Dug correctly stated, it was an experience that will stay with me longer than any gift, pin or other collectable piece of merchandise.
Originally Posted By 1Gee1 Roger...nice to hear from someone else that attended the event (sorry Ursula, for use of that word again). Do you remember the other two people involved in the panel discussion? >>>"Experiences may not be as tangible as collectibles, but as the years have gone by, I find I treasure them more."<<< Yes, Doug you are SO right! That's why I keep going to these things...I really love the experiences and enjoy being with others who also do. However...yes, I wish they didn't cost so much.
Originally Posted By Roger55 Others on the panel were... - Tim O'day, Disney historian and the moderator for the discussion. - Eric Jacobson - Sr VP Creative Development for WDI - The other person was the makeup artist for the movie. I don't remember the name, but an IMDB search shows the name of Joel Harlow. Don't know if that was the actual person there.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 1Gee1 annd Roger55, thank you for letting us know what went on at the event and that you were glad you went
Originally Posted By Mermaid Princess Oh wow! That's really awesome. Too bad it wasn't as good for you as the last one. I have never heard of this before... How much did it cost, and did you find out about it on the disney website?
Originally Posted By 1Gee1 Hi Mermaid! I didn't mean to complain about this event...it's just that the first one was SOOooo incredible. This one was fun too, but with the other one, I never wondered if it was worth the cost. To find out about upcoming events, etc. at DL and WDW, go to Disneygallery.com. There are lists of special pins/merchandise for sale, upcoming functions, artists' appearances, etc. About the price I paid for this recent experience...I'm almost embarrassed to say that it was about $230. Yikes! (And that was the cheapest package!) However, you have to realize that included in the experience was: Photo opportunity, artist signing, a nicely-themed dinner/show, panel discussion with legends, VIP entrance into the POTC, first public-viewing of the movie, and numerous souvenirs and collectibles. I guess if you add it all up, it's not such a bad deal.
