Pirates 'Invade' Chicago DisneyQuest

Pirates 'Invade' Chicago as DisneyQuest(R) Launches Most Realistic Interactive Experience Ever

New Pirates of The Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold Recalls Beloved Original, Sets New Standard for Interactive Technology

DisneyQuest, Disney's indoor interactive theme park located in the heart of downtown Chicago, has launched its newest attraction -- Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold. Inspired by one of Disney's most popular and beloved theme park attractions, the all-new experience thrusts guests into an ultra-realistic pirate adventure using cutting-edge sight, sound, and motion technologies.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold is the most realistic interactive experience ever created,'' said Larry Gertz, creative vice president, executive producer who oversees DisneyQuest, Epcot and other projects for Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI). "Guests visit Disney to be immersed in fantasy worlds where everyday reality is suspended. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold accomplishes this goal and more by truly delivering on the fantasy of becoming a pirate.''

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold sends guests on an adventure into the world of one of their favorite Disney stories. Crews of up to four guests (one captain, three cannoneers) board a ship and 'sail' into a 3-D world featuring plundered towns, fortress islands and erupting volcanoes. The crew works together on the five-minute, action-packed journey sinking opposing ships and capturing their treasure. The experience culminates in a final showdown with Jolly Roger and his ghost ship in defense of the pirate booty.

"This attraction exemplifies what is so unique about a visit to DisneyQuest -- the ability to control your adventure and change the outcome every time you play,'' said Randall Baumberger, vice president and general manager of Disney Regional Entertainment. "That experience is why guests continue to return and further establishes DisneyQuest as the Midwest's premier family entertainment experience.''

Imagineers create 'sensory immersion'

Walt Disney Imagineers (WDI), who spent more than two years in research, development, and construction, created this sensory immersion experience by using 270-degree wrap-around screens, realistic firing cannons, and a synchronized motion-based platform. These proprietary technologies, combined with high-fidelity surround sound and a 3-D environment, completely envelop guests in the pirate world.

"The original Pirates of the Caribbean, which opened at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. in March 1967, established a 'gold standard' for technological sophistication in theme park attractions,'' Gertz said. "Similarly, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, raises the bar for today's interactive entertainment.''

Winter hours at DisneyQuest are: Sunday through Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission to DisneyQuest is $26 for an Ultimate Adventure Passport (includes admission and unlimited play on all attractions and video games, plus 40 points for prize play games); or $10 for a Discovery Passport (includes admission and 40 points for attractions, video games and prize play games). Children under age three are free. DisneyQuest also features a Late Night Ticket -- offering guests 50 percent off an Ultimate Adventure Passport two hours prior to closing.

Advance tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 312-559-1212, or online at ticketmaster.com. For additional information regarding DisneyQuest or for group rates, call 312-222-1300 or visit disneyquest.com.

-- Posted December 1, 2000

Source: Company Press Release