The beloved swashbuckling voyage to a long forgotten time when pirates wrought havoc on the high seas celebrates its 50th anniversary this year at Disneyland Resort. The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opened on March 18, 1967, in New Orleans Square, and quickly became an instant classic. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are releasing commemorative apparel and collectible pins this month in Disneyland park. I recently spoke with Graphic Designer Quynh Kimball, an 18-year Cast Member who works for Disney Design Group, about the inspiration behind the pin collection.
“We wondered what kind of pins would be released if Disney Pin Trading had been available in 1967,” explained Quynh. “The merchandising team and I watched the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ opening day television special. We loved seeing pirates invading New Orleans Square to officially open the attraction. I could only imagine the delight guests felt as they experienced for the first time what have become iconic Disney attraction scenes. We included several of those scenes in the pin designs.”
Guests will find several individual limited edition pins, each with an edition size of 2,500. The individual limited edition pins will also be offered in a boxed set containing one completer pin (500 edition size).
“My favorite scenes include the man playing a banjo on his porch and the plunge down two waterfalls into Dead Man’s Cove,” said Quynh. “I thought the treasure chests with colorful gems were a great nod to the pirates in the latter scene. Those pirates are frozen in time and will never take home those chests filled with jewels, but our guests can with these pins [laughs].”
In addition to pins, guests will find two commemorative “I Was There” shirts.
One shirt was designed specifically for Annual Passholders, who may also find a collectible limited edition pin (3,000 edition size). Passholders should present a valid Annual Pass in order to purchase the exclusive shirt and pin.
The limited edition pins, Annual Passholder pin, and boxed pin set will be released on March 16 in the following Disneyland park locations: Westward Ho located in Frontierland; 20th Century Music Co. on Main Street, U.S.A.; and Little Green Store Command in Tomorrowland. Guests may also find these items at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney District.
The “I Was There” Shirts will be offered in both Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A., and Pieces of Eight in New Orleans Square on March 18. Guests may also find a version of the red-colored shirt via DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents from March 20-26. Please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery.
