Disney’s ''Pirates'' World Premiere Sells Out in 14 Days

Tickets for the May 19 World Premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End�? to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America and Make-A-Wish International® have sold out in just 14 days, it was announced today by The Walt Disney Studios.

The $3 million goal – in celebration of the third Pirates adventure – was set forth just two weeks ago. Disney started things with a donation of more than $1 million. Ticket buyers from countries such as Australia, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Canada and Mexico, and 35 U.S. states including Hawaii raced to log on to www.piratespremiere.com and purchased tickets to the event at $1,500 apiece. Ticket buyers making the trip to Anaheim next month for the event include a family from Chicago, where the father is having his kids volunteer at a children’s hospital so they can fully appreciate their tickets. A doctor from Canada is sending her mother as a thank you for working multiple jobs to put her through medical school. A soldier currently serving in Iraq is sending his parents from Oregon to let them know he loves and misses them.

Commenting on the announcement, Dick Cook, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, said, "Disney is dedicated to making dreams come true, and now we're joined by 'Pirates' fans from all over the world who are making a difference through their generous support and participation in this event. The Studio is extremely excited about 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,' and we are looking forward to a spectacular premiere to give the movie the send-off it deserves, while also touching the lives of so many children and their families.�?

The Walt Disney Company is making wishes come true for children all over the world by donating 100 percent of the ticket proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and underwriting the entire cost of the event. Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End�? World Premiere will take place on May 19 at Disneyland® Park in Anaheim, California, with all of the film’s stars expected to participate.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Over the past 25 years, Disney has continued to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, contributing more than $10 million in cash and in-kind donations on an annual basis. With more than 6,000 wishes granted each year, including visits to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruises, meeting Disney Characters and visiting TV and movie sets, including “Pirates of the Caribbean�? films, Disney-themed wishes continue to be the most popular requests from wish kids.