I hate to ruin people's surprises so if you're looking for a detailed breakdown of the changes made to Pirates, you're going to have to look elsewhere. I will say this much: I did go on the ride, and am very pleased with the excellent work that was done. The attraction was very much in need of some loving attention, and the effort succeeded in every capacity.

The day was hot and humid. Disneyland had opened the gates at 6:30 am, and Main Street was lined with thousands of people who had decided to spend the entire day waiting to see their favorites stars walk the red carpet. Now, let that sink in for a moment: Many arrived well before 6:30, and were prepared to spend all day just sitting there to catch a glimpse of some stars. No rides, no shows, and very little shade. To me, this very act illustrates a level of commitment to Disney and to the Hollywood folks that is simply amazing.

During the five plus hours I spent in the media bullpen, I came to know some of the fans on the other side of the red carpet. Not by name, but by behavior. There were the autograph hounds, who all but threw their books and pens at every notable who walked by; there were the star-specific fans, who wore shirts and hats of their own design, in the hope that the object of their fandom would notice them and come over to say hello. Not everyone got all the autographs or photos they wanted but with so many people, there was no possible way to please everyone and for the most part, the fans seemed to have understood.

Whatever the case, there was no doubting that these people were hardcore fans and were willing to go through hours of discomfort to show their love and support, not only for the next Pirates film, but also for Disneyland. The bottom line is that it has been the fans who have made Disneyland a fifty-year success, and also made the first Pirates film one of Disney's biggest box-office successes. When they take down the banners and disassemble the big movie screen on Tom Sawyer Island, it will be the fans who continue flocking to the park and the theatres, spending their money and devoting their time to capture some of that magic, if only for a few hours.

As the day wore on, the heat set in and, I think, began affecting people. A number of fans got the crowd cheering anytime anyone walked by on the carpet, regardless of whether they were recognizable or not – the thing is, it wasn't just celebrities walking the carpet. It seemed like everyone who was going to the screening was making the big walk, and this includes family, friends, hangers-on and many others. To be honest, I found it irritating at first but after a while, it became fun, mostly to see the expressions of the people being cheered, because they seemed really confused.

Despite the heat and humidity, there was definitely a festival-type atmosphere and, at least in the area where I was situated, I saw nothing but happy faces with the fans. They were troupers, and I give them enormous credit for sticking with it throughout a long day. When Johnny Depp took to the carpet, the crowd naturally went nuts. Apparently there had been a bit of a mob scene toward the front of the line and as things were running late, he sped by us at a brisk pace, flanked by security. So brisk, that several of us weren't even aware it was him until after the fact. After Depp was spirited away, the fans gathered their belongings, packed away their cameras, and headed for the gate, with memories of a day well spent. For the stars, the red carpet was just the beginning of the evening; once they made their trek down the carpet, they were treated to a great dinner and a screening of Dead Man's Chest, in what can only be described as the ultimate outdoor theatre. I would love to tell you all that I was part of the cooler-than-cool crowd, but it just wasn't meant to be. We went to Denny's.

It was an amazing day; one that I won't forget for quite a while.