The Narnia Experience Starts Tuesday, November 15th
Released: 11/03/05
CONTACT: Nina Mahoney
Marketing & Sponsorship Director
International Plaza
(813) 342-3780
nmahoney@taubman.com
INTERNATIONAL PLAZA GIVES HOLIDAY SHOPPERS A TRIP TO NARNIA
INCLUDING COSTUMES, PROPS - AND 300 POUNDS OF SNOW
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media's upcoming film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe hits malls nationwide as new interactive experience
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 3, 2005 - A groundbreaking, multi-sensory experience based on the new Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media upcoming film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, brings Hollywood to International Plaza for the holidays this year.
"Experience the Magic of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in the Snow Globes at International Plaza" runs Nov. 15 through Jan. 8. The new "snow globe" holiday decor lets visitors pass through the magic wardrobe and into the Land of Narnia - a 20 foot-diameter snow globe complete with falling snow.
Through the Wardrobe
En route to Narnia, they'll encounter other giant snow globes; life-like figures; plus Narnia movie props and costumes directly from the film set. Cast members will welcome visitors via special greetings made exclusively for the experience and director Andrew Adamson will take them on a video tour behind-the-scenes of the movie, which hits U.S. theaters Dec. 9
They'll feel the same blast of cold that Lucy and Edmund felt when they stepped into Narnia, and experience the same theatrical snow in the magical Land of Narnia, where they'll see a sneak peak of Narnia movie footage.
Before leaving Narnia, guests can pose for a "green-screen" photo that captures the experience forever by making those in the picture look like they're standing in a wintry scene from the film, or they can pose with Santa who will be sitting nearby. Photo package prices are available at International Plaza.
"The Chronicles of Narnia with close to 100 million books sold, is this season's most anticipated film event" says Nina Mahoney, International Plaza marketing & sponsorship director. "This is far more than your typical holiday walk-through display leading to Santa. It's a total experience that will whisk everyone off to a spectacular fantasy land and create marvelous memories for children and adults alike."
"The Walt Disney Studios and Walden Media are both as excited about International Plaza's Narnia experience as we are," she adds. "They've sent us rare props directly from the film set in New Zealand, and the cast and director have spent time recording special messages to enhance the impact."
Celebrating the Narnia Experience
Kodak has joined International Plaza's celebration of Narnia with their Kodak Holiday Sweepstakes. One shopper will win an all-inclusive four-day trip for two to the Dec. 7 world premiere of the movie in London, England.
To enter the sweepstakes, shoppers can register at International Plaza Customer Service or online at kodak.eprize.net/internationalplaza. After the grand prize drawing Nov. 20, the contest continues through Dec. 31, giving those who register the chance to win great Kodak and Narnia prizes, including passes to The Chronicles of Narnia movie; Kodak EasyShare digital cameras, memory cards, photo books, printer docks and discount coupons; a Narnia soundtrack, poster and books; and a Playstation.2 Narnia game.
Special for Opening Day
The first 100 visitors at International Plaza when the Narnia experience debuts Nov. 15 will receive a free copy of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe book and Turkish Delight candy, which plays a key role in the book and movie.
The entire fourth-grade class from Roland Park School - 80 youngsters who have all read the book as a class assignment - will be the first guests to experience Narnia as the shopping center's invited guests. The students will enjoy a complimentary lunch in the food court before returning to school.
Chadd and Kristi, Magic 94.9's morning team, will appear live from International Plaza where they'll host the unveiling and ask the students questions about the book.
Between Nov. 15 and Nov. 30, Magic 94.9 will encourage children to read The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and then write a brief book report in 94 words or less. Those who bring their reports to International Plaza's Concierge Desk will receive a screening pass to see the movie while supplies last.
International Plaza is a proud supporter of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and children's literacy. In honor of Children's Book Week, Nov. 14 to Nov. 20, a contribution will be made to RIF, the nation's oldest and largest children's literacy nonprofit organization. RIF motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. For more information about Reading Is Fundamental and to access reading resources, visit RIF's website at www.rif.org.
Santa, of course, has a gift for everyone - the Kodak Santa-Gift Snow Globe/photo holder - who visits him through Dec. 24.
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, and all book titles, characters, and locales original there to are trademarks and are used with permission. (C) 2005 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. AND WALDEN MEDIA, LLC. All rights reserved.
International Plaza & Bay Street at the Plaza, an enclosed, two-story regional shopping center with an adjacent outdoor lifestyle center, is located on the southeast edge of the Tampa International Airport. It features nearly 200 specialty stores and 15 restaurants, plus Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Robb & Stucky Interiors and Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Restaurant hours vary. For additional information and photos, log on to www.shopinternationalplaza.com.