Chess makes you think hard. Created in India in the sixth century, this game requires a mind that’s both sharp and cunning! And yes, believe it or not, it has even conquered the wonderful world of Disney. For many years now, chess sets and Disney have made for a winning match. Each new release meets with phenomenal success among young and old alike. Disney characters make perfect illustrations for the various chess pieces. They’re often depicted with humour, striking amusing poses on the board. All Disney chess sets are wonderful, but five stand out from the rest. Here’s our top 5 Disney chess sets!
Aladdin’s chess adventures
Genie, the blue entity able to make dreams come true, yet confined to an oil lamp, exclaims: “I can’t believe Carpet beat me!” Aladdin’s companion is astonished by the flying carpet’s chess skills. Carpet, who is always by Aladdin’s side, takes him to the most unlikely places and the most thrilling adventures. Clever as he is, Carpet even helped Aladdin woo Jasmine, the sultan’s daughter. Brave as she is, Jasmine wants to discover life beyond the palace walls and serve the people of Agrabah. So it’s hardly surprising that Genie lost to Carpet.
This version of the Aladdin chess set brings to life Aladdin’s whirlwind adventures – the street urchin determined to win the heart of the sweet and lovely Jasmine. Designed for younger players, this set takes you on a journey through eight worlds and 12 different locations, featuring around a hundred mini-games. The box also includes instructions so that anyone, at any age, can learn to play chess. Learning takes place against a soundtrack true to Disney productions.
Alongside Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie and Abu the little monkey, your children will discover chess through scripted quests each funnier than the last. They’ll learn the basics of the game as well as many chess strategies and techniques. Kasparov wouldn’t stand a chance!
The enchanted world of Disney
Chess’s influence isn’t limited to Aladdin’s world – it’s also widespread throughout the enchanted world of Disney. This introductory chess set was created to mark the 90th anniversary of Disney’s most famous mouse: Mickey. Disney magic is right at your fingertips. Get ready for a magical adventure with this chess set designed by Disney, and relive all the excitement of Disney classics as you play to win. Everyone’s here to join in!
This chess set is made up of 32 vinyl pieces, all emblematic of this legendary cartoon: Mickey as king, Minnie as queen, Pete and Goofy as knights, Daisy and Donald as bishops, Figaro and Pluto as rooks, and Chip and Dale as pawns. This whole cast is gathered to bring you plenty of fun and enjoyment. These beautifully crafted chess pieces stand between 3 and 7 cm tall. Other characters such as Pete and Goofy appear in familiar poses on the board, ready for a player to overtake their opponent’s pieces.
The game’s mechanics are simplified and easy to pick up. This Disney Mickey chess set is one of the most original chess sets around, suitable for both beginners and experienced players alike. Collect your opponent’s pieces as you take control of the game. Even though the most captivating chess games are played in the real world, this one set in Disney’s magical world is well worth choosing. Players can complete quests as they progress.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Wonderland has long been renowned for its highly entertaining card games. But life-size chess pieces come alive there too. The Red Queen briefs her army of playing cards to go to war against the White Queen. The latter sends out her chess pieces to thwart the Red Queen’s plans. These rather unusual soldiers head into battle with Alice leading the way.
This chess set features the famous characters from the cartoon, Alice and Kitty, her white cat, who purrs with pleasure at the sound of her owner’s voice. On the other side of the looking glass, Alice discovers a land inhabited by strange characters: the inseparable pair Tweedledum and Tweedledee, and the pompous egg, Humpty Dumpty…
In Wonderland, Alice’s movements correspond to the moves of the pawns and pieces in a game of chess. She compares the landscape to a vast chess board where kings, knights and queens move about. Alice exclaims that there ought to be pieces moving above too. And indeed, there are! Delighted, she wants to take part in the game even though she’s only a pawn. But of course, she says, it’s better to be a queen! This set is perfect for ages 11 and up.
The Haunted Mansion: light-up chess set
Phantom Manor, tucked away in a corner of Frontierland, is home to one of the founding families of Thunder Mesa. The house stands out for its dilapidated appearance, which is frightening at first glance. Everyone is afraid to walk past it, as it’s known for its strange history. It’s haunted! The house offers visitors a bold and terrifying discovery all at once.
This chess set, inspired by the Phantom Manor attraction at Disneyland, will give you a touch of fright and a serious shiver. It’s ideal for beginners and seasoned players alike. This light-up chess board features a selection of iconic characters that will give you goosebumps. Along the path of the game, spirits and ghosts await you at every turn!
The set also includes 16 white pieces, 16 blue pieces and a USB cable to add a spark to the game. The chess pieces stand roughly 4 to 8 cm tall and are gathered on a plastic chess board approximately 36 cm tall and 7 cm deep. This delightfully quirky set is suitable for children aged 4 and up.
Pirates of the Caribbean
When you visit Disneyland, you can see the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. It’s one of Disney’s most elaborate creations. Walt Disney invested a great deal in it – it was close to his heart. It’s also one of the most popular attractions among visitors. During the boat ride, travellers see scenes of pirate treasure and ghost ships. The Caribbean town passes before their eyes, plundered by an army of brigands thirsty for gold, all set to the tune of songs such as Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).
Sometimes chess games can be complicated and last several hours. So, as you sail along the queue for Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom, don’t close your eyes or you might lose the game! Stay alert and watch your opponent’s every move. There you’ll find the iconic characters from Pirates of the Caribbean: Captain Jack Sparrow, Henry Turner, Captain Edward Teague, Cutler Beckett, Blackbeard, Aunt Dalma/Calypso, Elizabeth Swann, Bootstrap Bill Turner, among others.







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