Disneyland Resort Update

Update for July 20 – 26, 2009

Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

News and Views

Disneyland announces new Halloween plans | Behind the scenes and under the platform of the World of Color  | New exhibit and new Web site for the Blue Sky Cellar | Disneyland honors Imagineer Marty Sklar with a window on Main Street | Changes coming to Big Thunder Ranch Celebration Roundup & Barbecue | This and That

Disneyland announces new Halloween plans

Brady McDonald at the Los Angeles Times reported last week that Disneyland is adding a Halloween overlay to Space Mountain and introducing a new fireworks show as part of the HalloweenTime promotion September 25 through November 1, 2009 (link). Screamscape reports that Disneyland’s Space Mountain is receivi the “Ghost Galaxy” overlay first introduced in Hong Kong Disneyland (link). As we reported last week, Space Mountain will be closed September 8 – 24 for refurbishment. Steven Davison, creator of the Believe…, Remember…. Dreams Come True, Wishes and Magical fireworks shows confirmed for MousePlanet that he is designing the new Halloween fireworks show, and promises there will be a “surprise” element in the show.

Behind the scenes and under the platform of the World of Color

The Disneyland Resort took reporters behind the scenes and under the platform of the World of Color show during a hard hat tour last week at Disney’s California Adventure park (DCA). Steven Davison, Vice President of Parades & Spectaculars at Walt Disney Imagineering, presented an overview of the upcoming show. Show Producer Sayre Wiseman and Technical Producer Chuck Davis explained how the massive platform currently under construction will bring the show to life.

This photo from May gives some perspective on the size of the show platform. Photo © Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland.

When resting at the lowest level, the entire show platform is hidden below the surface of the lagoon. Photo © Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland.

The show platform is about an acre in size, longer than a football field, and is covered in 1800 fountains. The platform is constructed from structural fiberglass beams (not steel); and covered with sections of structural fiberglass grating. Most sections are 12′ x 16′, and each has both active and passive floatation tanks to control buoyancy.

The platform is divided into three pieces that can be raised and lowered independently of the others. Each piece has four scissor lift devices that are not actually used to raise or lower the platform, but to support (“lock it in place”) it at the desired level. It takes about 10 minutes for the pieces to fully raise or lower. The entire system is designed to adapt to changing water levels in the lagoon, for example when it rains.

The platform can lock at three levels:

Maintenance – entire platform is out of the water
~~~~ Water Line ~~~~
Show – fountains are about 12″ above water
Hidden – entire platform is submerged

This design allows most repair work to take place without requiring the use of swimmers or divers in the water. When the platform is in the hidden position, it rests on the stanchions you see all around the edge. The stanchions are topped with an elastomeric rubber pad to cushion the sections.

Black and blue tanks provide active and passive floatation for the show platform. Photo © Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland.

The black tanks visible under the are passive floatation tanks, and there are 6 sizes depending on the load or weight of the fountains on that section. These tanks basically create neutral buoyancy, so that section of platform neither sinks nor floats. The blue tanks as the active floatation tanks, and are used to raise or lower the platform into position. These tanks have an air inlet at the top and a hole at the bottom. To raise the platform, air is forced into the tank, displacing the water through the drain hole. To lower the platform, the tank is allowed to refill with water. The dark blue rigid pipes and the clear blue flexible pipes under the platform are the air and water lines that feed each tank and fountain.

Grid fountains and chaser fountains dot the show platform. Photo © Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland.

Eighteen-hundred fountains dot the surface of the platform. The grid fountains (above) are described as “lyrical,” while the chasers are more powerful. The grid fountains each have a three-color LED, and can completely saturate the water jet with color. Each one is powered by its own water pump. The grid fountains can cycle three times a second. The tip of the chaser fountain is more bullet-shaped, and these more powerful fountains can shoot up to 85 feet in the air. A supplemental pump that connects to five fountains provides an extra boost. The chasers have a cycle time of an eighth of a second. The “blow pop” fountain can shoot water up to 200 feet in the air. The back edge of the platform has fountains and sprayers that form a 50-foot-high, 380-foot-wide projection surface. The show uses 29 high-definition projectors to animate this water wall and the other water elements.

Each of the three platform pieces has a submarine utility box (SUB) below the platform. The SUB houses power, air and logic controls for all units in that section of the table. A submarine hatch on the platform service protects the controls, and the hatches can be opened when the platform is at the maintenance level. The three white tents that dot the platform mark the location of the SUB hatches.

Finally, the platform has 36 fire cannons, some mounted on swivels (the fire movers), and a whole host of specialty fountains and effects: Water whips, dual water whips, mist screens, fire balls, “dancer” fountains, and Mee fog effects.

Pocahontas brings the Colors of the Wind to the World of Color. Renderings ©2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
 

Layers of water screens create a dimensional, multi-plane effect. Renderings ©2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Steven Davison calls “World of Color” the “biggest show of my career,” and says the show has been in development since 2004. Davison, who was also responsible for DCA’s short-lived “Luminaria” show, said that show provided the foundation for “World of Color.” Chuck Davis said that one of the biggest lessons from Luminaria was learning to work with the scale of the Paradise Pier area as a whole, taking into account the huge structures that surround the lagoon.

So, what about that giant fountain in the middle of the terraced viewing area? Davison says that the fountain can be an interactive “living character.” Davison and Wiseman also confirmed that the World of Color show can be updated and expanded, and said that holiday and Halloween shows are already in the works.

Bob Weis, Executive Vice President Creative at Walt Disney Imagineering, says World of Color is a first taste of the new DCA bringing “more Walt, more inspiration, more storytelling” to the park. Test footage from the new show was shown to reporters during the event, and Mark Eades at the Orange County Register has a video of the highlights (link).

The Cheshire Cat is rendered with a mix of projections and “water whip” fountains. Renderings ©2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Water and color will interact during the show, like in this sequence when the falling drops creates ripples of color on the surface of the water. Renderings ©2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Steven Davison calls the World of Color “the biggest show of my career.” Renderings ©2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

New exhibit and new Web site for the Blue Sky Cellar

DCA’s Blue Sky Cellar reopened last week with a new exhibit featuring the World of Color show and the next phase of the DCA expansion.

A new exhibit provides new details about the World of Color show. Photo © Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Storyboards highlight the major acts of the new show. Photo © Disney Enterprises, Inc.

The scale model in the Blue Sky Cellar’s has been updated. Photo © Disney Enterprises, Inc.

For those who can’t visit the Blue Sky Cellar in person, Disney has launched the first Imagineer-designed Web site (link). The interactive site is meant to resemble the desk of an Imagineer who has just stepped away for a few moments, and you can flip through their notebook and look at their photos.

Disneyland honors Imagineer Marty Sklar with a window on Main Street

Marty Sklar, Executive Vice President and Imagineering Ambassador at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, retired on July 17, 2009 after 54 years with the Walt Disney company. Marty started working in Disneyland’s publicity department a month before the theme park opened in 1955, and spent nearly a decade writing and producing promotional materials for the theme park and for Walt Disney himself before joining Walt Disney Imagineering. Sklar is the only current cast member to participate in the opening of all 11 Disney Parks around the world.

Marty Sklar retired last week after 54 years with the Walt Disney company. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney characters and member of the Disneyland cast member choir gathered for the ceremony honoring Marty Sklar. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sklar also oversaw the window dedications honoring Disney cast members, and it is fitting that he himself was honored with a window above City Hall, near his first Disneyland office. (In fact, one Imagineer said Sklar had been reserving that spot for himself all these years). His window is near the window honoring Jack Lindquist, with whom he worked as a Disneyland publicist. Lindquist later became the president of Disneyland, and is still the park’s honorary mayor.

Former Disneyland president Jack Lindquist shares a story about working with Marty Sklar. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The heartfelt ceremony included music from the Disneyland band, a clever skit by a “tour guide” stopping to talk about Sklar before taking her group to explore the “miles and miles” of tunnels under Disneyland, and was capped with a performance by the Disneyland choir. Jack Lindquist was on hand for last week’s dedication ceremony, and shared some colorful remembrances of his time working with Marty Sklar. The audience was packed with current and former Imagineers and Disney executives come to bid a fond farewell to a man who has been so much a part of the company for so long. Orange County Register Multi Media Reporter and former Imagineer Mark Eades posted a short clip from the ceremony (link). The onl he omitted the Jack Lindquist material.

Marty Sklar’s window is above City Hall, outside his first Disneyland office. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The window inscription reads:

ID SOMNIATE ID FACITE

Main Street
College
of Arts &
Sciences
Est. 1852

Martin A. Sklar
Dean

Inspiring the Dreamers and Doers of Tomorrow

Changes coming to Big Thunder Ranch Celebration Roundup & Barbecue

It looks like Woody, Jessie and Bullseye are hittin’ the dusty trail this week, and will no longer entertain diners at Big Thunder Ranch Celebration Roundup & Barbecue. Jessie and Woody will return to meet and greet appearances in Frontierland, where they will be more accessible to park visitors. The restaurant will still offer live entertainment from Miss Chris, Sarsaparilla Sam and Tex Tumbleweed throughout the day. The character photo packages are also history, though the photo backdrop will likely remain in place for those who want to snap their own pictures, and PhotoPass staff may be on hand during busy days.

A gathering of MousePlanet staff and readers celebrate the site’s 9th anniversary at Big Thunder Ranch Celebration Roundup & Barbecue during the restaurant’s final weekend as a character dining venue.

The menu will change slightly, and prices are dropping. The restaurant will still offer an “all you care to eat” BBQ meal, served family style, but drinks and dessert are no longer included in the price. Corn on the cob is no longer served at lunch, and a new BBQ sausage may be added to the dinner meal. The cowboy cupcakes are still be available for dessert, but at an additional charge. Adult lunch will be about $20, dinner $25, and children 3-9 eat for $9.99 at lunch or dinner. These changes are effective Tuesday, and the dining line is reportedly calling customers who had reservations for the BBQ to let them know of the changes, and offer an alternative character dining experience.

This change is sure to gratify some who were convinced the restaurant was just too expensive, and disappoint others who really enjoyed the character interaction or had already made plans to celebrate at the ranch in the coming weeks.

This and That

…Keep an eye out for an e-mail from Disney Destinations offering discounted rates at the three Disneyland Resort hotels this summer. The discounts are valid August 23 through September 30, 2009, and start at $139 per night at the Paradise Pier Hotel. This is a targeted offer, and you’ll need the PIN code included in your personalized e-mail to book at these rates.

…The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau has a sheet of printable coupons available on their Web site, offering discounts on everything from restaurants and spa treatments to shuttle service and scooter rentals (link). The coupons have varying expiration dates. Thanks to MousePad member Mom2 for the tip!

…The Disneyland Resort Half Marathon and 5K races are now sold out. Disney is not accepting a waiting list for these races, but you can always start training now for the 2010 event.

…It looks like the new dragon for Fantasmic might be a little closer to finally joining the show. Cast members told us last week that the dragon was still headless, but another CM wrote this weekend with an update.

“(I) saw (the dragon) sitting out in full view for repairs and testing. The dragon was mostly intact from what I could see (the head was detached for a few weeks after the incident that damaged it) and numerous repair men and entertainment suits were watching as it performed several minor head movements. The dragon did not have her horns attached (made her look quite silly, actually) and was missing the ‘skin’ on her neck. All of the neck mechanics were fully visible and it all looked quite intricate. Far from just a ‘head on a stick’ or so to speak. During the head movements I’m pretty sure I saw her eyes blink.”

While it sounds like progress, other sources tell us not to expect the dragon to return this week. We’ll keep you posted as we know more. MousePlanet reader Art also alerted us via Twitter that one of the new eels “crashed into a pyro box on Rivers of America” during the second performance of Fantasmic on July 15th.  Art said there was no visible damage, but another reader reported the eels were missing from the show on the 17th.

…In the wake of last week’s protest by members of Unite HERE Local 11, fresh rumors are spreading that the workers may stage a strike of the Disneyland Resort. Local 11, which represents workers at the three Disneyland Resort Hotel, is embroiled in contract dispute with the Disneyland Resort. During this latest protest, Episcopal bishops attending the National Convention of the Episcopal Church promised to ask their members across the country to honor a boycott of the Disneyland Resort Hotels if the union calls for one. Local 11 has not asked their members to authorize a strike, thought workers authorized the formation of a strike fund earlier this year. If workers strike, the three Disneyland Resort hotels will remain open, operated by managers and cast members from across the Resort.

…The new Kitson Kids store has opened in Downtown Disney. The store, the first Orange County location for the trendy LA boutique chain, offers apparel, accessories, toys, games and gifts for children.

…Downtown Disney has another temporary tenant for the former Compass Books magazine kiosk location. A vendor offering “paint your own ceramics” set up shop this weekend, with two tables outside the kiosk set with all the supplies needed to paint and personalize a variety of whiteware figures. This weekend’s blistering heat combined with the lack of shade at the tables did not help sell the idea to tourists.

…Tickets to the new Walt Disney Family Museum go on sale August 1, 2009, and David Koening has all of the details in his MousePlanet Blog (link).

…Do you Twitter? Follow MousePlanet on Twitter (link) to get daily updates and breaking news, plus a chance to win prizes during Twitter Trivia contests. You can also follow Mark Goldhaber @MPMark , Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix @MousePlanetAVP, as well as our MouseAdventure account @MouseAdventure.

…Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates. This week’s changes include official dates for the attraction closures before the Haunted Mansion holiday, a new refurbishment for Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, and new restaurant closures. The Disneyland Resort Web site currently only publishes refurbishment information about six weeks in advance. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update (link) for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years – closed through December 16 to return Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to the Main Street Opera House.
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – closed July 20 – August 14 for refurbishment.
• The Enchanted Cottage – closed July 29 – November 17 for refurbishment.
• Casey Jr. Circus Trains – closed August 31 – November 20 for refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed August 31 – November 20 for refurbishment.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed September 8 – 10 for refurbishment.
• Space Mountain – closed September 8 – 24 for refurbishment.
• Minnie’s House – closed September 9 for refurbishment.
• Haunted Mansion closed – September 10 – 24 for refurbishment.
• Gadget’s Go Coaster – September 19 – October 26 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – September 28 – October 2 for refurbishment.

Disney’s California Adventure

Refurbishments: 

• Blue Sky Cellar – closed July 10-15 for refurbishment.

Construction-related closures: 

• The Vineyard Room – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this restaurant, but an employee publication lists October 4, 2009 as the return date.
• Golden Dreams – closed. This attraction will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.
• Burger Invasion – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald’s location, but an employee publication lists May 12, 2011 as the return date.
• Paradise Pier Lagoon – currently drained while workers complete several construction projects in the area. The Lagoon is scheduled to be refilled after Labor Day 2009.
• Golden State Amphitheater – area closed for construction of new viewing area for Disney’s World of Color water show. The area is scheduled to reopen December 18, 2009.
• Corn Dog Castle – closed because of construction in the area. An employee publication lists May 26, 2011 as the return date. During the renovation, corn dogs are available at Bountiful Valley Farmer’s Market.
• Souvenir 66 – closed because of construction in the area. An employee publication lists May 26, 2011 as the return date.
• Lucky Fortune Cookery – The long-shuttered restaurant is relocating to the smaller space recently vacated by Cocina Cucamonga, and reopen after September 14 with a new menu. 
• Orange Stinger – closed July 14, 2009 to April 28, 2010 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at 714-781-7290.

Park Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

Summer

• Summer Pin Festival – Daily,  August 9, 2009 (link).
• Pinbassador Inspirations Pin Release & Signing – Saturday, August 8, 2009 (link).
• SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception – Saturday, August 8, 2009. The event is now sold out (link).
• SHAG Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Product Release & Signing – Sunday, August 9, 2009 (link).

Fall

• 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-6, 2009. Registration is now full (link).
• Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event – Wednesday, September 9, 2009. (link). All four event packages are now sold out. Registered guests must submit RSP forms by Friday, July 31, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. 
• D23 Expo – September 10 – 13, 2009 in Anaheim, California (link).
• HalloweenTime at the Disneyland Resort – September 25 – November 1, 2009 (link).
• UEA / “Utah Escapes to Anaheim” – October 1-2, 2009. (Link). Expect unusually large attendance levels as Utah students and families take advantage of a 4-day weekend created by their school’s participation in a state education convention. Not all Utah schools or teachers close for or attend UEA, but the impact on the Resort is usually noticeable enough to mention.
• 2009 Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 & 31. A separate ticket costume party at Disney’s California Adventure. Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can purchased tickets now through the Passholder Web site (link). Remaining tickets will be available to the general public starting August 1st.
• MousePlanet nights at Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 30. Come meet some of the MousePlanet staff, MousePad Community Leaders and your fellow readers at one of two Trick-or-Treat parties. Purchase tickets in advance through the Disneyland Web site, and be sure to let us know which night you’re planning to attend by posting on our MousePad discussion board so we can have enough treats for everyone (link).
• 12th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – October 2-4, 2009. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
• CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 18, 2009. Registration will open in the summer (link). Team MousePlanet will once again participate in this event, and additional details will be announced as they are available.
• Holiday Parade Filming – Saturday, November 7th. [Subject to change] The annual taping of the Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas special usually involves short, live performances by various musical guests and a shortened performance of the holiday parade at or near park opening.
• Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort (unconfirmed) – November 20, 2009 – January 3, 2010

Current Discounts & Promotions

Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!

This first section is a list of discounts on ticket-only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts.

If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).

One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $69/$59 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $94/$84	Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper
Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $143/$123	AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $2 off the box-office price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $1 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths (link).
Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $199/$169	3-Day Summer Fun Pass ($99) – Southern California and Northern Baja residents can take advantage of the newly-announced 3-day Summer Fun Pass to visit the Disneyland Resort three times within a 45-day period for $99, a savings of up to $100 off of an adult 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket. Unlike the Southern California 2Fer Ticket, the Summer Fun Pass is a park-hopper ticket, which lets you visit both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure on the same day. This ticket has a 45-day “fuse,” (instead of the usual 13- or 30-day limit), giving you more time to plan your return visit, and is not valid on the 4th of July. The first use of the pass must be between June 1 and August 23, 2009. The 3-day Summer Fun Pass will be offered at Disneyland.com (link), Disney Stores and at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, as well as participating Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less and Gelsons grocery stores. Toys ‘R’ Us and home furnishings retailer Dearden’s will also offer the tickets at their retail stores. Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value) Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$144) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($149) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Disney’s Armed Forces Salute 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket (Free/$94) – [Extended through September, 2009] Each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired US military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket. Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is extended through September 30, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited. For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424. Full details of the offer, including eligibility guidelines and other restrictions, are posted on our MousePad discussion board (link).
Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $224/$194	Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($154) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Costco Disneyland Resort Play 4 Days Exchange Certificate – Available through the Costco Web site (link), this $139 ticket (for ages 3 through adult) is good for four one-day admissions to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. The tickets are non-transferable—the same person must use all four admissions. The ticket expires once the four admissions are used, or on July 31, 2009, whichever comes first. This is not a park-hopper pass, although you could probably use one admission per day at each park, in effect using the four admissions as a two-day park-hopper. The tickets are available only to Costco members who are residents of Southern California. Tickets must be purchased at Costco, with a limit of eight tickets per member per day. It is important to note that the item you purchase at Costco is an “Exchange Certificate,” not a valid park passport. Members must exchange the certificate at the Disneyland Resort Ticket booth to receive the Play 4 Days ticket. Proof of California residency in zip codes 90000 through 93599 is required to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket.
Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $244/$214	Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($204/$174) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($199/$169) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 5-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($164) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for the Price of 3 Days ($179/$149) – Disneyland’s new Summer promotion offers two extra days of park admisison when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. These tickets must be purchased before your trip, either through the Disneyland Web site or as part of your vacation package. You can NOT purchase this promotional ticket from the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, so plan ahead! The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus tickets expire 13 days after first day of use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use constitutes one full day of use.
Six Day Park Hopper – Regularly $249/$219	Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($209/$179) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 6-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($179) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for the Price of 4 Days ($194/$164) – Disneyland’s new Summer promotion offers two extra days of park admisison when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. These tickets must be purchased before your trip, either through the Disneyland Web site or as part of your vacation package. You can NOT purchase this promotional ticket from the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, so plan ahead! The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus tickets expire 13 days after first day of use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use constitutes one full day of use.
Deluxe Annual Passport – Regularly $269	Costco $50 bonus gift card offer – [Extended through October, 2009] Costco members can receive a $50 Disneyland gift card when they purchase a Deluxe Disneyland Resort annual passport for $269 at a participating Costco location. The offer should be available at all Southern California Costco stores that currently sell Disneyland admission, but the vouchers may not have arrived in all locations yet. [A list of the 37 Costco locations within 50 miles of the Disneyland Resort is available on our MousePad discussion board (link), and we have noted which locations are confirmed to have these tickets available. If you are a Costco member and live near one of the stores that is not confirmed, please check the next time you’re there and then let us know so we can update the list.] There are no residency restrictions on this ticket, and it can be upgraded to a Deluxe with parking or Premium passport. Better still, the $50 gift card can be applied towards the cost of the upgrades, which nearly pays for the $59 parking option or drops the net cost of a Premium Annual Passport to just $339. Vouchers must be redeemed by October 31, 2009. Some Costco stores may still have vouchers with the 5/31/09 expiration date; the Disneyland Resort will honor these vouchers through 10/31/09.
2009 Southern California CityPass $259/$219	2009 Southern California CityPass ($259/$219) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance). You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass online from Costco at a cost of $227/$192 (link), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member, and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco!

Hotel/Travel Packages

Stay 3, Get 2 Free – Disneyland’s new Summer promotion offers 5 nights at a Disneyland Resort or Good Neighbor Hotel and 5 days of theme park admission for the price of three. The promotion is valid for arrivals through September 26, 2009, though the discounts are not available at the Good Neighbor Hotels until May 1. All travel must be booked by August 11, 2009 to receive this offer.

Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey’s Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag per person, plus a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card per package.

Disney’s Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three-day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at four DCA attractions (Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It’s Tough to be a Bug!, Golden Dreams); Preferred Showing of Turtle Talk with Crush (Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day – one voucher per Guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a “Character Call” from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent.

Alaska Airlines “Kids Fly Free to the Disneyland Resort” promotion – Valid for travel through June 17, 2009 when you also book your hotel through the airline. Significant restrictions apply to the promotion, including blockout dates. This offer can be a good deal for some families, but make sure that you compare the total quoted package price against the same elements if purchased a la carte. You may be able to take advantage of other published airfare specials and hotel discounts to create a less expensive vacation package. Unfortunately the Alaska Airlines Web site can be sluggish, making comparison shopping time consuming, but you should definitely do your homework before you buy.

Other Discounts

Character Dining Vouchers – Discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Travel (link).

Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel – The spa is offering a discount on select treatments booked Mondays through Thursdays. A flyer available at the hotel details the special offers available (link). A 20% service fee is added to all treatments, and the offer is subject to availability.

Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. Additionally, after signing up, your membership card will be mailed to you and be accompanied by a $10 award good for your next visit to a Rainforest Cafe. So if you know you will be eating there while at Disneyland and have a Rainforest Cafe local to you, it may make sense to prejoin the Safari Club so that you can use the award during your trip. See the Rainforest Cafe Web site for details (link).

ESPNZone MVP Club – Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within two weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link).

AAA Restaurant Discounts – AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria Ariel’s Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy’s Kitchen.

Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials. Check at the restaurant for menu and price details.

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland

DCA: Disney’s California Adventure

Annual Pass blockout dates:

• SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
• SC – Southern California Annual Pass
• DX – Deluxe Annual Pass

Disneyland Resort Special Events:

• MM – Magic Morning at Disneyland
• TT – Toontown Morning Madness at Disneyland
• Grad Nite
• MTT – Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party at DCA

Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland. As always, specifics are subject to change without notice (or occasionally, without us noticing) so when information conflicts between what is presented here and that presented by Disney, it is best to assume Disney’s information is correct.

Visit the Park Hours section of our Disneyland Park guide for additional details about Magic Morning and Toontown Morning Madness, including available attractions.

Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.