Disneyland Resort Update

Update for July 27 – August 2, 2009

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

News and Views

Inside the Blue Sky Cellar | DCA Construction Update | Anaheim ARTIC | This and That

Inside the Blue Sky Cellar

A closer look at the new Wonderful World of Color exhibit at the Blue Sky Cellar in Disney’s California Adventure.

By day, the viewing area will feature an interactive water play feature. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

By day, the viewing area will feature an interactive water play feature. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A new plaza provides a transition between Paradise Pier and the Golden State district. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

An overhead view of the viewing area construction site. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The model shows how some of the lighting towers will be concealed in the daytime. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The tower bunkers under construction in the Lagoon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Final concept art from the “Colors of the Wind” segment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Additional concept art from the “Colors of Fear” segment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Concept art of “Little Squirt,” a new “character” for the World of Color show, is posted above the desk. Little Squirt won’t actually be shown as a fully rendered character during the show, but this mischievous drop of water will play a main role throughout the show. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Blue Sky Cellar is filled with little details and inspirations. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

New concept art shows a new restaurant and seating area to replace Burger Invasion, the remaining carnival games and the S.S. Rustworthy. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

DCA Construction Update

The past two weeks have brought the demolition of the former Golden Dreams theater to make way for the new Little Mermaid attraction, the closure of the Orange Stinger for conversion into the Silly Symphony Swings, the closure of the final section of the original Disneyland parking lot to make way for the Cars Land expansion, and further progress on the World of Color show platform and support equipment.

Golden Dreams / Little Mermaid

The former Golden Dreams theater has been demolished, leaving only the rotunda and the mural. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The lot adjacent to the theater is also being prepared for the new Little Mermaid ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The long Golden Dreams mural has been preserved, for now. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The missing building completely changes the landscape of the Golden State area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The neighboring former restroom complex will also be demolished to make way for new construction. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Orange Stinger / Silly Symphony Swings

The Orange Stinger is closed through Spring 2010 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Workers install scaffolding inside the attraction as they prepare to peel the orange facade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The new footing under the attraction provides a foundation for a new boardwalk and shaded queue under the Silly Symphony Swings. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The skyline of Paradise Pier will change once again once the Orange Stinger facade is removed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Timon lot/Cars Land

The Timon lot has been closed less than two weeks, but vertical construction has already begun in the perimeter. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Timon lot will be the new home for Cars Land. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

World of Color

Even more fountains are being installed on the show platform. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The equipment towers have been covered with a decorative finish. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

An overhead view of the show platform shows grids and zones marked on the platform surface. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Additional decorative rock work is under construction near the California Screamin’ launch. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A huge structure of cable runs begin under the bridge, and branch out to provide power to the fountains around the platform. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Anaheim ARTIC

In an article last week about the city of Anaheim’s ARTIC (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center) project, the travel blog JambleMag wrote “The $180m project will become the hub for Amtrak rail and regional Metrolink services, as well as local buses, airport shuttles, taxis and connections with Disney’s monorail system,” seemingly confirming the long-running rumor that the Disneyland Monorail system will be extended. Though the ARCTIC brochure opens with a quote from Walt Disney, and the proximity of the ARCTIC station to the Disneyland Resort is mentioned repeatedly throughout the hundreds of pages of ARTIC project documents, the hope that Disneyland will extend the Monorail system to serve the ARCTIC station may be premature.

ARTIC will become Anaheim’s new transportation hub. Image © OCTA.

What, if any, role Disney will play in the development of the connection between the Resort and the ARTIC station is not apparent upon first reading of the public records. The ARTIC Transit and Parking Facility Description Report (link) mentions “Circulator” service between the station and the Resort, to be replaced with “Fixed Guideway” connection. The “Circulator” connection is described as “a short-term system providing a rubber-tired connection” [most likely a dedicated bus line] “between ARTIC and the Disney resort area to the west.” The “Fixed Guideway” system could be a Monorail, but it could also mean trolley service (like the existing Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) system), light rail or automated peoplemover. (The kind found at the Orlando airport, not the kind once found in Tomorrowland.)

The route of the proposed connection(s) will influence and limit the type of transportation system used, and it’s clear that the city of Anaheim is still evaluating all of their options. Four years ago, MousePlanet columnist David Koenig wrote about the city’s proposal to create a major new road cutting right across Disney property (link). The new road would provide a thoroughfare connecting Disneyland with other area attractions like Angel Stadium and the Honda Center – and now the ARTIC terminal – but would also bisect Disney’s newly-acquired land south of Katella, the supposed site of Disney’s rumored third park. A 2008 Go Local report released by the city of Anaheim stated that “key arterials including Clementine Street and Disney Way have been designed with medians and setbacks that will accommodate an elevated high-capacity system.” At a public meeting this past April, the city of Anaheim presented a transit corridor study, showing 12 possible routes connecting ARTIC with the Anaheim Resort area. (Click here to download the presentation; the proposed routes are shown on pages 14-16) Some of these alternatives rely on existing freeway and surface street routes, others rely on new streets or right-of-way, and a few cut across or around Disney’s Katella property.

ARTIC will be built near Anaheim Stadium and the Honda Center. Google Map image © Google.

The shape of the ARTIC – Disneyland connection will likely also be influenced by Disney’s own plans for the rumored third park and new parking structure. Much of the Katella property is currently used as a cast member parking lot, so any development there would require CM parking to relocate, perhaps to the “future Disney parking structure” (referenced on page 8 of the transit corridor study) at the site of the current Pumbaa lot. The Go Local report stated that “the Resort expansion plans currently in development by Disney will consider a guideway system,” and we’ve also heard rumors that Disney very much wants to expand the Monorail system to provide access to the third park. This project would require obtaining right of way from the city for the Monorail track to cross Harbor and Katellla, and one source suggests that the city of Anaheim is using that access as leverage to get Disney to agree to a “public” Monorail station at the site of the Anaheim Resort ARTIC connector station.

One concept model shows a monorail station at ARTIC. Image © OCTA.

The first phase of the ARTIC is scheduled to open in 2013, with the the fixed guideway connector to the Anaheim Resort area slated to open in 2014-2015. Much more information about the ARTIC project is available from the OCTA Web site (link) and the ARTIC section of the City of Anaheim Web site (link). A public scoping meeting about the Anaheim fixed guideway project is scheduled for July 29th at the Anaheim Convention Center (link). A public scoping meeting about the ARTIC project is scheduled for July 30th at the OCTA offices in Orange (link).

This and That

…If you are attending the sold-out Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, don’t forget to submit your RSP forms by Friday, July 31, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific (link).

…We forgot to mention this when MousePlanet reader “dznyphreak” first mentioned it earlier this month, but it looks like Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular is here for another year. Disney is holding auditions for the show this week, with a contract to run through August, 2010.

…Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel – Anaheim Resort has just released new MousePlanet reader rates, valid through the end of 2009 and beyond, with discounts of 15 – 20% off. Don’t forget, if you are also a Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder, you’ll receive an additional 5% off, for a total savings of 20 – 25%. Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders also receive 10% off gift shop purchases at the Main Street Market (near the lobby in building one). To book these rates, call the in-house reservations line at Direct: 714-776-6120, and ask for the MousePlanet discount. Dates and discounts:

• Now – October 19 – 15% off
• October 20 – November 25 – 20% off
• November 26 – November 27 – 15% off
• November 28 – December 17 – 20% off
• December 18 – January 3 – 15% off
• January 4 – February 4 – 20% off
• February 5 – onward – 15% off

…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. 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

• Bank of Main Street – closed through September 25 for conversion into the Disney Gallery.
• The Enchanted Cottage – closed through October 2.
• 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 24 – November 19 for refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed August 24 – November 19 for refurbishment.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed September 8 – 10 for refurbishment.
• Space Mountain – closed September 8 – 24 to install the Halloween overlay.
• Minnie’s House – closed September 9 for refurbishment.
• Haunted Mansion – closed September 10 – 24 to install the Halloween overlay.
• Celebration Ranch – closed September 14 – 24 to install the Halloween overlay.
• Gadget’s Go Coaster – closed September 14 – October 26 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed September 28 – October 2 for refurbishment.
• Blue Bayou – closed September 28 – October 2 for refurbishment.

The Bank of Main Street is closed for conversion into the new home of the Disney Gallery. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

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.

The Lucky Fortune Cookery is expected to reopen after September 14. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

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.