Disneyland Resort Update

Update for September 8-13, 2009

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

News and Views

Finally, Fantasmic! | Get ready for D23 | Lucky Fortune Cookery reopens | Changes coming to the Castaway Club | This and That

Finally, Fantasmic!

At long last, the final new cast member of Disneyland’s revamped Fantasmic! show made a long-awaited public debut last Tuesday night. After Disney announced Tuesday afternoon that the dragon would appear that night, thousands of fans filled the viewing area around the Rivers of America to catch a glimpse of the new dragon, though many seemed to be keeping their hopes in check just in case another mechanical failure caused another last-minute delay. Once the show began, the already-enthusiastic crowd seemed to grow even more eager as the big dragon scene arrived, and loud cheers and screams erupted as the new dragon finally appeared.

A preview of the new Fantasmic dragon. Photo by Stephen Kiskamp.

The dragon wasn’t fully functional during the first show – the fire-breathing effect was noticeably absent – but it was hard to find anyone in the crowd after the show who seemed to really mind. Several people said they planned to return the next evening to see if the fire effect worked. The effect did indeed work Wednesday night, though it was apparently missing from the first performance Saturday night. The two videos below, both taken by MousePlanet’s Jeff Moxley, show both the opening night performance, and the fire-breathing effect from Friday night’s performance.

New Fantasmic! Dragon from Jeffry Moxley on Vimeo.

Get ready for D23

Disney’s huge D23 EXPO starts Thursday at the Anaheim Convention Center, and Disney expects 40,000 people to pack the halls for a 4-day convention of all things Disney. The EXPO kicks off Thursday morning with a presentation by Disney CEO Bob Iger, and ends Sunday night with a premiere, double-feature screening of the 3-D versions of Toy Story and Toy Story 2. You can now download the D23 EXPO Guidebook and plan your schedule before you arrive (link). The complete event rules and policies are available online (link), but there are a few things we wanted to point out in answer to the more common questions we’ve received about the event:

• Yes, adults MAY wear costumes – even those portraying Disney characters – subject to the following rules as stated on the event Web site (link).
  

  (1) Costumes should be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive or violent.
  (2) Guests may wear masks. However, masks must not obstruct vision and eyes must be visible at all times.
  (3) Guests who dress like Disney Characters may not pretend they are an official Disney Character but a guest. Creating lines or collecting money for pictures and/or signed autographs is not permitted.
  (4) Costumes should not drag on the ground.
  (5) Costumes should not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
  (6) Costumes should not contain any weapons which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

• Early admission to the EXPO is offered to D23 members and their guests, so long as the member is present at the time of admission. D23 members should plan to have their membership card with them to access members-only merchandise and activities.

   

• Cameras are allowed in most areas of the EXPO, though there are some restrictions, most notably the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit and in some presentations. Guests will be required to check all electronic devices prior to entering the D23 Arena for Thursday morning’s presentation by Bob Iger.

   

• Parking at the Anaheim Convention Center is $12 per day. For those staying in local hotels, the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) system will run shuttles from the Disneyland Resort Hotels and participating Good Neighbor Hotels to and from the Anaheim Convention Center. The shuttles will run approximately every 20 minutes from 4:30 am until 12:30 am the four days of the event (which lends an interesting insight into just how early Disney expects some attendees to begin lining up to be the first in the door each morning). The transportation map is available online, so you can plan your trips (link).

   

• Disney asks that you bring no personal items to be signed, and you may be required to show your D23 EXPO receipt at Disney-hosted author and artist signing sessions. There are no lockers available, and no coat or bag check. Keep that in mind before you make that big purchase at the Dream Store.

   

• ATMs, stroller rental and wheelchair rental are all available at the Convention Center. The Disney-operated retail venues accept credit cards and traveler’s checks. Retailers in the Collectors’ Forum will have various payment policies.

   

• Be aware that seating for all presentations is first-come, first-served, and that some venues will be cleared between sessions. While this will prevent some of the problems that plague Comic-Con, where people grab a seat in a theater in the morning and sit through several presentations just to make sure they have a spot for a popular presentation later that day, you may find that you have to miss one presentation so you can stand in line for another. A very large queue area has been established in Hall A for events in the D23 Arena; a smaller queue is designated for presentations in Stage 23.

   

• D23 attendees can show their EXPO wristband and save at participating Downtown Disney shops and restaurants (link), as well as participating Anaheim businesses (link). However, attendees hoping to save a little on their purchases at the EXPO’s Dream Store should know that no discounts – including Passholder, Disney Visa or cast member – will be offered on food or merchandise purchases at the EXPO.

Lucky Fortune Cookery reopens

The Lucky Fortune Cookery has reopened at Disney’s California Adventure, offering a limited menu of “Asian rice bowls” and side dishes. Select one protein and one sauce, then wait while the chefs create your bowl. If you can’t decide between sauces, you can order two at no additional charge. Order one in your bowl and one on the side, or you can have both on the side. Disney says that the spicy Korean sauce was inspired by a old family recipe provided by Gloria Tae, chef de cuisine at the Napa Rose (and formerly the head chef of the Golden Vine Winery before that location closed last year). Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix was there on opening day, and shared her opinion of the new menu in her MousePlanet blog (link).

Mandarin orange chicken with a side of edamame from the reopened Lucky Fortune Cookery. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Menu as of 9/4/2009

Asian Rice Bowl – $9.49
Each bowl contains steamed rice and seared Asian vegetables.

Choose one protein:
Chicken
Beef
Tofu

Choose one sauce:
Mandarin Orange
Spicy Korean
Thai Coconut Curry
Teriyaki

Munch, Inc. (Kids meal)

Teriyaki chicken and rice – $6.49
Served with a fruit cup a choice of small low-fat milk, Minute Maid juice box or Dasani water.

Sides

Edamame – $2.99
Lightly salted and served chilled

Fresh Mango Slices -$3.49

Beverages

Fountain drinks – Small $2.79 / Large $3.29 / Souvenir Sipper $8.99
Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Light Lemonade

Bottled Water – $2.79
Apple or Orange Juice – $1.59
Chocolate Milk – $2.69
Hot Cocoa – $2.79
Coffee (regular or decaf) – $2.79
Hot Tea – $2.79
Low Fat Milk – $1.59
Sapporo – $6.50

East meets West as the Mariachi Divas entertain diners outside the Lucky Fortune Cookery. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Have you tried the new Lucky Fortune Cookery? Tell us what you think on our MousePad discussion boards (link), or post a review to our Reader Review pages (link).

Changes coming to the Castaway Club

Once you’ve sailed with Disney, you become a member of the Castaway Club, a VIP club for returning cruisers. Unlike most other cruise lines, Disney offers just one level of the Castaway Club – no matter how often you sail, you have the same “status” as someone who has only sailed once before.

On September 11th, Disney is going to unveil a new tiered Castaway Club that will reward frequent cruisers with perks like advanced access to booking new ships and itineraries, and new gifts for returning passengers. While this information was not supposed to be released until the Disney Cruise Line presentation at the D23 Expo, and cast members who have been trained on the new program were instructed not to discuss it with passengers, last week a page of the official Disney Cruise Line Web site was edited, and briefly mentioned the new levels. (The information has since been removed, and replaced with a message that says to watch for an announcement on September 11th)
 

All Disney Cruise Line Guests enjoy the finest vacation experience, made possible by our world-class service, dining and entertainment. Returning Guests get even more with our 3-level VIP Member program, the Castaway Club, and receive valuable benefits at home and on board such as members-only offers and events, plus early booking opportunities on future cruises. Log in to see what the Castaway Club has for you!

Castaway Club Members Enjoy Great Benefits Including:

• Gold and Platinum Members enjoy early booking opportunities for new itineraries and new ships
• Advance booking of in-demand shore excursions, child care at Flounder’s Reef Nursery, fine dining at Palo and pampering at Vista Spa & Salon
• Special offer when you book a future Disney cruise vacation while on board
• Exclusive content on disneycruise.com—the latest cruise news, behind-the-scenes information, videos and Castaway Club Compass newsletter
• Complimentary Castaway Club lanyard and Key to the World card
• Dedicated Castaway Club toll-free number for customer service or booking your vacation

Because the information was posted to the Web site, a DCL cast member agreed to share additional details with us. The tiered system is based on the number of cruises you have sailed with Disney, instead of the number of nights you’ve sailed. This is good news for people who take lots of short, 3- or 4-night cruises, but not so good for people who cruise less often, but take longer cruises.

• The Silver level is the basic level, and the benefits are the same as are currently offered to Castaway Club members. Silver members will continue to receive a Castaway Club gift at each sailing, and can book excursions and make Palo reservations at the 90-day mark.

   

• Passengers who have sailed 6 or more times with Disney will be promoted to the Gold level. Gold members will receive a different and “enhanced” Castaway Club gift, and will be allowed to join the Concierge guests in booking Palo, Flounders, Vista Spa and shore excursions at the 105-day window.

   

• If you’ve sailed 11 or more times with Disney, you are considered a “Platinum” passenger. The benefits are the same as the Gold level, though the Castaway Club gift will be a little nicer. Gold and Platinum members will have the opportunity to book new itineraries before they are available to nonmembers.

More details will be announced at the D23 Expo when the program is formally introduced to passengers – along with the new itineraries for 2010 and the new ship scheduled to arrive in 2011.

Tell us what you think! Is this a long-overdue improvement for the Castaway Club, or is it just going to make it even more difficult for first-time cruisers to get the most from their Disney cruise? Talk about the changes on our MousePad discussion board (link).
 

This and That

…Cast members tell us that Disney is in negotiations to lease the operation of the Main Street Magic Shop to Houdini’s Magic Shop, a chain that currently operates in a number of tourist destinations (Las Vegas, San Francisco’s Pier 39), as well as a cart in Downtown Disney. There is no word when Houdini’s will begin their lease, nor if the store will receive a much-needed refurbishment during the transition.
 

Team MousePlanet members Kevin Krock, Adrienne Krock and Cathy Sowa get ready for the Disneyland Half Marathon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…Representatives from Unite HERE Local 11 are getting ready for D23 by recruiting Disneyland Resort hotel cast members to walk an informational picket line outside the Anaheim Convention Center throughout the EXPO, and has scheduled protests each day. The union hopes to draw attention to their ongoing contract dispute with the Disneyland Resort.

…Team MousePlanet wants to congratulate all of our readers and staff who participated in this 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. If you’re interested in joining us for the 2010 Disneyland Half Marathon, registration is now open (link). The race is Sunday, September 5, 2010, and is the 5th Anniversary of the West Coast event.

…Disneyland’s Monorail Red was been spotted circling Disneyland Resort without passengers last week. Cast members say the Monorail must be recertified before it can return to passenger service. Monorail Red was the first of Disneyland’s new Mark VII trains to be delivered to the Resort in December of 2007, but it did enter passenger service until July of the following year. Once Monorails Blue and Orange were delivered to the Resort, Monorail Red returned to the roundhouse, and cast members tell us it was used for spare parts while Imagineers designed new windows to improve air flow through the cabins.

Monorail Red leaves the Downtown Disney station during a test run. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…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 October 2 for renovation into the Disney Gallery.
• Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years – closed through December 16 to return Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to the Main Street Opera House.
• The Enchanted Cottage – closed through November 4 for refurbishment.
• Casey Jr. Circus Trains – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed September 8–10 for refurbishment.
• Space Mountain – closed September 8–24 to install the Halloween overlay.
• 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 to October 26 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed September 28 to October 2 for refurbishment.
• Blue Bayou Restaurant – closed September 28 to October 2 for refurbishment.
• Sailing Ship Columbia – closed October 5–7 for deck oiling.
• Indiana Jones Adventure – closed October 5–8.

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. The building that once house this film-based attraction has been demolished, and 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 was scheduled to be refilled after Labor Day, but construction delays have moved the date back to mid-October.
• 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 will open in its new location on Friday, September 4.
• Orange Stinger – closed through April 28, 2010 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings.

Participants in the Disneyland Half Marathon squeezed by this construction project in Fantasyland. 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.

Fall

• Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event – Wednesday, September 9, 2009 (link). All four event packages are now sold out.
• D23 Expo – September 10 – 13, 2009 in Anaheim, California (link).
• HalloweenTime at the Disneyland Resort – September 25 – November 1, 2009 (link).
• Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. “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. Some Utah schools will close October 16th, possibly generating a second wave of visitors.
• Sukkot at the Disneyland Resort – early October 2009 (link). To celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, PureTiyulim.com will host a Sukkah on the Dream Lawn of the Disneyland Hotel, and a concert by Jewish entertainer Lipa will be held in the Festival Arena October 6, 2009. Visit the event Web site for details and tickets.
• 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. Team MousePlanet will once again participate in this event, and you are invited to register to walk with us (click here to register). Visit our MousePad discussion boards to meet other members of Team MousePlanet and discuss the Walk (link).

Winter

• Holiday Parade Filming – Saturday, November 7. [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 – November 13, 09 to 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 $72/$62 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $97/$87	Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper
Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $151/$131	AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $10 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 $204/$174	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). 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 $229/$199	Costco 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($159.95) – A special offer for Costco members who are also residents of Southern California (link). Unlike some recent offers, this ticket has no “fuse” – you can use the first admission today, and have almost a full year to use the remaining admission days before the ticket expires on August 23, 2010. The ticket is blocked out the week between Christmas and New Years (inclusive of both holidays), and for the week of March 26 – April 4, which gives you an idea of what Disneyland expects to be the peak Spring Break period. The ticket is not blocked out on any other holidays – including Labor Day, Thanksgiving or even the 4th of July – and can be upgraded to any Annual Passport except the SoCal Select pass. The Costco Web site states in three different places – including a bold, bright red headline – that visitors “Must reside within ZIP codes 90000-93599” and that “Proof of residency required upon redemption.” The ticket you purchase at Costco is a valid admission ticket, and you can take it directly to a main entrance gate to use it. We’ve been told that, to prevent the unauthorized “transfer” of tickets between visitors (ie, you use the first two days of the ticket and give it to a friend to use the second two days), visitors will be required to write their name on the ticket when it is first used for admission, and to show ID with that same name upon subsequent admissions. Obviously minor children will be exempt from the ID requirement, but will also be required to write their name on the ticket when it is first used. Adults should plan to have ID with them to use the ticket. 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).
Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $249/$219	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).
Six Day Park Hopper – Regularly $254/$224	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 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 admission 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 $289
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 Sea World 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

Save $400 on a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package. The offer is valid for arrivals August 23 through December 20, 2009, and starts at $87 per person, per day with accommodations at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and a four-day park hopper ticket. The offer is not valid November 25–27, 2009. Annual passholders can book the same package—without the ticket requirement—through Costco travel or directly through the Walt Disney Travel Company, though the Costco version of the offer also includes the perks listed below.

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.

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).

Disney Visa Discounted Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers at a discount of 50% 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.

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.