Update for November 28 – December 4, 2011
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News and Views
The new Disneyland Hotel | The crab is back! (Oh, and Pirates reopened…) | Spring 2012 refurbishment schedule | The sweet side of Christmas at DCA | Passholder events and discounts | This and That… | Crowd Forecast
The new Disneyland Hotel
The walls are down, the pool is open, and the “new” Disneyland Hotel is finally here. Though workers are still wrapping up detail work around the property, the majority of this phase of the hotel renovation ended earlier this month. After dealing with the construction wall maze for so many months, it's nice to just walk across the new center courtyard and explore the new lawns and landscaping.
The centerpiece of the complex is the water complex, and the E Ticket and Monorail pool areas are now connected by a path under the bridge that spans the area.
The new E Ticket pool is fully open at the Disneyland Hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland Hotel guests take advantage of the unseasonably warm November weather to enjoy the new pool. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A path under the bridge connects the Monorail and E Ticket pool areas. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The bridge spans the pool area, offering a pedestrian path across the courtyard. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The former Cove pool area and the adjacent area that once housed the Dancing Waters show have been turned into a large event lawn. The guest laundry and fitness facilities remain closed, though a temporary fitness center is still open in the Adventure tower.
The former Cove pool area is now a grassy event lawn. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The former Cove pool area is now a grassy event lawn. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The former site of the Dancing Waters show has been incorporated into the event lawn. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
In addition to the smaller directional signs installed earlier this month, large new monument signs have been placed outside each of the three towers. The signs contain graphics from classic Disneyland attraction posters.
Each of the three towers has a new sign. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Fantasy tower has a new sign, and new outdoor seating area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A small water feature outside the Frontier tower is a nod to the waterfall complex demolished during the hotel renovation. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The giant Mickey statue that greeted drivers as they pulled into the Disneyland Hotel parking lot has been removed, and a new water feature decorates the front approach. The valet stand and bell desk received a facelift during the renovation, and the two small Mickey and Minnie statues that once decorated the lobby have been moved outside to welcome visitors.
The giant Mickey statue was removed from the front of the Disneyland Hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A new water feature decorates the entrance of the Disneyland Hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Mickey and Minnie statues were relocated outside the entrance of the Disneyland Hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Goofy's Kitchen has a large new sign. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Disneyland Hotel front desk lobby is still missing the new chandeliers, but cast members say it is otherwise fully decorated. The desk is dominated by a bright blue light treatment, echoed in the blue carpet and furniture of the lobby. The hotel's sundry shop has been renamed Small World Gifts and Sundries, and the sign has been removed from outside the Fantasia gift shop. Cast members say they've been assured the sign is only being repainted, and that the store will not also be renamed. However, as the last remaining example of the hotel's old decor, it would not be surprising if that shop were to be renovated in the next phase of construction.
Bright blue lights and Small World-inspired carpet decorate the Disneyland Hotel front desk lobby. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The lobby decor will be complete once the chandeliers are installed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The lobby sundry shop has a new name. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Fantasia shop is temporarily without a sign. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The crab is back! (Oh, and Pirates reopened…)
If the claims of some websites were to be believed, the lengthy refurbishment of Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction included an upgraded Jack Sparrow figure, the addition of several mermaids from the most recent edition of the Pirates movie franchise, and the installation of a loop. OK, so nobody seriously claimed that there would be a loop, but apparently enough people believed that something major had happened during the nearly three-month makeover that a large crowd turned out for the scheduled return of Pirates on Thanksgiving day.
Unfortunately the ride wasn't quite ready for visitors when Disneyland opened Thursday morning, and two MousePlanet readers have reported that the crowd didn't react well to the news. Reader wenidog posted his account on our MousePad discussion forum:
So, Pirates was supposed to come offline today after a lengthy reburb. MASSIVE crowd runs to opening upon rope drop into Adventureland…swarm the Pirates entry. Chanting for the chains to be opened…one poor lady pirate CM arrives to handle the crowd. Finally, an upper CM arrives to loudly proclaim that there are technical difficulties. The crowd is unhappy, rightly so. Exceptionally bad planning for crowd control! Mini scuffles ensue within the crowd. Where is security and back up for the lonely pirate girl?
Reader bearlycottage added his experience to the conversation:
Rope dropped and there was a stampede. Two kids with us so we walked, briskly, to POTC and were in the mess of people around 20 feet back from the entrance under the bridge. The people that pushed past me and my son to get closer to family and/or friends who were at the front was staggering. No “please,” no “thank you”; just an entitlement. Eventually, I stood my ground and wouldn't let people push past… no one behind was able to move back and shoving more people in front was becoming a BIG safety issue.
Very quickly, the people filled the area between the entrance and the fence near the river, so that access point was closed. Then they came over the bridge and down from Tarzan's Treehouse filling that area so that access point was closed too.
We were there for 20 minutes or so, when a male CM stood on wall near the entrance and told the crowd what was going on. I felt terribly sorry for him because the few that could hear him, couldn't do much about moving until the people at the back of the group heard and could move away.
He was booed by a grandmother in front of me.. very classy. Her equally charming son-in-law started a refund chant. That sparked another guy near us trying to start a group wanting to storm the offices and get our money back. Very angry people. And not much giving of thanks going on.
Exceptionally poor behavior among the guests turned away from the ride that morning, including pushing and jostling, booing of the cast member tasked with breaking the news to the crowd, and demands that Disney refund admission tickets because the ride wasn't open.
The ride eventually opened around 10:00 a.m., but closed several times during the next two days due to technical problems. Reader pixelrevolt rode Pirates on Friday, and noted in an email, “I was quite impressed with how much time and detail was put into changes that enrich the experience, but that are probably not very noticeable at first glance.”
Perhaps the biggest operational change was an expansion of the unloading dock. The new configuration allows more room for visitors who use wheelchairs or ECVs (and must enter the attraction from the unload side) to maneuver around the loading area. The exit ramp was also widened, and lengthened to decrease the slope. Inside the attraction, there is new rock work, the lighting has been improved in some scenes (though pixelrevolt noted a severely misaimed light in the dunking scene), and the projections on the fog screen as you enter the ship battle scene now alternate between Blackbeard and Davy Jones, as does the audio on the final lift.
And, to update readers who have been tracking the whereabouts of the animatronic crab for the past two years on our discussion forums, the crab is once again on his island with the skeletons. Where he's been, how long he'll stay and why he's now red instead of blue are mysteries perhaps best left unsolved.
Spring 2012 refurbishment schedule
A cast member reader sent us this preliminary Spring 2012 schedule, detailing several major refurbishments and another long closure of the Matterhorn. This is not a complete list (most notably, the dates for the removal of the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay are not listed), and none of these have been officially confirmed by Disney. Refurbishments are subject to change at any time, even after they are “official,” and we always recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit.
Disneyland:
- Refreshment Corner – closed January 5 through February 9 for refurbishment.
- Blue Ribbon Bakery – closes January 5. The space to be converted back to an indoor seating area for the Carnation Cafe.
- Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm – closed January 9to- 18 for removal of the holiday decor.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed January 9 to June 14 for refurbishment.
- it’s a small world – closed January 23 to February 2 for removal of the holiday overlay.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – closed January 23 to February 17 for refurbishment.
- Davy Crockett Canoes – closed January 24 for dock refurbishment.
- Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port – closed January 30 to February 10 for refurbishment.
Disney California Adventure
- Redwood Challenge Creek Trail – closed January 9 to 27 for refurbishment.
- Grizzly River Run –closed January 23 to March 2 for refurbishment.
- Soarin’ Over California – theater A will be closed January 23 to 27 for refurbishment, so expect a longer wait for the other side.
- Soarin’ Over California – the entire attraction will be closed January 30 to February 3 for refurbishment.
The sweet side of Christmas at DCA
It would be understandable if park managers decided to keep the holiday celebration at Disney California Adventure low-key amidst the massive construction project currently in progress in the park. It's thus surprising that DCA is the place to go if you want some of the best holiday desserts in the resort.
A trio of new holiday desserts from Disney California Adventure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Cocina Cucamonga serves up holiday “nachos”: cinnamon sugar-dusted fried chips topped with “strawberry and caramel” sauces according to the sign, but we suspect the caramel is likely dulce de leche. The whole thing is garnished with a dollop of whipped cream. While this sounds like a sugar bomb on a plate, it's really quite good and easy to share.
Dessert nachos from Cocina Cucamonga. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Lucky Fortune Cookery has two holiday desserts: An almond cookie sandwich, and a mango parfait. The mango parfait consists of layers of vanilla and mango yogurt, with a center layer of strawberries and a topping of toasted coconut. This is a nice light dessert, and it even comes with a fortune cookie.
At first glance, I assumed the almond cookie sandwich was filled with strawberry ice cream, but it's actually something like strawberry flavored cream cheese. While my friend Suz Broughton called this one of her favorite dishes over at her OC Family blog, something about the texture and temperature of the filling made me discard it after just one bite.
The almond cookie sandwich has a strawberry creme filling. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Fortunately that meant more room for the delicious “San Francisco bread pudding” from the Pacific Wharf Cafe. According to a cast member at the location, this warm treat is with a combination of Boudin sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls (don't ask; it works), studded with cranberries. It's served warm with a white chocolate crème anglaise. This dessert is large and rich enough to share, but so delicious you might not want to.
San Francisco bread pudding from Pacific Wharf Cafe. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Earlier this year, Paradise Garden Grill tested a brownie and fresh strawberry dessert skewer, drizzled with chocolate and caramel and topped with mini marshmallows. That dessert is back for the holiday, along with a chocolate Yule log dessert at Paradise Pizza and Pasta.
Passholder events and discounts
Though I've been a Disneyland passholder forever and spend a lot of time online, I still forget to check the passholder website for special offers. These may not be new offers, but I wanted to pass them along to other passholders who may not have checked recently.
- Disneyland passholders and their guests can see The Muppets at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood during a special passholder screening next Saturday, December 3 at 7pm. General admission tickets are $22, and include popcorn and a drink. Call (818) 845-3110 to reserve your tickets.
- The House of Blues is offering passholders the chance to win a weekend in San Diego, with dinner for two and a show at the House of Blues San Diego. To enter, visit the House of Blues in Downtown Disney before the end of the year and show your annual pass. You must be 21 or older to enter.
- Passholders save 20 percent on category 1, 2 and 3 tickets for Cirque du Soleil's new IRIS show at the Kodak Theater through January 15, 2012. Check the offer website for details and restrictions.
- On Tuesday, December 13, passholders get 20 percent off their purchases at Apricot Lane Boutique in Downtown Disney, plus a free gift with $100 purchase.
- Passholders also save 10 to 30 percent purchases at participating shops and restaurants at Anaheim Garden Walk.
This and That…
…As we reported last week, some Disneyland Resort annual passholders received an invitation to an exclusive, $2500-per-couple Candlelight Processional experience, which included a one-night stay at the Grand Californian Hotel, a private dinner and reserved seating for the Candlelight Processional, sunrise breakfast at the Plaza Inn, a pre-opening tour of Disneyland with Disney Legends, and the opportunity to visit Walt Disney's apartment on Main Street. Monday afternoon, Disney announced an “Over-the-Top, Dream-Come-True Holiday Experience,” with slightly different pricing: $1250 per person, double occupancy, with the option of a single ticket at $1500. The announcement came only four days before the reservation deadline, and we're curious to learn how many people booked the package.
A Downtown Disney merchant has set up a photo spot, with photo gifts for sale. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…This Wednesday is the first fresh candy cane day of the 2011 holiday season. If you have your heart set on one of these Disneyland treats, prepare to get to the park at or before opening (Wednesday is not an early entry day, so everyone has the same chance), and bring your patience. There was an unconfirmed report that the candy cane vouchers would be distributed at the park turnstiles before opening this year, instead of at the Candy Palace as usual, and that the limit is now one per guest, not two. For updates, keep an eye on the annual candy cane discussion on our MousePad forums.
Santa has an elaborate location at the Disneyland Hotel to welcome visitors. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…Santa has arrived at the Disneyland Hotel. You can visit Santa and pose for photos from 4:30-5:00; 5:15-6:00; 6:45-7:30 and 7:45-8:30 p.m. every day.
…The windmill outside Fillmore's was installed last week, and we were there to peer over the construction walls as workers drove the structure down Route 66. The windmill is now in place with the blades installed.
A crane hauls the windmill down Route 66. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A crane hauls the windmill down Route 66. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A crane moves the windmill into position outside Fillmore's. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, go to the MousePlanet main page and enter your email address in the top right box labeled “Join the MousePlanet Newsletter.” Click Join, then fill out the fields in the registration page, including your first and last name. The Newsletter is free, but you must complete this registration to receive it, even if you may have signed up for one with us in the past.
…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 for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
Crowd Forecast
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Advertisement Crowd information and forecasts are provided by TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, to help you better plan your trip to the Disneyland Resort. TouringPlans.com gathers wait time data from a team of in-park researchers and users of their Lines mobile phone application, and then predicts crowd levels for the next 365 days. Using a scale from 1 to 10, TouringPlans.com has a 90 percent accuracy of predicting the crowds to within 1 point, helping visitors prepare for their trips so they can “Do more. Wait less.”
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Community Events
- None currently scheduled – check back for updates
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed November 28-30 for refurbishment.
- Jungle Cruise – closed December 5.
- Indiana Jones Adventure – closed December 6 & 7.
- Disneyland Monorail – opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday until further notice. This shortened schedule is due to the Buena Vista Street construction in DCA. The monorail operates on a normal schedule on weekends.
- Plaza Pavilion – closed through January 2012 for conversion to Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – closes January 2012 for renovation. Expected to reopen in Spring 2012.
- Candy Palace – closes January 2012 for renovation. Expected to reopen in Spring 2012.
The Downtown Disney Christmas tree is a popular photo spot. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
2012 refurbishments:
Note: none of these have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit.
- Refreshment Corner – closed January 5 through February 9 for refurbishment.
- Blue Ribbon Bakery – closes January 5, 2012. The space to be converted back to an indoor seating area for the Carnation Cafe.
- Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm – closed January 9 – 18 for removal of the holiday decor.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed January 9 – June 14 for refurbishment.
- it’s a small world – closed January 23 – February 2 for removal of the holiday overlay.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – closed January 23 – February 17 for refurbishment.
- Davy Crockett Canoes – closed January 24 for dock refurbishment.
- Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port – closed January 30 – February 10 for refurbishment.
Disney California Adventure
Seasonal refurbishments:
- None currently scheduled
2012 refurbishments:
Note: none of these have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit.
- Redwood Challenge Creek Trail – closed January 9 – 27 for refurbishment.
- Grizzly River Run –closed January 23 – March 2 for refurbishment.
- Soarin’ Over California – theater A will be closed January 23-27 for refurbishment, so expect a longer wait for the other side.
- Soarin’ Over California – the entire attraction will be closed January 30 – February 3 for refurbishment.
Construction-related closures:
- Engine-Ears Toys – closed until summer 2012 for renovation.
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Baker's Field Bakery – closed until summer 2012 for conversion to Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream – closed until summer 2012 for conversion to Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe. - Greetings from California – closed until summer 2012 for renovation.
Disneyland Resort hotels:
- Disneyland Hotel Guest Laundry – closed due to construction. Hotel guests can use the laundry facility at Disney's Paradise Pier hotel during the refurbishment.
- Disneyland Hotel Fitness Center – closed due to construction. The fitness center equipment has been relocated to one of the hotel meeting rooms; ask the front desk for the most recent information as you check in.
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.
Resort Events
Check here to see if a large convention, competition or park event might fall during your next trip to the Disneyland Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
Winter
- Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort – November 14, 2011 to January 8, 2012.
- Candlelight Processional – December 3 & 4. Performances times, narrator and availability (if any) of dining packages have not yet been announced. The current rumor is that there will be no dining packages offered to the general public, and that the narrator will be Gary Sinise.
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through Spring 2012; the event is offered nightly December 16-31.
2012
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through Spring 2012.
- Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – January 27–29. Registration for the half marathon is now sold out; registration for the family races is still open at the Run Disney website.
- Grad Nite events – this party for high school seniors graduating in 2012 will be held May 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and June 1, 7, 8, 14. The 2012 event includes admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure during regular operating hours, and a private party in Disneyland after the park closes to the public for the night.
- Destination D: 75 Years of Disney Animation – August 11-12. This D23 event returns to the Disneyland Resort in 2012. Additional details and registration information at www.Disney.com/D23.
We also recommend checking the convention calendar at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau website. When looking at that site, remember to note both the number of people and the number of rooms resulting from each convention. A gathering of 25,000 people booking few room nights (indicating most will be driving in to the area for their meeting) can impact traffic around the Resort much more than a crowd of 25,000 staying in area hotels. Of course, that second group is going to make finding a hotel room more difficult (and possibly more expensive), so it's best to book your own room as early as possible if you see that a big convention is in town during your trip.
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. Note, we are no longer listing offers from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, as their convenience fee negates any savings.
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One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $80/$74 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $105/$99 |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Two Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $158/$146 Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $173/$161 |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $209/$193 Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $224/$208 |
Advance Purchase 3-day, One Park Per Day Bonus Ticket ($199/$183) or 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($214/$198) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. First use must be on or before December 31, 2012. These tickets have a 13-day “fuse,” which means you must use all three admissions within 13 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from the Disneyland website, this ticket can be purchased and printed at home the same day you plan to use it (eTicket service). You can also ask to pick up the ticket at Will Call ($5 fee) or have it mailed to your home ( $5-$25 delivery fee, depending on service.) Ticket may also be 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 participating travel agents. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $15/day value). Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($95) – A discounted price offered to active or retired U.S. military personnel or their spouses. Based on past offers, Disney defines “Eligible Service Members” as active or retired members of the US military, including active members of the National Guard or Reservists and active or retired members of the US Coast Guard. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base, or at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Valid military ID is required. The price is the same for adults and children, and total of six tickets may be purchased per military member, regardless of who purchases the tickets (the member or their spouse). Tickets must be purchased by Sept 30, 2012. The ticket has the following blockout dates: December 24, 2011 to January 2, 2012; February 17 to 19, 2012; April 2 to 14, 2012; July 4, 2012. As far as we can tell, there is no “fuse” on this ticket, so you may have more than the standard 13 days from first use to use the remaining two admissions, but we highly recommend you contact your base MWR/ITT office for more details before making travel plans. Please note that this ticket is not a “bonus” ticket, and so does not include an early admission day. |
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Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $234/$216 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $249/$231 |
Costco 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket plus $50 Disney gift card ($239.99) – A special offer for Costco members who are also residents of Southern California. Note: this ticket is no longer listed on the Costco website, but you may find it at Southern California Costco stores. Unlike most other park hopper tickets, this ticket has no “fuse” – you can use the first admission today, and have until October 19, 2011 to use the remaining admission days before the ticket expires. The ticket is blocked out August 21-22, 2011. The ticket states 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 (i.e., 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, One Park Per Day Bonus Ticket ($219/$201) or 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($234/$216) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. First use must be on or before December 31, 2012. These tickets have a 13-day “fuse,” which means you must use all four admissions within 13 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from the Disneyland website, this ticket can be purchased and printed at home the same day you plan to use it (eTicket service). You can also ask to pick up the ticket at Will Call ($5 fee) or have it mailed to your home ( $5-$25 delivery fee, depending on service.) Ticket may also be 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 participating travel agents. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $15/day value). |
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Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $251/$231 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $266/$246 |
Advance Purchase 5-day, One Park Per Day Bonus Ticket ($231/$211) or 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($246/$226) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. First use must be on or before December 31, 2012. These tickets have a 13-day “fuse,” which means you must use all five admissions within 13 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from the Disneyland website, this ticket can be purchased and printed at home the same day you plan to use it (eTicket service). You can also ask to pick up the ticket at Will Call ($5 fee) or have it mailed to your home ($5 to $25 delivery fee, depending on service.) Ticket may also be 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 participating travel agents. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $15/day value). |
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Six Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $256/$239 Six Day Park Hopper – Regularly $271/$251 |
Advance Purchase 6-day, One Park Per Day Bonus Ticket ($236/$216) or 6-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($251/$231) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. First use must be on or before December 31, 2012. These tickets have a 13-day “fuse,” which means you must use all six admissions within 13 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from the Disneyland website, this ticket can be purchased and printed at home the same day you plan to use it (eTicket service). You can also ask to pick up the ticket at Will Call ($5 fee) or have it mailed to your home ( $5-$25 delivery fee, depending on service.) Ticket may also be 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 participating travel agents. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $15/day value). |
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| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports |
No discounts currently available for new purchases. Southern California residents can take advantage of the monthly-payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport.
Premier Annual Passport: $749 [Valid at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort; includes parking] |
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2011 Southern California CityPass $276/$229 |
2011 Southern California CityPass ($276/$229) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as one-day admission to Sea World San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location, and is valid through December 31, 2011. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland website or on-site at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass website though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge. |
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Hotel/Travel Packages
Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco. 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 accommodations 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.
Contact a MousePlanet sponsor travel agency for assistance in booking your next trip
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Other Discounts
Purchase with Purchase offers – Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced-price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. The current offers are:
Disneyland shops:
- Mickey tote bag for $13.95 with a minimum purchase of $25
- Fleece throw blanket for $17.95 with a $40 purchase.
Disney California Adventure shops:
- Mickey tote bag for $13.95 with a minimum purchase of $25
- Mickey Mouse watch for $17.95 with a $40 purchase.
Downtown Disney / Disneyland Resort Hotel shops:
- Sports duffel bag for $16.95 with a minimum purchase of $25
- Fleece throw blanket for $17.95 with a $40 purchase.
Character Dining Vouchers – Discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through Get Away Travel.
Disney Visa – Cardholders have access to a private Character Meet 'N' Greet photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, and receive one free 5×7 photograph per visit. Cardholders also receive 10% off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney-operated retail stores, 10% off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (Big Thunder Ranch, River Belle Terrace, French Market, Cocina Cucamonga, Steakhouse 55, PCH Grill and Storyteller's Café), and 20% off the “Welcome to Disneyland,” “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps,” and “Discover the Magic” guided tours. See the Disney Visa website for terms and conditions.
Rainforest Cafe Safari Club–Members of the Rainforest Cafe get priority seating when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days), and a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. 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 website for details.
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).
Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney 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
- MHP – Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland
MousePlanet Special Events:
- MA – MouseAdventure (www.mouseadventure.com)
| 11/27 | 11/28 | 11/29 | 11/30 | 12/1 | 12/2 | 12/3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 9a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM
|
DL: 9a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-9p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 12/4 | 12/5 | 12/6 | 12/7 | 12/8 | 12/9 | 12/10 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-8p MM
|
DL: 9a-9p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 12/11 | 12/12 | 12/13 | 12/14 | 12/15 | 12/16 | 12/17 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-8p MM
|
DL: 9a-9p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 12/18 | 12/19 | 12/20 | 12/21 | 12/22 | 12/23 | 12/24 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 12/25 | 12/26 | 12/27 | 12/28 | 12/29 | 12/30 | 12/31 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT
|
DL: 8a-2a
DCA: 10a-1a SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 1/1/2012 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/4 | 1/5 | 1/6 | 1/7 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL MM / TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p MM
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p TT
|
DL: 8a-2a
DCA: 10a-1a SL/SC MM / TT |
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.
