Update for September 23 – 29, 2013
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Resort Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Halloween Time in pictures | Disney Parks to change program for guests with disabilities | Audition for the World of Color “virtual choir” | Vera Bradley release details | Blue Sky Cellar closing | Refurbishment watch | This and that… | Question of the Week | Crowd Forecast
Halloween Time in pictures
Deck the halls and light the pumpkins, Halloween Time has come to the Disneyland Resort. As promised last week, here are some photos of the special seasonal offerings throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
The Main Street Mad Hatter shop has one of the best pumpkin displays, with the carved figures boasting a variety of clever hats. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Haunted Mansion Holiday celebrates its 13th anniversary in 2013, with a new banner to commemorate the milestone. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
An unscheduled breakdown provides the perfect opportunity to photograph the Haunted Mansion exterior without crowds. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Jack Skellington's formula for Halloween cheer looks much the same from the outside, but there are some nice enhancements for the 13th anniversary inside Haunted Mansion Holiday. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
No tickets needed—the Halloween Carnival is open to all with Disneyland admission. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Billy Hill and the Hillbillies perform at the Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Carnival. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Amazing Pumpkin Carvers seem to outdo themselves every year, as evidenced by figures like this multi-piece, carving-inside-a-carving Alice in Wonderland figure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney relocated the Conjure a Villain tent and added a queue, but the line is still very long to meet the Villains. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Even the Big Thunder Ranch goats are dressed for Halloween, with an assortment of headbands and bandanas. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Pirates League has opened inside the Halloween Carnival, offering pirate-themed make-overs for all ages. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Dia de los Muertos display has returned to Rancho del Zocalo, with free face painting for those willing to wait in line. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Special spooky lanterns bring the Halloween Time theme to the Mad Tea Party. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Be honest. You'd want to borrow this for your own Halloween costume if you could walk in stilts. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Next up for Team MousePlanet:
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Disney Parks to change program for guests with disabilities
Though many people—cast members and park visitors alike—have felt that Disney's Guest Assistance (GAC) program for guests with disabilities needed to be revamped to improve efficiency and reduce fraud, the issue took on a whole new urgency last May when the New York Post reported that wealthy families were hiring people with disabilities to help them cut to the front of attraction queues at Walt Disney World. In June, NBC's The Today Show aired a report showing the same was happening at the Disneyland Resort, and sent a producer and his family to Disneyland to document the services of two so-called “disabled tour guides” they hired from Craigslist ads.
Very soon after, I heard from a trusted source that a major overhaul to the GAC system was in the works, but they had no details. As the weeks and months passed, I've heard additional snippets here and there, including some detailed information from a Disneyland cast member who was sent to Florida to participate in a “summit” between the two resorts to outline a One Disney-worthy policy to be implemented at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Still, the plan outlined at that summit was far from finalized, and had not yet even passed review by Disney's legendary team of lawyers, so I made the decision not to publish those details at the time. Since then, the website MiceAge.com has published quite a bit of information about this new program, and a few MousePlanet readers have asked why I hadn't yet reported anything here on MousePlanet.
From my perspective, most topics that come from the Disney rumor mill are mostly harmless and fun to speculate about. I prefer not to post information that is completely unsubstantiated rumor (at least not without clearly labeling it as such), but generally do not balk at discussing things that are still in the speculation stage so long as I trust the source.
However, I feel this topic is much different than rumors of a new fireworks show, or the theme of the next runDisney race. Access for guests with disabilities is a very serious subject for some people, and the details can make or break their visit. It is for this reason that I opted not to discuss the new program until Disney officially confirmed that there even was a new plan (something they had not done until last week), or finalized some specific details that remain unresolved and will make a major difference on how the new policy will be implemented and received.
While we still don't have all of the details, Disney has officially released enough information—both internally and to the public—that I feel comfortable formally publishing this topic.
So, let's start with the facts as we know them. Starting Wednesday, October 9, 2013, the U.S. Disney theme parks are replacing the current GAC program with a new “Disability Access Service Card.”
Last Friday night, some Disney managers received the following e-mail, which was forwarded to MousePlanet by a reader:
After careful consideration, we will be replacing the Guest Assistance Card with the new Disability Access Service Card on Oct. 9 to create a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.
Until Oct. 9, we will continue to use Guest Assistance Cards. We look forward to sharing more information about the Disability Access Service Card as we get closer to implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will the new program work?
The Disability Access Service Card will offer Guests a return time for an attraction based on the current wait time. Guest Assistance Cards will continue to be in effect until Oct. 9. We look forward to sharing more information as we get closer to implementation.Did you ask for feedback in developing the Disability Access Service Card?
We are engaging disability groups, and Autism Speaks was instrumental in providing feedback as we developed this new process.Why are you doing this?
Given the increasing volume of requests we receive for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process beginning Oct. 9 so that it creates a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Our goal is to accommodate Guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).Will Guests on wish trips also use Disability Access Service Cards?
No. Guests who are visiting through wish-granting organizations will have access through a separate program.What should Guests do if they have concerns?
Guests should contact Guest Relations to discuss their concerns
That's the entirety of what has officially been communicated about this new program at this point to people outside the Guest Relations department.
Cast members on both coasts begin training on the new system this week, and Disney has promised to share additional information as the training continues and details are finalized.
After reading this, I reached out to Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown for additional information, and she sent the following statement:
We have an unwavering commitment to making our parks accessible to all guests. Given the increasing volume of requests we receive for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process to create a more consistent experience for all our guests while providing accommodations for guests with disabilities.
Though Brown said the Resort is not yet willing to disclose or confirm specific details of the program, she confirmed that advocacy organization Autism Speaks has been instrumental in consulting on this new plan. I have already reached out to its national organization for any official thoughts on the new program. I feel this partnership is a very positive sign that Disney didn't just create this plan out of thin air and cast member frustration, and should especially help to address the concerns raised by parents of autistic children who fear, based on the rumors they've read, that the new policy will not address the unique needs of guests with non-visible disabilities.
This is not the end of the topic by any means, and I have been monitoring the issue closely because it's something that impacts my family, too. [I even volunteered to attend one of the training sessions so that I could better answer reader questions about the new program, a request that was politely rejected.] People who use the current GAC program are completely justified in being concerned about the changes in store, and for wanting every last detail about how the change will impact them. Even knowing what I do of the new plan, I still don't know exactly how my husband, with his specific challenges, falls under the new program, so I completely understand firsthand the anxiety and frustration that comes with not knowing. Like most readers, I'm waiting to see how this new policy changes my family's Disneyland experience come October 9.
At the same time, I know that this new policy is not the last word on disability access at Disney Parks, and I know that many of the “facts” that have sparked so much angst in the online echo chamber have changed. Brown said that Disney will actively seek feedback from visitors on the new policy once it rolls out, and I fully expect there to be additional tweaks and adjustments once the new system is implemented.
While almost everyone agrees that the GAC program needed to be changed, it seems many want the new guidelines to accommodate them while disqualifying everyone else. No matter how carefully written, someone is going to be upset by being excluded from the new policy. It remains to be seen how much Disney has tightened the rules, and if they have been successful in reducing the abuse rampant in the current system. If visitors with legitimate needs suddenly cannot obtain reasonable accommodation under the revised plan, then I will help lead the march on City Hall.
Until then, I just advise readers to put down the torches and pitchforks until we know what the program really looks like, and whether it's the end of the world as we know it or just the next evolution of an admittedly flawed program that was clearly due for an overhaul.
Audition for the World of Color “virtual choir”
A reader pointed to some interesting posts from the Facebook wall of composer Eric Whitacre:
American singers 18 and over: Disney has commissioned me to write a new piece for them called “Glow,” which will be used as part of their World of Color show this holiday season. Best of all, they want the choir to be made up of auditioned singers in our 'virtual style' so that the final performance will be projected onto water, part of the dazzling light show at Disney's California Adventure park in Anaheim. Just go to worldofcolorhonorchoir.com for all the audition materials. Woo hoo!
That website has more information about the virtual choir process:
Here’s how it works: Sign up on this website, learn your part, record your audition video, and submit it. We will select around 500 submissions and join them together to form an Honor Choir for World of Color – Winter Dreams, a new nighttime water spectacular at Disney California Adventure for the holiday season!
Whitacre also posted a link to a snippet of Glow. You can hear it at this link: GLOW by Eric Whitacre.
If you submit an application, please share your audition video so we can see it! Good luck to all of the applicants.
Vera Bradley release details
The new Disney Vera Bradley collection hits Disneyland store shelves today, following a launch over the weekend in Walt Disney World. Much more of an East Coast brand, Vera Bradley is gaining brand recognition and popularity on the West Coast, and this new partnership will definitely help to introduce the brand to a legion of Disney fans.
With demand expected to be less intense in California than it was in Florida, the products will be available in more locations, and the purchase limit will be relaxed. The Vera Bradley collection is expected to be offered in these locations:
- World of Disney in Downtown Disney starting at 9 a.m.
- China Closet inside Disneyland park starting at 10 a.m.
- Elias & Co. inside Disney California Adventure Park starting at 10 a.m. Note: this location is open during Extra Magic Hours from 9-10 a.m. for eligible visitors.
- Fantasia gift shop at the Disneyland Hotel starting at 9 a.m.
The collection includes eight different bag and accessory styles, each available in two prints. There is a purchase limit of two of each style and color combination per person.
The same collections will be offered online via the online DisneyParks store in late October. You can bookmark the New Releases page, and keep checking back.
Blue Sky Cellar closing
This is your last week to visit the Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure before it closes next Sunday, on September 29. A memo sent to cast members indicates that the location is closing for the foreseeable future, but may reopen again once Walt Disney Imagineering is ready to share plans and details of future Disneyland Resort projects.
The Blue Sky Cellar opened in 2008 at the start of the massive Disney California Adventure expansion project. Over the past five years, exhibits there have changed periodically to showcase the next phase of the construction. With Cars Land open and the Disney California Adventure park renovation complete, the Cellar shifted focus to the Princess Fantasy Faire over at Disneyland. The most recent exhibit includes details of the expansion of the Aulani resort in Hawaii, and construction of the Starbucks inside Disneyland.
Though a pleasant place to spend some time out of the crowds and sun, and always good for a MouseAdventure question or two, the Blue Sky Cellar has no real function as a preview center until Disney is ready to disclose what they're really planning to do with the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area, Tomorrowland, or the Big Thunder Ranch complex. Until then, the Animation Building is always a great place to take a shade break.
Refurbishment watch
We keep an eye on three official sources of refurbishment information to keep you updated each week, but when those sources contradict one another, it's anyone's guess as to what to expect. The biggest topic of confusion is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Originally scheduled to reopen October 30, the Disneyland.com website shows the ride as closed at least through November 4, the last date for which detailed information was available as of this writing.
King Arthur Carrousel is closed for refurbishment, but the Sword in the Stone is still accessible. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
MousePlanet reader Kenny sent Disney an e-mail asking about refurbishments in November, and they couldn't provide any additional information about Big Thunder Mountain, but clearly from the information posted on Disneyland.com, the company has abandoned the October 30 return date. Kenny was able to obtain confirmation that Radiator Springs Racers will close November 4 to 7, though Disneyland.com does not yet cover those dates.
Here are other notable changes from the past week:
Disneyland
- Jungle Cruise – closed September 30 through October 3. This is now listed as a full ride closure instead of just “horticulture work.”
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed September 30 through October 3 for refurbishment. New since last week
- Gadget's Go Coaster – closed September 30 through October 10 for refurbishment. New since last week
- Casey Jr. Circus Train – closed December 2–12 due to the Storybook Land refurbishment. Rescheduled from October
- Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed December 2–12 for refurbishment. Rescheduled from October
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed through at least November 4 for a major refurbishment. Note: This date is slipping every day, so there's no real guess as to when the ride will really reopen.
Disney California Adventure
- Radiator Springs Racers – (confirmed) closed November 4–7 for refurbishment.
- Golden Zephyr – closed through October 14 for refurbishment.
You can read the full refurbishment schedule below. Thanks to Kenny for sharing the information he received!
This and that…
…We won't be surprised if Disneyland's Starbucks has a “soft opening” on Monday. Cast members were spotted inside the location Saturday night for what appeared to be a training session, and the cold cases were already stocked with products, including perishable fresh fruit items. This indicates the store will likely open before the official September 25 (Wednesday) grand opening.
The Market House is nearly ready to reopen as Disneyland's first Starbucks location, and now sports the coffee cup sign from the former Blue Ribbon Bakery. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Cast members train inside a fully-stocked Market House Saturday evening, prompting speculation the Starbucks location may open earlier than September 25. MousePlanet photo.
…A massive tree has been removed from near the Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland. We don't know if the removal was due to the age of the tree or another issue, or if the tree will be replaced.
The skyline of Adventureland has changed due to the removal of a large tree near the Tiki Room. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…The very first Mickey's Halloween Party of 2013 is this coming Friday, September 27. As we reported last week, the event is now sold out, but we do not yet know if Disney will release additional tickets the morning of the event as they have done in the past.
…Reader Teddi found a coupon for $10 off any 2-day or longer ticket or Annual Passport gift card purchased at participating Safeway, Vons, or Pavilions grocery stores. The offer is valid for ticket purchases through September 29, though the vouchers themselves may be valid for activation well into December—check the card for exact expiration dates before you buy.
You must download the coupon from the SmartSource website and find a participating store to redeem the offer. There is a limit of six passes per transaction. Reader 3Princesses1Prince noted that she found a better discount through her credit union, so it's always worth checking out all of your options before you buy.
…The Duffy meet and greet has closed at Disney California Adventure, though the Disney bear can still be found in the area, alternating with Mickey Mouse at the photo gazebo in Paradise Pier.
Duffy's meet and greet may be gone, but his prints remain outside Treasures in Paradise. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…In advance of the planned renovation of Club 33, members have been notified that the last day of service for the current lunch menu is October 7. Starting October 8, the lunch buffet will be replaced with an appetizer assortment and choice of entree. The dessert buffet will still be offered.
…The World of Disney store is getting ready for the gift-giving season by placing Disney Gift Cards prominently on an in-store display, instead of showing them only at the register.
Several designs of Disney Gift Cards are offered in a display that looks similar to the gift card mall at your local grocery store. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Question of the Week
Each week, we share a question posted by a member of our MousePad discussion forum, and see if any of our other readers have advice or useful suggestions on that topic.
This week, new MousePad member and Walt Disney World veteran Spazzums wonders how many days are really needed to see the Disneyland Resort
Would you recommend 4 or 5 days to experience both of the parks?
How many days would you recommend for a first-time Disneyland visitor? Please share your comments on our MousePad discussion forum,. You can also post your own question to be included in a future Update.
Crowd Forecast
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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Note: Not all of attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781–7290, then select option 1, option 1 and option 4 at the next three prompts.
Disneyland
Scaffolding is up on many of the roofs in Fantasyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
- Market House / Disneyana – closed for construction of new Starbucks location. Disneyana has already moved into the Disney Gallery space on Main Street. Official opening date is September 25.
- Mickey's Toontown House – closed through September 26 for refurbishment.
- Hungry Bear Restaurant – closed through September 27 for refurbishment.
- Snow White's Grotto – closed through September 27 for refurbishment (the wishing well area next to the Castle, not the ride).
- Jungle Cruise – closed September 30 through October 3.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed September 30 through October 3 for refurbishment.
- Gadget's Go Coaster – closed September 30 through October 10 for refurbishment.
- King Arthur Carrousel – closed through October 10 for refurbishment.
- Mad Tea Party – (the ride, not the dance party) closed October 14–24 for refurbishment.
- “it's a small world” – closed October 21 through November 7 for installation of the holiday overlay.
- Tiki Juice Bar – closed October 21 through November 14 for refurbishment.
- Dumbo Flying Elephants – closed October 28 through November 14 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm – closed November 1–7 to convert from Halloween to holiday overlay.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed through at least November 4 for a major refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed November 4 to remove Halloween overlay.
- Casey Jr. Circus Train – closed December 2–12 due to the Storybook Land refurbishment.
- Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed December 2–12 for refurbishment.
Snow White's Grotto is closed for cleaning and refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney California Adventure
The Pacific Wharf Cafe is covered for repainting, but remains open for food service. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
- Tower of Terror – reduced capacity now through January 1, 2014. This usually means one of the rides three drop shafts is closed for refurbishment, and that the ride is running at 2/3 capacity.
- Toy Story Midway Mania – closed September 16–19 for refurbishment.
- Disney Animation Building – partial closures September 30 through November 12 for maintenance (extended two weeks).
- Golden Zephry – closed through October 14 for refurbishment.
- Flik's Flyers – closed October 21 through November 14 for refurbishment.
- Radiator Springs Racers – closed November 4–7 for refurbishment.
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).
2013
Fall
- Halloween Time – September 13 through October 31.
- Mickey's Halloween Party – September 27 (sold out); October 1, 4 (sold out), 8, 11, 15, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, and 31. Tickets are now on sale. Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Disney Visa cardholders can get discounts on select nights.
- MouseAdventure Fall 2013 – Sunday, September 29.
- 23rd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 13. The annual fundraiser for Children's Hospital Orange County takes place before park hours in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The Magic Morning normally scheduled for Sunday at Disneyland will likely be rescheduled to Monday, October 14, and Disneyland will likely open at 9 a.m. to accommodate the event. Team MousePlanet is back for our 6th year, and we welcome new members – visit the CHOC website to join us! You can also visit our MousePad discussion forum for more information about the walk and our team.
Winter
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – November 12 through the first week of 2014.
- World of Color Winter Dreams debut – Friday, November 15.
- Candlelight Processional – (unconfirmed) December 7 and 8
2014
- Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – January 16–19. The half-marathon and kids races are sold out, but registration is still open for the 5K and 10K.
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
Disneyland prices as of June 2, 2013.
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update. 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.
| Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside the gates stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Disneyland admission, and may result in denial of entry. It is also common for criminals to shoplift inactivated Disney theme park tickets from supermarkets to resell them. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or travel agency. | ||
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One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $92/$86
One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $137/$131 |
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 $175/$162
Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $210/$197 |
Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells two-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 2-day Park Hoppers are $197 for adults ($185 for children); 2-day 1/park/day tickets are $168 for adults ($156 for children). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $225/$209 Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $260/$244 |
Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells three-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 3-day Park Hoppers are $245 for adults ($230 for children); 3-day 1/park/day tickets are $217 for adults ($202 for children). Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price – This offer is available in different versions from different vendors:
2012–2013 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($125) – a discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses. Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets may be purchased through September 26, 2013, and are valid through September 28, 2013. Disney defines “Eligible Service Members” as active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification will be required for purchase. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base or other at participating U.S. military sales outlets. The tickets are not available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. 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 are blocked out through July 4. 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. 2013–2014 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($129) – a discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses. The 2013-2014 U.S. Armed Forces discount is valid August 12, 2013, through September 25, 2014. Under this program, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $129 each. For the purpose of this offer, Disney defines “Eligible Service Members” as active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification will be required for purchase. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base or other at participating U.S. military sales outlets. The tickets are not available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. 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). Disney has also clarified that the “Military member (or spouse) must accompany the persons using these tickets for Theme Park admission,” which means you can not purchase these tickets and give them to someone who will be visiting without you present. Tickets are blocked out through December 19, 2013 through December 31, 2013; April 13, 2014 through April 20, 2014; and July 4, 2014. 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. For complete information regarding Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may visit the Disneyland Resort website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $250/$230 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $285/$265 |
Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells four-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 4-day Park Hoppers are $270 for adults ($250 for children); 4-day 1/park/day tickets are $240 for adults ($220 for children). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $265/$244 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $300/$279 |
Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells five-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 5-day Park Hoppers are $285 for adults ($265 for children); 5-day 1/park/day tickets are $255 for adults ($235 for children). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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| Six Day, One Park per Day Ticket Six Day Park Hopper | No longer offered by Disneyland – some travel providers may offer tickets for 6 days or longer as part of a package to international customers; residents of Canada, Australia, or the U.K. should check with local travel agencies to see what options may be available. | |
| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports |
No discounts currently available for new purchases. California residents can take advantage of the monthly payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport.
Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Southern California CityPASS $319/$279 Southern California CityPASS PLUS $353/$304 |
2013 Southern California CityPASS ($319/$279) – includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to Sea World San Diego and a one-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPASS expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by January 2, 2014. 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 a shipping charge may apply depending on how quickly you need the ticket. –includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to Sea World San Diego and a one-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, plus one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park. The CityPASS expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by January 2, 2014. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPASS website. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. Prices listed above are valid until January 2, 2014. |
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Other Discounts
| Did we miss an offer? If you know of an authorized discount on Disneyland Resort tickets, standing offers for Annual Passholders from non-Disney vendors, or other promotions which might interest our readers, please drop us a note! | ||
| Discounts for everyone |
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. These are offered at Disney-operated stores only, and generally can not be combined—you must choose one of the eligible offers. If you're a passholder, the minimum purchase is calculated after your discount, and your discount does not apply to the promotional item. Current offers:
Landry's Select Club – members of the Landry's Select Club get priority seating at the Rainforest Cafe when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days), and a 10 percent discount on retail purchases. This club replaces the former Rainforest Cafe Safari Club as of March 31, 2012. If you are already a Safari Club member, you can migrate your membership to the new Landry's Select Club at no charge, and start to earn points in the new program. The new Select Club eliminated the entree discount and free appetizer offer that was included with the Safari Club, replacing them with a point-based system that gives you a $25 gift certificate after you spend $250. If you are not yet a member of either the Safari Club or the Landry's Select Club, you can pre-purchase your membership before your trip. Membership now costs $25, but comes with a $25 reward. 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 percent 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). Character Dining Vouchers – discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through Get Away Travel. |
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| Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Disneyland Resort merchandise – Disneyland has once again extended the 20 percent merchandise discount offered to Premium annual passholders. The discount is now valid through December 31, 2013. |
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Discounts for Disney Visa Cardholders |
Character Meet and Greet – cardholders have access to a private character meet-and-greet photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, and receive one free 5″x7″ photograph per visit. Disneyland Resort merchandise – Cardholders also receive 10 percent off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney-operated retail stores Disneyland Resort dining – 10 percent off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (Big Thunder Ranch, River Belle Terrace, French Market, Cocina Cucamonga, Steakhouse 55, PCH Grill and Storyteller's Café) Disneyland Resort Guided Tours – 20 percent 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 for all of these promotions. |
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Hotel and travel package offers |
Costco Travel Packages – many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco. Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – package includes accommodations in 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 three DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!); 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. |
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Discounts for US Military |
2012–2013 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($125) – a discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses. Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets may be purchased through September 26, 2013, and are valid through September 28, 2013. Disney defines “Eligible Service Members” as active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification will be required for purchase. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base or other at participating U.S. military sales outlets. The tickets are not available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. 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 are blocked out through July 4. 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. 2013–2014 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($129) – a discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses. The 2013-2014 U.S. Armed Forces discount is valid August 12, 2013, through September 25, 2014. Under this program, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $129 each. For the purpose of this offer, Disney defines “Eligible Service Members” as active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification will be required for purchase. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base or other at participating U.S. military sales outlets. The tickets are not available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. 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). Disney has also clarified that the “Military member (or spouse) must accompany the persons using these tickets for Theme Park admission,” which means you can not purchase these tickets and give them to someone who will be visiting without you present. Tickets are blocked out through December 19, 2013 through December 31, 2013; April 13, 2014 through April 20, 2014; and July 4, 2014. 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. For complete information regarding Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may visit the Disneyland Resort website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. |
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| Discounts for California residents | None at this time | |
The current purchase with purchase offers at the Disneyland Resort include a towel, tote bag and watch. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Pheonix.
Contact a MousePlanet sponsor travel agency for assistance in booking your next trip
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Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
- DL: Disneyland
- DCA: Disney California Adventure
Annual Pass blockouts:
- SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
- SC – Southern California Annual Pass
- DX – Deluxe Annual Pass
Early Admission – full description available on the Disneyland website):
- MM – Magic Mornings for 3-plus day ticket holders, promotional “bonus” tickets, and Southern California CityPASS
- EMH – Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests
- EMH – Early Admission for Annual Passholders (not currently offered)
Disneyland Resort Special Events:
- GN – Grad Nite
- MA–- MouseAdventure (www.mouseadventure.com)
- MHP – Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland
| 9/22 | 9/23 | 9/24 | 9/25 | 9/26 | 9/27 | 9/28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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DL: 8a-11p None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-7p None DCA: 8a-12a AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 9a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 9/29 | 9/30 | 10/1 | 10/2 | 10/3 | 10/4 | 10/5 |
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DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: MA |
DL: 10a-9p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-6p EMH/MM DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 10a-9p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-9p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-7p None DCA: 8a-12a AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 8a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 10/6 | 10/7 | 10/8 | 10/9 | 10/10 | 10/11 | 10/12 |
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DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-6p EMH/MM DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 8a-6p None DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p EMH/MM DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-7p None DCA: 8a-12a AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 10/13 | 10/14 | 10/15 | 10/16 | 10/17 | 10/18 | 10/19 |
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DL: 10a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 9a-10p None DCA: 9a-9p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-6p EMH/MM DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 9a-9p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p EMH/MM DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-7p None DCA: 8a-12a AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 9a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 10/20 | 10/21 | 10/22 | 10/23 | 10/24 | 10/25 | 10/26 |
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DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-6p None DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-6p None DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-7p None DCA: 8a-12a AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 9a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 10/27 | 10/28 | 10/29 | 10/30 | 10/31 | 11/1 | 11/2 |
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DL: 9a-12a None DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-6p None DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-6p None DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 8a-6p EMH/MM DCA: 8a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MHP |
DL: 9a-12a None DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
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.
