Disneyland Resort Update

Update for April 13 – April 19, 2009

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

News and Views

Sayonara, Yamabuki | Games of the Boardwalk reopen | DCA construction update | D23 merchandise: when is “exclusive” not really exclusive?  | MouseAdventure: Day at the Park registration closes this week | This and That

Sayonara, Yamabuki

Paradise Pier Hotel’s Yamabuki restaurant finally shut its doors this weekend. The fine dining restaurant was a holdover from the former Pan Pacific Hotel, and was once popular with the Japanese vacationers and tour groups who frequented that property. The hotel was purchased by Disney in 1995, and rebranded as the beach-theme Paradise Pier Hotel just before the opening of Disney’s California Adventure. As the elegant new Grand Californian Hotel opened to welcome well-heeled travelers, the Paradise Pier Hotel became the “value” property of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels, and Yamabuki waned in popularity.

Disney’s Yamabuki restaurant is shuttered. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The restaurant was remodeled in 2006 and reopened with a new menu, but the changes were not enough to revive the restaurant, and Yamabuki discontinued lunch service earlier this year. Cast members were finally given two weeks notice in late March, though Disney said that they would try to find new positions for the hourly employees impacted by the closure. Some of the locations 39 employees have already reportedly found work at other Resort restaurants, while others are still looking for a position that will offer them enough hours to maintain health insurance eligibility.

As the closing date drew near, CMs began to discuss their concerns with the cast members and frequent diners who came to enjoy one final meal at the restaurant, talking openly about their prospects and hoping for good news at the next meeting with Disney management. As guests took their final photos and asked to buy the restaurant’s distinctive soy sauce decanters, one server advised diners, “Don’t come back next week, we won’t be here,” and another server slipped copies of the menu and a handful of Yamabuki-logo chopsticks to her customers. Despite the outpouring of sympathy from loyal patrons, same-day reservations were available throughout the restaurant’s final week, and closing-night spots were still available on Friday. Cast members said that they would have an after-hours “kitchen blowout” party Saturday night to bid farewell to the location at which some have worked for over 10 years.

Though Disney has not announced any plans for the now-vacant restaurant space, MousePlanet’s David Koenig reported last week that “a source at the Paradise Pier alleges the replacement will be a Mexican restaurant—with a more affordable menu than Yamabuki’s.”

Games of the Boardwalk reopen

DCA’s Games of the Boardwalk reopened this weekend, two weeks ahead of schedule. The four midway-style games received a facelift during the lengthy remodel, and each of the four games has a new, Disney-inspired theme. Four Play Card kiosks located near the games accept cash or credit cards, and issue rechargeable cards that are scanned or swiped at each game. Play Cards start at $5 for 500 points, and games cost at least 250 points each. Cast members say the cashless system makes it much easier to manage the games, and that they prefer not to have to handle cash. Four different styles of Play Card are available, each featuring artwork from one of the rethemed games.

The Games of the Boardwalk reopened with new themes for the four games. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Purchase Play Cards with cash or credit card. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Goofy About Fishing now offers a prize to every player. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

When the renovation was first announced, Imagineers said that the new games would offer new prizes to match their new Disney themes. Goofy About Fishing awards winners their choice from a selection of plush fish, every player is a winner and size of the prize depends on the fish caught in the game. Bullseye Stallion Stampede awards winners plush horses and farm critters, and players who excel at Dumbo Bucket Brigade can win a plush circus animal. The only prize that doesn’t seem to match is the neon-colored plush monkey awarded to the winners of Casey at the Bat, but the cast member staffing that game said she thought they may still be waiting for their new prize.

Bullseye Stallion Stampede replaced the former porpoise race. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Test your pitching arm with the Casey at the Bat game. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Dumbo Bucket Brigade to the rescue. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Some games are activated by sliding your Play Card through a reader. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

A cast member scans a Play Card at the start of a game. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The games are wheelchair accessible. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

DCA construction update

Many of the tarps have come down from around the DVC expansion of the Grand Californian Hotel, revealing some exterior details of the project. Concrete has been poured for the new Mariposa pool and spa, and Whitewater Snacks has reopened after a brief remodel. The location will serve as the convenience store for the DVC villas when they open in November, and new stock shelves were installed along one short wall of the snack bar.

One of the two new 3-bedroom Grand Villas has a view of the new pool area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The new Mariposa pool and spa are under construction on the former site of the Great Lawn. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The new Mickey face is taking shape on the Sun Wheel, but the reopening date for the attraction has been postponed until May 7, two weeks after the original date. The star design inside the California Screamin’ loop is almost complete. Even more platforms for the new equipment for the Wonderful World of Color show have been installed inside Paradise Bay, and now form a solid surface covering much of the bay.

The Sun Wheel’s new Mickey face is taking shape. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The California Screamin’ loop has a new star design. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Light bulbs have been installed on several spokes of the Sun Wheel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The platform in Paradise Bay has grown considerable in recent weeks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The platform extends to the very edge of the concrete ledge outside Ariel’s Grotto. A restaurant cast member says that the location’s patio will be enclosed, and that a premium viewing package will be offered once The Wonderful World of Color show debuts this winter. The narrow edge of the Cove Bar that faces Paradise Bay will be sectioned off from the existing bar area, and will also be used as a premium viewing location.

The platform stretches to the very edge of the concrete ledge outside Ariel’s Grotto. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The Sun Wheel reopening has been delayed until May 7. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The new face of Paradise Pier. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

D23 merchandise: when is “exclusive” not really exclusive?

Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix writes about Disney’s D23 in her MousePlanet blog:

Much has been written about Disney’s D23, the “Official Community for Disney Fans,” including a blog post I wrote in May outlining the benefits of this $74.99/year club (link). In addition to the one-year subscription to the D23 magazine, a membership card and a suitable-for-framing (if you want to spend another $89.99 for the commemorative frame) membership certificate, one of the major benefits offered to subscribers is “Exclusive Special Events and Merchandise.” My experience has been that Disney has a very different definition of the word “exclusive” than most, and I wondered how long it would take to find out how they intended to define that word in regards to D23 merchandise.

Duckman’s Inside Report, a site devoted to the sculptures of the Walt Disney Classics Collection, is reporting that the WDCC sculpture of Walt Disney and Oswald the Rabbit currently offered for pre-order on the DisneyShopping.com Web site as the D23 Membership Exclusive Limited-Edition WDCC ”True Originals” Walt Disney & Oswald Figurine will also be available through authorized WDCC retailers this Fall (link).

This WDCC sculpture is slightly less “exclusive” than advertised. Photo © Disney.

The piece is a Numbered Limited Edition of 1500 pieces, 400 of which will have a special D23-exclusive backstamp. The D23 edition is available only to members, and will be released in July. The remaining 1100 pieces in the “general” edition will be released in September.

To Disney’s credit, they are technically correct that the 400 pieces of the D23 edition are exclusive to their membership, and the detailed product listing does include the disclosure that “400 of the General Limited Edition have been produced with a commemorative Walt Disney Archives Collection/D23 backstamp available exclusively to D23 Members and only at DisneyShopping.com ” Of course, that same detailed product listing begins with the phrase “Available exclusively to D23 members,” and fails to mention the other 1100 sculptures at all. From this description, someone could easily infer that the first 400 would have the special backstamp, and so should order early to make sure they get one of the “special” pieces. Since this piece is prominently displayed in both the online and in-park marketing of D23, you have to wonder how many WDCC collectors have joined the “community” simply to gain access to this one piece.

Maintaining the integrity of “exclusive” releases is a HUGE part of satisfying hard-core collectors, and breaking that trust so quickly does not bode well for future releases. Disney simply MUST get this right to have any hope that D23 will succeed.

MouseAdventure: Day at the Park registration closes this week

Registration for the second of our Spring 2009 MouseAdventure events closes this Wednesday, April 15 (link), and there’s plenty of room for new teams to come play MousePlanet’s signature community event. The Day at the Park event is designed for new MouseAdventure teams as well as returning teams who play “just for fun.” This is a noncompetitive event—teams play only for bragging rights. If you’ve ever wondered what a MouseAdventure event is all about, this is the perfect opportunity to find out!

Registration for our Inaugural Walt Disney World MouseAdventure event on Saturday, November 14 is NOW OPEN. Don’t miss your chance to be one of the first MouseAdventurers to race around Epcot. Visit our MouseAdventure information page for more information about our Fall event (link). And don’t forget to stop by our MousePad discussion boards to ask questions of the MouseAdventure crew and fellow players (link).

This and That

…Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival begins April 24, and Disney has posted a few Festival recipes on the event Web site (link). The recipes include Asparagus Bruschetta, Berry Crisp with Strawberry Sorbet, Chipotle Stuffed Beef Tenderloin and Roasted Butternut Curry Soup.

The new San Francisco-area restrooms are scheduled to open on May 16. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

…Once DCA’s new San Francisco East restrooms open, currently scheduled for May 16, the demolition of the Golden Dreams Theater and the existing West rest room complex will begin. Corn Dog Castle fans should make it a point to enjoy their final spicy hot dog by the end of May, as that location and the nearby Souvenir 66 stand will close for a lengthy renovation in June.

Monorail Orange entered passenger service this week. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

…Disneyland’s new Monorail Orange began carrying passengers last week, just in time for Monorail Red to go back to the roundhouse for scheduled maintenance. Monorail Blue was also put back in service this weekend.

…The Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is offering a discount on select treatments booked Mondays through Thursdays. Click the image below to open a copy of the flyer detailing the special offers. A 20% service fee is added to all treatments.

…MousePlanet sponsor Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel is hosting a ‘What I Love About the Anaheim Resort’ contest. The Grand Prize is a pair of 2-Day Park Hopper passes, and a 3-night stay in a premium Disney-view room at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Submit your entry online via the hotel’s discussion board (link).

…The Hilton Anaheim will make at least 89 rooms available for $89 per night through the end of 2009 as part of their “89@89” promotion announced last month. Nonrefundable reservations must be made 21 days in advance and must be prepaid. The rate is not available for groups, and a few restrictions apply. The fastest way to book this rate is to call (877) 776-4932 and ask for rate code “QO.” You can also book online (link) and select the “Advance Purchase” rate. Some readers have reported that they were unable to book at the discounted rate online, so don’t hesitate to call the hotel if you have any trouble.

…The Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort is offering a food & beverage gift card worth $50, $75 or $100 when you stay two, three or four nights. The gift card is valid at select food locations in the hotel, excluding Morton’s Steakhouse. Book online at the hotel Web site (link), or call 1-866-716-8130 and ask for promo code PLAY09.

…Taylor Morrison is sponsoring a Dream Home Giveaway, with a grand prize of a new single-family residence in a Taylor Morrison community and a vacation to the Disneyland Resort (link). You can enter once each day through June 1, 2009. You can also receive 50 bonus entries by visiting a Taylor Morisson community and asking the salesperson for a bonus code.

…Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates. This week’s changes include a brief refurbishment of Pirates of the Caribbean at the end of April. The Disneyland Resort Web site is currently only publishing refurbishment information about 6 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.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years – closed through September 25, 2009 to return Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to the Opera House.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed April 27-May 1 for refurbishment.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – closes May 4, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Hungry Bear Restaurant – closed May 4-15, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Sailing Ship Columbia – closed May 18-20, 2009 for refurbishment.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Sun Wheel – closed through May 7, 2009 for refurbishment and to install the new Mickey face.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closes April 27, 2009 for refurbishment.
• The Vineyard Room – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this restaurant, but an employee publication lists October 4, 2009 as the return date.
• Golden Dreams – closed. This attraction will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.
• Burger Invasion – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald’s location, but an employee publication lists May 12, 2011 as the return date.
• King Triton’s Carousel – closed March 9 – May 21, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closes May 18 for refurbishment.
• Paradise Pier Lagoon – currently drained while workers complete several construction projects in the area. The Lagoon is scheduled to be refilled after Labor Day 2009.
• Golden State Amphitheater – area closed for construction of new viewing area for Disney’s World of Color water show. The area is scheduled to reopen December 18, 2009.
• The Lucky Fortune Cookery – This restaurant area, largely unused for the past several years except during special events, is closed through June 18, 2009 for renovation into a new counter-service restaurant.

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.

Spring

• Spring Break – April 4-18, 2009. The Disneyland Resort is expecting the largest Spring Break crowds during this two-week period, though schools observe Spring Break and off-track periods throughout March and April.
• Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival – Daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009. A listing of many of the signature and complimentary events is now available on the event Web site (link). Online registration is now open for these Signature Events.
• MouseAdventure – Sunday, April 26 (competitive event) and Sunday, May 10 (noncompetitive event) at the Disneyland Resort (link). The April 26 MouseAdventure event is filled to capacity, however there are still some space available for the May 10 MouseAdventure: Day at the Park. Be sure to register for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to receive future announcements (link).
• Bats Day in the Fun Park (unofficial event) – Sunday May 3, 2009 (link).
• 2009 Grad Nite events – Thursdays, May 14, May 21, May 28 and June 4; Wednesday, June 10; Thursdays, June 11 and June 18.

Summer

• Summer Pin Festival Kick-Off Event – Saturday, June 20, 2009 (link). The event is now sold out (link).
• Summer Pin Festival – Daily, June 19 to August 9, 2009 (link).
• Unofficial Star Wars Day at Disneyland – June 27 (link).
• NFFC 25th Anniversary Disneyana Convention – July 14-18, 2009.
• MousePlanet.com “birthday” party at the Celebration BBQ at Big Thunder Ranch – Saturday, July 18, 2009. Stay posted for additional information as it becomes available.
• NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale – Sunday July 19, 2009
• Pinbassador Inspirations Pin Release & Signing – Saturday, August 8, 2009 (link).
• SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception – Saturday, August 8, 2009. Tickets are now on sale (link).
• SHAG Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Product Release & Signing – Sunday, August 9, 2009 (link).

Fall

• 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-6, 2009. Registration is now open (link).
• 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).
• UEA / “Utah Escapes to Anaheim” – October 1-2, 2009. (Link). Expect unusually large attendance levels as Utah students and families take advantage of an education convention.
• 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 19, 2009. Registration will open in the summer (link). Team MousePlanet will once again participate in this event, and additional details will be announced as they are available.

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 Regularly $69/$59 One Day Park Hopper Regularly $94/$84	Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know.)
Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $143/$123	2009 “Southern California 2Fer Ticket” ($69 / $59) – Visitors who live in Southern California and Baja California, Mexico can now purchase the 2009 “Southern California 2Fer Ticket.” This special ticket offers admission to either Disneyland or Disney’s California on one day and then to the other park on a second day for the price of a one-day, one-park ticket ($69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3 to 9). The 2009 promotion also features a return of the “Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket” for $94 for adults / $84 for ages 3-10. This is $25 more than the 2Fer ticket and allows you to visit both Disneyland and DCA on the same day. The offers includes much the same fine print as previous promotions: Tickets valid for Southern California residents within Zip codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within Zip codes 21000-22999. Proof of residency required. The 2Fer ticket is valid for one day at Disneyland park and another day at Disney’s California Adventure park , but not for both parks on the same day. The 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket may be used at both parks on the same day. Tickets expire 30 days from first visit. First visit must occur between January 6, 2009 and June 3, 2009. [Note: This is a full two months longer than the 2008 promotion, and does not exclude the Spring Break period as such offers usually do.] Each use constitutes one full day of use. Limit 8 tickets per person, per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. [Except for the “What Will You Celebrate?” birthday admission offer as explained below.] Subject to restrictions and change without notice. You can purchase these tickets starting January 6, 2009 at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, as well as Disneyland Resort Hotels and Disneyland.com. Vons stores, The Disney Stores and the Disney Desks at places like South Coast Plaza and The Grove may also carry the tickets, but we have not been able to confirm this yet. [Note: in past years, it has taken quite some time for non-Disney outlets to receive the tickets, so don’t be surprised if your local Vons store or mall Disney Desk doesn’t have them yet.] The 2009 offer is slightly complicated by the “What Will You Celebrate?” promotion, and special options are available to eligible residents with birthdays between January 6 and June 3. If you live within the residency area and your birthday is on or between January 6 and June 3, you will receive a “2Fer Birthday Ticket” instead of a one-day, one-park ticket. The 2Fer terms and conditions apply to this ticket. You must use the first day of your 2Fer on your birthday. You can upgrade the 2Fer Birthday Ticket to the Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket by paying $25. The 2Fer ticket is considered valid admission media for the purposes of the “What Will You Celebrate?” offer, so people who already have a 2Fer can receive one of the three Alternate Gifts. AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $2 off the box-office price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $1 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths (link).
Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $199/$169	Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value) Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$144) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($149) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Disney’s Armed Forces Salute 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket (Free/$94) – Through June 12, 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 available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited. For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424. Full details of the offer, including eligibility guidelines and other restrictions, are posted on our MousePad discussion board (link).
Four Day Park Hopper Regularly $224/$194	Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($154) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Costco Disneyland Resort Play 4 Days Exchange Certificate – Available through the Costco Web site (link), this $139 ticket (for ages 3 through adult) is good for four one-day admissions to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. The tickets are non-transferable—the same person must use all four admissions. The ticket expires once the four admissions are used, or on July 31, 2009, whichever comes first. This is not a park-hopper pass, although you could probably use one admission per day at each park, in effect using the four admissions as a two-day park-hopper. The tickets are available only to Costco members who are residents of Southern California. Tickets must be purchased at Costco, with a limit of eight tickets per member per day. It is important to note that the item you purchase at Costco is an “Exchange Certificate,” not a valid park passport. Members must exchange the certificate at the Disneyland Resort Ticket booth to receive the Play 4 Days ticket. Proof of California residency in zip codes 90000 through 93599 is required to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket.
Five Day Park Hopper Regularly $244/$214	Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($204/$174) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($199/$169) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 5-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($164) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for the Price of 3 Days ($179/$149) – Disneyland’s new Summer promotion offers two extra days of park admisison when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. These tickets must be purchased before your trip, either through the Disneyland Web site or as part of your vacation package. You can NOT purchase this promotional ticket from the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, so plan ahead! The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus tickets expire 13 days after first day of use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use constitutes one full day of use.
Six Day Park Hopper Regularly $249/$219	Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($209/$179) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 6-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($179) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for the Price of 4 Days ($194/$164) – Disneyland’s new Summer promotion offers two extra days of park admisison when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. These tickets must be purchased before your trip, either through the Disneyland Web site or as part of your vacation package. You can NOT purchase this promotional ticket from the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, so plan ahead! The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus tickets expire 13 days after first day of use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use constitutes one full day of use.
Deluxe Annual Passport Regulary $269	Costco $50 bonus gift card offer – Costco members can receive a $50 Disneyland gift card when they purchase a Deluxe Disneyland Resort annual passport for $269 at a participating Costco location. The offer should be available at all Southern California Costco stores that currently sell Disneyland admission, but the vouchers may not have arrived in all locations yet. [A list of the 37 Costco locations within 50 miles of the Disneyland Resort is available on our MousePad discussion board (link), and we have noted which locations are confirmed to have these tickets available. If you are a Costco member and live near one of the stores that is not confirmed, please check the next time you’re there and then let us know so we can update the list.] There are no residency restrictions on this ticket, and it can be upgraded to a Deluxe with parking or Premium passport. Better still, the $50 gift card can be applied towards the cost of the upgrades, which nearly pays for the $59 parking option or drops the net cost of a Premium Annual Passport to just $339.
2009 Southern California CityPass $259/$219	2009 Southern California CityPass ($259/$219) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance). You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass online from Costco at a cost of $227/$192 (link), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member, and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco!

Hotel / Travel Packages

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

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

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

Alaska Airlines “Kids Fly Free to the Disneyland Resort” promotion – Valid for travel between January 7 and June 17, 2009 when you also book your hotel through the airline. Significant restrictions apply to the promotion, including blockout dates. This offer can be a good deal for some families, but make sure that you compare the total quoted package price against the same elements if purchased a la carte. You may be able to take advantage of other published airfare specials and hotel discounts to create a less expensive vacation package. Unfortunately the Alaska Airlines Web site can be sluggish, making comparison shopping time consuming, but you should definitely do your homework before you buy.

Other Discounts

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

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

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

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

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

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland

DCA: Disney’s California Adventure

Annual Pass blockout dates:

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

Disneyland Resort Special Events:

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

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

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

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