Update for August 16 – 21, 2011
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News and Views
D23 Expo starts Friday | Disney Fires Head of Disney Vacation Club After Internal Investigation | Resort construction update |This and That… | Crowd Forecast
D23 Expo starts Friday
D23 Expo, Disney's convention for its official D23 fan club, opens this Friday at the Anaheim Convention Center. A day shorter than the debut 2009 Expo, the three-day event still features of roster of panel discussions, celebrity appearances, live entertainment, and shopping opportunities to keep most Disney fans entertained.
The final Expo schedule and guidebook are now available online, and Disney is making it easier for D23 Expo attendees to stay informed and organized during the Expo with a new mobile application for web enabled devices. The app lets you create a personalized Expo schedule, see venue maps and information, and view all of Disney's D23 social media content like Twitter and Facebook postings in one place.
MousePlanet is once again hosting the MousePlanet LOUNGE in the Collectors Forum, on the main level outside the Arena:
The MousePlanet LOUNGE is the place to come mix and mingle with MousePlanet readers and staff, and meet your fellow MousePad members and Community Leaders.
Kick up your feet and relax in our comfortable LOUNGE, check your e-mail, browse MousePad, and even print your boarding passes for the flight home. While you're there, be sure to pick up your MousePlanet and MouseAdventure buttons and decals.
Our Prize Squad will wander the exhibit floor throughout the Expo looking for readers wearing MousePlanet buttons, hats or stickers—show your MousePlanet style, and you could win fantastic prizes from our MousePlanet sponsors!
Mouse Tales author and MousePlanet columnist David Koenig will be at the MousePlanet LOUNGE on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21 to meet readers and sign copies of his books (books will be available to purchase at the event, or you can bring your own copies).
MousePlanet columnist J. Jeff Kober will be at the MousePlanet LOUNGE on Friday, August 19 to meet readers and sign copies of his book, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney (books will be available to purchase at the event, or you can bring your own copies).
We will once again offer our popular Camera Check service, where you can safely leave your electronics before you head into any presentations where cameras and phones may be prohibited.
MouseAdventure players, be sure to stop by the booth each day for a new challenge. Bring your “A” game, and you can win cool MouseAdventure prizes! Walt Disney World players, bring your World Explorers sash and receive a special MouseAdventure gift.
To help our readers who are attending the Expo, we've set up a special Twitter account just for the show. Follow @MPatD23Expo on Twitter for live updates, announcements and contests throughout D23 weekend.
For a preview of highlights for this year's convention, see our a series of articles from earlier this month: Day 1Day 2Day 3.
Disney Fires Head of Disney Vacation Club After Internal Investigation
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney fired its Disney Vacation Club president and two others last week after an internal investigation revealed that the executives had made such severe financial miscalculations that Disney would not be able too generate enough money to cover regular maintenance costs for Aulani, its newest DVC resort.
When news broke last Friday that Jim Lewis had left his role as president of the Disney Vacation Club, the only response from Disney was a short statement to the Sentinel wishing Lewis well in his future endeavors. Over the weekend, however, rumors circulated—some from trusted anonymous sources—that Lewis, who had been with Disney since 1996 and been promoted to his position with the DVC in 2003, had in fact been fired, and that the termination had to do with a serious paperwork problem with the Aulani project.
Yesterday, the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Garcia reported that Lewis' firing was directly related to financial issues with Aulani, and that Lewis was one of three people terminated as the result of an internal investigation. Also fired were Jim Heaney, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Disney Cruise Line and travel operations, and Lawrence Smith, a former director of finance for Disney Vacation Club who was most recently with food-and-beverage operations for Walt Disney World.
At issue is the original rate that prospective buyers were quoted for their the annual maintenance and tax dues for Aulani. At $4.31 per point (slightly below the current average for all DVC properties), this rate was deemed so low that Disney would not be able to generate enough even to cover the cost of regular maintenance at the resort.
Disney, which is contractually restricted from raising dues more than 15% each year, halted new sales at Aulani on July 9, and is filing new paperwork with the State of Hawaii that contains adjustments to its annual dues forecast for Aulani.
While maintenance costs would be lower at a newer property, many expected the dues at Aulani to be comparable to or higher than those paid by owners at the Animal Kingdom Villas ($5.01 per point in 2011), due to the new hotel's location and amenities.
DVC owners pay annual dues, which are used to operate and maintain the DVC resort and pay taxes on the property. Dues vary from property to property, and generally increase each year. For example for 2011, members who own points at Saratoga Springs are assessed $4.49 per poinr (around $718.00 for a member who owns the minimum of 160 points). The most expensive dues are for Vero Beach resort (currently $6.78 per point), while the lowest is for new Bay Lake Tower, at $3.89 per point.
Monday evening, Disney named Claire Bilby as the new Senior Vice President of Disney Vacation Club. Bilby will report to Karl Holz, who added DVC to his managerial portfolio during last month's restructuring of the Parks and Resorts division. According to the Disney press release, “Bilby recently served as Senior Vice President of Distribution Marketing and Asia Pacific Sales.
[Mark Goldhaber writes in the Walt Disney World Update about what was known and what was suspected at the time of Disney's announcement.]
Resort construction update
Enter the dog days of summer, where families get in their last-minute Disneyland trips before school is back in session, and the Resort is gears up for the long refurbishment schedule ahead. As with the past several weeks, there is little news coming out of the Resort during this final crush of summer, but the construction continues on projects in both parks.
We have had several emails in the past few weeks about the scheduled closure of Pirates of the Caribbean from September 7 to November 23, with some questioning our information (Disney had yet to confirm the closure), and others asking if there is any hope the ride will open early. Disney has now posted the closure on the official website, so yes, the refurbishment really is going to happen. As to whether the ride will reopen early, there's always a chance it may – but there's also a chance the work will take longer than planned, and the closure will extend a few days. If your Disneyland trip just won't be complete without a ride on Pirates, well, then “properly warned ye be says I…“
The Matterhorn is closed through September 1 for refurbishment.. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Starting in Disneyland, the Matterhorn is still closed for about two more weeks for scheduled refurbishment. We've heard that the support beam for the control tower was found to have rotted, and will be replaced before the ride opens; it appears that a temporary support beam is in place now.
Temporary beams support the Matterhorn control tower. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Heading to Disney California Adventure, new lights have been erected along the temporary path behind Soarin' Over California that will serve as the DCA entrance when the Buena Vista Street project ramps up after Labor Day.
The temporary entrance path behind Soarin' Over California has new temporary lighting. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The temporary entrance path behind Soarin' Over California has new temporary lighting. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The temporary entrance path behind Soarin' Over California has a new electronic sign. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Inside the park, the Buena Vista street project continues to change the look of the park entrance, with the Golden Gate Bridge facade being removed in chunks, the California Zephyr facade now completely gone, and the Engine-Ears Toys sign missing from the building exterior.
The Golden Gate Bridge facade is being removed from the Monorail track. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Work continues on the new Carthay Circle Theater building. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Work continues on the new fountain and central plaza of Buena Vista Street. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Workers are painting the faux rockwork of the Cadillac Range surrounding Cars Land; even on a gray day the new colors brighten up the skyline.
The Cadillac Range surrounding Cars Land looks more colorful this week. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Cadillac Range surrounding Cars Land looks more colorful this week. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Heavy lifting in the construction zone for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Heavy lifting in the construction zone for Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Disneyland Hotel construction project continues, with finishing touches being put on the Fantasy tower exterior, but still much work to be done on the former Neverland pool area.
The Fantasy tower exterior looks nearly complete. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Fantasy tower exterior looks nearly complete. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The construction zone has most of the central courtyard still closed to guests. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
New steps leading to the expanded pool area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A new retention wall around the expanded pool area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The former adult pool area and fitness center are still a staging area during construction. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The new exterior of the Sleeping Beauty pavilion at the Disneyland Hotel is nearly complete. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That…
…David Koenig writes in his MousePlanet Blog about the R2D2 figure spotted in Tomorrowland last week.
An interactive, animatronic R2D2 rolled through Disneyland this weekend, but won’t be around for long.
The character, operated similarly to PUSH the talking trash can, began appearing in Tomorrowland Friday morning August 5. “Artoo Detoo was an immediate hit with guests,” noted one employee. “Kids, grown-ups, and cast members were excited to see him. WDI and Lucasfilms planned this as a test—guest reaction and equipment durability. Artoo will be gone in a week.”
The character is expected to make its first publicized appearance August 19-21 at the D23 Expo in Anaheim. And after that? “Some cast members think the droid will be going to Florida, just like Lucky the dinosaur,” said one unhappy Disneylander. “If it happens, no one will be surprised. A lot of Disneyland cast members hate the way Walt Disney World is dictating how we operate. ‘Florida’ has become the new ‘f word.’”
Ironically, the “driver” for the new character—the updated Star Tours 2.0—is proving considerably more popular in Anaheim, where the day’s supply of FastPasses are often gone by noon, than in Orlando. Soon after the ride’s debut at Disneyland, two Imperial Stormtroopers replaced Buzz Lightyear in the area’s character meet & greets. They pose for pictures, but decline to sign autographs. Buzz was banished to Disney California Adventure.
Consequently, the cast member said, “Hopefully Artoo will stay (in California). But that all depends on Burbank. Maybe if there is enough positive guest feedback, hint, hint…”
Meatball sliders (left) and shrimp and grits are just two of the dishes on the new House of Blues menu created by celebrity chef and Food Network regular Aaron Sanchez . Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…A new menu by celebrity chef and Food Network regular Aaron Sanchez was introduced at select House of Blues locations this month, and the Downtown Disney branch will debut the new dishes at a Brewapalooza event on Saturday, August 27. The new menu includes dishes like shrimp and grits, meatball sliders, flatbread pizza, and a dish called “yummy chicken.” Guests at last week's 4th annual Taste of Downtown Disney benefiting CHOC Children's had the opportunity to sample the new dishes, and the reaction was very positive. Tickets to the Brewapalooza event, which also features local musicians and craft breweries, are $10 (general admission) or $25 (VIP), and proceeds benefit Project M.U.S.I.C and International House of Blues Foundation.
Napolini has a comfortable new outdoor dining area in Downtown Disney. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…Little Miss Matched in Downtown Disney has debuted a new collection of Disney-themed socks, sweaters and accessories, featuring Disney characters depicted in the store's signature, colorful style. The store reported strong sales of the collection in the first two weeks it was available, and associates say additional pieces will be added to the line this fall.
The Disney Visa booth outside the Disney Gallery is being removed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…Francis' Lady Bug Boogie has reopened after last week's unscheduled refurbishment. No details as to what prompted the closure.
…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
Visit the MousePlanet Lounge at D23 Expo
MousePlanet will once again be part of the Fan Forum at the upcoming D23 EXPO, August 19 to 21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The MousePlanet LOUNGE is the place to come mix and mingle with MousePlanet readers and staff, and meet your fellow MousePad members and Community Leaders.
Kick up your feet and relax in our comfortable LOUNGE, check your e-mail, browse MousePad, and even print your boarding passes for the flight home. While you're there, be sure to pick up a special MousePlanet button designed just for the EXPO, and register each day to win a prize from one of our MousePlanet Sponsors.
Mouse Tales author and MousePlanet columnist David Koenig will be at the MousePlanet LOUNGE on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21 to meet readers and sign copies of his books (books will be available to purchase at the event, or you can bring your own copies). Copies of Vault of Walt by MousePlanet columnist and Disney historian Jim Korkis will also be available for purchase.
We will once again offer our popular Camera Check service, where you can safely leave your electronics before you head into any presentations where cameras and phones may be prohibited.
MouseAdventure players, be sure to stop by the booth each day for a new challenge. Bring your “A” game, and you can win cool MouseAdventure prizes!
To help our readers who are attending the Expo, we've set up a special Twitter account just for the show. Follow @MPatD23Expo on Twitter for live updates, announcements and contests throughout D23 weekend.
Come CHOC Walk with Team MousePlanet
Team MousePlanet is back for our fourth year at the CHOC Walk in the Park, benefiting Children's Hospital Orange County. In 2010, 74 members of Team MousePlanet jointly raised $11,626.40—we'd love to beat that record for 2011. The 2011 race is Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the Disneyland Resort. There is no fee to sign up; you just need to raise $50 by the event day. Here's how you can participate:
- Walk with Team MousePlanet – register to walk with us at the October 16 event, and earn prizes as you meet your fundraising goals. Team MousePlanet Walkers who raise at least $50 (the minimum entry fee for the walk) by October 12 receive a very special Team MousePlanet ear hat as a thank-you gift for participating, and are eligible for additional prizes from Walk sponsors.
- Raise money with Team MousePlanet – register as a “Sleeping Bear,” (someone who is raising money, but cannot attend the Walk in person), and earn prizes as you meet your fundraising goals.
- Sponsor a specific Team MousePlanet walker – sponsor a Team MousePlanet walker, and help them earn prizes.
For more information, to register or to donate, visit our CHOC Walk website. To talk with other Team MousePlanet walkers, visit our MousePad discussion forum.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- 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.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed through September 1 for refurbishment.
- Haunted Mansion – closed August 29 to September 15 for installation of the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed September 7 to November 23 for refurbishment.
- Blue Bayou – closed September 7 to November 23 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed September 9–15 for installation of the Ghost Galaxy overlay.
- Mark Twain – closed September 26–28 for deck oiling.
- “it's a small world” – closed October 24 to November 10 for installation of the holiday overlay.
Seasonal refurbishments:
- California Screamin' – closed September 6 to October 14 for refurbishment.
- Redwood Challenge Creek Trail – closed October 3 – 28 for refurbishment.
- It's Tough to be a Bug! – closed October 24 – November 11 for refurbishment.
Construction-related closures:
- Engine-Ears Toys – closed through May 30, 2012 for renovation.
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Baker's Field Bakery – closed through May 30, 2012 for conversion to Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream – closed through May 30, 2012 for conversion to Fiddler, Fife, and Practical Cafe. - Greetings from California – closed August 29, 2011 to May 30, 2012 for renovation.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
- Disneyland Hotel Neverland Pool – closed due to construction. The hotel's new pool area and new Monorail water slide are now open for hotel guests.
- 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).
2011
Summer
- Mickey's Soundsational Summer – now through September 5.
- ElecTRONica – Now through Spring 2012.
- D23 Expo – August 19–21 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets for the D23 Expo 2011 are now on sale event website.
- Sixth annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 2–4. Registration for the 2011 event is sold out.
Fall
- HalloweenTime at the Disneyland Resort – September 16 to October 31
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through Spring 2012.
- Fall 2011 MouseAdventure at the Disneyland Resort – Saturday, September 24 (Advanced division) and Sunday, September 25 (Advanced, Basic and 101 divisions) at the Disneyland Resort. The event is now sold out; visit MouseAdventure.com to sign up for our newsletter for information about future events.
- 13th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – September 30 to October 2. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
- Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland – September 30; October 3, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 and 31. Advance-purchase tickets are on sale now for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders via the AP section of Disneyland.com or by calling (714) 781–4000. Tickets are to the general public starting July 1 via Disneyland.com.
- CHOC Walk in the Park – Sunday October 16. Registration is now open via the event website.
- Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. “Utah Escapes to Anaheim”) – October 20 & 21 (link). Expect unusually large attendance levels October 20–23 as Utah students and families take advantage of a 4-day weekend created by their school's participation in a state education convention. Not all Utah schools or teachers close for or attend UEA, but the impact on the Resort is usually noticeable enough to mention.
- Fall 2011 MouseAdventure at Walt Disney World – Saturday, November 12. Registration is now open, visit MouseAdventure.com for more information and to sign up for our newsletter.
Winter
- Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort – November 14, 2011 to January 8, 2012.
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through Spring 2012.
2012
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through Spring 2012.
- Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – January 27–29. Registration for the half marathon and family races is now 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.
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 |
3-Day So Cal Resident Ticket ($139) and 3-Day So Cal Resident Park Hopper ($154) – The 2011 3-Day So Cal resident discount ticket is $139, $31 more expensive than the 2010 version, and offers Southern California residents three one-day admissions to either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. The ticket is the same price for adults and children. This base ticket is NOT a park hopper, and allows admission to only one park per day. For an additional $15 per person, you can upgrade to a 3-day Park Hopper ticket that allows admission to both parks each day. The ticket is valid June 3 through September 5, 2011, but is blocked out July 2-4 and August 21-22. The ticket has a 45-day “fuse,” which means you must use all three admissions within 45 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($199/$183) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Disneyland website. Ticket must be purchased between June 12 and October 1, 2011, and is not available for purchase at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Ticket is valid beginning June 19, and first use must be on or before October 1, 2011. The ticket has 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). 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.) 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 ($99) – 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 September 28 and used by October 1. The ticket has the following 2011 blockout dates: February 18–21; April 17–23; and July 1–4. 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. |
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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, this ticket is available online and in select 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. This ticket comes with a $50 Disney gift card, and has an “upgrade value” of $192 if you want to update the 4-day ticket to a higher value ticket or annual pass. 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. Promotional 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($219/$201) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Disneyland website. Ticket must be purchased between June 12 and October 1, 2011, and is not available for purchase at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Ticket is valid beginning June 19, and first use must be on or before October 1, 2011. The ticket has 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). 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.) 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 |
Promotional 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($231/$211) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Disneyland website. Ticket must be purchased between June 12 and October 1, 2011, and is not available for purchase at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Ticket is valid beginning June 19, and first use must be on or before October 1, 2011. The ticket has 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). 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.) 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 |
Promotional 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($236/$216) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Disneyland website. Ticket must be purchased between June 12 and October 1, 2011, and is not available for purchase at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Ticket is valid beginning June 19, and first use must be on or before October 1, 2011. The ticket has 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). 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.) 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
Summer room-only hotel discounts offer – The Resort is offering discounts of up to 25 percent on select Disneyland Resort Hotel stays for arrivals through August 13, 2011. Travel must be booked by July 23, 2011, and a two-night minimum stay is required. Discount applies only to standard and concierge level rooms. There is a limit of two rooms per reservation, and a maximum of five people per room. Travel must be completed by August 14, 2011.
“specially created, limited time Disney's Fastpass return line for The Little Mermaid – Ariel's Undersea Adventure attraction” that will be available through September 11, 2011.
Book online at the Disneyland website, call Walt Disney Travel Company at (714) 520-6425, or contact your favorite travel agent.
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
Character Dining Vouchers – Discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through Get Away Travel.
Disney Visa Discounted Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers at a discount of 50%. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental location between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
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)
| 8/14 | 8/15 | 8/16 | 8/17 |
8/18 |
8/19 | 8/20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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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 MM |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 8/21 | 8/22 | 8/23 | 8/24 |
8/25 |
8/26 | 8/27 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p MM |
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p MM |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 8/28 | 8/29 | 8/30 | 8/31 |
9/1 |
9/2 | 9/3 |
|
DL: 8a-11p
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-10p MM |
DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-10p MM |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 9/4 | 9/5 | 9/6 | 9/7 | 9/8 | 9/9 | 9/10 |
|
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-6p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/11 | 9/12 | 9/13 | 9/14 | 9/15 | 9/16 | 9/17 |
|
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-6p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/18 | 9/19 | 9/20 | 9/21 | 9/22 | 9/23 | 9/24 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/25 | 9/26 | 9/27 | 9/28 | 9/29 | 9 /30 | |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-7p DCA: 10a-10p TT MHP |
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.
