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News and Views

Fantasyland is whole again – Following a yearlong effort
in which the ride was rebuilt from the ground up, King Arthur Carrousel
has returned. And just in time, allowing nostalgic couples to enjoy moonlit,
and thankfully dry, rides on Valentine’s evening.

King Arthur Carrousel opens after more
than a year of reconstruction.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A new purple shade canopy covers the queue

area.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Beyond the cosmetic changes, which include a fresh new paint
job, new shade canopy, and beautifully restored horses, the ride boasts
some new features. The most noticeable difference is the addition of a
new bench seat, which replaces a row of four horses. A new special-assistance
entrance and fold-down ramp allow riders to board the Carrousel without
leaving their wheelchairs, or navigating the steep step onto the platform.

The much-debated ramp makes the Carrousel
wheelchair-accessible for the first time.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

This modification created a lot of controversy among fans,
cast members, and carrousel enthusiasts, as evidenced by the reader
mail David Koenig received in reply to his Circular
Reasoning column. However, the improved access thrilled others.
Barbara V. said, “It’s about time they caught up and did this.”
Her two children, who both use powered wheelchairs, are looking forward
to riding the Carrousel for the first time in their lives.

The wheelchair ramp folds for storage.


Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The new ramp is well-themed to the Fantasyland decor. Nonskid
material was applied in a clever diamond pattern on the surface of the
ramp, and a unicorn design on the bottom is visible when the ramp is stowed.
Other safety enhancements are equally well done. The new security cameras,
which give the ride operators a 360-degree view of the entire ride as
it spins, blend well into the structure.

New security cameras let ride operators

see around corners.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The safety tape marking the edge of the platform is patterned

in a clever diamond motif, a vast improvement on the garish yellow stripes

applied elsewhere in the park. The surface of the new platform is a beautiful

wood grain, giving the entire ride a rich new look.

The new Carrousel platform is trimmed with

subtle safety tape.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Harold returns – The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction,
which was closed while workers made extensive safety modifications, also
returned this weekend. The tunnels of the ride have been widened around
the track, decreasing the chance that careless riders might scrape their
hands or arms on the faux rocks as they travel through the mountain. Some
show elements were repaired or replaced, and a scattering of small pine
trees now lines the track. The initial climb into the mountain is much
darker than before, and the eyes of “Harold,” the Abominable
Snowman, glow in shades of red, blue and violet.

The mountain was not painted, but at least

it is open.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Although the Matterhorn Bobsleds is finally open again,
it looks like construction is not over. The mountain and dispatch building
were not repainted during this rehab. The pavement around the attraction
still bears the scars of the demolition work, and needs to be resurfaced
and repainted. Expect the Bobsleds to close at least once more this year,
to allow for the long-awaited implementation of Fastpass.

Bobsleds dash past a waterfall.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

One day at a time – A series of one-day closures
of selected Fantasyland “dark rides” begin this week, as the
rides receive new ride operator control panels. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,
Peter Pan’s Flight and Alice in Wonderland are affected this week, while
Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey receive updates
next week.

The new Pooh vehicles sit outside the attraction.

Photo by Jeff and Debbie W.

Mark your calendars – Disneyland has announced
that The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Playhouse Disney
– Live on Stage! are expected to both open on Friday, April 11.

A security guard watches over the Disneyland

entrance gates.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Security matters – With the country at the “orange”
terrorism alert status, security measures at the Disneyland Resort have
become much more visible. New signs at the driveway entrances to the resort
hotels warn drivers that enhanced security measures are in place. Security
guards posted near the toll booths inside the Mickey and Friends parking
structure observe cars as they enter. More guards are stationed inside
the structure, and in the tram esplanade outside the structure. Even more
guards are stationed in the esplanade between Disneyland and Disney’s
California Adventure. Most security guards stationed outside the parks
now wear bright orange reflective vests.

Security guards now patrol the tram esplanade

outside the parking structure.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

In addition to the bag checks implemented after September
11, 2001, visitors entering the parks are now asked to open their coats
and jackets for inspection. Anaheim police officers are often visible
inside the parks, and police vehicles are frequently parked right in the
esplanade.

Hungry diners line up for standby seating

on Valentine’s Day.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Cupid Blues – Families and couples expecting
to enjoy an aprés-park Valentine’s Day dinner at Downtown
Disney without a reservation faced a rude awakening Friday night. The
Downtown Disney restaurants experienced their busiest night in recent
memory, with full reservation books and standby waits topping an hour.

Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel had filled all
of its available Valentine’s night slots in January, so the restaurant
decided to offer its special menu on Saturday, February 15, to accommodate
more diners. By 8:00 p.m., Hook’s Point at the Disneyland Hotel had a
standby wait of 90 minutes, and Catal at Downtown Disney was serving overflow
crowds at their bar.

Even the Downtown Disney parking lot reached capacity, and
closed before 8:00. New arrivals were directed to free parking in the
overflow Pinocchio parking lot outside the Mickey and Friends parking
structure.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction

Closures

Work continues on Tom Sawyer Island.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland

• Disney Gallery – January 26 through March 1


• Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – through March 27


• Rivers of America – through March 27


• Mark Twain Riverboat – through March 27


• Sailing Ship Columbia – through March 27


• 
  
  Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough – indefinite
  
  
  

New construction walls in Critter Country

blend into the surroundings.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo – through May 21

Future Attraction Closures:

• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – February 18
• Peter Pan’s Flight – February 19
• Alice in Wonderland – February 20
• Splash Mountain – February 24 – March 13
• Critter Country – February 24 – March 13
• Snow White’s Scary Adventures – February 25
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – February 26
• Mad Tea Party – April 28 – May 15
• Pirates of the Caribbean – April 28 – May 30
• Blue Bayou Restaurant – April 28 – May 30
• Indiana Jones Adventure – September 2 – October 24
• Space Mountain – September 2003 – August 2004

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates
only; all information is subject to change without notice. Before you
visit, call Disneyland at (714) 781-7290 for the most recent updates.

Park Events

Elisabete Gomes Product Release at the Disneyland Resort –
Saturday, February 22, 2003. The full
announcement can be found on our MousePad message boards.

Pirates of the Caribbean exhibit opens – Saturday, March
1, 2003 at the Disney
Gallery in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square.

MousePlanet presents MouseAdventure:

Mad Scramble – April 6, 2003, at Disneyland.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Exclusive Dinner – October 1, 2003

Haunted Mansion Holiday Event – October 2, 2003

Current Discounts & Promotions

Kids Fly Free, again – United is now offering a Kids Fly
Free promotion, similar to the popular Alaska Airlines offer. The United
package includes:

• Round-trip Airfare on United Airlines
• 4-night hotel accommodations (fourth night is free at select hotels)
• 5-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Ticket (for the price

  of a three-day park-hopper ticket)

• $10 ESPN Zone® Game Card
• And now one child (ages 2-11) flies FREE per paying adult, from select

  origin cities!

Tickets must be purchased by by March 7, 2003 for travel by April 7,
2003. Get complete details at the United
Vacations Web site.

Character Nylon Jackets 50 percent off – Disneyland Annual
Passholders can receive 50% off on the purchase of selected Adult (reg.
$78/$95), Child (reg. $46) or Toddler (reg. $38) Character Nylon Jacket
(excludes Tinker Bell), February 4th through March 15th.

Character Nylon Jackets can be found at the Emporium, Disney Clothiers

or Star Trader in Disneyland park, at World of Disney, Downtown Disney

District or at Greetings From California in Disney’s California Adventure

park.

To receive this discount, print the coupon found on the Disneyland
Annual Passholder Web site, and present it to the Cast Member
at time of purchase. Limit 5 jackets per annual passholder, annual passholder
must present valid annual pass to receive discount, and discount does
not apply to phone / mail orders.

SoCal Salute – The Southern California resident discount
ticket program runs January 6 – May 16, 2003. Instead of a discounted
ticket, residents of will get two one-day admissions for their $47 (adults)/$37
(children) – one for Disneyland, and one for Disney’s California
Adventure.

This ticket is good for only one admission to each park (meaning you

cannot go to Disneyland twice on separate days). The two admissions do

not have to be used on consecutive days, but the first admission must

be on the same day as the ticket purchase, and the second must be used

by May 16, 2003. And while the ticket is not intended to be a park-hopper,

which would allow you to visit both Disneyland and DCA on the same day,

some readers have reported that they were allowed to use the ticket as

a one-day park hopper.

These tickets are nontransferable. You must provide proof of residency

at the time of purchase, and you will be asked to print your full name

on the tickets. When you return for your second admission, you need to

show ID matching the ticket. This offer is limited to 5 tickets per qualifying

person.

Alaska Airlines airfare and hotel specials –

Alaska Airlines is offering two specials for travel to the Disneyland

Resort. A MousePad member alerted

us that the airline is again offering the popular Kids Fly Free

special, which includes airfare, hotel, park-hopper tickets, and more.

This special offer can only be booked by calling Alaska Airlines at 1-800-468-2248.

Adults traveling without kids can take advantage of other special hotel

and air packages by booking at the Alaska

Airlines Web site.

Free coffee on Main Street –

Receive a free small coffee when you buy a mug at the Market House

on Main Street, USA. This offer is only valid at the Market House, and

is for a limited time only.

The “Get a 5-Day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-Day

ticket” promotion has been extended through January 5, 2004 –

These tickets are available when you order online from Disneyland.com.

Restrictions apply – see

site for details.

AAA Passport Plus Package – For $122.75, you can get a 5-day

park hopper and the following extras:

• Multiple attraction FastPass (The “Unlimited” option)
• Breakfast in the park (one per person)
• Free ESPN Zone arena game card ($10 value)
• AAA Free parking at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks

A $13.75 FedEx fee applies to each reservation, (not per person). This

package is available without an air or hotel purchase, and must be purchased

at your local AAA affiliate office at least 5 days before you plan to

use the tickets.

Many readers have experienced difficulties when trying to purchase this

package from their local AAA affiliate. Be sure to read this

thread on our MousePad discussion boards, for more information about

the package and tips on how to help your AAA travel agent book your package.

AAA/Disney’s Resort Magic Package – This package requires
a minimum 2-night hotel stay, and includes:

• Accommodations at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel,
  or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel


• Disneyland Resort Hotel self-parking and Fitness Center access


• Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket – valid for entry into Disneyland
  park and Disney’s California Adventure park with full park-hopping privileges
  


• FREE ESPN Zone® Arena Game Card – $10 value (one per person)
  


• NEW! Collect FASTPASS tickets for multiple attractions at one time.


• Preferred Seating at a choice of select shows in Disney’s California
  Adventure


• EXCLUSIVE! Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard
  (one per person)


• EXCLUSIVE! Walt Disney Travel Company California Fun Book (one per
  package)


• EXCLUSIVE! Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide (one per package)

You can book this package through your local AAA affiliate travel agent.

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen –

Kids eat free, 4:30–6:00p. [See restaurant for details.]

Park Hours

Entertainment Schedule