Disneyland Park Update

Go directly to: News & Views |

Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park

Events | Discounts/Promotions |

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

News and Views

Holiday time at Disneyland

Although there’s been a Christmas tree on Main Street for weeks, it’s

Thanksgiving that seems to mark the real begining of the holiday tourist

season at Disneyland. At 11 a.m. on Friday, the end of the line to get

into Disneyland extended well into the esplanade between the parks, nearly

backing into the end of the line to get into Disney’s California Adventure

(DCA) park.

The lines to enter Disneyland the day after Thanksgiving extends nearly

to Disney’s California Adventure park. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Santa has taken up his temporary annual residence on Main Street, U.S.A.,

and caused a line all his own as parents with hopeful children waited

over an hour to deliver their wish lists in person. Santa appears daily

from 10:00 to 6:00, with periodic breaks to “feed the reindeer.”

“Beach Party Santa” waits to pose with a DCA visitor. Photo

by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Over at DCA, the crowds in Santa’s Beach Party Blast were considerably

smaller from last year, with only a dozen or so people waiting to get

a photo with “vacation” Santa. Fortunately, the area music has

been turned down several notches from last year, so it is actually possible

to spend some time enjoying the well-themed decorations and activities.

Disneyland chefs create new treats for the holiday season, including a

clever snowman. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The resort restaurants and quick-service locations are adding holiday

dishes to their menus. Look for candy “snowman” apples on Main

Street and a roasted turkey dinner at the River Belle Terrace.

Crowds queue up to ride the holiday incarnation of “it’s a small

world.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The holiday “Bring a Friend” discount promotion kicks off this

Wednesday, December 1. Disneyland Resort annual passholders can purchase

1-day park hopper tickets for the same price as a 1-day, 1-park ticket

(limit five tickets per person, per day, with a valid annual pass). Admission

must be used on the day of purchase. The promotion runs through December

18.

Four weeks to a photo finish

You only have four weeks left to submit your photos to the “The

Happiest Faces on Earth… a Disney Family Album” promotion. Just

in case the dozens of reminders tucked into your Disney credit card statement,

annual passholder newsletter, Disney catalog and shareholder reports have

not prompted you to act, Disneyland is making it even easier to particpate.

Mickey really, really wants your photos. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Through December 17, some of the character hosts scattered around the

Disneyland Resort are armed with a stack of the release forms necessary

to submit your picture for inclusion in the mosaics. Get your photo taken

with Mickey, sign on the dotted line, and you’re done. If this were any

easier, Minnie would come to your house and rifle through your photo albums.

You can also submit your photos by mail or electronically until December
31, 2004; visit the Happiest Faces on Earth Web site for details (link).

New eats in Frontierland

The Rancho del Zocalo restaurant has revamped its menu, completely removing

the barbecue section, adding new grilled entrees and tweaking the Mexican

food offerings. The restaurant still uses the split-kitchen concept, with

separate counters offering “Especials Del Norte” and the “Costena

Grill.”

Rancho del Zocalo has a brand-new menu. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Here’s a sample from the new lunch menu (dinner prices are $1 to $2 higher

per entree):

Especials Del Norte

• Burrito Sonora: $9.99
• Tacos Monterrey: $8.99
• Fish tacos Mazatlan: $8.99
• Red chile enchilada and taco combination: $10.99
• Nacho: $8.99

Costena Grill

• Chicken with garlic sauce: $13.99
• Shrimp with garlic sauce: $15.99
• Shrimp and chicken with garlic sauce: $14.99

Shrimp entrees are served with Mexican rice.

All Costena Grill entrees come with corn cake and choice of two of the

following side dishes: chipotle cheddar mashed potatos, black beans, corn

and black bean salad, and roasted pineapple salad.

Other options

• Tortilla soup: $4.99
• Tostada salad: $9.99
• Tamale platter: $14.99

Children’s meals ($5.99 each) are served in a “Cooked Up Comics”

lunch box with tortilla chips, fresh fruit salad, child’s drink and fun

straw, with the following choices:

• Bean and cheese burrito
• Chicken nugget taco
• Cheese Funstuffer

The restaurant offers a varying selection of desserts. On a recent trip,

options included a Mexican chocolate pecan bar, coconut flan and tres

leches cake for $4.99 each, and a plate of fresh tropical fruit for $4.29.

The Stagedoor Cafe next to the Golden Horseshoe Theatre has also revamped

its offering, replacing its hamburgers and hot dogs with an all-fried

menu of dippable finger foods, which up until now has been available only

at the Strips, Chips and Dips in the Paradise Pier area of Disney’s California

Adventure. The choices include:

• 3-piece fish and chips: $7.29
• 4-piece fish and chips: $8.99
• 4-piece chicken strips with fries: $6.99
• 6-piece chicken strips with fries: $7.99
• 4-piece mozarella sticks with fries: $6.49
• 6-piece mozarella sticks with fries: $7.49

Each selection comes with a choice of buffalo hot sauce, ranch, honey

mustard, barbecue, or marinara dipping sauce.

Since the Golden Horseshoe and Stagedoor Cafe share a kitchen, the Golden

Horseshoe has added the new fried menu items to its existing lineup of

chili fries, chili breadbowl, and desserts.

Princesses invade Hollywood

The entertainment department has been using the interior courtyard of

the Animation Building in Disney’s California Adventure as an informal

post-show character meet-and-greet location since the Drawn to the

Magic street show began last spring. Now the Disney princesses have

take up a more permanent residence inside the building.

The Animation Building houses a new Princess photo opportunity. Photo

by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A new sign outside the building invites park guests to “share a

moment with a Disney princess,” and advises that “royal court

is now in session.” Inside, a photo backdrop has replaced what was

the queue area for the Animation Screening Room. Four Disney princesses

appear in rotation to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Visitors wishing to see One Man’s Dream now wait in line outside

the Animation Screening Room’s exit doors, and enter the theater once

the previous audience has departed.

The Matterhorn reopens after another lengthy refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne

Vincent-Phoenix.

Indy event

Tickets for Disneyland’s Indiana Jones 10th Anniversary event go on sale

at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific time) this Wednesday, December 1 . Disneyland is

offering two ticket packages for the event: A general ticket for $150

per person, and a hotel package for $450 per person. The event is scheduled

for March 3, 2005.

The event includes a buffet-style dinner, ride on the Indiana Jones attraction,

photo opportunity, and a lovely parting gift. The hotel package includes

a one-night stay at Disney’s Grand California Hotel, and breakfast at

a Disneyland Resort hotel restaurant.

Participants can also purchase limited-edition merchandise created especially

for the event. Visit the Disney Gallery Web site for more information

or to register for the event (link).

Ears to the ground

…Most of the construction walls around the upcoming Buzz Lighyear

Astro Blasters attraction in Tomorrowland have been removed. The ride,

which is an import from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida,

is rumored to be well ahead of schedule, and some area cast members have

speculated that it could soft-open for previews as early as February.

The entrance to Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is revealed. Photo by

Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…The Patina Group has changed its discount policy for Disneyland

annual passholders who dine at Tortilla Jo’s, Catal, and Naples, its three

Downtown Disney restaurants. Where passholders once received a free appetizer

with every two entrees ordered, they now get a flat 10 percent discount,

excluding alcohol. The Disneyland Web site does not yet reflect this change.

…To improve their process, Disneyland has borrowed a page from mass

retailers like Target. Instead of stocking shelves with fragile items

such as frames and snowglobes, resort stores now display samples in front

of stock boxes of the same items. Photo stickers identify the products

inside the boxes, and colorful Tinker Bell stickers make the plain boxes

more visually appealing. This approach makes it easier to stock fragile

items, helps relieve holiday crowding in bulging stockrooms, reduces the

potential of damaging or destroying packing boxes, and lets guests get

out of the shops with safely packed gifts in a jiffy.

Accidental breakage should decase in the Disneyland stores now that the

only fragile merchandise on display are the sample versions. Photo by

Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

If the approach is successful, look for it to become a year-round practice,

especially next year when collectible 50th Anniversary merchandise floods

the resort. Let’s just hope they draw the line at installing self-serve

price scanners in the Emporium or self-checkout lines in the World of

Disney.

… The former Lost and Found location next to the Guest Relations

lobby in DCA is being used as an Annual Passholder processing area. The

holiday season is the busiest time for the processing centers, with new

and renewing passholders joining gift recipients in long lines. If you

are among the majority of passholders who need to renew during December

and January, take advantage of the renew-by-mail option, and avoid the

hours-long wait at the parks.

… In a previous update, we related a rumor about the demise of the

Fantasy Waters show, and possible plans for the theater area. We have

since been able to confirm that the Fantasy Waters show has been “discontinued,”

and the holiday version still listed on the Disneyland Web site is not

being presented this year.

---

Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us

here.

---

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

Note: Disneyland is progressively refurbishing more and more attractions

as the park readies for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.

Crews have a lot to do if the Sailing Ship Columbia returns to

service on time. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Sailing Ship Columbia closed through November 30.

• Fantasmic on hiatus during the Sailing Ship Columbia

  refurbishment. The show is scheduled to return on December 17.

• Aladdin’s Oasis closed through March 11, 2005.

• Plaza Pavilion closed through March 11, 2005.

• Enchanted Tiki Room closed through March 11, 2005.

• Space Mountain closed through November 2005.

• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely; not

  listed on park maps or the Disneyland Web site.

Upcoming Disneyland closures

The Plaza Inn becomes the next building to receive a facelift. Photo by

Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Haunted Mansion closes January 3–23, 2005 to remove Haunted

  Mansion Holiday overlay.

• “it’s a small world” closes January 10–23, 2005

  to remove the holiday overlay.

• Mark Twain Riverboat closes January 17–28, 2005

• Mad Tea Party closes January 24–February 10, 2005

• Splash Mountain closes January 24–March 17, 2005

• Disneyland Railroad closes January 31–March 11, 2005

• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln closes February 22 to install

  the 50th Anniversary exhibit in the Main Street Opera House.

Disney’s California Adventure

Upcoming DCA closures

• Maliboomer reduced capacity (2 of 3 towers operating) January

  3–22, 31 – March 12, 2005.

• Jumpin’ Jellyfish reduced capacity January 21 – March

  5, 2005.

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

December

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Adora Belle Bellhop Pin Trader doll

  release at DCA. Dec. 4 (link).

  Marie Osmond narrates Disneyland’s Candlelight Procession and Ceremony

  this weekend.

• Disneyland’s Candlelight Procession and Ceremony, with

  guest narrator Marie Osmond. Dec. 4–5.

• “Merriest Place on Earth” Christmas decorations appear

  throughout the Disneyland resort.Through Jan. 2.

January 2005

• Disneyland Resort float appears in Pasadena Tournament of Roses

  parade. Jan. 1.

• 75 InspEARations exhibit arrives at Disneyland. Jan. 10 –

  Feb. 22.

February 2005

• Chip & Dale’s Wild Wild West Pin Adventure. Feb. 3 at Disneyland.

  Tickets on sale now (link).

March 2005

• Indiana Jones Adventure 10th Anniversary event. March 3 at

  Disneyland. Details not yet announced (link).

• MousePlanet’s MouseAdventure event – Tentatively Sunday,

  March 13 at Disneyland. Details to be announced. Want us to contact

  you when we open registration for this MouseAdventure event? Sign up

  for MouseAdventure

  Reminderer.

May 2005

• Disneyland closed on May 4, 2005 to “put the finishing

  touches” on the 50th Anniversary celebration. DCA open on May 4.

• Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary celebration begins May 5.

June 2005

• 2005 Summer Pin Festival. June 24 – Aug. 15, 2005 at

  the Disneyland Resort. No details have been announced (link).

July 2005

• Disneyland 50th Anniversary special event. July 2005. No dates

  or details have been announced (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

Holiday Bring-a-Friend ticket

Disneyland resort passholders can purchase 1-day park hopper tickets

for the same price as a 1-day, 1-park ticket. Limit five tickets per person,

per day, with valid passport. Admission must be used on day of purchase.

Effective December 1–18.

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder offers and promotions

• Purchase a commemorative 50th anniversary brick through December 31

  to be placed in the esplanade between Disneyland and DCA, and receive

  a $50 discount off the regular price of $150. The special brick features

  a brass-toned medallion with the 50th anniversary logo.

• Get January AP rates at the Disneyland Resort, starting at $79 per

  night at Paradise Pier hotel. Promotion valid Sunday – Thursday

  for arrivals January 2 – 31, 2005. Additional restrictions apply.

  Call 714-956-MICKEY (714-956-6425) to book.

• Receive a copy of The Disney Treasures book, worth $60, when

  applying for a Disney Visa card. The book is shipped after you uses

  the new account. Apply by phone at 1-800-640-5306, and mention card

  code 26FF.

• Save up to 20 percent on car rentals from Alamo Rent A Car and National

  Car Rental. Restrictions apply—get full details and the necessary

  discount codes on the Annual Passholder Web site (link).

50th Anniversary Package (Happiest Homecoming on Earth!)

If you book a three-night resort stay at any of the Disneyland Resort

hotels during the 50th anniversary promotion, your package includes a

four-day Park Hopper ticket, a special 50th anniversary commemorative

clock and a Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour.

The “50th Celebration Package” is available only for

three-night stays, with arrival dates through December 31, 2005. The package

can be booked through the Disneyland Web site (link),

or by calling (714) 520-5060.

AAA-Disney’s Resort Magic Packages

AAA member can take advantage of these packages that include hotel nights

and theme park tickets, along with extra amenities:

• 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)

• Collect Fastpass tickets for multiple attractions at one time.

• Preferred seating at a choice of select shows in DCA

• An exclusive Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard

  (one per person)

• An exclusive Walt Disney Travel Company California Fun Book (one per

  package)

• An exclusive Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide (one per package)

Sample prices include:

AAA Disney’s Resort Magic: Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel for

two nights from $269/adult, $127/ages 10-17, $97/ages 3-9

AAA Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Magic: Jolly Roger Hotel

for two nights from $193/adult, $127/ages 10-17, $97/ages 3-9

These packages require a minimum two-night hotel stay, and are good for

travel through December 23, 2004. You can book this package through your

local AAA affiliate travel agent.

Disney’s AAA Passport Plus Package 2004

If you don’t need a hotel room, the Passport Plus Package offers AAA

members a discount on Park Hopper tickets, and comes with extra benefits:

• Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket

• $10 ESPN Zone Arena Game Card

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

  Park

• California Diamond Fun Book (one per package)

• Free parking at Disneyland Resort Theme Parks

Prices:

• 5-day: $129 (children: $99)

• 6-day: $159 (children: $129)

• 7-day: $184 (children: $149)

An additional handling fee of $10 is charged per mailing address. These

tickets are available to AAA members only when purchased through AAA offices.

AAA ticket offers

For shorter stays, AAA offers 2- and 5-day tickets for the Disneyland

Resort:

• 2-day adult Flex Passport $98 (children: $78)

• 5-day adult Flex Passport $129 (children: $99)

These tickets include free parking (the back of the passports note the

free parking, so you will need the passport with you when you park your

car).

CityPass

The Southern California CityPass booklet includes admission to five separate

entertainment options:

• 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket

• 1-day ticket to Sea World Adventure park

• 1-day ticket to either the world-famous San Diego Zoo or San Diego

  Wild Animal Park

• 1-day ticket to Knott’s Theme Park (includes a free Knott’s Berry

  Farm T-shirt with each child’s City Pass)

The CityPass is $172 ($129 for children).

You can purchase the Southern California CityPass with Walt Disney Travel

Company packages. Instead of the Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket

currently included in California packages from the Walt Disney Travel

Company, guests can select a Southern California city for an additional

charge of $47 per pass ($32 per pass for children 3 through 9).

Note: The Southern California CityPass does not include the $10

ESPN Zone Arena Game Card, or the California package’s feature that allows

guests to collect multiple Fastpass tickets at once for free in advance.

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.

Visit our

Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2004 page to see more dates.

Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule

for November 8 at Disneyland.com here

(printer-friendly version here).