Disneyland Park Update

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News and Views

Fess Parker honored

Fess Parker, known to a generation of coonskin-cap wearing children as Davy Crockett, was honored with a personalized tribute window at Disneyland. The ceremony was held on the 50th anniversary of the debut of the “Davy Crockett” episodes that aired on Walt Disney’s Disneyland television series.

Fess Parker is honored with a tribute window and a renamed storefront at Disneyland. Photo © Disney.

2004 Disneyland Resort Ambassador Becky Murphy and Mickey Mouse escort Fess Parker to the ceremony. Photo © Disney.

Parker’s tribute window is located in the former “American Buffalo Hat Co.” facade, newly renamed the “Crockett & Russel Hat Co.” The new store name also pays tribute to Georgie Russel, Davy Crockett’s on-screen sidekick played by the late actor Buddy Ebsen.

Disneyland Resort President Matt Ouimet greets Fess Parker. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Fess Parker unveils his tribute window in Frontierland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Parker, his wife Marcella, and a gathering of their children and grandchildren attended for the dedication ceremony. Members of the California Children’s Choir donned iconic coonskin caps as they sang “The Ballad of Davy Crockett.”

The newest tribute window pays homage to the coonskin-cap craze spurred by the success of the Davy Crockett episodes of the Disneyland television series. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Fess Parker receives a replica of his personalized window. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland Resort President Matt Oiumet said, “In his role as Davy Crockett, Fess Parker helped promote and open Disneyland and through the years he has become a very special member of the Disney family.” Ouimet invited Parker to join Disney legends Art Linkletter and Julie Andrews at Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary celebration next year.

Members of the California Children’s Choir don their coonskin caps with television’s Davy Crockett. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Parade of Dreams, live onstage

The lead float from Disneyland’s upcoming Parade of Dreams was briefly on display at the park last week. The float was used during the taping of the Wonderful World of Disney Christmas special, to air Christmas Day on ABC stations. The parade features a “live” Tinker Bell character, who was spotted on the float during the taping.

The lead float from the Parade of Dreams is unveiled at Disneyland for a taping. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Alaska Airlines “Kids Fly Free” promotion returns

Alaska Airlines is repeating the popular “Kids Fly Free” promotion for travel to the Disneyland Resort, and is offering park ticket and hotel discounts as well.

If you book an Alaska Airlines Southern California Vacations package for travel between January 4 and June 29, 2005, one child (age 2-11) can fly free with each paid adult ticket. The package also includes four nights at the Holiday Inn Buena Park and airport transfers via Karmel Shuttle (children 2-11 are free). The packages, including airfare and hotel, start at $429 per person.

Even better, if you travel between January 4 and April 28, you also receive a free child’s 5-day Disneyland Resort park hopper for each paid adult. If you are traveling without children, you can instead purchase the adult 5-day park hopper ticket at the children’s price. Be aware, however, that Disneyland considers 11-year-olds to be adults for the purpose of admission pricing.

If Buena Park is too far away from Disneyland for you, you can upgrade to a Disneyland Resort hotel and receive up to $200 Disney Dollars with a stay of four nights or more before April 24, 2005.

Finally, if you book the package through alaskaair.com, you get 1500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Bonus Miles per passenger. For more information, visit the Alaska Airlines Web site (link). You must book packages by March 21, 2005.

Three down, 72 to go

“EPSN SportsCenter Mickey” hangs out at the ESPNZone. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Some of the 75 InsEARations statues have arrived at the Disneyland Resort. “EPSN SportsCenter Mickey,” designed by ESPN anchors Linda Cohn, Dan Patrick, and Robin Roberts, is on display outside the ESPNZone in Downtown Disney. Visitors can see “Always My Angel, Mickey,” designed by Annette Funicello, as they enter the esplanade between Disneyland and DCA. “Moustaccioli,” decorated by Broadway star Doris Roberts, is located outside the Uva Bar in Downtown Disney.

“Moustaccioli,”one of the 75 InspEARations statues, is outside the Uva Bar. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

All 75 statues in the exhibit goes on display at Disney’s California Adventure January 10 to February 22. After that, they wind up their tour in Washington D.C. before being auctioned for charity.

Ears to the ground

Tropical Imports has reopened as Adventureland’s newest food service location. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…Tropical Imports in Adventureland has reopened as a combination food location and gift shop. The fruit cart formerly located outside the Tiki Room exit has relocated into the shop, which now carries a smaller selection of rubber snakes and plush monkeys than before.

A steel frame is all that remains visible after the testing in the Submarine Lagoon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…The mysterious blue box has been removed from the Submarine Lagoon, along with the yellow submarine vehicle.

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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

The Enchanted Tiki Room has a new roof, but the courtyard is still under construction. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Note: Disneyland is progressively refurbishing more and more attractions as the park readies for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.

• Fantasmic! expected 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.
  

Upcoming Disneyland closures

The Toontown gazebo is the latest recipient of a facelift. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Haunted Mansion closed January 3–23, 2005 to remove Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
• “it’s a small world” closed January 10–23, 2005 to remove the holiday overlay.
• Mark Twain Riverboat closed January 17–28, 2005.
• Mad Tea Party closed January 24–February 10, 2005.
• Splash Mountain closed January 24–March 17, 2005.
• Disneyland Railroad closed 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.
  

The Bengal Barbecue has reopened after renovation. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

Upcoming DCA closures

• Maliboomer reduces capacity (2 of 3 towers operating) January 3–22, 31 – March 12, 2005.
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish reduces 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

Santa Goofy holds court on the steps of Toontown City Hall. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• “Merriest Place on Earth” Christmas decorations appear throughout the Disneyland Resort. Through Jan. 2.
  

January 2005

Banners around Downtown Disney announce Mickey Mouse as the Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Disneyland Resort float in Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade. Jan. 1.
• 75 InspEARations exhibit arrives at Disney’s California Adventure. 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. Tickets on sale now (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

Alaska Airlines “Kids Fly Free” promotion returns

Alaska Airlines is repeating the popular “Kids Fly Free” promotion for travel to the Disneyland Resort, and is offering park ticket and hotel discounts as well.

If you book an Alaska Airlines Southern California Vacations package for travel between January 4 and June 29, 2005, one child (age 2-11) can fly free with each paid adult ticket. The package also includes four nights at the Holiday Inn Buena Park and airport transfers via Karmel Shuttle (children 2-11 are free). The packages, including airfare and hotel, start at $429 per person.

Even better, if you travel between January 4 and April 28, you also receive a free child’s 5-day Disneyland Resort park hopper for each paid adult. If you are traveling without children, you can instead purchase the adult 5-day park hopper ticket at the children’s price. Be aware, however, that Disneyland considers 11-year-olds to be adults for the purpose of admission pricing.

If Buena Park is too far away from Disneyland for you, you can upgrade to a Disneyland Resort hotel and receive up to $200 Disney Dollars with a stay of four nights or more before April 24, 2005.

Finally, if you book the package through alaskaair.com, you get 1500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Bonus Miles per passenger. For more information, visit the Alaska Airlines Web site (link). You must book packages by March 21, 2005.

Costco City Pass promotion

Costco is offering a Southern California CityPass for $149.99 for adults, and $114.99 for children ages 3 to 9. The CityPass includes a three-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket, one-day admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, one-day admission to SeaWorld in San Diego, and one-day admission to either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Wild Animal Park. The first admission must be used by March 31, 2005, and the pass expires 13 days after the first admission is used.

The tickets are available at Southern California Costco stores, or at the Costco Web site (link). You must be a Costco member to purchase the tickets, and a shipping fee applies to Internet orders.

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 2004/2005 page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland.com here.

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