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News and Views
A Little Bit Distracted
With most of the MousePlanet staff focused on Sunday’s MouseAdventure
event, we didn’t have time to gather together everything that otherwise
might have ended up in this week’s Park Update. Expect a normal Park Update
next Monday.
Disney War Presentation
Those in the Los Angeles area may be interested in a presentation by
Disney War author James B. Stewart. On March 16 at 7 p.m. Stewart
is speaking at the Music Center’s Mark Taper Auditorium. Admission is
free, although seating is limited and reservations are recommended. For
information or tickets, call (213) 228-7025 or visit the Los Angeles Public
Library page for this event (link).
Construction update
Things are starting to quickly come out from behind construction walls:
- The building itself it yet not open, but the construction wall at
Plaza Pavilion is down and the ouside seating area is completely available.
The lemonade cart that was recently removed from the Corn Dog Wagon
at the end of Main Street has reappeared in the back corner while the
piano at Refreshment (Coke) Corner has been given a more visible location
with plenty of room for everyone to gather around. Several pin carts
are also in the area.
Plaza Pavilion is available for seating again. Photo by Alex Stroup.
The frozen lemonade stand is now much more out of the way. Photo by Alex
Stroup.
The piano has a much more prominent location. Photo by Alex Stroup.
- The pipe and surface work next to Matterhorn has all the appearances
of being complete. Expect that walkway to reopen soon. This path into
Tomorrowland may gain some popularity during times when stroller parking
and overflow lines at the newly opened Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
attraction are causing bottlenecks at the main entrance to Tomorrowland. - Visitors can get small peeks past the Jungle Cruise’s construction
wall to see the river drained though nothing much of what is being done
can be seen. - Most exciting for park guests last weekend was the return of the Enchanted
Tiki Room. The exterior waiting area looks absolutely fabulous with
all the new thatching and fresh paint. New tiki torches that have been
added to the roof of the juice bar are very dramatic and should help
draw guests to the attraction. New benches are available for seating
and provide a view of a refreshed Dole movie that is now sharp and easy
to watch. Inside, the show is identical, although everything is wonderfully
clean and, more importantly, everything that is supposed to move does.
As an indication of just how labor-intensive the maintenance on this
attraction must be, on Saturday evening, one of the more prominent singing
flowers had already stopped working. Though it was not open over the
weekend, all appearances are that the Dole Juice Bar should be open
soon—cast members could be seen bringing in napkins and other supplies.
The waiting area for the Enchanted Tiki Room looks great. Photo by Alex
Stroup.
The Enchanted Tiki Room has gotten a coat of fresh paint for everything,
and all the effects work well. Photo by Alex Stroup.
Every bird, flower, and tiki gets to participate again. Photo by Alex
Stroup.
- Aladdin’s Oasis remains shuttered, though all equipment has been moved
out of the outside waiting area and painters could be seen working in
that area. - The paint job on the Mark Twain Riverboat is quickly advancing and
reaction is mixed on just how much of the boat appears to be getting
the gold treatment. The entire skirt, all handrails, and all decorative
elements look to be getting the new paint. It shouldn’t be long, though,
before we can see it in full and judge whether they went too far. - Over in Disney’s California Adventure park, Disney Playhouse has opened
with its new JoJo section.
State of the Resort
In all our preparation for Sunday’s MouseAdventure event, we forgot to
include the following in last week’s Park Update. Since it was added later,
we’re rerunning it for anybody who may have missed it.
Disneyland Resort President Matt Ouimet gave a “State of the Resort”
presentation to Anaheim politcal and business leaders the week before
last. Among the big three points in that presenation, the lesser two were
that Disney contributed more than $10 million to local causes in 2004
and that the resort generates $3.6 billion in third -party economic impact
to the region and supoprts more than 65,000 jobs.
The big announcement (at least for those not in the room) made it official
that Space Mountain is ahead of schedule and will be opening sooner than
the announced November date. Much sooner, on July 15 just in time for
the 50th anniversary. Here is the full text of the press release following
the announcement.
As the countdown begins to May 5, 2005, and the launch of the 50th
anniversary of Disneyland, the “Happiest Homecoming on Earth,”
another countdown is now underway in Tomorrowland for the re-launch
of “Space Mountain.” The anticipation has begun as one of
the most popular adventures at Disneyland gets ready to blast-off into
a new era of thrills!
“We’re very happy to announce that ‘Space Mountain’
will re-open on July 15 as one of the many celebratory festivities leading
to our actual 50th anniversary on July 17,” said Matt Ouimet, president
of the Disneyland Resort, during a State of the Resort presentation
today for local government and business leaders. “Guests will find
the classic elements they love, combined with new technology and special
effects that make the experience even more of a ‘wow!”
“Space Mountain,” the high-speed interstellar adventure that
has captivated Disneyland guests since its debut in 1977, re-opens following
nearly two years of enhancements and improvements. As the signature
attraction of Tomorrowland, “Space Mountain” will once again
beckon guests to its gleaming white spires and ominous slopes to experience
anew the intergalactic adventure inside.
The attraction will return to its regular flight schedule with enhanced
narrative elements and state-of-the-art special effects within the attraction
and queue area, while retaining its essential theme and flight path
through the dark reaches of outer space.
Ardent “Space Mountain” fans will find the attraction sporting
a new generation of special effects, new rocket vehicles and a brand-new,
custom soundtrack. Through an all-new queue and hi-tech launch port
inspired by today’s era of space exploration (Mars Rover, Hubble
telescope, etc.), guests will feel as if they have a first-hand look
into the cosmos.
After boarding their rockets, guests will be wowed by a feeling of
disorientation in the launch tunnel, hurling them towards a close encounter
with a large meteorite. Following an exhilarating race through space,
the experience will culminate with a new finale featuring a longer re-entry
tunnel filled with spectacular lighting effects.
The initial concept for “Space Mountain” originated with
Walt Disney himself back in the mid-1960s, when it was known simply
as “Space Port” and destined to become an addition to Tomorrowland
at Disneyland. The concept became a reality in 1975 when, after more
than a decade of planning, the first incarnation of “Space Mountain”
actually premiered in the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort
in Florida.
“Space Mountain” had its southern California premiere at
Disneyland two years later on May 27, 1977. The U.S. Mercury Astronauts,
America’s first men in space, were on hand for the grand opening
ceremonies and to christen the 118 foot tall “mountain.”
The re-launch of “Space Mountain” joins an incredible array
of new and exciting adventures, attractions and spectacular entertainment
premiering at Disneyland during its “Happiest Homecoming on Earth”
50th anniversary celebration, launching May 5, 2005. Other highlights
include the fun-filled and interactive “Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters”
in Tomorrowland, the spectacle of “Walt Disney’s Parade of
Dreams,” “Remember . . . Dreams Come True,” (the biggest
fireworks spectacular in Disneyland history), the engaging retrospective
“Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” and the energetic
“Block Party Bash” at Disney’s California Adventure.
Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips,
rumors, and comments. E-mail 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.
- Aladdin’s Oasis originally scheduled to open March 13
- Disneyland Railroad opens March 18
- Mark Twain Riverboat opens March 18
- Splash Mountain opens March 18
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride opens March 18
- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opens April 16 with installation
the 50th Anniversary exhibit in the Main Street Opera House - Disney Gallery closed March 28 – May 4
- Honey I Shrunk the Audience closed April 4–8
- Disneyland Railroad Tomorrowland station opens May 3
- Jungle Cruise opens May 4
- Casey Jr. Circus Trains closed April 4 – May 3
- Storybook Land Canal Boats closed April 4 – May 4
- Space Mountain opens July 16
- Haunted Mansion closed September 6–29 to install Haunted
Mansion Holiday overlay; closed Jan. 9–25, 2006 to remove overlay
Disney’s California Adventure
- It’s Tough to be a Bug! closed April 4 – May 4
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
March
- Magic Mirror event – Merchandise event at Downtown Disney’s
World of Disney March 18–20 (link).
- Olszewski event – Merchandise event Saturday, March 26
(link).
April
- Swarovski Sunrise Breakfast merchandise event – Saturday,
April 9 at Grand California Hotel. Release of six new Disney crystal
figurines froms Swarovski. $95/person or $430 with hotel stay. Registration
now open (link).
May
- 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 Summer Pin Festival. June 24 – Aug. 15 at the Disneyland
Resort. No details have been announced (link).
July
- Disneyland 50th Anniversary special event. July 15 – 17. No
details have been announced, but Disney is taking an interest list (link)
for those who want to receive e-mail updates about the event.
- July 2005 NFFC convention. July 9–13. The Show and Sale
is scheduled for July 10.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland
Resort. For convenience sake, 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 which works best for you. And keep those tips coming – let us
know if you find a better / different offer, so we can share it with other
readers!
One Day | No discounts offered to the general public for single-day admission. |
Two Days | Southern California 2Fer Ticket ($53/$43) through April 28, Tickets: $53 for ages 10 and older, $43 for ages 3 to 9. You must According to the official promotion details, Southern California Reader James tells us that he purchased these tickets at the |
Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper at 1-Day Park Hopper Price Tickets: $73 for ages 10 and older, $63 for ages 3 to 9. You must According to the official promotion details, Southern California | |
Good Neighbor Hotel Park Hopper Plus tickets ($105/$85) | |
AAA Flex Passport ($98/$78) – Some AAA offices offer A reader let us know that AAA offices in Oregon and Idaho do | |
Three Days | AAA Flex Passport ($129/$99) – Some AAA offices offer |
Good Neighbor Hotel Park Hopper Plus tickets ($114/$114) | |
City Pass ($172/$129) through March 31, 2005 | |
City Pass ($185/$127) effective April 1, 2005 | |
Costco City Pass promotion ($149.99/$114.99) Available at Southern California Costco stores or at the Costco | |
3-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($109/$109) ($139/$109) If you plan to visit the Disneyland resort after April 28, take Both offers are available at the Disneyland Web site (link), Several readers wrote to tell us that the Safeway stores in | |
Four Days | Costco Play 4 Days ticket ($89/$89) – Costco You get a voucher to exchange at a Disneyland Resort ticket booth The ticket is valid through June 23, 2005, or until the fourth |
Good Neighbor Hotel Park Hopper Plus tickets ($134/$134) | |
4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($129/$129) ($159/$129) If you plan to visit the Disneyland Resort after April 28, you Both of these ticket offers are available through the Disneyland | |
Five Days | Disney’s AAA Passport Plus Package 2005 ($169/$139)
An additional handling fee of $10 is charged per mailing address. Several readers report that their local AAA offices do not offer MousePlanet has contacted AAA offices around the country and The Auto Club of Southern California (ACSC) is not participating |
5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($139/$139) ($169/$139) If you plan to visit the Disneyland Resort after April 28, take Both of these ticket offers are available through the Disneyland | |
Alaska Airlines “Kids Fly Free” promotion through | |
Six or Seven Days | Disney’s AAA Passport Plus Package 2005 – The Parkhopper
An additional handling fee of $10 is charged per mailing address. Several readers report that their local AAA offices do not offer The Auto Club of Southern California (ACSC) is not participating |
Special thanks to MousePlanet reader David Michael for some of |
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 through June 29, 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 through 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.
50th Anniversary Package, revised
The Happiest Homecomings on Earth package has been revised for the new
year. The previous promotion was good only for three-night stays at the
Disneyland Resort hotels; the new offer is valid on longer stays and includes
Good Neighbor Hotels as well.
Instead of the 50th anniversary commemorative clock and Walk in Walt’s
Footsteps tour, the new packages include all the following:
- “Enchanting” commemorative certificate (one per package)
- Park Hopper bonus ticket, which includes one early entry into Fantasyland
and a $10 ESPN Zone game card. (Park hopper tickets can be upgraded
to an annual pass for an extra fee) - Preferred seating to select shows at Disney’s California Adventure
- Entry into Mickey’s Toontown Madness
- Walt Disney Travel Co. lanyard and pin (one per person)
- Walt Disney Travel Co. luggage tag
- Walt Disney Travel Co. fun book (one per package)
The “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” package is available for
arrival dates through December 31, 2005. The package can be booked through
the Disneyland Web site (link),
or by calling (714) 520-5060.
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
Sun | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat |
3/14 | 3/15 | 3/16 | 3/17 | 3/18 | 3/19 | |
|
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
3/20 | 3/21 | 3/22 | 3/23 | 3/24 | 3/25 | 3/26 |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
3/27 | 3/28 | 3/29 | 3/30 | 3/31 | 4/1 | 4/2 |
DL: 8a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid | DL: 8a–Mid |
Visit our Annual
Passholders Blockout Dates 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.