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News and Views

Blue skies, nothing but blue skies – Everywhere

you turn, someone is making predictions about the changes planned for

Disneyland in preparation for the park’s 50th anniversary. The Submarine

Voyage is returning! Space Mountain will be repainted white! Walt will

be thawed — get his first look at DCA!

Most of these rumors are based on “blue sky” predictions

— what would the Imagineers do if they had unlimited time, money

and space. (We’re not sure what the Walt rumor is based on.) Of course,

there are always limits — deadlines have to be met, budgets get cut

— and Imagineering doesn’t have the final say. Jay Rasulo has recently

been spotted touring the parks and is apparently making his displeasure

known, especially with the sad shape of Tomorrowland.

Certainly, changes are in the works. As much as Disney management

may want to keep these plans under wraps, it’s impossible to redesign

Tomorrowland without involving the operational departments. Managers from

foods, attractions, and merchandise have been receiving briefings about

possible plans, and these rumors are trickling down to the front-line

employees. The cast members are paying attention, and here’s what they

are telling us:

The empty submarine lagoon may soon display

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Yes, the subs are returning — we hope. Tomorrowland merchandise

cast members were told that the Winner’s Circle shop will close in late

June to make room for the Submarine Voyage queue. Imagineers have recently

been seen around the shop taking photos and making notes. One potential

problem: the elevator that was added to provide wheelchair access to the

monorail platform. The elevator shaft is located in an area previously

used to unload the subs, so the new loading area will need to work around

it. Rasulo reportedly wants the subs to reopen before Space Mountain closes

for its 18-month rehab this fall. The ride could return around Labor Day,

five years after it closed — if the subs can be repaired by

then.

Cast members who worked on the subs when they closed doubt that five

years of neglect have done anything to address the concerns that contributed

to the attraction’s closure in the first place. These problems, well documented

in David Koenig’s article “Sub

Zero,” are not the type of things that can be instantly repaired

just because Jay Rasulo snaps his fingers. So, while one set of workers

are looking at ways to get people to the loading dock, another set is

looking at ways to get the subs there, too.

Paris’ Space Mountain may have inspired

Photo by Morrigoon.

Space Mountain — not the same place, not the same thing.
OK, remember the Rocket Rods? Imagine boarding your Rocket Rod,
speeding off down the track… then launching into Space Mountain.
If certain Imagineers get their way, that’s exactly what you’ll
be doing in Spring 2005. The bold proposal uses the queue and
load area for the defunct Rocket Rods attraction as the loading
platform for a revamped version of Space Mountain. By moving the
loading area outside of the mountain, as is the case with the
Disneyland Paris version, there is plenty of room for a new track
layout — and maybe even a loop.

Another version of this scenario has the loading area for Space Mountain

moving into the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience theater, leaving room

inside the mountain for the new track and loop, while keeping the Rocket

Rods track available for another attraction.

Just don’t expect the mountain to be repainted white. As much as Disneyland

purists would love to see that happen, Space Mountain will probably keep

the “New Tomorrowland” paint job.

Not so fast — there may be other plans for HISTA.
Several people have told us that Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
is on the chopping block, but nobody is entirely sure what will
become of the theater. The Disneyland Resort has quite enough
movie-based “attractions,” thank you very much, so maybe
it’s time for another ride. Something as family-friendly as HISTA,
but with better opportunities for merchandise tie-ins. Something
like… Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin?

One rumor has Buzz Lightyear and pals moving into the combined space

of the HISTA theater and the Starcade. If Space Mountain does get

a new queue area, the exit for the attraction and the requisite photo

shop will certainly be relocated. The Buzz ride would fit nicely into

this area, and could dump riders out into the Star Traders to buy their

Toy Story II merchandise.

Don’t expect this ride to open before 2006. Disneyland and DCA both get

new attractions, (Pooh and Playhouse Disney), this year; DCA gets Tower

of Terror in 2004; and all eyes will be on Disneyland in 2005. There is

no need to waste an E Ticket in a year when millions will already flock

to the Disneyland Resort, so Buzz will likely be shelved until after the

50th Anniversary.

The vacant Rocket Rods queue building may

MousePlanet file photo.

But wasn’t Buzz going into the Circlevision Theater? According

to some sources, Disneyland will get a new Circlevision movie for the

park’s 50th Anniversary celebration. After that temporary attraction closes,

the Circlevision space will be available again — possibly as the

home for the Buzz Lightyear ride. In this event, the NASA exhibit will

close, its space likely divided between merchandise and attractions.

However, this plan seems unlikely if the Rocket Rods track is incorporated

into Space Mountain. The queue for the Rocket Rods included the Circlevision

building, and Space Mountain will need just as much queue space as the

Rocket Rods required.

Now remember — this is all rumor, gossip,
and speculation. It all sounds like piecing together a giant
Tomorrowland puzzle: “Let’s see if we move Space Mountain
here, we have room for Buzz here.” Like they
say on the Jungle Cruise, nothing at Disneyland is concrete —
except Splash Mountain. Stay tuned as the story unfolds.

Big Thunder Ranch may house Disneyland’s

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Two more bits of gossip – Disney has already announced
plans to stage a Snow White musical show at Disneyland.
The assumption was that this new show would go into the Fantasyland
Theater, but now we’re hearing that it will actually move into
a new theater to be built in the former Festival of Fools
arena. The new show will probably debut in 2006.

Wave good-bye to Disney’s California Adventure’s parade –

Reader Jeff sent in this tidbit:

“Well, it was announced this afternoon that Eureka has been cancelled.

It will not be returning as was proclaimed last Monday. The headlining

summer entertainment will be some form of a BMX/extreme sports show,

but not many details are known yet.”

With less than a month to the grand opening,

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

It’s almost showtime – Critter Country cast members tell

us that soft-openings for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh may begin

as soon as March 28. Cast member previews begin on April 1. Annual passholders

can preview the new ride, and Playhouse Disney over at Disney’s California

Adventure, during special events scheduled for April 8 and 9. Advance

registration is required to attend. Annual Passholders can sign up now

in the annual

passholder section of the Disneyland.com Web site.

These store windows display nothing but

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Speaking of paint, again – Last week, we told you that Disneyland’s

painting teams have turned their attention to Disneyland’s west side,

to prepare the area for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie premiere. As

you can see from the photo above, they literally stopped other projects

in mid-stroke. This half-painted facade, above the Emporium on Main Street,

has been in this condition for two weeks.

The Opera House is expecting a new sign

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Across the way, the sign for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln has
been removed, as has the fabric bunting from the upper banner.
(See the tan lines where the missing fabric protected the banner
from sun damage?)

Visitors wait and watch Hollywood Boulevard

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Yet over at Disney’s California Adventure, the Hollywood Backlot
is enjoying a fresh new paint job, possibly in preparation for
the grand opening of Playhouse Disney. Workers are visible during
park hours busily repainting Hollywood Boulevard. It’s great to
see some preventive maintenance — the two-year-old park is
certainly getting more attention than Main Street — but we
wish that the work could happen after hours. With the park closing
at 6:00 most weeknights, it’s not as if there wasn’t plenty of
time to bring in the third shift.

Expect a long walk if you want to wash

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sorry, you’ll need to hold it until New Orleans –

Splash Mountain and the public areas of Critter Country have reopened,

along with the Hungry Bear and the restaurant’s upper seating area. The

lower seating area, including the restrooms, however, are still closed

because of the Rivers of America rehab. This means that the nearest restroom

is in New Orleans Square.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction

Closures

Disneyland

• Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – through April 11
• Rivers of America – through April 11
• Mark Twain Riverboat – through April 11
• Sailing Ship Columbia – through April 11
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough – indefinite

Perhaps they are planning to reflll the river with pickup trucks.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo – indefinite

Workers pour new the concrete sides of the riverbed.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Future Attraction Closures

• 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

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates

most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781-7290.

Park Events

MousePlanet presents MouseAdventure:
Mad Scramble – Sunday, April 6, 2003, at Disneyland.
It’s not too late to register!

Annual Passholder Preview Events for Winnie the Pooh and Playhouse

Disney – April 8 and 9. Pre-register at Disneyland.com.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Case of the Black Pearl – Sunday,

June 29, 2003 at Disneyland. This event will include a preview screening

of the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Further details are not available

– keep an eye on the Disney Gallery Web

site for more details.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Exclusive Dinner – Wednesday, October

1, 2003.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Event – Thursday, October 2, 2003

Tickets for the Haunted Mansion Holiday events go on sale in late August

or early September – check this page for updates.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Attention race fans – The Auto Club has teamed up with the Disneyland

Resort and the NASCAR Winston Cup 500 to bring our members a special weekend

getaway package for Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2003. Members

recede:

• Event tickets to the NASCAR Winston Cup Auto Club 500 on Sunday, April

  27

• Two or three nights’ accommodations at a select Disneyland Resort

  hotel

• Welcome reception including hot/cold hors d’oeuvres and a two hour

  open bar at the ESPN Zone on Friday, April 25

• Transportation to the California Speedway on Sunday, April 27
• Brunch at the California Speedway in the Auto Club Hospitality Tent

  on Sunday April 27

• Disneyland/Disney’s California Adventure 2-day/2-park pass
• Buffet breakfast each morning at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants.

Packages start at $687 a person. For more information, visit the AAA

Web site, or call your local Auto Club of Southern California

office.

City Pass now available with AAA packages – You can now purchase

the Southern California CityPass with Walt Disney Travel Company packages.

With a Southern California CityPass booklet, you will receive admission

to five separate entertainment options. Admission includes:

• Three-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket
• One-Day ticket to SeaWorld Adventure park
• One-Day ticket to the World-famous San Diego Zoo
• One-Day ticket to Knott’s Theme Park.

Instead of a Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket currently included

in Walt Disney Travel Company-California packages guests can be select

a Southern California CityPass for an additional charge of $47 per CityPass

for guests ages 10 and up, and $32 per CityPass for guests ages 3 through

9.

Please note: The Southern California Citypass does NOT include the $10

ESPN Zone Arena Game Card, the Walt Disney Travel Company-California feature

to collect multiple Fastpass tickets at one time or two extra days of

Disneyland Resort Theme Park admission for free.

Anaheim Marriott Disney Package available for Marriott Rewards members

– Make your Disneyland vacation as easy as saying “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah”

with a Disneyland package at the Anaheim Marriott. For a low rate of $419,

through May 31, 2003, you’ll find dreams really do come true with this

fabulously priced package.

Anaheim Disney Package includes:

• 2-nights in a luxury guest room
• 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets for two adults
• Free breakfast for two adults
• Kids, ages 3-9, eat for $1

Some restrictions apply. Membership in the Marriott Rewards program

is required. Click to learn more about this offer and for complete terms

and conditions.

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.

50% off Character Nylon Jackets – 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/$37

– 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.

Park Hours

Entertainment Schedule