Disneyland Park Update

Update for August 21-27, 2006

Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

News and Views

There’s not a lot going on as the summer season fades to an end. Even Disneyland seems ready to move on to the next phase as more and more hype of the Halloween season begins to appear.

New banners have been installed over the exit gates as you leave Disneyland to make sure you know that Disneyland is doing Halloween this year. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

As you leave the Mickey & Friends parking garage there is another reminder that you’ll want to return in a month or two. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

MouseAdventure

If you’re interested in the next edition of our MouseAdventure game this fall, we can finally confirm that the game will be held on Sunday, November 5. The exact details on registration, pricing, and rules will be announced in a few weeks but for now you can put the date in your calendar using pen instead of pencil.

Closure Updates

There has been some fiddling with the various closures coming up at Disneyland. First of all, a quick update on Casey Jr. Circus Train. As we mentioned last week, the train ride in Fantasyland was experiencing a sudden unexpected closure after some track problems were found. The information we had was that it would open within the week but the entertainment calendar at Disneyland.com was showing the ride as closed until late October.

Late Addition: It appears that our information may have been incomplete. Late last week the Casey Jr. Circus Train was back in service and we didn’t look at it again just assuming it stayed that way. Apparently over the weekend it was back down and is still down today.

As of writing, this is what the Web site was still saying. However, since the attraction was once again running by last Thursday, it is safe to say the Web site is incorrect.

While the official Web site also hasn’t been updated with the information, everything we’ve heard confirms that the Disneyland Monorail will be closed as of today and remain closed until mid-December when it will reopen again for the Christmas rush. It will most likely close again following New Year’s for the completion of work. The full closure of the monorail is necessary to make room for construction of the new queue area for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

In a piece of good news for late-summer travelers, the closing of Matterhorn Bobsleds for a couple months appears to have been delayed to September 5. This keeps it available through Labor Day but may also mean it will be closed over the Thanksgiving weekend in November. It seems the target is still to have it open by then, but if not then it should be open in time for the Christmas rush.

There’s a new wall in Tomorrowland around the old Radio Disney broadcast booth. This construction doesn’t actually create any closures but is a sign of things to come. Since the return of Submarine Voyage will force the closure of Winner’s Circle (the Autopia gift shop), there is a cascading effect on Tomorrowland stores. Winner’s Circle will eventually be moving into the existing Hatmosphere store while Hatmosphere moves into the radio booth spot.

Meanwhile over in New Orleans Square, the realignment of stores continues. Back in early summer La Boutique de Noel, a year-round Christmas store, closed. The Pieces of Eight pirate store temporarily moved into that location to allow for a complete refurbishment. When Pieces of Eight returned to its permanent location, the former Christmas store became Treasures and has been something of an adjunct Pirates store every since. Last week, Le Bat en Rouge, a store primarily dedicated to Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas and located to the left of Pieces of Eight, closed and its merchandise moved permanently into the Treasures location. This move is permanent but for now the new location is still Treasures and we’re not sure yet if the Le Bat en Rouge name will eventually catch up to the new location, if a new name will be used, or if Treasures is the permanent name.

Pieces of Eight will now expand into the old Le Bat en Rouge space, allowing it to make use of the courtyard between the two stores. From a customer perspective this should be a good change since even after the remodel, Pieces of Eight has been too small for the amount of merchandise they are trying to sell and the amount of people trying to buy it.

Despite its recent remodel, Pieces of Eight is frequently crowded beyound and reasonable level of comfort. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

So, how about some news about stores on Main Street? This is very much in the rumor category but we are hearing a couple rumors about late September. One version has 20th Century Music Company remodeled into an expansion of Main Street Magic Shop and the combined space offering magic, movies, and music. Another has both the 20th Century Music Company and Main Street Magic Shop both closing and the space being absorbed into the Disney Showcase store.

Tomorrowland Terrace

One of the most popular games at the Disney-related message board communities is talking about what to change at Disneyland (or any of the other parks) if only Bob Iger would put you in charge. When this game is played for Tomorrowland the changes almost always look to the past for inspiration. Put back America Sings. Bring back the People Mover. The Skyway would be a great addition, and so on. Such wishes got a win with next year’s return of the submarines (even if somewhat different) and this fall will bring another minor victory of looking to the past in Tomorrowland.

In early September the Club Buzz Stage shuts down for about a month for repairs to the lift mechanism and to remove all of the remaining Buzz Lightyear stage decorations. When it comes back it will once again officially be the Tomorrowland Terrace (and the restaurant will change names as well).

Though it has been a couple years since the space was used as a broadcast booth for Radio Disney and most equipment had been removed, it still requires a complete tear out to turn the space into a store. Photo by David Michael.

After its return, the stage will continue hosting live musical acts but will also be home to a new entertainment offering by the name of Jedi Training Academy. For this show young audience members will be given training in how to fight enemies using the dark side of the Force. It should be a lot of fun to have the park filled with youngsters able to actually use their glowing light sabers with skill. There will be no hope for adults surviving the day.

By the way, if you’re interested in being one of the Jedi Knights offering the training the following open casting call on August 31 was posted last week:

Union Status AGVA

Rate AGVA Featured/Principal rate

Audition Dates: Thursday, 8/31, 10:00 am

Audition Location: Debbie Reynolds Studios, 6514 Lankershim Blvd., N. Hollywood CA 91606

Synopsis: Disney Entertainment Productions is seeking actors for Jedi Training Academy, an all new interactive experience performed outdoors in Disneyland Park. Actors will portray a Jedi Master, who with the help of his young Jedi “trainees,” battles a real live Star Wars villain!

Audition Note: Sign-in will begin at 9:30 am. Sides will be provided. Dress appropriately for a possible movement evaluation. Bring a current headshot and resume. Performers must be at least 18 years of age to audition.

Roles: submit JEDI MASTER / Featured / Male / All Ethnicities / 18-45. Male, 5’8″+. Athletic build, good physical shape, moves well, sword work a plus. Strong actor with comedic timing and improv skills. Ability to interact and connect with young guests.

No submissions necessary, please attend Open Call.

New Main Street show

A new show appeared on Main Street last weekend. The small character show takes place once a day (so we think) in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The show begins with the Disneyland Band which then introduces Mickey and Minnie. Following them is Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming who welcome everybody to Disneyland and dance a bit. The Mad Hatter then comes out, grabs some kids from the audience and dances with them while the Disneyland Band plays “A Very Merry Unbirthday.” The show concludes with Prince Philip and Sleeping Beauty dancing with children as well.

The Disneyland Band introduces Mickey, Minnie, and friends. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Aurora and Prince Philip get in some quality time. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Young members of the audience get a chance to dance with characters as well. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Enhanced Fastpass Hiatus

The 2007 travel package information for trips books through the American Automobile Association (AAA) were released last week. The big news that immediately caught everybody’s attention was the absence of Enhanced Fastpass. These Fastpasses, which have only been available through AAA for the last few years, removed the one-at-a-time limit on Fastpasses. The holder could have, at any one time, one Fastpass for every attraction that offers it.

The lapse in offering this was the decision of Disney and not AAA, which would have happily continued to offer it. There has been some hint that Disney will be bringing the enhanced Fastpass in-house and make it an exclusive offering of the Walt Disney Travel Company. If so, that hasn’t been announced yet and it is certainly possible that it will not be offered by anybody.

This news also sparked rumors that this is part of a plan to phase out Fastpass altogether. While it is true that Fastpass at Disneyland is in decline, we do not think there is currently a plan to completely remove the system. In fact, the AAA package details go so far as to specifically mention that Fastpass is included in the package (it just happens to be the exact same Fastpass available to everybody in the parks). Here are the full details of the package elements which can be booked through AAA (you do not need to be a member to use the travel booking services).

AAA Vacations Diamond Card: Have even more fun in the sun with the AAA Vacations Diamond Card, filled with discounts and special values for dining, shopping, and entertainment at participating locations in the Downtown Disney District (one per package)

AAA Vacations Priority Viewing: Guests on a AAA Vacations package will receive a voucher valid for Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day. A Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket is required (one voucher per Guest).

Dream Coin: This new, enchanting and EXCLUSIVE keepsake is sprinkled with pixie dust to make dreams come true (one per package).

Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness: An interactive Guest and Disney Character experience occurring one hour before Mickey?s Toontown opens to the general public (valid for one morning throughout length of ticket).

Preferred Seating: Enjoy Preferred Seating at selected attractions in Disney?s California Adventure Park (one per Guest with Admission):

• Disney?s Aladdin?A Musical Spectacular
• Jim Henson?s Muppet*Vision 3D
• It?s Tough to be a Bug!
• Golden Dreams

Early Entry into Fantasyland: Receive one early entry into Fantasyland in Disneyland Park one hour before Fantasyland opens to the general public. Valid for Guests with a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket (one per Guest).

Collectibles: EXCLUSIVE! AAA Vacations collectible pin, lanyard, and luggage tag (one per Guest).

Disney’s FASTPASS Service: Available at selected attractions throughout Disneyland and Disney?s California Adventure Theme Parks for the number of days on your Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket.

The lure that caught Ouimet

For those wondering what it took to entice former Disneyland Resort President Matt Ouimet away from the Disney magic, the answer was provided by Starwood and the Securities and Exchange Commission last week. As part of its regulatory filings, Starwood provided the SEC with the offer letter they sent to Matt Ouimet. You can read the whole thing at the SEC Web site (link).

First of all, the fact that Ouimet’s hiring and compensation are worthy of an SEC filing may be an indication of why he might have been interested in the new job. At Disney, even as head of Disneyland he was so far down the executive totem pole that the SEC would never be told his name. But other than the ego boost there was plenty of lucre offered.

Ouimet’s starting salary at Starwood will be $700,000. His Disney salary has never been revealed but this is probably a small raise but conceivably a pay cut (the top Disney executive make between $800,000 and $1,00,000 per year). He will also be eligible every year for a bonus of up to 100% of his salary. So his annual salary and bonus could be anywhere between $700,000 and $1.4 million depending on the performance requirements. Additionally, upon being hired he was given $1.25 million in restricted stock and another $1.25 million in stock options. This will be repeated in 2007.

He also won’t be required to permanently relocate to corporate headquarter (White Plains, New York) until the end of 2007 so that his son can finish high school in Orange County. To allow Ouimet to commute between California and New York he will be given a reimbursement of up to $1.5 million for airfare (commercial or private).

It is pretty obvious that Matt Ouimet has made a pretty profitable change in career. Assuming that the company doesn’t go into the tank.

This and that…

…For the month of September the new Brother Bear 2 DVD will be on sale at the Disneyland Resort at a discounted price of $19.99 (before any annual pass discounts).

…If you were at Disneyland on the right day last week you may have been worried that management had completely crossed the line of holiday decency. For one day, one fourth of Main Street (from Carnation Cafe to Refreshment Corner) was temporarily decorated for the Christmas season. The whole thing was just to allow for filming of new holiday seasons commercials, and the decorations were gone the next day.

…Just a reminder that registration is now open for the Aurora’s Breakfast at Dawn event. The hard-ticketed event is for the release of the new “A World of My Own” Precious Moments figurine on October 7 (link). As of writing only the middle-tier package (the one with a night at the Paradise Pier Hotel) has sold out. The basic package without hotel and the package with Grand Californian Hotel are both still available.

…The Disney Gallery has formalized its tour program. The free 20-minute tours give the history of the Disney Gallery’s space and its origins as a VIP suite for guests of Walt and Roy Disney. Reservations are not required and runs four times a day at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. While Gallery cast members have been giving the tour for years, this is the first time it has been publicized with a regular schedule.

A flyer giving information on new tours of the Disney Gallery. Flyer © Disney.

Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. E-mail us here.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Disneyland Monorail closed August 21 – December 22 for station remodel and queue construction for Submarine Voyage.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds closed September 5 – November 22 for complete refurbishment.
• Haunted Mansion closed September 11 – 28 for installation of Haunted Mansion Overlay.
• Golden Horseshoe closed September 5 – October 6 for refurbishment, kitchen update, and menu change. No word yet on what will be done with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies show during closure.
• Snow White – An Enchanted Musical ends September 4. Last performances ever will be on this date. No replacement show has yet been announced.
• Disneyland Railroad closed September 18 – 22 for unknown reasons, probably general maintenance.
• it’s a small world closed October 23 – November 9 for installation of Christmas overlay.
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is currently under construction and will open sometime in 2007.
• Gadget’s Go Coaster closed beginning October 2 for approximately six weeks. General maintenance with no ride changes expected.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie closed until at least January 2007. One-month refurbishment in June/July 2006 was unexpectedly extended indicating major repair work is needed.
• Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular dark September 11 – October 1. Rumors of permanent closure appear unfounded as new cast members have signed contracts through April 2007.
• California Screamin’ closed October 2 – 5. Everybody was expecting a long maintenance closure so this information is suspect at this time and will most likely eventually be changed to show a multi-month closure.

Downtown Disney

• Disney’s Vault 28 under construction and expected to open Fall 2006.

Paradise Pier Hotel

• Yamabuki closed July 31 – September 8 for complete refurbishment.

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.

Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

August

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest at El Capitan Theater. July 7 – September 4. Accompanying the run of the movie will be props and costumes from the movie.

• Registration for October 7 Precious Moments event. August 14 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (link).
• Fantasia at Hollywood Bowl. August 18 and 19. Live orchestral performances of songs from Fantasia with video clips from movie. Conducted by John Mauceri. August 18 (linklink)

• 64th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon). August 23-27 at the Anaheim Convention Center (link).

September

• Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. September 15-17. For more information and registration see the official Web site (link, warning: horribly annoying embedded music)

• Olszewski Main Street Pieces release. September 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon (link).
• Little Mermaid at El Capitan Theater. September 7-17. Restored edition in conjunction with DVD re-release. First screening will be accompanied by panel discussion (link).

October

• Gay Days. October 6 – 8. Unofficial event (link).

• Precious Moments “A World of My Own event and product release. October 7. Hard ticketed merchandise event with open sale to follow (link).
• CHOC Walk. October 8. An annual charity walk at Disneyland to raise money for Children’s Hospital Orange County (link).
• Mickey’s Halloween Treat. October 13, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, and 31 at DCA. (See Disneyland AP page for details)

• Pirates of the Caribbean Sculpture Series. On sale October 14. Series by Walt Disney Classic Collection goes on sale at Disneyland Resort (link).

November

• Nightmare Before Christmas at El Capitan Theater. October 19-31 (link).
• Lion King returns to Pantages Theater. Beginning November 16 for eight week run. Call 323-463-4367 for details and tickets. Perusal tickets are available to Annual Passholders and Disney Visa members through June 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!

This first section is a list of discounts on ticket only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are still rarely see deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts.

Unless otherwise states, all tickets currently available for purchase must be first used by January 2, 2007. All multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use.

This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks must go to MousePlanet sponsor MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).

Travel Packages

2006 Resort Magic Package ? This official Disney travel package (link) is $452/per person for two adults per two-nights. The $452 price is for the Paradise Pier Hotel and goes up for Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian Hotel. In addition to the hotel room, the package includes appropriate park hopper tickets, one early admission (early admission days are currently Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays), a virtual prize for the Virtual Magic Kingdom online game, admission to Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), and Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard, luggage tag, and California Fun Book. Travel using this package must be booked by August 28, 2006, and completed by September 2, 2006.

2006 Good Neighbor Magic Package ? This official Disney travel package (link) starts at $277/per person for two adults per two-nights. The $227 price is for the Jolly Roger Hotel and goes up for other Good Neighbor hotels. In addition to the hotel room, the package includes appropriate park hopper tickets, one early admission (early admission days are currently Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays), a virtual prize for the Virtual Magic Kingdom online game, admission to Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), and Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard, luggage tag, and California Fun Book. Travel using this package must be booked by August 28, 2006, and completed by September 2, 2006.

Costco Travel Packages ? Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package extras that will be included are: Mickey’s Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.

Other Discounts

Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental

? If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club ? Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available. Additionally, after signing up, your membership card will be mailed to you and be accompanied by a $10 award good for your next visit to a Rainforest Cafe. So if you know you will be eating there while at Disneyland and have a Rainforest Cafe local to you, it may make sense to prejoin the Safari Club so that you can use the award during your trip. See the Rainforest Cafe Web site for details (link).

ESPNZone MVP Club ? Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within 2-weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link)

AAA Restaurant Discounts ? AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria Ariel’s Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy’s Kitchen.

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 2006 page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland. As always, specifics are subject to change without notice (or occasionally, without us noticing) so when information conflicts between what is presented here and that presented by Disney, it is best to assume Disney’s information is correct.

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