Update for October 9-15, 2006
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
MouseAdventure Registration
Every six months or so, the day before our MouseAdventure event at Disneyland I receive several frantic emails from people saying they meant to register and just forgot and can they please just show up and play. Especially when registration is limited. Fewer than 10 slots remain for the Invitational version of the game.
Because of the planning needed the answer is always no—and so this time around let’s all avoid that horrible situation. We have two versions of the game this time around (November 5) and whether you just want a fun day at the park or an all out cutthroat competition, one of them will be for you. Check out our MouseAdventure page for complete details and don’t forget to sign up!
Jack Sparrow Island
The big news last week was completely unofficial. But it appeared in newspapers across the country and was even the subject of a Saturday editorial in the Los Angeles Times.
What sparked it all was an article by Al Lutz at MiceAge.com (link) revealing that sources informed him of a plan under consideration to retheme Tom Sawyer Island away from the classic Mark Twain stories to a pirates theme. This would take advantage of the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and give kids a storyline with which they are more familiar. Lutz was careful to remind everybody that the project was not yet funded, but that it seemed to have a big push behind it.
When Kimi Yoshino at the Los Angeles Times wrote a story recapping the article (link, registration required), it then went out on the wire to be picked up by newspapers around the country.
As result, quite a few people have been emailing MousePlanet to ask if we knew anything about it. The answer to that is “yes, kind of.” I had heard, from a single source, the rough outlines of what Lutz describes in his article, but had not been able to confirm it. I also had no idea how likely it was to move forward and actually happen. Since there are literally hundreds of proposals and ideas floating around the Team Disney Anaheim (TDA) building about how to massively remodel parts of Disneyland, this didn’t sound all that different from other stories that trickle about and eventually fade away.
With no reason to doubt anything in Lutz’s story, it seems fair to say that it is a much bigger deal than I felt. But I still have no sense of how likely it is to really happen. So that just leaves the response.
On the various message boards around the Internet, the response, after initial howls, has been surprisingly mixed. There have been a lot of people making slightly embarrassed admissions that it’s been years or decades since the last visit to the island. That their kids would love a pirate island. By no means are these views in the majority but if there is a battle going on at TDA, you can be sure that they are being printed and highlighted.
Personally, I’m of mixed feelings. I don’t have children and I can’t say that I’ve visited Tom Sawyer Island for recreation purposes (as opposed to developing various puzzles for MouseAdventure) in years. But on the other hand, I don’t see that changing just because it changes from Tom Sawyer to Jack Sparrow, at least not if it remains just a large playground. That said, if this does move forward and is rushed into place in time for the opening of the third Pirates movie in May (just 8 months away) then it most likely won’t be anything special. If they are going to do this, they need to pause, take a breath, and do it right.
Big Crowds
The first weekend of October was surprisingly crowded and it seems that the HalloweenTime promotion, which was extensively promoted in Southern California, was putting people through the gates.
That was made worse this last weekend with something of a “perfect storm.” In addition to people coming by to check out the decorations and new events, this weekend was the annual Gay Days event, bringing thousands of red-shirted participants to the park. But it didn’t stop there as Sunday was also the annual CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) charity walk, which also brings thousands of extra people to the park on what is supposed to be an off-season weekend.
Shortly before Disneyland’s delayed opening on Sunday, the combination of Halloween, Gay Days, and the CHOC Walk had the Esplanade filled. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
In the category of “the best laid plans of mice and men” we hear that the CHOC organizers moved the event away from its traditional first Sunday in October to the second in an attempt to avoid what had become an increasingly crowded weekend only to find that Gay Days had made a similar move.
Princess Fantasy Faire
The immersive Disney Princess experience in Fantasyland Theater that is to be known as Disney Princess Fantasy Faire finally started up last Friday and the early response from young girls is positive. MousePlanet reader (and MousePad poster) SteveK was among the first to experience it with his daughter. Here is his recap:
Oh, before that, note that the Disney Web site simply lists this on the entertainment calendar at 10:00 a.m. That is actually the time it opens and it stays open until 6:00 p.m.
OK…I’ll try to give a recap as we experienced it yesterday.
As you enter the Fantasyland Theater, you are given a map which lists out the various locations in theater. At the back center, where the old control booth used to be, is the Princess Royal Walk. This is the area where the princess meet and greets are held. Three different princesses will be available at any time for autographs and pictures and the line was very long…we skipped it.
In the Princess Walk, visitors proceed in small groups through to get some one-on-one time with the Princesses. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.To the left of this area is the Royal Crafts Section. There are several picnic benches here the kids can decorate paper crowns with stickers or color various coloring book type pages. You can also buy a small castle shaped cake complete with pink and blue icing for decorating ($7.95).
Face painting and hair styling are available for an extra charge. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.To the right of the Princess Royal Walk is the Princes Merchandise/Fantasy Face Painting and Royal Hair Braiding Section. Not sure how much the face painting was but hair would have been around $18. Fortunately for us, they were doing it for free yesterday and both my girls received very nice hair makeovers which they proudly wore all day. Of course, there is a selection (albeit fairly small) of princess merchandise/costumes.
All of these areas are in the elevated sections of the theater. Now down to the floor.
Most of the seating in the theater has been removed, leaving just enough space for parents to watch as their children participate in the coronation ceremony. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.If you are facing the stage, there is a large crown to the left that contains a very small bench. This is the Princess Storytelling section though I never saw any princess telling stories. Good photo op though. To the right of the stage is a large shield (presumably to attract little princes) for photos as well.
The coronation show in the Fantasyland Theater teaches young princes and princesses proper manners. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.The stage itself, while containing the majority of the look/props from the Snow White show, has undergone some changes. There is now a grand staircase as well as some new decorations/banners. This is where the Princess and Knighthood Training is held. The show is held every hour on the hour and is fun for the little ones out there. I don’t remember all the details and will be taking the girls again Sunday after the CHOC walk to watch the whole show. I do remember that they introduced Jasmine, Cinderella and Belle who each made their entrance down the grand staircase referenced earlier. There is then a “training” session which all the kids are invited to participate in.
Costumes are available for sale in an open air boutique. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.All in all, a fun experience for the girls, though I don’t think little boys will find much interesting with this at all. Keep in mind this was the very first day and they will need to get some things worked out. It was a bit chaotic and there seemed to be 100+ DL suits watching all the goings on and taking notes. We waited approximately 1 hour for hair braiding as they only had one girl doing it when it opened. Eventually, there were three girls there and the actual process took about 15-20 minutes, probably something we wouldn’t have waited to do but it was free.
With the reopening of Fantasyland Theater, Enchanted Cottage Sweets and Treats is also now open again, though with essentially the same menu options as before. See our Enchanted Cottage Park Guide Page for the full menu.
Enchanted Cottage Sweets and Treats is only open when the theater is open. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
TomorrowLanding
TomorrowLanding, the new store that put back into use the space last used by Radio Disney, opened last week. Currently the store carries a selection of Jedi merchandise (to go along with the nearby Jedi Training Academy) and a selection of hats. The store is also now one of the embroidery locations for eligible headgear sold in the park. Eventually the store will also carry Finding Nemo merchandise to go with Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
It isn’t a large store, but it also isn’t selling as much stuff as it will after the opening of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage next summer. Photo by David Michael.
The Star Wars side of the store. Note the automated embroidery machine behind the counter. Photo by David Michael.
The hat side of the store. Photo by David Michael.
With hats and embroidery being sold at TomorrowLanding, The Hatmosphere has lost its purpose. Although the name of the store hasn’t yet changed, it has already been put into use as the official merchandise location for Autopia. The Autopia Winner’s Circle store under the monorail is long gone now as the queue for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is prepared. Eventually, The Hatmosphere will become Winner’s Circle.
The Hatmosphere is now a misnomer as the store carries Autopia related merchandise. Photo by David Michael.
Disney Legends 2006
In a ceremony later today at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, this year’s Disney Legends induction ceremony will be held. The event is not open to the public.
The Disney Legends program has been running since 1987 and there are currently 191 members of this “hall of fame.” Adding to that number this year are:
Joe Ranft (1960-2005) – Animator at both Disney and Pixar
Peter Jennings (1938-2005) – ABC News Anchor
Elton John – Musician
Al Dempster (1911-2001) – Artist
Paul Frees (1920-1986) – The Man of a Thousand Voices
David Stollery – Actor
Kevin Corcoran – Actor
Tommy Kirk – Actor
Tim Considine – Actor
Ginny Taylor – Actress
Jimmy Johnson – Founder, Walt Disney Records
Don Edgren – Imagineer
High School Musical Pep Rally
Yes, the new show finally hit Disneyland. If you don’t have kids under the age of 14 then you very likely will wonder what in the world this show is about. But for kids in the target demographic it is a very big thing.
The Pep Rally stage is the only float. Photo by David Michael.
The show performs three times a day at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. If you watch closely, you’ll see that a lot of the performers are also dancing in the Block Party Bash parade (though a lot of the cast cut in the trimmed version of that parade ended up in this show).
At the two show stops, music and dance performances are held, including some basketball work. Photo by David Michael.
Each performance makes two show stops, in the same places as Block Party Bash (look for the Party Zone banners along the parade route). The show itself features several song and dance performances and concludes with some dancing interaction with children in the audience.
At the conclusion of the show, audience members are encouraged to get in on the dancing and singing. Photo by David Michael.
New Turnstiles
It is a small thing, but if you turn around as you enter the gates at Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure (DCA), you’ll see that new technology is in place at the turnstiles. One gate at each park has been testing the new machines and last week they were installed across the board.
One feature is a monitor that will show the large color picture associated with each annual pass scanned. This will help detect annual pass fraud (which happens much more often than you’d probably think). With a larger image, gate cast members will more easily be able to match the person using the pass to the person standing in front of them.
New machines at each gate will allow more advanced ticketing as well as improve fraud prevention. Photo by David Michael.
More important, though is the ability for each station to print park tickets. Currently, it can be quite a hassle to enter with any kind of nontraditional admission media. You might have to wait in long lines at the ticket booths to exchange a voucher for a ticket, or you’d be redirected at the gate to speech with a supervisor and get appropriate tickets that will work for Fastpass. The new machines will allow the cast member to simply scan the nontraditional media and the correct ticket will then print and can be given to the guest.
The big new feature this will allow is a “print at home” option for purchasing park tickets. This will be rolled out next month. Buy your tickets online, print out the paper, and simply walk up to the entry gate (rather than a ticket booth) when you get to the park and you’ll walk through with valid tickets for the rest of your stay. Much more efficient, and as anybody who has had their excitement tempered by having to wait 20 minutes to even get inside the park, efficient is very good.
New Guest Buttons
One thing guests love to do is make a stop at City Hall on their birthdays to pick up a birthday sticker (they used to be buttons, but then those were restricted to the hotels). As part of the Year of a Million Dreams, the buttons are back, and in force.
You can now pick up buttons for six different occasions. Joining your birthday are first visit, honeymoon, just married, anniversary, and family reunion buttons. Happy birthday is also available in Spanish. City Hall cast members probably aren’t incredibly happy with this as longs grow longer with couples celebrating their anniversary (coincidentally on their birthdays) but finally taking as their honeymoon a first ever trip to Disneyland. To make it more magical they are hosting a family reunion. Oh, did they mention he is from Madrid?
If lines are long, though, and you want one of these buttons there may be a way around it. Keep an eye out for “Dream Team” cast members, as they start out with a supply of buttons. So if you approach them, you may be able to get one.
Speaking of the Dream Team, we have some more details on some of the prizes being given out at the resort during this promotion. The “Dream Fastpass” operates differently at Disneyland than at Walt Disney World. In Florida, the pass is good for one ride on each of the Fastpass attractions at only the park where the pass is won. At Disneyland, the guest receives a single ride on each of the Fastpass attractions at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. If the winner doesn’t have a park hopper ticket (or an annual pass) the Dream Fastpass will allow that guest to use their existing admission media as a park hopper (the Dream FastPass is not itself valid for admission) for the day so that the winner can get full use.
But the prizes aren’t just at the park. A MousePlanet reader sent along this story of winning an unexpected prize at the Grand Californian Hotel:
My wife and I decided to celebrate our 20th anniversary at our favorite theme park, Disneyland. Because it was a special occasion we decided to spend one night at the Grand Californian. We opted only for a simple room on the outside facing the street to save money.
When we arrived at the valet parking for the hotel we were personally greeted. We thought that was a lovely touch. They informed us that we were the winners for the hotel for the dream come true celebration and that our room was upgraded. When we were escorted to the concierge desk at the 6th floor everyone was very pleasant to us. Maria Boone, the VIP coordinator, then took us to our room.
She indicated that Johnny Depp was the last celebrity who stayed in the room (probably during the premiere of ‘Pirates’ at Disneyland). She opened the main door to the Mt. Whitney Suite and a grand panorama view of the California Adventure. My wife had tears in her eyes as Maria explained all the wonderful offerings in this marvelous Arts and Crafts detailed suite.
We also had full access to their Craftsman’s Room restricted to VIP guests. It was difficult to leave the room and enjoy Disneyland, but it was wonderful returning that evening to see the vista of the California Adventure fully illuminated the entire evening. It was one magical day for us. I read about the new promotion that Disney was doing on Mouseplanet, but never in a million years would have believed we would be fortunate enough to receive such a wonderful gift.
Midway Reprieve
About a month ago we talked about closures in Paradise Pier as a result of the beginning construction on Midway Mania, a new Pixar-based dark ride that will open in 2008. Among those closures were Malibu-ritos, a long closed space that is now officially gone forever. Strip, Dips ‘n’ Chips closed the week before last and had its menu moved to Bountiful Valley Farmer’s Market in A Bug’s Land. We also mentioned that the Boardwalk Games would be closing.
The construction wall goes right up to the Boardwalk Games, but for now they have been saved from closure. Photo by David Michael.
It looks like plans changed and the games have been given a reprieve. A large part of that was probably because the powers that be wanted them open and available for the Mickey’s Halloween Treat events this month. Part of it appears to be that designers decided that keeping at least a few of them around would be a good fit for the ride that will ultimately open. So for now, all of the Boardwalk Games under California Screamin’ are safe at it is likely that the rightmost will have a long life ahead of them. But as always things may change.
Much of the walkway on the California Screamin’ end of Paradise Pier is now behind a construction wall. Photo by David Michael.
Meanwhile, the construction wall is up and blocking off a large part of Paradise Pier from the restrooms (still open) behind the carousel all the way to the first of the Boardwalk Games. The walk extends all the way through the lower level of the boardwalk in this area and from above (on the Sun Wheel) you can see that tables and planters have already been removed.
The construction area, as seen from the Sun Wheel, shows the section of closed boardwalk businesses. Note that planters and all surface features have been removed. Photo by David Michael.
This and that…
…As we suggested last week, Autopia is closed until at October 22. The closure is required so that heavy equipment can be brought in to work on the monorail station. The moving ramps that entered and exited the Tomorrowland station have been completely torn down and now new ramps need to be built. The new ramps will be static; in the land of Tomorrow, we apparently will still have to walk.
…The official reopening date for Matterhorn Bobsleds hasn’t yet changed from December 15 (just in time for the Christmas crowds) but we’re hearing that it could be in jeopardy of doing so. Apparently some of the electrical work they’re doing on the ride has gone over schedule. They hope to make up the time in later stages but that remains to be seen.
…One thing that has always been surprising is how few fast food restaurants there are within easy walking distance of the Disneyland gates. McDonald’s is the only real option. Down on the corner of Harbor and Katella there are other choices, but few are going to walk that far to save $10 on lunch. But that finally changed last week with the opening of a Quizno’s Subs attached to the Carousel Inn motel directly across Harbor from Disneyland.
Located at 1530 Harbor Blvd, Quizno’s is now the easiest non-Disney fast food to find. Photo by David Michael.
…Yamabuki, at the Paradise Pier Hotel, has finally reopened with its new decor and menu. We don’t have the entire menu in the Disneyland Park Guide yet, but you can see most of the dinner menu in our Yamabuki Park Guide Page.
…Big Thunder Ranch, currently overlaid as Woody’s Halloween Roundup, will close on November 1 to get another makeover into Santa’s Reindeer Roundup. It will reopen on November 10 and apparently will be essentially the same as last year.
…The official dates for the removal of the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay are now on the calendar. The ride will be closed January 8 – 18. A similar closure for “it’s a small world” is not yet official, but most likely would begin around January 3 and last 10 days to two weeks.
…The opening of Disney’s Vault 28 was delayed by construction issues but will now open this Wednesday.
Vault 28 appears to be all set for its October 11th opening. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…If you’re the type who is interested in such things (perhaps collecting them as cheap souvenirs) the merchandise bags have recently been changed at the parks. Inside DCA and Disneyland they are no longer transparent, but otherwise the design is much the same. At World of Disney in Downtown Disney, they now have separate bags specifically for the World of Disney chain of stores. It mentions the Walt Disney World and New York City stores and, if memory is correct, is the first attempt to market the stores as separate from their home resorts.
Though some decorative railings remain on the castle, the crowns and jewels added for the 50th Anniversary are gone. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…The final small signs of the 50th Anniversary celebration are finally gone. One lone 50th logo remained on the Esplanade side of the Main Street Railroad Station clock tower until last Thursday before finally disappearing. The Remember…Dreams Come True has begun playing with revised wording in the narration by Julie Andrews, no longer mentioning the 50th anniversary and saying “in 1955” rather than “50 years ago.” The fact that new narration was inserted does seem to provide unofficial support to what we mentioned several weeks ago: that the show will return in 2007. Now that the rumors of holiday-themed new shows have fallen by the wayside, there wouldn’t seem to be any reason to introduce a new show any time before summer 2007. The crowns and jewels disappeared from Sleeping Beauty Castle last week as well, though the gold railing are still there for now.
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 14 for station remodel and queue construction for Submarine Voyage. Will likely close again in January.
- Snow White – An Enchanted Musical ended September 4. Show will not return.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds closed September 5 – December 14 for complete refurbishment.
- Autopia closed October 3 – October 22 for due to heavy equipment needed for work on monorail station.
- it’s a small world closed October 23 – November 9 for installation of Christmas overlay.
- it’s a small world closed early January (exact dates to be announced) for removal of Christmas overlay.
- Haunted Mansion closed January 8 – January 18 for removal of Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is currently under construction and will open sometime around summer 2007.
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.
- Golden Dreams replaced September 24 – October 31? For the Halloween season the film show is being overlayed as Golden Screams. Exact return date is not yet known.
- California Screamin’ closed October 9 – 12.
Downtown Disney
- Disney’s Vault 28 under construction and expected to open October 11.
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.
October
- 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).
- Nightmare Before Christmas at El Capitan Theater. October 19-31 (link).
November
- The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause at El Capitan Theater. November 3-January 4 (link).
- MouseAdventure. November 5. The next edition of MousePlanet’s popular in-park game. Registration to open shortly.
- Believe Holiday Fireworks show. Beginning November 9 for daily holiday fireworks show that will run through the end of the year.
- 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.
- A Christmas Fantasy parade. Beginning November 17 for daily parade that will run through the end of the year.
December
- Candlelight Processional. December 2 and 3. Two performances each day. No other details are known at this time.
- SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
- SC – Southern California Annual Pass
- DX – Deluxe Annual Pass
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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).
| One Day Park Hoper Regularly $79/$69 |
Southern California 1–Day Park Hopper ($64/$74) – Residents of Southern California (zip codes 90000–93599) and and northern Baja California, Mexico (Zip codes 21000–22999), can buy discounted one-day park hoppers. You can purchase up to eight tickets at a time, one order per day, and two orders in any seven-day period. Valid ID showing Zip code will be required with ticket for admission. Southern California AAA offices and Vons Supermarkets may also sell these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. |
| Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $116/$96 |
AOCVCB 2-Day Bonus Ticket ($115/$95) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is only $1 and shipping on all orders is at least $10. Therefore you only come ahead on orders made more than 10 days in advance if you are buying more than 10 tickets (link). |
| Three Day Park Hooper Regularly $169/$139 |
Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($149/$119) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (link). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). Southern California CityPass($199/$159) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day). It also includes one day admissions to SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood, and either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance). The Southern California City Pass can also be purchased online from Costco at a cost of $174.99/$139.99 (adults/child), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at a Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container which you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($146/$117) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is only $3 (adult) and $2 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10. Therefore, compared to the Disneyland Web site price, you only come about ahead on orders made more than 10 days in advance if you are buying more than 3 tickets. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
Four Day Park Hopper |
Advance Purchase 4–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($169/$139) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (link). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($165/$136) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $4 (adult) and $3 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10. Therefore, compared to the Disneyland Web site price, you only come about ahead on orders made more than 10 days in advance if you are buying more than 2 or 3 tickets. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Play 4 Days Southern California Ticket ($119 all ages 3 and up) – This ticket is only for Southern California residents residing in Zip Codes 90000-93599 and is not available to Northern Mexico residents. It is important to note that while Costco will sell the voucher to anybody who wants to buy one, proof of Southern California residency will be required when exchanging it for the actual ticket at Disneyland. The ticket allows admission to either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure on four separate days. The dates need not be consecutive and admission is allowed to only one park on any given day. Tickets must be first used by November 15, 2006, and expire on November 18, 2006. Call ahead to your Southern California Costco to confirm availability or order online (link), shipping fees apply as well as a 5% surcharge for non-members. |
Five Day Park Hopper |
Advance Purchase 5–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($179/$149) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (link). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$145) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 (adult) and $4 (child) and shipping on all orders is $10. Therefore, compared to the Disneyland Web site price, you only come about ahead on orders made more than 10 days in advance if you are buying more than 2 tickets. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
| All Tickets | Disney Visa Application Credit $40 – &150; Currently, if you are not a Disney Visa credit card holder, you can receive an extra $40 discount when purchasing Disneyland tickets through the Disneyland Web site. When making your purchase an opportunity to apply for the credit card (and charge the purchase to the card) will be offered. If approved, the credit card will get a $40 credit when used for its first transaction. |
Annual Passes |
DVC Discount &150; Members of the Disney Vacation Club can get a $20 discount on a Deluxe or Premium Disneyland Annual pass. Good for first purchase only. Early Renewal Discount &150; If you renew your annual pass (either online or in person) before it expires, you will receive a 10% discount. |
Travel Packages
4th Night Free (link). For packages booked between now and December 14, 2006, for travel that begins by December 17, 2006 if you book three consecutive nights at a Disneyland on-property hotel or one of the Good Neighbor resort-area hotels you will get a fourth night free. Packages start at $307 per person for stays at the Red Roof Inn Anaheim Maingate. Packages include one 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket per person, one day of early entry, three Virtual Magic Kingdom computer game virtual rewards, one entry into Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness, preferred show seating at DCA, and Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard, luggage tag, and California fun book.
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:
| 10/1 | 10/2 | 10/3 | 10/4 | 10/5 | 10/6 | 10/7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 10/8 | 10/9 | 10/10 | 10/11 | 10/12 | 10/13 | 10/14 |
| DL: 10a–Mid |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 10/15 | 10/16 | 10/17 | 10/18 | 10/19 | 10/20 | 10/21 |
| DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
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.
