Update for October 24-29, 2006
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Mickey’s Halloween Treat
The second year of Mickey’s Halloween Treat at Disney’s California Adventure park is now fully underway and the response from MousePlanet’s Adrienne Krock, who attended both last year and this is that they made some improvements in the flow and that things just seemed to generally move better this year than last.
Music and dancing at the Pacific Wharf stage. Photo by Alex Stroup.
The big change is that there is no longer any attempt to control how many times you go through a candy station by using stickers to indicate the ones you’ve visited. Pretty much if you want to walk in a circle through the same station all night, there’d really be nothing stopping you.
A jack-o-lantern is projected onto California Screamin’. Photo by Alex Stroup.
To a certain degree, though, that is what you’re doing with the trick-or-treating part of the evening. Every candy station (except for a few dedicated exclusively to Snickers, the candy sponsor for the event) had the same general mix of candies. It was a very extensive mix with everything from low-grade generic hard candies up to Ghiradelli caramel chocolate squares. Most stations also offered apple slices for those inclined (it is a sign of how horrible growing up is that I had three packages of apple slices before having any candy).
The Boardwalk Games are open and giving out candy prizes to winners. Photo by Alex Stroup.
In the area of decorations things are reportedly about the same but I found them disappointing (I have only Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for comparison). In addition to the general Halloween decorations installed for the entire month of October, the only major additions were some lit pumpkin and ghost balls and lights projected on various surfaces (spider web on Grizzly River Run, a big pumpkin onto California Screamin’). Pretty much just things that could be installed and removed in an hour.
Mickey and Minnie are two of the costumed characters available for photos with guests. Photo by Alex Stroup.
Attractions that are open during the event are:
- California Screamin’
- Flik’s Flyers
- Games of the Boardwalk (free, giving out candy prizes; the same candy as at trick-or-treating stations)
- Golden Zephyr
- Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- King Triton’s Carousel
- Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
- Mulholland Madness
- Orange Stinger
- Soarin’ Over California
- Sun Wheel
- Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Many outdoor vending carts were open (though I don’t know who would be buying brownies when free candy is around, the easy access to water was appreciated) and each land had at least one of its restaurants open.
Another projection in Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Photo by Alex Stroup.
There were three stages set up for live entertainment (Pacific Wharf stage, the location of the now gone Ugly Bug Ball stage, and the Hollywood Pictures Backlot stage) and it is heavily focused on young children, so adults and older children probably won’t be much interested.
Grizzly River Run gets the light projection treatment with spider webs. Photo by Alex Stroup.
PhotoPass
The PhotoPass system, in use at Walt Disney World for quite a while now, has finally found its way to Disneyland Resort. They are working out the kinks before moving it into Disneyland, but you can use it if you visit DCA (and it is being used during the Mickey’s Halloween Treat events).
The system eases the process for having official photographs taken at the park. The first time you have a photo taken, the photographer scan an annual pass-sized card in a machine he’s carrying that registers the card and photo. Every time after that when you have a photo taken, they’ll take and rescan the card. So at the end of the day, you can go to the photo ordering locations and just hand over the card and easily see all of the photos that were taken and place an order.
This is one of the “photopass” cards that should ease photo ordering. Photo by David Michael.
For now, the system is only being used at DCA, though eventually it will be available in both parks and you’ll be able to use the same card at both parks throughout your entire stay. If you don’t want to deal with order lines at the parks, you will also be able to view your photos online at DisneyPhotoPass.com.
Skipper Stand-Up 3
The successful Skipper Stand-Up program at the Maverick Theater has announced a return for a third engagement at the Fullerton comedy club. [Read more about this program in our August 17 article by staff writer David Koenig.] The line-up will include both skippers from previous shows as well as new acts and at least a few new videos.
If you’ve missed the earlier shows or want to experience it again, you’ll want to buy tickets as soon as possible. This time around the show will be in a prime Saturday night slot (at 8:00 p.m.). The first two gigs sold out and this one will likely go even faster. Tickets are $10 each. For more information, visit the the Maverick Theater Web site.
One final piece of advice, if you do go, try to get there early. First-time visitors frequently have a hard time finding the theater.
Santa Clause 3
It is a surprise to nobody that The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause will have a two-month run at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. Beginning November 3, the third chapter in Tim Allen’s trilogy will take over the theater. At each showing there will be a musical stage show, and audience members will receive sleigh bells so that they can get involved. On the first day of screenings (mostly sold out now) audience members will also receive a snow globe.
One new thing being tried with this run by SC3 is at the Soda Fountain next door to the theater. For the entire run of the movie for the 10:00 a.m. showing, you can make a reservation for breakfast with Mickey and Minnie at the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store. Advance reservations are required and most of the weekends are already sold out, though most weekday opportunities still have space.
For $15 per person (which does not include admission to the 10:00 a.m. show, which you must attend) you will get to order from a limited menu and spend some time with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Considering what character dining generally costs at the resort, if you’re in an area and have children who would be happy with those two characters, it might be a good alternative option.
The Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store in Hollywood will soon begin testing a new character breakfast in conjunction with the early show at the El Capitan Theater next door. Photo by Alex Stroup.
It is currently being called “A Holiday Breakfast” and there is not yet any guarantee that it will extend beyond the run of The Santa Clause 3 at the theater but if it does well, it is the hope that it will become a long term thing.
Vault 28 Coupon
The new Disney’s Vault 28 store in Downtown Disney is running a promotion where you can get a Vault 28 tote bag for free with a pre-tax purchase of $45 (and it would be difficult to make a purchase and have it not be $45). The offer is good until November 6 or while supplies last. You must present this coupon (PDF) at the time of purchase.
Patina Purchase
Chef Joachim Splichal has made a deal to purchase back the Patina group of restaurants that he founded and sold in 2000 to the Compass Group for $40 million. He is purchasing the the restaurants back for $90 million (the restaurant group is much larger than when he sold it). In addition to Patina, the group’s flagship restaurant at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the group also owns Tortilla Jo’s, Catal, and Naples in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney.
There is no reason to expect any significant or immediate changes in the operation of those restaurants, though you never know what could happen down the road.
The 2006 christmas tree for Disneyland’s Main Street is now on site and visible from its storage space offstage, the tree will have to be kept alive (mostly) for another 10 weeks. Photo by David Michael.
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.
- 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.
- Midway Mania under construction. Opens 2008.
The interior of what was Pacific Photo has been torn out as part of the constructionp process for Midway Mania. Photo by David Michael.
Downtown Disney
- Disney’s Vault 28 opened 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 closed.
- 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.
