Update for November 20-26, 2006
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Another relatively quiet week at Disneyland following the mad zoo that was Veteran’s Day weekend. Just a couple small things to note and then this week’s update will mostly consist of photographs showing the state of things around the park, as well as a solid look at the Christmas Fantasy Parade.
Pirate Event rumor
Over the weekend there was yet another Robert Olszewski product release and signing. One interesting piece of news from that (thanks to reader cstephens for letting us know) is that he has been commissioned to do a new piece for a Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise event in the spring, in conjunction with the ride’s 40th anniversary on March 18, 2007. Between that anniversary and the Memorial Day premiere of the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie, it was safe to think something would be done. If the date turns out to be accurate, it is nice that the decision was made to focus it on the ride and its birthday rather than the movie. It also seems safe to assume that if there is a merchandise event in March, that there wouldn’t be a full-fledged one in May.
Christmas amenities
Disneyland Vacation Planning has released its list of pre-packaged “amenities” special for the Christmas season. The Vacation Planning department helps guests with existing reservations at the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian Hotel, or Paradise Pier Hotels plan special little plusses for their stay.
In additional to standard amenity baskets delivered directly to your room, they can also shop in the parks for you to have special surprises delivered (for a fee on top of the purchase price, of course) and help you work out other surprises. To contact them about your stay, call (714) 300-7526 and select option 2. The three Christmas season offerings are:
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Gingerbread Holiday Tree 2006 – “Our 3-foot tall table-top Christmas tree is ready for the holidays. Even our Mickey & Minnie plush are all dressed up as Santa’s helpers. Gingerbread cookie ornaments and Mickey & Minnie ornaments adorn the tree. Plus edible chocolate Gingerbread candy and Candy Canes round out this one of a kind holiday tree. The finishing touch includes a delightful Gingerbread recipe, a Gingerbread bow with bell topper and a velvet green tree skirt.”
Price: $185.00 plus tax -
Mickey Youth Stockings – “A large 20-inch green stocking with “Santa Mickey” is over-filled with a “Where Dreams Come True” Red/Silver Ear Youth hat, an adventurous Toy Story hand-held Game, Cars Uno Card game, a fun-filled Disney Character Holiday Storybook, Jazzy Jingles wrist band, Train Tin with candy
and Disney Kettle Popcorn.”
Price: $84.00 plus tax -
Mickey Adult Stocking – This version of our “Santa Mickey” stocking for that special touch of Magic is filled with Holiday Antenna Toppers, a Mickey Mouse stainless Mug, 2 pack Playing cards, Milk Chocolate & Cookie Mix, Mickey’s Taffy and Disney Kettle Popcorn.
Price: $86.00 plus tax
A third themed airplane
Last Friday saw the official introduction of a third Disneyland-themed airplane in the Alaska Airlines fleet. The ongoing publicity agreement between Disney and the airline produced its first Disney-painted plane, “The Spirit of Disneyland,” in 2002. A second plane, the “Magic of Disneyland,” was added in 2005 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration.
This third plane is the “Spirit of Make-a-Wish” and promotes not only the Year of a Million Dreams campaign but also the longstanding relationship between Disneyland and the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which works to fulfill a big dream for terminally ill children. For its inaugural flight, the plane left Seattle last Friday full of 3- to 5-year-olds and their families for a weekend at Disneyland.
The plane will now go into the airline’s regular fleet rotation and you just might find yourself travelling aboard the Boeing 737-400. If you are a member of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan you can donate miles to the Make-a-Wish foundation by going to the AlaskaAir.com, selecting “Mileage Plan,” and then clicking the “Charity Miles” link.
The Spirit of Make-a-Wish approaching the gate for its first official flight. Photo © Disney.
The odds and ends of a Million Dreams
The task of bringing the more borderline elements of decoration into line with the ongoing Year of a Million Dreams promotion is pretty much complete. The various ways onto the Disneyland Resort property have been made over to match the color scheme for the promotion.
The automobile entrance to the Mickey & Friends parking garage. Photo by David Michael.
The pedestrian entrance to the Timon parking lot on Katella Avenue. Photo by David Michael.
The automobile entrance to the Timon parking lot on Harbor Blvd. Photo by David Michael.
A close-up of the Timon autobile entrance shows a touch with silhouettes of famous Disney characters. Photo by David Michael.
Construstion odds and ends
Some status photos from various construction projects around the resort area.
When the large Steamboat Mickey photomosaic came down at the end of the 50th Anniversary celebration, a curtain went up and stayed there for the last couple of months. Turned out nothing special was going on, just making it look very nice. Photo by David Michael.
Not much has changed at the Midway Mania construction site in the last week, still just a lot of dirt being moved around and initial prep work. Photo by David Michael.
The area in front of California Screamin’ is mostly being used to hold heavy equipment and store the dumspters while the existing store fronts are torn out. Photo by David Michael.
This was the Strips, Chips ‘n’ Dips facade, but that is being torn out completely. Photo by David Michael.
The area in front of the Disneyland Monorail station and what will be the entrance queue for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Photo by David Michael.
This rock form is immeidatley outside what was the Autopia Winner’s Circle store but will be the front entrance to the new attraction. Photo by David Michael.
Though the surrounding area has a lot of work to do before the monorail reopens in mid-December, the platform itself seems to be coming along nicely having been repainted and uncovered. Notice that the neon sunburst above the platform has been removed. Photo by David Michael.
In just a hint of a peek, it appears that the submarines have been repainted. Photo by David Michael.
We’ve still never heard a complete answer on what required what was essentially a rebuild of the Francis’ Ladybug Boogie atraction, but as of last weekend it is back in service. Photo by David Michael.
The construction walls say GardenWalk will open in fall 2007, but considering that the area is still just a really big hole in the ground it seems hard to believe that it’ll be open in time for Christmas shopping. Photo by David Michael.
More Christmas at Disneyland
Before we get into the Christmas Fantasy Parade, here are a few more photographs of Christmas decorations around the Disneyland Resort.
Since Parade of Dreams is shutting down for the season this year, the decorators can once again span garlands across Main Street. Last year, the Parade of Dreams floats were too tall. Photo by David Michael.
The lobby Christmas tree is now in place at the Grand Californian Hotel. Management would likely really appreciate it if the tree would avoid catching on fire this year. Photo by David Michael.
Nighttime at “it’s a small world” is a special place in the evening with a special lighting ceremony every day at dusk (see park program for time) and snow throughout the evening. Photo by David Michael.
The area in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle is still a prime viewing location for the fireworks show, but it is not as vital as for the Remember…Dreams Come True fireworks presentation. Photo by David Michael.
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
A Christmas Fantasy Parade is back in full force this year, with two performances a day. A daytime show is at 3:30 p.m. and the nighttime three hours later at 6:30 p.m. seven days a week. We’ll let the photographs speak for themselves. All are 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 Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Will likely close again in January.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds closed September 5 – December 15 for complete refurbishment of track and ride systems.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant closed January 8 – January 17 for refurbishment.
- Haunted Mansion closed January 8 – January 18 for removal of Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- it’s a small world closed January 22 – February 1 for removal of Christmas overlay.
- Gadget’s Go Coaster closed January 22 – February 2 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain closed January 23 – early May for major refurbishment. No major changes are expected but lift mechanics are being replaced.
- Professor Barnaby Owl’s Photographic Art Studio closed January 23 – early May due to closure of Splash Mountain (store is primarily for sale of Splash Mountain ride photos).
- Disneyland Railroad closed February 5 – late March for track work and to allow heavy equipment access to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is currently under construction and will open sometime around summer 2007.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Orange Stinger closed January 16 – March 23 for full refurbishment.
- Midway Mania under construction. Opens 2008.
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.
November
- Nightmare Before Christmas at El Capitan Theater. October 19-January 4. (link). After November 3, it is only two late shows per day.
- The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause at El Capitan Theater. November 3-January 4 (link). Screening includes a stage musical show before each show.
- 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.
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:
- SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
- SC – Southern California Annual Pass
- DX – Deluxe Annual Pass
11/12 | 11/13 | 11/14 | 11/15 | 11/16 | 11/17 | 11/18 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
11/19 | 11/20 | 11/21 | 11/22 | 11/23 | 11/24 | 11/25 |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
11/26 | 11/27 | 11/28 | 11/29 | 11/30 | 12/1 | 12/2 |
DL: 8a–Mid |
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.