Update for January 8-14, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
New SoCal discounts
The Disneyland Resort is offering two special ticket offers for visitors who live in Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. The first is the return of the popular 2Fer ticket, which offers admission to Disneyland on one day and Disney’s California Adventure on a second day for the price of a one-day, one-park ticket of $63 for adults and $53 for children ages 3 to 9.
During past promotions some canny visitors have turned the offer into a discounted park hopper ticket of sorts, using both admissions on the same day. While this was never the intention of the offer, enforcement was sporadic. Disney has closed this loophole in 2007, offering visitors a new promotion: A 2-day park hopper ticket for the price of the one-day hopper ($83 for adults, $73 for children ages 3 to 9). Both tickets carry the same restrictions and fine print:
- Tickets valid for Southern California residents within Zip codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within Zip codes 21000-22999.
- Proof of residency required.
- Tickets expire 30 days from first visit. First visit must occur between January 3, 2007 and April 26, 2007. Each use constitutes one full day of use.
- Limit 8 tickets (Ages 10+ and ages 3-9) per order per day. Household can only order once per day and twice per rolling 7 days.
- Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use.
- Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions.
- Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
The price of one-day, one-park and one-day park hopper tickets did not increase last week as had been rumored, and the price of Annual Passports remained unchanged as well.
The new promotion has added to the crowded conditions visitors experienced at the resort this weekend, as the new discounts took effect in the middle of what most local schools observe as the winter holiday. Disneyland had to restrict ticket sales by mid-afternoon every day last week, though crowds are expected to return to normal as school starts this week.
Rockin’ the Resort
Tomorrowland now includes a new Rockin’ Space Mountain sign. Photo by David Michael.
As previously announced, both Space Mountain at Disneyland and California Screamin’ at Disney’s California Adventure are featuring new soundtracks, courtesy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The “Rockin’ Both Parks” promotion runs through April 26, which is also the final day of the current Southern California Resident discount promotion.
Visitors now see a new Rockin’ California Screamin’ sign. Photo by David Michael.
The promotion is creating a stir among some members of our MousePad discussion boards, but the chatter might not be what Disney’s marketing department expected. Rather than generating excitement about the attractions and presumably sending people flooding into the parks to ride, many are asking if the choice of band is appropriate for a Disney park. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are well known for their on-stage antics—the band has been known to perform with a single sock covering their private parts—and off-stage dramas including drug use and the heroin-overdose death of original bandmember Hillel Slovak.
Rocking’ Space Mountain includes a new lighting effect. Photo by David Michael.
The new roller coaster soundtracks are not the only musical choices being questioned around the resort. Several readers have complained recently about hearing songs with decidedly adult (or family-unfriendly) lyrics such as Sisqo’s “Thong Song,” J. Giles Band’s “Centerfold,” and Ludacris’ “Money Maker” performed by the Tomorrowland cover bands. Earlier this year, readers complained about the Downtown Disney area music loop, which has included songs such as “Jump Around” by House of Pain, Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” and Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach.”
For some, the question is not whether the songs themselves should be performed in public—you’re certain to hear worse walking through any shopping mall—but whether they should be heard on Disney property. MousePad member Bolivar summed it up nicely:
“In the real world frogs don’t turn into princes and fairies don’t fly around sprinkling pixie dust. Elephants don’t fly and pirates aren’t loveble rogues. The real world is full of misogynists who make a lot of money signing about demeaning women or about violence or about the wonders of drugs.
“I prefer that Disneyland continue to do all it can to keep the real world beyond its gates and that inside the gates I find princes and princesses, pixie dust and flying elephants.”
On the other hand, several readers have pointed out that the lyrics will likely be edited, or the songs remixed in such a way as to render them meaningless, and that the history of a performer should not have any impact on what is essentially a marketing ploy for Disney.
Tell us what you think about the choice of band and music for the Rockin’ Both Parks promotion, or about what music is (or is not) appropriate for a Disney theme park. If you can’t make it to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure to hear the changes for yourself, you can still experience the new soundtracks through the magic of YouTube. Several riders have posted opening day videos to the site.
Rockin’ Space Mountain:
- Video 1: Poor audio, better video of the new special effects
- Video 2: Better audio, very poor video quality
Rockin’ California Screamin’
- Video: Good audio and video
New Year in Review
This isn’t the annual “Year in Review” section, but an editorial about the way the Disneyland Resort handled crowds during the most recent New Year’s Eve holiday. To recap, the resort began restricting sales of Disneyland tickets before Noon on New Year’s Eve, and completely stopped selling admission to Disneyland by mid-afternoon. The Disneyland main entrance closed sometime between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., and no new admissions were allowed until around 11:00 p.m. This meant that anyone wishing to purchase a ticket or enter a theme park after these times was diverted to Disney’s California Adventure, and that park came very near to reaching capacity as well. Patrons already inside Disneyland by the time the gates closed were told that they would likely not be allowed to return to the park if they tried to leave.
Those inside the parks reported the type of conditions that are typical for an extremely busy day at the resort—over 90-minute waits for the major attractions, long lines for food, drinks and restrooms, and general crowding of walkways and passages. But the concerns of those inside parks were minor compared to the complaints of those who were denied admission to Disneyland. As each level of ticket sales or entrance restriction was imposed, the lines of those looking to be granted an exception grew. Those who were stuck outside the gates reported lines of angry customers at the ticket booths, at the gates and especially at the Guest Relations window.
To be sure, some of the complaints are understandable. Those who have never been to Disneyland during a holiday weekend are likely unprepared for the crowds they will encounter, and most can not fathom a situation where Disneyland would actually close the gates, and many of those who were denied admission to Disneyland were people who assumed that their particular ticket would exempt them from whatever admission restrictions might be imposed. As such, the complaint lines were filled with people holding park-hopper tickets, resort hotel guests and annual passholders who did not understand why they could not enter (or re-enter) a park they held valid tickets to.
There were anecdotal reports of people who had pre-purchased their admission tickets online, only to reach the resort after Disneyland had closed, and of others who held park-hopper tickets but had begun their day at DCA, not knowing they would not be able to enter Disneyland that evening. Despite all of the warnings put out there by sites such as MousePlanet, and the resort’s own efforts to communicate with potential visitors, it’s clear that Disney is not doing enough to manage guest expectations.
We think it is time for Disney to consider a return to the hard-ticket New Year’s Eve events the park once hosted, in an effort to better control admission on this busiest of nights. The current policy of first come, first served leaves too many people angry and confused as to why they can not enter the park, despite holding valid admission. By setting aside New Year’s Eve as a special event, limiting admission—either for the evening or for the entire day—to only those who held a ticket for that specific event, and clearly explaining the situation well in advance, as the Resort has done both times Disneyland closed early for the Pirates of the Caribbean film premieres, the resort would do a lot to control the expectations of those who don’t otherwise know what to expect. And that would make it a much happier New Year for everyone involved.
This and That…
…The new Annual Passholder dining pin series is called “Dining With Character,” and the monthly release will feature a Character Chef on the cover of a fictitious Dining with Character magazine. The first pin in the series will be released on January 21, and features Chef Goofy on a backer card printed to look like a magazine cover. This pin is available to Passholders with every $30 spent on food and beverage at select locations. Passholders must present a valid Annual Passport at time of purchase.
The January AP dining pin features Chef Goofy. Photo copyright Disney.
The pin will be available, while supplies last, at the following locations:
Disneyland – Plaza Inn, Carnation Cafe, Rancho del Zocalo, French Market, Cafe Orleans and Blue Bayou. Disney’s California Adventure – Ariel’s Grotto, Pacific Wharf Cafe, Pizza Oom Mow Mow, the Vineyard Room and Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – Disney’s PCH Grill and Yamabuki’s. Disneyland Hotel – Goofy’s Kitchen and Steakhouse 55. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel – Storytellers Cafe
…The Orange County Register reported last week that the Walt Disney Company had settled a lawsuit with the estate of a woman who died in 2000 shortly after riding Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure ride. The company and the plaintiff’s lawyers refused to discuss the terms of the settlement, which was recorded less than a week before trial was set to begin. This settlement is the fourth related to injuries from the Disneyland attraction.
…Workers began refilling the Submarine Lagoon last week in preparation for the new Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction scheduled to open in June.
The Submarine Lagoon is being prepared for the new attraction. Photo by David Michael.
A view of the Submarine Lagoon as seen from the Matterhorn. Photo by David Michael.
A peek through the mesh that surrounds the Monorail platform in Tomorrowland finds workers walking along the reefs of the Submarine Lagoon. Photo by David Michael.
…It may seem a silly milestone, but the one-millionth post was made to our MousePad discussion boards this week. MousePad member “Mermaid” had the distinction of making the milestone post, and has been suitably honored with a Lifetime Premier Subscription to MousePad, and her choice of item from our CafePress store.
…MousePlanet readers who have been participating in the mail-in portion of the Year of a Million Dreams contest have begun to receive prizes in the mail. So far all of the prizes received have been either the Dream Mouse Ears or Dream Pin and Lanyard set—none of the higher-level prizes have been reported. Click here for extremely detailed instructions on how to enter the contest without visiting the theme park.
Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. E-mail us here.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- 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.
- Mark Twain Riverboat closed January 15 – January 19 for general maintenance and painting.
- 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. This was on the calendar but seems to have disappeared, may not be happening.
- 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 – March 29 for track work and to allow heavy equipment access to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed February 19 – March 29 for an extensive refurbishment.
- Fantasmic! dark February 20 – late May due to work on Tom Sawyer Island.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is currently under construction and will open sometime around June 11, 2007.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Golden Zephyr closed January 8 – January 11 for maintenance.
- Orange Stinger closed January 16 – March 23 for full refurbishment.
- Grizzly River Run closed January 22 – January 25 for maintenance.
- 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.
January
- Lion King returns to Pantages Theater. Beginning November 16 for eight week run. Call 323-463-4367 for details and tickets.
- Mary Poppins at El Capitan Theater. January 11-January 31. (link).
February
- Peter Pan at El Capitan Theater. February 1-February 15. (link).
- Bridge to Terabithia at El Capitan Theater. February 16-March 22. (link).
March
- Meet the Robinsons at El Capitan Theater. March 30-May 20. (link).
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.
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 Hopper Regularly $63/$53 |
Southern California 2Fer Ticket – This ticket offers residents of zip codes 90000-93599 (and 21000-22999 in Baja California, Mexico) the opportunity to buy entry to one park on one day and to return within 30 days to visit the other park. Tickets expire 30 days from first visit. First visit must occur between January 3, 2007 and April 26, 2007. Each use constitutes one full day of use. |
| One Day One Park Regularly $83/$73 |
Southern California 1–Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Southern California AAA offices and Vons Supermarkets may be selling 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. If you do see these available anywhere, email us to let us know. |
| Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $122/$102 |
Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper ($83/$73) – This ticket offers residents of zip codes 90000-93599 (and 21000-22999 in Baja California, Mexico) the two days of visits to the Disneyland Resort and on both days the ticket-holder can visit both parks. Tickets expire 30 days from first visit. First visit must occur between January 3, 2007 and April 26, 2007. Each use constitutes one full day of use. AOCVCB 2-Day Bonus Ticket ($119/$100) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $3 (adult) and $2 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10 (link). So if you are ordering more than 10 days in advance and your discount would be less than $10, you’ll still come out ahead by ordering at the Disneyland Web site. |
| Three Day Park Hooper Regularly $179/$149 |
Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($159/$129) – 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 (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). 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). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey ∧ Friends parking garage (an $11/day value) Southern California CityPass($235/$189) – 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 $209.99/$169.99 (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 ($155/$126) – 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. So if you are ordering more than 10 days in advance and your discount would be less than $10, you’ll still come out ahead by ordering at the Disneyland Web site. Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Everybody Plays for the Kid’s Price ($129/$129) – A special off season promotional ticket direct from Disney. First day of use must be on or before April 26, 2007. If you have the tickets shipped to you (as opposed to Will Call), you’ll also receive a coupon for discounts on Disneyland merchandise. “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 ($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 (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). 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). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey ∧ Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). AOCVCB 4-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 at least $10 Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Everybody Plays for the Kid’s Price ($149/$149) – A special off season promotional ticket direct from Disney. First day of use must be on or before April 26, 2007. If you have the tickets shipped to you (as opposed to Will Call), you’ll also receive a coupon for discounts on Disneyland merchandise. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
Five Day Park Hopper |
Advance Purchase 5–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($189/$159) – 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 (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). 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). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey ∧ Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($183/$154) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $6 (adult) and $5 (child) and shipping on all orders is $10. Everybody Plays for the Kid’s Price ($159/$159) – A special off season promotional ticket direct from Disney. First day of use must be on or before April 26, 2007. If you have the tickets shipped to you (as opposed to Will Call), you’ll also receive a coupon for discounts on Disneyland merchandise. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
Travel Packages
2007 Resort Dream Vacation Package – This official Disney travel package (link) start at $389/per person for two adults per two-nights. The $389 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), a collectible Dream Coin, and Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard, luggage tag, and California Fun Book. Travel using this package must be booked by March 10, 2007, and completed by March 15, 2007.
2007 Good Neighbor Dream Vacation Package – This official Disney travel package (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
| 1/7 | 1/8 | 1/9 | 1/10 | 1/11 | 11/12 | 11/13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 10a-8p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–11p |
| 1/14 | 1/15 | 1/16 | 1/17 | 1/18 | 1/19 | 1/20 |
| DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–11p |
| 1/21 | 1/22 | 1/23 | 1/24 | 1/25 | 1/26 | 1/27 |
| DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–11p |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2007 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.
