Update for January 22-28, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Cruise Line heads west again in 2008
After MousePlanet reported the story in last week’s Disneyland Park Update, it was announced on Thursday that the Disney Cruise Line will return to the West Coast in 2008. The Disney Magic will leave Port Canaveral on May 10 on a repositioning cruise through the Panama Canal, arriving at the Port of Los Angeles on Sunday, May 25. It will leave later that day on the first of 12 seven-night cruises along the Mexican Riviera. Two-night stays before or after the cruise at a Disneyland Resort hotel will be available as a package add-on for these cruises.
The Magic will depart Los Angeles on August 17 on another 15-night repositioning cruise, docking at Port Canaveral on Monday, September 1. The ship is then expected to sail on either a 5-night or 12-night cruise to get back on its usual Saturday-Saturday East Coast schedule.
The 7-night West Coast cruise’s itinerary:
- Sunday – Port of Los Angeles
- Monday – At Sea
- Tuesday – Cabo San Lucas
- Wednesday – Mazatlan
- Thursday – Puerto Vallarta
- Friday – At Sea
- Saturday – At Sea
- Sunday – Port of Los Angeles
The Disney Magic leaves on its maiden voyage to the Mexican Riviera in 2005. File photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The westbound repositioning cruise’s itinerary:
- Saturday, May 10 – Port Canaveral
- Sunday, May 11 – Castaway Cay
- Monday, May 12 – At Sea
- Tuesday, May 13 – At Sea
- Wednesday, May 14 – Aruba
- Thursday, May 15 – At Sea
- Friday, May 16 – Panama Canal
- Saturday, May 17 – At Sea
- Sunday, May 18 – At Sea
- Monday, May 19 – Acapulco
- Tuesday, May 20 – At Sea
- Wednesday, May 21 – Puerto Vallarta
- Thursday, May 22 – Cabo San Lucas
- Friday, May 23 – At Sea
- Saturday, May 24 – At Sea
- Sunday, May 25 – Port of Los Angeles
The eastbound repositioning cruise’s itinerary:
- Saturday, May 10 – Port of Los Angeles
- Sunday, May 11 – At Sea
- Monday, May 12 – Cabo San Lucas
- Tuesday, May 13 – Puerto Vallarta
- Wednesday, May 14 – At Sea
- Thursday, May 15 – Acapulco
- Friday, May 16 – At Sea
- Saturday, May 17 – At Sea
- Sunday, May 18 – Panama Canal
- Monday, May 19 – Cartagena
- Tuesday, May 20 – At Sea
- Wednesday, May 21 – Aruba
- Thursday, May 22 – At Se
- Friday, May 23 – At Sea
- Saturday, May 24 – Castaway Cay
- Sunday, May 25 – Port Canaveral
Mexican Riviera cruises start at $1,599 per person, and the Panama Canal repositioning cruises start at $1,699 per person. You can book any of those cruises starting January 31, 2007. You may want to talk to your Disney specialist travel agent to get on their list of cruises to book when the phone lines open. (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet’s preferred travel provider.)
These new itineraries for the Magic come on the heels of a 2005 stay on the West Coast and an upcoming Mediterranean itinerary this summer. It seems a good likelihood that the Magic will be going on different itineraries each summer until the long-rumored third Disney cruise ship is built. Further announcements may be forthcoming at this week’s press events on both coasts.
The Disney Magic has received an overhaul since the last time she visited California. A jumbo LED screen has been mounted on the aft side of the forward funnel on deck 9. The 336-square-foot screen overlooks the family pool, and allows passengers to enjoy “dive in” movies. An expansion of the Vista Spa and Salon added three new treatment rooms, and nearly doubled the size of the fitness center. A new dedicated children’s activity area, Ocean Quest, offers a bridge simulator where kids can “steer” the ship into port.
The seven-night cruises start at $1,599 per person, the Panama Canal repositioning cruises start at $1,699 per person (prices are for an inside stateroom in category 11). Reservations will open on January 31st, but it is a good idea to contact your favorite travel agent now if you are interested, especially if you want to book a repositioning cruise or a concierge-level cabin.
Refurbishment update
A Tinker Bell figurine has been added to the floral Mickey planter. Photo by David Michael.
As the winter refurbishment season continues, tarps around the Main Street Train Station have been removed to reveal new additions to the floral Mickey planter and surrounding brick work.
Each entrance tunnel sports colorful new accents. Photo by David Michael.
Sleeping Beauty Castle has been surrounded by tarps and scaffolding, and the moat in front of the Castle has been partially drained. Some visitors have complained that the drained moat has a noticeable, unpleasant odor, and others are just concerned that the tarp-draped castle will spoil their vacation photos.
Sleeping Beauty Castle is tarped off for the post-50th-anniversary makeover. Photo by David Michael.
The partially drained moat makes it easier for work crews to access the Castle, but some have complained of the smell. Photo by David Michael.
Patina Dinner Event?
MousePlanet readers have been clamoring to know when or if the Patina Group would repeat its popular dining event. The three previous events have offered Annual Passholders and their guests the opportunity to sample dishes at the three Patina Group-owned restaurants in Downtown Disney for a nominal fee. MousePad reader Wendi received word that the Spring event will be held on Monday, February 5th. We are waiting official confirmation.
This and That
…The Annual Passholder section of the Disneyland.com Web site (click here, registration required) has details about the current AP rates for the three Disneyland Resort hotels. The offer advertises rates as low as $129 per night (plus resort fees and taxes) at the Paradise Pier hotel, and MousePlanet readers have reported rates as low as $189 per night at the Grand Californian Hotel.
The discounts are available for stays between January 28th and February 14th, and there is a limit of two rooms per Passholder. For reservations, call (714) 956-MICKEY and ask for rate plan “APD.” It may pay to have a flexible schedule, and a little patience – readers have reported that it may take a little time for the phone agent to locate the best discount for your stay.
…MousePlanet reader Cynthia reminded us to mention that registration for the 2007 Disneyland Half Marathon and 5K Fun Run opened last week. The Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K and Kids Races are scheduled for September 2; the half marathon is scheduled for September 3. Full information is available at the event Web site. Staff writer Lani Teshima has a rundown of all of the upcoming Disney fitness events on last week’s Marathon Guide article here, including a permanent link to the Disneyland Half-Marathon registration page.
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 29 for refurbishment.
- it’s a small world closed January 22 – February 1 for removal of Christmas overlay.
- Splash Mountain closed January 22 – 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.
- Tom Sawyer Island dark February 5 – late May due to add new pirate themed elements to the island.
- Fantasmic! dark February 12 – late May due to work on Tom Sawyer Island.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed February 19 – March 29 for an extensive refurbishment.
- 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 18 for maintenance.
- Orange Stinger closed January 21 – March 8 for full refurbishment.
- Grizzly River Run closed January 22 – January 25 for maintenance.
- California Screamin’ closed February 5 – February 9 due to construction of Midway Mania.
- 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
- Mary Poppins at El Capitan Theater. January 11-January 31. (link).
- Press Event. January 24. A press event where several already known but not yet official attractions will be officially announced, most likely including a new DVC expansion of the Grand Californian Hotel.
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
- Walt Disney Company Annual Shareholders Meeting. March 8 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
June
- Camp Pin-E-Ha-Ha. June 16-17. A pin collecting event. Registration opens March 21, 2007 (link).
September
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. September 2 and 3. Family Fun Run 5K on Saturday, September 2, Half Marathon on Sunday, September 3 (link).
Summer 2008
- Disney Magic returns to Pacific Ocean itineraries. May 25-August 17, 2008. Still not officially announced.
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 after 5/26/07 and first use must be made by 4/26/07. |
| 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 after 5/26/07 and first use must be made by 4/26/07. 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
| 1/21 | 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 |
| 1/28 | 1/29 | 1/30 | 2/1 | 2/2 | 2/3 | 2/4 |
| DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–11p |
| 2/5 | 2/6 | 2/7 | 2/8 | 2/9 | 2/10 | 2/11 |
| DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–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.
