Update for January 28-February 4, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
A week of many announcements, but few surprises
Although the Year of a Million Dreams promotion really began in October, Disney waited until last week to begin the full-court press, inviting media from around the country to a multi-day event at Walt Disney World where the company revealed plans for the coming year. When all was said and done, the only real surprise was a lack of real news. With the exception of a new marketing campaign featuring images by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz (detailed below), everything announced at the event had previously been covered extensively by Disney-centric media.
The golden Happiest Homecoming on Earth decorations have been replaced by new Year of a Million Dreams logos.
As expected, Disney reconfirmed that the Disney Cruise line will return to California during the spring and summer of 2008, but those who hoped that the company would finally announce the much-anticipated third ship will have to keep waiting. In a press release, Disney revealed plans for three new attractions at the Disneyland Resort: a pirate theme overlay for Tom Sawyer Island, the upcoming Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and the new “Toy Story Mania!” attraction slated to open simultaneously at Disney’s California Adventure and at the Disney-MGM Studios in Walt Disney World in 2008.
Tom Sawyer Island
Extensive enhancements will bring a rousing “Pirate’s Lair” to Tom Sawyer Island in Disneyland’s Frontierland beginning in May. Building upon the hands-on play and exploration that have made the island a popular experience for children and adults for the past 50 years. “Pirate’s Lair at Tom Sawyer Island” will take its inspiration from Tom and Huck’s pirate games in the classic Mark Twain story, as well as from the renewed interest in pirates generated by the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and motion pictures. The attraction’s opening will coincide with the summer opening of Walt Disney Pictures’ Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
Fun and interactive surprises will be encountered throughout “Pirate’s Lair at Tom Sawyer Island” and will include pirate details added to Tom & Huck’s Treehouse and to the traditional Smuggler’s Cove, with its fun and challenging rope and barrel bridges. Among the other adventures to be found on the island will be a “Dead Man’s Grotto” in the island caverns, a “Pirate’s Den” on the familiar Castle Rock, and opportunities to search for buried treasure while encountering live pirates.
See additional details about the Pirate’s Lair in an Orange County Register article published over the weekend.
The repainted sign at the Harbor Boulevard pedestrian entrance looms over Walt Disney’s brick in the Anaheim Walk of Fame. Photo by David Michael.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The “Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage” arrives in Tomorrowland on June 11, combining another classic Disneyland attraction—the Submarine Voyage which debuted in 1959—with new special effects and storytelling techniques. With the seamless integration of audio-animatronics characters, all new sets, and innovative imaging technology, submarine voyagers will embark on an undersea journey to observe an underwater volcano, encountering Nemo and his friends, from the Disney-Pixar film Finding Nemo, along the way.
Though still hidden behind construction walls, the Submarine Lagoon has been refilled. Photo provided by Disney.
Toy Story Mania
Disney-Pixar characters will also appear in a new Disney’s California Adventure attraction, scheduled to open in 2008. Construction has already begun on “Toy Story Mania!” in the Paradise Pier district of the park. It will mark the first time an attraction has been designed and built simultaneously at Disneyland Resort and at Walt Disney World, where “Toy Story Mania!” will open at the Disney-MGM Studios. The attraction will have a 2008 opening at both the California and Florida parks.
“Toy Story Mania!” will set a new standard for the interactive ride/game technology pioneered in the “Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters” attraction. Guests of all ages will don 3-D glasses and hop into fancifully decorated “Toy Story Mania!” vehicles. While riding along a colorful, midway-themed route, they will shoot at animated targets using their own “toy cannons,” scoring points in a series of energetic, fun gaming sequences featuring Woody, Bo Peep and the rest of the gang from Toy Story.
Looking much as it has for the past several weeks, the ground below California Screamin’ acts as a staging area for the Toy Story Mania construction. Photo by David Michael.
The press release also touched on all of the “new” features at the Disneyland Resort: the “Rockin’ Both Parks” musical overlays of Space Mountain and California Screamin’ (both scheduled to last only through April 26); the interactive opportunities presented by the Disney Princess Fantasy Faire and Jedi Training Academy and the popular High School Musical Pep Rally at Disney’s California Adventure.
MousePlanet staff Mark Goldhaber attended the Walt Disney World event, and returned with hundreds of photographs and hours of interviews. Be sure to read this week’s Walt Disney World Park Update for additional information and commentary, and catch the new MouseStation podcast on Thursday for the first of the interview features.
New Disney marketing campaign features images by Annie Leibovitz
As part of the new Year of a Million Dreams promotion, Disney commissioned famed photographer Annie Leibovitz to create a series of images where celebrities take on the role of a Disney character. Each of the images includes a tagline related to the image.
“Where every Cinderella story comes true.” As Cinderella, Scarlett Johansson is seen running down a flight of stairs as the clock strikes midnight with her glass slipper unknowingly left behind. Photo provided by Disney.
Scarlett Johansson portrays Cinderella, fleeing the ball without her slipper. New L.A. Galaxy star David Beckham rides to save the day as Prince Phillip from Sleeping Beauty. In the third image, Alice (Dreamgirls star Beyonce), the March Hare (Lyle Lovett) and the Mad Hatter (Oliver Platt) take a spin in an out-of-control tea cup.
“Where Wonderland is your destiny.” Beyonce appears as “Alice in Wonderland,” twirling in a teacup, accompanied by Oliver Platt as the Mad Hatter and Lyle Lovett as the March Hare. Photo provided by Disney.
Look for these three debut images to appear in a special insert in the March issues of Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue, W, The New Yorker, Conde Nast Traveler, and Cookie, with other images to follow as the Year of a Million Dreams continues.
“Where imagination saves the day.” David Beckham plays the part of the gallant Prince Phillip from “Sleeping Beauty,” atop his trusted steed fighting the evil dragon. Photo provided by Disney.
Patina Dinner Event announced
The Patina Group has announced the details of its spring culinary tour for Annual Passholders:
Exclusive Invitation for Annual Passholders
Dine at Downtown Disney
Join us for a culinary tour of the Patina Restaurant Group’s Downtown Disney District restaurants. Sample a signature cocktail and regional delicacies as you visit each of our unique dining destinations. Taste highlights of authentic Mexican food with live mariachi music at Tortilla Jo’s, Mediterranean delicacies at Catal Restaurant and homemade Italian specialties at Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria.
Monday, February 5, 2007
5-8p.m.
$10 per passholder*
RSVP to 866 9 PATINA or kgaines@patinagroup.com
*Must show valid annual passport to participate. Each passholder may bring one non-passholder guest. One alcoholic beverage per person per restaurant.
This and That
…A MousePlanet reader found this notice on the Disneyland.com Web site:
“Due to a private event on Sunday, April 22, 2007, Disneyland Park will be opening at 6:30 a.m. and closing at 4:00 p.m. Disney’s California Adventure Park will extend its hours that day and will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.”
The private event in question is the opening night festivities for the Travel Industry Association, which is holding its “International Pow Wow” April 21 to 25 in Anaheim. The private party is scheduled from 7:00 to 10:30 p.m. inside Disneyland.
Disneyland closes as early as 6:00 p.m. on winter weeknights, to allow companies and organizations to host after-hours holiday parties in the park, but early closures during spring weekends are extremely unusual. The park has done this just twice in recent history, both times for the premieres of the two Pirates of the Caribbean films.
This is already likely to be a busy weekend at the resort, as it is the last weekend to purchase tickets during Southern California 2Fer Ticket promotion, as well as the final weekend of the “Rockin’ Both Parks” campaign. If you plan to visit the resort this weekend, it might be best to plan to visit Disney’s California Adventure on Saturday and take advantage of Disneyland’s 6:30 a.m. opening on Sunday. This is probably counterintuitive, but you’re likely to have free run of Disneyland until early afternoon, after which you can return to your hotel for a nap.
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.
- Alice in Wonderland closes April 16 for refurbishment of uncertain length.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is currently under construction and will open sometime around June 11, 2007.
Renovation continues around Sleeping Beauty Castle. Photo by David Micheal.
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.
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. This first section is a list of discounts on ticket only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at 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) starts 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) starts at $259/per person for two adults per two-nights. The $227 price is for the Red Roof Inn Anaheim Maingate 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), 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.
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.
Annual Passholder Discounts at the Disneyland Resort Hotels – 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.
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
| 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 |
| 2/12 | 2/13 | 2/14 | 2/15 | 2/16 | 2/17 | 2/18 |
| DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 9a–10p |
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.
