Update for February 5-10, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Pirates returns to Disneyland
It seems certain that the premiere of the third Pirates movie, Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At Worlds End, will be held at Disneyland on Saturday, May 19, 2007. According to a notice posted on the Disneyland Web site, Disneyland will open at 6:30 a.m. that day, and close early at 5:00 p.m. Disney’s California Adventure will operate on an extended schedule, opening at 10:00 a.m. and closing at 11:00 p.m.
Based on the two prior events, the premiere is expected to impact several areas of the park. Much of Main Street will be blocked by the red carpet and related equipment. This will likely mean that that Parade of Dreams will not be presented, and that guided tours will either be modified or not offered at all that day. With the park closing so early, there will be no performance of the Remember, Dreams Come True fireworks. Adventureland, Critter Country, Frontierland and New Orleans Square will likely close around 3:00pm to allow staff to begin setting up for the pre-movie dinner.
The stage and screen for the premiere will be constructed on Tom Sawyer Island, which is already scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. Fantasmic! is also scheduled to go dark during the Tom Sawyer Island renovation. The Rivers of America waterfront area will be covered by the large risers needed to hold the audience, and the walkways through the area will be tight. The construction of the risers takes several weeks, so expect to see some activity during the week leading up to the event.
If you are planning to visit Disneyland solely to watch the red carpet arrivals, be prepared for a long, hot day. Many like-minded fans will arrive right at park opening to stake out the best spots along the carpet. If star gazing isn’t your cup of tea, you can take advantage of the light crowds in Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland. These three lands actually remained open until around 8:00 p.m. during the last event, and several readers reported that the major rides had almost no wait.
Pirates of the Caribbean turns 40
The Disneyland Resort celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction by hosting a Product Release & Signing on Sunday, March 18, 2007, offering a large collection of pirate-theme merchandise for sale, with a number of Disney artists and Disney Legends available to sign purchases.
The schedule of appearances is as follows:
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.:
- Artists, Jeff Granito, Michelle Valigura and Amanda Visell
- Disney Legends & Former Walt Disney Imagineers: Alice Davis, X Atencio, Bob Gurr, Harriet Burns, & Blaine Gibson
- Minaturist & Sculptor, Robert Olszewski
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Ornament Creator & Designer, Christopher Radko
- Artist, John Alvin
- Walt Disney Classics Collection Sculptor, Dusty Horner
- Visual Effects Artist & Jewelry Designer, Joel Harlow
Disney is yet to release information about how the merchandise itself will be sold—presumably you will make your purchases at the Disney Gallery when it opens, and then receive a wristband to attend one or both of the signing sessions. Keep an eye on the Walt Disney Event Services Web page for additional updates as they become available. You can view most of the merchandise to be released at this link.
The usual disclaimers apply to this event: “Merchandise available while supplies last. We ask that only TWO (2) items be signed per Artist, per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Special appearance signing is subject to space and time availability and is not guaranteed. Event information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland Resort theme parks.”
Patina Dinner Event tonight
Just a quick reminder—the Patina Group hosts its spring culinary tour for Annual Passholders tonight, Monday, February 5. This is your chance to meet and visit with some MousePlanet staff members, and pick up your own super snazzy MousePlanet button. You can find us at 5:00 p.m. at Catal, after which you can spot us restaurant-hopping around Downtown Disney. If you forgot to make reservations for the event, be sure to call 866 9 PATINA (866-972-8462) this morning before you just drop in, as we hear the Patina Group probably won’t accept on-site additions to the RSVP list.
Exclusive Invitation for Annual Passholders
Dine at Downtown DisneyJoin 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
5-8pm
$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.
New Togs for Tour Guides
Disneyland Tour Guides model their new costumes. Photo by David Michael.
…It looks like the Disneyland Tour Guides have finally received their new costumes. The new costumes feature blue jackets, pants and skirts, with red plaid vests and accents. The Disneyland Resort began updating cast member costumes in advance of the 50th anniversary, but the change to the Tour Guide costume has upset some fans. Many fans believe that the Tour Guide costumes were been personally designed by Walt Disney himself, though some give credit to Mrs. Disney, and balk at any change.
Guide June Halverson directs her group aboard the Omnibus in October 1958. Note the breadbox-sized megaphone hanging from her arm. Photo from the November 1958 Disneylander, Disney.
The most recent costume obviously evolved from the equestrian-style outfits that became so well known in the 1960s, but was another in a series of costumes worn by the guides over the years. In a 2005 article, “First Tour: The chaotic beginnings of Disneyland’s tour guide program,” MousePlanet columnist David Koening writes that the first tour guides wore clothing from home, as there was no official uniform. As the tour guide program grew, Disney costume mistress Lulu Miller ordered costumes made by Disneyland leassee Pendeleton Woolen Mills. [You can see a photo of this costume at the “Stuff from the Park” blog.]
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.
- Disneyland Railroad closed May 17, likely to allow heavy equipment access to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Unknown duration.
- 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.
- Toy Story 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.
February
- Peter Pan at El Capitan Theater. February 1-February 15. (link).
- Culinary tour of the Patina Group’s restaurants in Downtown Disney. February 5, 5-8pm
- 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.
