Update for March 5-11, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Sleeping Beauty Castle received new banners during the recent renovation. Clever MouseAdventure teams might want to examine them in greater detail before the event. Photo by David Michael.
Game On! MouseAdventure returns April 29
We’re going to take advantage of a very slow news week to promote our own event. MousePlanet is pleased to announce the return of our signature community event, MouseAdventure. The Spring 2007 event will be held on Sunday, April 29. This event takes the “classic” MouseAdventure format, where teams solve a collection of puzzle-based quests ranked in difficulty from A (easiest) to E (hardest), and earn points for each correct quest. The team with the highest score wins. The event encompasses both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, plus the Downtown Disney District.
For our Spring 2007 event, teams can choose to play in the Basic, Advanced, or our first-ever Family division.
- Basic – Includes quest packets A, B and C, along with Trivia, Eye Spy, and other activities. We recommend the Basic category if you have never played MouseAdventure, if you want a more relaxing day at the park, or if you prefer a more laid back experience.
- Advanced – Includes all of the elements of the Basic category, plus quest packets D and E, along with other challenges. We suggest the Advanced category for returning and veteran teams, as well as teams who are up to the challenge.
- Family – Due to popular request, children ages of 6 and 13 can now participate as full members of their team by entering the Family division. The Family division includes all of the elements of the Basic game, with different versions of Trivia and Eye Spy portions that rely on the special skills and knowledge of younger players.
Regardless of the division your team chooses, the event will include quests and puzzles in both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, plus the Downtown Disney District. If you are buying single-day admission to play, make sure you buy a parkhopper ticket. The entire event, from pre-game sign-in to post-game awards, will run from approximately 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, so plan for a full day.
For the very first time, the event-day sign-in and after-event awards will be held at the Paradise Pier Hotel Ballroom. Due to the ballroom’s capacity, registration for this event is strictly limited to 500 players. Registration will open March 7 and continue through April 19 or when we reach capacity, whichever comes first, so register your team as soon as possible to ensure your place. Once we are fully registered, we cannot make special exceptions or extend registration. There will be no waiting list for this event; register as soon as possible to ensure your team’s spot in the event.
Cost – Registration fee includes event registration and post-game award ceremony only; park admission is not included:
- $45 per team if you register before April 1.
- $60 per team if you register on or after April 1.
Registration opens March 7. No registrations will be accepted after April 19, or as soon as we reach capacity.
The Muppets Take DCA
In the fall of 2003, Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled “Lucky the Dinosaur,” an audio-animatronic character that roamed around Disney’s California Adventure park (accompanied by his human partner “Chandler the Dinosaur Handler”) for two weeks before finally making a home in Walt Disney World. At eight feet tall, Lucky was both huge and heavy (hey, it was a dinosaur), and had to drag around a giant “flower cart” to accommodate all of his electronic support system.
DCA visitors got a sneak peek at the Muppet Mobile Labs this week. Photo by David Michael.
What a difference a few years makes. During tests this past week, Disney Imagineers introduced their latest creation, the Muppet Mobile Labs. This two-wheeled contraption carries the animatronic figures of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker—no human “lab assistant” required. The characters interact with the crowd, performing a series of “experiments” for delighted onlookers. In an article in the Los Angeles Times (login required), Bruce Vaughn, vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering’s research and development division, said, “This is an incredibly compelling and powerful way to experience the characters.”
Still photos do not do justice to the creation, so we refer you to two videos on YouTube. The first offers a better vantage of the entire vehicle, although the characters experience “technical difficulties” midway through the video and eventually roll themselves off stage. In the second video, you can see how well the character of Dr. Honeydew (who is voiced by a live performer located offstage) can interact with guests.
Like their dinosaur predecessor, Dr. Honeydew and Beaker appeared only a short while at DCA—the one-week trial ended Sunday. There is no official word if the characters will return to Anaheim, or will follow Lucky to Walt Disney World.
This and that…
Work is almost complete on the back side of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Photo by Kenji Luster.
…Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port will be closed for the remainder of this week for renovations.
Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. E-mail us here.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- Splash Mountain closed January 22 – May 18 for major refurbishment. No major changes are expected but lift mechanics are being replaced.
- Professor Barnaby Owl’s Photographic Art Studio closed January 23 – May 18 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 – May 24 due to add new pirate themed elements to the island.
- Fantasmic! dark February 12 – June due to work on Tom Sawyer Island.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed April 16 – May 3 for an extensive refurbishment.
- Disneyland Railroad closed May 7 – June 11, 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 in June or July, 2007.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Orange Stinger closed January 21 – March 8 for full refurbishment.
- 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.
March
- Bridge to Terabithia at El Capitan Theater. February 16-March 22. (link).
April
- Mini Gay Day (unofficial event) April 7 at the Disneyland Resort.
- Disneyland closes early at 4:00 p.m.. April 22 for a private party. The park will open early at 6:30 and DCA will have extended hours.
- 2nd Annual Food and Wine Weekends April 27 – May 20. Special dining and food events on each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (link)
- MouseAdventure April 29 at the Disneyland Resort. Official announcement and registration expected next week.
May
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Not yet officially announced but park is scheduled to close at 5:00 p.m. No details available but likely similar to last two events.
- Grad Night events: Thursday, May 17; Thursday, May 24; Thursday, May 31
June
- Grad Night events: Thursday, June 7; Wednesday, June 13; Thursday, June 14 and Thursday, June 21
- 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).
October
- Gay Days at Disneyland (unofficial event) Friday, October 5 through Sunday, October 7. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (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
| 3/4 | 3/5 | 3/6 | 3/7 | 3/8 | 3/9 | 3/10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 3/11 | 3/12 | 3/13 | 3/14 | 3/15 | 3/16 | 3/17 |
| DL: 8a–11p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 3/18 | 3/19 | 3/20 | 3/21 | 3/22 | 3/23 | 3/24 |
| DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 9a–11p |
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.
