Update for March 26-April 1, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Disney’s development woes continue
If you don’t follow the intricacies of Anaheim politics, you might have missed the storm slowly brewing among Disney, the city of Anaheim, and a handful of developers. The battleground is the Anaheim Resort District, the roughly two-mile square area that is home to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, as well as a tantalizing amount of un- and under-developed property; the battle is for the right to shape the future development in and around the resort area.
The current skirmish centers on a proposed 1500-unit residential development to be built along the borders of a Disney-owned parcel of land on the southeast corner of Harbor and Katella, the presumed site of Disney’s third Anaheim theme park. Disney opposes the project, and has sued the city of Anaheim in an effort to block the development. In an effort to place more permanent restrictions on such development, Disney is now backing a ballot initiative that would require voter approval for any land-use changes within the resort district.
In response, both the developer of the residential project and an Anaheim City council member are considering their own ballot initiatives to counter the Disney-sponsored measure. City Councilwoman Lorri Galloway has urged the Anaheim City Council to consider a measure that would require Disney (among other resort employers) to provide low-cost housing to their workers. The competing measures could appear on the February 2008 ballot.
Galloway needs the support of just two other members of the council, and is likely to get it. Galloway and councilman Bob Hernandez both voted in favor of the project in February, and were opposed by Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and councilman Harry Sidhu. That vote resulted in a tie when councilwoman Lucille Kring, at the suggestion of Disney’s attorneys, abstained from the vote due to a possible conflict of interest. (Kring plans to open a business in the nearby Garden Walk Development, but has not yet signed a commercial lease) The state Fair Political Practices Commission has since ruled that Kring may vote on the issue. Kring told the Los Angeles Times that she is “very frustrated by what Disney has put me, my husband and the city through,” and has indicated that she would vote to rehear the project.
In the interim, Disney is trying to persuade the city that the company’s future plans for the area justify a continued ban on low-cost residential development. The Los Angeles Times reported that Disney has held meetings with city officials to discuss the still-secret development plans, which will likely include a third theme park, additional hotels and Disney Vacation Club properties. In keeping with the company’s planned expansion in the area, Disney would prefer that the parcel in question be developed as a hotel or timeshare, or even an upscale residential development like those being constructed in the city’s “Platinum Triangle” district.
The Disneyland Resort of the future may just be a dazzling landscape of new attractions, surrounded by DVC properties and tied to a Disney Cruise Line terminal at the Port of Los Angeles, but that future is likely a decade or more away. While such long-term planning has worked well for the company in Florida, the local landscape is much different. Disney is essentially asking the city of Anaheim to ensure that neighboring landowners develop their properties in keeping with Disney’s wishes, in support of Disney’s future expansion plans. Disney was unsuccessful in their effort to block the Garden Walk project, and it remains to be seen if the city council and residents will support their latest effort to shape the political and physical landscape of Anaheim.
How soon can you find Nemo?
The submarine Scout poses in the Submarine Lagoon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A frequent question on our MousePad discussion boards concerns the upcoming Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction. When will it open? Will there be previews? Disney continues to offer June 11 as the opening date for the attraction, and there has been no official word about previews.
The new Finding Nemo attraction is currently expected to open June 11. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Easter in Downtown Disney
The three Patina Group restaurants in Downtown Disney will each offer a special menu for Easter Sunday, April 8. Make reservations directly with each restaurant. The Downtown Disney parking lot offers three hours free parking; you can park for up to five hours for free with validation from one of the table-service restaurants.
Naples Easter Brunch Buffet
- 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
- Adults $24.99, children $10.99, children 3 years and under free.
- Call 714-776-6200 for reservations
Buffet offerings:
- Chilled seasonal melon soup with garden fresh mint
- Smoked trout and new potato salad with applewood-smoked bacon vinaigrette
- Endive salad with caramelized pecans, Bosc pears and Gorgonzola cheese.
- Traditional Caesar salad
- Fresh fruit salad
- Baby spinach and fontina cheese frittata
- Sausage ragu with a polenta cake
- Baked three cheese-stuffed shells in a classic tomato sauce
- Rosemary and garlic potatoes
- Assorted grilled spring vegetables
- Wood oven-roaster citrus-herb rubbed pork loin
- Roasted turkey breast with roasted garlic jus
- Selection of sorbets
- Strawberry cheesecake
- Assorted Italian cookies – biscotti, pizzelle, anise cookies
Tortilla Jo’s Easter Dinner
- 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Three courses, $19.95 per person
- Call 714-535-5000 for reservations
- First course – sautéed shrimp with sweet piquillo peppers and grilled saffron flat bread.
- Main course – boneless spring lamb leg stuffed with chorizo sausage, Spanish almonds and spinach over a dried fig and sherry sauce, served with grilled spring onions and dried cherry tomatoes.
- Dessert – raspberry and pistachio tart.
Catal will offer a special a la carte menu on Easter. Details were not available at press time. Call 714-774-4442 for reservations.
This-and-That
… A new vending location has opened in Tomorrowland, offering fresh fruit, bottled drinks and snacks.
You can now grab a quick snack at this new Tomorrowland cart. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… The Disney Vault 28 store in Downtown Disney is currently offering 50 percent off a selection of apparel and accessories. You’ll find the clearance merchandise tucked into one of the two dressing rooms at the back of the store.
… Bob Olszewski will introduce the “Plaza Inn” and “King Triton’s Garden – Snow White Grotto” sculptures from his Disneyland in Miniature collection this Saturday, March 31 at Disneyland. The pieces will be available for purchase at the Disneyana Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. The artist will be available to sign purchases from 9:00 am to Noon. Olszewski frequently brings samples of future sculptures to product releases, so collectors are certain to get a sneak peek of coming releases.
Tarzan’s Treehouse is closed, possibly for quite some time. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… Tarzan’s Treehouse unexpectedly closed last week, and cast members are uncertain when the walk-through attraction will reopen. It has been rumored that the attraction was closed for safety concerns, and cast member reference materials currently say it will be closed until 2008.
… Meet the Robinsons opens this week, and Disney Visa Rewards Card members can receive a free copy of the film’s soundtrack when they see the film on opening weekend. Cardholders who visit www.disneyrewards.com/mtr after they see the film (and by April 3rd) will be asked a few questions about the movie, and will then receive a copy of the soundtrack by mail in about 3-5.
Tip of the Week: Whitewater Snacks
The Southern California 2Fer Ticket promotion is in its final weeks, which means that Disney’s California Adventure will be pretty busy as guests try to use their DCA day before it expires. Unfortunately, the lack of restaurants at DCA becomes readily apparently when the park gets crowded.
Long lines await customers at Cocina Cucamonga, but nearby Whitewater Snacks offers a convenient alternative.
So imagine it is lunchtime. Your family is hungry, the line at Cocina Cucamonga is huge, and your youngest doesn’t like Mexican food all that much anyway. Instead of braving the crowds at Taste Pilot’s Grill or Pizza Om Mow Mow, we suggest that you head over to Whitewater Snacks.
Never heard of it? Can’t find it on the park map? That’s because this hidden gem is actually located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. But don’t worry, the restaurant is within easy walking distance and you can use the Grand Californian’s convenient DCA entrance to return to the park after lunch. You can read more about this restaurant, including a sample menu and reader reviews, at in our Disneyland Resort Guide.
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).
- Mark Twain Riverboat closed through May 22.
- 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 14 due to work on Tom Sawyer Island.
- Tarzan’s Treehouse closed for an unknown duration. The attraction closed unexpectedly the week of March 19 and the reopening date is not known. Early rumors suggest it may not be until 2008.
- Aladdin’s Oasis dark April 30 – May 4.
- Disneyland Railroad closed May 7 – June 8, likely to allow heavy equipment access to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed May 14 – May 18 and then again June 4 – June 7.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is currently under construction and will open sometime in June or July, 2007.
Splash Mountain is closed through May 18. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Mark Twain Riverboat will sail again after May 22nd. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Work continues seven days a week on Tom Sawyer Island. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! closed May 29 – June 7.
- Midway Games closed close June 20 for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project.
- Toy Story Mania under construction. Opens 2008.
A peek over the construction walls in Paradise Pier yields yet another exciting view of heavy equipment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
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
- Meet the Robinsons at El Capitan Theater. March 30-May 20. (link).
- “Disneyland in Miniature” Product Release & Signing. Saturday, March 31 at Disneyland. See the Disney Gallery Web site for the release schedule.
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. Registration full.
May
- Pirate Disney Dollars, May 15. The third series of Pirates of the Caribbean Disney Dollars will be released on May 15, 2007 at the Disneyland Resort. More information about current and future Disney Dollar releases is available at this link.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End premiere, May 19. 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.
Receive a $150 Disney Gift Card when you stay four nights or longer at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort between January 3 and April 22, 2007. Book your reservations by April 19, 2007 to take advantage of this magical offer. Travel must be completed by April 26, 2007. Click here for more details and restrictions.
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
| 3/18 | 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 |
| 3/25 | 3/26 | 3/27 | 3/28 | 3/29 | 3/30 | 3/31 |
| DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 4/1 | 4/2 | 4/3 | 4/4 | 4/5 | 4/6 | 4/7 |
| DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 98a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
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.
