Update for April 2-April 8, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Developers propose new Anaheim housing projects; Disney raises a new objection
In the wake of a vote by the Anaheim City Council to reconsider residential development in the Anaheim Resort area, the Orange County Register reported that developers have filed two new residential plans with the city.
One developer has filed a plan to build a mixed-use development, including 191 condominiums, on the property south of Disneyland that currently houses the empty shell of a long-closed Toys R Us store. The developer wants to place a hotel and retail space on the edge of the street facing Harbor Boulevard, with the residential properties tucked behind.
Another developer has proposed a mixed-use development on the site of the recently closed Travelers World RV Park, just north of Disneyland off Harbor Boulevard That development would include another 449 condos and retail space.
It is possible that rather than voting to allow residential development within the Anaheim Resort district, the council could instead redraw the district to exclude some of the property under dispute, clearing the way for residential development on those parcels.
As developers propose even more residential projects, Disney has introduced a new argument against additional residential zoning in the area. Way back in 1994, when the City of Anaheim established the Anaheim Resort district, the city also issued a $510 million bond to pay for much-needed improvements to the area. The money was used for new landscaping, signs and street projects, and was to be repaid with funds raised from the city’s “bed tax” (City of Anaheim’s 15 percent occupancy occupancy tax assessed on hotel room rates). Disney agreed to make payments on the bond if the bed tax revenues were not sufficient.
The Orange County Register reported that a study commissioned by Anaheim estimates $7.3 million in annual bed tax revenue is at stake if residential development replaces hotel development at three sites under dispute; but the study also determined that additional hotel capacity will not be needed in the area for at least a decade. As reported last week, Disney has recently met with members of Anaheim’s city council to discuss the company’s future plans for the resort area, and it may be that Disney is trying to demonstrate that new hotels may be needed a lot sooner that 10 years from now.
The city council is scheduled to vote on the residential zoning issue during a meeting on April 24.
No room in the Club?
We’ve heard that Disneyland’s Club 33 has stopped accepting applications for membership at this time, fueling speculation that the Club may return to its “invitation only” roots. We’ve also heard that Guest Services is distributing information about the Club dress code when guests of members pick up their tickets.
Mini photo tour: Just around the river bend
With the Mark Twain still in dry dock and the Sailing Ship Columbia running only at night, it’s been difficult to get good photographs of the work happening on the back side of Tom Sawyer Island (which is, of course, presumably why the Sailing Ship Columbia sets sail after dusk). The following photos were enhanced for color balance and brightness in an attempt to bring out detail; no alterations were made to the subject of any photo.
It appears that a lot of work is being done to the Fantasmic stage at the front of the island, including the installation of what appears to be a wheelchair lift (not visible in this photo). Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Several of the cave structures show orange marks like this, noting where the rock is to be removed or carved back. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Many of the construction sites on the island look like this—mounds of dirt with assorted tool boxes. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Rolls of wire stand ready around the tree fort, a sign of new construction to come. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The front side of the tree fort as visible from near the canoe loading docks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The barrel bridge has been floated out to the site of the burning cabin. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The burning cabin at the back of the island is still in place, though hidden by a tarp wall. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This temporary structure camoflages the entrance to the Fantasmic! backstage marina. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Indian Village looks to be untouched. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The north side of the fort, with what appears to be the foundation for a larger lift. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Another look at the new concrete foundation on the north side of the fort. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The back side of the tree fort is surrounded by cement mixers, stacks of cinder blocks and piles and piles of dirt. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
These five photos show the site where quite a lot of excavation has happened. A new wooden cabin is raised up above the current ground level, and a deep bunker has been dug (note the ladder leading up in the 4th photo). Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
This and That
Imagineers place the scavenging seagulls on a buoy floating in the submarine lagoon. Photo courtesy of Disney.
… Imagineers installed the scavenging seagull animatronic figures in the submarine lagoon Tuesday morning. Disney sent out photos of the installation to media outlets, but the figures were removed later that day and have not yet returned.
The Disneyland Railroad resumed operation this week, and the construction walls and tarps around the Main Street station have been removed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
… The Disneyland Resort donated $250,000 and a new van to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Los Angeles and Orange County this week, as part of a “Year of a Million Dreams” outreach program.
… Actress Keke Palmer will be at Disney’s California Adventure on Tuesday, April 3 for the Jump In! Freestyle Edition DVD release. Palmer will be available between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to sign Jump In! DVDs and CDs purchased at the Disneyland Resort that day. Guests may have up to two DVDs or CDs signed, and Disney requests that you do not bring personal items to be signed.
Tip of the Week
The in-park stroller and wheelchair rental locations at Disneyland and DCA have closed, and the temporary shared rental tent has been erected in the esplanade between the parks. This is normal for high-traffic holiday and spring break seasons, but it means you’ll need to rent your strollers or wheelchairs before you wait in the long lines to get into the theme parks.
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 25.
- 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 indefinitely. The attraction closed unexpectedly the week of March 19 and the reopening date is not known. 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.
Tarzan’s Treehouse is still closed, and green tarps cover large portions of the structure. 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.
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.
April
- Meet the Robinsons at El Capitan Theater. March 30-May 20. (link).
- “Jump In!” Freestyle Edition DVD Release & Signing. Tuesday, April 3 at Disney’s California Adventure. Actress Keke Palmer will be on hand between 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. to sign DVDs and CDs purchased.
- 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).
July
- “Disneyland in Miniature” Product Release & Signing. Sunday, July 8 at Disneyland. The Disneyland marquee accessory will be available for purchase as part of a larger Disney Gallery anniversary event.
- “Disneyland in Miniature” Product Release & Signing. Saturday, July 28 at Disneyland. New releases include the Plaza Pavilion / Enchanted Tiki Room / Aladdin’s Oasis sculpture and additional Main Entrance accessories. (This date is tentative and subject to change)
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.
Free Metrolink and ART weekends – Disneyland Resort annual passholders can participate in a joint promotion with Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) and Metrolink. As part of Metrolink Weekends, Passholders can use Metrolink to travel for free to the Anaheim Metrolink station, then use a free ART pass to get to the Disneyland Resort. The offer is great for those who live in the Inland Empire or southern Orange County, but those who live north of Disneyland will have to get there the old fashioned way. The list of eligible origin stations is limited, and none of the southbound trains coming from LA are included in the promotion.
To take advantage of this promotion, you’ll first need to visit the promotional Web site at this link. (link = http://www.rideart.org/weekend/) Use the username “train” and password “ap” to login. Once you register, you will receive by mail:
- One 4-trip ticket from Metrolink to be used on the Weekend Train
- One round-trip ticket for the ART system from Metrolink station to the Disneyland® Resort (a $5 value)
- A free 7-day pass on Metrolink (one 7-day pass per household).
- The Metrolink Weekends schedule is available at this link, and the ART operating schedule is available at this link. (link = )
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.
