Update for April 30-May 4, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
But first, an apology…
The Disneyland Park Update is one of the most popular features on MousePlanet, and though we occasionally delay publication by a day due to holidays or other events, we have not unexpectedly missed an update since we launched the column in 2002. We apologize for any disappointment we caused by the lack of a Disneyland Park Update last week.
Another wonderful Adventure
This weekend’s MouseAdventure event brought more than 500 MousePlanet readers and staff together for a full day of quests and activities. Look for a full recap of the event next week, including team photos and scores. If you missed this event and want to plan ahead for the Fall edition, you can mark your calendars (in pencil, please) for Sunday, November 4. If this date holds, registration will open right around Labor Day, but stay tuned here for more information. As always, please do not make any non-refundable travel plans until a date is officially announced and your team has registered. Many teams were taken by surprise when our spring event registration sold out in less than a week, so we also encourage you to sign up for our MouseAdventure reminder e-mail list, available from our MouseAdventure information page.
Print your tickets at home
Starting today, you can purchase select Disneyland admission tickets online, print them at home, and use them right at the turnstile without exchanging the voucher at a ticket booth. Right now the program is limited to those tickets currently available on the Disneyland Web site, including Park Hoppers and Annual Passports. After you print the ticket at home, simply present it at the turnstile, where the cast member prints a paper ticket on the spot. You can also take the tickets to the Will Call window if you wish, and receive your tickets without needing to enter the theme park.
2007 Food & Wine Weekends
The second edition of Disney’s California Food and Wine Weekends began this weekend, with a reduced menu but an expanded schedule of events. Now that the Farmer’s Market is being used as a replacement for Fish, Dips & Strips, there is only one food service location involved in the event. The “Taste of California Marketplace” is located solely at the former Lucky Fortune Cookery location in the Pacific Wharf area, and offers the following dishes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 20:
- Lobster and Shrimp Quesadella – $5
- Beer-Battered Halibut – $5
- White Cheddar Soup – $3.75
- Festival Cheese Plate – $5
- Israeli Couscous with Roasted Pork – $4
- California Skewers – $5
- Grilled Artichoke – $3.75
- Chocolate Marquise – $4
- Seasonal Berries – $5
Two big complaints from the inaugural event last year were the small but expensive portions of the featured dishes, and the lack of variety and capacity in the events. Those who complained about the food last year won’t be any happier this year, but the schedule of events is quite expanded.
The daily schedule is available on the Disneyland Web site. Complimentary events include wine and beer tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations, and educational seminars. Fee-based (or “signature”) events include cooking classes, celebrity chef dinners, winemaker dinners, and wine receptions.
Anaheim City Council Vote
In what is increasingly being portrayed as an Anaheim-versus-Disney battle, three of Anaheim’s five councilmembers voted last week to approve zoning changes in a portion of the Anaheim Resort District that was previously reserved for resort use. The zoning changes clear the way for developer SunCal to present a proposal to the city to construct a 1500-unit residential development next to the Disney-owned parcel that is likely to become Disney’s third theme park. The development would also include approximately 225 “affordable” apartments. While the SunCal project has yet to be formally proposed to the Anaheim City Council, and is still subject to approval by that body, SunCal has about 20,000 reasons to start that process immediately. A Disney-led community coalition known as SOAR (Save Our Anaheim Resort) has gathered enough signatures to qualify a ballot initiative that will block residential development in the Anaheim Resort District. If approved, that ballot initiative could not be applied to projects already under construction, so now the race is on the see if SunCal can break ground before the voters go to the polls next February.
Three days before the city council meeting, the Orange County Business Journal reported that the owners of the former Travellers World RV park near the corner of Ball and Harbor had temporarily shelved plans for the 440-unit Parc Anaheim development, and would in fact re-open the RV park in May under a new name. Urban West has not yet announced if the City Council vote will change their plans yet again.
Minutes, video and audio of the April 24 City Council Meeting, which lasted over seven hours, are available at the City of Anaheim Web site. For background on this issue, see our March 26, 2007 Disneyland Park Update.
Nemo Dream Mobile
Nemo and friends are hitting the road in a custom-built, submarine-themed “Dream Mobile” to promote the new Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction at Disneyland. The tour begins in May 4 through 6 in Vancouver, British Columbia; after which the Nemo Dream Mobile meanders down the West Coast tp Disneyland for the attraction’s June 11 opening festivities. It then travels to Nevada and New Mexico before making its final stop in Phoenix, Arizona on June 29. The 43-foot-long vehicle is equipped with a “road show” version of Turtle Talk with Crush that can be used during more intimate performances, and will feature appearances by Nigel the Pelican and the Scavenging Sea Gulls during some stops.
Read the full press release, including road show schedule, on our MousePad discussion boards.
Early closure causes less fuss than expected
When the Disneyland Resort announced that Disneyland would close early on April 22 for a private event, we were both surprised and dismayed. Early weeknight closures are not uncommon, especially during the holiday “company party” season, but the only early weekend closures in recent memory have been for the two Pirates film premieres. Given that the weekend was also the last weekend to purchase tickets during Southern California 2Fer Ticket promotion, as well as the final weekend of the “Rockin’ Both Parks” campaign, we advised readers to stay away from the resort if possible, or take advantage of the 6:30 a.m. park opening.
Perhaps our warnings were more widely received than expected, Disneyland did a better job of communicating the closure than they have for other such events, or the resort simply wasn’t very crowded that weekend. Whatever the cause, guests who arrived when the park opened reported that they had the park pretty much to themselves, and cast members who worked in the afternoon as Disneyland was closing said that there were far fewer complaints than expected. Disneyland closes early again on Saturday May 19 for the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End premiere.
This-and-That
…We get a lot of questions about Minnie’s Moonlight Madness, the after-hours cast member scavenger hunt that was the inspiration for our own MouseAdventure event. If you are a Disneyland cast member, you already know that the event is scheduled for May 22 at Disney’s California Adventure. If you are not a cast member, you cannot participate unless you can talk a CM into allowing you to join their team. The early registration deadline has already passed, so act fast.
…In other cast member news, we’ve heard that the producers of Flashback—the cast member charity talent show usually held in the spring—have decided to host two productions this year. In addition to their February “A Night at the Movies” show, Flashback is planning a holiday show for later this year. Flashback tickets are usually available only to CMs and their friends and family, and the proceeds benefit a local charity. There have been rumors that Disney may open future Flashback productions to the general public.
…If all of these cast member benefits are making you consider a job at Disneyland, the resort is hosting a Job Fair from May 1 to 5, at the Casting Center at 700 W. Ball (behind Disneyland) between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also call the Disneyland Resort Jobline at 800-766-0888 for information about hourly positions.
Tip of the Week: Duck Season
In addition to “holiday,” “spring break,” and “summer” seasons, the Disneyland Resort also has duck season, those wonderful weeks when every body of water seems to teem with baby ducklings. In a theme park filled with rides and entertainment, some may think it silly to spend time enjoying bird antics, but it’s not unusual to see crowds gathered at the rails when duck families are out for a swim. Be aware that it’s easy for ducklings to get separated from their mothers as they travel to and from the water. Ducklings will emit a high-pitched call when they are lost, and will sometimes wander up banks and into walkways searching for their family. If you see a lost duckling, don’t try to pick it up. Cast members will gently shoo them back towards water or into a planter.
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).
- Tarzan’s Treehouse closed until May 18.
- 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.
- 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.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! closed May 29 – June 7.
- Midway Games 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.
May
- 2nd Annual Food and Wine Weekends continues through May 20. Special dining and food events on each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (link)
- 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
| 4/15 | 4/16 | 4/17 | 4/18 | 4/19 | 4/20 | 4/21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 9a–9p |
DL: 9a–9p |
DL: 9a–9p |
DL: 9a–9p |
DL: 9a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 4/22 | 4/23 | 4/24 | 4/25 | 4/26 | 4/27 | 4/28 |
| DL: 6:30a–4p |
DL: 9a–9p |
DL: 9a–9p |
DL: 9a–9p |
DL: 9a–9p |
DL: 9a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 4/29 | 4/30 | 5/1 | 5/2 | 5/3 | 5/4 | 5/5 |
| DL: 8a–11p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–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.
