Disneyland Park Update

Update for June 4th through 10th, 2007

Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

News and Views

Buried Treasure | Enter the Pirate’s Lair | Pirates Show | Waiting for Nemo | This-and-That

Buried Treasure

by David Koenig

During the recent Extreme Makeover from Tom Sawyer Island to Pirates Lair, construction crews unearthed numerous homemade “time capsules” left behind by guests and cast members. “Some had toys or other trinkets in them, others had notes,” revealed one insider. “Unfortunately, none had enough information to contact the owner, or the notes were illegible. It shows how much guests loved to visit Tom Sawyer Island through the decades.”

The most intriguing stash was uncovered by outside contractors as they were tearing out the walls of Injun Joes Cave for the upgrade to Dead Man’s Grotto… vintage bottles of Coca-Cola. The glass bottles of unopened soda were stacked in a chamber behind the cave’s walls with a handwritten sign that read, “Have a Coke.” Workers speculated that the treasure must have been left behind by the construction crew that originally built the caves back in 1956.

One brave contractor even opened a bottle and drank some of the 51-year-old Coke. “The worker said it was flat, and that he got a buzz from it,” said one onlooker.

Enter the Pirate’s Lair

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer is now open. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island is open after a lengthy refurbishment. The new attraction has a surprising number of added features, including a new stage show and interactive installations.

A pirate stands ready to initiate visitors into pirate ways. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Visitors are welcomed to the new attraction by a costumed pirate, who banters with the crowds waiting to board a raft to the island. (One pirated joked with a visitor by asking who taught her to fish. When she looked confused, he pointed to the ring in her lip and advised her that the hook was meant for the fish.).

Dead Man’s Grotto houses some spiffy new special effects. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Visitors receive a map detailing the island’s new attractions. The Cider Mill on the island has been renamed Laffite’s Tavern, and the stage area in front is Pirate Point, site of a new pirate show. Dead Man’s Grotto is the first of the island’s cave systems, and has been outfitted with new special effects. Explorers need a little patience in traveling these caves, as some effects are triggered by touch or proximity and need a little time to re-set. Take your time when passing through the caves so you can see everything.

The island’s caves hold new secrets. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Intrepid cave explorers can find the chest of Davy Jones. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

One treasure cache includes the diary of Elizabeth Swann. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Some treasure is protected by spooky apparitions. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Smuggler’s Cove is a completely new installation on the back of the island. The area includes several interactive features that allow would-be pirates to discover lost treasure, as well as a nice photo opportunity in a smaller replica of the bone cage from the second Pirates film.

A suspension bridge crosses Smuggler’s Cove. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Treasure seekers can work together to turn the nearby capstan and raise this treasure from the watery depths of Smuggler’s Cove. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A sign here says “There’s gold below if you pump for it.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

William Turner has apparently set up shop as a blacksmith on the island, and his tiny workshop is open for viewing.

W. Turner, blacksmith, has set up shop on the island. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Tom Sawyer Island has always been a tricky to navigate while using a wheelchair, but two new elevator installations make some areas more accessible. One provides access to the stage at Pirate Point, while the other leads to the new restrooms near Fort Wilderness. Some of the caves have entrance areas that are will accommodate a wheelchair, but none of the caves are completely accessible—some have stairs or narrow passages, and at least one requires visitors to climb a short ladder.

Two new lifts add wheelchair access to portions of the island. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A few of the caves have wheelchair-accessible sections, but most have narrow passages, and in one case, a ladder. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Guests can occasionally find Jack Sparrow on the far West side of the island, where piles of treasure provide a nice photo backdrop. Most of the area around Fort Wilderness, including the graveyard in the back, has been blocked with fences, and most of the fort is scheduled to be demolished. (The fort was standing as of the time of this writing, but one source tells us that the demolition is imminent.)

Captain Sparrow can often be found hanging out near this treasure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Paths around Fort Wilderness are blocked off, and the Fort is scheduled for demolition shortly. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The popularity of the new attraction means long lines on either shore. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Pirates show

Visitors can also take in a new show starring Jack Sparrow on the island. The show is in the Pirate Point stage, and is also visible (but barely audible) from across the river.

Captain Jack Sparrow stars in this short skit on Tom Sawyer Island. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The show beings with a musical performance by the Bootstrappers, the quartet who previously held stage outside Café Orleans. As they near the end of their set, two pirates take the stage and begin to examine a curious treasure chest. As the story unfolds we learn about a mysterious treasure map, and meet the rag-tag lot determined to take possession of it. The show makes excellent use of some elements from the Fantasmic stage to include crowd-pleasing stunts and special effects.

Stunts and swordfights make for a fun little romp. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The viewing area for this show is very small, and crowds will start to gather about 20 minutes before each show. The best vantage point would seem to be from the upper stage, but the Bootstrappers will displace anyone waiting there when they being their performance. The Bootstrappers leave the stage after a short interaction with the pirates, so you can either be prepared to move up to the rail as soon as they leave, or find a place on the lower level.

Waiting for Nemo

The countdown continues towards the June 11 opening date. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland’s new Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage attraction opens next Monday, with Annual Passholder previews scheduled for June 6 & 7. The construction walls have come down, and the queue area—with ropes—has already been constructed in the area, spurring hopes that there may be additional previews this week. Some annual passholders on our MousePad discussion board report winning entry for the special preview. (link)

Workers are buffing and polishing the subs in preparation for their big debut. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Workers were busy in the Submarine Lagoon last week, with crews buffing and polishing the sub vehicles, and divers making repairs to the animatronic figures. The construction walls around the lagoon are down, and the “greedy seagulls” animatronic buoy is working, drawing curious visitors to the rail to hear their cries of “Mine! Mine! Mine!”

Divers work on an animatronic figure in the Submarine Lagoon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

This-and-That

….Disneyland is offering a second series of Pirates of the Caribbean coins with qualifying purchases at Café Orleans and the French Market in New Orleans Square. Guests receive one coin with a purchase of $30 or more (before tax, after any applicable discount) made at the restaurant. The first of the eight coins in the series was released on May 25. The second was released on June 3, and the rest will be released each Sunday for the next six weeks. We have been told that fewer coins were produced this year, so don’t wait too long each week if you are trying to complete the set.

…Tickets go on sale at 11:00 a.m. Pacific (2:00 p.m. Eastern) today for the “Adora Belle Disneyland Dream” Doll Breakfast with Marie Osmond, scheduled for Saturday, July 7.

Packages are offered at $235 to $780. Tickets are available through the Disney Events Web site. (link)

This new pirate watch is a limited edition of 250, and will be released in June. Disney photo.

….Disneyland and Walt Disney World will release a new Pirates of the Caribbean watch in June; the date has yet to be announced. According to the Disney Gallery Web site, the “this timeless treasure is limited to an edition size of 250 and comes complete with a brown leather band and gold-toned bezel as well as a replica of Sao Feng’s mysterious pirate map . In addition, the map and the watch will come encased in a commemorative map-like tube, that is sure to provide safe keeping.”

….Vault 28 will host a trunk show by designer Yvette Mandell on Saturday, June 9 from 2—5pm. Mandell will showcase her kids collection.

…. Artist Dave Smith has designed a watch to commemorate the opening day of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. The watch will be released on Monday, June 11 at New Century Timepieces on Main Street. The watch is limited to “day of production run” (which means that they will make only as many as are ordered on June 11th), and there is a limit of two watches per person. The watch will sell for $250 and comes complete with a gold-toned bezel and black watch band. A replica of the original artwork is included with each watch purchased.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

Fantasmic! dark through June

14 due to work on Tom Sawyer Island.
Disneyland Railroad closed through June 8.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed June 4 – June 7.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is scheduled to open to the public on June 11, 2007.

The Main Street train station is back under wraps at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! closed through 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.

June

Grad Night events: Thursday, June 7; Wednesday, June 13;

Thursday, June 14 and Thursday, June 21

Finding Nemo Annual Passholder previews June 6 & 7. Tickets available

by “opportunity drawing” only. To register, visit the Annual Passholder

page on the Disneyland

Web site.

Camp Pin-E-Ha-Ha. June 16-17. A pin collecting event. Registration

opens March 21, 2007 (link).

July

The Art of Disney Parks ~ Where Dreams Come True exhibit. July 1 ? August 31 at the Festival of Arts. For information about the Festival, visit the official Web site (link).
Adora Belle Disneyland Dream Breakfast with Marie Osmond. July 7 at Disneyland. Tickets for the event go on sale June 4th. See the event Web site (link) for more details.
“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)

August

Bats Day in the Fun Park (unofficial event) Friday-Sunday, August 17-19. (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).

The Art of Disney Parks ~ Where Dreams Come True event. September 13-14 at the Disneyland Resort. Will include an auction of artwork from the Festival of Arts exhibit and 50th Anniversary. Keep an eye on the event Web site for updates as they become available (link).

Downtown Disney artist weekend. September 15-16. An exhibit ‘dedicated to the art of local artist participants.’ No additional details are available at this time.

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).

Mickey’s Halloween Treat. October 5, 12, 19 and 26; 7:30 pm. – 11:30 pm. and October 4, 11, 18, 25, 29, 30, and 31; 6:30 pm. – 10:30 pm. Tickets currently available to Annual Passholders via the Disneyland Annual Passholder Web site.

CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park Sunday, October 21 (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 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

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).

Four Day Park Hopper

Regularly $209/$179

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)