Disneyland Park Update

Update for June 18 – June 24, 2007

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

Nemo opening day recap | What’s next? | Disney Dream Jobs | Cruzin’ Disney’s California Adventure Park | Ratatouille at the El Capitan Theater | Jane Seymour event at Disneyland | This and that | Tip of the week

Nemo opening day recap

[This item is really just for those readers who only check in each Monday for the weekly Park Update.]

Andrew Stanton, Tony Baxter and John Lasseter celebrate the opening of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is now officially open. Ed Grier (Disneyland Resort President), Bob Iger (President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company), and Jay Rasulo (chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts) all spoke at the opening ceremony. Also in attendance were Andrew Stanton (director and writer of Finding Nemo), John Lasseter (Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Pixar/Walt Disney Animation and Principal Creative Advisor, WDI), as well as Imagineers Tony Baxter (Senior Vice President, Creative Development), and Marty Sklar (Walt Disney parks and resorts Imagineering ambassador).

A Disneyland Monorail sports a new look in honor of the return of the subs. Photos by Frank Anzalone.

A trio of MousePlanet readers proudly show that they are “#1” in line. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney executives were surely satisfied with the opening day crowds, as the line for the attraction topped four hours during the day. A trio of MousePlanet readers were the first “regular” guests on the attraction (not counting annual passholders, media, celebrities, invited guests and randomly chosen families who were able to ride during preview events). They arrived at Disneyland’s front gates at 5:30 a.m. and even booked a Disneyland Resort hotel room to take advantage of early entry so they could be first in line.

Dense crowds fill Tomorrowland at 2:00 p.m. on opening day. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

MousePlanet readers have been reporting lines of 75 to 120 minutes all week. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is currently open during early entry. The best strategy seems to be to head for the attraction as soon as the park opens if you are not visiting on an Early Entry day (currently Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If you are visiting on an Early Entry day, you might try to find Nemo in the early evening.

Looking for more Nemo? Click here (link) for full coverage of the Finding Nemo opening weekend, including the celebrity preview party and opening day festivities. Be sure to listen to the June 14 edition (episode #23) of the MouseStation podcast (link) for interviews with Imagineers Tony Baxter and Eric Jacobson, as well as audio coverage from opening day.

What’s next?

Before the opening ceremony for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage last Monday, Disneyland Resort president Ed Grier and Tom Fitzgerald, executive vice president senior creative executive Walt Disney Imagineering, gave a presentation titled “What’s New, What’s Next” to the assembled media. The “new” portion of the talk focused on the Year of a Million Dreams, Pirate’s Lair, and Nemo, while the “next” segment consisted of an overview of the Toy Story Mania attraction. You can listen to the presentation by Tom Fitzgerald in the June 14, 2007 edition (episode #23) of the MouseStation podcast (link). The concept art shown at the media briefing is presented below. Toy Story Mania is expected to open in the summer of 2008.

The Toy Story Mania attraction is planned for the Disneyland Resort. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Toy Story Mania will feature an interactive Mr. Potato Head character in the queue. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Each ride vehicle will hold up to eight players. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Each scene of the ride will feature a different interactive game. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Targets will interact with the player, in this case popping or moving in response to the darts. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Passengers will wear 3-D glasses to add realism to the graphic effects. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Different colors of “ammunition” will allow players to aim more precisely. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Some games will have levels that can only be “unlocked” by hitting hidden targets, and Fitzgerald believes this will encourage players to cooperate. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney Dream Jobs

Pirate Kenny (center) and some of the winners of the Disney Dream Jobs contest greet visitors in the Pirate’s Lair. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Winners of the CareerBuilder.com Disney Dream “Jobs” contest were invited to the Nemo opening weekend, and got to “work” in their chosen position after Nemo opened on June 11. MousePlanet reader Kenny White (aka “Kenny the Pirate”) was one of five finalists selected to perform as an honorary pirate for the day. You can view Kenny’s audition video and a clip from his Dream Job experience (as well as videos from all 25 winners) on the CareerBuilder.com Web site (link).

Kenny also posted a really touching trip report (link) of his Disney Dream Job experience. Congratulations all of the finalists, including MousePlanet reader Ricky Brigante who was selected to be a Haunted Mansion host for the day.

Cruzin’ Disney’s California Adventure Park

In last week’s Park Update we mentioned that a new guided tour of Disney’s California Adventure would begin on June 15. MousePlanet reader Jim called to book the new tour first thing last Monday morning, and was able to get more details. For starters, this is the Segway tour of DCA that has been in the works for quite some time. Participants will first learn how to use the Segway Personal Transportation Vehicle, and will navigate an obstacle course before heading out on a tour of the park.

The three-hour tour is $99 per person, and includes all day parking at Downtown Disney, a continental breakfast, a commemorative pin and a group photo. Disneyland Resort annual passholders receive a $20 discount. The tour is limited to 10 participants, and begins at 7 a.m. Participants must be at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old and accompanied by an adult guardian, weigh between 100 and 250 pounds, and sign a liability waiver prior to riding the Segway Personal Transportation Vehicle.

Admission is not included, and participants must have valid admission to Disney’s California Adventure for the day of the tour. Since ticket booths will not be open before the tour begins, you should purchase your admission media in advance.

The tour itinerary is as follows:

7 a.m. – meet your tour guide outside DCA, and then proceed to the “VIP” lounge where to sign the tour waiver and have a continental breakfast.
8 a.m. – orientation and training, including indoor-outdoor obstacle course.
9 a.m. – one hour tour of DCA.

Ratatouille at the El Capitan Theater

El Capitan Theater in Hollywood will screen Ratatouille June 29 – August 2. Each show will be preceded by live stage show called “Cookin’ in the Kitchen,” a short musical revue featuring Disney characters. According to the El Capitan press release,

“kids in the audience will have a chance to participate on stage during the “Woody’s Roundup” portion of the show.”

El Capitan Theater in Hollywood will screen Ratatouille June 29 – August 2. Disney photo.

Daily show times are 10:00 a.m., 1:00 pm, 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:50 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), on line at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. Special group rate tickets for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110.

Disney’s Soda Fountain and Studio Store will be capitalizing on the food-themed film by offering “Le Ratatouille Sundae,” “two scoops of French Vanilla ice cream, and includes two choice of toppings, a candy nose, chocolate covered pretzel whiskers, and a chef’s hat fashioned out of a jumbo marshmallow and whipped cream.” The sundae is served with a limited edition Ratatouille pin.

Jane Seymour event at Disneyland

Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning actress and artist Jane Seymour debuts her painting of Sleeping Beauty Castle during an event on Saturday, July 28. Collectors will be able to attend “Breakfast Tea in the Garden” with Seymour Saturday morning, or meet the artist during a signing event at the Disney Gallery later that day.

Breakfast event packages start at $120 per person, and include the breakfast tea, commemorative photo, commemorative keepsake and the opportunity to purchase event merchandise via the “random selection process.” The three higher priced packages add one night’s accommodations at one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels for an extra $205 – $270 per person (couples who purchase two tickets are offered two nights accommodations in lieu of two rooms for one night).

Reservations for the breakfast event can be made through the Disney Gallery Web site (link) beginning June 27 at 11 a.m. Pacific (2 p.m. Eastern).

If breakfast is not your cup of tea, Seymour is available from 1:30 – 3:30 at the Disney Gallery to greet fans and sign purchases. As always, theme park admission is required, and Disney requests that no personal items be brought to the signing. Seymour will sign up to two purchased items per person.

Descriptions, prices and images of the event merchandise have not yet been released, but keep an eye on the event Web site for updates.

This and that

…Demolition began last week on Disneyland’s Fort Wilderness last Wednesday, just three days shy of its 51st birthday. The structure, which has been closed to the public for years, will likely be replaced with break rooms for the Pirate’s Lair crew and staging areas for Fantasmic.

A portion of Fort Wilderness has been demolished. Photo by David Michael.

…The Midway Games at DCA are scheduled to close June 20 as construction of the Toy Story Mania attraction continues.

…Disneyland is offering a 50 percent discount on two souvenir books, Remember the Moments and Disneyland Then, Now & Forever. The discount is valid while supplies last, or through September 4, 2007. The books are available at most large shops at the Disneyland Resort, including the World of Disney and Emporium.

…MousePlanet reader “rkkm” posted that schools of the Los Angeles Unified School District will be closed on Thursday, September 13 for the unofficial observance of Rosh Hashanah. This rare mid-week day off usually results in huge crowds at the Disneyland Resort, so it’s worth noting if you are planning a trip that week.

Tip of the week

This tip is courtesy of MousePad member “ktrm,” who shared some interesting information about the CityPass offered through Costco. She learned that Disneyland will credit $164 of the $205 pass when you upgrade your CityPass to a Disneyland Resort annual passport.

Savvy travelers can purchase the CityPass at Costco, use it to visit Seaworld, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Wildlife Park, and turn the CityPass into a Deluxe Disneyland Annual Passport by paying an extra $75 for adults, $105 for children. (Although the child CityPass is less expensive, a Deluxe Disneyland Annual Passport is the same price for everyone 3 years and older.)

The tickets in the CityPass must be used within 13 days of the first use of any ticket. The CityPass contains a 3-day Disneyland Resort park hopper “bonus” ticket, valid for three admissions over a consecutive 14-day period. (The “bonus” ticket comes with an Early Entry ticket.) You must upgrade the CityPass to a Disneyland Annual Passport before the park hopper ticket expires, either on the third admission or within 14 days, whichever comes first.

This is a great value for people who are planning a two-week tour of Southern California attractions, and can also take advantage of a Deluxe Disneyland Annual Passport during the year. Another way to look at this, you’re buying a Deluxe Disneyland Annual Passport, and getting one day tickets to Seaworld, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Wildlife Park for an extra $75 / $105. (Though you will need to use those tickets in a very short window of time)

This is not a good value for those who prefer a Premium Disneyland Annual Passport. The $195 difference between an adult CityPass and a Premium Disneyland Annual Passport is equal to the cost of one-day tickets to the other attractions included in the CityPass, and the $225 upgrade fee for children is 60% higher than just purchasing the same one-day tickets a la carte. Southern California residents may do even better by purchasing a la carte tickets, as Knott’s and Universal Studios both offer discounted tickets to locals.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

Tarzan’s Treehouse is expected to reopen on June 30.

Work continues on Tarzan’s Treehouse, which is expected to reopen by the end of June. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

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.

The Mark Twain is scheduled to return to service on June 19th. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

June

Grad Night events: Thursday, June 21

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 on sale now. 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.
“Breakfast Tea in the Garden” with Jayne Seymour. Saturday,
July 28 at Disneyland. Tickets go on sale June 27, 2007 at 11 AM Pacific

/ 2 pm Eastern through the Disney Gallery Web site (link).

August

Bats Day in the Fun Park (unofficial event) Friday-Sunday,

August 17-19. (link)

“Disneyland in Miniature” Product Release & Signing.

Date TBA, at Disneyland. New releases include the Plaza Pavilion / Enchanted

Tiki Room / Aladdin’s Oasis sculpture and additional Main Entrance accessories.

September

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. September 2 and 3. Family Fun

Run 5K on Saturday, September 2, Half Marathon on Sunday, September 3 (link).

Los Angeles Unified School District schools closed. Thursday, September

13th. This annual “no school” day usually results in huge crowds

at the Disneyland Resort.

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)

2007 UEA convention. October 29 to 30 (in Utah). Many Utah public

schools close so teachers can attend the Utah Education Association convention,

which creates a four-day weekend for the students. Expect the resort to

be busy that weekend—some claim ‘UEA’ stands for ‘Utah Escapes to Anaheim.’

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)