Update for September 24-30, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
On the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog… until it gets onto YouTube | Disneyland raises ticket prices | Haunted Mansion Holiday opens for the season | Orange County to get new area code | Grand Californian expansion confirmed | Central Parking System to manage Anaheim GardenWalk parking
On the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog… until it gets onto YouTube
The big story this week is that YouTube video showing Pluto chasing a child through Disneyland’s Town Square. If you haven’t seen the video—or just want to watch it again—we’ve embedded it below. Since we can’t know the motivation of “Pluto’s friend,” we can only really be sure of what we see. The video was shot during the 50th Anniversary Celebration, as can be determined by the gold-painted lamppost. Pluto is running—yes, running—after a child and is then grabbed by a woman who is also holding a video camera. She then shoves Pluto and he does a theatrical roll to the ground, gets up, and gestures emphatically at the woman and at the child. The video ends with Pluto moving quickly offstage.
The infamous Pluto video clip. Video credit: “arctocyon.”
There’s a spirited discussion of the video on MousePad (link) which we invite you to join if you are so inclined. In addition to local news—CBS2/KCAL9 has a “vox pops” story (link) where the reporter interviewed guests outside Disneyland—the video has also garnered national news coverage, featured as the Number One story on MSNBC’s “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” last Tuesday, September 18 (link). It didn’t take long for the first parody version to crop up, recut and musically enhanced (link) and no doubt someone is even now working on “Leave Pluto Alone!”
Disneyland raises ticket prices
Disneyland Resort ticket booth sign showing new, higher prices. Photo by David Perry.
Disneyland’s annual ticket price increase came early this year, with across-the-board increases announced on Friday, September 21. Prices for multi-day hopper passes were already scheduled to go up in January, but those increases have now taken effect as well. The new ticket prices are as follows:
| Ticket type | Old price (adults/kids) | New price (adults/kids) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day/1 park | $63/$53 | $66/$56 |
| 1 day hopper | $83/$73 | $91/$81 |
| 2 day hopper | $122/$102 | $132/$112 |
| 3 day hopper | $179/$149 | $189/$159 at gate $169/$139 in advance |
| 4 day hopper | $209/$179 | $214/$184 at gate $184/$154 in advance |
| 5 day hopper | $229/$199 | $234/$204 at gate $194/$164 in advance |
| Premium AP | $359 | $379 (includes parking) |
| Deluxe AP | $239 | $259 (add $59 for parking) |
| SoCal AP | $154 | $169 (add $59 for parking) |
| SoCal Select AP | $124 | $129 (add $59 for parking) |
| Holders of non-Premium Annual Passes can purchase blockout day admission for $40/day; this is a park-hopper ticket. | ||
We’ve updated the “Discounts and Promotions” section below (Discounts), and also our Disneyland Resort park guide (link) with the new prices. MousePad members reported intermittent downtime for the Annual Passholder section of the Disneyland Web site (link), as well as inconsistent ticket pricing—apparently at some point on Friday, you could still buy tickets for the old, lower price, even though the new, higher price was shown (link). Others experienced problems with credit card processing, so it seems the price change did not go particularly smoothly in Disney’s Internet group.
Haunted Mansion Holiday opens for the season
The Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday opened for the Halloween/Christmas season as scheduled on Friday, September 21, though reports have it opening around an hour after the park (link). As usual, Fastpass is offered for the Mansion during the holiday overlay. We haven’t yet heard of any major changes from last year.
Haunted Mansion Holiday: Where else would Jack O’ Lanterns wish you a Merry Christmas? MousePlanet file photo by Lisa Perkis.
Across the Esplanade at Disney’s California Adventure, Golden Screams is now open in place of Golden Dreams—but the less said about that, the better… however, here is our coverage from last year (link).
Orange County to get new area code
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted 5-0 on Thursday to create a new area code in the 714 section of Orange County, establishing the second such overlay area code zone in California. The new 657 area code will cover northern and central Orange County, including the Anaheim Resort district. Disneyland Resort phone numbers are not expected to change from their current 714 area code, but anyone calling these numbers will have to dial ten or eleven digits (adding the area code for all phones and a leading “1” for land-line phones) when the new area code is enabled next April. (link)
The new 657 area code will overlay a portion of the existing 714 area. Graphic credit: Los Angeles Times.
Grand Californian expansion confirmed
We first mentioned it in January (link), covered it in July (link) and followed the story in August (link). Now, Disney has finally made it official: Disney Vacation Club is coming to the Grand Californian Hotel (link).
The east wing of the Grand Californian and the circular guest pool. MousePlanet file photo by Alex Stroup.
The expansion will actually add 250 units, including 50 DVC “Vacation Villas”. The Grand Californian currently has 745 guest rooms. In a statement, Disneyland Resort president Ed Grier said, “This expansion underscores our commitment to growing and investing in both the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Resort Area.”
Central Parking System to manage Anaheim GardenWalk parking
In a press release last Wednesday (link), Central Parking System, Inc. announced that it has been selected by Anaheim GW II, LLC to operate a 3,100 space garage for Anaheim GardenWalk (link). Central Parking will also provide valet parking services for the project. GardenWalk’s initial phase will open this November with the grand opening planned for May 2008.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years closed through September 28.
- River Belle Terrace closed through December 14 for remodel.
- Casey Jr. Circus Train closed through October 5 for refurbishment.
- Storybook Land Canal Boats closed through October 5 for refurbishment.
- Alice in Wonderland closed October 8 – November 20.
- “it’s a small world” closed October 22 – November 8 to install the holiday overlay.
- “it’s a small world” reportedly will close at the end of January 2008 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late October.
Disney’s California Adventure
- California Screamin’ may open at 1:00 PM Monday – Friday through Fall 2007 due to construction for Toy Story Mania!
- Golden Dreams closed November 1 & 2 to remove the Halloween show.
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will be closed from November 26 at least through the end of 2007.
- Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.
- 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.
September
- Downtown Disney Summer Fun Sweepstakes.Enter for a chance to win three magical prizes in the Downtown Disney Summer Fun Sweepstakes ? including three $1,000 Downtown Disney shopping sprees, a screening for 20 at AMC Theatres and a party for 10 at ESPN Zone Restaurant! Ends September 30, 2007. (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).
- 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 are $39 per person if purchased the day of the event. $29 advance-purchase tickets currently available through the Disneyland Web site (click on the “tickets” link). $27 discounted tickets are currently available to Annual Passholders via the Disneyland Annual Passholder Web site, and to Disney’s Vacation Club Members at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths.
- MousePlanet night at Mickey’s Halloween Treat (unofficial event) Friday, October 12. Join your fellow MousePlanet readers and MousePad members at Mickey’s Halloween Treat to kick off MouseAdventure weekend. More information is available on our MousePad discussion boards. (Link)
- MouseAdventure. Sunday, October 14. Registration is now closed.
- CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park Sunday, October 21 (link)
- Nevada Day. Friday, October 26. All Nevada public schools closed to commemorate the admission of the state of Nevada into the union, possibly resulting in unusually high crowd levels at the Disneyland Resort. (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.’ One reader has told us that his Utah school district is closed for a “Fall Break” October 11 ? 15th, so crowds may be more dispersed throughout the month than in past years.
November
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 70th Anniversary Celebration. November 16, 2007. No additional information available yet (link).
December
- Candlelight Processional Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2.
February 2008
- Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland. Friday February 1st, 2008. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families (link).
Spring 2008
- Disney’s California Food & Wine Weekends. Spring 2008 (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. 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 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).
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One Day, One Park Regularly $66/$56 One Day Park Hopper |
Southern California 1–Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted 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, e-mail us to let us know. |
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Two Day Park Hopper |
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 Hopper |
Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) – 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) Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 “2 Days Free” offer – Buy a 3-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 5-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance – this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. 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). You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass 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). |
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Four Day Park Hopper |
Advance Purchase 4–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($184/$154) – 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). Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($184/$154) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 “2 Days Free” offer – Buy a 4-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 6-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance – this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. 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). |
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Five Day Park Hopper |
Advance Purchase 5–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – 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). Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 “2 Days Free” offer – Buy a 5-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 7-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance – this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. 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. |
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Hotel / Travel Packages
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.
Disney’s Good Neighbor Dream Vacation Packages – This package is valid for arrivals June 29 – August 30, 2007, and starts at $214 per person. Package includes two nights at a Good Neighbor hotel; Park Hopper ticket (with admission to one Early Entry and/or one Toontown Morning Madness depending on ticket purchased and days visited); preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a “Character Call” from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Jolly Roger Hotel, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available at a higher price) Reservations must be made by August 27, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
4th Night Free at Good Neighbor Hotels – This package is valid for arrivals September 2 to December 16, 2007, and starts at $257 per person. Package includes hotel accomodations; Park Hopper ticket; admission to one Early Entry and one Toontown Morning Madness; preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a “Character Call” from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Best Western Pavilions, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available at a higher price) Reservations must be made by December 13, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
4th Night Free at Disneyland Resort Hotels – This package is valid for arrivals August 19 to December 12, 2007, and starts at $345 per person. Package includes hotel accomodations; Park Hopper ticket; admission to one Early Entry and one Toontown Morning Madness; preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a “Character Call” from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Disneyland Hotel, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available.) Reservations must be made by November 12, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
2008 “2 Days Free” offer – When you buy a 3-, 4- or 5-day Parkhopper ticket, Disney will add two free days. In other words, you’ll pay the 3-day rate ($189) and receive a Parkhopper Bonus ticket good for five days. You can maximize your savings by taking advantage of the advance purchase discount, and pay just $169. The Parkhopper Bonus ticket includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first.
Other Discounts
Disney Vacation Club members have a new discount at the Disneyland Resort. DVC members can now purchase discounted tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Treat at Disney’s California Adventure. Tickets are $27 if purchased anytime between August 1 and the day before the event. Members cannot buy these tickets online, and must show their DVC membership card at any Disneyland Resort ticket booth to receive the discounted rate.
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, which can make a huge difference on busy days. 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 (All dates currently sold out) – 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) 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.
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
| 9/23 | 9/24 | 9/25 | 9/26 | 9/27 | 9/28 | 9/29 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 9a–10p DCA: 10a–9p SL |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p
|
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 8a–11p |
| 9/30 | 10/01 | 10/02 | 10/03 | 10/04 | 10/05 | 10/06 |
| DL: 9a–12p DCA: 10a–9p SL |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p
|
DL: 8a–12p |
DL: 8a–12p |
| 10/07 | 10/08 | 10/09 | 10/10 | 10/11 | 10/12 | 10/13 |
| DL: 8a–12p DCA: 10a–9p SL |
DL: 9a–11p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p
|
DL: 8a–12p |
DL: 8a–12p |
| 10/14 | 10/15 | 10/16 | 10/17 | 10/18 | 10/19 | 10/20 |
| DL: 8a–12p DCA: 10a–9p SL |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p
|
DL: 8a–12p |
DL: 8a–12p |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 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.
