Disneyland Park Update

Update for November 19-25, 2007

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

News and Views

Candlelight tickets on sale today | Christmas
at Disneyland | Visa Cardmember Meet & Greet
| Dancing with the Stars visits Disneyland | Disney’s
Wildfire Heroes Salute Update | Snow White anniversary
event | This and That

Candlelight tickets on sale today

The ever-popular Candlelight Ceremony and Procession is scheduled for December
1 and 2 this year inside Disneyland, with tickets going on sale this morning,
November 19 at 10 a.m. Details are available in the Annual Passholder section
of the Disneyland Web site (link),
and you can purchase the tickets through the Disneyland.com/candlelight Web
page. Candlelight will be presented December 1 and 2, 2007.

Disneyland is offering three ticket options:

• $75 per person, includes dinner at Storytellers Cafe or Hook’s Point ($25
  increase from 2006)


• $100 per person, includes dinner at Steakhouse 55, Vineyard Room or Yamabuki
  ($25 increase from 2006)


• $125 per person, includes dinner at Napa Rose, available to Disneyland
  Resort Annual Passholders only (Same price as 2006)

All prices include nonalcoholic beverage, tax and gratuity. Diners must purchase
their tickets in the same transaction in order to be seated together, and there
is a limit of 6 tickets per transaction.

Christmas at Disneyland

The holiday season officially began at the Disneyland Resort last Friday, with
crowds flocking to Disneyland around dusk to get a glimpse of the holiday lights
and entertainment. The post-fireworks and Fantasmic crowds created gridlock
on Main Street, prompting Disneyland to open the backstage path leading from
Coke Corner to the Main Street Fire Station. For those who missed last Friday’s
mini-update, we’ve included those photos below, and added a dozen new shots
from around Disneyland. Click on any photo to see a larger version, and check
back next week for photos from Disney’s California Adventure, as well as the
Christmas Fantasy Parade and Santa’s Reindeer Roundup.

The 60-foot-tall evergreen Disneyland Christmas tree is in place on Main Street.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Local radio stations broadcast live from Disneyland to kick off the holiday
festivities. Photo by Bill Allen

Post-fireworks crowds fill Main Street on the first night of the holiday promotion.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle

The centerpiece of this year’s holiday celebration is Sleeping Beauty’s Winter
Castle. The snow and icicle decorations are beautiful by day, but are frankly
stunning at night. We’ve included a handful of photos below to show just some
of the different lighting effects,

The final touches have been put on Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Photo
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Glistening icicles drip from Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle Snowfall

Little has been said about the Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle Snowfall shows
that set the stage for the Believe … in Holiday Magic fireworks, but crowds
are sure to grow as word spreads. Disneyland does not even list the show in
the daily entertainment guide, and it is only indirectly referenced on the Disneyland
Web site. Each show includes a bit of dialogue between a young child wishing
for snow, and a grandmotherly figure who councils that anything is possible
if you believe enough. As the machines begin to blow snow across Main Street
and the twinkling lights begin to glitter on the Castle, a tune familiar to
some Disney fans fills the night. Country singer Kellie Coffey has recorded
a new version of the “Shine” theme from DCA’s short-lived Luminaria
show to accompany these little vignettes, with new lyrics to fit the show. Coffey
also provides vocals for both the Believe … in Holiday Magic fireworks theme
and “White Christmas” at the end of the show. The actress who provides
the “grandmother” voice in the new pre-shows also re-recorded the
vocal introduction to the fireworks.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle serves as the canvas for nightly shows. Photo
© Disney.

Each of the pre-shows is roughly four minutes long, and while they can be enjoyed
from any Main Street location where you can see at least the top half of Sleeping
Beauty Castle, they are best enjoyed from the sidewalk directly across from
Sleeping Beauty Castle. The first Snowfall show is presented shortly after dusk;
the timing of the second show will vary based on park hours, but is expected
to be 60 to 115 minutes before the fireworks. For example, this weekend the
shows were presented at 5:30 and 7:30. Disney is reportedly experiencing technical
difficulties with the projectors used in the shows, and so the first “act”
was shown twice each night this weekend. We’ve also been told that there is
a third show that will be presented immediately before the fireworks, but it
was not used this weekend.

Snow flurries drift in the air during Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle Snowfall.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks

Large crowds gathered in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle for the
year’s first performance of the Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. The
music is unchanged from previous years, though the vocal introduction has
been re-recorded. A few new shells are incorporated into the fireworks, and
the new lighting effects on Sleeping Beauty Castle add new sparkle to the
show.

The holiday fireworks are a popular attraction, and visitors are understandably
upset when the show is canceled due to high winds. To help alleviate disappointment,
a longer version of the Snowfall show will replace Believe … in Holiday
Magic on nights when the weather conditions force cancellation of the fireworks
show. This show will lead into the “White Christmas” theme and Main
Street snowfall. This is a neat way to ensure that a little bit of holiday
magic can be had every night, even when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Visitors might get a chance to catch the replacement show this week, as the
National Weather Service is forecasting locally gusty winds on Wednesday,
then stronger winds on Friday and Saturday.

Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Visa Cardmember Meet & Greet

I added some photos to the end of last week’s Disneyland Park Update, but failed
to include any explanation. One of the perks of holding a Disney Visa card is
an exclusive character meet-and-greet opportunity at Disney’s California Adventure.
MousePlanet readers often ask for specifics about the opportunity, so I took
a few minutes to check it out a few weeks ago. The meet-and-greet recently relocated
from the Ariel’s Grotto restaurant to the often-overlooked Seasons of the Vine
building in the Golden Vine Winery. The meet-and-greet starts at park opening
and lasts for about 90 minutes. Two characters are present, and rotate through
the morning—frequently Mickey and Goofy will alternate with Chip and Dale.

Disney Visa cardmembers can participate in a special character meet opportunity.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The wait for this encounter is generally quite short, and
on my visit I was able to walk right in. With nobody waiting behind me, I was
able to spend as much time as I cared with Chip and Dale, though the cast member
stationed at the entrance said that guests usually get about five minutes with
the characters when there is a line. A Disney PhotoPass photographer is on hand
to snap your photo, and will also take pictures with your camera if requested.
If you already have a PhotoPass the picture(s) will be added to the same card—if
not, you’ll receive a PhotoPass right there. Best of all, you also receive a
voucher for one free 5″ x 7″ photo of your visit with the characters.
Technically the free photo offer is limited to pictures taken during the Meet
& Greet, though some MousePlanet readers have reported that they were allowed
to use the voucher for another photo on their PhotoPass. You can take advantage
of the meet-and-greet opportunity once every day of your trip, and will receive
one free photo each visit. You must show your Disney Visa card for admission
to the meet-and-greet, and each cardholder may bring up to five guests.

Chip and Dale wait patiently to greet Disney Visa cardmembers in a quiet corner
of DCA. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Dancing with the Stars visits Disneyland

The ABC television series Dancing with the Stars taped a segment for
tonight’s semifinals episode last Thursday afternoon. Actress Jennie Garth and
dance partner Derek Hough were scheduled to perform, and fans began to fill
the area in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle by late afternoon to catch a glimpse
of the stars. Production assistants handed out pre-made posters with slogans
like “Go Derek!” and “We love you Jennie!” to some audience
members, and prompted the crowd to cheer while the cameras rolled. The crowd
had begun to get a little restless waiting for the stars to appear when Jennie
Garth finally took the stage, accompanied by Mickey Mouse. Garth explained that
her dance partner Derek Hough had fallen ill and was unable to perform. Instead,
Jennie partnered with Mickey Mouse for two takes of a dance set to the song
“It Take Two,” and then remained to pose for photos and sign autographs
for fans. The Disneyland segments will be featured in tonight’s Dancing with
the Stars episode, as well as tomorrow’s results show.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle provides the backdrop for a taping of Dancing
with the Stars. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Mickey Mouse and actress Jennie Garth greet fans at a taping of Dancing
with the Stars at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Mickey dips actress Jennie Garth during their Dancing with the Stars
performance. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Mickey poses in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle is transformed after dark. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s Wildfire Heroes Salute update

After the Disneyland Resort announced details of the Disney’s Wildfire Heroes
Salute, several MousePlanet readers questioned whether the offer would be extended
to emergency personnel who live outside the Southern California Zip codes detailed
in the offer. One MousePlanet reader wrote:

I called Guest Services today to talk to someone directly. My husband was
part of the activation, but we live in Central California, outside the zip
code designation. The person on the phone told me that we could bring a letter
from his commander stating that he had participating in the fire activation,
and they might extend the discount at the gate, but there were no guarantees.
Then he said it was probably “doubtful” that they would accept it.

I sent off an e-mail to Disneyland. Not all public safety personnel in SoCal
worked the fires, and not all the personnel who worked were from SoCal. It
appears to be just another Southern California discount this time. We were
rather disappointed. We were able to take our kids for the 2003 discount,
but not this time.

It’s nice that they extended the discount to some, they didn’t have to even
do that, but just disappointing that many of the people who helped can’t participate.

A few readers contacted Disney via e-mail to ask if the promotion could be
extended, and several received the same reply:

Thank you for your e-mail to the Disneyland. Resort. We appreciate you taking
the time to share your thoughts with us regarding our “Disney’s Wildfire
Heroes Salute” promotional offer.

Disney’s Wildfire Heroes Salute builds on a philosophy established by Walt Disney
himself of aiding the members of our local community. It is fitting, therefore,
that the Disneyland Resort provides an opportunity for emergency personnel who
fought the fires within the Southern California region to relax with their families
and friends.

We would be happy to extend our promotional offer to emergency personnel
living outside the specified zip codes who have directly assisted with the
fire relief efforts. To ensure a person qualifies for this promotion, we require
that they provide official emergency worker identification at our Main Gate
box offices and mention that they have contacted our office seeking clarification
on our eligibility requirements.

Please note, Disney’s Wildfire Heroes Salute is offered November 13, 2007 through
February 28, 2008 except for block-out dates of November 22-25; December 8-9;
December 25 to January 6, 2008; and February 15-17, 2008. Additional information
regarding Disney’s Wildfire Heroes Salute, is available at www.disneyland.com/hero
or by calling (714) 781-7290.

Again, thank you for contacting us. We hope you will have the opportunity
to visit the Disneyland Resort soon and that our attractions and entertainment
will delight you in every way.

Disney’s response was met with mixed reaction by our readers. Some were
pleased that Disney extended the offer, others are concerned that the wording
is still somewhat ambiguous, and are fear that they may travel all the way
to the Resort but be denied the opportunity to purchase the discounted tickets.

Snow White Anniversary Event

Disney’s California Adventure hosted an anniversary merchandise event and
film screening in honor of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs last Friday.
The event also served to debut “The Fairest One of All,” an exhibit
of production art from the classic Disney film. The exhibit is on display
in the Courtyard Gallery entrance hall of the Disney Animation building
in the Hollywood Backlot district. MousePlanet reader Liana Kilgore attended
the merchandise event, and we’ll bring you her photos and report in a future
article.

This and That

…Disney Channel star Miley Cyrus was on location at Disneyland this weekend
to tape a performance for the Walt Disney World Christmas Special.

…The World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney will host a Rubik’s Cube demonstration,
using the new Disney Character Rubik’s Cube, on December 1 from 1 p.m. –
4 p.m. According to the Disney Gallery Web site, visitors can, “Witness
an exciting exhibition of speed and skill as we welcome six world class Rubik’s
Cubers, demonstrating their prowess at solving this mind boggling puzzle in
record time” (link).
The new Disney Character Rubik’s Cube is now on sale at throughout Disneyland
and Walt Disney World.

Robert Olszewski introduces his newest Disney sculpture on December 8. Photo
© Disney.

…Artist Robert Olszewski will be in hand to sign his new Peter Pan’s Flight
sculpture Saturday, December 8 between 9 a.m. and noon at the Disneyana Shop
inside Disneyland park. Additional details are available at the Disney Gallery
Web site (link).

Annual Passholders can purchase this new watch starting January 18, 2008.
Photo © Disney.

…Disneyland is introducing its newest Annual Passholder-exclusive watch January
18 – December 29, 2008 at New Century Timepieces. The watch, designed by
Charles Landholm, is priced at $250, plus tax, and includes a replica of the
original artwork. There is a limit of two watches per passholder. Additional
information is available at the Disney Gallery Web site (link).

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• River Belle Terrace
  – closed through December 14 for remodel.
• Alice in Wonderland
  – closed October 15 to November 20.
• Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
  – closed January 14 to 18 for refurbishment
• Mark Twain Riverboat
  – closed January 14 to 17 for refurbishment
• Haunted Mansion –
  closed January 7 to 24 to remove the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
• Jungle Cruise
  – closed January 28 to at least February 28, 2008 for refurbishment.
• “it’s a small world”
  – closes January 25 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open
  in late October 2008.

A new structure is visible behind the Fort Wilderness gates. Photo by Bill
Allen

Guardrails in the Mickey and Friends parking structure are being replaced,
but still no sign of a new elevator. Photo by Bill Allen

Disney’s California Adventure

• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the
  Rescue – closed November 26, 2007 to February 14, 2008
• Playhouse Disney
  – Live on Stage! – closes February 12 for refurbishment.
• Corn Dog Castle
  – closed January 28 to February 1.
• 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.

Pacific Wharf buildings receive a facelift. Photo by Bill Allen

Construction continues on Toy Story Midway Mania. Photo by Bill Allen

The footprint of the DVC expansion of the Grand Californian Hotel is visible
from the Sun Wheel. Photo by Bill Allen

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.

December

• Candlelight Processional – Saturday, December 1 and
  Sunday, December 2. Jane Seymour was announced to the choir as the narrator.
• Jim Shore product release and signing – Saturday,
  December 1. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Disneyana Shop inside Disneyland park
  and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney.
  Note: admission is required to attend the Disneyland signing, but is not required
  for the Downtown Disney signing.
• Rubik’s Cube Demonstration – Saturday, December 1 from 1 to
  4 p.m. at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney (link).
• Jane Seymour product release and signing – Sunday,
  December 2, 10 a.m. to noon. Artwork released at this summer’s canceled Jane
  Seymour breakfast event will again be available for purchase (link).
• Robert Olszewski Peter Pan’s Flight Product Release & Signing
  – Saturday, December 8. 9 a.m. to noon at the Disneyana Shop inside Disneyland
  park (link).
• Precious Moments Disney Theme Park Exclusive Product Release
  – Friday, December 14. These park-exclusive sculptures will also be offered
  at Walt Disney World, and can be pre-ordered November 6 – December 6 through
  the Disney Gallery Web site (link).

February 2008

• Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland. Friday, February
  1, 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 to August 17, 2008.
• 2008 Disneyland Half Marathon. Sunday, August 31, 2008
  over Labor Day weekend, but not on Labor Day itself (link)

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
or 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).

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.

Fourth 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 accommodations; 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.

Fourth 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 accommodating; 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 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 two 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.

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
  

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.