Update for December 24 – December 30, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current
Refurbishment/Attraction Closures
| Park Events
| Discounts and Promotions | Park
Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Disneyland’s New Monorail Arrives | MousePlanet’s Holiday Photo Contest Winners | Enchanted at El Capitan plus Disney’s Enchanted Experience extended through January 13 | NFFC’s annual “Strictly Disneyana” show and sale | Vons selling SoCal 1-day Park Hopper tickets | 2008 SoCal theme parks preview, plus NYE events | 627 tuba players set record in Downtown Disney | From Pocahontas and Ariel to the Wicked Witch of the West | New hotels coming to Disney area | River Belle Terrace officially open
[Ed. note: MousePlanet will not be publishing next Monday or Tuesday as
we spend the New Year’s weekend with our families. Next week’s Park Update will
run on Wednesday. Have a great New Year’s weekend!]
Disneyland’s New Monorail Arrives
The first Mark VII Disneyland Monorail train arrived in the park on Thursday, December 20 and MousePlanet was first to publish photos (link) of the train being lifted, in stages, onto the track. We haven’t heard reports of the new train actually running yet, but we do know that it will not be in service until February.
Would you believe… Burgundy? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The new Monorail’s nose cone is positioned on the track for the first time. Photo © Disney.
Curious about all that mechanical stuff under the Monorail cars? Way back in 2001, MousePlanet’s “Doc” Krock wrote an article (link) explaining just how the Monorails work and what keeps them on track. Enjoy, but try not to wince at our old color scheme.
MousePlanet’s Holiday Photo Contest Winners
The results are in, the jury is back, there were no hanging chads and the final tally matched the exit polls. The winners of MousePlanet’s first annual (?) Holiday Photo Contest were announced on Christmas Eve, but in case you didn’t manage to get on line over the weekend, we’ll give you a few quick takes:
Winner People/characters: “Guide Dog with Pluto” by Denise Brown
Winner Disney Places: “Celebrate the Season” by Peter Jesse
Check out the complete list of winning photos (link) with commentary by MousePlanet staff photographer Frank Anzalone, and look for a few “honorable mention” entries next week.
Enchanted at El Capitan plus Disney’s Enchanted Experience extended through January 13
Disney’s hit Enchanted will extend its run at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood through January 13, as will the accompanying “Enchanted Experience,” a brand new 24,000 square foot attraction where guests can meet all of the Disney Princesses and see real props, sets and costumes from the film. Guests can also enjoy a rock climbing wall, a bounce house, a video arcade, and competitive games themed to the film.
Showtimes are: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 9:40 pm. Tickets for “Disney’s Enchanted Experience,” are available at the El Capitan box office (6838 Hollywood Blvd), online 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. (link)
Disney’s Enchanted Experience at the El Capitan Theatre. Publicity image © Disney.
Meanwhile, Princess Giselle is making a special appearance at Disneyland, twice daily before the Christmas Fantasy Parade. Her horse-drawn carriage proceeds grandly down the parade route accompanied by the song “Ever Ever After”, performed by Carrie Underwood from the movie soundtrack.
Princess Giselle precedes the Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland. Photo by Andrew Rich.
NFFC’s annual “Strictly Disneyana” show and sale
The National Fantasy Fan Club will hold their annual “Strictly Disneyana” show and sale at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Garden Grove on Sunday, January 20, 2008. General admission is $6, but you can save $1 per person if you print and bring this flyer. (PDF link)
Vons selling SoCal 1-day Park Hopper tickets
MousePlanet reader Rosie Kay wrote in to tell us that Vons grocery stores are now selling Southern California 1-day Park Hopper tickets for $86 for adults, $76 for children. Residency restrictions apply to use of these tickets, so check the fine print carefully before buying.
2008 SoCal theme parks preview, plus NYE events
The Los Angeles Times travel blog has a listing of New Years Eve events at Southern California theme parks. You already know that Disneyland will stay open until 2:00 am with midnight fireworks, DCA closes at 1:00 am, and both parks will have bands and live DJs. For information about events at Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood and others, check out the LA Times article. (link)
Also in the LA Times travel blog is a preview of what to expect in 2008 at Southern California theme parks, including Toy Story Mania and the Pixar Play Parade at DCA, the Simpsons ride at Universal, and others. (link)
627 Tuba players set record in Downtown Disney
Last Friday, over 600 tuba players may have set a new world record at Downtown Disney for the most tubas played at a single performance. Sarah Tully at the Orange County Register reports that 627 tuba players showed up, many in their best holiday finery, to play Christmas carols and blow away the previous record of 286 simultaneous tubas. (link)
From Pocahontas and Ariel to the Wicked Witch of the West
Would it surprise you to learn that Eden Espinosa, who plays Ephalba, Wicked Witch of the West in “Wicked” at the Pantages Theatre, got her start doing shows at Disneyland? Longtime Disney stage show fans may have seen Espinosa playing Pocahontas in “Animazement” or Ariel in a show based on “The Little Mermaid”. The Los Angeles Times Calendar has an interview and profile (link) of Espinosa in which, among other tidbits, we learn that she also portrayed “Gypsy No. 4” in the late, lamented “Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools” production.
New hotels coming to Disney area
It seems that 20,000 rooms are not enough for the Anaheim Resort. The OC Register reports (link) that at least 10 plans are in the works to add more than 2,700 rooms in new hotels, timeshares, villas and expanded lodges. This comes at a time when tourism is booming, occupancy rates are high, and new attractions are being built in the Resort area.
River Belle Terrace officially open
After a bit of confusion over whether the River Belle Terrace had or had not reopened over last weekend, we can now report that it is definitely, without a doubt, unquestionably open. MousePlanet staff members Andrew and Jennifer Rich had lunch there on Sunday and were pleased overall, though they noted that the service line moved quite slowly and there was not enough seating space.
The newly-remodeled River Belle Terrace awaits its first guests. Photo by Bill Allen.
The full River Belle Terrace menu, courtesy of MousePad member Pastafarian:
Signature Sandwiches served on a soft Baguette with choice of one cold side dish
- River Belle Prime Rib $12.99
- Mississippi Turkey Breast $12.99
- Tennessee BBQ Pork $11.99
- Vegetable Po’ Boy $11.99
River Belle Entree Salads served on top a field of greens with red and yellow belle peppers, radishes, carrots, parmesan cheese and tossed with one of our signature dressings:
- Plantation Prime Rib Salad with Southern Ranch Dressing $12.99
- Rosemary Turkey Breast Salad with citrus terragon vinaigrette dressing $12.99
- Aunt Polly’s Harvest Medley with choice of Dressing $11.99
Munch Inc. (kids meals ages 3-9) served with red flame grapes, apple slices, a fun straw and choice of low fat milk, low fat Nesquik chocolate milk, small Minute Maid juice or small Danasi water.
- Little Carver’s Turkey Sandwich $5.99
- Little Carver’s Prime Rib Sandwich $5.99
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich $5.99
Breakfast menu remained exactly the same except for an increase in prices:
- Mickey Mouse Pancake $6.99
- Mark Twain $7.99
- Steamboat $ 7.99
- Becky Thatcher’s Fruit Plate $7.99 (remained the same)
A La Carte breakfast:
- Fresh Fruit $2.59
- Cinnamon roll $3.49
- Three Fluffy Pancakes $5.29
- Country Style Potatoes $2.59
- Bacon or Sausage $ 3.29
Beverages remained the same prices as before with the exception of the addition of “Simply Orange” juice for $4.19
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- Haunted Mansion –
closed January 7 to 24 to remove the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Mark Twain Riverboat
– closed January 14 to 17 for refurbishment
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
– closed January 14 to 18 for refurbishment
- “it’s a small world”
– closes January 22 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open
in late October 2008.
- Jungle Cruise – closed January
28 to March 7 for refurbishment.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the
Rescue
closed through February 14, 2008 - Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!
– closed February 12 to March 13 for refurbishment.
- Corn Dog Castle – closed
February 26 to 29.
- Four of the Midway Games on Paradise Pier are open but the rest are closed,
with the new Toy Story Mania attraction still under construction and expected to open next summer.
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
- Rose Bowl teams visit Disneyland – Wednesday, December 26, 2007, 1:00 p.m. in the Castle Forecourt.
February 2008
- Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland – Friday
February 1st, 2008. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative
schooling families (link).
- Peter Pan 55th Anniversary product release and signing – Saturday, February 23, 2008. (link)
Spring 2008
- Disney’s California Food & Wine Weekends – Spring
2008 (link)
- Julie Andrews appearance and book signing – Tuesday, April 8, 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
(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).
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One Day, One Park Regularly $66/$56 One Day Park Hopper Regularly $91/$81 |
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 Regularly $132/$112 |
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. | |
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Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $189/$159 |
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 Regularly $214/$184 |
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 Regularly $234/$204 |
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 Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three-day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at four DCA attractions (Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It’s Tough to be a Bug!, Golden Dreams); Preferred Showing of Turtle Talk with Crush (Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day – one voucher per Guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a “Character Call” from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent.
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
| 12/23 | 12/24 | 12/25 | 12/26 | 12/27 | 12/28 | 12/29 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX |
DL: 8a-9p DCA: 10a–7p SL/SC/DX |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX
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DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX
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DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX
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DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX |
| 12/30 | 12/31 | 1/1 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/4 | 1/5 |
| DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX |
DL: 8a-2a DCA: 10a–1a SL/SC/DX |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC
|
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC
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DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC
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DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC |
| 1/6 | 1/7 | 1/8 | 1/9 | 1/10 | 1/11 | 1/12 |
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DL: 8a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL
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DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a–6p
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DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p
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DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p
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DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p
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DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p
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DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL/SC
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| 1/13 | 1/14 | 1/15 | 1/16 | 1/17 | 1/18 | 1/19 |
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DL: 8a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL
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DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a–6p
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DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p
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DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p
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DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p
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DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p
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DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL/SC
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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.
