Update for January 28 – Februay 2, 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Dream Time at Disneyland | Priority seating help | Pirates 2 DVD Sweepstakes winner to be recognized at Disneyland | Game on: MouseAdventure registration opens January 29 | This and That
Dream Time at Disneyland
Last week we brought you a report from a MousePlanet reader who was one of the 2,000 visitors who won tickets to the first Dream Time event at Disney’s California Adventure. MousePlanet reader Terry had a much different experience at the same event, and submitted this report:
Two friends and I went specifically to “win” this prize and be at the first event. As lame as it was, we still had fun. However, some CMs need better training on how to stage this event. We knew Tower of Terror would be the first ride hit by the crowd so opted instead to leave the holding area early and headed for Screamin’ first. We were stopped at 6:20 at the Sun Plaza and told we couldn’t go any farther until they finished clearing out guests. A few stragglers were still coming down the parade route and at 6:25 two others walked by us toward the back of the park and the CM that stopped us ignored them so we followed too. After the other 2 were stopped twice by security in front of us then let go, we continued on. Apparently the security people asked them if they had been “released” which they responded yes so they let them (and us) continue. We got to Screamin’ at 6:30 and the CM at the entrance held us there for a few minutes while a single train (red) cycled thru the ride.
Finally after several minutes of us complaining that he was cutting into our “hour” of ride time, he finally slowly escorted us up the line and all the way to the loading platform. They took the front seat, we took the last car and when the dispatcher was finally convinced that no one else was coming yet, sent us off for our ride. When we returned to the station, there were about 12 people waiting so we had to get off the train. There were empty rows to the middle but the CMs would NOT let us reride without going out the exit and back thru the queue. By this time there was a steady line of people walking up and we joined the line. We got back to the loading platform and had to wait 2 cycles for our 2nd ride (now there was quite a line forming and the load platform was packed with people (each row had 10-15 people waiting). We got off our 2nd ride at 6:55 PM with a mass of people waiting to ride the single train. Since we were now halfway through timewise, we left to go to ToT. We saw a lead finally instruct the ride operator to bring on a 2nd train at 7PM. Why they weren’t running 2 trains for the entire event I do not understand. The 5-6 train deep line was completely unacceptable for an event like this. They should have been running at least 2 trains at the start. With only 1 train running, they can only put thru a few hundred people an hour. If all 2000 people had showed up and wanted to ride Screamin, over 75% would have been extremely disappointed!
However, our experience with ToT was great. By waiting til the last part of the night, we walked right on. We opted for a 2nd ride so walked around and this time we were the only people in the library. We got to the load area and filled in the remaining slots of a full car and rode again. When our ride ended, the CM asked if we wanted to go again. Everyone applauded. The next time 2 people exited and the rest of us rode a 3rd time. By the time our 4th ride (3rd in a row) ended, it was 7:30 and the event was over so we had to get off. That made for a fitting and fun end to our “exclusive ride time” event and counteracted the beginning of the experience at Screamin’.
The next Dream Time event is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 29, at Disneyland. Although these events are supposed to be a “secret,” cast members have to be scheduled to work the event and so word quickly leaks out. We’ll try to provide our readers with advance warning as we learn of future event dates. Remember that you still need to win a ticket to attend the event – it’s not enough just to show up.
We know that several MousePlanet readers are planning to visit Disneyland on the 29th with the hopes of winning passes to the after-hours event. If you’d like a chance to meet some fellow readers, MousePad member Elizabeth (yohomama212) invites you to meet at 10:30am in front of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Priority seating help
MousePlanet reader MauiMickey posted about her frustration with trying to make Priority Seating arrangements for a group of seven people at the Carnation Café. When she first called the Disneyland Dine Line she was told that the restaurant did not allow groups of more than four people. On a second call, she was told that the limit was 6 people. When she called again to make another reservation for a different day she was again told that the limit was four people – and the CM refused to book one table for four and another table for three.
I visited the restaurant in person to try to clarify the policy for our readers, and was told that the policy is unique to that restaurant due to the small seating area. A “six-top” is the largest table in the normal seating configuration, and it is difficult to move additional tables together to accommodate larger parties. However, a Cast Member at the location also said that the restaurant can and does make PS for larger groups if you make the reservation in person, and that larger groups can often be accommodated on a walk-up basis so long as they are willing to sit at separate tables.
A quick call to the Disney Dine Line also revealed that the policy changes from restaurant to restaurant. Though the Dine Line can only make reservations for up to 6 people at Carnation Café, The Blue Bayou and Ariel’s Grotto can seat up to 12 people and the Plaza Inn can accommodate groups up to 20. The Dine Line can even book up to 40 people at Goofy’s Kitchen.
These limits apply to PS reservations made through the Disney Dine Line only. You may be able to book a larger group into a particular restaurant by speaking directly with the location’s manager, or by asking the Dine Line cast member to refer you to the “large party” line for that restaurant.
As with many Disney policies, the actual “policy” often seems to change depending on who you talk to. If you think you are getting inaccurate information, it may be worth asking to speak to a lead, or calling back another time.
Pirates 2 DVD Sweepstakes winner to be recognized at Disneyland
Jenifer Greenwell of St. Petersburg, Florida will be at Disneyland on January 29th, 2008 as Imagineers unveil the grand prize in the “Become a Disney Pirate” sweepstakes. The contest, held in 2006 to commemorate the release of the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest DVD, offered one winner the opportunity to have their likeness turned into a a work of art in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland. Greenwell’s caricature will appear in the attraction’s queue. The unveiling will take place before park opening on Tuesday, and the image will remain on display until January, 2009.
Game on: MouseAdventure registration opens January 29
Registration for the Spring 2008 MouseAdventure will open tomorrow, January 29. The Spring event will be held on Sunday, April 13 at the Disneyland Resort. Additional details about this event are now available on our MouseAdventure information page. (link) Our Fall 2007 event sold out in just 44 hours, so don’t miss out!
The new floral Mickey serves as a popular photo backdrop. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The new light effects are highly visible, even under bright sunlight. (Click for a larger view) Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That
… If you’re planning a spring trip to the Disneyland Resort, be sure to check out the revised refurbishment and attraction closure calendar in this park update. Several new short refurbishments recently been added to the schedule, including a four-day closure of the Matterhorn Bobsleds this week to test the attractions new ride vehicles.
… The Kansas City Star reported this weekend that the “Behind the Magic: 50 Years of Disneyland” exhibit that was to have appeared in Union Station is cancelled because “the display cases and graphic panels were damaged in transit.” The article went on to say that “None of the Disneyland artifacts, which include artwork, models, drawings and ride vehicles, was damaged.” MousePlanet’s Frank Anzalone wrote about the exhibit (link) when it was at the Oakland Museum of California in 2006.
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A memorial for Carl’s Jr. founder Carl Karcher, who passed away January 11, surrounds his Anaheim Walk of Fame brick just outside of Disneyland’s Harbor gate. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
… Several MousePlanet readers have written in the past few weeks to tell us that the Fantasmic! premium seating opportunity has been discontinued. Fantasmic! is currently down for refurbishment, and is scheduled to return on March 7, at which point the Premium Seating is expected to be offered along the Rivers of American. The Fantasmic Dessert Balcony seating was discontinued last year when the Disney Gallery closed to make room for the Disney Dream Suite. Purchase premium seating tickets by calling 714-781-4400.
… The AMC theater in Downtown Disney and the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood will both present Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert during a one-week special engagement beginning Februay 1, 2008. Tickets went on sale December 1 for the much anticipated concert film, presented in Disney Digital 3D, and several showings are already completely sold out.
You can purchase tickets for the AMC theater showings at the box office or through several online ticket sites, or for the El Capitan Theatre showings, call 1-800-DISNEY6 (1-800-347-6396) or by visit the El Capitan Theatre Web site (link).
… DisneyFamily.com is sponsoring the “Great American Family Vacation Sweepstakes.” The grand prize is a five-day trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, complete with air or ground transportation and hotel. (Meals, activities, taxes and all other expenses are the responsiblity of the winner.) The winner will be announced on or around February 25, 2008. Visit the contest’s official Web site (link) for more details and to enter.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- “it’s a small world” – closes January 22 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late November 2008.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed January 28 to 31 for refurbishment.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed January 28 to 31 to test new ride vehicles.
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – closed January 28 to February 6 for refurbishment
- Jungle Cruise – closed January 28 to March 7 for refurbishment.
- Carnation Cafe – closed February 25 to 29 for refurbishment
- Mr. Toad’s Wild ride – closed April 14 to 18 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closes April 28 for refurbishment.
- Gadget’s Go Coaster– closes April 28 for refurbishment.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue – closed through February 14, 2008
- Mission Tortilla Factory – closed January 21 – 25 for refurbishment.
- Pizza Oom Mow Mow – closed February 7 to March 13 for refurbishment.
- Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! – closed February 12 to March 13 for refurbishment.
- 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.
February 2008
- Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland – Friday, February 1. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families (link).
- WDCC “Jailhouse Scene with Dog” Product Release & Signing – Saturday, February 2 (link)
- The Aristocats Special Edition DVD release – Tuesday, February 5. (link) The DVD will be offered at $19.99 through March 3, 2008.
- Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night – Friday, February 8 at the Paradise Pier hotel ballroom. (Link)
- Disneyland Martial Arts Festival – Saturday, February 16 (link)
- Peter Pan 55th Anniversary product release and signing – Saturday, February 23 (link)
March 2008
- 101 Dalmatians 2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD Release – Tuesday, March 4. (link) The DVD will be offered at $19.99.
- Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night – Sunday, March 9 at the Paradise Pier hotel ballroom. (Link)
- Pixar Play Parade debut at Disney’s California Adventure – Friday, March 14 at 5:15 p.m.
- Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing – Saturday, March 29 (link)
April 2008
- Julie Andrews appearance and book signing – Tuesday, April 8 (link)
- MouseAdventure – Sunday, April 13 (link)
Spring-Summer 2008
- Disney’s California Food & Wine Weekends – Spring (dates not yet announced) (link)
- The Disney Magic cruise ship returns to Pacific Ocean itineraries – May 25 to August 17.
August 2008
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31 (link)
- 2008 Disneyland Half Marathon – Sunday, August 31 (link)
Current Discounts & Promotions
Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, 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 that 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 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).
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 Southern California 2Fer Ticket |
2008 “Southern California 2Fer Ticket” ($66/$56) – Offers admission to Disneyland on one day and Disney’s California Adventure on a second day for the price of a one-day, one-park ticket. The tickets are available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, as well as Disneyland Resort Hotels, Vons stores, The Disney Stores, South Coast Plaza Disney Desk and Disneyland.com, and the following restrictions apply:
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 supermarkets (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) 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 you must purchase tickets in advance, as this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. You must use your ticket for the first time on or before April 24 and its 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), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. 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 that 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 supermarkets (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) 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 supermarkets (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) 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. |
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 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. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.
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
1/28 | 1/29 | 1/30 | 1/31 | 2/1 | 2/2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL/SC |
|
2/3 | 2/4 | 2/5 | 2/6 | 2/7 | 2/8 | 2/9 |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–10p SL |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 9a–7p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC |
2/10 | 2/11 | 2/12 | 2/13 | 2/14 | 2/15 | 2/16 |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–10p SL |
DL: 9a–10p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC |
2/17 | 2/18 | 2/19 | 2/20 | 2/21 | 2/22 | 2/23 |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–8p SL/SC |
DL: 9a–10p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–10p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–10p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–12a DCA: 10a–9p |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC |
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.