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Disneyland Park Update

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Update for March 3 – March 9, 2008

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

News and Views

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival update | Plaza Pavillion remodel | 101 Dalmatians | This and That

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival

Jim Ames, the Event Producer for Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival
scheduled for April 11 through May 5 at Disney’s California Adventure park,shared
some additional details with MousePlanet. The event is greatly expanded for
2008, and all of the Festival’s complimentary events (link),
including the culinary demonstrations, and wine, beer and spirits seminars,
will be held daily. The Taste of California Marketplace will also be open
daily, with a mix of returning menu items and new dishes that reflect the
“Discover the Golden State” theme of the 2008 event. A final menu
should be posted to the official event Web site shortly (link).

Tickets are still available for all of the Festival’s Signature events (link),
with the exception of the Napa Rose Cooking School sessions on April 19 and
May 3. In addition to the offerings at the Taste of California Marketplace,
some DCA restaurants will offer menu items created especially forFood and
Wine Festival, and will only be available during the event. Disney table service
restaurants resort-wide will also offer special prix fixe menus during the
event.

Plaza Pavillion remodel

The patio of Disneyland’s Plaza Pavillion is currently surrounded by construction
walls, leading many to speculate that the location is being remodeled to serve
as the new home of the Disney Gallery, but other sources suggest that the
kitchen of the former restaurant location is actually being remodeled in preparation
to return to service – just not in the way you may expect. We’ve heard that
the kitchen complex that supports Cafe Orleans, French Market and the Blue
Bayou is scheduled for a major renovation this summer; leaving those locations
without their prep facilities. The rumors we’ve heard suggest that the Plaza
Pavillion kitchen will be used to support the New Orleans restaurants during
the four-month renovation; after which the future of the Plaza Pavillion is
unknown. It seems unlikely that Disney would make the investment to renovate
the Plaza Pavillion kitchen, only to gut the location months later in favor
of a merchandise location, and many park regulars feel that Disneyland needs
at least one more restaurant.

101 Dalmatians charity event


101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition is available on Tuesday, March 4.
Photo © Disney.

To promote the March 4, 2008 DVD release of 101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition,
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment sent a formation of 101 spotted black-and-white
cars down the Hollywood 101 Freeway Sunday morning on a mission to deliver
food, treats, and pet supplies to the spcaLA’s Animal Village in Long
Beach.

Enter to win a signed autographed key set, designed especially for release of 101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition DVD!


Photo © Disney.

MousePlanet invites you to enter to win a signed autographed key set, designed especially for release of 101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition DVD! They are signed by Lisa Davis (voice of Anita) and Alice Davis (wife of Marc Davis, Cruella’s animator). One lucky MousePlanet reader will win one of these very special prizes, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

No purchase necessary to enter or to win. To enter, send your:

Name
Address
City / State / Zip Code

via e-mail to 101dalmatianscontest@mouseplanet.com

Entries must be received by 11:59pm Saturday, March 8, 2008. One entry per person – duplicate entry will invalidate all entries. Winner will be selected at random from all elligible entries received. Winner will be announced on Monday, March 9 2008 in the Disneyland Park Update on MousePlanet.com. Prize will be sent via USPS Priority Mail to the mailing address provided in the winning entry.

This and That

… Dave Welty from DVCNews.com sent us this tidbit: “While looking
for permit information relating to Disney Vacation Club in Anaheim, I came
across several permits filed within the last 3 weeks related to Electrical
and Internet for the Bank of Mainstreet. The permit indicates it is for ‘Credit
Application Processing for Chase Bank.’ As you know Chase is the issuing company
for the Disney Credit Card. This indicates to me that you will be able to
get immediate approval for a Disney Credit card if you apply at Disneyland.”
Of course, this may also just mean that the Chase employees will submit your
application electronically from the location, rather than submitting a paper
form, but this does shed some light on the work currently taking place at
the Bank of Main Street.

… Two newly rrenovated trams have been brought into service at the Disneyland
Resort. The tram has a new hard grey shell covering the bench seats and backs.
A cast member said that this shell is expected to improve the appearance and
durablility of the existing white tram seats. The second tram has a pair of
outward-facing speakers at the back of each car. The speakers allow guests
standing outside the tram to better hear instructions and safety warnings
given by the driver and rear tram CM.

… During this weekend’s tours of the new Disney Dream Suite offered to
DVC members, a DVC saleswoman stated that the event was the first of many
such special events planned for DVC members at the Disneyland Resort. She
also stated that the “Welcome Home Wednesdays” events held at Walt
Disney World for DVC members will be offered at Disneyland once the new Grand
Californian expansion is complete. Local DVC members might want to make sure
that DVC has a current e-mail address on file for you, so you can receive
notices of future special events.

… Just a reminder, A “special Annual Passholder preview” of the
Pixar Play Parade is scheduled for March 13 at 5:15 p.m. at Disney’s California
Adventure. Annual Passholders can also attend a preview of the new Playhouse
Disney show on March 13th; just present your valid AP at showtime.

… Disney has announed the finalists in the 2008 Dream Job competition.
You can view the application videos of the 10 potential Disney “Chief
Magic Officials” at the official content Web site, and vote for your
favorite (link). Voting
ends midnight on March 22nd. Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times provided
additional details about each candidate, and shared his top picks, in his
blog (link).

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

Disney’s California Adventure



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.

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. A “special preview” for Annual Passholders
    is scheduled for March 13 at 5:15 p.m.
  • Spring Break – Though area schools observe their spring breaks
    during different weeks throughout March and April, expect the largest crowds
    during ths two-week period March 15 – 30 when the Disneyland Resort will
    be operating at maximum hours.
  • Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing – Saturday, March
    29 (link)

April 2008

  • Julie Andrews appearance and book signing – Tuesday, April
    8 (link)
  • Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival – April 11 through
    May 5, 2008 (link)
  • MouseAdventure – Sunday, April 13 (link)

May 2008

  • Grad Night events: – Thursday, May 15; Thursday,
    May 22; Thursday, May 29.

June 2008

  • Grad Night events: – Thursday, June 5; Wednesday, June 11;
    Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 19.

Spring-Summer 2008

  • 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)

October 2008

  • 2008 UEA convention – October 16 & 17
    (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.’

November 2008

  • Nevada Day (observed) – Friday, October 31 (in Nevada). This
    state holiday creates a three-day weekend, and many families head to the Disneyland
    Resort.

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.

Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $132/$112

Southern California 2Fer Ticket
$66 / $56

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:

  • Tickets valid for Southern California residents within Zip codes
    90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within Zip codes
    21000-22999.
  • Proof of residency required.
  • Admission valid for one day at Disneyland park and another day
    at Disney’s California Adventure park , but not for both parks on
    the same day.
  • Tickets expire 30 days from first visit. First visit must occur
    between January 7 and April 24, 2008.
  • Each use constitutes one full day of use.
  • Limit 8 tickets per person, per day with valid ID.
  • Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use.
  • Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions.
  • Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

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 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).

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).

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





  2/25 2/26 2/27 2/28 2/29 3/1
 
DL: 10a–8a
DCA: 10a–6p
DL: 10a–8a
DCA: 10a–6p
DL: 10a–8a
DCA: 10a–6p
DL: 10a–8a
DCA: 10a–6p
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC
3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 3/6 3/7 3/8

DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL
DL: 10a–8a
DCA: 10a–6p
DL: 10a–8a
DCA: 10a–6p
DL: 10a–8a
DCA: 10a–6p
DL: 10a–8a
DCA: 10a–6p
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC/DX
3/16 3/17 3/18 3/19 3/20 3/21 3/22

DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC
DL: DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC


DL: DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC

DL: DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC

DL: DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC

DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC/DX

DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC/DX
3/23 3/24 3/25 3/26 3/27 3/28 3/29

DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC
DL: DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC


DL: DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC

DL: DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC

DL: DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC

DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p
SL/SC/DX

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.

Author