Update for March 10 – March 16 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Disney Legend receives Main Street Window | Disney Gallery events | DCA construction update | This and That
Disney Legend receives Main Street Window
Imagineer Bob Gurr was honored with a tribute window on Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A. in a private ceremony before park hours on March 7, 2008. Gurr was involved in the design of many popular Disneyland attractions, and is well known for his ride vehicle designs, starting with the Disneyland Autopia. In his Disney biography, Bob says “If it moves on wheels at Disneyland, I probably designed it.”
Disney Legend Bob Gurr arrives at his tribute window ceremony. Photo © Disney.
Bob Gurr poses with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Photo © Disney.
Marty Sklar (Executive Vice President & Imagineering Ambassador, Walt Disney Imagineering) and Michael O’Grattan (the newly named Senior Vice President Disneyland Resort Operations) helped unveil the window, located above the Disney Clothiers store in the “Flower Street” alley leading to the Main Street Lockers and the Main Street Cone Shop. The window reads:
Leading the Race to the Future
Meteor Cycle Co.
Our vehicles pass the test of time
Fast Faultless and Fadless
Bob Gurr
Design Impresario
Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr and Michael O’Grattan pose with a replica of Gurr’s tribute window. Photo © Disney.
A sign next to the tribute window advertises the Meteor Cycle Co. Photo © Disney.
Bob Gurr’s tribute window is located above the Disney Clothiers shop on Main Street. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney Gallery events
Disneyland’s merchandise department has just released the schedule for a slate of merchandise events this summer. The summer events begin with the Alice in Wonderland 50th Anniversary Product Release & Signing on Saturday, May 24 at Disneyana on Main Street. The product release will feature artists Dave Avanzino, Robert Olszewski, Larry Nikolai and Michelle Valigura.
A new collection of Disney Precious Moments figurines is being released on June 4, 2008. Photo © Disney.
Precious Moments artist Hiko Maeda appears at Disneyland on Saturday, June 4 to sign a new collection of Precious Moments figurines featuring Disney characters. Hiko Maeda will be available at the China Closet on Main Street from 9 to 11 a.m., and again at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney from 1 to 3 p.m. The collection includes the “Minnie and Me” figurine, shown above, a Disney theme parks exclusive. The initial offering of this piece will include a special debut-date bottom stamp. A limited number of the Minnie and Me sculptures with the debut-date bottom stamp will be available to order online. You can view the sculptures, and order the event exclusive piece, on the Disney Gallery Web site (link).
Disneyland’s summer pin promotion is called “Mickey’s Pin Odyssey.” The promotion runs June 20 through August 10, and will includes themed pins and pin accessories, as well as the return of the popular pin trading carts. The carts will be open daily at these locations and times:
A kick-off event is planned for Saturday, June 21. The “Disney Day Campin’ Event” will be held in the Festival Arena in Frontierland. Registration for the six-hour event is $25 per person, and includes pin trading, an “art of pin making” session, a signing opportunity with Disney artist Jeff Granito, a commemorative event T-shirt and pin and a coupon for 20% off Mickey’s Pin Odyssey merchandise. Registration for the event opens April 1, 2008 (link).
Disney celebrates the 45th anniversary of the Enchanted Tiki Room with a collection of attraction merchandise. Photo © Disney.
Disney has three events planned for Sunday, June 22 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. A product release and signing featuring artists Dave Avanzino, Kelly Cabatuan, Victor Cabatuan, Jim Crouch, Jody Daily, Kevin Kidney, Larry Nikolai, Maggie Parr, George Scribner and Michelle Valigura is scheduled for 8am – 11am in the Main Street Cinema. The product release includes a wide variety of Tiki merchandise, from original oil paintings to Tiki Room bar towels. Images of some of the merchandise are available on the event Web site (link).
A Tiki Room-inspired animation cel will be offered for sale at the Disneyana store on Main Street from 8am – 11am the same morning. The cel is a Limited Editon of 1000, and is offered in four framing options from $95 to $250. If you can not attend the event in person, you can reserve a cel via Disneyland DelivEARS starting April 8 (link).
Disney Design Group Senior Character Artist Monty Maldovan is signing new Tiki Room pins at the Little Green Men Store Command shop in Tomorrowland from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wristbands are required to purchase a pin during the signing, and will be distributed near the west esplanade information kiosk from 7 to 8:30 that morning. After that, wristbands will be available outside the Little Green Men Store Command shop while supplies last.
DCA construction update
Some photographs of construction around Disney’s California Adventure and the Disney’s Vacation Club expansion at the Grand Californian Hotel.
A crane from the DVC construction site looms over the Route 66 portion of Paradise Pier. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A shot from the Sun Wheel shows the foundation work on the DVC expansion of the Grand California Hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The path directly in front of the new Toy Story attraction is closed during construction. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Workers put the roof on structures across from the new attraction. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That
… The winners of the MousePlanet 101 Dalmatians contest are Alan Chisum of Simi Valley, CA and Joshua Woolf of Olympia, WA. Both won a character key set, designed especially for release of 101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition DVD and signed by Lisa Davis (voice of Anita) and Alice Davis (wife of Marc Davis, Cruella’s animator). Congratulations to Alan and Joshua, and thank you to everyone who entered the contest.
… Fantasmic! repopened this weekend, and readers report that the show has several new visual and pyrotechnic effects. We’ll have photos in next week’s Park Update. The Jungle Cruise also reopened this weekend, and the Big Thunder Mountain goat has returned to the attraction after his “grooming.”
… 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.
King Arthur Carrousel is expected to reopen on April 5. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… Gadget’s Go Coaster, previously scheduled to be closed April 28 – May 22, has been removed from the current refurbishment schedule.
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.
- King Arthur Carrousel – closed through April 4 for an unscheduled refurbishment.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild ride – closed April 21 to 24 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 28 to May 1 for refurbishment.
Disney’s California Adventure
- 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.
- Corn Dog Castle – closed May 5 to 16 for refurbishment.
- It’s Tough to be a Bug – closed May 12 to 23 for refurbishment.
- The Midway Games on Paradise Pier are closed, with the new Toy Story Mania attraction still under construction and expected to open summer 2008.
Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781-7290.
Events
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
March 2008
- 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
- Alice in Wonderland 50th Anniversary Product Release & Signing – Saturday, May 24 (link)
June 2008
- Disney’s Summer Pin Festival 2008 – Mickey’s Pin Odyssey – June 20 – August 10, 2008 (link)
- Disney Day Campin’ Event – Saturday, June 21 (link)
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 45th Anniversary Product Release & Signing – Sunday, June 22 (link)
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 45th Anniversary Cel Release– Sunday, June 22 (link)
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room “Featured Artist” Pin Release & Signing– Sunday, June 22 (link) Grad Night events– Thursday, June 5; Wednesday, June 11; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 19.
July 2008
- Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest Winners Pin Release & Signing – Saturday, July 12 (link)
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
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).
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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 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. |
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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 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
| 3/10 | 3/11 | 3/12 | 3/13 | 3/14 | 3/15 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–9p
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DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–9p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–9p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–9p |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC |
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| 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
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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
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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 |
| 3/30 | 3/31 | 4/1 | 4/2 | 4/3 | 4/4 | 4/5 |
| DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL |
DL: DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p
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DL: DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p
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DL: DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p
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DL: DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–10p SL |
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.
