Update for April 21 – April 27, 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Final chance to vote for the Disney Park’s Chief Magic Official | Controversial footwear company signs on as Endurance Series Sponsor | Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel announces Castaway Cove | This and That
Final chance to vote for the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official; MousePlanet reader in the final three
The three finalists of the Disney Parks CMO competition spent time at Walt Disney World last week competing in a series of in-park challenges like the “Stroller Derby” and “Loudest Crowd.” You can watch videos of the in-park competitions on the competition Web site (link). MousePlanet reader Justin Muchoney is one of the three finalists, and wrote last week that he had come in first for both the “Stroller Derby” and “Loudest Crowd” contests, and was eagerly awaiting the next round of compeitions. Justin also said “Now, the places don’t really matter—IT’S ALL ABOUT VOTES!—but I thought you’d like to know I’m trying to represent you all well!”
Voting for the Disney Parks CMO competition ends midnight tonight, April 21, on the contest Web site (link). The winner will be announced tomorrow, April 22, during a ceremony broadcast live from Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle
Controversial footwear company signs on as Endurance Series sponsor
Disney’s Endurance Series now has an official footwear sponsor. Spira, which manufacturers shoes with springs embedded under the heels and toes, will be the official performance footwear sponsor of the series’ events at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, including the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon, the Expedition Everest Challenge, Race for the Taste 10K, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K and Disneyland Half Marathon. The company also produdes walking and casual style footwear.
The manufacturer is not without controversy. Because the shoes contain springs, the company’s “WaveSpring” technology violates rule 143.3 (a) of the USA Track and Field, which specifically bans springs in shoes for competition as “performance enhancers.” For this reason, the organization has added Spira footwear on its list of banned items (that include steroids) from all racing events the organization oversees. This has garnered something of an outlaw reputation for the company, which in response, has publicly offered large monetary rewards to winners of events such as the Boston Marathon who win while wearing their banned footwear.
Regarding the technology, Spira CEO Andy Krafsur noted: “Our shoes are not only beneficial for elite athletes and serious runners, but are also wonderful for people who want extra cushioning and energy return if they are walking or are on their feet for long periods of time. This is a technology that can help people recover faster from the Disney’s Endurance Series races and go on to enjoy their days and evenings with their families and friends at the Disney theme parks.”
Spira joins Endurance Series clothing sponsor Champion.
Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel announces Castaway Cove
Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel announces a new water park. Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel promotional photo.
Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in The Anaheim Resort last week announced last week its new Castaway Cove water park, slated to open in July or August, 2008. The hotel just completed a renovation of the pool at the rear of the property, and the former main pool area will be transformed into the water park. The centerpiece of Castaway Cove will be a pirate ship complete with 30-foot mast. The water play area was designed by White Water West, the company who built Legoland’s Pirate Shores area.
The existing Speedy’s Sprayground toddler area and 15-person hot tub will remain in the Castaway Cove area. When the renovations are complete, the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel will be the first non-Disney hotel in the Anaheim area with a themed water play area and a lifeguard.
The new Castaway Cove will feature a 30-foot mast, and will be visible from the Disneyland Monorail. Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel promotional photo.
This and That
…The Disneyland Resort released last week a report entitled “Connecting with Our Community” detailing over $12 million in donations made to resort area charities in 2007. “The Disneyland Resort has a strong legacy of being part of the fabric of this community,” said Ed Grier, Disneyland Resort president. “We are so proud to be able to give back as a company—and I am particularly proud of our Cast Members, who donate their time and resources to a variety of causes, and spent more than 94,000 hours helping others last year.”
The 16-page report details donations to 9,400 non-profit organizations in Southern California, as well as updates on Cast member safety education, healthy menu initiatives, Adopt-A-Family and Resort Wish Programs (link).
…In case you missed it, the full event recap and results from our latest MouseAdventure on April 13 has been posted (link). You can find everything (mostly) that you want to know there.
…Artist Dave Avanzino has provided his collectors with some informatino about what he’ll have on hand at this May 3 and 4 appearance at the DCA. In addition to his past Disney projects, he’ll also be selling and signing some non-Disney works, one-of-a-kind objects and artist proofs. He’ll also be previewing his upcoming Jungle Cruise shadow box may even be working on it during his appearance.
…The Orlando Sentinel reported last week that the Disney Cruise Line will open an office in London, headed by Tom Wolber, Senior Vice President Disney Cruise Line (link).
…MousePlanet’s Shoshana Lewin reports that the Disney College Program is currently conducting interviews for the Fall 2008 session, which runs May 19 or May 22, 2008 through January 3, 2009. Available positions include areas in entertainment costuming, ticket sales and vacation planning, parking, Photopass, lifeguard, character performer, and character host/hostess. The College Program positions pay $9.05 to $11.50 per hour, and housing is available for all participants.
…David Koenig posted this update about the rumored Sleeping Beauty exhibit to his MousePlanet Blog last week (link):
“The Snow White exhibit in the lobby of DCA’s animation building is scheduled to vanish April 27, but don’t expect a replacement until the fall—if ever. The hope was that the 120-piece exhibit of rare animation art would increase attendance at the facility. Instead, according to one source, attendance actually dropped. The animation building’s biggest draw, you see, has never been its interactive displays, but rather its expansive, air-conditioned lobby. “Guests missed the open space, plush seats, and the collage of scenes projected on the multitude of screens,” the source said.
She said that Snow White’s disappointing reception jeopardizes the exhibit originally planned to replace it—a 50th anniversary tribute to Sleeping Beauty. The insider explained, “The costs of framing the artwork, reinstalling the security systems, and the extra cast members to patrol it might prevent it from happening.”
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- “it’s a small world” – closed for a nine-month refurbishment, and should reopen in late November 2008.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed April 21 to 23 for refurbishment.
- Mr. Toad’s Wild ride – closed April 21 to 24 for refurbishment.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Disney Animation Building – closed April 28 to May 1 to remove Snow White exhibit.
- Corn Dog Castle – closed May 12 to 22 for refurbishment.
- It’s Tough to be a Bug – closed May 12 to 23 for refurbishment.
- Toy Story / Midway Mania – attraction is still under construction and expected to officially open the weekend of June 13-15, 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.
April 2008
- Chef Nancy Silverton Book Signing – Saturday, April 26. 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. at Disney’s California Adventure (link).
- Chef Guy Fieri Photo Signing – Saturday, April 26. 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. at Disney’s California Adventure (link).
- Chef Jamie Gwen Book Signing – Saturday, April 27. 2 to 3 p.m. at Disney’s California Adventure (link).
May 2008
-
Artist Demonstration & Signing with Dave Avanzino and Noah – Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & 4. 1 to 4 p.m. at Disney’s California Adventure (link).
-
Grad Night events – Thursday, May 15; Thursday, May 22; Thursday, May 29.
- Alice in Wonderland 50th Anniversary Product Release & Signing – Saturday, May 24 (link).
June 2008
-
Precious Moments Product Release & Signing – Saturday, June 7 (link).
- 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 Cell 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.
Timm Lundeen’s latest Haunted Mansion pin will be released on August 10, 2008. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
August 2008
- Pinbassador Pin Release & Signing – Sunday, August 10 (link).
- 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:
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
Disneyland Special Events:
-
MM – Magic Morning
- TT – Toontown Morning Madness
| 4/20 | 4/21 | 4/22 | 4/23 | 4/24 | 4/25 | 4/26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 9a–10p
DCA: 10a–8p
TT
|
DL: 9a–10p
DCA: 10a–8p
MM
|
DL: 9a–10p
DCA: 10a–8p
TT
|
DL: 9a–10p
DCA: 10a–8p
MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
|
| 4/27 | 4/28 | 4/29 | 4/30 | 5/1 | 5/2 | 5/3 |
| DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL MM |
DL: 10a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 10a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
MM
|
DL: 10a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 10a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
MM |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 5/4 | 5/5 | 5/6 | 5/7 | 5/8 | 5/9 | 5/10 |
| DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL MM |
DL: 10a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 10a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
MM
|
DL: 10a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 10a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
MM |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 5/11 | 5/12 | 5/13 | 5/14 | 5/15 | 5/16 | 5/17 |
| DL: 8a–11a
DCA: 10a–9p SL MM |
DL: 9a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 9a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
MM
|
DL: 9a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 9a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
MM |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
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.
Visit the Park Hours section of our Disneyland Park guide for additional details about Magic Morning and Toontown Morning Madness, including available attractions.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.
