Update for May 12 – 18, 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
He made it to Disneyland | Pixar Play Parade v2.0 | Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Myst| Prince Caspian comes to Disneyland | This and That
He made it to Disneyland
Three months after proclaiming “I’m going to Disneyland!” New York Giants quarterback and Super Bowl XLII MVP (Most Valuable Player) Eli Manning finally made his appearance in Anaheim. The cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A. also marked Manning’s first public appearance with new bride Abby McGrew following their April 19 wedding. Manning was originally scheduled to appear at Disneyland the day after the 2008 Super Bowl, but had to postpone his visit—as well as an appearance on Letterman—when weather delays grounded his flight from the Scottsdale Airport.
Eli Manning makes good on his post-Super Bowl promise during a visit on May 7. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Members of the Tustin, California Pop Warner football team were have to accompanied Manning during his February visit, and the Disneyland Resort invited the players back to meet with Manning. Though some parents expressed disapointment that their children were not able to ride in the parade as originally planned, the players seemed thrilled to have a private meet-and-greet with the MVP.
Mickey Mouse accompanies Eli Manning and new bride Abby McGrew in a cavalcade through Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Following their Main Street appearance, the newlyweds posed for photographs during a spin on the Astro Orbitor.
Eli Manning greets members of the Pop Warner football team from Tustin, California. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Pixar Play Parade v2.0
Shortly after Pixar Play Parade debuted in March in Disney’s California Adventure park, a minor accident on the Bug’s Life float caused Disney to cancel performances for about a week. When the parade returned, the entire Bug’s Life section was missing, as were the stilt-walking chefs from the Ratatouille unit and the acrobats from the Toy Story unit. Alert readers noticed that the Bug’s Life unit has returned along with the stilt-walkers, though the remaining acrobats are still missing.
Left: The Bug’s Life float on opening day. Right: only the front portion of the unit has returned to the parade. Photos by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The acrobats on the Toy Story float have been replaced with hanging plastic monkeys. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries
With Steven Spielberg’s fourth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise hitting theaters next week with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Disneyland has announced a number of new Adventureland activities promoting the fedora-hatted archeologist, including:
- Indiana Jones and the Secret of the Stone Tiger – Young guests become archeologists as they solve clues, complete tasks and decipher codes, Indy style which leads to a hidden treasure. A friendly and helpful female archeologist, who may not be as innocent as she seems, will host the experience. However, if her intentions are found to be villainous, Indy will surely be on the scene to aid the youngsters.
- Indiana Jones Adventure Map – Guests will be able to pick up a special map near the entrance to Aladdin’s Oasis, leading them to a series of clues that, when deciphered, reveal a secret message. This message can be used online to obtain an exclusive download of desktop wallpaper, screen saver or other collateral. The map also has a section that highlights activities in the queue of Indiana Jones Adventure and the Jungle Cruise.
- Adventure Photo Location – Guests can step into an action-packed sequence inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark. They can also pick up their Indiana Jones Adventure Maps at this location.
- Indiana Jones Adventure Queue – Using their Indiana Jones Adventure Maps as a guide, guests will discover an exciting array of secrets hidden away in the queue of the attraction.
- Jungle Cruise – The Jungle Cruise Skipper spiel has been enhanced to reflect the idea that Indy has been traveling through the jungle on his latest expedition – and we will signs of his exploits. Moreover, Guests with a keen eye can look for hidden icons from the first three films, which are described in their Adventure Maps.
- Indiana Jones in Adventureland! – Indiana Jones and a male enemy agent run into each other in the street and pursue one another through Adventureland – pushing through the crowd, popping up here, there and everywhere! Seems one of them has a map to the Temple of the Forbidden Eye that the other wants. This results in a series of fun-filled, dramatic staged “moments” that include fights on balconies, pursuits and daring escapes!
Prince Caspian comes to Disneyland
A brief Prince Caspian pre-parade is now running 20 minutes before scheduled performances of the Parade of Dreams at Disneyland. The pre-parade is composed of a group of standard bearers and Prince Caspian on horseback.
The Prince Caspian pre-parade heads down Main Street, USA. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Prince Caspian makes an appearance at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That
…We mistakenly reported last week that Disneyland’s 2Fer offer ended on April 24, and MousePlanet reader Justin reminded us that the promotion had been extended to May 22. Tickets still expire 30 days from first visit.
…The Disneyland Resort raised parking rates last week to $12 for automobiles; $17 for automobiles with trailers, campers, RVs and limos; $22 for buses and tractor trailers.
…The first of the 2008 Grad Night events will be held at the Disneyland Resort this Thursday. The after-hours parties for high school seniors do not have much of an impact on the theme parks, but it is worth noting that middle school groups also visit the resort at this time of year to celebrate their own commencements.
Is this fountain closed for scheduled maintenance, or is this the start of DCA’s extreme makeover? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
Construction continues near Toy Story Midway Mania. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
- “it’s a small world” – closed for a nine-month refurbishment, and should reopen in late November 2008. The nearby Toy Shop is also closed during the renovation.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – closed May 12-15 and May 19-21. Fantasmic! is not scheduled to perform these dates.
- Mickey’s House – closed May 12-15
- Donald’s Boat – closed May 19 – June 20.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed May 20.
Construction continues near Toy Story Midway Mania. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney’s California Adventure
- 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. Cast previews will begin as early as the week of May 5, 2008. Annual Passholder previews (awarded by contest) are Monday, June 9 to Thursday, June 12. The grand opening media event is scheduled for the weekend of June 13-15, 2008, Disneyland is advertising June 17th as the official opening day.
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.
May 2008
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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
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Precious Moments Product Release & Signing – Saturday, June 7 (link).
- Danskin Women’s Triathlon at the Disneyland Resort – Sunday, June 15 (link).
- Toy Story / Midway Mania Annual Passholder previews – Monday, June 9 to Thursday, June 12. Register on the Disneyland Resort Web site for the opportunity to preview the attraction (link).
- Toy Story / Midway Mania media event – currently scheduled for the weekend of June 13-15, 2008.
- Toy Story / Midway Mania official grand opening – currently listed as Tuesday, June 17.
- 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.
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).
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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 $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. |
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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) 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) 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) 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.
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
- Grad Nite
| 5/12 | 5/13 | 5/14 | 5/15 | 5/16 | 5/17 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 9a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 9a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
MM
|
DL: 9a–8p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
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DL: 9a–8p DCA: 10a–6p
MM Grad Nite |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
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| 5/18 | 5/19 | 5/20 | 5/21 | 5/22 | 5/23 | 5/24 |
| 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–9p DCA: 10a–6p
MM Grad Nite |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 5/25 | 5/26 | 5/27 | 5/28 | 5/29 | 5/30 | 5/31 |
| DL: 8a–11a
DCA: 10a–9p SL MM |
DL: 9a–11p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 9a–10p
DCA: 10a–6p
MM
|
DL: 9a–10p
DCA: 10a–6p
TT
|
DL: 9a–9p DCA: 10a–6p
MM Grad Nite |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 6/1 | 6/2 | 6/3 | 6/4 | 6/5 | 6/6 | 6/7 |
| DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL MM |
DL: 9a–11p
DCA: 10a–8p
TT
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DL: 9a–11p
DCA: 10a–8p
MM
|
DL: 9a–11p
DCA: 10a–8p
TT
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DL: 9a–9p DCA: 10a–7p SL/SC MM Grad Nite |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
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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.
