Disneyland Park Update

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| Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park
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Schedule

News and Views

The Pirates take over Disneyland – Just a reminder for those
planning to travel to the Disneyland Resort this weekend. The park closes
at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 for the world premiere of The Pirates
of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl movie. The rides and
shops of Critter Country, Frontierland and New Orleans Square, as well
as Tarzan’s Treehouse, begin closing around 4 p.m. In addition, the Parade
of the Stars, Fantasmic! and Believe…There’s Magic in the
Stars will not perform that day.

With less than a week until the park is overrun with press and celebrities,
workers hurry to complete constructions projects in New Orleans Square.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

To allow visitors a near-full day in the park, Disneyland opens at 6:30
a.m. Saturday morning. Disney’s California Adventure opens from 10 a.m.
to midnight, with an additional performance each of Disney’s Electrical
Parade and Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, and additional
showtimes for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It! and Playhouse
Disney – Live on Stage!

Construction continues around The Golden Horseshoe Saloon. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

For the days surrounding the event, Disneyland’s hours have been extended
as well. Please consult our Park Hours
schedule, below.

A low construction fence keeps visitors out of the almost-complete play
area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Tom Sawyer’s Island play area nearing completion – Construction
continues on Tom Sawyer’s Island, as workers put the finishing touches
on the new play area. Cast members say that all or part of the island
will be closed, and Fantasmic will not perform, between Monday, June 23
and Tuesday, July 1 as the screen for the Pirates of the Caribbean
premiere is installed and removed. The island should re-open to visitors
on Wednesday, July 2, when Fantasmic returns.

A row of cast members direct drivers past empty parking spaces, and into
an overflow lot blocks away. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Is the lot half empty or half full? No matter, you can’t park there
anyway – Downtown Disney’s too-small parking lot frequently fills
up on busy weekend nights, and cast members must direct visitors to one
of the overflow lots. But drivers who entered the Downtown Disney lot
around 8 p.m. this past Friday were confused—and more than a little
annoyed—when a row of cast members and baricades directed them past
dozens of empty parking spaces, and through an exit back onto Disney Drive.
From there, they were directed to park in the Simba overflow lot south
of the Paradise Pier Hotel. Only those customers willing to pay for valet
parking were allowed to leave their cars in the smaller Downtown Disney
lot.

If you’ve got the cash, you can have the space. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

According to a parking lot cast member, the Downtown Disney lot had reached
capacity earlier in the evening, and all cars were redirected to the Simba
lot, which he called, “the primary parking destination” for
Downtown Disney. Another brushed off a complaint from an angry visitor
with the flip response, “If we let you park here, we’d have to let
everyone do it.”

Well, yeah — isn’t that the point of a parking lot?

Empty parking spaces leave drivers to question Disney’s definition of
“full.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Unfortunately, cast members in the Simba lot were obviously not prepared
for the onslaught of cars. Cast members mistakenly sent drivers into oncoming
traffic, and in one case, would not allow a visitor with a disabled parking
permit to move to a closer parking spot.

When drivers tried to leave the Simba lot later that evening, they had
to cross two lanes of inbound cars—and three rows of cones and “channelizers”—just
to reach the street.

Longer lines for Aladdin – Starting this past weekend,
Disney’s California Adventure stopped offering Fastpass tickets for Aladdin:
A Musical Spectacular. It’s unclear whether the change was prompted
by lack of guest demand, or because the park just couldn’t figure out
an effective way to distribute the tickets. Cast members are advising
visitors to join the line no later than 30 minutes prior to each scheduled
performance.

Exactly which door to the right do you mean? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Please exit into our attraction here – If you’ve been lured
to the Mission Tortilla Factory by the scent of fresh-baked tortillas,
you might be surprised that the “attraction” seems to be closed.
While a new pre-show is installed, a sign directs visitors to enter through
the door to the right. Of course, of the two doors to the right, one set
is locked (and leads directly into the machinery), while the other set
is marked, “Do Not Enter – Exit Only.” If you want to see the
factory—or, more likely, to grab a hot tortilla—the exit door
is the one you want.

The Wizard Acrobats get a new venue. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Musical Acrobats – The Wizard Acrobat troup has performed
at Disney’s California Adventure and Downtown Disney, and now has a new
gig inside Disneyland. Taking advantage of the padded surface covering
the former Cosmic Waves location, the troup performs its gravity-defying
stunts several times each day. Speakers mounted on the former Rocket Rods
loading area provide the background music.

The Pacific Wharf Cafe serves up bread-based breakfast items. Photo by
Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Who moved my breakfast? Just a note for those trying to find breakfast
at DCA: the Pacific Wharf Cafe is the designated breakfast location in
the park, offering scrambled eggs in Boudin bread bowls, croissant breakfast
sandwiches, and assorted pastries. Taste Pilot’s Grill no longer offers
breakfast, but you can still pick up pastries and coffee at Baker’s Field
Bakery.

This poster is not a sign of things to come. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sorry to get your hopes up – When MousePad member MonorailMan
saw a photo of this sign on the construction wall blocking the entrance
to Space Mountain, he noticed that the ride was shown with a white paint
job, and not the brown finish applied during the New Tomorrowland makeover.
He wrote, “I wonder if this shows us anything to come?” Nope
— it just shows that Disney will cut corners where they can. In this
case, they simply reused artwork from the old Space Mountain attraction
poster. Cast members say that there are no plans to restore Space Mountain
to the original color during this rehab.

Abandoning technology – Disney has given up on “Goofy’s Magic
Measure,” the electronic height check system that has been tested
at Disneyland and DCA for the last twelve months. (MousePlanet previously
wrote about this system in November
2000, December
2001 and June
2002.)

Disney’s new technology has failed to meet expectations. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

The system was supposed to allow visitors to measure their child just
once, and obtain a color-coded wristband appropriate to the child’s height.
With this wristband, parents would know in advance which rides they could
take their children on, children could skip the height-check requirement
at each attraction, and cast members could avoid confrontation with parents
whose children were just too short to ride.

Unfortunately, cast members reported that the system just didn’t work
as designed. The measuring system was prone to be thrown off by operator
error, and the results did not always match the measuring devices at the
attractions. Some parents still disputed the results, and even cheated
by placing wristbands from their taller children onto their shorter siblings.

Does placing a height-check sign on a slope make sense to anyone else?
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A guest relations cast member said that Disney is considering several
options in its quest to create a universal, one-time measuring system.
In the interim, signs at height-restricted attractions have been enhanced
with even more visible warnings. We wonder why Disney doesn’t use the
same system as Legoland, where children are measured outside the main
gate with a series of fixed bars. If the child can stand under the bar
without hitting their head, they are too short. No lasers, no operator
error, and no debate. It’s low-tech, but it’s effective.

The big blue stage returns to Paradise Bay. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The stage is almost set – DCA is preparing for the upcoming X
Games Xperience, and the schedule of events has been published on the
Disneyland Web site. MousePad member Darkbeer posts that a portion of
the Timon parking lot has been blocked off for the Xperience, and that
loads of dirt have been brought in to create the event venues.

Small World mall gets wired for sight, sound… or soda. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

On the other hand – An anonymous cast member sent us an alternate
explanation for the construction along Main Street and Small World Mall:

“What I have heard (from very reputable sources in stage management)
is that these locations (by the corn dog wagon and in the Small World
mall) are actually Disneyland’s first permanent Outdoor Vending (ODV)
locations, similar to the ones that have been ever-present at DCA, such
as Earborne Popcorn and the Cool Your Jets soda station in Condor Flats.
It is thought by many that a reduction in the number of extremely heavy
ODV carts is warranted, given the increasing number of cast member—and
in some cases, guest—injuries associated with them.”

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Construction continues on the Tower of Terror. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland

• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through – indefinite


• Space Mountain – through 2005

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo – indefinite

Future Attraction Closures

• Haunted Mansion – September 2 – October 4


• Indiana Jones Adventure – September 2 – October 24 (David Koenig
  reports
  that this rehab has been postponed until January, 2004)


• Splash Mountain – September 2 – “Fall 2003” (Disneyland
  says that the ride should reopen in early November 2003)


• “it’s a small world” – October 6 – November 7 (For
  the installation of the “it’s a small world” Holiday overlay)

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.

Park Events

The Golden Gate Bridge once again serves as marquee for DCA. Photo by
Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

May 25 – July 26, 2003 – Mickey’s All American Pin Festival.
A series of new product releases and mini-events are scheduled during
the nine-week promotion. More details and a complete schedule of release
dates are available on our MousePad
message boards.

Thursday, June 26 – “A Taste of New England” culinary
event at the PCH Grill, featuring Chef Marcel St. Pierre (Club 33),
with Wild Horse Winery. Call (714) 781-DINE (3463) for more information
and reservations.

July 1 – August 10 – X Games Xperience at Disney’s California
Adventure.

Wednesday, July 9 – Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the
Black Pearl – Merchandise Special Event.

Thursday, July 31 – “Grilling Under the Stars” culinary
event at the PCH Grill, featuring Chef Jason Martin (Hook’s Pointe),
with Niebaum-Coppola Winery.

Wednesday, October 1 – Haunted Mansion Holiday Exclusive Dinner

Thursday October 2 – Haunted Mansion Holiday Event

Current Discounts & Promotions

New Play 4 Days pass Southern California residents, (zip codes
90000-93599), can purchase a new four-day ticket for just $79. The ticket
is valid for four admissions to either Disneyland or Disney’s California
Adventure park, between June 1 and September 30, 2003. Residents can purchase
just one ticket per person, per day, so your out-of-town relatives will
need to buy their own, regular-priced admission.

The tickets can only be used at one park each day — no park hopping.
We understand that you can use two admissions — one to each park
— on the same day, effectively making this a $79 two-day park-hopper
ticket, a $20 discount from the regular adult price.

The tickets can not be used at Disneyland on June 28, and July 4, 5,
26, and August 2, 9, 16, 23, 29, 30, and 31. There are no block-out days
for DCA. Tickets are non-transferable, and you must show a valid ID each
time. These tickets can be applied towards the cost of a Deluxe or Premium
Annual Passport, (but not a Southern California Annual Passport), so long
as you upgrade when or before you use the fourth admission.

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute – Through Friday, December 19,
all active members of the United States military (including Coast Guard
and activated National Guard and Reservists) qualify for Disney’s Armed
Forces Salute and can claim one free 3-day park-hopper tickets.
Since the tickets expire on December 19, you must claim them by December
17 to use all three day’s worth. The passes can only be claimed at a park
gate ticket booth. To claim the passes, valid military ID must be shown;
activated National Guard and Reservists must also show their active duty
orders.

In addition to the one free pass, each qualifying person can also purchase
up to five 3-day companion passes for $39 each. If the qualifying person
cannot visit a park to purchase these companion tickets, a spouse may
do so instead.

Summer Annual Passholder special – The first ticket promotion
this summer is an Annual Passholder special. From May 21 to September
3, APs can purchase a 2-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper for $69 (10+)
and $49 (3-9). Just present your AP at any ticket booth. Limit five tickets
per Passholder, per day. Tickets are valid for 14 days from date of first
usage. First usage must be on date of purchase. Last usage must be on
or before Tuesday, September 16, 2003.

Park hopping in Northern California – AAA members in Northern
California can now purchase 2-day Park Hopper tickets at their local CSAA
office. The tickets are available through Thursday, June 19. The adult
price is $99; children ages 3 to 9 pay $79.

This ticket is also available at Disneyland ticket booths, or at Disneyland.com.
The second day of the ticket must be used within 13 days of the first
use.

Annual passholder discounts at Alamo – California residents
get discounts of up to 20% off Alamo’s retail rates in the United States.
Disneyland annual passholders can get a free Disneyland Resort Character
Breakfast voucher when the rent their car for 3 days or more from March
24th through August 31, 2003 at the Los Angeles Airport location. For
more details and the discount code you’ll need for this offer, visit the
annual
passholder section of the Disneyland Web site.

ESPN Zone discounts for annual passholders – Disneyland annual
passholders can get an Season Ticket Frequent Dining Card at the Downtown
Disney ESPN Zone. The Season Ticket entitles you to a free soda with your
mealpurchase of $6.99 or more. Once you have made four mealpurchases,
you receive the fifth meal and soda free, and get a chance to win apair
of tickets to the ESPY Awards in 2004. See location for more information
and details.

City Pass now available with AAA packages – You can now purchase
the Southern California City Pass with Walt Disney Travel Company packages.

With a Southern California City Pass booklet, you will receive admission
to five separate entertainment options. Admission includes:

• 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket


• 1-day ticket to Sea World Adventure park


• 1-day ticket to the World-famous San Diego Zoo


• 1-day ticket to Knott’s Theme Park.

Instead of the Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket currently included
in California packages from the Walt Disney Travel Company, guests can
select a Southern California CityPass for an additional charge of $47
per pass ($32 per pass for guests ages 3 through 9).

Note: The Southern California Citypass does not include the $10
ESPN Zone Arena Game Card, or the California package’s feature that allows
guests to collect multiple Fastpass tickets at once for free in advance.

Anaheim Marriott Disney Package available for Marriott Rewards members
– Make your Disneyland vacation as easy as saying “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah”
with a Disneyland package at the Anaheim Marriott. For a low rate of $419,
through Saturday, May 31, you’ll find dreams really do come true with
this fabulously priced package.

Anaheim Disney Package includes:

• 2-nights in a luxury guest room


• 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets for two adults


• Free breakfast for two adults


• Children aged 3 through 9 eat for $1

Some restrictions apply. Membership in the Marriott Rewards program
is required. Click to learn more about this offer and for complete terms
and conditions.

Alaska Airlines airfare and hotel specials – Alaska Airlines
is offering two specials for travel to the Disneyland Resort. A MousePad
member
alerted us that the airline is again offering the popular Kids
Fly Free special, which includes airfare, hotel, park-hopper tickets,
and more. This special offer can only be booked by calling Alaska Airlines
at 1-800-468-2248. Adults traveling without kids can take advantage of
other special hotel and air packages by booking at the Alaska Airlines
Web site (link).

The “Get a 5-Day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-Day
ticket” promotion has been extended through January 5, 2004 –
These tickets are available when you order online from Disneyland.com.
Restrictions apply – see site
for details.

AAA Passport Plus Package – For $122.75, you can get a 5-day
park hopper and the following extras:

• Multiple attraction FastPass (The “Unlimited” option)


• Breakfast in the park (one per person)


• Free ESPN Zone arena game card ($10 value)


• AAA Free parking at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks

A $13.75 FedEx fee applies to each reservation, (not per person). This
package is available without an air or hotel purchase, and must be purchased
at your local AAA affiliate office at least 5 days before you plan to
use the tickets.

Many readers have experienced difficulties when trying to purchase this
package from their local AAA affiliate. Be sure to read this
thread on our MousePad discussion boards, for more information
about the package and tips on how to help your AAA travel agent book your
package.

AAA / Disney’s Resort Magic Package – This package requires
a minimum 2-night hotel stay, and includes:

• Accommodations at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel,
  or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel


• Disneyland Resort Hotel self-parking and Fitness Center access


• Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket – valid for entry into Disneyland
  park and Disney’s California Adventure park with full park-hopping privileges
  


• Free ESPN Zone Arena Game Card – $10 value (one per person)


• New. Collect FASTPASS tickets for multiple attractions at one time.
  Preferred Seating at a choice of select shows in Disney’s California
  Adventure


• Exclusive – Walt Disney Travel Company collectiblepin and lanyard
  (one per person)


• Exclusive – Walt Disney Travel Company California Fun Book (one
  per package)


• Exclusive – Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide (one per package)

You can book this package through your local AAA affiliate travel agent.

Park Hours/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland

DCA: Disney’s California Adventure

Annual Pass blockout dates: SoCal – Southern California Annual Pass. DX – Deluxe Annual Pass

Visit our Annual
Passholders Blockout Dates 2003-2004page to see more dates.

Due to the world premiere of The
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl movie, Disneyland
will close at 6p.m. on Saturday, June 28. The rides and shops of Critter
Country, Frontierland and New Orleans Square, as well as Tarzan’s Treehouse,
will begin closing around 4p.m. In addition, the Parade of the Stars,
Fantasmic! and Believe… There’s Magic in the Stars will
not perform that day.

Entertainment Schedule