Update for June 16 – 22, 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Here come the Toys | DCA hosts Danskin Women’s Triathlon | Garden Walk sprouts | This and That
Here come the Toys
The Disneyland Resort finally gets its turn to unveil the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at Disney’s California Adventure this week, two weeks after the ride opened at Walt Disney World. Annual Passholders got the opportunity to preview the ride last week from Monday to Thursday, and the ride was open for “soft opening” previews Friday through Sunday. A media event is scheduled for Monday afternoon, and the official grand opening is at 10:00 on Tuesday morning. Unlike the opening ceremony for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage last year, there is no celebrity party or red carpet event scheduled.
Annual Passholders wait in line to claim their tickets to ride during exclusive previews of Toy Story Midway Mania last week. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Cast members put Mr. Potato Head through a pre-opening operation check. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A screen at the operator’s console shows a diagram of the ride track (click on image for a larger view). Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
MousePlanet’s Jeff Kober wrote an excellent description of the Walt Disney World attraction’s ride mechanics and of the 3-D games (link). Rather than duplicate his effort, we’ll direct you to that article for a primer on what to expect. The most noticeable differences between the two versions are in the queue and stations, and the DCA previews revealed a few potential problems areas. The first has to do with the lack of air conditioning on the small portion of the queue that is indoors. While this portion of the queue is out of the direct sunlight that the rest of the queue is in, the portion was built without air conditioning and relies instead on ceiling fans to provide circulation. One source told us that there was not enough clearance to place an air conditioning unit atop that portion of the building because it sits directly below a portion of the California Screamin’ track, but riders Sunday morning noticed that the adjacent room from which cast members dispense the 3-D glasses seems to have working air conditioning.
A portion of the queue winds through this building. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Ceiling fans aren’t quite up to the task of keeping this section of the queue cool. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Another small problem is with the access for riders who do not use a wheelchair, but cannot navigate steps. Midway Mania has two fully wheelchair-accessible ride vehicles, onto which riders can roll manual or standard electric wheelchairs (although riders using an ECV need to transfer to a manual wheelchair). These vehicles have adjustable shooters, and can accommodate one additional passenger. Disney is certainly to be recognized for increasing accessible capacity to what is certain to be a popular attraction. Even better, the ride has a separate loading area so riders can take more time to enter and exit the vehicle. In terms of wheelchair access, this is probably the best set up since Test Track opened at EPCOT. Unfortunately, otherwise ambulatory riders who can not navigate the pair of stairs at the attraction exit are also required to use the wheelchair accessible loading area, which is likely to add to the wait at that station.
A separate loading area is available for people using wheelchairs, or those who can not navigate steps. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Vehicles are diverted to a spur track to allow slow-loading riders more time to enter and exit the ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Finally we have a note of caution for parents: Children are not allowed to sit on your lap to ride, and there are two lap bars per seat. If you put a small child between two adults, neither lap bar will restrain the child. Children need to be able to sit on their own seat and maintain an upright posture on a spinning ride. If your child cannot do this on something like Roger Rabbit CarToon Spin or Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, they should not ride Toy Story Midway Mania. While the ride does not spin in the same fashion as those rides, the motion is sudden and out of your control.
The entrance features the box art from the Midway Mania toy, and gives you a hint of what’s to come. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Each ride vehicle seats up to eight passengers in two cars. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Your spring-loaded shooters have an unlimited supply of color-coded “virtual” projectiles. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Several readers have shared their experiences riding with small children. Some reported they were able to place the child between two adults, which, in addition to the concern about lap bars, also means you’re either going to have to share shooters with your child or be prepared to ride without playing yourself. Some reported that they placed a small child on the seat next to them, but had to brace the child when the ride moved suddenly. Expect that you can move or spin anytime you are not sitting in front of an active game. Several people have reported that their children have tried to stand up in the ride vehicle during the game.
A video screen in each vehicle gives ride hints and keeps score. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The scale of the props in the ride building are meant to make you feel toy-sized. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Parents with several children in their group should also be aware that if you are loaded into the same ride vehicle, you will be seated behind other riders in your group due to the back-to-back seating configuration. To keep a eye out for your kids, you can ask to be seated on the same side as your children, which will separate you slightly in the queue. Ask the grouper to put you in rows 1 & 3 (or 2 & 4) and you’ll face the same screen during each game.
Your score and “virtual” carnival prize is displayed after each ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
At the end of the ride you can compare your score to the daily and all-time high scores. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
These minor issues aside, the ride has proven to be just as popular in California as its Florida counterpart. Hundreds of people arrived at park opening Saturday and Sunday with the hope of getting a sneak peek at the ride, and many riders want to ride again and again to improve your score. If you’d like to share tips and tricks with your fellow MousePlanet readers, join our Toy Story Midway Mania spoiler discussion (link).
The walls of the load and unload areas are decorated with box art from the Midway Mania toy set. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A sweet scene at the attraction exit shows the “human” view of the Midway Mania game. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The queue building sports attraction posters for each midway game. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
DCA hosts Danskin Women’s Triathlon
Hundreds of bicycles wait in the transition area for the start of the bike leg. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney’s California Adventure hosted the Danskin Women’s Triathlon this weekend, and the San Francisco Chronicle Web site reported Sunday morning that Alexis Smith of Monterey, California took first place by completing the course in just over 48 minutes. The event began at 6:00 Sunday morning when the first wave of swimmers entered the 80º water of Paradise Bay for .35-mile swim. Racers entered the water from a ramp under the bridge that leads toward California Screamin’, and race officials, lifeguards and “water angels” were on hand to direct traffic and keep an eye out for swimmers having difficulty.
Athletes wait for the start of their swim as spectators crowd above the start line. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The narrow waterway near the California Screamin’ launch served as the start and finish for the swim leg. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Swimmers navigate around a route marker in Paradise Bay while a lifeguard on a surfboard looks on. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Paradise Pier area of DCA was filled with spectators there to cheer on their favorite athlete, or, in a few cases, Disney fans who just wanted to observe the spectacle of people swimming in the bay. Disney had been heavily treating the water in the weeks leading up to the race, and one athlete said after the event that the water “wasn’t as bad as I was afraid it would be.”
Participants run straight from the water to the transition area to start the bike leg. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Riders re-enter Disney property at the end of the bike leg. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
After completing a circuit of the bay, athletes ran (almost all of them barefoot) back to the transition area in the Timon parking lot where they changed clothes (or at least slipped on their shoes) before taking off on bicycles for a 10-mile ride around the Disneyland Resort. After returning to the transition area, athletes started onto the 2.5-mile run/walk course that took participants back through DCA and to the finish line.
Safety first, but this athlete shows her true priorities by topping her bike helmet with a Princess Minnie Mouse hat. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A smiling runner crosses the finish line at the end of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Garden Walk sprouts
The grand opening of Anaheim Garden Walk this weekend turned out to be more of a preview of coming attractions, as fewer than a third of the shops and restaurants in the new shopping complex were actually open for business. The two-story development is divided into five themed garden neighborhoods, including the “Wonder Garden” and the “Gala Garden,” each said to have a distinctive horticultural style. The walkways may eventually blossom into the lush environments shown in the project renderings, but right now the metal grids and arches that will support the eventual vines and flowers are rather stark.
Anaheim Garden Walk hosted a grand opening event this weekend. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Garden Walk features water features like this fountain in the Rock Garden. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Current restaurant tenants include Cheesecake Factory, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., California Pizza Kitchen, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, McCormick & Schmicks Grille and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Marble Slab Creamery and Robeks Juices are now open. Retail shops now open include Kay Jewelers, Sunglass Hut, Sketchers, G stage, Lux Aveda Salon/Spa, Ann Taylor Loft, Harley-Davidson of Anaheim, The Body Shop and Hollister. A few additional stores, including Fresh Produce, will open this week, and still more are planned every month through March, 2009. The 14-theater Movie Experience will have a small debut party this week for invited guests, and an employee said the theater hopes to be open by the July 4th weekend.
Teak patio furniture awaits future food court patrons. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The north entrance of the center is just across the street from the Disneyland Resort’s Pumbaa parking lot. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A few kiosks are now open in the Gala Garden. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Garden Walk Web site claims that the center is currently 80 percent leased. The next major phase of construction has already begun, with a Westgate timeshare property and two Disney-operated hotels going in around the center. When fully open, Garden Walk will certainly provide a much-needed upscale shopping opportunity that Anaheim has lacked since the original Anaheim Plaza closed, but there aren’t enough stores open right now to really draw repeat traffic. The grand opening celebration this weekend was likely timed to generate press at the start of the summer tourism, capitalize on this week’s opening of a new attraction at the Disneyland Resort and provide some support to the retailers the center refers to as “early bloomers.”
Project renderings show these arches will be covered eventually with foliage. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The brightly colored walls conceal the entrances of yet-to-open stores. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Construction continues on The Movie Experience. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
If you’d like to check out the new center, there are several ways to get there. Parking structures can be accessed from both Katella and Disney drives. The north entrance of the center is directly across the street from the Pumbaa parking lot off Disney Drive, about a mile walk from the Disneyland main entrance. Garden Walk is also accessible from all Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) shuttle routes except routes 7, 10 and 11. Of course, if you’re going to hop on the ART to go shopping, you can take route 16 and go to The Block at Orange.
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s bear mascot is ready to meet the neighbors. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A new Westgate timeshare development will be built adjoining Garden Walk. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That
… Join MousePlanet for the Wall-E matinee at AMC theater in Downtown Disney on Saturday, June 28. Catch the 10:30 a.m. matinee screening of Wall-E at the AMC theater in Downtown Disney with your fellow MousePlanet readers. Matinee tickets are just $6 per person. You can now buy tickets online ($1 service charge applies), or directly from the Downtown Disney AMC theater box office. This showing is likely to sell out, so don’t wait too long. If you’ll be joining us, please send an e-mail to the event coordinator (Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix), or post to our MousePad discussion board thread (link) so we know how many to expect. The MousePlanet staff will be on hand starting at 9:45 a.m. to greet you.
… The dates for the 11th annual unofficial Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort are Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, October 5. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday. The event organizers have negotiated discounts on theme park tickets, and have rates at the Disneyland Resort hotels starting at $179 per night. Full details and an event schedule can be found on the Gay Days Web site (link).
… We’re hearing that the Disneyland Resort restaurants are expecting to receive new menus – with healthier menu options and higher prices – by the end of June. This is said to be part of a larger “healthy foods” initiative across the Disneyland Resort. The French Market restaurant is scheduled for a one-day closure on Tuesday June 24, presumably to implement their new menu. Readers have also noted that the prices of Disneyland treats like churros and Dole Whips have gone up in recent weeks.
… An expanded seating area opened last week for Award Weiners, the hot dog eatery in Disney’s California Adventure. The location opened in 2001 with a few tables on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, causing congestion in the area and forcing diners to seek a seat on a nearby curb or planter. The new seating area was constructed in a portion of the largely unused external queue for the neighboring Muppet*Vision 3-D attraction, but fortunately most of the props remain in place.
A new seating area for Award Weiners means less congestion in the Hollywood Backlot area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… The Disneyland Resort sparked some concern last week when the official Web site listed the Indiana Jones attraction as being closed for the rest of the summer. The ride has been plagued with problems all year, and has been subject to frequent downtime during recent weeks. We’ve also heard that the ride is scheduled to close for refurbishment in October, though the Disneyland Web site does not yet list the closure.
Visitors line up just to get into the queue for the Indiana Jones ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… Disney’s California Adventure will host the 2008 Hi Seoul Korea Performing Arts Showcase June 9 to 15, 2008 at a temporary “Festivale Internationale” stage constructed inside the Pacific Wharf area, just outside the Pacific Wharf Cafe. According to the event Web site (link), the showcase will include traditional dance, tightrope acts, singing and pageantry. The showtimes are 10:45, 11:15, 12:15, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15, 4:00 and 4:45, and several different acts will appear throughout the day.
An energetic group of drummers performs as part of the Hi Seoul Korea Performing Arts Showcase. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… Brady McDonald from the Los Angeles Times noticed last week that the newest Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder Newsletter announced that an Audio Animatronic Wall-E robot will be coming to Disney’s California Adventure later this year (link). Then on Friday the Orange County Register’s Sonya Smith published an internal memo from Walt Disney Imagineering that states that Disney will begin to outsource the manufacturing of some Audio Animatronics figures to allow Imagineers to work on the more complicated figures (link).
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- “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.
- Donald’s Boat – closed through June 20.
- The French Market – closed Tuesday June 24.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed August 25 – 27
- Haunted Mansion – closed September 8 – 25 to install the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Gadget’s Go Coaster – closes September 8 for refurbishment.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Toy Story / Midway Mania – attraction officially opens Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
- Hyperion Theater – closes September 2 for refurbishment.
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.
Come out and play with MousePlanet!The MousePlanet crew is planning a series of social events for readers this summer and fall, and you’re invited!
Stay posted for additional details and events throughout the summer. |
Events
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
June 2008
- Grad Night event – Thursday, June 19.
- Toy Story / Midway Mania media event – June 16-17, 2008.
- Toy Story / Midway Mania official grand opening – Tuesday, June 17.
- Annual Passholder exclusive tours of the Innoventions Dream Home – June 17, 18, 19, 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m; June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m; June 20 and 22 from 10:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- 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).
- MousePlanet Wall-E matinee screening – Saturday, June 28 at the AMC theater in Downtown Disney. Details to come.
- Tarina Tarantino Appearance & Signing – Saturday, June 28 at Vault 28 in Downtown Disney (link).
July 2008
- Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest Winners Pin Release & Signing – Saturday, July 12 (link).
- MousePlanet anniversary meet – Thursday, July 17. Come celebrate the 8th anniversary of your favorite Disney Web site (and Disneyland’s 53rd birthday). Details to come.
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
- Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – October 3, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, and 31. A separate ticket costume party at Disney’s California Adventure. Annual Passholder discounts are available for October 3, 16, 22, 23, 28, and 29. Standard price is $29 per ticket; Annual Passholder price is $25. Tickets purchased the day of event are $37 and all tickets for the October 31 event are at that price regardless of advance purchase. (link)
- MousePlanet night at Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – Friday, October 3. Come meet some of the MousePlanet staff and your fellow readers at the first Trick or Treat party of 2008. Annual Passholders can purchase discount tickets through the Disneyland Web site.
- 11th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – Friday, Oct 3 – Sunday, October 5. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
- 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.’
- CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 19 (link)
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.
- MouseAdventure – Sunday, November 16 at the Disneyland Resort. Additional information, including format, price, park and registration dates will be made available later this summer.
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.) |
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Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $132/$112 |
2008 “Southern California 2Fer Ticket” ($66 / $56) [Note: sales of this promotional ticket ended May 22, 2008. Second visit must take place within 30 days from first visit.] – 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 Park Hopper Ticket ($130/$110) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $2 off the box-office price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $1 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths (link). |
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Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $189/$159 |
Summer Fun Pass ($99) – The Disneyland Resort’s latest discount is the “Summer Fun Pass,” a 3-day park hopper available to Southern California residents for $99 per person ages 3 and older. This represents a savings of up to $70 per ticket over the advance-purchase price of a 3-day Park Hopper. The ticket is valid 45 days after the first use, and first use must take place between June 16 – August 30, 2008. The ticket is not valid on July 4, 2008. The ticket is available for purchase at some authorized offsite Disneyland Resort ticket outlets, including Vons, Ralphs, Albertsons, Stater Bros., and Gelson’s, Disney Stores and military base MWR offices.The ticket is not available at the Disneyland Resort, so be sure to purchase your tickets before you arrive. 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) available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. 2008 Southern California CityPass ($247/$199) – 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 $217/$174 (link), 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 ($164/$134) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. 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) available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. 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) available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
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.
Sheraton Anaheim “100 rooms for $100” Promotion – [Note: this package appears to be sold out now] Valid June 6 – 7; June 22 – 24 and August 14 – 28, 2008. Call 1-866-716-8130 and mention rate plan “100room.”
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.
Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials.
Napolini lunch special
11am – 3pm
- Slice of pizza and fountain beverage – $5.99
- Two slices of pizza, one Caesar salad and two fountain beverages – $15
Naples lunch special
Monday – Friday
11am – 3pm
- Caprese panini, served with side house salad – $10.95
- Personal grilled vegetable pizza, served with a cup of sour or side house salad – $10.95
- House-cured Italian tuna salad, served with a cup of soup – $10.95
Naples twilight dinner special
Monday – Friday
3pm – 5pm
- Penne all’arrabbiata, served with a side house salad – $16.95
- Pollo Milanese, served with arugula and lemon salad – $16.95
- Bistecca Penombra, served with a side house salad – $16.95
Tortilla JO’s lunch special
11am – 3pm
Choice of entree, served with rice and beans and a cup of tortilla soup or mixed green salad.
- Beef or chicken quesadilla – $11.99
- Beef or chicken flautas – $11.99
- Beef or chicken sauves (soft tacos) – $11.99
Tortilla JO’s twilight dinner special
3pm – 5pm
Choice of two of the following entrees, served with tortilla soup or mixed green salad for two and dessert to share. $33.99
- Combo – beef taco, cheese enchilada, rice and beans
- Burrito – shredded beef or chicken
- Carnitas
Downtown Disney merchant discounts – Visit the Disney Ani-Mate Web site (link) and complete a short quiz to gain access to an interactive map where you can download and print coupons to a series of Downtown Disney shops and restaurants. The current batch of coupons all expire August 1, 2008, and significant restrictions may apply. Disneyland Resort annual passholders may receive the same or better discount, so be sure to check before you shop.
- Anne Geddes – 10% off purchase (same as the AP discount)
- Arribas Bros – 10% off $50 purchase (no AP discount)
- Basin – 15% off purchase of $20 or more (better than the AP discount)
- Catal – 10% off food only (same as the AP discount)
- Club Libby Lu – Spend $25 and get a free create-your-own fancy potion (APs receive 10% discount)
- Department 56 – 10% off D56 merchandise (no AP discount)
- Fossil – 10% off purchase (same as the AP discount)
- House of Blues – 20% off total bill before 5pm (better than the AP discount)
- Illuminations – 20% off regular priced merchandise (better than the AP discount)
- Jazz Kitchen – 10% off total bill, excluding alcohol (same as the AP discount)
- La Brea Bakery – 10% off purchase of $10 or more (same as the AP discount)
- Lego – $5 off purchase of $30 or more (APs receive 10% discount)
- Naples – 10% off food only, excludes Napolini (same as the AP discount)
- Quicksilver – 10% off entire purchase (no AP discount)
- Rainforest Cafe- Free kids meal with adult entree purchase (APs receive 10% discount before 4pm)
- Sunglass Icon – 10% off all items, except specified designer labels (no AP discount)
- Tortilla Jo’s – 10% off food, excludes taqueria (same as the AP discount)
- Wetzels Pretzels – Buy 3 pretzels, get 1 free (APs receive 10% discount)
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
6/15 | 6/16 | 6/17 | 6/18 | 6/19 | 6/20 | 6/21 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p
TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p
MM Toy Story Midway |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a–9p
DCA: 10a–7p SL/SC MM Grad Nite |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
6/22 | 6/23 | 6/24 | 6/25 | 6/26 | 6/27 | 6/28 |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–9p MM
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–9p
DCA: 10a–7p SL MM |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
6/29 | 6/30 | 7/1 | 7/2 | 7/3 | 7/4 | 7/5 |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
7/6 | 7/7 | 7/8 | 7/9 | 7/10 | 7/11 | 7/12 |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX 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.
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Here come the Toys | DCA hosts Danskin Women’s Triathlon | Garden Walk sprouts | This and That
Here come the Toys
The Disneyland Resort finally gets its turn to unveil the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at Disney’s California Adventure this week, two weeks after the ride opened at Walt Disney World. Annual Passholders got the opportunity to preview the ride last week from Monday to Thursday, and the ride was open for “soft opening” previews Friday through Sunday. A media event is scheduled for Monday afternoon, and the official grand opening is at 10:00 on Tuesday morning. Unlike the opening ceremony for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage last year, there is no celebrity party or red carpet event scheduled.
Annual Passholders wait in line to claim their tickets to ride during exclusive previews of Toy Story Midway Mania last week. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Cast members put Mr. Potato Head through a pre-opening operation check. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A screen at the operator’s console shows a diagram of the ride track (click on image for a larger view). Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
MousePlanet’s Jeff Kober wrote an excellent description of the Walt Disney World attraction’s ride mechanics and of the 3-D games (link). Rather than duplicate his effort, we’ll direct you to that article for a primer on what to expect. The most noticeable differences between the two versions are in the queue and stations, and the DCA previews revealed a few potential problems areas. The first has to do with the lack of air conditioning on the small portion of the queue that is indoors. While this portion of the queue is out of the direct sunlight that the rest of the queue is in, the portion was built without air conditioning and relies instead on ceiling fans to provide circulation. One source told us that there was not enough clearance to place an air conditioning unit atop that portion of the building because it sits directly below a portion of the California Screamin’ track, but riders Sunday morning noticed that the adjacent room from which cast members dispense the 3-D glasses seems to have working air conditioning.
A portion of the queue winds through this building. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Ceiling fans aren’t quite up to the task of keeping this section of the queue cool. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Another small problem is with the access for riders who do not use a wheelchair, but cannot navigate steps. Midway Mania has two fully wheelchair-accessible ride vehicles, onto which riders can roll manual or standard electric wheelchairs (although riders using an ECV need to transfer to a manual wheelchair). These vehicles have adjustable shooters, and can accommodate one additional passenger. Disney is certainly to be recognized for increasing accessible capacity to what is certain to be a popular attraction. Even better, the ride has a separate loading area so riders can take more time to enter and exit the vehicle. In terms of wheelchair access, this is probably the best set up since Test Track opened at EPCOT. Unfortunately, otherwise ambulatory riders who can not navigate the pair of stairs at the attraction exit are also required to use the wheelchair accessible loading area, which is likely to add to the wait at that station.
A separate loading area is available for people using wheelchairs, or those who can not navigate steps. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Vehicles are diverted to a spur track to allow slow-loading riders more time to enter and exit the ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Finally we have a note of caution for parents: Children are not allowed to sit on your lap to ride, and there are two lap bars per seat. If you put a small child between two adults, neither lap bar will restrain the child. Children need to be able to sit on their own seat and maintain an upright posture on a spinning ride. If your child cannot do this on something like Roger Rabbit CarToon Spin or Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, they should not ride Toy Story Midway Mania. While the ride does not spin in the same fashion as those rides, the motion is sudden and out of your control.
The entrance features the box art from the Midway Mania toy, and gives you a hint of what’s to come. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Each ride vehicle seats up to eight passengers in two cars. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Your spring-loaded shooters have an unlimited supply of color-coded “virtual” projectiles. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Several readers have shared their experiences riding with small children. Some reported they were able to place the child between two adults, which, in addition to the concern about lap bars, also means you’re either going to have to share shooters with your child or be prepared to ride without playing yourself. Some reported that they placed a small child on the seat next to them, but had to brace the child when the ride moved suddenly. Expect that you can move or spin anytime you are not sitting in front of an active game. Several people have reported that their children have tried to stand up in the ride vehicle during the game.
A video screen in each vehicle gives ride hints and keeps score. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The scale of the props in the ride building are meant to make you feel toy-sized. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Parents with several children in their group should also be aware that if you are loaded into the same ride vehicle, you will be seated behind other riders in your group due to the back-to-back seating configuration. To keep a eye out for your kids, you can ask to be seated on the same side as your children, which will separate you slightly in the queue. Ask the grouper to put you in rows 1 & 3 (or 2 & 4) and you’ll face the same screen during each game.
Your score and “virtual” carnival prize is displayed after each ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
At the end of the ride you can compare your score to the daily and all-time high scores. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
These minor issues aside, the ride has proven to be just as popular in California as its Florida counterpart. Hundreds of people arrived at park opening Saturday and Sunday with the hope of getting a sneak peek at the ride, and many riders want to ride again and again to improve your score. If you’d like to share tips and tricks with your fellow MousePlanet readers, join our Toy Story Midway Mania spoiler discussion (link).
The walls of the load and unload areas are decorated with box art from the Midway Mania toy set. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A sweet scene at the attraction exit shows the “human” view of the Midway Mania game. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The queue building sports attraction posters for each midway game. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
DCA hosts Danskin Women’s Triathlon
Hundreds of bicycles wait in the transition area for the start of the bike leg. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney’s California Adventure hosted the Danskin Women’s Triathlon this weekend, and the San Francisco Chronicle Web site reported Sunday morning that Alexis Smith of Monterey, California took first place by completing the course in just over 48 minutes. The event began at 6:00 Sunday morning when the first wave of swimmers entered the 80º water of Paradise Bay for .35-mile swim. Racers entered the water from a ramp under the bridge that leads toward California Screamin’, and race officials, lifeguards and “water angels” were on hand to direct traffic and keep an eye out for swimmers having difficulty.
Athletes wait for the start of their swim as spectators crowd above the start line. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The narrow waterway near the California Screamin’ launch served as the start and finish for the swim leg. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Swimmers navigate around a route marker in Paradise Bay while a lifeguard on a surfboard looks on. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Paradise Pier area of DCA was filled with spectators there to cheer on their favorite athlete, or, in a few cases, Disney fans who just wanted to observe the spectacle of people swimming in the bay. Disney had been heavily treating the water in the weeks leading up to the race, and one athlete said after the event that the water “wasn’t as bad as I was afraid it would be.”
Participants run straight from the water to the transition area to start the bike leg. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Riders re-enter Disney property at the end of the bike leg. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
After completing a circuit of the bay, athletes ran (almost all of them barefoot) back to the transition area in the Timon parking lot where they changed clothes (or at least slipped on their shoes) before taking off on bicycles for a 10-mile ride around the Disneyland Resort. After returning to the transition area, athletes started onto the 2.5-mile run/walk course that took participants back through DCA and to the finish line.
Safety first, but this athlete shows her true priorities by topping her bike helmet with a Princess Minnie Mouse hat. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A smiling runner crosses the finish line at the end of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Garden Walk sprouts
The grand opening of Anaheim Garden Walk this weekend turned out to be more of a preview of coming attractions, as fewer than a third of the shops and restaurants in the new shopping complex were actually open for business. The two-story development is divided into five themed garden neighborhoods, including the “Wonder Garden” and the “Gala Garden,” each said to have a distinctive horticultural style. The walkways may eventually blossom into the lush environments shown in the project renderings, but right now the metal grids and arches that will support the eventual vines and flowers are rather stark.
Anaheim Garden Walk hosted a grand opening event this weekend. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Garden Walk features water features like this fountain in the Rock Garden. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Current restaurant tenants include Cheesecake Factory, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., California Pizza Kitchen, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, McCormick & Schmicks Grille and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Marble Slab Creamery and Robeks Juices are now open. Retail shops now open include Kay Jewelers, Sunglass Hut, Sketchers, G stage, Lux Aveda Salon/Spa, Ann Taylor Loft, Harley-Davidson of Anaheim, The Body Shop and Hollister. A few additional stores, including Fresh Produce, will open this week, and still more are planned every month through March, 2009. The 14-theater Movie Experience will have a small debut party this week for invited guests, and an employee said the theater hopes to be open by the July 4th weekend.
Teak patio furniture awaits future food court patrons. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The north entrance of the center is just across the street from the Disneyland Resort’s Pumbaa parking lot. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A few kiosks are now open in the Gala Garden. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Garden Walk Web site claims that the center is currently 80 percent leased. The next major phase of construction has already begun, with a Westgate timeshare property and two Disney-operated hotels going in around the center. When fully open, Garden Walk will certainly provide a much-needed upscale shopping opportunity that Anaheim has lacked since the original Anaheim Plaza closed, but there aren’t enough stores open right now to really draw repeat traffic. The grand opening celebration this weekend was likely timed to generate press at the start of the summer tourism, capitalize on this week’s opening of a new attraction at the Disneyland Resort and provide some support to the retailers the center refers to as “early bloomers.”
Project renderings show these arches will be covered eventually with foliage. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The brightly colored walls conceal the entrances of yet-to-open stores. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Construction continues on The Movie Experience. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
If you’d like to check out the new center, there are several ways to get there. Parking structures can be accessed from both Katella and Disney drives. The north entrance of the center is directly across the street from the Pumbaa parking lot off Disney Drive, about a mile walk from the Disneyland main entrance. Garden Walk is also accessible from all Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) shuttle routes except routes 7, 10 and 11. Of course, if you’re going to hop on the ART to go shopping, you can take route 16 and go to The Block at Orange.
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s bear mascot is ready to meet the neighbors. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A new Westgate timeshare development will be built adjoining Garden Walk. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That
… Join MousePlanet for the Wall-E matinee at AMC theater in Downtown Disney on Saturday, June 28. Catch the 10:30 a.m. matinee screening of Wall-E at the AMC theater in Downtown Disney with your fellow MousePlanet readers. Matinee tickets are just $6 per person. You can now buy tickets online ($1 service charge applies), or directly from the Downtown Disney AMC theater box office. This showing is likely to sell out, so don’t wait too long. If you’ll be joining us, please send an e-mail to the event coordinator (Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix), or post to our MousePad discussion board thread (link) so we know how many to expect. The MousePlanet staff will be on hand starting at 9:45 a.m. to greet you.
… The dates for the 11th annual unofficial Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort are Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, October 5. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday. The event organizers have negotiated discounts on theme park tickets, and have rates at the Disneyland Resort hotels starting at $179 per night. Full details and an event schedule can be found on the Gay Days Web site (link).
… We’re hearing that the Disneyland Resort restaurants are expecting to receive new menus – with healthier menu options and higher prices – by the end of June. This is said to be part of a larger “healthy foods” initiative across the Disneyland Resort. The French Market restaurant is scheduled for a one-day closure on Tuesday June 24, presumably to implement their new menu. Readers have also noted that the prices of Disneyland treats like churros and Dole Whips have gone up in recent weeks.
… An expanded seating area opened last week for Award Weiners, the hot dog eatery in Disney’s California Adventure. The location opened in 2001 with a few tables on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, causing congestion in the area and forcing diners to seek a seat on a nearby curb or planter. The new seating area was constructed in a portion of the largely unused external queue for the neighboring Muppet*Vision 3-D attraction, but fortunately most of the props remain in place.
A new seating area for Award Weiners means less congestion in the Hollywood Backlot area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… The Disneyland Resort sparked some concern last week when the official Web site listed the Indiana Jones attraction as being closed for the rest of the summer. The ride has been plagued with problems all year, and has been subject to frequent downtime during recent weeks. We’ve also heard that the ride is scheduled to close for refurbishment in October, though the Disneyland Web site does not yet list the closure.
Visitors line up just to get into the queue for the Indiana Jones ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… Disney’s California Adventure will host the 2008 Hi Seoul Korea Performing Arts Showcase June 9 to 15, 2008 at a temporary “Festivale Internationale” stage constructed inside the Pacific Wharf area, just outside the Pacific Wharf Cafe. According to the event Web site (link), the showcase will include traditional dance, tightrope acts, singing and pageantry. The showtimes are 10:45, 11:15, 12:15, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15, 4:00 and 4:45, and several different acts will appear throughout the day.
An energetic group of drummers performs as part of the Hi Seoul Korea Performing Arts Showcase. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
… Brady McDonald from the Los Angeles Times noticed last week that the newest Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder Newsletter announced that an Audio Animatronic Wall-E robot will be coming to Disney’s California Adventure later this year (link). Then on Friday the Orange County Register’s Sonya Smith published an internal memo from Walt Disney Imagineering that states that Disney will begin to outsource the manufacturing of some Audio Animatronics figures to allow Imagineers to work on the more complicated figures (link).
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- “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.
- Donald’s Boat – closed through June 20.
- The French Market – closed Tuesday June 24.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed August 25 – 27
- Haunted Mansion – closed September 8 – 25 to install the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Gadget’s Go Coaster – closes September 8 for refurbishment.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Toy Story / Midway Mania – attraction officially opens Tuesday, June 17, 2008.
- Hyperion Theater – closes September 2 for refurbishment.
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.
Come out and play with MousePlanet!The MousePlanet crew is planning a series of social events for readers this summer and fall, and you’re invited!
Stay posted for additional details and events throughout the summer. |
Events
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
June 2008
- Grad Night event – Thursday, June 19.
- Toy Story / Midway Mania media event – June 16-17, 2008.
- Toy Story / Midway Mania official grand opening – Tuesday, June 17.
- Annual Passholder exclusive tours of the Innoventions Dream Home – June 17, 18, 19, 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m; June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m; June 20 and 22 from 10:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- 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).
- MousePlanet Wall-E matinee screening – Saturday, June 28 at the AMC theater in Downtown Disney. Details to come.
- Tarina Tarantino Appearance & Signing – Saturday, June 28 at Vault 28 in Downtown Disney (link).
July 2008
- Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest Winners Pin Release & Signing – Saturday, July 12 (link).
- MousePlanet anniversary meet – Thursday, July 17. Come celebrate the 8th anniversary of your favorite Disney Web site (and Disneyland’s 53rd birthday). Details to come.
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
- Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – October 3, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, and 31. A separate ticket costume party at Disney’s California Adventure. Annual Passholder discounts are available for October 3, 16, 22, 23, 28, and 29. Standard price is $29 per ticket; Annual Passholder price is $25. Tickets purchased the day of event are $37 and all tickets for the October 31 event are at that price regardless of advance purchase. (link)
- MousePlanet night at Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – Friday, October 3. Come meet some of the MousePlanet staff and your fellow readers at the first Trick or Treat party of 2008. Annual Passholders can purchase discount tickets through the Disneyland Web site.
- 11th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – Friday, Oct 3 – Sunday, October 5. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
- 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.’
- CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 19 (link)
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.
- MouseAdventure – Sunday, November 16 at the Disneyland Resort. Additional information, including format, price, park and registration dates will be made available later this summer.
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.) |
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Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $132/$112 |
2008 “Southern California 2Fer Ticket” ($66 / $56) [Note: sales of this promotional ticket ended May 22, 2008. Second visit must take place within 30 days from first visit.] – 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 Park Hopper Ticket ($130/$110) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $2 off the box-office price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $1 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths (link). |
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Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $189/$159 |
Summer Fun Pass ($99) – The Disneyland Resort’s latest discount is the “Summer Fun Pass,” a 3-day park hopper available to Southern California residents for $99 per person ages 3 and older. This represents a savings of up to $70 per ticket over the advance-purchase price of a 3-day Park Hopper. The ticket is valid 45 days after the first use, and first use must take place between June 16 – August 30, 2008. The ticket is not valid on July 4, 2008. The ticket is available for purchase at some authorized offsite Disneyland Resort ticket outlets, including Vons, Ralphs, Albertsons, Stater Bros., and Gelson’s, Disney Stores and military base MWR offices.The ticket is not available at the Disneyland Resort, so be sure to purchase your tickets before you arrive. 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) available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. 2008 Southern California CityPass ($247/$199) – 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 $217/$174 (link), 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 ($164/$134) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. 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) available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. 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) available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
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.
Sheraton Anaheim “100 rooms for $100” Promotion – [Note: this package appears to be sold out now] Valid June 6 – 7; June 22 – 24 and August 14 – 28, 2008. Call 1-866-716-8130 and mention rate plan “100room.”
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.
Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials.
Napolini lunch special
11am – 3pm
- Slice of pizza and fountain beverage – $5.99
- Two slices of pizza, one Caesar salad and two fountain beverages – $15
Naples lunch special
Monday – Friday
11am – 3pm
- Caprese panini, served with side house salad – $10.95
- Personal grilled vegetable pizza, served with a cup of sour or side house salad – $10.95
- House-cured Italian tuna salad, served with a cup of soup – $10.95
Naples twilight dinner special
Monday – Friday
3pm – 5pm
- Penne all’arrabbiata, served with a side house salad – $16.95
- Pollo Milanese, served with arugula and lemon salad – $16.95
- Bistecca Penombra, served with a side house salad – $16.95
Tortilla JO’s lunch special
11am – 3pm
Choice of entree, served with rice and beans and a cup of tortilla soup or mixed green salad.
- Beef or chicken quesadilla – $11.99
- Beef or chicken flautas – $11.99
- Beef or chicken sauves (soft tacos) – $11.99
Tortilla JO’s twilight dinner special
3pm – 5pm
Choice of two of the following entrees, served with tortilla soup or mixed green salad for two and dessert to share. $33.99
- Combo – beef taco, cheese enchilada, rice and beans
- Burrito – shredded beef or chicken
- Carnitas
Downtown Disney merchant discounts – Visit the Disney Ani-Mate Web site (link) and complete a short quiz to gain access to an interactive map where you can download and print coupons to a series of Downtown Disney shops and restaurants. The current batch of coupons all expire August 1, 2008, and significant restrictions may apply. Disneyland Resort annual passholders may receive the same or better discount, so be sure to check before you shop.
- Anne Geddes – 10% off purchase (same as the AP discount)
- Arribas Bros – 10% off $50 purchase (no AP discount)
- Basin – 15% off purchase of $20 or more (better than the AP discount)
- Catal – 10% off food only (same as the AP discount)
- Club Libby Lu – Spend $25 and get a free create-your-own fancy potion (APs receive 10% discount)
- Department 56 – 10% off D56 merchandise (no AP discount)
- Fossil – 10% off purchase (same as the AP discount)
- House of Blues – 20% off total bill before 5pm (better than the AP discount)
- Illuminations – 20% off regular priced merchandise (better than the AP discount)
- Jazz Kitchen – 10% off total bill, excluding alcohol (same as the AP discount)
- La Brea Bakery – 10% off purchase of $10 or more (same as the AP discount)
- Lego – $5 off purchase of $30 or more (APs receive 10% discount)
- Naples – 10% off food only, excludes Napolini (same as the AP discount)
- Quicksilver – 10% off entire purchase (no AP discount)
- Rainforest Cafe- Free kids meal with adult entree purchase (APs receive 10% discount before 4pm)
- Sunglass Icon – 10% off all items, except specified designer labels (no AP discount)
- Tortilla Jo’s – 10% off food, excludes taqueria (same as the AP discount)
- Wetzels Pretzels – Buy 3 pretzels, get 1 free (APs receive 10% discount)
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
6/15 | 6/16 | 6/17 | 6/18 | 6/19 | 6/20 | 6/21 |
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DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p
TT
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DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p
MM Toy Story Midway |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
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DL: 8a–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 |
6/22 | 6/23 | 6/24 | 6/25 | 6/26 | 6/27 | 6/28 |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
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DL: 8a–12a DCA: 10a–9p MM
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DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
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DL: 8a–9p
DCA: 10a–7p SL MM |
DL: 9a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL TT
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DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
6/29 | 6/30 | 7/1 | 7/2 | 7/3 | 7/4 | 7/5 |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
|
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX TT
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DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
7/6 | 7/7 | 7/8 | 7/9 | 7/10 | 7/11 | 7/12 |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
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DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM
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DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC TT
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DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a–12a
DCA: 10a–10p SL/SC/DX 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.