Update for July 28 – August 4, 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Disneyland Resort Fall refurbishment schedule| New store on Main Street | New Annual Passholder discounts released for the Disneyland Resort Hotels | This and That
Disneyland Resort Fall refurbishment schedule
The Tuesday after Labor Day is the traditional start of the fall refurbishment season, and it looks like fiscal year 2009 is going to start with a slew of closures in New Orleans Square. The French Market, Conestoga Wagon and Harbor Galley all close on September 2, along with the Sailing Ship Columbia and Fantasmic! nighttime show. The Haunted Mansion closes on September 8 for the installation of the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, followed on October 13 by Pirates of the Caribbean. The Jungle Cruise closes briefly October 20 through 23, which means that visitors who plan a trip the week of October 20 will find a total of four E-ticket attractions closed for some or all of their visit.
The simultaneous closure of all three McDonald’s outlets (Burger Invasion at Disney’s California Adventure park also closes on September 2 for “conversion”) seems to fairly well confirm the rumors that McDonald’s is leaving the Disneyland Resort entirely. No word yet from Disney on what the new Burger Invasion will serve, or if Conestoga Wagon and Harbor Galley will get new menus or be shuttered outright. The Harbor Galley was once known for popcorn shrimp and curly fries— artery-clogging dishes that may not fit with the Disneyland Resort’s new healthy dining initiative. Cast members say that the French Market closure is to rework the serving line to speed service of that location’s new menu.
Over the weekend, MousePlanet received some information that that Fantasmic! and Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular had been cut from the 2009 budget, and that the “refurbishments” shown on the Disneyland Web site were nothing more than window dressing on an unannounced hiatus of the two shows. Walt Disney World announced last week that it would be reducing its own version of Fantasmic to just two performances per week, and some were concerned that the Anaheim park was planning to follow suit.
According to John McClintock, a spokesperson for the Disneyland Resort, both Fantasmic and Aladdin will return for the holiday season. McClintock said that Aladdin will be closed for “equipment upgrades,” and will reopen in late December. As for Fantasmic, McClintock said that the show is closed through November for refurbishment, and will return in December. He noted, however, that the show “will close for additional refurbishment from March-May 2009.”
New store on Main Street
The New Century Timepieces shop on Main Street closed this week to make room for the new Fortuosity Shoppe, scheduled to open in October. According to Disney, the Fortuosity Shoppe will be “filled with an eclectic offering of accessories, apparel and gift items, this ever-changing location will continuously reinvent itself, while continuing to offer a selection of our Disney watches, clocks and the ever popular Artisan watch program.”
New Century Timepieces is closed to make room for a new shop. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Cast members say that the new location will carry some of the same boutique and couture merchandise as the Vault 28 store in Downtown Disney. The New Century Jewelers shop is still open for business. For now the Artisan watch display and workspace has been relocated to a tiny corner of the Art of Disneyland space in the exit of the Main Street Opera House.
A Disneyland watch artist works in a new studio space in the exit lobby of the Main Street Opera House. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
New Annual Passholder discounts released for the Disneyland Resort Hotels
The long-awaited fall hotel discounts for Disneyland Resort annual passholders have been released, but if past experience is any indication you’ll need to book quickly to get these rates. Rooms start at $139 per night, and are valid through December 18, with blockout dates of November 25-29, December 5, 6, 12 and 13. The starting rate refers to a one-night stay at the Paradise Pier hotel; MousePlanet readers have reported booking rooms as low as $149 at the Disneyland Hotel and $239 (standard) to $514 (concierge) at the Grand Californian Hotel.
Full details are available on the Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder Web site. Make reservations by calling (714) 956-6425 and ask for rate plan “AP7.”
This and That
…Several weeks ago we mentioned a Dream Home Sweepstakes sponsored by Taylor Morrison Homes as part of their sponsorship of the new Innoventions Dream Home in Disneyland. According to the rules of the contest, you could enter each day of the promotion to earn one chance to win, or visit a Taylor Morrison community or the Disneyland Resort to obtain a code that would automatically give you the maximum number of entries into the contest. Several MousePlanet readers reported that they were unable to obtain the code at Disneyland, and MousePlanet contacted Taylor Morrison for clarification. A promotions manager for Taylor Morrison Homes provided the code for our readers who may have been unable to obtain one at Disneyland.
To enter, visit the contest Web site, click Enter Now and complete the Web form (link). When you enter the promotional code WD12501, you will automatically receive the maximum number of entries for the contest, which means you won’t need to go back to the Web site every day to reenter.Good luck!
…One end of the Department 56 store in Downtown Disney has been cleared of merchandise and blocked off, and employees there tell us that the space will eventually be walled off to make room for a new store between D56 and Build-a-Bear Workshop. No word on who the new tenant might be, or why Department 56 decided to shrink its store.
One section of the Department 56 store is being closed to make room for a new tenant. Photo © Disney.
…Team MousePlanet is now registered for the 2008 CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park on Sunday, October 19, and though participant registration is not supposed to open until this Friday on August 1, it appears that the Web site is already accepting registrations. To walk with Team MousePlanet, visit the Participant Registration page on the CHOCWalk event Web site (link). Once you register ,you can add yourself to a team using a drop-down selection bar from the “Team Selection” page. We are listed as “Team MousePlanet,” and team names are listed alphabetically in the menu.
A $50 contribution is required of each walker to participate, but you do not need to pay that amount at the time you register. According to the event Web site, “When a walker registers, they will have the option of donating $50 themselves or they may pledge to raise $50 by October 1, 2008.” (Note: Registration does not guarantee you a place if the walk sells out. At least $50 must be paid to ensure your spot in the walk, but you do have some time to raise that amount).
If you can’t join us in person for the walk but would like to sponsor a Team MousePlanet walker, please contact team captain Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix (e-mail) for information. You can also join Team MousePlanet as a “Sleeping Bear,” (a participant who is fundraising but not walk), and help to raise money with Team MousePlanet.
…A reader alerted us that the second Arribas Crystal Arts location in Downtown Disney will close on Wednesday. The booth occupies the former magazine and sundries kiosk originally built for Compass Books near the Disneyland Hotel.
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.
- New Century Timepieces – closed through October for conversion into the Fortuosity Shoppe.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed August 25 – 27
- French Market – closed September 2 – 14 for refurbishment.
- Conostoga Wagon – closes September 2 for possible refurbishment.
- Harbor Galley – closes September 2 for possible refurbishment.
- Fantasmic! – closes September 2; will return in December.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – closes September 2 – October 25 for refurbishment.
- Haunted Mansion – closed September 8 – 25 to install the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Gadget’s Go Coaster – closes September 8 for refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closes October 13 for refurbishment.
- Jungle Cruise – closed October 20-22 for refurbishment.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Flik’s Flyers – closed September 2-12 for refurbishment.
- Hyperion Theater – closes September 2 for refurbishment.
- Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular – closed September 2 through mid-December.
- Sun Wheel – closes September 11 for refurbishment and to install the new Mickey face.
- Burger Invasion – closes September 2 for conversion into a non-McDonald’s restaurant.
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, and you’re invited!
Stay tuned for additional details and events throughout the year. |
Events
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
Spring-Summer 2008
- Disney’s Summer Pin Festival 2008 – Mickey’s Pin Odyssey – June 20 to August 10, 2008 (link).
- 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).
September 2008
- Disney’s HalloweenTime – Friday, September 26 through Sunday, November 2, 2008 (estimated dates).
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) If you’re interested in walking with Team MousePlanet please contact Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix for more information (e-mail).
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.
- Bats Day in the Fun Park (unofficial event) – November 8 & 9. Join 5,000 goths for the annual celebration. (Link)
- MouseAdventure – Sunday, November 16 at the Disneyland Resort. Additional information, including format, price, park and registration dates will be made available later this summer. (Link)
Current Discounts & Promotions
Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!
This first section is a list of discounts on ticket-only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts.
This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).
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One Day, One Park Regularly $66/$56 One Day Park Hopper Regularly $91/$81 |
Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Southern California AAA offices and Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know.) |
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Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $132/$112 |
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). |
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Hotel / Travel Packages
Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey’s Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.
Disney’s Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three-day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at four DCA attractions (Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It’s Tough to be a Bug!, Golden Dreams); Preferred Showing of Turtle Talk with Crush (Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day – one voucher per Guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a “Character Call” from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent.
Other Discounts
Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.
Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. Additionally, after signing up, your membership card will be mailed to you and be accompanied by a $10 award good for your next visit to a Rainforest Cafe. So if you know you will be eating there while at Disneyland and have a Rainforest Cafe local to you, it may make sense to prejoin the Safari Club so that you can use the award during your trip. See the Rainforest Cafe Web site for details (link).
ESPNZone MVP Club – Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within two weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link)
AAA Restaurant Discounts – AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria Ariel’s Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy’s Kitchen.
Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials. Check at the restaurant for menu and price details.
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.
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
| 7/28 | 7/29 | 7/30 | 7/31 | 8/1 | 8/2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
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| 8/3 | 8/4 | 8/5 | 8/6 | 8/7 | 8/8 | 8/9 |
| 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 TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 8/10 | 8/11 | 8/12 | 8/13 | 8/14 | 8/15 | 8/16 |
| 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 TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 8/17 | 8/18 | 8/19 | 8/20 | 8/21 | 8/22 | 8/23 |
| 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 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.
