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News and Views

Grin and Bear it

The Brother Bear overlay extends past the borders of the Redwood Creek
Challenge Trail. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The magic of synergy has come to Disney’s California Adventure. The Redwood
Creek Challenge Trail reopened to the public this weekend, featuring a
new Brother Bear overlay complete with a new character show and
Kenai’s Spirit Cave. Additional Brother Bear themes can be found
around the resort, including two giant inflatable moose above the World
of Disney store. All of this seems to be a lot of effort for a movie that
has received rather poor reviews. [Read our
review of the film.]

Kenai’s Spirit Cave lets visitors discover the spirit of their inner animal.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Visitors can place their hand in the paw print, and discover their true
nature. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Kenai’s Spirit Cave, located in an existing structure in the Challenge
Trail, is decorated inside with “cave paintings” of various
critters. When you place your hand inside one of the two glowing paw prints
in the walls, your true animal spirit is revealed to you. A sign outside
the cave tells you what the result means—bears are loving and strong,
wolves are wise and loyal. You might also be an eagle, moose, salmon,
beaver or skunk.

The Magic of Brother Bear show is set in a woodcarver’s camp. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Magic of Brother Bear Show is a cute little character
show with a few special effects. The human performer is the Woodcarver,
who is preoccupied with divining the true animal spirit of a log he is
about to carve into a totem for an adulthood ceremony.

Just as in the movie, Tuke and Rutt provide the comic relief for the show.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The stage is surrounded with other wood carvings and a large totem of
Tuke and Rutt, the wise-cracking moose from the film. Some of the totems
have some degree of motion, for example, the elephant’s trunk curls up
and the eagle’s wigs flap. Tuke and Rutt’s lower jaws flap up and down
when they talk. Koda and Kenai make appearances during the show, and stay
after to meet children from the audience.

The Woodcarver poses with his creations. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Between shows, Koda and Kenai mingle in the area around the theater and
pose for photos. Koda and Kenai are not signing autograph books because
they are bears, and we all know that bears cannot hold pens. A character
host said, they’re “working on it.”

Sorry, no autographs, but Koda and Kenai give great bear hugs. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Halloween Treats

Event participants get to see unusual sites around Disneyland, including
a beautifully lit castle. Photo by Chris Meinke.

Over 1,200 people began their Halloween at Disneyland by attending an
in-park screening of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The event included a costume contest, a sing-along screening of the film,
a midnight ride on the Haunted Mansion Holiday and trick-or-treating on
Main Street. Attendees went home early Halloween morning with an audience-participationbag
containing props to wave and throw during the film, and a Nightmare-logo
pillowcase filled with treats.

There were a few snags due to the larger head count: the four cash registers
at the concession stand could not meet the demand of 1,200 people trying
to redeem their free popcorn vouchers.

Paris or New Orleans? Cast members are surrounded
with a misty glow. Photo by Chris Meinke.

Once the movie ended, the audience was directed to go straight to The
Haunted Mansion, only to find a line that extended all the way to The
Golden Horseshoe. However, managers quickly stepped in to solve the overcrowding,
handing out armloads of popcorn, and suggesting that people go trick-or-treating
before they rode Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Although some who attended both events said that last year’s version—a
smaller event held on Halloween night—was a better event, this year’s
event was very well received. Compared to the $55 Pirates of the Carribean
screening, this event was a great value at just $35. Kudos, Disneyland,
for demonstrating that great events don’t have to be complicated—or
expensive.

Halloween Tricks, Part 1

Downtown Disney’s Trick-or-Treat, held on Sunday, October 26, attracted
more than twice the people Disney apparently planned for. Attendees reported
that there were long lines just to register at each of the trick-or-treat
stations. MousePlanet reader Fred C. said that by 3:15, park officials
had already placed signs at the parking structure announcing that the
event, which was scheduled to run until 5:00, was over.

On the internal cast member Web site, Bryan Wittman, Vice President Disneyland
Resort Special Events, posted a combined thank you and appology letter
to cast members who worked the event. In the letter, he said that the
free trick-or-treat event attracted twice as many visitors as expected.
“We underestimated the popularity of great Disney offerings like
this and unfortunately, the overwhelming crowds caused some Guest disappointments,”
he said, “As we plan for future events, there is much we have learned.”

Between the recurring popularity of Nightmare events and the overwhelming
response to the Downtown Disney Trick-or-Treat Street event, Disneyland
has ample evidence that a Halloween event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween
Party would be a huge sucess in Anaheim.

Halloween Tricks, Part 2

The Old Hag greets visitors in front of “it’s a small world.”
Photo by Eric Mosher.

Last Halloween, several MousePlanet readers were thrilled to visit Disneyland
and find the park overrun with villains. Frollo, the Evil Queen, the Big
Bad Wolf and even Maleficent had decended upon the park that day, to pose
for photographs and give visitors the rare opportunity to get their wicked
autographs.

Govenor Ratcliff and Percy stalk away for a break.
Photo by Eric Mosher.

Although many of the more uncommon villains stayed home this year, others,
including Jafar, Hades, and the Queen of Hearts, were seen skulking around
Fantasyland.

Jafar and Iago pose for the crowd. Photo by Eric Mosher.

Ignore the ride behind the wall

A new meet-and-greet location has been installed in front of Big Thunder
Mountain Railroad, but don’t expect to see Mickey and Minnie. Instead,
horses from the backstage Circle D Ranch are making daily appearances
in front of an actual Disneyland stagecoach.

Guests can get up close and personal with the horses, and can even pet
them. Participants include Rex, a dapple Percheron that is often seen
on Main Street pulling the trolley, and a very pregnant white quarterhorse.
A cast member explained that this location is the first in a series of
“nostalgia” exhibits planned for the upcoming 50th Anniversary.

Is it nostalgia or a distraction? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Ah, yes, the nostalgia angle. So are we to fondly remember how we met
a variety of critters at the old Big Thunder Ranch, while we ignore the
fact that the former ranch area now sits closed and abandoned, used only
for company picnics?

Should we be nostalgic for the Disneyland Stagecoach line, while we overlook
the ironic placement of this new exhibit in front of the ride that recently
claimed the life of a visitor?

It’s one thing to be nostalgic about something that was replaced—we
can fondly remember the Swiss Family Robinson while visiting Tarzan’s
Treehouse and be nostalgic about the Country Bear Jamboree, while experiencing
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh—but to celebrate an attraction
that has been ripped out and never replaced is not nostalgic, it’s pathetic.

Rex is more interested in his grass than in smiling for the camera. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

What’s next? Will they pull a Submarine up to the dock and open it for
nostalgic walk-throughs? How about a nostalgic photo opportunity in the
still-standing Skyway bucket tower? Better yet, they can nostalgically
place People Mover cars on the Tomorrowland track.

None of this has anything to do with the horse, of course. The meet-and-greet
is a neat opportunity, and there was a long line of children happily petting
the horses last week. But this whole “nostalgia” theme smacks
of classic misdirection. That is, if Disney can turn our attention the
past, perhaps we won’t notice how little the future seems to hold.

Space, the closed frontier

Move over NASA, Buzz Lightyear is waiting. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Speaking of the future, construction walls went up around the American
Space Experience last Tuesday, and the 5-year-old exhibit is being packed
up and carted out. The former exhibit space, along with the former CircleVision
location next door, will be the home of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger
Spin. The ride, which has not been officially announced, is planned to
open in Spring 2005.

Beyond this wall lies our future. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Preview for a few

After we reported last week that the Disneyland Resort would be hosting
an Annual Passholder preview on November 18 and 19, a few readers
asked if we had printed the wrong dates. There is no information about
this event on the Disneyland Web site, the park’s Guest Relations department
claimed to know nothing about it, and hey—aren’t those weekdays?

If you take the day off, you can get a sneak peek at Tower of Terror in
November. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Unfortunately for those passholders who have day jobs, our information
was correct. The Annual Passholder event is being held on a Tuesday and
Wednesday, days where DCA closes at 6 p.m. The extra passholder discounts,
details of which have not yet been announced, will be valid those two
days as well.

A matter of perspective

Have you heard this one? Two visitors are walking through the Magic Kingdown,
and see that workers are painting one of the buildings. Visitor A points
to this scene and says with disgust, “Look at that—they’re painting.”
Visitor B takes in the scene and says with awe, “Look at that—they’re
painting!”

The Main Street Cinema gets a new winter coat. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sadly, that isn’t a joke, but a real discussion that took place between
an infrequent visitor and an annual passholder. The infrequent visitor
was surprised to see maintenance work being done during the operating
day, instead of overnight as was once the norm. The passholder was so
happy to see something being painted that it didn’t matter when or where
it was done.

During the past several weeks, painters have been making their way up
Main Street, giving the buildings a much-needed touchup. Like that passholder,
we’re so happy to see Main Street get the attention it needs that we don’t
care when they do it.

Mickey’s 75th Anniversary

The Disneyland Resort will launch a 75th Anniversary on November 18
at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Event merchandise, including
apparel, print art and pins, will be available for sale. A selection of
artwork will be on display until January 31, when it will be offered for
sale at auction.

Have a Coke, and a pass –

MousePlanet reader SoCalSnowWhite made an interesting discovery inside
a 12-pack of Coke. Inside was a $20 off coupon towards the purchase of
a new Deluxe or Premium Disneyland Resort Annual Pass. The coupon is valid
through January 31, 2004. Another reader reported finding the same offer
on a two-liter bottle of Coke.

Monorail update

Cast members prepare to put Monorail Orange back online Thursday. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

As we reported last week, the lone working train on the Disneyland Monorail
line broke down on Wednesday, October 22, and remained closed for the
rest of the week. The cause of the breakdown was said to be a stress fracture
on an axle. Mechanics repaired Monorail Orange that weekend, and the train
was put back into service for a few hours on Saturday and about four hours
Sunday evening.

Another stress fracture was found on Monday, and Monorail Orange went
back into the repair shop. The train returned to service this past Thursday
afternoon.

Cast members have said that Monorails Blue and Purple are both undergoing
extensive refurbishment, including the installation of a new drive system.
Monorail Red, which some rumors suggest has been cannibalized to provide
parts to the other three trains, is expected to be back in service in
time for the holiday crowds.

Ears to the ground…

…Disneyland Cast Choir Members have been told that the narrator for
both nights of the 2003 Candlelight Processional scheduled for December
6 and 7, will be Louis Gossett, Jr.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

“it’s a small world” is closed for the holiday overlay. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• “it’s a small world” closed October 20 to November
  7 to install the “it’s a small world” Holiday overlay


• Mark Twain Riverboat closed November 3 indefinitely


• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely


• Space Mountain closed through 2005


• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed indefinitely

Disney’s California Adventure

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

• Hyperion / Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular closed
  November 3 – 14


• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely

Future Attraction Closures

Another few inches of white paint are visible around Space Mountain. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed November 10 to December 11
• Indiana Jones Adventure closed January 20, 2004 to April 3,
  2004

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information
is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call
Disneyland at (714) 781-7290.

Park Events

November

• Ambassador Pin Event date not announced.


• Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest pin release, date not announced.
  
  
  

December

• Marie Osmond “Enchanted Tiki Room Hostess” doll release
  and meet-and-greet at Disneyland. Saturday, December 6.


• Candlelight Processional at Disneyland. December 6 and 7.


• Robert Olszewski “Central Plaza” sculpture release
  at Disneyland. Saturday, December 13.

January

• 75 Years with Mickey auction, January 31, 2004.

February

• Sleeping Beauty’s Royal Ball, details to be announced at a
  later date. February 14.

May

• A Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics – “A Disney
  Blast to the Past” May 14 to 16. Registration open to
  returning participants through October 15, open registration begins
  October 16.


• Spring Tower of Terror event, date and details to be announced
  at a later date.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Have a Coke, and a pass

Specially marked 12-packs and two-liter bottles of Coca-Cola in Southern
California are currently offering a $20 off coupon towards the purchase
of a new Deluxe or Premium Disneyland Resort Annual Pass. The coupon is
valid through Jan 31, 2004.

Angels in the Outfield

Disney Visa cardholders will be receiving a certificate in their next
statement for a free try at the “Angels in the Outfield” midway
game at DCA.

Fall “Resident Salute” – Two parks, two days for the
price of one.

Southern California residents can purchase a one-day ticket to Disneyland
and a one-day ticket to Disney’s California Adventure for the price of
a regular one-day admission.*

The resort hotels are offering a “Stay and Play” package in
conjunction with this discount. It includes the resident salute 2-for-1
theme park ticket plus a one-night stay at one of the Disneyland Resort
hotels. The package starts at $89 per person. ** To book this package,
call (714) 956-MICKEY and ask for the package code SAP.

*Offer valid through 11/24/03 for Southern California
residents ZIP codes 90000-93599. Admission valid one day at Disneyland
Park, and one day at Disney’s California Adventure Park. May purchase
up to 5 tickets per person, per day, with valid ID. First day of use must
be on purchase day. Ticket valid 30 days from first use, or through 11/25/03,
whichever occurs first. Restrictions apply. Tickets are non-transferable.
Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions.

**Valid for arrivals through 11/24/03 for Southern California
residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599. $89 price is per person, double
occupancy, Sunday through Thursday standard room rate at Disney’s Paradise
Pier Hotel, and includes 2 days admission, valid one day at Disneyland
Park, and one day at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Weekend rates
and other room rates may vary. Ticket valid 30 days from first use, or
through 11/25/03, whichever occurs first. Price excludes resort fees and
taxes. Limit 5 people per room, at an additional cost per person. Promotional
rate is subject to availability and advance reservations required. Not
available for groups.

All offers, events, tickets, age ranges, services, attractions,
and entertainment, may be seasonal, and are subject to change without
notice.

A Nightmare deal at Costco

MousePad member Tiki Junki purchased a copy of The Nightmare Before
Christmas at a local Costco store, and discovered a Disneyland Resort
offer inside. The $13 Special Edition DVD comes with a voucher for up
to 4 pre–issued Fastpass tickets for the Haunted Mansion, and a voucher
for one free cloisonne pin from the Le Bat en Rouge Shop in New Orleans
Square. The vouchers are good until March 31, 2004, and are redeemable
at Disneyland—there nothing to mail in, and you won’t wait four to
six weeks for the passes and pin to arrive.

Annual Passholders nights at the Disneyland Resort hotels

Annual passholder discounts are available at the Paradise Pier hotel
through December 12. Rates are $79 per night weekdays, and $119 per night
weekends. AP rooms are also available at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s
Grand Californian Hotel at higher rates.

Get 5 days and 4 nights for the price of 3

Book a package at the Disneyland Resort for a minimum four-nights through
the Walt Disney Travel Company, and your package price will include one
night’s free accommodations at participating hotels. Your package will
also include a five-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket for the price
of a three-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket. Click
here for a list of participating hotels and dates.

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute

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

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

Annual passholder discounts at Alamo

California residents get discounts of up to 20 percent off Alamo’s retail
rates in the United States. For more details and the discount code you’ll
need for this offer, visit the annual
passholder section of the Disneyland Web site.

ESPN Zone discounts for annual passholders

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

City Pass now available with AAA packages

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

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

• 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket
  
• 1-day ticket to Sea World Adventure park
  
• 1-day ticket to the World-famous San Diego Zoo
  
• 1-day ticket to Knott’s Theme Park.
  

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

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

5-Day Park Hopper promotion extended

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

AAA Passport Plus Package

For $122.75, you can get a 5-day park hopper and the following extras:

• Multiple attraction Fastpass (The “Unlimited” option)
  
• Breakfast in the park (one per person)
  
• Free ESPN Zone arena game card ($10 value)
  
• AAA Free parking at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks
  

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

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

AAA-Disney’s Resort Magic Package

This package requires a minimum 2-night hotel stay, and includes:

• Accommodations at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel,
  or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
  
• Disneyland Resort Hotel self-parking and Fitness Center access
  
• Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket – valid for entry into Disneyland
  park and Disney’s California Adventure park with full park-hopping privileges
  
• Free ESPN Zone Arena Game Card – $10 value (one per person)
  
• New. Collect Fastpass tickets for multiple attractions at one time.
  Preferred Seating at a choice of select shows in Disney’s California
  Adventure
  
• Exclusive – Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard
  (one per person)
  
• Exclusive – Walt Disney Travel Company California Fun Book (one
  per package)
  
• Exclusive – Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide (one per package)
  

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

Park Hours/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland

DCA: Disney’s California Adventure

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

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

Entertainment Schedule