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News and Views

Mickey Mouse turned 75, and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.

Minnie remembered Mickey’s birthday, but did he forget hers? Photo by
Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Disney company celebrated Mickey’s 75th birthday in typical bicoastal
fashion. While Walt Disney World in Florida threw a celebrity-studded
event and unveiled a new resort-wide art installation, Disneyland had
an unannounced “noon moment” in ToonTown and released a lot
of commemorative merchandise.

Disneyland Resort Ambassador Daina Baker greets the crowd. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

It’s tough to be Minnie Mouse. Although she turned 75 along with Mickey,
her entire role in the celebration was to throw a surprise party for the
Big Cheese. Party guests started to congregate in front of Mickey’s House
when ToonTown opened at 11—although Disneyland did not publicize
the event in advance, main gate cast members told visitors about the “surprise
party” as they entered the park, and members of the online Disney
community spread the word on message boards.

Mickey and friends pose in front of Mickey’s house. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

By noon, the street and sidewalks around Mickey’s House were filled with
visitors craning their necks to get a view of the proceedings. Four performers
welcomed the crowd and explained that this was supposed to be a surprise
party for Mickey, asking everyone to be as “quiet as a mouse.”
Disneyland Resort Ambassador Daina Baker arrived next, followed by Minnie
and friends. Minnie rang Mickey’s doorbell, Mickey was “surprised,”
the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to Mickey, and the event concluded
in the requisite shower of confetti.

It was a cute, cheesy event—about what we have come to expect from
Disneyland.

…But what happened next was a surprise even to jaded Disneyland
regulars. Daina Baker thanked the crowd for coming, and ended by saying:

“Oh, and we invite you to check out a very special merchandise
sale that’s going on at the World of Disney, in Downtown Disney—it’s
celebrating Mickey’s 75th birthday!”

The groan from the audience was audible.

75 Mickey sculptures are on display around the World of Disney store.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

One fan said, “It’s always been about the money, and now they aren’t
even pretending otherwise.” Another said, “They just turned
Mickey’s birthday party into a commercial for T-shirts.”

Later in the day, Mickey—with Minnie in tow—appeared at the
“My Disneyland Birthday” party event at Plaza Inn, where customers
who plunked down $10 per person could eat cake with the characters.

…What a far cry from the park-wide celebrations held for Mickey’s
60th birthday.

So, what about the merchandise? The new collection has the usual assortment
of shirts, jackets, frames, mugs, plush and pins. The most interesting
thing at the World of Disney is the new window display of 75 Mickey Mouse
“Big Figs.” Each of the 75 figures are based on the same Mickey
Mouse figure; only the hands vary. Each has been dressed in a different
fabric costume, complete with accessories.

The Enchanted Tiki Mickey comes with his own parrot. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

The costumes are varied and creative, with Mickey dressed as an astronaut,
a knight, an Indian chief, Aladdin, the Mad Hatter, a tourist, and a pirate
captain. Those costumes that are based on a cast member costume come complete
with a “Mickey” name badge. Honored attractions include Tower
of Terror, the Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the
Caribbean, and Indiana Jones Adventure. Mickey also dresses as a Main
Street “bobby,” Disneyland Railroad conductor, a New Century
Timepieces cast member, and a Dapper Dan. The figures will be on display
at the World of Disney until January 31, 2004, when they will be sold
at auction.

Mickey Mouse sculptures, including the International, Marching Band, Dapper
Dan and Band Leader figures shown here, will be auctioned off on January
31, 2004. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The 75 Mickey Mouse sculptures just installed at Walt Disney World will
remain on display there until April 2004. Those sculptures will then embark
on an 18-month tour that ends at the Disneyland Resort in October 2005.
Those sculptures will remain on display here for several months, and then
sold at auction. The proceeds of each sale will go to a charity picked
by the artist of each statue.

A Disney artist decorates the sidewalk around the World of Disney Store
with chalk art. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Annual Passholder kickoff

While Mickey was having his surprise party in Disneyland, annual passholders
lined up inside Disney’s California Adventure park to visit the passholder
preview lounge. Once inside, passholders got to see a pony cast in the
new Snow White musical, trade pins from the resurrected pin cart,
and enter the “no cameras allowed” lounge. Inside, passholders
received a button and a pack of Brother Bear trading cards.

Passholders waited up to 45 minutes to enter the lounge. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

Passholders then got to watch a video for the Disney-MGM Studios’ Tower
of Terror at Walt Disney World, and look over some renderings of the costumes,
landscaping and retail location for the DCA version. Across the room,
a cast member stood with renderings from the upcoming Snow White
production. MousePlanet reader Isaac posted about one of the renderings
on our MousePad message boards (link),
and compared the sets to Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly
Delights.”

A pony from the new Snow White musical was on display at the preview.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Annual passholders could pose for photos with the Disney characters dressed
in their holiday garb, and sip tiny glasses of apple cider while munching
on popcorn. Passholder merchandise was available for sale, of course,
and the foods department displayed a sign about the Candlelight Dinner
packages. As passholders left the lounge, some were stopped by Disney
survey takers, who asked for their thoughts about AP events.

Santa hears a Christmas wish from a young visitor. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Here comes Santa Claus

Santa returned to Disneyland this weekend, with a photo location on Main
Street and an appearance in the Christmas Fantasy parade.

Toy soldiers lead the Christmas Fantasy parade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Chip and Dale play with their gift from Santa. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Work begins Monday to install holiday decor inside the Grand Californian
Hotel, and Santa begins making regular appearances at all three resort
hotels on Thanksgiving Day.

A holiday tradition, the roller-skating snowflakes are back. Photo by
Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Mickey and Minnie enjoy a skater’s waltz together. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Christmas Fantasy parade returned with few changes. Mickey and Minnie
again grace the ice rink float, while Chip and Dale take to the streets
in their wind-up car.

New reindeer delight some, but many miss the old costumes. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

The most noticeable change in this year’s parade are the new reindeer
dancers. Instead of the silly smiling reindeer from previous years—best
known for their lolling tongues—the new herd is led by Rudolph, complete
with a glowing red nose.

Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkles in the pre-fireworks calm. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.

Monorail Red is back in action. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Happily seeing Red

Monorail Red returned to service at Disneyland this weekend, giving the
resort two functional trains. Monorails Blue and Purple are expected to
return to service after the first of the year, when Orange and Red will
return to the roundhouse for additional maintenance.

Construction continues on the Paradise Pier hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

New Annual Passholder discounts

• Annual passholders can book a room at the Paradise Pier hotel for
  $59. This offer is valid only on Sunday nights.


• Annual passholders can purchase an OC Arts card for $37.50, 25 percent
  off the regular price to obtain discounts to numerous Orange County
  arts venues. The first 500 passholders to purchase a card receive a
  second card for free. For more information or to order a card, visit
  the OC Arts card Web site (link)
  or call (888) 556-5160. To receive the annual passholder discount, use
  the offer code C04DIAP.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

The progress of Space Mountain’s new paint job is visible from outside
the park. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed November 10 to December 11


• Mark Twain Riverboat closed indefinitely as of November
  3


• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely


• Space Mountain closed through 2005


• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed indefinitely

Additional structures are going up around the Tower of Terror, including
the entrance gate supports. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely


• Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie closed through December 19

Future Attraction Closures

• Indiana Jones Adventure closed January 20 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

• Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night at the Paradise Pier hotel
  – Sunday, November 23, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
  
  
  

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.


• Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night at the Paradise Pier hotel
  – Sunday, December 14, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

January

• Disneyland Resort float in 2004 Tournament of Roses Parade,
  January 1, 2004


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


• Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest pin release, date not announced.
  (Moved from November)

February

• Sleeping Beauty’s Royal Ball, details available at the Disney
  Gallery Web site (link).
  February 14.

April

• Tower of Terror event, details to be announced at a later date.
  April 22 & 23, 2004

May

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

Current Discounts & Promotions

Live an Artful Life with an OC Arts Card

The Disneyland Resort partnering with Arts Orange County sponsor the
OC Arts Card, which provides cardholders with benefits such as savings
on tickets, classes, merchandise and memberships at more than 40 nonprofit
arts venues in the local Orange County community.

Annual passholders can purchase the 2004 card for $37.50, 25 percent
off the regular price. In addition, the first 500 passholders to purchase
a card receive a second card for free.

For more information or to order a card, visit the OCArts card Web site
(link)
or call (888) 556-5160. To receive the annual passholder discount, use
offer code C04DIAP. The first card is mailed immediately; those who are
among the first 500 will have the second card mailed at a later time.

Disney’s Wildfire Heroes Salute

“Disney’s Wildfire Heroes Salute” entitles active California
firefighters, law enforcement and rescue personnel, with proper organization
and photo ID, to one free three-day park hopper ticket. They can also
make a one-time purchase of up to five three-day park hopper companion
tickets for $39 each. Discounted hotel rates are also available at the
three Disneyland Resort hotels.

The promotion is valid from November 11 to March 31, except for blackout
dates of November 27 to 29, December 20 to January 3, and February 14
to 16. For more details, visit Disneyland’s Disney’s Wildfire Heroes Salute
Web page (link)
or call (714) 520-5069.

Disneyland Resort Holiday Getaway offer

Disneyland is offering a holiday-themed variation on its recurring “get
5 days and 4 nights for the price of 3” offer. The promotion is available
through January 2, 2004, and includes:

• A 5-day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-day ticket.


• A 4th night free at participating hotels, including the Disneyland
  Resort hotels and selected “Good Neighbor” hotels.


• A collectible pin and lanyard


• Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide


• A Disney holiday ornament (with arrivals between November 10 – December
  31, 2003)

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.

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 four pre–issued Fastpass tickets for the Haunted Mansion, and
a voucher for one free cloisonné 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 is nothing to mail in, and no
four-to-six-week wait 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 Friday, 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 the package price includes 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.

A Southern California City Pass booklet includes admission to five separate
entertainment options:

• 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 from the Disneyland Web site (link).
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