Disneyland Park Update

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News and Views

Why Francis won’t Boogie

After experiencing numerous mechanical problems, Disney has quietly closed the Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie attraction not even a year after Flik’s Fun Fair opened at Disney’s California Adventure park. One of the land’s five carnival-style rides, the ladybug-shaped ride vehicles have been removed from their turntables, and a construction wall surrounds the area.

A construction wall has closed off the attraction before, once for two weeks last September and again for most of December. MousePlanet contributor David Michael, on this ride’s chronic rehab status, said, “There is something mechanical that Disney doesn’t like about the ride.” MousePlanet has learned that the ride has been involved in three incidents since November, leading to the decision to close it indefinitely.

A sign notifies park visitors that the attraction is closed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie is very similar to The Whirlpool ride at Tokyo DisneySea, and MousePlanet reader CoasterMatt notes that both are a variation of the classic “cuddle up” carnival ride. [DefunctParks.com has information and photos of one such ride at Carsonia Park in Pennsylvania (link).] The ride has five ladybug ride vehicles that move in a figure-8 pattern around two turntables. As the vehicle reaches the center of the figure, it moves between the turntables.

In the DCA version of the ride, this transition is very noticeable, and the “thrill” of the ride is that your ride vehicle appears to narrowly avoid a collision with another vehicle as it makes this transition. While those who have ridden both Disney versions say the Tokyo ride is very smooth, with an undetectable transition, DCA cast members report that riders often thought their vehicle had been struck, as it makes a bumpy connection to the next turntable.

Francis’ problems began in November with such a complaint. This time, however, it seemed that the guest was right. A cast member says that it was obvious even before the engineers arrived to inspect the ride that there was something very wrong—one of the ride vehicles was wobbling freely on its base. Nobody was injured, and the ride was closed for repairs.

A few days after the ride reopened, the ride operator E-stopped—that is, made an emergency stop on—the ride because they thought they saw something fly from under one of the ride vehicles during a ride cycle. Again, nobody was injured, and the ride was closed for another inspection.

A Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie ride car, back when it was in operation. MousePlanet file photo.

During that inspection, the engineers reportedly determined that a “known wear” part—a part that is scheduled for routine replacement—on the base unit was “failing,” or wearing out, much faster than it should. Sources informed MousePlanet that this particular part was scheduled to be replaced every six months, but was instead failing every two to four weeks. The ride was closed for most of December while four of the vehicles were refurbished. When the ride reopened just before Christmas, the fifth ladybug car was covered with a fabric cover, and cast members were instructed not to load passengers into it.

The final straw came in early March, when another passenger complained that their vehicle had collided with the covered vehicle during the ride cycle. Although there was no evidence of a collision—no scuffed paint, no wobbling ladybugs—Disney decided to close the ride indefinitely rather than risk another accident.

To date, the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health has not received any reports or complaints about the ride. A DOSH spokesman noted, however, that Disney is only required to report accidents where a passenger or ride operator requires medical attention.

When we contacted Disneyland, park spokesman Bob Tucker said, “We have identified some opportunities for improving the reliability of the attraction and hope to reopen it this summer once we are completely satisfied it will operate in accordance with the high standards we require.”

It is unclear why the DCA version of this ride is having so many more problems than its Tokyo counterpart, or if the problems can be repaired without completely replacing the ride. For now, Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie joins Superstar Limo in DCA’s “closed indefinitely” lineup.

Grad Night Season

They’re back! High school seniors from around Southern California take over Disneyland for eight nights over the next two months. The 2004 Grad Night dates are May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17. Grad Nights run from midnight to 6am, and are closed to the general public. Tickets are $47 per person.

For an extra $28 per person, students can start Grad Nite two hours early with Blast-off in Disney’s California Adventure, or by booking an event at ESPN Zone at Downtown Disney. Blastoff participants will gain entrance into the Paradise Pier area of DCA at 10:00pm, and will receive a free dinner voucher and be able to experience the available rides and attractions.

New parking rates

Disneyland raised their parking rates by $1 last week, and increased the price on the Annual Passholder parking pass by $9. The new rates are as follows:

• Cars and motorcycles are now $9, up from $8
  
• RVs, Limos and Extended Cab vehicles are now $11, up from $10
  
• Busses and trucks with extended trailers are now $16, up from $15
  
• Annual Passport Parking Pass is now $49, up from $40
  

The George Lopez Show is Going to Disneyland

It’s the first time the Disneyland Resort has been in a sitcom since Blossom in 1993. In the episode, George refuses to join his family at Disneyland until he clears the air with his mother, Benny, about why he’s never been there.

ABC is having a contest connected with the show called “The Great Mouse Hunt.” The person who finds the most hidden Mickey heads in the “George Goes to Disneyland” episode on Friday, April 30 at 8/7c, could win $10,000 and a VIP vacation to the Disneyland Resort for a family of four. One-hundred runners up will get a TGIF beach towel. The Web site says there are between 50 and 150 hidden Mickeys. For more information and rules, go to ABC.com.

Ears to the ground

…MousePlanet reader Rob Borucki sent in this tidbit:

“This week’s issue of Amusement Business magazine quotes an unnamed source who suggests TDA [Team Disney Anaheim, the corporate offices for Disneyland] is considering reopening the Submarine Voyage with a Finding Nemo theme. I know this has been a rumor for a while, but I find it interesting that it would become the subject of an industry article at this time (so close to the 50th Anniversary announcement).”

Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us here.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Peter Pan’s Flight closed through May 28.
  
• Adventureland restrooms closed through May 1.
  
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely.
  
• Space Mountain closed through 2005.
  

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely.
  
• Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie closed indefinitely.
  

Future Closures

• Pirates of the Caribbean closed May 3 – 7.
  
• Alice in Wonderland closed June 1 – July 3.
  
• Sleeping Beauty Castle closed June 21 – October 2.
  
• Snow White’s Scary Adventures closed August 23 – September 11.
  
• Enchanted Tiki Room closes September 8 – October 30.
  
• Haunted Mansion closed September 13 – October 1 for installation of Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
  
• Matterhorn Bobsleds closed September 13 – November 5.
  

Disneyland Resort Hotels

• Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Pool closed May 3 – 8.
  
• Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom closed July 2 – 16.
  
• Disneyland Hotel Convention Center lobby, upper level & lower level closed July 16 – September 1.
  

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

April

A dusty lobby provides a sense of abandoned foreboding in the queue area of the Tower of Terror at DCA. Previews for Disneyland Annual Passholders for the new attraction continue through the start of this week. Photo by Joey Pallares.

• Tower of Terror passholder previews, details available at the Disney Gallery Web site (link). April 26 to 28.
  

May

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Opening at DCA. May 5.
  
• A Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics – “A Disney Blast to the Past” May 14 – 16.
  

September

• 2004 Haunted Mansion Holiday Event Thursday, September 30.
  

October

• CHOC Walk – this fun-walk through Disneyland park is a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (link). October 3.
  

Current Discounts & Promotions

The Disney Treasures offer for APs

Annual Passholders can receive a copy of The Disney Treasures book, worth $60, when they apply for a Disney Visa card. The book will be mailed after the cardholder uses the new account. Apply by phone at 1-800-640-5306, and mention card code 26FF.

Car rental discounts

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders save up to 20 percent on car rentals from Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental. Restrictions apply—get full details and the necessary discount codes on the Annual Passholder Web site (link).

Anaheim Angels tickets

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can save 50 percent off the regular price of tickets for the following home games of the Anaheim Angels baseball team, which plays at nearby Angel Stadium of Anaheim (formerly Edison Field):

• Baltimore Orioles: Saturday, May 22, 7:05 p.m.
  
• Cleveland Indians: Friday, June 4, 7:05 p.m.
  
• Oakland Athletics: Monday, June 21, 7:05 p.m.
  
• Boston Red Sox: Thursday, July 15, 7:05 p.m.
  
• Seattle Mariners: Sunday, August 1, 1:05 p.m.
  

Prices are: Terrace Box, $12.50 (reg. $25); Lower View Box, $7.50 (reg. $15); and Upper View, $6.00 (reg. $12).

Although there is no limit to how many tickets a passholder can purchase, you must use mail or fax in the order form provided at the Annual Passholder Web site, and you cannot purchase these tickets online or obtain them at the ticket window on the day of the game. See the passholder Web site for details (link).

Disney’s Passport Plus Package for 2004 includes:

• Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket
  
• $10 ESPN Zone Arena Game Card
  
• Preferred Seating at select shows in Disney’s California Adventure Park
  
• California Diamond Fun Book (one per package)
  
• Free parking at Disneyland Resort Theme Parks
  

Prices are:

• 5-day: $129 (children: $99)
  
• 6-day: $159 (children: $129)
  
• 7-day: $184 (children: $149)
  

An additional handling fee of $10 is charged per mailing address.

SoCal Salute: Two parks, two days at one-day price

Through Friday, April 30, the Disneyland Resort is offering a new version of the Southern Californian resident salute. Residents may spend a day at Disneyland and a day at Disney’s California Adventure for the price of a one-day ticket.

Eligible residents can purchase up to five “2fer” tickets per day with proof of Southern California residency (zip codes 90000 through 93599, or Northern Baja California residents within zip codes 21000 through 22999; valid ID required). “2fer” tickets are priced at the regular one-day ticket prices for the Disneyland Resort theme parks—$49.75 for ages 10 and up, $39.75 for ages 3 through 9—and are available at Resort ticket booths as well as at the Disneyland Web site (link).

The first day of use must occur on the date of purchase; the second day of use must occur within 30 days of purchase or before April 30, whichever occurs first.

New AAA tickets

AAA announced new ticket plans for the Disneyland Resort:

• 2-day adult Flex Passport $98 (children: $78)
  
• 5-day adult Flex Passport $129 (children: $99)
  

The new prices took effect December 24, 2003, and all tickets include free parking (the back of the passports note the free parking, so you will need the passport with you when you park your car).

CityPass

The Southern California CityPass 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 either the world-famous San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park
  
• 1-day ticket to Knott’s Theme Park (includes a free Knott’s Berry Farm T-shirt with each child’s City Pass)
  

Effective April 1, CityPass prices increased to $172 ($129 for children).

You can purchase the Southern California CityPass with Walt Disney Travel Company packages. 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 for an additional charge of $47 per pass ($32 per pass for children 3 through 9).

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

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. Sel – Southern California Select Annual Pass. DX – Deluxe Annual Pass.

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

Entertainment Schedule

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.