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News and Views
The wait is over
Last Wednesday, the Walt Disney Company made the long-awaited announcement
of “The Happiest Celebration on Earth,” which marks the 50th
anniversary of Disneyland with the introduction of new shows and attractions
at all of its 10 Disney theme parks. The 18-month-long promotion begins
May 5, 2005, and includes a three-month move of its Disney Magic
cruise ship from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Los Angeles.
Florida’s Walt Disney World is opening an original attraction at Animal
Kindgom, called Expedition Everest, and importing attractions from other
Disney theme parks, including Cinderellebration from Tokyo Disneyland,
the Lights, Motors, Action show from Walt Disney Studios park in
Paris, Soarin’ from Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) park, and Lucky
the Dinosaur, which was on trial display at Disneyland last year.
Disneyland Paris is introducing its version of the Wishes fireworks show,
originally from Walt Disney World. Tokyo DisneySea opens two new rides
by 2006: its own version of Tower of Terror, and a new thrill ride in
the Lost River Delta section of the park.
The Disney Cruise Line comes to California from late May to mid-August
for a series of 12 seven-night cruises between Los Angeles and Mexico.
Two 14-day repositioning cruises will move the Disney Magic through the
Panama Canal on its way to and from Los Angeles.
MousePlanet Streaming Video
Watch Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Announcement (35
min.)
High
Resolution (256k) | Low
Resolution (56k)
Michael Eisner, Julie Andrews, Art Linkletter and Minnie Mouse help announce
plans for Disneyland’s birthday. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, video
of anniversary announcement by Jeffry Moxley.
Disney CEO Michael Eisner, Disney President and Chief Operating Officer
Bob Iger and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts President Jay Rasulo attended
the announcement, which featured guest appearances by Art Linkletter and
Julie Andrews. Andrews will serve as Disneyland’s Honorary Ambassador
during the promotion.
Disneyland will celebrate with a promotion called “The Happiest
Homecoming on Earth,” which includes:
- An overlay on Sleeping Beauty Castle
- “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams,” a new parade at Disneyland
- “Remember… Dreams Come True,” a new fireworks show
at Disneyland - Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland
- A “re-Imagineered” Space Mountain
- A Disneyland history exhibit at Disneyland’s Main Street Opera House,
featuring a new film. - “Block Party Bash,” a new parade at Disney’s California
Adventure, featuring The Muppets, Lilo & Stitch, and characters
from three Disney-Pixar films.
Read our complete coverage of the announcement ceremony and plans for
the 50th anniversary at this
link.
Tower’s big debut
The West coast incarnation of the Tower of Terror also opened last week,
dedicated in ceremony Tuesday night attended by Disney CEO Michael Eisner
and Carol Serling, wife of Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling.
MousePlanet Streaming Video
Watch the Tower of Terror dedication and AAA presentation
(12 mins.)
High
Resolution (256k) | Low
Resolution (56k)
The Hollywood Tower Hotel provides the backdrop for the Tower of Terror
dedication and AAA Presentation. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, video
by Jeffry Moxley.
Tower of Terror’s first official weekend started slow as the new E-ticket
was down until noon on Saturday. No Fastpass tickets were distributed
before the ride was reopened, but guests were allowed to take their chances
by waiting in the stand-by line, which at one point extended to the entrance
of the Animation Building. However, just two hours after the ride opened,
stand-by wait time shrank to 40 minutes. Lines were considerably longer
by dusk, reaching 120 minutes.
Drawn to the Magic premieres
“Drawn to the Magic,” DCA’s new “streetmosphere”
show, debuted this weekend. The show, which takes place on a sidewalk
in the Hollywood Backlot District features three “animators”
who invite audience particpation in their songs. The show ends when three
Disney characters—including Sorcerer Mickey—appear, and invite
the audience to join them in a meet-and-greet inside the Animation Building.
Start making plans
Although Disneyland’s online booking system is not yet taking reservations
for most travel during the 50th anniversary promotion, one new package
is now available. If you book a three-night resort stay at any of the
Disneyland Resort hotels, your package includes a four-day Park Hopper
ticket, a special 50th anniversary commemorative clock, and a Walk in
Walt’s Footsteps tour.
The “50th Celebration Package” is available only for
three-night stays, with arrival dates from May 5, 2005 through December
31, 2005. The package can be booked through the Disneyland Web site (link),
or by calling (714) 520-5060.
Come sail away
While many complain that the West Coast Disney cruise packages are too
expensive compared to the East Coast intineraries, as word spreads about
the cruises, the rate that travelers are snapping up rooms is rising daily—allowing
Disney to continue increases its rates for the remaining inventory. The
14-day eastbound repositioning cruise through the Panama Canal is sold
out, and many cabin categories are wait-list only for seven-night cruises.
Some travel agents have been advising travelers that the best stragegy
may be to wait until the initial booking frenzy subsides. Customers who
made their reservations the day the bookings opened have until today (Monday)
to make their deposits. After that, the cabins go back into available
inventory. According to a MousePlanet reader, her travel agent said that
prices should come down again in the year before the first cruise departs
in May 2005.
Blast To The Past—2004 Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics
Public Day
The Disneyland Resort hosts a public day at the conclusion of the “Disney
Blast To The Past—2004 Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics”
event this week. Public day is Sunday, May 16 from noon to 6:00 in the
Marina East Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel.
Remaining event merchandise from A Disney Blast to the Past—2004
Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics and other select art and collectibles
will be offered as part of a merchandise opportunity from 12:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m. There will also be “meet and greet” and signing opportunities
with Disney artists.
The following Disney artists will be appearing in the Pavilion at the
Disneyland Hotel from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m:
- Disney artist David Pacheco, Creative Director for Walt Disney Art
Classics – signs Walt Disney Classics Collection sculptures including
the latest releases in the Disney’s “it’s a small world after all”
collection. - Disney artist Kent Melton, renowned sculptor – signs select Walt
Disney Classics Collection sculptures. - Disney artist Dusty Horner, noted sculptor – signs select Walt
Disney Classics Collection sculptures.
The following special guests are appearing in the Marina East Ballroom
at the Disneyland Hotel:
- Disney author Robert Tieman – signs his latest book The Disney
Treasures. 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Mouseketeers Sherry (Alberoni) Van Meter and Bobby Burgess. 1:30 p.m.
to 4:00 p.m. - Disney author Carlene Thie – signs her latest book Disneyland…
the Beginning. 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Merchandise available while supplies last. Information subject to change
without notice. Disney asks that you bring no personal items to be signed.
Limit two (2) signed pieces per person.
Grab a bite to go
After many mornings of guests not being able to get to the La Brea Bakery
early in the morning because of long lines, guests exiting the Mickey
and Friends tram can now stop at the restaurant’s new outdoor vending
cart, which sells coffee and pastries.
Ears to the ground
…In last week’s update, we reported that there will be a test of
the Believe… There’s Magic in the Stars fireworks on Wednesday,
May 19 at 9:15 p.m. We incorrectly said that the park is scheduled to
close at 10 that evening. Although the showing is still scheduled, Disneyland
is scheduled to close at 8 that night, so park visitors may not be able
to view the after-hours fireworks test.
Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us
here.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Francis’ Lady Bug Boogie remains closed while work continues on the base
units. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland
- Peter Pan’s Flight closed through May 28.
- 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
- 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
May
- A Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics – “A Disney
Blast to the Past” May 14–16. - Grad Nights: May 13, 20, 27
June
- Grad Nights: June 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17
September
- 2004 Haunted Mansion Holiday Event Thursday, September 30.
Reservations will be accepted at the Disney Gallery Web site (link).
May 24 at 9:00 a.m. PDT.
October
- CHOC Walk – this fun-walk through Disneyland park is a
fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (link).
October 3.
May, 2005
- Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary celebration begins May 5.
Current Discounts & Promotions
50th Anniversary Package
If you book a three-night resort stay at any of the Disneyland Resort
hotels during the 50th anniversary promotion, your package includes a
four-day Park Hopper ticket, a special 50th anniversary commemorative
clock and a Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour.
The “50th Celebration Package” is available only for
three-night stays, with arrival dates May 5 through December 31, 2005.
The package can be booked through the Disneyland Web site (link),
or by calling (714) 520-5060
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).
AAA-Disney’s Resort Magic Packages
If you are a AAA member, you can take advantage of these packages that
include hotel nights and theme park tickets, along with extra ammenities:
- 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.
- New – Preferred seating at a choice of select shows in DCA
- 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)
Sample prices include:
AAA Disney’s Resort Magic: Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel for
two nights from $269/adult, $127/ages 10-17, $97/ages 3-9
AAA Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Magic: Jolly Roger Hotel
for two nights from $193/adult, $127/ages 10-17, $97/ages 3-9
These packages require a minimum two-night hotel stay, and are good for
travel between April 18 to July 1, August 29 to November 21 and November
28 to December 23, 2004. You can book this package through your local
AAA affiliate travel agent.
Disney’s AAA Passport Plus Package 2004:
If you don’t need a hotel room, the Passport Plus Package offers AAA members
a discount on Park Hopper tickets, and comes with extra benefits:
- 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. These
tickets are available to AAA members only when purchased through AAA offices.
AAA ticket offers
For shorter stays, AAA offers 2- and 5-day tickets for the Disneyland
Resort:
- 2-day adult Flex Passport $98 (children: $78)
- 5-day adult Flex Passport $129 (children: $99)
These 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)
The CityPass is $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.
Park Schedule/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.
Sun | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat |
| 5/10 | 5/11 | 5/12 | 5/13 | 5/14 | 5/15 | |
DL 10a–8p | DL 10a–8p | DL 10a–8p | DL 10a–8p | DL 9a–11p | DL 8a–Mid | |
| 5/16 | 5/17 | 5/18 | ||||
DL 8a–11p | DL 10a–8p | DL 10a–8p |
Visit our Annual
Passholders Blockout Dates 2003-2004 page to see more dates.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule
for May 10 to 16 at Disneyland.com here.
