Update for August 23 – 29, 2010
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News and Views
Muslim cast member files suit against Disney over dress code | Guest climbs over railing inside DCA’s Tower of Terror queue, falls 25 feet | Tickets now on sale for D23’s Expo 2011 | The dog days of Summer (Nightastic) | Fall discounts at the Disneyland Resort hotels | Hotel Construction Update | This and That…
Muslim cast member files suit against Disney over dress code
Imane Boudlal, a hostess at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, has filed a discrimination complaint against Disney with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claiming that managers at Disney repeatedly sent her home from work because she reported to work wearing a hijab, a traditional headscarf worn by some Muslim women.
Boudlal is a member of UNITE HERE Local 11, the hotel union that has been at the center of a long-standing contract dispute with the Disneyland Resort. Union spokeswoman Leigh Shelton told MousePlanet that Boudlal has worked for Disney for two and a half years, but that she had always removed the hijab before coming to work because she had been told that it was not allowed as part of Disney’s dress code for cast members. She said that Boudlal had previously applied for a “religious exemption” to the Disney Look, requesting that Disney allow her to wear the hijab to work, but that managers “strung her along” for a month without answer. According to Shelton, Boudlal decided she was tired of waiting for an exemption and wanted to wear the hijab to work during Ramadan, Islam’s holy month that began August 11. When Boudlal reported to work on August 15, Shelton said that managers initially said nothing, but three hours later called her into an office and asked her to remove the scarf. When she refused, managers sent her home. Boudlal reported for work two more times wearing the hijab, and both times was sent home when she refused to remove the headcovering.
Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown told MousePlanet, “The Company values diversity and has a long-standing policy against discrimination of any kind. Unfortunately, this is yet another attempt by Local 11 to distort the facts and distract from the real issue that their members have been without a contract for two and a half years. Ms. Boudlal has worked for the company for more than two years and recently made the request to wear a hijab and we have been working directly with her on accommodations. In the interim, we offered reasonable accommodations to allow her to work during her scheduled shifts, which she declined.”
Prior to Wednesday’s press conference, which was attended by representatives of the Greater Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), reporters were invited to bring cameras and follow Boudlal as she attempted to report for her scheduled shift at Storytellers Cafe. Sources familiar with the situation say that managers offered Boudlal the option to work in “off-stage” jobs where she could continue to wear the hijab, including a shift taking and processing room service orders, but that she refused any work other than her hostess duties. A follow-up press release issued by Local 11 quoted Boudlal as saying, “Their offer to put me in the back is humiliating. They’re saying because I’m Arab, because I’m Moroccan, because I’m Muslim, they don’t want to see me in the front.”
There are also indications that the Disney Resort’s costuming department was working with Boudlal to develop a hijab that would match her Storytellers Cafe costume. An Associated Press article says that Boudlal was fitted for a Disney-approved scarf, but had not yet received the finished garment (link). Shelton told MousePlanet that the fitting took place last week, and that Boudlal decided to wear her own hijab to work when Disney did not provide the approved accessory in time for the start of Ramadan. A Disneyland spokesperson would not confirm specific dates or details, but said that the company has met with Boudlal several times to discuss her request.
Disney is well known for the “Disney Look,” a strict dress code that dictates everything from footwear, jewelry and makeup to the length and color of a worker’s hair and fingernails. The company refers to employees as “cast members,” and most theme park workers wear Disney-provided costumes. MousePlanet obtained a copy of the 2010 Look Book, which includes an introduction reading “Our costumed Cast Members are a critical part of the show. Just as actors and actresses wear costumes themed to the characters they are portraying, you wear a costume that supports your role as well,” and goes on to state, “Choices in appearance that do not support that role are unacceptable.” The guidelines contained in the Look Book would also restrict cast members from wearing turbans, yarmulkes or necklaces with crosses, or displaying religious tattoos.
In 2004, Walt Disney World was involved in a complaint by a female worker who was not allowed to wear the hijab as part of her costume. A male Sikh musician also complained after Disney would not allow him to wear his turban during on-stage performances.
Guest climbs over railing inside DCA’s Tower of Terror queue, falls 25 feet
A 20-year-old man fell from the upper level of the Tower of Terror attraction’s two-story queue Wednesday night, after climbing over a railing in the queue.
Disneyland issued a statement Thursday morning reading, “Last night a 20-year-old male guest fell in the queue line at the Tower of Terror attraction at Disney California Adventure. The guest was standing in line with friends on a second-floor platform when he climbed over a barrier to the area below and lost his balance and fell approximately 25 feet. The guest was transported by ambulance to the hospital.” The guest, who’s identity has not been disclosed, was later released from the hospital.
Several news reports indicate that the guest had been drinking, but Sgt. Rick Martinez from the Anaheim police department told MousePlanet that officers had not yet determined if alcohol was a factor, in the incident, and said it looks like it was just an accident. In a posting on Facebook, MousePlanet fan Vicky McDonald said, “My family was next in line and “heard” the guy to the floor. He told my cousin, who is a nurse, that he climbed over the railing and was “pretending to fall” when he actually did. Cousin did not notice signs of alcohol, just a kid making a very poor decision.”
Tickets now on sale for D23’s Expo 2011
The 2011 D23 Expo is scheduled for August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, and Disney opened ticket sales last Thursday morning, exactly one year before the convention starts. Package and price details were announced Wednesday morning, leaving some fans asking why the club couldn’t have given more than 24 hours notice before expecting fans to purchase some of the pricier options.
Prospective attendees can purchase one-day general admission tickets that range from $30 to $47 for adults, or three-day passes for $85 to $136. Disney is offering the deepest discounts to D23 members, and people who purchase their tickets before December 31, 2010. The full schedule of ticket and package options is available on the D23 Web site (link). Disney has announced very few details of the 2011 event, saying, “We’re still hard at work finalizing plans for the D23 Expo 2011,” so members who purchase tickets a full year in advance are doing so without really having any idea of what the second-ever Expo will really offer.
For those who wanted even more from their Expo experience, Disney offered two high-ticket packages:
- A “Sorcerer Package” at $1000-per-person limited to 50 people – including reserved seating to all presentations and panels, access to a lounge staffed by a concierge, private tours of some exhibits, “special shopping opportunities,” limited edition merchandise, and an appointment with a massage therapist
- A “Premiere Package” a $500 per person limited to 250 people – offering a pared-down set of benefits.
All 50 Sorcerer Packages sold out despite the high prices, short notice, and what was (from accounts posted on the D23 Facebook page, a serious but all-too-common) problem with the online event registration system when tickets went on sale Thursday morning, but the Premiere package was still available as of this past weekend (a full list of the benefits for each package is available on our MousePad discussion boards).
By setting aside as many as 300 elite-package seats for the arena presentations before the general admission crowd has had a chance at tickets, some are complaining that Disney will likely prompt conventioneers to ge tin line even earlier to secure seats for popular panels. Readers who have attended the San Diego Comic-Con International convention and similar events say that premium packages are the norm, and that waiting in line is just part of the fun.
The dog days of Summer (Nightastic)
This is the final full week of the Summer Nightastic promotion, though some elements will be continued through Labor Day weekend. Some readers shared via Twitter that the Resort seemed more crowded Sunday as Southern California Annual Passholders returned to the parks after being “blocked out” since July 3. Southern California Select Annual Passholders, who only had four opportunities to see World of Color before the summer blockout season began on June 23, can return to the Resort starting today. Expect large crowds Monday through Thursday this week and Monday through Friday next week as these Passholders return to catch up on a summer’s worth of nighttime entertainment before the Summer Nightastic promotion ends and the various shows begin their off-season performance schedules.
At Disneyland, Fantasmic goes to a weekends-only schedule after Sunday, August 29, returning the following Friday, September 3. The show will be presented on Labor Day Monday before resuming a Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule. The Magical fireworks show will be presented nightly through September 6, after which there will be no fireworks until the “Remember… Dreams Come True” show returns on September 17. The Disneyland.com Web site shows “Remember…” each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night for the remainder of September, but has not yet published the entertainment schedule for October. Mickey’s Halloween Party begins October 1 at Disneyland, so it’s likely Remember… will be presented only on Saturday and Sunday nights, with Halloween Screams presented on Tuesday and Friday nights exclusively during the hard-ticket Halloween events. Celebrate… A Street Party is still on the schedule through the end of September.
At Disney California Adventure, Glow Fest has been extended beyond the originally announced August 22 closing date, with some elements of the nightly production extended through Labor Day weekend. Due to construction in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Hollywood Blvd. will not be utilized after August 23. Instead, the DJ van will continue to appear at the end of the stage show that kicks off Glow Fest each night, but the “dance party” will be held in the Sunshine Plaza. The existing bar, face painting booth and glow merchandise booth currently installed in the Sunshine Plaza used during the dance party. This modified version of Glow Fest will be presented until Monday, September 6.
World of Color continues nightly performances after Labor Day, dropping to just one show each night on weekdays, and two shows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The Pixar Play Parade is scheduled daily (except Thursdays) through September. Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular begins a construction-related hiatus starting September 7, as work to connect the two sections of Red Car Line tracks already constructed in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot leaves the theater inaccessible. The show is not on the entertainment schedule for the remainder of September, and the October schedule has not yet been released. Recent auditions for the show stated that rehearsals for the new cast would begin October 17, with performances beginning November 21, so it is possible the show will be on hiatus until then.
Look for major construction work in Disney’s California Adventure starting this week, as a large portion of the Hollywood Pictures Backlot is closed off for the Red Car Line work. During some phases of construction, access to Tower of Terror will only be available through the recently reopened connector through A Bug’s Land.
Fall discounts at the Disneyland Resort hotels
Disneyland has extended two discount offers for the three Disneyland Resort Hotels, with extra room-only discounts for travelers who book their trips before the end of September.
If you need a room and theme park tickets, Disneyland is offering a discount of up to $300 on a four-day, four-night vacation package, which includes 4-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper bonus tickets and four nights at a Disneyland Resort hotel. This package also includes admission to one Magic Morning at Disneyland (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday), admission to Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness at Disneyland (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday), one Walt Disney Travel Company pin and lanyard per person, preferred seating to select shows in Disney’s California Adventure Park (where available; note that Aladdin will be on hiatus for much of the fall), and a Disney Character Call from Mickey, Minnie, or Goofy (offered to guests who book online).The offer is valid for arrivals from October 1 through December 16. Packages can be booked through December 1, and travel must be completed by December 20.
If you don’t need theme park tickets, you can save as much as 40 percent on a room-only reservation with a minimum two-night stay for both standard and concierge-level room rates:
Book By September 30, and save:
- 30 percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
- 35 percent off at The Disneyland Hotel
- 40 percent off at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Book October 1 and December 1, and save:
- 20 percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
- 25 percent off at The Disneyland Hotel
- 30 percent off at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Room-only packages include admission to one Magic Morning at Disneyland (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday).
Book online at the Disneyland.com Web site (link), call Walt Disney Travel Company at (714) 520-6425, or contact your favorite travel agent and ask them to look for the “Fall Package Offer.”
Hotel Construction Update
The Disneyland Hotel courtyard construction project is now underway. The scheduled closure of the hotel’s waterfalls was delayed a few days from the date originally provided to MousePlanet by Imagineer John Mauro, giving some fans hope that Disney executives had reconsidered the decision to demolish the falls. It was not to be, and a Disneyland spokesperson notified us on Friday that the falls were officially closed to guests. The Cove Pool, fitness center and laundry facility are now closed, leaving the Neverland Pool open for hotel guests. The fitness center has been moved into a conference room on the ground floor of the Dreams tower, but hotel guests needing to do a load of laundry will need to hike to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and use its guest laundry, or have their clothes cleaned by the hotel’s dry cleaning service.
Blue construction walls dominate the landscape in the Disneyland Hotel courtyard. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A construction trailer is located behind a screen on the lawn outside the Dreams tower. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Guests trying to get to their rooms in the Wonder tower must now walk all the way around to the back side of the tower. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Construction walls have been erected around the site, with a large portion of the Disneyland Hotel grounds closed off to guests. The walls stretch from the south edge of the Neverland pool area all the way to the Wonder tower, and to the west edge of the property. The windows of Goofy’s Kitchen have been coated with an opaque film to block views of the construction site, as have the windows of the upper story Sleeping Beauty Pavilion and in the foyer of the Magic Kingdom Ballroom. A construction office/trailer has been placed on the lawn outside the Dreams tower.
The Cove Pool is now closed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Disneyland Hotel fitness center has been relocated to a ballroom in the Dreams tower. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Guests have a view of the Neverland pool area while working out in the relocated fitness center. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Access to the Wonder tower is now available only through a winding path that takes guests along the east side of the Neverland pool area, through a driveway and around the back of the Wonder tower, using the south entrance (facing the Simba parking lot). Once inside the Wonder tower, guests can access the elevators, but nothing else—the entire ground-floor lobby of the tower is closed to guests. With half of the tower currently closed due to construction and a very inconvenient detour just to get to the tower’s lobby, we strongly recommend that readers who have booked a room at the hotel request a room in either the recently remodeled Dreams tower or in the main Magic tower. Unless you are seeking a birds-eye view of the construction site (in which case, we invite you to send photos to parkupdates@mouseplanet.com), we also recommend that you don’t pay extra for a “pool view” room.
A peek over the construction walls shows that demolition work has not yet begun. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A peek over the construction walls shows that demolition work has not yet begun. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A peek over the construction walls shows that demolition work has not yet begun. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That…
…If you were considering the 2-night West coast “Cruise to Nowhere” on board the Disney Wonder, January 21-23, 2011 but missed out on the less-expensive cabins, you may still have a chance. Last week travel agent Ted Bradpiece from Two Bears Travel notified us that a Category 11 (inside stateroom) had come available, and a MousePlanet reader quickly snapped it up. Ted says that he’s been seeing rooms pop up here and there as passengers cancel their reservations or upgrade to a higher category cabin, but that the rooms are quickly booked by savvy agents with waiting lists. If you’d like a chance at one of those rooms on this cruise, contact a Disney Cruise specialist agent like Ted, and ask them to keep an eye out for you. For more information about this cruise, visit our MousePad discussion boards or contact your favorite travel agent. If you’ve already booked, please add your name to the roll call! At last count nearly 80 MousePlanet readers and staff were booked onto this cruise, and we’d love to have you join us.
…Artist Kevin Kidney disclosed on his blog last week (link) last week that “Jody [Daily] and I are art directing a new Disneyland parade called Soundsational to debut next year (it’s gonna be great)!” Daily also designed the floats for the Pixar Play Parade that debuted at Disney California Adventure in 2008 (link). The designing duo have also been busy creating a series of collectibles for the 55th anniversaries of Disneyland and the Mickey Mouse Club, and have posted photos of some of their yet-to-be-released figures on their Flickr account (link).
…For those planning to attend the upcoming Destination D event at the Disneyland Resort, photos, prices and edition sizes of the event merchandise are now available on MousePad. These items will be sold to event attendees via Disney’s Random Selection Process (RSP), with any unsold items available at Disneyland and/or Walt Disney World sometime after the event.
…Disney announced that Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), Tracie Thoms (Cold Case, Rent), and Barrett Foa (NCIS: Los Angeles) are joining a “previously announced, all-star line up of performers,” including Disney Legend Richard Sherman, Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), Wilson Cruz (My So-Called Life), and John Tartaglia (Johnny and the Sprites) at the “E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks” concert that will be presented as part of D23’s Destination D event. The concert is Friday, September 24, and is open to all attendees of the two day, $125 per person event. Tickets are still on sale (link).
…A planned refurbishment of the trolley tracks down Main Street that necessitated the closure of the Horse Drawn Streetcars and the Main Street Vehicles from September 7-30 has been removed from the Disneyland Resort schedule. We don’t know if the work has been rescheduled, or if the resort has found a way to complete the project while continuing to operate the vehicles during normal park hours.
…A cast member publication also shows the closure of what is listed only as “muppet” on September 15 & 16, and again September 20-24. These publications usually use the proper Disney name for attractions, and Muppet*Vision 3D is not listed on the Disneyland.com refurbishment schedule, but it’s best to assume that show will be closed on these dates. Disney has previously used the Muppet*Vision theater to hold in-house meetings and seminars.
…The planned refurbishment of Toy Story Midway Mania has been extended by an extra day, and now there is a rumor coming out of the Disney Gossip Blog (link) that the closure is to install station gates on the unload side, to prevent cast members from falling into the ride vehicle track. A cast member who works on the ride said that workers have been told that there will also be some minor, cosmetic changes to the ride vehicle itself.
…D23’s Great Disney Scavenger Hunt at the Disneyland Resort is now sold out. A reported 2000 players on nearly 600 teams are expected to turn out for the event, scheduled for Sunday, September 26, 2010.
…Registration is now open for MouseAdventure Holiday: Trick or Treat, to be held on Sunday, October 17 (link), and as of this past weekend, the event was more than 90 percent full. Scare up a few friends and join us for a swinging wake as you try to solve chilling challenges throughout Disneyland park. For the latest information about upcoming MouseAdventure events, be sure to register for our MouseAdventure Newsletter (link), follow @MouseAdventure on Twitter, or become a fan at Facebook (link).
…Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates. The Disneyland Resort Web site currently only publishes refurbishment information about six weeks in advance. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update (link) for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
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Come out and play with MousePlanet!Would you like to meet your fellow readers and MousePlanet staff? Come join us for one of our community events!Are You Game? Join us in Walt Disney World on Saturday, October 9 for our second edition of MouseAdventure: World Explorers. The event will be held in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Registration is now open. For more information, visit our MouseAdventure page, or join the conversation on MousePad. Trick or Treat! MousePlanet is hosting an unofficial “MousePlanet Night at Mickey’s Halloween Party” on Friday, October 15. This casual meet is hosted by MousePlanet staff and MousePad Community Leaders. Join the discussion and get more information on MousePad. If you’re planning to attend, be sure to let us know so we can have enough treats for everyone! CHOCWalk with MousePlanet – Sunday, October 17. Mark your calendars and come join Team MousePlanet as we help raise funds for Children’s Hospital Orange County in their annual charity walk through the Disneyland Resort. Registration is now open. If you’d like more information, visit the Team MousePlanet discussion to chat with other participants. There are several ways you can help!
MouseAdventure Holiday: Trick or Treat Join us on Sunday, October 17 for our second edition of MouseAdventure: Holiday at Disneyland park. Registration opens Tuesday, September 27 at 9am (PDT). For the latest information about upcoming MouseAdventure events, be sure to register for our MouseAdventure Newsletter (link), follow @MouseAdventure on Twitter, or become a fan at Facebook (link). Come Sail Away! Join nearly 80 MousePlanet readers, community leaders and staff members on a 2-night West coast “Cruise to Nowhere” on board the Disney Wonder, January 21-23, 2011. For more information about this cruise, visit our MousePad discussion boards or contact your favorite travel agent. If you’ve already booked, please add your name to the roll call! |
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- Star Tours – closed for refurbishment and addition of elements for Star Tours 2.0. Expected to open in May 20, 2011.
- Haunted Mansion – closed August 30 to September 16 to install the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Village Haus Restaurant – closed August 30 to December 19 for refurbishment.
- Minnie’s House – closed September 7–23 for refurbishment.
- Newsstand – closed September 7–30 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed September 12–16 to install the Ghost Galaxy overlay.
- French Market – closed September 13–17 for refurbishment.
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – closed September 20 to December 16 for refurbishment.
- Indiana Jones Adventure – closed September 22 (one day)
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed September 27–30 for deck oiling.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – closed September 27–30.
- Mickey’s House – closed September 27 to October 14.
- it’s a small world – closed October 25 to November 11 to install the holiday overlay.
Disney California Adventure
Seasonal refurbishments:
- Toy Story Midway Mania! – closed August 30 to October 11 for refurbishment.
- Catch-a-Flave – closed September 7–16 for refurbishment.
- it’s Tough to be a Bug! – closed October 25-29 for refurbishment.
Construction-related closures:
- Golden Dreams – closed. The building that once house this film-based attraction has been demolished, and will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.
- Burger Invasion – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald’s location, but an employee publication lists May 24, 2011 as the return date.
- Corn Dog Castle – closed due to construction in the area. An employee publication lists March 30, 2011 as its return date. During the renovation, corn dogs are available at Bountiful Valley Farmer’s Market.
- Souvenir 66 – closed due to construction in the area. An employee publication lists March 30, 2011 as its return date, and “Seaside Souvenirs” as the new name of the store.
- Bug’s Land/Tower of Terror connector – the temporary connector path is closed through August 22 to allow construction of a more permanent route between the two lands.
- Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular – closes September 7, 2010 due to construction of the Red Car Line through the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. The show is not on the entertainment schedule for the remainder of September, and the October schedule has not yet been released. Recent auditions for the show stated that rehearsals for the new cast would begin October 17, with performances begining November 21, so it is possible the show will be on hiatus until then.
- Pizza Oom Mow Mow – closed September 7, 2010 – May 24, 2011 for conversion to Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta.
- Bountiful Valley Farms – closes permanently September 7, 2010 for construction of Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.
- Maliboomer – closes permanently September 7, 2010. The ride will be removed as part of the overall DCA renovation project.
- Mulholland Madness – closed October 11, 2010 to April 20, 2011 for conversion to Goofy’s Sky School.
Downtown Disney & Disneyland Resort Hotels
- Disneyland Hotel Guest Laundry – closed through September 30 due to construction. Hotel guests can use the laundry facility at Disney’s Paradise Pier hotel during the refurbishment.
- Disneyland Hotel Fitness Center – closed due to construction. The fitness center equipment will be relocated to one of the hotel meeting rooms; the front desk will give you the most recent information as you check in.
- Lost Bar, Croc’s Bits ‘n’ Bites, Hook’s Pointe and the Wine Cellar – closed. These four locations will be replaced by a new bar and fast casual restaurant during the Disneyland Hotel courtyard renovation project set to begin August 14. During construction, the only remaining bar at the Disneyland Hotel is the Lounge at Steakhouse 55, which has extended its operating hours, and will be closing at 1:30 a.m. nightly.
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.
Resort Events
Check here to see if a large convention, competition or park event might fall during your next trip to the Disneyland Resort. If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
Summer
- Summer Nightastic! at the Disneyland Resort – Daily through August 29. The summer promotion includes Fantasmic and the “Magical” fireworks show in Disneyland, plus the new World of Color show. DCA has extended park hours to 11:00 p.m. and added a third World of Color show on most nights since the show opened.
Fall
- 5th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 3–5. Registration is now closed.
- 4th Annual Not Back to School Days Rally and Conference (unofficial event) – September 8–11. Event includes education and social opportunities for home educators (link).
- Vinylmation Signing at D Street – September 11 (link).
- HalloweenTime at the Disneyland Resort – September 17 to October 31
- Destination D – September 24 & 25 at the Disneyland Resort. Open only to D23 members, tickets are now available (link).
- 13th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – October 1–3. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
- Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. “Utah Escapes to Anaheim”) – October 14–15. (Link). Expect unusually large attendance levels October 14-17 as Utah students and families take advantage of a 4-day weekend created by their school’s participation in a state education convention. Not all Utah schools or teachers close for or attend UEA, but the impact on the Resort is usually noticeable enough to mention.
- Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland – October 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, 31. Advance-purchase tickets are on sale now for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders via the AP section of Disneyland.com; Disney Visa Card holders and Disney Vacation Club members can also purchase tickets by phone by calling 714-781-4000. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 16 via Disneyland.com.
- MousePlanet Night at Mickey’s Halloween Party (unofficial event) – Friday, October 15. Come meet your fellow MousePlanet readers and start your trick-or-treating off right with some MousePlanet goodies. Be sure to stop by our MousePad discussion board to let us know if you plan to attend so we can have enough treats for everyone!
- 2010 CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 17. Mark your calendars and come join Team MousePlanet as we help raise funds for Children’s Hospital Orange County in its annual charity walk through the Disneyland Resort. Registration is now open. If you’d like more information, visit the Team MousePlanet discussion to chat with other participants.
- MouseAdventure Holiday: Trick or Treat – Sunday, October 17. Registration opens Tuesday, July 27 at 9:00 a.m. PDT (link).
Winter
- Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort – November 12, 2010 to January 3, 2011.
2011
- West Coast 2-night “Cruise to Nowhere” on the Disney Wonder – January 21–23. Nearly 80 MousePlanet readers and staff members have booked this weekend getaway, the first West Coast Disney Cruise for 2011. For more information about this cruise, visit our MousePad discussion boards or contact your favorite travel agent. If you’ve already booked, please add your name to the roll call!
- Sixth annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival – April 29 to June 12. No additional details are available at this time.
- Spring 2011 MouseAdventure – no details yet. Visit MouseAdventure.com to sign up for our newsletter.
- D23 Expo – August 19-21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets for the D23 Expo 2011 are now on sale (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.
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 Ticket – Regularly $76/$68 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $101/$91 |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Two Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $151/$136 Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $161/$146 |
AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($149/$129) – 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). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011. | |
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Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $206/$185 |
3-Day Summer Fun Pass ($108) and 3-Day Summer Fun PLUS Pass ($129) – The 2010 3-Day Summer Fun Pass is $108, $9 more expensive than the 2009 version, and offers Southern California residents (ZIP Codes 90000–93599) and Northern Baja California residents (ZIP Codes 21000–22999) three one-day admissions to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure within a 45 day period. The ticket is the same price for adults and children. Unlike the 2009 offer, this base ticket is NOT a park hopper, and allows admission to only one park per day. For an additional $21 per person, you can upgrade the Summer Fun Pass to a Summer Fun PLUS Pass, a 3-day Park Hopper ticket that allows admission to both parks each day. Both tickets have a 45-day “fuse,” (instead of the usual 13- or 30-day limit), giving you more time to plan your return visits, but have more block out dates than last year: July 2-4 and August 22-23. The first use of the pass must be between June 11 and August 29, 2010. The Summer Pass can be purchased at www.disneyland.com, the Disneyland Resort box office, Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort Hotels, and a variety of southern California supermarkets and retail chains, including Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less, Gelson’s and Deardens. Disney states that “resident ID is required,” but MousePlanet readers who purchased these tickets from off-property retailers last year consistently reported that they were not required to provide proof of residency at the time of purchase. However, be aware that Disneyland Resort Main Gate cast members can—and may—require proof of residency when you first use the tickets. Whether this will happen to you is an oft-debated topic on our MousePad discussion boards, but we feel it would be irresponsible for us to not at least make our readers aware of the “official” policy, regardless of what the park’s actual practice may be. Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($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) AOCVCB 3-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 (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011. |
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Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $231/$199 |
Costco 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($199) – A special offer for Costco members who are also residents of Southern California, this ticket is currently not sold online but must be purchased in Costco stores. Unlike most other park hopper tickets, this ticket has no “fuse” – you can use the first admission today, and have until May 31, 2011 to use the remaining admission days before the ticket expires. The ticket is blocked out August 22-23 and the entire period between Dec 15, 2010 – Jan 1, 2011, and has an “upgrade value” of $151. The ticket states that visitors “Must reside within ZIP codes 90000-93599” and that “Proof of residency required upon redemption.” The ticket you purchase at Costco is a valid admission ticket, and you can take it directly to a main entrance gate to use it. We’ve been told that, to prevent the unauthorized “transfer” of tickets between visitors (i.e., you use the first two days of the ticket and give it to a friend to use the second two days), visitors will be required to write their name on the ticket when it is first used for admission, and to show ID with that same name upon subsequent admissions. Obviously minor children will be exempt from the ID requirement, but will also be required to write their name on the ticket when it is first used. Adults should plan to have ID with them to use the ticket. Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($199/$169) – 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 (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) – 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 (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
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Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $251/$219 |
5-Day Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket for the Price of 3 Days ($184/$154) Disneyland’s Summer Park Hopper Bonus ticket offer includes two days free and one Magic Morning admission. These tickets are valid for use from May 1, 2010 thru September 30, 2010. The tickets are NOT available at the Resort ticket booths, you must pre-purchase from the Disneyland Web site. Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($209/$179) – 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 (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($204/$174) – 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 (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011. |
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Six Day Park Hopper – Regularly $256/$230 |
6-Day Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket for the Price of 3 Days ( $199/$169) Disneyland’s Summer Park Hopper Bonus ticket offer includes two days free and one Magic Morning admission. These tickets are valid for use from May 1, 2010 thru September 30, 2010. The tickets are NOT available at the Resort ticket booths, you must pre-purchase from the Disneyland Web site. Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($214/$184) – 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 (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $14/day value). |
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| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports |
No discounts currently available for new purchases. Southern California residents can take advantage of the monthly-payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport. Premier Annual Passport: $700 [Valid at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort] |
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| 2010 Southern California CityPass $269/$229 |
2010 Southern California CityPass ($269/$229)– This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as one-day admission to Sea World San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by January 3, 2011. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or on-site 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 $239.99/$204.99 (link), which includes free UPS shipping. A 5% surcharge for non-members, and shipping fees to members in Alaska and Hawaii may also apply to your purchase. 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 Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container or a cardboard placard that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! |
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Hotel/Travel Packages
Disneyland Resort Two More Days & Nights Free offer –This latest deal offers a five-night, five-day Disneyland Resort vacation package for the price of a three-night, three-day package, giving you two “free” hotel nights and two additional days of theme park admission. The offer is valid for arrivals May 1 and Sept. 26, 2010, and you must book by September 1, 2010 to receive this discount. You can choose to stay either at a Disneyland Resort Hotel or at one of the Good Neighbor Hotels. To book, call your favorite travel agent, book online at Disneyland.com, or call the Walt Disney Travel Company at 800-854-3104.
Disneyland Resort Summer hotel discounts–If you are a Disneyland Resort annual passholder or already have valid admission for your next visit, you can take advantage of a second promotion that offers discounts at the three Disneyland Resort hotels with a minimum 2-night stay. The discounts are 40% at the Grand Californian Hotel, 35% at the Disneyland Hotel and 30% at the Paradise Pier Hotel. The offer is valid for arrivals May 1 and Sept. 26, 2010, and you must book by September 1, 2010 to receive this discount. To book, call your favorite travel agent, book online at Disneyland.com, or call the Walt Disney Travel Company at 800-854-3104.
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 collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag per person, plus a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card per package.
Disney’s Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accommodations 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.
Contact a MousePlanet sponsor travel agency for assistance in booking your next trip
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Other Discounts
Character Dining Vouchers – Discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Travel (link).
Disney Visa Discounted Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers at a discount of 50%. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental location between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Members of the Rainforest Cafe get priority seating when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days), and a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. 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).
Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates:
- SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
- SC – Southern California Annual Pass
- DX – Deluxe Annual Pass
Disneyland Resort Special Events:
- MM – Magic Morning at Disneyland
- TT – Toontown Morning Madness at Disneyland
- Grad Nite
- MHP – Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland
MousePlanet Special Events:
- MA – MouseAdventure (www.mouseadventure.com)
| 8/22 | 8/23 | 8/24 | 8/25 |
8/26 |
8/27 | 8/28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p SL MM |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p
TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-11p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p
MM |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p SL TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 8/29 | 8/30 | 8/31 | 9/1 |
9/2 |
9/3 | 9/4 |
| DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p SL MM |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-11p
TT |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 10a-11p MM |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 10a-11p TT
|
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-11p
MM |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p TT
|
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 9/5 | 9/6 | 9/7 | 9/8 |
9/9 |
9/10 | 9/11 |
| DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-11p
TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p
MM |
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/12 | 9/13 | 9/14 | 9/15 |
9/16 |
9/17 | 9/18 |
| DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p
TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p
MM |
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/19 | 9/20 | 9/21 | 9/22 |
9/23 |
9/24 | 9/25 |
| DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p
TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p
MM |
DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/26 | 9/27 | 9/28 | 9/29 |
9/30 |
10/1 | 10/2 |
| DL: 9a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p
TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p
MM |
DL: 8a-7p
DCA: 10a-11p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 10/3 | 10/4 | 10/5 | 10/6 |
10/7 |
10/8 | 10/9 |
| DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p
TT |
DL: 10a-6p DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT
|
DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-8p
MM |
DL: 8a-7p
DCA: 10a-11p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC 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.
