Disneyland Resort Update

Update for November 10 – 16, 2008

Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

News and Views

Dining by Candlelight | Holiday Time at Disneyland tour | Play Four Days again | Jonas Brothers to appear at Disneyland Resort | This and That

Dining by Candlelight

Disneyland has finally released dining package information for this year’s Candlelight Ceremony & Procession, but the details do little to address the concerns voiced by those who have—or have tried—to book this package in the past. For example, Disney has yet to announce the celebrity guest narrator for the event nor indicated plans to do so before tickets go on sale, although the choice of narrator is important to many potential customers. Ticket sales are again being offered through the same Disney Web site that has crashed due to the onslaught of traffic just minutes after ticket sales began in both 2006 and 2007, instead of being handled by a company like Ticketmaster that is experienced in dealing with high-demand events. Disney closed the Vineyard Room in Disney’s California Adventure earlier this year, and with one less participating restaurant it stands to reason that customers will be vying for fewer tables for this popular event. The Disney Web site says that meal selections may be limited or pre-set, but has not yet made menu details available so customers can make an informed decision about where they would like to eat. Package prices are slightly increased from last year, and Disney still does not offer a child’s rate or menu for the meal.

Finally, and most vexing for this writer, Disney will once again require package customers to dine before their selected show, requiring those who opt for the earlier show to eat their $80 – $135 meal around 3:30 in the afternoon. In the early years of the Candlelight dining program, the requirement to eat before the show was said to be necessary to ensure that customers met the minimum spending limit established to receive tickets to the show. After Disneyland introduced the fixed-price Candlelight dining packages, managers explained that diners still needed to eat before the show so the seating tickets could be distributed in person. Some asked why Disney could not mail the seating tickets directly to customers and allow them to make a dinner reservation after the show if they wanted, and a change made to this year’s plan briefly raised hopes that this suggestion had been implemented. A new $10 shipping fee (per household) applies to each transaction, but instead of mailing the seating tickets to customers, Disney will instead mail dining tickets. Customers must present the dining tickets at their selected restaurant, and will only receive their Candlelight Ceremony & Procession seating tickets at the conclusion of the meal. Since Disney offers customers the option of printing their own theme park and special event tickets from home when purchased online, there seems to be no reason to mail anything to customers, much less a simple confirmation of a dining reservation that will already be sent to the purchaser via e-mail.

Holiday Time at Disneyland tour

Disneyland is now accepting reservations for the “Holiday Time at Disneyland” tour, offered November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009. During the three-hour experience, a Disneyland tour guide will share holiday customs from around the world while leading you on a tour of the holiday decorations in the park. The tour includes priority boarding of the Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday attractions, and reserved seating for “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. This tour utilizes the “tour ears” audio system, which (when working), makes it easier for groups to hear the guide as they move from location to location. Participants receive a tour tag ornament and Disney trading pin, as well as a “sweet treat” and beverage at the parade.

The “Holiday Time at Disneyland” tour is $59 per person, and a 20% discount is offered to Deluxe and Premium Annual Passholders, AAA members, or Disney Visa cardholders. You can book up to 30 days in advance by calling (714) 781-4400. Disneyland Resort Hotel guests can also book the tour through the Vacation Planning service. If you decide to book the tour after you arrive at the Resort, make your reservations at City Hall or Tour Gardens in Disneyland, or the Guest Relations Lobby in Disney’s California Adventure. Theme park admission is required and not included in the ticket price. Foreign language and sign language-interpreted tours can be arranged with advance notice.

Play Four Days again

Several readers have alerted us that Costco is once again offering the Disneyland Resort Play 4 Days Exchange Certificate at selected stores and through the Costco Web site (link). The $139 ticket (for ages 3 through adult) is good for four one-day admissions to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. The tickets are nontransferable—the same person must use all four admissions. The ticket expires once the four admissions are used, or on July 31, 2009, whichever comes first. This is not a park-hopper pass, although you could probably use one admission per day at each park, in effect using the four admissions as a two-day Parkhopper The tickets are available only to Costco members who are residents of Southern California. Tickets must be purchased at Costco, with a limit of eight tickets per member per day.

Note: The item you purchase at Costco is an “Exchange Certificate,” not a valid park passport. You must exchange the certificate at the Disneyland Resort Ticket booth to receive the Play 4 Days ticket. Proof of California residency in zip codes 90000 through 93599 is required to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket.
 

Jonas Brothers to appear at Disneyland Resort

The Jonas Brothers will be at Disney’s California Adventure from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25 for the release and signing of their new book, Burning Up: On Tour with the JONAS Brothers. The book will be offered for sale for $21.99, plus tax, and there is a limit of one book per person.

Wristbands will be distributed starting at 7:00 a.m. at the West Esplanade Guest Information Kiosk (near the tram stop from the Mickey and Friends parking structure). Books will be sold at the Golden Vine Winery Patio inside DCA, and the Jonas Brothers will be signing copies inside the Golden Dreams theater. In response to fan inquiries, the Disneyland Resort added the following information to the event listing on the Disney Gallery Web site (link):

The Disneyland® Resort asks that any Guest wishing to obtain a wristband for the Jonas Brothers Book & Signing do not queue up prior to 1 AM. Any Guests that begin to form a queue / line will be asked to leave and may return at 1 AM. Thank you for your cooperation!

The fact that the Resort felt the need to state this policy indicates that they are expecting and preparing for a large turnout, so you may wish to examine your willingness to wait in a multi-hour, pre-dawn line before telling the Jonas Brothers fan in your life about this opportunity.

This and That

…Orbitz is hosting an “Inside Your Celebration” sweepstakes, with five grand prizes of a five-day, four-night trip for up to four people to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World. To enter, visit the contest Web site and answer questions to design your dream trip (link). Five instant winners will receive the trip they created, including special activities like character meals and spa treatments. You can enter once per day through November 23, 2008.

The official rules of this contest gives some interesting insight about other Disney activities. One-night stays in the Disneyland Dream Suite and the Cinderella Suite at Walt Disney World are included as options in the trip planning section, so that answers the question about what will happen to those two suites once the Years of a Million Dreams promotion ends on December 31, 2008. One of the Disneyland experiences is a “Circle “D” Ranch Tour,” so that may turn out to be one of the new tour experiences that were touted as part of Disneyland’s “What Will You Celebrate?” promotion.

…Georgia-Pacific is hosting the Picture Perfect Vacation sweepstakes, this time with a grand prize of a five-day, four-night trip for up to six people to Walt Disney World (link). You can enter once per day through November 30, 2008.

…Miniaturist Robert Olszewski will be on hand for the release of his latest Disneyland in Miniature piece, the Dumbo Flying Elephants attraction, and the new Nightmare Before Christmas addition to his Gallery of Light collection. The Dumbo Flying Elephants attraction sculpture will also be available for purchase through the Disney Gallery Web site beginning December 2, 2008 for those unable to attend the event (link).

…In September, we reported that Monthly Payment Annual Passports would be offered to new Disneyland Resort passholders starting November 4, 2008. The program has been delayed, and will now begin on December 2, 2008. As previously reported, Passholders will be offered the opportunity to finance their Annual Passports over 12 months by making a deposit equal to the cost of a one-day, one-park ticket at the time of purchase, then paying the balance over 12 months. Payments will be automatically charged to a credit card placed on file at the time the passport is purchased. The program will be offered only to residents of Southern California, and is available for all four passport types. This option was initially expected to be offered only to new Passholders for the first few months, and to be extended to renewals on January 1, 2009. We have not yet heard if this latter date is still in place, or if renewing Passholders will have to wait a little longer to take advantage of this offer.

…The 2009 Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival will be presented daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009. No additional event details are available at this time.

…TradingMarkets.com reported last week that Saks Incorporated will close their Club Libby Lu chain of boutique stores aimed at pre-teen girls (link). The article stated that the business was not profitable, and that all 98 locations, including the outlet in Downtown Disney, will close by the end of May 2009. Disney has not made any announcement about a potential new tenant for the space, though cast members have previously speculated that the space would be incorporated into the neighboring Marcelline’s Confectionery Store, or turned into a shop offering Disney home decor and accessories when the store’s lease expired next year. Disney has already announced plans to open a Bibbity Bobbity Boutique inside the current Once Upon a Princess shop in Disneyland.

…Paradise Lagoon is currently being drained to allow for construction related to the DCA expansion project. Reports that this will result in the closure of the California Screamin’ rollercoaster are inaccurate—while water is sprayed on the track to cool the coaster’s launch system, the coaster can operate even while the Lagoon is empty.

…In an effort to deal with California’s projected budget shortfall, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed an increase in 1 1/2 cent increase in the state’s sales tax, and has also suggested that the exemption for theme park tickets be eliminated, the Los Angeles Times reported last week (link). MousePlanet’s Alex Stroup noted that if passed, the two proposals would result in increasing the Anaheim sales tax to 9.25%, and raise the current price of a one-day one-park ticket by $6.38. A six-day parkhopper ticket would jump $22.11, and a premium annual pass would be subject to sales tax of $35.98. The Times reported that Schwarzenegger has called a special session of the sitting California legislature, which has until the end of this month to take action before the newly elected lawmakers take office on December 1, 2008.

…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. This week’s changes include a refurbishment of Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin later this month, and the refurbishment of Peter Pan’s Flight in February, 2009. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• “it’s a small world” – closed for a nine-month refurbishment, and is currently scheduled to reopen on Friday, November 21, 2008. The nearby Toy Shop is also closed during the renovation.
• Harbour Galley – closed through December 15 for conversion from a McDonald’s french fry outlet into an unspecified food service location.
• Big Thunder Ranch – closed through November 20 to install the Holiday overlay.
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – closed November 12-19 for refurbishment.
• Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams – closed November 12 to February 13, 2009. A Christmas Fantasy parade will be performed November 21 to January 4, 2009.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed December 1-5 for refurbishment.
• Hungry Bear restaurant – closed January 5-23, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed January 26-28, 2009 for refurbishment.
• “it’s a small world” – closed January 5 to February 14, 2009 to remove the holiday overlay.
• Haunted Mansion – closed January 5 to February 14, 2009 to remove the holiday overlay.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – closes February 2, 2009 for refurbishment.

Disney’s California Adventure

Work continues on the DVC expansion of the Grand Californian Hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Hyperion Theater – closed through December 11 for refurbishment.
• Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular – closed through December 11.
• Sun Wheel – closed for refurbishment and to install the new Mickey face. No reopening date has been announced.
• The Vineyard Room – now closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this restaurant.
• Golden Dreams – now closed. This attraction will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.
• Burger Invasion – now closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald’s location.
• Games of the Boardwalk – now closed install a new facade and new Disney-themed games.

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

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

November 2008

• Level 27 Product Launch & Signing with Billy Martin – Saturday, November 15 at the Vault 28 store in Downtown Disney (link).
• MouseAdventure – Sunday, November 16 at the Disneyland Resort. Registration is sold out (link).
• Holiday season at the Disneyland Resort – Friday, November 21 to Sunday, January 4, 2009. “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular will be performed daily.

December 2008

• December Watch of the Month release – Monday, December 1 at the Fortuosity Shop on Main Street (link).
• Candlelight Processional – Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7. The narrator has not yet been announced. Dining package tickets will go on sale 6:00 p.m. (Pacific time) on Tuesday, November 18 via the Disneyland Web site (link).
• Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing – Saturday, December 13. Miniaturist Robert Olszewski will be on hand for the release of his latest Disneyland in Miniature piece, the Dumbo Flying Elephants attraction, and the new Nightmare Before Christmas addition to his Gallery of Light collection. The Dumbo Flying Elephants attraction sculpture will also be available for purchase through the Disney Gallery Web site beginning December 2, 2008 for those unable to attend the event (link).
• Mickey’s Christmas Carol 25th Anniversary watch release – Friday, December 19 at the Fortuosity Shop on Main Street (link).
• Holiday season at the Disneyland Resort – Friday, November 21 to Sunday, January 4, 2009. “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular will be performed daily.

2009

• 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-6, 2009. Registration is now open (link).
• Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival – Daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009. No additional details are available at this time.

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.

This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).

One Day, One Park Regularly $69/$59 One Day Park Hopper Regularly $94/$84	Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know.)
Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $143/$123	AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – 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).
Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $199/$169	Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – 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) Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$144) – 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). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($149) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).
Four Day Park Hopper Regularly $224/$194	Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – 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). Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – 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). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($154) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Costco Disneyland Resort Play 4 Days Exchange Certificate – Available at selected stores and through the Costco Web site (link), this $139 ticket (for ages 3 through adult) is good for four one-day admissions to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. The tickets are non-transferable—the same person must use all four admissions. The ticket expires once the four admissions are used, or on July 31, 2009, whichever comes first. This is not a park-hopper pass, although you could probably use one admission per day at each park, in effect using the four admissions as a two-day park-hopper. The tickets are available only to Costco members who are residents of Southern California. Tickets must be purchased at Costco, with a limit of eight tickets per member per day. It is important to note that the item you purchase at Costco is an “Exchange Certificate,” not a valid park passport. Members must exchange the certificate at the Disneyland Resort Ticket booth to receive the Play 4 Days ticket. Proof of California residency in zip codes 90000 through 93599 is required to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket.
Five Day Park Hopper Regularly $244/$214	Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($204/$174) – 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). Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($204/$174) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($199/$169) – 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). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 5-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($164) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).
Six Day Park Hopper Regularly $249/$219	Advance Purchase 6-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). Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($209/$179) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – 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).
Deluxe Annual Passport Regulary $269	Costco $50 bonus gift card offer – Costco members can receive a $50 Disneyland gift card when they purchase a Deluxe Disneyland Resort annual passport for $269 at a participating Costco location. The offer should be available at all Southern California Costco stores that currently sell Disneyland admission, but the vouchers may not have arrived in all locations yet. [A list of the 37 Costco locations within 50 miles of the Disneyland Resort is available on our MousePad discussion board (link), and we have noted which locations are confirmed to have these tickets available. If you are a Costco member and live near one of the stores that is not confirmed, please check the next time you’re there and then let us know so we can update the list.] There are no residency restrictions on this ticket, and it can be upgraded to a Deluxe with parking or Premium passport. Better still, the $50 gift card can be applied towards the cost of the upgrades, which nearly pays for the $59 parking option or drops the net cost of a Premium Annual Passport to just $339. Save $30 on a Deluxe Disneyland Resort Annual Passport – If you can’t take advantage of the Costco offer listed above, you can still receive a $30 discount on a Deluxe Disneyland Annual Passport by purchasing your pass online. The offer is valid only on new purchases, and does not apply to renewals. The offer expires 12/31/08. These tickets must be purchased using a special Web site: disneyland.com/deluxeoffer.
2008 Southern California CityPass $247/$199	2008 Southern California CityPass ($247/$199) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite 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 $217/$174 (link), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member, and shipping fees apply. 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 a Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! Note: The 2008 Southern California CityPass is valid for use if the first day of your visit is January 5, 2009 or earlier. If you are planning to start your visit on January 6th or later you will need to purchase the 2009 City Pass.
2009 Southern California CityPass $259/$219	2009 Southern California CityPass ($259/$219) – The 2009 CityPass offers the same admission tickets and benefits as listed above, at a slightly higher price. The 2009 CityPass is currently available through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). The 2009 CityPass will be available through the CityPass Web site starting November 1, 2008 and from theme park box offices starting January 6, 2009.

Hotel / Travel Packages

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 per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.

Disney’s Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations 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.

Other Discounts

Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. 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)

AAA Restaurant Discounts – AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria Ariel’s Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy’s Kitchen.

Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials. Check at the restaurant for menu and price details.

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland

DCA: Disney’s 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
• MTT – Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party at DCA

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.