Update for November 21 – 27, 2011
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Community Events | Resort Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Disneyland invites select passholders to Candlelight Processional experience | Adventures by Disney debuts one-day “Lights…Camera…Magic!” excursion | Star Tours; Imagineer Joe Rohde win TEA awards | D23 2012 “fanniversary” event schedule | Resort construction update | Holiday photos | This and That… | Crowd Forecast
Disneyland invites select passholders to Candlelight Processional experience
On the heels of three popular no-charge, after-hours parties for annual passholders, Disney last week invited a select group of Disneyland Resort annual passholders to a never-before-offered $2,500-per-couple Candlelight Processional experience. This is the first of a rumored series of extra-cost events planned for passholders in the coming year.
The two-day experience kicks off Sunday, December 4 with a welcome reception and dinner at the Grand Californian Hotel, followed by reserved seating for the 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Processional. Guests then stay overnight at the Grand Californian Hotel, with the event continuing the next morning (on Monday, December 5, Walt Disney's birthday) with a sunrise breakfast at the Plaza Inn, and a pre-opening tour of Disneyland with Disney Legends and creative staff, including Dave Smith, Tony Baxter, Bob Gurr, Marty Sklar, and David Caranci.
The experience also includes reserved seating for A Christmas Fantasy Parade and a tour of Walt's apartment above the Main Street Fire Station. Additional guests may be added for $1,000 per person, but must share the same hotel room.
After offering Candlelight dining package for several years, Disney went a different direction in 2009, creating a $275-per-person Candlelight event exclusively for D23 members. There was no dining package in 2010, save for the traditional reserved seating for Club 33 members and guests of the Resort's Public Relations department. With what was reportedly a lackluster response to the D23 event, I'm honestly surprised that Disney went so far above that price point when crafting this new package—but admit that there are some very nice, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in this offering.
As with the no-cost events of the past month, we don't know how Disney is selecting which passholders to invite to the event. The first passholder to tell us about the invitation, however, was a Premier passholder (that is, one who has an annual pass for both Walt Disney World in Florida, and for Disneyland) who had not visited Disneyland “in a while.” Over the past week, more passholders have reported receiving the invitation, and so far everyone who has commented said that they have a Premier pass or the most expensive Disneyland Premium annual passport. And so far, none of the readers who reported receiving this invitation are planning to attend the event, but at least one reader who did not get the offer has indicated that he is more than eager to go, if only Disney would send him an invitation.
What is your reaction to this offer? Has Disney completely missed the mark with this $2500 package, or is the experience worth the price? Join the discussion on our MousePad forums.
Adventures by Disney debuts one-day “Lights…Camera…Magic!” excursion
In December, Adventures by Disney starts testing a one-day guided tour of Los Angeles, targeted at families staying at the Disneyland Resort hotels. “Lights…Camera…Magic!,” is a single-day guided group excursion that departs from the Disneyland Resort, and includes a day of sightseeing at several Hollywood landmarks.
The trip begins at the Disneyland Resort, where participants meet their Adventures by Disney guides and board the tour bus. The first stop is the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, where participants tour the Studio lot, visit the Disney Archives and have lunch at the Studio Commissary. A shopping opportunity at the Studio Store is included, before the group reboards the bus and heads to Hollywood.
Depending on the day, the tour may include a private tour of either the Kodak Theater or Grauman's Chinese Theater. The tour continues with a drive along Sunset Strip on the way to the tony Rodeo Drive shopping district. The day ends with a reception at Gladstone's beachfront restaurant in Malibu.
The “Lights…Camera…Magic!” excursions are offered three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Fridays) Dec. 22, 2011 through March 2, 2012. The cost is $199 for adults, and $189 for children ages 4-9. Children 3 and under are not permitted on the tour, and there is a maximum of 40 guests per trip.
Your travel agent or Walt Disney Travel Company representative can book the tour with or without a Disneyland Resort vacation package, or you can book directly by calling Adventures by Disney at (866) 242-8740. (The tour is not yet listed on the Adventures by Disney website). You do not need to stay at a Disneyland hotel to book the trip.
It's interesting to watch Disney expand its “guided family travel” brand by testing the waters of the local tours market. Adventures by Disney also offers single-day excursions at Disney's new Aulani resort in Hawaii, and I won't be surprised if the Disney Cruise Line's “port adventures” division (the group that sells shore excursions to cruise passengers) is rebranded with an Adventures by Disney moniker in the coming months.
Disneyland visitors have lots of options if they want to book a bus tour to Hollywood. A quick Google search yields quite a few half- and full-day tour starting at $57 per person—but here, Disney has created a premium offering, with two tour guides per group and stops at Disney-exclusive destinations. For local Disney fans, none of these opportunities are truly rare; D23 has hosted events at the Walt Disney Studios before, and anyone can make a reservation at Gladstone's. But for out-of-town visitors or those who want to see it all in a single day, this is a very attractive offering.
This is also a good opportunity for Disney to introduce Adventures by Disney-style excursions to a new market. Families who enjoy their one-day experience will probably be more interested in learning about Disney's other domestic and international guided tours. Disney was also very smart in crafting the stops on this offering, with almost no overlap between the one-day excursion and the regular Backstage Magic (69.7KB PDF file) trip. The longer tour takes participants to Walt Disney Imagineering, backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and to Hollywood's El Capitan Theater, plus two days at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with behind-the-scenes experiences. Disney is likely hoping that if you like the one-day trip, you'll seriously consider the six-day version for your next vacation.
Star Tours; Imagineer Joe Rohde win TEA awards
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced its annual Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement last week, recognizing Star Tours: The Adventures Continue for Outstanding Achievement – Attraction Refresh; and honoring Imagineer Joe Rohde with The Buzz Price Award, the association's lifetime achievement award.
Per TEA guidelines, honors are awarded to the achievement, and not to the owner of the attraction, so Disneyland and Walt Disney World share the honor for their identical attractions. Walt Disney World's version of “The Magic, the Memories, and You” projection show claimed the outstanding achievement honor for show spectacular, but the Disneyland version was not recognized.
Imagineer Joe Rohde's 30-year career with Disney has included executive designer credits for both Disney's Animal Kingdom park and the recently-opened Aulani Resort in Ko Olina, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i.
Animation Magic, a show debuting next year on the new Disney Fantasy, also earned an award for Outstanding Achievement – Ingenious Use of Technology. Disney Cruise Line will replace the Turtle Talk show in the Animator’s Palate restaurant with the new Animation Magic show, which will take 2-D images drawn by diners early in the meal and incorporate them into an animated show with Disney characters.
The 2012 Thea Awards ceremony will be held March 17, 2012 at the Disneyland Hotel.
D23 2012 “fanniversary” event schedule; Destination D returns to Anaheim
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has released a year-long schedule of regional events for 2012, to celebrate the club's third “fanniversary,” and announced that the Destination D mini-expo will return to the Disneyland Resort in August.
Some Disney fans have complained that D23 membership has little value if you don't live in Los Angeles or Orlando, where most of the club events are held, and it appears that D23 management paid attention to those concerns while creating the 2012 event schedule. While there are still a number of events in L.A. (including four members-only weekends at the Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank and the return of Destination D in August), there are also events planned for Boston, Chicago, New York, Palm Springs, San Francisco, and Marceline (Walt Disney's hometown in Missouri). New for 2012 is a multi-city road tour, and two events visiting locations important to Walt Disney's legacy.
Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup – January 23 to 25, 2012. Spend two nights at the Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, California with D23 members and staff during an exclusive Disney fan event. The three-day event includes accommodations in a Smoke Tree Ranch cabin; cocktail receptions; select meals; movie screenings in the “Disney Hall” with Disney archivist Becky Cline; appearances by Disney personalities including Dana Daniels, Pete Renoudet and a surprise celebrity guest; use of the Smoke Tree Ranch recreational activities; a lawn bowling tournament and a gift bag. The event is $825 per person, double occupancy. Additional guests in the same cottage are $450. Reservations for this event open today, November 21 on the D23 website. The Smoke Tree Ranch only has 49 cabins, so capacity for this event is likely quite small.
Journey to Marceline – March 14, 2012. D23 members can tour Walt Disney's boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri with Disney archivists. No pricing has been announced for this event.
D23 Fanniversary Celebration – Spring, 2102. This multi-city road tour will include stops in Orlando, New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Few details are available, but the events will be open to the public, with special opportunities for D23 members.
Destination D: 75 Years Of Disney Animation – August 11 and 12. A two-day mini expo celebrating Disney animation. Details and pricing still to be released.
Resort construction update
I often joke that Disney moves trees around the Cars Land construction site just to block my view of the progress, but this week's tree migration really made me laugh. At the beginning of October, a few trees were moved behind the construction wall, partially blocking what had been a perfect, unobstructed view of the Cadillac Range. The same trees also just happened to block the view of Mater's Junkyard Jamboree from Mickey's Fun Wheel. Now a whole cluster of trees effectively screens the Cadillac Range from the Golden Vine Winery patio.
Fortunately, you can step a few feet closer to the Blue Sky Cellar and still get a pretty good view of Route 66, where the tower of tires is visible outside Luigi's Casa Della Tires, Flo's V-8 Cafe has a new sparkplug on the roof, and the frame of Sarge's Surplus Hut looks to be finished. From Mickey's Fun Wheel you can see more of the sign on the front of Luigi's, and see the exterior surface applied to parts of the Cozy Cones.
Are these trees strategically placed to block a view, or just moved for construction purposes? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The same view, two months earlier. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Sarge's Surplus Hut is taking shape, and Flo's V-8 Cafe has a new spark plug ornament. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The tower of tires was completed outside Luigi's Case Della Tires. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The sign us up on Luigi's Case Della Tires. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Framing is complete, and the Cozy Cones are being surfaced. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Very little scaffolding remains on the front of the Cadillac Range, but the side facing Katella Ave. is still unfinished. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Holiday photos
I was in Walt Disney World last weekend when the holiday season official kicked off at Disneyland, so this Saturday was my first opportunity to see Disney fully decorated. No matter how crowded the park or how uncooperative the weather, something about seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkling as the sun sets is enough to set the day right.
Even when it's gloomy during the day, Sleeping Beauty Castle is gorgeous at night. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
I miss the Christmas trees that used to be installed in the moat outside Sleeping Beauty Castle, but it allows for a beautiful reflection. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This was also my first look at this year's version of A Christmas Fantasy parade, and I was disappointed to see that Duffy the Disney Bear has replaced the teddy bear on the lead float. This change was rumored to happen last year after Duffy appeared on the float for the taping of the ABC Christmas special, but the usual bear was back on the float when the parade debuted for the season. This year, Duffy has claimed the lead spot. I also noticed that the skating snowflakes have a new costume, which is probably much lighter and easier to wear, but is not as elegant as the previous version.
Duffy the Disney Bear has replaced the teddy bear on the lead float of A Christmas Fantasy parade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The skating snowflakes in A Christmas Fantasy parade have a new costume. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
We managed a neat bit of multi-tasking Saturday night, watching the Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks while in line for “it's a small world” Holiday. For many, the holiday version of “it's a small world” is the only one worth seeing. The most noticeable change is a new snowman, replacing the Christmas tree in the final scene of the attraction.
“it's a small world” is decorated for the holidays. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
“it's a small world” is decorated for the holidays. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Ho Ho Holidays from “it's a small world.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A snowman replaced the white Christmas tree in the final scene of “it's a small world” Holiday. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Wandering around the Resort this weekend, a few other holiday tidbits caught my eye. I hope you enjoy these photos.
Sleeping Beauty Castle gets all of the attention, but the decorations on Splash Mountain have their own rustic charm. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This charming pinecone owl was perched above the hand washing sinks at the Big Thunder Ranch. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Soundsational Parade is done for the season, which means the garlands could be installed above Main Street. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Emporium is reflected in an ornaments decorating Disneyland's Christmas tree. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney California Adventure's new entrance sports a tasteful holiday garland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Nautical garland decorates the Little Mermaid attraction building. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That…
…There has been no official announcement from Disney, but members of the cast member choir were told last week that actor Gary Sinise will be the narrator for all four performances of the Candlelight Processional this year. Candlelight is scheduled for December 3 & 4, weather permitting.
…Readers have asked if Disneyland plans to hold a holiday annual passholder holiday sale at the World of Disney store this year, as they have for the past several years. We checked with contacts in the merchandise department, and so far there do not appear to be any plans for a sale event. We'll keep readers posted as we hear anything, but with the usual weekend of that event rapidly approaching, no news likely means no sale. As a reminder, the extra annual passholder discounts, (10 percent for SoCal, Basic and Deluxe passes; 20 percent for Premium and Premier passes), have been extended through May 31, 2012, and the $10 minimum purchase requirement is waived.
…Two annual passholder readers have reported receiving an e-mail from the Disneyland Resort, inviting them to take place in a focus group at Disney California Adventure in early December. The email includes a link to a Disney website to register for the survey, and indicates that passholders will receive $100 for their participation at the end of the “research discussion.” Reader Crystalyte noticed that the e-mail was sent from inviatation@disneysurveys.com (note the spelling error), and expressed concern that this was a scam. Disneysurveys.com is a valid Disney domain, so it's likely that this was just an overlooked spelling error, but we always advise caution before providing personal information online if you're unsure of the sender. We're checking with Disney to confirm that this is a legitimate solicitation.
…We previously reported that the wheelchair-accessible boats are not currently in use at the “it's a small world” attraction. A Disneyland Resort representative told MousePlanet earlier this month, “We made modifications to the 'it's a small world' accessible boat and are currently in the final review and approval phase.” The ride reopened after a scheduled refurbishment to install the holiday decor, but the accessible boat is still not in service. Cast members at the attraction say that the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) has not yet approved paperwork filed in regards to the modified boats, and that it is unlikely that they will return to service before the end of the year.
…ElecTRONica will be presented nightly at Disney California Adventure now through November 27 to entertain the Thanksgiving week crowds, before returning to a weekends-only schedule. ElecTRONica will also be presented nightly December 16 through 31.
…Disneyland has updated the Magic Morning schedule for December. Magic Morning will be offered daily December 24 through 31, with no Magic Morning offered on January 1.
…Disney Movie Rewards is offering an Ultimate Disney VIP Trip to southern California as part of their Hometown Jubilee 5th anniversary sweepstakes. The trip includes three nights at a Disneyland Resort hotel, a tour of the Walt Disney Studios and Company Archives, a backstage tour and a movie at the El Capitan Theater, and a $750 Disney Gift Card. The contest ends December 31, 2011, and you must be a member of Disney Movie Rewards to enter.
…Target is also sponsoring a Disneyland Resort contest, a Cars Land Vacation Sweepstakes. There are 25 grand prizes, each offering a four-day, three-night trip to the Disneyland Resort with hotel accommodations and theme park tickets, and a “sponsor-selected Cars Land experience.” What's interesting about this contest is that the grand prize is valid from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013. While Disney has only said that Cars Land will open in Summer 2012, it is highly unlikely that the new land will be ready for guests by June 1. Winners who redeem their prize at the earliest dates of the fulfillment period may get a pre-opening tour of the land, but probably won't get to ride anything. The contest ends December 31, 2011, and the winner will be selected around January 4.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, go to the MousePlanet main page and enter your email address in the top right box labeled “Join the MousePlanet Newsletter.” Click Join, then fill out the fields in the registration page, including your first and last name. The Newsletter is free, but you must complete this registration to receive it, even if you may have signed up for one with us in the past.
…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 for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
Crowd Forecast
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Advertisement Crowd information and forecasts are provided by TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, to help you better plan your trip to the Disneyland Resort. TouringPlans.com gathers wait time data from a team of in-park researchers and users of their Lines mobile phone application, and then predicts crowd levels for the next 365 days. Using a scale from 1 to 10, TouringPlans.com has a 90 percent accuracy of predicting the crowds to within 1 point, helping visitors prepare for their trips so they can “Do more. Wait less.”
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Community Events
- None currently scheduled – check back for updates
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- Disneyland Monorail – opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday until further notice. This shortened schedule is due to the Buena Vista Street construction in DCA. The monorail operates on a normal schedule on weekends.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed through November 23 for refurbishment.
- Blue Bayou – closed through November 23 for refurbishment.
- Plaza Pavilion – closed through January 2012 for conversion to Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.
- Blue Ribbon Bakery – closes January 2012. The space to be converted back to an indoor seating area for the Carnation Cafe.
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – closes January 2012 for renovation. Expected to reopen in Spring 2012.
- Candy Palace – closes January 2012 for renovation. Expected to reopen in Spring 2012.
Disney California Adventure
The pump house serves as the park information board, and the Carthay Circle stop of the Red Car line. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Seasonal refurbishments:
- None currently scheduled
Construction-related closures:
- Engine-Ears Toys – closed until summer 2012 for renovation.
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Baker's Field Bakery – closed until summer 2012 for conversion to Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream – closed until summer 2012 for conversion to Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe. - Greetings from California – closed until summer 2012 for renovation.
Disneyland Resort hotels:
- Disneyland Hotel Neverland Pool – closed due to construction. The hotel's new pool area and new Monorail water slide are now open for hotel guests.
- Disneyland Hotel Guest Laundry – closed 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 has been relocated to one of the hotel meeting rooms; ask the front desk for the most recent information as you check in.
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 in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
Winter
- Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort – November 14, 2011 to January 8, 2012.
- Candlelight Processional – December 3 & 4. Performances times, narrator and availability (if any) of dining packages have not yet been announced. The current rumor is that there will be no dining packages offered to the general public, and that the narrator will be Gary Sinese.
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through Spring 2012; the event is offered nightly during the Thanksgiving week, and December 16-31.
2012
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through Spring 2012.
- Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – January 27–29. Registration for the half marathon is now sold out; registration for the family races is still open at the Run Disney website.
- Grad Nite events – this party for high school seniors graduating in 2012 will be held May 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and June 1, 7, 8, 14. The 2012 event includes admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure during regular operating hours, and a private party in Disneyland after the park closes to the public for the night.
- Destination D: 75 Years of Disney Animation – August 11-12. This D23 event returns to the Disneyland Resort in 2012. Additional details and registration information at www.Disney.com/D23.
We also recommend checking the convention calendar at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau website. When looking at that site, remember to note both the number of people and the number of rooms resulting from each convention. A gathering of 25,000 people booking few room nights (indicating most will be driving in to the area for their meeting) can impact traffic around the Resort much more than a crowd of 25,000 staying in area hotels. Of course, that second group is going to make finding a hotel room more difficult (and possibly more expensive), so it's best to book your own room as early as possible if you see that a big convention is in town during your trip.
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. Note, we are no longer listing offers from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, as their convenience fee negates any savings.
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One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $80/$74 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $105/$99 |
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 per Day Ticket – Regularly $158/$146 Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $173/$161 |
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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Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $209/$193 Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $224/$208 |
Advance Purchase 3-day, One Park Per Day Bonus Ticket ($199/$183) or 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($214/$198) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. First use must be on or before December 31, 2012. These tickets have a 13-day “fuse,” which means you must use all three admissions within 13 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from the Disneyland website, this ticket can be purchased and printed at home the same day you plan to use it (eTicket service). You can also ask to pick up the ticket at Will Call ($5 fee) or have it mailed to your home ( $5-$25 delivery fee, depending on service.) Ticket may also be 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 participating travel agents. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $15/day value). Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($95) – A discounted price offered to active or retired U.S. military personnel or their spouses. Based on past offers, Disney defines “Eligible Service Members” as active or retired members of the US military, including active members of the National Guard or Reservists and active or retired members of the US Coast Guard. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base, or at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Valid military ID is required. The price is the same for adults and children, and total of six tickets may be purchased per military member, regardless of who purchases the tickets (the member or their spouse). Tickets must be purchased by Sept 30, 2012. The ticket has the following blockout dates: December 24, 2011 to January 2, 2012; February 17 to 19, 2012; April 2 to 14, 2012; July 4, 2012. As far as we can tell, there is no “fuse” on this ticket, so you may have more than the standard 13 days from first use to use the remaining two admissions, but we highly recommend you contact your base MWR/ITT office for more details before making travel plans. Please note that this ticket is not a “bonus” ticket, and so does not include an early admission day. |
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Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $234/$216 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $249/$231 |
Costco 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket plus $50 Disney gift card ($239.99) – A special offer for Costco members who are also residents of Southern California. Note: this ticket is no longer listed on the Costco website, but you may find it at Southern California Costco stores. Unlike most other park hopper tickets, this ticket has no “fuse” – you can use the first admission today, and have until October 19, 2011 to use the remaining admission days before the ticket expires. The ticket is blocked out August 21-22, 2011. 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, One Park Per Day Bonus Ticket ($219/$201) or 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($234/$216) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. First use must be on or before December 31, 2012. These tickets have a 13-day “fuse,” which means you must use all four admissions within 13 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from the Disneyland website, this ticket can be purchased and printed at home the same day you plan to use it (eTicket service). You can also ask to pick up the ticket at Will Call ($5 fee) or have it mailed to your home ( $5-$25 delivery fee, depending on service.) Ticket may also be 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 participating travel agents. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $15/day value). |
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Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $251/$231 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $266/$246 |
Advance Purchase 5-day, One Park Per Day Bonus Ticket ($231/$211) or 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($246/$226) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. First use must be on or before December 31, 2012. These tickets have a 13-day “fuse,” which means you must use all five admissions within 13 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from the Disneyland website, this ticket can be purchased and printed at home the same day you plan to use it (eTicket service). You can also ask to pick up the ticket at Will Call ($5 fee) or have it mailed to your home ($5 to $25 delivery fee, depending on service.) Ticket may also be 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 participating travel agents. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $15/day value). |
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Six Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $256/$239 Six Day Park Hopper – Regularly $271/$251 |
Advance Purchase 6-day, One Park Per Day Bonus Ticket ($236/$216) or 6-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($251/$231) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. First use must be on or before December 31, 2012. These tickets have a 13-day “fuse,” which means you must use all six admissions within 13 days of the first use, or forfeit the unused days. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from the Disneyland website, this ticket can be purchased and printed at home the same day you plan to use it (eTicket service). You can also ask to pick up the ticket at Will Call ($5 fee) or have it mailed to your home ( $5-$25 delivery fee, depending on service.) Ticket may also be 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 participating travel agents. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (a $15/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: $749 [Valid at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort; includes parking] |
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2011 Southern California CityPass $276/$229 |
2011 Southern California CityPass ($276/$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 is valid through December 31, 2011. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland website 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 website though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge. |
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Hotel/Travel Packages
Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco. 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
Purchase with Purchase offers – Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced-price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. The current offers are:
Disneyland shops:
- Mickey tote bag for $13.95 with a minimum purchase of $25
- Fleece throw blanket for $17.95 with a $40 purchase.
Disney California Adventure shops:
- Mickey tote bag for $13.95 with a minimum purchase of $25
- Mickey Mouse watch for $17.95 with a $40 purchase.
Downtown Disney / Disneyland Resort Hotel shops:
- Sports duffel bag for $16.95 with a minimum purchase of $25
- Fleece throw blanket for $17.95 with a $40 purchase.
Character Dining Vouchers – Discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through Get Away Travel.
Disney Visa – Cardholders have access to a private Character Meet 'N' Greet photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, and receive one free 5×7 photograph per visit. Cardholders also receive 10% off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney-operated retail stores, 10% off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (Big Thunder Ranch, River Belle Terrace, French Market, Cocina Cucamonga, Steakhouse 55, PCH Grill and Storyteller's Café), and 20% off the “Welcome to Disneyland,” “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps,” and “Discover the Magic” guided tours. See the Disney Visa website for terms and conditions.
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 website for details.
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)
| 11/20 | 11/21 | 11/22 | 11/23 | 11/24 | 11/25 | 11/26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p MM
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 11/27 | 11/28 | 11/29 | 11/30 | 12/1 | 12/2 | 12/3 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 9a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM
|
DL: 9a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-9p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 12/4 | 12/5 | 12/6 | 12/7 | 12/8 | 12/9 | 12/10 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-8p MM
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DL: 9a-9p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 12/11 | 12/12 | 12/13 | 12/14 | 12/15 | 12/16 | 12/17 |
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-8p MM
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DL: 9a-9p
DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 12/18 | 12/19 | 12/20 | 12/21 | 12/22 | 12/23 | 12/24 |
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 12/25 | 12/26 | 12/27 | 12/28 | 12/29 | 12/30 | 12/31 |
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC/DX MM / TT
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DL: 8a-2a
DCA: 10a-1a SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 1/1/2012 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/4 | 1/4 | 1/5 | 1/6 |
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC |
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.
