Update for December 5 – 11, 2011
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News and Views
Ghirardelli to open soda fountain and chocolate shop in DCA | Candy canes and Candlelight | Holiday Time at Disneyland | Kevin Kidney Speaks for the (Plaza Pavilion) Tree | This and That… | Crowd Forecast
Ghirardelli to open soda fountain and chocolate shop in DCA
The Disney Parks Blog confirmed last week that Ghirardelli will open a soda fountain and chocolate shop in DCA. According to the article, the new location “will feature Ghirardelli’s world-famous hot fudge sundaes and chocolate products. And each guest will be able to receive complimentary samples of their signature Ghirardelli Squares chocolate!” And while the new eatery is going in the space where the Mission Tortilla Factory closed earlier this year, the blog gave no opening date beyond “late Spring 2012.”
Ghirardelli already operates a very popular soda fountain that routinely boasts long lines at Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney shopping district. The menu centers around signature ice cream sundaes, topped with a variety of Ghirardelli chocolate toppings. The soda fountain also serves hot espresso beverages and specialty cocoa drinks.
While many are happy to have this rumor confirmed, some question whether Ghirardelli still makes sense for the new Disney California Adventure. A Ghirardelli store was rumored to be slated for the Pacific Wharf area when DCA opened in 2001, and the California-based company seemed a natural fit for the California-themed park, which also featured a Wolfgang Puck restaurant (Avalon Cove) and a Robert Mondavi-run restaurant (Golden Vine Winery) and wine shop, along with the Mission Tortilla Factory and Boudin Bakery.
Ghirardelli will open a soda fountain and chocolate shop in DCA in 2012. Photo (c) Disney
Less than a year after DCA opened, Disney had taken over operations of both Avalon Cove and Golden Vine Winery, and as we enter 2012, the company is wrapping up a multi-year makeover of DCA. As so much of the redevelopment project has included removing or downplaying the overtly California elements of DCA, it seems perhaps a step back to bring in an iconic California brand. There's also the issue of location—the Ghirardelli soda fountain and chocolate shop will be just steps away from the entrance to the new Cars Land.
Of course, if this new restaurant indicates an expansion of Disney's partnership with Ghirardelli, may I be the first to suggest the Disneyland Resort as a venue for the Hot Chocolate 15K / 5K? If a 15K through Disneyland isn't enticing enough, just imagine having a chocolate buffet at the finish line.
Candy canes and Candlelight
A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Believe…in Holiday Magic fireworks and “it's a small world” Holiday are perhaps the most obvious signs that the holidays have come to Disneyland, but for many fans, the season hasn't truly begun until the Candy Palace churns out fresh candy canes, and the Candlelight Processional winds down Main Street, U.S.A.
A crowd inside the Candy Palace watches workers make fresh candy canes. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Last Wednesday was the first fresh candy cane day of the 2011 holiday season, and a small crowd was waiting outside Disneyland when the gates opened, hoping to get a voucher to purchase one of the seasonal treats. Candy canes are $12.95 this year (no discounts apply), and there is a limit of one candy cane per person.
A candy maker rolls the warm candy into a rope, then snips it into uniform lengths. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Fresh candy canes will be made again on December 6, 9, 12, 16 and 21. Disney's candy makers can only produce about 120 canes per day (40 canes from each of three batches), so you have to be there early if you want one. The first batch of candy canes is ready about 90 minutes after park opening, so after you get your voucher, you have lots of time to watch the candy being made. If you arrive too late to purchase a fresh-made candy cane, Disney also offers jumbo candy canes made by an off-site vendor from the same recipe.
A candy maker forms the peppermint rope into the traditional cane shape. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This weekend was also the annual Candlelight Processional at the Disneyland Resort, with actor Gary Sinise serving as the celebrity narrator. MousePlanet reader Joe has been photographing Candlelight events since 2008, and shared his photos of the 2011 event on our MousePad discussion forums.
The stage is set in front of the Main Street Train Station for the 2011 Candlelight Processional. Photo by Joe Flowers.
Some fans waited all day to save their seats for the 2011 Candlelight Processional at Disneyland. Photo by Joe Flowers.
The viewing area becomes more crowded as the sun sets. Photo by Joe Flowers.
The 2011 Candlelight ceremony begins with a processional down Main Street, U.S.A. Photo by Joe Flowers.
Actor Gary Sinise narrates the 2011 Candlelight ceremony at Disneyland. Photo by Joe Flowers.
Gary Sinise has previously narrated the Candlelight ceremony in Walt Disney World. Photo by Joe Flowers.
The Herald Trumpets perform from the perch atop the Main Street Train Station during the 2011 Candlelight ceremony at Disneyland. Photo by Joe Flowers.
Singers perform “What Child Is This” during the 2011 Candlelight ceremony at Disneyland. Photo by Joe Flowers.
A soloist performs “Silent Night” during the 2011 Candlelight ceremony at Disneyland. Photo by Joe Flowers.
Nancy Sulahian conducts the 2011 Candlelight ceremony at Disneyland. Photo by Joe Flowers.
Holiday Time at Disneyland
Disneyland held its annual holiday media event this weekend, giving local media the opportunity to conduct a few interviews and check out the holiday activities at the Disneyland Resort. Our first stop was a chat with Santa Claus, who is visiting Disneyland with Mrs. Claus and most of his reindeer. Which characters are on his “nice” list, and who's been naughty? Santa names names in this video.
Next, we had the chance to talk with Blue Bayou chef Moises Carranza about holiday desserts around the Resort, and about special Christmas and New Years menus he has planned for his own restaurant.
Finally, we spent a few minutes with Phineas and Ferb, and learn that dancing along in their Rockin' Rollin' Dance Party – Holiday Edition is much harder than it looks.
After the interviews were over, I took a tour to the Disneyland Resort hotels to check out their Christmas trees. They are all lovely as always, but my favorite is the Disneyland Hotel tree. It's covered in glittery space-age ornaments, but the real surprise is that it smells like marshmallows. The tree is in the new front desk lobby, and is worth a visit.
Santa greets children in the lobby of the Paradise Pier hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Disneyland Hotel Christmas Tree is decorated with space-age ornaments, and smells like marshmallows. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Disneyland Hotel Christmas Tree is decorated with space-age ornaments, and smells like marshmallows. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Grand Californian Hotel lobby is decorated for Christmas. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Kevin Kidney Speaks for the (Plaza Pavilion) Tree
Artist Kevin Kidney has worked on any number of projects for Disney, including this summer's new Mickey's Soundsational Parade. Kidney is also a long-time Disney fan with a passion for vintage Disneyland. In a post on his Meihana blog, he writes about the recent destruction of a piece of Disneyland history, a mural inside the Plaza Pavilion restaurant on Main Street.
The blog details the unfortunate series of events that led to the demolition of the mural, and his efforts to find a better photo of the artwork for his personal collection. Be sure to visit the blog for the full story—perhaps you have the photo he's looking for.
This and That…
… Reader Carlo wrote about an unwelcome surprise he received when checking into the Disneyland Hotel last week.
So we just arrived at the DLH yesterday for a week of awesomeness… much to our surprise, the Monorail water slides went down for refurb this morning and won't be back up until the middle of the month. The front desk folks are telling us that it was an “unexpected” refurbishment, and that they didn't know anything about it until this morning. Obviously we'll still have a great time, but it's still a little disappointing. 🙁
The new Monorail water slides at the Disneyland Hotel are closed for an unscheduled refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…Earlier this year, we noticed the shelves in the Island Charters store in Downtown Disney were looking a bit bare, and signs advertised store-wide clearance sale. Then Apricot Lane announced it would be opening a Downtown Disney store, and we expected that news would shortly be followed by a report that Island Charters was closing. Instead, it was Kitson Kids that moved out, and the “summer sale” at Island Charters turned into a “pre-Christmas” sale, with most items 35 percent off. Now Island Charters employees confirm the store will close on January 8, 2012. The store opened with Downtown Disney in 2001, and was one of the last remaining original tenants.
A kiosk outside the World of Disney Store offers holiday accessories and toys to Downtown Disney visitors. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…Last month, we noticed that the La Brea Bakery's coffee cart in Downtown Disney had relocated to a spot closer to their bakery. Now Disney has placed two large merchandise displays in that space, offering holiday accessories and toys to Downtown Disney visitors.
…Fresh fudge now costs more at Disneyland, but you won't see the price increase on your receipt. Rather than raising the price per square, the candy kitchens are now cutting the fudge into smaller rectangles. Fudge is still $3.95 per piece (with a 33 percent discount if you buy 6 pieces), but you'll get about a third less for your money.
…We wrote last week about a contest sponsored by House of Blues in Downtown Disney Anaheim. Passholders can enter for a chance to win a weekend in San Diego, with dinner for two and a show at the House of Blues San Diego. When I stopped by this weekend to submit my own entry, the employees told me my chances of winning were pretty good, since very few other people had entered the contest. I won't say no to a free weekend in San Diego, but I'd love to see a MousePlanet reader win this prize. To enter, visit the House of Blues in Downtown Disney before the end of the year, and ask the cashier in the store for an entry form. You must be 21 or older to enter.
For more Passholder events, contests and discounts, check out the list in last week's Disneyland Resort Update.
…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
- Jungle Cruise – closed December 5.
- Indiana Jones Adventure – closed December 6 & 7.
- 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.
- Plaza Pavilion – closed through January 2012 for conversion to Jolly Holiday Bakery 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.
2012 refurbishments:
Note: not all of these have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit.
- Refreshment Corner – closed January 5 through February 9 for refurbishment.
- Blue Ribbon Bakery – closes January 5, 2012. The space to be converted back to an indoor seating area for the Carnation Cafe.
- Haunted Mansion – closes January 8, 2012 for removal of the holiday overlay.
- Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm – closed January 9 – 18 for removal of the holiday decor.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed January 9 – June 14 for refurbishment.
- it’s a small world – closed January 23 – February 2 for removal of the holiday overlay.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – closed January 23 – February 17 for refurbishment.
- Davy Crockett Canoes – closed January 24 for dock refurbishment.
- Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port – closed January 30 – February 10 for refurbishment.
Disney California Adventure
Seasonal refurbishments:
- None currently scheduled
2012 refurbishments:
Note: none of these have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit.
- Redwood Challenge Creek Trail – closed January 9 – 27 for refurbishment.
- Grizzly River Run –closed January 23 – March 2 for refurbishment.
- Soarin’ Over California – theater A will be closed January 23-27 for refurbishment, so expect a longer wait for the other side.
- Soarin’ Over California – the entire attraction will be closed January 30 – February 3 for refurbishment.
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 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.
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through Spring 2012; the event is offered nightly 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)
| 12/4 | 12/5 | 12/6 | 12/7 | 12/8 | 12/9 | 12/10 |
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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 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 |
|
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 |
|
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
|
DL: 8a-2a
DCA: 10a-1a SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 1/1/2012 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/4 | 1/5 | 1/6 | 1/7 |
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL MM / TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p MM
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p TT
|
DL: 8a-2a
DCA: 10a-1a SL/SC MM / TT |
| 1/8 | 1/9 | 1/10 | 1/11 | 1/12 | 1/13 | 1/14 |
|
DL: 8a-11p
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC |
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-9p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p 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.
