Update for January 23 – 29, 2012
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News and Views
It's a (construction) wall world, after all | Disneyland celebrates Lunar New Year |Lace up your wings for the Tinker Bell half marathon | 2013 Disney Cruise Line schedule still a mystery | MouseAdventure: Card Games – are you ready to deal? | This and That… | Crowd Forecast
It's a (construction) wall world, after all
[Note: I usually visit the Disneyland Resort several times a week, so I had a lot of catching up to do after I returned from my recent long trip.]
Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure is still a massive construction site, but there are noticeable changes—more windows and less scaffolding around the Carthay Circle Theater, more framing around the former Greetings from California store, even a finished exterior on one of the buildings in the west block stores.
A panoramic view of the Buena Vista Street east block shops. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The former Greetings from California shop has a new facade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Elias Co. Department Store is visible above the Monorail track. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
One of the west block stores displays a partially finished exterior panel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Detail work is still being added to the Carthay Circle Theater. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Walking towards Cars Land, I saw that Mater and Lightning McQueen had relocated to the waterfall photo spot along the performance corridor after their previous meet-and-greet location closed.
Cars Land looks more amazing every time I see it—each new sign (like the Flo's V-8 Cafe marquee and the “Town of Radiator Springs” inscription) leaves me even more eager to finally walk down Route 66. It looks like the frame for the Radiator Springs welcome sign has been installed, and my much-taller husband spotted sections of split-rail fencing inside the construction site. I always find it useful to refer to the concept art displayed outside the Blue Sky Cellar and overlooking Cars Land, and that same type of fence is shown lining the entrance to the new area.
The Grizzly River Run waterfall makes a good backdrop for the Cars meet and greet. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Lights are now strung above Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Flo's V-8 Cafe has a new sign. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This looks like the frame for the Radiator Springs welcome sign. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A split-rail fence is staged inside the Cars Land construction site. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Concept art shows the planned entrance to Cars Land. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
An area outside The Little Mermaid attraction is now closed to repave a portion of the parade route through Paradise Pier. This project continues through March 1.
Construction walls surround the performance corridor through Paradise Pier. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Condor Flats beautification project continues, with the faded, distressed retaining wall at the entrance to the area being repainted in a glossy black. The lettering has not been touched up, but the new finish is a noticeable contrast to the original look.
The retaining wall outside Condor Flats has a glossy new paint finish. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The new paint job is a marked contrast to the deliberately distressed look designers originally intended for this retaining wall. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Over in Disneyland, an entire block of Main Street is closed for refurbishment, with everything from the Blue Ribbon Bakery all the way to Coke Corner shuttered.
The closure of so many Main Street shops has visitors searching elsewhere for ice cream and hot dogs. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Refreshment Corner is closed for one more month. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyana is closed through February 4. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The top of the Matterhorn is covered with scaffolding, as the attraction is being refurbished to accommodate the new sleds. The queue is also being refurbished to accommodate the new seating configuration (and perhaps to add a single-rider line), and it looks like they are rebuilding it from the ground up.
Another major refurbishment for the Matterhorn, but this time the ride reopens with new sleds. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Matterhorn queue is reworked during this refurbishment to accommodate the new sleds. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland celebrates Lunar New Year
Disneyland got an early start on the Lunar New Year celebration on Friday, kicking off a 10-day promotion to commemorate the Year of the Dragon. “it's a small world” is the backdrop for the New Year activity, with performances by local “cultural groups,” (including dance troupes and martial artists) on the parade route. Some of these performances include audience participation opportunities, so you can join in and learn to dance with ribbon wands.
Small World Mall is the setting for the Lunar New Year celebration at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The terraced area alongside the parade route houses demonstration areas for local artists to show off traditional crafts, and also serves as a photo location where you can take pictures with Mushu and Chip and Dale. Mulan makes an appearance during Mulan’s Chinese New Year Procession, and will pose for photos with Mushu after the performance.
2012 is the Year of the Dragon, so Mushu is prominently featured in the festivities. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The whole area has been decorated with colorful lanterns and banners, floral decorations, and props like golden guardian lions. Food carts in the area have been redressed with Lunar New Year signs and banners, and offer a small variety of treats like edamame (soy beans) and almond cookies (both also available at the Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure park), egg rolls, and of course, the very traditional chocolate- or strawberry-filled churros.
Signs, banners, props and floral arrangements decorate Small World Mall during the Lunar New Year celebration. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Happy Lunar New Year Celebration is presented from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily through Sunday, January 29. On January 24 and 26, only the character meet and greets will be offered; no additional entertainment is scheduled.
Lunar New Year snacks include egg rolls, almond cookies…and churros. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Lace up your wings for the Tinker Bell half marathon
The inaugural Tinker Bell half marathon is next Sunday, January 29, and dozens of MousePlanet readers—and a few staff members—plan to be among the thousands of runners and joggers participating in this new RunDisney event. This race follows a different course than the Disneyland half marathon held in September each year, and visitors planning trips next weekend should be aware of the race course and related road closures.
The Tinker Bell half marathon course winds through the Disneyland Resort and portions of downtown Anaheim. Photo (c) Disney.
The race begins at 5:45 a.m. Sunday morning, and most of the race-related crowding should be confined to the Simba parking lot south of the Paradise Pier Hotel by the time most visitors head down to the resort—but early arrivals may encounter a few roadblocks. The course uses three sections of Ball Road and over a mile of Harbor Boulevard, so the surrounding streets are likely to be much busier as a result. The Harbor Boulevard exit from the northbound I-5 closes from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m., while the exit from the southbound side closes between 5:30 and 8:30 a.m.. The Disney Way exit from the Southbound I-5 is also closed between 5:30 and 9:30 a.m..
If you plan to drive to the Disneyland area on the morning of the race, Disney suggests these routes:
I-5 Northbound
- Exit at Harbor Boulevard – this off ramp is closed from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m.
- Turn right on Harbor
- Turn left on Ball Road
- Turn left on Disneyland Drive and follow the signs to the Theme Park parking structure
I-5 Southbound
- Exit at Disneyland Drive
- Turn left on Disneyland Drive and follow the signs to the Theme Park parking structure
To access the Mickey and Friends parking structure between 5:30 and 8:00 a.m., Disneyland advises that you use the Disneyland Drive off ramp of the southbound I-5. Whatever route you take, expect delays and plan accordingly. If you wait to arrive after 9:30 a.m., you should be able to use the Disneyland Drive exit and park in the Mickey and Friends structure without too many hassles.
Disney is also partnering with the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) system to provide free shuttles during the race weekend. A transportation map and additional driving details are in the race program.
Note: Disneyland opens at 9:00 a.m. on race day, and Disney California Adventure opens at 11:00 a.m.. Magic Morning is not offered on Sunday because of the race, and instead has been rescheduled for Monday, January 30.
If you're looking to cheer on the runners, this course offers several good locations. There is no spectator access to Disneyland or DCA during the race, but you can see the runners as they pass through Downtown Disney after leaving Disneyland. Around mile 7, the course makes a loop through Downtown Anaheim; the most convenient parking here is probably the shopping complex off Lincoln between Harbor and Anaheim boulevards, where you can walk to Center Street Promenade. There are plenty of opportunities to see the runners as they head south towards the resort, or you can watch as they run past the Garden Walk shopping center on their way back to Disney California Adventure. The finish line for the race is in the Simba parking lot south of the Paradise Pier Hotel.
If you want a more formal spectator experience, Disney has a variety of ChEAR Squad packages and products, ranging from a free eNewsletter to a $129 Platinum package that includes reserved finish line seating, continental breakfast and more. Disney is once again offering runner tracking, and can send you split times via email, text messaging, Facebook and/or Twitter.
2013 Disney Cruise Line schedule still a mystery
Is the Disney Cruise Line pulling out of Los Angeles? The answer is still a mystery, after Disney quietly canceled a press conference scheduled for last Wednesday, during which the line was expected to announce their 2013 itineraries for both the Disney Magic and the LA-based Disney Wonder.
One travel agent speculated that Disney delayed the announcement because of the continuing media coverage of the recent Costa Concordia accident, in which 13 people died and as many as 20 are still missing after the ship crashed into rocks just hours after departing the port of Civitavecchia in Italy. Many expected last week's announcement to include confirmation that the Magic would return to Europe in 2013 after skipping the 2012 season.
As for the Wonder, the South Florida Business Journal reported that Disney will bring the ship back to Florida in December 2012, this time basing the ship in Miami instead of Port Canaveral. Last month, Disney canceled the last four Mexican Riviera cruises the Wonder was scheduled to sail in 2012.
MouseAdventure: Card Games – are you ready to deal?
A brand new game in a brand new format, we are proud to present our Spring 2012 event: MouseAdventure Card Games! This March, Alex Stroup returns to MouseAdventure with a few new (card) tricks up his sleeve. Whether you've played every game since 2000 or are forming a team for your very first Adventure, there's a division that will suit you just right!
Sunday, March 11 – Basic Division: Disneyland Park and Downtown Disney
MouseAdventure Card Games will deal you a series of quests and challenges to be solved throughout Disneyland and Downtown Disney. The Basic division is a competitive event, with prizes going to the best new, returning and family teams.
Registration for the Basic Division is $120 per team, and includes admission to the post-event Award Ceremony. Each player will need admission to Disneyland on Sunday, March 11. MouseAdventure registration does not include theme park admission.
Sunday, March 11 – Advanced Division: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks
If you crave even more MouseAdventure, register for the Advanced division and try your hand at all of the Basic Division quests, many at a more difficult level, plus a few challenges inside Disney California Adventure Park. Prizes are awarded to the best new and returning teams.
Registration for the Advanced Division is $140 per team, and includes admission to the post-event Award Ceremony. Each player will need admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on Sunday, March 11. MouseAdventure registration does not include theme park admission.
Sunday, March 25 – Day at the Park Division: Disneyland Park and Downtown Disney
Two weeks later, we will run the game again for brand-new teams who just want to get an idea of what this MouseAdventure thing is all about, and for returning teams that wish to play without the stress of competition. Day at the Park teams will solve most of the same quests as the Basic division event, though some elements may be modified or omitted.
Teams play only for bragging rights, and there is no post-event Award Ceremony: results will be posted on the Web site about a week after the event. The MouseAdventure Day at the Park event features an extended sign-in period with a pre-game new player orientation session. Teams can also participate in a team T-shirt competition before the main event begins.
Registration for the Day at the Park Division is $75 per team. Each player will need admission to Disneyland Park on Sunday, March 25. MouseAdventure registration does not include theme park admission.
Registration for all divisions opens at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, January 31 online at MouseAdventure.com.
Registration close on February 24, or whenever the division sells out. Space for each division in the March 11 event is extremely limited. Players must be at least 6 years of age and one player on each team must be at least 18 years of age.
More information about MouseAdventure can be found at MouseAdventure.com. Be sure to sign up for our MouseAdventure Newsletter for the most recent updates. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for your chance to win MouseAdventure prizes.
This and That…
…Due to the Tinker Bell half marathon, Disneyland opens at 9 a.m. on Sunday, January 29, and Disney California Adventure opens at 11 a.m.. Magic Morning will be offered on Monday, January 30 instead of Sunday.
DCA's Miner 49ers will perform their last set February 13 at DCA. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…Jedadiah Jones and the Miner 49ers, the bluegrass band that performs at Disney California Adventure across from the entrance to Grizzly River Run, announced last week on their Facebook page that their show has been canceled. “We just got the sad news that our long and happy engagement at DCA will end on Feb. 13,” wrote “Grizzly Dave.” “Thank you SO much for your support and friendship.” Fans of the group are encouraging supporters to contact Disneyland in the hopes of landing the group a contract extension.
…The Cupcake Store is slated to reopen in Downtown Disney, in the kiosk outside Apricot Lane. The Cheryl Fudge Fashion Camp kiosk outside Compass Books has closed, and was replaced with a vendor selling Southern California-logo apparel.
…The annual Disney Jazz Celebration is heading to California in 2012. The the three-day festival and competition for middle and high school instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles will be held February 24-26 at the Disneyland Resort, and will include performances, competitions, jam sessions, clinics and GRAMMY Camp – Basic Training sessions presented by the GRAMMY Foundation.
…MousePlanet reader Pamela wrote, “I just read on the Disneyland AP page on Facebook someone was told (did not say by whom) as of May there will be no AP merchandise discount at Disneyland. I am wondering if this does not include Premium APs and they are going back to the old discount policy or it really is no discount for any AP. Have you heard anything about this?”
As long-time passholders know, the Disneyland Resort created a “special” discount offer back in 2009, giving Premium passholders a 20 percent merchandise discount instead of the usual 10 percent, and offering a 10 percent discount to So Cal, So Cal Select and Deluxe passholders who had not previously been eligible for a discount. This offer has been extended so many times that newer passholders may not know that it hasn't always been this way, but the current extension is set to expire May 31, 2012.
We have not heard what Disney plans to do after the current discount expires, but we can see it going either way. With the DCA renovation project nearing completion and Cars Land about to open, the resort may reaching a point where the extra perk isn't necessary to get passholders to open their wallets. Still, some have speculated that the extra discount isn't about pleasing passholders during what has been a long period of massive construction and ride closures, but is really just a mechanism for tracking passholder spending patterns. Every time you hand over your AP to get your discount, Disney collects information on what, when and where you're spending money. If the discounts end, so too will the data flow for the majority of passholders. Is it too much to believe that Disney is willing to offer you a 10 percent just so they can track your every purchase on property? If you have a grocery store club card, you already know the answer to that one.
…For those planning spring visits, Disney has updated the entertainment calendar for March, and Fantasmic! returns from winter hiatus on Friday, March 2.
…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
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
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.
Disneyland
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – closed for renovation. Expected to reopen in Spring.
- Candy Palace – closed for renovation. Expected to reopen in Spring.
- Penny Arcade – closed for renovation. Expected to reopen in Spring.
- Refreshment Corner – closed through February 24 for refurbishment.
- Blue Ribbon Bakery – closed. The space to be converted back to an indoor seating area for the Carnation Cafe, and is expected to reopen July 14.
- Haunted Mansion – closed through January 23 for removal of the holiday overlay.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed through June 14 for refurbishment.
- it’s a small world – closed January 23 through February 2 for removal of the holiday overlay.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – closed January 23 through February 20 for refurbishment.
- Fantasmic! – on hiatus until March 2.
- Davy Crockett Canoes – closed January 24 for dock refurbishment.
- Cafe Orleans – closed January 24–26 for refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – closed February 1 for a one-day refurbishment.
- Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port – closed January 30 through February 10 for refurbishment. (Not confirmed)
Disney California Adventure
Seasonal refurbishments:
- Paradise Pier “performance corridor” – An area outside The Little Mermaid attraction is now closed for repaving of a portion of the parade route through Paradise Pier. This project continues through March 1.
- Grizzly River Run – closed January 30 through March 9 for refurbishment.
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closed through February 1 for refurbishment.
Construction-related closures:
- Engine-Ears Toys – closed until summer 2012 for conversion into new Buena Vista Street “West Block” stores.
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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 conversion into new Buena Vista Street “East Block” stores..
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).
2012
- ElecTRONica – Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights now through January 28. According to Disney the show will continue through “Spring, 2012,” but is currently not scheduled in February.
- 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.
- Spring 2012 Dapper Day at Disneyland – Sunday, February 5. Create a “colorful, fun and sophisticated” ensemble, and gather for the Mark Twain Mixer, Dapper Derby or After Dapper Drinks at this unofficial event.
- MouseAdventure Spring 2012 – We will host two MouseAdventure events next spring, a competitive event on Sunday, March 11 and a non-competitive “Day at the Park” event on Sunday, March 25. Registration opens Tuesday, January 31. Visit MouseAdventure.com for more information.
- 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.
- Celebrating 100 Years of Girl Scouting at Disneyland Resort – May 26 and 27.
- Destination D: 75 Years of Disney Animation – August 11 and 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.
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 |
SoCal Resident 2-Day 1-Park per Day ticket ($99) The SoCal Resident 2-Day 1-Park per Day ticket offers residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California admission to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure on one day, and then a second visit to either park on another day on or before June 8, 2012. You can use both days of this ticket at the same theme park, or visit one park one day and the other park on the second day, but you can not use it to enter both parks on the same day. The ticket is $99 for ages 3 and up. You can also upgrade the ticket to a park-hopper, which allows entry to both parks each day, for an additional $15, a savings of up to $59 compared to the box office price of a two-day park-hopper ticket. You can either purchase tickets at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, or online at Disneyland.com and print them at home. You can also purchase them at participating Disney Stores and authorized third party ticket outlets, including many local grocery stores. There is no “fuse” on this ticket, which means you can use the first admission today and wait until June to use the second admission. You must, however, purchase the ticket by June 1, 2012. Tickets expires June 8, 2012, and are blocked out March 30-April 15, and June 4 and 5, 2012. While Disney states that proof of residency required for purchase and admission, MousePlanet readers who have purchased similar tickets from off-property retailers during past resident discount promotions consistently reported that they were not required to provide proof of residency at the time of purchase. However, be aware that Disneyland Resort Main Gate cast members can—and may—require proof of residency when you first use the tickets. Whether the residency checks occur is an oft-debated topic on our MousePad discussion boards, but it is your responsibility to know the official policy, regardless of what the park's actual practice may be. Now for the official fine print:
Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other 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 |
SoCal Resident 3-Day 1-Park per Day ticket ($129) The SoCal Resident 3-Day 1-Park per Day ticket offers residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California admission to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure on three separate days by June 8, 2012. You can use both days of this ticket at the same theme park, or visit one park one day and the other park on the next day, but you can not use it to enter both parks on the same day. The ticket is $129 for ages 3 and up. You can also upgrade the ticket to a park-hopper, which allows entry to both parks each day, for an additional $15, a savings of up to $80 compared to the box office price of a three-day park-hopper ticket. You can either purchase tickets at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, or online at Disneyland.com and print them at home. You can also purchase them at participating Disney Stores and authorized third party ticket outlets, including many local grocery stores. There is no “fuse” on this ticket, which means you can use the first admission today and wait until June to use the remaining admissions. You must, however, purchase the ticket by June 1, 2012. Tickets expires June 8, 2012, and are blocked out March 30-April 15, and June 4 and 5, 2012. While Disney states that proof of residency required for purchase and admission, MousePlanet readers who have purchased similar tickets from off-property retailers during past resident discount promotions consistently reported that they were not required to provide proof of residency at the time of purchase. However, be aware that Disneyland Resort Main Gate cast members can—and may—require proof of residency when you first use the tickets. Whether the residency checks occur is an oft-debated topic on our MousePad discussion boards, but it is your responsibility to know the official policy, regardless of what the park's actual practice may be. Now for the official fine print:
Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($199/$183) – A discounted price offered with advance purchase through the Disneyland Web site (link). This discount is not available at the theme park ticket booths, you must purchase online before you arrive. Tickets are valid January 4 to May 28, 2012. This discount is not available at the theme park ticket booths, so you must purchase online before you arrive. Disney is offering eTicket and Will Call service for this promotion, so you can purchase the tickets online the same day you plan to use them. Tickets must be purchased by, and first day of use must occur on or before, May 28, 2012. Tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or on June 10, 2012, whichever occurs first. Tickets are blocked out March 30, 2012 to April 15, 2012. 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. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $234/$216 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $249/$231 |
Promotional 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($219/$201) – A discounted price offered with advance purchase through the Disneyland Web site (link). This discount is not available at the theme park ticket booths, you must purchase online before you arrive. Tickets are valid January 4 to May 28, 2012. This discount is not available at the theme park ticket booths, so you must purchase online before you arrive. Disney is offering eTicket and Will Call service for this promotion, so you can purchase the tickets online the same day you plan to use them. Tickets must be purchased by, and first day of use must occur on or before, May 28, 2012. Tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or on June 10, 2012, whichever occurs first. Tickets are blocked out March 30, 2012 to April 15, 2012. 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). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $251/$231 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $266/$246 |
Promotional 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($231/$211) – A discounted price offered with advance purchase through the Disneyland Web site (link). This discount is not available at the theme park ticket booths, you must purchase online before you arrive. Tickets are valid January 4 to May 28, 2012. This discount is not available at the theme park ticket booths, so you must purchase online before you arrive. Disney is offering eTicket and Will Call service for this promotion, so you can purchase the tickets online the same day you plan to use them. Tickets must be purchased by, and first day of use must occur on or before, May 28, 2012. Tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or on June 10, 2012, whichever occurs first. Tickets are blocked out March 30, 2012 to April 15, 2012. 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). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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Six Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $256/$239 Six Day Park Hopper – Regularly $271/$251 |
Promotional 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($236/$216) – A discounted price offered with advance purchase through the Disneyland Web site (link). This discount is not available at the theme park ticket booths, you must purchase online before you arrive. Tickets are valid January 4 to May 28, 2012. This discount is not available at the theme park ticket booths, so you must purchase online before you arrive. Disney is offering eTicket and Will Call service for this promotion, so you can purchase the tickets online the same day you plan to use them. Tickets must be purchased by, and first day of use must occur on or before, May 28, 2012. Tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or on June 10, 2012, whichever occurs first. Tickets are blocked out March 30, 2012 to April 15, 2012. 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). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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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] Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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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. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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)
1/22 | 1/23 | 1/24 | 1/25 | 1/26 | 1/27 | 1/28 |
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DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM
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DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p
TT |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-8p DCA: 10a-9p TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
1/29 | 1/30 | 1/31 | 2/1 | 2/2 | 2/3 | 2/4 |
DL: 9a-10p DCA: 11a-9p SL
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DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM / TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM
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DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p
TT |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 10a-9p TT
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DL: 8a-11p
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
2/5 | 2/6 | 2/7 | 2/8 | 2/9 | 2/10 | 2/11 |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-6p DCA: 10a-8p MM
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DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 9a-12a DCA: 10a-10p TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
2/12 | 2/13 | 2/14 | 2/15 | 2/16 | 2/17 | 2/18 |
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: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT
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DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
2/19 | 2/20 | 2/21 | 2/22 | 2/23 | 2/24 | 2/25 |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC TT |
DL: 9a-10p DCA: 10a-8p MM
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DL: 9a-10p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 9a-10p 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 |
2/26 | 2/27 | 2/28 | 2/29 | 3/1 | 3/2 | 3/3 |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM
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DL: 6a-6a* DCA: 10a-8p TT *24 hour party |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p MM |
DL: 9a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT
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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.