Update for February 13 – 19, 2012
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News and Views
Annual Passholder showcase to preview DCA changes | A noble addition to Downtown Disney | Closing the Fastpass loophole | New Orleans Bayou Bash | This and That… | Crowd Forecast
Annual Passholder showcase to preview DCA changes
Disney has periodically hosted cast member showcases, which gave employees an early look at new food, merchandise and entertainment offerings before the launch of a major marketing promotion or new ride opening. Despite an official policy prohibiting photos at these events, however, details and snapshots would inevitably leak onto the Internet. Now, Disney is opening the showcase to annual passholders during a three-day Annual Passholder Preview next month, from Tuesday, March 27 to Thursday, March 29, 2012.
Disney's first mention of the event on the resort's official Annual Passholder Facebook page was light on details, leaving some with the impression this event might be a preview of Cars Land. A few hours later, the official Disney Parks Blog published more information. The event is being held in Stage 17 in Disney California Adventure, and offers a “special sneak peek of the amazing merchandise, food, entertainment, new costumes and guided tours” coming to both Disneyland and DCA this summer. Passholders will also have the first opportunity to purchase Cars Land merchandise before the land officially opens.
The event is free to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, and is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily on all three days. No registration is required, though Disney warns that entrance may be restricted due to capacity or other factors.
Last week, Disney commemorated the 11th anniversary of the opening of Disney California Adventure by announcing that the park will have eight lands once the 5-year overhaul project is done this summer, officially deeming the Buena Vista Street main entrance complex a land, splitting the former Golden State area into three lands, and renaming the Hollywood Pictures Backlot to “Hollywood Land.”
According to the Disney Parks Blog, the eight lands will be:
- “a bug’s land”
- Buena Vista Street
- Cars Land
- Condor Flats
- Grizzly Peak
- Hollywood Land
- Pacific Wharf
- Paradise Pier
During a conference call with investors last Tuesday, President and CEO Bob Iger said that Cars Land will open in June. This marks the first time Disney has officially committed to anything more specific than “summer” when referring to the Cars Land opening. The exact opening date has yet to be officially announced.
A noble addition to Downtown Disney
Disney announced last week that the Earl of Sandwich chain is opening its first California location in the Downtown Disney space currently occupied by Compass Books. Compass Books is closing on March 31, and Disney says the new sandwich shop opens sometime this summer.
Earl of Sandwich claims to serve “the World's Greatest Hot Sandwich,” and the family-owned company traces its lineage back to John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, credited with creating the namesake meal. The chain currently operates 17 locations, including outlets in Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Paris Resort.
MousePlanet first mentioned the rumor about the Earl of Sandwich when the news of Compass Books' closure hit last month. Though Disney officially says that the owners of Compass Books chose to close the Anaheim location to focus on their San Francisco stores, columnist and Disney author David Koenig has reported that Disney forced the departure by refusing to renew the bookstore's lease.
Closing the Fastpass loophole
News of a renewed emphasis on enforcing the Fastpass return-time window at Walt Disney World has prompted concerns about whether a similar program is in the works at the Disneyland Resort.
Introduced in 1999, Fastpass is the free service that lets you avoid waiting in line for some popular attractions by assigning a specific time for you to ride. Instead of having to stand and wait in the regular line, you collect a Fastpass ticket from a machine near the attraction, and then go do something else—go on another attraction, see a show, do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, and so on—until the assigned window of time (of usually one hour) printed on your Fastpass ticket. When you return, you enter a separate, presumably shorter line to board the attraction.
To help balance demand, Disney generally limits Fastpass distribution; once you collected one Fastpass ticket, the system prevents you from getting another one until either the return time on your original ticket, or when two hours have passed, whichever comes first. At the Disneyland Resort, you can collect one Fastpass from Disneyland and another from Disney California Adventure without regard to time limit. In addition, some Fastpass tickets do not impact your ability to obtain additional Fastpass tickets right away. These include Fastpass tickets issued for the World of Color, as well as the one or two rides with Fastpass machines that are not connected to the network of other Fastpass machines.
Attraction Fastpass tickets indicate both a start and an end time, and the official policy has always been that the ticket was valid only during that one-hour window. The actual operational practice has differed greatly from this policy, however, with a few exceptions (Walt Disney World's Test Track ride being the most commonly cited), cast members are not strict about enforcing the return time. That is, while cast members do not allow you into the Fastpass return line before the start time printed on the ticket, once your window “opens,” it never really closes.
And because of this laxness, parkgoers have developed entire touring strategies around gathering as many Fastpass tickets as possible early in the day, and then using them after their assigned window open to avoid the longer afternoon and evening lines. While convenient for those who know how to work the system, this type of use and abuse is often responsible for the inexplicably long standby lines for some Fastpass attractions in the evening, notably Disneyland's Space Mountain, when a day's worth of Fastpass ticket holders show up after their official window and clog up the bypass line, forcing standby guests to have to wait longer than expected.
To curb this use—and some say way to lay the foundation for a new version of Fastpass expected to be part of Walt Disney World's super-secret NextGen project—the Orlando resort has notified cast members that beginning Wednesday, March 7, the official policy and the operational practice must become one. MousePlanet has confirmed that a similar memo was released to Disneyland Resort cast members as well.
While Disney has carefully explained that this isn't a new rule, but rather a reemphasis on long-standing policy, the change will force park goers to better manage their Fastpass use. Florida cast members are reportedly being trained in how to politely turn away guests who return well after their assigned window, as well as how to accommodate those who may have been genuinely delayed due to an over-long lunch or attraction breakdown.
While some MousePlanet readers welcome the planned enforcement, others wonder why a change is necessary. Member ogold72 said, “With a small child, as we have, the flexibility of being able to come after the window ended was really nice. Sometimes it's hard to plan out your whole day or even 2 hours ahead with little ones.”
However, some cast members suggest that Disneyland might quietly return to its current practice after a few months. “This is a Florida policy,” said one ride operator. “We have to go along with it for now, but I don't see it lasting.” Another cast member thinks the Disneyland resort might use this as an opportunity to tighten Fastpass enforcement prior to the opening of Cars Land. “We'll probably be strict about Radiator Springs Racers when that opens, but maybe not so worried if you're a few minutes late coming back for Roger Rabbit.”
New Orleans Bayou Bash
Disneyland's Bayou Bash kicked off this weekend, with entertainment, special menu items and character meet-and-greet opportunities throughout New Orleans Square. Banners throughout the area promote the event, and a stage along the Rivers of America serves as the focal point for two live entertainment productions, “Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession” and the New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band.
Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession winds through New Orleans Square. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The shows alternate every 30 minutes throughout the day, with a one-hour midday break. Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession kicks off at 11:00 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30. The New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band performs at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30, 3:00, and 4:00.
The Rivers of America is the backdrop for the New Orleans Bayou Bash stage performances. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Throughout the day, the Jambalaya Jazz Band and the Royal Street Bachelors also perform on the stage at the French Market restaurant in New Orleans Square. Further back in New Orleans Square, a character meet-and-greet location features a rotation of Disney characters dressed in their Mardi Gras finest. The characters include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip and Dale, with Tiana and Prince Naveen making brief appearances between performances of “Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession.”
Three New Orleans Square restaurants offer specialty menu items during this promotion:
Blue Bayou
- Bouillabaisse – $32.99
- Fresh fried apple fritters a la mode – $8.99
French Market
- Creole mustard french style sausage sandwich – $12.99
- Mardi Gras southern meatloaf – $13.49
- Banana Foster cheesecake – $4.99
- Mardi Gras cupcake – $5.99
Cafe Orleans
- Fat City Snapper – $17.99
- Royal Street Banana Foster Crepe – $7.99
We also spotted the Mardi Gras cupcakes (two varieties) at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe on Main Street.
This and That…
…The new Minnie's Fly Girls Charter Airline show debuts on Friday, February 17 on a new stage built outside Fly 'n' Buy, across from Soarin' Over California. The show features Minnie Mouse and four singers, performing swing and big band tunes. A brief meet-and-greet opportunity will take place after the show.
A new show featuring Minnie Mouse will debut this week in Disney California Adventure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…We reported two weeks ago that Disneyland has moved the entrance to Cafe Orleans to the opposite side of the building, and mentioned that the move has helped ease congestion through New Orleans Square. Park managers are trying another plan to keep traffic flowing along narrow Royal Street, and this weekend moved the wheelchair-accessible queue for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction to the other side of the walkway, taking advantage of the space freed up by the Cafe Orleans move. The accessible queue was relocated under the restaurant's old entrance awning, providing both a bit of shade, but also moving what is frequently a long line of people out of the main walkway. The move also keeps the accessible line from blocking the entrance to the adjacent Pieces of Eight shop. In a related note, we hear the Cafe Orleans move has caused sales to skyrocket for one New Orleans vendor—the new entrance is right next to the parasol cart, and patrons waiting for their tables are apparently taking the opportunity to purchase a personalized souvenir.
The former entrance to Cafe Orleans is now used as the wheelchair accessible queue for Pirates of the Caribbean. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…Here's great news for anyone who has ever tried looking for an accessible wall outlet at Disneyland to recharge a cell phone or video camera: Disneyland is planning to test a new service offering “charging lockers” for small electronics. The lockers are equipped with either a charging cord (if you have a compatible device) or a a 120 outlet (if you brought your own charger), and accommodate most small electronics. The fee is expected to be $2 per hour. We're not sure when these will be installed, but look for them near the existing locker complex behind the Market House. If installed in time, expect these lockers to be very, very popular during the 24-hour leap day party.
…Last week the Disneyland Resort announced a $5 million donation for CHOC Children's, the Orange County children's hospital, towards the completion of CHOC's new seven-story tower. As part of the gift, Disney will sponsor the second-floor lobby, for which Disneyland Resort president George Kalogridis said, “Imagineers and Disneyland Resort cast members are currently working on some very magical designs.” The Disney company has a long-standing history with CHOC, with Walt Disney joining the hospital's executive council in 1960. CHOC also credits a Disney artist for designing CHOCO, the hospital's bear mascot. The Disneyland Resort also host the annual CHOC Walk, the hospital’s biggest annual fundraiser.
…The D23 “Off the Map” event mentioned in last week's Disneyland Update proved to be just as popular as some feared, with tickets reportedly selling out in less than 2 minutes. Disney hasn't confirmed how many tickets were available, but has said the event capacity was very small. In a message posted on their Facebook wall, D23 said “We're excited about the enthusiastic response for our Disneyland Off The Map event and appreciate your feedback. These special venues have limited capacity, and we are looking to repeat this event in the future to accommodate more guests. Thanks for your understanding.”
If you didn't get tickets, you can still peek inside Walt's Disneyland apartment in a brief video posted on the official Disney Parks YouTube account. The two-minute video is narrated by Walt's daughter Diane Disney Miller, and includes footage from inside the apartment above the Main Street fire station.
…The Disneyland Half Marathon is now at 79 percent of capacity, up from 62 percent just last week, and the stroller division of the Family Fun 5K has already sold out. Registration fees for the half marathon go up to $165 on February 29, assuming the race is not sold out by then. We should note that this number is updated on the RunDisney website manually, and only about once a week, so the actual registration figures may be much higher.
…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. This week's additions include two-week closures of the Disneyland Monorail and the Mark Twain. 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.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed through June 14 for refurbishment.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – closed January 23 through February 20 for refurbishment.
- Mark Twain – closed February 20 through March 5 for refurbishment.
- Disneyland Monorail – closed February 27 through March 9 for refurbishment.
- Fantasmic! – on hiatus until March 2.
- King Arthur Carrousel – closed March 6 & 7 for refurbishment.
The Matterhorn is closed until June for refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney California Adventure
The new paint job is a marked contrast to the deliberately distressed look designers originally intended for this retaining wall at the entrance to Condor Flats. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
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.
More Cars Land buildings have new signs, including the Cozy Cone Motel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
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 February 25. According to Disney the show will continue through “Spring, 2012,” but does not yet appear on the entertainment schedule in March.
- “One More Disney Day” – Wednesday, February 29. To commemorate leap day, Disneyland will be open 24 continuous hours, from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, February 29 until 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 1. After the 24-hour party ends, the park will close for four hours, then reopen at 10 a.m. on March 1. Disney has not detailed which rides, shows, shops or restaurants will be open overnight.
- 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. March 11 event is now sold out, but registration is still open for the March 25 event. 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.
- 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – August 31-September 2. Event registration now open at runDisney.com
2013
- 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – January 18-20. No additional details are available.
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)
2/12 | 2/13 | 2/14 | 2/15 | 2/16 | 2/17 | 2/18 |
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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: 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
*”One More Disney Day” |
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 |
3/4 | 3/5 | 3/6 | 3/7 | 3/8 | 3/9 | 3/10 |
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: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p TT |
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 |
3/11 | 3/12 | 3/13 | 3/14 | 3/15 | 3/16 | 3/17 |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL MM MA |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p MM
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DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL 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.