Update for May 21 – 27, 2012
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News and Views
Disneyland raises price on tickets, annual passes | New Extra Magic Hours schedule and Annual Passholder Early Entry offer | How to visit Cars Land before June 15 | Disney Cruise Line changes rebooking policy | Resort construction update | This and That… | Crowd Forecast
Disneyland raises price on tickets, annual passes
The Disneyland Resort raised prices on all forms of admission tickets this weekend, with significant increases in the price of annual passports. The new prices were announced late Friday afternoon, and went into effect less than two days later, Sunday morning.
The increase brings the price of a one-day, one-park adult admission ticket to $87, a 9-percent bump. A one-day park hopper ticket, which includes admission to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day, jumped 19 percent to $125 for ages 10 and up. The price for ages 3 to 9 went up 20 percent to $119, breaking the $100 barrier for the first time.
Multi-day one-park tickets went up between 4 and 8 percent, with park hopper tickets increasing between 9 and 17 percent. Disney also eliminated the 6-day ticket option. A complete chart of the new prices and an analysis of the price change is available here.
While one-day and park-hopper tickets saw a significant increase, the biggest jump came in the price of Disneyland Resort annual passports. Disneyland's most expensive Premium pass, which has no blockout days and includes free parking, went from $499 to $649 per year, a 30% increase. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the weekdays-only SoCal Select Passport, with 195 blockout days and no parking, went up 35 percent, from $199 to $269. That pass was introduced in 2003 at $99, and until now has always been less expensive than a 3-day park hopper ticket.
Annual price increases are the norm for Disneyland, and resort last raised prices in June 2011. While most expected a jump to coincide with the completion of the Disney California Adventure expansion project and the opening of Cars Land, the new 12-acre land modeled after the town of Radiator Springs from the Pixar Cars movies, the amount of the increase caused some massive sticker shock, and the short notice sent many Disney fans scrambling to purchase tickets and renew passes on Saturday before the change took effect.
Disneyland.com was reportedly overwhelmed with customers trying to purchase tickets online Friday night and Saturday. Some readers reported that it took as long as 48 hours to receive confirmations of their purchases, while others waited for their eTickets to arrive by e-mail. The ticket booths at the Disneyland Resort had long lines all day, and which grew as the deadline neared. Many of those waiting were trying to purchase or renew annual passports using the monthly payment plan, transactions that usually take longer to process than a simple ticket sale. Though cast members initially held to the standard policies regarding renewals Saturday morning, readers reported that CMs were being more lenient as the day progressed, renewing passes at the old rates weeks or even months before they would normally be eligible to renew.
With ticket booth wait times still running over an hour late Saturday night, a reader reported that managers issued vouchers for those still in line to come back and upgrade or renew their passes at the lower prices within 30 days.
Social media such as Facebook and Twitter have completely revolutionized the way and speed at which Disney fans get their news. This meant that despite deliberately timing its announcement for Friday night (when traditional news outlets have historically taken little notice, because their regular beat reporters clock out for the week—and the earliest that news from the weekend gets published is Monday morning—which would have meant nobody would know about the price hike until after it already took effect), a wild panic about the pending price hike hit like lightning, and “went viral” almost instantly.
Still, if you missed the news and are now facing sticker shock when planning your next vacation, MousePlanet has assembled a list of ways you can save on Disneyland tickets by taking advantage of current specials or purchasing tickets from resellers with remaining inventory at the old prices. Since these offers usually dry up quickly after a price change takes effect, act quickly to take advantage of the savings.
The changes provide some new opportunities for prospective passholders to avoid blockout dates for at least a few visits by buying and upgrading multi-day tickets. With the new pricing structure, it costs just $16 to upgrade a three-day park hopper ticket to a SoCal Select annual pass. A five-day one-park-per-day ticket can be upgraded for just $6. If you're considering a new annual pass and would like to avoid some summer blockout dates (perhaps to see the new Cars Land or visit over Independence Day weekend), consider buying a multi-day ticket, using it to visit on what would otherwise be blockout dates, and then upgrading that ticket to a new annual pass on the last day of use.
Though Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown said in a prepared statement that “A Disneyland Resort ticket offers a tremendous value for guests to experience our world-class attractions, and is based on the quality experience we consistently deliver,” readers have had strong reactions to the price hike; especially those who saw their Premium annual pass jump by $150. Some demanded to know how Disney justifies increases of up to 35 percent, and others pointed out that the combined cost of annual passports to six other Southern California theme parks, including Knott's Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood, is less than the price of one new Disneyland Premium passport.
Others questioned why Disneyland's Premium pass is now almost the same price as a Walt Disney World passport, considering the Florida resort's pass includes four theme parks, two water parks, a golf course and DisneyQuest. This price change included a $100 increase in the cost of the Premier passport, an annual pass valid at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts; while WDW has not yet announced their own price increase, many expect one to happen before Florida's new Fantasyland opens.
Many readers say that this increase has forced them to change their vacation plans or has priced them out of the market entirely. Some who were able to renew their passports at the old prices say this is the last year they'll be able to afford a Disneyland pass. Every price increase has met with similar complaints and resistance, yet Disneyland attendance and annual pass sales have continued to climb in recent years, with the theme park setting an attendance record for the first quarter of 2012 and the annual passholder count rumored to have recently reached 1 million members. The monthly payment option has certainly helped drive AP sales, with more than half of all passholders reportedly now financing their tickets. For those passholders, even the $150 price hike translates to less than $12 more per month, and Disney clearly believes most APs will accept that increase to experience all that's coming in the next year at the Disneyland Resort.
How has the price increase impacted your Disney vacation plans? Were you able to purchase tickets or renew a pass at the old price, or are you letting your AP expire? Join the conversation on our MousePad discussion forum.
New Extra Magic Hours schedule and Annual Passholder Early Entry offer
A cast member reader sent us information of the Disneyland Resort's new Extra Magic Hours schedule and Annual Passholder Early Entry offer last week. These new offers greatly expand on the current Magic Morning program, adding access to Disney California Adventure for some guests, and giving Disneyland Resort annual passholders a new benefit this summer.
Disney is now introducing the Extra Magic Hours concept to the Disneyland Resort, and making a distinction between that program and the existing Magic Mornings offering. Extra Magic Hours is the new name for the perk offered to Disneyland Resort Hotel guests, while Magic Morning is the term for the perk offered to those who have purchased theme park tickets valid three or more days. In fact, the Disneyland website now refers to 3-plus day tickets as a “Ticket with Magic Morning,” directly calling out the benefit and distinguishing between 1- and 2-day tickets that do not include Magic Morning.
The new policy goes into effect Monday, June 18.
For Disney resort hotel guests – “Extra Magic Hours“
Extra Magic Hours will be offered at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, the first time there has been a formal early entry program for DCA. In the past, guests of the Disneyland Resort Hotels could access DCA 30 minutes before park opening using the entrance from the Grand Californian Hotel, but that offering was not well-publicized. Now resort guests get a full hour inside DCA prior to scheduled park opening, and it's not unrealistic to expect most to head straight for Cars Land to experience the new area before the park opens to the general public.
According to information released by Disney to their employees, “Extra Magic Hours will be offered at Disney California Adventure Park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It will include access to select attractions, food & beverage and merchandise locations in Cars Land, Golden State, Hollywood Land and Paradise Pier, subject to availability. Extra Magic Hours will be offered at Disneyland Park on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, similar to the current Magic Morning benefit.” Disneyland Resort Hotel guests can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours every day of their stay.
For 3-plus day ticketholders – “Magic Morning“
The Magic Morning program will continue at Disneyland on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays one hour prior to scheduled park opening, and will be open to visitors who have purchased 3-plus day tickets. Visitors can only use this benefit once, and will not have early access to Disney California Adventure under this program.
For annual passholders – “Early Entry“
Unlike Extra Magic Hours or Magic Morning, Annual Passholder Early Entry is not an on-demand perk—passholders must register online and select their date before their visit, and may not get their first selection if the event is already full. Annual Passholder Early Entry is offered at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure June 18 through September 13, and passholders can attend one event at each park during the promotion period.
Annual Passholder Early Entry will be offered most mornings at the opposite theme park from the one hosting Extra Magic Hours: Disneyland Park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Disney California Adventure Park on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Registration has not yet opened, but Disney has posted a list of frequently asked questions about the new offering. Note: You must plan ahead to take advantage of this offer—Disney closes online registration for each date three days in advance; sooner if the event fills up. You can only request AP Early Entry for a date that your pass is not otherwise blocked out, meaning SoCal Select passholders cannot register for a date before August 20, and SoCal passholders have only 6 days to use the benefit before their summer blockouts begin on June 29. For Premium passholders, the best dates to request will likely be Saturdays, when all other passes are blocked out.
How to visit Cars Land before June 15
The grand opening of Cars Land is now a month away, and there are several opportunities for people to preview the DCA expansion before it opens to the public. Not counting winning a contest or marrying a Disneyland cast member, Disneyland Resort annual passholders and D23 members now have the opportunity to purchase tickets to preview events held the weekend before Cars Land's big grand opening. The events are Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 11:00 p.m; annual passholders can go Saturday or Sunday, with D23 members limited to Sunday. Tickets are $50 to $500, depending on which package you choose; the most expensive package includes dinner at the new Carthay Circle Restaurant and reserved viewing for World of Color.
The Disneyland Resort is donating a total of $500,000 to Children's Hospital Orange County and the Anaheim Community Foundation in conjunction with this event.
Tickets to the passholder events are on sale now via the Annual Passholder website , and you can purchase up to 8 tickets per passholder, though every member of your party must have a valid AP as of the event day to attend. We have confirmed that you can purchase tickets to multiple sessions, so if you really want to see Cars Land in the daytime AND after dark, you can purchase tickets for two events.
D23 members who may not also be Disneyland Annual Passholders can also purchase tickets to the Cars Land event described above. D23 members can purchase a ticket for themselves and up to one guest to attend the preview; theme park admission is required but not included. Tickets to the D23 event are now available via the D23 website.
The Disney Parks Blog is also hosting a walking tour of Cars Land on May 29th, though admission is limited to just 66 people, and the event filled within minutes of it being announced last Wednesday. The 45-minute walking tour will not include an opportunity to ride the three new Cars Land attractions, and participants are prohibited from bringing any electronic or recording devices beyond the construction walls.
If you'd like to try your luck at one of the contests, or think you can talk a cast member into taking you as their “plus one,” this thread on our MousePad discussion forum lists all of the preview events we currently know about. If you know of any we've missed, please let us know!
Disney Cruise Line changes rebooking policy
Mary Kraemer with MousePlanet travel sponsor Mouse Ear Vacations shared change to Disney Cruise Line's policy about credits on cruises rebooked onboard the ship. Mary asks “don't shoot the messenger,” but Castaway Club members are not happy about this latest change.
Under the new policy, passengers who book a new six-day or shorter cruise while they are onboard the ship receive a $100 shipboard credit per stateroom; the discount jumps to $200 for cruises lasting one week or longer. Passengers also receive a 10% discount off the published fare. This discount and shipboard credit is the same for all passengers, regardless of Castaway Club status. Previously Platinum Castaway Club members (those who had sailed at least 10 times with Disney) were eligible for rebooking credits of up to $350 depending on the itinerary.
The new policy will also apply when you change the date of a previously-booked cruise. Repeat cruisers frequently book a “placeholder” cruise while onboard to lock in the stateroom credit and discount, then move their booking to another date as their vacations plans firm up. Cruisers who move a placeholder cruise booked onboard before this policy changed will now receive the new standard, and possibly lower, onboard credit.
Resort construction update
Downtown Disney is a hive of activity, with the debut of the new Lego Imagination Center, La Brea Bakery hoping to reopen their expanded location this Thursday, and the redesigned Uva Bar scheduled for a June 5th reopening.
La Brea Bakery may reopen as early as this Thursday following a major remodeling project and expansion. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Lego Imagination Center
One of the original Downtown Disney tenants, the Lego Imagination Center underwent an 11th anniversary facelift this spring to completely update both the interior and exterior of the store. Gone are the oversized red Lego bricks on either side of the entrance. Instead, the building is now surrounded by three Lego scenes depicting Disney characters.
The Lego Imagination Center has reopened in Downtown Disney. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Toy Story scene from the Orlando location was recreated in Anaheim. So too was the Sleeping Beauty sculpture of Maleficent battling Prince Phillip, though here the dragon sculpture is perched atop the building. Created just for the Anaheim store is a new scene featuring Belle, Beast, Cogsworth and Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast.
The Anaheim location has a new Beauty and the Beast sculpture made entirely of Lego bricks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Inside, the store features a clean new traffic flow and a new flying carpet sculpture with Aladdin, Jasmine, and the Genie. A stunning curved Pick a Brick wall dominates the back of the store, with merchandise displayed around the outer walls.
Aladdin and friends soar inside the newly remodeled Lego store. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A towering Pick and Brick wall is a focal point of the new Lego store. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The play areas that cluttered the old store layout have been relocated to two locations: a new second story play room (accessed by a staircase cleverly concealed behind the Pick a Brick wall), and a new outdoor interactive center. Employees say the new second floor room can be used to host birthday parties and private events.
The store's new design features an open floor plan and a second-story play area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Also new to this location is the Digital Box kiosk, an augmented reality program where you hold a product box in front of the kiosk, and watch as a 3D image of the assembled model appears to float on the screen in front of you. Sure, every Lego box already has a photo of the completed project, but you can't exactly turn the photo around and see what the back looks like. With Digital Box you can do just that – just be sure to let the kids take a turn, ok?
A new interactive play area and race track are located outside the store, reducing crowding inside. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Though the official grand opening celebration is not until this coming weekend, the store is now open and already quite busy. If you are, are married to, or are raising a Lego fan, this new store is worth a trip.
Disneyland
Workers are still finishing the loading area for the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and the new sleds were seen running on the track with water weights this weekend. Carnation Plaza Gardens is now behind a construction wall, and there's little to see at this time. The swing dancers seem to be adjusting to their new temporary home in Downtown Disney, where a large crowd turned out Saturday night to dance or just enjoy the music.
Disneyland's Matterhorn is set to reopen June 15. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Swing dancing continues to be popular, despite the temporary move to Downtown Disney. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The new Brave meet-and-greet with Merida and the bear cubs opened this week across from “it's a small world,” and the location is causing a bit of gridlock outside the attraction. Some of the activity stations associated with the meet and greet are located on the terraced area across from “it's a small world,” the same area cast members usually use as an extended queue when the attraction's lines are long, and a popular viewing area for Disneyland's Soundsational Parade.
Merida meets guests at a new photo location across from “it's a small world” in Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Merida appears in a small photo setting with a tent, archery target and wagon. On the wagon are the bear cubs Harris, Hubert, and Hamish, who move their heads, blink, grin and make noises to interact with visitors. A Disney Photopass photographer is stationed with Merida, and another is at the adjoining archery stand, where young visitors can demonstrate their skills. Brave merchandise is already found in many of the parks stores, with the dark green Merida costume dress and Merida doll already reportedly strong sellers.
Bear cubs Harris, Hubert, and Hamish participate in the meet and greet, moving around and making noises to interact with visitors. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A Disney Photopass photographer records the moment as a young visitor demonstrates his archery skills after meeting Merida. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland's Monorail fleet received a facelift this week, with new eyes and mouths making them look like characters from the Cars universe. Each Monorail has been renamed—Monorail Blue is now Mandy Monorail, Monorail Orange is Mona, and Monorail Red is Manny—and each has a newly recorded narration of the round trip journey from Disneyland to Downtown Disney and back. The new audio track is based on the old script, but with some new new comments about cars, planes and busses—but, at least on Monorail Orange, a conspicuous lack of any mention whatsoever of the Autopia attraction (which is currently sponsored by Chevron and which sports cars with a different look).
All three Disneyland Monorails received a Cars facelift last week to promote the new Cars Land in DCA. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Each Monorail has a new name and a new recorded announcement. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney California Adventure
Everyone seems to be catching the Cars Land excitement as opening day draws near. Construction crews are seemingly working seven days a week to get Buena Vista Street ready for the June 15 debut, and cast members could be seen lining up to test Mater's Junkyard Jamboree over the weekend. (And yes, we saw you waving at us as we snapped photos over the construction walls). The structure that once housed the Fastpass distribution machines for “It's Tough to be a Bug,” and more recently have served as a shade structure for various character meet-and-greets is under wraps and will reportedly serve as the Fastpass station for Radiator Springs Racers.
Cast members line up for a test of Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The former Fastpass distribution station for “It's Tough to be a Bug” is being repurposed for Radiator Springs Racers. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
We also noticed that one of the faded billboards in Paradise Pier was replaced last week with a new sign advertising Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and the Paradise Garden Grill. Hopefully the other signs will be replaced shortly. The Cove Bar is also slated to reopen this weekend.
This was my first look at the Mad T Party set in DCA, and it's much more prominent than I expected it to be from the concept art. While you can't see anything from the Buena Vista Street area as you could the ElecTRONica set, once you get halfway down Hollywood Blvd. there's no missing it. Though the Mad T Party is officially scheduled to open June 15, there are rumors that the party will actually soft open this Friday, May 25.
The entrance to the Mad T Party, as viewed from Hollywood Blvd. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The main Mad T Party stage outside the Monster's Inc. attraction entrance. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Unlike the ElecTRONica bars, these aren't going anywhere during the daytime. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The House of Cards bar and stage outside Stage 17. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This and That…
…Disneyland has once again extended the 20 percent merchandise discount offered to Premium annual passholders. The discount is now valid through December 31, 2012.
…A new book will feature the art of Disney theme park posters. Poster Art of Disney Parks will be available in select stores at Disneyland and Walt Disney World at the end of this month. Priced at $40, the 144-page book features nearly 300 posters and poster concepts, including images from international Disney parks and almost all of the original 1950s Disneyland posters. The book will be released nationally this fall. If you can wait, Amazon will have the book (release date September 4) for $26.13.
…A worker at Sephora in Downtown Disney says the store is no longer slated to receive the new mini manicure station we wrote about in the March 19 Update, saying that managers decided the Anaheim location is just too busy to offer the service.
…A new line of packaged candy with a Mad Treats logo was spotted at Disneyland last week. The new candy—including Bright Bears, Sour Smiles and a cat-shaped sucker—and psychedelic packaging seems to tie into the new Mad T Party nighttime event at Disney California Adventure.
New Mad Treats are on sale at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…New outdoor vending carts slated for Cars Land were getting a test drive in DCA this weekend in preparation for the June 15 opening of the new land. The white and red carts feature chrome-tone trim and pinstripe detailing consistent with the Cars theme.
New vending carts destined for Cars Land were tested this weekend in Disney California Adventure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…There are some new purchase-with-purchase offers at the Disneyland Resort
Disneyland shops
- Mickey tote bag for $15.95 with a minimum purchase of $25.
- Pin Trading Starter Set for $18.95 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
- Expandable duffel bag for $17.95 with a minimum purchase of $25.
- Coastal tote bag for $15.95 with a minimum purchase of $25.
- Pin Trading Starter Set for $18.95 with a $40 purchase.
…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 (link) for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
Crowd Forecast
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Advertisement Crowd information and forecasts are provided by TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, to help you better plan your trip to the Disneyland Resort. TouringPlans.com gathers wait time data from a team of in-park researchers and users of their Lines mobile phone application, and then predicts crowd levels for the next 365 days. Using a scale from 1 to 10, TouringPlans.com has a 90 percent accuracy of predicting the crowds to within 1 point, helping visitors prepare for their trips so they can “Do more. Wait less.”
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Community Events
Come CHOC Walk with Team MousePlanet
Team MousePlanet will be back for our fifth year at the CHOC Walk in the Park, benefiting Children's Hospital Orange County. Thanks to the efforts and generosity of our readers, Team MousePlanet has raised over $27,000 for CHOC since 2008. The 2012 race is Sunday, October 14 at the Disneyland Resort. Team registration begins soon—keep watching for more details, or visit our MousePad discussion forum for additional information.
Volunteer with Team MousePlanet at the Disneyland Half Marathon
Team MousePlanet is looking to form a group to volunteer during the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, August 30 to September 2, 2012. Non-runners are welcome. Visit our MousePad discussion forum for additional information.
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
- Carnation Cafe – closed for renovation. Expected to reopen June 2.
- 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.
- Frontierland Shooting Exposition – closed April 30 – May 25 for refurbishment.
- Plaza Gardens – closed April 30 until winter 2013 for the construction of Fantasy Faire.
Disney California Adventure
Seasonal refurbishments:
- Cove Bar – closed March 26 – May 25 for refurbishment.
Construction-related closures:
- Engine–Ears Toys – closed until June 15 for conversion into new Buena Vista Street “West Block” stores.
- Baker's Field Bakery – closed until June 15 for conversion to Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream.
- Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream – closed until June 15 for conversion to Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe.
- Greetings from California – closed until June 15 for conversion into new Buena Vista Street “East Block” stores.
- Mission Tortilla Factory – closed for conversion to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. Expected to open June 1.
- Disney's California Adventure Park – closed June 14 to prepare for the grand opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street.
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
Spring / Summer
- Grad Nite events – this party for high school seniors graduating in 2012 will be held May 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.
- Cars Land grand opening – Friday, June 15.
- 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 is now sold out.
Fall
- CHOC Walk in the Park – Sunday October 14. The event takes place before park hours in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The Magic Morning normally scheduled for Sunday at Disneyland will likely be rescheduled to Monday, October 15, and Disneyland will likely open at 9 a.m. to accommodate the event. Registration was scheduled to open on May 15 but has been delayed – keep watching for details. More information about the walk will be available on the CHOC Walk website once registration opens; information about how to join the MousePlanet CHOC Walk team will be available on our MousePad discussion forum.
2013
- 2013 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – January 18–20. No additional details are available.
- D23 Expo – August 9–11. Tickets for the three-day convention go on sale August 9, 2012.
We also recommend checking the convention calendar at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau Web site (link). 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
Disneyland prices as of May 20, 2012.
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update.
Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!
This first section is a list of discounts on ticket–only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts.
If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line. Note, we are no longer listing offers from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, as their convenience fee negates any savings.
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One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $87/$81 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $125/$119 |
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 $170/$158 Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $200/$188 |
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 $86 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:
• TICKET IS BLOCKED OUT March 30, 2012 – April 15, 2012 and June 4, 2012 – June 5, 2012. 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 $220/$205 Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $250/$235 |
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 $106 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:
• TICKET IS BLOCKED OUT March 30, 2012 – April 15, 2012 and June 4, 2012 – June 5, 2012. 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. 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 $245/$225 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $275/$255 |
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. 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 $260/$240 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $290/$270 |
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. 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 Six Day Park Hopper |
No longer offered by Disneyland. Some travel providers may offer 6-day or longer tickets to international customers as part of a package; residents of Canada, Australia or the UK should check with local travel agencies to see what options may be available to you. |
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| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports |
No discounts currently available for new purchases. California residents can take advantage of the monthly–payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport.
Premier Annual Passport: $849 [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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Southern California CityPass $279/$239 |
2012 Southern California CityPass ($279/$239) – 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 the first use must occur by January 3, 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 if you're willing to pay the shipping charge. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. |
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Hotel/Travel Packages
Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey's Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag per person, plus a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card per package.
Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accommodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three–day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at three DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!); 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 $15.95 with a minimum purchase of $25.
- Pin Trading Starter Set for $18.95 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
- Expandable duffel bag for $17.95 with a minimum purchase of $25.
- Coastal tote bag for $15.95 with a minimum purchase of $25.
- Pin Trading Starter Set for $18.95 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.
Landry's Select Club – Members of the Landry's Select Club get priority seating at the Rainforest Cafe when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days), and a 10% discount on retail purchases. This club replaces the former Rainforest Cafe Safari Club as of March 31, 2012. If you are already a Safari Club member, you can migrate your membership to the new Landry's Select Club at no charge, and start to earn points in the new program. All Safari Club points and benefits expire on March 31, so if you have any gift certificates left to redeem, you have just a week to do so. The new Select Club eliminated the entree discount and free appetizer offer that was included with the Safari Club, replacing them with a point–based system that gives you a $25 gift certificate after you spend $250. If you are not yet a member of either the Safari Club or the Landry's Select Club, you can pre–purchase your membership before your trip. Membership now costs $25, but comes with a $25 reward.
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 for 3-plus day ticket holders
- EMH – Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests
- EE – Early Entry for Annual Passholders with advance reservations
- TT – Toontown Morning Madness at Disneyland
- Grad Nite
- MHP – Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland
- MA – MouseAdventure (www.mouseadventure.com)
| 5/20 | 5/21 | 5/22 | 5/23 |
5/24 |
5/25 | 5/26 |
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DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts:
Events: |
DL: 9a-10p TT DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 9a-10p MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 9a-10p TT DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 9a-10p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a MM / TT DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
| 5/27 | 5/28 | 5/29 | 5/30 |
5/31 |
6/1 | 6/2 |
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DL: 8a-12a MM DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a TT DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a MM DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p TT DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a MM / TT DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
| 6/3 | 6/4 | 6/5 | 6/6 |
6/7 |
6/8 | 6/9 |
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DL: 8a-12a MM DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a TT DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a MM DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p TT DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a MM / TT DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
| 6/10 | 6/11 | 6/12 | 6/13 |
6/14 |
6/15 | 6/16 |
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DL: 8a-12a MM DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a TT DCA: 10a-9p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p MM DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p TT DCA: 10a-9p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: CLOSED AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-11p AP Blockouts:
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a MM / TT DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
| 6/17 | 6/18 | 6/19 | 6/20 |
6/21 |
6/22 | 6/23 |
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DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-11p
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a TT / EE DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 8a-11p
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-11p EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 8a-11p
AP Blockouts
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM / TT DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
| 6/24 | 6/25 | 6/26 | 6/27 | |||
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DL: 8a-12a EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-12a TT / EE DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p EMH / MM DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 8a-11p
AP Blockouts
Events: |
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.
