Disneyland Resort Update

Update for December 1 – 7, 2008

Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

News and Views

Sleeping Beauty wakes | Holiday treats at the Disneyland Resort | Muppets Alternate Reality game | Holiday time at DCA | This and That

Sleeping Beauty wakes

Disneyland fans got an early holiday present when the Sleeping Beauty Walkthrough opened last Wednesday afternoon, over seven years after it closed midday on a Sunday in October 2001. The new version of the walkthrough tells the story of Princess Aurora through illustrated storybook pages and character-filled dioramas. The attraction was scheduled to reopen at 5:00 p.m., and hundreds of fans waited in line for over an hour to be among the first through the Castle. MousePlanet’s Jeff Moxley was there for the grand opening, and contributed his first photos of the new attraction.

Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough is once again open to the public. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Hundreds of fans line up to be among the first to see the newly renovated Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

The story of Sleeping Beauty is narrated with illustrated storybooks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Dioramas are set into the walls along the Castle corridors. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The new scenes combine traditional flat sets with new effects. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The story continues with King Stefan’s decree to destroy all spinning wheels in the kingdom. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The three Fairies bestow their gifts on the baby princess. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Princess Aurora is lured to a tower where one lone spinning wheel remains. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

After touching the spindle, Aurora falls into a deep sleep. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Maleficent surveys her handiwork. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The three good fairies change the spell to save Aurora. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The three good fairies also put the rest of the household to sleep until the princess awakens. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

One by one, the fairies extinguish the candles in the ballroom. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

Princess Aurora sleeps on. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Princess Aurora waits for True Love’s Kiss to break the spell. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Corridor of Goons is filled with special effects, but you have to look closely. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A surprise may await those who peek those keyholes. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

Maleficent summons her minions to thwart Prince Phillip. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Maleficent and Diablo. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Maleficent casts her spell. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Prince Phillip confronts Maleficent’s dragon form. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

Maleficent transforms into a dragon to fight Prince Phillip. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Prince Phillip wakes Sleeping Beauty. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

An effect near the exit projects Maleficent’s shadow against the Castle wall. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The final descent, and return to daylight. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Even with the major enhancements to the attraction, a few things have not changed. The walkthrough is still dark and potentially frightening for small children. The corridors are narrow, and visitors must climb and descend stairs. To allow visitors who cannot navigate the stairs a chance to get a glimpse inside, an “accessible experience” is offered inside a small room in the base of the Castle. The room is decorated with a long throne-themed couch and a video screen that presents a computer simulation of the walkthrough. The video is narrated and displays open captioning.

This former store location now houses the accessible “virtual walkthrough.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A computer-generated video offers a peek into the Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The viewing room offers room for wheelchairs plus limited seating. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A display case at the entrance to the viewing room houses a collection of Sleeping Beauty accents. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

If you’d like to see what the walkthrough attraction looked like shortly before it closed in 2001, visit MousePlanet’s “Hidden Treasures” photo tour of the former attraction (link).

Holiday treats at the Disneyland Resort

Readers have asked for rundown of the holiday treats available for purchase at the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season, so here’s a quick overview. The offerings are not as extensive or well-advertised as they have been in past years, but there are some yummy items in the mix. Many of these items are available in several locations in addition to the Main Street location given.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

• Peppermint stick ice cream.
• Candy-cane coated waffle cones.

Blue Ribbon Bakery offers a selection of holiday beverages. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Blue Ribbon Bakery

• Pumpkin spice latte
• Peppermint mocha
• Hot spiced caramel apple cider
• Eggnog latte
• Eggnog

Candy Palace

• Candy canes (available only Wednesday, December 3; Saturday, December 13 and Saturday, December 20).
• Snowman and holiday-theme candy apples.
• Seasonal cookies, including Gingerbread Mickey Men.
• Seasonal fudge, including candy cane, egg nog and pumpkin.

The Plaza Inn offers several holiday dessert options. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Seasonal desserts are also available at most restaurants. The Plaza Inn is once again offering their popular Yule Log dessert, as well as a chocolate mousse dessert served in a souvenir demitasse cup. The Blue Bayou offers the same cup, filled with a pot-au-creme-type dessert and served with a biscotti.

Muppets Alternate Reality game

We reported two weeks ago that Walt Disney Imagineering had begun testing a Muppets “Alternate Reality Game” with selected Annual Passholders. At the time we did not know how participants would be selected, but several readers alerted us that Passholders can now apply online. To apply to be a “test subject,” visit the Muppet’s Alternate Reality Web page (link), and follow the directions to register. Once you sign up, you’ll receive additional instructions via e-mail. The Web site warns that registration is limited, so sign up quickly. Applicants must be able to visit Disney’s California Adventure in person sometime before Tuesday, December 16 to complete the in-park quests.

If you are invited to participate, you will be sent to the Muppet Labs Web site to complete four online puzzles. The puzzles are challenging and require a bit of Internet research, and the Web interface is a lot of fun. Once you solve the online puzzles, you receive a printable sheet with five additional quests to solve on your next trip to Disney’s California Adventure. You use your personal cell phone to text the answers to Dr. Honeydew and receive confirmation that you’re on the right track. These in-park quests are fairly straightforward, and MouseAdventure players should have no trouble with them. Once you solve all five quests, you can show your final confirmation message to a cast member at the Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar to receive a special prize.

If you get stuck on the puzzles or have questions about the game, come chat with other MousePlanet readers on our MousePad discussion board (link).

Holiday time at DCA

Compared to the over-the-top holiday decor at Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure seems to be sitting out this Christmas season. Gone is the Santa’s Beach Bash display from the main entrance, and the holiday decorations are absent from entire sections of the park. Some cast members speculate that the minimal decor indicates that much of the park was expected to be closed for renovation by now. Santa is entirely missing from DCA, although a few characters in their beach/holiday attire are available for photographs throughout the park.

This may be the final season to see DCA’s Golden Gate Bridge transformed into twin Christmas trees. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The entrance to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot section is dressed for the holiday. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

DCA’s Hollywood Blvd. sports decor worthy of tinsel town. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The entrance to the Hollywood Studios section sports a bright wreath. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

DCA’s Christmas tree is a popular photo spot. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

This and That

…MousePlanet welcomes Get Away Today Vacations as our newest sponsor of the Disneyland Resort Park Update and the Disneyland Resort trip planning guide pages. Please visit our new sponsor at Getawaytoday.com (link).

…The National Thanksgiving Turkey “Pumpkin,” and alternate “Pecan,” have taken up residence in Santa’s Reindeer Round-up following Pumpkin’s appearance as the grand marshal of the Disneyland Thanksgiving Day parade.

…Cast members at the Candy Palace tell us that the fresh-made candy canes will be available this Wednesday, December 3 instead of Friday, December 5 as originally scheduled.

…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. There were no changes to the schedule this week because the Disneyland Resort removed all park operating hours and refurbishment schedules for 2009 from the official Web site sometime last week. The information below is what was current as of the time that Disneyland pulled this info from their site, but it may no longer be accurate. We’ll post revised information in a future Park Update as we receive it. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Harbour Galley – closed through December 15 for conversion from a McDonald’s french fry outlet into an unspecified food service location.
• Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams – closed through February 13, 2009. A Christmas Fantasy parade will be performed November 21 to January 4, 2009.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed December 1-5 for refurbishment.
• Hungry Bear Restaurant – closed January 5-23, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed January 26-28, 2009 for refurbishment.
• “it’s a small world” – closed January 5 to February 14, 2009 to remove the holiday overlay.
• Haunted Mansion – closed January 5 to February 14, 2009 to remove the holiday overlay.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – closes February 2, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closes February 15, 2009 for refurbishment.

Disney’s California Adventure

Paradise Bay is drained for the installation of the Wonderful World of Color equipment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Hyperion Theater – closed through December 11 for refurbishment.
• Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular – closed through December 11.
• Sun Wheel – closed for refurbishment and to install the new Mickey face. No reopening date has been announced, but an employee publication lists April 24, 2009 as the return date.
• The Vineyard Room – now closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this restaurant, but an employee publication lists October 4, 2009 as the return date.
• Golden Dreams – now closed. This attraction will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.
• Burger Invasion – now closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald’s location, but an employee publication lists June 25, 2010 as the return date.
• Games of the Boardwalk – now closed install a new facade and new Disney-themed games. No reopening date has been announced, but an employee publication lists April 24, 2009 as the return date.
• Boudin Bakery & The Bakery Tour – close February 9, 2009 for refurbishment.

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.

Park Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

December 2008

• Holiday season at the Disneyland Resort – Friday, November 21 to Sunday, January 4, 2009. “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular will be performed daily.
• December Watch of the Month release – Monday, December 1 at the Fortuosity Shop on Main Street (link).
• Candlelight Processional – Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7. The narrator has not yet been announced. Dining package tickets will go on sale 6:00 p.m. (Pacific time) on Tuesday, November 18 via the Disneyland Web site (link).
• Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing – Saturday, December 13. Miniaturist Robert Olszewski will be on hand for the release of his latest Disneyland in Miniature piece, the Dumbo Flying Elephants attraction, and the new Nightmare Before Christmas addition to his Gallery of Light collection. The Dumbo Flying Elephants attraction sculpture will also be available for purchase through the Disney Gallery Web site beginning December 2, 2008 for those unable to attend the event (link).
• Mickey’s Christmas Carol 25th Anniversary watch release – Friday, December 19 at the Fortuosity Shop on Main Street (link).
• Holiday season at the Disneyland Resort – Friday, November 21 to Sunday, January 4, 2009. “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular will be performed daily.

2009

• 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-6, 2009. Registration is now open (link).
• Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival – Daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009. No additional details are available at this time.
• Summer Pin Festival Kick-Off Event – Saturday, June 20, 2009 (link).
   
• Summer Pin Festival – Daily, June 19 – August 9, 2009 (link).
• Pinbassador Inspirations Pin Release & Signing – Saturday, August 8, 2009 (link).
• SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception – Saturday, August 8, 2009 (link).
• SHAG Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Product Release & Signing – Sunday, August 9, 2009 (link).
• Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event – Wednesday, September 9, 2009 (link).
   

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.

This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).

One Day, One Park Regularly $69/$59 One Day Park Hopper Regularly $94/$84	Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know.)
Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $143/$123	AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $2 off the box-office price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $1 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths (link).
Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $199/$169	Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also 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 certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value) Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$144) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($149) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). “Disneyland Resort Resident 3-Day Celebration Pass” ($94 – $99) Available through selected employers, school or credit unions that offer discounted admission tickets to Southern California attractions. This three-day Park Hopper ticket expires 45 days after first use, and first use must occur by December 18, 2008. This ticket is blocked out December 19 – 31, 2008.
Four Day Park Hopper Regularly $224/$194	Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also 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 certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($154) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Costco Disneyland Resort Play 4 Days Exchange Certificate – Available through the Costco Web site (link), this $139 ticket (for ages 3 through adult) is good for four one-day admissions to Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. The tickets are non-transferable—the same person must use all four admissions. The ticket expires once the four admissions are used, or on July 31, 2009, whichever comes first. This is not a park-hopper pass, although you could probably use one admission per day at each park, in effect using the four admissions as a two-day park-hopper. The tickets are available only to Costco members who are residents of Southern California. Tickets must be purchased at Costco, with a limit of eight tickets per member per day. It is important to note that the item you purchase at Costco is an “Exchange Certificate,” not a valid park passport. Members must exchange the certificate at the Disneyland Resort Ticket booth to receive the Play 4 Days ticket. Proof of California residency in zip codes 90000 through 93599 is required to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket.
Five Day Park Hopper Regularly $244/$214	Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($204/$174) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also 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 certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($204/$174) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($199/$169) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 5-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($164) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).
Six Day Park Hopper Regularly $249/$219	Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($209/$179) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also 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 certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. “Bonus Tickets” include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($209/$179) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn’t enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).
Deluxe Annual Passport Regulary $269	Costco $50 bonus gift card offer – Costco members can receive a $50 Disneyland gift card when they purchase a Deluxe Disneyland Resort annual passport for $269 at a participating Costco location. The offer should be available at all Southern California Costco stores that currently sell Disneyland admission, but the vouchers may not have arrived in all locations yet. [A list of the 37 Costco locations within 50 miles of the Disneyland Resort is available on our MousePad discussion board (link), and we have noted which locations are confirmed to have these tickets available. If you are a Costco member and live near one of the stores that is not confirmed, please check the next time you’re there and then let us know so we can update the list.] There are no residency restrictions on this ticket, and it can be upgraded to a Deluxe with parking or Premium passport. Better still, the $50 gift card can be applied towards the cost of the upgrades, which nearly pays for the $59 parking option or drops the net cost of a Premium Annual Passport to just $339. Save $30 on a Deluxe Disneyland Resort Annual Passport – If you can’t take advantage of the Costco offer listed above, you can still receive a $30 discount on a Deluxe Disneyland Annual Passport by purchasing your pass online. The offer is valid only on new purchases, and does not apply to renewals. The offer expires 12/31/08. These tickets must be purchased using a special Web site: disneyland.com/deluxeoffer.
2008 Southern California CityPass $247/$199	2008 Southern California CityPass ($247/$199) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance). You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass online from Costco at a cost of $217/$174 (link), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member, and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at a Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! Note: The 2008 Southern California CityPass is valid for use if the first day of your visit is January 5, 2009 or earlier. If you are planning to start your visit on January 6th or later you will need to purchase the 2009 City Pass.
2009 Southern California CityPass $259/$219	2009 Southern California CityPass ($259/$219) – The 2009 CityPass offers the same admission tickets and benefits as listed above, at a slightly higher price. The 2009 CityPass is currently available through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). The 2009 CityPass will be available through the CityPass Web site starting November 1, 2008 and from theme park box offices starting January 6, 2009.

Hotel / Travel Packages

Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. 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 per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.

Disney’s Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations 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.

Alaska Airlines “Kids Fly Free to the Disneyland Resort” promotion – Valid for travel between January 7, 2009, and June 17, 2009 when you also book your hotel through the airline. Significant restrictions apply to the promotion, including blockout dates. This offer can be a good deal for some families, but make sure that you compare the total quoted package price against the same elements if purchased a la carte. You may be able to take advantage of other published airfare specials and hotel discounts to create a less expensive vacation package. Unfortunately the Alaska Airlines Web site can be sluggish, making comparison shopping time consuming, but you should definitely do your homework before you buy.

Other Discounts

Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. 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 Web site for details (link).

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)

AAA Restaurant Discounts – AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria Ariel’s Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy’s Kitchen.

Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials. Check at the restaurant for menu and price details.

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland

DCA: Disney’s 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
• MTT – Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party at DCA

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.