Disneyland Resort Update

Update for December 8 – 15, 2008

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

News and Views

Candlelight Processional | “Sparrow” Jacked | UNITE There | Department Decamps | Hyatt OC Feeds Your Kids | This and That

Procession of the Processional

by KarenW2, photos by Karl Buiter.

[Disneyland’s annual Candlelight Processional went on as scheduled last weekend, despite the now-traditional ticket package disaster (link). MousePlanet staffer Karl Buiter was there and provides these photos, and MousePad member KarenW2 wrote about her experience after Saturday’s event.]

The show, as usual was great, and I was sitting about 10 feet from John Stamos as he was narrating.

Getting into the Candlelight Processional area was much harder and took a lot longer this time, as they’d only take a few people at a time to seats and we didn’t get the seats we usually get, but at least we did make it to the first row, with the most leg room and no heads to try to see over the top of.

The Living Christmas Tree is part of the 2008 Disneyland Candlelight Processional. Photo by Karl Buiter.

In the “personal remarks” part of the Candlelight Processional, John said he has always been a real Disney fan, and he remembered when he was a kid, he came to the park and watched the CP from the standing room area (this got a huge round of applause from all those standing back there!). He was really touched that he was able to now be narrating the show. He got very choked up at this point and was barely able to get the words “Happy Holidays” out.

Since they left the ropes up for the Candlelight Processional seating area and the [cast members] were doing a super job, all we needed to do was retrace our steps out of the Main Street area, reversing the same way we came in. This was a vast improvement over all the years past, when it was total chaos, with people jamming on top of us, bumping into my wheelchair, and so on.

John Stamos narrates the story of Christmas at the 2008 Disneyland Candlelight Processional. Photo by Karl Buiter.

We had thought of doing some shopping in Disneyland after Candlelight Processional, but decided it was better to not press our luck and “get outta Dodge” while the gettin’ was good. There were tons of people waiting at the gates to come in. I guess they came to see the snow later tonite or something.

Here’s thanking Disney for another great Candlelight Processional, but here’s hoping they make a much easier to get our tickets for next year!

Did you attend the Processional this year? Join the discussion on MousePad! (link)

“Jack Sparrow” Actors Walk Plank

Disneyland has fired four actors who portrayed Captain Jack Sparrow of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, reportedly due to management concerns about young female guests exposing themselves to the character after dark. The actors were laid off at the same time as new performers were brought in as fairies as a tie-in to the new Disney film Tinkerbell and the new Pixie Hollow meet-and-greet area. Disney denies replacing the pirates with fairies, and the report of indecent exposure comes from a former cast member who left after a dispute with management last year (link).

Hotel Workers Make Voices Heard on ‘Net

UNITE HERE, the labor union to which Disneyland Hotel service employees belong, has launched a new Web site in their campaign to get a new contract with Disney. The new site, DisneyIsUnfaithful.org (link), features topical news, opinion pieces and stories from union members. Although there is no obvious connection from the Web site to the union, the domain registration information (link) shows that it was registered by Mukul Kumar of UNITE HERE. The union will also be staging an action on Thursday, December 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in front of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and will be collecting 2,000 toys to give to children of union members.

Department 56 Closing

Employees at the Department 56 store in Downtown Disney were notified last
month that the flagship store will close after the holiday season, and the store
is currently offering discounts of 20-50% off remaining inventory. The closure
is part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by parent company Lenox Group earlier
this year (link).
 Department 56 had already subdivided their Downtown Disney location, walling
off 1,000 square feet for an as-yet undisclosed tenant (link).
Earlier this year, Saks Inc. announced the pending closure of the Club Libby
Lu chain, including the Downtown Disney location.

Department 56 at Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney is closing soon. Photo
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Kids Eat Free at Hyatt Regency Orange County

Through November 1, 2009, children 12 and under can eat free at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. The promotion requires one paying adult entree purchase per free kids’ meal at the California Grill restaurant in the hotel’s atrium lobby by presenting a voucher obtained at check-in. The free kids’ meal will be ordered off the special Hyatt Kids Menu, which includes a variety of favorites ranging from grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken nuggets to turkey dogs and turkey sandwiches on whole wheat bread. Hotel reservations are recommended but not required (link).

Hyatt Regency Orange County. Photo (c) Hyatt

This and That

…The monthly payment plan for Annual Passports has been postponed again, this time to December 11, according to Resort ticket sellers. We have no further information about the program at this time.

…A new embroidery machine was installed at The World of Disney store in Downtown
Disney last week, and the shop now offers complimentary embroidery of Mickey
Mouse ear hats purchased at the Disneyland Resort. During an initial trial period,
the World of Disney store will offer both complimentary chain-stitch and Premium
embroidery in a choice of three thread colors. “Premium” embroidery
is $7 per line, and there are two fonts to choose from. This new machine will
only accomodate the standard ear hats, but the shop may eventually receive a
model that will allow a greater selection of thread colors, and can embroider
items like baseball caps, towels and sweatshirts. The Newsstand outside Disneyland’s
Main Entrance may also receive an embroidery machine in the coming weeks.

Complimentary (left) and Premium (right) hat writing is now offered at the World
of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

“Hat writing,” as the service is known, has traditionally been a
perk offered only at shops inside the Disney theme parks. The Disneyland Resort
recently discontinued the “Shopper’s Pass,” a little-known program
that allowed customers to pop into the theme parks to make quick purchases without
buying park admission, so the World of Disney’s new offering is a welcome surprise,
especially since this is still a “free” service. Walt Disney World
now charges $2 and up for hat writing, and only offers the more-expensive “Premium”
embroidery option at shops outside of the theme parks. Disneyland’s hat writing
is still technically a “free” service, but the park recently raised
the price of standard Mickey Mouse ears by $2, the second price increase on
these hats in the past year.

…Utah residents can submit a photo of their holiday lights to the local ABC Television affiliate for a chance to win a family vacation to the Disneyland Resort. The deadline to enter is 8:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2008 (link).

…Actress and newly designated United Nations Messenger of Peace Charlize Theron celebrated her assistant Ashlee Irish’s birthday with a visit from Santa at Disneyland last week.

Charlize Theron (left) celebrates her assistant Ashlee Irish’s birthday with a visit from Santa. Photo © Disney.

…From the “we’ll believe it when we see it” department comes word
that Marcelline’s Confectionary cast members are campaigning to make the popular
handmade candy canes, currently only available at the Candy Palace on Main Street,
during the holiday season next year.

…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 recently removed all park operating hours and refurbishment schedules for 2009 from the official Web site. 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 – dark through February 13, 2009. A Christmas Fantasy parade will be performed November 21 to January 4, 2009.
• “it’s a small world” – closes January 5 to February 14, 2009 to remove the holiday overlay.
• Haunted Mansion – closes January 5 to February 14, 2009 to remove the holiday overlay.
• Hungry Bear Restaurant – closes January 5-23, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Blue Ribbon Bakery – closes January 12, 2009 for one day.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closes January 26-28, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – closes February 2, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closes February 15, 2009 for refurbishment.

Sleeping Beauty Castle all lit up for the holidays. Photo by Karl Buiter.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Hyperion Theater – closed through December 11 for refurbishment.
• Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular – dark 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 to 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 – closes 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.
• 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).

2009

• 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).
• 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-6, 2009. Registration is now open (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.