Disneyland Resort Update

Update for December 22 – 28, 2008

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

News and Views

Disney workers stage Posada protest | Pre-Christmas Disney Deals | Restaurants closed for lack of business | Disneyland offers decorating tips | Post-holiday entertainment cutbacks | Holiday window displays at Disney’s Soda Fountain | This and That

Disney workers stage Posada protest

Members of Unite Here Local 11, representing over 2,000 hotel workers, staged a protest at the Disneyland Resort hotels last week to challenge Disney’s latest contract offer. The action included a “Posada,” an event traditional to Latin-American Catholic families. According to a spokesperson for Local 11, “A Posada is a Christmas tradition for many Christians that symbolizes the journey that Mary and Joseph endured before finding a place to stay where Jesus could be born.”

Members of Unite HERE Local 11 protest outside the Paradise Pier Hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

About 600 participants, nearly half of those the children of Disney cast members and community supporters, took part in the action which began with a picket line outside the Paradise Pier Hotel. Following speeches from Unite Here leadership and local clergy, a small group of demonstrators, led by a guitarist and about a dozen costumed children, sang carols as they walked to the Disneyland Hotel. The group gathered outside the hotel entrance and sang for a few minutes, then presented bell desk cast members with a stack of letters, said to contain the holiday wishes of the children, before resuming their procession. The Posada was scheduled to include stops at all three Disneyland Resort hotels, but with temperatures dipping into the low 50’s, organizers decided to skip the other two hotels and rejoin the group still picketing outside the Paradise Pier Hotel.

After participants returned to their gathering site in the parking lot adjacent to the Paradise Pier Hotel, a costumed Santa Claus and helpers distributed toys to the children of the Disney workers present. Local 11 said about 1,000 toys were donated to the union by various community and faith-based organizations.

The Posada stops at the Disneyland Hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Cast members have been working without a contract since the union (previously known as Local 681 before merging with a Los Angeles-based local earlier this year), rejected an offer to extend the contract that ended in January, 2008. The negotiations have been marked by protracted disagreements over meeting venues and multiple public protests, including an incident in August when over 20 union representatives and community leaders were arrested for blocking traffic on Harbor Blvd. The union recently launched a Blog site dedicated to “exposing Disney’s unfaithfulness to workers, customers and communities around the world,” and has posted articles to that site protesting everything from Michael Ovitz’s multi-million dollar 1996 severance package to the cost of Disney souvenirs and Disney’s use of toxic cleaners at Walt Disney World (link).

This latest action came just days after Disney presented the union with what Ada Briceno, former President of Local 681 and now Secretary / Treasurer of Local 11, characterized as Disney’s “last, best” offer. The main sticking point continues to be health care. Under the contract that expired in January, most Local 11 members who worked an average of just under 18 hours per week received “free” health insurance, paid for by Disney through contributions to the union’s insurance trust fund. Local 11 members are the only Disney cast members who have a separate health plan. Under the most recent proposal by Disney, all cast members would transition to the same Disney’s Signature Health Care plan that covers all other eligible Disneyland Resort cast members.

Disney’s proposal offers cast members coverage under the Union health care plan in 2009, then transitions them to the Disney Signature plan in 2010. Disney will pay the full weekly premium both years. Starting in 2011, cast members will begin paying about 25% of of the weekly premium for the Disney Signature plan, and by 2013 will be paying the same weekly premium as other covered cast members. In a written statement to union members, Disney says “the eligibility requirements for current Cast Members will not change,” and that most current cast members will need to continue to work 70 hours per month to maintain eligibility for the plan.

Union members distrubute donated toys to children who attended the protest. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s contract offer also provides for annual raises for non-tipped employees; retroactive raises for cast members who were hired in at the lower tier of the former two-tier pay structure, and increases in some “additional pay” categories including training shifts, 3rd shifts and split-shifts.

As the union decides whether to reject the proposal outright or put it to a vote of the membership, Disney is distributing flyers to impacted cast members urging them to ask the union to let them vote on the proposal. Disney is also offering bonuses of $200-500 per full time cast member if the contract is ratified by the end of the year. In a phone interview with MousePlanet, Briceno called the flyer “shockingly deceptive,” and said that Disney is misrepresenting the terms of the proposed agreement. The union maintains that Disney’s offer still contains a provision that will classify new hire who work less than 30 hours a week as “casual regular” employees, making them ineligible for health care.

PCH Grill is closed for dinner. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A Local 11 member who is currently covered under the union trust fund plan says that it’s “nearly impossible” not to work the 17 hours per week currently needed to maintain eligibility under the expired contract, and says that the department schedulers and location managers are usually pretty good about working with cast members to ensure they are scheduled enough hours to maintain coverage. 25 or 30 hours a week may be harder to come by, especially as the struggling economy impacts tourism. Participants in Thursday nights protest may not have even realized that they were picketing outside a hotel that was reportedly at just 40% occupancy, or that their Posada took them right past the PCH Grill, where some servers had been given the option of taking the entire week off because the restaurant’s dinner service had been canceled for the week due to sluggish sales. In the long run, the issue of health care eligibility may be more important than who provides the coverage or even the cost of the weekly contribution.

Disneyland Resort merchandise offer unprecedented pre-Christmas discounts

MousePlanet’s Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported news of exceptional sale prices at the resort in her MousePlanet blog:

The Disneyland Resort shops are offering unprecedented discounts on seasonal, holiday and discontinued merchandise, and shoppers with an eye for a bargain may be able to snap up some great deals for last-minute gifts. Selected items from discontinued collections are now 40% off, with an assortment that includes everything from t-shirts and pins to coffee mugs and playing cards.

A surprising selection of toys are now 25% off, including some big-ticket items I’ve never before seen discounted. All holiday pins, including Limited Edition styles, are also 25% off.

The biggest surprise was the decision to discount most holiday merchandise, including ornaments and home decor, by as much as 50% off a full week before Christmas. The sale began this morning, and delighted shoppers are carrying away bags and bags of holiday gifts.

If you don’t have theme park admission, the biggest selection of items will be available at the World of Disney shop in Downtown Disney. The gift shops of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels have some holiday merchandise, with the Disneyland Hotel’s Fantasia shop offering by far the biggest collection of the three.

For those with valid admission, don’t forget to check out the shops in the far-flung corners of the theme parks. Star Traders in Tomorrowland, Gag Factory in ToonTown and the temporary Christmas shop in New Orleans Square will be good places to look for holiday items after the better-known stores sell out. In DCA, Greetings from California and Off the Page are your best bets.

Record-low hotel bookings mean fewer hours at Resort restaurants

Disney notified Cast Members at Resort hotel restaurants that several locations will be closed for all meal seatings this week. This is reportedly due to record-low hotel bookings, in the area of 40% of capacity. We’ve confirmed that PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will not offer dinner seatings and we’ve heard that Hook’s Pointe at the Disneyland Hotel may be affected as well. If you have booked a Priority Seating at any Disneyland Resort hotel restaurant, we strongly suggest you call the Disney Dine Line [(714) 781-DINE] to confirm your reservation before you arrive.

Disney says: Make the most of your fruitcake!

Have you ever wondered what to do with the annual holiday fruitcake? Disneyland Resort Enhancement Director David Caranci offers an idea that will make this not-so-favorite dessert a welcome part of your family’s holiday celebration.

Disneyland Decorating Tips video (c) Disney

Princess Fantasy Faire and other entertainment to be cut back

We received word that when the Resort’s holiday promotions end after January 4, the Princess Fantasy Faire (in the Fantasyland Theatre) will lose its storytimes and Coronation show, becoming a simple meet-and-greet. MousePlanet’s David Koenig first reported the story last week in his MousePlanet blog:

First they came for the pirates, now they’re cutting back on princesses.

Continuing budget cuts in Disneyland’s Entertainment department have reached the Princess Fantasy Faire. The last day for the Royal Coronation and Princess Storytelling shows will be January 4. Displaced AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists) and Entertainment cast members will be reassigned or laid off. The Princess Fantasy Faire will continue, but solely as a princess meet-and-greet area.

So far, most of the pressure to reduce the park’s operational expenses has fallen on the Entertainment department. Management figures that guests are more likely to notice and therefore grumble about shuttered attractions and unbearably-long lines due to under-staffing than about a few missing characters or performances. (Not to mention the higher pay AGVA members earn…) Yet if, as expected, park attendance takes a nose-dive after the first of the year, cutbacks will definitely spread to all divisions.

The “Remember…” fireworks and Parade of Dreams will not return until at least February, reportedly because both shows are being reworked. As noted below, Disneyland has not yet posted operating hours or entertainment offerings past the end of January, so it’s difficult to know how much of this is normal slow-season changes and how much might be permanent cutbacks.

Festive holiday windows at Disney’s Soda Fountain

Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood is currently displaying four holiday windows, telling the story of Mickey’s Holiday Surprise. Commenting on the announcement, Lylle Breier, senior vice president, worldwide special events for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, said, “We are pleased to make Hollywood the headquarters for the holidays – beginning with our first ever store windows featuring Mickey Mouse in four scenes from bringing home the tree, getting out the ornaments, and enjoying the holidays with Minnie Mouse.” The El Capitan Theatre and Disney’s Soda Fountain and Studio Store are open all holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Store hours are from 9:30am-10:00pm daily.

Festive display windows tell the story of Mickey’s Holiday Surprise. (c) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

These windows at Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store will remain through the holiday season. (c) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

This and That

…The BCS-ranked No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions and No. 5 USC Trojans will make their first official appearances of the Rose Bowl Game week at 2 p.m. Friday, December 26, in a ceremony at the holiday-themed Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle at Disneyland. Penn State Coach Joe Paterno, USC Coach Pete Carroll and members of both teams will appear in the Castle ceremony with Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier, Mickey Mouse and the Disneyland Band. Among the Penn State players will be Nittany Lions defensive end Josh Gaines, safety Anthony Scirroto, center A.Q. Shipley and wide receiver Derrick Williams. Featured USC players in the ceremony will be Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez, linebacker Brian Cushing, safety Kevin Ellison and offensive guard-center Jeff Byers. (link)

…The annual “Walt Disney World Christmas Parade”, with segments filmed earlier this month at the Disneyland Resort, will air on Christmas Day at 9:00 am local time on ABC affiliates nationwide.

…”Celebrate Today!” banners have appeared in the Esplanade just in time for the new “What Will You Celebrate” promotion to begin in January.

New “Celebrate Today!” signs are up around the Esplanade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…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 starting February 1, 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

• 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.
• Stage Door Cafe – closes February 2, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closes February 15, 2009 for refurbishment.

Disney’s California Adventure

• 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.
• Grizzly River Run – closes January 20-27, 2009 for refurbishment.
• 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.

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.