Update for November 25 – December 10, 2013
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News and Views
World of Color Winter Dreams | Jingle Cruise | ¡Viva Navidad! | Holiday treats and eats | Meet Santa | Downtown Disney Winter Village | Candlelight | This and that… | Crowd Forecast
Editor's note: Last week's Park Update fell victim to an unexpected trip to the emergency room just prior to my leaving for Walt Disney World for our MouseAdventure event last weekend, and I apologize for skipping the week. As they say in sports, I just ran out of racetrack.
This week's Update comes to you from Germany, where I'm spending the holidays with friends and family. I am taking a page from the magazine industry and publishing a Holiday Double Issue covering two weeks. Our friends at TouringPlans have provided two week's of Crowd Forecasts to help you prepare for your next holiday visit, and I am devoting this Update to everything holiday at the Disneyland Resort.
For breaking Disney news over the next two weeks, be sure to keep an eye on our MousePad discussion forum, our Facebook page and Twitter feed, and be sure to register for our weekly Newsletter. I wish you and yours a safe and healthy Thanksgiving and/or Hanukkah (or both, if you're like my family), and I'll be back with the next Update on December 11.
World of Color Winter Dreams
The popular nighttime World of Color show at Disney California Adventure has received a holiday makeover this season. World of Color Winter Dreams is hosted by Olaf, the disjointed snowman from the just-released animated feature Frozen. The new show weaves winter scenes from modern and classic Disney movies together with a segment featuring a virtual choir; the all-new Toy Story Nutcracker segment created for this show; and a sing-along segment where Olaf… well, at least his butt… serves as the bouncing ball.
Disney has taken advantage of Daylight Savings time to add a third performance many nights, so check the entertainment guide for specifics when you visit.
Disney also offers Limited Time Passholder Magic showings World of Color Winter Dreams at selected dates and show times. Remaining dates are December 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., and December 6 at 9 p.m. Passholders also receive an ornament with the logo from the new Disney movie Frozen. Registration takes place each event day at the Grizzly River Run Fastpass distribution, and each passholder must register in person to receive a viewing ticket and ornament.
If you are not an annual passholder, you should keep these dates in mind, as the AP performances do not appear on the park's entertainment schedule. You won't be able to get a spot in the blue or yellow viewing areas, which are reserved for passholders with a ticket, but you might be able to find room elsewhere in the viewing area and see the show in less-crowded conditions. On these nights, there is only one “public” show scheduled, so you may be able to beat the crowd by attending the unpublished earlier show.
Jingle Cruise
The Jingle Cruise has opened at Disneyland, bringing a new batch of corny jokes to Adventureland. This seasonal overlay is much more subtle than many (including this writer) feared, with the enhancements limited to queue decor and music, new decorations on the boats and a new holiday-themed skipper script. Ironically, some have complained that Disney didn't go far enough in creating this overlay, though it's hard to see how much more designers could have pushed the theme without putting Santa hats on the sleeping zebra, or hanging stockings from the “mother in law's” trunk.
Jingle Cruise decorations are largely limited to the boats, queue and skipper's costumes. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Jungle Cruise boats have all-new holiday names for Jingle Cruise. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
There are some delightful jokes and inside references in the queue, and the music, like “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas,” was well chosen for both the period and the theme of the Jungle Cruise. D23 Expo fans might notice that the Christmas tree in the queue is decorated with JuJu charms from the Adventurer's game, including the Trader Sam mask.
Look closely at the holiday decorations in the Jingle Cruise queue for some inside jokes and obscure references, like this token from the D23 Expo. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
We've included video from the ride below, but caution viewers not to judge the ride based on any one skipper. Some get less or more into the holiday spirit – check out our Walt Disney World video for another performance by a different skipper.
Jingle Cruise skippers show off their holiday costume. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
As part of the Limited Time Magic promotion, Disneyland is offering visitors a Jingle Cruise mini attraction poster at the exit of the ride. Walt Disney World has the same promotion with their version of the poster, so be sure to check there if you're visiting Florida over Thanksgiving.
Take a ride through Disneyland's Jingle Cruise. MousePlanet video by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
¡Viva Navidad!
While Disneyland is known around the world as the Merriest Place on Earth during the holiday season, Disney California Adventure is still looking to find its niche. In addition to the vintage Christmas decorations on Buena Vista Street, and the less-traditional decor found in a bug's land and Cars Land, DCA this year launched ¡Viva Navidad! in Paradise Pier. This promotion is targeted squarely at Disneyland's sizable Hispanic visitor base, and runs through Three Kings Day on January 6.
Paradise Gardens serves as the home base for the event, with portions of the seating area used to host dance lessons, a craft area, face painting and a character meet-and-greet with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy in festive costumes. (Be sure to look at Goofy's shoes, decorated with maracas.) Paradise Gardens cast members wear costumes on loan from Epcot's Mexico pavilion, and the whole area is decorated with papel picado (cut out banners) and pinatas.
Minnie Mouse appears in the ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
¡Viva Navidad! features a new mini-parade called Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party, which features redressed parade units from past Disneyland productions. Mickey, Minnie and the Three Caballeros appear, along with folklorico dancers, maraichi musicians and 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Between parades, the Paradise bandstand hosts salsa groups and the Grammy Award-winning Mariaci Divas.
12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus are part of the ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The merchandise department has set up a small kiosk in Paradise Gardens, offering ¡Viva Navidad!-logo shirts and a selection of generic souvenirs like you might find at any tourist destination in Mexico. The Mexico pavilion in Epcot offers a nice selection of Disney-theme souvenirs, including an adorable Donald pinata and a Mickey sombrero. If this event proves popular, perhaps a better merchandise offering will be developed next year.
Dance lessons are part of the ¡Viva Navidad! activities. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
As with most holiday celebrations, ¡Viva Navidad! features a number of new menu items at the Paradise Pier restaurants. Paradise Garden Grill has been transformed into a Mexican restaurant offering authentic dishes created using family recipes of several Disneyland Resort chefs, and featuring ingredients you probably wouldn't expect to find at a theme park. I had the opportunity to sample many of the dishes last week, and was pleased with the overall flavor and quality of the new additions.
A roasted quarter chicken is topped with mole sauce, and served with achiote rice and a salad made with nopales (cactus), jicama and onion. The salad also comes alongside the Mahi Versacruzano. The beans that accompany the Torta al Pastor and Sopes de Barbacoa are made with a chorizo recipe developed by Disney chefs. Fresh Telera rolls are baked daily on-site for the Torta, and the Barbacoa is marinated overnight and cooked on a flat top grill brought in just for this menu.
Donald and friends appear in the ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The chefs told me they wanted to focus on traditional holiday foods, and anyone with a abuela (grandmother) will likely recognize the new desserts. Sweet Tamales are made with fresh pineapple, golden raisins and honey, steamed and served with a pineapple caramel sauce. This was my favorite dish of the tasting, and I bought extras to take home and share. Fried Buneulos are sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of cajeta (thick, sweet caramelized milk).
Holiday dishes created for ¡Viva Navidad! include this chicken with mole sauce, seved with a cold salad of nopales, jicama, onion and lime. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Champurrado is a classic drink of milk and chocolate, thickened with masa. Concept development manager for Disney foods Karlos Siqueiros told me that this drink reminded him of his childhood, where his family marked the start of the holiday season with a big pot of champurrado.
Two South American soft drinks are offered at Paradise Garden Grill during this promotion, Inca Kola (a syrupy lemon verbena soda) and Manzana Lift (an apple-flavored soda)
Folklorico dancers perform in the ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta has a few new items for ¡Viva Navidad! , including Shrimp Cocktail, a traditional Pozole stew with pork and hominy, and Chorizo Flatbread with the same chorizo mixture served in the sopes at Paradise Garden Grill.
Holiday treats and eats
'tis the season to gain 5 pounds from all of the holiday specialties served up at the Disneyland Resort. This guide should point you to every edible attraction at Disneyland, DCA and the Disneyland Resort hotels.
Seasonal sourdough bread
DCA has expanded the availability of the special holiday bread loaves created by the Boudin bakery, and adding a New Year's Eve design. You can find these loaves at the Pacific Wharf Cafe, DCA bread cart, Mortimer's Market and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
- The Thanksgiving turkey loaf is available November 24 – 30.
- Candy cane, snowman and Christmas-tree shaped loaves are available December 1 – 31
- New Year's Eve clock loaf available December 31 and January 1
Seasonal cupcakes
Look for these at bakery locations, like Jolly Holiday Bakery and Pacific Wharf Cafe, as well as restaurants with a bakery selection, like the Plaza Inn.
- Christmas cupcake – chocolate cupcake with white chocolate mousse frosting.
- Hanukkah cupcake – vanilla cupcake with a coconut macaroon baked inside. Topped with white and blue-tinted white chocolate mouse and decorated with edible candy “pearls” and a chocolate Hanukkah disc. Available November 27 through December 5.
- New Year's Eve and Day cupcake – dark chocolate cupcake with a Nutella filling, topped with Belgian white chocolate frosting. Decorated with edible silver glitter, a chocolate Mickey Mouse and bow tie, and topped with a chocolate truffle ball. Available December 31 and January 1.
Holiday foods novelties
Souvenir popcorn buckets and hot mugs are available at select locations in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The Santa Mickey premium popcorn bucket is back and most popcorn wagons. This year's cold cup and popcorn box feature a generic Disney Parks design similar to the Halloween graphic, with candy cane and ornament icons replacing the bats and pumpkins.
A blue Lightning McQueen container is offered in Cars Land. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Cars Land has new souvenir containers for the holiday season. The Cozy Cone sippers are available in blue with a snowflake wrench design, in both 16 and 32oz sizes. These are available only at the Cozy Cones in DCA. The Lightning McQueen souvenir bucket is available filled with popcorn at the Cozy Cones and most DCA popcorn wagons, or you can get it with the kids meal at Flo's V8 Cafe.
A blue Lightning McQueen container is offered in Cars Land. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.Adult holiday beverages
Trader Sam's has brought back their popular holiday cocktails, including the Red-Nosed Zebra, Sam's Slay Ride, and the Mele Kaliki-Mocha.
Carthay Circle Restaurant has added California craft seasonal beers and a Poinsettia cocktail (Cointreau, cranberry juice and champagne) to their holiday offerings.
The Hatter's Holiday Cocktail (eggnog, rum and brandy garnished with a glow cube and a cinnamon stick) is available at the Mad T Party during operating hours.
Seasonal Starbucks
Both of the in-park Starbucks locations have the usual assortment of holiday drinks and snacks, including caramel brulee, peppermint, gingerbread and eggnog flavored beverages and the Thanksgiving, Holiday Blonde and Christmas Blend coffees. Because the in-park Starbucks still offer the classic bakery items instead of the new La Boulange assortment found at most other Starbucks, these are some of the only places left to get the Gingerbread Loaf, my personal favorite.
From the bakery
Most bakery locations, including Jolly Holiday Bakery, have a new Gingerbread Shingle cookie this year. For those familiar with gingerbread shingle offered at Walt Disney World, don't get your hopes up – this is a gingerbread rectangle topped with an edible design of Santa Mickey, and trimmed with green, red and white sprinkles. It's still a fun treat, but not quite the same as the Florida offering.
Other holiday bakery desserts including snowman shortbread cookies, gingerbread man cookies, a snowflake crisp rice treat, caramel apple muffins, chocolate holiday cupcake, holiday brownie and Mickey sugar cookies.
This is the last year of the Holiday demitasse cup offering, so be sure to pick up the Santa Mickey cup if you need to finish your collection. This year's dessert is a chocolate cake with chocolate mint filling, topped with mint-flavored white chocolate mousse and chocolate decorations. It is available at the PCH Grill at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel; Storyteller's Cafe at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel; Pacific Wharf Cafe inside DCA; and at 7 locations inside Disneyland: Jolly Holiday Bakery, Carnation Cafe, Plaza Inn, Rancho del Zocalo, Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans and Big Thunder Ranch BBQ.
Candy Canes
Every year, there is a mad dash to see who can be one of the few who is able to purchase the handmade candy canes produced at Disneyland's Candy Palace. The Disneyland Resort has spent the last few months training additional candy makers in the exacting process of crafting Disneyland's famous handmade candy canes to help increase the number of candy canes available each day. The capacity may increase by as much as double on some days, according to one candy maker. Candy canes are $12.99 ( no discounts apply), will still be limited to one per person, and the wristband process used in past years will remain in place.
The official dates are:
Disneyland's Candy Palace:
November 29
December 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22, 24Disney California Adventure's Trolley Treats:
November 30
December 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 25
Notable holiday menu items, by location
Disneyland
Blue Bayou – Peppermint hot dark chocolate mocha; pumpkin pie hot cocoa; holiday demitasse cup.
Big Thunder Ranch BBQ – Holiday cookie bake; Holiday demitasse cup
Cafe Orleans – Peppermint hot dark chocolate mocha; pumpkin pie hot cocoa; holiday demitasse cup; gingerbread beignets with eggnog creme anglaise; chocolate pumpkin pie.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – Holiday sprinkles and crushed candy canes to decorate your dipped waffle cones
Jingle Jangle Jamboree – offers a election of holiday treats, including the return of the fried apple burrito that was so popular during the Halloween Time promotion, and candy cane-striped cotton candy. The location also has the holiday hot mug with your choice of hot cocoa or hot apple cider. Cookie decorating kids come with a snowman or Mickey Mouse sugar cookie, tubs of white, green and red frosting, and packets of candy decorations and sprinkles. You can decorate the cookie at tables provided inside the Jamboree, or take it home and decorate it later since all of the ingredients are individually packaged.
Mint Julep Bar – Gingerbread beignets covered in cinnamon sugar.
Plaza Inn – November Yule Log (11/12 through 12/1). Rolled spice cake filled with pumpkin mousse, lingonberry marmalade and cream cheese, frosted with chocolate ganache. December Yule Log (12/2 through January 6). Chocolate cake rolled with coffee butter cream filling and chocolate crunch candies, frosted with chocolate ganache.
Rancho del Zocalo – Dulce de Leche crepe; chicken tamale plate; holiday demitasse cup.
Redd Rockett's Pizza Port – Tiramisu; fresh roasted turkey pizza toped with Craisins, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh sage and white sauce.
Village Haus – Chicken sandwich with roasted garlic, basil, sautéed mushrooms and Parmesan aioli served on a wheat bun.
Disney California Adventure
Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta – December Yule Log (12/2 through January 6). Chocolate cake rolled with coffee butter cream filling and chocolate crunch candies, frosted with chocolate ganache.
Clarabelle's Ice Cream – Holiday sprinkles and crushed candy canes to decorate your dipped waffle cones and ice cream bars.
Flo's V8 Cafe – 4″ pumpkin pie; pear cherry cream cheese pie; Lightning McQueen holiday race car.
Pacific Wharf Cafe – Cranberry white chocolate bread pudding; holiday demitasse cup; fried sweet potato pie (limited offering); turkey pot pie soup
Wine Country Trattoria – 4″ pumpkin pie
Disneyland Resort Hotels
PCH Grill – Holiday demitasse cup. December Yule Log (12/2 through January 6). Chocolate cake rolled with coffee butter cream filling and chocolate crunch candies, frosted with chocolate ganache.
Meet Santa
Santa is a busy guy this year, splitting his time among five meet-and-greet locations. At Disneyland, you can find him in the Jingle Jangle Jamboree. Over at DCA, Santa has a vintage photo set inside the Elias and Company department store. He also appears at the three Disneyland Resort hotels; check with each hotel for specific hours.
Santa has an elaborate location in the Jingle Jangle Jamboree to meet and greet fans. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Downtown Disney Winter Village
Ice skating has returned to Downtown Disney, and Olaf's Frozen Ice Rink is definitely a the centerpiece of the expanded Downtown Disney Winter Village. The ice rink, and the surrounding stores that make up the winter village, open daily at 3 p.m., and close at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
The Downtown Disney Christmas tree is the center of Olaf's Ice Rink. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
In addition to ice skating, you can shop for holiday gifts and treats from a selection of temporary vendors, including Ghirardelli. The Patina Group has a stand offering some of their classic candies and baked goods, including macarons and glazed nuts.
The Downtown Disney ice rink is themed to the new Disney movie, Frozen. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A series of groups are scheduled for the adjacent performance stage, including Carolers on December 5 and December 16-25 and the Anaheim Ballet performing scenes from “The Nutcracker” on December 5 and 19.
Candlelight
The Candlelight Processional is December 7 and 8. Disney has not officially announced the narrators, but we've heard it will be Blair Underwood narrating Saturday night, and Kurt Russell narrating on Sunday. Showtimes are 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. both nights. With Disney so far keeping mum on the event, expect the usual “show up super early and camp out all day” routine of you want to get one of the best spots or a bench.
We have no advance knowledge, but it wouldn't surprise me if Disneyland didn't run some kind of “limited time magic” meetup offering Candlelight seating. Keep an eye on Disney's official social media channels this week just in case.
This and that…
…Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are again offering customers the opportunity to personalize holiday ornaments. This offering has been extremely popular at Walt Disney World, but not as well known in California. You can purchase and personalize ornaments at China Closet in Disneyland, and Julius Katz in Disney California Adventure. Be sure to shop early in the day, as the ornaments need time to dry after being personalized, and the stores are much less crowded in the morning.
…Baking Betty's opened a new cart in Downtown Disney, offering grourmet cookies in a variety of flavors like double-chocolate Milky Way with sea salt, cookies and cream, and gluten-free peanut butter.
…With Disneyland having announced the “retirement” of the group at the end of the holiday season, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies are embarking on their next chapter with a “Hillbilly New Beginnings Holiday Party” at Mama Cozza's Italian restaurant in Anaheim. The party is Friday, December 13, and tickets are $20. RSVP via the group's Facebook page, or e-mail matchstickcreativegroup@gmail.com for more information.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Note: Not all of attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781–7290, then select option 1, option 1, and option 4 at the next three prompts.
Disneyland
2013
- Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed December 2–12 for refurbishment.
- Casey Jr. Circus Train – closed December 2–12 due to the Storybook Land refurbishment.
- Jungle Cruise – delayed (noon) opening December 2–5 and December 9–12.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed until “early 2014” for a major refurbishment. One cast member document lists February 14, 2014 as the reopening date. The ride was to have reopened October 30, 2013.
2014
- Fantasmic – dark January 6 through February 13.
- Alice in Wonderland – closed January 6 through May 22 for refurbishment.
- Haunted Mansion – closed January 7–17 to remove the holiday overlay.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed until “early 2014” for a major refurbishment. One cast member document lists February 14, 2014 as the reopening date. The ride was to have reopened October 30, 2013.
Disney California Adventure
2013
- Tower of Terror – reduced capacity now through January 1, 2014. This usually means one of the rides three drop shafts is closed for refurbishment, with the ride running at 2/3 capacity.
2014
- Buena Vista Street west guest bathrooms – closed January 6–16.
- Grizzly River Run – closed January 6 through February 13 for refurbishment.
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closed January 6 through February 27 for refurbishment.
- World of Color – dark January 7–16.
Resort Events
Check here to see if a large convention, competition or park event might fall during your next trip to the Disneyland Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2013
Winter
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – November 12 through January 6, 2014.
- Candlelight Processional – December 7 and 8. Showtimes are 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. both nights.
2014
- Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – January 16–19. All races are now sold out, but registration is still open for the Pasta in the Park party.
We also recommend checking the convention calendar at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau website. When looking at that site, remember to note both the number of people and the number of rooms resulting from each convention. A gathering of 25,000 people booking few room nights (indicating most will be driving in to the area for their meeting) can impact traffic around the resort much more than a crowd of 25,000 staying in area hotels. Of course, that second group is going to make finding a hotel room more difficult (and possibly more expensive), so it's best to book your own room as early as possible if you see that a big convention is in town during your trip.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Disneyland prices as of June 2, 2013.
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update. Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!
This first section is a list of discounts on ticket-only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line. Note, we are no longer listing offers from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, as their convenience fee negates any savings.
Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside the gates stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Disneyland admission, and may result in denial of entry. It is also common for criminals to shoplift inactivated Disney theme park tickets from supermarkets to resell them. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or travel agency.
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One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $92/$86
One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $137/$131 |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. | |
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Two Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $175/$162
Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $210/$197 |
Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells two-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 2-day Park Hoppers are $197 for adults ($185 for children); 2-day 1/park/day tickets are $168 for adults ($156 for children). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $225/$209 Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $260/$244 |
Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells three-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 3-day Park Hoppers are $245 for adults ($230 for children); 3-day 1/park/day tickets are $217 for adults ($202 for children). Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price – this offer is available in different versions from different vendors:
2013–2014 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($129) – a discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses. The 2013-2014 U.S. Armed Forces discount is valid August 12, 2013, through September 25, 2014. Under this program, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $129 each. For the purpose of this offer, Disney defines “Eligible Service Members” as active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification will be required for purchase. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base or other at participating U.S. military sales outlets. The tickets are not available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. The price is the same for adults and children, and total of six tickets may be purchased per military member, regardless of who purchases the tickets (the member or their spouse). Disney has also clarified that the “Military member (or spouse) must accompany the persons using these tickets for Theme Park admission,” which means you can not purchase these tickets and give them to someone who will be visiting without you present. Tickets are blocked out through December 19, 2013 through December 31, 2013; April 13, 2014 through April 20, 2014; and July 4, 2014. As far as we can tell, there is no “fuse” on this ticket, so you may have more than the standard 13 days from first use to use the remaining two admissions, but we highly recommend you contact your base MWR/ITT office for more details before making travel plans. Please note that this ticket is not a “bonus” ticket, and so does not include an early admission day. For complete information regarding Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may visit the Disneyland Resort website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $250/$230 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $285/$265 |
Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells four-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 4-day Park Hoppers are $270 for adults ($250 for children); 4-day 1/park/day tickets are $240 for adults ($220 for children). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $265/$244 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $300/$279 |
Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells five-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 5-day Park Hoppers are $285 for adults ($265 for children); 5-day 1/park/day tickets are $255 for adults ($235 for children). Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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| Six Day, One Park per Day Ticket Six Day Park Hopper | No longer offered by Disneyland – some travel providers may offer tickets for 6 days or longer as part of a package to international customers; residents of Canada, Australia, or the U.K. should check with local travel agencies to see what options may be available. | |
| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports |
No discounts currently available for new purchases. California residents can take advantage of the monthly payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport.
Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Southern California CityPASS $319/$279 Southern California CityPASS PLUS $353/$304 |
2013 Southern California CityPASS ($319/$279) – includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to Sea World San Diego and a one-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPASS expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by January 2, 2014. Purchase CityPASS through the Disneyland website or on-site at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPASS website, though a shipping charge may apply depending on how quickly you need the ticket. 2013 Southern California CityPASS PLUS ($353/$304) – is the same as the CityPASS—a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to Sea World San Diego and a one-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood—with the addition of one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park. The CityPASS expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by January 2, 2014. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPASS website. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. Prices listed above are valid until January 2, 2014. |
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Other Discounts
Did we miss an offer? If you know of an authorized discount on Disneyland Resort tickets, standing offers for Annual Passholders from non-Disney vendors, or other promotions which might interest our readers, please drop us a note!
| Discounts for everyone |
Purchase with Purchase offers – Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced–price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. These are offered at Disney-operated stores only, and generally can not be combined—you must choose one of the eligible offers. If you're a passholder, the minimum purchase is calculated after your discount, and your discount does not apply to the promotional item. Current offers:
Landry's Select Club – members of the Landry's Select Club get priority seating at the Rainforest Cafe when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days), and a 10 percent discount on retail purchases. This club replaces the former Rainforest Cafe Safari Club. If you are already a Safari Club member, you can migrate your membership to the new Landry's Select Club at no charge, and start to earn points in the new program. The new Select Club eliminated the entree discount and free appetizer offer that was included with the Safari Club, replacing them with a point-based system that gives you a $25 gift certificate after you spend $250. If you are not yet a member of either the Safari Club or the Landry's Select Club, you can pre-purchase your membership before your trip. Membership now costs $25, but comes with a $25 reward. ESPNZone MVP Club – membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25 percent 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). Character Dining Vouchers – discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through Get Away Travel. |
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| Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Disneyland Resort hotels – Disneyland Resort annual passholders can save 15 to 25 percent off rooms at the three Disneyland Resort Hotels this fall. The offer is valid for most nights October 20 through December 19, with blockout dates of of November 27–29. This package includes one Fastpass for each person on the reservation, and a voucher for a free 5″ x 7″ PhotoPass print. Full details on the Disneyland website. Disneyland Resort merchandise – Disneyland has once again extended the 20 percent merchandise discount offered to Premium annual passholders. The discount is now valid through December 31, 2013. |
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Discounts for Disney Visa Cardholders |
Character Meet-and-Greet – cardholders have access to a private character meet-and-greet photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, and receive one free 5″x7″ photograph per visit. Disneyland Resort merchandise – Cardholders also receive 10 percent off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney-operated retail stores. Disneyland Resort dining – 10 percent off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (Big Thunder Ranch, River Belle Terrace, French Market, Cocina Cucamonga, Steakhouse 55, PCH Grill and Storyteller's Café). Disneyland Resort Guided Tours – 20 percent off the “Welcome to Disneyland,” “A Walk in Walt's Footsteps,” and “Discover the Magic” guided tours. See the Disney Visa website for terms and conditions for all of these promotions. |
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Hotel and travel package offers |
Costco Travel Packages – many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco. Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – package includes accommodations in one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three-day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at three DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!); preferred showing of Turtle Talk With Crush (priority viewing at the first Turtle Talk With Crush show of the day, on any one day—one voucher per guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a “Character Call” from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent. |
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Discounts for US Military |
2013–2014 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($129) – a discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses. The 2013–2014 U.S. Armed Forces discount is valid through September 25, 2014. Under this program, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $129 each. For the purpose of this offer, Disney defines “Eligible Service Members” as active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification will be required for purchase. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base or other at participating U.S. military sales outlets. The tickets are not available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. The price is the same for adults and children, and total of six tickets may be purchased per military member, regardless of who purchases the tickets (the member or their spouse). Disney has also clarified that the “Military member (or spouse) must accompany the persons using these tickets for Theme Park admission,” which means you can not purchase these tickets and give them to someone who will be visiting without you present. Tickets are blocked out December 19–31, 2013; April 13–20, 2014; and July 4, 2014. As far as we can tell, there is no “fuse” on this ticket, so you may have more than the standard 13 days from first use to use the remaining two admissions, but we highly recommend you contact your base MWR/ITT office for more details before making travel plans. Please note that this ticket is not a “bonus” ticket, and so does not include an early admission day. For complete information regarding Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may visit the Disneyland Resort website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. |
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| Discounts for California residents | None at this time | |
The current purchase with purchase offers at the Disneyland Resort include a towel, tote bag and watch. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Contact a MousePlanet sponsor travel agency for assistance in booking your next trip
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Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
- DL: Disneyland
- DCA: Disney California Adventure
Annual Pass blockouts:
- SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
- SC – Southern California Annual Pass
- DX – Deluxe Annual Pass
Early Admission – full description available on the Disneyland website):
- MM – Magic Mornings for 3-plus day ticket holders, promotional “bonus” tickets, and Southern California CityPASS
- EMH – Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests
- EMH – Early Admission for Annual Passholders (not currently offered)
Disneyland Resort Special Events:
- GN – Grad Nite
- MA–- MouseAdventure (www.mouseadventure.com)
- MHP – Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland
| 11/24 | 11/25 | 11/26 | 11/27 | 11/28 | 11/29 | 11/30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-11p EMH/MM DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-11p None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-11p EMH/MM DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 12/1 | 12/2 | 12/3 | 12/4 | 12/5 | 12/6 | 12/7 |
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DL: 8a-11p None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-8p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-8p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p EMH/MM DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-12a None DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: Candlelight |
| 12/8 | 12/9 | 12/10 | 12/11 | 12/12 | 12/13 | 12/14 |
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DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: Candlelight |
DL: 9a-9p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p EMH/MM DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p EMH/MM DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-12a None DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
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.
