Update for February 18 – 23, 2014
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Resort Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Fantasmic reopens with new effects | Captain America arrives at Innoventions March 7 | Earl of Sandwich highlights contest winners | This and that… | Question of the Week | Crowd Forecast
Editor's Note: Due to the holiday weekend, here's a short-and-sweet recap from the last week at Disneyland.
Fantasmic reopens with new effects
Fresh off the holiday hiatus, Fantasmic reopened last weekend with new water screens and new fountain effects. The new dancing fountains, similar to those used in DCA's World of Color, can be seen in this YouTube video by disneygeekcom, though the new water screens did not work in this particular performance.
Fantasmic reopened last weeked with new water screen and fountain effects. YouTube video by disneygeekcom.
Captain America arrives at Innoventions March 7
To promote the April 4 theatrical release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the title hero himself is joining two existing Marvel Avengers at Disneyland's Innoventiont in a new Captain America: The Living Legend and Symbol of Courage meet-and-greet.
Disneyland Resort invited its annual passholders last week to register for a Mach 1–6 preview of the exhibit. Registration is now closed for the AP preview, but it's never a bad idea for passholders who happen to be in the park during the previews to see if they can be accommodated as walk-ups. It's unlikely, but if enough people miss the preview period, Disney may decide to offer another opportunity.
Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries and Thor: Treasures of Asgard continues to operate after the Captain American meet-and-greet opens.
Earl of Sandwich contest winners
We have our three winners of last week's Earl of Sandwich contest:
- Our MousePad discussion board winner is member davidgra, who won an Earl of Sandwich backpack
- Our Twitter winner is Frank Pepito (@Gone2DLand), who won an Earl of Sandwich baseball cap
- Our Facebook winner is Hope Turnbull, who won an Earl of Sandwich T-shirt.
Winners, please email us with your full name and shipping address to receive your prize in the mail. Congratulations!
This and that…
…This week's “Sing Along Under the Stars” event features Aladdin. and is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, February 19 and 20. Wristbands are distributed from 2:00 p.m. outside the Westward Ho! store in Frontierland and are available while supplies last, which last week was only two hours. If you cannot be at Disneyland when distribution begins at 2:00 p.m., keep an eye on the @DisneylandAP Twitter account for capacity updates to save yourself a trip. If you get a spot, the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree opens at 5:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:30 p.m.
…King Triton’s Carousel has been added to the list of attractions open for Extra Magic Hour.
…Super-spicy snacks have been banned from public schools in several states, including California, but the popular Flamin' Hot Cheetos will be availalble for sale at a few outdoor vending carts in Disney California Adventure next week.
…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.
Question of the Week
Reader disnymom wants more information about watching World of Color from the Cove Bar adjacent to Ariel's Grotto restaurant in Disney California Adventure.
Has anyone done this before? How did it go?
Have you watched World of Color from the Cove Bar? Would you recommend this view for a first-time visitor? Come join the discussion on our MousePad forum.
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Crowd Forecast
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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
- Tomorrowland Terrace – closed February 18 through March 6 for refurbishment.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed February 24–28 for refurbishment.
- Disneyland Railroad – closed February 24 through March 7 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain – closed through February 28 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed until “early 2014” for a major refurbishment. Disneyland.com shows it closed at least through March 9. The ride was to have reopened October 30, 2013.
- Alice in Wonderland – closed starting March 10 for refurbishment. No reopening date has been announced, but the ride is closed at least through June.
- Indiana Jones Adventure – closed March 17 through May 8 for refurbishment.
- “it's a small world” – closed through April 9 for refurbishment and fall protection upgrade. The ride was to have opened February 12.
- Plaza Inn – closed April 20 through May 15 for refurbishment.
- “it's a small world” – closed April 20 through May 29 for refurbishment.
- King Arthur Carrousel – closed April 28 through May 8 for refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed April 28 through May 22 for refurbishment.
- Club 33 – closed until June for refurbishment and expansion.
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – closed for refurbishment. A reopening date of September 26 is listed on a cast member document, but this date is likely just a placeholder.
Disney California Adventure
- Blue Sky Cellar – closed indefinitely.
- Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular – dark through February 20.
- Soarin' Over California – closed February 24–27 for refurbishment.
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closed through February 27 for refurbishment.
- Wilderness Explorers Ceremony – dark through February 27 due to Redwood Creek Challenge Trail refurbishment.
- Heimlich's Chew Chew Train – closed March 3–6 for refurbishment.
- Mickey's Fun Wheel – closed March 3–6 for refurbishment.
- The Little Mermaid – closed March 20 through May 8 for refurbishment.
- It's Tough to be a Bug – closed April 20 through May 8 for refurbishment.
- Grizzly River Run – closed April 21 through June 19 for refurbishment.
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).
- Dapper Day at Disneyland – February 22–23. (Unofficial event) More information on the event website.
- Mini Gay Day at Disneyland – Sunday, March 29. (Unofficial event) More information on the event website.
- MouseAdventure Card Games – Deuces Wild – Sunday, April 27 at the Disneyland Resort. Additional details will be available shortly; be sure to register for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to get the latest information as it is released.
- Bats Day in the Fun Park – May 16–18. (Unofficial event) More information on the event website.
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – August 29–31 (Labor Day weekend). All events are full.
- Gay Days at Disneyland – October 3–5. (Unofficial event) More information on the event website.
- Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. “Utah Escapes to Anaheim”) – October 16–17. Expect unusually large attendance levels October 17–21 as Utah students and families take advantage of a 4-day weekend created by their school's participation in a state education convention. Not all Utah schools or teachers close for or attend UEA, but the impact on the Resort is usually noticeable enough to mention.
- 2014 CHOC Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 12 at the Disneyland Resort. Event details and registration information will be available at a later date.
2015
- Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – Mother's Day (May 10) weekend. No additional details available.
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 |
2-Day So Cal Resident 1-Park Per Day Ticket ($129) – offers residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California admission to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure on one day, and then a second visit to either park on another day on or before June 6, 2014. You can use both days of this ticket at the same theme park, or visit one park one day and the other park on the second day, but you cannot use it to enter both parks on the same day. The ticket is $129 for ages 3 and up, a $30 jump from the 2012 offer. You can also upgrade the ticket to a park-hopper, which allows entry to both parks each day, for an additional $35, a savings of up to $46 compared to the box office price of a two-day park-hopper ticket. 2-Day So Cal Resident Park Hopper Ticket ($164) – offers residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California admission to Disneyland and/or Disney California Adventure on two separate days on or before June 6, 2014. 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 |
3-Day So Cal Resident 1-Park Per Day Ticket ($159) – offers residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California admission to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure on one day, and then two more visits to either park on or before June 6, 2014. You can use each day of this ticket at the same theme park, or visit one park one day and the other park on the next day, but you cannot use it to enter both parks on the same day. When purchased in advance, this ticket comes with one Magic Morning entry; tickets sold at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths do not include this benefit. 2-Day So Cal Resident Park Hopper Ticket ($194) – offers residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California admission to Disneyland and/or Disney California Adventure on three separate days on or before June 6, 2014. When purchased in advance, this ticket comes with one Magic Morning entry; tickets sold at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths do not include this benefit. 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 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 |
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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Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $265/$244 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $300/$279 |
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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| 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 |
Disney Vacation Club members can save on two Disneyland Resort annual passports during a special offer that starts February 6
The discounts are valid February 6 through April 30. The Disneyland Deluxe AP will be available for purchase through a new online ticket store that will launch on February 6. As before, the Disney Premier Passport will only be available for purchase in person at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland ticket booths. There is a note on the offer which reads, “Even if you've already purchased one, you can still take advantage of these limited-time savings. Purchase before April 30, 2014, and you can activate your new Pass or Passport when your old one expires.” Shortly after posting the offer, Disney amended the website to add, “anytime between now and Jan. 31, 2015.” 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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2014 Southern California CityPASS $328/$284 2014 Southern California CityPASS PLUS $362/$309 |
2014 Southern California CityPASS ($328/$284) – 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 December 31, 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. – 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 December 31, 2014. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPASS website Prices listed above are valid until December 31, 2014. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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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 selection may vary by location. Recently, Disney has begun allowing customers to purchase more than one of the offers in a qualifying transaction, so if you spend $40 or more you can buy all three of the items currently available if you wish. 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 merchandise – Disneyland extended the 20 percent merchandise discount offered to Premium annual passholders through December 31, 2014.
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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 | |
A Mickey Mouse tote bag and Disneyland throw blanket are available with a qualifying purchase at participating Disneyland Resort stores. 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
| 2/16 | 2/17 | 2/18 | 2/19 | 2/20 | 2/21 | 2/22 |
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DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-11p None DCA: 8a-10p 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-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 2/23 | 2/24 | 2/25 | 2/26 | 2/27 | 2/28 | 3/1 |
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DL: 8a-11p None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-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: None |
| 3/2 | 3/3 | 3/4 | 3/5 | 3/6 | 3/7 | 3/8 |
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DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p EMH/MM DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-11p None DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 9a-10p 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.
