Disneyland Resort Update

Update for February 23 – March 1, 2009

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News and Views

Disneyland Resort briefly closes ticket booths after suspicious substance is found Sunday morning | “One Disney” means layoffs at Disneyland | Registration opens for Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival | MouseAdventure registration opens Friday | This and That

Disneyland Resort briefly closes ticket booths after suspicious substance is found Sunday morning

The Disneyland Resort closed the main entrance ticket booths for approximately one hour Sunday morning after what was originally described as a “suspicious powder” was found on a number of ticket booth windows. Disneyland security quickly closed the bag check entrances as the Anaheim police and fire departments responded to the report. Guests arriving by tram from the Mickey and Friends parking structure said they were encouraged to visit Downtown Disney until the bag check reopened.

MousePlanet reader currence was at Disneyland Sunday morning, and posted her observations on our MousePad discussion board (link).

“[B]oth sets of ticket booths were roped off with yellow tape. There were people just inside the tape (mostly/all Disney security) what seemed like every few feet to direct traffic around (keep people away from) the ticket booths. The only sales line we could see open was the group ticket sales by Disneyland, which had a long line, but not crazy. We didn’t go over by DCA, so I don’t know if the guest relations over there was also open for general sales. We saw one group of cast members that I was guessing were the ones who work the ticket booths standing together inside the roped off area. There was a lot of security, including one of Disney’s security dogs, plus a decent amount of what I was guessing was Anaheim Police and/or Fire.”

Another reader, dlfansx4, said “We got there about quarter to 8 and they were directing everyone away from the ticket booths but no tape was up yet. They were just starting to close it off. There was a circle of CMs and security keeping people away from the ticket booths.” A park visitor who was in line to purchase tickets when the incident began reported that she first noticed Disney security officers gathered around one ticket booth, and said that a large number of security officers, Disney managers and police officers quickly arrived in the area and started directing customers to form one line to purchase tickets at the guest relations window. She said that security eventually opened one, then two ticket booths, and that she was finally able to purchase her tickets and enter Disneyland after about 30 minutes.

Disney’s California Adventure had not yet opened for the day, and visitors already inside Disneyland were generally unaware of the situation. The ticket booths reopened after the substance was determined to be a fine grained sand. The source of the sand had not been determined at press time, and the Disneyland Resort has not yet returned a request for comment about the situation.

“One Disney” means layoffs at Disneyland

[MousePlanet’s David Koenig commented last week in his MousePlanet blog on the announcement by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts that the company will reorganize operations in Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort to create what the announcement termed a “One-Disney” experience (link).]

by David Koenig

If Governor Schwarzenegger really wanted to sell his billions of dollars in tax increases to legislators and the people of California, he should have the bad news delivered by the incredible spin-meisters at Disney’s PR department.

They’re the same folks who miraculously turn the announcement of every admission price hike into a commercial for their latest attractions, and transform comment on the latest theme park accident into a recitation of their peerless record of safety.

But today they’ve outdone themselves. About an hour ago, Disney merrily issued the following press release:

February 18, 2009
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Reorganizes to Create a “One-Disney” Experience

Restructuring will Consolidate U.S. Operations, Simplify and Streamline Product Delivery

BURBANK, Calif. – February 18, 2009 – Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, today announced organization changes to deliver a “one-Disney” experience by simplifying the Parks and Resorts operating structure, streamlining decision-making and eliminating redundancy.

“We know that our Guests want a ‘one-Disney’ experience and we must organize around that expectation,” said Rasulo. “The long-term success of Parks and Resorts depends upon our ability to adapt and innovate and respond to Guest preferences. These changes are essential to maintaining our leadership position in family tourism and reflect today’s economic realities.”

Today’s announcement accelerates the evolution of the Parks and Resorts management structure by creating seamless behind-the-scenes operations across domestic Parks and Resorts, while preserving the uniqueness, character and culture of our individual destinations.

In a memo to employees Rasulo explained: “In 2005, we announced a new Walt Disney Parks and Resorts operating structure. We transformed our organization to match consumers’ expectations: ‘one-Disney,’ regardless of how or where they experience our products. We put in place a new leadership team, integrated key business functions and implemented a consistent set of best practices. This allowed us to more rapidly and efficiently roll out new creative projects and better anticipate changes in travel trends.

“We’ve already seen innumerable benefits. Prime examples of our successes are the establishment of many maintenance and safety practices, holiday castle lighting that began in Paris and expanded into our other theme parks, the speed with which we integrated the High School Musical shows into our parks around the world, and the simultaneous openings of Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s California Adventure.

“We have made significant progress. However, the long-term success of Parks and Resorts depends upon our ability to continue to adapt and innovate, to respond to ever-changing Guest preferences, and to implement an organization and cost structure that meet today’s economic realities. We must accelerate the evolution of our business and further refine our structure to work in a more integrated and effective manner.

“We know that our Guests want a ‘one-Disney’ experience and we must organize around that expectation. Our new structure will enhance our ability to Identify and Develop the next great Disney experience, Create and Build Disney destinations that incorporate our rich storytelling heritage and Operate them in a way that delivers a unique, memorable experience that transcends geography. Economic realities require that we do this in a simplified and streamlined manner that eliminates redundancies.”

Organization Changes Announced Today

A new Global Business Development team led by Executive Vice President Nick Franklin will combine the existing development functions of business and real estate development. The team will be responsible for driving growth by working with existing businesses on their development strategies, while also exploring new business opportunities around the globe.

Walt Disney Imagineering under the leadership of Bruce Vaughn, EVP, Chief Creative Executive and Craig Russell, EVP, Chief Design and Project Delivery Executive, will be reorganized into a single practice merging resort development with attractions and entertainment development to bring the creativity of Disney storytelling to the design and delivery of products at all Disney destinations.

Al Weiss, President, Worldwide Operations, will lead the work of merging the operating infrastructure at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort to create a single domestic organization and “back-of-house” operation.

In the coming weeks, other functions will review their organizations and make appropriate changes.

In his memo Rasulo acknowledged the challenges inherent in a large-scale reorganization: “Organization changes require difficult decisions, including the elimination of some roles. These decisions were not made lightly and we know this will be a challenging transition. The people affected are our friends and colleagues, and they have made valuable contributions.”

The changes announced today are effective immediately.

In addition to the 600 workers Disney offered buyouts to last month, the company will eliminate hundreds more employees, because–yes, you read that right–guests are clamoring for a more “one-Disney” experience. My congratulations to those faithful, longtime cast members whose careers are about disappear so Disneyland and Disney World can be even more wonderful. Just like magic!

[On Friday, David provided an update about the start of the layoffs at the Disneyland Resort (link).]

Word out of Team Disney Anaheim is that the layoffs began yesterday with four marketing personnel getting pink-slipped and a fifth being transferred to Florida.

Today, the hammer comes down on the Entertainment department. Other divisions to follow.

The headcount reduction numbers may not sound huge, but they’re having the side benefit (seen as a benefit, at least, to Disney) of encouraging more middle managers to accept the Voluntary Separation Package, while the choice to leave is still theirs.

Registration opens for Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival

Tickets for the Signature Events of Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival go on sale starting Tuesday, February 24th. MousePlanet’s Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix posted updated schedules and pricing information for most of the events in her MousePlanet blog last Friday (link), and we are waiting for Disney to release the final details about the remaining events.

Several events are new for 2009, including:

• Behind the Scenes with… – Q&A sessions hosted by Chef Jamie Gwen
• Sweet Sundays – featuring nationally-known bakers and chocolatiers
• World Celebration Dinners – each dedicated to a single country
• Festival Wine Walks
• Advanced Wine Class – the much-requested event with Master Sommelier Michael Jordan

Returning events include:

• Taste: Food-Wine-Life – to be presented on two consecutive nights
• Festival Wine Receptions – at the Golden Vine Winery
• Winemaker Dinners – at the Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55
• Introduction to Wine Tasting – with Michael Jordan
• Napa Rose Cooking School – the popular class with Executive Chef Andrew Sutton

The 2009 Festival runs daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009. Online registration starts Wednesday February 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. on the event Web site (link). Once you’ve booked your event(s), join the talk on our MousePad discussion boards to find other MousePlanet readers who are attending the same event (link).

MouseAdventure registration opens Friday

Registration for the second of our Spring, 2009 MouseAdventure events opens Friday, February 27, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) (link).

MouseAdventure Day at the Park – Sunday, May 10, 2009

This is a noncompetitive event—teams play only for bragging rights. This event is designed for new MouseAdventure teams as well as returning teams who play “just for fun.”

Day at the Park – teams solve slightly modified versions of the Basic event quests, presented in the Classic MouseAdventure format where you can solve the quests at your own pace. This division will include quests inside Disneyland Park and Downtown Disney. Players must be at least 6 years of age and one player on each team must be at least 18 years of age. Registration is $50 per team.

The MouseAdventure Day at the Park event features an extended sign-in period with more time for pre-game socializing. Teams can also participate in T-shirt and mascot competitions before the main event begins. As this is a noncompetitive event, there will be no post-game mixer or award ceremony, and no prizes will be awarded.

Set your alarm clocks!

• May 10 MouseAdventure: Day at the Park – registration opens Friday, February 27, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) via our MouseAdventure Web page (link).
• Registration closes on April 8, 2009 at 5:00PM (PDT), or when the event sells out.
• MouseAdventure registration does not include theme park admission. Teams must have at least 2 players and no more than 4 players. Non-registered friends, companions and children may not accompany your team during the game. All registrations are final. Registration is strictly limited by the capacity of the event venue, and teams may not change divisions or add players after registration closes.

Be prepared – gather your team’s details before registration opens:

• Pick a team captain who will be responsible for registering your team. Don’t assume your teammate is going to register for your team!
• Decide on a team name – optional, but if you are going to have a team name, you must provide it during registration.
• Be sure to have the first name, last name, and e-mail address for each member of your team.
• Names for personalized buttons –optional.
• If you are a team seeking additional players, or a player looking to form a team, visit our MousePad discussion board for help (link).  

Registration for the April 26th MouseAdventure event is now SOLD OUT, and we can not accept additional teams in the Basic or Advanced divisions at this time. Don’t miss an important announcement—register for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to receive updates about future events, including our Fall 2009 event in Walt Disney World (link).

This and That

…Glass and paint samples currently visible on the exterior of two rooms at the Disneyland Hotel give a sneak peek at what the hotel’s three towers might look like after their upcoming facelift. Solid panes of blue-tinted glass replace the sliding glass doors, and the faux balcony railings have been removed from each room. Around each room, swatches of paint in varying shades of blue show possible trim colors. A cast member tells us that the interiors of both rooms have also been redecorated.

This room of the Magic Tower has a new glass window and shows several paint trim colors. Photo by Joe Stevano.

The Dreams Tower room has a different color of glass window, and the side of the tower is painted with larger color samples. Photo by Joe Stevano.

…When online registration for Disney summer pin event opened last week, prospective event attendees were greeted with a disclaimer that read:

“Increased event demand and/or a high volume of internet traffic on the server(s) used for the online ticketing process may cause delays or problems in your ability to register successfully for the Haunted Mansion O’Pin House Event. Disney is not responsible for any loss or inconvenience caused by any computer error, server delay or other technical failure. Tickets for this event are limited and not guaranteed.”

One collector wrote “So this is how Disney has addressed the problem of their entirely inadequate registration system: they’re going to disavow any responsibility, and act like we’re being unreasonable in expecting anything better?” We haven’t been able to confirm if Disney will use the same registration system when tickets go on sale later this week for the Food & Wine Festival, but prospective attendees should be prepared for the errors and delays that are common to Disney events.

Cast members staff a “guests without bags” entrance during a test at the Disneyland Resort. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

…The Disneyland Resort is currently experimenting with a “guests without bags” bypass to the bag screening checkpoints on either side of the Esplanade. Though the idea of a “no bags” entrance is appealing for many visitors, Friday morning’s test did not appear to do anything to shorten the wait time experienced by those with bags. If anything the wait was longer, because one of the three checkpoints usually devoted to bag screening was converted to a no-bag line, forcing everyone else through one of the two remaining checkpoints. The system also does not appear to save any labor hours, as the no bag line was staffed with the same number of cast members as the bag screening checkpoints. A no-bag line is a good idea, but only if it actually means shorter lines for everyone.

…Kick Off the CHOC Walk Season! Join Team MousePlanet walkers at Marmalade Cafe at The District at Tustin Legacy on Friday, March 6, 2009 from 6 PM to 8 PM as we welcome the 19th year of the Walk!! Bring your family, friends and co-workers to meet this year’s CHOC Walk Kids Chairs and CHOCO the Bear, and raise money for Team MousePlanet! Admission is $10 per person, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the 2009 CHOC Walk. Team MousePlanet will receive credit for everyone that registers from our team.

What’s cooking at Marmalade Cafe? A sampling of great finger foods and beverages for the everyone, and complimentary beer and wine, as well as a cash bar for adult spirits. When you register, be sure to add a note to the “Guest Names” box to say that you’re with Team MousePlanet (link). Remember, you do not need to have participated in the 2008 CHOC Walk, or register for the 2009 Walk, to attend this fundraiser. ALL MousePlanet readers are welcome, but space is limited.

The 2009 CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park is scheduled for Sunday, October 19. Registration will open in the summer (link). Team MousePlanet will once again participate in this event, and additional details will be announced as they are available.

Disneyland’s Monorail Red has been retrofitted with new windows. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

…New slide-down windows have been installed on the middle passenger cabins of Disneyland’s new Monorail Red. The new monorails’ original window design did not provide enough ventilation to the passenger cabins, and resulted in the new Monorails being taken out of service anytime the outside temperature climbed above about 80 degrees. It looks like engineers are still experimenting to find the perfect configuration, as Monorail Red has four slide-down windows on the right side of each passenger cabin, but only two slide-down windows on the left side. Once finalized, the new window design should be installed on Monorail Blue before the summer.

Disneyland’s new Bibbidy Bobbity Boutique is scheduled to open in Fantasyland around April 4, 2009. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

…We reported in last week’s Disneyland Resort Update that a new store our cast member source referred to as the “Star Shop” will soon open in the space recently vacated by Club Libby Lu. Another CM has provided the correct name for the store, “Studio Disney 365.” The store is described as a “salon and merchandise location,” and may use some of the Club Libby Lu fixtures and stylist workspaces that still remain. One source tells us that Studio Disney 365 will offer fashion makeovers for both children and adults, and another said that there is a definite “Hollywood” vibe to the store. Customers reportedly take a post-makeover stroll down a “red carpet,” and have the opportunity to purchase photographs of their transformation.

…Guests who have registered for the Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Event should be sure to check their e-mail for an important announcement about the merchandise Random Selection Process. Some of the items on the RSP are made-to-order items, and the deadlines to purchase these items is earlier than the July 31 deadline for the majority of the event merchandise.

The Plaza Inn refurbishment project should be completed by the end of the week, and the restaurant is already sporting new exterior signage with the “What Will You Celebrate?” logo. 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. The Disneyland Resort Web site is currently only publishing refurbishment information about 6 weeks in advance. 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 – originally said to be dark through February 13, 2009, Disney has now announced that this parade will not return due to a repaving project on Main Street. The “Celebrate! street party” is scheduled to begin on March 27.
• Jedi Training Academy – closed February 23-27, 2009
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed February 23-27, 2009. An attraction CM tells us that the brief closures this month are for required annual brake testing.
• Goofy’s Playhouse – closed February 23-March 20, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – closes again March 2-6, 2009.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed March 9-11, 2009
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – closes again March 9-13, 2009.
• King Arthur Carrousel – closed March 10-12, 2009

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 23, 2009 as the return date.
• The Vineyard Room – 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 – closed. This attraction will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.
• Burger Invasion – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald’s location, but an employee publication lists May 27, 2011 as the return date.
• Games of the Boardwalk – closed to install a new facade and new Disney-themed games. No reopening date has been announced, but an employee publication lists April 23, 2009 as the return date.
• Boudin Bakery & The Bakery Tour – closed through March 13, 2009 for refurbishment.
• King Triton’s Carousel – closes March 9, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Paradise Pier Lagoon – currently drained while workers complete several construction projects in the area. The Lagoon is scheduled to be refilled after Labor Day, 2009.
• Golden State Amphitheater – area closed for construction of new viewing area for Disney’s World of Color water show. The area is scheduled to reopen December 18, 2009.

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.

Spring

• SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception – (link). Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific time) for this event, scheduled Saturday, for August 8, 2009.
• March Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night – Mar. 22, 2009 – 7 to 10 p.m. at Pacific Ballroom, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (link).
• Mini Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – Event planners have not formally announced the dates for their Spring event, but based on past scheduling it will likely be the weekend of April 3-5 (link).
• Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival – Daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009. Alisting of many of the signature and complimentary events is now available on the event Web site (link). Online registration for these Signature Events starts Wednesday February 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
• MouseAdventure – Sunday, April 26 (competitive event) and Sunday, May 10 (noncompetitive event) at the Disneyland Resort (link). Registration for the April 26th MouseAdventure opens on Friday, February 13th at 8:00AM (PST). Registration for the May 10th MouseAdventure: Day at the Park opens on Friday, February 27th at 8:00AM (PST). Be sure to register for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to receive future announcements (link).

Summer

• Summer Pin Festival Kick-Off Event – Saturday, June 20, 2009 (link). Ticket Sales begin February 18 (link).
• Summer Pin Festival – Daily, June 19 to August 9, 2009 (link).
• NFFC 25th Anniversary Disneyana Convention – July 14-18.
• MousePlanet.com “birthday” party at the Celebration BBQ at Big Thunder Ranch – Saturday, July 18 2009. Stay posted for additional information as it becomes available.
• NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale – Sunday July 19, 2009
• Pinbassador Inspirations Pin Release & Signing – Saturday, August 8, 2009 (link).
• SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception – Saturday, August 8, 2009 (link). Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific time).
• SHAG Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Product Release & Signing – Sunday, August 9, 2009 (link).

Fall

• 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-6. Registration is now open (link).
• Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event – Wednesday, September 9. (link). All four event packages are now sold out.
• UEA / “Utah Escapes to Anaheim” – October 1-2. (link). Expect unusually large attendance levels as Utahn students and families take advantage of an education convention.
• 12th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – October 2-4. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
• CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 19. Registration will open in the summer (link). Team MousePlanet will once again participate in this event, and additional details will be announced as they are available.

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	2009 “Southern California 2Fer Ticket” ($69 / $59) – Visitors who live in Southern California and Baja California, Mexico can now purchase the 2009 “Southern California 2Fer Ticket.” This special ticket offers admission to either Disneyland or Disney’s California on one day and then to the other park on a second day for the price of a one-day, one-park ticket ($69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3 to 9). The 2009 promotion also features a return of the “Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket” for $94 for adults / $84 for ages 3-10. This is $25 more than the 2Fer ticket and allows you to visit both Disneyland and DCA on the same day. The offers includes much the same fine print as previous promotions: Tickets valid for Southern California residents within Zip codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within Zip codes 21000-22999. Proof of residency required. The 2Fer ticket is valid for one day at Disneyland park and another day at Disney’s California Adventure park , but not for both parks on the same day. The 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket may be used at both parks on the same day. Tickets expire 30 days from first visit. First visit must occur between January 6, 2009 and June 3, 2009. [Note: This is a full two months longer than the 2008 promotion, and does not exclude the Spring Break period as such offers usually do.] Each use constitutes one full day of use. Limit 8 tickets per person, per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. [Except for the “What Will You Celebrate?” birthday admission offer as explained below.] Subject to restrictions and change without notice. You can purchase these tickets starting January 6, 2009 at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, as well as Disneyland Resort Hotels and Disneyland.com. Vons stores, The Disney Stores and the Disney Desks at places like South Coast Plaza and The Grove may also carry the tickets, but we have not been able to confirm this yet. [Note: in past years, it has taken quite some time for non-Disney outlets to receive the tickets, so don’t be surprised if your local Vons store or mall Disney Desk doesn’t have them yet.] The 2009 offer is slightly complicated by the “What Will You Celebrate?” promotion, and special options are available to eligible residents with birthdays between January 6 and June 3. If you live within the residency area and your birthday is on or between January 6 and June 3, you will receive a “2Fer Birthday Ticket” instead of a one-day, one-park ticket. The 2Fer terms and conditions apply to this ticket. You must use the first day of your 2Fer on your birthday. You can upgrade the 2Fer Birthday Ticket to the Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket by paying $25. The 2Fer ticket is considered valid admission media for the purposes of the “What Will You Celebrate?” offer, so people who already have a 2Fer can receive one of the three Alternate Gifts. 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). Disney’s Armed Forces Salute 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket (Free/$94) – Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket. Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited. For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424. Full details of the offer, including eligibility guidelines and other restrictions, are posted on our MousePad discussion board (link).
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.
2009 Southern California CityPass $259/$219	2009 Southern California CityPass ($259/$219) – 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 $227/$192 (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 Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco!

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 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.