Disneyland Resort Update

Update for February 16-22, 2009

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

News and Views

Disney dining update | Shopping the parks | MouseAdventure registration almost sold out | McAlpin departs, Holz returns to Cruise Line presidency | This and That

Disney dining update

A few random bits of information for people planning trips to the Disneyland Resort:

• Disneyland’s Celebration Roundup & BBQ is still slated to open in April 2, but a Disney spokesman tells us that date has not yet been confirmed due to construction. The refurbished restaurant will have a brief “soft-open” period, during which it will accept walk-up or same-day reservations to give cast members an opportunity to work out the kinks of the new operation. The Disney Dine Line is not yet accepting Priority Seating reservations for this location, and we’ll inform our readers as soon as they do. 
• DCA’s Lucky Fortune Cookery restaurant is scheduled to reopen on June 13, but will likely get a new name and menu. The counter-service location may replace the smaller Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill.
• More of the “What Will You Celebrate” add-on items are now available at participating full-service restaurants, Character dining locations and Disneyland Resort Hotel room service:
• • Goodie Bags – includes a coloring book, four-pack of crayons, die-cut Mickey-ear hat and punch-out “memory match” activity cards. $4.99 each, plus tax.
  • Original Goodie Bag Pack – four goodie bags and a pop-up centerpiece. $21.99, plus tax.
  • Deluxe Goodie Bags – includes a magnetic play set, canvas bag, Mickey-balloon straw, coloring book, four-pack of crayons, die-cut Mickey-ear hat and punch-out “memory match” activity cards. $9.99 each, plus tax.
  • Deluxe Goodie Bag Pack – two deluxe goodie bags and a pop-up centerpiece.
  • Pop-Up Party Centerpiece – $5.99, plus tax.
  • Personal Party Cakes – available in Disney Princess jewelry box and Disney pirate chest versions. Each includes a decorated, personal-size cake and a small party favor. $15 each, plus tax.
• The Plaza Inn, often recommended by Disneyland regulars as the best place to find meals large enough to share, has decreased the serving size of several popular entrees. According to a cast member at the restaurant, the pasta entrees are now 9 ounces of pasta and 5 ounces of sauce, a sizable decrease from the previous 10-ounce portion of sauce. The Cobb salad is now served in a smaller bowl, and is noticeably smaller. There has been no corresponding decrease in price. The pot roast and fried chicken entrees appear unchanged, but the cast member warns that additional entree downsizing is in the works.
• We’ve heard that the kitchens of the Space Place, a former counter-service restaurant behind Honey, I Shrunk the Audience and underneath the Space Mountain attraction, is reopening on June 20. It’s unlikely that the location will reopen as a public food service venue, especially as the counters are now hidden behind the Space Mountain Fast Pass distribution station. If you can clear up this mystery, please drop us a note.

Shopping the parks

Notes from the shops of the Disneyland Resort:

• Downtown Disney lost another tenant when the pop culture-themed Starabillias shop closed two weeks ago, creating the fourth vacancy in the Resort’s shopping center. The Illuminations candle shop is also slated to close later this spring, and some Downtown Disney-area employees say they are worried about the future of some of the other independent retailers. While Disney has not officially announced any new tenants for Downtown Disney, a cast member tells us that a store they called the “Star Shop” will soon open in the space recently vacated by Club Libby Lu. According to this cast member, the Star Shop is very similar to Club Libby Lu, and will offer fashion makeovers for both children and adults. Cast members also say that workers carrying blueprints have been spotted coming and going from the space vacated last fall by Department 56, but we haven’t heard any reliable information about a potential future tenant.
• Disneyland’s Bibbity Bobbity Boutique is reportedly still on schedule to open in Fantasyland’s remodeled Once Upon a Time shop on April 4, 2009. The Boutique, already popular with young visitors to Walt Disney World, will offer Prince and Princess makeovers, as well as sell a selection of costumes and accessories.  
• After a nine-month test at Toontown’s Gag Factory, the Create Your Own Ear Hat program is expanding to a new location inside the Mad Hatter shop on Main Street in April. The program lets you customize a pair of mouse ears by mixing and matching a base and two snap-on ears, then decorating the finished product with a variety of adhesive fabric decals. The Mad Hatter shop will be slightly remodeled to make room for the display of parts and accessories that customers can use to personalize the base hat.

MouseAdventure registration almost sold out

Registration for the first of the two Spring 2009 MouseAdventure events opened last Friday, and there is still room for just a handful of teams to register in the competitive divisions (link). Registration opens Friday, February 27, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) for our non-competitive May 10 MouseAdventure: Day at the Park event.

Don’t miss out—register for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to receive updates about future events, including our Fall 2009 event in Walt Disney World (link).

McAlpin departs, Holz returns to Cruise Line presidency

As Mark Goldhaber reports in today’s Walt Disney World Park Update (link), the Disney Cruise Line is getting an executive shakeup, as DCL President Tom McAlpin is leaving “to pursue other interests” and is be replaced by his predecessor, Karl Holz. Holz had been president of New Vacation Operations, overseeing the Adventures by Disney business.

With the announcement taking place on Friday, exactly one week after the deadline for executives to accept the Voluntary Separation Package, it seems likely that McAlpin took the buyout incentive. McAlpin, 49, has been at DCL since it’s inception and was highly thought of within the cruise industry and by Disney Cruise Line guests. However, it may be that senior executives at the corporate level needed to make some changes to show that they’re taking action on the difficult times facing the business.

With the world economy in turmoil, the Disney Cruise Line is way behind in their bookings for 2010, despite all promotions currently being offered. In addition, while the Park Service was reportedly willing to allow Disney Cruise Line to take slots for Alaska cruises despite the fact that they wouldn’t be using them for the first two years of availability, Disney pulled out of the application process. That move results in Disney not having a chance to mount Alaska cruises for another 10 years, since slots are allocated on a 10-year basis and the next time slots will be made available will be for the years 2020 through 2029.

Holz, who will also retain responsibility for Adventures by Disney, has a double dose of difficulty facing him, as bookings for Adventures by Disney have been so low that some itineraries for 2009 have already been cancelled. With more and more potential travelers seeing their discretionary income dry up, people are less willing to commit to the premium prices charged by Disney for their cruises and tours.

After serving as Disney Cruise Line president from September 2003 through September 2004, Holz moved to become Chief Operating Officer for Disneyland Paris and was replaced at DCL by McAlpin. He moved from Disneyland Paris to New Vacation Operations in September 2008.

Holz will have his work cut out for him, as he will have many more cabins to fill once the two new Disney Cruise Line ships are completed and set sail in 2011 and 2012.

This and That

…The Executive Committee of MouseFest, an annual gathering of Disney fans and Disney-oriented websites, discussion boards, authors and podcasters, and takes place at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line, made a major announcement yesterday. The full text of the announcement and answers to many potential questions is posted at the MouseFest Web site (link).

…Online registration for the Signature Events of Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival starts Wednesday February 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. A listing of many of the signature and complimentary events is now available on the event Web site (link). The 2009 Festival runs daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009.

…Tickets sales begin Wednesday, February 18 for the Summer Pin Festival Kick-Off Event (link). The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2009 (link).

…Lake Forest, CA resident Frances Taylor celebrated her 100th birthday at Disneyland last Friday the 13th with a grand gathering of her four children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The celebration began with a small ceremony at Disneyland’s entrance, where Mickey Mouse and the Disneyland marching band presented Taylor with a decorated 100th birthday cake. According to a Disney press release, Taylor and her mother were bumped from the passenger list of the Titanic as they prepared to emigrate to the United States from their native Scotland in 1912.

…The What Will You Celebrate Tour wraps up this week with stops in Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California:

Disney cast members and characters will distribute thousands of free Mickey Mouse balloons at each location. You can register to win a “Disney Celebration Vacation,” and can also pre-register to receive free admission on your birthday. If you can’t attend a tour stop in person, you can register for the sweepstakes on the tour Web site (link).

…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, reportedly to begin installation of new seatbelts.
• Goofy’s Playhouse – closed February 23-March 20, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – closes again March 2-6, 2009, reportedly to continue installation of the new seatbelts.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed March 9-11, 2009
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – closes again March 9-13, 2009, reportedly to complete installation of the new seatbelts.
• 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

• Summer Pin Festival Kick-Off Event – Ticket Sales begin February 18 (link) for this event, scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2009 (link).
• February Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night – Feb. 20, 2009 – 7 – 10 p.m. at Pacific Ballroom, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (link).
• 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 – 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.