Update for November 17 – 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
18,000 runners assemble for the inaugural Avengers half marathon weekend | Holidays at Disneyland | This and that… | Crowd Forecast
18,000 runners assemble for inaugural Avengers half marathon weekend
The inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend events took place this past weekend at the Disneyland Resort, with over 10,000 runners participating in the half marathon event alone. The brand-new 13.1 mile course took runners through the Disneyland Resort and city streets of Anaheim and Garden Grove. Runners faced an unexpected challenge in the form of Santa Ana winds gusting up to 22 mph throughout the race.
Avengers characters, including Black Widow and Hawkeye, cheer on runners at the start of the inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon. Photo Disney.
Three runners from California led the pack in the mens division, with Irvine resident William Prom breaking the tape in 1:14:17. Fernando Blanco of Encintas took 2nd place with a time of 1:15:46, and Adam Henry of Santa Monica claimed third in 1:17:21.
The women's division was led by Alex de la Huerta of Mexico, who finished in 1:22:42. Albuquerque, New Mexico runner Kellie Nickerson won the Avengers 5K on Saturday, and took second place in the half marathon on Sunday with a time of 1:25:54. Lauren Reasoner of Sahuarita, AZ finished third in 1:26:03.
A themed finish line awaits runners of the inaugural Avengers 5K event. Photo by Doug Williams.
Congratulations to all of the Team MousePlanet runners, and a special thanks to the volunteers who staffed the Team MousePlanet cheer station along the half marathon course.
Holidays at Disneyland
Editor's Note: Contributing photographers Mark Hahn and Doug Williams have stepped in to provide photos of the holiday decor around the Disneyland Resort this week, as I wrap up a visit to Walt Disney World. I'll be back next week with a recap of everything new and notable for the 2014 holidays next week.
Fifi, one of the Citizens of Buena Vista Street, checks out the town Christmas tree. Photo by Mark Hahn.
Buena Vista Street messenger girl Molly is ready to make some special deliveries. Photo by Mark Hahn.
The Buena Vista Street Community Handbell Choir performs at Disney California Adventure. Photo by Mark Hahn.
The traditional wreaths are hung on lightpoles along Main Street, U.S.A. Photo by Mark Hahn.
Main Street buildings are festooned with bright garland for Christmas. Photo by Mark Hahn.
The Disneyland main entrance is decorated with snowflakes and snow flurries for the holidays. Photo by Doug Williams.
Sleeping Beauty Castle is ready for the holidays. Photo by Doug Williams.
Disneyland visitors gather for one of the first snowfalls of the season at Disneyland. Photo by Doug Williams.
The Believe… In Holiday Magic fireworks have returned for the holidays at Disneyland. Photo by Doug Williams.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse nutcrackers are available at the Disneyland Resort. Photo by Doug Williams.
Even the second-level displays in the Emporium are decorated for Christmas. Photo by Doug Williams.
Stockings are hung with care in this store display from Disneyland. Photo by Doug Williams.
Main Street, U.S.A. stores are decorated for the holidays. Photo by Doug Williams.
This and that…
…Disney has confirmed that the annual Candlelight Ceremony will be held Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7. The second show time is at 8p.m.; the first show time and the guest narrators have not been confirmed.
…Due to the Candlelight Ceremony, the Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour will not be offered on December 6 or 7.
…Roy's restaurant at Anaheim Garden Walk will host a Keiki Gingerbread Event on Saturday, December 6. Children and their families will decorate and take home a gingerbread house. The cost is $30, plus tax and gratuity, and includes lunch. Call the restaurant at 714-776-7697 to make a reservation.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
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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 > option 4.
Disneyland
2014
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed through November 25 for refurbishment.
- Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed December 1–19 for refurbishment.
- Casey Jr. Circus Trains– closed December 1–19 for refurbishment.
Disney California Adventure
2014
- Muppet*Vision 3D – closed through December 19.
- Character Close-Up – closed through December 19.
- The Bakery Tour – closed for refurbishment through January 26, 2015.
- Goofy Sky School – closed December 1–8 for refurbishment.
- California Screamin' – closed December 9–11 for refurbishment.
- Blue Sky Cellar – closed through October 2, 2015.
Disneyland Resort
- None scheduled
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).
Winter
- Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort – November 13 to January 6, 2015.
- Candlelight Processional – December 6 and 7. Performances times and narrator(s) have not yet been announced.
2015
- Viva Navidad – Three Kings Day activities – January 2–6, 2015
- Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – January 15–18, 2015. This new event weekend includes 5K, 10K, and half-marathon, along with runDisney kids races, event expo and Wookie Welcome party. All running events sold out within hours of registration. Details at the runDisney website.
- 2015 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – May 7–10, 2015 (Mother's Day weekend). All events are sold out. Details at the runDisney website.
- 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 3–6. Registration opens February 10, 2015. Details at the runDisney website.
- 2015 Avengers Half Marathon Weekend – November 12–15. Registration opens April 7, 2015
2016
- 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – January 14–17. Registration opens June 16, 2015.
- 2016 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – May 5–8. Registration opens August 11, 2015.
Merchandise Event Calendar | ||||||
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11/16 | 11/17 | 11/18 | 11/19 | 11/20 | 11/21 | 11/22 |
D Street |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Wonderground Gallery |
Wonderground Gallery
Wonderground Gallery |
11/23 | 11/24 | 11/25 | 11/26 | 11/27 | 11/28 | 11/29 |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Candy Palace |
Trolley Treats
Wonderground Gallery |
11/30 |
12/1
|
12/2
|
12/3
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12/4
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12/5
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12/6
|
Wonderground Gallery |
Trolley Treats |
Candy Palace |
None |
None |
Candy Palace
World of Disney |
Off the Page
Trolley Treats
World of Disney
Wonderground Gallery |
12/7
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12/8
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12/9
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12/10
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12/11
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12/12
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12/13
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Off the Page
World of Disney
Wonderground Gallery |
Trolley Treats |
Candy Palace |
None |
None |
Candy Palace |
Disneyana
Trolley Treats |
12/14
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12/15
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12/16
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12/17
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12/18
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12/19
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12/20
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Disneyana Dave Avanzino 11a.m. – 7p.m. |
Trolley Treats |
Candy Palace |
None |
None |
Candy Palace
World of Disney |
Trolley Treats
World of Disney
Wonderground Gallery |
12/21
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12/22
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12/23
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12/24
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12/25
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12/26
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12/27
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Candy Palace
World of Disney
Wonderground Gallery |
Trolley Treats Candy Cane Day Wristband distribution at park opening |
Candy Palace Candy Cane Day Wristband distribution at park opening |
Candy Palace Candy Cane Day Wristband distribution at park opening |
Trolley Treats Candy Cane Day Wristband distribution at park opening |
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 May 2014.
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.
One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $96/$90
One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $150/$144 |
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. | |
Two Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $178/$165
Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $217/$204 |
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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Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $226/$215 Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $265/$254 |
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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2014–2015 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($132) |
A discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses. The 2014–2015 U.S. Armed Forces discount is valid through October 3, 2015. Under this program, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $132 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 November 27–29, 2014; December 24–31, 2014; and March 30 through April 4, 2015 . Unlike past years, this ticket is not blocked out on the 4th of July. 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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Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $250/$235 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $289/$274 |
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 $266/$250 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $305/$289 |
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 or longer tickets | 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 |
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. 2014 Southern California CityPASS ($362/$309) – 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. |
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 both 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, and now runs on a point-based system that gives you a $25 gift certificate after you spend $250. Membership now costs $25, but comes with a $25 reward. We recommend that you prepurchase your membership before your visit so you can take advantage of the priority seating benefit. 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. 30% off rooms at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii – Disneyland Resort annual passholders can take 30% off select rooms at Aulani, now through December 19. You can choose between a standard hotel room, which offers traditional hotel amenities, or Disney Vacation Club villas with kitchens and in-room laundry. Standard rooms start around $300 per night after discount, with upgrades to better views and larger villas available. A 2-bedroom villa with an ocean view can run more than $1000 per night, but includes a full kitchen and sleeps up to 9 people. The offer is valid most nights through November 25, and November 30 through December 19. Contact your travel agent, visit the Disneyland annual passholder website, or call (714) 520-7001. |
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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 |
If you plan to visit Disneyland before the 60th anniversary celebration begins, check out two new discount offers for the Disneyland Resort Hotels.
You must book by February 12, 2015, and complete your travel by March 26, 2015. Contact your travel agent or Disney Travel Company for details and to make a reservation. Thanks to Sue at Small World Vacations for the information. 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. “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 |
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. September 26, 30; October 3, 6, 8, 10, 14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31.
11/16 | 11/17 | 11/18 | 11/19 | 11/20 | 11/21 | 11/22 |
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DL: 9a-12a None DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 10a-8p None DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p 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 |
11/23 | 11/24 | 11/25 | 11/26 | 11/27 | 11/28 | 11/29 |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-11p EMH/MM DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-11p None DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
11/30 | 12/1 | 12/2 | 12/3 | 12/4 | 12/5 | 12/6 |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
12/7 | 12/8 | 12/9 | 12/10 | 12/11 | 12/12 | 12/13 |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 9a-10p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-10p DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-10p None DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a None DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a EMH/MM DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
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.
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