Update for January 5 – 11, 2015
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Resort Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Holiday Time ends, Frozen Fun continues | A trip to the Crown Jewel Theater | Disney Flip Side sweepstakes | This and that… | Crowd Forecast
Holiday Time ends, Frozen Fun continues
The winter holiday season offically ends at the Disneyland Resort on Tuesday, January 6, but you still have time to catch some of the winter offerings and E-ticket attractions this week and next before the major spring refurbishment schedule begins.
January 5 – last chance to see:
- Soarin' Over California – closes January 6 for refurbishment; expected to reopen May 15.
January 6 – last chance to see:
- A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Final performance at 5:45 p.m.
- “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular. Final performance at 8:45 p.m.
- Three Kings Day activities at Disney California Adventure
- Viva Navidad Street Party. Final performance at 6:20 p.m.
- Jingle Cruise
- Jingle Jangle Jamboree
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – before it closes for refurbishment. Expected to reopen May 16.
- World of Color Winter Dreams. Final performance at 9:15 p.m. World of Color is expected to return March 13.
January 11 – last chance to see:
- Haunted Mansion Holiday
- Splash Mountain – before it closes for refurbishment. Expected to reopen April 3.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – before it closes for refurbishment. Reopening date unknown.
- Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes – before it closes for refurbishment. Expected to reopen April 3.
- Critter Country stores and restaurants – before they close for refurbishment. Reopening date unknown.
Frozen Fun draws large crowds to Disney California Adventure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Frozen Fun officially begins on Wednesday, January 7, and the soft-opening continues to draw large crowds at Disney California Adventure. There have been a few operational tweaks to Olaf's Snow Fest, such as separate lines for the the snow play area, and to get a pager for the Olaf meet-and-greet. On Sunday, both lines were about an hour long, with an additional hour wait after you got your pager before you could come back to meet Olaf.
Keep in mind that “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” is connected to the Fastpass network, which means the two-hour rule applies before you can collect another Fastpass. Fastpass probably isn't necessary on slower days, especially if you attend the very first showing, so plan accordingly.
The Downtown Disney Winter Village and Olaf's Frozen Ice Rink are open daily through February 22.
A trip to the Crown Jewel Theater
I was in a rush to return during my Fastpass window during my first visit to see “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” and didn't get a chance to take photos of the changes made to the Muppet*Vision 3D theater to accommodate this new show. I left extra time during this week's visit so I could share photos of the extensive renovation to the entrance and lobby.
The Muppet*Vision 3D theater has been transformed into the Crown Jewel Theatre for the Frozen sing-along. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The prop storage racks in the Muppet*Vision 3D queue are covered by new Frozen murals. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The entrance of the Crown Jewel Theatre features concept art and familiar props from the movie. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Be sure to make time before the show to check out the clever theater posters in the lobby. The poster advertise fictitious productions like “Swan Fjord,” and “Valiant Vikings of Old.”
The former Muppet security office has been replaced with the theater box office. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Muppet Labs offices are replaced with theater offices, and the hallway is decorated with concept art from the film. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The theater entrance features new decorative lighting fixtures. Photo by Adrienen Vincent-Phoenix.
A lenticular image inside the theater lobby shows Queen Elsa's ice palace. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A new light fixture and decorative columns carry the Frozen theme into the theater lobby. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
During my first visit, my companions and I wondered why the show didn't incorporate snow effects into the big “Let It Go” finale with Queen Elsa. During this weekend's visit, we were pleased to see that the effect has been added, and the children in the audience seemed appropirately enchanted.
Queen Elsa uses her powers to create snow during the “Let It Go” finale. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Snow and projected effects fill the theater during the “Let It Go” finale. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney Flip Side sweepstakes
Disney is hosting a new contest, awarding a 5-day, 4-night vacation to Walt Disney World—including an overnight stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite—to one winner every day in the month of January. The prize includes round-trip airfare for the winner and up to three guests, plus theme park tickets, a $500 Disney gift card, and other perks.
You can enter via the official website once each day in January. The contest is open to residents of the 50 United States and D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada (excluding Quebec). See the official rules for eligibility requirements and other restrictions.
This and that…
…CBSLA.com reports that a Costa Mesa man was arrested last week after he sold invalid Disneyland tickets to a woman via Craigslist. According to the story, Jonathan Olsen allegedly stole the inactive tickets from a store, then sold them for $160. The woman who purchased the tickets reported Olsen two days after the purchase, when she learned the tickets were invalid. The police are seeking others who also purchased the invalid tickets.
…Mickey's Soundsational Parade returns to Disneyland on Wednesday, January 7. The parade steps off at 4:00 p.m.
…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
- Snow White's Scary Adventures – closed January 7 for one-day refurbishment.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds – closes January 7 for refurbishment; expected to reopen May 16.
- Jungle Cruise – closed January 7–9 to remove the holiday overlay.
- Captain EO – closed through January 15 for refurbishment.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – closes January 12 for refurbishment; reopening date unknown.
- Splash Mountain – closes January 12 for refurbishment; expected to reopen April 3.
- Pooh Corner and all Critter Country stores – closes January 12 for refurbishment; reopening dates unknown.
- Hungry Bear Restaurant – closes January 12 for refurbishment; reopening date unknown.
- Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes – closes January 12 for refurbishment; expected to reopen April 3.
- Haunted Mansion – closed January 12–22 for refurbishment.
- Disneyland Railroad – closes January 26 for refurbishment; expected to reopen February 13.
- “it's a small world” – closed January 26 to February 5 to remove the holiday overlay.
- The Enchanted Chamber – closes January 26 for refurbishment; reopening date unknown.
- Le Bat en Rouge – closes February 2 for renovation; reopening date unknown.
- Peter Pan's Flight – closes February 2 for renovation; reopening date unknown.
Disney California Adventure
- Soarin' Over California – closes January 6 for refurbishment; expected to reopen May 15.
- Taste Pilots' Grill – closes January 7 for refurbishment; expected to reopen March 13.
- World of Color – dark starting January 7 for refurbishment; expected to return March 13.
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closes January 20 for refurbishment; expected to reopen March 13.
- Grizzly River Run – closes January 20 for refurbishment; expected to reopen March 20.
- The Bakery Tour – closed through January 26 for refurbishment.
- Boardwalk Bazaar; Sideshow Shirts; Point Magu Tattoo – closes January 26 for refurbishment; reopening date unknown.
- Ariel's Grotto – closes February 2 for refurbishment; reopening date unknown.
- Luigi's Flying Tires – closes February 3 for renovation; reopening date unknown.
- Pacific Wharf Cafe – closed through February 5 for refurbishment.
- Blue Sky Cellar – closed through October 2.
- Muppet*Vision 3D – closed indefinitely due to the Frozen Fun overlay.
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).
2015
- Viva Navidad – Three Kings Day activities – January 2–6.
- Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – January 15–18. This inaugural 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 (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. Details at the runDisney website.
- 2015 Avengers Half Marathon Weekend – November 12–15. Registration opens April 7.
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.
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.
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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. | |
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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 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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2015 Southern California CityPASS $334/$291
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2015 Southern California CityPASS ($334/$291) – 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 June 2, 2015. 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. When you purchase the CityPASS, you have the option of adding a one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park for an extra $36/$28; and/or a one-day admission to LEGOLAND California for $59/$55. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPASS website Prices listed above are valid until June 2, 2015 Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Other Discounts
Did we miss an offer? If you know of an authorized discount on Disneyland Resort tickets, standing offers for Annual Passholders from non-Disney vendors, or other promotions which might interest our readers, please drop us a note!
| Discounts for everyone |
Purchase with Purchase offers – Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced–price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. These are offered at Disney-operated stores only, and selection may vary by location. Recently, Disney has begun allowing customers to purchase more than one of the offers in a qualifying transaction, so if you spend $40 or more you can buy 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. |
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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 and complete your travel by March 26. 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 U.S. military |
See “2014–2015 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($132)” above. |
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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
- EA – 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
| 1/4 | 1/5 | 1/6 | 1/7 | 1/8 | 1/9 | 1/10 |
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DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-11p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 9a-10p DCA: 9a-9p AP Blockouts:
Events: |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 9a-9p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 1/11 | 1/12 | 1/13 | 1/14 | 1/15 | 1/16 | 1/17 |
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DL: 9a-11p DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts:
Events: |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
| 1/18 | 1/19 | 1/20 | 1/21 | 1/22 | 1/23 | 1/24 |
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DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None
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DL: 9a-11p DCA: 9a-9p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 9a-9p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 1/25 | 1/26 | 1/27 | 1/28 | 1/29 | 1/30 | 1/31 |
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DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-6p DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 2/1 | 2/2 | 2/3 | 2/4 | 2/5 | 2/6 | 2/7 |
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DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland. As always, specifics are subject to change without notice (or occasionally, without us noticing) so when information conflicts between what is presented here and that presented by Disney, it is best to assume Disney's information is correct. Visit the Park Hours section of our Disneyland Park guide for additional details about Magic Morning and Toontown Morning Madness, including available attractions. Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.
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