Disneyland Resort Update

Update for March 9 – 15, 2009

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

News and Views

Disneyland Resort crowd update | Get ready to Celebrate, BBQ style | Walls come down in Disneyland; signs go up in DCA | March merchandise update | This and That

Disneyland Resort crowd update

Blame it on the construction throughout the parks, nontraditional school schedules, or even on the annual series of cheerleader competitions, but the Disneyland Resort seems to be unseasonably crowded over the past few weekends. For the second Sunday in a row, the Mickey and Friends parking structure reached capacity yesterday afternoon and the Anaheim Police Department was called to assist the Resort in diverting visitors to alternate parking lots. MousePlanet reader Bill wrote and said, “The main entrance to the parking structure was closed at 5 pm. We were told to go to Katella. That took about 45 minutes, and then led to another closed entrance! What was happening?”

The parking situation is possibly due to what appears to be a staffing or training problem in the Mickey and Friends structure. When there are no cast members present to direct visitors into parking spaces, drivers park wherever they want, bypassing less-desirable spots and leaving gaps between cars. A MousePlanet reader who parked in the Mickey and Friends structure Sunday morning estimated that 10% of the spaces on the level he parked was left empty because there was no cast member on hand to fill in the holes. It also seems that the parking structure is simply closed when it reaches capacity, rather than being “re-parked,” a process in which cast members direct drivers to fill in spots created by visitors who have already left for the day. Even as visitors were being directed away from the closed parking structure yesterday afternoon, there were hundreds of empty spaces in the structure.

There really is no one single reason for the crowds. Two large conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend certainly contributed to the attendance, as did the mild Southern California weather. Although the Disneyland Resort is expecting the largest Spring Break crowds April 4 and 18, some year-round schools have off-track periods throughout March and April. The growing number of annual passholders also contributes to the attendance numbers, especially as those new passholders who have upgraded their free birthday admission to the SoCal and Deluxe annual passes take advantage of their pass before the summer blackout dates take effect.

You can check the Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau event calendar to see what events are planned during your next trip (link). The following are some of the larger events scheduled this spring:

• The Spirit Team American Championships at the Anaheim Convention Center Mar 19 – 22, 2009
• USA Dance, Drill, Spirit and Collegiate Nationals at the Anaheim Convention Center Mar 27 – 30, 2009
• California Dental Association annual convention at the Anaheim Convention Center May 15 – 17, 2009
• Institute of Food Technologists annual convention at the Anaheim Convention Center June 6 – 10, 2009

All of these events are held at the Anaheim Convention Center, not at the Disneyland Resort, but may result in larger crowds in the theme parks.

Get ready to Celebrate, BBQ style

The Disney Dine Line is now accepting reservations for the Celebration Round Up and BBQ at Big Thunder Ranch, a new dining option introduced as part of the “What Will You Celebrate?” marketing campaign. The new dining location is expected to open Thursday, April 2. The menu includes barbecue ribs and chicken, corn on the cob, cornbread, barbecue beans and coleslaw, served with a cupcake dessert for $28.99 per adult and $18.99 per child, including tax and tip. You can also order “Celebration Add-Ons” in advance, including goody bags, celebration cakes and even personalized, customized sheet cakes.

Walls come down in Disneyland; signs go up in DCA

The maze of construction walls surrounding the Main Street repaving project vanished this weekend, as did the scaffolding in front of the Plaza Inn. Over in Disney’s California Adventure, new signs have been installed around Paradise Bay to explain some of the highly visible construction taking place in the area, and new signs have been installed outside the Games of the Boardwalk.

The construction walls have come down from around the Plaza Inn. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Work continues on the massive construction project in Paradise Bay. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The new viewing area for Disney’s World of Color is taking shape. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The new show will use lights, fire effects and water screens. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A construction wall surrounds the base of the Orange Stinger. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Plans for the Silly Symphony Swings call for a shaded walkway around the exterior of the attraction. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Mickey’s Fun Wheel is scheduled to reopen in late April. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Games of the Boardwalk have a new sign. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The carnival facade has been replaced with a new exterior that matches the look of Toy Story Midway Mania. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Pacific Wharf Bridge is closed until April 3. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

March merchandise update

A recap of store updates, merchandise events and product releases for the coming month:

…A new “Art of Disney Theme Parks” Web site launched last week to replace DisneyGallery.com (link). The new site presents merchandise event and product release information for Disneyland, Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line.

Artist Thomas Kinkade releases the next image in his Timeless Disney Moments Collection in mid-March. “Pinocchio Wishes Upon a Star” will be available at art and collectible stores at the Disneyland Resort. Photo © Disney.

The Disneyland Resort is offering a marquee logo beach towel for $10 with a single merchandise purchase of $40 or more (before tax, after discount) at participating store locations starting March 15. Photo © Disney.

…The Disneyland Newstand now offers complimentary hat writing on mouse ear hats purchased at the Resort. This is the second location where you can purchase embroidered ears without having valid park admission.

Maleficent is the subject of the March Character of the Month sketch. Offered for $135 at the Off the Page store in DCA. Photo © Disney.

Roger Rabbit is the subject of the March Artisan Watch of the Month. Offered for $250 at the Fortuosity Shop in Disneyland. Photo © Disney.

…A word of caution for those who collect the Print-on-Demand art posters available at the Disneyland Resort—check your posters before you take them home to make sure the print quality is what you expect. Shortly before Christmas, the company that runs Disney’s art on demand program started shipping a different type of paper to the Resort, and some images do not print well on the new paper. Cast members tell us that the supplier insists the new paper is identical to the stock used for the past eight years, but images with large areas of solid black printing are prone to “bleeding.” The problem seems to be limited to paper prints—there is no corresponding issue with the canvas prints. If you purchase your prints from the Disneyana shop or Off the Page, you cannot inspect the print quality while you are still at the Resort—posters ordered at those stores are printed in an offsite facility and shipped directly to your home—so be sure to inspect your posters immediately upon delivery.

…The “Urban Series 1” of collectible Vinylmation figures should be available at Disneyland Resort shops around March 20. Photos of the new figures are available on the new Art of Disney Theme Parks Web site (link). The figures are usually available at the World of Disney, Disneyana, and Off the Page shops.

…Tickets are still available for the SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception (link). The event is $185 per person, and will be held Saturday, August 8, 2009 at the Paradise Pier Hotel.

This and That

…“Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years,” goes on hiatus starting next Monday, March 16, in preparation for the return of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” to the Main Street Opera House. Disneyland announced last week that the film will still be presented as part of an exhibit in the Opera House lobby once the updated “Disneyland Story, featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” reopens later this year.

…Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier has been named one of the most influential African-Americans in the meeting and tourism industry by Black Meetings & Tourism magazine.

…The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood presents Race to Witch Mountain March 13 to April 9. Before or after the movie, theatre-goers can view an exhibit of props, costumes and the spaceship from Race to Witch Mountain, as well as artifacts from the original movie, Escape to Witch Mountain. Tickets are available at the theater Web site (link).

…Tickets are still available for almost all of the Signature Events for Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival. The May 2 and May 16 sessions of the Napa Rose Cooking School are the only two events sold out as of press time.

…A contributor to the Distant Creations Blog got hold of a copy of “the new quarterly ‘Disney Twenty Three’ magazine” in advance of the March 10 street date, and has posted some details about the contents (link). According to the Distant Creations post, a membership to the new D23 fan club includes:

• A membership card with a personalized charter member certificate with characters drawn by David Pacheco
• A surprise collectible gift for D23 members from the new Walt Disney Archives collection
• Exclusive special events and merchandise opportunities
• Discounted admission to the D23 Expo on September 10 – 13, 2009 in Anaheim, California

The rest of the mystery surrounding the “Are You 23?” campaign should be cleared up Tuesday after the official announcement is made in conjunction with the Walt Disney Corporation’s annual shareholder meeting.

…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

The Plaza Pavilion is now open as a Annual Passport processing center. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• 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.
• Goofy’s Playhouse – closed February 23 – March 20, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – closes again March 2 – 6, 2009. An attraction CM tells us that the brief closures this month are for required annual brake testing.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed March 9 – 11, 2009
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – closes again March 9 – 13, 2009. An attraction CM tells us that the brief closures this month are for required annual brake testing.
• King Arthur Carrousel – closed March 31, 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 12, 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 – May 21, 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.
• The Lucky Fortune Cookery – This restaurant area, largely unused for the past several years except during special events, is closed through June 13 for renovation into a new counter-service restaurant.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at 714-781-7290.

Park Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

Spring

• SHAG “Spirited” Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Cocktail Reception – (link). Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific time) for this event, scheduled Saturday, for August 8, 2009.
• “Are You 23?” Product Release & Signing with Dave Pacheco – Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Disneyana Shop, Main Street, USA (link).
• March Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night – Mar. 22, 2009 – 7 to 10 p.m. at Pacific Ballroom, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (link).
• Mini Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – Saturday, April 4 (link).
• Spring Break – April 4-18, 2009. The Disneyland Resort is expecting the largest Spring Break crowds during this two-week period, though schools observe Spring Break and off-track periods throughout March and April.
• Disney’s California Food and Wine Festival – Daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009. A listing of many of the signature and complimentary events is now available on the event Web site (link). Online registration is now open for these Signature Events.
• MouseAdventure – Sunday, April 26 (competitive event) and Sunday, May 10 (noncompetitive event) at the Disneyland Resort (link). The April 26 MouseAdventure event is filled to capacity, however there are still some space available for the May 10 MouseAdventure: Day at the Park. Be sure to register for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to receive future announcements (link).
• 2009 Grad Nite events – Thursdays, May 14, May 21, May 28 and June 4; Wednesday, June 10; Thursdays, June 11 and June 18.

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 Utah 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 US 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.