Disneyland Resort Update

Update for March 23 – 29, 2009

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

News and Views

Seasonal pricing increase for DLR character meals | Reservations now open for Disneyland’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique  | Understanding the Birthday Blackout | 2009 Mother’s Day Brunch | This and That

Seasonal pricing increase for DLR character meals

Character dining is about to get a little more expensive at the Disneyland Resort. Prices for most fixed-price restaurants will increase during the peak spring break weeks and summer vacation months. Impacted locations include the Disney Princess Celebration at Ariel’s Grotto; Breakfast in the Park with Minnie and Friends at the Plaza Inn; Lilo & Stitch Aloha Breakfast at the PCH Grill; Goofy’s Kitchen and Chip ‘n Dale’s Critter Breakfast at Storyteller’s Café. The increased spring break prices are in effect March 20 – April 26th, and are 13-23% higher than the base pricing. You can save a little by pre-purchasing character meal vouchers through participating travel agencies, including MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Travel (link), the Anaheim Visitor and Convention Bureau (link), Ares Travel (link) or your AAA travel agent. Check with your agent about possible additional fees. Some of the vouchers are more expensive than even the high-season pricing, so be sure to comparison shop.

Reservations now open for Disneyland’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

MousePlanet received word last week that Disneyland’s new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is now accepting reservations:

Feel like royalty as you step into a magical boutique located adjacent to Sleeping Beauty Castle, where every girl’s dream of becoming a Disney princess will come true. With the help of your Fairy Godmother and Fairy Godmothers-in-training, you will be magically transformed from head to toe, from hair and make-up to princess gowns and accessories. You can even make the royal treatment complete with professional photographs of your enchanting Disney princess experience.

Girls 3 years old and above can choose from 3 hair styles – Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva and Pop Princess – in 3 available packages:

• The Coach Package includes hairstyle, shimmering make-up, princess sash, princess cinch sac and body jewels – $44.95, plus tax
• The Crown Package includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels and nail polish – $49.95, plus tax
• The Castle Package includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, princess sash, princess cinch sac, body jewels, nail polish, princess gown of choice, wand, shoes and portrait package courtesy of Disney’s PhotoPass Service (assorted prints in themed folder) (Price range determined by the choice of princess gown and shoes) – Ranges from $195.85 to $205.85

  Reservations are now being accepted, please call 714-781-Style (714-781-7895)

Please remember that Guests must be at least 3 years of age. Merchandise available in children sizes only, selection may vary. Please notify us of any cancellations at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. Children must be accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older during the entire experience. All prices, packages and information are subject to change without notice. Merchandise available while supplies last. Separate theme park admission is required.

Information subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Disneyland® Resort theme parks.
The Boutique is supposed to open around April 4th; reservations are being taken for appointments starting April 17th.

Also available but not listed above is a Knight package for boys. The package is $12.95 and includes a costume shield and sword, plus a hairstyle with colored hair gel and confetti. Allow about 10 minutes for the Knight package; the Coach, Crown and Castle packages take about 20 minutes (plus photo shoot if applicable).

Understanding the Birthday Blackout

As last week’s article by Brady MacDonald at the Los Angeles Times highlights, even a professional travel writer can be confused by the rules of Disneyland’s “Free on your Birthday” promotion if they don’t read the fine print. MousePlanet readers have been discussing the policy since the promotion began (link), but we thought we’d help other readers avoid any disappointment by presenting an easy-to-use chart of the options available to you when you visit on your birthday.

(a) The “alternate” benefits:

• A “birthday fun card” equal to the price of the admission ticket you would otherwise receive, currently $59 for ages 3-9 and $69 for ages 10+. This fun card cannot be used for food, but it can be used for merchandise, guided tours, PhotoPass products, spa and salon services and more. When the promotion was first announced Disney said that this fun card would be valid only on your birthday, but the offer was changed and the card now has no expiration date. (link).
• A “birthday fastpass.” This benefit provides four FastPass tickets, valid for up to 6 people, at selected attractions.
• A one-day, one-park admission ticket valid for your use anytime in the year before your next birthday. This ticket can be used on a day (including your birthday) that your Annual Passport is normally blocked out, or after your existing pass expires. This ticket is not transferable, and can not be upgraded.

(b) Birthday 2Fer rules for 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. 

(c) You may use your free birthday ticket to upgrade to a park hopper ticket, to renew your Annual Pass (if you’re currently within 40 days of your expiration date), or to upgrade your Annual Pass. You must use the full value of the ticket ($69 or $59) to upgrade your Pass, rather than just a portion of its value.

2009 Mother’s Day Brunch

The Disneyland Resort is now accepting reservations for the 2009 Mother’s Day Brunch. Cinderella & Princess Friends present Disney’s Royal Mother’s Day Buffet will be held Sunday, May 10, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel. The buffet is $83.02 for adults (no increase from 2008) and $21.06 for children 3-11 (a $2 decrease from 2008). Children under 3 are free.

• All prices include tax and gratuity.
• Annual Pass (Premium and Deluxe only) and Cast Member discounts apply
• Visitors receive 4 hours complimentary valet parking at the Disneyland Hotel.
• This buffet is much busier than Easter, so reservations are strongly suggested.
• Call: 714-956-6413 for reservations.
   

This and That

…Tram service to and from the Mickey and Friends parking structure was temporarily halted Saturday afternoon after a Disney tram left the loading area with the wheelchair access ramp still lowered. No injuries were observed, but the front seat of the tram was pushed into the seat behind it. Passengers on the damaged tram were quickly transferred to another tram, but then waited at the loading area for about 10 minutes until a Disney manager could arrive and talk with the passengers.

A parking lot tram was damaged when the tram left the loading area with the wheelchair ramp still lowered. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Visitors trying to reach Disneyland were instructed to walk, a trip of about half a mile. When a visitor using a wheelchair inquired about alternate transportation, they were informed that the wheelchair-accessible van could not be brought into service because “the tram route is blocked,” and were advised that their options were to walk or to wait for tram service to resume. The trams were put back into service after about 15 minutes, and the wheelchair-accessible van was brought into service while the access ramp was repaired. The wheelchair ramp was observed to be operational later that evening.

The front seat of the tram was pushed into the seat behind it, but no injuries were observed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…MousePlanet readers have been discussing what some feel is a change in the policy at the Disney Visa Meet & Greet offered at Disney’s California Adventure. Available exclusively to park visitors who present a valid Disney Rewards Visa Card, the Meet & Greet is open for 90 minutes starting 1/2 hour after DCA opens for the day, and so usually operates from 10:30 am – Noon. Disney characters appear in three “sets,” usually Chip & Dale from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Pluto from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and then Chip & Dale return from 11:30 a.m. until Noon. Mickey occasionally makes an appearance for one set. Cardmembers can have their photo taken by the Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed at the Meet & Greet, and receive a voucher for a complimentary 5 x 7 photo.

The Disney Visa Meet & Greet is offered in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The free photo is the thing that has some cardholders confused. The voucher offers cardmembers a free copy of the photo taken at the Disney Visa Meet & Greet, but cast members frequently allowed visitors to use the voucher to receive a different PhotoPass photo. Some simply required that the chosen photo have a Disney character in it, others allowed visitors to select any photo on their PhotoPass card. Now readers report that cast members are more consistently enforcing the policy when redeeming the vouchers, and rarely allow visitors to select a different photo. Cast members tell us that there are people who come almost every day to the Meet & Greet, get their free voucher(s), then try to use the vouchers to stock up on free PhotoPass photos, and that the increased enforcement of the policy is directly intended to discourage that abuse.

…We reported a few weeks ago that portions of several entrees at the Plaza Inn had been reduced, and it looks like Red Rocket’s Pizza Port and Pizza Oom Mow Mow have also implemented a similar practice. The portions of the pasta dishes at both restaurants have been reduced by about a third, though the salads and pizzas appear unchanged for now. A group of MousePlanet staff members ate at Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port this weekend and all noted that the chicken fusilli entrees were topped with only three or four small pieces of chicken; the cast members on the serving line said that this was the new portion. When asked, a restaurant manager said that the change in portions was made to accommodate “more health-conscious guests.” Unfortunately for budget-concious guests, the price of the entrees have not decreased along with their serving size.

The new chicken fusilli portion at Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port: less chicken, less pasta, less sauce, same price. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…The 14th Annual Taste of Anaheim is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2009 at The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, across Harbor Boulevard from the Disneyland Resort. At least 26 Anaheim-area restaurants, including Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar, Storyteller’s Cafe, Naples Ristorante, Rainforest Cafe, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Disneyland’s Cafe Orleans and Tortilla Jo’s, will participate. Entertainment includes America’s Got Talent Finalist Eli Mattson; singing trio The Oreo Divas; and Lights: The Premier Tribute to Journey. Tickets are $35 if purchased in advance or $40 at the door, and children under 5 are free (link).

…MousePlanet reader “D” wrote to tell us that the Hair Wraps booth in Downtown Disney has closed due to slow sales.

…Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier and resort executives recognized about 1,400 cast members from around the Disneyland Resort at the annual third shift cast breakfast last week. Third shift cast members work overnight at horticulture, custodial, engineering and maintenance positions throughout the resort. Attendees at the sports-themed breakfast event played games with resort managers, won door prizes and received a thank you gift.

Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier and Cast Member Genie Levert, of the Disney’s California Adventure night custodial team, play a game of Nintendo Wii Bowling during a sports-themed breakfast in honor of third shift Cast Members. Photo © Disney.

…For those who prefer not to shop online, cast members tell us that D23 membership kits will be available for purchase at the Disneyland Resort sometime in May.

…Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates. The Disneyland Resort Web site is currently only publishing refurbishment information about 6 weeks in advance. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams – originally said to be dark through February 13, 2009, Disney has now announced that this parade will not return due to a repaving project on Main Street. The “Celebrate! street party” is scheduled to begin on March 27, 2009.
• Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years – closed to return Great Moments With Mr Lincoln to the Opera House. No estimated reopen date.
• Goofy’s Playhouse – closed February 23 – April 3, 2009 for refurbishment.
• King Arthur Carrousel – closed March 31, 2009

Goofy’s Playhouse is closed through April 3 for refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Sun Wheel – closed through April 23, 2009 for refurbishment and to install the new Mickey face.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closes April 27, 2009 for refurbishment.
• 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.
• 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, 2009 for renovation into a new counter-service restaurant.

The Disneyland Story featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will reopen later this year. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

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

• 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).
• Bats Day in the Fun Park (unofficial event) – Sunday May 3, 2009 (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). Tickets are now on sale (link).
• Summer Pin Festival – Daily, June 19 to August 9, 2009 (link).
• NFFC 25th Anniversary Disneyana Convention – July 14-18, 2009.
• 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. Tickets are now on sale (link).
• SHAG Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Product Release & Signing – Sunday, August 9, 2009 (link).

Fall

• 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-6, 2009. Registration is now open (link).
• Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event – Wednesday, September 9, 2009. (link). All four event packages are now sold out.
• UEA / “Utah Escapes to Anaheim” – October 1-2, 2009. (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, 2009. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
• CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 19, 2009. 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.