Disneyland Resort Update

Update for April 20 – April 26, 2009

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

News and Views

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival opens Friday | Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opens  | DCA construction update | CHOC Food & Wine Festival at Downtown Disney – May 7, 2009  | This and That

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival opens Friday

The fourth annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival opens this Friday with a cooking demonstration and autograph session with Chef Robert Irvine of Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible. The Festival continues through Sunday, June 7. Daily schedules are available on the Festival Web site (link). Many of the event locations have relocated this year due to the ongoing construction around the Paradise Pier area, so be sure to consult the event map, available now on the Festival Web site, before you visit so you know where to go and what to expect (link).

The Festival Gift Shop and Chef’s Showcase Stage will be located in the Sunshine Plaza, making the daily culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions almost impossible to miss. The Bountiful Valley Farm Stage will be the venue for the Junior Chef program, and a series of presentations called “Kitchen Conversations.” The Golden Vine Winery will be the site of the daily Wine Education and Tasting Seminars; the Beer & Spirits seminars will be hosted at the Pacific Wharf Stage.

In past years, a “Festival Marketplace” operated at the Lucky Fortune Cookery has offered a variety of special menu items throughout the event. With the Lucky Fortune Cookery closed for renovation, it looks like there is no Marketplace this year. Instead, the event map advises that special menu items will be offered at Wine Country Trattoria, Cove Bar, Pizza Oom Mow Mow, Pacific Wharf Café, Farmer’s Market, Award Wieners and Taste Pilots’ Grill. Menu details will probably not be available before the event begins, but we’ll post them as soon as we get them.

Tickets to most of the Signature events are still available, though all but the Saturday, May 23 session of the Napa Rose Cooking School have sold out. At press time, only the May 10 Sweet Sundays event (MILK) is sold out. Readers have noted that the Signature Events page does not accurately display which events have sold out and which are still available, so if the event you’re looking forward to shows as sold out, go ahead and try to register for it anyway—you may find that there is room after all. At press time the Sweet Sunday events with Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. (May 3) and Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. (May 10) are showing as sold out on the Signature Event page, but are available once you get to the registration page.

If you’re planning to attend any of the Signature events and want to meet other MousePlanet readers, come post a note on our MousePad discussion board (link).

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opens

Disneyland’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened Friday, and by late afternoon had a wait of up to one hour. The Boutique offers Prince and Princess makeovers for aspiring royalty ages 3 and older. Girls can choose from three hair styles—Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva and Pop Princess, and three makeover packages:

• The Coach Package – for $44.95 plus tax, includes hairstyle, shimmering make-up, princess sash, princess cinch sac, and body jewels.
• The Crown Package – for $49.94, includes everything in the Coach Package, as well as nail polish.
• The Castle Package – ranging from $195.85 to $205.85, includes everything in the Crown Package as well as princess gown of choice, wand, shoes and portrait package courtesy of Disney’s PhotoPass® Service (assorted prints in themed folder) . The price range is determined by the gown and shoes chosen.

The Knight package for boys is $12.95 and includes a costume shield and sword, plus a hairstyle with colored hair gel and confetti.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened this weekend and proved immediately popular. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

A styling station is prepared for the next Prince or Princess makeover. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

A sealed hairbrush and an assortment of styling products await the next customer. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The salon is located inside the former Once Upon a Time shop, and occupies the back half of the Boutique. Fairy Godmothers-in-Training greet clients at a podium outside the salon, and customers who have selected the Castle Package are encouraged to select their costume from the displays that fill the retail space. The tiny salon is decorated with carved wooden fixtures, and each station has a styling chair and a cloth-draped mirror. Charming benches topped with carved birds are arranged down the center of the salon to provide seating for parents and siblings. The salon is tiny, and clients are asked to leave strollers outside the boutique.

Parents can watch the transformation from benches in the middle of the tiny salon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The lighting fixtures are covered with carved owls. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Makeovers take about 20 minutes for girls; boys need only a 10-minute appointment. Once the makeover is complete, the drapes covering the mirror are pulled back so the client can see the results, and a “magical” effect is sure to surprise and delight the young and young-at-heart.

Call 714-781-STYLE (714-781-7895) to book reservations up to 60 days in advance. Services are available to clients age 3 years and older, but costumes are only available in child sizes.

Cinderella’s ballgown-in-progress is displayed on a ledge in the salon area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

An ornate mirror is hung at child height near the exit. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The store’s security sensor is cleverly disguised inside a cuckoo clock. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

DCA construction update

Another week, another set of photos that only a construction worker or engineer could truly understand or appreciate. The Sun Wheel is still on schedule for the May 7 reopening date, and the Mickey face has been installed. Workers were busy installing light bulbs around the outer edge of the wheel Friday afternoon. Massive concrete structures, possibly lighting or equipment towers, are taking form along the north edge of Paradise Bay, and the show platform for the Wonderful World of Color keeps spreading across even more of the lagoon.

The new Mickey face is in place on the Sun Wheel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The sun design is almost complete inside the California Screamin’ loop. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

A side view of the massive underwater platform for the Wonderful World of Color show. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

It’s hard to believe this is going to be completed by Labor Day. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The Paradise Bay Amphitheater will be transformed into a terraced viewing area for the Wonderful World of Color show. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The platform in Paradise Bay forms almost a solid surface under the water line. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

New structures are under construction near the Paradise Pier bridge. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Workers climb a structure under construction in Paradise Bay. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The Orange Stinger will soon be peeled so the ride can be remodeled into the Silly Symphony Swings. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

CHOC Food & Wine Festival at Downtown Disney – May 7, 2009

Children’s Hospital Orange County is holding a fundraiser in Downtown Disney on Thursday, May 7, 2009. The event is similar in format to the popular Annual Passholder night once offered by the restaurants of the Patina Group, though larger in scale.

Please join us to taste and savor the flavors of our fine cuisine, wine and spirits while enjoying the unique ambiance and flair of the Downtown Disney District.

Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Downtown Disney District – Anaheim, Ca

Tickets: $100.00 per person
Complimentary Valet

Guests will enjoy tray passed appetizers and select wine pairings at Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar, ESPN Zone®, House of Blues®, La Brea Bakery, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen® and Tortilla Jo’s.

Top off the evening by indulging your senses with delectable desserts and coffee. Live entertainment will be featured throughout the evening for your listening pleasure.

Finally, visit Sephora between 9 – 11 p.m. for an exclusive “after hours” shopping experience where event participants will receive a complimentary VIP gift. This special affair will also include personal skincare and makeup consultations by major brand artists. And don’t forget with Mother’s Day right around the corner… it’s a great time to get a head start on shopping for mom.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit CHOC’s Web site at www.chocdowntowndisneyfoodandwinefestival.org or contact Zach Moonitz in the CHOC Foundation office (714) 532-7676. Proceeds benefit CHOC Children’s.

If you plan to attend and want to meet other MousePlanet readers at the event, post a comment on our MousePad discussion board.

This and That

…Disney has dropped the price of the child’s meal at the Big Thunder Ranch Celebration Roundup & Barbecue by $6, to $12.99. The child’s meal no longer comes with the Deluxe Celebration Gift Bag, but this item can be added to the meal for $10.

Construction walls went up around the former Club Libby Lu location this week, and the signs have since been removed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

…Disney is holding auditions for the summer run of Disney’s Electrical Parade on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00 am. Visit the Disney Auditions Web site for more information (link).

…Downtown Disney Annual Passport Appreciation Days began Sunday and continue through April 25, 2009 The promotion offers 20% off for all Annual Passholders at the World of Disney store, Disney Vault 28 and Marceline’s Confectionery, as well as discounts at select Downtown Disney merchants. Full details are available on our MousePad discussion boards (link).

…The World of Disney store is promoting Earth Day, and Disneynature’s new Earth, with an environmentally themed display. The centerpiece of the display is a huge tree, crafted of recycled metal and covered with “leaves” cut from Disneyland Park maps. The store offers environmentally aware merchandise, including organic cotton T-shirts, reusable shopping bags, and a stationary collection crafted of recycled materials.

The World of Disney is offering merchandise made of recycled materials, just in time for Earth Day. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

The leaves of the recycled tree are made from old Disneyland Park maps. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

…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

• Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years – closed through September 25 to return Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to the Opera House.
• Astro Orbitor – closed April 20- June12 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed April 27-30 for refurbishment.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – closes May 4 for refurbishment.
• Hungry Bear Restaurant – closes May 4-15 for refurbishment.
• Sailing Ship Columbia – closes May 18-20 for refurbishment.
• Snow White’s Scary Adventures – closed June 8 – July 3 for refurbishment.

The Victorian look of the new Games of the Boardwalk offers a sharp contrast to the boardwalk-style architecture of the original buildings. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. 

Disney’s California Adventure

Refurbishments: 

• Sun Wheel – closed through May 7, 2009 for refurbishment and to install the new Mickey face.
• King Triton’s Carousel – closed March 9 – May 21, 2009 for refurbishment.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closes May 18 – 22 for refurbishment.

Construction-related closures: 

• 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.
• 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 18, 2009 for renovation into a new counter-service restaurant.
• Corn Dog Castle – closes June 1 because of construction in the area. An employee publication lists May 26, 2011 as the return date.
  • Souvenir 66 – closes June 1 because of construction in the area. An employee publication lists May 26, 2011 as the return date.
  • Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill – The restaurant will close once the Lucky Fortune Cookery reopens on Jne 18, and will be closed through September 14 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

• 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). Both events are now sold out. 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).
• CHOC Food & Wine Festival at Downtown Disney – Thursday, May 7, 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). The event is now sold out (link).
• Summer Pin Festival – Daily, June 19 to August 9, 2009 (link).
• Unofficial Star Wars Day at Disneyland – June 27 (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.
• D23 Expo – September 10 – 13, 2009 in Anaheim, California (link).
• 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.

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). 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). Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for the Price of 3 Days ($179/$149) – Disneyland’s new Summer promotion offers two extra days of park admisison when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. These tickets must be purchased before your trip, either through the Disneyland Web site or as part of your vacation package. You can NOT purchase this promotional ticket from the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, so plan ahead! The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus tickets expire 13 days after first day of use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use constitutes one full day of use.
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 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price! 6-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($179) – 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). Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for the Price of 4 Days ($194/$164) – Disneyland’s new Summer promotion offers two extra days of park admisison when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. These tickets must be purchased before your trip, either through the Disneyland Web site or as part of your vacation package. You can NOT purchase this promotional ticket from the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, so plan ahead! The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus tickets expire 13 days after first day of use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use constitutes one full day of use.
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

Stay 3, Get 2 Free – Disneyland’s new Summer promotion offers 5 nights at a Disneyland Resort or Good Neighbor Hotel and 5 days of theme park admission for the price of three. The promotion is valid for arrivals through September 26, 2009, though the discounts are not available at the Good Neighbor Hotels until May 1. All travel must be booked by August 11, 2009 to receive this offer.

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 collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag per person, plus a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card per package.

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 through 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

Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel – The spa is offering a discount on select treatments booked Mondays through Thursdays. A flyer available at the hotel details the special offers available (link). A 20% service fee is added to all treatments, and the offer is subject to availability.

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.