Disneyland Resort Update

Update for June 1 – 7, 2009

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

News and Views

Disney-Pixar’s UP at the El Capitan Theatre | Parking woes | Fantasmic! and “Magical” premiere correction | 3-Day Summer Fun Pass | Costco AP offer and Armed Forces Salute extended | This and That

Disney-Pixar’s UP at the El Capitan Theatre

Through July 23, the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood is hosting a special engagement of Disney-Pixar’s Up, with the theater itself showing the new movie, as well as trailers for X Games 3D the Movie, Toy Story 3 and G-Force, in Disney Digital 3D. “Lighten Up!,” a live stage show is presented between the trailers and the main feature. “Lighten Up!” is a cute, 10-minute show with upbeat songs, appearances by the Disney characters, and opportunities for audience participation.

The cast of “Lighten Up!” entertains the audience before a screening of UP at the El Capitan Theatre. Photo © Disney.

Up is presented daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:40 p.m.. Tickets are available online through the theater Web site (link) with a $2-per-ticket service fee, or by phone at 1-800-DISNEY6 (1-800-347-6396) or at the El Capitan Theatre box office. Tickets range from $14 to $28 per person, depending on seating are.

If you’d like to make a day of your trip, Disney’s Soda Fountain and Studio Store offers pre- and post-theater dining options. A character breakfast with Mickey and Minnie is offered prior to the 10:00 a.m. show on select days (most weekend and holidays). Character breakfast tickets must be purchased in advance, and in conjunction with a movie ticket purchase.

If you’d rather eat after the movie, the Soda Fountain and Studio Store has a special Up-themed sundae, topped with “clouds” of whipped cream and decorative balloons, and served with a replica Wilderness Explorer button (it will make sense once you’ve seen the film).

The Up-inspired sundae comes with a Wilderness Explorer button. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Parking woes

If you’ve tried to park at the Disneyland Resort on a Sunday afternoon this year, you’ve probably encountered closed parking lots and detours. The Mickey and Friends structure often closes by early afternoon, leaving visitors looking for a spot in one of the Lion King lots. The ever-shrinking Timon lot is usually full by early morning, and the Pumbaa and Simba lots are a long walk from the theme parks. On very busy days when all of the Disney lots are filled to capacity, drivers are directed to the Anaheim Convention Center parking lot, when available, or to the parking structure at the Anaheim Garden Walk. Some readers said that they have just given up and returned home because they couldn’t find a parking spot.

Between the national trend towards stay-at-home vacations and the 3-Day Summer Fun Pass promotion targeted to local residents, the parking situation is probably not going to get any better anytime soon. The Sunday crowding might ease a little once the Southern California passport summer Blockout period begins later this month, but those planning trips to the Resort should be prepared. If you are driving to the Resort, try to arrive as early as possible. The real crowding starts an hour or two after the structure opens, and several readers have reported that it took then 40 minutes or more to get into a parking spot after exiting the freeway.

If you are a Disneyland annual passholder with the parking option on your pass, and you arrive after the Mickey and Friends structure has closed, you can head over to Garden Walk and they will honor your parking pass. This is also a good time to consider using public transportation to get to the Disneyland Resort. If you are in the habit of leaving midday for lunch or to return to your off-site hotel and plan to return later in the day, consider using the Anaheim Resort Transit system to get around the Resort area.

Fantasmic! and “Magical” premiere correction

In the May 18 Disneyland Resort Update, we shared an opportunity to catch the first public performance of the new “Magical” fireworks show and a sneak preview of the enhanced Fantasmic! show on Thursday, June 11, one night before the Summer Nightastic promotion officially begins on June 12. Many MousePlanet readers snapped up tickets to the Premium Viewing opportunity for the 9:15 Fantasmic! performance, but many more planned to just watch the show from the usual viewing area. Unfortunately, there’s been a change in plans.

A spokesperson for the Disneyland Resort told MousePlanet that the Premium Viewing reservationist we spoke with was mistaken. The June 11 performance of Fantasmic! is not  open to the general public, as it is an after-hours, media-only preview, and Premium Viewing should not have been available that night at all. Those lucky guests who purchased Premium Viewing tickets to the now sold out June 11 Fantasmic! will be allowed to stay for the 9:15 p.m. performance, but all other guests will be escorted out of the area when Disneyland closes at 9:00 p.m. Those with Premium Viewing tickets will be escorted out of Disneyland as soon as Fantasmic! is over, and will not be allowed to stay in the park for Grad Nite as some had hoped.

One small consolation for those who planned to visit on June 11: first public performance of the new fireworks show “Magical” will still be presented at 8:45 p.m., and park guests will be able to see that show before Disneyland Park closes at 9:00 for Grad Nite. Dress rehearsals of “Magical” will also take place at 9:15 p.m. on June 3, 5, 6 & 8, offering another opportunity to see the show before the summer crowds arrive.

The MousePlanet reader meet scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on June 11 is still taking place as planned.

3-Day Summer Fun Pass

Today is the first day of the 3-Day Summer Fun Pass promotion. Southern California and Northern Baja residents can take advantage of this discounted ticket to visit the Disneyland Resort three times within a 45-day period for $99, a savings of up to $100 off of an adult 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket. Unlike the Southern California 2Fer Ticket, the Summer Fun Pass is a park-hopper ticket, which lets you visit both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure on the same day. This ticket has a 45-day “fuse,” (instead of the usual 13- or 30-day limit), giving you more time to plan your return visit, and is not valid on the 4th of July. The first use of the pass must be between June 1 and August 23, 2009, and the usual terms and conditions apply:

• Summer Fun Pass is a 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket valid for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999.
• Proof of residency required for admission.
• TICKET IS NOT VALID ON 7/4/09.
• Tickets are valid 45 days from first use.
• First use must occur between 6/1/09 through 8/23/09.
• Each day of 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.]
• Ticket not valid before 6/1/09.
• Other restrictions may apply. All offers, events, tickets, services, attractions and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

MousePlanet recommends that you purchase your admission tickets in advance of your visit whenever possible to avoid long lines at the ticket booths. The 3-day Summer Fun Pass will be offered at Disneyland.com, Disney Stores and at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, as well as participating Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less and Gelsons grocery stores. Toys ‘R’ Us and home furnishings retailer Dearden’s will also offer the tickets at their retail stores.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve received a number of inquiries from people asking if or how they can purchase these tickets for out-of-area friends and family. The official Disney policy, as noted above, is that you must be a resident of Southern California or Northern Baja California to purchase and use this ticket, and proof of residency is required to purchase the tickets at Disneyland Resort ticket booths. However, none of the authorized retailers will check ID at point of purchase. Summer Fun Passes purchased at authorized retailers can be used directly at the Disneyland Resort entrance gates, and do not need to be exchanged at a ticket booth before use.

All this means that someone who is not eligible for the offer could buy the Summer Fun Pass at a local grocery store and take it right to the main entrance. Before you try this, be aware that main gate cast members may ask for ID when you first use the tickets, and if you don’t live in the eligibility area, you will need to upgrade your ticket to a full-price ticket before entering the parks. In actual practice, such ID checks are unusual—but we want to make sure our out-of-area readers understand the policy before purchasing tickets.

Costco AP offer and Armed Forces Salute extended

The Costco Disneyland Deluxe Annual Pass w/ Bonus offer has been extended until October 31, 2009. When you purchase a Deluxe Disneyland AP for $269 at Costco, you’ll receive a bonus $50 Disneyland Gift Card good at participating shops and restaurants at the Resort. For more information about how to purchase and redeem these tickets, read the ongoing discussion on MousePad (link). There are 37 Costco stores within 50 miles of Disneyland, and MousePad readers have shared which locations do and do not seem to offer the tickets (link).

Disneyland has also extended the Disney’s Armed Forces Salute offer through September 30, 2009. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. 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. More information is on our MousePad discussion boards (link).

This and That

…Reminder! Come celebrate the 9th Anniversary of MousePlanet.com with lunch at the Big Thunder Ranch Celebration Roundup & Barbecue on Saturday, July 18 at Disneyland. We filled the first block of seats we reserved, but will accept additional reservations as long as space is available. E-mail Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix to reserve your space today (link). For those who can’t make it to lunch, copies of a “Mini” MouseAdventure will be available at a MousePlanet meet at the Plaza Pavilion at 2:00 p.m. This just-for-fun activity is designed to give you a small sample of MouseAdventure quests. No advance registration is required for the Mini MouseAdventure.

…A Disneyland Resort cast member tells us that some employees represented by UNITE Here Local 11 received a letter last week informing them of a change to their sick pay benefit. As described to MousePlanet, the letter states that the union can no longer provide sick pay to the covered members, and set a deadline for CMs to file claims against sick leave already accrued. Representatives from Local 11 had not replied to a request for comment on this policy change as of press time.

…Kimberly Fidler at MousePlanet Sponsor GetAwayToday.com let us know that Disneyland Resort annual passholders or visitors who don’t need to purchase park admission can now book room-only packages at Disneyland Resort hotels under the Stay 3, Get 2 Free promotion. The offer gives you 2 free nights when you book 3 or more nights between April 1st and September 26th, 2009 at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel or the Paradise Pier Hotel. This updated offer is great news for passholders who want to stay on property this summer, and especially for those planning trips to the D23 Expo or the Disneyland Half Marathon in September. Call 800-523-6116 or visit www.getawaytoday.com to book your package, or contact your travel agent.

…The Disney Vacation Club is hosting four “Vacation As You Wish” live Web casts, June 10 at 8:00 p.m.; June 11 at 7:00 p.m.; June 13 at 10:00 a.m. and June at 1:00 p.m. The 30-minute presentation is an opportunity for prospective DVC members to learn about Disney’s time share offering without making a personal visit to one of the sales centers. Advance registration is required to participate in the Web cast (link).

Samuel Jacobo, surrounded by members of the Celebration Street Team, is the 5 millionth Grad Nite guest at Disneyland. Photo © Disney.

…Samuel Jacobo of Summit High School in Fontana, California, received a unique graduation honor last week when he became the 5 millionth Grad Nite guest at Disneyland. Jacobo was showered with confetti immediately after passing through the main entrance turnstile, and got a special photo opportunity with Mickey Mouse.

…The China Closet shop on Disneyland’s Main Street will host a Precious Moments Product Release & Signing with artist Hiko Maeda from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. this Saturday, June 6 (link).

…MousePad member Madabbagator posted last week that the Disneyland portions of the annual Walt Disney World Christmas special will be taped on Saturday, November 13th, though that date is subject to change (link). The taping usually involves short, live performances by various musical guests in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, and a shortened performance of the holiday parade at or near park opening.

…Disneyland’s Astro Orbitor is being reassembled at the entrance of Tomorrowland, with a new silver-based color scheme in place of the bronze-and-copper palette leftover from the New Tomorrowland remodel. The ride is scheduled to reopen June 13th.

The Astro Orbitor is being reassembled at the entrance of Tomorrowland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The new color scheme compliments the rest of Tomorrowland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…Today (June 1) is the last day to enter the Taylor Morrison Dream Home sweepstakes (link). The grand prize is a new single-family residence in a Taylor Morrison community and a vacation to the Disneyland Resort.

…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 six 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 December 16 to return Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to the Main Street Opera House.
• Astro Orbitor – closed through June 12 for refurbishment.
• Peter Pan’s Flight – closed through June 7 for refurbishment.
• Snow White’s Scary Adventures – closed June 8 – July 3 for refurbishment.
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – closed July 20 – August 14 for refurbishment.
• The Enchanted Cottage – closed July 29 – November 17 for refurbishment.

Disney’s California Adventure

Refurbishments: 

• Orange Stinger – closed July 27, 2009 – April 28, 2010 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 June 18, and will be closed through September 14 for renovation into a new counter-service restaurant. 
• Orange Stinger – closed July 27, 2009 – April 28, 2010 for refurbishment.

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, through 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 available Signature Events.
• 2009 Grad Nite events – Thursday, June 4; Wednesday, June 10; Thursdays, June 11 and June 18.

Summer

• Precious Moments Product Release & Signing – Saturday, June 6 (link).
• 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. Space is extremely limited, so reserve your space today (link).
• 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. The event is now sold out (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.
• 2009 Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 & 31. A separate ticket costume party at Disney’s California Adventure. Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can purchased tickets now through the Passholder Web site (link). Remaining tickets will be available to the general public starting August 1st.
• MousePlanet nights at Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 30. Come meet some of the MousePlanet staff, MousePad Community Leaders and your fellow readers at one of two Trick-or-Treat parties. Purchase tickets in advance through the Disneyland Web site, and be sure to let us know which night you’re planning to attend by posting on our MousePad discussion board so we can have enough treats for everyone (link).
• 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 18, 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.
• Holiday Parade Filming (unconfirmed) – Saturday, November 13th. The annual taping of the Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas special usually involves short, live performances by various musical guests and a shortened performance of the holiday parade at or near park opening.
• Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort (unconfirmed) – November 20, 2009 – January 3, 2010

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	3-Day Summer Fun Pass ($99) – Southern California and Northern Baja residents can take advantage of the newly-announced 3-day Summer Fun Pass to visit the Disneyland Resort three times within a 45-day period for $99, a savings of up to $100 off of an adult 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket. Unlike the Southern California 2Fer Ticket, the Summer Fun Pass is a park-hopper ticket, which lets you visit both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure on the same day. This ticket has a 45-day “fuse,” (instead of the usual 13- or 30-day limit), giving you more time to plan your return visit, and is not valid on the 4th of July. The first use of the pass must be between June 1 and August 23, 2009. The 3-day Summer Fun Pass will be offered at Disneyland.com (link), Disney Stores and at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, as well as participating Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less and Gelsons grocery stores. Toys ‘R’ Us and home furnishings retailer Dearden’s will also offer the tickets at their retail stores. 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) – [Extended through September, 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 extended through September 30, 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 Regularly $269	Costco $50 bonus gift card offer – [Extended through October, 2009] 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. Vouchers must be redeemed by October 31, 2009. Some Costco stores may still have vouchers with the 5/31/09 expiration date; the Disneyland Resort will honor these vouchers through 10/31/09.
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.