Disneyland Resort Update

Update for June 29 – July 5, 2009

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

News and Views

Celebrating the 4th of July at Disneyland | Studio Disney 365 opens | An encore performance for Disneyland’s Magic Shop | Hit the road, (Dinosaur) Jack, and DCA construction photos | This and That

Celebrating the 4th of July at Disneyland

The 4th of July is traditionally a very busy holiday at the Disneyland Resort, especially when the holiday falls on a Saturday as it does this year. The Resort is hoping to ease the crowding on Saturday by presenting Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky every night at 9:25 p.m. over the course of the entire weekend, from Thursday, July 2 to Sunday, July 5. This is really great news for visitors, and gives Deluxe Annual Passholders the opportunity to see the show on Thursday night before they are blocked out for the rest of the weekend. Note that this special presentation is instead of, not in addition to, the Magical fireworks show those four nights. Magical will return on Monday, July 6.

For those planning to brave the crowds on Saturday, here are some notes that may help you plan your trip. This information is based on past years experience, so be prepared for a few changes.

Getting there/getting in/getting out

It’s hard to say if or when Disneyland may reach capacity on Saturday, so if your goal is to watch the fireworks from inside the park, plan to arrive as early as you can and plan to stay for the duration.

Parking at the Resort has been a challenge on busy days all year, so bring a little patience if you plan to arrive after about noon. If the Mickey and Friends parking structure is full when you arrive, you may be diverted to overflow parking at the Anaheim Convention Center, or at Garden Walk. Disneyland increased parking fees at all Resort lots after 6:00 p.m. last year, and imposed an upfront, flat-rate $15 parking fee in Downtown Disney. The usual 3-hour grace period was suspended for the evening, and no restaurant or theater validations were honored.

Don’t try to leave Disneyland immediately after the fireworks. Although backstage Main Street routes are opened to allow guests to exit the park, you’ll leave along with the crowd of people still in the Esplanade and will have to deal with huge crowds to board the parking lot trams.

Watching the fireworks from inside Disneyland

Dedicated fireworks-watchers will start claiming the prime viewing spots around the north side of the hub before noon. If you hope to watch the fireworks from this area, plan to arrive before 6:30 p.m., and definitely before the end of the second performance of Celebrate: A Street Party. If you aren’t interested in spending 12 hours to get the best spot for a 20-minute show, there are actually quite a few other viewing areas to choose from. MousePlanet’s Fireworks Viewing Guide, while originally created to direct readers to the best views of the Remember… Dreams Come True show created for the 50th Anniversary, has some great advice for finding a good spot.

No matter where you decide to catch the show or how long you decide to wait, keep in mind that the fireworks may be canceled due to wind. In fact, the 2008 fireworks were canceled halfway through the show.

Watching the fireworks from outside Disneyland

Fireworks are visible from some spots inside Disney’s California Adventure, but you won’t be able to hear the soundtrack. In past years, Disney has set up viewing corrals in the Esplanade and a viewing area at the Mickey and Friends parking structure in an effort to prevent total gridlock in those areas. The top floor and east-facing side of the Mickey and Friends structure are also popular spots from which to see the show. Again, you will not be able to hear the music from any of these viewing areas.

Other notes:

The nightly Flag Retreat Ceremony is usually especially well attended on July 4th, and past years have seen guest performances by local military bands. A third showing of Fantasmic is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. Restaurant lines will be very long, so plan to eat during off-peak hours or try some lesser-known restaurants.

Studio Disney 365 opens

Studio Disney 365 opened last Friday in Downtown Disney, taking over the space vacated by Club Libby Lu. SD365 offers makeovers for the Disney Channel crowd: girls who are a little too old for a Princess makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but not quite old enough to start hanging out at the local Sephora. MousePlanet mom Lisa Perkis brought her two daughters for makeovers on opening day, and will share her experiences in an upcoming article.

Studio Disney 365 is open in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The small store features four styling stations in the center of the shop, with another bank of stations against the back wall. Racks of clothes and accessories, a “purple carpet” area, a small fitting room and two photo stations further fill the already tight space, so crowd-adverse parents might want to wait outside while their children are transformed. The experience begins with a pre-makeover interview; followed by an optional trip to the “wardrobe” department before the hair and makeup styling. Once the transformation is complete, clients head for a post-makeover “interview” before their walk down the purple carpet; and finally to a photo shoot with Disney’s Photopass staff. In addition to a brand-new look, clients head home with a makeup case, any brushes or combs used during their styling, and a Photopass lanyard personalized with their photo. As they leave the store, clients are asked to sign their names in colored chalk on the sidewalk outside the store. 

Studio Disney 365 offers makeovers for the Disney Channel set. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Props and photos from Disney Channel stars decorate the retail space. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Studio Disney 365 offers the following makeover and wardrobe packages:

Makeover Packages:

• From the Top: Includes a unique hairstyle, cosmetic makeover, deluxe makeup case, downloadable image JPEG, and customized lanyard with photo for $29.95.
• Color Cue: Includes Guest’s choice of colored streaks, a unique twisted pony design, cosmetic makeover, deluxe makeup case, downloadable image JPEG, and customized lanyard with photo for $39.95.
• That’s a Wrap: Includes five front braids and high pony twists, Guest’s choice of faux hair (tousled or pony), lace stretch headband (black or pink), cosmetic makeover, deluxe makeup case, downloadable image JPEG, and customized lanyard with photo for $49.95.
• Spotlight: Includes two French braids wrapped to each side, Guest’s choice of faux hair pony tail, choice of colored flower hair accessory, cosmetic makeover, deluxe makeup case, downloadable image JPEG, and customized lanyard with photo for $49.95.
• Secret Star: Includes Hannah Montana wig with sequined headband, rocker headset, themed face gem, cosmetic makeover, deluxe makeup case, downloadable image JPEG, and customized lanyard with photo for $59.95.
• Rock Star: [Intended for boys] Includes smoky eyes, slicked back or spiked hair, colored gel tips, downloadable image JPEG, and customized lanyard with photo for $18.95

Wardrobe Packages: Get ready for action as you take center stage dressed from head to toe in today’s fashions. Purchase a wardrobe package and save up to $10* (Wardrobe packages start at $81, plus tax).

• Studio Rocker: Includes tutu, trend graphic T-shirt, fingerless gloves, and ankle tights
• Trend Setter: Includes fedora, trend graphic T-shirt, sunglasses, and scarf
• Scene Stealer: Includes gold tank top, Hannah Montana inspired gold-lamé jacket, black and purple tutu, black tights, and light-up drum sticks  

Store decor includes actual wardrobe pieces from Disney Channel stars, like these outfits from a recent Miley Cyrus tour. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The “wardrobe department” offers Disney-theme clothing and accessories to match the hair and makeup packages. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Reservations for Studio Disney 365 are available by calling (714) 781-STYLE (714-77895).

An encore performance for Disneyland’s Magic Shop

Word leaked early last week that Disneyland’s Main Street Magic Shop would close for a previously unscheduled “refurbishment,” creating concern for the future of the iconic store. Cast members blamed the pending closure on a number of factors, including a search for a new supplier of magic tricks and a long-overdue remodel to bring the tiny store into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The store was supposed to have closed on Friday, but a last-minute decision delayed the closure, leaving the store’s schedulers scrambling to fill shifts for the coming week.

Main Street Magic was slated to close last week, but a last-minute decision means the show will go on… for now. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The tiny store is in need of a remodel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The closure was reportedly first considered earlier this year, prompted by the pending Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), originally scheduled to take effect on February 10, 2009. CPSIA requires products intended for use by children under 12 to meet new standards for lead and phthalates, and imposes new testing and labeling standards on toys – including product already on retailer’s shelves. A one-year stay of enforcement was issued on January 30, but Disneyland had already sent much of their inventory of magic tricks and gags to outlet stores. Since that time, the store has offered a much-diminished selection of tricks and gags, and many popular items have been out of stock for months. Cast members say it has even been difficult to demonstrate magic tricks for customers because few of the tricks they usually perform are still available to sell.

Cast members really have to squeeze to get behind the demonstration counter. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney has reportedly been unable to obtain CPSIA certificates from Magic Makers, the maker of the SS Adams Co. line of gags and novelties, and is now looking for a new supplier. The issue is further complicated by the fact that Walt Disney World no longer has a Disney-owned magic shop, so this product would be purchased only for Disneyland. Such single-Resort purchasing is discouraged under the “One Disney” initiative, and cast members tell us that Disneyland is not getting a lot of support from the Walt Disney World-based merchandise buyers.

The selection of magic tricks and gags has been lacking in recent months. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Cast members also tell us that the Magic Shop itself is in dire need of renovation, including making the store and the cash register area ADA-compliant. Cast members behind the demonstration counter stand on a slightly raised platform, and have to squeeze around a sharp corner just to get behind the register.

While the Magic Shop reportedly has strong support from the Disneyland-based merchandise managers, and this last-minute reversal is encouraging, cast members are preparing themselves for the possibility that the store may still close. Even if the store is remodeled, cast members fear the Main Street Magic Shop will be leased to an outside vendor. Lessees already operate the magic cart in Downtown Disney, as well as the magic shop in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney, and the future of the Disneyland store may rest in finding an outside vendor to source, stock, demonstrate and sell magic.

The future of the Main Street Magic Shop is uncertain, and cast members fear an outside vendor may take over the operation. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Hit the road, (Dinosaur) Jack, and DCA construction photos

Three weeks ago, Dinosaur Jack looked ready to make his escape from the construction area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

DCA lost an icon last week, when demolition began on the giant green Dinosaur Jack Sunglass Shack in Paradise Pier. The shop was demolished over a few days, and by Sunday almost nothing remained of the towering figure.

Demolition began Wednesday night when the head of the figure was removed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

By Sunday there was no sign of the sunglass-selling reptile. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Workers have made a lot of progress on the new viewing area for the Wonderful World of Color show, and the outline of the terraces – and what the rendering on display in the Blue Sky Cellar show as another fountain – are taking shape. Maybe it’s us, but a second fountain in the middle of the viewing area seems like a huge waste of valuable real estate. We’re pretty sure nobody has ever looked at the crowds that pack around Disneyland’s Rivers of America every night to watch Fantasmic! and said, “you know what this viewing area really needs? A fountain!” We’re also perplexed by the sight lines for the new show. All of the renderings seem to indicate that the center of the show is in front of the Fun Wheel, yet the center of the new viewing area seems to be facing on the loop California Screamin’. We can’t wait to see how this all works out once the work is completed.

The new viewing area is starting to take shape. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Fun Wheel offers an aerial view of the show platform. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Timon parking lot is steadily shrinking as work begins on Cars Land. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The maze of cables and cable runs is growing more complex. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

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. Space is still available, so e-mail Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix to reserve your spot 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.

Disneyland’s rolling duffle is now just $15 with qualifying purchase. Photo © Disney.

…It looks like Disneyland’s summer purchase-with-purchase offer has been less popular than expected, and now the rolling duffle is offered for $14 with a $40 purchase, instead of $20 with a $50 purchase. A word of warning from a MousePlanet reader: rolling duffle bags can not used in the theme parks, and the bags are too large to fit in most Disneyland Resort lockers. If you purchase one, plan to leave it with the package check counters inside the theme parks, or buy one as you leave for the day.

Cosmic Waves has reopened as the Tomorrowland Park. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…The giant marble fountain is all that remains of the former Cosmic Waves attraction in Tomorrowland, but the area has reopened as the Tomorrowland Park. The water features still offers kids a way to get a little wet, while the ring of benches offers their parents a chance to relax under the still-growing shade trees.

…Several readers have complained that the flying Dumbo character has been missing from Disneyland’s new fireworks show in recent nights. Dumbo, which is a puppet operated by a performer inside an inflatable Dumbo suit, is reportedly very susceptible to the slightest winds. On nights when it is too windy for Tinker Bell to fly, Dumbo definitely will not appear. (They are reportedly portrayed by the same person). If Tinker Bell flies, there is still a chance Dumbo will not appear. We’ve discovered that the area behind Sleeping Beauty Castle, just to the West of the Dumbo attraction, offers a fairly good view of Dumbo as he begins his flight.

…Do you Twitter? Follow MousePlanet on Twitter (link) to get daily updates and breaking news, plus a chance to win prizes during Twitter Trivia contests. You can also follow Mark Goldhaber @MPMark , Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix @MousePlanetAVP, as well as our MouseAdventure account @MouseAdventure.

…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 (link) 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.
• Snow White’s Scary Adventures – closed through 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.
• Casey Jr. Circus Trains – closed August 31 – November 20 for refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed August 31 – November 20 for refurbishment.

Disney’s California Adventure

Refurbishments: 

• Blue Sky Cellar – closed July 10-15 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.
• Corn Dog Castle – closed because of construction in the area. An employee publication lists May 26, 2011 as the return date. During the renovation, corn dogs are available at Bountiful Valley Farmer’s Market.
• Souvenir 66 – closed because of construction in the area. An employee publication lists May 26, 2011 as the return date.
• Lucky Fortune Cookery – The long-shuttered restaurant is relocating to the smaller space recently vacated by Cocina Cucamonga, and reopen after September 14 with a new menu. 
• Orange Stinger – closed July 27, 2009 to April 28, 2010 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings.

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.

Summer

• Summer Pin Festival – Daily,  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. 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). Registered guests must submit RSP forms by June 28, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
• 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 90% full (link).
• Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Merchandise Event – Wednesday, September 9, 2009. (link). All four event packages are now sold out. Registered guests must submit RSP forms by Friday, July 31, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. 
• 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 – Saturday, November 7th. [Subject to change] 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	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

Character Dining Vouchers – Discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Travel (link).

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.