Disneyland Resort Update

Update for June 22 – 28, 2009

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

News and Views

Kobe Bryant celebrates Lakers Victory at Disneyland | A major remodel for the Disneyland Hotel | Cocina Cucamonga reopens in DCA | Summer Nightastic means fantastic crowds | Disneyland Half Marathon update | DCA construction photo update | This and That

Kobe Bryant celebrates Lakers victory at Disneyland

The “Fairytale Series” concluded with a Lakers victory. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Kobe Bryant represented the Los Angeles Lakers at a victory parade at Disneyland last week, following the team’s victory in the 2009 NBA Finals. Bryant appeared in a short parade down Main Street U.S.A., accompanied by Disney characters and parade performers. Lakers fans, many wearing Lakers shirts and jerseys, lined up as early as 7:00 a.m. to get a glimpse of the MVP. Two lucky fans, Pomona residents David Guerrero and his 4-year-old son Jonathan, were selected from the crowd and given the opportunity to ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds with Bryant after the parade.

Mickey and friends join Kobe Bryant in a Disneyland parade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Lakers victory ended the so-called “Fairytale Series,” against the Orlando Magic. According to Disney, Ed Grier the president of the Disneyland Resort had a friendly wager with and Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World, on the NBA Finals, and the two Resorts displayed their respective team’s colors on their castles throughout the series. After the Lakers won the title, Crofton had to walk Main Street, USA in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort sporting a pair of purple-and-gold Mickey Mouse ears.

2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant greets fans at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Lakers fans fill Main Street after the Lakers victory parade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Kobe Bryant sits down in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle after the parade to answer questions from the local media. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A major remodel for the Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Resort announced last week a major remodel for the Disneyland Hotel, including “significant guest room upgrades, new room amenities and exterior enhancements.” Photos released show a new, fiber optic-enhanced headboards and flat-screen televisions in the rooms. Disney says the rooms will feature new mini-refrigerators and coffee makers. Corporate travelers will be pleased by the large work desk with built-in power strip, in-room wireless Internet, and new in-room safes large enough to hold a laptop computer.

A new fiber optic headboard is the focal point of the new decor planned for the Disneyland Hotel. Photo © Disney.

The guest room balconies will be removed, and the sliding glass doors replaced with energy-efficient, sky-blue glass windows that Disney says will extensively filter outside noise. The remodel also calls for an upgrade to the hotel’s chronically underpowered air conditioning system, something that will become even more important once the rooms are sealed from any outside air flow. Disney says that the hotel will remain open during the renovation, which is scheduled to be completed in 2012. The refurbishment will take place in stages, with each of the hotel’s three towers closed in sequence to complete the renovation.
 

The new hotel decor will cater to conventioneers and business travelers with a large work desk and laptop-friendly room safe. Photo © Disney.

Mickey mitts hold lamps in the bathroom. Photo © Disney.

Cocina Cucamonga reopens in DCA

Cocina Cucamonga has reopened in Disney’s California Adventure, and is now housed in the former site of the Lucky Fortune Cookery. The new location gives the restaurant a much larger kitchen and twice the number of service windows, and the new ordering stations should help speed service. The menu might look familiar to anyone who has recently eaten at Disneyland’s Rancho del Zocalo, though tamales replace enchiladas on the combination platters. Cocina Cucamonga sold pineapple empanadas during the 2009 Food & Wine Festival, and they were so popular that they are now a regular menu item, joined by a chocolate version.

The newly expanded Cocina Cucamonga has a larger kitchen and more serving space, but can anyone find it? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Cocina Cucamonga has always been a busy restaurant with long lines typical during peak meal times, but the new location seems to have confused diners. While the line at the nearby Pacific Wharf Cafe stretched out the door and into the seating area Friday night, the crowd at Cocina Cucamonga looked much smaller. The restaurant’s large sign is hard to see above the cluster of trees and umbrellas that provide shade to the area; a second sign on the side of the building still advertises the Lucky Fortune Cookery. It will be interesting to see if the Lucky Fortune Cookery, slated to open in Cocina Cucamonga’s former, smaller space this September, will prove to be more popular once it is relocated to a more prominent location.

Cocina Cucamonga menu:

Platos – served with refried beans, Mexican rice, Pico de Gallo and sour cream. Sautéed vegetables may be substituted for rice or beans.

• Fire-Grilled Citrus Chicken – 1/2 chicken, seasoned in a savory marinade of cumin, garlic, cilantro, lemon and lime served with warm flour tortillas. $13.49
• Carne Asada and Chicken Tamale – Marinated and grilled beef cooked to perfection, served with a chicken tamale and warm flour tortillas. $11.49
• Soft Tacos Monterey – Beef, chicken or roasted vegetables with seared peppers and onions, topped with cheese and served in warm flour tortillas. $9.99
• Burrito Sonora – Beef, chicken or roasted vegetables with refried beans, seared peppers and onions, and shredded cheese topped with a traditional
• Guajillo sauce. $10.49
• Chicken Tamales – Two chicken tamales served with pasilla-tomatillo sauce. $9.99

Ensaladas

• Hacienda Chicken Caesar Salad – Grilled chicken breast, romaine lettuce, red bell peppers, Cotija cheese, pepitas Caesar dressing and crisp tortilla strips. $11.49
• Fajita Ensalada – Beef, chicken or roasted vegetables on top of chopped lettuce, refried beans, seared peppers and onions. Finished with shredded cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole and crisp tortilla strips. $9.49

Viva Sweets

• Crispitos – $2.99
• Chocolate Empanada – $4.99
• Pineapple Empanada – $4.99

Kid’s Meals

• Bean and Cheese Burrito – Served with rice, fruit cup, a fun straw and choice of small low-fat milk, small low-fat chocolate milk, Minute Maid juice box or small Dasani water. $6.49
• Chicken Taco with Cheese – Served with rice, fruit cup, a fun straw and choice of low-fat milk, low-fat chocolate milk, juice or small Dasani water. $6.49

Toddler Meal

• Arroz con Pollo – Chicken and rice served with smooth apple sauce and small low-fat milk. $3.99

Drinks

• Souvenir Sipper – Includes soft drink at time of purchase. $8.99
• Soda – Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Minute Maid Light Lemonade, Nestea. $2.69/$3.29
• Dasani Bottled Water – $2.79
• Minute Maid Apple Juice or Orange Juice – $1.59
• Nesquick Chocolate Milk – $2.69
• Nestle Hot Cocoa – $2.69
• Nescafe Coffee – Regular or decaffeinated. $2.69
• Nestea Hot Tea – $2.69
• Low-fat milk – $1.59
• Tecate – $6.75
• Dos Equis Amber – $6.75

The Lucky Fortune Cookery reopens in a smaller space in September. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Summer Nightastic means fantastic crowds

The first week of the Summer Nightastic promotion has drawn big crowds to both Disneyland and DCA, with the parks especially busy last Monday and Tuesday when those with SoCal and SoCal Select passports packed the parks before their summer blockout dates began. With three major nighttime entertainment offerings, it’s understandable that many visitors want to try to catch all three in one visit, but the mass movement of guests from one park to another is creating near gridlock conditions, especially when thousands of people try to park hop. In what appears to be an effort to discourage guests from watching Disney’s Electrical Parade in DCA and then popping over to Disneyland for the new Magical fireworks, Disney begins the parade at 8:45 p.m., and starts the parade in Paradise Pier instead of at the front of the park. People trying to exit DCA after watching the parade in Paradise Pier find themselves stuck behind the procession as it travels through the narrow construction area, and are then forced through the Golden State area and into Condor Flats en route to the park exit. If you’re quick, and have little regard for the personal space of those around you, you might be able to shove through the crowd and get to the park exit before the parade reaches the Sunshine Plaza, but it will be difficult to get through the Disneyland Main Entrance gates and onto Main Street before the fireworks begin at 9:25 p.m.

DCA crowds block the park exit as they watch Disneyland’s fireworks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Those who watch the parade from the Sunshine Plaza have a shorter walk to Disneyland, but far less time to make the transition once the parade concludes. Worse, DCA closes as the parade ends most nights, which leaves guests with no option but to leave the park. Where some quantity of people might be reabsorbed into attraction queues, or might stop to grab a late-night snack or last-minute souvenir, the 9:00 p.m. close dumps thousands of people out of DCA at once. Many of these people reach the Sunshine Plaza just as the fireworks begin, creating a whole new traffic jam under the Golden Gate Bridge. With no hope of getting into Disneyland for the fireworks, many visitors just decide to watch the show from inside DCA, making the exit impassable. On Friday night, guest control cast members tried in vain to keep a walkway open, but the crowd just would not cooperate.

Disney’s new glow balloons are one of the best pieces of Summer Nightastic merchandise. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

If you only have one night to catch all three Summer Nightastic! shows, one idea is to watch Disney’s Electrical Parade from in front of the former Golden Dreams theater, and be prepared to leave as soon as the last float has passed. If you’re quick, you can get ahead of the crowd leaving the parade route, and out of DCA while the people in the Sunshine Plaza are still watching the parade. Park hop into Disneyland and grab a spot somewhere on Main Street for the fireworks, but don’t expect to get anywhere near the Castle. After that, you should be able to catch the second performance of Fantasmic! – if the park is so crowded that the seating area is already full, the chances are good that a third Fantasmic! show will be added.

Disneyland Half Marathon update

Disneyland has released the final route for the 2009 Disneyland Half Marathon, and race organizers say the event is at 90% capacity. Race fans will be thrilled to see that the course includes a run through (not around) Angel Stadium, an opportunity many missed when the course of the 2008 race was changed. You can view the race course on the event Web site (link).

Even if you’re not up to running (or walking) 13.1 miles, there are still a number of ways to participate. The Half Marathon weekend also includes the Family Fun Run 5K and Kids’ Races (400-, 200- and 100-meter dashes). The Family Fun Run 5K is $40 per person, registration for the Kids’ Races is $10 per child (link). Disney is once again hosting a Pasta in the Park party in Disney’s California Adventure the night before the half marathon. The event is $115 for adults, $99 for children ages 3-9, and includes a one-day admission ticket to DCA (link).

The Anaheim Community Foundation for the 2009 Disneyland Half Marathon is looking for volunteers to work the Half Marathon Expo, the Family Fun Run 5K and Kid Race, and the Disneyland Half Marathon. Interested volunteers can apply online (link). Finally, a VIP Spectator Package is available for those who want to reserve a spot at the finish line. The package is $119 per person, ages 3 and up, and includes reserved seating at the finish line, a one-day, one-park admission ticket, reserved parking at the Disneyland Hotel, continental breakfast, and even reserved restrooms.

DCA construction photo update

A construction wall-lined path leads the way into Paradise Pier. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The sloped walkway forms one edge of the new viewing area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The control tower is located under the bridge between the Golden State and Paradise Pier. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The entire viewing area is surrounded by a new boardwalk. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The new viewing area takes shape. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A new section of track is installed around the front of the show platform. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Orange Stinger is scheduled to close on July 27. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Pumps, pumps and more pumps dot the show platform. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Plumbers work behind the show platform. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The tracks extend to the access ramp of the lagoon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Piles of cable are coiled and ready to install on the raised tracks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The raised tracks help protect and organize the cable being run towards the show platform. 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.

…It looks like visitors planning to visit Disneyland for the 4th of July fireworks will have FOUR opportunites to see the show. According to the entertainment schedule posted to the Disneyland Resort Web site, Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will be shown nightly at 9:25 p.m. from Thursday, July 2 – Sunday, July 5. This is really great news for visitors, and should help ease the crowding expected over the holiday weekend. This also gives Deluxe Annual Passholders the opportunity to see the show on Thursday night, since they are blocked out for the rest of the weekend.

…MousePlanet reader Madabbagator alerted us a few weeks ago about possible dates for the taping of the Disneyland portions of the annual Walt Disney World Christmas parade. It looks like the dates have changed, and the parade will be taped on Saturday, November 7.

…MousePlanet sponsor Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel has just updated their Web site to include video tours of their property and hotel rooms (link). For those who like to “know before you go,” these videos are a great way to preview the Standard, Deluxe and Premium rooms, and to see the refurbished pool area and Castaway Cove water play area added last summer.

…Come CHOCWalk with MousePlanet –Sunday, October 18. Join MousePlanet staff and readers for the 2009 CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park. Team MousePlanet will once again participate in this event, and additional details will be announced as they are available.

…A few weeks ago, a video titled “Disneyland Musical Marriage Proposal” was posted to the DisneyParks channel on YouTube. The video purports to show a young man proposing to his girlfriend in the middle of Main Street, surrounded by a crowd that just happens to break into song and choreographed dance (link). Several viewers identified the “spectators” as members of Disneyland’s entertainment department, and point to the rooftop cameras used to capture the wide-angle shots, the street-level camera crew visible at points during the video and the wireless microphones worn by the participants as evidence that this was nothing more than a staged event, probably taped in an effort to spark a “viral video” to generate awareness of the Summer Nightastic promotion.

The video may not have been the best advertisement for the new shows that make up Summer Nightastic, but it has had a possibly unintended side effect. A cast member tells us that the Resort has seen a recent increase in the number of people who call the Guest Relations and Fairy Tale Weddings departments to inquire about staging their own proposal at Disneyland, but, as MousePlanet reader “MrZombie” discovered when he called, the options are limited.

Last January, a group of MousePad members helped member Chris propose to his fiancé Brittany in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, and now MrZombie is looking for a little help for his perfect proposal. If you’ll be visiting Disneyland on Friday, July 3 and would like to help out, visit our MousePad discussion forum and join the discussion (link). This proposal won’t involve any singing or dancing, but we bet this one results in a real wedding

…Win a trip to Disneyland in the Pixie Hollow Summer Vacation Sweepstakes (link). The grand prize is a trip to the Disneyland Resort for the winner and up to three guests, including park admission, hotel accommodations, round-trip airfare and a meet-and-greet opportunity with Tinker Bell. To enter, you must have or create an account with the Disney Fairies game Web site, or with any Disney.com site.

…Do you Twitter? Follow MousePlanet on Twitter to get daily updates and breaking news, plus a chance to win prizes during Twitter Trivia contests. To follow us, visit https://twitter.com/MousePlanet (link). You can also follow Mark Goldhaber @MPMark , Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix @MousePlanetAVP and 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 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.
• Casey Jr. Circus Trains – closed August 31 – November 20 for refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed August 31 – November 20 for refurbishment.

Studio Disney 365 is scheduled to open Friday. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

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.
• Dinosaur Jack Sunglass Shack – closed because of construction in the area.
• 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, 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). 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

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.