Disneyland Resort Update

Update for August 3 – 9, 2009

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

News and Views

Disneyland raises ticket prices | And Ears another price increase | DCA Construction Update | Additional D23 Expo details | This and That

Disneyland raises ticket prices

As expected, the Disneyland Resort quietly raised ticket prices this weekend, and the cost of a one-day, one-park ticket is now $72 for adults. Details of the price hike trickled out Friday afternoon, with the new pricing structure effective at Disneyland Resort ticket booths Sunday, August .

Annual passports jumped quite a bit this year, with the cost of the Premium Annual Passport climbing to $429, an increase of $40. Of the price increase, Disneyland Resort spokesperson Suzi Brown said “We offer a great value for Guests to experience our world-class entertainment and enjoy a full day of fun including rides, shows and other spectaculars. Many local Guests buy Annual Passes, which pay for themselves after just a few visits.”

As always, the Disneyland Resort will honor tickets you may have purchased before the price increase, so don’t worry that you’ll need to fork over an extra few dollars to use the ticket you purchased last week at the Disney Store. In fact, there are still several ways to purchase selected tickets at the old prices, at least for a few more weeks.

The Disneyland Resort Web site still displays the old prices, and we’ve been told the site will sell admission tickets at the pre-increase prices through August 23rd (link). The Anaheim Visitors and Convention Bureau still lists the pre-increase prices on their Web site (link). Disney Desks (including the South Coast Plaza location and those inside Resort-area Good Neighbor Hotels) will continue to sell tickets at the pre-increase pricing through August 24th. Likewise, Costco will continue to offer Deluxe Annual Passport vouchers at $269 through August 23rd, and customers will still receive $50 Disney Gift Card when they redeem the voucher by October 31, 2009. If you are planning to purchase or renew a Deluxe or Premium AP before 10/31, the Costco offer is the best value. The voucher 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 $379.

Since the pre-increase pricing is only available from Disneyland Resort Web site, online ticket partners and the Disney Desks through August 23rd, which also happens to be the last day to purchase the Costco Deluxe Annual Pass offer or the current Summer Nightastic 3 days for $99 ticket, we expect a new promotion to begin shortly thereafter.

All four Annual Passports increased in price by $10 – $40:

• Southern California Select: $144 ($10 increase)
• Southern California: $194 ($20 increase)
• Deluxe: $289 ($20 increase)
• Premium: $429 ($40 increase)
• Annual Passholder Blockout Pass: $45 ($5 increase)

And Ears another price increase

Though this weekend’s admission price increase was expected, a new embroidery fee for mouse ear hats came as a surprise, even for the cast members who work in the Resort’s hat shops. Walt Disney World has charged an additional fee to personalize mouse ear hats for several years, but Disneyland continued to offer basic embroidery for free, even after the Build-Your-Own-Ear-Hat program launched last spring. We heard earlier this year that the Walt Disney World-based merchandise executives planned to impose an embroidery fee at Disneyland to bring the Resort’s policies in line with Walt Disney World’s practices. Instead, Disneyland raised the price of their ears by a few dollars, making the price of a Disneyland hat with “free” embroidery equal to the price of a Walt Disney World hat with paid embroidery. This appeased the traditionalists who insisted that Disneyland should maintain the free service, but it seems that the merchants felt there was more profit to be made.

Disneyland’s new $3 fee brings the cost of the basic, personalized Disneyland Mickey Mouse ears to almost $15, a jump of $5 in less than a year. Disneyshopping.com, which offered free embroidery of ear hats when they launched their Theme Park store earlier this year, now adds $4.95 for embroidery. We haven’t heard if Walt Disney World has changed their policies or fees yet.

DCA Construction Update

The demolition of the former restroom complex and Golden Dreams mural appears complete, the first pieces of the Orange Stinger peel have been removed, and even more of the former Timon parking lot has been torn up. Though it seems that there’s so much destruction in Disney’s California Adventure park, the World of Color project seems to have turned a corner, and more of the finished elements are visible around Paradise Pier.

Golden Dreams/Little Mermaid

Now the mural is gone, along with the former restroom complex. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Last week, the theater had been demolished, but the restroom complex was still in place. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

This week, the entire complex has been leveled, leaving only the theater’s rotunda. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The space has been cleared for construction of The Little Mermaid attraction to begin. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Orange Stinger/Silly Symphony Swings

The Orange Stinger is closed through Spring 2010 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Scaffolding inside the attraction allows workers to peel the orange facade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The top leaf and section of peel have been removed from the Orange Stinger. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A peek at the top of the Orange Stinger. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Timon lot/Cars Land

More of the former Timon lot has been removed and leveled to make way for Cars Land. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Timon lot will be the new home for Cars Land. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

World of Color

Decorative railings have been installed around one section of the new viewing area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Concealing rock work is nearly complete around one light tower bunker. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Rock work is under construction around another light tower bunker. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Vertical construction has begun on one of the two fountains. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

More concrete structures are visible in the new viewing area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

If only there had been three more workers, this scene would have been perfect. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Additional D23 Expo details

The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts have announced more details about their participation in the upcoming Disney D23 Expo, September 10 to 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The press release covers some information already included in the most recent issue of the D23 Magazine, and hints at some new surprises for the Expo.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Offer a Glimpse “Behind the Magic” at Disney’s D23 EXPO, Sept. 10-13

Burbank, Calif., Aug. 3, 2009 – What will Disney’s theme parks and resorts look like in the future? Fans will learn the answer to that question and many more as they take a “behind-the-magic” tour of their favorite Disney destinations at the inaugural D23 EXPO, where the entire world of Disney will come together under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center in California from September 10-13.

Through a series of stunning displays and not-to-be-missed presentations, D23 EXPO attendees will explore the rich legacy and future of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts—a story that began in 1955 with Disneyland and has since grown to include 11 theme parks at five vacation destinations around the globe, as well as new immersive vacation experiences including the Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney and the Disney Vacation Club. On Saturday, Sept. 12, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo will share some “behind-the-magic” details as he pulls back the curtain on several new projects—including the 12-acre Cars Land that’s set to open at Disney’s California Adventure in 2012.

Here’s a sampling of exciting Disney Parks experiences that D23 EXPO attendees will discover:

• Never-before-seen models of classic Disney attractions and glimpses of coming projects that will surprise and delight even the most knowledgeable Disney fans.
• An exclusive sneak peek at the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure that’s so big, it won’t fit inside the Blue Sky Cellar.
• The chance to meet, up close and personal, Lucky the Dinosaur and Wall-E.
• A preview of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics figures ever created.
• Displays showcasing cutting-edge effects technologies that are being developed for Disney attractions, shows and venues.
• New Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2011.

Also, in the 500-seat Storytellers Theater, Imagineers and Cast Members who create and operate Disney’s parks, resorts, cruise ships and other vacation experiences will take fans behind-the-magic with a variety of presentations including:

• World of Color – Imagineer Steven Davison brings to life World of Color, the water-and-fire spectacular that will debut next year at Disney’s California Adventure.
• The Making of Toy Story Mania! – From its interactive elements and innovative ride system to its cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics figure of Mr. Potato Head, Toy Story Mania! represents a new kind of Disney theme park attraction. Meet the team who helped bring it to life.
• “So You Want to Become an Imagineer” – A panel of Imagineers will answer one of the most frequently asked questions of Walt Disney Imagineering – “How does one become an Imagineer?” – and will share what it’s like to be one.
• The Making of the U.S. Presidents – Imagineers will talk about updating both Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland and Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
• An Afternoon With Imagineering Legends – Disney Legend Marty Sklar will lead a celebration of the careers and accomplishments of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Cast Members who have been named Disney Legends.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is $37 for a one-day adult ticket and $27 for children 3-12. Four-day passes are $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four same-day admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Special vacation packages including Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations, D23 EXPO tickets and theme park admission are available at the D23 EXPO website. Packages are available from both the Walt Disney Travel Company and the Anaheim/ Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, which is offering a limited number of area hotel rooms at special rates to those attending the D23 EXPO.

Many more details about D23 EXPO entertainment, events and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” at Twitter and on Facebook.

MousePlanet’s Mark Goldhaber is scheduled to hold an interview with D23’s Steven Clark in this Thursday’s episode of the MouseStation Podcast.
 

This and That

…MousePlanet reader Roger alerted us that while some Utah schools will close October 1-2 for the Utah Education Association convention (UEA, also known as “Utah Escapes to Anaheim), other schools will close October 16 instead for a “Fall Break.” UEA creates a 4-day weekend for students and their families, many of whom use the opportunity to visit Disneyland for a weekend, and the impact on the Resort is usually noticeable enough to warrant a mention. Roger tells us “you will get a big surge of people the weekend of October 2. Then you’ll get another smaller surge the weekend of October 15. Next year fall break will be the same for the whole state and will probably be a huge surge like normal, but this year with the weekends being split it should not be as big a problem.”
 

…As first reported last week by the OC Weekly, a Twitter user organized a “silent flash mob” protest at Disneyland last Thursday. The event, however, drew more observers than protesters (link). The idea was for participants to mix in with the crowd of visitors in the Esplanade between Disneyland and DCA, “freeze” in place for two minutes at a set time, and then simply melt back into the crowd. The demonstration was said to be in support of the “protesters who were killed during the post-election demonstrations in Iran,” and was modeled on a similar stunt held in New York. Before the event, the organizer said 200 people were expected; after the event they claimed “between 30 and 50” people joined in the protest, though most accounts say that only 4 or 5 people actually froze in place. MousePlanet reader BGW4SC said, “I went to witness the mob freeze and it was a huge mob BUST,” and described the protest on our MousePad discussion boards (link).

…Calling all SoCal-area MouseAdventurers: We are looking for a few individuals who have played MouseAdventure in the past to help do some fact checking and testing of quests from past events for an upcoming project. Interested participants should be returning MouseAdventurer players (individuals are welcome; your entire team need not be present), available on Sunday, August 9 between noon and 4 p.m, and must have valid admission to either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. If you are interested, please respond to joe@mouseplanet.com with your availability, which park(s) you will have access to, and which MouseAdventure event(s) and division(s) you have previously played.

…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 currently only publishes 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

• Bank of Main Street – closed through September 25 for conversion into the Disney Gallery.
• The Enchanted Cottage – closed through October 2.
• Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years – closed through December 16 to return Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to the Main Street Opera House.
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – closed through August 14 for refurbishment.
• The Enchanted Cottage – closed through November 17 for refurbishment.
• Casey Jr. Circus Trains – closed August 24 – November 19 for refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed August 24 – November 19 for refurbishment.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed September 8 – 10 for refurbishment.
• Space Mountain – closed September 8 – 24 to install the Halloween overlay.
• Minnie’s House – closed September 9 for refurbishment.
• Haunted Mansion – closed September 10 – 24 to install the Halloween overlay.
• Celebration Ranch – closed September 14 – 24 to install the Halloween overlay.
• Gadget’s Go Coaster – closed September 14 – October 26 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed September 28 – October 2 for refurbishment.
• Blue Bayou – closed September 28 – October 2 for refurbishment.

Disneyland vendors carry huge bouquets of white Mickey Mouse balloons across Main Street, U.S.A. An LED tied into the balloon makes them glow at night. Photo by Joe Stevano.

Disney’s California Adventure

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 through April 28, 2010 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings.

Pixar T-shirts and travel mugs are now available for sale at Off the Page in DCA. Photo by Joe Stevano.

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).
• 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 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).
• HalloweenTime at the Disneyland Resort – September 25 – November 1, 2009 (link).
• Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. “Utah Escapes to Anaheim”) – October 1-2, 2009. (Link). Expect unusually large attendance levels as Utah students and families take advantage of a 4-day weekend created by their school’s participation in a state education convention. Not all Utah schools or teachers close for or attend UEA, but the impact on the Resort is usually noticeable enough to mention. Some Utah schools will close October 16th, possibly generating a second wave of visitors.
• 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 Ticket – Regularly $72/$62 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $97/$87	Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper
Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $151/$131	AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $10 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 $204/$174	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 $104 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). 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 $229/$199	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). 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 $249/$219	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 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! Tickets must be purchased by 8/11/09 and first use must occur before 9/30/09.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 $254/$224	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 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 $289	Costco $269 Deluxe Annual Passport + $50 bonus gift card offer – [Extended through October, 2009] Costco members can purchase a Deluxe Disneyland Resort annual passport for the old rate of $269 at a participating Costco location, and receive a $50 Disneyland gift card as a bonus. The offer should be available at all Southern California Costco stores that currently sell Disneyland admission, and is available only through August 23rd. 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 $379. Vouchers must be purchased by August 23 and redeemed by October 31, 2009.
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.

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.