Disneyland Resort Update

Update for September 28 – October 4, 2009

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

News and Views

Halloween Time is a hit | Disney’s first West coast DVC property opens | Bookings now open for DCL cruises to Alaska and Mexico | Downtown Disney’s new tenant | This and That

Halloween Time is a hit

Halloween Time began this weekend, and based on the reaction of MousePlanet readers who visited Disneyland this weekend, the new fireworks show and holiday overlay of Space Mountain are a huge hit. The descriptions below may contain spoilers, so if you want to be completely surprised when you visit the park in person, CLICK HERE to jump to the next story in this Update.

Eager fans began claiming benches in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle as early as 3pm last Friday to have a front row center view of the new Halloween Screams fireworks, a new show created by Steven Davison, Vice President Parades and Spectaculars at The Walt Disney Company. The show delivers two great effects almost as soon as it opens – “Master of Scaremonies” Jack Skellington appears on a giant “moon balloon” floating above the left side of the Castle, and Zero the Ghost Dog flies and floats around the Castle’s spires. Halloween Screams uses a remix of the soundtrack from Walt Disney World’s Hallowishes fireworks show, and several readers commented that they’d love to purchase the music. (While the Disneyland version is not currently available, the Hallowishes soundtrack is included in the Magic Kingdom Event Party Music CD available from Walt Disney World.)

The moon balloon is featured prominently throughout the show, with various characters and images projected on it during different segments. Davison has incorporated projections into all of his recent fireworks shows, and this expands the “canvas” even further, allowing more people to see and appreciate the effect. While this means that you don’t need to have a clear view of the Castle walls to see the projections in this show, you still need to be able to see the Castle. For those without a clear line-of-sight to the balloon, Jack Skellington is nothing more than an unseen narrator, and several of the really clever effects are lost. If you just can’t wait to see the new show in person, we’ve posted a two-part video from the public debut on our MousePlanet.tv You Tube channel (link). Part 1 is embedded below.

A bit of advice for those planning to catch the show: if you’re willing to navigate through a crowd, you really don’t need to camp out for hours to get a Castle-view spot. About 30 minutes before the show begins, cast members ask everyone who has been sitting in the viewing areas to stand up and step forward, making room behind them for more people to fill in. This means that your perfect view from the bench across the street from the Castle will be obstructed by hundreds of standing bodies, and, since the sidewalk directly in front of the Castle is used for pedestrian traffic during the show, your front-row seat will come with the added bonus of a steady flow of traffic throughout the show, accompanied by flashlight-waving CMs shouting “keep moving! keep moving!. While this practice really annoys those who spend hours waiting for the show, CMS say that they can fit about 30% more people into the same space if they are standing rather than sitting. Time your arrival right, and you can fill into the open space created when everyone stands up.

The other major new addition is the Ghost Galaxy overlay to Space Mountain. In the creepy new story line, something has gone terribly wrong around Space Station 77, and passengers on space shuttles launched from the station find themselves zooming through a galaxy filled with menacing specters hiding amongst the planets and nebulae. The ride is so dark and creepy (ghosts with skeletal limbs appear to reach toward your rocket) that warning signs outside the attraction warn that it might not be appropriate for children. There is nothing that actually jumps out at your vehicle – all of the effects are projections against the interior of the attraction’s dome – but it’s definitely not the usual Space Mountain experience.

HalloweenTime at the Disneyland Resort runs September 25 to November 1, 2009. We’ll have more photos and details in our HalloweenTime photo tour later this week.

Don’t forget, MousePlanet is hosting two unofficial “MousePlanet Nights at Trick-or-Treat Party” this year. These meets are scheduled for Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 30, and will be hosted by MousePlanet staff and MousePad Community Leaders. Join the discussion and get more information on our MousePad discussion board (link). If you’re planning to attend, be sure to let us know so we can have enough treats for everyone!

Disney’s first West coast DVC property opens

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa officially opened last week, and a large group of Disney executives and community leaders were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning before the first owners checked into the Disney Vacation Club’s first West coast property that afternoon. The new Villas were constructed as part of a 2.5 acre expansion of the existing Grand Californian Hotel, a project that also added 203 new guest rooms, a new pool and new guest amenities.

The transition from the original hotel to the new wing is nearly seamless, and the enclosed bridge between the sections offers a nice view of the new Mariposa pool area, and a peek at Disney’s California Adventure in the background. The DVC Villas have either a Pool view, overlooking the Mariposa pool, or a theme park view, with a great view of the Paradise Pier construction zone. The hotel rooms have either a pool view or a street view, overlooking Disneyland Drive. As at most DVC properties, there are four sizes of Villas available: Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom and the Three Bedroom Grand Villa. Each is decorated in the same Arts and Crafts style used throughout the original Grand Californian Hotel, including Tiffany-style lighting and floral patterns in the bedding, carpets and wall treatments. All rooms have in-room wired and wireless high-speed Internet.

Cast members and the Disneyland Resort Ambassadors gathered for the opening ceremony of the new Villas at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Studio – At under 400 square feet, Studio rooms sleep up to four people, and are most comparable to a traditional hotel room. Studios have a few features most hotel rooms don’t, including microwave and small refrigerator, plus a flat-screen TV with DVD player. Each studio has a private porch or balcony, and guests have access to a self-service laundry facility on site.

The new Mariposa pool area offers private cabanas. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

One Bedroom – Averaging 865, a one bedroom Villa has a king bed, a queen sleeper-sofa and a bunk-sized Murphy bed, and can sleep up to 5 people. Each one bedroom Villa has a two full bathrooms (one with a whirlpool tub), a full kitchen, dining area with chairs, and in-suite laundry with stacked washer and dryer. The kitchen comes outfitted with a stove, microwave, toaster oven, dishwasher and full size refrigerator The cabinets are stocked with pots and pans, basic cooking utensils and dinnerware. The one bedroom Villa has two flat-screen TVs (one with DVD player) and private porch or balcony.

Full kitchens are the most noticeable difference between a DVC Villa and a normal hotel room. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Two Bedroom – There are two types of two bedroom Villas, and some people have strong preferences between them. A “lockoff” Villa is created by opening the door between a one bedroom Villa and an adjoining Studio; a “dedicated” two bedroom Villa is a self-contained unit. Both average 1,257 square feet and sleep up to 9 people, though the dedicated Villas replace one of the sofa sleepers in the second bedroom with a second queen bed. If you don’t really need that second bed, the advantage to a lockoff Villa is that the studio room has its own entrance, (albeit tiny) kitchen, private balcony, and DVD player. Both models have three bathrooms, and the same kitchen as a one bedroom Villa.

The two bedroom Villa sleeps up to 9 people. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Three Bedroom “Grand Villa” – The Grand Californian Hotel only has two of these two-story Grand Villas; one Pool View and one Park View. At over 2,400 square feet, each Grand Villa has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. Each sleeps up to 12 people. In addition to all of the amenities. of a one- or two-bedroom Villa, the Grand Villa has a second, upstairs entrance, a two-story-high picture window, and a second-story game room, complete with pool table and queen size sofa sleeper. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, and both of the guest bedrooms each have two queen size beds. The Grand Villa has four private balconies (one from each bedroom and one adjoining the living room).

The three bedroom Grand Villa has a full living room and dining room, plus game room with pool table. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

To accommodate more guests from the expanded hotel section, as well as to provide some of the amenities. that DVC members have come to expect at the Florida resorts, the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa made some adjustments to the guests service venues. The Grizzly Game Arcade and Pinocchio’s Workshop (Disney’s licensed child care center) have both relocated. Pinocchio’s Workshop can now accommodate up to 20 children at one time (at $12 per hour, per child). A new guest laundry and barbecue area was constructed on the park side of the new wing, making the Villas the second DVC property to offer a barbecue area for guests. The original Fountain and Redwood pool areas have been joined by the new Mariposa pool and hot tub, and the new pool area offers four private cabanas.

The Villas at the Grand Californian also have a members-only observation deck, offering a panoramic view of Paradise Pier at Disney’s California Adventure. The deck is located too far West to afford an unobstructed view of the Wonderful World of Color show when it debuts next year, but guests in pool view rooms who don’t want to make the trek into the park to see the show may find it an acceptable alternative.

The two story window of the Grand Villa offers a stunning view of Paradise Pier. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

All DVC properties offer a small convenience store, and so White Water Snacks was slightly remodeled to offer grocery items in addition to prepared and cook-to-order foods. DVC members who have previously stayed at a Florida resort might be surprised at the very limited selection at White Water Snacks. [A full list of the grocery items offered is posted on our MousePad discussion boards (link).] You’ll find enough there to put together very simple meals, but if you plan to do any real cooking in your Villa (or you want a steak to grill on those brand-new BBQs), plan to hit a grocery store on your way to the Resort, or arrange for grocery delivery through a service like Vons.com. DVC also offers grocery shopping service, though there is no shopping list available for the Grand California property.

The opening of the new DVC property introduces an entirely new element to the Disneyland Resort – owners. While some complain that Annual Passholders “act like they own the place,” DVC members actually do hold an ownership interest in the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. The management of the Villas got a taste of that dynamic last week, when some Founders Club members (a group of owners who bought their membership during a promotional period when the California sales office opened) got wind of the ribbon cutting planned for opening day – and learned they weren’t invited. A few came anyway, and watched the ceremony from the sidelines. Disney hosted a Welcome Home reception for owners later that evening, a catered affair with an appearance by Mickey and Minnie, but MousePlanet reader Cheryl said the party seemed to her like “it was thrown together at the last minute.” Some owners are upset that, unlike the Florida resorts, valet parking is not free for owners at the Grand Californian. Cheryl notes that the parking structure that was constructed under the new wing is reserved for valet, and that owners must use the self-parking lot across the street or pay the $17 per day valet fee. It’s going to be interesting to see how the California resort adjusts to the needs and requests of owners.

Grizzly Game Arcade and Pinocchio’s Workshop have relocated to the new wing of the hotel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Check MousePlanet.com later this week for an even more photos from the newest Disneyland Resort hotel offering. Remember, you don’t need to be a DVC owner to stay in the new Villas. When available, DVC Villas can be booked as “cash” stays, which gives you a good opportunity to experience a stay in a Villa before you buy into DVC.

Bookings now open for DCL cruises to Alaska and Mexico

Just a quick reminder that today is the first day that most passengers can make reservations for the new Disney Cruise Line itineraries for Alaska and the Mexican Riviera. (Bookings opened last week for Gold- and Platinum-level members in the Castaway Club program.) If there’s a Disney Cruise in your future, stop by the Cruise Line forum of our MousePad discussion boards and let us know when and where you’re sailing (link).

Downtown Disney’s new tenant

MousePlanet reader John Garcia shared with us a job listing for Ridemakerz, a new tenant coming to Downtown Disney (link). Ridemakerz lets customers build and customize a model car, assemble the car in the store and take it home the same day. You start with a base car ($10 and up) and customize it with tires, wheels, engine noise, decals, running boards and more. The shop offers a variety of makes and models ranging from Corvettes and Mustangs to the Mini Cooper and Scion Xb. For an additional $25, you can add a radio control function. It all adds up, and finished cars with all of the accessories can total well over $80. More information is available on the company’s Web site (link).

Ridemakerz is partly owned by fellow Downtown Disney tenant Build-a-Bear, and will set up shop just a few doors away, in a portion of the space vacated earlier this year by Department 56. Like Build-a-Bear, Ridemakerz offers parties and special events – including “team building” events for companies. The store is scheduled to be open as soon as October 6th, and is currently slated to operate only through the holiday season.
 

This and That

…If you were planning to visit Disneyland on November 7th to see the taping of the annual holiday special, be prepared to be a little flexible. Some of the youth dance groups that perform in the parade were just notified that some of the taping may now take place on Sunday, November 8th. MousePad member Madabbagator, who has been keeping us up-to-date with the latest details, said that the changes are due to “expanded celebrity talent,” and that ABC-TV is adjusting the production schedule to accommodate the celebrities. We’ll update you here next week if there is any new information, but we recommend that you keep an eye on the 2009 Holiday Parade Filming thread (link) on our MousePad discussion board for the latest news.

…The Advanced Purchase tickets currently available through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau are now valid through January 3, 2011 (link). These tickets are slightly discounted even from the advanced purchase price available directly through the Disneyland Resort Web site. We don’t recommend purchasing your tickets quite this far in advance of your planned trip, but it’s worth noting for those who are making long-term vacation plans.

…The new Edelweiss snack bar has opened in Fantasyland. The stand is a more attractive replacement for the outdoor vending carts that have been in operation across from the Matterhorn, and offers the same menu items:

Turkey Leg – $8.00
Chimichanga – $5.50
Corn on the Cob (Buttered or Chili Lime) – $4.75
Large Bag of Chips – $3.00

Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Light Lemonade, Fanta Orange – $3.00/$3.50/$6.00 (Small, Large, Souvenir Sipper)
Soft Frozen Beverages – $4.00/$7.00 (Regular/Souvenir Sipper)
Dasani Water – $3.00

…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

The new Villas are open, but some of the hotel rooms in the original wing of the Grand Californian are still being refurbished. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland

• Bank of Main Street – closed through October 2 for renovation into the new Disney Gallery.
• Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years – closed through December 16 to return Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln to the Main Street Opera House.
• The Enchanted Cottage – closed through November 4 for refurbishment.
• Casey Jr. Circus Trains – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
  
• Gadget’s Go Coaster – closed through October 26 for refurbishment.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed September 28 to October 2 for refurbishment.
• Blue Bayou Restaurant – closed September 28 to October 2 for refurbishment.
• Sailing Ship Columbia – closed October 5–7 for deck oiling.
• Indiana Jones Adventure – closed October 5–8.
• Disneyland Railroad – closed October 5–8.
• Sailing Ship Columbia – closed October 12–15.
• “it’s a small world” – closed October 26–November 12 for installation of the holiday overlay.

Construction continues at the Disneyland Hotel, and the new windows have been installed in several rooms. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

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. The building that once house this film-based attraction has been demolished, and 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 was scheduled to be refilled after Labor Day, but construction delays have moved the date back to mid-October.
• 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 due to 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 due to construction in the area. An employee publication lists May 26, 2011 as the return date.
• Orange Stinger – closed through April 28, 2010 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings.

The new Villas offer a look behind the construction walls at Disney’s California Adventure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

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.

Fall

• HalloweenTime at the Disneyland Resort – September 25 to 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.
• Sukkot at the Disneyland Resort – early October 2009 (link). To celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, PureTiyulim.com will host a Sukkah on the Dream Lawn of the Disneyland Hotel, and present a concert by Jewish entertainer Lipa in the Festival Arena October 6, 2009. Visit the event Web site for details and tickets.
• 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). All other visitors can purchase tickets through the event Web site (link).
• 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. Team MousePlanet will once again participate in this event, and you are invited to register to walk with us (click here to register). Visit our MousePad discussion boards to meet other members of Team MousePlanet and discuss the Walk (link).

Winter

• Holiday Parade Filming – Saturday, November 7 and/or Sunday, November 8. [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.
• Candlelight Processional – Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6. The narrator has not yet been announced, and details of the dining package offering has not been released.
• Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort – November 13, 2009 to January 3, 2010

2010

• 5th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 3-5, 2010. Registration is now open (link).

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 ($149/$129) – 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). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011.
Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $204/$174	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). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011. 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	Costco 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($159.95) – A special offer for Costco members who are also residents of Southern California (link). Unlike some recent offers, this ticket has no “fuse” – you can use the first admission today, and have almost a full year to use the remaining admission days before the ticket expires on August 23, 2010. The ticket is blocked out the week between Christmas and New Years (inclusive of both holidays), and for the week of March 26 to  April 4, which gives you an idea of what Disneyland expects to be the peak Spring Break period. The ticket is not blocked out on any other holidays – including Labor Day, Thanksgiving or even the 4th of July – and can be upgraded to any Annual Passport except the SoCal Select pass. The Costco Web site states in three different places – including a bold, bright red headline – that visitors “Must reside within ZIP codes 90000-93599” and that “Proof of residency required upon redemption.” The ticket you purchase at Costco is a valid admission ticket, and you can take it directly to a main entrance gate to use it. We’ve been told that, to prevent the unauthorized “transfer” of tickets between visitors (ie, you use the first two days of the ticket and give it to a friend to use the second two days), visitors will be required to write their name on the ticket when it is first used for admission, and to show ID with that same name upon subsequent admissions. Obviously minor children will be exempt from the ID requirement, but will also be required to write their name on the ticket when it is first used. Adults should plan to have ID with them to use the ticket. 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). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011. 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).
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). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011.
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 admission 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
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 Sea World 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

Save $400 on a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package. The offer is valid for arrivals August 23 through December 20, 2009, and starts at $87 per person, per day with accommodations at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and a four-day park hopper ticket. The offer is not valid November 25–27, 2009. Annual passholders can book the same package—without the ticket requirement—through Costco travel or directly through the Walt Disney Travel Company, though the Costco version of the offer also includes the perks listed below.

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).

Disney Visa Discounted Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers at a discount of 50% 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.

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.