Update for September 1 – 7, 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Runners break records at the 2008 Disneyland Half Marathon | Disney Cruise Line headed to Alaska? | One last week of Golden Dreams | This and That
Runners break records at the 2008 Disneyland Half Marathon
John Lucas of Eugene, Oregon proposed to his girlfriend in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in 2006, honeymooned at the Disneyland Resort in 2007 and today won the third annual Disneyland Half Marathon with a new event record time of 1:08:05. Mary Akor Gardena, California set a new women’s event record with a time of 1:19:24. 2007 Disneyland Half Marathon winner Kevin Broady of Brea, California finished the race a little over five minutes behind Lucas, cinching the fourth place overall rank and first place in the men’s 40-and-older Master division. Fellow Brea resident Edith Martinez won the women’s Masters division. Ralph Pieplenbos of Monrovia, California won the men’s Half Marathon wheelchair division and Kristen Messer of Austin, Texas won the women’s division for the second time.
The 2009 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will be held Sept. 4-6, with the Half Marathon being held on Sunday, Sept. 6.
[Updated 9/2] Disney announced after the 2008 event ended that registration for the 2009 event would open on Monday, September 1, 2008. A Disneyland Resort spokesperson has since told MousePlanet that “the link for registration won’t be operating until later this month.” We will post registration details as soon as they are available at the event Web site (link).
Winners of the 2008 Disneyland Half Marathon show off their medals. Photo © Disney.
Disney Cruise Line headed to Alaska?
On August 22 the National Park Service released a statement announcing that six cruise lines—including the Disney Cruise Line—had applied for permits to operate cruises in Glacier Bay, Alaska. The 10-year contracts would allow “include the initial allocation of a limited number of vessel use days in Glacier Bay during June through August of each year of the contract term,” expected to be 2010 to 2019. MousePlanet’s Tony Phoenix read through some of the official filings, including a list of questions submitted by applicants, and the National Park Service response (link). The identity of the company asking each question was not disclosed, but the answers give a little insight into how Disney may have to use the permit if issued.
In one question, the applicant asked “[a.] If we were to get the permits, can you advise if we did not use them the first year that we simply turn them back in for others to use? [b.] If so do we keep them the following years?” The NPS reply said, in part, “Depending on the circumstances, the concessioner could lose use days for the remainder of the contract term which have been allocated to the concessioner, but which were not used during the first year of the contract. This provision is designed to discourage offerors from submitting proposals for services which they are unable or do not currently plan to provide. Use days for the remainder of the contract term may not be reallocated if the offeror clearly stated in their proposal their proposed schedule of use. For example, if an offeror did not plan to provide Cruise Ship Services in Glacier Bay until 2012, the offeror should state in their proposal, under the Proposal Package, ‘Number of “Prime Season” Use Days Requested’ section, that if they are awarded a concession contract, they would immediately relinquish their use days for 2010 and 2011.”
The Disney Magic left the Port of Los Angeles two weeks ago, but it may be back in two years. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Tony noted that several of the questions submitted asked if and how the identities of the applicants would be made available to the public, and if financial data and “trade secrets” of the applicants were protected. MousePlanet reader Ted also noted that Disney and Compagnie Des Iles Du Ponant are the only two applicants who have not previously offered Glacier Bay cruises.
The announcement has sparked a new wave of chatter about the potential for Disney cruises to Alaska, already a frequent topic of speculation among cruise fans.
Disney Cruise Line currently operates just two ships, the Magic and the Wonder, and many feel that neither ship is ideal for Alaska cruises due to a lack of enclosed viewing decks, among other factors. In 2007, Disney announced plans for two additional ships. The new ships, yet unnamed, are scheduled to be launched in 2011 and 2012, but will be too large to transit through the Panama Canal until the expansion project is completed sometime in 2014. Were Disney to be awarded a contract starting in 2010, the company would either have to relinquish the first use year or use one of the existing smaller ships. Bringing either of the two new ships to Alaska before the Panama Canal expansion is complete would require sailing around South America, a long cruise “around the Horn.”
This all also raises the question of where the Disney ship would port for the Alaska cruises, and where it would sail between seasons. Many believe that Disney will post one of the two existing ships to Los Angeles as soon as the third ship is launched, with that ship offering Alaska cruises during the summer season, and offering itineraries to the Mexican Riviera and even possibly Hawaii the rest of the year.
A spokesperson for the Disney Cruise Line declined comment at this time.
One last week of Golden Dreams
MousePlanet learned last week that the Golden Dreams film attraction at Disney’s California Adventure permanently closes on September 7. The building’s exterior facade, modeled after San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts, will be incorporated into a Little Mermaid ride planned as part of the DCA expansion project. Work is not expected to begin on the attraction until next spring at the earliest, and Sonya Smith at the Orange County Register (link) reports that the theater venue will be used for Disney’s YES (Youth Education Series) programs until construction begins (link) .
Team MousePlanet
|
This and That
…Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort this fall should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates, as Disney is adjusting the refurbishment schedule as the new fiscal year budgets are finalized. This week’s changes include new dates for the Flik’s Flyers refurbishment in September, the addition of a short Mark Twain refurbishment in November and the closure of the Golden Vine Winery on September 29. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
[Updated 9/2] Disney released the December refurbishment schedule after this article went to press. The Mark Twain refurbishment is now November 3-5, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed December 1-5, and the Harbor Galley is now scheduled to reopen on December 16th. Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular will reopen on December 12 at DCA.
…Artist Jim Shore, known for the popular Disney Traditions collection, is participating in a two-day signing event September 26 and 27 when his new Sleeping Beauty Castle sculpture is released at the Disneyland Resort. Shore will be on hand at the World of Disney Store on Friday, September 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and again at the China Closet inside Disneyland from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 27. Evening signing events are extremely unusual at the Disneyland Resort, and the Friday night event may prove to be very popular with collectors who don’t wish to purchase admission to attend the Saturday signing. Sleeping Beauty Castle will be offered at $75.
Jim Shore adds Sleeping Beauty Castle to his collection of Disney Traditions. Photo © Disney.
… Precious Moments collectors who can’t attend the A Celebration of Precious Dreams event in Walt Disney World can purchase the two newest Disney releases in the line at the Disneyland Resort starting Friday, September 12, 2008. “A Smile Means Friendship to Everyone” (shown below) and “A Magical Moment to Remember” (featuring Sorcerer Mickey) will be available at $100 each at the China Closet in Disneyland, Off the Page in Disney’s California Adventure and the World of Disney in Downtown Disney.
A Smile Means Friendship to Everyone is one of two new Disney Precious Moments figurines. Photo © Disney.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- “it’s a small world” – closed for a nine-month refurbishment, and is currently scheduled to reopen on Saturday November 29, 2008. The nearby Toy Shop is also closed during the renovation.
- New Century Timepieces – closed through the first week of October for conversion into the Fortuosity Shoppe.
- Fantasmic! – closed September 2 to November 7.
- French Market – closed September 2 to 19 for refurbishment.
- Conostoga Wagon – closes September 2 for conversion from a McDonald’s french fry outlet into an unspecified food service location.
- Harbor Galley – closes through December 16 for conversion from a McDonald’s French fry outlet into an unspecified food service location.
- Haunted Mansion – closed September 2 to 25 to install the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – close September 2 to October 25 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Ranch – closed September 15-25 install the Halloween overlay.
- Jungle Cruise – closed October 20-22 for refurbishment.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed November 3-5 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Ranch – closed November 3-20 install the Holiday overlay.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed December 1-5 for refurbishment.
Disney’s California Adventure
- Hyperion Theater – closed through December 11 for refurbishment.
- Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular – closed through December 11.
- Burger Invasion – closes September 2 for conversion into a non-McDonald’s restaurant.
- Sun Wheel – closes September 11 for refurbishment and to install the new Mickey face.
- Flik’s Flyers – closed September 15 to 25 for refurbishment.
- The Vineyard Room – closes September 29. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this restaurant.
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.
Come out and play with MousePlanet!The MousePlanet crew is planning a series of social events for readers, and you’re invited!
Stay tuned for additional details and events throughout the year. |
Events
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
September 2008
- Marie Osmond Sleeping Beauty Winter Wonder Doll release – Saturday, September 20 (link).
- Disney’s HalloweenTime – Friday, September 26 through Sunday, November 2, 2008 (link).
October 2008
- Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – October 3, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, and 31. A separate ticket costume party at Disney’s California Adventure. Annual Passholder discounts are available for October 3, 16, 22, 23, 28, and 29. Standard price is $29 per ticket; Annual Passholder price is $25. Tickets purchased the day of event are $37 and all tickets for the October 31 event are at that price regardless of advance purchase. (link)
- MousePlanet night at Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party – Friday, October 3. Come meet some of the MousePlanet staff and your fellow readers at the first Trick or Treat party of 2008. Purchase discount tickets in advance through the Disneyland Web site.
- 11th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – Friday, Oct 3 – Sunday, October 5. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
- “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share The Celebration” – Sunday, October 5 from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. Disneyland will open at 6:30 am and close at 5:00 pm in preparation for the party; DCA will remain open until 11:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now at $250 per person. Additional event details are available on a special event Web site (link).
- Walt Disney Classics Collection “All Hail the Pumpkin King!” Sculpture Release & Signing – Saturday, October 4 (link).
- 2008 UEA convention – October 16 & 17 (in Utah). Many Utah public schools close so teachers can attend the Utah Education Association convention, which creates a four-day weekend for the students. Expect the resort to be busy that weekend—some claim ‘UEA’ stands for ‘Utah Escapes to Anaheim.’
- CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 19 (link) If you’re interested in walking or raising money with Team MousePlanet please visit our team Web page (link). If you would like to donate or sponsor a Team MousePlanet walker, please click here for more information.
November 2008
- Nevada Day (observed) – Friday, October 31 (in Nevada). This state holiday creates a three-day weekend, and many families head to the Disneyland Resort.
- Bats Day in the Fun Park (unofficial event) – November 8 & 9. Join 5,000 goths for the annual celebration. (Link)
- MouseAdventure – Sunday, November 16 at the Disneyland Resort. Registration is sold out. (Link)
2009
- 4th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-6, 2009. Registration is not yet open, additional details will be posted as they are available (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.
This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. 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 $93/$84 |
Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Southern California AAA offices and 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 ($130/$110) – 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 |
Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) – 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 ($169/$139) –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. 2008 Southern California CityPass ($247/$199) – 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 $217/$174 (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 a Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($164/$134) – 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). |
|
|
Four Day Park Hopper Regularly $224/$194 |
Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($184/$154) – 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 ($184/$154) –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 ($179/$149) – 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 $244/$214 |
Advance Purchase 5-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 5-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 5-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). |
|
Hotel / Travel Packages
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 per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.
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
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 Special Events:
- MM – Magic Morning
- TT – Toontown Morning Madness
- Grad Nite
| 9/1 | 9/2 | 9/3 | 9/4 | 9/5 | 9/6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-9p
TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
MM
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
MM |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-9p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
|
| 9/7 | 9/8 | 9/9 | 9/10 | 9/11 | 9/12 | 9/13 |
| DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-8p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
MM
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
MM |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-9p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/14 | 9/15 | 9/16 | 9/17 | 9/18 | 9/19 | 9/20 |
| DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-8p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
MM
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
MM |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-9p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/21 | 9/22 | 9/23 | 9/24 | 9/25 | 9/26 | 9/27 |
| DL: 9a-10p
DCA: 10a-8p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
MM
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
TT
|
DL: 10a-8p
DCA: 10a-6p
MM |
DL: 9a-11p
DCA: 10a-9p TT
|
DL: 8a-12a
DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
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.
