Disneyland Resort Update

Update for June 14 – 20, 2010

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

News and Views

We are dispensing with the usual Disneyland Resort Update format this week to concentrate almost exclusively on the World of Color world premiere at Disney California Adventure, with extensive, frequently updated coverage of the World of Color premiere via our live coverage page, featuring exclusive photos by staff photographer Frank Anzalone and audio, video and photos from staff writer Steven Ng. Much of that coverage is now in this update in expanded form, with the addition of more that didn’t make it into the live coverage page. The regular Disneyland Resort Update will be back in its usual form next week.

Note: This Update includes a considerable amount of spoilers. If you are trying to avoid seeing or reading about World of Color until you see it in person, we suggest you go no further on this page.

What in the World (of Color?) | What’s New, What’s Next | Where To Watch | When To Go, When NOT To Go | On The RedBlue Carpet | Interviews | World Premiere | Silly Symphony Swings Opens| Everything Else | This and That…

What in the World (of Color?)

If you are reading this Disneyland Resort Update and don’t know what all the talk is about World of Color, here is the short version:

When Disney California Adventure park (formerly Disney’s California Adventure) opened at the Disneyland Resort nine years ago, the new park, built in Disneyland’s old parking lot, was missing a few things, including nighttime show (something like Fantasmic or the nightly fireworks show over at Disneyland) for guests to enjoy as they ended their day at the park. Disney embarked on a massive improvement program for DCA these past few years, with new rides, makeovers of existing rides, and even a whole new land, based on the Disney/Pixar film Cars. The other major addition was a nighttime show built in Paradise Bay in the Paradise Pier section of the park. The “World of Color” (chosen to honor Walt Disney’s long-ago television program The Wonderful World of Color) took over a year to build and install, and features water jets similar to those at the Bellagio Las Vegas, though on a larger scale. Other show elements include mist screens for projections, lasers and jets of fire.

After two years of construction, temporary walls, closures of various areas and general messiness, World of Color had its world premiere last Thursday night, June 10 and public premiere the following night (see Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix’s review of World of Color from last week for a complete description).

What’s New, What’s Next

Disney presented a press feature dubbed “What’s New, What’s Next” in the Stage 17 building in DCA on Friday morning, which included further details of World of Color plus more information about Disney California Adventure’s expansion and new details about future itineraries for the Disney Cruise Line.

Tom Staggs talks a little about how the World of Color show was received at its world premiere the night before, and presents a short video with some of the reactions. Video by Steven Ng.

Kathy Mangum, executive producer and VP Imagineering, talks about how the new Radiator Springs area coming for Carsland in 2012, and shows a video walkthrough of the new land. Video by Steven Ng.

Kathy Mangum, Executive Producer and VP Imagineering, talks about Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree at What’s New What’s Next. Video by Steven Ng.

Kathy Mangum, executive producer and VP Imagineering, talks about Luigi’s Flying Tires at What’s New What’s Next. Video by Steven Ng.

Kathy Mangum, executive producer and VP Imagineering, talks about the Radiator Springs Racers attraction for Carsland at What’s New What’s Next. Video by Steven Ng.

Lisa Girolami, Sr. Show Producer and Director, Imagineering talks about Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at What’s New What’s Next. Video by Steven Ng.

Rachel Quinn, Executive Cruise Director, Disney Cruise Line, talks about the upcoming Mexican Riviera and Alaska itineraries at the “What’s New, What’s Next” presentation on June 11, 2010. Video by Steven Ng.

Sr Show Producer and Director, Imagineering Kathy Rogers is talking about the changes for Star Tours 2.0 when some unexpected guests arrive to disrupt the proceedings. Video by Steven Ng.

Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid) performs “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea” for guests. Video by Steven Ng.

Host Russ Marchand chats with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs. Photo by Steven Ng.

The presentation included a quote from our review of the show. Photo by Steven Ng.

Disney Imagineer Kathy Rogers has her presentation on Star Tours 2.0 interrupted by Imperial Stormtroopers. Photo by Steven Ng.

Rachel Quinn, Cruise Director, Disney Cruise Line, talks about the upcoming Mexican Riviera and Alaska itineraries. Photo by Steven Ng.

An image of a test mock-up of Luigi’s Flying Tires attraction destined for Cars Land. Photo by Steven Ng.

Lightning McQueen makes a surprise visit to the presentation. Photo by Steven Ng.

An image of a Radiator Springs Racers test vehicle on the first completed track loop. Photo by Steven Ng.

Concept art of clamshell Omnimover vehicles from Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. Photo by Steven Ng.

A behind-the-scenes image of undersea creatures from Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. Photo by Steven Ng.

Jodi Benson sings “Part of Your World” for attendees. Photo by Steven Ng.

Those in attedance received Disney press releases about World of Color, “What’s New, What’s Next” and the new “Kids Sail Free” offer on Disney Cruise Line.

Where To Watch

Here are the viewing areas for World of Color, as best as we could piece them together from fragmented reports–there is no printed map handout for guests, though some have reported seeing one with Cast Member leads. Your Fastpass or dinner reservation will tell you your assigned viewing location and what time you should line up to enter. The lovely photo of Paradise Park below, courtesy of MousePlanet reader Daniel K. Lew, shows almost all of the designated viewing areas. In the larger versions you can see some areas have been roped off as Cast Members prepare for the first show of the evening.

Paradise Park in late evening. Photo by Daniel K. Lew. Want the super high res version?

Viewing areas are, appropriately, color-coded. Based on information from Twitter users @lurkyloo and @steffiweffi:

• Blue seems to be the best front-and-center viewing
• Red is the far west side of the park, near the Golden Zephyr
• Yellow is between Blue and Red
• Orange is on the bridge leading to Paradise Pier as well as in areas behind the Blue, Yellow and Red.

As with all other aspects of World of Color, there is active discussion on this topic in the Disneyland Resort forum on MousePad.

Remember, however, that many of these areas are reserved for guests who purchased the prix-fixe dinners, picnic dinners, or who obtained Fastpass tickets in advance. Some MousePad members have reported their experiences in getting Fastpass tickets and finding the viewing areas. Of the Friday night experience, member cbond2112 wrote:

We were there on June 11. I had heard that since it was opening night is was going to be tough to get a Fastpass ticket but my daughter really wanted to go (we could see the fountains from our room at the Paradise so she had a teaser—and just so you know you can also hear the show from the Paradise) so I said we would try. We had a character breakfast that a.m. and people were allowed to line up at the Esplanade at 7:00 a.m. so I wasn’t holding my breath. To my surprise when we were allowed entry through the Grand Entrance – which is right by the fastpass machines—at 9:30, I was in the Fastpass lane and out of the Fastpass booth within 10 minutes.

We got yellow tickets for the 10:15 show. It was a breeze and we were on our way for the rides for the day. The tickets told us to return to the Grizzly Rapids area between 9 and 9:30. Since I am an anxious person I had us head to the area when we finished dinner which was around 8:30. I’m glad this was the case as the castmembers started the line up as soon as they saw people beginning to gather so we were in the front of the line to go over to the show. They lined us up behind the Grizzly ride where we waited until about 9:45 at which time they lead us over to the yellow area.

We had our pick of spots. We chose to stand at the fence on the second tier as they told us the first tier would get wet. We had a great view of the show since we were up against the fence and above those on the first tier. In addition, the grass area between us and the first tier also had fountains of water on occasion – which you would miss being in the first tier. We did get some spray from the fountains but we were not soaking wet as a few people were that were on the first tier. All in all it is a show definitely worth seeing and the steps to see it are really quite painless although they do require investing some time. My husband loved, loved, loved it and called it Bellagio on steroids. My daughter and I loved it as well but thought Fantasmic was better.

Of Sunday’s day-in-progress experience, member BGW4SC writes:

Here’s my experience from today, Sunday June 13, 2010. We arrived at the esplanade around 8:50 a.m. and got in line for DCA. When we arrived we were between the gates and the CALIFORNIA letters. They opened the gates around 9:15 a.m. By that time the people line up behind us were stretched out to the center of the esplanade.

There were dozens of cast members guiding us through Condor Flats towards the Grizzly River Rapids where they distribute the Fastpasses. The cast members were very polite, even when they had to remind people not to run. For the most part the guests were exceptionally polite and didn’t seemd to mind a spirited walk. As we arrived at the road just past Soarin’ Over California that takes you in front of the Grand Californian, they bottle necked us into a single file line. This got a little tight but again, no one seemed to mind and everyone was polite and considerate.

By the time the line reached GRR, we were directed into a switchback or two along the trail that leads behind GRR. The line moved quickly and we reached the actual Fast Pass machines around 9:35 AM. The cast members were very helpful and made sure that everyone in our party –there were four of us– had the same section and show time. By 9:40 AM we were headed to Storyteller Cafe for breakfast. Given the fact that this is the first weekend and today is not a blackout day for passholders I thought it went as well as could be expected. We’ll see if my opinion changes after I see the show.

When To Go, When Not To Go

A look at the Annual Passholder blockout days calendar shows that SoCal and SoCal Select Annual Passports have Wednesdays through Sundays blocked out for the rest of June. After that, these two passport levels are blocked for the entire month of July and most of August. If you have a SoCal or SoCal Select Annual Passport, this means you should visit the park on June 14, 15, 21 or 22, or you will have to wait until nearly Labor Day (or purchase a blockout day ticket). If you have other types of admission (such as Park Hopper tickets, Deluxe, Premium or Premiere Annual Passport), it might be a good idea to try for days other than Mondays and Tuesdays for the rest of June.

On The Blue Carpet

The world premiere featured a “Blue Carpet” in place of the usual red to suggest water. This would later prove to be prophetic for those who stood a little too close to the front of the viewing area.

MousePlanet staff member Steven Ng chats with Disney Legend and composer of the original “World of Color” song, Richard Sherman, on the Blue Carpet before the world premiere. Video by Steven Ng.

MousePlanet staff photographer Frank Anzalone was also on the blue carpet and shot these photos during the festivities.

The crowd waits for celebrities on the blue carpet. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Richard Sherman—co-composer of “The Wonderful World of Color”—participates in the Blue Carpet. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

The Blue Carpet event featured a bigger-than-life Sky Puppet of Sebastian from The Little Mermaid. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs attended the Blue Carpet. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Bob Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, attended the Blue Carpet. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Jodi Benson (voice of the Little Mermaid) attended the Blue Carpet. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

George Kalogridis, President of the Disneyland Resort, attended the Blue Carpet. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Sayre Wiseman, World of Color producer, and Steven Davison, Vice President Parades and Spectaculars at The Walt Disney Company, attended the Blue Carpet. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Take a look at all of Frank’s Blue Carpet photos.

Interviews

Steven interviews World of Color producer Sayre Wiseman, after the world premiere Thursday night. Video by Steven Ng.

Bob Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company answers questions from Doug Marsh (Laughing Place), Steven Ng (MousePlanet) and Deb Wills (AllEars.Net).

Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, answers questions from Steven Ng (MousePlanet), Deb Wills (AllEars.Net) and Doug Marsh (Laughing Place).

Disneyland President George Kalogridis answers questions from Steven Ng (MousePlanet), Deb Wills (AllEars.Net) and Doug Marsh (Laughing Place).

Composer Richard Sherman answers questions from Deb Wills (AllEars.Net), Doug Marsh, (Laughing Place), and Steven Ng (MousePlanet).

World Premiere

This video from the Disney Parks Blog recaps the events from Thursday, including the blue carpet, opening ceremony and even gives a brief glimpse of the show. Video © Disney.

Full video of the World of Color world premiere dedication ceremony. Video by Steven Ng.

The World of Color World premiere Thursday night included a special dedication ceremony.

Mickey Mouse during the dedication. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Mickey Mouse during the dedication. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Mickey Mouse during the dedication—conducting the water symphony. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Mickey and Tom Staggs stand on stage together during the dedication. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Mickey and Bob Iger stand on stage together during the dedication. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Silly Symphony Swings Opens

Almost lost in all the World of Color festivities was the official opening of Silly Symphony Swings at Disney California Adventure Friday morning.

Silly Symphony Swings in action. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

I’M not gonna try it, YOU try it. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

They fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Another view of the Silly Symphony Swing. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

A wider view showing the possibly-soon-to-disappear Maliboomer in the background. Photo by Frank Anzalone.

Everything Else

Also mentioned in the “What’s New, What’s Next” presentation but not specifically connected to World of Color was the latest makeover of the Disneyland Hotel. Host Russ Marchand detailed the upcoming renovation.

What’s New, What’s Next host Russ Marchand talks about the upcoming renovations at the Disneyland Hotel. Video by Steven Ng.

Russ Marchand also touched on the summer 2010 Southern California ticket deal and vacation package. Video by Steven Ng.

[To celebrate the premiere of World of Color, artist and MousePlanet reader Teresa Whitmore created the colorful, animated logo you see at the top of this page.]

This and That…

…Disneyland Resort hotel workers who are members of UNITE HERE staged a one-day protest Friday, the same day World of Color premiered at Disney California Adventure. Union members picketed and blocked traffic on area streets. This battle has now gone on for two years with neither side apparently willing to budge.

…Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders have a number of Passholder-exclusive merchandise from which to choose this summer. Among those items are pins, T-shirts, stamped coins, and notecards. Also available is a pair of paper optic “Nightastic” glasses with any single merchandise transaction at select locations in the parks plus the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Details of merchandise offered and selected stores are on the Art of Disney Parks’ Annual Passholder Special Offers page.

Summer Nightastic glasses, an Annual Passholder exclusive free item. Image (c) Disney.

…The World of Disney store in Downtown Disney opens at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, for a Passholder-exclusive sale event. The first 1,000 Passholders at the World of Disney store receive a special gift. Details on the Art of Disney Parks site.

…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.

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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Tomorrowland Terrace – closed through July 2 for refurbishment. The Jedi Training Academy show is still offered while the restaurant is closed.

Disney’s California Adventure

Seasonal refurbishments:

• None at this time

Construction-related closures:

• 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 24, 2011 as the return date.
• Corn Dog Castle – closed due to construction in the area. An employee publication lists March 24, 2011 as its 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 March 24, 2011 as its return date, and “Seaside Souvenirs” as the new name of the store.
• Tower of Terror Fastpass – not offered through August 15 due to construction of the connector between Bug’s Land and Tower of Terror.
• Bug’s Land / Tower of Terror connector – the temporary connector path will be closed through August 15 to allow construction of a more permanent route between the two lands.

Downtown Disney

• Ridemakerz – closed for construction of their permanent space in Downtown Disney. The store is scheduled to reopen sometime in June.

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.

Resort Events

Check here to see if a large convention, competition or park event might fall during your next trip to the Disneyland Resort. If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).

Spring/Summer

• Grad Night events – Wednesday June 16; Thursdays June 17 and 24. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure close earlier on these nights to prepare for the after-hours graduation parties.
• Summer Nightastic! at the Disneyland Resort – Daily, June 11 through Aug. 29. The summer promotion includes Fantasmic and the “Magical” fireworks show in Disneyland, plus the new World of Color show.
• 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game – Tuesday, July 13. Angel Stadium plays host to the 2010 All-star Game. The Anaheim Convention Center also hosts the Major League Baseball All-star FanFest July 9–13. Both events should bring added crowds to the Disneyland Resort during what might already be a busy week as Disneyland marks its 55th Anniversary.
• Disneyland 55th Anniversary – July 17. The only in-park event commemorating the anniversary so far announced is a merchandise release on Saturday, July 17 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Disney Gallery on Main Street. See the Art of Disney Parks 55th Anniversary page for details.
• MousePlanet’s 10th Anniversary Party – Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of MousePlanet and the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland than with Charles Phoenix’s Retro Disneyland Slide Show. Tickets are on sale now.
• NFFC–Disneyana Fan Club 2010 Disneyana Convention – July 13–17 (link).
• NFFC–Disneyana Fan Club All Disneyana Show and Sale – Sunday, July 18 (link).

Fall

• Destination D – September 24 & 25 at the Disneyland Resort (link). Open only to D23 members, tickets will be available this summer.
• 5th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 3–5. Registration is now closed.
• 4th Annual Not Back to School Days Rally and Conference (unofficial event) – September 8–11. Event includes education and social opportunities for home educators (link).
• 13th annual Gays Days at the Disneyland Resort (unofficial event) – October 1–3. Event attendance will be higher at Disneyland on Saturday, DCA on Sunday (link).
• Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. “Utah Escapes to Anaheim”) – October 14–15. (Link). Expect unusually large attendance levels October 14-17 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.
• MousePlanet Night at Trick-or-Treat Party (unofficial event) – Friday, October 15. Come meet your fellow MousePlanet readers and start your trick-or-treating off right with some MousePlanet goodies. Be sure to stop by our MousePad discussion board to let us know if you plan to attend so we can have enough treats for everyone!
• 2010 CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 17. Mark your calendars and come join Team MousePlanet as we help raise funds for Children’s Hospital Orange County in their annual charity walk through the Disneyland Resort. Registration is now open. If you’d like more information, visit the Team MousePlanet discussion to chat with other participants

2011

• West Coast 2-night “Cruise to Nowhere” on the Disney Wonder – January 21-23. Nearly 60 MousePlanet readers and staff members have booked this weekend getaway, the first West Coast Disney Cruise for 2011. For more information about this cruise, visit our MousePad discussion boards or contact your favorite travel agent. If you’ve already booked, please add your name to the roll call!
• D23 Expo – August 19-21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center (link). Tickets for the D23 Expo 2011 go on sale August 19, 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	No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them.
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	3-Day Summer Fun Pass ($108) and 3-Day Summer Fun PLUS Pass ($129) – The 2010 3-Day Summer Fun Pass is $108, $9 more expensive than the 2009 version, and offers Southern California residents (ZIP Codes 90000–93599) and Northern Baja California residents (ZIP Codes 21000–22999) three one-day admissions to either Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure within a 45 day period. The ticket is the same price for adults and children. Unlike the 2009 offer, this base ticket is NOT a park hopper, and allows admission to only one park per day. For an additional $21 per person, you can upgrade the Summer Fun Pass to a Summer Fun PLUS Pass, a 3-day Park Hopper ticket that allows admission to both parks each day. Both tickets have a 45-day “fuse,” (instead of the usual 13- or 30-day limit), giving you more time to plan your return visits, but have more block out dates than last year: July 2-4 and August 22-23. The first use of the pass must be between June 11 and August 29, 2010. The Summer Pass can be purchased at www.disneyland.com, the Disneyland Resort box office, Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort Hotels, and a variety of southern California supermarkets and retail chains, including Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less, Gelson’s and Deardens. Disney states that “resident ID is required,” but MousePlanet readers who purchased these tickets from off-property retailers last year consistently reported that they were not required to provide proof of residency at the time of purchase. However, be aware that Disneyland Resort Main Gate cast members can – and may – require proof of residency when you first use the tickets. Whether this will happen to you is an oft-debated topic on our MousePad discussion boards, but we feel it would be irresponsible for us to not at least make our readers aware of the “official” policy, regardless of what the park’s actual practice may be. Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($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 (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) AOCVCB 3-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). These tickets are now valid through January 3, 2011.
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 until August 23, 2010 to use the remaining admission days before the ticket expires. The ticket has no further blockout days in 2010, 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 ($199/$169) – 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. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) – 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	5-Day Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket for the Price of 3 Days ($184/$154) Disneyland’s Summer Park Hopper Bonus ticket offer includes two days free and one Magic Morning admission. These tickets are valid for use from May 1, 2010 thru September 30, 2010. The tickets are NOT available at the Resort ticket booths, you must pre-purchase from the Disneyland Web site. Advance Purchase 5-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). AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($204/$174) – 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	6-Day Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket for the Price of 3 Days ( $199/$169) Disneyland’s Summer Park Hopper Bonus ticket offer includes two days free and one Magic Morning admission. These tickets are valid for use from May 1, 2010 thru September 30, 2010. The tickets are NOT available at the Resort ticket booths, you must pre-purchase from the Disneyland Web site. Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($214/$184) – 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 (a $14/day value).
Disneyland Resort Annual Passports	No discounts currently available for new purchases. Southern California residents can take advantage of the monthly-payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport. Premier Annual Passport: $700 [Valid at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort] Premium Annual Passport: $439 Deluxe Annual Passport: $299 Southern California Annual Passport: $219 SoCal Select Annual Passport: $169
2010 Southern California CityPass $269/$229	2010 Southern California CityPass ($269/$229)– This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as one-day admission to Sea World San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by January 3, 2011. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or on-site 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 $239.99/$204.99 (link), which includes free UPS shipping. A 5% surcharge for non-members, and shipping fees to members in Alaska and Hawaii may also apply to your purchase. 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

Disneyland Resort Two More Days & Nights Free offer –This latest deal offers a five-night, five-day Disneyland Resort vacation package for the price of a three-night, three-day package, giving you two “free” hotel nights and two additional days of theme park admission. The offer is valid for arrivals May 1 and Sept. 26, 2010, and you must book by September 1, 2010 to receive this discount. You can choose to stay either at a Disneyland Resort Hotel or at one of the Good Neighbor Hotels. To book, call your favorite travel agent, book online at Disneyland.com, or call the Walt Disney Travel Company at 800-854-3104.

Disneyland Resort Summer hotel discounts–If you are a Disneyland Resort annual passholder or already have valid admission for your next visit, you can take advantage of a second promotion that offers discounts at the three Disneyland Resort hotels with a minimum 2-night stay. The discounts are 40% at the Grand Californian Hotel, 35% at the Disneyland Hotel and 30% at the Paradise Pier Hotel. The offer is valid for arrivals May 1 and Sept. 26, 2010, and you must book by September 1, 2010 to receive this discount. To book, call your favorite travel agent, book online at Disneyland.com, or call the Walt Disney Travel Company at 800-854-3104.

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 accommodations 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 location between Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Members of the Rainforest Cafe get priority seating when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days), and a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. 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).

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
  

MousePlanet Special Events:

• MA – MouseAdventure (www.mouseadventure.com)

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.