Disneyland Resort Update for December 19 – 25, 2016
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Resort Events | Non-Disney Resort Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Christmas week toolkit | New security checkpoints open at the Disneyland Resort | Fastpass now available for Late Check-Out | This and that… | Crowd forecast
Christmas week toolkit
Long-time readers and regular Disneyland visitors can be excused for jumping to the next item in this week's update, but the time has come for our annual reminder about handling the holidays at Disneyland Resort. The next two weeks are traditionally the busiest time of the year at the resort, and we want you to be prepared as you face maximum-capacity crowds.
As we reported last week, we're not sure exactly how the changes implemented this year in the Annual Passholder program affect traffic patterns this holiday season. As predicted, Sunday, December 18 saw massive crowds at the resort as thousands of passholders came to use their annual passports for the last day they were valid during 2016. The throngs packed the Mickey and Friends parking structure to capacity, and prompted temporary admission restrictions to Disney California Adventure.
With all but the highest-level annual passholders blocked for the remainder of 2016, it remains to see what the traffic looks like from single-day guests who might otherwise have been turned away on a capacity day in previous years.
Buy your tickets in advance
Our top tip, year after year: Buy your tickets before you ever approach the main entrance. On the busiest days, Disneyland implements a series of crowd-control measures, including restricting the sales of certain types of tickets, or even stopping the sale of tickets altogether. By purchasing tickets in advance, you avoid standing in a long ticket-buying line, or being shut out from purchasing them altogether.
There is absolutely no reason to wait to buy your tickets; buying in advance saves you a lot of time and headache, and leaves you with more options than those who show up without a ticket.
The easiest way to buy tickets is online from the Disneyland website. Print them at home before you leave and walk straight to the ticket turnstiles. You can also purchase tickets using the Disneyland app for iPhone and Android smartphones, though this is more convenient for people who just need to buy one or two tickets, as opposed to families who need a half-dozen tickets.
Tickets (and even annual passports) are available at many local grocery store chains. In addition, if you are staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel or Good Neighbor hotel, you can purchase tickets from the front desk before you head to the parks.
Take advantage of Extra Magic Hour and Magic Mornings if you can
Both programs offer an extra hour in the theme parks before they open to the general public, and are absolutely essential to getting the most out of a holiday visit to Disneyland.
Whatever amount of extra effort it takes to get your family on their feet and inside a theme park by 7 a.m. will be more than repaid by the opportunity to check off all of your must-do rides before most people even have their first cup of coffee. Sleep in, and you'll join the huddled masses waiting 75 minutes just to ride Star Tours.
One or both programs are offered at both parks every day, now through New Year's Eve:
- Extra Magic Hours – available to those who are staying at one of the three on-property resort hotels (Disney's Grand California Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and the Paradise Pier Hotel). Gives you access to Disneyland one hour before scheduled park opening time. Valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card are required for entry.
- Magic Mornings – included with advance-purchase 3-day+ tickets and the Southern California CityPass. Gives you access to Disneyland one hour before scheduled park opening time. Each person must have an eligible ticket to enter.
Plan your meals
Table service restaurants fill quickly, so you risk eating hot dogs from a vending cart or waiting in long lines at the counter service locations if you don't make reservations where possible. Use the online dining reservation system to search for available tables without waiting on hold for hours with the Disneyland Dine Line.
Use the new Disneyland app for iPhone and Android smartphones to find last-minute openings and cancellations while you're in the theme parks.
If you're in the parks and need help finding an open restaurant, stop by City Hall (Disneyland) or the Chamber of Commerce (DCA) and look for the marked “dining reservations” phones to contact the Dine Line—we've found that calls made from Disney phones tend to be answered more promptly.
Schedule your entertainment, and don't forget DCA
Shows are a great way to take a break during the day, but the entertainment-heavy holiday schedule means you can't see it all. Be sure to grab the new Times Guide when you arrive in either park, which now conveniently lists the offerings at both parks so you don't miss out on the great offerings around the resort.
Most of the noteworthy holiday entertainment is happening in Disney California Adventure this season, where the Festival of Holidays promotion has brought together a collection of performing groups celebration holiday traditions from around the world. Todd Pickering reviewed the groups earlier this year for MousePlanet, so you can get a preview of what's in store during your visit.
Use packages to double up dining and entertainment
Disneyland offers a variety of dining packages that bundle meals with tickets for reserved viewing to the World of Color – Season of Light or the Paint the Night parade. If you're already going to splurge on a table service meal, consider booking one of these packages to give yourself the convenience of the reserved viewing option. Check the Disneyland website for availability during your visit.
New security checkpoints open at the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort last Thursday opened a set of three new security checkpoints designed to move visitor screening away from the west esplanade entrance, and closer to the parking lots and Disneyland Resort hotels. We've been reporting on the construction of the checkpoints for weeks, and their debut last week came after days of predictions by some Facebook groups and social media channels about drastic policy changes that would accompany the new security structure.
Much of the new security infrastructure at the Mickey and Friends parking structure appears very temporary, including movable barricades and portable tents. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
All of the new checkpoints were fully staffed on opening day, ensuring almost no wait for visitors arriving at the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
As is usually the case, most of the rumors were unfounded—but there are some definite changes that Disneyland visitors should know about before they next head to the theme parks. We spoke with Disneyland officials and front-line cast members both on and off the record in the days leading up to the opening of the new checkpoints, and visited the Disneyland Resort the day the checkpoints opened to get both the official policy and the operational realities of the new system. We've shared everything we know about the new checkpoints and procedures in a detailed guide on our MousePad discussion forum. It covers pretty much every question and contingency we could think of, and we invite you to give it a read.
If you don't want to read the whole thing, here are top four things to know about Disney's new checkpoints—but beware this doesn't cover every aspect of the new system. Again, if you have 10 minutes, we recommend reading the more detailed version so you aren't caught by surprise when you can't get there from here.
#1 – The Grand Californian Hotel is no longer a shortcut. If you're used to staying at the Paradise Pier Hotel, or a nearby non-Disney hotel like the Best Western Stovall's and the Anabella Hotel, and using the Grand Californian Hotel as a shortcut to Downtown Disney, that route is now closed to you. Effective with this change, cast members are stationed along the sidewalk outside of the Grand Californian hotel to ensure that only guests staying at the hotel, or those dining in the hotel at Storytellers Cafe or White Water Snacks, access the lobby. Everyone else trying to reach Downtown Disney or the theme parks is directed to walk through the new security checkpoint at the west end of Downtown Disney, between the ESPN Zone and Earl of Sandwich.
A new security checkpoint at the west end of Downtown Disney screens visitors arriving from the Paradise Pier hotel, Disneyland Hotel, Simba parking lot, and nearby non-Disney hotels. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
A new security checkpoint has been added to the breezeway between the Grand Californian hotel and Downtown Disney. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
#2 – You can still walk from the parking structure to Disneyland. There is still an option for people who want to skip the tram and walk from the Mickey and Friends parking structure to the Disneyland main entrance, but the route has changed.
If you park on levels 2 through 6, there are signs at the base of the escalators directing you to the walkway. To get there, you first cross the tram route as it passes through the lower floor of the structure. Follow the signs, and you come out on the other side of the tram route, beyond the security zone. Continue to follow the signs to Magic Way. Cross Magic Way at the signal, and walk to the southeast entrance of Downtown Disney, by the ESPN Zone. You pass through the Downtown Disney screening checkpoint, and then proceed through Downtown Disney to reach the main entrance. You can also opt to board the Disneyland Monorail at this point.
The old walkway between the Mickey and Friends parking structure and Downtown Disney is now closed, and has been blocked off by several gates and fences. It will not reopen, and in fact is already partly blocked by demolition work on the House of Blues.
The walkway from the security area at the Mickey and Friends parking structure to the theme parks is said to be approximately 15 minutes, and passes through Downtown Disney. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The pedestrian route between the Pinocchio parking lot and the security checkpoint crosses the tram route inside the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Once in the Pinocchio parking lot, pedestrians follow a pathway to a sidewalk leading to Magic Way. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
#3 – You must now pass through a security checkpoint to shop or dine in Downtown Disney. In what may be the first for a U.S. shopping center, Downtown Disney is now inside of the Disney security bubble, which means you have to pass through security even if you don't plan to go into the theme parks. This has implications if you're going to a birthday party and wanted to bring a wrapped gift, or were going to a fancy dinner and wanted to bring your own wine. Be sure to check with the restaurant before bringing anything that is on Disney's list of prohibited items.
The new security checkpoint in Downtown Disney screens all visitors to the shopping complex, regardless of whether they plan to visit the theme parks. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
#4 – There are no changes for visitors arriving from the Harbor Boulevard entrance, or who park in the Toy Story parking lot. That security checkpoint is still in place, and will be updated as part of the larger Eastern Gateway project under construction.
The security tents were removed from the west side of the esplanade, again revealing an unobstructed view of the area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Fastpass now available for Late Check-Out
You can now get a Fastpass for the “Late Check-Out” version of the Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure.
Previously, Fastpass distribution ended with 4:59 pm return times, and you had to wait in the standby line if you wanted to ride “Late Check-Out” style, without lights or effects.
Now Fastpass tickets with return times at 5:00 p.m. are marked “Late Check-Out,” and are issued on a first come, first serve basis as soon as the return time reaches 5:00 p.m. Depending on how busy the day is, that can be as early as 11:00 a.m. or perhaps even before, so it's worth swinging by the ride and asking the cast members for a prediction.
The tickets go very quickly once it switches over, so be prepared to grab yours. Remember that the ride closes on Tuesday, January 3 for conversion into a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.
This and that…
…There are just four more chances to get a freshly made, hand-pulled candy cane at the Disneyland Resort this year. The treats are available this week at Disneyland's Candy Palace on Monday, December 19 and Saturday, Christmas Eve December 24. They will be available at Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure on Tuesday, December 20 and on Christmas Sunday, December 25. For more information about the tradition, be sure to read our Guide to the Candy Canes at the Disneyland Resort.
…The Castle Heraldry Shoppe in Fantasyland at Disneyland will close on January 12, 2017, according to a post made on the store's Facebook page. The shop said the closure is due to a “new experience” that Disney has not yet announced, and that there is no room for the store to relocate within Fantasyland.
…It looks like “Beauty and the Beast” will be the next movie to be previewed at the Sunset Showcase theater in Disney California Adventure, based on the marquee outside the building.
The “Doctor Strange” preview has closed at Disney California Adventure, and “Beauty and the Beast” appears to be slated for Spring, 2017. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…A section of the tarp covering the scaffolding around the Tower of Terror was missing last week, giving a peek at the new paint being applied to the building's facade as part of the Guardians of the Galaxy overlay.
A look at the new paint on the Tower of Terror building for the Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Crowd Forecast
|
Advertisement “Do more. Wait less.”
|
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit Disneyland.com—this information is no longer available from the automated phone service.
Disneyland
- Pioneer Mercantile – closes January 9 for refurbishment. Reopening date not yet published.
- Jingle Cruise – closes January 9 for removal of the holiday overlay. Reopening date not yet published, but likely by January 20.
- Haunted Mansion Holiday – closes January 9 for removal of the holiday overlay. Reopening date not yet published, but likely by January 20.
- “it's a small world” – closes January 22 for removal of the holiday overlay. Reopening date not yet published.
The following attractions are all closed for Star Wars Land-related construction around the Rivers of America, and are expected to reopen in spring 2017 or later:
- Disneyland Railroad
- Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
- Fantasmic!
- Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
- Sailing Ship Columbia
- Mark Twain Riverboat
Disney California Adventure
- Muppet*Vision 3D – closed indefinitely. The theater has been renamed the Sunset Showcase Theater, and will likely be used for movie previews until a permanent replacement is found.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – closes January 3, 2017 for transformation into a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.
- Grizzly River Run – closed January 9 through February 14 for refurbishment.
Disneyland Resort
- House of Blues Anaheim – closed. The 23,000-square-foot restaurant and concert venue will be partly demolished and converted into a new Splitsville Lanes, scheduled to open in late 2017.
- Curl Surf – under construction in Downtown Disney, and scheduled to open in late 2016
Disneyland Resort Hotels
-
Grand Californian Hotel Pools – Closed January 3 through spring 2017, All three of the pools at the hotel will be closed for refurbishment, including the Redwood Pool and water slide, the Fountain Pool, and the Mariposa Pool. The cabanas will also close during this time. The closure is not currently listed on the hotel's website. During the refurbishment, which is expected to last at least through March, people staying at the Grand Californian Hotel can use the pool facilities at the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier Hotel.
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 in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2016
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – through January 8, 2017
- 2016 Candy Cane dates – The official dates for 2016 are:
- Disneyland Candy Palace – December 19, 24
- Disney California Adventure Trolley Treats – December 0, 25
- Season of the Force – no end date announced.
2017
- 2017 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – January 12–15, 2017. Registration is still open for the 10K and Half Marathon events. All other race distances are sold out through runDisney, but charities like Team Muscle Makers have space available.
- “Use it or lose it” weekend – January 28–29, 2017. Our designation for the final weekend of January, which marks the deadline for cast members, community groups, and Club 33 members to use their remaining complementary admission tickets from the 2016 allocation.
- Dapper Day Spring Outing to Disneyland (unofficial event) – Sunday, April 23. More information at the event website. This popular event grows larger each year, so it's worth making note of the date if you plan to visit the park during this weekend.
- 2017 Grad Nites: May 5, 6, 10, 17, 19, 20, 24, 30 and 31; June 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16 and 17.
- 2017 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – May 11–14, 2017. Registration opens September 20, 2016.
- D23 Expo – July 14–16, 2017. Tickets are now on sale through the official D23 website.
- Dapper Day Fall Outing to Disneyland (unofficial event) – Sunday, November 5. More information at the event website. This popular event grows larger each year, so it's worth making note of the date if you plan to visit the park during this weekend.
We also recommend checking the convention calendar at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau website. When looking at that site, remember to note both the number of people and the number of rooms resulting from each convention. A gathering of 25,000 people booking few room nights (indicating most will be driving in to the area for their meeting) can impact traffic around the resort much more than a crowd of 25,000 staying in area hotels. Of course, that second group is going to make finding a hotel room more difficult (and possibly more expensive), so it's best to book your own room as early as possible if you see that a big convention is in town during your trip.
Non-Disney Resort Events
Notable events at parks and attractions around Southern California. If you know of an event that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
Knott's Berry Farm
- Knott's Merry Farm – through January 8, 2017
- Fire and Law Tribute Days – January 9–31, 2017
Legoland California
- Holidays at Legoland – through January 1, 2017
- Kids' New Year's Eve – December 31, 2016.
- Star Wars Days – March 4–5, 2017.
- Red, White and Boom – July 4, 2017.
Sea World San Diego
- Sea World's Christmas Celebration – through January 1, 2017.
- Lunar New Year – January 28 – February 21, 2017.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Holiday in the Park – through January 1
School Holidays
Notable school holidays that may impact park attendance. If you know of any other holidays that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2016
- Winter Break – through January 6, 2017. Most schools close only two of these three weeks, but some districts close all three weeks due to the Sunday Christmas.
2017
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 16.
- Cesar Chavez Day – Friday, March 31. Many locals schools are closed.
- Spring Break – March 13 to April 14. The four-week period during which most local schools will observe a one-week spring holiday.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Disneyland prices as of February 28, 2016.
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update. 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. Note, we are no longer listing offers from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, as their convenience fee negates any savings.
Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside the gates stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Disneyland admission, and may result in denial of entry. It is also common for criminals to shoplift inactivated Disney theme park tickets from supermarkets to resell them. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or travel agency.
Ticket Prices and Promotions
| One Day Tickets |
Check the Disneyland website to see what type of ticket you need for the day you plan to visit. Seasonal pricing applies only to one-day tickets. 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 Tickets |
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. |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Three Day Tickets |
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. |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Military |
2016 Disney Military Promotional 3 – Day Park Hopper Ticket ($143) Through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase the Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $143 each [an increase of $11 from the 2014-2015 offer]. Disneyland tickets may be used through December 19, 2016. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2016. For complete information regarding Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may visit the Disneyland Resort website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Four Day Tickets |
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. |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Five Day Tickets |
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. |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Six Day or longer tickets | No longer offered by Disneyland; some travel providers may offer tickets for 6 days or longer as part of a package to international customers; residents of Canada, Australia, or the U.K. should check with local travel agencies to see what options may be available. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports |
Disney California Adventure Park Fun Pass Technically not an annual pass, this Costco-exclusive is valid only at Disney California Adventure for 365 days after activation. The pass costs $329.99, the same price as the existing Disney Southern California Select Passport that also includes admission to Disneyland. The new Costco pass comes with 19 blockout dates during the remainder of 2016, and 41 blockout dates through December 1, 2017. Those 60 combined blockout dates most closely resemble those of the existing Deluxe Annual Passport, and cover the peak Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year travel periods, plus most holiday weekends and every Saturday between March 13 and August 19. Remaining 2016 – 2017 blockout dates:
The Disney California Adventure Park Fun Pass also includes the same 10 percent merchandise and food discount as offered with the Southern California Select Passport. Like that pass, the new DCA pass does not include parking, nor is there an option to add a parking pass onto this ticket. The new Fun Pass also includes a Disney collector pin featuring Ariel and the DCA logo. If you're looking to buy this as a holiday gift, note that the pass expires one year after the first use, and the first use must be by December 1, 2016. That doesn't necessarily rule it out as a stocking stuffer, but Christmas will have to come very early so your recipient can activate the pass before the deadline. The pass is available only at Costco stores and from Costco.com. This is not a member-exclusive item, and in our test, the Costco website did not add a surcharge when the pass was purchased by a non-member. The pass is mailed in five to seven business days, though a two-day shipping option is available at an added charge. California residents can take advantage of the monthly payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport.
Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Southern California CityPASS |
2016 Southern California CityPASS ($329/$294) – includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to Sea World San Diego, and a one-day admission to LEGOLAND California. The CityPASS expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by December 31, 2016. Purchase CityPASS through the Disneyland website 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 website, though a shipping charge may apply depending on how quickly you need the ticket. When you purchase the CityPASS, you have the option of adding a one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park for an extra $38/$30. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPASS website. You can also upgrade your CityPASS to add more days at participating locations:
Prices listed above are valid until December 31, 2016 Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Disneyland Resort & Universal Studios Combo Pass |
A special combo ticket available exclusively through MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Travel. The bundle includes either a 2-day or 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket, plus a 2nd Day Free Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket. |
||||||||||||||||||||
Additional Discounts
Did we miss an offer? If you know of an authorized discount on Disneyland Resort tickets, standing offers for Annual Passholders from non-Disney vendors, or other promotions which might interest our readers, please drop us a note!
Discounts for:
| Everyone |
Purchase with Purchase offers – Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced–price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. These are offered at Disney-operated stores only, and selection may vary by location. Recently, Disney has begun allowing customers to purchase more than one of the offers in a qualifying transaction, so if you spend $40 or more you can buy both items currently available if you wish. If you're a passholder, the minimum purchase is calculated after your discount, and your discount does not apply to the promotional item. Current offers:
Landry's Select Club – members of the Landry's Select Club get priority seating at the Rainforest Cafe when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days). This club replaces the former Rainforest Cafe Safari Club, and runs on a point-based system that gives you a $25 gift certificate after you spend $250. Membership now costs $25, but comes with a $25 birthday reward. We recommend that you prepurchase your membership before your visit so you can take advantage of the priority seating benefit. 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 percent 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). Character Dining Vouchers – discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through Get Away Travel. |
|
|---|---|---|
| Annual Passholders |
Disneyland Resort merchandise – Disneyland extended the 20 percent merchandise discount offered to Premium annual passholders through December 31, 2016. All other passholders receive a 10 percent merchandise discount. Visit the Annual Passholder discount page for specific details and exclusions. Guided Tours – 15 percent off the regular price of six guided tours – Walt in Walt's Footsteps; Cultivating the Magic; Discover the Magic; Happiest Haunts; Welcome to Disneyland; and Holiday Time at Disneyland. Visit the Annual Passholder discount page for specific details and exclusions. Dining – 10 to 15 percent off at a variety of Disneyland Resort locations, including Disney-owned and independent restaurants. Visit the Annual Passholder discount page for specific details and exclusions. |
|
|
Disney Visa cardholders |
Character Meet-and-Greet at Disney California Adventure – cardholders have access to a private character meet-and-greet photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, and receive one free image download per visit. Star Wars Imperial Meet-and-Greet at Disneyland – cardholders have access to a private character meet-and-greet photo opportunity in the Star Tours Launch Bay in Tomorrowland. Offered daily from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. As of January 23, 2016, Kylo Ren replaced Darth Vader at this location. Disneyland Resort merchandise – Cardholders also receive 10 percent off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney-operated retail stores. Disneyland Resort dining – 10 percent off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (Big Thunder Ranch, River Belle Terrace, French Market, Cocina Cucamonga, Wine Country Trattoria (lunch), Paradise Garden Grill, The Lounge at Steakhouse 55 (breakfast), Steakhouse 55 (breakfast), PCH Grill (breakfast and dinner), and Storyteller's Café (lunch). Downtown Disney District dining and merchandise – 10 percent off at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (maximum discount of $40, excludes alcohol), Wetzel's Pretzels, Ridemakerz, Alamo Rent a Car, and ESPN Zone. Disneyland Resort Guided Tours – 15 percent off the “Welcome to Disneyland,” “A Walk in Walt's Footsteps,” “Discover the Magic,” and “Cultivating the Magic” guided tours. See the Disney Visa website for terms and conditions for all of these promotions. |
|
|
U.S. military |
See “2016 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket” above. |
|
| Southern California residents | 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. | |
| Hotel and travel package offers |
Costco Travel Packages – many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco. Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – These package includes accommodations in one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels, along with theme park admission. The packages also come with a variety of extra inclusions and bonuses, usually a souvenir pin and lanyard, and discount coupons for various Downtown Disney merchants. Contact Disney Travel at (714) 520-5050, book online through the Disneyland website, or call your favorite travel agent to inquire about these packages. |
|
Customers can add a Snowman Mickey tote or Disneyland castle throw blanket to their qualifying purchase for $20. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix. Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
- DL – Disneyland
- DCA – Disney California Adventure
Annual Pass blockouts:
- SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
- SC – Southern California Annual Pass
- DX – Deluxe Annual Pass
- SG – Signature Annual Pass
The Disneyland website does not list the blockout dates for the Costco-exclusive Disney California Adventure Park Fun Pass. The blockout dates are as follows:
- 2016 – September 3, 4; November 11, 24, 25, 26; December 19–31
- 2017 – January 1, 2; February 18, 19; March 18, 25; April 1, 8, 9, 14, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 26, 27, 28; June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1-4, 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19; September 2,l 3; November 10, 11, 23, 24, 25.
Early Admission – full description available on the Disneyland website:
- MM – Magic Mornings for 3-plus day ticket holders, promotional “bonus” tickets, and Southern California CityPASS
- EMH – Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests
- EA – Early Admission for Annual Passholders (not currently offered)
Disneyland Resort Special Events:
- FW – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
- GN – Grad Nite
- MHP – Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland
- 2016 Candy Cane dates – The official dates for 2016 are:
- Disneyland Candy Palace – November 25, 30; December 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 24
- Disney California Adventure Trolley Treats – November 26, 29; December 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 25
| 12/18 | 12/19 | 12/20 | 12/21 | 12/22 | 12/23 | 12/24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: Candy Canes |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: Candy Canes |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: Candy Canes |
| 12/25 | 12/26 | 12/27 | 12/28 | 12/29 | 12/30 | 12/31 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: Candy Canes |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-2a DCA: 8a-1a AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 1/1/2017 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/4 | 1/5 | 1/6 | 1/7 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-11p DCA: 9a-9p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-11p DCA: 9a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 1/8 | 1/9 | 1/10 | 1/11 | 1/12 | 1/13 | 1/14 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 1/15 | 1/16 | 1/17 | 1/18 | 1/19 | 1/20 | 1/21 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-6p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: MSEP Premiere |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-11p DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
| 1/22 | 1/23 | 1/24 | 1/25 | 1/26 | 1/27 | 1/28 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a DCA: 10a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p DCA: 10a-8p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a DCA: 9a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a DCA: 8a-10p AP Blockouts: Events: None |
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.
The Seasons calendar is published on the Disneyland website for the next 8-11 months.
Join Our Networks
MousePlanet