Disneyland Resort Update for January 7 – 13, 2019

Disneyland Resort Update for January 7 –  13, 2019

News and Views

Disneyland Resort raises admission prices

In an interview with Barron's last week, Disney CEO Robert Iger said the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is anticipated for June at the Disneyland Resort. The opening of this highly anticipated addition has sparked speculation that lines could reach six hours or longer for the new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction. Just how Disney plans to handle the crowds expected to flock to this new 14-acre land seems to be the question of the day, and we know at least part of the strategy: a price increase.

Effective Sunday, January 6, the Disneyland Resort implemented a price increase on daily tickets and annual passports. The price of Disney's MaxPass product also went up, as did parking fees throughout the Resort.

At the Disneyland Resort, one-day admission during peak season increases by $14, to $149. Prices for all other tickets run six to seven percent over 2018 pricing.

Disneyland Resort annual passports saw price increases of as much as 22 percent. The price of the most expensive annual passport, the Premier Passport valid at both the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort, jumped $370 to $1,949 per year.

In a written statement to MousePlanet, Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Liz Jaeger said:

“We continue to provide our guests with a variety of ticket offerings to meet their needs, while helping us to spread visitation, better manage demand and deliver a great experience.”

If you'd like all of the nitty-gritty details, MousePlanet published the new pricing structure yesterday, and we have also updated our Discounts and Promotions section below to reflect the new pricing.

This price increase was not unexpected, but the timing took many fans by surprise, coming just 11 months after Disneyland last raised prices.

It also comes as Disney posts another strong year of attendance figures, with Disneyland resort attendance up four percent, and hotel occupancy up one percent compared to the prior year. All previous attendance records are likely to go out the window when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens this summer, and we've already begun to see upwards pressure on hotel prices fueled by both Galaxy's Edge and this summer's D23 Expo.

As with each price hike, some fans are outraged at the amount of the increase. Many lament the high cost for families to enjoy just one day at the park, others feel that longer vacations are no longer worth the investment.

On the other side, you have those who argue that Disney's prices are in line with other premium entertainment offerings, like season tickets for local sports teams or skiing at local resorts. Almost everyone agrees that the parks are increasingly busy, and that crowding is only going to get worse this year.

Still, the most vocal group seem to be annual passholders, who took the biggest hit in this latest round of price hikes. Disneyland seems to be aware that it has a real passholder problem, and is slowly making changes to the program to influence the way passholders visit the parks. Pricing and changes to the blockout schedule are part of the plan, but Disney has stated that even more changes are pending.

Many have suggested that Disney should completely do away with the lower tiers of the AP program for 2019, expecting the crowds for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will more than compensate for diminished AP numbers. Others suggest that issues of crowding could be managed if Disney eliminiated the monthly payment plans available to Southern California passholders. By many estimates, this program is responsible for the explosive growth of the passholder population at the Disneyland Resort over the past 10 years.

The thing is that Disneyland still really needs passholders in 2019. At least, certain types of passholders. And the problem passholder population isn't the person financing the Southern California Select pass on monthly payments. Disney needs that passholder; the one who comes on weekdays during the off-season. Disney needs those passholders who visit the parks with their toddler to meet other moms, buy some snacks, and leave before school lets out.

Disney needs passholders to stand in line to buy Rose Gold Spirit Jerseys, make #PurplePotion headbands trend on Instagram, and create Snapchat stories around the latest $6 donut.

Disney needs passholders to fill Disney California Adventure during the Lunar New Year festival, to plonk down $50-plus on a Food and Wine Festival passport, and fill the Lamplight Lounge at dinnertime.

Those are the passholders Disney needs—the ones who visit the less-crowded park, during less-crowded periods, and are willing to spend extra money on upcharge events.

What Disneyland doesn't need is more passholders to visit during the Christmas season. It doesn't need more passholders to arrive one to a car, filling the Resort's parking lots to capacity as soon as blockouts are lifted (as happened this past Sunday when the Deluxe passholders returned to catch the final night of holiday entertainment).

It doesn't need more passholders with a habit of spending all of their free time at the Happiest Place on Earth, but not much money. And it really, really doesn'tt need any more passholders (even the top-tier APs, who pay an average of $4 a day) to pack Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge during the opening weeks or months. Not when they could sell that same spot in line to a day guest paying $100 or more for the visit.

To be sure, Disney created this problem, and has been slow to address it. Since 2000, the price of an annual pass with no blockout dates has jumped from $199 to nearly $1,400. Yes, that's steep, but it's a relative bargain for the “Disney lifestylers”—the types of passholders who visit weekly, or even several times a week—who are now in their second generation, and who experience Disneyland as an extention of their homes.

Another sign of Disney's situation comes in the form of their early 2019 promotions. Disney knows many families are putting off their next Disneyland trip until after Galaxy's Edge opens, but the company also knows that there are people who are happy to visit whenever. For those willing to visit in the slower winter and spring months, Disney is offering discounts of as much as 40 percent off. The 2019 Southern California Resident ticket is actually less expensive than the 2018 offer, and it's because Disney has excess capacity to sell during these next five months.

At the same time, Disney may be hoping to reset the expectations of some passholders, and convince them to give up their increasingly expensive annual passports in favor of less expensive and more flexible multi-day tickets.

Unlike the $400 Southern California Select Annual Passport, the 3-day Southern California Resident ticket ($179), is valid on weekends, and is valid any three days during the promotion period. For some local families, three Saturday trips to Disneyland may be enough for a year, especially for those who don't really care about the new Star Wars and Marvel offerings.

There will always be people who will pay top dollar for an unlimited Disneyland pass, and it's clear Disney will keep pushing the price as long as people are willing to pay it. But for those who are willing to jump off the AP bandwagon, you might be surprised to see that there are more affordable ways to get your Disney fix.

Southern California Resident Ticket offer begins

Southern California residents can visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks three times before May 23, 2019 for as little as $179 using a new discounted ticket that went on sale January 7.

The Southern California Resident Ticket offers residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California admission to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure up to three times between January 7 and May 23, 2019.

You can use every day of this ticket at the same theme park, or visit different parks on different days, but you cannot use it to enter both parks on the same day. The ticket is $179 for ages 3 and up, a discount of 40 percent compared to the box office prices that took effect on January 6, 2019.

For an additional $55, you can also upgrade the ticket to a park-hopper, which allows entry to both parks each day, and which is a savings of up to $121 compared to the box office price of a three-day park-hopper ticket.

Although you can purchase tickets at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths on the day of your visit, you should purchase in advance by calling (714) 781-4636, or by going online at Disneyland.com and printing them at home. Purchasing three-day tickets in advance comes with one Magic Morning admission, a benefit you do not get if you buy on-site. If purchasing at a participating third party ticket outlet, double-check that their three-day tickets come with this feature.

There is no “fuse” on this ticket, which means you can use the first admission on January 7 and wait until May to use the remaining admission. You must, however, purchase the ticket by May 20, 2019. Tickets expire on May 23, 2019, and are blocked out April 14–22, 2019.

Disney states that proof of residency is required for purchase and admission, and each resident can purchase up to five tickets per day.

Now for the official fine print:

Southern California Resident Ticket

• Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000 to 93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000 to 22999; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. 
• 3-Day, 1-Park Per Day Ticket is valid for admission for three (3) days to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park, but not to both parks on the same day.
• 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket is valid for admission for three (3) days to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day.  
• Each day of use constitutes one full day of use.  
• Tickets expire May 23, 2019.
• Blockout days of April 14 through April 22, 2019 apply.
• May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid I.D.
• Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use.
• Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions.
• Tickets not valid before January 7.
• Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.

Important Details about Magic Morning at Disneyland Park

• Magic Morning admission allows admission into selected attractions at Disneyland Park before the park opens to the general public on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. 
• Each Guest must have valid, eligible theme park admission.  
• To enhance the Magic Morning experience, it is strongly recommended that Guests arrive at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to regular park opening. 
• Magic Morning admission is based on availability and capacity.
• Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants and appearances of characters may vary and are subject to change without notice.
• Subject to restrictions and cancellation.

Limited-Time Special Ticket Offer

If you do not live in the qualifying ZIP codes for the Southern California Resident Ticket described above, or prefer a 4- or 5- day ticket, Disney has another offer valid for travel on the same dates that is open to everyone. However, this ticket comes with a 13-day fuse, so plan your visits accordingly.

The Limited-Time Special Ticket Offer is valid for travel January 7 through May 23, 2019, excluding the spring break blockout of April 14–22, 2019. The price is the same for all ages 3 and older, and each ticket includes one Magic Morning entry. This offer is about $11 more than the locals-only deal from 2018.

Tickets must be purchased by May 18, 2019. You must use all entries within 13 days of the initial entry, which provides some flexibility to visit as many as three weekends in a row. With the fourth and fifth day adding just $19 and $10 to the base ticket price, it's definitely worth adding the extra days if you can fit even a half-day visit into your week.

Disneyland Resort Military Discounts

Through December 18, 2019, 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:

• Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $178 each (an increase of $10 from the 2018 offer)
• Disney Military Promotional 4-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $198 each (an increase of $10 from the 2018 offer)

Disneyland tickets may be used through December 18, 2019, excluding the spring break blockout of April 14–22, 2019.

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 18, 2019.

Hotel discounts

Military discounts are valid for stays most nights from January 1 through December 19, 2019. Travel must be completed by December 20, 2019

Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call (714) 520-7088 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. In past years, the offer was generally 30 to 40 percent off, based on room category.

Unlike the Walt Disney World version, the Disneyland offer allows the eligible service member to book up to two rooms, and allows their spouse (with valid and proper ID) to qualify in the absence of the service member.

Photopass Discount

Eligible service members can purchase the Photopass Collection for $49 plus tax through December 21, 2019. The package includes digital downloads of all PhotoPass photos in the user's account when they redeem the voucher; a voucher for a dining print package, and a Disneyland photo disc with 350 stock photos from around the Disneyland Resort.

Terms and Conditions:

Here are some other details you should know about regarding the offers:

• Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets ONLY by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
• Eligible Service Members are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• The actual prices charged at the individual U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
• Participating military sales outlets must require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.
• Disney 3-Day or 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort expire and may not be used after December 19, 2018. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
• No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
• Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
• The Photopass Collection can be purchased only in person at Kingswell Camera Shop in Disney California Adventure, or at Main Street Photo Supply in Disneyland.

This and That…

…Disney California Adventure wraps up the ¡Viva Navidad! promotion with a Three Kings' Day celebration in Paradise Gardens January 3–8. This is a low-key addition to the existing ¡Viva Navidad! setup, but look for children's craft areas, a display of Three Wise Men figurines, and of course a cart where you can purchase a slice of Rosca de Reyes (Kings bread). Eat carefully—there might be a hidden surprise inside the bread, which is said to bring good fortune to the person who finds it.

…Haunted Mansion Holiday is now closed through January 17 to remove the holiday overlay. “it's a small world” Holiday remains open through Monday, January 21, and will then close for annual restoration.

…Disneyland's Astro Orbiter and Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure are now closed for seasonal refurbishment.

…Disneyland has again extended 20 percent merchandise discount, originally offered to Disney Signature Plus, Disney Signature, Disney Premier and Premium annual passholders as a limited time promotion. The offer now expires December 31, 2019. Find full details on the Annual Passholder discount page.

…The Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite event on Thursday, March 6 has finally sold out.

…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 email in the box below.

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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All 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 DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience smartphone application on your iOS or Android device.

New! View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.

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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.

New! Just click the year you want to expand (or close).

End 2018 – 2019

2020

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.

Current Discounts and Promotions

Disneyland prices as of January 6, 2019.

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 like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.

Ticket Prices and Promotions

New! Just click the number of days or ticket type you want to view.

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!

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Everyone

Annual Passholders

Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders

Southern California Residents

Disney Vacation Club Members

Service Members

Hotel & Travel Packages

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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

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:

• F&W – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
• GN – Grad Nite. 2019 dates: May 10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 22, 28, 29, and 31; June 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, and 14
• MHP – Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland.

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 eight to 11 months.

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