Disneyland Resort Update for March 7-14, 2016

Disneyland Resort Update for March 7–14, 2016

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

News and Views

Dancing with the Cars | Frozen – Live at the Hyperion opens May 27 | DCA tests out World of Color dessert packages | Reservations open for Food & Wine Festival Premium Experiences | Save the Date for 2016 CHOC Walk | This and that… | Crowd Forecast

Dancing with the Cars

Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters officially opens to the public today, following a week of previews for cast members and annual passholders. The ride replaced Luigi's Flying Tires, one of the three original Cars Land rides.

Luigi's Casa Della Tires has a new ride. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The premise of the new ride is contained in the lyrics of the theme song that you'll hear at least once while you wait in line: Luigi went back to his home town of Carsoli to visit his family. Seeing how sad he was at leaving them to return home, Luigi's cousins promised they would come dance for him in Radiator Springs.

Now that they've arrived, the cousins—20 cars with individual names, license plate numbers and unique features—perform traditional Italian folk dances on the patio behind Luigi's Casa Della Tires.

The “cousins” are inspired by Italian micro cars, and feature whitewall tires (of course), and chrome trim. A handful of the cars boast gelato-colored paint; others have bright blue or red exteriors. Some have luggage racks still loaded with suitcases—those cousins were just too excited to unpack before they joined the dance. The “boy” cars have mustache grills.

Some of the cars feature luggage racks and suitcases. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

During the loading process, the cars all face the waiting passengers. As cast members come around to check the seat belts, they will introduce you to your “dance partner” for the ride.

Once the music starts, the cars begin to move through a predetermined path around the dance floor—and there's no telling where you're going next thanks to the trackless ride system, the first of its kind in a domestic Disney theme park. While there are some similarities between this ride system and that of the Aquatopia attraction at Tokyo Disney Seas, or Hong Kong's Mystic Manor, the biggest difference here is that you can't watch the car ahead of you for an idea of where you're heading next.

Each of the cars has a unique color, trim and license plate. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Each car has a unique route each time you ride. During a preview last week, I stayed in the same car (the lovely Carmela) between rides, and took a different path each time. One path can lead you to the center of the dance floor for a “solo” while the other cars dance around you. Another route will pair you up facing another car and promenade down the center of the floor.

The 90-second ride ends with all cars returning to formation for a synchronized Rockettes-like number, then a twirl before hitting the final “pose.” There are five different songs—including the ride's new theme song—and the car horns beep at intervals to the music to keep tempo. Each car has a unique horn, with one apparently having a very distinctive sound.

Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters features 20 unique ride vehicles. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

As many as 16 cars are on the dance floor at a time, allowing the other four to “take a siesta” (or visit the mechanic). However, the ride can operate with fewer vehicles, and individual cars can be removed from or added to the dance floor between cycles for maintenance if needed.

Each car holds two (or a very small three) passengers, and the bench seat has one seat belt. Two of the cars were designed with a swing-open side, making it easier to transfer to and from a wheelchair. Unlike Luigi's Flying Tires, there are no adaptive bolsters available for these ride vehicles, and riders must be able to independently maintain an upright body position throughout the ride; there is no steering wheel or grab bar to hold.

The ride has a height requirement of 32 inches, which isn't as restrictive as it may seem; the average 2-year-old is tall enough to ride.

Riders must be 32 inches tall to ride with Luigi's cousins. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Many of the complaints about the ride go something like “it looks so boring,” or “it moves too slow,” or “the ride is too short.” To me, this is a different type of ride than we may be used to. Where Mater's Junkyard Jamboree is all about inertia, and Radiator Springs Racers is about speed, this ride is about the movement of your car in relation to the other cars, and as part of the larger dance pattern. It's not a thrill ride, but it's a sweetly charming experience, a solid “C” ticket in my book (and lest you consider that a poor grade, remember that Disneyland classics like the Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride were all C tickets in the day).

A few other complaints said “it wasn't worth an hour wait,” and I'd agree. Of course, as a passholder who has a strong grasp of the Fastpass system, I'm rarely willing to wait an hour for any ride. The wait times for this ride are going to be long for the next month or so, as people who want to experience the new ride and folks visiting for Spring break swell the lines. If the lines aren't for you, try visiting first thing in the morning while everyone else is trying to ride Radiator Springs Racers, or wait until the new ride hype has died down.

Just don't judge this ride by the videos. This is one you really want to experience in person before you write it off.

Frozen – Live at the Hyperion opens May 27

Disney announced last week that the new stage show based on Frozen will debut May 27 at Disney California Adventure. The new show is officially titled Frozen – Live at the Hyperion, and replaces Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular.

The Disney Parks Blog shared quite a bit of detail about the creative team behind the new production, and many of the names will be familiar to Broadway and Disney fans alike.

Disney Creative Entertainment is developing the new musical, which features the same award-winning songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Liesl Tommy directs the production, and her longtime collaborator Christopher Windom is the choreographer.

Puppet designer Michael Curry has been tasked with costume development for Olaf and for the rock trolls. Curry is well-known for working with Julie Taymore to design the puppets for the Broadway production of The Lion King. Curry has also done dozens of projects for Disney theme parks, including the Magic Mirror from Disneyland's Snow White: An Enchanting New Musical, the flying Dumbo for Disneyland's Magical fireworks show, the Finding Nemo puppets used in the Pixar Play Parade, and several creations for Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular.

The name of the theme park show may be an effort to distinguish the production from the musical adaptation of Frozen currently under development for Broadway, slated to open in 2018.

DCA tests out World of Color dessert packages

It's hard to believe it's taken nearly six years for Disney managers to realize that some people will pay good money for reserved seat (as in, an actual chair) for the World of Color show at Disney California Adventure, but here we are. Borrowing a page from the popular dessert events offered at Walt Disney World, Disneyland announced last week a new World of Color dessert party will begin March 17. The plated dessert (not a buffet), includes pastries, fruit, and cheese, and comes with one glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider.

Most importantly, the $79 dessert includes a reserved seat at a “high-top table” (think cocktail table, so expect a bar stool or similar seating) in the viewing area. Disney has clarified that the reserved section for the dessert package participants is adjacent to and on the same level as the area reserved for Carthay Circle dining package guests.

No discounts apply to the dessert package, though tax and tip are included. The dessert party begins at 9:00 each night. Reservations are available up to 60 days in advance via the Disneyland website, or by calling (714) 781-3463.

This isn't the first time Disney has experimented with World of Color dining. Dining packages are available at Ariel's Grotto, Wine Country Trattoria, and Carthay Circle Restaurant, but those packages include tickets to a reserved standing-room-only “viewing” section. A short-lived World of Color picnic option also offered reserved viewing, but again, no seat.

Disneyland once offered a Fantasmic dessert buffet on the balcony of the former Disney Gallery (now the Disneyland Dream Suite), as well as a pre-packaged dessert offering that included seating along the Rivers of America for the show. That offering was replaced with a short-lived dessert party at the Hungry Bear Restaurant when Fantasmic went to a Fastpass system.

Reservations open for Food & Wine Festival Premium Experiences

Reservations are now open for the premium experiences to be offered with the 2016 Disney California Food & Wine Festival, but it seems most of the chatter is about the programs that aren't part of the new incarnation of this popular event.

Returning for 2016 are the popular wine, beer & spirit seminars, with up to four sessions scheduled each day. New this year are the Celebrity Kitchen, 90-minute seminars presented in a “network-quality demonstration kitchen” inside Stage 17.

The celebrity chef presenters include Guy Fieri (Next Food Network StarDiners, Drive-ins, and Dives), Graham Elliot (Master Chef), Keegan Gerhard (Food Network Challenge), Robert Irvine (Dinner Impossible), G. Garvin (Roadtrip with G. Garvin), and the Disneyland Resort's own Executive Chef Andrew Sutton, who oversees Napa Rose, Carthay Circle, and Club 33.

These hard-ticket events start at $99 per person, and include an autograph session after the presentation. Annual passholders can opt for the Celebrity Kitchen VIP Experience, which includes “a VIP autograph session with the Celebrity Chef, front-of-house priority seating, and a special festival gift.” The passholder-exclusive package is $149 per person, plus tax.

The festival will also offer complimentary cooking demonstrations at the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Land.

Many fans were disappointed to learn that the new Food & Wine Festival schedule does not include the popular Sweet Sundays events, or wine maker dinners. There is no “Taste” event, and the Napa Rose Cooking School did not return. It's hard to tell if the event producers decided to start small in this first year back, or if the overwhelming number of individual events offered five years ago was just too much to manage.

Celebrity Kitchen events

$99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seminars are held inside Stage 17 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Make reservations via the Disneyland website.

The Celebrity Kitchen VIP Experience is available only to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, and must be booked by phone at (714) 781-3463.

Wine, Beer and Spirit seminars

$15.00 per person, plus tax. Seminars are held at the Sonoma Terrace, and are limited to 75 people per class. Make reservations via the Disneyland website. All participants must be age 21 or older to enter the venue, no children and no strollers allowed in the seminars.

Save the date for the 2016 CHOC Walk in the Park

This annual fundraiser for Childrens Hospital Orange County moves to the last weekend of October for 2016, and is scheduled for Sunday. October 30. CHOC and Disney have not given any indication that this year's walk will have a Halloween theme, but the date change has certainly sparked a great deal of discussion among CHOC supporters and frequent CHOC walkers about the possibility of a costumed event.

Registration will open in May, and we are certain to have some official guidance from CHOC and/or Disney by that time, if only to prevent any misunderstanding should Disney decide to discourage costumes. (Remember, Disney's policy regarding costumes changed last year, and guests over 14 years old are not permitted to wear them inside the theme park.) MousePlanet readers, friends, and family are invited to register with Team MousePlanet and walk with our group—we'll share the team registration link once we have it.

This and that…

…It seems like we've been talking about the second Starbucks location planned for Downtown Disney forever, and even shared a few weeks ago that building permits had been filed for the location. Disney has finally made it official, announcing the new location will open sometime in 2016. This second shop will be on the west end of Downtown Disney, near the AMC Theater.

Lots of people are asking why Downtown Disney needs two Starbucks locations. This second location will be very close to the Disneyland Hotel and its convention facilities, making it far more convenient for convention attendees to grab a quick drink or bite between sessions. It will also be more convenient to guests of the Disneyland and Paradise Pier Hotels. We have yet to hear whether this new location will offer the Starbucks Evenings menu, but if so, that will open up a new casual dining option for park guests.

…While the sneak-preview of Zootopia has ended at Disney California Adventure, It's Tough to be a Bug! won't reopen anytime soon. Starting March 18, the theater will host a sneak preview of the upcoming Disney film The Jungle Book.

…A new meet-and-greet with Nick Wilde and Officer Judy Hopps from Zootopia is scheduled to open at Disney California Adventure this spring. The pair will be located on Hollywood Blvd.

…Disney is trying a different tactic to help promote the upcoming film Finding Dory. Dory and several characters from the new film will be added to the Turtle Talk with Crush attraction at Disney California Adventure sometime in early May.

…Good news for collectors looking to get the whole set of six eggs offered as prizes in the 2016 Egg-stravaganza. Disney now allows egg hunters to choose which of the six different two-inch-tall eggs they would like as their gift: Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Cheshire Cat, Woody or Jessie. You can collect all 6, while supplies last.

…Disneyland has filed more than a dozen demolition permits for buildings on the land slated to be used to build the new Star Wars Land. In addition to the workshops and storage facilities, a few interesting notes:

• Miss Chris' Cabin from the Big Thunder Ranch area is slated to be demolished.
• The tram service center behind Disneyland is also set to be leveled. A new tram service center was built near the Mickey and Friends parking structure to replace this facility.
• The former backstage kennels for Disneyland's K9 unit will be demolished. A new kennel structure has been built behind Adventureland.

Since most of these buildings are in the backstage area behind Frontierland, the work should be quite visible from the Mickey and Friends parking structure, so be sure to take a look the next time you park.

…It looks like Disneyland will build a companion restroom next to the existing bathrooms near Autopia. Disney also filed a permit for a 1,660 sq. ft. expansion of the bathrooms near Space Mountain.

…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 MouseAdventure 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.

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Crowd Forecast

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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

• Mad Tea Party – closed through March 10 for refurbishment.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 11–14 for refurbishment.
• Jungle Cruise – closed to remove the Jingle Cruise overlay, and for extensive refurbishment. Reopening date not official, but expected to be after April 17.
• Autopia – closed for extensive refurbishment. Reopening date not official, but expected to be after April 17.
• Disneyland Monorail – closes April 11 for refurbishment. Reopening date not official, but expected to be after April 17.
• Disneyland Railroad – closed for Star Wars Land-related construction around the Rivers of America. Expected to reopen spring 2017.
• Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes – closed for Star Wars Land-related construction around the Rivers of America. Expected to reopen spring 2017.
• Fantasmic! – on hiatus for Star Wars Land-related construction around the Rivers of America. Expected to return summer 2017.
• Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – closed for Star Wars Land-related construction around the Rivers of America. Expected to reopen spring 2017.
• Sailing Ship Columbia – closed for Star Wars Land-related construction around the Rivers of America. Expected to reopen spring 2017.
• Mark Twain Riverboat – closed for Star Wars Land-related construction around the Rivers of America. Expected to reopen spring 2017.
• Starcade – closed indefinitely.

Disney California Adventure

• It's Tough to be a Bug! – closed. The theater will host a sneak preview of the upcoming Disney film The Jungle Book starting March 18.
• The Bakery Tour – closed at least through March 13 for refurbishment.
• Muppet*Vision 3D – closed indefinitely due to the Frozen Fun overlay.
• Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular – closed. “Frozen Live at the Hyperion” opens May 27.
• Grizzly River Run – closed through March 16 for refurbishment.
• Silly Symphony Swings – closes April 11 for refurbishment. Reopening date not official, but expected to be after April 17.

Disneyland Resort

• Disneyland Hotel – E-Ticket pool and some cabanas closed through spring for refurbishment. The D-Ticket pool. Monorail pool and slide remain open during the refurbishment. During the refurbishment, hotel guests can use the pools at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel or the 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

• Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – through September 5
• Mini Gay Days (unofficial event) – Saturday, March 19. More information and a schedule for the day is available at the event website.
• MouseAdventure – Sunday, April 10. This event is sold out; sign up for the MouseAdventure Newsletter for more information about future events.
• 2016 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – May 5–8. The 5K, 10K, and Pixie Dust Challenge events are sold out, but the half-marathon event is still available. Details on the runDisney website. Volunteer Registration now open.
• Dapper Days at the Parks (unofficial event) – Sunday, May 1. 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.
• Grad Nite events – This party for high school seniors graduating in 2016 will be held on these dates: May 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 31; June 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17. The 2016 event includes admission to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park during regular operating hours, and a private party in Disney California Adventure park from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
• Season of the Force – no end date announced.
• 2016 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 1–4. Registration is still open for the Dumbo Double Dare and Disneyland Half Marathon races. Volunteer Registration opens May 24, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. PDT. Details on the runDisney website.
• Gay Days Anaheim (unofficial event) – September 30 – October 2. More information at the event website.
• 2016 CHOC Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 30 at the Disneyland Resort. Registration will open in May. MousePlanet readers, friends, and family are invited to register with Team MousePlanet and walk with our group. More information on the event website.
• Dapper Day Fall Soiree (unofficial event) – Sunday, November 6. 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.
• 2016 Avengers Half Marathon Weekend – November 10–13. Registration opens April 15, 2016. Volunteer Registration opens July 19, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. (PDT).

2017

• 2017 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – January 12–15, 2017. Registration opens June 14, 2016.
• “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.
• 2017 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – May 11–14, 2017. Registration opens September 20, 2016.

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 Boysenberry Festival – March 19 – April 3
• Knott's Berry Farm Ghost Town 75th Anniversary – March 19 – September 5
• Universal Studios The Wizarding World of Harry Potter grand opening – April 7, 2016

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

• Spring Break(s) – March 14 – April 8. Most local schools are closed one week during this period. Expect the majority of school closures—and crowds—the weeks immediately before and after Easter Sunday, March 27.
• Local School Holiday – Monday, March 28. Most local schools not already on Spring Break will be closed for Cesar Chavez Day.
• Nevada Day (observed) – Friday, October 28. A school holiday for our neighbors to the northeast creates a 3-day weekend and usually adds to the Halloween weekend crowds. Some Nevada schools take the entire week off as a Fall Break.
• Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. “Utah Escapes to Anaheim”) – October 20–21. Expect holiday-level crowds October 19–24 as Utah students and families take advantage of a Fall Break scheduled around an annual state education convention. Not all Utah schools close for UEA, but the impact on the resort is significant enough to mention.
• Thanksgiving Break – November 21–25. Many local schools close for the entire week of Thanksgiving.
• Winter Break – December 19, 2016 – January 6, 2017. Most schools close only two of these three weeks, but some districts close all three weeks due to the Saturday Christmas.

Merchandise Events

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

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:

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:

• FW – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
• GN – Grad Nite.
• MA – MouseAdventure (www.mouseadventure.com)
• 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.