Disneyland Resort Update for May 3-9, 2021

Disneyland Resort Update for May 3–9, 2021

News and Views

Mickey, We're Home

The cats and ducks of Disneyland were startled out of their pandemic routine last week when Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom reopened to visitors for the first time in more than a year.

Disneyland officially reopened Friday morning, following three days of previews for cast members and their friends and family. The day began with remarks by Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who joined Disney Chairman Bob Iger; Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Disneyland Resort president Ken Potrock and Disneyland Park Vice President Kris Theiler in welcoming back cast members in a pre-opening ceremony.

[Click here to watch Bob Chapek's remarks to Disneyland cast members before the park reopened on April 30, 2021.]

Then the gates reopened, and the first fans streamed into the park to get their first glimpse of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Cast members lined Main Street, U.S.A. and there were tears all around as guests and cast members welcomed one another back to work and back to play. The hashtag of the day was #MagicIsHere, and there was definitely something in the air as the park seemed to come alive once more.

Main Street, U.S.A. ⁦@Disneyland⁩ #MagicIsBack pic.twitter.com/x6NowwGY3R

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

I was fortunate enough to witness both the opening ceremony and the moments as the first visitors entered the park, and then to spend several hours in the park. All weekend I've been fielding the same questions: “How was it? What was it like to be back?”

MousePlanet LIVE! at Disneyland – The Reopening: April 30, 2021 https://t.co/ofvD6z7lrn

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

Any answer has to be prefaced by saying I was there for just a few hours as working media instead of spending the full day as a paying guest. I also wasn't there with my usual park crew, so didn't get the full experience with family and friends. That said, I'm absolutely trying to work out how quickly I can arrange a day to visit with my family, to take advantage of the low crowds before Disney is allowed to raise its capacity.

I can honestly say Disneyland looked better than it has in my memory. The park is just stunning right now, sparkling clean and fresh. It is clear park managers used the time to take care of some maintenance, and there are also just a few places where you can tell they ran out of time.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by MousePlanet (@mouseplanet)

Beyond the physical, being in the park Friday reminded me of off-season Tuesdays back in the early 2000s, before the annual passholder explosion. While the freshly enhanced Haunted Mansion quickly sported a 50-minute line, due mostly to the reduced capacity mandated by the COVID protocols, most other attractions boasted a minimal wait. Depending on your luck at getting a boarding pass for Rise of the Resistance, it seems possible to ride every open attraction in both parks at least once. Once the parks extend operating hours next Friday, you'll even have time to revisit a favorite attraction or two.

 

 

 

 

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Of course, and as was the case on those off-season Tuesdays back in the day, there's a trade-off for the small crowds. Obviously, there's no live entertainment right now, no nighttime spectaculars or parades. A few rides are closed for refurbishment, and another two dozen rides and attractions are closed due to COVID restrictions. You can see and do a lot right now, but obviously not everything. You have to include all of those variables when you decide if now is the right time for you to visit the theme parks.

We rode Star Tours @Disneyland today. Queue is mostly outside, CM gives you the glasses at the door and you go straight to boarding. They have plexiglass dividers between sections, and only load every other row. #MagicIsHere #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/J95NJOSthC

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

Dining is another consideration, and some of the reopening weekend visitors say it's much more of a pain point than they expected. Relatively few restaurants are open in each park, and Disney is heavily pushing mobile ordering as a way to streamline operations at each location. If you don't use the mobile order system, expect to wait in a fairly long line to place your order. And even if you do use the mobile order system, you'll need to plan ahead for meals, as the most popular pick-up times can fill up early.

This is why you should plan ahead for meals @Disneyland , even with mobile order. Peak pick-up windows are already filling up. #MagicIsHere pic.twitter.com/nd8yuGopCS

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

You'll definitely need to plan for snacks and meals, because you can only eat and drink if you're sitting in a designated area. You may be used to strolling around Fantasyland with a box of popcorn or a churro, but that's not an option right now.

Spotted the Main Mouse on Main Street @Disneyland Minnie, Goofy, Chip & Dale were also hanging out. #MagicIsHere pic.twitter.com/Cg9I4iq88Y

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

As a visitor I've never really needed to get up close and personal with Mickey Mouse, so I'm perfectly happy being able to wave to him from a distance. Disney characters begin to make appearances in the park a few hours after opening, with Mickey and the gang hanging out around the Main Street Train Station. I also spotted characters in Toontown, and heard from other visitors about their encounters around the park.

Chewbacca is greeting visitors to Batuu. #MagicIsBack pic.twitter.com/0tHUuSrgIx

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

Autograph hunters will definitely have a different perspective, but I really enjoyed watching these physically distanced interactions between characters and guests. I think they're much more engaging than the usual meet-and-greet experience, and hope there's a place for that in a post-COVID operation.

One of the distanced photo ops available @Disneyland today – Alice is near “it’s a small world.” #MagicIsHere pic.twitter.com/JithUuVQPM

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

At the same time, I truly missed the parades, and wished for even a simple cavalcade to bridge the gap. In an interview Friday afternoon, Disneyland Resort president Ken Potrock said fireworks are likely to be the first entertainment to return, because it's relatively easy for the audience to remain physically distanced throughout the show. Parades likely won't return until after California lifts the current COVID restrictions, hopefully in mid-June.

For so many, the reopening of Disneyland feels long overdue, especially when you consider that Walt Disney World has been safely operating since last summer.

The crowds seem smaller today than during cast previews, and everyone is doing a good job with social distancing in the queues. It’s just not crowded enough to be an issue. #MagicIsHere #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/654BQSD9C0

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

If you are heading to Disneyland in the next few weeks, here are some tips from my brief visit:

1) Remember that you're not in theme park shape anymore. It doesn't matter if you earned your Peloton Century Milestone during the pandemic, theme park conditioning is totally different. I've heard from so many people—friends, readers, cast members—who all say they were just not prepared for that first day back in the parks. Make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes.

If it’s been 14 months since you’ve been to @Disneyland , don’t forget the sunblock. The sun is brutal today. #TheSunburnIsBack pic.twitter.com/mOVdupdeRv

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 30, 2021

2) That shiny thing in the sky will burn you. If you've stayed home for much of the past year, you're probably not in the habit of applying sunscreen anymore. Don't venture out without it, because a mask burn line is not the souvenir you want from your trip.

3) Be intentional with your hydration. With having to wear a mask all day you're less likely to take sips of water here and there as you normally would in the parks. Take frequent breaks to stave off dehydration.

And if the time isn't quite right for you to return—you're waiting for entertainment to come back, you're waiting until mask requirements  are lifted, you're waiting until out-of-state visitors are welcome—then just check back with us here every week for another dose of Disney.

Show White sparkles

A highlight of reopening day was the opportunity to see the updated Snow White's Enchanted Wish attraction at Disneyland. The ride is beautiful, and the technological enhancements truly add to the experience. This is still a classic Disney dark ride, but told in a way it feels entirely plausible to believe the original Imagineers would have used had the technology been available to them.

If you're willing to endure spoilers, I have a full ride-through of the attraction on Instagram. Fortunately one effect doesn't translate to video, so you're still in for a surprise when you visit in person.

 

 

 

 

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Update to the Disney Visa Photo Locations at the Disneyland Resort

Now that the Disneyland Resort has reopened, an exclusive offering is also back—if you know where to look.

Disney Visa card members have long had access to a private photo locations inside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, where they could meet Disney characters without the long lines they might experience elsewhere in the parks. The experience also came with a free digital download of the photo. Due to COVID restrictions, Disney characters are not currently able to participate in these up-close and personal photo sessions, so Disney Visa card members can instead take a Magic Shot at the same locations.

The Disney Visa card member photo location in Disney California Adventure was tucked into Hollywood Land. MousePlanet file photo.

Like other Magic Shot opportunities around the Disneyland Resort, in this experience a Disney photographer will take your photo, and later digitally enhance the picture by adding a Disney character into the scene. We don't know which specific characters are available at each location, but we do know where you can get your photo taken.

The Disney Magic Shot at Disney California Adventure is adjacent to the Monsters, Inc. attraction in Hollywood Land. Prior to the shutdown, this location featured a revolving cast of Disney characters that included Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Stitch, and Chip and Dale. We don't know who you might encounter now. The location is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Before the pandemic, Minnie Mouse was one of the characters who would greet you. Now she may be added to your photo after the fact. MousePlanet file photo.

The Star Wars Magic Shot at Disneyland has relocated outside the Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland, across from Autopia. This is open every afternoon from 2:00 to 6:00. Prior to the closure, this location featured Darth Vader or Kylo Ren.

Members receive one free image download per visit, and you must show your Disney Visa card to access the experience.

Disney Visa card members still receive discounts at participating locations, including 10% off a merchandise purchase of $50 or more from most Disney-operated stores, as well as 10% off at select dining locations, including:

Disneyland Park

• French Market
• River Belle Terrace [not yet reopened]

Disney California Adventure Park

• Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
• Wine Country Trattoria [not yet reopened]
• Paradise Garden Grill [not yet reopened]

Disneyland Resort Hotels

• Steakhouse 55 [not yet reopened]
• Goofy’s Kitchen [not yet reopened]
• Disney’s PCH Grill [not yet reopened]
• Storytellers Café [not yet reopened]

Disney Visa card members will also receive 15% off certain Disneyland Resort guided tours once they resume, along with discounts at certain operating participants:

• Receive 10% off select purchases at:
  • Earl of Sandwich
  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
• Receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at:
  • Arribas Brothers Crystal Shops (Crystal Arts and Cristal d’Orleans)
  • Sugarboo & Co.
• Plus, receive 20% off select purchases at:
  • Wetzel’s Pretzels

Park reservations are rolling out and filling up

At press time, all full-day reservation slots for Disneyland were booked out through the end of June. There were some park-hopper dates available with Disneyland as the starting park in June, but none in May. The majority of remaining reservation spots are either for Disney California Adventure-only days, or park hopping with DCA as the starting park.

Most Saturdays are full through the end of June, and we expect the popular 4th of July holiday weekend to full up quickly, even without the promise of fireworks. Disney said it planned to open reservations about 60 days in advance on a rolling basis, and like clockwork reservations for July 1 opened Sunday morning. That being the case, we expect reservations to open tomorrow (Tuesday) for Saturday, July 3 and on Wednesday May 5 for the 4th of July.

This and That…

As we expected, “complimentary” parking is a thing of the past in @DisneylandDTD It’s $10 pay-on-exit for the first hour. Validation applies only after the 1st paid hour, and you can’t stack them. pic.twitter.com/YiofPtNrd7

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) May 2, 2021

…We wrote last week that a new parking fee structure went into effect in Downtown Disney on Friday. The fee is now $10 per car for the first hour, and $14 per each additional hour. After the first hour, you can get three hours validation with a $20 purchase from participating merchandise or quick-service restaurant locations, or up to five hours from a table-service restaurant, but you're still on the hook for that first $10 when you exit.

Tortilla Jo’s Taqueria has reopened in @DisneylandDTD pic.twitter.com/hL0MjFo2yn

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) May 2, 2021

…Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, the Tortilla Jo's Taqueria has reopened in Downtown Disney. This quick-serve location is adjacent to Tortilla Jo's, and offers build-your-own tacos, burritos, bowls and nachos.

…Napolini Pizzeria also reopened last week, offering a variety of fast-fired pizzas.

…Catal Restaurant is slated to reopen this week. The Uva Bar has been open for some time now, but the main restaurant is about to reopen for the first time in more than a year.

Artist Nikkolas Smith, CHLA cancer patient Daniel and President & CEO of CHLA, Paul S. Viviano view the new art installation. Photo courtesy of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

…The King Chad mural honoring the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has found a new permanent home at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The mural was previously on display at Downtown Disney. Artist and former Disney Imagineer Nikkolas Smith donated the mural to CHLA, and was on hand for the dedication last week.

…The MousePlanet 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 for keeping the Disney magic going at home. 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

Attraction, restaurants and stores which are closed for refurbishment are noted below. All other closures should be presumed to be due to COVID protocols, and are subject to change at any time without notice as the state of California issues new guidance.

All information was current as of this article's publication date. MousePlanet does not edit past Updates; for the most up-to-date refurbishment calendar, check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update, visit Disneyland.com or use the Disneyland smartphone application on your iOS or Android device.

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).

2021-2022

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 February, 2020.

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!

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

Everyone

Legacy Annual Passholders

Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders

Southern California Residents

Disney Vacation Club Members

Service Members

Hotel & Travel Packages

If you can't see the categories, please let us know!

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

• DL – Disneyland
• DCA – Disney California Adventure

Early Admission – full description available on the Disneyland website:

• MM – Magic Mornings for 3-plus day ticket holders and promotional “bonus” tickets. (Not currently offered)
• EMH – Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests. (Not currently offered)

Disneyland Resort Special Events:

• F&W – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
• GN – Grad Nite.
• OBB – Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure

The Ticket Tier calendar is published on the Disneyland website for the next eight to 11 months.

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