Halloween Time is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort, but the Holidays are just around the corner. In fact, the Disneyland Resort transforms into the 'Merriest Place on Earth' in just over five weeks. From November 12, 2012 through January 6, 2013, you can experience one of the most magical times at the resort, and the newly relaunched Disney California Adventure park is part of this year's event as well.
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Photo by Bryan Pugh.
Favorite holiday classics such as the "Believe…in Holiday Magic" fireworks, "A Christmas Fantasy" parade and "it's a small world" holiday are returning to Disneyland. Haunted Mansion Holiday, which is already open for guests of Halloween Time, also continues through the holiday season. You can also meet Santa Claus, see his reindeer, play games and create crafts at Santa's Holly Jolly Jamboree back at the Big Thunder Ranch. Disneyland is also holding a record 20 performances of the Candlelight Ceremony and Processional in Main Street's Town Square, between December 3 and 20. Disney has also announced that these performances are open to "registered" Annual Passholders and that there will be a limited number of dining packages available, but Disney has yet to announce details or what the process is for becoming registered.
Buena Vista Street, a re-creation of the 1930s Los Angeles that Walt Disney knew, will also be transformed for the holiday season. Similar to how the area was decorated in period-specific patriotic flags and bunting for the Independence Day holiday, Buena Vista Street will feature vintage-style ornaments and decor. It is also highly likely that Buena Vista Street will contain the Disney California Adventure Christmas tree.
Back in Radiator Springs, each building in Cars Land will feature holiday decorations which reflects the personality of the characters for which the buildings were inspired. Unique decorations will adorn Flo's V8 Cafe, Fillmore's Taste-in, the Cozy Cone Motel, and Luigi's Casa della Tires. A touch of the holidays will also return to "a bug's land," and Disney will add what they are calling "wintertime fun" to the Mad T Party.
With the success of the Disney California Adventure relaunch and Mickey's Halloween Party forcing Disneyland to close at 7:00 p.m. on Fridays this month, Disney California Adventure park is remaining open until midnight on those nights. It was only a few years ago that these Halloween parties were held at Disney California Adventure in an effort to attract guests into the struggling park. What was once seen as a half day or overflow park, is now attracting half of the the resort traffic, up from only 25 percent.
Various locations are offering special menu items for those wishing to celebrate Thanksgiving while at the Disneyland Resort.
The massive all-you-can-eat Disneyland Family Thanksgiving Feast returns to the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom. This classic Thanksgiving feast includes roasted turkey, prime rib, homemade stuffing, sweet potato souffle, fresh cranberry-ornage relish, as well as mashed potatoes and gravy. The buffet will also include fresh salads, cheeses, smoke salmon, shrimp and king crab legs. Desserts include pumpkin and pecan pies, tarts, cookies, cakes, gourmet cupcakes, and much more.
The Disneyland Family Thanksgiving Feast also includes photo and meet-and-greet opportunities for various Disney characters, as well as complimentary four-hour self-parking at the Disneyland Hotel. The price for adults is $71.99; the price for children ages 3 to 9 is $20.99, and includes a special children's buffet. Annual Passholder discounts apply (15 percent for premium holders; 10 percent for all others). The Disneyland Family Thanksgiving Feast is very popular and tends to get completely booked early; you must make prior arangements by calling (714) 781-DINE (714-781-3463) or by sending a reservation request to dine@disneyland.com.
There are also many more choices for those desiring a more casual or in-park dining experience as well.
Disneyland
Slow-roasted turkey and various side dishes will be on the menus at the following locations:
Disney California Adventure
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
Disneyland Hotel
Paradise Pier Hotel
Note: Disney cautions that all prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
The 22nd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park takes place next Sunday, on October 14 at the Disneyland Resort. This 5K (3.1-mile) fun walk through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is an annual fundraiser for Children's Hospital Orange County. Team MousePlanet is proud to return for our 5th year, and the 58 members of our 2012 CHOC Walk team together have raised more than $5,000 so far this year. We're hoping to raise much more for this great local organization, and there are several ways you can help:
If you'd like more information, visit the Team MousePlanet discussion to chat with other participants. Be sure to read MousePlanet's interview with Nolan Torres, the 2011 CHOC Walk Ambassador, for more information about CHOC and the many reasons we walk.
…Red Rockett's Pizza Port in Tomorrowland has emerged from its multi-week external makeover. The new facade has received a new progressive paint scheme, which replaced the previous all-red theme.
The new paint scheme for Red Rockett's Pizza Port. Photo by Bryan Pugh.
…The Fantasy Faire project is showing more progress this past week with more vertical construction visible and coverings for some of the taller elements. Disney has not yet released a completion date for the project.
Current construction progress on the Fantasy Faire. Photo by Bryan Pugh.
…Speaking of construction projects that do not yet have a completion date, this past week saw some significant progress on the Downtown Disney Earl of Sandwich location, with the installation of supports for the outdoor dining portion and the start of a new burgundy paint scheme for the front of the building.
Current construction progress on the Downtown Disney Earl of Sandwich. Photo by Bryan Pugh.
…Over on Buena Vista Street, guests can now pick up more Oswald merchandise. Added to the already available Oswald ear hats are T-shirts and metal signs at Oswald's Filling Station.
Oswald T-shirts now available on Buena Vista Street. Photo by Bryan Pugh.
…Disney is recruiting cast members and their children to appear as extras for a feature film shoot scheduled to take place at Disneyland on November 6 and 7. While Disneyland won't comment on the filming, we've confirmed this is for Saving Mr. Banks starring Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. Cast members are asked to submit photos of themselves "dressed in clothes that may have been worn in the summer of 1961, and sporting period-appropriate hairstyles."
…Volunteer registration is now open for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon weekend. For more information, visit the RunDisney volunteer website. Volunteer opportunities fill quickly, and many shifts are already completely full, so don't wait to register. Volunteers who complete a minimum of two shifts receive a free Disneyland Resort one-day, one-park ticket.
…An NBC technology blogger came across an FCC filing detailing what could only be an NFC (near field communication) wristband for the upcoming "NextGen" project at Walt Disney World; the blogger mistakenly refers to Disneyland in the article. These "NextGen" wristbands will help Disney track guests through the park, tailoring their experience on attractions and streamlining services such as FASTPASS, dinning and ticket sales.
…The Matterhorn Bobsleds closed earlier this year for an extensive six-month refurbishment for a number of improvements and upgrades, including the installation of a completely redesigned bobsled ride vehicle. This week came news that Disney has donated one of the former, and very recognizable, bobsleds to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives in Arlington, Texas. The Matterhorn was the first tubular steel-tracked roller coaster in the world.
…The "Enchanted Books" in Beast's Library in the Animation Building at Disney California Adventure park have been updated to include new characters. The interactive books now ask a new series of questions to match each guest with the Disney personality they are most like. New personalities include, Lightning McQueen, Merida, and Mickey Mouse (yep, he wasn't there before).
…Annual passholders have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative double old-fashioned glass set starting tomorrow through February 2013 - or while supplies last. The glass set features classic Disney character silhouettes with the "Passholder" logo. The two glass sets will be released each month, and will be retired the following month. The currently release schedule is Minnie on October 9, followed by Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and Mickey on the first of the following months. The glasses will be available at various locations throughout the resort and you can see them and more information here.
…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, go to the MousePlanet main page and enter your e-mail address in the top right box labeled "Join the MousePlanet Newsletter." Click Join, then fill out the fields in the registration page, including your first and last name. The Newsletter is free, but you must complete this registration to receive it, even if you may have signed up for one with us in the past.
…Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates. The Disneyland Resort Web site currently only publishes refurbishment information about six weeks in advance. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update (link) for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
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Advertisement Crowd information and forecasts are provided by TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, to help you better plan your trip to the Disneyland Resort. TouringPlans.com gathers wait time data from a team of in-park researchers and users of their Lines mobile phone application, and then predicts crowd levels for the next 365 days. Using a scale from 1 to 10, TouringPlans.com has a 90 percent accuracy of predicting the crowds to within 1 point, helping visitors prepare for their trips so they can "Do more. Wait less."
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| One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $87/$81 One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $125/$119 | 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, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $170/$158 Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $200/$188 | Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells two-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 2-day Park Hoppers are $197 for adults and $185 for children; 2-day 1/park/day tickets are $168 for adults and $156 for children Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. | |
| Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $220/$205 Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $250/$235 | Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells three-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 3-day Park Hoppers are $245 for adults and $230 for children; 3-day 1/park/day tickets are $217 for adults and $202 for children 2012-2013 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($125) – A discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses. Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets may be purchased August 17, 2012 through September 26, 2013, and are valid October 1, 2012 through September 28, 2013. Disney defines "Eligible Service Members" as active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification will be required for purchase. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base or other at participating U.S. military sales outlets. The tickets are not available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. The price is the same for adults and children, and total of six tickets may be purchased per military member, regardless of who purchases the tickets (the member or their spouse). Tickets are blocked out December 23, 2012 to January 2, 2013; February 15–17, 2013; March 25 to April 5, 2013; and July 4, 2013. As far as we can tell, there is no "fuse" on this ticket, so you may have more than the standard 13 days from first use to use the remaining two admissions, but we highly recommend you contact your base MWR/ITT office for more details before making travel plans. Please note that this ticket is not a "bonus" ticket, and so does not include an early admission day. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. | |
| Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $245/$225 Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $275/$255 | Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells four-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 4-day Park Hoppers are $270 for adults and $250 for children; 4-day 1/park/day tickets are $240 for adults and $220 for children Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. | |
| Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $260/$240 Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $290/$270 | Get Away Today Vacations – MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today Vacations sells five-day tickets at a slight discount over the Disneyland main gate price. 5-day Park Hoppers are $285 for adults and $265 for children; 5-day 1/park/day tickets are $255 for adults and $235 for children Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. | |
| Six Day, One Park per Day Ticket Six Day Park Hopper | No longer offered by Disneyland. Some travel providers may offer 6-day or longer tickets to international customers as part of a package; residents of Canada, Australia or the U.K. should check with local travel agencies to see what options may be available to you. | |
| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports | No discounts currently available for new purchases. California residents can take advantage of the monthly payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport. Premier Annual Passport: $849 – valid at both Disneyland Resort and Florida's Walt Disney World Resort; includes parking. Premium Annual Passport: $649 – includes parking. Deluxe Annual Passport: $469. Southern California Annual Passport: $329. SoCal Select Annual Passport: $269. Parking Add On: $129 – Add-on to Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select passes. Has same blockout days as corresponding pass. Blockout Day Ticket: $70 – Grants one-day park-hopper admission to an annual passholder on a blockout day. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. | |
| Southern California CityPass $279/$239 Southern California CityPass PLUS $311/$263 | 2012 Southern California CityPass ($279/$239) – 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 Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by December 31, 2012. 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. 2012 Southern California CityPass PLUS ($311/$263) – 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 Universal Studios Hollywood, PLUS one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by December 31, 2012. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPass Website. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if other discounts are available through them. | |
Contact a MousePlanet sponsor travel agency for assistance in booking your next trip
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Disneyland shops
Disney California Adventure shops
Downtown Disney / Disneyland Resort Hotel shops
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(Send an email to Bryan Pugh)
Born and raised in Southern California, Bryan Pugh is a paramedic, amateur photographer and an avid Angels baseball fan. Bryan writes the DisneylandLive blog, and is a guest contributor to MousePlanet. When he is not writing, roaming the Disneyland Resort with his camera or playing his guitar, he is spending time with his wife and two children. You can write to Bryan at bryan@dlandlive.com or follow @DisneylandLive on Twitter.
