Less than two weeks have passed since an accident at Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad killed one rider and injured 10 more. As the park goes on with business as usual, many references to Big Thunder Mountain have been quietly removed.
This staged train accident, visible from Tom Sawyer Island and the Mark
Twain, is an eerie reminder of the real accident which happened a few
yards away. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Many readers have confirmed that the portion of the Mark Twain spiel that referred to Big Thunder has been muted. On Tom Sawyer Island, a metal telescope points to staged train accident on the opposite bank. The sign below the telescope, which read “That old mine train jumped its tracks a few years back. Most folks think it's haunted by spirits of Big Thunder Mountain. Take a look! Tom” has been removed.
The Haunted Mansion entrance has already been transformed by the Haunted
Mansion Holiday props, as Disney prepares to shoot promotional images
later that night. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Big Thunder Mountain merchandise, including a toy ride vehicle, has been pulled from shelves. The Disneyland.com Web site says that Big Thunder will re-open on Saturday, November 22, a date considered quite optimistic by investigators looking into the accident.
Work continues on the Sailing Ship Columbia, but the rehab has
not affected the weekend perfomances of Fantasmic. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
In addition to the barrier around Big Thunder Mountain, a sea of construction walls can be spotted around Disneyland as the resort heads into the fall off season.
Splash Mountain is closed for rehab, leaving the west side of Disneyland
with few working E-ticket attractions. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney choir members confirm that this year's Candlelight Processional will be held on December 6 and 7, as originally reported here. The event, which had moved to the Fantasyland Theater in 1998 to the disappointment of many, returns to Town Square at the entrance to Disneyland while the Fantasyland Theater is remodeled to make room for the new Snow White stage show.
The early remodel of the Fantasyland Theater is good news for Candlelight
Processional purists. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland has not announced any details about the event, ticket options, or packages. In previous years, a VIP seating area was reserved for Club 33 members and Disney dignitaries. Cast members speculate that a dining package will probably be offered again this year, with a reserved seating area for those who spring for the package. The balance of the seating—really just a spot on the curb around Town Square—will probably be available on a first-come, first-served basis again. Many Disneyland regulars have fond memories of all-day “stakeouts” along Main Street to get prime positions for the Candlelight Processional, and members of our MousePad discussion board have already started making plans for this year.
Fiesta Mickey and Minnie dance their way towards Pacific Wharf to celebrate
Fiesta Latina. Photo by Lani Teshima.
Disney's California Adventure took on a south-of-the-border flavor this past weekend as it kicked off Fiesta Latina, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration, which runs on weekends through October 5, includes Latin performances, dances, music, as well as a presentation of arts and crafts in the Pacific Wharf area.
The space vacated by Soliton will soon be the home of Anaheim's newest Jamba Juice. Workers have begun preparing the space for the new tenant, and Downtown Disney should be ready to Jamba in about two months.
Downtown Disney prepares to Jamba. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The 13th annual CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park will be held on Sunday, October 5. This charity event is one of the largest fundraisers for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Participants walk a five-kilometer (3.1 mile) route through Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure before the parks open to the public for the day. Disney characters will be along the race course to provide encouragement. This is a family-friendly event, and children are encouraged to participate with their parents.
When the walk is done, participants can gather in Downtown Disney to take advantage of special discounts and promotions from area merchants and restaurants. The Disneyland Resort is offering a special one-day park-hopper ticket to participants who want to spend the rest of the day in the park. The ticket is $30 per person, valid October 5, 2003 only, and available only to registered walkers with wristbands. For more information, call the CHOC Walk Hotline (714) 289-4000 or visit the official Web site (link).
For those planning to visit the resort on October 5 should note that this is the last day of the Fiesta Latina in DCA, as well as the unofficial Gay Days at the Disneyland Resort.
While many mourn the death of actor John Ritter, star of the ABC sitcom 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, fans around the world are learning of the passing of another star in the Disney universe:
Leon Janzen, co-founder and co-editor of The “E” Ticket Magazine, died on September 9, 2003 of a heart attack. He was 57 years old and is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter Jeanette and son Andy.
His brother Jack was his partner in starting and maintaining The “E” Ticket Magazine. There have been 40 issues of the magazine since 1986, mostly focusing on the Disneyland that Walt built. Leon was also an avid collector of early 1950s toys and books. His enthusiasm for the magic of Disneyland was a wonder to behold, especially when he would get so enthusiastic about details of the Magic Kingdom like the caves of Tom Sawyer Island or about the route of the Autotopia cars. He reveled in the history of Disneyland and worked hard to bring the stories to Readers of the Magazine.
He was a young boy when Disneyland first opened and he seemed ever wanting to relive those magical days of youth at Disneyland. Walt Disney was a great inspiration to Leon. The early Park was one of his favorite subjects and he was an expert at finding a marvelous story in a fragment of his own memory. He will be sorely missed not only by family and close friends, but also by Disneyland history fans all over the world.
Leon's big smile was also a regular sight in L.A.-area Disneyana conventions, where he could be seen with Jack behind a table stacked high with current and back issues of their magazine. He loved talking with fans, friends, and Disney legends. He will be missed by many.
After dealing with immediate family issues, Jack intends to continue the magazine, and will proceed with the current issue in production and hopes to bring it to completion on schedule. Please know that he is thinking to the future and how he can continue to provide magical Theme Park Memories to the readers of The “E” Ticket Magazine.
There is discussion of a writing scholarship being established in Leon's name. The family has requested contributions to this in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Leon Janzen CalArts Writing Scholarship at the post office box below.
Send your condolences to:
The “E” Ticket
P.O. Box 800880
Santa Clarita, CA 91380-0880Fax: (661) 296-9829
Email: etick@earthlink.net
[Obituary courtesy of The “E” Ticket Magazine.]
The Disneyland Railroad steam trains are closing Tuesday and Wednesday
this week for a quick check-up. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Scaffolding around Toontown promises a fresh new paint job. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
Paving repair takes place in New Orleans Square. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Southern California residents can purchase a one-day ticket to Disneyland and a one-day ticket to Disney's California Adventure for the price of a regular one-day admission.*
The resort hotels are offering a "Stay and Play" package in conjuction with this discount. It includes the resident salute 2-for-1 theme park ticket PLUS a one-night stay at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels. The package starts at $89 per person. ** To book this package, call (714) 956-MICKEY (714-956-6425) and ask for the package code SAP.
*Offer valid through 11/24/03 for Southern California residents ZIP codes 90000-93599. Admission valid one day at Disneyland Park, and one day at Disney's California Adventure Park. May purchase up to 5 tickets per person, per day, with valid ID. First day of use must be on purchase day. Ticket valid 30 days from first use, or through 11/25/03, whichever occurs first. Restrictions apply. Tickets are non-transferable. Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions.
**Valid for arrivals through 11/24/03 for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599. $89 price is per person, double occupancy, Sunday through Thursday standard room rate at Disney\'s Paradise Pier Hotel, and includes 2 days admission, valid one day at Disneyland Park, and one day at Disney\'s California Adventure Park. Weekend rates and other room rates may vary. Ticket valid 30 days from first use, or through 11/25/03, whichever occurs first. Price excludes resort fees and taxes. Limit 5 people per room, at an additional cost per person. Promotional rate is subject to availability and advance reservations required. Not available for groups.
All offers, events, tickets, age ranges, services, attractions, and entertainment, may be seasonal, and are subject to change without notice.
MousePad member Tiki Junki purchased a copy of The Nightmare Before Christmas at a local Costco store, and discovered a Disneyland Resort offer inside. The $13 Special Edition DVD comes with a voucher for up to four pre-issued Fastpass tickets for the Haunted Mansion, and a voucher for one free cloisonne pin from the Le Bat en Rouge Shop in New Orleans Square. The vouchers are good until March 31, 2004, and are redeemable at Disneyland. There's nothing to mail in, and you won't wait four to six weeks for the passes and pin to arrive.
Pre-order The Lion King Platinum Edition DVD or VHS at the Disneyland Resort through September 20, and receive free shipping and two free gifts: a limited edition plush Simba, and a limited edition pin. The Lion King Platinum Edition DVD will include new scenes and a new song by Elton John.
Annual passholder discounts are available at the Paradise Pier hotel from August 31 to December 12. Rates are $79 per night weekdays, and $119 per night weekends. AP rooms are also available at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at higher rates.
The boys of summer are wrapping up their season, and Disneyland APs can purchase tickets to select baseball games for the 2003 World Series winners Anaheim Angels at a 50 percent discount. Current games include the September 27 game versus the Texas Rangers, scheduled to start at 1:05 p.m.
Additional dates and prices can be found at the Annual Passholder Web site (link).
Book a package at the Disneyland Resort for a minimum four-nights through the Walt Disney Travel Company, and your package price will include one night's free accommodations at participating hotels. Your package will also include a five-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket for the price of a three-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket. Click here for a list of participating hotels and dates.
Southern California residents, (zip codes 90000-93599), can purchase a new four-day ticket for just $79. The ticket is valid for four admissions to either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure park through September 30. Residents can purchase just one ticket per person, per day, so your out-of-town relatives will need to buy their own, regular-priced admission.
The tickets can only be used at one park each day—no park hopping. We understand that you can use two admissions—one to each park—on the same day, effectively making this a $79 two-day park-hopper ticket, a $20 discount from the regular adult price.
All blockout dates for Disneyland have already passed, and there are no blockout days for DCA. Tickets are nontransferable, and you must show a valid ID each time. These tickets can be applied towards the cost of a Deluxe or Premium Annual Passport (but not a Southern California Annual Passport), so long as you upgrade when or before you use the fourth admission.
Through Friday, December 19, all active members of the United States military (including Coast Guard and activated National Guard and Reservists) qualify for Disney's Armed Forces Salute and can claim one free 3-day park-hopper tickets. Since the tickets expire on December 19, you must claim them by December 17 to use all three day's worth. The passes can only be claimed at a park gate ticket booth. To claim the passes, valid military ID must be shown; activated National Guard and Reservists must also show their active duty orders.
In addition to the one free pass, each qualifying person can also purchase up to five 3-day companion passes for $39 each. If the qualifying person cannot visit a park to purchase these companion tickets, a spouse may do so instead.
California residents get discounts of up to 20 percent off Alamo's retail rates in the United States. For more details and the discount code you'll need for this offer, visit the annual passholder section of the Disneyland Web site.
Disneyland annual passholders can get an Season Ticket Frequent Dining Card at the Downtown Disney ESPN Zone. The Season Ticket entitles you to a free soda with your meal purchase of $6.99 or more. Once you have made four meal purchases, you receive the fifth meal and soda free, and get a chance to win a pair of tickets to the ESPY Awards in 2004. See location for more information and details.
You can now purchase the Southern California City Pass with Walt Disney Travel Company packages.
With a Southern California City Pass booklet, you receive admission to five separate entertainment options, including:
Instead of the Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket currently included in California packages from the Walt Disney Travel Company, guests can select a Southern California city's for an additional charge of $47 per pass ($32 per pass for guests ages 3 through 9).
Note: The Southern California City's does not include the $10 ESPN Zone Arena Game Card, or the California package's feature that allows guests to collect multiple Fastpass tickets at once for free in advance.
The “Get a 5-Day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-Day ticket” promotion has been extended through January 5, 2004. These tickets are available when you order online from Disneyland.com. Restrictions apply – see site for details.
For $122.75, you can get a 5-day park hopper and the following extras:
A $13.75 FedEx fee applies to each reservation, (not per person). This package is available without an air or hotel purchase, and must be purchased at your local AAA affiliate office at least 5 days before you plan to use the tickets.
Many readers have experienced difficulties when trying to purchase this package from their local AAA affiliate. Be sure to read this thread on our MousePad discussion boards, for more information about the package and tips on how to help your AAA travel agent book your package.
This package requires a minimum 2-night hotel stay, and includes:
You can book this package through your local AAA affiliate travel agent.
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney’s California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates: SoCal
- Southern California Annual Pass. DX
- Deluxe Annual Pass
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DL 10a–8p |
DL 10a–8p |
DL 10a–8p |
DL 10a–8p |
DL 9a-10p |
DL 8a–11p |
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DL 9a–10p |
DL 10a–8p |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2003-2004 page to see more dates.
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| Monday 9/15 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p Billy Hill & the Hillbillies 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p |
Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:30p 2:15p 5:00p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 10:30a 11:30a 12:30p 2:15p 3:15p 4:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz pianist Ray Johnson 6p |
| Tuesday 9/16 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p |
Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:30p 2:15p 5:00p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 10:30a 11:30a 12:30p 2:15p 3:15p 4:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz pianist Ray Johnson 6p |
| Wednesday 9/17 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p |
Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:30p 2:15p 5:00p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 10:30a 11:30a 12:30p 2:15p 3:15p 4:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz pianist Ray Johnson 6p |
| Thursday 9/18 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p Billy Hill & the Hillbillies 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p |
Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:30p 2:15p 5:00p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 10:30a 11:30a 12:30p 2:15p 3:15p 4:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz pianist Ray Johnson 6p |
| Friday 9/19 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 4:45p 8p Billy Hill & the Hillbillies 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 10:45a 11:45a 12:45p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p Club Buzz Stage Presents The 80'z All Stars 7p 8p 9:20p Fantasmic 9p Sword in the Stone Ceremony 10:45a 11:45a 12:45p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p Aladdin & Jasmine's StoryTale Adventures 11a 11:55a 12:55p 1:55p 3:34p 4:40p 5:35p 6:30p |
Disney's Electrical Parade 8p Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:45p 2:30p 4:45p 6:15p Pacific Wharf Stage Presents El Soul 2:45p 3:45p 4:45p 6:15p 7:15p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Kenny Sara & the Sounds of New Orleans 6:45p |
| Saturday 9/20 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 4:45p 8p Billy Hill & the Hillbillies 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 10:45a 11:45a 12:45p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p Club Buzz Stage Presents The 80'z All Stars 7p 8p 9:30p 10:30p Fantasmic 9p 10:30p Sword in the Stone Ceremony 10:45a 11:45a 12:45p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p Jump, Jive Boogie Swing Party Featuring Doc Anello and The Swing Machine 7p 8p 9:30p 10:30p Aladdin and Jasmine's StoryTale Adventures 11a 11:55a 12:55p 1:55p 3:34p 4:40p 5:35p 6:30p |
Fiesta Latina all day Disney's Electrical Parade 8p Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:45p 2:30p 4:45p 6:15p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Kenny Sara & the Sounds of New Orleans 6:45p |
| Sunday 9/21 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 4:45p 8p Billy Hill & the Hillbillies 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p Fantasmic 9p Sword in the Stone Ceremony 10:45a 11:45a 12:45p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p Aladdin and Jasmine's StoryTale Adventures 11a 11:55a 12:55p 1:55p 3:34p 4:40p 5:35p 6:30p |
Fiesta Latina all day Disney's Electrical Parade 8p Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:45p 2:30p 4:45p 6:15p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz Chicory 11:30a - 3p Mark Justin Trio - 6p- 10p House of Blues Gospel Brunch 10a, 1p ($16.50-$33) |
| Monday 9/22 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p Billy Hill & the Hillbillies 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p |
Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:30p 2:15p 5:00p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 10:30a 11:30a 12:30p 2:15p 3:15p 4:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz pianist Ray Johnson 6p |
| Tuesday 9/23 | ||
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Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 11:30a 12:30p 1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p
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Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:30p 2:15p 5:00p Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 10:30a 11:30a 12:30p 2:15p 3:15p 4:15p Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon 1p 2p 4p 5p The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p |
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz pianist Ray Johnson 6p |
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