Last fall, the Disneyland Resort tested a system of centralized package checks, similar to those already in place at Walt Disney World. Instead of placing package check tables in front of every entrance gate, a single checkpoint was erected in front of Disneyland, and another in front of Disney's California Adventure. After visitors passed through the checkpoint, they could proceed to any of the open turnstiles to enter the park.
Visitors pass through the new security checkpoints at the Disneyland Resort. Photo
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
This system allowed people to walk though the esplanade between parks without passing through a checkpoint, but required visitors who were “park hopping” to go through another check before entering the second park. After testing the new system for a few days, the resort went back to the one-table-per-gate method.
The potted trees do little to hide the rows of metal fences. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
Two weeks ago, the resort began a longer test of a different package check process. In this version, the esplanade between the parks is surrounded by low metal fences. Visitors' bags are inspected at white tents stationed along each side of the esplanade. Once someone passes through the checkpoint, they can proceed to either theme park, or across the esplanade to Downtown Disney or the Harbor Boulevard entrance. Park hoppers do not need to have their packages inspected when they transition between parks.
You won't have to go through security to hop between parks, but you may if you
want to eat in Downtown Disney. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
While park hoppers will be happy with this change, the new system has one decided down side: tourists who are simply trying to get to Downtown Disney from the Harbor entrance—where the hotel shuttle stops are located—will have to pass through a checkpoint just to cross the esplanade. This may serve as a deterrent to visitors who just want to pop into Downtown Disney for a quick dinner or shopping trip. It will be interesting to see how Disney accommodates the needs of paying customers and paying tenants.
To complement Snow White – An Enchanting New Musical, Disneyland's much-hyped new musical (see our review, and our photo essay), the snack bar most recently known as Troubadour Treats has received a Snow White makeover. Now called “The Enchanted Cottage,” the location sports a new carved-wood facade created by Imagineer Kim Irvine. The sign (see the following photo) is just temporary—a new painted glass sign is being created to give the location a more authentic Bavarian feel.
The staff of The Enchanted Cottage prepares for the next onslaught of customers.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
As with the French Market when it offered its themed Haunted Mansion menu, cast members here have themed greetings, and address every guest as “milady” or “milord.” “Everyone is royalty here,” explained a manager.
MousePlanet was invited to sample items from the new menu, created especially to complement the new stage production. The menu includes bratwurst and knockwurst sausages, offered with a choice of sauerkraut or grilled peppers and onions. Both sausages are $6.59, and come with a spicy honey mustard and chips. When we asked random diners about their meals, they said the sauerkraut was excellent. One benefit for those on controlled-carbohydrate eating plans: Cast members have been briefed to expect requests to hold the bun.
Tasters called the Warmed Caramel Apple Fantasy Cinnamon Crisps “addictive.”
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The featured dessert is the Warmed Caramel Apple Fantasy Cinnamon Crisps. Just ask for the “apple nachos”—they'll know what you mean. At $5.69, this dish is designed to be easily shared during the show. Visitors who sampled the dessert called it “addictive.” The $2.99 German Chocolate Cake Brownie got a cooler reception—one taster said it wasn't anything special.
The Magic Wishing Apple is a treat to some, a trick to others. Photo by Alex Stroup.
Other snacks include a giant Bavarian pretzel—served with warm cheese or honey-mustard dipping sauce for $2.99—popcorn, frozen ice cream novelties and a $1.79 “Magic Wishing Apple.” This red apple comes decorated with either a portrait of Snow White or a group sketch of the Dwarfs. A Disney representative said that younger children are enchanted by the “magical” design on the apple, while older kids think it's cool to tempt fate by biting into the “poisoned” apple that plays a large role in the show. Either way, parents will probably appreciate that their children are asking for a healthy snack. Children can also order a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, served, with a drink and either chips or baby carrots, in the “Cooked Up Comics” lunch box for $5.99.
Park guests can take Snow White home with specially themed popcorn bucket and
insulated plastic coffee mug. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Two souvenir containers are available at the show: a popcorn bucket ($4.69, including popcorn), and a hot drink “stein.” ($4.69 with coffee or hot cocoa) The popcorn bucket designs will change periodically to enhance their collectibility.
The location is also distributing trading cards with each purchase. The series of eight cards feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The character can be punched from the card and used as a finger puppet, and a different card will be distributed each day.
The Enchanted Cottage is open daily 30 minutes prior to the first Snow White performance. Before and between shows, you can access the stand via the walkway near the restrooms. Limited table seating is available adjacent to the location.
Entertainment continues to shuffle the locations of characters throughout the park. Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn are back on Tom Sawyer Island. And, due to guests clamoring to get better access to the princesses, Disneyland has begun featuring two of each heroine in the park at the same time. Starting President's Day weekend, visitors could find Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Belle at the castle as well as their twin doubles 60 seconds away at the patio next to Casey Jr.
Fortunately, the positioning was short-lived, and the following week the clones at Casey Jr. were relocated to the Main Entrance/Town Square area.
The Indiana Jones Adventure's long-awaited rehab appears to be ahead of schedule. Adventureland management reportedly does not foresee anything keeping the attraction from reopening, as planned, on Friday, April 2. Staffers speculate the ride may be up and running even earlier.
“I think that it will have some soft openings earlier, at least a week ahead of schedule,” said one cast member. “Keep in mind that workers tore up the station, then installed gates and laid new concrete so as it looks brand new. The area is still a 'hard hat area, so access is a bit restricted, but I can tell you that having been there, I'm amazed that work has gone on so swiftly.”
As of last week, the employee revealed, “The new station gates are in place, and all we are waiting for is the electronic elements to be installed. Management has put a rush on this ride opening up quicker, and Operations will begin testing shifts as soon as (the end of February). The first week will entail getting feedback about console design and the like, and later in the month, the ride will be powered up and cycled again. Some show elements have already been replaced, such as the bug room getting new projection equipment.”
Disney appears to have shelved plans for a third gate in Anaheim for the foreseeable future. The initial hope was that, if Disney's California Adventure proved a success, a third theme park would be built by 2010 over the strawberry fields catercorner across Harbor and Katella. When DCA didn't catch on big right out of the gate, plans were scaled back to adding a water park and other more modest amenities. Now the thinking seems to be forgetting about the parcel entirely until the underdeveloped DCA and the aging Disneyland are up to par. With the 50th anniversary fast approaching, the last thing Disneyland Resort management needs is to become distracted with another underfunded problem child.
As a result, Disney, in tandem with the adjacent Radisson Hotel, has been soliciting bids from local construction firms to demolish a portion of its own employee lot and pave over the remaining strawberry fields. By leasing the land to Radisson, Disney can make a little money—while buying itself some time for the long term.
The Tower of Terror attraction is plainly visible to visitors who walk to the
end of the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders save up to 20 percent car rentals from Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental. Restrictions apply—get full details and the necessary discount codes on the Annual Passholder Web site (link).
Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders save up to 50 percent on Mighty Ducks tickets. Offer applies to selected dates only, through April 4, 2004. There are three seating areas to choose from, at varying prices and discount levels. Visit the Annual Passholder Web site for more details (link).
Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders save on Anaheim Angels tickets. Offer applies to selected dates only. There are three seating areas to choose from. Visit the Annual Passholder Web site for more details (link).
Prices are as follows:
An additional handling fee of $10 will be charged per mailing address.
The Disneyland Resort is offering a new version of the Southern Californian resident salute through Friday, April 30. Residents may spend a day at Disneyland and a day at Disney's California Adventure for the price of a one-day ticket.
Eligible residents can purchase up to five “2fer” tickets per day with proof of Southern California residency (zip codes 90000 through 93599, or Northern Baja California residents within zip codes 21000 through 22999; valid ID required). “2fer” tickets are priced at the regular one-day ticket prices for the Disneyland Resort theme parks—$47 for ages 10 and up, $37 for ages 3 through 9—and are available at Resort ticket booths as well as at the Disneyland Web site (link).
The first day of use must occur on the date of purchase; the second day of use must occur within 30 days of purchase or before April 30, whichever occurs first.
AAA announced new ticket plans for the Disneyland Resort:
The new prices took effect December 24, 2003, and all tickets include free parking.
“Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute” entitles active California firefighters, law enforcement and rescue personnel, with proper organization and photo ID, to one free three-day park hopper ticket. They can also make a one-time purchase of up to five three-day park hopper companion tickets for $39 each. Discounted hotel rates are also available at the three Disneyland Resort hotels.
The promotion is valid through March 31, except for blackout dates of February 14 to 16. For more details, visit Disneyland's Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute Web page (link) or call (714) 520-5069.
Annual passholders can book a room at the Paradise Pier hotel for $59. This offer is valid only on Sunday nights, through March.
Annual Passholders can also book rooms at the Paradise Pier hotel for $79 a night, Sunday through Thursday.
Weekend rates and discounts for the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian are higher. Make reservations at 714-956-MICKEY, and ask for rate plan APN. Note: these offers run concurrently. If your trip includes a Sunday night stay, be sure to ask for the lower rate for that night.
Book a package at the Disneyland Resort for a minimum four-nights through the Walt Disney Travel Company, and the package price includes 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.
You can purchase the Southern California City Pass with Walt Disney Travel Company packages.
A Southern California City Pass booklet includes admission to five separate entertainment options:
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 children 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.
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
| |
| | | | |
|
| 3/1 | 3/2 | 3/3 | 3/4 | 3/5 | 3/6 | |
| DL
10a–8p |
DL 10a–8p |
DL 10a–8p |
DL 10a–8p |
DL 9a–10p |
DL 8a–12a | |
| 3/7 | 3/8 | |||||
| DL 9a–10p | DL 10a–8p |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2003-2004 page to see more dates.
| |
|
|
| Monday 3/1 | ||
| Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical 12:15p 1:30p 2:45p 4:45p 6p 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 Once Upon a Time Storytelling 11a Noon 1p | 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 The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p | Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Rob Kloptenstein 6:30p |
| Tuesday 3/2 | ||
| Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical 12:15p 1:30p 2:45p 4:45p 6p 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 Once Upon a Time Storytelling 11a Noon 1p | Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular 11:30a 1:15p Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! 10:30p 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 The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p | Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Doug Lacy 6:30p |
| Wednesday 3/3 | ||
| Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical 12:15p 1:30p 2:45p 4:45p 6p 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 Once Upon a Time Storytelling 11a Noon 1p | Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular 12:30p 2:15p 5:00p Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! 10:30p 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 The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p | Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Doug Lacy 6:30p |
| Thursday 3/4 | ||
| Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical 12:15p 1:30p 2:45p 4:45p 6p 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 Once Upon a Time Storytelling 11a Noon 1p | Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular 12:30p 2:15p 5:00p Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! 10:30p 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 The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p | Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans 6:30p |
| Friday 3/5 | ||
| Disneyland Parade of the Stars 4:15p, 8p Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical 12:15p 1:30p 2:45p 4:45p 6p 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 8:30p, 9:30p 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 Once Upon a Time Storytelling 11a Noon 1p |
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 The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p Pacific Wharf Blues Bash Featuring Crawdaddio 3:45p, 4:45p, 6:15p, 7:15p D.U.H. - Department of Untapped Hilarity 12:30p 1:30p 3p 4p 5p 6p | Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans 7p |
| Saturday 3/6 | ||
| Disneyland Parade of the Stars 4:15p, 8p Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical 12:15p 1:30p 2:45p 4:45p 6:00p Billy Hill & the Hillbillies – 11:45a 1:15p 3p 4:15p 5:30p Calling All Space Scouts… A Buzz Lightyear Adventure 10:45p, 11:45p, 12:45p, 2:30p, 3:30p, 4:30p Club Buzz Stage Presents Voyager 7p, 8p, 8:45p, 10p, 11p Fantasmic 9p, 10:30p 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 Once Upon a Time Storytelling 11a Noon 1p Jump, Jive Boogie Swing Party Featuring The Eric Ekstrand Ensemble 7p, 8:30p, 9:30p, 10:30p | Disney's Electrical Parade 8:45p 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 The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p Pacific Wharf Blues Bash Featuring Crawdaddio 4:45p, 5:45p, 7:15p, 8:15p Chance to Shine - 11a, noon, 1p, 2:30p, 3:30p. 4:30p
|
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans 7p |
| Sunday 3/7 | ||
| Disneyland Parade of the Stars 4:15p, 8p Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical 12:15p 1:30p 2:45p 4:45p 6p 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 8:30p, 9:30p 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 Once Upon a Time Storytelling 11a Noon 1p |
Disney's Electrical Parade 8:45p 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 The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p Pacific Wharf Blues Bash Featuring Crawdaddio 4:45p, 5:45p, 7:15p, 8:15p Chance to Shine - 11a, noon, 1p, 2:30p, 3:30p. 4:30p D.U.H. - Department of Untapped Hilarity 1:15p 2p 3p 4p 5:30p 6:30p
|
House of Blues Gospel Brunch 10a, 1p ($16.50 – $33) |
| Monday 3/8 | ||
| Disneyland Parade of the Stars 7p Snow White - An Enchanting New Musical 12:15p 1:30p 2:45p 4:45p 6p 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 Once Upon a Time Storytelling 11a Noon 1p | 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 The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p | Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Rob Kloptenstein 6:30p |
(Send an email to MousePlanet Staff)
