Hundreds and hundreds of giggling, screaming High School Musical fans converged on Downtown Disney to watch the stars of High School Musical 2 arrived for the film's World Premiere last Tuesday. Some arrived before 5am to get in line to claim the best spots along the "summer sea blue" carpet. Thought the sight of star Zac Efron was enough to make some fans feel weak in the knees, the brutal summer sun and 95+ degree temperatures took care of the rest of the crowd. Some fans gave up, and instead went inside the theme parks to catch a glimpse of the stars during a mini-parade inside Disneyland and a later one inside Disney's California Adventure. The Downtown Disney merchants did their best to cater to the die-hard fans who remained. Jamba Juice, Wetzels Pretzels and Haagen Daas all sent vendors into the crowds to hawk drinks and snacks. ESPN Zone offered sun block, umbrellas and disposable cameras while Compass Books sold stacks of teen magazines and puzzle books.
High School Musical fans wait to catch a glimpse of the film's stars. Photo
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
After a cast-and-crew press conference, during which it was confirmed that there will be a High School Musical 3 (to be released directly to theaters), the stars retreated to the Napa Rose restaurant for some one-on-one interviews, and the media prepared for the blue carpet arrivals to start at 4:30. Invited guests included stars from other Disney Channel shows including Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Phineas and Ferb. Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus led the delegation from Hannah Montana. David and Victoria Beckham and their children bypassed the media and crowds to slip into the theater for the premiere.
High School Musical star Zac Efron signs autographs for fans before the film's
world premiere. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
MousePlanet reader Shannon was plucked from the crowd of waiting fans after demonstrating her knowledge of everything High School Musical, and offered the opportunity to interview the film's stars for the official Disneyland Pod cast. Shannon has started posting a trip report on our MousePad discussion boards about her experience (link).
MousePlanet reader Shannon and her cousins show their High School Musical
spirit. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The new High School Musical 2: School's Out! show debuted at Disney's California Adventure this weekend. The "street celebration" has two stops along DCA's parade route, one in front of the park near the Sunshine Plaza, the second near the entrance to Golden Dreams. High School Musical 2: School's Out! features songs from the new movie, and offers several opportunities for kids to get up and dance and interact with the performers. High School Musical 2 merchandise, including clothing, dolls and board games, is available at stores throughout the resort.
DCA has a new show based on High School Musical 2. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Another permit has been issued to Disney for construction at the Grand Californian Hotel. This time the permit is for "Addition to Hotel (Grand Californian Hotel) Shell Only." Earlier this month permits were issued for the demolition of a portion of the hotel's roof; and for the remodeling of a "mock up unit for time share sales." All of this is surely in preparation for the as-yet-unannounced first Disney Vacation Club property at the Disneyland Resort.
Meanwhile, DVC has just announced a sweepstakes for Disneyland Resort annual passholders. The grand prize is a Disney Vacation Club Getaways SamplEAR, a three-year vacation contract good for up to 225 DVC "points" per year. Points can be redeemed for accommodations at any DVC property, or at properties included in the Membership Getaway program. There are three first prizes, each offering a 7-night stay at one of the 500 Interval International resort hotels that DVC members can book using DVC points. Passholders can enter through the Disneyland Resort annual passholder Web site (link), or by completing an entry form at any one of the DVC sales kiosks throughout the Disneyland Resort, though the rules (link) state that only one entry per passholder, no matter the method of entry, is permitted. Although the contest rules state that no purchase is necessary to win, you must be a current Disneyland Resort annual passholder to enter. Entries must be received by October 31, 2007 and the winner will be selected around November 7th, 2007. The official rules make it abundantly clear that DVC is collecting passholder information for marketing purposes, probably so DVC will have a ready pool of interested prospects as soon as sales begin for the Grand Californian property.
Garden Walk has released an updated leasing plan (link)
for the development taking shape near the Disneyland Resort. Tenants include
a nearly-44,000 square foot bowling center; restaurants including the Cheesecake
Factory, Bubba Gump, P. F. Chang and California Pizza Kitchen; the usual mall
retail assortment of Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie
& Fitch; less common stores like Tommy Bahama and Harley Davidson; and
quick-serve staples Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Sbarro's and Cinnabon. The
plan also shows an unbranded movie theater and quite a number of unleased
spaces. The first phase of the project is set to open in Spring, 2008.
Get your MousePlanet gear!The MousePlanet.com store is now open for business (link)! You can get shirts, mugs, hats and even a Teddy Bear! Check it out and show your MousePlanet pride! |
...River Belle Terrace will be closed until December for renovation. The Bengal BBQ remains open. Breakfast and lunch are available at Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square, though the the sit-down restaurant has a much smaller capacity and a slower turnover than River Belle Terrace. If you are used to being able to walk right into Cafe Orleans for breakfast, you might be surprised at the lines. Priority Seating reservations are available through the Disney Dine Line (714-781-DINE)
River Belle Terrace is closed for remodeling, causing breakfast crowds to
flock to Cafe Orleans. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
...Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney introduced two new specials last week. The lunch special includes two chicken, steak or carnitas soft tacos, your choice of soup or small garden salad and your choice of coffee, tea or soda for $9.99 plus tax. The lunch special is offered weekdays from 11am to 4pm. A Twilight Special is offered weekdays from 3pm to 5pm. It includes a choice of a two-item combo plate (choose from enchilada, taco, tamale or chile relleno), a burrito of choice (chicken, steak, carnitas or vegetarian), or a tostada salad; a scoop of sorbet and your choice of coffee, tea or soda for $12.99. Both specials are available for a limited time only.
Tortilla Jo's introduces weekday specials. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
...Disneyland has not formally announced the dates for the 2007 Candlelight Processional, but cast members say that the event is the weekend of December 1-2. We have no details about how or even if Disneyland will make tickets to the event available. Disneyland has been experimenting with different dining packages in recent years, and demand for tickets to the 2006 event caused the online registration system to crash minutes after it opened. We will post details for the 2007 event as they become available.
…Tickets for the October 26th Mickey's Halloween Treat have sold out,
though every other event date is still available.
Mysterious structures float in DCA's Paradise Bay. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Advertisements for Halloween Time have been installed at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For convenience sake, 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 which works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better / 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.
This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks must go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).
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One Day, One Park Regularly $63/$53 One Day Park Hopper |
Southern California 1–Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Southern California AAA offices and Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know. |
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Two Day Park Hopper $132/$112 effective January 3, 2008 |
AOCVCB 2-Day Bonus Ticket ($119/$100) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $3 (adult) and $2 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10 (link). So if you are ordering more than 10 days in advance and your discount would be less than $10, you'll still come out ahead by ordering at the Disneyland Web site. | |
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Three Day Park Hopper $189/$159 effective January 3, 2008 |
Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($159/$129) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value) Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 "2 Days Free" offer – Buy a 3-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 5-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. Southern California CityPass ($235/$189) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day). It also includes one day admissions to SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood, and either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance). You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass online from Costco at a cost of $209.99/$169.99 (adults/child), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at a Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container which you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($155/$126) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $4 (adult) and $3 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10. So if you are ordering more than 10 days in advance and your discount would be less than $10, you'll still come out ahead by ordering at the Disneyland Web site. Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
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Four Day Park Hopper $214/$184 effective January 3, 2008 |
Advance Purchase 4–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($179/$149) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($184/$154) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 "2 Days Free" offer – Buy a 4-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 6-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$145) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 (adult) and $4 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10 Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
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Five Day Park Hopper $234/$204 effective January 3, 2008 |
Advance Purchase 5–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($189/$159) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 "2 Days Free" offer – Buy a 5-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 7-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($183/$154) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $6 (adult) and $5 (child) and shipping on all orders is $10. |
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Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey's Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.
Disney's Good Neighbor Dream Vacation Packages – This package is valid for arrivals June 29 - August 30, 2007, and starts at $214 per person. Package includes two nights at a Good Neighbor hotel; Park Hopper ticket (with admission to one Early Entry and/or one Toontown Morning Madness depending on ticket purchased and days visited); preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Jolly Roger Hotel, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available at a higher price) Reservations must be made by August 27, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
4th Night Free at Good Neighbor Hotels – This package is valid for arrivals September 2 to December 16, 2007, and starts at $257 per person. Package includes hotel accomodations; Park Hopper ticket; admission to one Early Entry and one Toontown Morning Madness; preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Best Western Pavilions, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available at a higher price) Reservations must be made by December 13, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
4th Night Free at Disneyland Resort Hotels – This package is valid for arrivals August 19 to December 12, 2007, and starts at $345 per person. Package includes hotel accomodations; Park Hopper ticket; admission to one Early Entry and one Toontown Morning Madness; preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Disneyland Hotel, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available.) Reservations must be made by November 12, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
2008 "2 Days Free" offer – When you buy a 3-, 4- or 5-day Parkhopper ticket, Disney will add two free days. In other words, you'll pay the 3-day rate ($189) and receive a Parkhopper Bonus ticket good for five days. You can maximize your savings by taking advantage of the advance purchase discount, and pay just $169. The Parkhopper Bonus ticket includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first.
Disney Vacation Club members have a new discount at the Disneyland Resort. DVC members can now purchase discounted tickets to Mickey's Halloween Treat at Disney's California Adventure. Tickets are $27 if purchased anytime between August 1 and the day before the event. Members cannot buy these tickets online, and must show their DVC membership card at any Disneyland Resort ticket booth to receive the discounted rate.
50% off Disneyland souvenir books. Disneyland is offering a 50% discount on two souvenir books, "Remember the Moments" and "Disneyland Then, Now & Forever." The discount is valid while supplies last, or through September 4th, 2007. The books are available at most large shops at the Disneyland Resort, including the World of Disney and Emporium.
Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure.
2 for 1 Festival of Arts tickets for Disneyland Resort annual passholders. July 1 ? August 31. Disneyland Resort annual passholders can purchase 2 for 1 tickets to the Festival of Arts by presenting their current passport at the box office. This offer does not include tickets to the Pagent of the Masters. Tickets are regularly $7 for adults, $4 for students and seniors.
Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. Additionally, after signing up, your membership card will be mailed to you and be accompanied by a $10 award good for your next visit to a Rainforest Cafe. So if you know you will be eating there while at Disneyland and have a Rainforest Cafe local to you, it may make sense to prejoin the Safari Club so that you can use the award during your trip. See the Rainforest Cafe Web site for details (link).
ESPNZone MVP Club – Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within 2-weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link)
AAA Restaurant Discounts – AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria Ariel's Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy's Kitchen.
Free Metrolink and ART weekends – Disneyland Resort annual passholders can participate in a joint promotion with Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) and Metrolink. As part of Metrolink Weekends, Passholders can use Metrolink to travel for free to the Anaheim Metrolink station, then use a free ART pass to get to the Disneyland Resort. The offer is great for those who live in the Inland Empire or southern Orange County, but those who live north of Disneyland will have to get there the old fashioned way. The list of eligible origin stations is limited, and none of the southbound trains coming from LA are included in the promotion.
To take advantage of this promotion, you’ll first need to visit the promotional Web site at this link. (link) Use the username "train" and password "ap" to login. Once you register, you will receive by mail:
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney's California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates:
| 8/20 | 8/21 | 8/22 | 8/23 | 8/24 | 8/25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
|
| 8/26 | 8/27 | 8/28 | 8/29 | 8/30 | 8/31 | 9/1 |
| DL: 8a–11p DCA: 10a–9p SL |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 8a–11p |
DL: 8a–11p |
| 9/2 | 9/3 | 9/4 | 9/5 | 9/6 | 9/7 | 9/8 |
| DL: 9a–12p DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC/DX |
DL: 10a–11p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 8a–11p |
| 9/9 | 9/10 | 9/11 | 9/12 | 9/13 | 9/14 | 9/15 |
| DL: 9a–10p DCA: 10a–9p SL |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–10p |
DL: 8a–11p |
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.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.
(Send an email to MousePlanet Staff)
