This week's buzz is all about an announcement that hasn't been made yet. Last week Disney issued a media advisory that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo will make an announcement about plans for 2009, including "including a first in the history of the Walt Disney Company," at a presentation this coming Thursday, September 18 in New York City. According to a post over at Screamscape, Rasulo's announcement will follow a presentation of "new, breakthrough insights about how American families travel" by Peter Yesawich, Chairman & CEO, YPartnership, whom they describe as one of America’s leading travel trend-watchers.
So what's the big news?
…Could it be that Disney is finally ready to formally announce details of the rumored chain of Disney-theme boutique hotels?
…Is Jay Rasulo going to confirm that the mysterious new building next to Disney's Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World is actually the next DVC property? [MousePlanet's Mark Goldhaber has been following the construction of this new property, and has the latest legal filings from the project (link).]
…Perhaps Rasulo will shed some light on the future of the Disney Cruise Line, giving details about the possible West Coast expansion and Alaska itineraries or the rumors DCL will be going back to Europe in 2010? [Members of the DIS Boards found information stating that the Disney Magic would be visiting the ports of Copenhagen and Oslo in 2010 on the official Web sites of those two ports, but the information has since been removed.] Maybe he'll finally reveal the names of the two new ships?
Regardless of whether any of these subjects are addressed, Rasulo is certain to announce the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts marketing theme for 2009. "What Will You Celebrate"… "Celebrate Today"… "The Year of Celebrations"—whatever it is officially called, the new promotion is all about encouraging people to find an excuse to celebrate some milestone at a Disney Park or Resort. Walt Disney World will likely focus on weddings and family reunions, the types large events that are likely to draw larger groups who travel longer distances and plan longer stays. Disneyland will likely focus on birthdays and anniversaries, the types of shorter celebrations that will lure local visitors for quick overnight trips to the resort. The kickoff event for the new promotion will be Miley Cyrus' 16th birthday party at Disneyland (which is now sold out), and we're hearing that "Celebrations" marketing collateral will begin to edge out the "Year of a Million Dreams" signage as early as October.
Check back with us later this week for additional details about the big New York announcement(s) as soon as they are available.
The Fall 2008 issue of Backstage Pass, the newletter for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, is arriving in homes this week. The newsletter is also available online for those APs who never seem to get their copy in the mail (link). This issue leads with a preview of the Halloween Time promotion, and includes several special offers:
by Shoshana Lewin, staff writer
Good news for chefs, entertainment hopefuls and anyone hoping to obtain credit for their work in the College Program at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland. From the latest College Program Newsletter:
Culinary Program
If food is a student's passion, culinary roles at the Walt Disney World Resort allow culinary students to utilize advanced cooking skills and learn from some of the best in the business. Students have the chance to gain technical skills, learn about the industry and work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment. To learn more, visit disneycollegeprogram.com/culinary.
Entertainment
The beginning of our recruiting season also marks the beginning of our Disney College Program Entertainment Auditions Tour. Who wouldn't love to leave work each day knowing that they left a lasting memory on a child by portraying one of our beloved characters? Entertainment roles at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort give our Cast Members the opportunity to make that magic everyday for our Guests and themselves!
Audition cities
- Anaheim, California
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Columbus, Ohio
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Orlando, Florida
- Pittsburgh, Pennslvania
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Rochester, New York
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Seattle, Washington
Interested candidates should arrive early to register and must view a presentation on campus or online prior to the audition. Times, dates and exact audition locations can be found by visiting our Web site.
New ACE Credit Recommendation for work component!
We have an exciting update that could broaden the opportunities for students to obtain credit for participating in our programs at the Disneyland Resort or the Walt Disney World Resort! The American Council on Education (ACE) recently granted the Disney College Program an official credit recommendation for the work component of the internship. Students could potentially earn up to nine semester hours of credit!
This credit recommendation was made based on the comprehensive training each Disney Cast Member receives as well as the participant's ability to apply this training into their daily environment. It was further determined that the skills participants gain while on our program will contribute significantly to their academic and professional careers beyond the program.
Additionally, this ACE recommendation provides the opportunity for more of our students to gain college credit for participating in our programs, allowing them to maintain their full-time status at their home educational institution.
Team MousePlanet
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...We reported last week that the flume for the "it's a small world" attraction had not yet been refilled, but a reader wrote to say that the interior of the attraction and the boat storage unit had already been filled. Dams were keeping the water out of the station area while work continued there, but the dams have since been removed and the station refilled. The new boats have been put into the attraction, and testing of the new vessels began last week.
...Disney confirmed several weeks ago that The Golden Vine Winery would close September 29, but MousePlanet reader Amy wrote to say that the restaurant closed after Labor Day. Disney has since updated the refurbishments schedule to reflect the early closure of this DCA restaurant, and there is no announcement of any possible replacement.
...Disneyland is offering customers the opportunity to pre-purchase the upcoming Tinker Bell DVD, and receive a free Tinker Bell phone charm with each copy ordered. The Tinker Bell DVD is $19.99 plus tax and shipping, and is sold through the Disney Gallery Web site (link). Pre-purchased DVDs will be shipped from the Disneyland Resort beginning October 28.
...Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort this fall should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates, as Disney is adjusting the refurbishment schedule as the new fiscal year budgets are finalized. The Sun Wheel refurbishment originally scheduled to begin September 11 has been pushed back to October 13, and two new closures for Muppet Vision 3-D have been added to the schedule. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
Come out and play with MousePlanet!The MousePlanet crew is planning a series of social events for readers, and you're invited!
Stay tuned for additional details and events throughout the year. |
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
2009
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.
This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks 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 $69/$59 One Day Park Hopper Regularly $93/$84 |
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 Regularly $143/$123 |
AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($130/$110) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $2 off the box-office price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $1 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths (link). | |
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Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $199/$169 |
Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) – 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 supermarkets (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) –available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. 2008 Southern California CityPass ($247/$199) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. 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 $217/$174 (link), 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 that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($164/$134) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
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Four Day Park Hopper Regularly $224/$194 |
Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($184/$154) – 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 supermarkets (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 (Sunday, 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) –available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
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Five Day Park Hopper Regularly $244/$214 |
Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – 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 supermarkets (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 (Sunday, 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) –available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
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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 Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three-day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at four DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!, Golden Dreams); Preferred Showing of Turtle Talk with Crush (Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day - one voucher per Guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent.
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. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.
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 two 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.
Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials. Check at the restaurant for menu and price details.
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney's California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates:
Disneyland Resort Special Events:
| 9/15 | 9/16 | 9/17 | 9/18 | 9/19 | 9/20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
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| 9/21 | 9/22 | 9/23 | 9/24 | 9/25 | 9/26 | 9/27 |
| DL: 9a-10p DCA: 10a-8p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/28 | 9/29 | 9/30 | 10/1 | 10/2 | 10/3 | 10/4 |
| DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-8p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-6p TT MTT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-8p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 10/5 | 10/6 | 10/7 | 10/8 | 10/9 | 10/10 | 10/11 |
| DL: 6:30a-5a DCA: 10a-11p SL MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 10a-8p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 9a-11p DCA: 10a-7p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-6p TT MTT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL/SC MM / TT |
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.
Visit the Park Hours section of our Disneyland Park guide for additional details about Magic Morning and Toontown Morning Madness, including available attractions.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.
(Send an email to MousePlanet Staff)
