A few random bits of information for people planning trips to the Disneyland Resort:
Notes from the shops of the Disneyland Resort:
Registration for the first of the two Spring 2009 MouseAdventure events opened last Friday, and there is still room for just a handful of teams to register in the competitive divisions (link). Registration opens Friday, February 27, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) for our non-competitive May 10 MouseAdventure: Day at the Park event.
Don't miss out—register for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to receive updates about future events, including our Fall 2009 event in Walt Disney World (link).
As Mark Goldhaber reports in today's Walt Disney World Park Update (link), the Disney Cruise Line is getting an executive shakeup, as DCL President Tom McAlpin is leaving "to pursue other interests" and is be replaced by his predecessor, Karl Holz. Holz had been president of New Vacation Operations, overseeing the Adventures by Disney business.
With the announcement taking place on Friday, exactly one week after the deadline for executives to accept the Voluntary Separation Package, it seems likely that McAlpin took the buyout incentive. McAlpin, 49, has been at DCL since it's inception and was highly thought of within the cruise industry and by Disney Cruise Line guests. However, it may be that senior executives at the corporate level needed to make some changes to show that they're taking action on the difficult times facing the business.
With the world economy in turmoil, the Disney Cruise Line is way behind in their bookings for 2010, despite all promotions currently being offered. In addition, while the Park Service was reportedly willing to allow Disney Cruise Line to take slots for Alaska cruises despite the fact that they wouldn't be using them for the first two years of availability, Disney pulled out of the application process. That move results in Disney not having a chance to mount Alaska cruises for another 10 years, since slots are allocated on a 10-year basis and the next time slots will be made available will be for the years 2020 through 2029.
Holz, who will also retain responsibility for Adventures by Disney, has a double dose of difficulty facing him, as bookings for Adventures by Disney have been so low that some itineraries for 2009 have already been cancelled. With more and more potential travelers seeing their discretionary income dry up, people are less willing to commit to the premium prices charged by Disney for their cruises and tours.
After serving as Disney Cruise Line president from September 2003 through September 2004, Holz moved to become Chief Operating Officer for Disneyland Paris and was replaced at DCL by McAlpin. He moved from Disneyland Paris to New Vacation Operations in September 2008.
Holz will have his work cut out for him, as he will have many more cabins to fill once the two new Disney Cruise Line ships are completed and set sail in 2011 and 2012.
...The Executive Committee of MouseFest, an annual gathering of Disney fans and Disney-oriented websites, discussion boards, authors and podcasters, and takes place at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line, made a major announcement yesterday. The full text of the announcement and answers to many potential questions is posted at the MouseFest Web site (link).
...Online registration for the Signature Events of Disney's California Food and Wine Festival starts Wednesday February 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. A listing of many of the signature and complimentary events is now available on the event Web site (link). The 2009 Festival runs daily, April 24 to June 7, 2009.
...Tickets sales begin Wednesday, February 18 for the Summer Pin Festival Kick-Off Event (link). The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2009 (link).
...Lake Forest, CA resident Frances Taylor celebrated her 100th birthday at Disneyland last Friday the 13th with a grand gathering of her four children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The celebration began with a small ceremony at Disneyland's entrance, where Mickey Mouse and the Disneyland marching band presented Taylor with a decorated 100th birthday cake. According to a Disney press release, Taylor and her mother were bumped from the passenger list of the Titanic as they prepared to emigrate to the United States from their native Scotland in 1912.
...The What Will You Celebrate Tour wraps up this week with stops in Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California:
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Monday, February 16 Chandler Fashion Center |
Wednesday, February 18 Las Americas Premium Outlets |
Disney cast members and characters will distribute thousands of free Mickey Mouse balloons at each location. You can register to win a "Disney Celebration Vacation," and can also pre-register to receive free admission on your birthday. If you can't attend a tour stop in person, you can register for the sweepstakes on the tour Web site (link).
...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 is currently only publishing refurbishment information about 6 weeks in advance. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at 714-781-7290.
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 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 $94/$84 |
Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. 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 |
2009 "Southern California 2Fer Ticket" ($69 / $59) – Visitors who live in Southern California and Baja California, Mexico can now purchase the 2009 "Southern California 2Fer Ticket." This special ticket offers admission to either Disneyland or Disney's California on one day and then to the other park on a second day for the price of a one-day, one-park ticket ($69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3 to 9). The 2009 promotion also features a return of the "Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket" for $94 for adults / $84 for ages 3-10. This is $25 more than the 2Fer ticket and allows you to visit both Disneyland and DCA on the same day. The offers includes much the same fine print as previous promotions:
The 2009 offer is slightly complicated by the "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion, and special options are available to eligible residents with birthdays between January 6 and June 3.
AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – 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 ($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 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 ($179/$149) – 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 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$144) – 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). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($149) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Disney's Armed Forces Salute 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket (Free/$94) – Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket. Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited. For information regarding "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424. Full details of the offer, including eligibility guidelines and other restrictions, are posted on our MousePad discussion board (link). |
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Four Day Park Hopper Regularly $224/$194 |
Advance Purchase 4-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 4-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 4-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). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($154) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). Costco Disneyland Resort Play 4 Days Exchange Certificate – Available through the Costco Web site (link), this $139 ticket (for ages 3 through adult) is good for four one-day admissions to Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. The tickets are non-transferable—the same person must use all four admissions. The ticket expires once the four admissions are used, or on July 31, 2009, whichever comes first. This is not a park-hopper pass, although you could probably use one admission per day at each park, in effect using the four admissions as a two-day park-hopper. The tickets are available only to Costco members who are residents of Southern California. Tickets must be purchased at Costco, with a limit of eight tickets per member per day. It is important to note that the item you purchase at Costco is an "Exchange Certificate," not a valid park passport. Members must exchange the certificate at the Disneyland Resort Ticket booth to receive the Play 4 Days ticket. Proof of California residency in zip codes 90000 through 93599 is required to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket. |
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Five Day Park Hopper Regularly $244/$214 |
Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($204/$174) – 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 ($204/$174) – 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 ($199/$169) – 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). Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 5-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($164) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). |
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Six Day Park Hopper Regularly $249/$219 |
Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($209/$179) – 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 ($209/$179) – 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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Deluxe Annual Passport |
Costco $50 bonus gift card offer – Costco members can receive a $50 Disneyland gift card when they purchase a Deluxe Disneyland Resort annual passport for $269 at a participating Costco location. The offer should be available at all Southern California Costco stores that currently sell Disneyland admission, but the vouchers may not have arrived in all locations yet. [A list of the 37 Costco locations within 50 miles of the Disneyland Resort is available on our MousePad discussion board (link), and we have noted which locations are confirmed to have these tickets available. If you are a Costco member and live near one of the stores that is not confirmed, please check the next time you're there and then let us know so we can update the list.] There are no residency restrictions on this ticket, and it can be upgraded to a Deluxe with parking or Premium passport. Better still, the $50 gift card can be applied towards the cost of the upgrades, which nearly pays for the $59 parking option or drops the net cost of a Premium Annual Passport to just $339. |
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| 2009 Southern California CityPass $259/$219 |
2009 Southern California CityPass ($259/$219) – 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 $227/$192 (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 Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! |
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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.
Alaska Airlines "Kids Fly Free to the Disneyland Resort" promotion – Valid for travel between January 7 and June 17, 2009 when you also book your hotel through the airline. Significant restrictions apply to the promotion, including blockout dates. This offer can be a good deal for some families, but make sure that you compare the total quoted package price against the same elements if purchased a la carte. You may be able to take advantage of other published airfare specials and hotel discounts to create a less expensive vacation package. Unfortunately the Alaska Airlines Web site can be sluggish, making comparison shopping time consuming, but you should definitely do your homework before you buy.
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:
| 2/16 | 2/17 | 2/18 | 2/19 | 2/20 | 2/21 | |
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| DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-8p SL/SC TT |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 9a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
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| 2/22 | 2/23 | 2/24 | 2/25 | 2/26 | 2/27 | 2/28 |
| DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p 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-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 3/1 | 3/2 | 3/3 | 3/4 | 3/5 | 3/6 | 3/7 |
| DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p 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-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 3/8 | 3/9 | 3/10 | 3/11 | 3/12 | 3/13 | 3/14 |
| DL: 9a-12a DCA: 10a-10p SL MM |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-6p TT |
DL: 9a-9p DCA: 10a-6p MM |
DL: 9a-12a DCA: 10a-9p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL/SC/DX 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)
