

It's official: MousePlanet will be part of the Fan Forum at the upcoming D23 EXPO, September 10-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The MousePlanet Lounge is the place to come mix and mingle with MousePlanet readers and staff, and where you can meet other members of our MousePad discussion board. Kick up your feet and relax in our comfortable lounge, and be sure to pick up a special MousePlanet button designed just for the EXPO. We have a few other surprises in store, so keep checking for details.
Two more business units of the Walt Disney Company have revealed their plans for the upcoming D23 EXPO. The Walt Disney Studios has planned a full slate of previews and premieres, including sneak peeks (hosted by Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook ) at Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Old Dogs, Prince of Persia, "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice", and Tron: Legacy. Disney-Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter will be on hand to preview The Princess and the Frog, Rapunzel, and Toy Story 3.
Movie buffs can attend a variety of panel discussions and special presentations. The Beauty and the Beast panel discussion will include a screening of selected scenes in Disney Digital 3D; the Snow White panel discussion will be followed by the world premiere screening of a newly restored digital version of the film; and a special program explores the music of The Lion King. The final night presentation is the world premiere double-feature of the 3D versions of Toy Story and Toy Story 2. All activities are included with EXPO admission. You can read the full press release on our MousePad discussion board (link). The SandwichJohnFilms blog reported last week (link) that, "A legion of Storm Troopers from the 501st Battalion will be patrolling the Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday, September 12," and notes that this also happens to be the same day that Jay Rasulo, Head of Disney Parks and Resorts will be speaking, prompting the columnist to wonder whether there might be a Star Tours announcement.
Disney Consumer Products has released specifics of their exhibit plans, including an eight-room Disney Dream Home, fashion shows, artist appearances, author signings and product demonstrations. You can read the full Disney Consumer Products press release on our MousePad discussion board (link).
Disney has released additional details about the "Disneyland Resort Experiences" that will be part of the D23 Live Auction (link). Highlights include:
A few of the lots are interesting, but could probably be purchased for less directly from Disney. The private parties at Studio D365 and the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique don't seem to be all that much different than the experience already available to groups, and the only advantage to winning the Candlelight Viewing Package is that it will save you the inevitable frustration of trying to purchase the tickets from Disney's notoriously crash-prone system when they go on sale later this year. Bidder registration is $40 (link).
Disneyland's Summer Nightastic! promotion ended yesterday, but the real star of the show may be making their debut this week. After months of delays, testing and repeated mechanical setbacks, new, improved and overdue Fantasmic! dragon is expected to premiere this week. MousePlanet will definitely bring you the latest information as it is available. Fantasmic! will be presented nightly at 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. through Sunday, August 30.
Ashley Nicole Lilly (24) was found dead Friday morning at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Garden Grove, about a mile south of the Disneyland Resort, according to the Garden Grove Police Department. The body was discovered in a guest room by hotel staff, and the death is being investigated as a homicide. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Garden Grove police at (714) 741-5704.
MouseAdventure's Summer Warm UpCongratulations to MousePlanet reader Christy for being the first to post the correct answer to our Week 7 quest. If you'd like to check your own answers, download the Quest 7 answer key (link). Quest #8 presents a little logic puzzle (link). (Once again, the answer from Quest #7 is the password you'll need to open Quest #8) Remember, you can solve this quest at home using information found online at MousePlanet.com. Once you think you've solved the puzzle, visit our MousePad discussion boards and post your answer (link). The first person to post the correct answer to our MousePad discussion boards will win their very own copy of the MouseAdventure: Personal Edition packet, filled with quests from the Disneyland Resort. Good luck! The Inaugural MouseAdventure event at Walt Disney World will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2009! The day will begin with a private breakfast at the Odyssey Center prior to park opening, followed by a six-hour fun-filled race around Epcot park for a fresh look at things in the park that you never noticed before! The first part of the game will be in the classic MouseAdventure format, sending you on quests throughout Future World. After completion of that portion, teams will engage in an Enchanted Race around World Showcase to the finish line! For more information or to register, go to the MouseAdventure page (link)! Don't forget to sign up for the MouseAdventure Newsletter to stay up on the latest MouseAdventure news (link). |
MousePad member cstephens sent us these photos of new Halloween merchandise at the Disney Showcase shop on Main Street.

Halloween has fully taken over the Disney Showcase shop. Photo by Cindy Stephens.

Mickey vampire t-shirt. Photo by Cindy Stephens.

New Halloween hat ears (front and back). Photo by Cindy Stephens.

New Mickey bat plush, complete with little wings. Photo by Cindy Stephens.

New Halloween antenna topper - Minnie's hat. Photo by Cindy Stephens.
...MousePlanet sponsor Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel has released new discounted rates for the fall (link). If you have already made a reservation and your stay coincides with these new discounts, contact their in-house reservations department at 714-776-6120 to request a rate adjustment.
...MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Travel has rooms available at all three Disneyland Resort Hotels for those travelling to the D23 EXPO, with a two night minimum stay. Call 800-523-6116 or visit www.getawaytoday.com to book your package. This offer is ideal for annual passholders or those who do not plan to visit the theme parks while attending D23, as no theme park admission purchase is required.
...Cast members got to sample some of the food from the new Lucky Fortune Cookery restaurant, currently scheduled to reopen in its new location on Friday, September 4. The menu reportedly offers a choice of chicken, beef or tofu stir-fry, with a selection of 6 sauces.
...Indie Fest USA, an independent film festival now in its third year, kicked off Saturday at Downtown Disney and will run through Friday, August 28. 127 films, including movies from more than 11 countries, will be in the program, plus special events and musical performances. (link)
...The Casey Jr. Circus Train and the Storybook Land Canal Boats closed today for a lengthy refurbishment, and are expected to reopen on Thursday, November 19.

A new stroller rental complex is under construction outside Disneyland park. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
...We've been told that the construction near the Disneyland Kennel Club is to make room for a long-awaited permanent stroller rental facility outside Disneyland Park. The new facility will replace the existing in-park rental locations just inside the entrances of both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, and will offer rentals to Resort guests visiting either park.
...We've updated the MousePlanet-wide site search (at the top of every MousePlanet page) to give you the option of excluding MousePad and/or trip reports from your searches. This means that if you're searching for an article or guide page, your search results won't be filled with MousePad threads and trip reports. The "include" options are checked by default, so the default behavior is exactly the same as it always was. Give it a try!
...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 currently only publishes refurbishment information about six weeks in advance. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update (link) for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.
Join our networks |
|
|
Join our Facebook groups: Become a fan on Facebook: |
Follow us: |
Construction-related closures:
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.
Come out and play with MousePlanet!The MousePlanet crew is planning a series of social events for readers, and you're invited!MousePlanet @ D23 Expo – September 10-13, 2009. It's official: MousePlanet will be part of the Fan Forum at the upcoming D23 EXPO. The MousePlanet LOUNGE is the place to come mix and mingle with MousePlanet readers and staff, and where you can meet other members of our MousePad discussion board. Kick up your feet and relax in our comfortable LOUNGE, and be sure to pick up a special MousePlanet button designed just for the EXPO. We have a few other surprises in store, so keep checking for details. MousePlanet is hosting TWO unofficial "MousePlanet Nights at Trick-or-Treat Party" this year. These meets are scheduled for Thursday, October 15th and Friday, October 30th, and will be hosted by MousePlanet staff and MousePad Community Leaders. Join the discussion and get more information on our MousePad discussion board (link). If you're planning to attend, be sure to let us know so we can have enough treats for everyone! Come CHOCWalk with MousePlanet –Sunday, October 18. Join MousePlanet staff and readers for the 2009 CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park. CHOC has really upgraded its Web site this year, and it's even easier for you to support team MousePlanet. You can:
Visit our MousePad discussion boards to meet other members of Team MousePlanet and discuss the Walk (link).
|
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
Winter
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.
If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).
|
One Day, One Park Ticket - Regularly $72/$62 One Day Park Hopper - Regularly $97/$87 |
Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper |
|
|
Two Day Park Hopper - Regularly $151/$131 |
AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $10 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). |
|
|
Three Day Park Hopper - Regularly $204/$174 |
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). Disney's Armed Forces Salute 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket (Free/$94) – [Extended through September 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 US 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 extended through September 30, 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). |
|
|
Four Day Park Hopper - Regularly $229/$199 |
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). |
|
|
Five Day Park Hopper - Regularly $249/$219 |
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). 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). |
|
|
Six Day Park Hopper - Regularly $254/$224 |
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 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for the Price of 4 Days ($194/$164) – Disneyland's new Summer promotion offers two extra days of park admisison when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket. These tickets must be purchased before your trip, either through the Disneyland Web site or as part of your vacation package. You can NOT purchase this promotional ticket from the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, so plan ahead! The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus tickets expire 13 days after first day of use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use constitutes one full day of use. |
|
| Deluxe Annual Passport - Regularly $289 |
|
|
| 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! |
|
Stay 3, Get 2 Free – Disneyland's new Summer promotion offers 5 nights at a Disneyland Resort or Good Neighbor Hotel and 5 days of theme park admission for the price of three. The promotion is valid for arrivals through September 26, 2009, though the discounts are not available at the Good Neighbor Hotels until May 1. All travel must be booked by August 11, 2009 to receive this offer.
Save $400 on a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package. The offer is valid for arrivals August 23 through December 20, 2009, and starts at $87 per person, per day with accommodations at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel and a four-day park hopper ticket. The offer is not valid November 25–27, 2009.
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 collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag per person, plus a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card per package.
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.
Contact a MousePlanet sponsor travel agency for assistance in booking your next trip
|
Character Dining Vouchers – Discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Travel (link).
Disney Visa Discounted Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers at a discount of 50% 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.
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney's California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates:
Disneyland Resort Special Events:
| 8/23 | 8/24 | 8/25 | 8/26 | 8/27 | 8/28 | 8/29 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-9p SL MM |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-7p TT |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-7p MM |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-7p TT |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-7p MM |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-10p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-8p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 8/30 | 8/31 | 9/1 | 9/2 | 9/3 | 9/4 | 9/5 |
| DL: 8a-11p 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-10p TT |
DL: 9:30a-12a DCA: 10a-8p SL/SC/DX MM / TT |
| 9/6 | 9/7 | 9/8 | 9/9 | 9/10 | 9/11 | 9/12 |
| DL: 9a-11p DCA: 10:30a-8p SL/SC/DX MM |
DL: 8a-11p DCA: 10a-9p 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-8p TT |
DL: 9a-12a DCA: 10a-8p SL/SC MM / TT |
| 9/13 | 9/14 | 9/15 | 9/16 | 9/17 | 9/18 | 9/19 |
| DL: 9a-11p 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-12a DCA: 10a-8p TT |
DL: 8a-12a DCA: 10a-8p 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 Andrew Rich)
Andrew Rich (@MPAndrew) has been with MousePlanet since the very beginning, mostly lurking working behind the scenes to keep everything running. He is also the emcee for MouseAdventure. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Jennifer and three cats, runs Project Insomnia, and visits Disneyland several times a year. Andrew is currently training for the Disneyland Half Marathon and Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon - that's right, Coast-to-Coast in the space of twelve weeks.