|
|
| Discussion Boards | Reviews | News | Trip Planning | Shop | Travel | Site Map |
| MousePlanet |
|
Disneyland Resort Update for February 3 - 9, 2003 |
|
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule News and Views
Making the Monorail safer – Just after Downtown Disney opened two years ago, MousePlanet pointed out a safety concern at the Downtown Disney Monorail station. The monorail beam was so close to the ground that a tall guest could easily touch the beam as a Monorail passed overhead. Disney quickly addressed the problem, adding a canopy underneath the beam. These canopies are similar to those Disney uses along the Monorail track in Tomorrowland.
Now Disney has ordered these same canopies to be installed along the section of the Monorail track directly above the Superstar Limo queue in Disney's California Adventure. The panels are currently stacked in the backstage area behind Limo, and are expected to be installed before the ride reopens in May. Given the recurring mechanical problems plaguing the Monorail fleet, with pieces of the brake shoes falling onto Harbor Boulevard, and recently into the Autopia attraction, we hope that Disney installs these safety measures anywhere that guests could pass underneath the Monorail beam.
No party for Disney's California Adventure – The second anniversary of Disney's California Adventure park is this Saturday, February 8, and members of our MousePad message boards want to know what Disney has planned to commemorate the day. Will there be another speech by Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss? Will Imagineers announce new rides for the future? Will visitors get a sneak peek at the upcoming Playhouse Disney attraction? Disney's answer: None of the above. In fact, DCA's second birthday is going to pass with as little notice as possible. The merchants may release a pin to mark the day, and cast members will probably receive the usual commemorative button, but there will be no public mention of the occasion. No "noon moment" with confetti cannons, no speeches or celebrities — just a normal Saturday in California. With all the current buzz surrounding DCA—the recent opening of an entire new land and a new stage production, the coming Playhouse Disney show and the rumored reopening of Superstar Limo—it would seem that the park would welcome the opportunity to gain some airtime for the beleaguered park on local news broadcasts. One Disney representative tried to explain the decision against a public celebration, saying "It's on a Saturday – it's easier to plan these things on a workday." We can hope that this mindset does not prevail through Disneyland's upcoming 50th anniversary in 2005, which falls on a Sunday.
Time to Wash? We have noticed that Snow White and friends at the Snow White Grotto near the Sleeping Beauty Castle are desperately in need of a good scrubbing. The statues have acquired a muddy, moldy coat – especially noticeable on the figures closest to the waterfall. Paint is peeling off of the frogs in thick sheets. The good news is that the circling fountain fish are still working like a charm. The little fish had been known to break down for months on end, until Disney finally replaced the mechanism. Now if someone would only clean behind Sneezy's ears...
What difference does a day make? A reader noticed that the Fantasyland "dark rides" are each scheduled for one-day refurbishments in February. We suspect that these closures will allow Imagineers to install new ride operator control panels: one of the safety enhancements tested on Superstar Limo during its long "refurbishment." The new system requires two operators to press dispatch buttons on separate consoles to release each ride vehicle, rather than allowing a single-operator to dispatch the vehicles. Many attractions already rely on a dual-operator dispatch system, which Disney is now implementing at smaller rides – many of which can be operated now with just one cast member.
Merchandise Notes – As David Koenig reported in a recent column, La Petite Chalet has been converted into a Princess-theme shop. The store is near the Fantasyland end of the parade route, and right next to the character meet-and-greet area where the Princesses end their new processional. Borrowing another idea from Walt Disney World, Disneyland hosts a pin trading night on Friday, February 21, 2003, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Garden Room of the Disneyland Hotel's Bonita Tower, with a special Kids Zone for children ages 5 through 9. Future dates have not yet been announced, and it is unclear whether this will become a regularly scheduled event.
Finally, Marceline's Confectionery in Downtown Disney has switched suppliers for its chocolate truffles. The park is now offering the same character-shaped chocolates available at Walt Disney World, which happen to look an awful like the Ethel M-brand truffles available in the boxed assortments. Marceline's has also added bottled juices, soft drinks, water and milk to its product line. Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disney’s California Adventure
Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. For the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781-7290. Park EventsHaunted Mansion Holiday Exclusive Dinner – October 1, 2003 Haunted Mansion Holiday Event – October 2, 2003 Current Discounts & PromotionsSoCal Salute – The Southern California resident discount ticket program runs from January 6 throughMay 16, 2003. Instead of a discounted ticket, residents get two one-day admissions for their ticket prices ($47 for adults, $37 for children) – one for Disneyland, and one for Disney's California Adventure. This ticket is good for only one admission to each park, so you cannot go to Disneyland twice on separate days. And while the ticket is not intended to be a park-hopper, which would allow you to visit both Disneyland and DCA on the same day, some readers have reported that they were allowed to use the ticket as a one-day park hopper. The two admissions do not have to be used on consecutive days, but the first admission must be on the same day as the ticket purchase, and the second must be used by May 16, 2003. These tickets are nontransferable. You must provide proof of residency at the time of purchase, and you are asked to print your full name on the tickets. When you return for your second admission, you need to show an ID matching the ticket. This offer is limited to five tickets per qualifying person. Alaska Airlines airfare and hotel specials – Alaska Airlines is offering two specials for travel to the Disneyland Resort. A MousePad member alerted us that the airline is again offering the popular Kids Fly Free special, which includes airfare, hotel, park-hopper tickets, and more. This special offer can only be booked by calling Alaska Airlines at 1-800-468-2248. Adults traveling without kids can take advantage of other special hotel and air packages by booking at the Alaska Airlines Web site. Free coffee on Main Street – Receive a free small coffee when you buy a mug at the Market House on Main Street, USA. This offer is only valid at the Market House, and is for a limited time only. The “Get a 5-Day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-Day ticket” promotion has been extended through January 5, 2004 - These tickets are available when you order online from Disneyland.com. Restrictions apply – see site for details. MousePad member Darkbeer alerted us to a new AAA promotion - For $122.75, you can get a 5-day park hopper and the following extras:
This package is available without an air or hotel purchase. See your local AAA office for more details. We have been contacted by a representative from the Automobile Club of Southern California (the AAA office for Southern California), who informs us that the above package is not available from the Automobile Club of Southern California, and that it does not sell passes without packages. Although we have chosen to post this information, we are receiving conflicting reports from AAA, and are trying to confirm the details. The package currently offered is the Disney's Resort Magic Package 2003, which includes:
You also get a 5-day park hopper for the price of a 3-day. These all require a minimum two-night hotel stay. Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen – Kids eat free, 4:30–6:00p. [See restaurant for details.] Park Hours
Entertainment Schedule
|
Did you recently notice something new or different in the park? Are you a CM with something intriguing to share? Heard any good rumors lately, or know of something our readers will wanna know? Send them in so we can follow up on them!
2005 • January: 3, 10, 17, 24 2004 • January: 5, 12, 19, 26 2003 • Jan: 6, 13, 20, 27 2002
Don't forget our Park Updates: Walt Disney World, published on Mondays. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Go to: Top | Section Contents | MousePlanet Main Page |
|
Copyright © MousePlanet® Inc. | Legal Information & Privacy Policy | About/Contact MousePlanet | Link to us |
|
MousePlanet®
is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its
subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available
at www.disney.com.
This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary,
editorials, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts
of the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change.
Please call destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information. |
