it's a small world's new facade sparkles
in the afternoon sun.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Old and improved – When "it's a small world" returned
from rehab last week, the first MousePad members on the scene immediately
noticed a major change. Said member zapppop, "The EuroDisneyland
recordings we've been listening to since 1992 have all been removed and
the original 1964 recordings have all been restored; everything from the
yodel in the Swiss Alps, to the thunder of the rainforest. Even the trumpet
fanfare from the clock has returned."
Station gates are among the new safety
measures cropping up around Disneyland.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Other members were quick to express their delight in this restoration,
and "it's a small world" has jumped to the top of the must-see
list for Disneyland regulars.
Where Walt Disney World based an entire marketing campaign on "nostalgia"
— while removing classic attractions right and left — it's nice
to see Disneyland giving visitors something to be nostalgic about.
Trees are sprouting around the Matterhorn.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Matterhorn tree farm? The icy peaks of Matterhorn mountain have
gotten a whole lot greener this week. Pine trees have sprouted up around
the mountain, creating an artificial tree line below the snow. The ride
is expected to reopen this Thursday, after months of repair and reconstruction.
On leave from Fantasmic, the crocodile watches over drivers
along Disneyland Drive.
Photo by Alex Stroup.
The legend of page 18 – For the past several weeks, MousePlanet
has been telling readers about a great offer available to AAA members.
The "Passport Plus" package detailed in our Discounts
/ Promotions section below, offers similar admission savings and
benefits included in many travel packages, but does not require an airfare
purchase or hotel reservation.
Although page 18 of the national AAA/Disney brochure features this package,
several MousePad members reported
that they were unable to purchase the tickets from their local AAA affiliate
office. They were told that: the tickets were only available from selected
AAA affiliates, that a hotel reservation was required, or that the package
didn't exist at all.
MousePlanet was even contacted by an agent from the Automobile Club of
Southern California, (ACSC), the local AAA affiliate, who told us that
we had our facts wrong.
After several days of research, and with the willing assistance of agents
from the Northern and Southern California AAA affiliates, we finally got
to the bottom of the issue.
The source of the confusion seems to lie in the difference between a
"ticket" and a "package." Most AAA affiliates do not
sell Disney theme park tickets unless they are included in a package —
you cannot walk into your local AAA affiliate office and buy a one-day
pass to Walt Disney World. Since the "Passport Plus" only includes
theme park tickets, without an air or hotel requirement, most AAA affiliates
incorrectly considered the product to be a "ticket" instead
of a "package." And since affiliates do not sell "tickets"...
well, you get the idea.
At our request, the ACSC agent called his Disney travel representative,
and verified that any travel agent at any AAA affiliate office across
the country can book this package for AAA members. The same agent is now
working with his local ACSC offices to make sure that they are aware of
the offer, and suggested these tips for members wishing to purchase the
Passport Plus package at their local affiliate office:
If you are at an affiliate and they refuse to offer this to you,
my advice is to ask to speak to the manager (not the head manager of
the whole office; they usually are not trained in travel, but the Travel
Agency manager) and again, tell them to contact their Disney representative.
MousePlanet would like to thank the ACSC agent for his help in sorting
out this mystery. He said, "Now that MousePlanet has started advertising
that we offer this service, we have been receiving more and more requests
regarding this offer." We hope that all of those readers will have
an easier time in booking this package, thanks to his efforts in clarifying
the policy.
Construction walls surround the future
home of Playhouse Disney.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Monsters in Hollywood? Superstar Limo at Disney's California Adventure
(DCA) park is now scheduled to re-open on May 22, but the attraction is
only budgeted for operation through Labor Day. Its fate after that is
uncertain. There are rumors that the ride will be converted to a Monster's
Inc. theme, utilizing the same building, track layout and vehicles.
Hollywood gets even – DCA's Hollywood District will now open
with the rest of the park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The area will
still open at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday for now.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction
Closures
Workers trim the top of King Arthur Carrousel.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland
Matterhorn Bobsleds – through February 12
King Arthur Carrousel – through February 13
Disney Gallery - January 26 – March 1
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes – through March 27
Rivers of America – through March 27
Mark Twain Riverboat – through March 27
Sailing Ship Columbia – through March 27
Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough – indefinite
King Arthur Carrousel is tested on Sunday
afternoon.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Disney’s California Adventure
Superstar Limo – through May 21
The newest attraction at Disneyland - peeking
through construction fences.
Photo by Alex Stroup.
Future Attraction Closures:
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride – February 18
Peter Pan's Flight – February 19
Alice in Wonderland – February 20
Splash Mountain – February 24 - March 13
Critter Country – February 24 - March 13
Snow White's Scary Adventures – February 25
Pinocchio's Daring Journey – February 26
Mad Tea Party – April 28 - May 15
Pirates of the Caribbean – April 28 - May 30
Blue Bayou Restaurant – April 28 - May 30
Indiana Jones Adventure – September 2 - October 24
Space Mountain – September 2003 - August 2004
The treehouse on Tom Sawyer's Island is
covered in scaffolding.
Photo by Alex Stroup.
Note: Refurbishment schedules are
estimates only, and all information is subject to change without notice.
For the most recent updates call Disneyland at (714) 781-7290 before you
visit.
The Tower of Terror looms behind Space
Mountain.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Future Attraction Closures:
Park Events
NFFC Studio Chapter Meeting at Knott's Berry Farm – February
16, 2003. Check our MousePad message boards for more
details.
Elisabete Gomes Product Release at the Disneyland Resort –
February 22, 2003. Check our MousePad message boards for a full
announcement.
Pirates of the Caribbean exhibit opens – March 1, 2003 at
the Disney
Gallery in Disneyland's New Orlean's Square.
Haunted Mansion Holiday Exclusive Dinner – October 1, 2003
Haunted Mansion Holiday Event – October 2, 2003
Current Discounts & Promotions
SoCal Salute – The Southern California resident discount
ticket program runs from January 6 to May 16, 2003. Instead of a discounted
ticket, residents get two one-day admissions for their $47 ($37 for children)
– one for Disneyland, and one for Disney's California Adventure.
This ticket is good for only one admission to each park (meaning you
cannot go to Disneyland twice on separate days). 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. 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.
These tickets are nontransferable. You must provide proof of residency
at the time of purchase, and you will be asked to print your full name
on the tickets. When you return for your second admission, you need to
show ID matching the ticket. This offer is limited to 5 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.
AAA Passport Plus Package – For $122.75, you can get a 5-day
park hopper and the following extras:
Multiple attraction FastPass (The "Unlimited" option)
Breakfast in the park (one per person)
Free ESPN Zone arena game card ($10 value)
AAA Free parking at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks
A $13.75 FedEx fee applies to each reservation, (not per person). This
package is available without an air or hotel purchase, and must be purchased
at your local AAA affiliate office at least 5 days before you plan to
use the tickets.
Many readers have experienced difficulties when trying to purchase this
package from their local AAA affiliate. Be sure to read this
thread on our MousePad discussion boards, for more information about
the package and tips on how to help your AAA travel agent book your package.
AAA / Disney's Resort Magic Package – this package requires
a minimum 2-night hotel stay, and includes:
Accommodations at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel,
or Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
Disneyland Resort Hotel self-parking and Fitness Center access
Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket – valid for entry into Disneyland
park and Disney's California Adventure park with full park-hopping privileges
FREE ESPN Zone® Arena Game Card – $10 value (one per person)
NEW! Collect FASTPASS tickets for multiple attractions at one time.
Preferred Seating at a choice of select shows in Disney's California
Adventure
EXCLUSIVE! Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard
(one per person)
EXCLUSIVE! Walt Disney Travel Company California Fun Book (one per
package)
EXCLUSIVE! Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide (one per package)
You can book this package through your local AAA affilitate travel agent.
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen–
Kids eat free, 4:30–6:00p. [See restaurant for details.]
Park Hours
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
2/10
2/11
2/12
2/13
2/14
2/15
DL 10a–8p
DCA 10a–6p
DL 10a–8p
DCA 10a–6p
DL 10a–8p
DCA 10a–6p
DL 10a–8p
DCA 10a–6p
DL 9a–10p
DCA 10a–8p
DL 8a–12a
DCA 10a–11p
2/16
2/17
2/18
DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney’s California Adventure
DL 8a–12a
DCA 10a–11p
DL 8a–11p
DCA 10a–11p
DL 10a–8p
DCA 10a–6p
Entertainment Schedule
Disneyland Park
Disney’s California Adventure
Downtown Disney
Monday 2/10
Disneyland Parade of the Stars - 7:00p
Sword in the Stone Ceremony - 10:45a, 11:45a, 12:45p, 2:30p,
3:30p, 4:30p
Billy Hill & the Hillbillies - 11:45a, 1:15p, 3:00p,
4:15p, 5:30p
Calling All Space Scouts...A Buzz Lightyear Adventure
- 11:30a, 12:30p, 1:30p, 3:15p, 4:15p, 5:15p
Disney Princess Storytelling - 11:00a, 12:00p, 1:00p
Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular -
12:30p, 2:15p, 5:00p
House of Blues Chevelle, with 30 Seconds to Mars and Pulse Ultra ($14) - 8:00p
PSST!
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!
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.
