Disneyland Resort Update for August 11 – 17, 2003

Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours/Blockout Dates | Events/Entertainment Schedule

News and Views

Magic mirror, on the wall…

Disneyland Resort cast members have something new to watch on Cast TV. A new video currently playing on the in-house television network provides employees with more details about the upcoming Tower of Terror ride, scheduled to open next spring in Disney's California Adventure park.

While some cast members are excited to see the popular “E-ticket” ride make its way to the West Coast, others are concerned that the “new” special effects in the California version are going to be underwhelming compared to the Florida original.

A cast member sent us a description of the ride, along with his concerns about some of the new show elements. If you'd rather avoid potential spoilers, skip to the next topic.

Workers add “broken plaster” accents to the Tower of Terror
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

To understand his concerns, you must be somewhat familiar with the original Tower of Terror in Walt Disney World. In the Florida version, riders board an elevator in the decrepit and long-abandoned Hollywood Hotel. The car ascends through a first—and normal—shaft, which provides a show as it rises. After reaching the top, the car does something absolutely impossible—it floats forward out of the first “show” shaft and rolls through the “5th dimension” before finally settling into the “drop shaft.” For many riders, this revealing transformation is the best part of the ride, and which totally makes the experience unique and worthwhile. All expectations are shattered and first-time riders have no idea what to expect when the entire elevator car moves forward—something everyone knows is impossible.

According to the cast member, the DCA version completely removes this “impossible” aspect of the ride. DCA's Tower has only one combined show and drop shaft for each of the three pairs of elevator cars, rather than one show (climb) shaft and one drop shaft like the original Tower. Instead, the DCA version has a two-story loading area, located forward of the show/drop shaft.

Let's say that car “A” loads on the lower floor, and car “B” loads on the upper floor. One car is always in the loading area while the other car is in the show shaft. Car A loads up, and moves into the shaft. While car A is moving through the show/drop sequence, car B is filling with passengers. As soon as car A finishes the drop sequence, it returns to its loading area, and car B moves into the shaft to begin its run.

Herein lies the problem. Because the loading area is forward from the shaft, the car must back up into the shaft. This means that the first thing a rider experiences is the elevator car doing something that an elevator car shouldn't do. But as riders will not yet have had the experience of the car functioning like a normal elevator car, this won't seem unusual.

The WDW version takes advantage of the basic assumptions that we have of the world around us, then flouts them to create the ride experience. We all know that elevators go up and down—not forward and back. When the elevator climbs up the shaft, it is functioning in a way we expect. It's only once this “normal” elevator starts to move in a way no elevator should that we wonder what else this car can do—like plunge 13 stories straight down.

The DCA version delivers the punch line—the horizontal motion—without ever establishing the build-up that this is supposed to be a normal, vertical elevator. Several people have expressed their view that this one change will flaw the ride experience in a fundamental way.

Since there is no need to move the cars from one shaft to another, the issue of the 5th dimension becomes one of storytelling rather than operations. The DCA solution uses a special effect known as the “magic mirror.” When the car reaches the top of the shaft, the elevator doors open to reveal a giant mirror, reflecting the real passengers in the elevator car.

This image transforms from an actual reflection to an “aura” created using infrared technology. Said one cast member, “This 'great new effect' has been in use at TestTrack [at Epcot in WDW] for years. Some imagination, huh?“ Then “lightning” will strike the building, the image in the mirror will disappear entirely, the elevator car's cable with “snap,” and the car will drop.

With the ride scheduled to open next year, it's still too soon to pass any judgment on the ride system or the effects. But some are beginning to wonder if Disney's quest to build a more efficient Tower of Terror may have cost the ride its soul.

Security matters

Reader mousecop posted this information to our Mousepad message boards:

"As of August 3 2003, the security department at DLR no longer mans the public access gates of the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel and the Grand Californian.”

He went on to say that Disney security will not longer be inspecting cars that enter the hotel parking lots, or requiring their drivers to show photo ID.

Over their? No, over there!

The old sign has a small typo. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

When we first ran photos of the newly remodeled Tom Sawyer Island, several readers noticed that one of the signs we photographed had an unintentional typo. We're happy to report that the sign has been corrected.

The new sign would make any spelling teacher proud, as long as she didn't mind the grammatical error “me” instead of “I.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

But they just fixed it!

The pontoon bridge is closed less than a month after it finally reopened. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Less than a month after Tom Sawyer Island reopened to the public, the remodeled playground has already lost an attraction: The pontoon bridge is once again closed. According to workers on the Island, the barrels that support the bridge absorb too much water and lose their buoyancy. The bridge may remain closed until it can be replaced entirely, something not likely to happen during this fiscal year.

The Ex-Games

We don't expect there to be any performances tomorrow, either… Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

DCA's big summer X Games promotion is history, and the resort goes back to business as usual this week—which apparently means more budget cuts. After Goofy's Beach Party Bash and Mickey's Detective School closed two weeks ago, Playhouse Disney and Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular are feeling the knife. Playhouse Disney will lose two performances per day, Aladdin drops to three performances most weekdays. Even the bands that perform at the Pacific Wharf and Club Buzz stages are feeling the heat, with some scheduled for shorter sets as summer comes to an end.

The Downtown Disney Walk

Can we superimpose Michael Eisner's face onto Shrek's body? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Knott's has them, Six Flags has them, Universal has them—why not Disney? Downtown Disney is now home to a fantasy photo booth, where customers can have their smiling mug superimposed onto the cover of a popular magazine, or onto a celebrity body. If the sheer tackiness isn't enough, take a look at all of the non-Disney images available. Who would have expected to see Shrek merchandise sold on Disney property?

These are a great idea, but shouldn't they be in Hollywood? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Another new vendor has sprouted in Downtown Disney; this one offering plaster hand-print plaques. The plaques are available in a collection of sizes starting at $20. The plaster dries in just three minutes, making this a quick and lasting souvenir. One smart reader suggested that these should be sold inside DCA's Hollywood Pictures Backlot, where they would fit the Hollywood theme perfectly, as people identify it with the footprints in front of Mann's Chinese Theater.

Someone should make a sign: “Will trade green screen for new ride.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Meanwhile, Disneyland is getting some new technology. A corner of the Premier Shop in Tomorrowland has been decorated with a green screen, which will provide the backdrop for Disneyland photo pins. Now that this store won't be closed to make room for the rumored Buzz Lightyear ride anytime soon, the merchants are making some longer-term plans for the space.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

The Haunted Mansion Holiday photo backdrop has made its annual appearance on Main Street. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland

• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through – indefinite. (The Disneyland.com Web site shows this reopening on September 27)
• Space Mountain – through 2005

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo – indefinite

Future Attraction Closures

• Splash Mountain: September 2 - November 6
• Tarzan's Treehouse: September 8 - 10
• Sailing Ship Columbia: September 8 - 19
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: September 8 - 26
• Francis' Lady Bug Boogie: September 8 - 26
• Haunted Mansion: September 8 - October 2, for the installation of the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay
• “it's a small world”:– October 6 - November 7, for the installation of the “it's a small world” Holiday overlay
• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: November 3 - 26
• Mark Twain Riverboat: November 3 - indefinite

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.

Park Events

September

• “Tinker Bell on Toy Block” sculpture and “Peter Pan on Board” giclée product release and artist appearances [Saturday, Sept 6] – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Off the Page in DCA. Get more details about the artists and merchandise on our MousePad message boards (link).
• ABC Preview Weekend at DCA [Sept 6 - 7]
• Spode “Disney Christmas Tree Celebration” pattern debuts at Disneyland [Saturday, Sept 13]
• Shag “One Enchanted Evening” merchandise release at Disneyland [Saturday, Sept 20]

October

• Haunted Mansion Holiday Exclusive Dinner [Wed, October 1]
• Haunted Mansion Holiday Event [Thur, October 2]

December

• Marie Osmond “Enchanted Tiki Room Hostess” doll release and meet-and-greet at Disneyland [Saturday, Dec 6]
• Robert Olszewski “Central Plaza” sculpture release at Disneyland [Saturday, Dec 13]

Current Discounts & Promotions

Special Lion King offer for Disneyland Annual Passholders

Pre-order The Lion King Platinum Edition DVD or VHS at the Disneyland Resort between August 3 and September 20, and receive free shipping and two free gifts: a limited edition plush Simba, and a limited edition pin. The Lion King Platinum Edition DVD will include new scenes and a new song by Elton John.

Half-Price Angels tickets for Disneyland Annual Passholders

Disneyland APs can purchase tickets to select baseball games for the 2003 World Series winners Anaheim Angels at a 50 percent discount. Specific dates and prices can be found at the Annual Passholder Web site (link).

Get $150 in Disney Dollars

Book a Walt Disney Travel Company Vacation package that includes a stay of 4 nights or longer at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels, and receive 150 Disney Dollars! Get more details from Disney Travel, or on the Disneyland Web site. (Thanks to MousePlanet reader Hastin for the information.)

Get 5 days and 4 nights for the price of 3

Book a package at the Disneyland Resort for a minimum four-nights through the Walt Disney Travel Company, and your package price will include one night's free accommodations at participating hotels. Your package will also include a five-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket for the price of a three-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket. Click here for a list of participating hotels and dates.

Play 4 Days pass

Southern California residents, (zip codes 90000-93599), can purchase a new four-day ticket for just $79. The ticket is valid for four admissions to either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure park, between June 1 and September 30, 2003. Residents can purchase just one ticket per person, per day, so your out-of-town relatives will need to buy their own, regular-priced admission.

The tickets can only be used at one park each day—no park hopping. We understand that you can use two admissions—one to each park—on the same day, effectively making this a $79 two-day park-hopper ticket, a $20 discount from the regular adult price.

The tickets can not be used at Disneyland on June 28, and July 4, 5, 26, and August 2, 9, 16, 23, 29, 30, and 31. There are no block-out days for DCA. Tickets are nontransferable, and you must show a valid ID each time. These tickets can be applied towards the cost of a Deluxe or Premium Annual Passport, (but not a Southern California Annual Passport), so long as you upgrade when or before you use the fourth admission.

Disney's Armed Forces Salute

Through Friday, December 19, all active members of the United States military (including Coast Guard and activated National Guard and Reservists) qualify for Disney's Armed Forces Salute and can claim one free 3-day park-hopper tickets. Since the tickets expire on December 19, you must claim them by December 17 to use all three day's worth. The passes can only be claimed at a park gate ticket booth. To claim the passes, valid military ID must be shown; activated National Guard and Reservists must also show their active duty orders.

In addition to the one free pass, each qualifying person can also purchase up to five 3-day companion passes for $39 each. If the qualifying person cannot visit a park to purchase these companion tickets, a spouse may do so instead.

Summer Annual Passholder special

The first ticket promotion this summer is an Annual Passholder special. From May 21 to September 3, APs can purchase a 2-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper for $69 (10+) and $49 (3-9). Just present your AP at any ticket booth. Limit five tickets per Passholder, per day. Tickets are valid for 14 days from date of first usage. First usage must be on date of purchase. Last usage must be on or before Tuesday, September 16, 2003.

Annual passholder discounts at Alamo

California residents get discounts of up to 20% off Alamo's retail rates in the United States. Disneyland annual passholders can get a free Disneyland Resort Character Breakfast voucher when the rent their car for 3 days or more from March 24th through August 31, 2003 at the Los Angeles Airport location. For more details and the discount code you'll need for this offer, visit the annual passholder section of the Disneyland Web site.

ESPN Zone discounts for annual passholders

Disneyland annual passholders can get an Season Ticket Frequent Dining Card at the Downtown Disney ESPN Zone. The Season Ticket entitles you to a free soda with your meal purchase of $6.99 or more. Once you have made four meal purchases, you receive the fifth meal and soda free, and get a chance to win a pair of tickets to the ESPY Awards in 2004. See location for more information and details.

City Pass now available with AAA packages

You can now purchase the Southern California City Pass with Walt Disney Travel Company packages.

With a Southern California City Pass booklet, you will receive admission to five separate entertainment options. Admission includes:

• 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket
• 1-day ticket to Sea World Adventure park
• 1-day ticket to the World-famous San Diego Zoo
• 1-day ticket to Knott's Theme Park.

Instead of the Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket currently included in California packages from the Walt Disney Travel Company, guests can select a Southern California city's for an additional charge of $47 per pass ($32 per pass for guests ages 3 through 9).

Note: The Southern California City's does not include the $10 ESPN Zone Arena Game Card, or the California package's feature that allows guests to collect multiple Fastpass tickets at once for free in advance.

5-Day Park Hopper promotion extended

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 affiliate travel agent.

Park Hours/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney’s California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates: SoCal - Southern California Annual Pass. DX - Deluxe Annual Pass

Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2003-2004 page to see more dates.

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!

PREVIOUS UPDATES

2005

• January: 3, 10, 17, 24
• February: 1, 7, 14, 21, 28
• March: 7, 14, 21, 28
• April: 4, 11, 18, 25
• May: 2, 9, 16, 23
• June: 1, 6, 13, 20, 27
• July: 5, 11, 19, 25
• August: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• September: 6, 12, 19, 26
• October: 3, 10, 24, 31
• November: 7

2004

• January: 5, 12, 19, 26
• Febuary: 2, 9, 16, 24
• March: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• April: 5, 12, 19, 26
• May: 3, 10, 18, 24
• June: 1, 7, 14, 21, 28
• July: 6, 12, 19, 26
• August: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• September: 7, 13, 20, 27
• October: 4, 11, 18, 25
• November: 1, 9, 15, 23, 29
• December: 7, 13, 20, 27

2003

• Jan: 6, 13, 20, 27
• Feb: 3, 10, 17, 24
• March: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• April: 7, 14, 21, 28
• May: 5, 12, 19, 27
• June: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• July: 7, 14, 21, 28
• August: 4, 11, 18, 25
• September: 2, 8, 15, 22, 29
• October: 6, 14, 20, 27
• November: 3, 11, 17, 24
• December: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

2002

• Dec: 16, 23, 27

Don't forget our Park Updates: Walt Disney World, published on Mondays.

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