Disneyland Resort Update for August 25 – September 1, 2003

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

News and Views

What's green and walks on two legs?

If you visit the Disneyland Resort this week, keep your eyes peeled for the new creation from Imagineering: Lucky the Audio-Animatronic dinosaur is loose in Disney's California Adventure.

Lucky peeks out before his show. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Chandler leads the way to “Dinosaurin' Over California.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

During this two-week trial, Lucky and his pal Chandler the Dinosaur Handler can be found roaming the Hollywood Backlot District, making a loop from Hollywood and Dine, down Hollywood Boulevard, and back around past Superstar Limo. The explanation for the odd appearance of a dinosaur in Hollywood is that Lucky and Chandler are going on some rides. Armed with a park map, the pair makes their way towards “Dinosaurin' Over California.” Of course, they never quite get there, as Lucky gets tired and needs to head back for a nap.

Lucky's basket is filled with flowers—and quite a lot of electronic equipment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Between shows, Lucky heads home to the former Hollywood and Dine location. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Lucky stands about eight feet tall, and his head and neck can lift almost straight up. He walks on his two back legs and pulls a very large cart of silk flowers. Lucky and Chandler interact, but Chandler does not operate the character—Lucky is controlled by two discreet operators on the sidelines. Lucky grunts, groans and whines in reaction to Chandler's comments and events around him. He can blow his nose, wink, smile, and look around.

Chandler helps Lucky blow his nose. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Lucky holds a pen between his teeth to sign autographs. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

What is most impressive about Lucky is the degree of articulation in the head and neck, and the wide range of facial features. It's easy to believe that he is real as he “talks” with Chandler, or whimpers when his balloon floats away, or smiles and winks at a shy child. Lucky's motions are incredibly smooth—he doesn't appear robotic in his steps, or the way his head moves around to take in the scenery.

Chandler holds an authograph book for Lucky. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Lucky's signature is a four-leaf clover. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

During an appearance last Wednesday, the figure malfunctioned and was pushed off-stage. The creature was repaired on Thursday, and it performed again on Friday for a large crowd of delighed visitors. One cast member jokingly said, “This is the largest crowd I've seen in Hollywood for months.”

Lucky smiles for the crowd. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Lucky heads down Hollywood Blvd towards a balloon vendor. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Although it has been rumored that Lucky is heading to Florida's Animal Kingdom after this test, one of Lucky's handlers said on Friday that the character might be staying in Hollywood after all. Either way, it is fantastic to see a walking, grunting example of Disney creativity up close and in person.

Lucky is tentatively scheduled to appear today through Friday, August 29, at 10:15, 1:45, 3:45 and 5:45. Each appearance lasts about 30 minutes. NOTE: This schedule was updated on Tuesday, August 25. MousePlanet received two revisions to the schedule; just goes to show that these times are very much subject to change without notice. But this is the current plan.

See Lucky in action

Make sure your volume is turned on before you view these video MPEG files. The sound effects are impressive as well.

• Video #1 - See—and hear—how Lucky walks (1.3MB, 15 seconds).
• Video #2 - In an amazing show of spontaneity and interactivity, Chandler breaks from the script to point out a flying pteradactyl (a helicopter) to Lucky, who then lifts his head and gazes up into the sky (1.3MB, 15 seconds).
• Video #3 - The gentle dinosaur welcomes a child, who approaches him for a visit (1.3MB, 15 seconds).
• Video #4 - “Now don't eat the balloon, it'll give you gas,” Chandler says, as he offers a balloon to Lucky. Lucky shows surprising dexterity as he grasps the string with his mouth, only to cry out in sadness as he loses his grip and the balloon begins to float away (1.3MB, 15 seconds).

The Department of Untapped Hilarity

Whose intern is it, anyway? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A new show has appeared at DCA. Called the Department of Untapped Hilarity, the show takes place on the stage recently abandoned by Goofy's Beach Party Bash. It's an improv-type show, where four “studio employees” get to show their stuff.

Patriotic-colored breakfast?

On Saturday morning, a chef at the River Belle Terrace—home of the famous Mickey Mouse Pancake—could be seen teaching some of the pancake makers how to cook something a little different: blueberry and raspberry pancakes. The pancakes were then passed around to the guests in line, much to the chagrin of some guests near the front who wanted the fruit pancakes all to themselves. Whether the pancakes will become permanent members of the River Belle breakfast menu remains to be seen, but keep your eyes, ears and nose open.

Breakfast value meal?

Visitors who purchase certain Disneyland travel packages, including the AAA Passport Plus Package, receive a breakfast voucher good at Club Buzz in Tomorrowland. But weekday park-goers might get a surprise when they try to redeem their vouchers.

No lines, no waiting - and no breakfast. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

In yet another effort to cut costs, park managers have decided to close Club Buzz for breakfast Monday through Thursday. Weekday afternoons, the location serves light snacks and drinks. The full Club Buzz breakfast and lunch menu is now served only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Breakfast is served until 10:30 am, but only on weekends. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

When Club Buzz is closed, patrons are encouraged to take their vouchers to any other breakfast location in the park, where they can apply the $8.25 value towards their meal. Area managers have been encouraging visitors to try out the Plaza Inn character breakfast buffet—where their voucher would cover less than half of the $18 adult ticket.

For a more affordable alternative, try the Riverbelle Terrace near the Rivers of America. While the menu prices are still higher than Club Buzz, the voucher covers most of the meal cost.

Moon Rock: MIA

Sharp-eyed readers have noticed that the moon rock has been missing from the NASA exhibit in Tomorrowland for several weeks. At first, the rock was replaced with a confusing sign telling visitors that the rock would be on display during regular park operating hours.

Perhaps it's an invisible moon rock. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Now the moon rock case just sits empty in the middle of the unattended exhibit. The reason? Budget cuts, of course. Cast members explain that the moon rock must be guarded when on display. If the rock is kept locked up backstage, there is no need to staff the NASA exhibit. “Anyway, this is all going away after Christmas,” said one cast member. “They want the room for the Imagineering exhibit.”

Patina online

You can now make reservations for some of the Patina Group restaurants—including Catal in Downtown Disney—online. The new Patina Web site allows to you make your reservation and receive an instant confirmation.

Coming soon: Tortilla Joes. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Patina Group has also announced the name of its new Mexican-concept restaurant in the former Y Arriba Y Arriba pad. Tortilla Joe's is scheduled to open in February 2004, and will have a magarita bar on the patio.

Candlelight rumors

We hear that Disneyland's Candlelight Processional is tentatively scheduled for December 6 and 7. Choir members speculate that the show will return to its former home in Town Square, because the Fantasyland Theater will be under construction to make room for the new Snow White production.

Annual Passholder update

Disneyland Resort annual passholders should see the Autumn newsletter in their mailboxes this week. Here are the highlights:

• The newsletter includes a coupon for a free $10 gift card with any $50 purchase at your local Disney Store.
• Annual passholder discounts are available at the Paradise Pier hotel from Sunday, August 31 to Friday, December 12. Rates are $79 per night weekdays, and $119 per night weekends. AP rooms are also available at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at higher rates.
• The well-reviewed Nightmare Before Christmas film screening takes place again at the Disneyland Resort, on Thursday, October 30. Details to follow.
• Disney Chefs Series Pin #5 debuts on Sunday, September 7, featuring a “Kuchenchef” in front of the Carnation Cafe. APs can receive this pin free with a meal purchase of $20 or more at selected restaurants.
• A new collection of collectible sew-on patches will be released each Sunday during the Haunted Mansion Holiday run. APs can receive this pin free with a meal purchase of $20 or more at the French Market and Cafe Orleans.
• A new tour debuts this fall, ofering an "interactive character experience for the whole family." An annual passholder preview is scheduled before the tour is available to the public.
• APs can purchase lower view box and upper view tickets to selected Anaheim Angels baseball games for just $3.00.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

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

Work continues on the Tower of Terror, and more exterior details are visible. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo – indefinite

Workers have added "blasted brick" effects to the Tower. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

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]
• Fiesta Latina at Disney's California Adventure. [September 13 - October 5]

October

• Fiesta Latina at Disney's California Adventure. [September 13 - October 5]
• Haunted Mansion Holiday Exclusive Dinner [Wed, October 1]
• Haunted Mansion Holiday Event [Thur, October 2]
• MouseAdventure at DCA. [October 12]
• Nightmare Before Christmas film screening at the Disneyland Resort. Details to follow. [October 30]

December

• Marie Osmond “Enchanted Tiki Room Hostess” doll release and meet-and-greet at Disneyland [Saturday, Dec 6]
• Candlelight Processional at Disneyland [Saturday, Dec 6 and Sunday, Dec 7] - tentative dates
• 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.

Annual Passholders nights at the Disneyland Resort hotels

Annual passholder discounts are available at the Paradise Pier hotel from August 31 - December 12. Rates are $79 per night weekdays, and $119 per night weekends. AP rooms are also available at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at higher rates.

Half-priced 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. Current games included:

• 8/14, Thursday, 7:05pm vs. Chicago White Sox
• 9/7, Sunday, 1:05pm vs. Kansas City
• 9/27, Saturday, 1:05pm vs. Texas

Additional dates and prices can be found at the Annual Passholder Web site (link).

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

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. 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.

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.