Disneyland Resort Update for October 14 – 19, 2003

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

News and Views

Finding Oogie

If you have yet to visit this year's version of Haunted Mansion Holiday, make sure to stop by the Disneyland Web site (link) first. It features an interactive game called “Finding Oogie Boogie,” designed to keep the attraction's visitors busy in trying to find Ooogie Boogie stationed throughout the ride and its queue area.

The Web page includes a list of clues and hints, as well as a map in PDF form that you can download and print. The map, called “Oogie's Holiday Tricks and Treats,” not only identifies each location where you can find the popular character from Nightmare Before Christmas, but it is also a graphic rendering of characters from the movie and attraction. So even if you won't be visiting the park during the holiday season, you can still have an unusual print-at-home souvenir… for free!

The PDF is only available online, and the game is not even mentioned at the attraction itself (so make sure to bring the print-out with you).

Trick-or-Treat comes to Downtown Disney

Many parents no longer bother sending their children trick-or-treating in their own neighborhoods, but instead take them to malls, where shop clerks dress in costume and hand out candy.

So while Disneyland might not have an annual Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party like its Florida counterpart does, the Anaheim resort is taking advantage of its own Downtown Disney to host “Trick-Or-Treat Street” on Sunday afternoon, October 26 from 2 to 5.

Trick or treat stations will give out candy (Nestle brand, while supplies last), and children can dress up for the Kid's Costume Cavalcade. Activities include pumpking carving, face painting and music.

Free parking (three hours) is available at Downtown Disney.

G'day mate!

In an attempt to lure more Australians to cross the Pacific to visit the Disney parks and the Disney Cruise Line in the U.S., the Walt Disney Company has created a new Web site just for Australian travel agents.

Travel agents must register and qualify to gain access to Disneytravelagents.com.au (link). Once accepted, they can obtain information about Disney theme parks, resort hotels, events and tickets, as well as special promotions for Australians. In addition, the site will provide a direct communication channel to Disney staff, as well as access to sales incentive programs.

HP continues ties with Disney

Back before its turmoil-filled merger with Hewlett-Packard, Compaq established a 10-year relationship with Disneyland, as a sponsor of the extremely popular Believe… There's Magic in the Stars fireworks show, which launched in September 2000 as part of the park's 45th anniversary. This sponsorship went well beyond having its name associated with the show; as all of the show's controls were automated by Compaq's computer technology—including a time code system that synchronized all lighting, audio, special effects and air-launched pyrotechnics.

At that time, Compaq also committed to sponsoring Walt Disney World's Mission: Space attraction. Although three years has passed since the original partnership, HP announced this past Thursday that it has signed a new 10-year technology partnership with Disney.

In addition to its continued sponsorship of Mission: Space, HP will also be “providing the infrastructure to distribute secure digital content through a range of channels,” said HP CEO Carly Fiorina last week.

Where there's smoke, there's fireworks… for now

Speaking of fireworks, the South Coast Air Quality Management District announced last Friday that Disney is actively working on technology to cut down the amount of smoke generated by its fireworks.

Although Disneyland officials said they were able to reduce the amount of smoke from its fireworks by 15 percent since last year, nearby residents have still been complaining that the fireworks residue are landing on their cars and homes, as well as wondering what the long-term health effects of the fallout might be.

In an article in the Orange County Register, AQMD officials said they are pleased with the direction Disney has taken. Officials report that Disney is working on improved technology that could reduce smoke-producing compounds while still maintaining vibrant and colorful pyrotechnics that are still highly visible.

Made in California, imported to Florida

With this year's opening of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction in Disneyland, and the Tower of Terror attraction under construction in Disney's California Adventure (DCA) park, it's easy to assume that Disneyland is the only resort that borrows ideas from other parks.

Walt Disney World in Florida is doing a bit of borrowing this time, however; Disney recently announced officially that it will be opening DCA's popular “Soarin' Over California” attraction. Although it was initially rumored that the attraction may morph into a Florida version, it appears at this time that the IMAX-sized film will travel intact in its Golden State form when it lands in Epcot two years from now.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Splash Mountain closed through October 23, two weeks earlier than originally planned
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely
• Space Mountain closed through 2005
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed indefinitely

Disney’s California Adventure

• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail closed through October 31
• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely

Future Attraction Closures

• “it's a small world” closed through November 7 to install the “it's a small world” Holiday overlay
• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride closed November 3 to 26
• Mark Twain Riverboat closed November 3 indefinitely

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

October

• Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland. Through Sunday, January 4.
• Nightmare Before Christmas film screening at the Disneyland Resort. Thursday, October 30.

November

• Ambassador Pin Event date not announced.
• Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest pin release, date not announced.

December

• Marie Osmond “Enchanted Tiki Room Hostess” doll release and meet-and-greet at Disneyland. Saturday, December 6.
• Candlelight Processional at Disneyland. December 6 and 7.
• Robert Olszewski “Central Plaza” sculpture release at Disneyland. Saturday, December 13.

February

• Sleeping Beauty's Royal Ball, details to be announced at a later date. February 14.

May

• A Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics – “A Disney Blast to the Past” May 14 to 16. Registration open to returning participants through October 15, open registration begins October 16.
• Tower of Terror event, date and details to be announced at a later date.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Fall “Resident Salute” – Two parks, two days for the price of one.

Southern California residents can purchase a one-day ticket to Disneyland and a one-day ticket to Disney's California Adventure for the price of a regular one-day admission.*

The resort hotels are offering a "Stay and Play" package in conjunction with this discount. It includes the resident salute 2-for-1 theme park ticket plus a one-night stay at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels. The package starts at $89 per person. ** To book this package, call (714) 956-MICKEY and ask for the package code SAP.

*Offer valid through 11/24/03 for Southern California residents ZIP codes 90000-93599. Admission valid one day at Disneyland Park, and one day at Disney's California Adventure Park. May purchase up to 5 tickets per person, per day, with valid ID. First day of use must be on purchase day. Ticket valid 30 days from first use, or through 11/25/03, whichever occurs first. Restrictions apply. Tickets are non-transferable. Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions.

**Valid for arrivals through 11/24/03 for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599. $89 price is per person, double occupancy, Sunday through Thursday standard room rate at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, and includes 2 days admission, valid one day at Disneyland Park, and one day at Disney's California Adventure Park. Weekend rates and other room rates may vary. Ticket valid 30 days from first use, or through 11/25/03, whichever occurs first. Price excludes resort fees and taxes. Limit 5 people per room, at an additional cost per person. Promotional rate is subject to availability and advance reservations required. Not available for groups.

All offers, events, tickets, age ranges, services, attractions, and entertainment, may be seasonal, and are subject to change without notice.

A Nightmare deal at Costco

MousePad member Tiki Junki purchased a copy of The Nightmare Before Christmas at a local Costco store, and discovered a Disneyland Resort offer inside. The $13 Special Edition DVD comes with a voucher for up to 4 pre–issued Fastpass tickets for the Haunted Mansion, and a voucher for one free cloisonne pin from the Le Bat en Rouge Shop in New Orleans Square. The vouchers are good until March 31, 2004, and are redeemable at Disneyland—there nothing to mail in, and you won't wait four to six weeks for the passes and pin to arrive.

Annual Passholders nights at the Disneyland Resort hotels

Annual passholder discounts are available at the Paradise Pier hotel through 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.

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.

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.

Annual passholder discounts at Alamo

California residents get discounts of up to 20 percent 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.

Birnbaum's coupons

MouseSavers.com reports that the 2004 edition of Birnbaum's Disneyland Resort travel guide includes the following coupons for Downtown Disney (good through all of 2004):

• 10 percent off at Compass Books & Cafe
• Free dessert with purchase of adult entree at Naples Ristorante
• 20 percent off of lunch at the House of Blues
• Free pretzel at Wetzel's Pretzels when you purchase two pretzels of equal or greater value.

“Stay four nights and get the last night free” offer from Expedia

MouseSavers.com also reports that Expedia is offering the return of this popular special. Take advantage of the special offer, while you get rates such as the following:

• $136 at Paradise Pier
• $194 at Disneyland Hotel
• $236 at the Grand Californian.

For more information, visit MouseSavers (link).

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.