Disneyland Resort Update for October 20 – 26, 2003

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

News and Views

Now it's time to say goodbye…

Citing personal reasons, Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss announced her resignation last week. In an open letter to cast members, Harriss said, “I recognize that there is a small window of time to put my family and loved ones first. For me, that time is now.”

Harriss began her 11-year term with Disney as the senior vice president of stores at the Disney Stores, coming to Disneyland in 1997 as vice president of theme park operations and merchandise under her former Disney Store boss Paul Pressler. She was tapped to replace Pressler as president when he was promoted to chairman of the theme parks and resorts. When Pressler left Disney last September to take the helm at The Gap, some speculated that Harriss would soon follow.

Cynthia Harriss speaks at Disneyland's 47th birthday celebration. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

During her tenure, Harriss oversaw the expansion of the Disneyland Resort, which included the addition of Disney's California Adventure, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and Downtown Disney.

Looking forward to the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration for Disneyland, Harriss said, “The next three years will be teeming with energy and enthusiasm, requiring the undivided commitment and attention of our team. With that in mind, it's the right time for someone else to dedicate their time and efforts to leading the Resort to this historic celebration.”

Disney announced that Matt Ouimet, most recently the president of the Disney Cruise Line, has been promoted to replace Harriss. Ouimet has been with Disney 14 years, and has held such positions as senior vice president of finance, Walt Disney Imagineering; chief financial officer, Walt Disney Imagineering; senior vice president of finance and business development, Walt Disney World Resort; executive general manager, Disney Vacation Club; and executive general manager, Disney's Wide World of Sports. Ouimet's biography also notes that he is the chairman of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of Directors for the International Council of Cruise Lines, the Floridian Caribbean Cruise Association and is a member of The Florida's Council of 100.

The statements from both Harriss and Ouimet include references to Disneyland's upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, and fans are hoping that means the time has come to share some of the plans for the landmark event. With a new captain taking the helm, Disney has tentatively planned a major press event in early January 2004, during which the plans for the 50th anniversary will be revealed.

I'm dreaming of a white mountain…

MousePlanet readers were overjoyed to see recent photos showing Space Mountain getting a partial coat of white primer. Disney has not announced plans to return the attraction to its original white color, as was recently the case with “it's a small world,” but fans are hoping for the best.

Is it primer or paint? Either way, it's white, and fans are happy. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Some Tomorrowland cast members have been told that the building will be painted white for the 50th, and then re-painted again when the rumored Rocket Rods replacement opens. Others speculate that the building will receive gold accents to match the gold castle rumored for the 50th anniversary.

Disneyland Forever, again

We reported in August that Disneyland was working on a new version of the Disneyland Forever music CD system. The new system is finally here, and has been installed in 20th Century Music on Main Street, USA.

The return of the Disneyland music kiosks has made some fans very happy. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The new system does not offer “mix your own” CDs that the previous version had. Instead, it offers pre-mixed CDs of Disneyland attractions, movie soundtracks, park music CDs from Walt Disney World, and children's titles. Many of these titles are out-of-print LP records and soundtracks from the Buena Vista library. More titles are expected to be added in January.

Each CD is made to order, with customized color liner notes for each title. The new system is faster, producing a CD in about two minutes. Unfortunately, the new system has one thing in common with its predecessor: it breaks down a lot.

CHOC Walk results

Disney announced that the 13th Annual CHOC/Disneyland Resort “Walk in the Park” fundraiser event, held on October 5, raised $750,000 for the programs and services provided by Children's Hospital Orange County and CHOC at Mission.

An estimated 14,000 walkers, forming some 200 teams, participated in the trek through Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, and made this the largest event to date.

A Fantasmic Christmas

It looks like Fantasmic is going to remain open through New Year's, with a midnight showing on Wednesday, December 31. The Mark Twain riverboat is still scheduled to go down for rehab on Monday, November 3, leaving the show without the set for its character-filled finale. When the Mark Twain is missing from the show, characters parade around the stage on Tom Sawyer Island.

Disney synergy, part I: Brother Bear arrives in DCA

Sketches and maquettes of Koda and Kenai (from Brother Bear) fill one Emporium window. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The extensive rehab of DCA's Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is the latest example of Disney synergy. The play area reopens on Saturday, November 1 with a new entrance structure, a complete Brother Bear overlay and a brand new “The Magic of Brother Bear” storytelling show.

Disney synergy, part II: Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Just two windows have been devoted to Brother Bear, with the rest filled by recycled princess scenes. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Two of the windows around the Emporium on Disneyland's Main Street have been changed to feature the upcoming animated Brother Bear movie. Instead the intriguing animated displays which usually showcase a new film, these windows simply display sketches and maquettes of the characters from the film, much like the displays over at DCA's Animation Building.

Tutt and Tuke are the comical moose duo from the film. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Some of the store's other windows have been turned into “The Romance of Disney” displays, reusing the animated scenes previously installed for The Little Mermaid, Hercules and Beauty and the Beast.

This recycled Beauty and the Beast window gives a look at the “good ol' days.” Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

We fondly remember when the new movie displays filled all six windows, and when those new displays were detailed and inventive. Hopefully one of the upcoming Disney films will be worthy of such treatment.

Disney synergy, part 3: For your shopping pleasure

The moose are loose, and hanging out at Downtown Disney. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Giant moose inflatables have been installed above the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney, and the store's middle display window now features a Brother Bear poster, in addition to the banner hanging rom the facade.

Madam Leota sees a trip to the movies in your future. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

In front of the AMC Theater, a giant Madam Leota inflatable hawks the upcoming Haunted Mansion movie.

More dining cutbacks

As we previously reported, Hook's Pointe restaurant in the Disneyland Hotel will stop serving breakfast in early November. Breakfast service will begin at Granville's at the same time, featuring the same menu—and staff—as Hook's Pointe.

Now we have learned that Hook's Pointe will open for dinner only on weekends, holidays and when the Disneyland Hotel is at or above 70 percent capacity. Restaurant managers say that these changes will help to create a “dining hub” at the Disneyland Hotel.

Special AP rates for Mighty Ducks games

Disneyland annual passholders can save up to 50 percent off tickets to selected Mighty Ducks hockey games. There are three seating areas to choose from:

• Plaza Goal: $50 (regularly $75)
• Club Level (includes in seat service): $60 (regularly $90)
• Terrace Main: $16.25 (regularly $32.50)

Available games include:

• Friday, November 28 vs. Chicago Blackhawks at 1:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 7 vs. Dallas Stars at 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 7 vs. Los Angeles Kings at 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 21 vs. Detroit Red Wings at 7:30 p.m.

You can order tickets online at the official Mighty Ducks Web site (link). Direct your questions to ticketoffer@mightyducks.com, or call (714) 940-2816.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Splash Mountain closed through October 23
• 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 closes 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

Disneyland tests the waters with a small Halloween event on October 26. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

• Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland. Through Sunday, January 4.
• Downtown Disney Trick-or-Treat Street, 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, October 26.
• 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. Reader Ponine added that the offer includes several other titles, including A Playhouse Disney Halloween and Disney's House of Villains.

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.

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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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.