Christmas has officially come to the Disneyland Resort. There's a tree
on Main Street, U.S.A., a surfer Santa over at Disney's California Adventure
park, and every store is filled with Christmas merchandise. “it's
a small world” Holiday is back in all of its multicolored glory,
and the Believe… In Holiday Magic fireworks show has begun.
Disneyland's Christmas tree stands at the head of Main Street, U.S.A.
As tall as it is, Disney makes the tree appear even taller by creating
a forced perspective, using smaller tree ornaments near the treetop. Photo
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Pumpkin pie fudge and gingerbread men fill the candy cases, and children
can decorate cookies at the Main Street firehouse. Yep, it's that most
wonderful time of the year. Although we'll present a more comprehensive
Holiday photo tour another day, here are a few images of Christmastime
at Disneyland.
Chip and Dale show off their holiday outfits to a young visitor. Photo
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix..
“it's a small world” Holiday opens to expectant crowds this
past weekend. The multicolored lights at night provide a colorful contrast
to the all-white daytime look. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
“it's a small world” Holiday ends with a wish for peace on Earth.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The very popular Believe… in Holiday Magic fireworks show
returns for another year. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Sleeping Beauty Castle is trimmed for the holidays. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The trees around the castle drip with thousands of twinkle lights. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Santa's Beach Blast
Santa's reindeer keep watch over Santa's Beach Blast. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
While Disneyland received its traditional, classic holiday makeover,
Disney's California Adventure has opted for a more offbeat theme. The
Sunshine Plaza near the entrance has been turned into Santa's Beach Blast,
complete a surfer Santa. The concept is fun, if unexpected, but the Sunshine
Plaza now feels overcrowded with so much crammed into such a small area.
Visitors who enter Disney's California Adventure now come face to face
with Santa's Beach Blast, a reminder that in Southern California, the
stuff you have to shovel in the winter is sand. If you want real fake
snow, you need to go across the esplanade to Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
The central focus of this area is a “sand castle” photo opportunity,
with a seashell chair for Santa, a backdrop of surfboards, and a canopy
strung with lights and glowing seashells. The usual area music has been
replaced with “surf” versions of holiday tunes, as if Dick Dale
had joined Mannheim Steamroller.
Surfer Santa poses in front of the wave fountain at Santa's Beach Blast
with a couple of fans. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
As for Jolly Saint Nick, it seems that he's taken a vacation from the
North Pole. Santa hangs out in board shorts and a bright aloha shirt.
What a departure from the “woodsman” costume Santa sported last
year at DCA.
Visitors try their hand at tossing seaweed wreaths onto the hooks on the
sand castle. Even park characters get into the act, including Zoe (with
the four-fingered yellow hand to the left), who unsuccessfully gives it
a go. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Activities include a ring toss, where children can try to hook wreaths
made of seaweed and life preservers on pegs built into the sand castle.
Not quite a Hidden Mickey; maybe it's Kenai from Brother Bear?
This sand snowman has interchangeable features. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Santa also invites children to help decorate his sand snowman by replacing
his eyes, nose and buttons with spare parts found in Santa's toy chest.
Other activities include limbo contests and character meet-and-greet opportunities
with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Minnie. On busy weekends, the lines for
the characters wind around the area, making the already-cramped plaza
feel even more crowded.
Holiday Treats
A variety of holiday treats are available at locations around the park.
Here is our quick guide to supplement—and correct—the listing
in the Disneyland Resort park maps.
Disneyland
The Plaza Inn is serving a holiday Yule log dessert. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Main Street
Plaza Inn – Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice Yule log. The location
is serving holiday meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
Carnation Cafe – No daily offerings, but the location is serving
holiday meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Blue Ribbon Bakery – Peppermint mocha, caramel apple cider, eggnog
latte, eggnog, Gingerbread men, Winter Krispy treats.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – Eggnog and peppermint ice cream,
dipped cones rolled in crushed candy canes or Christmas confetti sprinkles.
Main Street Cone Shop – Eggnog and peppermint ice cream.
Disneyland Fire Department – Holiday cookie decorating.
Tomorrowland / Fantasyland
Redd Rocket's Pizza Port – Holiday Ham pizza, Winter Krispy treats
and holiday-decorated brownies.
Cookie decorating returns to Main Street, U.S.A. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
New Orleans Square and Critter Country
Blue Bayou – No daily offerings, but the location is serving
holiday meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. The restaurant
is offering Haunted Mansion Holiday desserts.
French Market – The restaurant is offering Haunted Mansion Holiday
menu items and themed desserts. The location is serving holiday meals
on Thanksgiving.
Cafe Orleans – The restaurant is offering Haunted Mansion Holiday
menu items and themed desserts. The location is serving holiday meals
on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Le Petite Patisserie – Haunted Mansion Holiday “Kookie”
decorating Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Frontierland and Adventureland
Rancho del Zocalo – Chicken tortilla soup and hearty vegetable
soup.
River Belle Terrace – Hot turkey sandwich. The location is serving
holiday meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Disney's California Adventure
Paradise Pier
Ariel's Grotto – No daily offerings, but the location is serving
holiday meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Sunshine Plaza
Baker's Field Bakery – Peppermint mocha, caramel apple cider,
eggnog latte, eggnog, Winter Krispy treats, and holiday-decorated brownies.
Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream – Eggnog and peppermint ice cream, and
dipped cones rolled in crushed candy canes or Christmas confetti sprinkles.
Hot drinks are sold from a vending cart, while the newly constructed lemonade
stand sits unused in the background. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Other offerings
Pumpkin pie fudge, a seasonal favorite, is available at Disneyland's
Westward Ho in Frontierland and the Main Street Candy Palace, and at
Downtown Disney's Marcelines.
Caramel apple cider is available from outdoor vending locations around
the park, along with hot chocolate and coffee. The holiday travel mug
is $5, and available at most locations that sell hot drinks.
Winter Krispy treats, star-shaped krispy treats decorated with icing
and sprinkles, are available at most locations in both parks.
Disneyland Resort Holiday Getaway offer
Disneyland is offering a holiday-themed variation on the recurring “get
5 days and 4 nights for the price of 3” offer. The promotion is available
through January 2, 2004, and includes:
A 5-day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-day ticket.
A 4th night free at participating hotels, including the Disneyland
Resort hotels and selected “Good Neighbor” hotels.
A collectible pin and lanyard
Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide
A Disney holiday ornament for arrivals between November 10 and December
31, 2003.
On Sunday, the lines for the Pacific Wharf Cafe and Cocina Cucamonga actually
backed into one another. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Pre-holiday crowds
New holiday decorations plus the pending expiration of the Fall “Resident
Salute” offer have resulted in heavy crowds at Disneyland and especially
DCA. Locals have until Monday, November 24 to use the second admission
of their two-days-for-the-price-of-onetickets. Over the pre-Veteran's
Day weekend, DCA was quite busy, with longer-than-usual lines at the rides
and restaurants.
Mistake or McConspiracy?
It seems that most of the quick-serve restaurants that serve hamburgers
have vanished from the “where to dine” section of the Guide
to the Magic park maps. DCA's Taste Pilot's Grill, and Disneyland's
Hungry Bear Restaurant, Club Buzz and Stage Door Cafe are nowhere to be
found on the holiday version of the map. Cafe Orleans is also missing.
We confirmed that all five locations were operating as of this weekend.
Never fear, all three McDonald's outlets are still represented.
Ears to the ground…
A new sign hangs on the wall surrounding the presumed Buzz Lightyear construction
site. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
…The Premiere Shop cast members in Tomorrowland have been assured
that their store will not close until construction of the Buzz Lightyear
attraction requires it. The shop will remain a merchandise location, most
likely selling on-ride photos and Buzz toys. When the shop closes, the
park's central pin location will be moved to an as-yet-to-be-determined
location.
…Workers carrying blueprints were spotted walking Tomorrowland's
Rocket Rods track last week.
Hyperion / Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular closed
through November 14
Superstar Limo closed indefinitely
Future Attraction Closures
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride closed November 10 to December 11
Indiana Jones Adventure closed January 20 to April 3, 2004
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.
Passholder Holiday Kickoff at DCA. Tuesday and Wednesday,
November 18 & 19.
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.
January
75 Years with Mickey auction, January 31, 2004.
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” Registration open to returning participants
through October 15, open registration begins October 16. May 14 to
16.
Spring Tower of Terror event, date and details to be announced
at a later date.
Disneyland is offering a holiday-themed variation on its recurring “get
5 days and 4 nights for the price of 3” offer. The promotion is available
through January 2, 2004, and includes:
A 5-day Park Hopper ticket for the price of a 3-day ticket.
A 4th night free at participating hotels, including the Disneyland
Resort hotels and selected “Good Neighbor” hotels.
A collectible pin and lanyard
Disneyland Resort Magical Pocket Guide
A Disney holiday ornament (with arrivals between November 10 - December
31, 2003)
Have a Coke and a pass
Specially marked 12-packs and two-liter bottles of Coca-Cola in Southern
California are currently offering a $20 off coupon towards the purchase
of a new Deluxe or Premium Disneyland Resort Annual Pass. The coupon is
valid through Jan 31, 2004.
Angels in the Outfield
Disney Visa cardholders will be receiving a certificate in their next
statement for a free try at the “Angels in the Outfield” midway
game at DCA.
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 four pre–issued Fastpass tickets for the Haunted Mansion, and
a voucher for one free cloisonné 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.
Sword in the Stone Ceremony 10:45a 11:45a
12:45p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p
Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12:45p,
2:30p, 4:45p, 6:15p
Disney's Electrical Parade 8:45p
Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 11:30a 12:30p
1:30p 3:15p 4:15p 5:15p
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon
1p 2p 4p 5p
The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p
Pacific Wharf Stage Presents Scot Bruce-A Tribute
to Elvis: The Early Years with Russell Scott & his Red Hots
-4:45p 5:45p 7:15p 8:15p
The Magic of Brother Bear times vary
Chance to Shine 11a noon 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p
D.U.H. - Department of Untapped Hilarity 1:15p
2p 3p 4p 5:30p 6:30p
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz Chicory
11:30a-3p; Mark Justin Trio - 6p-10p
House of Blues Gospel Brunch 10a, 1p ($16.50-$33)
Monday 11/17
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks
9:25p
Billy Hill & the Hillbillies 11:45a 1:15p
3p 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's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular 12p,
1:45p
Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! 10:30p 11:30a
12:30p 2:15p 3:15p 4:15p
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It! Noon
1p 2p 4p 5p
The Ugly Bug Ball 11a 12p 1p 2:30p 3:30p 4:30p
The Magic of Brother Bear times vary
D.U.H. - Department of Untapped Hilarity 11:30a
12:30p 1:30p 3p 4p 5p
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Jazz Pianist
Ray Johnson 6p
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!
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at www.disney.com.
This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary,
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