Update for December 22 – 28, 2003

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

News and Views

Testing, 1-2-3

New Disneyland Resort president Matt Ouimet has brought over so many people and policies from his previous jobs in Florida, that some cast members here are calling the California resort “WDW,” for “Walt Disney West.”

Disneyland tests a new package check program. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Last Thursday, the park experimented with another Walt Disney World program, testing a centralized security checkpoint at the Disneyland main entrance. Instead of conducting package checks at each turnstile, Disney security placed tables under the monorail beam outside the park, and visitors were funneled through these checkpoints before they reached the main gates.

Permanent package inspection stations were insalled at WDW last spring. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Walt Disney World tested this system last year, and by spring had installed permanent package inspection stations at all four theme parks. Centralized package inspection allows the park to staff the main entrance and package check positions independently, saving labor hours. Currently, Disneyland needs an equal number of bag checkers and ticket takers. Under the new system, package inspections can be handled by half as many people, and the lines actually seemed to move more quickly.

Disney will likely repeat this one-day test at Disney's California Adventure park this week. If the results are positive, construction on permanent stations could begin in the spring. Now, if only they would just build a pedestrian bridge or tunnel between the parks so park hoppers can avoid the package check each time they switched parks.

New Special Assistance policy

Last Friday, Disneyland quietly implemented a change to its special assistance program for visitors with disabilities. Designed in part to stop to the rampant abuse of the program, the revised guidelines specify who qualifies for special assistance, and what type of assistance they receive.

Although a new program had been rumored for several months, even long-time cast members were surprised by the sudden launch of the new guidelines. Many said they expected the new policy to go into effect in early 2004 with a formal announcement. Instead, most Guest Relations cast members only learned the details of the new policy when they reported to work Friday, and attractions cast members have still not received official training on the new rules.

It took Disneyland 32 years to build a wheelchair ramp to the front door of the Haunted Mansion. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

For the past several years, Disneyland issued a “Special Assistance Pass” to individuals who requested one. The function of this pass was to alert cast members that a person needed special assistance to experience an attraction. The cast members would direct persons using wheelchairs to the accessible entrance; those who could not climb stairs were provided an alternate access, and, where available, the hearing impaired were given written narration or reflective captioning devices.

The Special Assistance Pass was never meant as a front-of-the-line pass for the rides. Instead, it was supposed to help visitors obtain the access they needed to experience the shows and attractions. Unfortunately, the very term “pass,” as well as the fact that alternate access for most Disneyland attractions is through the exit, meant that the Special Assistance Pass looked to many like a great way to avoid waiting in long lines.

The relative ease of obtaining the pass—all one needed to do was lie, since Disney is prohibited by Federal law from requiring proof of disability—left the program wide open for cheating by able-bodied persons. Cast members estimate that as many as 2,000 Special Assistance Passes were issued everyday; a number that did not include visitors who, because they used wheelchairs or other visible mobility aids that made it obvious that they needed alternate access, did not need to have a pass to use the accessible entrances.

Under the new guidelines, the Special Assistance Pass has been replaced with a Special Assistance Card. To use accessible entrances to park attractions, all visitors with disabilities must now get this card.

Eligibility for the card is determined for each individual using guidelines established for the cast members to follow—but which Disney has not made available for visitors to read.

A cast member demonstrates the new wheelchair ramp installed on King Arthur Carrousel during the long remodel. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

In general, Disney issues a Special Assistance Card to visitors who have ambulatory impairments, such as crutches, braces, canes or wheelchairs. Visitors with certain “invisible” diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and autism, qualify, as do the legally blind.

The largest group excluded under the new policy are those with so-called “endurance” issues, including back problems, bone or joint pain, arthritis, and heart conditions. Cast members say that this group represents over half of the Special Assistance Passes issued under the old policy, and accounts for most of the suspected abuse.

When visitors now tell the City Hall representatives that they “cannot stand in long lines,” cast members suggest that they rent a wheelchair. At Disneyland, those who do then receive a Special Assistance Card, which allows them to use the wheelchair accessible entrance for those rides where the main queue and entrance is not accessible. At Disney's California Adventure, where all of the rides have wheelchair accessible lines, the Special Assistance Card is not necessary, and is not being issued.

Disney made the Disneyland's Plaza Pavillion restaurant near the center of the park wheelchair accessible just weeks before closing it. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

This change has angered many Disneyland visitors who used to be eligible for a Special Assistance Pass, but no longer qualify for the Special Assistance Card. Many visitors have taken their frustrations to City Hall, and their reactions have not been pretty. Guest Relations hosts report that visitors are yelling and cursing at them on a regular basis, and that one cast member was physically assaulted by a visitor who had been denied a Special Assistance Card.

Rick and Sarah (not their real names) are a young engaged couple from Tracy, California. Rick was in a major car accident a year ago, and has had several operations to rebuild his shattered hip. Rick and Sarah made their annual trip to Disneyland shortly after the accident last year, when the Special Assistance Pass allowed Rick to navigate the park in a wheelchair and use accessible entrances.

This past weekend, Rick was finally walking without a cane, and came to Disneyland with his fiancée and family. They received a Special Assistance Pass on Friday with no hassle, but were denied the new Special Assistance Card the very next day because “the rules had changed.” The cast member told him that the only way he could get the new Special Assistance Card would be to rent a wheelchair. This was a problem for Rick. “I can't ride in a wheelchair all day—it will cause more damage to my hip,” Rick said.

The couple spent a few hours at Disneyland on Saturday, taking a two-hour break at their hotel to let Rick rest. They returned Saturday evening to watch the parade and fireworks, but had to leave their family and return to their hotel room before the parade because Rick was in too much pain. As they left, Sarah said, “We are planning to get married at Walt Disney World next year, but now we're worried. We can't spend an entire honeymoon like this.”

Disneyland offers reflective captioning devices at some shows. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Yet for every Rick and Sarah who are denied a Special Assistance Card, there are the John and Mary (also not their real names) who find ways to abuse the system despite the new rules. John limped into City Hall on Saturday and asked for a “front-of-the-line pass.” When asked why he needed special assistance, John said that he could not wait in long lines. The cast member gave John the new standard explanation, and suggested that he rent a wheelchair. “Can I get the pass if I rent a wheelchair?” John asked. The cast member cautiously replied, “If you need to use a wheelchair, then we would give you a pass for the lines that are not wheelchair accessible.”

John left City Hall and reported his failure to Mary:

Mary: “What do you mean it didn't work? That's how [name deleted] always does it!”

John: “I don't know, they said that the rules changed, and I need to rent a wheelchair.”

Mary: “So go rent one—it's only $7, it's worth it!”

John thus went over to the stroller shop and rented a wheelchair—one of the last three chairs remaining at the stand. He then returned to City Hall with the wheelchair. Mary put their son into the chair, wheeled him inside, and returned a few moments later with the pass. “See? I told you it was easy!” she said. John then took the wheelchair back to the stroller shop to return it. Seven dollars and 15 minutes later, and John and Mary had a valid Special Assistance Card.

In the end, this new policy doesn't make it difficult for a determined cheater to get a Special Assistance Card—just a little more expensive.

Even as Disneyland visitors adjust to the new policies, Guest Relations cast members say that this is just the first phase. Additional guidelines will be put into effect in subsequent phases as Disneyland moves towards the system currently in use at Walt Disney World. As the program is overhauled in the months ahead, look for Fastpass use to become mandatory for those with Special Assistance Cards, and for further eligibility restrictions.

What can you do if you are planning a trip to Disneyland and want to make sure you are eligible for a Special Assistance Card?

• Call ahead – Contact Disneyland directly before you book your trip, and explain the accommodation you need. If the cast member tells you that you will be eligible for a Special Assistance Card, make sure to get that cast member's name, and if possible get that reply in e-mail.
• First stop, City Hall – Although attractions cast members have not been trained on the new rules, some are already taking it upon themselves to act as Special Assistance Card monitors. To avoid any problems—and save yourself a trip back to City Hall—make sure to get your card before you try to board any attractions
• If you are permanently disabled, bring some ID – Many states and government agencies issue identification cards to residents with permanent disabilities. Remember that the Americans with Disabilities Act only applies to those who are permanently disabled. While Disneyland cannot legally ask for proof of disability, having a government-issued ID may help.
• Don't rip up your Annual Passport – Some visitors have demanded a refund for their annual passes because they are no longer eligible for a Special Assistance Pass. In most situations, you will not receive a refund if you have used your pass more than five times.
• Keep your cool – If you are denied a Special Assistance Card, politely ask to speak to a manager or lead. If that doesn't work, write a letter—but don't take out your frustrations on the front-line staff. They neither wrote the policy, nor can they change it.

  Monday, 12PM Update: We just got word from Guest Relations at Disneyland that they have made a change to the policy. Guests using a wheelchair (their own or rented) will not be required to have a Special Assistance Card. Others, not using a wheelchair, will still require a card.

New Year's Eve bonus

A reader provided us with more details about the plans at Disney's California Adventure for New Year's Eve. The park will again be billed as the “hip” place for families with younger children to celebrate the new year.

KIIS-FM will broadcast live from the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. The go-go-dancers, which we are told are very popular with private parties, grad nites and the dancing set, will return this year. Radio Disney will broadcast from a mobile stage that navigates the “performance corridor” between Sunshine Plaza and the San Francisco area. The Golden State Ampitheatre will serve as the central focus of the celebration, featuring live bands and a disc jockey.

It looks like Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland are planning on a pretty typical New Year's Eve—right up until midnight. Details are sketchy, but we've heard that Disney is hoping to use the “Midnight Moment” to test new pyrotechnic elements planned for the upcoming 50th Anniversary fireworks show.

New launchers placed around the resort will fire rockets into the sky during the countdown to midnight. As the crowd chants, “10, 9, 8,” fireworks will explode in the skies all around the resort. The New Year's fireworks show will conclude with a sychronized display from all of the launchers around the resort.

Event producers are reportedly working out kinks in this plan, including the difficulty in coordinating launchers placed in eight different control zones, and we hear that there may not be time to get the new effects working in time for New Year's Eve. If they can get it working, it will be one heck of a way to kick of the new year.

Rose Bowl appearance

Now that Southern California and Michigan have won berths in the 2004 Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, what are they going to do next? They’re going to Disneyland!

Players and coaches from Rose Bowl-bound University of Southern California and University of Michigan will make their first official pre-Rose Bowl appearance on Friday, December 26, at Disney's California Adventure . A “Welcome to California” ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the Paradise Bay amphitheater.

Take it for a spin

If you've ever wanted to ride a Segway human transporter, here is your chance. Starting this week, visitors to Disneyland's Innoventions attraction in Tomorrowland will be able to try their skills on a Segway device. Riders 16 years and up can spend a few, brief minutes on the devices, as cast member spot them in the exhibit. The new attraction replaces the General Motors virtual reality exhibit.

Cast members were trained on the new exhibit last week, and expect it to officially open Tuesday or Wednesday this week. Operating hours will vary based on park attendance—try between noon and 5:00 for the best chance.

MousekaMeal Makeover

New Munch, Inc. meals come with a souvenir lunch box. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Disneyland Resort unveiled a new children's meal last week, replacing the MousekaMeal and the Adventurer's Meal. The new “Munch, Inc.” meals come in a plastic lunch box featuring a Mickey Mouse cartoon strip, and include a color-changing straw. Cast members say that there are going to be six different lunch boxes available in this current series.

Annual Passholder shows for Snow White

Disney's Snow White – An Enchanting Musical is scheduled to premiere at a press event on Monday, February 22, 2004. Reserved performances for annual passholders are scheduled at 6:00 p.m. from January 23 to 27.

New AAA tickets

AAA has announced new ticket plans for the Disneyland Resort:

• 2-day adult Flex Passport $98 ($78 for children)
• 5-day adult Flex Passport $129 ($99 for children)

The new prices are effective Wednesday, December 24, and include free parking.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

Workers use ropes and ladders to complete the Space Mountain paint job. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Mark Twain Riverboat closed indefinitely as of November 3
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely
• Space Mountain closed through 2005
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed indefinitely

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely
• Francis' Lady Bug Boogie closed through December 23

Future Attraction Closures

• Haunted Mansion closed January 5 to 16
• “it's a small world” closed January 12 to 25
• Indiana Jones Adventure closed January 20 to April 2, 2004
• Pinocchio's Daring Journey January 26 to February 19, 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.

Park Events

December

• DCA hosts USC and Michigan football teams, Friday, December 26.

January

• Disneyland Resort float in 2004 Tournament of Roses Parade, January 1, 2004.
• 75 Years with Mickey auction, January 31, 2004.
• Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest pin release, date not announced (moved from November).

February

• Sleeping Beauty's Royal Ball, details available at the Disney Gallery Web site (link), Saturday, February 14.
• “Snow White - An Enchanting Musical" premieres Thursday, February 22.

April

• Tower of Terror event, details to be announced at a later date. April 22 & 23, 2004

May

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Opening at DCA. May 4, 2004
• 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.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Live an Artful Life with an OC Arts Card

The Disneyland Resort partnering with Arts Orange County sponsor the OC Arts Card, which provides cardholders with benefits such as savings on tickets, classes, merchandise and memberships at more than 40 nonprofit arts venues in the local Orange County community.

Annual passholders can purchase the 2004 card for $37.50, 25 percent off the regular price. In addition, the first 500 passholders to purchase a card receive a second card for free.

For more information or to order a card, visit the OCArts card Web site (link) or call (888) 556-5160. To receive the annual passholder discount, use offer code C04DIAP. The first card is mailed immediately; those who are among the first 500 will have the second card mailed at a later time.

Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute

“Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute” entitles active California firefighters, law enforcement and rescue personnel, with proper organization and photo ID, to one free three-day park hopper ticket. They can also make a one-time purchase of up to five three-day park hopper companion tickets for $39 each. Discounted hotel rates are also available at the three Disneyland Resort hotels.

The promotion is valid through March 31, except for blackout dates of now through January 3, and February 14 to 16. For more details, visit Disneyland's Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute Web page (link) or call (714) 520-5069.

Disneyland Resort Holiday Getaway offer

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 now and 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 January 31, 2004.

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 is nothing to mail in, and no four-to-six-week wait for the passes and pin to arrive.

Annual Passholders nights at the Disneyland Resort hotels

Annual passholders can also book a room at the Paradise Pier hotel for $59. This offer is valid only on Sunday nights, through March 2004.

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 the package price includes 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.

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.

A Southern California City Pass booklet includes admission to five separate entertainment options:

• 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 from the Disneyland Web site (link). 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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