Update for March 8 – 14, 2004

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

News and Views

Tour guides needed just to find City Hall

Refurbishment of the City Hall complex entered a new phase this week, when the building was closed entirely to allow work to proceed on the interior. Cast members tell us that one part of the wall between the main City Hall reception area and the “annex” next door will be removed, making way for a longer countertop with enhanced work stations and room for more cast members to assist more visitors at the same time.

City Hall is closed to the public while the renovation moves to the interior of the building. Photo by David Michael.

For now, the functions of City Hall are being handled in two different locations. All financial transactions—guided tour reservations, ticket upgrades, City Pass purchases and the like—are handled at the Bank of Main Street. All other guest assistance functions, including dining reservations and Special Assistance card issuance, are handled at the Main Street Opera House, inside the exit from Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

A cast member stands by to direct visitors to the entrance of the Plaza Pavilion. Photo by David Michael.

Annual Passes continue to be processed at the Plaza Pavilion on Main Street, even while the exterior of the building undergoes a complete refurbishment.

It's a gold castle, after all

As reported in our January 12 and February 16 updates, the theme for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary Celebration is “The Happiest Homecoming on Earth.” Disney shareholders who attended last week's meeting in Philadelphia got a sneak peek at a logo created for the promotion that will begin in May 2005.

Shareholders got a sneak peek at this logo for Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration. Photo © Disney.

A source at Disneyland says that this logo looks nothing like the one that made the rounds earlier this year. Another reader noted that Sleeping Beauty Castle is definitely gold in this version, and added, “They may not paint the castle after all, but they are sure going to make you think they did.”

Big Thunder's big test

Officials from the State of California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) are scheduled to inspect the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad this week, and determine if Disney has made the changes to maintenance, training and operations mandated in the wake of the accident last September that killed one rider and injured 10 others.

A Big Thunder Mountain Railroad train waits in the station. Photo by David Michael.

In a report released in November, DOSH found that employees and managers signed off on work they did not personally perform or inspect. In addition to retraining mechanics, managers and ride operators on the Big Thunder attraction, the state instructed Disney to address park-wide safety and training issues. If DOSH certifies the attraction after its inspection, the ride could be open as early as Thursday, March 11.

Cast members send a Big Thunder Mountain vehicle around the track during retraining last week. Photo by David Michael.

Cast members have been training on the new ride system for the past month, and trains are frequently seen making their way around the track behind the construction walls. MousePlanet reader David Michael, who contributed many of the photos for this update, says that the trains do not look to have changed at all since the accident.

Security matters

Disneyland has made another change to the centralized package check system implemented last month. The inspection stations have been moved to locations closer to the tram drop-off points in the east and west esplanade areas. Visitors must now pass through the checkpoints before reaching even the ticket booths.

Visitors walk from the tram stop to the west package checkpoint. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

This change also means that the picnic area is within the secure zone, which poses a challenge for visitors packing a picnic lunch. In the past, visitors were allowed to bring items such as knifes and glass containers into the picnic area, as long as they did not bring them into the park. Cast members would often suggest that parkgoers leave such items in a rented locker, rather than having them confiscated at the front gate.

Cast members will search all packages brought into the secure zone, including ice chests and coolers. Items such as metal butter knifes, paring knives, glass bottles, and drinking glasses are prohibited from passing the security check, so they may not longer be carried into the picnic area, or even stored in the lockers.

Falling into The Gap

It seems that The Gap's recruiting effort has spread from Disneyland's corporate Team Disney Anaheim building and into the parks. Two assistant merchandise managers from Disneyland have left to take jobs at the retailer now run by former Chairman of Disney Theme Parks and Resorts Paul Pressler and former Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss. The departed managers were reportedly offered store manager positions at Gap-owned Old Navy locations, at raises of $15,000 over their Disney salaries.

Under Pressler and Harriss, Disneyland had aggressively recruited retail managers from malls and non-Disney retailers, instead of promoting from within. That pattern appears to be reversing, as outside retailers lure Disney talent away from the parks with higher pay and better work conditions.

Don't Snow on my Parade

What happens when 1,300 people try to exit a theater through an active parade route? No, it's not a joke. It's a nightly occurrence at Disneyland. Last week, Disneyland delayed the start time of the Parade of the Stars by 30 minutes to allow more time for guests to exit the Fantasyland Theater and surrounding areas after the finish of the 6:00 show.

Large crowds for Snow White mean gridlock on the parade route. Photo by David Michael.

Although this week's entertainment schedule again puts the weekday parade at 7:00 p.m., expect the schedule change to continue as long as the crowds turn out to enjoy the new show and the spring weather.

Maybe you need another lifeline

Capitalizing on the success of Super Millionaire, which brought more than 13 million viewers to Disney-owned ABC each night during the five-day February sweeps special edition, Disney's California Adventure park has decided to make a change to the Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It! schedule. Starting today, the game show attraction will be closed four days a week.

Confused? So are fans of the theme park game, who question the decision to make these cutbacks after the network announced that Super Millionaire would return for another run during the May sweeps. According to a member of our MousePad discussion boards, “The cast and crew were told that it is due to a 'sweeping new atmosphere program' at DCA.”

If you still want to win the grand prize cruise, there are five daily performances of Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It! scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Last Chance to Shine

Two weeks ago, members of DCA's a capella group Groove 66 were informed that their two-year run would end on Sunday, April 18. The cast of Chance to Shine, the musical “streetmosphere” skit performed in the Hollywood Backlot District, were notified that their show would be canceled at the same time. It appears that both groups have fallen victim to the same “sweeping new atmosphere program” that is affecting Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It!

Groove 66 performs at the Sun Plaza. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Fans of Groove 66 started an online petition drive to collect signatures asking Disney to reconsider its decision (link). So far, over 400 people had signed. Julie Hahn from Yorba Linda added her name and wrote, “If Disney is supposed to be the epitome of American entertainment, why would you even consider terminating such a quality show. Groove 66 is nothing short of spectacular. Let them be an inspiration to the thousands of young people singing in their school choirs. They are terrific role models. Please reconsider!”

Groove 66 supporters are also taking their case to the various Disney message boards, including our own MousePad, but are being met with a cooler reception. One MousePad member wrote, “Put them on the next Superstar Limo out of Anaheim,” while another said, “I am so glad I will never have to hear another butchered cover of 'God Bless the U.S.A.,' or any other song by this group.”

Planes, trains and theme parks

Entertainment Law Digest reports that a California Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling, and struck down a class action lawsuit filed against the Walt Disney World Company regarding pricing practices at Disneyland.

Burnis Simon and Aurelio Marquez filed a class action lawsuit against Disney in 1997, claiming that Disneyland is a “common carrier” under the law, based on the fact that the theme park offers rides. As a common carrier, Simon and Marquez claimed that Disneyland violated Civil Code §2168 by offering reduced admission prices to Southern California residents during its Resident Salute promotions.

Had the proposed class been certified, it would have included an estimated five million people who lived outside the eligible area and purchased full-price admission during the promotion. The full text of the article can be found on the Entertainment Law Digest Web site (link).

New SAC

As Disneyland hosted the Community Involvement Program this week (a new name for the “Happy Hearts” program, which offers discounted admission and special accommodations to groups of guests with disabilities), they also quietly unveiled the latest incarnation of the Guest Assistance Program. Complete details of the new program, which is presumed to closely resemble the policy already in place at Walt Disney World, should be available in next week's park update.

Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us here.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

Work continues on the Indiana Jones attraction, evidenced by the construction debris outside the ride's show building. Photo by David Michael.

• Dumbo closed through April 1.
• Indiana Jones Adventure closed through April 2.
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely.
• Space Mountain closed through 2005.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad currently scheduled to reopen March 11.

Disney’s California Adventure

The Orange Stinger and one Tower of Jumpin' Jellyfish are closed for refurbishment. Photo by David Michael.

• Orange Stinger closed through March 12.
• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely (rumored to reopen May 4).

Future Attraction Closures

A new phase of the Tomorrowland repaving project has started, leaving a narrow path through the area. Photo by David Michael.

• Peter Pan's Flight closed April 19 to May 22.
• Enchanted Tiki Room closes in September for a two-month rehab.

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

Ongoing

• Frights, Camera, Action exhibit about the Haunted Mansion attraction and movie at the Disney Gallery, extended through April 18.

March

• MousePlanet's MouseAdventure puzzle-and-scavenger-hunt event. Space still available, pre-event registration required (read details here).
• Spring Premiere Sculpture Event debuts “I'm not Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way,” a 5,000-unit limited edition porcelain sculpture of Jessica Rabbit. Walt Disney Classics Collection event will be held both at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. March 26–28.

April

Testing of Tower of Terror's on-ride “image capture” system continued last week. Photo by David Michael.

• Tower of Terror event, details available at the Disney Gallery Web site (link). April 22 & 23.

May

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Opening at DCA. May 4.
• A Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics – “A Disney Blast to the Past” May 14 to 16.

October

• CHOC Walk - this fun-walk through Disneyland park is a fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Orange County (link). October 3.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Car rental discounts

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders save up to 20 percent car rentals from Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental. Restrictions apply—get full details and the necessary discount codes on the Annual Passholder Web site (link).

Mighty Ducks tickets

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders save up to 50 percent on Mighty Ducks tickets. Offer applies to selected dates only, through April 4. There are three seating areas to choose from, at varying prices and discount levels. Visit the Annual Passholder Web site for more details (link).

Anaheim Angels tickets

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders save on Anaheim Angels tickets. Offer applies to selected dates only. There are three seating areas to choose from. Visit the Annual Passholder Web site for more details (link).

Disney's Passport Plus Package for 2004 includes:

• Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket
• $10 ESPN Zone Arena Game Card
• Preferred Seating at select shows in Disney's California Adventure Park
• California Diamond Fun Book (one per package)
• Free parking at Disneyland Resort Theme Parks

Prices are as follows:

• 5-day: $129 (children: $99)
• 6-day: $159 (children: $129)
• 7-day: $184 (children: $149)

An additional handling fee of $10 will be charged per mailing address.

New SoCal Salute announced; two parks, two days at one-day price

The Disneyland Resort is offering a new version of the Southern Californian resident salute through Friday, April 30. Residents may spend a day at Disneyland and a day at Disney's California Adventure for the price of a one-day ticket.

Eligible residents can purchase up to five “2fer” tickets per day with proof of Southern California residency (zip codes 90000 through 93599, or Northern Baja California residents within zip codes 21000 through 22999; valid ID required). “2fer” tickets are priced at the regular one-day ticket prices for the Disneyland Resort theme parks—$47 for ages 10 and up, $37 for ages 3 through 9—and are available at Resort ticket booths as well as at the Disneyland Web site (link).

The first day of use must occur on the date of purchase; the second day of use must occur within 30 days of purchase or before April 30, whichever occurs first.

New AAA tickets

AAA announced new ticket plans for the Disneyland Resort:

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

The new prices took effect December 24, 2003, and all tickets include free parking.

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 February 14 to 16. For more details, visit Disneyland's Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute Web page (link) or call (714) 520-5069.

Annual Passholders nights at the Disneyland Resort hotels

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

Annual Passholders can also book rooms at the Paradise Pier Hotel for $79 a night, Sunday through Thursday.

Weekend rates and discounts for the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian are higher. Make reservations at 714-956-MICKEY, and ask for rate plan APN. Note: these offers run concurrently. If your trip includes a Sunday night stay, be sure to ask for the lower rate for that night.

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.

City Pass available with AAA packages

You can 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 children 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.

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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