A record-setting 99 teams totalling over 300 people participated in MousePlanet's
Spring MouseAdventure
event in Disneyland Park on Sunday. Expect a full recap and team results
later this week.
Disneyland raises ticket prices
The Disneyland Resort has a long-standing practice of raising admission
prices once each year, usually in early January at the end of the holiday
season. In some years, ticket prices go up again at the end of the summer
season. Based on this trend, we expected to see a price increase in January.
The resort surprised us by raising the cost of multi-day "park hopper"
tickets, but not one-day admissions.
Some speculated that new resort president Matt Oiumet decided to postpone
an increase in one-day tickets because Disneyland is headed into a season
of park-wide refurbishments and extended ride closures. Chatter from the
park's Team Disney Anaheim corporate office insiders suggested that the
inevitable price increase would be delayed until May 1, after the Resident
Salute "2fer" promotion ended, and right before the Tower of
Terror opened at Disney's California Adventure park. There were rumors
that annual passport prices would be increased at the same time.
Last week, we got word that the Disney Stores had received new price
signs for Disneyland annual passports, but no details about when the price
changes were to take effect. We took this to be confirmation of the rumors
we had heard, and expected to see the new prices take effect on May 1.
The three days later, a local news station reported that Disneyland was
going to raise one-day ticket prices, effective over a month earlier,
on March 28. When MousePlanet contacted the Disneyland Resort,
cast members confirmed the reports: prices for both one-day tickets and
annual passports would be raised. Walt Disney World announced that its
one-day ticket prices would also increase the same day, making WDW the
most expensive single-day theme park ticket in the Orlando area.
A long line of parkgoers wait to buy tickets one day before the price
increase took effect. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Sources speculate that the price change was pushed up a month to capitalize
on the unusually heavy Spring Break crowds flocking to the Disneyland
Resort. Park attendance projections and operating hours were revised several
times in the past two weeks, as weekday crowds packed Disneyland and spilled
over to DCA. "They aren't going to leave that on the table,"
said one cast member. "It seems obvious that the rehabs aren't keeping
people away."
The new one-day prices are:
One-day, one-park tickets are now $49.75, $39.75 for ages 3-8, an
increase of $2.75 each
A one-day "Senior" ticket is available for $47.75
For the remainder of the promotion, SoCal Resident "2fer"
tickets are $49.75, $39.75 for ages 3 to 8.
One-day, one-park tickets for cast members, travel industry partners,
and nonprofit groups were adjusted accordingly. The price for the Fantasmic
dessert buffet is now $49.75 per person.
In conjunction with Disneyland's price increase, CityPass prices go up
on April 1 to $172 for adults, $129 for children. There are additional
benefits and options now available with the CityPass, detailed in the
Discounts/Promotions section below.
The new annual passport offerings are:
"So CA" passport (for Southern California residents) is
now $129, up from $99
The Deluxe passport is now $179
The Premium passport is now $279
The annual parking passport remains $40, although signs at the Disney
Stores reportedly read that the pass is now $49.
AP Blockout Day tickets, and current benefits and discounts for each
pass type remain the same.
In addition to the three available Annual Passports, a new "Southern
California Select" passport is available for $99 for all ages.
This pass is good for admission to Disneyland and DCA only on 170 select
weekdays.
Passports with April and May expiration dates can be renewed in person
and by mail at the old renewal prices listed on the renewal forms mailed
to passholders. Passes must be renewed by their expiration dates to receive
renewal discount and old price. Passports that expire or are renewed on
or after June 1 are renewed at the new rates.
A Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Commemorative Ticket will be offered
for sale starting on April 9 for annual passholders, and May 5 to the
general public. Sales of this commemorative ticket end on September 30,
2004. These tickets are $59 per person for all ages, and can be used for
one-day, one-park admission. Passholders can purchase them at the Bank
of Main Street, the Passport Processing Center, or the Guest Services
Building. Beginning May 5, they will also be available at the Disneyland
Web site (link).
The last of the scaffolds have come down, revealing the new City Hall
exterior. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Toes in the nose
After we went to press last week, a reader alerted to a change in the
Monorail operation. Citing security concerns after September 11, Disneyland
had barred passengers from riding in the nose cone of the Monorails. That
policy was reversed last weekend, and visitors are once again allowed
into the nose cone with the Monorail's driver.
The Central Plaza reopens
This photo from March 2003 shows the Central Plaza with the olive trees.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland's Central Plaza ("the hub") has reopened after a
two-week rehab during which the large olive trees were replaced with smaller
trees to allow a better view of the light effects planned for Sleeping
Beauty Castle during the 50th anniversary celebration.
One year later, the olive trees have been replaced, providing a less obstructed
view of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The change can be seen in these photos, taken nearly one year apart.
While some mourn the loss of the original olive trees, estimated to be
75 years old when they were relocated to Disneyland in 1955, park regulars
seem pleased with new landscaping.
Petals may make way for a new Disney home store. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Ears to the ground
…We hear that Petals in Downtown Disney may be closing once their
lease expires. The space would be taken over by Disney, and combined with
next-door Marcelline's Confectionery to create a Disney Home and Marketplace
store.
…The Häagen-Dazs store in Downtown Disney will soon be getting
a facelift, which may include adding a quick-serve window to their exterior.
Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us here.
Work continues on the upcoming Tortilla Joe's restaurant. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney’s California Adventure
Superstar Limo closed indefinitely (rumored to reopen May 19).
Francis' Lady Bug Boogie closed indefinitely.
Future Closures
Adventureland restrooms closed April 19 – May 1.
Peter Pan's Flight closed April 19 to May 28.
Pirates of the Caribbean closed May 3 – 7.
Alice in Wonderland closed June 1 – July 3.
Sleeping Beauty Castle closed June 21 – October 2.
Snow White's Scary Adventures closed August 23 – September
11.
Enchanted Tiki Room closes September 8 – October 30.
Haunted Mansion closed September 13 – October 1 for installation
of Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
Matterhorn Bobsleds closed September 13 – November 5.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel Pool closed May 3 – 8.
Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom closed July 2 – 16.
Disneyland Hotel Convention Center lobby, upper level &
lower level closed July 16 – September 1.
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.
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.
SoCal Salute: 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—$49.75
for ages 10 and up, $39.75 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.
CityPass
The Southern California CityPass 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 -or- the San Diego
Wild Animal Park
1-day ticket to Knott's Theme Park. (includes a free Knott's Berry
Farm T-Shirt with each Child's City Pass)
CityPass prices will increase to $172, $129 for children, effective April
1st.
You can purchase the Southern California CityPass with Walt Disney Travel
Company packages. 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 CityPass 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.
Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular
12:45p, 2:30p, 4:45p, 6:15p
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, noon, 1p, 2:30p, 3:30p,
4:30p
The Magic of Brother Bear 11:30a, 12:30p,
1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p
Pacific Wharf Stage Presents The Delta Boogie
Blues Band 4:45p, 5:45p, 7:15p, 8:15p
D.U.H. - Department of Untapped Hilarity 11:30a,
12:30p, 1:30p, 3p, 4p, 5p
House of Blues Latin/Alt: Jaguares 7:30p
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Rob Kloptenstein
6:30p
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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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.
