Update for May 24 – 30, 2004

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

News and Views

“We are closed. Go away (but please come back tomorrow!)”

Start spreading the news: Disneyland is closing to the public on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 to make final preparations for the park's 50th Anniversary celebration, scheduled to start the next day. The resort has begun notifying Annual Passholders in their renewal notices, and vacationers who book through Disney Travel.

Disney's California Adventure (DCA) park will be open on May 4 to accommodate those who still intend to visit the resort that day, or who perhaps miss the announcement.

Fire on the theater

As we reported in last week's Park Update: Disneyland, a small electrical fire in the Playhouse Disney sign forced the evacuation of DCA's Hollywood Backlot District on May 15. Eyewitness reports of the duration of the closure ranged from 90 minutes to over eight hours.

Fire from Playhouse Disney in Disney's California Adventure park is visible to park visitors. Photo by Rod Overbo, used with permission.

Several readers have confirmed that the area was closed for just over an hour, and told us that the fire was put out by the Disneyland fire department, with help from Anaheim firefighters. MousePlanet reader Rod Overbo happened to be in the area when the fire broke out, and was able to to snap a photo of the “904-visible” (Disneyspeak for a fire visible to park visitors) at Playhouse Disney in Disney's California Adventure park.

Final year of frights?

Tickets to the 2004 Haunted Mansion Holiday event at Disneyland go on sale at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific time) today (Monday, May 24). Four packages— named after major characters from Nightmare Before Christmas—are available, ranging from the $2,275 “Jack's Christmas Morning Surprise” package to the $85 “Zero” ticket:

The Jack's Christmas Morning Surprise package ($2,275):

• Two nights at the Grand Californian Hotel
• Breakfast at a Disneyland Resort Hotel restaurant
• Lunch at Granville's Steakhouse
• Midnight “breakfast” in the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction
• Park admission for the events
• Hors d'oeuvres during the Haunted Mansion Holiday event
• Event entertainment
• Ride on the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction
• Artist meet & greet
• Opportunity to prepurchase event merchandise
• Parting gifts

The Sally's Christmas Gift package ($525):

• One night at the Grand Californian Hotel
• Breakfast at a Disneyland Resort Hotel restaurant
• Park admission (after 7:30 p.m.) for the event
• Hors d'oeuvres during the Haunted Mansion Holiday event
• Event entertainment
• Ride on the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction
• Artist meet & greet
• Opportunity to prepurchase event merchandise
• Parting gifts

The Mayor's Christmas Party package ($175):

• Park admission (after 7:30 p.m.) for the event
• Hors d'oeuvres during the Haunted Mansion Holiday event. [Repeat-event guests note that this level of package has previously included a multi-course sit-down meal, now downgraded to hors d'oeuvres.]
• Event entertainment
• Ride on the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction
• Artist meet & greet
• Opportunity to prepurchase event merchandise
• Parting gifts

The Zero's Christmas Tree package ($85):

• Park admission (after 9:15 p.m.) for the event
• Refreshment
• A “spirited entertainment moment”
• Ride on the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction
• Opportunity to prepurchase event merchandise
• Parting gift

A reader asked, “Do they realize the irony of that name? Because 'zero' is about what you get for your $85!” Others noted that the “shopping ticket” at last month's Tower of Terror event was only $59.

Disneyland sources tell us that this is the last year that the Haunted Mansion Holiday event will take this format at Disneyland, and speculate that the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed events will move to Walt Disney World in 2005. Disneyland could then host events based on the “classic” Haunted Mansion, or move onto a new attraction.

Another source tells us that DCA may be the home of future Halloween events, noting that the back story for the newly opened Tower of Terror ride claims that the lightening strike that damaged the building occured on October 31, 1939.

Full details and prices of the four packages are available at the Disney Gallery Web site (link).

Overhauling the rehab schedule

MousePlanet reader Isaac sent us an updated copy of the Disneyland Resort refurbishment schedule. Among the changes, the Enchanted Tiki Room, Aladdin's Oasis and the Plaza Pavillion will be closed July 30, 2004 to March 12, 2005. This puts the squelch on rumors of a Lilo & Stitch “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas) overlay of the Enchanted Tiki Room, and has launched speculation that the Plaza Pavillion may once again be used as a restaurant.

Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us here.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Peter Pan's Flight closed through May 28.
• Carnation Cafe closed through May 29.
• Alice in Wonderland closed through July 2.
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely.
• Space Mountain closed through 2005.

Disney’s California Adventure

• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely.
• Francis' Lady Bug Boogie closed indefinitely.

Future Closures

• Sleeping Beauty Castle closed June 21 – Sept 18.
• Aladdin's Oasis closed July 30 – March 12, 2005.
• Plaza Pavilion closed July 30 – March 12, 2005.
• Enchanted Tiki Room closed July 30 – March 12, 2005.
• Snow White's Scary Adventures closed August 23 – September 11.
• Star Tours reduced capacity as each of the four cabins rotate through refurbishment September 7–22.
• Haunted Mansion closed September 7 – October 1 for installation of Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. Closed January 10–25, 2005 for removal of Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
• Maliboomer reduced capacity (2 of 3 towers operating) November 1–25, January 3–22, 31, 2005 – March 12, 2005.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds closed September 13 – November 24.
• Jumpin' Jellyfish reduced capacity January 21, 2005 – March 5, 2005.

Disneyland Resort Hotels

• Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom closed July 2–16.
• Disneyland Hotel Convention Center lobby, upper level & lower level closed July 16 – September 1.
• Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel pool slide & kiddies pool closed through June 5.

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

May

• Grad Nights May 27

June

• Grad Nights June 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17
• AIDS Walk Orange County. Join Team MousePlanet and the Disneyland VoluntEars at this fundraising walk at UC Irvine (link). June 6
• The next piece in Robert Olzewski's “Disneyland in Miniature” series—the City Hall and Fire Station complex—is being released at Disneyland. June 26

September

• 2004 Haunted Mansion Holiday Event Thursday, September 30. Reservations accepted at the Disney Gallery Web site (link) on May 24 at 9:00 a.m. PDT.

October

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

May, 2005

• Disneyland closed on May 4, 2005 to “put the finishing touches” on the 50th Anniversary celebration. DCA open on May 4.
• Disneyland's 50th Anniversary celebration begins May 5.

Current Discounts & Promotions

50th Anniversary Package

If you book a three-night resort stay at any of the Disneyland Resort hotels during the 50th anniversary promotion, your package includes a four-day Park Hopper ticket, a special 50th anniversary commemorative clock and a Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour.

The “50th Celebration Package” is available onlyfor three-night stays, with arrival dates May 5 through December 31, 2005. The package can be booked through the Disneyland Web site (link), or by calling (714) 520-5060.

The Disney Treasures offer for APs

Annual Passholders can receive a copy of The Disney Treasures book, worth $60, when they apply for a Disney Visa card. The book will be mailed after the cardholder uses the new account. Apply by phone at 1-800-640-5306, and mention card code 26FF.

Car rental discounts

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders save up to 20 percent on 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).

Anaheim Angels tickets

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can save 50 percent off the regular price of tickets for the following home games of the Anaheim Angels baseball team, which plays at nearby Angel Stadium of Anaheim (formerly Edison Field):

• Cleveland Indians: Friday, June 4, 7:05 p.m.
• Oakland Athletics: Monday, June 21, 7:05 p.m.
• Boston Red Sox: Thursday, July 15, 7:05 p.m.
• Seattle Mariners: Sunday, August 1, 1:05 p.m.

Prices are: Terrace Box, $12.50 (reg. $25); Lower View Box, $7.50 (reg. $15); and Upper View, $6.00 (reg. $12).

Although there is no limit to how many tickets a passholder can purchase, you must use mail or fax in the order form provided at the Annual Passholder Web site, and you cannot purchase these tickets online or obtain them at the ticket window on the day of the game. See the passholder Web site for details (link).

AAA-Disney's Resort Magic Packages

If you are a AAA member, you can take advantage of these packages that include hotel nights and theme park tickets, along with extra ammenities:

• 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)
• Collect Fastpass tickets for multiple attractions at one time.
• Preferred seating at a choice of select shows in DCA
• 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)

Sample prices include:

AAA Disney's Resort Magic: Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel for two nights from $269/adult, $127/ages 10-17, $97/ages 3-9

AAA Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Magic: Jolly Roger Hotel for two nights from $193/adult, $127/ages 10-17, $97/ages 3-9

These packages require a minimum two-night hotel stay, and are good for travel now through July 1, August 29 to November 21 and November 28 to December 23, 2004. You can book this package through your local AAA affiliate travel agent.

Disney's AAA Passport Plus Package 2004

If you don't need a hotel room, the Passport Plus Package offers AAA members a discount on Park Hopper tickets, and comes with extra benefits:

• 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:

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

An additional handling fee of $10 is charged per mailing address. These tickets are available to AAA members only when purchased through AAA offices.

AAA ticket offers

For shorter stays, AAA offers 2- and 5-day tickets for the Disneyland Resort:

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

These tickets include free parking (the back of the passports note the free parking, so you will need the passport with you when you park your car).

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 either the world-famous San Diego Zoo or 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)

The CityPass is $172 ($129 for children).

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 for an additional charge of $47 per pass ($32 per pass for children 3 through 9).

Note: The Southern California CityPass does notinclude 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.

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland
DCA: Disney’s California Adventure
Annual Pass blockout dates:

• SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass.
• SC – Southern California Annual Pass.
• DX – Deluxe Annual Pass.

Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2004 page to see more dates.

Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for May 24 to 30 at Disneyland.com here.

Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us here.

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.