Update for August 2 – 8, 2004

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

News and Views

A final, “final answer”

Last Wednesday on July 28, the cast and crew of the Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It! attraction at Disney's California Adventure were notified that the game show attraction would be closing on Friday, August 20. There is no word on whether the Walt Disney World version will suffer a similar fate.

The latest closure has sparked yet another round of speculation about the future of the Hollywood Backlot District. Three closed venues—Hollywood and Dine, SuperStar Limo and now the Millionaire stage—all sit next to one another. As one MousePlanet reader observed, “That's a lot of contiguous, available, real estate.” Many hope that the long-rumored Aerosmith's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster project from Florida's Disney-MGM Studios will come to fruition.

Red light, green light

A usually reliable source tells us that the rumored Finding Nemo attraction slated for the Submarine Lagoon has been given the green light—again. Riders will board a submarine to take an “educational” trip among the reefs to learn about the fish and flora of the ocean.

Nemo, Marlin and Dory may be moving in with the mermaids. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Of course, something will go “terribly awry,” with passengers enlisted to help Dory save the day. Our source says that work can begin as early as this month, with the ride scheduled to open in November 2005—the same time that Space Mountain reopens. We'll be waiting to see if this reoprt pans out, or, if like so many rumors about the Submarine Lagoon, it's just another fish tale.

Speaking of holes

Downtown Disney has another vacancy. Petals, which sold purses and luggage, has closed. The store was operated by the group behind three other original Downtown Disney tenants: MainSpring, Soliton and Liquid Planet. Soliton closed last year, moving into the MainSpring store and making room for a new Jamba Juice. Liquid Planet went through a major transformation this spring, and recently reopened as the Quicksilver Surf Shop.

Your name here—Downtown Disney has new vacancy. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix,

The vacancy was not unexpected. We reported in March that a rumored expansion of neighboring Marceline's Confectionary could bring a new Disney Home store to the resort just in time for the holiday season. But some cast members were told that the expansion is off, and Disney is looking for a new tenant to fill the Petals space; possibly another quick-serve restaurant.

Grab your carpet

Disneyland visitors have the opportunity to purchase the next movie in the Platinum Collection right at the park. The Aladdin Special Edition DVD ($29.99), with a release date of Tuesday, October 5, can be ordered at various stores around the Disneyland Resort. As with the other Platinum Dollection films Disneyland has offered in the past, there is free shipping on all orders. Those who order the DVD receive a lithograph of Aladdin and Jasmine on the flying carpet on the spot, so either get a locker or order at the end of the day. Annual pass holders also get a 10 percent discount.

Among the features on this release:

• “Proud Of Your Boy” - a new song that is not integrated into movie
• Fun Facts trivia track mode
• Deleted scenes
• “A Diamond In the Rough: The Making of Aladdin”
• Audio commentary
• “Inside The Genie's Lamp,” a 3D tour of the Genie's lamp with Robin Leach
• Genie's Magical Journey, a trip around the world with the Genie based on the original animator's end-credit concept
• Disney's Virtual DVD Ride: Aladdin's Magic Carpet activity
• The Bizarre Bazaar Game
• New music videos and sing-along songs

Osmond to narrate Candlelight Procession

During a meet and greet at Disneyland on July 24, entertainer and doll designer Marie Osmond told fans that she will be the guest narrator for Disneyland's 2004 Candlelight Procession and Ceremony event. In 2003, Osmond, who was at Disneyland for another merchandise event, agreed to narrate the ceremony when scheduled narrator Louis Gossett, Jr. suddenly fell ill. Osmond said that she enjoyed the event, and was pleased to be asked to return. Disneyland has not yet announced the dates of the 2004 event.

Correction

In last week's Park Update: Disneyland, we incorrectly reported that a Disneyland 50th Anniversary charity gala event would be on board the Disney Wonder cruise ship on July 17, 2005 and benefit the Boys & Girls Club. The event instead benefits the Make-a-Wish Foundation on Saturday, July 16 aboard the Disney Magic.

Thanks to Disneyland Resort Ambassador Becky Murphy for the correction.

Ears to the ground

…Start saving your pennies. Members of the 2004 Disneyland Creative Advisory Council, a consumer focus group, had its first meeting last week. Although participants sign nondisclosure agreements promising not to discuss what they see and hear, a few rumors have already trickled out. Among the products in development for the 50th anniversary are a series of “Big Fig” sculptures based on classic Disneyland attractions. Unlike the current character-based figures, these new “Big Figs” are said to be models of the attraction buildings, including an Enchanted Tiki Room hut and a Splash Mountain with working water effect.

A cast member mists a passing park visitor. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…The Downtown Disney AMC Theatre hosts the premiere of Princess Diaries 2 on Saturday, August 7.

…Halloween has arrived at the Disneyland Resort. The World of Disney and Disney Showcase locations are now offering Halloween costumes for children and adults. While it seems odd to be shopping for Halloween in the middle of summer, cast members warn that many costumes sell out even before school starts. They also remind shoppers that Disney may raise prices if a costume proves to be especially popular, so shop early and avoid the markup.

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Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us here.

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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

Note: Disneyland is progressively closing more and more attractions as the park readies for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.

The moat is being drained as part of the Sleeping Beauty Castle refurb. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

• Sleeping Beauty Castle closed through November 23.
• Aladdin's Oasis closed through March 12, 2005.
• Plaza Pavilion closed through March 12, 2005.
• Enchanted Tiki Room closed through March 12, 2005.
• Space Mountain closed through November 2005.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed indefinitely, pending results of the DOSH inspection. For more information about the latest accident, see our BTMRR Accident page.
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely; not listed on park maps or the Disneyland Web site.

Work continues on Sleeping Beauty Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney's California Adventure

• Superstar Limo closed indefinitely; not listed on park maps or the Disneyland Web site

Future Closures

• Snow White's Scary Adventures closes August 23 – September 11.
• Star Tours reduces capacity, as each of the four cabins rotate through refurbishment September 7–22.
• Haunted Mansion closes 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 closes September 13 – November 24.
• Jumpin' Jellyfish reduces capacity January 21, 2005 – March 5, 2005.

Disneyland Resort Hotels

• Disneyland Hotel Convention Center lobby, upper level & lower level closed through 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.

Park Events

September

• 2004 Haunted Mansion Holiday Event Thursday, September 30.

October

• CHOC Walk – this fun-walk through Disneyland park is a fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Orange County (link). Sunday, October 3. [Note: MousePlanet staff invites all readers to walk this event as a group. Keep your eye here for details.]
• MousePlanet's MouseAdventure puzzle-and-quest event – a Sunday in October. [Read more about MouseAdventure here, and be reminded of it by sending e-mail here.]

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

Discounted park hopper tickets for Annual Passholders

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can purchase 2-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets for a reduced rate of $79 ($59 for ages 3 to 9). You can purchase these tickets through Thursday, September 30, 2004.

Note: The tickets expire on October 13, 2004, or 13 days after first use, whichever comes first. The first use must occur on the date of purchase.

Some Annual Passholders have received a postcard about this special offer in the mail. Passholders can hand the postcard to friends and family, who can then use it to purchase up to 5 of the discounted tickets without the Passholder even being there.

50th Anniversary Package (Happiest Homecoming on Earth!)

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 only for three-night stays, with arrival dates of May 5, 2005 through December 31, 2005. The package can be booked through the Disneyland Web site (link), or by calling (714) 520-5060.

Thanks to reader Tina for providing us with an updated link for this package.

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).

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
• An exclusive Walt Disney Travel Company collectible pin and lanyard (one per person)
• An exclusive Walt Disney Travel Company California Fun Book (one per package)
• An 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 from 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 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.

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

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

• SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass. Completely blocked.
• SC – Southern California Annual Pass. Completely blocked.
• 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 August 2 – 14 at Disneyland.com here (printer-friendly version 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.