Update for August 16 – 22, 2004

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

News and Views

Final Answer

Just a reminder: This is your last week to try to win a three-night Disney Cruise for four in the Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It! game at Disney's California Adventure park. The attraction's final show is this Friday at 5 p.m.

Fans of Millionaire have been attending during these final weeks, with a number of them taking advantage of the opportunity this past weekend (especially since Millionaire was cancelled for all of Saturday, August 7 to accommodate the Princess Diaries 2 premiere party, which we reported about last week); several of those who qualified for hot seats during a Saturday show indicated their ineligibility to play, either because they were cast members, or because they had been in the hot seat within the past month.

A sign announces the new opening of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It! at Disney's California Adventure park in September 2001. Within a week, the attraction, based on a once-popular TV game show, closes its doors for good. MousePlanet file photo.

Primetime stars return to plug ABC shows

For the third year in a row, Disneyland and ABC display corporate synergy as Disney's California Adventure hosts the ABC Primetime Weekend event on September 10, 11 and 12.

Advertising has already started with banners in DCA, and a presence at ABC's Web site (link). And with ABC coming in third in ratings—skating in above FOX by only 100,000 viewers and listing only three shows in Nielson's Top 25 list for the week of July 26 to August 1—the network needs all the help it can get for the upcoming fall season.

A promotional banner for Primetime Weekend hangs in the DCA entrance area. Photo by Alex Stroup.

The Web site provides a page about tickets and reservations. Although there is currently no information there, this may imply that event organizers are trying to boost perceived value by giving away tickets to celebrity Q-and-A sessions or autograph sessions.

Those who feel their bodies or homes need drastic alteration to be accepted by their peers are invited to submit their video applications for Extreme Makeover and Extreme Makeover Home Edition at the shows' kiosk during the event, while America's Funniest Home Videos is also expected to have a booth for dropping off your video (we suggest you not accidentally drop your video at the wrong booth).

The following actors are scheduled to appear in person on either Saturday, September 11, or Sunday, September 12:

• Less Than Perfect – Sara Rue, Andrea Parker, Sherrie Shepherd, Eric Roberts, Zachery Levi, Will Sasso, Patrick Warburton
• Desperate Housewives – Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, James Denton, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Stephen Culp, Nicolette Sheridan, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman
• The George Lopez Show – George Lopez, Constance Marie, Masiela Lusha, Belita Moreno, Luis Armand Garcia, Valente Rodriguez
• Lost – Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Dominic Monaghan, Harold Perrineau
• life as we know it – Sean Faris, Chris Lowell, Kelly Osbourne
• The Bachelor – Chris Harrison
• The Benefactor – Mark Cuban
• Complete Savages – Keith Carradine, Andrew Eiden, Shaun Sipos, Jason Dolley, Erik von Detten, Evan Ellingson, Vincent Ventresca
• According to Jim – Jim Belushi, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Courtney Thorne Smith, Larry Joe Campbell
• Extreme Makeover – Home Edition: Ty Pennington, Constance Ramos, Paul DiMeo, Michael Moloney, Tracy Hutson, Preston Sharp, Sweet Alice Harris
• Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts

Note: Recently announced Boston Legal, starring William Shatner, is not officially on the attendance roster at this time. [And as always, schedules and scheduled appearances may change without notice.]

For more information, see our 2003 coverage or 2002 coverage.

The restoration continues

Overheard on Main Street:

“Mommy, when does Disneyland open?”
“It's already open silly—you're here!”
“Oh… Then why are the buildings still wrapped?”

Sleeping Beauty Castle is now completely wrapped with tarps. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Enchanted Tiki Room is closed for refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Aladdin's Oasis is closed as part of the Enchanted Tiki Room rehab. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

New Orleans Square gets another facelift. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland Hotel introduces the Princess Diaries Suite

Press Release, Tuesday August 10, 10:01 am ET

ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of the nationwide August 11 release of Walt Disney Pictures' new film "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement," the Disneyland Hotel has transformed a bedroom of its luxurious Presidential Suite into a re-creation of Princess Mia's regal quarters. The new, totally redecorated room has been beautifully appointed with elaborate reproductions of the elegantly designed Drexel-Heritage furniture seen in the motion picture, creating a new level of stately, yet fun-filled accommodations fit for any princess or prince. "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" stars Anne Hathaway as Princess Mia of Genovia, and Julie Andrews portrays her grandmother, Queen Clarisse. The film continues the fun where the 2001 smash hit "The Princess Diaries" ended, with Mia now ready to assume her formal role as princess.

The Princess Diaries Suite is located atop the 11-story Sierra Tower at the Disneyland Hotel, providing a sweeping view of the nearby Downtown Disney District and surrounding Disneyland Resort. The room features an ornate, hand-crafted queen-size bed and delicate overhead cornice that are matched with a collection of European-influenced furniture, and most pieces are from the original movie set depicting Mia's private chambers. The themed bedroom can be booked separately or as part of the complete 1,320 square-foot Presidential Suite.

"When we learned that identical furniture from 'The Princess Diaries' film was available, we developed a plan to create a Princess Diaries Suite so our guests could experience the setting of this wonderful Disney story," said Tony Bruno, vice president, Disneyland Resort Hotels. "The Disneyland Hotel's overall decor is inspired by classic Disney themes and the royal styling of this special room is a wonderful compliment to the inviting and imaginative atmosphere of our hotel."

The suite's distinctive furniture, provided by Drexel-Heritage, was inspired by traditional, fine European designs, and each piece was formed and finished by hand to produce a classic, aged appearance. Exquisite linens from Italy were used for the bed covers, pillows and accompanying treatments. Two slipper chairs are carefully upholstered with fine silk decorated with tiny images of chairs. A pair of demilune chests are intricately hand-painted with bygone European scenes and topped with marble slabs. A large, French-style dresser stands ready to hold the clothing of any visiting princess or prince.

Guests staying in the special room receive the "royal treatment" in every regard, including complimentary gifts such as the DVD of "The Princess Diaries," a CD of the original motion picture soundtrack of "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement," a sparkling rhinestone tiara in a presentation box. Other princess-theme items or services can be included for an additional fee. By staying in the hotel's concierge-level accommodations, guests also have access to the nearby Concierge Lounge which offers more exclusive amenities.

The rate to book the Princess Diaries Suite itself ranges from $430 to $515 per night. If reserved as part of the entire contemporary-style Presidential Suite, the total rate can range from $1,400 to $1,755, depending on season.

To book this whimsical, new addition to the Disneyland Hotel, or for more information, call (714) 956-6545. General information about the Disneyland Resort can be found at www.disneyland.com.

Ears to the ground

…Disneyland is now accepting Random Selection Process forms for the 2004 Haunted Mansion Holiday event. The merchandise can be viewed at the Disney Gallery Web site (link). This event marks the first time that Disneyland has handled the merchandise selection entirely online—no catalogues were mailed, and attendees have to complete an online form to request their merchandise. RSP forms must be completed by August 25.

---

Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us here.

---

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.

• Snow White's Scary Adventures closed through September 10.
• Sleeping Beauty Castle closed through November 23.
• Aladdin's Oasis closed through March 11, 2005.
• Plaza Pavilion closed through March 11, 2005.
• Enchanted Tiki Room closed through March 11, 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.

  Upcoming Disneyland closures

• Pirates of the Caribbean closes September 2 for a one-day rehab
• 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.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds closes September 7 – November 13.
• Sailing Ship Columbia closes September 7 – November 30.
• Mad Tea Party closes September 20 – October 21

Disney's California Adventure

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

  Upcoming DCA Closures

• King Triton's Carousel closes September 20–30
• Maliboomer reduced capacity (2 of 3 towers operating) November 1–25, 2004, and January 3–22, 31 – March 12, 2005.
• Jumpin' Jellyfish reduces capacity January 21 – 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

• ABC Primetime Weekend September 10, 11, 12
• 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 five 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 between May 5 and 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 now through 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 this week.
• SC – Southern California Annual Pass. Completely blocked this week.
• 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 16–22 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.

Go to: Top | Section Contents | MousePlanet Main Page

Copyright © MousePlanet® Inc. | Legal Information & Privacy Policy | About/Contact MousePlanet | Link to us

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.