On October 5, Jaime and Carmen Torres filed a wrongful death lawsuit
on behalf of themselves and the estate of their son, Marcelo Torres. Marcelo
Torres was killed in the September 2003 accident on Disneyland's Big Thunder
Mountain Railroad. Additional suits were filed by Vicente Gutierrez, Marcelo
Torres' best friend, and five members of the Van De Keere family, citing
physical and emotional injuries suffered during and after the accident.
The suits were filed in Orange County Superior Court, and name the Walt
Disney World Co., the Walt Disney Company, and 300 additional Johns Doe.
The lawsuits seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
For a detailed analysis of the final incident report about this accident,
see our Big Thunder Mountain coverage page (link).
Note: MousePlanet's breaking-news coverage of the accident was
selected as a finalist in the 2004 Online Journalism Award, presented
by the Online News Association and the USC Annenberg School for Communication,
in its “Breaking News — Small Sites” category. See the
complete text of our press release here.
And a good time was had by all
MousePlanet's 9th MouseAdventure event was held this weekend, and as
we are gratified to be able to say each time, it was our biggest event
ever. Over 350 participants from 117 teams competed in a series of quests
around Disney's California Adventure. MousePlanet will have complete coverage
of the event later this week.
DisneyTXT trial
Visitors to Disney's California Adventure this weekend were handed a
slip of paper inviting them to try the "Disney TXT" service.
By sending a text message from their cell phones to the number provided,
visitors registered to receive up to 8 text messages during their DCA
visit. MousePlanet staff member Jeff Moxley tested the system this weekend,
and reported on the types of messages he received.
Here are the messages I received throughout the day after signing
up for
the Disney text messaging service.
Message #1 (1:40pm):
Welcome to DisneyTXT! We'll send a max of 8 messages 2day, with news
&
GR8 offers! U can stop receiving messages at any time by replying STOP.
Enjoy your visit!
Message #2 (1:40pm):
DisneyTXT: We can send more relevant info if we know the age of the
youngest person with U. Reply with their age. E.g if the youngest person
is 6, just reply 6.
Message #3 (1:44pm after replying 6):
DisneyTXT: Thanks for replying with an age. You will now receive park
tips throughout today based off the age you have provided. Enjoy!
Message #4 (1:56pm):
DisneyTXT: Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a great place for children
to burn off excess energy. Plus see Koda and Kenai (check show times).
I then went back and replied to the age request again with 30 and
received message #3 again (2:43pm). I then received the following
message twice.
Message #5 (3:26pm & 3:27pm):
DisneyTXT: OFFER (# 70) - 10% off purchases of 50 or more @ Gone
Hollywood. Offer only valid 10/09/04. Restrictions apply. C store 4
details.
Message #6 (8:26pm):
DisneyTXT: Buy 2 pretzels & get 1 FREE! @ Wetzel's Pretzels in Downtown
Disney. Offer not valid with other discounts or prev purch. Offer only
valid 10/08/04.
With the age change and the duplicate message that was a total of
8
messages received, as promised.
The next day, Jeff received an offer for 10% off a purchase at Pizza
Oom Mow Mow, "priority seating" for "It's Tough to Be a
Bug," and "priority viewing" for Disney's Electrical Parade.
The new faces of Disneyland
In a ceremony last week, Andrae Rivas and Rebecca Phelps were named as
the 2005 Disneyland Resort Ambassadors. Rivas and Phelps are the first
Ambassador team to serve since 2000-2001, when Doina Roman-Osborn and
Heri “Eddie” Garcia served 18-month terms during the grand opening
of Disney's California Adventure. The pair begins training in their new
duties by the end of the month, and officially take over from current
Ambassador Becky Murphy on Jan. 1, 2005.
2005 Disneyland Ambassador Rebecca Phelps. Photo courtesy of Disney.
2005 Disneyland Ambassador Andrae Rivas. Photo courtesy of Disney.
The Ambassador Program was founded in 1965, during Disneyland's 10-year
celebration. Walt Disney discovered that he needed someone to help represent
Disneyland when he could not attend an event. Julie Reihm was selected
to represent Disneyland at anniversary ceremonies, and as a hostess to
escort VIPs around Walt's Magic Kingdom. For more information about the
Ambassador program, read our coverage of the 2002 Ambassador ceremony
(link).
Gold medalist USA Olympic swimmers splash down Main Street
Six-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps makes a splash on Main Street,
Disneyland, together with Olympic champions Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian
Crocker. The three gold medalists competed in a relay-race with school
children in a full length Olympic pool built especially for the event
in less than 24 hours! Photo by Scott Brinegar/Disney.
Michael Phelps, Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker ended their 12-city
cross-country tour at the Happiest Place on Earth, participating in a
first-ever “swim meet” on Main Street, U.S.A. Read MousePlanet's
coverage of the event from last week (link).
Holiday Bring-a-Friend ticket
December 1 through 18, Disneyland resort passholders can purchase 1-day
park hopper tickets for the same price as a 1-day, 1-park ticket. Limit
5 tickets per person, per day, with valid passport. Admission must be used
on day of purchase.
Ears to the ground
...In last week's update, we forgot to mention the Dining Patch program
for Fall 2004. As part of the Haunted Mansion Holiday theme, the French
Market and Cafe Orleans are distributing a series of 13 fabric patches
with each $25 purchase at the restaurant. The patches are released each
Sunday through the duration of the overlay. Note: the Disneyland Web site
says that the required purchase is $20.
…Cast members tell us that Club Libby Lu, Downtown Disney's newest
tenant, is soft-opening today, October 11. The store's official grand
opening is scheduled for Saturday, October 16. The store offers makeovers
and parties for girls (link)
Disneyland's new gift card program may make it easier to stuff the stocking
of your favorite Disneyland fan. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
…The Disneyland Resort is introducing merchandise gift cards in
November. The cards work just like regular store gift cards, and can be
used at merchandise locations around the resort. At least initially, the
card will not be valid at food locations, or for hotel accommodations.
Cards are available from $5 - $1500, and can be recharged.
…Imagineers were seen taking measurements inside the World of Disney
store last week; cast members tell us the store will soon offer print-on-demand
posters. It is unclear whether the store will receive the existing printers
from the recently closed Premiere Shop, the larger-format printers from
the Disney Gallery, or a completely new offering.
The Disneyland Gazette frame gives people a way to display the collection
of blue tarp photos from their vacation. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
…In an effort to boost sagging photo sales, Disneyland has created
a special “Disneyland Gazette” frame for photos taken in front
of the castle. The “headline” on the Gazette reads, “Special
Guests Witness Castle Transformation,” presumably to explain why
the folks in the photo are posing in front of a blue tarp. The Disneyland
Web site has been updated with a photo of the castle in its current state,
so visitors know what to expect when they arrive.
A sample of the new color scheme being applied to the castle. Photo by
Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
...The Disneyland Web site and winter Passholder newsletter have a few
new offers for Disneyland Annual passholders and the general public.
Annual passholders can pick up a free The Incredibles Halloween
Trick-or-Treat Bag at Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. Show
a valid annual pass and pick up a free bag at the Bank of Main Street
in Disneyland, the Guest Relations Lobby at Disney's California Adventure
park, or World of Disney in the Downtown Disney.
Annual passholders can purchase tickets to the Walk in Walt's Footsteps
tour for a discounted rate of $39 per person. The offer is valid through
November 18, and there is a limit of 5 tickets per passholder.
Annual passholders receive an extra 20 percent off any purchase at
the Illuminations store in Downtown Disney for the month of October.
Through December 31, 2004, passholders can purchase a commemorative
50th anniversary brick to be placed in the esplanade between Disneyland
and DCA, and receive a $50 discount off the regular price of $150. The
special brick features a brass-toned medallion with the 50th anniversary
logo.
Disneyland is offering a 50% discount on the pictoral souvenir books,
while supplies last. A new souvenir guide book is scheduled to be released
in 2005.
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen's will be hosting their 2nd annual gingerbread
house-building workshops in December. Tickets are $45 per party of two,
($10 for each additional person in your group). Participants will receive
building supplies, refreshments, jingle bell, t-shirt, and a photo with
Santa.The workshops on December 15 & 16 are reserved for passholders;
workshops on December 11, 12, 18 and 19 are open to the general public.
All workshops are from 1-3 p.m. Call (714) 776-5200 for reservations.
The World of Disney store is offering scrapbooking demonstrations,
Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
January AP rates at the Disneyland Resort, starting at $79 per night
at Paradise Pier hotel. Promotion valid Sunday - Thursday for arrivals
January 2 - 31, 2005. Additional restrictions apply. Call 714-956-MICKEY
to book.
Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us
here.
Note: Disneyland is progressively closing more and more attractions
as the park readies for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.
The pathway in front of the Matterhorn into Tomorrowland is completely
blocked off. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Jungle Cruise closed October 11–15.
“it's a small world” closes October 18 –
November 4.
Matterhorn Bobsleds closed through November 23.
Sleeping Beauty Castle closed through November 23.
Sailing Ship Columbia closed through November 30.
Fantasmic on hiatus through November during the
Sailing Ship Columbia refurbishment.
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.
Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through closed indefinitely;
not listed on park maps or the Disneyland Web site.
Construction fences continue down towards “it's a small world,”
obstructing the view of Fantasia Gardens. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Upcoming Disneyland closures
Haunted Mansion closes January 10–25, 2005 to remove
Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
The Disney Gallery and surrounding stores are the next recipients of the
rolling refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Disney's California Adventure
Construction continues on the Matterhorn. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Upcoming DCA closures
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.
Major refurbishment work continues on the Sailing Ship Columbia.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
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 in Miniature by Robert Olszewski product
release. October 30 at Disneyland. Town Square, the fourth piece
in the Disneyland in Miniature series, available at the Disneyana
shop on Main Street. The first accessory pieces also offered for sale.
November
"Merriest Place on Earth" Christmas decorations appear
throughout the Disneyland resort. November 5 through January 2.
"A Christmas Fantasy" Parade begins another holiday
run at Disneyland. November 19.
Construction walls come down around Sleeping Beauty Castle
for the holiday season. November 22. Work will resume in January to
complete the 50th anniversary overlay.
December
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Adora Belle Bellhop Pin Trader
doll release at DCA. Saturday, December 4 (link).
Osmond narrates Disneyland's Candlelight Procession and Ceremony
that weekend, and the speculation is that she will also be introducing
a Candlelight Adora Belle doll at that time.
Disneyland's Candlelight Procession and Ceremony,
with guest narrator Marie Osmond. Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December
5.
January
Disneyland Resort float appears in Pasadena Tournament of Roses
parade. January 1, 2005.
75 InspEARations exhibit arrives at Disneyland. January 10
through February 22.
February 2005
Chip & Dale's Wild Wild West Pin Adventure. February
3, 2005 at Disneyland. Tickets go on sale October 13 (link).
March 2005
Indiana Jones Adventure 10th Anniversary event. March 3,
2005 at Disneyland. No details have been announced (link).
MousePlanet's MouseAdventure event – Tentative date, Sunday,
March 13 at Disneyland. Details to be announced. Want us to contact
you when we open registration for the upcoming MouseAdventure event?
Sign up for MouseAdventure
Reminderer.
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.
June 2005
2005 Summer Pin Festival. June 24 – August 15, 2005
at the Disneyland Resort. No details have been announced (link).
July 2005
Disneyland 50th Anniversary special event. July, 2005. No
dates or details have been announced (link).
December 1 through 18, Disneyland resort passholders can purchase 1-day
park hopper tickets for the same price as a 1-day, 1-park ticket. Limit
5 tickets per person, per day, with valid passport. Admission must be used
on day of purchase.
Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder offers and promotions:
Annual passholders can pick up a free The Incredibles Halloween
Trick-or-Treat Bag at Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure, October
19 through November 5, or while supplies last. Show a valid annual pass
and pick up a free bag at the Bank of Main Street in Disneyland, the
Guest Relations Lobby at Disney's California Adventure park, or World
of Disney in the Downtown Disney.
Annual passholders can purchase tickets to the Walk in Walt's Footsteps
tour for a discounted rate of $39 per person. The offer is valid through
November 18, and there is a limit of 5 tickets per passholder.
Annual passholders receive an extra 20 percent off any purchase at
the Illuminations store in Downtown Disney for the month of October.
Through December 31, 2004, passholders can purchase a commemorative
50th anniversary brick to be placed in the esplanade between Disneyland
and DCA, and receive a $50 discount off the regular price of $150. The
special brick features a brass-toned medallion with the 50th anniversary
logo.
Disneyland is offering a 50% discount on the pictoral souvenir books,
while supplies last. A new souvenir guide book is scheduled to be released
in 2005.
January AP rates at the Disneyland Resort, starting at $79 per night
at Paradise Pier hotel. Promotion valid Sunday - Thursday for arrivals
January 2 - 31, 2005. Additional restrictions apply. Call 714-956-MICKEY
to book.
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.
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).
Disney Fall Pass
Disneyland has announced its most recent Resident Salute program in
the form of the “Disney Fall Pass.” The promotion is available
exclusively at Albertsons grocery stores. Membership in their Preferred
Savings program and proof of residency in zip codes 90000-93599 is required.
To take advantage of this offer, you must first purchase a “fridge
pack” or a 24-pack of any Coca-Cola product, plus another $25 in
merchandise. Once you meet these requirements, you receive a coupon to
purchase a Disney Fall Pass for $89. The pass gives you unlimited admission
to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure park through December
16, excluding November 26, 27 and 28. Check your local Albertsons store
for more details, or visit the promotional Web site (link).
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 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.
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 amenities:
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.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort
schedule for October 11 at Disneyland.com here
(printer-friendly version here).
Got any interesting news or rumors? Contact us
here.
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!
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.
