Update for November 1 – 7, 2004

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

News and Views

Room for 1,001?

"Cyrus the Cryptkeeper" calls on the spirits at the midnight "burial" of Cary "Jay" Sharp on Thursday night. Photo by Scott Brinegar, © Disney.

On Thursday, October 21, Cary "Jay" Sharp won the right to become the honorary 1,000th ghost at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion in a charity auction on eBay. One week later, the doctor and health care attorney was the "ghost of honor" at a tongue-in-cheek wake to celebrate the installation of his tombstone.

Spooks arrive for a midnight spree. Sharp comes out for his swinging wake in a horse-drawn buggy. Photo by Scott Brinegar, © Disney.

Cary "Jay" Sharp will be memorialized as a bit too much of a workaholic. Photo by Scott Brinegar, © Disney.

Last Thursday, at the stroke of midnight, Sharp was delivered to the gates of the Haunted Mansion in a black horse-drawn carriage, and was greeted by Phineas, Ezra and Gus, the Mansion's trio of hitchhiking ghosts. He also received a one-of-a-kind miniature replica of the tombstone and a "Death" certificate of authenticity officially recognizing the addition to the attraction. His gravestone is located in front of a quintet of ghostly musicians who eternally perform in the attraction's graveyard scene.

"Cyrus the Cryptkeeper" assists Sharp in reading his paperwork as hitchhiking ghosts Phineas, Ezra and Gus (behind Cyrus) look on eagerly. Photo by Scott Brinegar, © Disney.

Hitchhiking ghosts Phineas, Ezra and Gus (l. to r.) assist "Cyrus the Cryptkeeper" in unveiling a copy of Sharp's tombstone. Photo by Scott Brinegar, © Disney.

Several Disney watchers have expressed concern over the sale of in-park tributes, formerly reserved for honoring those who have made substantial contributions to the development of the park.

Cyrus holds Sharp's Death Certificate of Authenticity as Sharp holds a replica of his very own tombstone. Photo by Scott Brinegar, © Disney.

Marching Orders

David Koenig reports:

Concerns have surfaced over the upcoming 50th Anniversary parade at Disneyland. The elaborate show will include a half-dozen Light Magic-sized floats that will periodically stop along the parade route for the actors to perform. Noted one observer: "Some cast members in parades and guest control are worried over the huge size of the floats, the length of the parade, and safety issues. Guest Control crews are drawing up plans for the parade and the fireworks, and they feel it is going to be trouble. One lead said she had nightmares just thinking about it." Others wondered if the gigantic floats would be difficult to navigate or too heavy for the pavement, said the "show stops" conjured up memories of poorly received Light Magic, and feared impatient guests would not wait for the crossovers.

At the same time next year, Disney's California Adventure will feature a "Pixar parade." The procession will include floats and characters from the Toy Story films, Bug's Life, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. The parade will coordinate with the unveiling of the new Buzz Lightyear attraction in Tomorrowland and — some speculate — possible announcements of a planned Finding Nemo sub ride at Disneyland and a Monsters Inc. dark ride at DCA.

Character dining shakeup

Changes are occurring this week at some of the resort's character dining spots. Winnie the Pooh and friends are being replaced at the Plaza Inn. Starting tomorrow, the character breakfasts will star Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother, Jasmine and Aladdin, and Belle and the Beast, Mulan and Mary Poppins. The new characters will be bringing a new price, as well. Breakfast will now run you $21.95.

Another change across the way in DCA, as November 24 will see Captain Mickey and his seaside friends take over Ariel's Grotto. Conflicting reports have Ariel either staying on with Mickey or taking a swim.

These changes come on the heels of the announcement that Lilo and Stitch are taking over from Minnie at the PCH Grill at the Paradise Pier Hotel.

No Candlelight dining packages this year

This year, the Candlelight Processional (on December 4 and 5, featuring Marie Osmond) will again be held in front of the Main Street train station in Town Square. When Candlelight is done on Main Street, viewing capacity is increased but seating capacity is extremely limited. This year, the seats will be occupied by Club 33 members who are dining in Club 33 that evening.

Voila!

The tarps blocking the lower portion of Sleeping Beauty Castle were removed last week, and the whole castle is now visible down Main Street. It will remain this way until after the holiday season, when it will once again get wrapped up to get its final overlay for the big 50th Anniversary celebration kickoff next May.

All tarps have been removed from Sleeping Beauty Castle, and a construction wall preventing visitors from walking through the castle is the only piece remaining. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

The rear entrance to the castle is in the same condition. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

If you move off to the side, such as near the Carnation Plaza Gardens, you can get an unobstructed view of the castle. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

What Time Is It? Holiday Time

Holiday Time Tour

Even though we just had Halloween, it is never to soon to go from spooky to season's greetings. MousePlanet contacted the Disneyland tour line and got the scoop on this year's Holiday Time tour. The tour, which runs from Nov. 19 through early January, will include:

• Stories about Disneyland holiday traditions and traditions around the world
• VIP seating at the Christmas Fantasy Parade
• A sweet treat and a hot chocolate
• A visit to Haunted Mansion Holiday and Its a Small World Holiday
• A tour-tag ornament
• A special tour-only trading pin (this is new this year)

You can make a reservation up to 30 days in advance. The cost of the tour is $49, but there is a special price for Annual Passholders of $39 for certain tour times — check when you call.

New Orleans Square is decorated for the season. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

The tour times vary. From now through Nov. 28, the tour is held at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Nov. 28-Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m.; Dec. 3 at 1 and 5; Dec 4-7 at 9 a.m. and noon. After that it goes back to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., but that might change.

There will be three tours leaving at each time. Each tour guide can take 15 guests (so a total of 45 people can sign up for any given time slot).

To make a reservation call (714) 781-4400 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PST. You can pick up your tickets at the windows to the left of the Disneyland Park main entrance. The tour is fun for all ages regardless of religion. To read about last year's tour, go here (link).

Other holiday happenings

"Believe … In Holiday Magic" returns to Disneyland on Friday as the resort kicks off its holiday season, which runs through January 2. The special holiday version of the Disneyland fireworks choreographed to a medley of Christmas tunes concludes with a snowfall along Main Street, Small World Mall and New Orleans Square. "it's a small world holiday" returns the same day.

Giant jingle bells hang in New Orleans Square. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

The "A Christmas Fantasy" parade will run from November 19 through January 2. The "Christmas Candlelight Procession" takes place on December 4 and 5 in Town Square. All of Disneyland Park will be decorated for the season, and will feature a 60-foot Christmas tree in Town Square.

Over in Disney's California Adventure, the park will also be decorated for the season, featuring a 30-foot Christmas tree in Hollywood Pictures Backlot. "Santa's Beach Blast" will take place in Sunshine Plaza, featuring Disney characters, surfer Santa Claus, interactive games for kids and a limbo contest with Lilo and Stitch.

Missing Mezuzah

On a separate note, the mezuzah that Disneyland put up on the west side of Main Street next to the door of Dr. Benjamin Silverstein was apparently taken. According to Disneyland Press and Publicity , the mezuzah, which is a case containing a parchment inscribed with the words of the Torah, was removed from the park sometime over the last few weeks. It was not there during MouseAdventure weekend, Oct. 9-10. Quality control is aware of what happened and they are working on replacing the mezuzah, which Disneyland Press and Publicity says will happen prior to Chanukah (Dec. 7). Dr. Silverstein is a work of Disney fiction and was given a door while Paul Pressler was president of Disneyland so there would be a place to put up Chanukah decorations.

The rear courtyard at New Orleans Square is also dressed up for the season. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

Ears to the ground

…Disneyland has released the third in its series of attraction-based "Big Fig" (big figure) sculptures. Put on sale just before Halloween, the Haunted Mansion figure sells for $195. The first two figures in the series, the Enchanted Tiki Room and Splash Mountain, both sold for $150. It is available in the Disneyana shop in Disneyland, Off the Page at Disney's California Adventure, and World of Disney in Downtown Disney. Availability is limited at this point.

This "Big Fig" sculpture of the Haunted Mansion features flashing lights in the upper windows and gravestones that turn sounds on and off. Photo by Jeff Moxley.

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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.

• “it's a small world” closed through November 4.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds closed through November 23.
• Sleeping Beauty Castle exterior 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.

Upcoming Disneyland closures

• Haunted Mansion closes January 10–25, 2005 to remove Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.

Disney's California Adventure

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 reduced capacity January 21 – March 5, 2005.

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

November

• “Merriest Place on Earth” Christmas decorations appear throughout the Disneyland resort. November 5 – 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 resumes 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). Marie 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).

Current Discounts & Promotions

Holiday Bring-a-Friend ticket

Disneyland resort passholders can purchase 1-day park hopper tickets for the same price as a 1-day, 1-park ticket. Limit five tickets per person, per day, with valid passport. Admission must be used on day of purchase. Effective December 1–18.

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder offers and promotions

• Pick up a free The Incredibles Halloween trick-or-treat bag at Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure, October 19 – 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.
• 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 limited to five tickets per passholder.
• Purchase a commemorative 50th anniversary brick through December 31 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.
• Get a 50 percent discount on the pictoral souvenir books while supplies last. A new souvenir guide book is scheduled to be released in 2005.
• Get 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 (714-956-6425) to book.
• Receive a copy of The Disney Treasures book, worth $60, when applying for a Disney Visa card. The book will be mailed after you uses the new account. Apply by phone at 1-800-640-5306, and mention card code 26FF.
• 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.

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 October 25 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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