Disneyland Park Update

by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, staff writer
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News and Views

Candlelight surprise

In our November 1 Park Update, we reported that the Disneyland Resort would not be offering dining packages for this year's Candlelight Processional with narrator Marie Osmond. Happily, the Powers That Be reversed that decision, and Disney Dining started accepting Candlight dining package reservations last Thursday.


The Disneyland Railroad's Main Street Station provides the backdrop for the stage, which is set for the performers to take their places. File photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Six Disneyland Resort restaurants are participating in the program, each with a minimum per-person purchase requirement. Each restaurant was issued an allocation of tickets - when a restaurant reaches capacity, callers will be invited to make reservations at a different restaurant.

Hooks Pointe: $40 minimum for adults, $15 for kids.

Storyteller's Cafe: $40 minimum for adults, $15 for kids.

Note: Since it is extremely difficult to meet the minimum purchase requirement at Storyteller's Cafe, restaurant management has been instructed that an order of one appetizer, one entree, one beverage and one dessert per person is sufficient to meet the spending requirement, regardless of the total.

Granville's: $50 minimum for adults, $15 for kids.

Yamabuki: $50 minimum for adults, $15 for kids.

Napa Rose: $75 for adults, $20 for kids.

Note: This location is only offering tickets for the 2nd showing each evening.

Vineyard Room: $75 for adults, $20 for kids.

Note: This location is only offering tickets for the 2nd showing each evening.

You will receive your tickets at the completion of your meal. Be sure to leave enough time to get to Main Street 30 minute prior to your performance. Call Disney Dining at 714-781-3463 to make your reservations.

Special thanks to MousePlanet reader jiminycesq for sharing this information with our MousePad discussion board readers last week.

From the completely unsubstantiated rumor file


Is the Fantasy Waters theater closed for refurbishment, or closed forever? Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

A reader tells us that big changes may be in store for the Disneyland Hotel. On the chopping block: the waterfall near the Bonita Tower, the koi ponds and the Fantasy Waters theater area. Blueprints being considered show that this space would be used for an expansion of the Cove pool area and the construction of a miniature golf course.

If this rumor is correct, the Fantasy Waters show, currently on hiatus, will never return, and its theater could be demolished as early as next month. We'll keep you posted.

Breakfast is served

As previously reported, the Disneyland Resort has made some changes to their character dining options. As the restaurants continue to roll out the new offerings, here are some additional details:

Lilo & Stitch Aloha Breakfast at PCH Grill

Kahuna Kali (surely an alter-ego of Pat E. Cake), plays host to this new breakast offering, introduced on October 27. In addition to eating all of their oatmeal, kids are encouraged to participate at new “show” locations surrounding the restaurant, as well as games and interactive elements.


Kids participate in a Rock-a-Hula recital at the new Lilo & Stitch breakfast. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

The character roster adds Lilo & Stitch to the existing lineup of Minnie, Daisy, Pluto and Max. The menu has been revamped, and includes a new french toast offering.

Goofy’s Kitchen

The food at the existing Goofy's Kitchen buffet location has been tweaked and upgraded, and now features a special egg white station and a new french toast dish. The location is experimenting with a new atmosphere of fun and games.

A Disney Princess Breakfast at the Plaza Inn

Cinderella, her Fairy Godmother and a host of Disney royals moved into the Plaza Inn on November 2 to introduce a new Princess Breakfast. Jasmine, Prince Ali and Beauty and the Beast fill out the royal lineup, while Mary Poppins and Mulan make guest appearances.

The menu has been altered to suit the new royal inhabitants. The buffet now includes a hash brown scramble station and “swan” cream puffs. Continuing the trend, yet another new French Toast dish is available.

Alamo extends, expands relationship with Disney

Alamo Car Rental has extended its marketing alliance with Disney Parks and Resorts, guaranteeing its position as official car rental company of Disneyland and Walt Disney World while extending discounts for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Visa cardmembers. In addition, Alamo is taking sponsorship of the Mulholland Madness attraction at Disney's California Adventure and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority attraction at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Ears to the ground

…The Disney Gallery is again open daily. The store's operating schedule was recently reduced to just three days a week, leading to complaints from park guests.


Snow White's Wishing Well has a beautiful new grate. It was put in during the most recent refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix


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.


Workers continue the refurbishment of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

  • 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.


A tantalizing peek inside a Disneyland submarine. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix


An open door in the mysterious blue box provides nothing more than a glimpse of tangled wires. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Disney's California Adventure

Upcoming DCA closures

  • Maliboomer reduced capacity (2 of 3 towers operating) through November 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.