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Holiday Time at Disneyland
The start of the holiday season always draws crowds to Disneyland, even more so this year because November 10 was a school holiday in most local districts. The combination proved irresistible, and the park was packed Friday morning with visitors looking for their first sight of the decorations, including the 60-foot-tall tree on Main Street, U.S.A.
Sleeping Beauty Castle is decorated for winter at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
As much as we might yearn for something new and exciting for the holidays—new parade, new fireworks, new shows—there's something about the very familiar that's comforting as well.
Disneyland's longest-running holiday parade returned to Main Street, U.S.A. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Mrs. Claus greets visitors during A Christmas Fantasy parade. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
"it's a small world" Holiday reopened Friday, though the ride experienced downtime totaling more than four hours throughout the day. When the ride was operational, it was running at half capacity, with standby waits of up to three hours.
"it's a small world" Holiday experienced repeated breakdowns on reopening day, which caused long lines. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
"it's a small world" Holiday is decorated for the season. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Adventureland Treehouse also opened Friday, giving fans their first chance to climb into the canopy since before the pandemic. Unfortunately, the water wheel, which is said to power the entire treehouse, wasn't operational.
Visitors climb into the refurbished Adventureland Treehouse on opening day. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The Jungle Cruise was also open this weekend, after several days of unscheduled refurbishment last week. A lone Christmas tree atop Tropical Imports and Santa caps worn by a few skipper just served to taunt those of us who wholeheartedly wish Disney would bring the Jingle Cruise overlay back to Disneyland.
A lone memento of the Jingle Cruise stands near the attraction exit. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney is looking to lure visitors into Downtown Disney for some holiday shopping by offering a nightly "snowfall" moment. The snowfall covers the area between Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. This is offered nightly from November 24 through December 31, but isn't yet showing up on the entertainment schedule.
Chip and Dale show off their holiday costumes at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Finally, we keep asking for the dates when fresh-made candy canes will be available at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and so far no luck. The dates are usually released well before now, so we'll keep checking back. After all, we have park reservations to make if we want to snag one!
Sleeping Beauty Castle glows just before the fireworks begin at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland sets reopening date for Fantasmic
Fantasmic returns to the Rivers of America on May 24, 2024, Disneyland officials confirmed last week, just in time for Memorial Day weekend and the kick-off of the summer marketing season.
The show has been on hiatus since April 2023, when the 45-foot-tall Maleficent dragon figure went up in flames during a performance. Thankfully nobody was injured in the fire, but the dragon prop was a total loss. Disneyland at first said the show would be on hiatus through Labor Day weekend while they worked to restore the production, but in July revised the estimate to Spring 2024.
Fantasmic is returning by Memorial Day 2024, but without the Maleficent dragon figure. MousePlanet file photo.
In announcing the spring return, Disney also noted, "At that time, the show won’t include the dragon figure, but it will feature new special effects and a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent."
We still don't know if this means the dragon figure is being removed permanently from the show, or if it's just going to take longer for a new dragon to be ready to take the stage—and Disney officials said they had no further information to share at this time.
Goofy's Kitchen hosts holiday buffet; Great Maple opens at Paradise Pier Hotel
Goofy’s Kitchen Holiday
Following on its inaugural and popular Halloween offering, Goofy's Kitchen is hosting a new holiday meal. The special character meal runs everyday from December 1 through January 1, and includes enhanced menu offerings for brunch and dinner, themed décor and music, Disney PhotoPass digital downloads, and a holiday-themed button.
Dates: Everyday from December 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Goofy’s Kitchen Holiday Breakfast and Brunch Buffet
10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Adult: $62
Child (ages 3 to 9): $34
Goofy’s Kitchen Holiday Dinner Buffet
4:00 PM to 9:00 PM (with the last seating at 8:45 PM)
Adult: $75
Child (ages 3 to 9): $37
The Halloween version of this meal booked quickly, but as of press time, Disney had yet to officially announce the Holiday offering. Reservations are available through the Disneyland website. With the notable exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there's plenty of availability.
Great Maple
Great Maple opens its new restaurant at the soon-to-be-renamed Paradise Pier Hotel this Wednesday, November 15. The location will be walk-up only for the first week, with reservations accepted for meals starting November 21, 2023.
If you've walked into Frontierland from the hub in the past decade, you've likely witnessed the spectacle of a handful of pin traders covering all of the available benches with their books and bags of pins for trade. While some kept their activities within reason, others had basically set up shop inside Disneyland with displays that resembled a flea market.
Disney has finally taken (long-overdue, IMO) action, and implemented a new set of rules for pin trading that's designed to discourage the commercial traders and clean up the Frontierland entrance.
Under the new rules, a small pin trading area will be established in Frontierland each morning, under the direction of a cast member. This trading area is open only until 3:00 p.m. each day. Traders are now limited to bringing a single pin bag of specified size, instead of the strollerful (yes, really) that some traders would bring in. Disney specifically prohibits the use of benches and park structures for the purpose of pin trading. The new rules also prohibit the use of lights, signs, and displays.
Earl on the move, again
I'd really love to see the concessions being offered to the Earl of Sandwich for its willingness to serve as the ball in the giant ping pong game that is Downtown Disney. Last week Disney announced via its Magic Key Instagram account that the Earl will be moving to a temporary pop-up shop on the west end of Downtown Disney this winter, offering what they called a "curated" menu of favorites (read: the temporary location won't be large enough to serve the full menu).
The Earl of Sandwich is currently in its third Downtown Disney incarnation, having moved into the space abruptly vacated by La Brea Bakery earlier this year. That building will be demolished to make room for a new Porto’s Bakery & Eatery, as announced at the last D23 Expo. We expect Earl of Sandwich will have its final location in the section of Downtown Disney currently under construction near the vacant ESPN Zone, but until that opens they'll be in a yet another pop-up shop.
Disney said only that this would happen in the "winter," which could mean the move takes place after the holiday rush. It seems unlikely that Disney would close a popular restaurant and begin a massive demolition project just outside the park gates during the holiday season, but after January 8th all bets are off.
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2024 Disneyland packages are now LIVE and ready to book through Get Away Today! For a limited time, you can lock in 2023 pricing for 2024 travel.
Now is a perfect time to start planning for next year! When guests book in advance, they get the best hotel availability for some of the most popular travel times like spring break, summer, Halloween Time, the Holidays and beyond. We send every guest a reminder when it’s time to make their park reservations based on the date they entered for their ticket, so they don’t have to worry about forgetting to do so.
We also have our Layaway Plan available for guests who want to book in advance. For just $200 down, you can book your 2024 package with payment due just 8 days before travel! We recommend final payment 60 days before travel so park reservations can be made. Our Layaway Plan makes planning a vacation affordable and flexible for everyone.
...Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Captain Monica Rambeau are all making appearances at Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park for a limited time to support the theatrical release of The Marvels.
The Marvels (left to right: Captain Monica Rambeau, Carol Danvers, and Kamala Khan) are now appearing at Disney California Adventure to promote their new movie. Photo courtesy Disney.
...Based on building permits filed with the city of Anaheim, it looks like the Monorail water slides at the Disneyland Hotel may be slated for refurbishment in the near future. No dates were given for the work, and there is no mention of a pending closure on the Disneyland website.
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Attraction, restaurants, and stores that are closed for refurbishment are noted below.
All information was current as of this article's publication date. MousePlanet does not edit past Updates; for the most up-to-date refurbishment calendar, check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update, visit Disneyland.com or use the Disneyland smartphone application on your iOS or Android device.
View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.
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Mark Twain Riverboat – closed for refurbishment. Reopening date not published, but after December 26.
Astro Orbitor – closes November 20 for refurbishment. Reopening date not published, but after December 26.
Indiana Jones Adventure – closed November 27–30 for refurbishment.
Splash Mountain – closed for transformation into Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The updated attraction scheduled to open in late 2024.
Fantasmic – on hiatus until Spring 2024.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Magic Eye Theater
Closed shopping:
Royal Reception
Disney California Adventure
Closed attractions:
Schmoozies! – refurbishment extended. Reopening date not published.
Incredicoaster – closed November 27 to December 1 for refurbishment.
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar.
Downtown Disney District
Permanently closed:
Rainforest Cafe – now home to the Star Wars Trading Post.
ESPN Zone – building is being used as a pop-up shop.
La Brea Bakery – building reopen as a temporary Earl of Sandwich location. Longer-term plans include replacing the building with a new Porto's Bakery.
Catal Restaurant
Uva Bar
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
PCH Grill – permanently closed. Will become a flagship location for Great Maple, expected to open November 15, 2023.
Disneyland Hotel
Steakhouse 55 – permanently closed. The lobby bar has reopened.
Resort Events
Check here to see if a large convention, competition, or park event might fall during your next trip to the Disneyland Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail.
2023-24
2023
Disney100 anniversary celebration – ongoing.
Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort – November 10, 2023 through January 7, 2024.
Candlelight Ceremony and Processional – Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, with two performances each night.
2024
2024 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – January 11–14, 2024. Registration is full for all in-person events.
2024 Disneyland 5K – Friday, January 12
2024 Disneyland 10K – Saturday, January 13
2024 Disneyland Half Marathon – Sunday, January 14
Dapper Day Expo Weekend (unofficial event) – April 6–7. More information at the event website.
Dapper Day Fall Outing at Disneyland (unofficial event) – April 7. More information at the event website.
2024 Grad Nites – May 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28, and 31; June 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14.
(Inaugural) Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend – September 5–8, 2024. Registration opens February 6, 2024 for Club runDisney members, and February 13, 2024 for all others.
We also recommend checking the convention calendar at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau website. When looking at that site, remember to note both the number of people and the number of rooms resulting from each convention. A gathering of 25,000 people booking few room nights (indicating most will be driving in to the area for their meeting) can impact traffic around the resort much more than a crowd of 25,000 staying in area hotels. Of course, that second group is going to make finding a hotel room more difficult (and possibly more expensive), so it's best to book your own room as early as possible if you see that a big convention is in town during your trip.
Non-Disney Resort Events
Notable events at parks and attractions around Southern California. If you know of an event that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail.
Current Discounts and Promotions
Disneyland prices as of October 11, 2023.
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update. Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!
This first section is a list of discounts on ticket-only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line. Note, we are no longer listing offers from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, as their convenience fee negates any savings.
Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside the gates stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Disneyland admission, and may result in denial of entry. It is also common for criminals to shoplift inactivated Disney theme park tickets from supermarkets to resell them. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.
Ticket Prices and Promotions
Just click the number of days or ticket type you want to view.
One Day Tickets
Ticket & Season
Adult One-Park
Adult Park Hopper
Child One-Park
Child Park Hopper
One Day – Tier 0
$104
$169
$98
$163
One Day – Tier 1
$119
$184
$112
$177
One Day – Tier 2
$134
$199
$127
$192
One Day – Tier 3
$154
$219
$146
$211
One Day – Tier 4
$169
$234
$160
$225
One Day – Tier 5
$184
$249
$174
$239
One Day – Tier 6
$194
$259
$183
$248
Disney Genie+ Add-On: $30 per day, per ticket when purchased in advance. Demand-based pricing applies to same-day purchases, starting at $30 per ticket.
Check the Disneyland website to see what type of ticket you need for the day you plan to visit. Seasonal pricing applies only to one-day tickets.
Two Day Tickets
Two-Day, One-Park per Day Ticket – regularly $310/$290
Two-Day Park Hopper – regularly $375/$350
Disney Genie+ Add-On – $30 per day, per ticket
Advance purchase Two-Day tickets – check for current discounts and promotions from Get Away Today
Three Day Tickets
Three-Day, One-Park per Day Ticket – regularly $390/$365
Three-Day Park Hopper – regularly $460/$435
Disney Genie+ Add-On – $30 per day, per ticket
Advance purchase Three-Day tickets – check for current discounts and promotions from Get Away Today
Four Day Tickets
Four-Day, One-Park per Day Ticket – regularly $445/$420
Four-Day Park Hopper – regularly $515/$490
Disney Genie+ Add-On – $30 per day, per ticket
Advance purchase Four-Day tickets – check for current discounts and promotions from Get Away Today.
Five Day Tickets
Five-Day, One-Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $480/$450
Five-Day Park Hopper – Regularly $555/$525
Disney Genie+ Add-On – $30 per day, per ticket
Advance purchase Five-Day tickets – check for current discounts and promotions from Get Away Today.
Six Day (or more) Tickets
No longer offered by Disneyland for domestic customers. Some travel providers may offer tickets for 6 days or longer as part of a package to international customers; residents of Canada, Australia/New Zealand, or the U.K. should check with local travel agencies to see what options may be available.
Disneyland Magic Keys
Inspire Key [Renewals only; not currently available for new purchases] – $1,649
Details
Blocked out December 21 to January 1 each year.
Can hold 6 reservations at a time
Can make reservations 90 days in advance
20% merchandise discount
15% food & beverage discount
Parking included (excludes blockout dates)
Unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads
20% off Disney Genie+ service
Believe Key [Renewals only; not currently available for new purchases] – $1,249
Details
~ 48 blockout dates per year
Can hold 6 reservations at a time
Can make reservations 90 days in advance
10% merchandise discount
10% food & beverage discount
50% parking discount
Unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads
20% off Disney Genie+ service
Enchant Key [Renewals only; not currently available for new purchases] – Price: $849
Details
~ 150 blockout dates per year
Can hold 4 reservations at a time
Can make reservations 90 days in advance
10% merchandise discount
10% food & beverage discount
25% parking discount in Toy Story lots
20% off Disney Genie+ service
Imagine Key [Renewals only; not currently available for new purchases] – Exclusive to Southern California Residents – $499
Details
~ 235 blockout dates
Can hold 2 reservations at a time
Can make reservations 90 days in advance
10% merchandise discount
10% food & beverage discount
25% parking discount in Toy Story lots
20% off Disney Genie+ service
A monthly payment plan is available to California residents, after a $184 down payment.
Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them.
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Additional Discounts
Did we miss an offer? If you know of an authorized discount on Disneyland Resort tickets, standing offers for Annual Passholders from non-Disney vendors, or other promotions which might interest our readers, please drop us a note!
Just click the category you want to expand (or close).
Everyone
Holiday 2023 Hotel Offer: Save up to 15% on select stays at select Disneyland Resort hotels from October 22 through December 21, 2023, when you book by December 11, 2023.
Save up to 15% off select stays. Valid Sunday to Thursday nights from October 22 through December 21, 2023; travel must be completed by December 22, 2023.
Disneyland Hotel
Save up to 15% off select stays. Valid Sunday to Thursday nights from October 22 through December 21, 2023; travel must be completed by December 22, 2023.
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel
No discount offered
You can book through the links above, or contact MousePlanet's travel partner Get Away Today and let them find the best deal for you. Get Away Today or call 1-855-GET-AWAY, and be sure to mention you saw them on MousePlanet.
Purchase with purchase offers – Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced-price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. These are offered at Disney-operated stores only, and selection may vary by location.
Disney usually allows customers to purchase more than one of the offers in a qualifying transaction, so if you spend $40 or more you can buy both items currently available if you wish. If you're a passholder, the minimum purchase is calculated after your discount, and your discount does not apply to the promotional item.
Magic Key Holders
Magic Key Holders receive discounts on food and merchandise at participating locations, based on Magic Key type. Visit the Magic Key Discounts website for current details.
Contact MousePlanet's travel partner Get Away Today and let them find the best deal for you. Get Away Today or call 1-855-GET-AWAY, and be sure to mention you saw them on MousePlanet.
Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders
Contact MousePlanet's travel partner Get Away Today and let them find the best deal for you. Get Away Today or call 1-855-GET-AWAY, and be sure to mention you saw them on MousePlanet.
Disney Magic Shot at Disney California Adventure – cardholders have access to a private photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, where a Disney character will be digitally added to your photo. The location is open daily from 10:30am – 1:30pm., and is adjacent to the Monsters, Inc. attraction in Hollywood Land. Members receive one free image download per visit.
Star Wars Magic Shot at Disneyland – cardholders have access to a private photo opportunity outside of the Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland, across from Autopia.
This is open daily from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Members receive one free image download per visit, and Star Wars character will be digitally added to your photo.
Disneyland Resort merchandise – cardholders also receive 10% off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney-operated retail stores.
Disneyland Resort dining – 10% off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (River Belle Terrace, French Market, Cocina Cucamonga, Wine Country Trattoria (lunch), Paradise Garden Grill, and Storyteller's Café (lunch).
Downtown Disney District dining and merchandise – 10% off at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (maximum discount of $40, excludes alcohol), Wetzel's Pretzels, and Alamo Rent a Car.
Disneyland Resort Guided Tours – 15% off the "Welcome to Disneyland," "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps," "Discover the Magic," and "Cultivating the Magic" guided tours.
Southern California Residents
None currently offered
Disney Vacation Club Members
None currently available
If you know of an offer that you think most Members don't know about, please drop us an email with the details.
Service Members
Disneyland Resort Military Discounts
2023 Ticket discounts
Through December 15, 2023, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
3-Day Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket: $245
3-Day Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket with Disney Genie+ Service: $320
4-Day Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket: $280
4-Day Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket with Disney Genie+ Service: $380
Disneyland tickets may be used January 9 through December 16, 2023, excluding the spring break blockout of April 2–15, 2023.
Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 16, 2023.
Military discounts are valid for stays most nights from January 9 through December 15, 2023. You can book now through December 11, 2023, and travel must be completed by December 16, 2023.
Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call (844) 776-0015 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. In past years, the offer was generally 30% to 40% off, based on room category.
Unlike the Walt Disney World version, the Disneyland offer allows the eligible service member to book up to two rooms, and allows their spouse (with valid and proper ID) to qualify in the absence of the service member, provided the spouse stays in one of the rooms booked.
Hotel & Travel Packages
Contact MousePlanet's travel partner Get Away Today and let them find the best deal for you. Get Away Today or call 1-855-GET-AWAY, and be sure to mention you saw them on MousePlanet.
Costco Travel Packages – many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.
Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – these package includes accommodations in one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels, along with theme park admission. The packages also come with a variety of extra inclusions and bonuses, usually a souvenir pin and lanyard, and discount coupons for various Downtown Disney merchants.
Contact Disney Travel at (714) 520-5050, book on line. through the Disneyland website, or call your favorite travel agent to inquire about these packages.
If you can't see the categories, please let us know!
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