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News and Views
A Little Bit Distracted
With most of the MousePlanet staff focused on Sunday's MouseAdventure event, we didn't have time to gather together everything that otherwise might have ended up in this week's Park Update. Expect a normal Park Update next Monday.
Disney War Presentation
Those in the Los Angeles area may be interested in a presentation by Disney War author James B. Stewart. On March 16 at 7 p.m. Stewart is speaking at the Music Center's Mark Taper Auditorium. Admission is free, although seating is limited and reservations are recommended. For information or tickets, call (213) 228-7025 or visit the Los Angeles Public Library page for this event (link).
Construction update
Things are starting to quickly come out from behind construction walls:
- The building itself it yet not open, but the construction wall at Plaza Pavilion is down and the ouside seating area is completely available. The lemonade cart that was recently removed from the Corn Dog Wagon at the end of Main Street has reappeared in the back corner while the piano at Refreshment (Coke) Corner has been given a more visible location with plenty of room for everyone to gather around. Several pin carts are also in the area.
Plaza Pavilion is available for seating again. Photo by Alex Stroup.
The frozen lemonade stand is now much more out of the way. Photo by Alex
Stroup.
The piano has a much more prominent location. Photo by Alex Stroup.
- The pipe and surface work next to Matterhorn has all the appearances of being complete. Expect that walkway to reopen soon. This path into Tomorrowland may gain some popularity during times when stroller parking and overflow lines at the newly opened Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters attraction are causing bottlenecks at the main entrance to Tomorrowland.
- Visitors can get small peeks past the Jungle Cruise's construction wall to see the river drained though nothing much of what is being done can be seen.
- Most exciting for park guests last weekend was the return of the Enchanted Tiki Room. The exterior waiting area looks absolutely fabulous with all the new thatching and fresh paint. New tiki torches that have been added to the roof of the juice bar are very dramatic and should help draw guests to the attraction. New benches are available for seating and provide a view of a refreshed Dole movie that is now sharp and easy to watch. Inside, the show is identical, although everything is wonderfully clean and, more importantly, everything that is supposed to move does. As an indication of just how labor-intensive the maintenance on this attraction must be, on Saturday evening, one of the more prominent singing flowers had already stopped working. Though it was not open over the weekend, all appearances are that the Dole Juice Bar should be open sooncast members could be seen bringing in napkins and other supplies.
The waiting area for the Enchanted Tiki Room looks great. Photo by Alex
Stroup.
The Enchanted Tiki Room has gotten a coat of fresh paint for everything,
and all the effects work well. Photo by Alex Stroup.
Every bird, flower, and tiki gets to participate again. Photo by Alex
Stroup.
- Aladdin's Oasis remains shuttered, though all equipment has been moved out of the outside waiting area and painters could be seen working in that area.
- The paint job on the Mark Twain Riverboat is quickly advancing and reaction is mixed on just how much of the boat appears to be getting the gold treatment. The entire skirt, all handrails, and all decorative elements look to be getting the new paint. It shouldn't be long, though, before we can see it in full and judge whether they went too far.
- Over in Disney's California Adventure park, Disney Playhouse has opened with its new JoJo section.
State of the Resort
In all our preparation for Sunday's MouseAdventure event, we forgot to include the following in last week's Park Update. Since it was added later, we're rerunning it for anybody who may have missed it.
Disneyland Resort President Matt Ouimet gave a State of the Resort presentation to Anaheim politcal and business leaders the week before last. Among the big three points in that presenation, the lesser two were that Disney contributed more than $10 million to local causes in 2004 and that the resort generates $3.6 billion in third -party economic impact to the region and supoprts more than 65,000 jobs.
The big announcement (at least for those not in the room) made it official that Space Mountain is ahead of schedule and will be opening sooner than the announced November date. Much sooner, on July 15 just in time for the 50th anniversary. Here is the full text of the press release following the announcement.
As the countdown begins to May 5, 2005, and the launch of the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, the Happiest Homecoming on Earth, another countdown is now underway in Tomorrowland for the re-launch of Space Mountain. The anticipation has begun as one of the most popular adventures at Disneyland gets ready to blast-off into a new era of thrills!
Were very happy to announce that Space Mountain will re-open on July 15 as one of the many celebratory festivities leading to our actual 50th anniversary on July 17, said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort, during a State of the Resort presentation today for local government and business leaders. Guests will find the classic elements they love, combined with new technology and special effects that make the experience even more of a 'wow!"
Space Mountain, the high-speed interstellar adventure that has captivated Disneyland guests since its debut in 1977, re-opens following nearly two years of enhancements and improvements. As the signature attraction of Tomorrowland, Space Mountain will once again beckon guests to its gleaming white spires and ominous slopes to experience anew the intergalactic adventure inside.
The attraction will return to its regular flight schedule with enhanced narrative elements and state-of-the-art special effects within the attraction and queue area, while retaining its essential theme and flight path through the dark reaches of outer space.
Ardent Space Mountain fans will find the attraction sporting a new generation of special effects, new rocket vehicles and a brand-new, custom soundtrack. Through an all-new queue and hi-tech launch port inspired by todays era of space exploration (Mars Rover, Hubble telescope, etc.), guests will feel as if they have a first-hand look into the cosmos.
After boarding their rockets, guests will be wowed by a feeling of disorientation in the launch tunnel, hurling them towards a close encounter with a large meteorite. Following an exhilarating race through space, the experience will culminate with a new finale featuring a longer re-entry tunnel filled with spectacular lighting effects.
The initial concept for Space Mountain originated with Walt Disney himself back in the mid-1960s, when it was known simply as Space Port and destined to become an addition to Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The concept became a reality in 1975 when, after more than a decade of planning, the first incarnation of Space Mountain actually premiered in the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Space Mountain had its southern California premiere at Disneyland two years later on May 27, 1977. The U.S. Mercury Astronauts, Americas first men in space, were on hand for the grand opening ceremonies and to christen the 118 foot tall mountain.
The re-launch of Space Mountain joins an incredible array of new and exciting adventures, attractions and spectacular entertainment premiering at Disneyland during its Happiest Homecoming on Earth 50th anniversary celebration, launching May 5, 2005. Other highlights include the fun-filled and interactive Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland, the spectacle of Walt Disneys Parade of Dreams, Remember . . . Dreams Come True, (the biggest fireworks spectacular in Disneyland history), the engaging retrospective Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years and the energetic Block Party Bash at Disneys California Adventure.
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. E-mail us here.
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
Note: Disneyland is progressively refurbishing more and more attractions as the park readies for its 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.
- Aladdin's Oasis originally scheduled to open March 13
- Disneyland Railroad opens March 18
- Mark Twain Riverboat opens March 18
- Splash Mountain opens March 18
- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride opens March 18
- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opens April 16 with installation the 50th Anniversary exhibit in the Main Street Opera House
- Disney Gallery closed March 28 May 4
- Honey I Shrunk the Audience closed April 48
- Disneyland Railroad Tomorrowland station opens May 3
- Jungle Cruise opens May 4
- Casey Jr. Circus Trains closed April 4 May 3
- Storybook Land Canal Boats closed April 4 May 4
- Space Mountain opens July 16
- Haunted Mansion closed September 629 to install Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay; closed Jan. 925, 2006 to remove overlay
Disney's California Adventure
- It's Tough to be a Bug! closed April 4 May 4
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
March
- Magic Mirror event Merchandise event at Downtown Disney's World of Disney March 1820 (link).
- Olszewski event Merchandise event Saturday, March 26 (link).
April
- Swarovski Sunrise Breakfast merchandise event Saturday, April 9 at Grand California Hotel. Release of six new Disney crystal figurines froms Swarovski. $95/person or $430 with hotel stay. Registration now open (link).
May
- 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 Summer Pin Festival. June 24 Aug. 15 at the Disneyland Resort. No details have been announced (link).
July
- Disneyland 50th Anniversary special event. July 15 - 17. No details have been announced, but Disney is taking an interest list (link) for those who want to receive e-mail updates about the event.
- July 2005 NFFC convention. July 913. The Show and Sale is scheduled for July 10.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For convenience sake, 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 which works best for you. And keep those tips coming - let us know if you find a better / different offer, so we can share it with other readers!
One Day |
No discounts offered to the general public for single-day admission. You might find discounted tickets, starting at around $41 for ages 10 and up, through your employer, student organization or professional association. Check with your group activity office or human resources department. |
Two Days |
Southern California 2Fer Ticket ($53/$43) through April 28, 2005 The spring resident salute discount is a 2Fer ticket, with one admission to Disneyland and one admission to Disney's California Adventure on two different days. Purchase the ticket card in advance at Southern California-area Vons and Pavillions grocery stores (or at the Disneyland Web site), scanned and activated at the time of purchase. Walk up to the main entrance, present the ticket card and proof of Southern California residency to gain admission. Tickets: $53 for ages 10 and older, $43 for ages 3 to 9. You must use the second admission within 30 days of the first admission, or by April 28, 2005, whichever comes first. According to the official promotion details, Southern California residents can buy up to eight 2Fer tickets per day, but each member of your party must be able to provide proof of Southern California (zip codes 90000 through 93599) or Baja California (ZIP codes 21000 through 22999) residency to use the tickets. Reader James tells us that he purchased these tickets at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, and was allowed to purchase the tickets for his out-of-state relatives. He says his relatives were never asked for proof of residency. |
Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper at 1-Day Park Hopper Price through April 28, 2005 Residents of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico, can purchase a standard 2-Day Park Hopper pass for the price of a 1-Day Park Hopper. It appears this offer is available only online at Disney's Web site (you need to enter an eligible ZIP code). Tickets: $73 for ages 10 and older, $63 for ages 3 to 9. You must use the second day of admission within 30 days of the first admission, or by April 28, 2005, whichever comes first. According to the official promotion details, Southern California residents can buy up to eight passes per day, but on only two days in any seven day period. Expect each member of your party must be able to provide proof of Southern California (zip codes 90000 through 93599) or Baja California (zip codes 21000 through 22999) residency when presenting the tickets at the main entrance. |
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Good Neighbor Hotel Park Hopper Plus tickets ($105/$85) through April 28, 2005 Disneyland resort Good Neighbor hotels can offer a 2-Day Park Hopper Plus ticket at $105 for ages 10 and up, or $85 for ages 3 to 9. No advance purchase is required, and some hotels may even sell them to visitors who are not staying at that property. These tickets are valid through April 28. 2005. |
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AAA Flex Passport ($98/$78) Some AAA offices offer a 2-day Flex Passport at $98 for ages 10 and up, or $78 for ages 3-9. This ticket does not require a hotel or package purchasecheck with your local office to see if the ticket is available in your area. A reader let us know that AAA offices in Oregon and Idaho do not offer the 2-day version of this ticket, but instead offer a 3-day pass. |
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Three Days |
AAA Flex Passport ($129/$99) Some AAA offices offer a 3-day Flex Passport at $129 for ages 10 and up, or $99 for ages 3-9. This ticket does not require a hotel or package purchase - check with your local office to see if the ticket is available in your area. |
Good Neighbor Hotel Park Hopper Plus tickets ($114/$114) through April 28, 2005 Disneyland resort Good Neighbor hotels can offer a 3-Day Park Hopper Plus ticket for $114, ages 3 and up. (Adults and children pay the same price) No advance purchase is required, and some hotels may even sell them to visitors who are not staying at that property. These tickets are valid through April 28, 2005. |
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City Pass ($172/$129) through March 31, 2005 The CityPass includes a three-day Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket, one-day admission to Knott's Berry Farm, one-day admission to SeaWorld in San Diego, and one-day admission to either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Wild Animal Park. The CityPass is $172 for ages 10 and up, and $129 for ages 3-9, and expires 14 days after first use or April 1, whichever comes first. You can buy CityPass at the Disneyland Web site, at the Disneyland Resort, at the other theme parks included in the pass, or directly from the CityPass Web site (link). |
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City Pass ($185/$127) effective April 1, 2005 Starting April 1, 2005, the cost of a CityPass increases to $185 for ages 10 and up, but decrease to $127 for ages 3-9. The pass also comes with one early admission into Disneyland. The CityPass still expires 14 days after first use. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site, at the Disneyland Resort, at the other theme parks included in the pass, or directly from the CityPass Web site (link). |
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Costco City Pass promotion ($149.99/$114.99) through March 31, 2005 Costco is offering the Southern California CityPass for $149.99 for adults, and $114.99 for children ages 3 to 9. You must use the first admission by March 31, 2005, and the pass expires 13 days after the first admission is used. Available at Southern California Costco stores or at the Costco Web site (link). Non-Costco members can buy the tickets via the Web site with a 5% surcharge. A shipping fee applies to Internet orders. |
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3-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($109/$109) ($139/$109) The park hopper bonus tickets currently include one early entry admission to Fantasyland and a $10 ESPN Zone game card. If the Disneyland resort portion of your trip concludes by May 11, 2005, you can take advantage of the Adults Play for the Kids' Price special. Through this advance purchase offer, 3-day park hopper tickets for ages 3 and up are $109, a savings of $20-50 off the main gate price. Expires 13 days after first use or May 11, 2005, whichever comes first. If you plan to visit the Disneyland resort after April 28, take advantage of the Advance Purchase discount to save $20 per ticket, as detailed above. Expires 13 days after first use or January 15, 2006, whichever comes first. Both offers are available at the Disneyland Web site (link), some Southern California AAA offices, some Disney Stores, or your travel agent. Must be purchased in advance, and are not available at the Disneyland resort ticket booths. Several readers wrote to tell us that the Safeway stores in Central and Northern California, and Vons stores in Las Vegas, are also offering the 3-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets. Check with your local Safeway store for details, as the dates and benefits may differ. |
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Four Days |
Costco Play 4 Days ticket ($89/$89) Costco offers a discounted 4-day Disneyland Resort ticket at $89 per person, ages 3 and up for Southern California Costco members (zip codes 90000-93599). Not a park hopper; each day is valid for either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure admission. Unlike the CityPass, you must buy these tickets in person at Costco. You get a voucher to exchange at a Disneyland Resort ticket booth for a valid pass. Proof of local residency is required to exchange the tickets, with a limit of 5 tickets per day. Tickets are non-transferable. The ticket is valid through June 23, 2005, or until the fourth admission is used. The ticket is not valid March 19 April 2, 2005. |
Good Neighbor Hotel Park Hopper Plus tickets ($134/$134) through April 28, 2005 Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor hotels can offer a 4-Day Park Hopper Plus ticket for $134, ages 3 and up (Adults and children pay the same price). No advance purchase is required, and some hotels may even sell them to visitors who are not staying at that property. Valid through April 28, 2005. |
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4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($129/$129) ($159/$129) The park hopper bonus tickets currently include one early entry admission to Fantasyland, and a $10 ESPN Zone game card. If the Disneyland resort portion of your trip concludes by May 11, 2005, take advantage of the Adults Play for the Kids' Price special. Through this advance purchase offer, 4-day park hopper tickets for ages 3 and up are $129, a savings of $30-60 off the main gate price. These tickets expire 13 days after first use or May 11, 2005, whichever comes first. If you plan to visit the Disneyland Resort after April 28, you can still take advantage of the Advance Purchase discount and save $30 per ticket, as detailed above. These tickets expire 13 days after first use or January 15, 2006, whichever comes first. Both of these ticket offers are available through the Disneyland Web site (link), through some Southern California AAA offices, through some Disney Stores, or through your travel agent. You must buy these tickets in advance; they are not available at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. |
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Five Days |
Disney's AAA Passport Plus Package 2005 ($169/$139) The 5-day Passport Plus park hopper ticket is $169 for ages 10 and up, and $139 for ages 3-9. This package includes:
An additional handling fee of $10 is charged per mailing address. These tickets are available to AAA members only when purchased through participating AAA offices. Several readers report that their local AAA offices do not offer this ticket, or that the benefits differ. You may remember that this also happened with the 2004 version of this package. MousePlanet has contacted AAA offices around the country and encountered the same problem. If your local AAA office does not offer the ticket, check with another AAA office in your area. The decision to offer this ticket seems to depend on which regional AAA club you belong to, and in some cases rest with the office manager at each location. The Auto Club of Southern California (ACSC) is not participating in this offer, and AAA Oregon/Idaho offers the 5-day tickets. Some readers have also been told that the California Diamond Fun Book is no longer available. |
5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($139/$139) ($169/$139) The park hopper bonus tickets currently include one early entry admission to Fantasyland, and a $10 ESPN Zone game card. If the Disneyland Resort portion of your trip concludes by May 11, 2005, take advantage of the Adults Play for the Kids' Price special. Through this advance purchase offer, 5-day park hopper tickets for ages 3 and up are $139, a savings of $40-70 off the main gate price. These tickets expire 13 days after first use or May 11, 2005, whichever comes first. If you plan to visit the Disneyland Resort after April 28, take advantage of the Advance Purchase discount and save $40 per ticket, as detailed in above. These tickets expire 13 days after first use or January 15, 2006, whichever comes first. Both of these ticket offers are available through the Disneyland Web site (link), through some Southern California AAA offices, through some Disney Stores, or through your travel agent. These tickets must be purchased in advance, and are not available at the Disneyland resort ticket booths. |
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Alaska Airlines Kids Fly Free promotion through April 28, 2005 If you have to fly to Southern California, Alaska Airlines has a package that includes either a free 5-day park hopper with each paid adult ticket, or an adult 5-day park hopper for the children's price. You must book packages by March 21, and like most current promotions, travel must be completed by April 28. Visit the Alaska Airlines Web site (link) for more details. |
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Six or Seven Days |
Disney's AAA Passport Plus Package 2005 The Parkhopper Plus package may be available in 6- or 7- day increments at participating AAA offices. Check with your local AAA office for availability and pricing:
An additional handling fee of $10 is charged per mailing address. These tickets are available to AAA members only when purchased through AAA offices. Several readers report that their local AAA offices do not offer this ticket, or that the benefits differ. You may remember that this also happened with the 2004 version of this package. MousePlanet has contacted AAA offices around the country, and encountered the same problem. If your local AAA office does not offer the ticket, check with another AAA office in your area. The decision to offer this ticket seems to depend on which regional AAA club you belong to, and in some cases rests with the office manager at each location. The Auto Club of Southern California (ACSC) is not participating in this offer, and AAA Oregon/Idaho offers the 5-day tickets. Some readers have also been told that the California Diamond Fun Book is no longer available. |
Special thanks to MousePlanet reader David Michael for some of this information. |
Alaska Airlines Kids Fly Free promotion returns
Alaska Airlines is repeating the popular Kids Fly Free promotion for travel to the Disneyland Resort, and is offering park ticket and hotel discounts as well.
If you book an Alaska Airlines Southern California Vacations package for travel through June 29, one child (age 2-11) can fly free with each paid adult ticket. The package also includes four nights at the Holiday Inn Buena Park and airport transfers via Karmel Shuttle (children 2-11 are free). The packages, including airfare and hotel, start at $429 per person.
Even better, if you travel through April 28, you also receive a free child's 5-day Disneyland Resort park hopper for each paid adult. If you are traveling without children, you can instead purchase the adult 5-day park hopper ticket at the children's price. Be aware, however, that Disneyland considers 11-year-olds to be adults for the purpose of admission pricing.
If Buena Park is too far away from Disneyland for you, you can upgrade to a Disneyland Resort hotel and receive up to $200 Disney Dollars with a stay of four nights or more before April 24, 2005.
Finally, if you book the package through alaskaair.com, you get 1500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Bonus Miles per passenger. For more information, visit the Alaska Airlines Web site (link). You must book packages by March 21, 2005.
50th Anniversary Package, revised
The Happiest Homecomings on Earth package has been revised for the new year. The previous promotion was good only for three-night stays at the Disneyland Resort hotels; the new offer is valid on longer stays and includes Good Neighbor Hotels as well.
Instead of the 50th anniversary commemorative clock and Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, the new packages include all the following:
- Enchanting commemorative certificate (one per package)
- Park Hopper bonus ticket, which includes one early entry into Fantasyland and a $10 ESPN Zone game card. (Park hopper tickets can be upgraded to an annual pass for an extra fee)
- Preferred seating to select shows at Disney's California Adventure
- Entry into Mickey's Toontown Madness
- Walt Disney Travel Co. lanyard and pin (one per person)
- Walt Disney Travel Co. luggage tag
- Walt Disney Travel Co. fun book (one per package)
The Happiest Homecoming on Earth package is available for arrival dates through December 31, 2005. The package can be booked through the Disneyland Web site (link), or by calling (714) 520-5060.
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
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3/14 | 3/15 | 3/16 | 3/17 | 3/18 | 3/19 | |
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DL: 9a10p |
DL: 9a10p |
DL: 9a10p |
DL: 9a10p |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 8aMid |
3/20 | 3/21 | 3/22 | 3/23 | 3/24 | 3/25 | 3/26 |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 9a10p |
DL: 9a10p |
DL: 9a10p |
DL: 9a10p |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 8aMid |
3/27 | 3/28 | 3/29 | 3/30 | 3/31 | 4/1 | 4/2 |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 8aMid |
DL: 8aMid |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates 2005 page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland.com here.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.
 
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