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News and Views
Indy scare
David Koenig reports that waits have been longer than usual on the Indiana Jones Adventure due to its temporarily diminished capacity. An Indy cast member explains, “This spring break has proven to be a difficult one for our attraction because we are constantly operating at 11 to 12 vehicles, rather than 15 as we are capable of having. There have been various issues with the vehicles that we are unable to use. Facilities seems to be content with us staying '105' all day long, but it makes for long lines that really are unnecessary. So much for a rehab, right?”
Worse, on Friday, March 25 the entire attraction was shut down for about two hours due to a mysterious guest attack. At approximately 3:45p.m., a passenger exiting his jeep approached a ride operator and complained that during the ride he had been stabbed in the back of the head. The 39–year–old guest from the San Fernando Valley was holding the weapon, which cast members claim was a syringe.
“The ride was immediately evacuated, and the in–park Anaheim P.D. was called, along with paramedics and every suit that was in the park that day,” an employee reported.
According to Anaheim Sgt. Rick Martinez, the victim “said he was poked in the head behind his left ear by a thin, sharp object. Our officer initially couldn't see anything. There was no blood.”
Nonetheless, the guest was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Orange. According to Martinez, doctors were not able to locate a wound, but admitted that one could be present yet undetectable if it were under the hairline.
Police took the object, inspected the vehicle, and interviewed the victim and the riders seated next to and behind him. Curiously, the man was sitting in a middle seat in the middle row and, except for the women seated directly in front of him, the other passengers in the vehicle were all friends or family members. The victim reportedly suspects the object was thrown, although some cast members are skeptical.
The case has been classified as a “guest–on–guest assault.” Yet one week later, the police report had yet to be filed. “We will continue to investigate,” vowed Martinez, cautioning that the case “may be a very difficult one to solve.”
Maybe an unlimited game card?
Marissa Martinez of Fremont, California, surprised everybody at Downtown Disney's ESPN Zone restaurant last Thursday. Caught off guard and feeling she had to use the restroom, Ms. Martinez found herself going through a very quick labor, and Jasmine Martinez was born with the assistance of two other patrons at 4:10 p.m.
Her delivery was so close to the fabled (and mythical) Golden Pass reputed to give lifetime admission to babies born inside Disneyland. No word on whether little Jasmine will be able spend her life playing virtual hockey for free, but the restaurant is sending her a basket of ESPN gear.
A much worse story
The news was much worse last Monday from the corner of Katella Boulevard and Disneyland Drive. A little before 6 p.m., a car drove through the crowded crosswalk without slowing down. The car struck at least six people, all members of the same extended family. One, 7-year-old Kensington Whittaker of Fillmore, California (about 80 miles north of Anaheim), was killed and Zachary, his 6-year-old brother, remains in intensive care though he is expected to recover.
Final reports on the accident have not been released but police and fire investigators have said they believe the pedestrians had the right of way and were crossing with the light. The car was driven by a minor and he has not be cited or charged. Some have speculated that the inexperienced driver may have been blinded by the setting sun.
This incident has sparked discussion on our message board (link) about pedestrian safety when walking to or from Disneyland. It is an issue everybody should keep in mind along with the realization that Disneyland is a major pedestrian attraction surrounded by major thoroughfares.
A sign of progress
The new attraction sign for Space Mountain has gone up in Tomorrowland. Response to the look has been mixed (link), with most just happy to see evidence of progress towards the ride reopening after two years.
The new Space Mountain sign in Tomorrowland. Photo by David Michael.
The same sign at night. Photo by David Michael.
Ears to the ground
…After getting connected into the general Fastpass network and being online for a week or so, the Fastpass dispensers for Star Tours have been turned off again, perhaps for good.
…Some new signs have gone up around the park. In Adventureland a new attempt at crowd control is being attempted with signs asking people to stay to the right. In Splash Mountain, a new “Last Chance to Exit” sign has been added, indicating guests use the single rider line approach to make a last second exit.
A final opportunity to bail in the Splash Mountain queue. Photo by David
Michael.
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.
- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opens April 16 with installation the 50th Anniversary exhibit in the Main Street Opera House
Some of the tarps have come down at the Opera House. Photo by David Michael.
- Space Mountain opens July 16
- Disney Gallery opens May 5
- Honey I Shrunk the Audience closed April 4–8
- Disneyland Railroad Tomorrowland station opens May 3
- Jungle Cruise opens May 5
- Casey Jr. Circus Trains opens May 5
- Storybook Land Canal Boats closed April 4 – May 5
- Haunted Mansion closed September 6–29 to install Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay; closed Jan. 9–25, 2006 to remove overlay
Disney's California Adventure
- It's Tough to be a Bug! opens May 5
- SuperStar Limo building has ongoing construction for an unannounced (Monsters, Inc.) new attraction
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
April
- Swarovski Sunrise Breakfast merchandise event – Saturday, April 9 at Grand California Hotel. Release of six new Disney crystal figurines froms Swarovski. $95 per person or $430, which includes 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
- Robert Olszewski merchandise release. June 18 at Disneyland Park. Two new Main Street pieces in his “Disneyland in Miniature” collection: Main Street Train Station and Main Street Train. Also released will be Dapper Dan and Fab Five character packs.
- 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 9–13. The Show and Sale is scheduled for July 10.
- Robert Olszewski merchandise release. July 16 at Grand Californian Hotel. The first non–Main Street piece in his “Disneyland in Miniature” collection: Mad Tea Party.
September
- Robert Olszewski merchandise release. September 10 at Disneyland Park. Several new pieces in his “Disneyland in Miniature” collection: Disney Showcase/Magic Shop/20th Century Music and Jungle Cruise as well as a pin trading cart and a marching band character pack.
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 (link), 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. |
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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 (link); 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 purchase—check 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. | |
| 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. |
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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 ($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 includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park hopper bonus ticket (includes a $10 ESPN Zone game card and one early admission), one day admission to Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World San Diego, and either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park. 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 ($164.99/$112.99) 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. | |
| 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 participating Costco locations. 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. |
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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. | |
| 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. |
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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 June 29, 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 June 1, and travel must be completed by June 29. Visit the Alaska Airlines Web site (link) for more details. | |
| 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. | |
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.
ESPN Zone MVP Club
If you sign up online for ESPN Zone's MVP Club (link) you can receive a $20 voucher (for food, merchandise, or game cards), a 40-point game card (about $10 worth), and an ESPN Zone mini-cooler. ESPN Club in Orlando is excluded from this offer. You must pick up these items in person, although they do not have to be used as the same store from which you get them. There are some fairly strick requirements for registering and getting your rewards, so make sure you read the details carefully (link).
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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| 4/4 | 4/5 | 4/6 | 4/7 | 4/8 | 4/9 | |
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DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 4/10 | 4/11 | 4/12 | 4/13 | 4/14 | 4/15 | 4/16 |
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DL: 8a–11p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–8p |
DL: 9a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
| 4/17 | 4/18 | 4/19 | 4/20 | 4/21 | 4/22 | 4/23 |
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DL: 8a–11p |
DL: 9a–7p |
DL: 9a–7p |
DL: 9a–7p |
DL: 9a–7p |
DL: 9a–Mid |
DL: 8a–Mid |
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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