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Update for November 26 - December 2, 2007
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Candlelight ticket crunch | More Holiday Magic | Holiday entertainment | Enchanted at the El Capitan | This and That
Candlelight ticket crunch
In 2002, when Disneyland first offered dining package for the annual Candlelight Ceremony and Procession, visitors complained about inconsistent policies at the participating restaurants and confusing seating arrangements at the Fantasyland Theater. When the event returned to Main Street in 2003, the dining package program was still novel enoughand so poorly publicizedthat guests could actually make same-day reservations during Candlelight weekend.
MousePlanet readers and staff alike were taken by surprise when the Disney Dine Line began accepting reservations for a 2004 Candlelight dining package three weeks before the event, as a Disney food-service manager had previously told us that Disney would not offer a dining package due to the lackluster sales the prior year. That event sold out in a matter of days, as did the 2005 event, though readers complained that they had to wait on hold for as much as an hour to make their reservations.
In 2006, Disney moved to an online registration system for the Candlelight Dining Package, which was expected to eliminate the endless busy signals and long hold times. They even publicized in advance the date on which tickets would go on sale, a frequent complaint from prior years. Though they forgot to share what time registration would begin, demand for the tickets caused the Disney server to crash shortly after reservations finally opened. Disney was forced to halt new registrations for three days until they could manually complete the registrations that had already been placed, and the event sold out shortly after reservations resumed.
Many readers tried in vain to purchase Candlelight tickets, but could not
advance past this message screen. Image by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
When Disney announced details of the 2007 Candlelight Dining Package, it looked like more of the complaints from previous years had been addressed. Package details were officially announced three weeks before reservations opened, including on-sale dates and times. While not announced to the public, word had already leaked out that Candlelight cast members had been told that Jane Seymour would narrate the event, which meant that many visitors knew who the narrator was before they made reservations. The biggest concern was that reservations would once again be accepted only via the Disney Web site, with many fearing a repeat of last year's server crash. Those fears were realized when the server crashed just 10 minutes after registration opened to the public last Monday morning. It appeared to be down for about 15 minutes, during which a variety of error messages were displayed. Sold-out messages began appearing next to the most popular seatings after about 40 minutes, and the entire event was sold out just 90 minutes after registration opened.
While many MousePlanet readers reported that they had been able to complete their registrations, others were not so lucky. Several spent more than an hour in front of their computers, but could bring up nothing but an error message advising them to try again later. A few got all the way through the payment screen, only to find that they tickets they had placed in their shopping cart were no longer available after they had entered their credit card information. Others just decided to skip the hassle altogether, and hope to find a good spot along the sidelines from which to watch the show.
It's hard to figure out how to "fix" Candlelight. The event obviously has a huge following, so much so that thousands of people are willing to shell out between $75 and $125 per person to reserve a seat; even when it means sitting down to "dinner" before the sun even sets. It would be difficult to expand the seating area in the already-cramped venue, and the alternativesmoving the event back to the Fantasyland Theater, or over to Disney's California Adventurewould likely create howls of protest from Candlelight purists. Disneyland could host the event on multiple weekends, but that would mean leaving the bulky Candlelight stage in place just as Disneyland enters the busy holiday season.
Whatever Disney decides to do with the event itself, there is clearly room for improvement in the registration process. Candlelight is no longer a locals-only event, and many visitors travel to Disneyland just to attend the event. These visitors want the event date to be confirmed far enough in advance that they can book their travel without paying a premium for last-minute reservations, and they want to be able to book their Candlelight dining package more than two weeks before the event so they can make alternate arrangements in the event that they cannot obtain tickets. Fortunately Disney's computer network administrators were able to get the reservation system up and running again fairly quickly after this year's crash, but the fact that there was another crash at all points to a larger problem.
In the end, those who did not end up with tickets this year may find themselves grateful after allWeather.com forcasts an 20 percent chance of rain both Saturday and Sunday.
More holiday magic
Today's update includes holiday photos from Disney's California Adventure park and Disneyland, as well as a brief listing of the holiday treats and entertainment available in both parks. Click on any photo to see a larger version.
The CALIFORNIA letters in front of DCA are once again decorated with candy
cane stripes and larger-than-life characters. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Santa's Reindeer Roundup
Santa has returned to Disneyland, transforming Big Thunder Ranch into Santa's Reindeer Roundup. Comet's Crafts offers coloring activities for younger visitors, while Mrs. Claus' Cookie Kitchen allows kids of all ages to decorate their own holiday cookie. Each cookie kit is $6 and comes with a plain cookie in your choice of snowman, gingerbread man or Christmas tree styles, along with icing and sprinkles to create your own masterpiece. Mrs. Claus is on hand to supervise and offer decorating tips if you need some creative inspiration.
A variety of live entertainment is available throughout the day at Santa's
Reindeer Roundup. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Santa's Reindeer Roundup is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Santa makes "surprise visits" to the nearby cottage between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day. A herd of reindeer are on exhibit, but you will not be able to get near enough to pet them. There is a Christmas tree lighting staring "Pluto the Reindog" shortly after dusk each night, and Disney characters make random appearances throughout the day to sign autographs.
Mrs. Claus' Cookie Kitchen offers visitors the chance to decorate their
own cookies. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Santa's reindeer settle down to dinner at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Santa's Beach Bash and Disney's California Adventure
Santa's Beach Bash appears to be unchanged from prior years. A Hawaiian shirt-clad Santa is on hand throughout the day to greet children, and the Disney characters rotate through the area to sign autographs and pose for photos. While there, visitors can decorate a giant "snowman" made of sand; compete in a hula-hoop contest and demonstrate their drum skills to accompany the live band in a rendition of the Beach Boy's Wipeout. Santa's Beach Bash is open daily from 10 a.m. until park closing or 8 p.m., whichever comes first.
Pluto hangs out at Santa's Beach Bash. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Santa plays air guitar while waiting to greet his fans. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
The DCA Christmas tree looks much the same as last year. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
The decorations are complete outside Flik's Fun Fair. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
With the holiday decorations come the seasonal treats that are only available for a limited time each year. Here is a brief rundown of this year's offerings:
- The seasonal "Yule-Tide" pizza special is chicken alfredo with tomato & basil, and is offered at both Pizza Oom Mow Mow in DCA and Redd Rockett's Pizza Port in Disneyland.
- The turkey leg and chimichanga cart on Main Street features a beef tamale.
- Pepermint stick ice cream, served in dipped waffle cones decorated with crushed candy canes or holiday confetti, is available at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street and Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream in DCA.
- Holiday travel mugs are available throughout the resort, include a free regular coffee or hot chocolate at the time of purchase. Seasonal specialty drinks include pumpkin spice latte, peppermint mocha, hot spiced caramel apple cider, eggnog latte, and eggnog.
The Holiday Brownie Funnel Cake is the signature dessert at Bountiful
Valley Farmer's Market. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
- Most of the buffeteria-style restaurants like the French Market and Plaza Inn added a chocolate hazelnut yule log, pumpkin pie and/or a tres leches cake to their dessert selection.
- Counter-service locations like Stage Door Cafe and Award Wieners feature a holiday brownie or a snowflake crispy treat.
- Bountiful Valley Farmer's Market and Tomorrowland Terrace offer a Holiday Brownie Funnel Cake.
- Disneyland offered this year's first batch of fresh candy canes for sale last Friday, and cast members told guests who arrived after the treats sold out that the line to purchase them stretched from the Candy Palace nearly to the Main Street Fire Station. The first batch of candy canes sold out shortly after the park opened, with a second batch offered around 11:30 a.m. The candy canes will be offered again on December 8, 14 and 22, and there is a limit of 2 per person.
Holiday entertainment
In addition to the big Christmas parade and the wonderful fireworks, there are lots of smaller entertainment offerings that might fly under your radarespecially since Disney inexplicably leaves them off the daily entertainment schedule available to guests.
Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle Snowfall
Disneyland began to show the second "act" of the Sleeping Beauty Winter Castle Snowfall this weekend, although the projections onto the Castle are either still not working properly or are far less impressive than rumored (the photo below shows the pattern in use this weekend). Though showtimes will vary based on the day and overall park hours, on days where the fireworks are at 9:25 p.m.expect to see the first "act" at 5:30 p.m. and the second "act" at 7:30 p.m.
A new projection decorates Sleeping Beauty Winter Castle during the Snowfall.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
it's a small world lighting ceremony.
The holiday lights decorating the exterior of "it's a small world" turn on for the first time at 4:57 p.m. The lights are briefly dimmed and then re-lit again every 15 minutes, starting at 5:15 p.m. and continuing until park closing, and a brief animation is projected onto the building facade.
Main Street Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
This nightly ceremony takes place near dusk, but after the flag retreat ceremony. (Try to get there around 4:40 p.m.) If you miss that, you can always head back to Santa's Reindeer Roundup, where the tree is lit around 5:05 p.m.
Dapper Dans of Disneyland and the Main Street Carolers.
Disneyland's famous Dapper Dans perform all around Main Street during the day and into early evening. Their holiday routine includes lots of seasonal favorites. On weekends, the Main Street Carolers sing traditional carols.
Main Street Carolers perform outside the China Closet. Photo by Adrienne
Vincent-Phoenix.
"Holiday Time at Disneyland" tour
A tour guide looks on as holiday tour participants sample seasonal treats
at the Candy Palace. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disneyland's holiday tour has received mixed reviews from MousePlanet readers this year, and most agree that the tour guide can make or break the experience. According to the Disneyland Web site, participants "discover the holiday history of Disneyland Park, from the early days of Walt Disney to today," and "learn about holiday legends and customs of cultures throughout the world" during the 2.5 hour tour. The tour also includes "express boarding" for the Haunted Mansion Holiday and "it's a small world" Holiday attractions, reserved seating for A Christmas Fantasy parade, a souvenir pin and a snack to enjoy while watching the parade. Some readers reported that they got to stop by the Candy Palace to sample a piece of fudge or holiday candy; another said that their guide led the group in singing Christmas carols during the tour, while still another said that their tour included neither. Several readers complained about the audio quality of the headsets used during the tour. Nearly all who have taken the tour say that the reserved seating for the Christmas Fantasy parade is the highlight of the tour.
The "Holiday Time at Disneyland" tour is offered daily through January 6, 2008. The tour is $59 per person, an Disneyland annual passholders receive a 20% discount through Thursday, November 29. Foreign- and sign-language interpreted tours can be arranged with advance notice. Call 714) 781-4400 to make reservations up to 30 days in advance.
Enchanted at the El Capitan
MousePlanet staff member Lisa Perkis got a chance to catch a screening of Enchanted at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, and shares her notes about the post-movie "Enchanted Experience" offered exclusively at this theater.
Visitors can meet Princess Giselle after screening Enchanted at the
El Capitan Theatre. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
The Enchanted Experience is in a huge tent behind the El Capitan theatre where guests can meet all of the Disney Princesses including Giselle, who is touted as the newest addition to Disneys royal family. In addition to the meet and greet area, there are props, sets, and costumes from the film, including part of the ballroom set seen at the end of the film. A rock climbing wall, bounce house, video arcade, dress-up and make-up booth, and radio controlled car game will keep kids busy for quite a while.
The exhibit includes Queen Narissa's gown, inspired by Sleeping Beauty's
Maleficent. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
Kodak booths scattered around the tent take guests pictures against a green screen and add them digitally to scenes from Enchanted which are then available as free downloads from the internet. Most of the Enchanted Experience activities are aimed at guests ten and under, but fans of Disney animation history will find the displays explaining how the film makers paid homage to past Disney princess films fascinating.
Even little boys had plenty to do in the tent, like scaling this inflated
replica of a New York skyscraper. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
As a side note, the Soda Fountain has come up with a new sundae to coincide with Enchanted: a scoop of strawberry ice cream layered with marshmallow topping, a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry sauce, all crowned with whipped cream, a decorative tiara and pixie dust (sprinkles.)
The Disney Studio Store next to the El Capitan Theatre features a selection
of exclusive Enchanted merchandise, including a 12" plush Pip for $21.
Photo by Lisa Perkis.
Showtimes are 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:40 p.m. Adult admission is $18.00, children 3-11 and seniors over 60 are $16.00, and group rates for 20 or more is $13.00 per person. VIP admission includes popcorn, soda and reserved seat, and is $30.00.
This and That
..Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue closes today for renovation. The attraction is scheduled to reopen February 14, 2008
..The Matterhorn Bobsleds will be closed this Tuesday and Wednesday. This is a recent addition to the refurbishment calendar, and we do not know the reason for the closure.
..Tortilla Jo's in Downtown Disney has introduced a new breakfast menu, which features assorted breakfast burritos and tacos, plus side dishes and beverages. Breakfast is served from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
..You can catch a glimpse of Princess Giselle from the newest Disney film Enchanted about 15 minutes before Disneyland's A Christmas Fantasy parade begins. Giselle travels down the parade route in a horse-drawn carriage similar to the one used in the film.
..The Disneyland Resort has seemingly decided that there can be such a thing as too many pirates. The resort shops are offering 25% off most pirate-theme merchandise, including toys and clothing. There are some restrictions, notably artwork, collectibles and pins.
..The Midway Games are still open, but the construction walls in the area appear to be hurting business at the New Haul Fishery. Several signs now point the way to the hard-to-spot game booth, and promise that "Everyone Wins a Prize."
Signs direct visitors to the Midway Games in DCA. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- River Belle Terrace closed through December 14 for remodel.
- Matterhorn Bobsleds closed November 27 & 28 for unknown reasons.
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor closed January 14 to 18 for refurbishment
- Mark Twain Riverboat closed January 14 to 17 for refurbishment
- Haunted Mansion closed January 7 to 24 to remove the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Jungle Cruise closed January 28 to at least February 28, 2008 for refurbishment.
- "it's a small world" closes January 25 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late October 2008.
Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle twinkles as dusk settles across Disneyland.
Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Disney's California Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue closed November 26, 2007 to February 14, 2008
- Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! closes February 12 for refurbishment.
- Corn Dog Castle closed January 28 to February 1.
- Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.
- Toy Story Mania! under construction. Opens 2008.
Construction continues on Toy Story Midway Mania. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Construction continues on Toy Story Midway Mania. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 7817290.
Events
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
December
- Candlelight Processional Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2. Jane Seymour was announced to the choir as the narrator.
- Jim Shore product release and signing. Saturday, December 1. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Disneyana Shop inside Disneyland park and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney. Note: admission is required to attend the Disneyland signing, but is not required for the Downtown Disney signing.
- Rubik's Cube Demonstration. Saturday, December 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney. (Link)
- Jane Seymour product release and signing. Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m. to noon. Artwork released at this summer's canceled Jane Seymour breakfast event will again be available for purchase. (Link)
- Robert Olszewski Peter Pan's Flight Product Release & Signing. Saturday, December 8. 9 a.m. to Noon at the Disneyana Shop inside Disneyland park. (Link)
- Precious Moments Disney Theme Park Exclusive Product Release. Friday, December 14. These park-exclusive sculptures will also be offered at Walt Disney World, and can be pre-ordered November 6 to December 6 through the Disney Gallery Web site. (Link)
February 2008
- Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland. Friday February 1st, 2008. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families (link).
Spring 2008
- Disney's California Food & Wine Weekends. Spring 2008 (link)
Summer 2008
- Disney Magic returns to Pacific Ocean itineraries. May 25 to August 17, 2008.
- 2008 Disneyland Half Marathon. Sunday, August 31, 2008 (link)
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 cominglet us know if you find a better / 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.
This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks must go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).
One Day, One Park Regularly $66/$56 One Day Park Hopper |
Southern California 1Day Park Hopper Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Southern California AAA offices and Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know. |
|
Two Day Park Hopper |
AOCVCB 2-Day Bonus Ticket ($119/$100) The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $3 (adult) and $2 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10 (link). So if you are ordering more than 10 days in advance and your discount would be less than $10, you'll still come out ahead by ordering at the Disneyland Web site. | |
Three Day Park Hopper |
Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value) Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 "2 Days Free" offer Buy a 3-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 5-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. Southern California CityPass ($235/$189) This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day). It also includes one day admissions to SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood, and either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance). You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass online from Costco at a cost of $209.99/$169.99 (adults/child), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at a Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container which you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco! AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($155/$126) The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $4 (adult) and $3 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10. So if you are ordering more than 10 days in advance and your discount would be less than $10, you'll still come out ahead by ordering at the Disneyland Web site. Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
|
Four Day Park Hopper |
Advance Purchase 4Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($184/$154) A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($184/$154) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 "2 Days Free" offer Buy a 4-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 6-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$145) The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 (adult) and $4 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10 Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link). |
|
Five Day Park Hopper |
Advance Purchase 5Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value). Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) Effective January 3, 2008 2008 "2 Days Free" offer Buy a 5-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 7-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first. AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($183/$154) The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $6 (adult) and $5 (child) and shipping on all orders is $10. |
Hotel / Travel Packages
Costco Travel Packages Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey's Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.
Disney's Good Neighbor Dream Vacation Packages This package is valid for arrivals June 29 - August 30, 2007, and starts at $214 per person. Package includes two nights at a Good Neighbor hotel; Park Hopper ticket (with admission to one Early Entry and/or one Toontown Morning Madness depending on ticket purchased and days visited); preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Jolly Roger Hotel, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available at a higher price) Reservations must be made by August 27, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
Fourth Night Free at Good Neighbor Hotels This package is valid for arrivals September 2 to December 16, 2007, and starts at $257 per person. Package includes hotel accommodations; Park Hopper ticket; admission to one Early Entry and one Toontown Morning Madness; preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Best Western Pavilions, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available at a higher price) Reservations must be made by December 13, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
Fourth Night Free at Disneyland Resort Hotels This package is valid for arrivals August 19 to December 12, 2007, and starts at $345 per person. Package includes hotel accommodating; Park Hopper ticket; admission to one Early Entry and one Toontown Morning Madness; preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Disneyland Hotel, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available.) Reservations must be made by November 12, 2007. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.
2008 "2 Days Free" offer When you buy a 3-, 4- or 5-day Parkhopper ticket, Disney will add two free days. In other words, you'll pay the 3-day rate ($189) and receive a Parkhopper Bonus ticket good for five days. You can maximize your savings by taking advantage of the advance purchase discount, and pay just $169. The Parkhopper Bonus ticket includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first.
Other Discounts
Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure.
Rainforest Cafe Safari Club Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. Additionally, after signing up, your membership card will be mailed to you and be accompanied by a $10 award good for your next visit to a Rainforest Cafe. So if you know you will be eating there while at Disneyland and have a Rainforest Cafe local to you, it may make sense to prejoin the Safari Club so that you can use the award during your trip. See the Rainforest Cafe Web site for details (link).
ESPNZone MVP Club Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within two weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link)
AAA Restaurant Discounts AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria Ariel's Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy's Kitchen.
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
11/26 | 11/27 | 11/28 | 11/29 | 11/30 | 12/1 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DL: 8a8p |
DL: 8a8p |
DL: 8a12a |
DL: 8a8p |
DL: 8a12a |
DL: 8a12a |
|
12/2 | 12/3 | 12/4 | 12/5 | 12/6 | 12/7 | 12/8 |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a9p SL |
DL: 9a6p |
DL: 9a6p |
DL: 10a8a |
DL: 10a8a |
DL: 8a12a |
DL: 8a12a |
12/9 | 12/10 | 12/11 | 12/12 | 12/13 | 12/14 | 12/15 |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a9p SL |
DL: 9a9p |
DL: 9a9p |
DL: 9a9p |
DL: 9a10p |
DL: 8a12a |
DL: 8a12a |
12/16 | 12/17 | 12/18 | 12/19 | 12/20 | 12/21 | 12/22 |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a9p SL |
DL: 9a-11p |
DL: 9a-11p |
DL: 9a-11p |
DL: 8a12a |
DL: 8a12a |
DL: 8a12a |
Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland. As always, specifics are subject to change without notice (or occasionally, without us noticing) so when information conflicts between what is presented here and that presented by Disney, it is best to assume Disney's information is correct.
Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.
 
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