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Update for January 14 - 20, 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Could you be Disney's new CMO? | Greg Emmer announces retirement | Another discount for Southern California residents | New Splash Mountain height restriction | NFFC January event | This and That
Could you be Disney's new CMO?
In a sequel to last year's Disney Dream Jobs contest, Disney and Careerbuilder.com are hosting a search for the first Disney CMO (Chief Magic Official). According to the official Web site (link), the CMO must be available for up to eight personal appearances during a 12-month term, where they "will be tasked with helping create magic for guests, including appearances at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California." Applicants must submit a 60-second creative video resume, and videos from the ten semifinalists will be posted on the contest Web site so the public can vote for their favorite. The three finalists will travel to Walt Disney World "to compete in a variety of dreamy activities," to determine a winner.
Greg Emmer announces retirement
Disneyland announced last week that Senior Vice President of Operations Greg Emmer will retire effective February 8, 2008. Emmer began his Disney career 40 years ago as a ride operator at Disneyland, and went on help open Walt Disney World, where he remained until returning to Disneyland in 2003 with then-president Matt Ouimet. Disney has not named a replacement for Emmer.
Another discount for Southern California residents
As we reported last week, the original Disney announcement for the Southern California 2Fer Ticket promotion did not include any mention of a discounted park hopper ticket, as was offered in 2007. However, when the Disneyland Web site was updated on Monday to list the promotion, the ticket page also listed a "Southern California 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket" for $91 for adults / $81 for ages 3-10. This is $25 more than the 2Fer ticket and allows you to visit both Disneyland and DCA on the same day.
New Splash Mountain height requirement
Several members of our MousePad discussion boards have recently reported a new height requirement at Splash Mountain, and reader "houseofmouse" contacted Disneyland to get the official policy and learned that riders must be at least 60" (5 feet) tall in order to ride in the front seat of the log. Houseofmouse says they were told the new policy was "due to the fact little kids can slip under the front of the log and get injured." Some parents are upset by this policy because it means that a taller person will be in front of their children during the ride, not only blocking their view but making it difficult to see them on the ride photo.
NFFC January event
The National Fantasy Fan Club's Strictly Disneyana Show and Sale is this coming Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Anaheim Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove (with a smaller pin trading event the night before on January 19). The Show and Sale features hundreds of Disneyana dealers, artists and authors - including MousePlanet's own David Koenig. The Show and Sale is open to NFFC members from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., after which the event is open to the general public. Admission is $5 for NFFC members and $6 for the public. A $1 discount coupon is available on the NFFC Web site. Details are available at the club's Web site (link).
This and That
... The new Pixar Play Parade will debut at Disney's California Adventure at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, March 14.
... MousePlanet reader Rosemary wrote to tell us that she purchased a 2008 Southern California CityPass after reading about it on MousePlanet, but did not receive a voucher or information about the Magic Morning / early entry that is supposed to come with the 3-Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket included with the CityPass. We're checking on this offer, and will report back next week.
... The Mad Tea Party attraction closed unexpectedly last week for an unscheduled refurbishment, and is scheduled to reopen this Friday. In another last-minute addition to the refurbishment calendar, Grizzly River Run will be closed Monday through Thursday of this week.
... This week's Park Update is a little brief because Update editor Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix is in Atlanta attending the America's Mart gift show. For those Disneyana collectors out there, Adrienne has detailed all the great new Disney merchandise that will be released in the coming year in her new blog. (link)
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- Haunted Mansion – closed January 7 to 24 to remove the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Mark Twain Riverboat – closed January 14 to 17 for refurbishment
- Mad Tea Party – closed through January 17 for an unscheduled refurbishment.
- Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – closed January 14 to 18 for refurbishment
- "it's a small world" – closes January 22 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late October 2008.
- Jungle Cruise – closed January 28 to March 7 for refurbishment.
Disney's California Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue – closed through February 14, 2008
- Grizzly River Run – closed January 14 to 17 for refurbishment.
- Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! – closed February 12 to March 13 for refurbishment.
- Pizza Oom Mow Mow – closed February 7 to March 13 for refurbishment.
- Corn Dog Castle – closed February 26 to 29.
- Four of the Midway Games on Paradise Pier are open but the rest are closed, with the new Toy Story Mania attraction still under construction and expected to open next summer.
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.
Events
If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.
January 2008
- Annual Passholder Exclusive Artisan Watch release – Friday, January 18. (Link) The new Annual Passholder watch will be available only at New Century Timepieces in Disneyland.
- 101 Dalmatians filmmaker panel hosted by Leonard Maltin – Friday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m at the El Capitan Theatre. You can purchase tickets through the El Capitan Theater Web site (link) or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 (1-800-347-6396).
- National Fantasy Fan Club's January pin trading event – January 19 at the Anaheim Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove. (Link)
- NFFC's annual Strictly Disneyana Show and Sale – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. January 20, 2008, at the Anaheim Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove (link), open to NFFC members from 9:00 a.m., open to the general public from 10:30 a.m. Admission is $5 for NFFC members and $6 for the public. A $1 discount coupon is available on the NFFC Web site. (Link)
- Cast Member Create-A-Pin Contest Winners Pin Release & Signing – Saturday, January 26. (Link) Wristbands will be distributed outside the World of Disney store starting at 8 a.m., pin sales will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the cast members artists will be on hand to sign their creations until 11:30 a.m.
February 2008
- Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland – Friday, February 1. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families (link).
- WDCC "Jailhouse Scene with Dog" Product Release & Signing – Saturday, February 2 (link)
- The Aristocats Special Edition DVD release – Tuesday, February 5. (link) The DVD will be offered at $19.99 through March 3, 2008.
- Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night – Friday, February 8
at the Paradise Pier hotel ballroom. (Link)
- Disneyland Martial Arts Festival – Saturday, February 16 (link)
- Peter Pan 55th Anniversary product release and signing – Saturday, February 23 (link)
March 2008
- 101 Dalmatians 2-Disc Platinum Edition DVD Release – Tuesday, March 4. (link) The DVD will be offered at $19.99.
- Disneyland Resort Pin Trading Night – Sunday, March 9 at the Paradise Pier hotel ballroom. (Link)
- Pixar Play Parade debut at Disney's California Adventure – Friday, March 14 at 5:15 p.m.
- Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing – Saturday, March 29 (link)
April 2008
- Julie Andrews appearance and book signing – Tuesday, April 8 (link)
- MouseAdventure – Sunday, April 13 (link)
Spring-Summer 2008
- Disney's California Food & Wine Weekends – Spring (dates not yet announced) (link)
- The Disney Magic cruise ship returns to Pacific Ocean itineraries – May 25 to August 17.
August 2008
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31 (link)
- 2008 Disneyland Half Marathon – Sunday, August 31 (link)
Current Discounts & Promotions
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.
This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks 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 Regularly $91/$81 |
Southern California 1–Day 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 Regularly $132/$112 Southern California 2Fer Ticket |
2008 "Southern California 2Fer Ticket" ($66 / $56) – Offers admission to Disneyland on one day and Disney's California Adventure on a second day for the price of a one-day, one-park ticket. The tickets are available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths, as well as Disneyland Resort Hotels, Vons stores, The Disney Stores, South Coast Plaza Disney Desk and Disneyland.com, and the following restrictions apply:
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 Regularly $189/$159 |
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 supermarkets (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) 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 you must purchase tickets in advance, as this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. You must use your ticket for the first time on or before April 24 and its 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), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. 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 that 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 Regularly $214/$184 |
Advance Purchase 4–Day 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 supermarkets (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) 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 Regularly $234/$204 |
Advance Purchase 5–Day 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 supermarkets (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) 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 Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three-day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at four DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!, Golden Dreams); Preferred Showing of Turtle Talk with Crush (Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day – one voucher per Guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent.
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 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. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.
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
| 1/14 | 1/15 | 1/16 | 1/17 | 1/18 | 1/19 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL/SC |
|
| 1/20 | 1/21 | 1/22 | 1/23 | 1/24 | 1/25 | 1/26 |
|
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL/SC |
DL: 9a–10p DCA: 10a–8p SL |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL/SC |
| 1/27 | 1/28 | 1/29 | 1/30 | 1/31 | 2/1 | 2/2 |
|
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–9p SL |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p SL/SC |
| 2/3 | 2/4 | 2/5 | 2/6 | 2/7 | 2/8 | 2/9 |
|
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–10p SL |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 9a–7p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 10a–8p DCA: 10a–6p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–8p |
DL: 9a–11p DCA: 10a–9p SL/SC |
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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