Advertisement
Update for March 3 - March 9, 2008
Go directly to: News & Views | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
News and Views
Disney's California Food & Wine Festival update | Plaza Pavillion remodel | 101 Dalmatians | This and That
Disney's California Food & Wine Festival
Jim Ames, the Event Producer for Disney's California Food and Wine Festival scheduled for April 11 through May 5 at Disney's California Adventure park,shared some additional details with MousePlanet. The event is greatly expanded for 2008, and all of the Festival's complimentary events (link), including the culinary demonstrations, and wine, beer and spirits seminars, will be held daily. The Taste of California Marketplace will also be open daily, with a mix of returning menu items and new dishes that reflect the "Discover the Golden State" theme of the 2008 event. A final menu should be posted to the official event Web site shortly (link).
Tickets are still available for all of the Festival's Signature events (link), with the exception of the Napa Rose Cooking School sessions on April 19 and May 3. In addition to the offerings at the Taste of California Marketplace, some DCA restaurants will offer menu items created especially forFood and Wine Festival, and will only be available during the event. Disney table service restaurants resort-wide will also offer special prix fixe menus during the event.
Plaza Pavillion remodel
The patio of Disneyland's Plaza Pavillion is currently surrounded by construction walls, leading many to speculate that the location is being remodeled to serve as the new home of the Disney Gallery, but other sources suggest that the kitchen of the former restaurant location is actually being remodeled in preparation to return to service - just not in the way you may expect. We've heard that the kitchen complex that supports Cafe Orleans, French Market and the Blue Bayou is scheduled for a major renovation this summer; leaving those locations without their prep facilities. The rumors we've heard suggest that the Plaza Pavillion kitchen will be used to support the New Orleans restaurants during the four-month renovation; after which the future of the Plaza Pavillion is unknown. It seems unlikely that Disney would make the investment to renovate the Plaza Pavillion kitchen, only to gut the location months later in favor of a merchandise location, and many park regulars feel that Disneyland needs at least one more restaurant.
101 Dalmatians charity event
101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition is available on Tuesday, March 4.
Photo © Disney.
To promote the March 4, 2008 DVD release of 101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment sent a formation of 101 spotted black-and-white cars down the Hollywood 101 Freeway Sunday morning on a mission to deliver food, treats, and pet supplies to the spcaLAs Animal Village in Long Beach.
Enter to win a signed autographed key set, designed especially for release of 101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition DVD!
MousePlanet invites you to enter to win a signed autographed key set, designed especially for release of 101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition DVD! They are signed by Lisa Davis (voice of Anita) and Alice Davis (wife of Marc Davis, Cruella's animator). One lucky MousePlanet reader will win one of these very special prizes, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. No purchase necessary to enter or to win. To enter, send your: Name via e-mail to 101dalmatianscontest@mouseplanet.com Entries must be received by 11:59pm Saturday, March 8, 2008. One entry per person - duplicate entry will invalidate all entries. Winner will be selected at random from all elligible entries received. Winner will be announced on Monday, March 9 2008 in the Disneyland Park Update on MousePlanet.com. Prize will be sent via USPS Priority Mail to the mailing address provided in the winning entry. |
This and That
... Dave Welty from DVCNews.com sent us this tidbit: "While looking for permit information relating to Disney Vacation Club in Anaheim, I came across several permits filed within the last 3 weeks related to Electrical and Internet for the Bank of Mainstreet. The permit indicates it is for 'Credit Application Processing for Chase Bank.' As you know Chase is the issuing company for the Disney Credit Card. This indicates to me that you will be able to get immediate approval for a Disney Credit card if you apply at Disneyland." Of course, this may also just mean that the Chase employees will submit your application electronically from the location, rather than submitting a paper form, but this does shed some light on the work currently taking place at the Bank of Main Street.
... Two newly rrenovated trams have been brought into service at the Disneyland Resort. The tram has a new hard grey shell covering the bench seats and backs. A cast member said that this shell is expected to improve the appearance and durablility of the existing white tram seats. The second tram has a pair of outward-facing speakers at the back of each car. The speakers allow guests standing outside the tram to better hear instructions and safety warnings given by the driver and rear tram CM.
... During this weekend's tours of the new Disney Dream Suite offered to DVC members, a DVC saleswoman stated that the event was the first of many such special events planned for DVC members at the Disneyland Resort. She also stated that the "Welcome Home Wednesdays" events held at Walt Disney World for DVC members will be offered at Disneyland once the new Grand Californian expansion is complete. Local DVC members might want to make sure that DVC has a current e-mail address on file for you, so you can receive notices of future special events.
... Just a reminder, A "special Annual Passholder preview" of the Pixar Play Parade is scheduled for March 13 at 5:15 p.m. at Disney's California Adventure. Annual Passholders can also attend a preview of the new Playhouse Disney show on March 13th; just present your valid AP at showtime.
... Disney has announed the finalists in the 2008 Dream Job competition. You can view the application videos of the 10 potential Disney "Chief Magic Officials" at the official content Web site, and vote for your favorite (link). Voting ends midnight on March 22nd. Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times provided additional details about each candidate, and shared his top picks, in his blog (link).
Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Disneyland
- "it's a small world" closes January 22 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late November 2008.
- Jungle Cruise closed January 28 to March 7 for refurbishment.
- King Arthur Carrousel closed through April 4 for an unscheduled refurbishment.
- Mr. Toad's Wild ride closed April 21 to 24 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed April 28 - May 1 for refurbishment.
- Gadget's Go Coaster closed April 28 - May 22 for refurbishment.
Disney's California Adventure
- Pizza Oom Mow Mow closed February 7 to March 13 for refurbishment.
- Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! closed February 12 to March 13 for refurbishment.
- It's Tough to be a Bug closed May 12 to 23 for refurbishment.
- The Midway Games on Paradise Pier are closed, with the new Toy Story Mania attraction still under construction and expected to open summer 2008.
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.
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. A "special preview" for Annual Passholders is scheduled for March 13 at 5:15 p.m.
- Spring Break Though area schools observe their spring breaks
during different weeks throughout March and April, expect the largest crowds
during ths two-week period March 15 - 30 when the Disneyland Resort will
be operating at maximum hours.
- Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing Saturday, March 29 (link)
April 2008
- Julie Andrews appearance and book signing Tuesday, April 8 (link)
- Disney's California Food & Wine Festival April 11 through May 5, 2008 (link)
- MouseAdventure Sunday, April 13 (link)
May 2008
-
Grad Night events: Thursday, May 15; Thursday, May 22; Thursday, May 29.
June 2008
-
Grad Night events: Thursday, June 5; Wednesday, June 11; Thursday, June 12; Thursday, June 19.
Spring-Summer 2008
- 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)
October 2008
-
2008 UEA convention October 16 & 17 (in Utah). Many Utah public schools close so teachers can attend the Utah Education Association convention, which creates a four-day weekend for the students. Expect the resort to be busy that weekendsome claim 'UEA' stands for 'Utah Escapes to Anaheim.'
November 2008
- Nevada Day (observed) Friday, October 31 (in Nevada). This state holiday creates a three-day weekend, and many families head to the Disneyland Resort.
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 cominglet 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
2/25 | 2/26 | 2/27 | 2/28 | 2/29 | 3/1 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DL: 10a8a DCA: 10a6p |
DL: 10a8a DCA: 10a6p |
DL: 10a8a DCA: 10a6p |
DL: 10a8a DCA: 10a6p |
DL: 9a12a DCA: 10a10p |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
|
3/2 | 3/3 | 3/4 | 3/5 | 3/6 | 3/7 | 3/8 |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL |
DL: 10a8a DCA: 10a6p |
DL: 10a8a DCA: 10a6p |
DL: 10a8a DCA: 10a6p |
DL: 10a8a DCA: 10a6p |
DL: 9a12a DCA: 10a10p |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC/DX |
3/16 | 3/17 | 3/18 | 3/19 | 3/20 | 3/21 | 3/22 |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC/DX |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC/DX |
3/23 | 3/24 | 3/25 | 3/26 | 3/27 | 3/28 | 3/29 |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC |
DL: 8a12a DCA: 10a10p SL/SC/DX |
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.
 
Comments