Disneyland Resort Update for December 13 - 19, 2021

Disneyland Resort Update for December 13 – 19, 2021

News and Views

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Disney Genie debuts at Disneyland

Disney Genie debuted at Disneyland last Wednesday, December 8, in a surprise move that Disney announced less than 48 hours in advance. Though the system has been in use at Walt Disney World since October, the West Coast rollout was plagued with opening-day bugs and outages that led Disney to suspend sales of the added-cost Genie+ service for the rest of the day.

Jasmine and Genie pose at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

First announced in August 2021, Disney Genie is the next generation of digital planning tool, which the Walt Disney Company says, "takes the guesswork out of 'what's next,' so that visitors can spend less time in line and more time having fun with friends."

There are three components to Disney Genie, starting with a free-to-everyone service that works within the existing Disneyland mobile app to help visitors plan a customized itinerary for their visit. You select your can't-miss rides, shows and restaurants, and Disney Genie creates a customized itinerary to follow.

For an extra fee, visitors can upgrade to Disney Genie+ to be able to access the new Lightning Lane expedited entrances at popular attractions, or even pay a per-attraction fee to skip the line at three Disneyland Resort rides, including the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disney Genie and Genie+ each have more features, which we cover in detail in this article. But what everyone really wants to know is "how well does it work?" and for that we can say only that it seems to be a work in progress.

Disney Genie isn’t granting wishes @Disneyland right now. How is your visit going without the service? pic.twitter.com/7qqoiCWrE4

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) December 8, 2021

Social media was filled with opening-day stories about strange Genie quirks, like recommending a customer visit an attraction that hadn't yet opened for the day. More troubling was when the system appeared to get overloaded. Visitors reported errors with the Disneyland app, which made them unable to even access their digital theme park tickets to gain admission to the park.

Some customers who purchased the Disney Genie+ upgrade reported they were unable to make Lightning Lane reservations, or could not use the app when it came time to return to their selected attraction.

By Wednesday afternoon, Disney had posted an alert on the Disneyland app saying that some aspect of the Disney Genie were unavailable, and stopped selling Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane passes. Some guests who could prove they had already purchased Disney Genie+ were allowed to just use the Lightning Lane entrances for the rest of the day, while others obtained a refund of their $20 fee through guest relations.

The rest of the week seemed to go better for Disney Genie and Genie+, at least in terms of system outages, but the comments from one Twitter user about his experience with the system really sums up the challenges visitors faced. It's a long thread, but definitely worth the read.

Good morning. Today I am going to Disneyland and letting Genie, Disney’s free in-app itinerary planning service, tell me what to do. I will do everything it tells me to up until midday or so. Folks, I am excited. pic.twitter.com/Qr75bOdb3x

— darren, a dog liker (@tai_nugget) December 12, 2021

We hope to experience Disney Genie and Genie+ for ourselves this week, and report back with our impressions of the app. If you got to test it out this weekend, drop us a note and let us know how it worked for you.

Tier 6 pricing begins on select days in March

Disneyland announced a new pricing structure in October, which raised the price of most theme park tickets and added a sixth one-day ticket tier to the original 5-tiered system.

The new tier-6 single-day admission ticket is $164, a $10 increase over the previous top ticket. A one-day tier 6 park hopper ticket is $224.

Disney said that while the new pricing structure took effect immediately, the already-published tier calendar wouldn't change, and the first tier-6 day wouldn't appear on the calendar until March, 2022. Disney has now published the tier calendar for March and April of 2022, which includes the first tier-6 days.

Saturday, March 19 is the first tier-6 day, followed by March 26, April 2 and April 9, all Saturdays during spring break season. At press time the calendar hadn't been updated beyond April 11, but it's safe to assume that some weekdays in the weeks immediately before and after Easter will be tier-6 as well.

Tale of the Lion King and Celebrate Gospel move to Disneyland

The Tale of the Lion King debuted in summer of 2019 at Disney California Adventure, and was a hit with park visitors, despite being staged in the decidedly audience-unfriendly Paradise Gardens Park. Now Disney has announced the show's return in 2022, but in a new venue. The Tale of the Lion King is moving to the Fantasyland Theater inside Disneyland Park, presumably as a replacement for Mickey and the Magical Map.

Tale of the Lion King debuted in 2019 at Disney California Adventure, and is now moving to a new home in Disneyland. MousePlanet file photo.

Todd Pickering reviewed the original version of Tale of the Lion King when it was in DCA, and really enjoyed the production, saying, "The sound, staging, and dance are a perfect example of music, direction, and choreography all working together; this makes for another success for the Disney Parks." However, the venue offered very little seating and absolutely no sun protection for the audience or performers. This move to the much larger Fantasyland Theater will provide ample shaded seating, and a brand-new stage on which to set this classic tale.

Disney also announced that Celebrate Gospel, an annual festival of gospel music performed by local choirs, will move to the Fantasyland Theater during select days in February. The event started as a single-day festival at Disney California Adventure in 2010 to commemorate Black History Month. Event organizers said at the time that they hoped to make it a larger, annual tradition, and it looks like that goal has finally been achieved.

More nighttime entertainment to return in 2022

Disney also reiterated last week that Fantasmic, World of Color, the Main Street Electrical Parade and the Disneyland Forever fireworks show will return to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in 2022, though absolutely no additional details were provided about when we might expect to see these productions again.

The Main Street Electrical Parade will celebrate 50 years in 2022. MousePlanet file photo.

As previously announced, the Main Street Electrical Parade will commemorate its 50th anniversary at Disneyland in 2022. Disney has confirmed the return of most floats, including Elliot and Tinker Bell.

"it's a small world" reopens

"it's a small world" is once more sailing through its holiday overlay, after its opening was delayed by nearly a month due to an incident during pre-holiday refurbishment which caused flooding which affected ride machinery.

"it's a small world" Holiday has finally opened for the season. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The attraction did not open for the start of the holiday promotion at Disneyland, though the nightly "it's a small world" Holiday lighting moment and projection show continued.

Disneyland After Dark is back with three more Nites

After we published last week's Update, Disney announced that the popular Disneyland After Dark events will return in 2022 with three themed offerings and even more event dates. Tickets for Sweethearts Nite, the first of these popular but pricey events, are already on sale via the event website, with tickets for Villains Nite and Star Wars Nite on sale January 11, 2022.

Visitors who had already purchased a ticket to the 2020 Villains Nites or Star Wars Nites may exchange their ticket for one of the new event dates, subject to restrictions; keep reading for details. These exchanges must take place prior to January 8, 2022, so don't miss out.

The events each run from 8:00 p.m. to midnight., and ticket-holders can mix-in to the host park as early as 5:00 p.m. (Star Wars Nite runs 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. with mix-in access starting at 6:00 p.m.)

Tickets are $114 to $134 per person, per event, a sizable jump from the 2020 events. Parking isn't included in any of the event fees.

Visitors who had already purchased a ticket to the 2020 Villains Nites or Star Wars Nites may exchange their ticket for one of the new event dates, subject to restrictions. If you had a ticket to the 2020 Villains Nite, you can exchange that ticket for the 2022 Villains Nites on March 8 or March 10 only. You can not exchange Villains Nite tickets for any other event.

If you had a ticket to the 2020 Star Wars Nite, you can exchange that ticket for the 2022 Star Wars Nite on May 3 or 4 only; the May 27 event is excluded. If you'd prefer to attend the May 27 event, you can pay the difference between the ticket cost. You can not exchange Star Wars Nite tickets for any other event.

You must make complete your exchange by January 8, 2022 by calling Guest Information Ticket Sales at (714) 300-7807. If you prefer a refund or miss the exchange window, call the same number for your options. Complete terms and conditions for the exchange can be found on the ticketed events page.

Disney's special event costume policy is in effect for these parties, meaning adults and children may dress in costume during event hours, with some basic restrictions:

COSTUME GUIDELINES

• All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.
• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
• Costumes may not contain any items that resemble (or could easily be mistaken for) an actual weapon.
• Costumes may not contain sharp/pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
• Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
• Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses).

For Guests Ages 13 and Under

• Costumes may be worn as well as some masks, as long as the entire face isn’t covered and eyes are visible.
• Face coverings may be required; please see the current policy regarding face coverings.

For Guests Ages 14 and Older

• Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
• Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are permitted.
• Acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus.
• Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
• Costume masks of any kind may not be worn.
• Face coverings may be required; please see the current policy regarding face coverings.

Candy canes this week

There are three opportunitues to get a freshly made candy cane at the Disneyland Resort this week. On Tuesday and Thursday, December 14 and 16, the handmade candies will be available at Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure. The only Disneyland release this week is Wednesday, December 15.

A Disneyland candy maker arranges fresh candy canes on a tray as they cool. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

If you have your sights set on snagging a cane for yourself, our best advice is to get to the park before the gates open. As soon as the entrance opens, walk briskly straight to either Trolley Treats or the Main Street Candy Kitchen and look for the cast members who will direct you into a line outside the shop. Once you get to the front of the physical line, you'll use your smartphone to scan a QR code, which will direct you to a website where you'll join a virtual queue.

That virtual queue will tell you how many people are in front of you in line, and let you know when it's your turn to return to the store to get your candy cane. Depending on where you are in the queue, you may get a candy cane from the first batch, or you may have to wait until the fourth and last batch of the day. If you aren't one of the first people in line, be prepared to wait as late as 3:00 in the afternoon for the notice to return.

This and That...

…The MousePlanet Newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips for keeping the Disney magic going at home. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.

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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Attraction, restaurants, and stores that are closed for refurbishment are noted below. All other closures should be presumed to be due to COVID protocols, and are subject to change at any time without notice as the state of California issues new guidance.

All information was current as of this article's publication date. MousePlanet does not edit past Updates; for the most up-to-date refurbishment calendar, check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update, visit Disneyland.com or use the Disneyland smartphone application on your iOS or Android device.

View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.

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Resort Events

Check here to see if a large convention, competition, or park event might fall during your next trip to the Disneyland Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail.

New! Just click the year you want to expand (or close).

2021-2022

We also recommend checking the convention calendar at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau website. When looking at that site, remember to note both the number of people and the number of rooms resulting from each convention. A gathering of 25,000 people booking few room nights (indicating most will be driving in to the area for their meeting) can impact traffic around the resort much more than a crowd of 25,000 staying in area hotels. Of course, that second group is going to make finding a hotel room more difficult (and possibly more expensive), so it's best to book your own room as early as possible if you see that a big convention is in town during your trip.

Non-Disney Resort Events

Notable events at parks and attractions around Southern California. If you know of an event that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail.

Current Discounts and Promotions

Disneyland prices as of October 25, 2021.

Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Disneyland Resort Update. 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. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line. Note, we are no longer listing offers from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, as their convenience fee negates any savings.

Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside the gates stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Disneyland admission, and may result in denial of entry. It is also common for criminals to shoplift inactivated Disney theme park tickets from supermarkets to resell them. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.

Ticket Prices and Promotions

New! Just click the number of days or ticket type you want to view.

Additional Discounts

Did we miss an offer? If you know of an authorized discount on Disneyland Resort tickets, standing offers for Annual Passholders from non-Disney vendors, or other promotions which might interest our readers, please drop us a note!

New! Just click the category you want to expand (or close).

Everyone

Magic Key Holders

Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders

Southern California Residents

Disney Vacation Club Members

Service Members

Hotel & Travel Packages

If you can't see the categories, please let us know!

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

• DL – Disneyland
• DCA – Disney California Adventure

Early Admission – full description available on the Disneyland website:

• MM – Magic Mornings for 3-plus day ticket holders and promotional "bonus" tickets. (Not currently offered)
• EMH – Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests. (Not currently offered)

Disneyland Resort Special Events:

• F&W – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
• GN – Grad Nite.
• OBB – Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure

The Ticket Tier calendar is published on the Disneyland website for the next eight to 11 months.

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