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Disneyland Resort Update for November 7 – 13, 2016
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News and Views
Ringing in the Season | Entertainment notes | The Festival of Foods | Downtown Disney holiday events on sale now | Disney to bring Downtown Disney into the security zone | The Critters are back | Runners assemble for the 2016 Super Heroes Half Marathon weekend | This and that... | Crowd forecast
Ringing in the Season
The holiday season at the Disneyland Resort officially kicks off this Thursday, November 10, and runs through January 8, 2017. It's a long holiday season this year, with much of the focus on Disney California Adventure, and certainly not on the Disneyland construction zone. Still, with a new World of Color show, a new Princess Elena production, and an enormous holiday food festival all happening at DCA, that park may very well be the place to be this year.
As for Disneyland, "it's a small world" holiday and the Jingle Cruise both open this Thursday for the start of the season, and Sleeping Beauty Castle is already covered with a coat of soft white snow.
Entertainment notes
If you want to see the new and returning holiday entertainment during opening weekend, here is the schedule of the major shows. There are also quite a number of new park atmosphere groups scheduled in Disney California Adventure over the weekend, especially in the Pacific Wharf area and in the Paradise Pier area. If you're a fan of quirky little encounters, it might be worth seeking out these new experiences.
| Park |
Show
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
|
Sunday
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disneyland | "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade |
1:30, 4:15 p.m.
|
1:30, 4:15 p.m.
|
1:30, 4:15 p.m.
|
1:30, 4:15 p.m.
|
| Believe... in Holiday Magic fireworks |
9:30 p.m.
|
9:30 p.m.
|
9:30 p.m.
|
9:30 p.m.
|
|
| Disney California Adventure | Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party |
Noon, 1:00, 2:15, 4:15. 5:15, 6:15 p.m.
|
Noon, 1:00, 2:15, 4:15. 5:15, 6:15 p.m.
|
Noon, 1:00, 2:15, 4:15. 5:15, 6:15 p.m.
|
Noon, 1:00, 2:15, 4:15. 5:15, 6:15 p.m.
|
| Princess Elena's Musical Grand Arrival |
12:35, 1:50, 3:35, 4:50 p.m.
|
12:35, 1:50, 3:35, 4:50 p.m.
|
12:35, 1:50, 3:35, 4:50 p.m.
|
12:35, 1:50, 3:35, 4:50 p.m.
|
|
| Buena Vista Street holiday tree lighting |
5:00 p.m.
|
5:00 p.m.
|
5:00 p.m.
|
5:00 p.m.
|
|
| World of Color – Season of Light |
9:00 p.m.
|
9:45 p.m.
|
9:45 p.m.
|
9:45 p.m.
|
The Festival of Foods
Disney California Adventure's new holiday offering is the Festival of Holidays, with 14 marketplace booths offering a staggering 65 different food and drink options from around the world. With everything from a traditional roast turkey slider with cranberry sauce and gravy, smoked duck, to veggie spring roll, there are enough dishes to keep visitors park hopping back to DCA for every lunch and dinner throughout the season. We will update the menus below with pricing once the festival opens on Thursday, but here is what you'll find at each booth.
Heritage Cottage
- Braised Beef Short Rib with smashed potatoes and sauerbraten sauce
- Weisswurst Sausage & Sauerkraut with stone ground mustard and pretzel crumble
- Vanilla Rice Pudding with apple compote and cinnamon streusel crunch
Making Spirits Bright
- Wines by the glass and tasting flights
- Warm Holiday Spiced Wine
- Sparkling Apple-pomegranate Juice
Nosh & Nibbles
- Brisket Potato Croquette with horseradish crème
- Sweet Spiced Noodle Kugel
- Reuben Potato Smash with Russian dressing and Rye toast
Good Fortune’s Feast
- Adobo Pork Bao with shaved red onion and crispy garlic chicharron
- Smoked Duck & Vegetable Spring Roll with cabbage and sweet plum sauce
- Chilled Papaya Shrimp Salad with chili-garlic vinaigrette and crispy noodles
- Winter Mint Milk Tea
Spice Salutations
- Chicken & Potato Curry with Kefir cream and grilled naan
- Carrot & Chickpea Fritters with coriander-almond sauce
- Cardamom & Saffron Sweet Cheese Tart with mulled fruit
- Mango Lassi
Brews & Bites
- Local, Seasonal & International Beers and tasting flights
- Holiday Cheese Ball with crackers & pretzels
Mistletoe Morsels
- Holiday Swedish Meatballs with creamy gravy and Lingonberry sauce
- Classic Crab Cake with lemon tartar sauce
- Shrimp Cocktail Martini with chili sauce and jalapeño olive
- Holiday Eggnog Cocktail with whipped cream and nutmeg dusting
- Merry Berry Sherbet Punch
Southern Home Holidays
- Grilled Spicy Chicken Sausage with red beans and rice
- Southern Mac & Cheese with jalapeño cornbread crumble
- Sweet Potato Pie with candied pecans
- Cranberry Sweet Tea topped with berry foam
Winter Sliderland
- Roasted Turkey Slider with cranberry sauce and gravy
- Kalua Pork Slider with pineapple jam and cider slaw
- Praline & Bourbon Whoopie Pie
- Sparkling Apple-cranberry Juice
Fiesta en Familia
- Green Chile Pozole with Vegetables
- Red Chile Pozole with Pork
- Fresh Fish Ceviche with chili-lime tortilla chips
- Guava Agua Fresca
Yuletide Yummies
- Mini Turkey Pot Pie with cranberry drizzle
- Pesto Puff Pastry Twist
- Gingerbread Bundt Cake with orange-vanilla sauce
- Eggnog Cheesecake with spiced whipped cream
- Mocha Yule Log with candied chestnuts
- Raspberry Linzer Tart
- Sticky Toffee Pudding with Brandied Cream
- Frozen Chocolate Milk with whipped cream and sprinkles
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate with house-made cinnamon marshmallows
- Inspired wine and beer selections
Mosaic Delights
- Roasted Lamb with masala spice Basmati rice and poached raisins
- Mini Falafel donuts with pickled vegetables and Tahini drizzle
- Baklava with walnuts, pistachios and honey
- Iced Moroccan Mint Tea
Abuelita’s Kitchen
- Chicken Cilantro Tamale with roasted Tomatillo salsa verde
- Beef and Cheese Tamale with red chili sauce
- Chorizo Bean Sopes with Cotija cheese and fresh crèma
- Spiced Peanut Brittle
- Pomegranate Margarita
Treats for Santa
- Mickey Snowman Cookie Decorating Kit
- Harvest Puff Pastry
- Assorted Cookies
- Classic Panettone
- Candied Chestnut Panettone
- Peppermint Bark
- Pumpkin Seed Brittle
- Walnut Fudge
- Warm Bourbon Cider
- White Hot Chocolate with house-made peppermint marshmallows
- Holiday Fruit Punch
Downtown Disney holiday events on sale now
Reservations are now open for two popular annual holiday events in Downtown Disney These events tend to sell out quickly each year, so it's a good idea to book as soon as you can decide on a date.
Breakfast with Santa at Catal
This event is offered 10 times for the 2016 season: two seatings each on December 10, 11, 17, and 18, and one seating each on December 19 and 23. The event includes breakfast at Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney, live entertainment, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus.
Tickets are $60 per adult, and $27 per child ages 3 to 10. Children 2 and under are free, but must be counted in the party size. Registration is now open—book online via the Patina Group website. Note: All sales are final.
Gingerbread Workshop at Jazz Kitchen
This event is hosted three times in 2016: December 10, 17 and 28 at noon. The two-hour event lets you pair up with a family member to create and decorate your own gingerbread house, which you get to take home. The price is $48 for two people, which includes one gingerbread kit, with additional seats available for $18 each.
Tickets went on sale Monday November 7, and will fill quickly. Book via the event website.
Tip: you can bring your own candy, icing and other decorations if you want to go above and beyond that which is provided by the chefs. The first year we attended, we assumed everyone would be working with the same ingredients, and were in awe of the elaborate creations produced by returning gingerbread builders. Kids will definitely have a great time building their houses with the supplied materials (and eating half of the candies before they make it onto the roof), but feel free to bring more supplies and really get creative if you wish. Disney-themed houses, especially of the Frozen variety, were popular last year.
Disney to bring Downtown Disney into the security zone
The Orange County Register reported on Sunday that Disney plans to remove the security checkpoint currently located between Downtown Disney and the entrance to the theme parks, and replace it with three new checkpoints that will screen visitors much closer to their cars or Disneyland Resort hotel rooms. The changes are expected by the end of 2016.
One of these new checkpoints is currently under construction near the Mickey and Friends parking structure, where visitors will be screened prior to boarding the trams that will carry them to Downtown Disney.
A second checkpoint will be constructed between the ESPN Zone restaurant and the Rainforest Cafe, and will primarily screen visitors who park in the Downtown Disney parking lot. Work has not yet begun on that checkpoint, but survey crews have been spotted in the area over the past month, as have people using counters to track the number of pedestrians entering the area throughout the day.
A third checkpoint will be built between the Earl of Sandwich restaurant and the ESPN Zone, and will screen visitors entering the Downtown Disney area from the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel, as well as those who park in the Simba parking lot.
Once the new checkpoints are active, the entirety of Downtown Disney will be enclosed within Disney's security perimeter, which means visitors will no longer need to pass through bag check when moving between Downtown Disney and the theme parks. This may help alleviate a major pain point for visitors, and encourage more shopping and dining in Downtown Disney once customers can again easily walk back and forth without a lengthy wait to get back to the theme parks.
The Orange County Register article did not address how Disney would handle security for visitors entering Downtown Disney from the Grand Californian Hotel, though it is likely a smaller checkpoint will be constructed in the breezeway between the two. A similar checkpoint already exists at the entrance between the Grand California Hotel into Disney California Adventure park.
Disney reportedly has no plans to change operation of the security checkpoint on the east entrance to the main entrance esplanade, though it is a safe guess that this expanded security zone is a model for how Disney will operate the elevated pedestrian walkway that will lead from the new seven-story parking structure that is under construction as part of the Eastern Gateway project. Concept art for that project shows security checkpoints located between the parking area and the pedestrian bridge.
This change raises some operational questions, and may mean some changes for Downtown Disney merchants. Several Downtown Disney stores sell items that are prohibited inside the Disney theme parks, such as remote-control cars from RideMakerz, glass perfume bottles from Sephora, even wheeled Mickey Mouse luggage from the World of Disney store. Under the current practice, these items are identified at bag check, and customers are given the option to take the item to their car or hotel room, or to place them in an locker in the picnic area for later retrieval.
If there is no longer a bag check before the main entrance, the onus goes back onto the ticket taker to spot the RideMakerz box or ask what's in the Sephora bag. Perhaps the new arrangement will cause Disney to reconsider some policies that are confusing to visitors—for example it makes no sense that you can't bring in a bottle of perfume from Sephora but you can buy one in New Orleans Square, or that you can't bring in a RideMakerz car but you can buy something similar in Tomorrowland. We do not know if Downtown Disney merchants will need to label items that can not be carried into the theme parks or otherwise alert customers at the time of purchase, or if Disney will offer some form of package delivery service to the Disney-owned hotels.
We also wonder if this change means an end to the public speech zones in Downtown Disney, which are populated almost daily by representatives of one church, and less frequently by whichever union is airing a grievance with Disney or one of its operating partners. These public speech zones are Disney's concession to California's Pruneyard decision, and are operated based on a tightly controlled application and conduct policy. However, by placing Downtown Disney inside a security bubble, Disney may also be putting the area off-limits to solicitors.
MousePlanet reached out to Disney for comment on these operational questions on Monday, but they could not respond in time for publication. We hope to share their response and clarify additional questions that arise as this new practice goes into effect later this year.
Overseeing the new security procedures will be Disneyland's newly hired vice president of security and emergency services. Dan Hughes didn't need much in the way of a relocation package—he grew up one city away, and is set to retire as the Chief of Police for Fullerton, California this coming Friday, November 11. He starts at Disney on Monday.
The Critters are back
Critter Country is open after a lengthy refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Critter Country reopened following a month-long refurbishment, and there's really not much to mention save two areas. The train bridge over the area is covered with a printed construction scrim, which blends fairly well into the surrounding foliage. Not as well camouflaged is the new access ramp leading to the lower level of the Hungry Bear Restaurant complex and the bathrooms, the original stairs and ramps currently behind construction walls. The new access is immediately next to the entrance to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
The railroad bridge is covered with an oversized photo scrim. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Runners assemble for the 2016 Super Heroes Half Marathon weekend
The third Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend begins this Thursday, November 10, and continues through Sunday, November 13. The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of runners, walkers, friends, and family to the Disneyland Resort, and includes road closures and operational changes that could impact anyone visiting during this weekend. Here's what runners, tourists and spectators should know as we head into this busy weekend.
Key points for non-runners
The Disneyland Resort is going to be very busy this weekend. The race falls during the start of the 2016 holiday celebration at the Disneyland Resort, as well as over the long Veteran's Day Weekend, so expect larger than normal crowds by race weekend standards. While runners tend not to stay up late the night before races, folks visiting to see the new nighttime holiday entertainment will keep the parks hopping well after dark.
Staying at the Disneyland Hotel? The race expo takes place in that hotel's convention center, so expect extra crowds at the shops and restaurants. If you are staying at any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels, expect race-related noise Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, beginning in the predawn hours, especially if your hotel room faces Disneyland Drive. If you are staying at the Grand Californian Hotel in a room overlooking Downtown Disney, expect to hear spectator cheering starting around 5:45 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
While all of the races take place before park opening or outside the parks, you may still experience traffic delays and extra crowds. Give yourself plenty of time if driving to the resort in the morning; race-related road closures are scheduled from 12:01 to 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, and from 12:01 to to 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. For detailed road closure information, see page 13 of the event guidebook.
Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Early entry for hotel guests and eligible ticket holders is at 8:00 a.m. at Disney California Adventure on Friday, at Disneyland on Saturday, and back at DCA on Sunday.
Weekend Schedule
| Day | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday November 10 |
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo (Disneyland Hotel) |
| Friday November 11 |
5:30 a.m. | Captain America 5K (Disneyland Resort) |
| Noon to 8:00 p.m. | Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo (Disneyland Hotel) | |
| Saturday November 12 |
5:30 a.m. | Doctor Strange 10K (Disneyland Resort) |
| 9:00 a.m. | runDisney Kids Races (Downtown Disney) | |
| 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo (Disneyland Hotel) | |
| 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Pasta Party & a Movie (AMC Theaters and Disneyland Hotel; tickets required) | |
| Sunday November 13 |
5:30 a.m. | Avenger Super Heroes Half Marathon (Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim) |
Key points for spectators
Disney does not allow you to view the half-marathon race course from inside Disneyland park unless you purchase a $79 ChEAR Squad package. Online registration is still open, and you may also be able to purchase packages at the Expo. There is no half marathon viewing inside Disney California Adventure, and no theme park viewing for the 5K or 10K events.
If you want to come cheer on the runners without purchasing a spectator package, or plan to cheer at the Friday's 3.1-mile 5K or Saturday's 6.2-mile 10K events, Disney recommends specific viewing areas on property. All of these viewing areas are accessible only by foot; so walk from either the Mickey and Friends parking structure, or from your hotel if staying nearby.
Disney is also providing complimentary transportation between the Pinocchio parking lot and Angel Stadium for spectators who want to cheer on their runners at the stadium. Buses run approximately every 25 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
| Event | Time | Recommended viewing areas |
|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5:30 to 5:55 | Start line at Disneyland Drive to Katella Avenue |
| 5:40 to 6:35 | Mile 2.5 at Esplanade between Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure | |
| 5:42 to 6:45 | Mile 2.7 at Downtown Disney | |
| 5:45 to 6:45 | Final ¾ mile on road from Paradise Pier Hotel to Disneyland Hotel and behind ESPN Zone | |
| 10K | 5:30 to 6:10 | Start line at Disneyland Drive to Katella Avenue |
| 5:55 to 7:40 | Mile 5.7 at Esplanade between Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure | |
| 5:57 to 7:45 | Mile 5.9 at Downtown Disney | |
| 6:00 to 7:48 | Final ¾ mile at road from Paradise Pier Hotel to Disneyland Hotel and behind ESPN Zone | |
| Half Marathon | 5:30 to 6:35 | Start line at Disneyland Drive to Disney Way |
| 5:40 to 7:08 | Mile 2.1 at Esplanade between Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure | |
| 6:00 to 9:00 | Cheer at Anaheim Stadium as the runners round the bases. The stadium is open for spectators; enter via the Douglass Rd. entrance. | |
| 6:20 to 10:05 | Final ¾ mile at road from Paradise Pier Hotel to Disneyland Hotel and behind ESPN Zone |
View the race courses on pages 17-20 of the Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend guidebook.
Runner tracking
You can register to receive runner tracking updates via text message, Twitter, or Facebook. Sign up via the runDisney webform, or text "SHHM " to 38909.
Just for runners
The event guide is only available in digital format again for this event, so be sure to take a look before you head to Anaheim. Corral, bib assignment and waivers are all available on the runDisney website now, and you should double-check that your information is correct.
Expo info
If you want first pick of the race merchandise, plan to arrive well before the official 10:00 a.m. opening on Thursday. Based on past events, you would be well-advised to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect you during the wait. Remember, you do not need to collect your race packet before you enter the expo to shop, so if you want the best selection Thursday morning, your best bet is to shop first, then get your race packet.
Because the Expo remains open until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, Friday afternoon may be the best time to attend the expo if all you want to do is get your race packet and get out. If you're running the half marathon, you can visit the Expo between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday to get your race gear.
Parking and ART shuttles.
Disney charges runners to park in the Mickey and Friends parking structure on race morning. If you are an annual passholder with parking benefits, be sure to bring along your AP. If you are staying at an Anaheim-area hotel on the ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation Network) line, free shuttles run every 20 minutes during the events; consult the race guide for full details.
We need to Assemble a few Super Heroes this weekend!If you think finishing a half marathon is hard, try cheering through one! We're looking for a few brave souls to wake up at Disney-dark-hundred on Sunday, November 13, set up a tent on a random Anaheim street, and hand out hundreds of pounds of candy to an endless parade of sweaty strangers. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it - what about you? Maybe you've run past the Team MousePlanet cheer station at a race, and thought, "I should do that one of these races..." If you're sitting the Super Heroes event out, here's your chance! Come watch an event from the other side of the sidewalk – it will give you a whole new appreciation for the people who sprint, run, jog, walk, crawl and limp the same road in pursuit of the same finish line. Or, maybe you've never run an event in your life. That's OK - consider it the ultimate in people watching. And just think of the costumes you'll see... Plus, after you've stood on a street corner and cheered yourself hoarse for 3 straight hours, you might find yourself thinking that running 13.1 miles might not be all that bad after all! If you're interested in joining our band of heroes, please visit our MousePad discussion forum for details. Capes are entirely optional. |
This and that...
...Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced–price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. These are offered at Disney-operated stores only, and selection may vary by location.
Disney now allows customers to purchase more than one of the offers in a qualifying transaction, so if you spend $40 or more you can buy both items currently available if you wish. If you're a passholder, the minimum purchase is calculated after your discount, and your discount does not apply to the promotional item. Current offers:
- Disneyland Snowman Mickey Tote for $19.95 with a purchase of $25 or more.
- Disneyland Throw Blanket for $19.95 with a purchase of $40 or more.
...Disney added detail to an already-filed building permit for the Guardians Of Galaxy Mission: Break Out project. According to the new details, the "exterior architectural decorative ornamentation" will include such items as 13 satellite dishes, and 1,830 soft corrugated steel material to be installed in place of the existing tile roof. 14 parapets will be extended, 49 panels placed on existing decks, and 92 existing fake windows covered. This permit was noteworthy only because the amount of detail included retroactive to the original filing, something that is rarely so explicitly laid out like this.
...A permit has also been filed for work to expand the footprint of the former House of Blues location in Downtown Disney. The new structure is described as a "future restaurant / amusement 4-story building." Disney has not yet made any official announcement about plans for the space.
...Team MousePlanet has raised $7421 during this years CHOC Walk, with one week left in the 2016 campaign. There is still time to make a donation and help push the team or an individual walker over their next goal. Please visit the CHOC Walk website to help.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The 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 about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. 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 e-mail in the box below.
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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit Disneyland.com—this information is no longer available from the automated phone service.
Disneyland
- "it's a small world" – closed through November 9 to install the holiday overlay.
- Jungle Cruise – closed November 1–9 to install the Jingle Cruise overlay.
The following attractions are all closed for Star Wars Land-related construction around the Rivers of America, and are expected to reopen in spring 2017 or later:
- Disneyland Railroad
- Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
- Fantasmic!
- Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
- Sailing Ship Columbia
- Mark Twain Riverboat
Disney California Adventure
- Muppet*Vision 3D – closed indefinitely. The theater has been renamed the Sunset Showcase Theater, and will likely be used for movie previews until a permanent replacement is found.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – closes January 3, 2017 for transformation into a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.
Disneyland Resort
- House of Blues Anaheim – closed. The 23,000-square-foot restaurant and concert venue is slated for demolition.
- Sprinkles Cupcakes – under construction in Downtown Disney, and scheduled to open in November.
- Pandora Jewelry – under construction in Downtown Disney, and scheduled to open in late 2016
- Curl Surf – under construction in Downtown Disney, and scheduled to open in late 2016
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 (link).
2016
- 2016 Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend – November 10–13. Formerly called the Avengers Half Marathon. Registration is open for all events except the Captain America 5K and the runDisney Kids Races. Register via the runDisney website.
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – November 10, 2016 through January 8, 2017
- Candlelight Ceremony and Processional – Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4, with two performances each night.
- Season of the Force – no end date announced.
2017
- 2017 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – January 12–15, 2017. Registration is still open for the 10K and Half Marathon events. All other race distances are sold out through runDisney, but charities like Team Muscle Makers have space available.
- "Use it or lose it" weekend – January 28–29, 2017. Our designation for the final weekend of January, which marks the deadline for cast members, community groups, and Club 33 members to use their remaining complementary admission tickets from the 2016 allocation.
- Dapper Day Spring Outing to Disneyland (unofficial event) – Sunday, April 23. More information at the event website. This popular event grows larger each year, so it's worth making note of the date if you plan to visit the park during this weekend.
- 2017 Grad Nites: May 5, 6, 10, 17, 19, 20, 24, 30 and 31; June 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16 and 17.
- 2017 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – May 11–14, 2017. Registration opens September 20, 2016.
- D23 Expo – July 14–16, 2017. Tickets are now on sale through the official D23 website.
- Dapper Day Fall Outing to Disneyland (unofficial event) – Sunday, November 5. More information at the event website. This popular event grows larger each year, so it's worth making note of the date if you plan to visit the park during this weekend.
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 (link).
Knott's Berry Farm
Legoland California
- Kids' New Year's Eve – December 31.
Sea World San Diego
- Wintery Wonderland – November 18, 2016 to January 1, 2017
Universal Studios Hollywood
Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Holiday in the Park – November 19 to January 1
School Holidays
Notable school holidays that may impact park attendance. If you know of any other holidays that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2016
- Thanksgiving Break – November 21–25. Many local schools close for the entire week of Thanksgiving.
- Winter Break – December 19, 2016 through January 6, 2017. Most schools close only two of these three weeks, but some districts close all three weeks due to the Sunday Christmas.
2017
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 16.
- Cesar Chavez Day – Friday, March 31. Many locals schools are closed.
- Spring Break – March 13 to April 14. The four-week period during which most local schools will observe a one-week spring holiday.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Disneyland prices as of February 28, 2016.
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.
Ticket Prices and Promotions
| One Day Tickets |
Check the Disneyland website to see what type of ticket you need for the day you plan to visit. Seasonal pricing applies only to one-day tickets. Disneyland Resort 2016 CHOC-tober ticket discount
In addition to helping support an outstanding local charity, Walkers who participate in the 2016 CHOC Walk on October 30 have the exclusive opportunity to purchase discounted Disneyland tickets during the CHOC-tober promotion. Walkers who meet the $85 fundraising minimum can purchase a 1-Day 1-Park Disneyland Resort ticket for $55 (reg. $89–$119), or a Disneyland Resort 1-Day Park Hopper ticket for $83 (reg. $149–$169). All MousePlanet readers, friends and family are invited and encouraged to sign up and walk with our team. It's easy to sign up—just visit our team page. No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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| Two Day Tickets |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Three Day Tickets |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Military |
2016 Disney Military Promotional 3 – Day Park Hopper Ticket ($143) Through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase the Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $143 each [an increase of $11 from the 2014-2015 offer]. Disneyland tickets may be used through December 19, 2016. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2016. For complete information regarding Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may visit the Disneyland Resort website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. |
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Four Day Tickets |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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Five Day Tickets |
No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. |
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| Six Day or longer tickets | No longer offered by Disneyland; some travel providers may offer tickets for 6 days or longer as part of a package to international customers; residents of Canada, Australia, or the U.K. should check with local travel agencies to see what options may be available. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Disneyland Resort Annual Passports |
Disney California Adventure Park Fun Pass Technically not an annual pass, this Costco-exclusive is valid only at Disney California Adventure for 365 days after activation. The pass costs $329.99, the same price as the existing Disney Southern California Select Passport that also includes admission to Disneyland. The new Costco pass comes with 19 blockout dates during the remainder of 2016, and 41 blockout dates through December 1, 2017. Those 60 combined blockout dates most closely resemble those of the existing Deluxe Annual Passport, and cover the peak Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year travel periods, plus most holiday weekends and every Saturday between March 13 and August 19. 2016 – 2017 blockout dates:
The Disney California Adventure Park Fun Pass also includes the same 10 percent merchandise and food discount as offered with the Southern California Select Passport. Like that pass, the new DCA pass does not include parking, nor is there an option to add a parking pass onto this ticket. The new Fun Pass also includes a Disney collector pin featuring Ariel and the DCA logo. If you're looking to buy this as a holiday gift, note that the pass expires one year after the first use, and the first use must be by December 1, 2016. That doesn't necessarily rule it out as a stocking stuffer, but Christmas will have to come very early so your recipient can activate the pass before the deadline. The pass is available only at Costco stores and from Costco.com. This is not a member-exclusive item, and in our test, the Costco website did not add a surcharge when the pass was purchased by a non-member. The pass is mailed in five to seven business days, though a two-day shipping option is available at an added charge. California residents can take advantage of the monthly payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport.
Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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Southern California CityPASS |
2016 Southern California CityPASS ($329/$294) – includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket (including one early-entry day), a one-day admission to Sea World San Diego, and a one-day admission to LEGOLAND California. The CityPASS expires 14 days after first use at any location, and the first use must occur by December 31, 2016. Purchase CityPASS through the Disneyland website or on-site at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPASS website, though a shipping charge may apply depending on how quickly you need the ticket. When you purchase the CityPASS, you have the option of adding a one-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park for an extra $38/$30. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPASS website. You can also upgrade your CityPASS to add more days at participating locations:
Prices listed above are valid until December 31, 2016 Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them. |
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| Disneyland Resort & Universal Studios Combo Pass |
A special combo ticket available exclusively through MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Travel. The bundle includes either a 2-day or 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket, plus a 2nd Day Free Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket. |
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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!
Discounts for:
| Everyone |
Purchase with Purchase offers – Disneyland Resort shops frequently offer a reduced–price souvenir (often a tote bag, watch, or blanket) with a qualifying minimum purchase. These are offered at Disney-operated stores only, and selection may vary by location. Recently, Disney has begun allowing customers to purchase more than one of the offers in a qualifying transaction, so if you spend $40 or more you can buy both items currently available if you wish. If you're a passholder, the minimum purchase is calculated after your discount, and your discount does not apply to the promotional item. Current offers:
Landry's Select Club – members of the Landry's Select Club get priority seating at the Rainforest Cafe when available (which makes a huge difference on busy days). This club replaces the former Rainforest Cafe Safari Club, and runs on a point-based system that gives you a $25 gift certificate after you spend $250. Membership now costs $25, but comes with a $25 birthday reward. We recommend that you prepurchase your membership before your visit so you can take advantage of the priority seating benefit. 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 percent 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). Character Dining Vouchers – discounted character dining vouchers are available for purchase online, in advance of your trip, through Get Away Travel. |
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| Annual Passholders |
Disneyland Resort merchandise – Disneyland extended the 20 percent merchandise discount offered to Premium annual passholders through December 31, 2016. All other passholders receive a 10 percent merchandise discount. Visit the Annual Passholder discount page for specific details and exclusions. Guided Tours – 15 percent off the regular price of six guided tours – Walt in Walt's Footsteps; Cultivating the Magic; Discover the Magic; Happiest Haunts; Welcome to Disneyland; and Holiday Time at Disneyland. Visit the Annual Passholder discount page for specific details and exclusions. Dining – 10 to 15 percent off at a variety of Disneyland Resort locations, including Disney-owned and independent restaurants. Visit the Annual Passholder discount page for specific details and exclusions. |
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Disney Visa cardholders |
Character Meet-and-Greet at Disney California Adventure – cardholders have access to a private character meet-and-greet photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, and receive one free image download per visit. Star Wars Imperial Meet-and-Greet at Disneyland – cardholders have access to a private character meet-and-greet photo opportunity in the Star Tours Launch Bay in Tomorrowland. Offered daily from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. As of January 23, 2016, Kylo Ren replaced Darth Vader at this location. Disneyland Resort merchandise – Cardholders also receive 10 percent off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney-operated retail stores. Disneyland Resort dining – 10 percent off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (Big Thunder Ranch, River Belle Terrace, French Market, Cocina Cucamonga, Wine Country Trattoria (lunch), Paradise Garden Grill, The Lounge at Steakhouse 55 (breakfast), Steakhouse 55 (breakfast), PCH Grill (breakfast and dinner), and Storyteller's Café (lunch). Downtown Disney District dining and merchandise – 10 percent off at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (maximum discount of $40, excludes alcohol), Wetzel's Pretzels, Ridemakerz, Alamo Rent a Car, and ESPN Zone. Disneyland Resort Guided Tours – 15 percent off the "Welcome to Disneyland," "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps," "Discover the Magic," and "Cultivating the Magic" guided tours. See the Disney Visa website for terms and conditions for all of these promotions. |
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U.S. military |
See "2016 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket" above. |
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| Southern California residents | No discounts currently available to the general public. Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any discounts are available through them. | |
| Hotel and travel package offers |
Costco Travel Packages – many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco. Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – These package includes accommodations in one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels, along with theme park admission. The packages also come with a variety of extra inclusions and bonuses, usually a souvenir pin and lanyard, and discount coupons for various Downtown Disney merchants. Contact Disney Travel at (714) 520-5050, book online through the Disneyland website, or call your favorite travel agent to inquire about these packages. |
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Park Schedule/Blockout Dates
- DL – Disneyland
- DCA – Disney California Adventure
Annual Pass blockouts:
- SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass
- SC – Southern California Annual Pass
- DX – Deluxe Annual Pass
- SG – Signature Annual Pass
The Disneyland website does not list the blockout dates for the Costco-exclusive Disney California Adventure Park Fun Pass. The blockout dates are as follows:
- 2016 – September 3, 4; November 11, 24, 25, 26; December 19–31
- 2017 – January 1, 2; February 18, 19; March 18, 25; April 1, 8, 9, 14, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 26, 27, 28; June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1-4, 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19; September 2,l 3; November 10, 11, 23, 24, 25.
Early Admission – full description available on the Disneyland website):
- MM – Magic Mornings for 3-plus day ticket holders, promotional "bonus" tickets, and Southern California CityPASS
- EMH – Extra Magic Hour for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests
- EA – Early Admission for Annual Passholders (not currently offered)
Disneyland Resort Special Events:
- FW – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
- GN – Grad Nite
- MHP – Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland
| 11/6 | 11/7 | 11/8 | 11/9 | 11/10 | 11/11 | 11/12 |
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Ticket Season: DL: 8a-11p |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a |
| 11/13 | 11/14 | 11/15 | 11/16 | 11/17 | 11/18 | 11/19 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-9p |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-9p Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-9p Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-9p |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
| 11/20 | 11/21 | 11/22 | 11/23 | 11/24 | 11/25 | 11/26 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-11p |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
| 11/27 | 11/28 | 11/29 | 11/30 | 12/1 | 12/2 | 12/3 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 10a-9p Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-9p |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
| 12/4 | 12/5 | 12/6 | 12/7 | 12/8 | 12/9 | 12/10 |
|
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 9a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
| 12/11 | 12/12 | 12/13 | 12/14 | 12/15 | 12/16 | 12/17 |
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Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a Events: None |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
Ticket Season: DL: 8a-12a |
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.
Visit the Park Hours section of our Disneyland Park guide for additional details about Magic Morning and Toontown Morning Madness, including available attractions. Entertainment schedule: Go directly to the Disneyland Resort schedule for this week at Disneyland.com here.
The Seasons calendar is published on the Disneyland website for the next 8-11 months.
Comments
Another logistical question mark: the new checkpoint hours. I think the DTD Starbucks opens at 4:00am on some days, and I think the posted "closing" time of DTD is 2:00am. Will the checkpoints really be staffed nearly 24 hours around the clock?