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Merriest Nites begin this week
Disneyland's new Merriest Nites event kicks off this week, and MousePlanet's Todd Pickering will be on hand for the first event this Thursday, November 11. Be sure to follow along on Instagram Thursday as Todd shares his experience, and watch our Twitter feed on November 16 as Adrienne attends the second event.
While this is a new event for Disneyland, there are some similarities to past offerings, and our top tips for after-hours parties should hold true here: arrive early, make a plan, and keep an eye on the clock.
Arrive Early
While the actual party doesn't begin until 8 p.m., your event ticket gets you into Disneyland a full three hours before that. With tickets going for as much as $175, it makes sense to enjoy every minute you've paid for. Take advantage of the early admission period to enjoy the holiday decorations, or grab a bite to eat before the main events begin. Don't forget that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge isn't open during the party, so use this chance to visit Batuu if you haven't already.
Make a Plan
There are six "parties" inside this event, so be sure to make time to visit each one. We recommend starting in one land and working your way around the park so you don't miss anything.
Victorian-Themed Party on Main Street, U.S.A.
Feliz Navidad Party in Frontierland
New Orleans Holiday in New Orleans Square
Frozen-Themed Party in Fantasyland
Tropical Party in Adventureland
Tomorrowland Party in Tomorrowland
You'll also want to plan your snacking, because there are a lot of special menu items for this event. Use mobile ordering via the Disneyland app to save time wherever you can.
Watch the Clock
These events go much faster than you may expect, and you'll want to make sure to see everything. The first 2021 performance of A Christmas Fantasy Parade takes place at 9:30 p.m., and you won't want to miss the triumphant return of the toy soldiers to Main Street, U.S.A. Fortunately the smaller crowds should mean you won't need to camp out for long to get a good spot for the parade.
Merriest Nites is sold out for 2021, but it's a given the event will return in some format for 2022. Walt Disney World also debuted their Very Merriest After Hours event this week.
For those staying at a hotel on the Anaheim Resort Transit route, ART management confirmed this week that the service will be available for post-party transit back to your hotel.
Resort reaches tentative agreement with unions; judge sides with Disney in minimum wage suit
Last week, the Disneyland Resort announced that it had reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Master Services Council, a coalition of labor unions which represent more than one-third of employees at the Anaheim resort. Union members will have the opportunity to vote on the agreement on November 17.
The Resort did not provide wage details of the agreement, but issued a statement saying,
"Disney is committed to investing in its cast members to provide a comprehensive, holistic employee experience through multiple touch points including healthcare coverage options as low as $7 / week for full-time cast members as well as providing eligible hourly cast with access to childcare support and Disney Aspire, an educational program offering free tuition."
The announcement came two days after an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled that Disney was not subject to the provisions of Measure L, a living wage ordinance passed by Anaheim residents in 2018. Measure L requires businesses which receive subsidies or tax incentives from the city to pay a minimum wage of $18 per hour by 2022. Current resort job postings start at $15.45 and up, depending on role.
The class-action lawsuit was brought by Disneyland employees, and claimed the resort was bound by the ordinance because of a series of city-issued construction bonds issued as part of the resort expansion in the 1990s, including one which funded construction of the Mickey and Friends parking structure. The judge ruled the bonds did not represent a tax break, and dismissed the suit.
Prior to the passage of Measure L in 2018, Disney canceled plans to build a four-diamond hotel at the Resort, and also asked the city of Anaheim to cancel two previously approved tax rebate agreements. At the time, Todd Ament, CEO and President of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, blasted Measure L, saying that the proposed ordinance, "contributed to the harsh political rhetoric and poor business climate in Anaheim, and that led to the cancellation of Disney’s 4th hotel."
Lawyers for the class action suit have said they intend to appeal the decision.
In-person hiring fair this week
The Disneyland Resort will hold an in-person job fair this Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9 and 10 at the Disneyland Hotel convention center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The Resort is hiring for a number of positions in foods, custodial, parking and more, and is offering hiring bonuses of up to $1,500 for certain roles. You can find the list of available positions, qualifications, and pay scale at the Disney Careers website.
If you can't attend the job fair in person, you can also apply from the website, and schedule a video interview. Most of the positions are based at the Anaheim resort, but at least one job—reservations sales agent—offers the ability to work from home (for now), provided you live within "reasonable driving distance of Anaheim," and are prepared to return to in-office settings in the future.
Disney+ Day this Friday
This Friday, November 12 is the inaugural Disney+ Day, commemorating the second anniversary of Disney's streaming platform. Disney+ subscribers visiting the Disneyland Resort that day can take advantage of some special offers, starting with 30-minute early admission to the theme parks (park reservations required).
At Disneyland, visitors will have a "blue carpet experience," complete with special photo locations, character appearances and free Disney PhotoPass digital downloads. One of these photo locations will feature Grogu, better known as Baby Yoda. At Disney California Adventure, look for photo spots with The Incredibles, and Ant-Man and The Wasp.
Check the Disney Parks Blog or the Disneyland mobile app for more details, and download and sign into the Disney+ app before you arrive to show eligibility for the experiences.
Extra Day & Night Free
MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today wants to help our readers give the gift of a vacation this holiday season.
They believe traveling together gives you memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you choose to travel during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, or want to surprise your family with a trip in 2022, they've got you covered with a variety of packages to save money and add magic to your stay.
Get Away Today has partnered with Visit Anaheim to give you an extra day at the Disneyland Resort and an extra night at select Anaheim area hotels free.
Give your loved ones the gift of unforgettable experiences this year! Theme park reservations are required. Availability is limited, so don’t wait!
...Downtown Disney visitors can get a hands-on Quest 2 preview of Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge starting November 21. The virtual reality experience utilizes the Oculus Quest 2 headset to take players inside a new expansion to the existing game. Get full details at the Oculus blog.
…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.
Please let us know if the menu bar doesn't work on your screen.
Sailing Ship Columbia – closed September 20 for refurbishment. Reopens November 25.
Tarzan's Treehouse – closed for unscheduled refurbishment. Reopening date unknown.
"it's a small world" – closed October 24 to November 11 to install the holiday overlay.
Indiana Jones Adventure – closed for refurbishment November 7-10.
Donald's Boat
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Frontierland Shootin' Exposition
Goofy's Playhouse
Star Wars Launch Bay
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – under construction in ToonTown; scheduled to open in 2023.
Closed dining:
Clarabelle's – closed due to construction in ToonTown.
Daisy's Diner – closed due to construction in ToonTown.
Pluto's Dog House – closed due to construction in ToonTown.
Troubadour Tavern
Harbour Galley – closed due to adjacent construction.
Closed shopping:
Magical Transformations at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Fairy Tale Treasures
Gag Factory – closed due to construction in ToonTown.
Royal Reception
Silhouette Studio
Disney California Adventure
Closed attractions:
Red Car Trolley
Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar
Closed dining:
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
Downtown Disney District
Permanently closed:
Rainforest Cafe – now home to the Star Wars Trading Post.
AMC Theaters – building remains closed, courtyard is used as seating for Downtown Disney restaurants.
ESPN Zone – building is being used as a pop-up shop.
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel – now open at limited capacity
PCH Grill – permanently closed. No timeline released for a possible replacement.
Disneyland Hotel – now open at limited capacity
New DVC tower – concept plans filed with city of Anaheim. No timeline released.
Guest room refurbishment – was ongoing at the time of the Resort closure. Fantasy tower appears to be complete, but Frontier and Adventure towers may still be under renovation. No updated timeline available.
Steakhouse 55 – permanently closed. No timeline released for a possible replacement.
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
2021
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – November 12, 2021 through January 9, 2022
Disney's Merriest Nights at Disneyland – select nights November 11 - December 9. The event is now sold out.
Candlelight Ceremony and Processional [UNCONFIRMED] – Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5, with two performances each night.
Dapper Day (unofficial event) – Fall Outing to Disneyland scheduled for November 13-14. More information on the event website.
2022
2022 D23 Expo – September 9–11, 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Postponed events:
Disneyland After Dark: Villains Nite – postponed from Thursday, April 30, 2020. Visitors who had already purchased a ticket to the sold-out event will automatically receive a ticket for the rescheduled event once a date is selected. However, anyone who purchased a ticket and prefers a refund can call (714) 781-4636 to request one.
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite – postponed from Thursday, August 27, 2020. Visitors who had already purchased a ticket to the sold-out event will automatically receive a ticket for the rescheduled event once a date is selected. However, anyone who purchased a ticket and prefers a refund can call (714) 781-4636 to request one.
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.
One Day Tickets
Ticket & Season
Adult One-Park
Adult Park Hopper
Child One-Park
Child Park Hopper
One Day – Tier 1
$104
$164
$98
$153
One Day – Tier 2
$119
$179
$113
$173
One Day – Tier 3
$134
$194
$127
$197
One Day – Tier 4
$149
$209
$141
$201
One Day – Tier 5
$159
$219
$150
$210
One Day – Tier 6
$164
$224
$155
$215
Disney Genie Add-On [Not yet offered]: $20 per day, per ticket
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.
Two Day Tickets
Two-Day, One-Park per Day Ticket – regularly $255/$240
Two-Day Park Hopper – regularly $319/$300
Disney Genie Add-On [Not yet offered]: $20 per day, per ticket
Advance purchase Two-Day tickets – check for current discounts and promotions from Get Away Today
Three Day Tickets
Three-Day, One-Park per Day Ticket – regularly $330/$310
Three-Day Park Hopper – regularly $390/$370
Disney Genie Add-On [Not yet offered]: $20 per day, per ticket
Advance purchase Three-Day tickets – check for current discounts and promotions from Get Away Today
SoCal Resident Ticket Offer
The 2020 Southern California Resident Ticket was available to residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California in spring, 2020. Due to the closure of the Disneyland Resort, the expiration date of this ticket is extended. Per Disney, If you purchased a promotional Southern California Resident Ticket, the expiration date will be extended through December 16, 2021. Tickets may be used on non-consecutive days. Blockout days of July 4; November 20–27, 2021 apply.
Special Ticket Offer for Kids Everywhere
This promotional ticket was also sold in spring, 2020. If you purchased a promotional Child Ticket and have not used it, the expiration date will be extended through December 16, 2021, and the ticket will expire 13 days after first use or December 16, 2021, whichever occurs first. Guests who used their first visit between February 28 and March 13, 2020, but did not reach their ticket’s maximum number of uses, will have the 13-day expiration period of the promotional ticket extended to December 16, 2021. Blockout days of July 4; November 20–27, 2021 apply.
Four Day Tickets
Four-Day, One-Park per Day Ticket – regularly $360/$340
Four-Day Park Hopper – regularly $420/$400
Disney Genie Add-On [Not yet offered]: $20 per day, per ticket
Advance purchase Four-Day tickets – check for current discounts and promotions from Get Away Today.
Five Day Tickets
Five-Day, One-Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $380/$360
Five-Day Park Hopper – Regularly $440/$420
Disney Genie Add-On [Not yet offered]: $20 per day, per ticket
Advance purchase Five-Day tickets – check for current discounts and promotions from Get Away Today.
Six Day (or more) Tickets
No longer offered by Disneyland for domestic customers. 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.
If you purchased a promotional Canada Resident Ticket or Australia/New Zealand Resident Ticket, and have not used it, the expiration date will be extended through December 16, 2021, and the ticket will expire 13 days after first use or December 16, 2021, whichever occurs first. Guests who made their first visit between February 28 and March 13, 2020, but did not reach their ticket’s maximum number of uses, will have the 13-day expiration period of their promotional tickets extended to December 16, 2021.
Disneyland Magic Keys
Dream Key [Not currently available to purchase] – $1,399, or $102 per month after downpayment.
Details
No blockout dates
Can hold 6 reservations at a time
Can make reservations 90 days in advance
20% merchandise discount
15% food & beverage discount
Parking included
Believe Key – $949, or $65 per month after downpayment.
Details
48 blockout dates (through Sept, 2022)
Can hold 6 reservations at a time
Can make reservations 90 days in advance
10% merchandise discount
10% food & beverage discount
50% parking discount
Enchant Key – Price: $649, or $40 per month after downpayment.
Details
150 blockout dates
Can hold 4 reservations at a time
Can make reservations 90 days in advance
10% merchandise discount
10% food & beverage discount
Imagine Key – Exclusive to Southern California Residents – $399, or $19 per month after downpayment.
Details
235 blockout dates
Can hold 2 reservations at a time
Can make reservations 90 days in advance
10% merchandise discount
10% food & beverage discount
A monthly payment plan is available to California residents, after a $179 down payment.
Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them.
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
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.
Disney usually 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.
Magic Key Holders
Magic Key Holders receive discounts on food and merchandise at participating locations, based on Magic Key type. Visit the Magic Key Discounts website for current details.
Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders
See the Disney Visa website for terms and conditions for all of these promotions.
Disney Magic Shot at Disney California Adventure – cardholders have access to a private photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, where a Disney character will be digitally added to your photo. The location is open daily from 10:30am – 1:30pm., and is adjacent to the Monsters, Inc. attraction in Hollywood Land. Members receive one free image download per visit.
Star Wars Magic Shot at Disneyland – cardholders have access to a private photo opportunity outside of the Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland, across from Autopia. This is open daily from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Members receive one free image download per visit, and Star Wars character will be digitally added to your photo.
Disneyland Resort merchandise – cardholders also receive 10% off qualifying merchandise purchases of $50 or more from Disney-operated retail stores.
Disneyland Resort dining – 10% off at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants, (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% off at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (maximum discount of $40, excludes alcohol), Wetzel's Pretzels, and Alamo Rent a Car.
Disneyland Resort Guided Tours – 15% off the "Welcome to Disneyland," "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps," "Discover the Magic," and "Cultivating the Magic" guided tours.
Southern California Residents
SoCal Resident Ticket Offer
The 2020 Southern California Resident Ticket was available to residents of Southern California and Northern Baja California in spring, 2020. Due to the closure of the Disneyland Resort, the expiration date of this ticket is extended. Per Disney, If you purchased a promotional Southern California Resident Ticket, the expiration date will be extended through December 16, 2021. Tickets may be used on non-consecutive days. Blockout days of July 4; November 20-27, 2021 apply.
If you know of an offer that we've missed, please drop us an email with the details.
Disney Vacation Club Members
None currently available
If you know of an offer that you think most Members don't know about, please drop us an email with the details.
Service Members
Disneyland Resort Military Discounts
Disneyland has not yet announced details of a 2021 Military Salute program.
If you purchased a ticket under the 2020 program, the expiration date will be extended through December 16, 2021. Tickets may be used on non-consecutive days.
Hotel & Travel Packages
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 on line. through the Disneyland website, or call your favorite travel agent to inquire about these packages.
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