Disneyland Resort Update for September 8-13, 2015

by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, staff writer
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Update for September 8–13, 2015

Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Discounts and Promotions | Park Schedule/Blockout Dates


News and Views

Fullerton man wins Disneyland Half Marathon; first-place woman also claims honor as first international winner | Holidays at Disneyland begin November 13 | Blue Bayou dinner package offered during Mickey's Halloween Party | New Jungle Cruise breakfast experience lets you be the skipper | Search for the 2016 Disney Parks Mom Panelists begins today | This and that... | Crowd Forecast

Fullerton man wins Disneyland Half Marathon; first-place woman also claims honor as first international winner

Over 15,000 runners completed the 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon this past weekend, and the fastest of them all was a chiropractor from neighboring Fullerton, participating in his very first runDisney event. James Lander (36) is a former competitive marathoner, who decided to run the Disneyland Half Marathon after cheering for his wife during previous runDisney events. He completed the course in 1:08:56, beating the second-place runner, Valdir Aparecido Bueno, by over six minutes. Aparecido Bueno (35) was the winner of the Disneyland 10K the day before, and his combined time of 1:15:16 for the two races put him in first place for the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge.

A new race milestone was recorded when Momoko Tanaka (29) from Urayasu-shi, Japan, became the first international runner to win the women's division at the Disneyland Half Marathon. Her finish time of 1:21:30 was nearly two minutes faster than Jennifer Berry (34) from Denver, Colorado, who returned to defend her 2014 title.

Results for all races and divisions are available on the runDisney website.

MousePlanet staff member Mark Goldhaber pauses for a photo at the Team MousePlanet cheer station at the halfway point of the 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon with staff member Lani Teshima, who was voluneering at the station. Mark earned his first Coast-to-Coast medal by completing this event, after also completing the WDW Half Marathon this past January. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend events drew over 29,000 runners to the Disneyland Resort for a series of events that included a 3.1-mile 5K family fun run, 6.2-mile 10K run, 13.1-mile half-marathon, runDisney kids races, and the Dumbo Double Dare challenge. The 10th anniversary event was the largest runDisney event at the Disneyland Resort to date, and drew runners from the United States and 28 other countries.

Team MousePlanet volunteers distributed hundreds of pounds of supplies to runners during the 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Some runners seemed reluctant to accept fruit from this volunteer. We hear she has a bit of a reputation with produce. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

We offer our congratulations to all who completed this weekend's events. We also extend a special thanks to the volunteers who helped to prepare and staff the Team MousePlanet cheer stations along both the Disneyland 10K and half-marathon courses. The 10th anniversary event was our largest cheer effort yet, with nearly 700 pounds of sliced oranges, over 100 pounds of Red Vines candy, and almost 3000 ice-cold sponges waiting for runners as they reached the halfway mark of the course. We also hand-printed over 100 personalized inspirational signs requested by our readers.

Team MousePlanet created over 100 signs requested by readers, and displayed them along the 10K route, and at the halfway point of the half-marathon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

If, like James Lander, you've decided it's time to stop reading about these events and start running them, you can mark your calendars for the 2016 Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, September 1–4, 2016. Disney has not yet said when registration will open, but it will likely be in early 2016.

We hope the Team MousePlanet runners are back to a "1" on the Baymax pain scale following this weekend's events. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Our youngest race volunteer had an urgent message for runners during the Disneyland half marathon. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Holidays at Disneyland begin November 13

Last week, the Disney Parks Blog announced that the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort season begins Friday, November 13, and continues through January 6, 2016. While the dates are official, the announcement left quite a few questions unanswered about how the parks will incorporate the traditional holiday entertainment offering during the 60th Anniversary celebration.

Parades

It's highly unlikely that Disneyland would skip A Christmas Fantasy parade entirely this year, but it's equally unlikely that they would put the new Paint the Night parade on hiatus for the season. We expect Disney will run the Christmas parade during the day, replacing Mickey's Soundsational Parade, and run Paint the Night after dark.

Fireworks

Believe... in Holiday Magic may take a back seat to the anniversary Disneyland Forever fireworks this year, though Disney hasn't given any official confirmation either way. If the entertainment department goes this route, perhaps they'll expand the holiday lighting "moment" to include all of Main Street, and play the "White Christmas" tag that usually follows the holiday fireworks show. That would appease those for whom the holiday fireworks are a tradition, while still drawing new crowds to see the anniversary offerings.

World of Color

We don't yet know if Disney will bring back World of Color – Winter Dreams, or continue with the anniversary World of Color – Celebrate. The holiday show debuted in 2013, and heavily incorporates songs and imagery from Frozen. Our guess is that Disney will put the anniversary show on hiatus and show the holiday version until January.

Santa

The decision to cancel the Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Carnival this year has led many to ask where Santa might make his home this holiday season. There's no reason we know why Santa would not return to Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure for the season, but there's been no word if Santa will appear in the Big Thunder Ranch area one last time, or find another spot inside Disneyland.

Candlelight

We don't have any details, but we have official confirmation, by way of an audition website, that the 2015 Candlelight Processional will be held on Main Street, U.S.A. on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6.

Blue Bayou dinner package offered during Mickey's Halloween Party

Disneyland has just added a Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou - Premium Halloween Dining Experience to Mickey's Halloween Party nights. The three-course, prix-fix meal is served in the Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square, and includes special entertainment starring Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog.

Event guests receive a lithograph of original artwork by Disney Animator Eric Goldberg, and reserved viewing area in the Central Plaza for the Halloween Screams fireworks. The meal begins at 7:00 p.m., and the experience ends at 9:45 p.m. with the conclusion of the fireworks show.

The price for this exclusive offering is $150 per person, ages 3 and up. This is in addition to admission for the Halloween Party itself, which are not included but must be purchased before you book the dinner. * With Mickey's Halloween Party tickets starting at $69 per person, this quickly adds up to a $900 evening for a family of four.

While the cost is definitely a reason to stop and think, another major consideration is just how much of your limited party time will be taken up by this dinner. Mickey's Halloween Party is just five hours long, though attendees can enter the park up to three hours before the event begins. This dinner event lasts more than half of the entire party, leaving you just one or two hours after the fireworks to see all of the treat trails, watch the parade, hit the dance parties or take advantage of the special Halloween photo opportunities.

The math doesn't add up for me, just as it never made sense to take the Happiest Haunts guided tour during the Halloween Party. I'd be much more likely to book this dinner on a non-party night, and be able to enjoy both the $150 dinner and have the full Mickey's Halloween Party experience.

Still, there may be a market for this type of super-premium experience, in which case we'll probably see similar prix-fix offerings during Christmas, New Years and Valentine's Day. Disney can't make the Blue Bayou any larger, so the only way to increase revenue is to expand the operating hours, or raise prices. A $150 prix fix meal when the restaurant is usually closed does both.

*While Disney says you must have already purchased tickets to Mickey's Halloween Party to book the dinner, there appears to be no validation during the online reservation process, and your credit card is charged when you make the reservation. As such, it appears possible to make a reservation for dinner on one of the nights where Mickey's Halloween Party is already sold out, leaving you with no way to purchase the event ticket.

New Jungle Cruise breakfast experience lets you be the skipper

Disney announced a second premium dining experience, and this one comes with an even larger check. For $300 per person, the Jungle Cruise Safari Breakfast offers the opportunity to dine inside the Jungle Cruise before Disneyland opens to the public, then try your hand at being a Jungle Cruise skipper.

While many people are balking at paying $300 for a breakfast you can get at any Embassy Suites, this offering is all about the experience, not the food. The early-morning, table-service meal is said to be set on the African savannah, which means you could be dining with the Sleeping Zebra and the Gnu, and going somewhere day guests just aren't allowed to go. If you've ever wanted to grab the mic and show your skipper how the jokes should be told, this is your chance.

After breakfast, you get the chance to become a skipper recruit, and take a "private ride on the Jungle Cruise to hone your skipper skills." Just exactly what this entails is unclear, and the official descriptions are vague. For liability reasons it's unlikely that you will actually be allowed to drive the Jungle Cruise boat when you get " behind the wheel of your own boat." It's more likely that a Disney employee will power the boat around the Jungle Cruise, while you take the microphone and recite as much of the spiel as you remember.

Participants receive a souvenir tribal mask, and valet parking at the Grand Californian hotel. Theme park admission is neither required or included with this offering.

The breakfast is offered select dates September 21 to December 2, 2015, and reservations open 60 days in advance. As of press time, there was space open on September 21, 22, 23. 24 and 29; and October 1, 26 and 28. Reservations must be booked online, and the full amount is charged when the reservation is confirmed. You can cancel up to 72 hours in advance and receive a refund.

The search for the 2016 Disney Parks Mom Panelists begins today

The 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel Search begins today, September 8.

Each year since 2008, thousands of ordinary people with an extraordinary love for all things Disney Parks apply to become part of this small, official group, which answers questions submitted online from readers on everything from how to choose where to stay to the ins and outs of making Fastpass+ reservations, or which excursions are best on Disney Cruise Lines.

Applicants have from 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) September 8 to noon (Eastern) Friday, September 15 to submit their applications for consideration. Moms, dads and grandparents are welcome to apply, and Disney is especially looking for applicants who are fluent in Spanish, French and Portuguese.

While the specific process is top secret, previous applicants have shared their experiences. After the application deadline closes, Disney screens each application and decides who will move on to the second round of screening. This may involve writing an extended response or a series of questions that might be similar to what readers may submit online. Disney narrows down the applicant pool from there and, typically, a phone interview is next. 

Disney selects only a handful of people to join the Moms Panel each year. For more information about the Disney Moms Panel and how to apply, visit its official recruiting website

Hey buddy, can you spare a churro?

Together We Rise, a national non profit based in Southern California, needs your help to take 200 foster kids to Disneyland on September 20, 2015.

This is an annual event where siblings who have been separated in foster care are invited to spend a day together at Disneyland with their brother(s) and sister(s). While siblings in foster care may see each other more often through visitation orders, it's usually just for a few hours a week, and it's usually in a very controlled social services setting. This lets them just be KIDS together for a day, and it's a very special opportunity.

The group needs to raise an additional $13,000 before the September 20th event, and every bit helps. If you can spare the price of a churro, please visit the event page and click the pink DONATE button.

This and that...

...We wanted to post the updated pricing and expiration for the specially-priced Disneyland Resort tickets available to participants in the 2015 CHOC Walk.

CHOC-tober one-day, one-park ticket – $51
CHOC-tober one-day parkhopper ticket – $81

A discounted price available to participants in the 2015 CHOC Walk, an annual fund raiser for Children's Hospital Orange County. The 2015 event is Sunday, October 11. Each walker who raises at least $65 can purchase up to five discounted tickets following the event. The tickets are valid starting October 11, 2015, and must by used by November 6, 2015.

For this 25th Anniversary event, CHOC has raised the minimum fund-raising commitment. There is no charge to register for the walk, but walkers (ages 3 and up) must commit to raise $65 before the event. We invite MousePlanet readers, friends and family members to join our team for the event.

...Tickets for Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland are now sold out on September 25, October 23, October 25, and Halloween night. All other nights still available as of publication.

...Taping of the West Coast portions of the 2015 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade is scheduled for November 6–8. The performances are usually taped on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday reserved as a backup day in case of weather. Filming is always subject to change with no notice, and we don't encourage readers to make a special trip just to see the filming.

...It appears that Disneyland will be restoring the Main Street Flower Market. A permit was filed last week for "Flower Carts and Artist Portrait Install," along with a "New Marquee Structure" at Disneyland. Disney installed a holiday flower market set two years ago on East Center Street, the area between the Market House and Disney Clothiers, but it lasted only a few months. We don't know if this is again a seasonal addition, or a more permanent installation.

...With all of the new Star Wars merchandise in the parks comes an addition to the Build Your Own Lightsaber offering at the Star Trader. A new hilt can be added to the emitter, allowing you to build a "deluxe" lightsaber a la Kylo Ren. This piece adds $5 or $10 to the price of your single or double lightsaber creation. While cast members say you can add the piece to previously purchased lightsabers, the hilt is not sold separately, so you'll have to buy a whole new lightsaber if you want it.

A new Kylo Ren emitter and hilt are available as part of the Build Your Own Lightsaber offering at Disneyland. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…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 MouseAdventure 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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Crowd Forecast

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Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Crowd Calendar.

 
Date Overall
Tuesday, September 8, 2015 2 / 10
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 2 / 10
Thursday, September 10, 2015 2 / 10
Friday, September 11, 2015 3 / 10

Disneyland crowds for the next 365 days.
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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all of 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

  • Haunted Mansion – closed through September 10 for installation of Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
  • Space Mountain – closed September 7–10 for installation of the Ghost Galaxy overlay.
  • Sailing Ship Columbia – closed September 8–11 for refurbishment.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean– closes September 14–29 for refurbishment.
  • Tomorrowland Theater (Captain EO) – closed; reopening date unknown.
  • Starcade – closed for renovation; reopening date TBD.
  • Innoventions – closed; reopening date unknown.
  • "it's a small world" – closed October 19 through November 5 for installation of the holiday overlay.

Disney California Adventure

  • "it's tough to be a bug" – closed September 7–17 for refurbishment.
  • Ariel's Grotto– closed September 15–17 for refurbishment.
  • Turtle Talk with Crush – closes October 12 for refurbishment. Reopening date unknown., but after October 16
  • Blue Sky Cellar – closed; reopening date now TBD.
  • Luigi's Flying Tires – closed. Ride to be removed and replaced. Reopening date unknown.
  • Muppet*Vision 3D – closed indefinitely due to the Frozen Fun overlay.

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).

2015

  • Halloween Time – September 11 through November 1.
  • Dapper Day Fall Soiree – (unofficial event) September 18. Details at the Dapper Day website.
  • Mickey's Halloween Party – September 25, 28, and 30; October 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31. Tickets available now via the Disneyland website, by calling (714) 781-4400, or in person at a Disneyland Resort ticket booth. September 25; October 23, 25 and 31 (Halloween Night) are sold out as of this Update; all other nights still available.
  • Gay Days at Disneyland – (unofficial event) October 2–4. More information on the event website.
  • 2015 CHOC Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 11 at the Disneyland Resort. Registration is now open via the event website. MousePlanet readers, friends, and family are invited to register with Team MousePlanet and walk with our group.
  • Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. "Utah Escapes to Anaheim") – October 15-16. Expect unusually large attendance levels October 16–20 as Utah students and families take advantage of a 4-day weekend created by their school's participation in a state education convention. Not all Utah schools or teachers close for or attend UEA, but the impact on the Resort is usually noticeable enough to mention.
  • Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade taping at the Disneyland Resort – November 6–8. Taping of the West coast portions of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. The performances are usually taped on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday reserved as a backup day in case of weather. Filming is always subject to change with no notice, and we don't encourage readers to make a special trip just to see the filming.
  • 2015 Avengers Half Marathon Weekend – November 12–15. Most events are sold out, but space remains in the half marathon race. Details on the runDisney website.
  • Holidays at the Disneyland Resort – November 13 through January 6.
  • Candlelight Processional – December 5 and 6. Performances times and narrator(s) have not yet been announced.

2016

  • 2016 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – January 14–17. All running events are sold out, but ChEAR Squad packages are still available. Details on the runDisney website.
  • 2016 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – May 5–8. The 5K and 10K events are sold out, but the half marathon and Pixie Dust Challenge are still available. Details on the runDisney website.
  • Utah Education Association convention (UEA, a.k.a. "Utah Escapes to Anaheim") – October 20–21.
  • 2016 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – September 1–4.

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.

Merchandise Events

Date Event
Fri., September 11

Disneyana – Artist Showcase with Dave Avanzino, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WonderGround Gallery – Artist Showcase with David Lozeau, 6–10 p.m.

Sat., September 12

Disneyana – Artist Showcase with Dave Avanzino, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WonderGround Gallery – Artist Showcase with David Lozeau, 6–10 p.m.

Sun., September 13

WonderGround Gallery – Artist Showcase with David Lozeau, 6–10 p.m.

Fri., September 18

WonderGround Gallery – Artist Showcase with David Lozeau, 6–10 p.m.

Sat., September 19

WonderGround Gallery:

Sun., September 20

WonderGround Gallery – Artist Showcase with David Lozeau, 6–10 p.m.

Fri., September 25

WonderGround Gallery – Artist Showcase with David Lozeau, 6–10 p.m.

Sat., September 26 WonderGround Gallery – Artist Showcase with Serpenthes artist, Gabriela Ruiz, 2–5 p.m.
Sun., September 27 WonderGround Gallery – Artist Showcase with Serpenthes artist, Gabriela Ruiz, 2–5 p.m.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Disneyland prices as of February 2015.

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.

One Day, One Park Ticket – Regularly $99/$93

One Day Park Hopper – Regularly $155/$149

CHOC-tober one-day, one-park ticket – $51
CHOC-tober one-day parkhopper ticket – $81

A discounted price available to participants in the 2015 CHOC Walk, an annual fund raiser for Children's Hospital Orange County. The 2015 event is Sunday, October 11. Each walker who raises at least $65 can purchase up to five discounted tickets following the event. The tickets are valid starting October 11, 2015, and must by used by November 6, 2015.

For this 25th Anniversary event, CHOC has raised the minimum fund-raising commitment. There is no charge to register for the walk, but walkers (ages 3 and up) must commit to raise $65 before the event. We invite MousePlanet readers, friends and family members to join our team for the event.

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.

Two Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $185/$172

Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $225/$212

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.

Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $235/$224

Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $275/$264

Adults at Kids' Prices Three Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket – $264

A discounted ticket available through MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Travel. Offer valid for travel during September and November 2015.

Bonus Tickets include one Magic Morning early entry which allows access to select areas of Disneyland ® Park one hour before the park opens to the general public. (subject to change without notice) Ticket expires 13 days after first use. See Get Away Travel website for offer details and restrictions.


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.

2014–2015 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($132)

A discounted price offered to Eligible Service Members or their spouses.

The 2014–2015 U.S. Armed Forces discount is valid through October 3, 2015. Under this program, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $132 each.

For the purpose of this offer, Disney defines "Eligible Service Members" as active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification will be required for purchase. This discount is available at MWR/ITT offices at your military base or other at participating U.S. military sales outlets. The tickets are not available for sale at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. The price is the same for adults and children, and total of six tickets may be purchased per military member, regardless of who purchases the tickets (the member or their spouse). Disney has also clarified that the "Military member (or spouse) must accompany the persons using these tickets for Theme Park admission," which means you can not purchase these tickets and give them to someone who will be visiting without you present.

Unlike past years, this ticket is not blocked out on the 4th of July. As far as we can tell, there is no "fuse" on this ticket, so you may have more than the standard 13 days from first use to use the remaining two admissions, but we highly recommend you contact your base MWR/ITT office for more details before making travel plans. Please note that this ticket is not a "bonus" ticket, and so does not include an early admission day.

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.

Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $260/$245

Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $300/$285

Adults at Kids' Prices Four Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket – $285

A discounted ticket available through MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Travel. Offer valid for travel during September and November 2015.

Bonus Tickets include one Magic Morning early entry which allows access to select areas of Disneyland ® Park one hour before the park opens to the general public. (subject to change without notice) Ticket expires 13 days after first use. See Get Away Travel website for offer details and restrictions.


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.

Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $275/$259

Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $315/$299

Adults at Kids' Prices Five Day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket – $299

A discounted ticket available through MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Travel. Offer valid for travel during September and November 2015.

Bonus Tickets include one Magic Morning early entry which allows access to select areas of Disneyland ® Park one hour before the park opens to the general public. (subject to change without notice) Ticket expires 13 days after first use. See Get Away Travel website for offer details and restrictions.

Five Days for the price of Four Park Hopper Bonus Ticket – $300/$285

A discounted ticket available through MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Travel. The first day of use must occur on or before December 31, 2015.

Bonus Tickets include one Magic Morning early entry which allows access to select areas of Disneyland ® Park one hour before the park opens to the general public. (subject to change without notice) Ticket expires 13 days after first use. See Get Away Travel website for offer details and restrictions.


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.

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

California residents can take advantage of the monthly payment plan when purchasing any but the Premier Annual Passport.

  • Premier Annual Passport ($1,099) – valid at both Disneyland Resort and Florida's Walt Disney World Resort; includes parking.
  • Premium Annual Passport ($779) – includes parking.
  • Deluxe Annual Passport ($549)
  • Southern California Annual Passport ($389) – renewal only, not currently available for new purchase
  • Southern California Select Annual Passport ($299)
  • Parking Add On ($169) – add-on to Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select passes; blocked out July 4 and December 31. Renewal only, not currently available for new purchase
  • Blockout Day Ticket – no longer available.

Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them.

2015 Southern California CityPASS $334/$291

 

2015 Southern California CityPASS ($334/$291) – 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, 2015. 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.

2015 Southern California CityPASS through Get Away Today ($324/$281) – Save $10 per ticket when you purchase your City Pass through MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Travel, 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 $48/$38. This upgraded pass is only available for purchase directly from the CityPASS website

Prices listed above are valid until December 31, 2015


Check with your employer, school or credit union to see if any other discounts are available through them.

Disneyland® Resort & Universal Studios Combo Pass

2-day Disneyland Resort + 2-Day Universal Studios Combo Pass – $300/$281
2-day Disneyland Resort + 2-Day Universal Studios Combo Pass – $342/$335

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.

Other 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:

  • Disneyland Mickey Mouse Backpack for $19.95 with a purchase of $40 or more.
  • Disneyland Pin Trading Starter Set for $19.95 with a purchase of $25 or more.

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.

Discounts for Annual Passholders

Disneyland Resort merchandise – Disneyland extended the 20 percent merchandise discount offered to Premium annual passholders through December 31, 2015. All other passholders receive a 10% merchandise discount. Visit the Annual Passholder discount page for specific details and exclusions.

Guided Tours – 15% off the regular price of 6 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% 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.

Discounts for Disney Visa cardholders

Character Meet-and-Greet – cardholders have access to a private character meet-and-greet photo opportunity at Disney California Adventure, and receive one free 5"x7" photograph per visit.


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. 15 percent off littlemissmatched purchases.


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.

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 – package includes accommodations in 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 three DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!); 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.

Discounts for U.S. military

See "2014–2015 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket ($132)" above.

Discounts for 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.

 

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

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:

    9/8 9/9 9/10 9/11 9/12
   

DL: 10a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 10a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 10a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 9a-5p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-9p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

9/13 9/14 9/15 9/16 9/17 9/18 9/19

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: None

DL: 9a-10p
None

DCA: 9a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 10a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 10a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 10a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 10a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 10a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-9p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

9/20 9/21 9/22 9/23 9/24 9/25 9/26

DL: 9a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: None

DL: 9a-10p
None

DCA: 9a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 9a-10p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 9a-11p
None

DCA: 9a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 9a-11p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-7p
None

DCA: 8a-12a
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

9/27 9/28 9/29 9/30 10/1 10/2 10/3

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: None

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 8a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 9a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 8a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 9a-10p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-7p
None

DCA: 8a-12a
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

10/4 10/5 10/6 10/7 10/8 10/9 10/10

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: None

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 8a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 8a-11p
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 8a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-9p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-7p
None

DCA: 8a-12a
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

10/11 10/12 10/13 10/14 10/15 10/16 10/17

DL: 10a-12a
None

DCA: 10a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: CHOC Walk

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 9a-11p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-9p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 8a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-9p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

DL: 8a-7p
None

DCA: 8a-12a
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: MHP

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

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.

 

Comments

  1. By danyoung

    Excellent article, and I thank you for all your hard work. That said, did you really want this article titled that way?

  2. By olegc

    Santa used to be on a large chair in the middle of Town Square. They could always bring that back - or place him the the Lincoln lobby. Or make a very interesting meet/greet option on Small World Plaza. The cynic in me thinks they will only have the DCA Santa and let everyone know he's there (oh, you didn't buy a park hopper? oh, too bad). That's a 10% probability but I thought it.

  3. By AJDerrick

    I'd like to see Santa at Small World, that could be fun.

    Has anyone here ever applied for the Moms Panel?

  4. By cstephens

    Quote Originally Posted by olegc View Post
    The cynic in me thinks they will only have the DCA Santa and let everyone know he's there (oh, you didn't buy a park hopper? oh, too bad). That's a 10% probability but I thought it.

    Then they could just go to the Grand Californian lobby and see Santa there.

  5. By olegc

    Quote Originally Posted by cstephens View Post
    Then they could just go to the Grand Californian lobby and see Santa there.

    Yup. Good idea.

  6. By tea4two

    A fifth sold out MHP date: Friday, 10/16.

  7. By BrianSCU

    I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to the entire Mouse Planet team for coming out to support the runners. I ran the 10K on Saturday, and it was great to see the team out so early cheering us on. What incredible motivation to see people cheering you on. Loved the signs too - my favorite was "something inspirational on green." Thank you! Please know your efforts are much appreciated.

  8. By loveleeorchid

    THANK YOU Mouseplanet for the signs you made for my niece and I. It was a great motivational push since we didn't have any family or friends cheering us on.Attachment 8687

  9. By tea4two

    6th sold out date: Friday, 10/9.

  10. By GusMan

    Quote Originally Posted by AJDerrick View Post
    Has anyone here ever applied for the Moms Panel?

    I have.
    I actually made it past the first cut of over 12K people. (First 1000 finalists.)

    I didn't make it past the second cut, but thought it was cool to get over the first hurdle.

  11. By tea4two

    MHP on Friday, 10/02, is now sold out.

  12. Discuss this article on MousePad.