Disneyland Resort Update for October 24-30, 2016

by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, staff writer
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Disneyland Resort Update for October 24–30, 2016

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


News and Views

Paint the Night returns November 18 | Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort guided tour | Disneyland debuts donuts | Strolling around DCA | Disney Vacation Club member Christmas Eve event | CHOC Walk registration extended; enter the KTLA CHOC Walk sweepstakes | 2016 CHOC Walk Ambassadors' Luau at the Disneyland Hotel | This and that... | Crowd forecast

Paint the Night returns November 18

In a surprisingly low-key move this weekend, Disneyland updated its website with the return date for the "Paint the Night" parade. According to Disneyland.com and later confirmed by the park's official Twitter account, "Paint the Night" returns on Friday, November 18 for the "limited engagement" promised when the parade ended at the end of the 60th Anniversary celebration in September.

The first block of performances is over the peak Thanksgiving holiday period, November 18 through 27. During those 10 days, the "Paint the Night" parade is scheduled for 6:30 and 10:30 p.m. each night. In addition to "Paint the Night," "A Christmas Fantasy Parade" is scheduled at 1:30 and 4:15 p.m. daily, with the "Believe... in Holiday Magic" fireworks at 9:30 p.m. nightly.

There is no "Paint the Night" scheduled November 28 through December 1. On those nights, "A Christmas Fantasy Parade" performs at 4:15 p.m., with the "Believe... in Holiday Magic" fireworks at 8:40 p.m.

"Paint the Night" returns on December 2 with the same 6:30 and 10:30 p.m. schedule. "A Christmas Fantasy Parade" performs at 1:30 and 4:15 p.m., with the "Believe... in Holiday Magic" fireworks at 9:30 p.m that night.

The schedule is modified for December 3 and 4 due to the Candlelight Processional. On those two dates, "Paint the Night" runs only at 10:30 p.m., "A Christmas Fantasy Parade" performs at 1:30 and 3:15 p.m., with the "Believe... in Holiday Magic" fireworks at 8:40 p.m.

The entertainment schedule has not been posted beyond December 4, but we expect "Paint the Night" to be dark December 5 to 8 and possibly December 12 to 15, and then run daily from December 16 through January 2.

At this time, there is no published information about potential dining packages for "Paint the Night," but cast members at the Disneyland Dine Line say they have been told to expect that the Blue Bayou will again offer the "Paint the Night" dining package.

As offered until the end of the parade in September, The Blue Bayou package gave diners access to a reserved parade viewing area located on Main Street, U.S.A. That package is $62 per adult ($25 per child ages 3 to 9), and included a starter, entree, and dessert of your choice from the standard Blue Bayou dinner menu. Cast members are not able to book reservations now as "Paint the Night" packages, but suggested that interested diners book a dinner reservation at the Blue Bayou for the night they want to see the parade, and then call back and change their reservation to a "Paint the Night" package once bookings officially open. More details should be available later this week.

Cast members we spoke to said they do not believe Disney will bring back to the "On the Go" dining package available at Aladdin's Oasis for the limited return of "Paint the Night."

Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort guided tour

Reservations are now open for the Holiday Time at Disneyland Park guided tour. This tour lasts approximately two and a half hours, and focuses on holiday traditions from around the world. Each tour ends with special samplings of holiday treats and priority seating for "A Christmas Fantasy Parade." The tour may also offer priority access to "it's a small world" holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, depending on availability. Each participant also receives a collectible pin, and personalized souvenir button.

The Holiday Time at Disneyland park guided tour is offered from November 10, 2016 through January 8, 2017. The cost is $85 per person ages 3 and older. Disneyland park admission is required, and not included in the tour cost.

Tour times vary depending on the parade schedule for that day. Annual Passholders, AAA members, Disney Visa cardholders, and Disney Vacation Club members are eligible for discounts—ask what discounts are available to you when you book the tour. To make a reservation, call (714) 781- TOUR (8687) or visit the tour kiosk next to City Hall on Disneyland's Main Street USA.

Disneyland debuts donuts

Twitter user captured the attention of Disneyland fans with her photos last week of a new offering on Main Street.

Donuts have been available for a time at Walt Disney World, but haven't made their way to the West Coast Disney parks until now. As you can see from the photos, these aren't ordinary donuts, either. Each one is covered with an unusual topping, like chopped peanut butter cups or waffle chips.

In fact, there are six different varieties available, but only three are available on any given day. The first batch of donuts is available at park opening, and typically sell out in under three hours. The second batch is available at 6:00 p.m. each night.

For now, the donuts are only available at the coffee cart on Main Street, on the west side of the hub between the entrances to Frontierland and Princess Fantasy Faire. There is no word if Disneyland plans to expand the offering to other locations in the future, or over to Disney California Adventure.

Strolling around DCA

It's been a few weeks since we visited Disney California Adventure, so here's a quick photo update on that park.

The Hollywood Studios area is again a construction zone as the stage used for the after-dark dance parties are being removed. We don't know if this is a permanent change, or if the stage is simply being reconfigured for future events.

The dance party stage is being removed from the Hollywood Studios area of Disney California Adventure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

We don't know if the fountain will be restored once the stage has been removed, or if the stage will return for a future event. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Sunset Showcase Theater, (formerly home to the Muppets), currently hosts a 3-D sneak preview of the upcoming Marvel film, Dr. Strange. The lobby of the theater features a display case with one of the costumes worn by actor Benedict Cumberbatch during the filming. This theater is uniquely suited to showcasing the 3-D elements in the movie, and I found myself wishing I could actually watch the whole movie with the benefit of both 3-D and wrap-around screens.

The Sunset Showcase Theater is hosting a preview of "Dr. Strange." Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Film fans can see one of the costumes worn by actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Bugs Life Theater is currently hosting a preview of Moana. If you are not a fan of the special effects used during "it's tough to be a bug," you'll want to skip this preview—they are all used in full effect during the 15-minute trailer.

DCA visitors can catch a sneak preview of "Moana" in the Bugs Life Theater. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The conversion of the Hollywood Tower Hotel into the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction is well underway, with the exterior of the building mostly under construction wrap. With the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction closing in 10 weeks, the lines for the ride have been extremely long—sometimes up to two hours.

The Hollywood Tower Hotel facade is being removed from the show building, even as the Twilight Zone attraction continues to operate inside. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The standby line for the Tower of Terror is nearly two hours long by noon this past Sunday. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney Vacation Club member Christmas Eve event

Starting Thursday, October 27, Disney Vacation Club members can book an exclusive Christmas Eve dinner at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. The 2016 event carries a Hawaiian theme, and features a holiday buffet menu with a carving station, traditional side dishes and desserts.

Special entertainment is planned, including character meet-and-greets, themed photo opportunities, live music, hula lessons and a craft station.

Prices (not including tax or gratuity):

  • Adult: $68.60
  • Child (3 to 9): $30.50

The meal is served Christmas Eve from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Sequoia South ballroom. Reservations are required, and can be made starting Thursday, October 27. Call (800) 800-9800 to book through member services—the Disney Dine Line cannot make reservations for this meal.

CHOC Walk registration extended; enter the KTLA CHOC Walk sweepstakes

CHOC Walk registration extended

Registration has been extended for the 2016 CHOC Walk in the Park, to be held Sunday, October 30 at the Disneyland Resort, to give more walkers a chance to join the event. Sunday evening, CHOC released the following information for current and potential walkers:

Through the gracious support of our volunteers, we are able to add two more days of CHOC Walk check-in. The extended dates are Friday, October 28 from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. All check-ins will continue at the CHOC Walk Office at 505 South Main Street, Suite 175 in Orange.

These additional days mean those who did not check-in during our regular check-in dates will have the opportunity to do so and that we can now extend registration until we have reached capacity. There will be NO check-In opportunities the morning of the CHOC Walk at Disneyland.

Team MousePlanet is back for our ninth year supporting Children's Hospital Orange County, and the hard-working members of our team have already raised over $6300 in 2016 alone. With registration extended, there is still time to join our team for the 2016 event, and we invite all MousePlanet readers, friends, and family members to walk with us. It's easy to sign up—just visit our team page.

Win CHOC Walk registration and Disneyland tickets in KTLA contest

On Tuesday, October 25, KTLA viewers have the opportunity to win the "CHOC WALK GIVEAWAY SEPTEMBER 2016" sweepstakes. Watch the KTLA 5 Morning News between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25 for the code word, then text it to 515151 or enter using the form available on the contest website. The grand prize winner receives:

  • 4 One-day Park Hopper Tickets valid for admission to Disneyland Resort, 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, Ca, 92802 (“Disneyland”). Tickets are valid only on Sunday, October 30, 2016.
  • One night of accommodations for up to four people in a standard view room at the Disneyland Hotel, 1150 West Magic Way, Anaheim, CA, 92802 (“Disneyland Hotel”) on the night of Saturday, October 29, 2016.
  • 4 Big Kahuna Experience tickets to the CHOC Walk Ambassadors’ Luau to be held at the Disneyland Hotel on October 29, 2016.
  • 4 wristbands for entry to the “CHOC Walk in the Park” event at Disneyland on October 30, 2016.
  • 4 tickets to the CHOC Walk VIP breakfast in the Downtown Disney District, 1580 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA, 92802, on October 30, 2016.
  • 4 “CHOC Walk” T-shirts.
  • 4 “CHOC Walk” commemorative pins.
  • 4 “CHOC Walk” commemorative medallions.

2016 CHOC Walk Ambassadors' Luau at the Disneyland Hotel

Experience the Polynesian spirit of happiness and ohana at the second annual CHOC Walk Ambassadors Luau on Saturday afternoon, October 29, 2016 at the Disneyland Hotel's Adventure Lawn.

The luau is hosted by CHOC Walk Ambassadors, past and present, as a way to raise additional funds for the CHOC Walk in the Park and celebrate the courage and strength that they, and thousands of other CHOC patients and families, have shown during their medical journeys. 

This special Polynesian-themed event for the whole family will be the perfect way to celebrate the day before the CHOC Walk. The event will feature activities for attendees of all ages, including special photographs with Disney characters; tattoos by Kaman's Art Shoppe; Ambassadors' silent auction; delicious luau-inspired dinner; authentic Polynesian entertainment with special appearances by Tupua Productions, Loa Greyson, Jerome Grey, Halau Hula Lani Ola and "Auntie" and an exciting finale featuring world-famous Polynesian fire dancers!

Guests will also enjoy a dash of Disney magic with a special visit from artist Jimmy Mulligan. This year's master of ceremony will be KTLA's Henry DiCarlo.

This year’s luau offers two unique ticketing opportunities:

Aloha Experience starting at $85 per person:

  • Aloha reception
  • Blue carpet photo meet-and-greet with Disney character Goofy and a special surprise character
  • Hula experience
  • Lei
  • Polynesian-inspired dinner
  • Live Polynesian entertainment
  • Silent auction and more.

Big Kahuna VIP Experience starting at $150 per person – In addition to all the features of the Aloha Experience, the VIP experience also includes:

  • Big Kahuna reception
  • Premium reserved seating
  • Big Kahuna VIP gift bag

The event is Saturday, October 29 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Disneyland Hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the event website.

The CHOC Walk Ambassadors' Luau is part of the overall fundraising campaign for the CHOC Walk in the Park presented by the Disneyland Resort.

This and that...

...Disney has discontinued use of Fastpass for Frozen – Live at the Hyperion for the time being. For now, all seating is stand-by, with the doors opening an hour and five minutes before showtime. Cast members suggest that park visitors arrive 45 minutes to an hour before showtime if they want to sit in a specific section of the theater. Fastpass will likely be used again during the busy holiday season. The Frozen Dining Package is still offered at the Carthay Circle Restaurant.

..."it's a small world" closes Monday, October 24 to install the holiday overlay. The ride is scheduled to reopen on November 10.

...Nevada Day is observed this Friday, October 28. A school holiday for our neighbors to the northeast creates a three-day weekend and usually adds to the Halloween weekend crowds. Some Nevada schools take this entire week off as a Fall Break.

…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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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, October 25, 2016 3 / 10
Wednesday, October 26, 2016 3 / 10
Thursday, October 27, 2016 3 / 10
Friday, October 28, 2016 5 / 10
Saturday, October 29, 2016 6 / 10

Disneyland crowds for the next 365 days.
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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

  • Critter Country – the entire area is closed through November 3 for work likely related to the Rivers of America project. This includes all of the following rides, stores and restaurants:
    • Splash Mountain
    • Professor Barnaby Owl's Photographic Art Studio
    • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
    • Pooh Corner (store)
    • The Briar Patch (store)
    • Hungry Bear Restaurant
  • "it's a small world" – closed October 24 through November 9 to install the holiday overlay.
  • Space Mountain – closed November 1 & 2 to remove the Halloween 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.

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

  • Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort – now through October 31.
  • Mickey's Halloween Party – October 24, 26, 29, 31. All tickets are sold out online.
  • 2016 CHOC Walk in the Park – Sunday, October 30 at the Disneyland Resort. MousePlanet readers, friends, and family are invited to register with Team MousePlanet and walk with our group. Registration is now open at www.chocwalk.org
  • Dapper Day Fall Soiree (unofficial event) – Sunday, November 6. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

Sea World San Diego

Universal Studios Hollywood

Six Flags Magic Mountain

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

  • Nevada Day (observed) – Friday, October 28. A school holiday for our neighbors to the northeast creates a 3-day weekend and usually adds to the Halloween weekend crowds. Some Nevada schools take the entire week off as a Fall Break.
  • 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
Ticket & Season
Adult one-park
Adult Park Hopper
Child one-park
Child Park Hopper
One Day – Value
$95
$155
$89
$149
One Day – Regular
$105
$160
$99
$154
One Day – Peak
$119
$169
$113
$163

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

  • 1-Day, 1-Park ticket – $55 (reg. $89–$119)
  • 1-Day Park Hopper ticket – $83 (reg. $149–$169)

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).

The tickets can only be purchased by registered walkers in person at the Disneyland Resort on the day of the walk. You must present your CHOC Walk in the Park wristband to a Disneyland Resort Ticket Booth to purchase the discounted tickets. A maximum of five tickets may be purchased per wristband, which represents a savings of up to $430.

The tickets are valid starting October 30, 2016, and must be used by November 30, 2016. The tickets are not valid November 19–23, 2016 (Thanksgiving week).

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.

Two Day Tickets
  • Two Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $195/$183
  • Two Day Park Hopper – Regularly $235/$223

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 Tickets

  • Three Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $255/$243
  • Three Day Park Hopper – Regularly $295/$283

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.

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.

Four Day Tickets

  • Four Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $280/$265
  • Four Day Park Hopper – Regularly $320/$305

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 Tickets

  • Five Day, One Park per Day Ticket – Regularly $295/$280
  • Five Day Park Hopper – Regularly $335/$320

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

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:

  • 2016 – 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, l3; November 10, 11, 23, 24, 25.

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.

  • Premier Annual Passport ($1,439) – valid at both Disneyland Resort and Florida's Walt Disney World Resort; includes parking and digital PhotoPass downloads. No blockout dates.
  • Disney Signature Plus Pass ($1,049) – includes discounts, parking, and digital PhotoPass downloads. No blockout dates.
  • Disney Signature Pass ($849) – includes discounts, parking, and digital PhotoPass downloads. Some blockout dates, including December holidays and other peak days.
  • Disney Deluxe Pass ($599) – includes some discounts. Some blockout dates, including December holidays and other peak days.
  • Southern California Annual Passport ($459) – includes some discounts. Many blockout dates, including Saturdays, December holidays and other peak days.
  • Southern California Select Annual Passport ($329) – includes some discounts. This pass has the most blockout dates, including all weekends, December holidays and other peak days.
  • Parking Add On ($199) – add-on to Deluxe, SoCal and SoCal Select passes. Renewal only, not currently available for new purchase

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

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:

  • Add a 2nd day at LEGOLAND for $20. Purchase this upgrade at LEGOLAND on the day you use your CityPASS.
  • Add LEGOLAND Water Park for $30 for ages 3+ and $5 for ages 2 and under. Purchase this upgrade at LEGOLAND on the day you use your CityPASS.
  • Upgrade your Disneyland ticket to another ticket or annual passport of equal or greater value. For 2016 Southern California CityPASS, a credit of $275 for ages 10+ and $264 for ages 3-9 will be applied toward another ticket of equal or greater value. Purchase the upgrade at Disneyland before the end of your third visit.

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.

Disneyland Resort & Universal Studios Combo Pass
  • 2-day Disneyland Resort + 2-Day Universal Studios Combo Pass – $300/$281
  • 3-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.

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:

  • Disneyland Cooler Tote for $19.95 with a purchase of $25 or more.
  • Disneyland Throw Blanket for $19.95 with a purchase of $40 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.

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.

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.

U.S. military

See "2016 Disney Military Promotional 3–Day Park Hopper Ticket" above.

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.

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:

10/23 10/24 10/25 10/26 10/27 10/28 10/29

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 8a-11p
None

DCA: 9a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 9a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events:
Mickey's
Halloween Party

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 9a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 9a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events:
Mickey's
Halloween Party

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 9a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 9a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 8a-7p
None

DCA: 9a-11p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events:
Mickey's
Halloween Party

10/30 10/31 11/1 11/2 11/3 11/4 11/5

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 10a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events:
CHOC Walk

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 8a-6p
None

DCA: 9a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events:
Mickey's
Halloween Party

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 10a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 10a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 10a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 10a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 10a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 9a-12a
None

DCA: 10a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

11/6 11/7 11/8 11/9 11/10 11/11 11/12

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 8a-11p
None

DCA: 9a-9p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 10a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 10a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 10a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 10a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-9p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 9a-12a
None

DCA: 9a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
DX/SL/SC

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 9a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

11/13 11/14 11/15 11/16 11/17 11/18 11/19

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 9a-12a
None

DCA: 9a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 9a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 9a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 9a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Value

DL: 9a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 9a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC

Events: None

11/20 11/21 11/22 11/23 11/24 11/25 11/26

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-11p
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC/DX

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC/DX

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-10p
None

AP Blockouts:
SL/SC/DX

Events: None

11/27 11/28 11/29 11/30 12/1 12/2 12/3

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 8a-12a
None

DCA: 8a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
SL

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 10a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 10a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 10a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 10a-9p
None

DCA: 10a-8p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Regular

DL: 8a-9p
EMH/MM

DCA: 8a-8p
None

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

DL: 9a-12a
None

DCA: 9a-10p
EMH

AP Blockouts:
None

Events: None

Ticket Season:
Peak

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.

The Seasons calendar is published on the Disneyland website for the next 8-11 months.

 

Comments

  1. By amyuilani

    I wonder how much the decision to up the Disneyland donut game is influenced by the addition of Voodoo Donuts at Universal Studios Hollywood. Voodoo is famous for these over-the-top donuts, and here in Portland, people will wait hours for them. (I think they're gross, but that's because I can't handle that much sugar and bubble gum on a donut.) It may not seem like it, but Voodoo coming to USH is a big deal.

  2. By miss bianca

    Cast Members on the phone are reporting the Holiday Tour will NOT include access to the rides this year. Some are saying you get a FP to Haunted Mansion.

  3. By Niwel

    Quote Originally Posted by miss bianca View Post
    Cast Members on the phone are reporting the Holiday Tour will NOT include access to the rides this year. Some are saying you get a FP to Haunted Mansion.

    What the heck? I don't understand the change this year. The parade, the train, haunted mansion and small world. Otherwise, we just walk for 2 hours pre-parade? hmmm.....

  4. Discuss this article on MousePad.