[FAQ/DL] D-I-G: The Disneyland Information Guide 2/7
Al Lutz
Archive-name: disney-faq/disneyland/part2
Last-modified: June 1, 1997
Posting-frequency: Monthly
Keywords: Disneyland, amusement-park, Disney, FAQ, California
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This document is copyright (c) 1997 by Al Lutz, alw...@aol.com Please
refer to the copyright paragraph in Part One for details.
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MAGIC KINGDOM CLUB - GOLD CARD: $65 Membership fee ($45 to renew) provides
benefits for the cardholder, spouse and dependent children for 2 years.
(Foreign orders: $85, international money orders in US funds only
accepted.)
Benefits at DL include: Reduced prices on DL admission. 15% Discount at
the Blue Bayou and 10% Dining discounts at buffeteria locations at DL, and
at Stromboli's, Granville's, Shipyard, Goofy's Kitchen and Monorail Cafe
restaurants at the DL Hotel. (Discount not valid Dec. 31st 96 or 97) 10%
year-round, 20% September discount on the DL hotel.
There are also many other benefits at other Disney resort properties
including Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland. 10%
discount at Disney Stores / Galleries worldwide and a 10% Disney Catalog
discount, not valid inside any of the parks, resort hotels, Crossroads
shops at Lake Buena Vista and airport shops. 10% to 25% seasonal discounts
on hotel accomodations at Disney's Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island
Resorts.
Up to 30% discount off of published rates at National Car Rental/InterRent
at most locations. Free membership in Entertainment Publications' Travel
America at HalfPrice ($3.95 fee for processing, shipping & handling for
the 1-year membership). 10% Membership discount to AAA - both basic and
renewal. You also get a membership card, tote bag, and a Disney vacation
video. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery of membership materials.
DL's MKC Travel Center reservations and info. number is: 800-MKC-MAGIC
(800-652-6244). WDW's MKC Travel Center reservations and info. is 407-824-
2600.
For details write to:
MAGIC KINGDOM CLUB
Gold Card
P.O. Box 3850
Anaheim, CA 92803-9831
To join / charge by phone:
(800) 41-D-I-S-N-E-Y (3-4-7-6-3-9)
MKC Travel Center Line
(714) 520-5000
Gold Card Toll-Free Reservations Numbers:
West: (800) 446-8666
East: (800) 446-5365
The MAGIC YEARS CLUB which offered discounts and programs specifically to
those 55 and over was discontinued beginning the first of this year and
current members have been updated to MKC Gold Cards and will receive a
discount on future MKC memberships. In place of the MYC, new MKC members
over 55 may now join for $50 and receive all the above listed benefits.
-----------------------
7) DIRECTIONS
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DL is located in Anaheim, which is about 45 minutes south (with no
traffic) of the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, on the I-5 freeway. (The
park is located just South of the intersection of the 91 and I-5
Freeways.)
Depending on what crowds they may be expecting sometimes DL will allow you
to enter the parking lot up to two hours early before posted opening
times.
TIP: On your car radio you can tune in 1500 AM and listen to all the
latest traffic information about traffic around the DL Resort area thanks
to the City of Anahiem. Also every few minutes DL's operating hours are
broadcast, along with info on what's scheduled at both the Anaheim Pond
and Anaheim Angels stadium. The range of this station is limited to the
area surrounding DL.
VIA AUTO: If you are visiting DL on a weekday, you may want to take into
consideration the L.A. area morning traffic, which gets quite heavy from
7:30 to 10:30 AM. On weekends you also may want to keep in mind that
CalTrans [the California state department that oversees freeway
maintenance] just adores shutting down major portions of the system since
this is the only time they get to work on them. A favorite time is late
Saturday night - with construction sometimes not finishing until mid-day
Sunday.
You can always check traffic conditions on the L.A. area freeways by
tuning in one of the two major AM news radio stations, either KFWB 980 or
KNX 1070, both tend to give freeway reports every ten minutes or so during
the day.
If you are driving South down the 5 (Sign says: SANTA ANA) from
L.A./Hollywood area, take the Harbor Blvd. exit, it exits right into the
entrance lanes for the DL parking lot.
If you are heading North (LOS ANGELES) take the Katella exit, make a left
over the freeway bridge, and (after a few blocks) make a right on Harbor,
then a left into the DL parking lot at its large electrical sign.
From the LA Airport (LAX): Take the 405 Fwy. South (SAN DIEGO) to the
Artesia Blvd. exit, going East. This street turns into the 91 Fwy
(RIVERSIDE), which then intersects with the I-5. Take the I-5 South to the
Harbor Blvd. exit.
(Many types of Shuttles are also available from LAX - dis...@ccnet.com
posted the following helpful info. on the RAD newsgroups this past Jan.:
"There are several shuttle bus services that run between LAX and
Disneyland. They are all in the $20 range and I have found that if you go
out to the street where they are all lined up you can haggle with the
drivers for the best price. On our last trip my wife and I went to the
Disneyland Hotel for $19 for both of us. Just go to one driver ask his
price and then go to the next and say that guy wants $X to go to
Disneyland, whats your price? Most drivers will drop their price just to
get a fare than just sit at the airport. Best time to try this is in the
middle of the week when things are kind of slow." > There are also busses
leaving from LAX every 5 minutes making stops at all the major and the
small motels at. Just tell the driver which one you want to be let off at.
$14 one way.)
From the John Wayne Airport (Orange County): Take the 55 Fwy. East / North
to the I-5 North, exit at Harbor Blvd.
From the Ontario Airport: Loring Fiske-Phillips lor...@pobox.com suggests
the following: Take either the I-10 or 60 Fwys. to the 57 South Fwy., then
take the Ball Rd. exit and turn right. It's about two or three miles to
Harbor Blvd., where you turn left. Then just bear right into the park.
[This route avoids the 91/5 interchange which can be very busy, and is a
couple of miles shorter.]
L.A. BUS INFO.: Charles P. Hobbs tra...@primenet.com posted the following
Jan. 96 on RAD: (Note: Charles assumes a starting point of Downtown LA for
all of these, if you're coming from elsewhere, it's easy to modify most of
these.) Ronald Reagan Library (Weekdays only) - Metrolink to Chatsworth,
walk north to Devonshire, take Simi Valley Transit #C to Yosemite Ave,
transfer to SVT #A, ride to Royal/Madera, transfer to #D. (Going back,
take #D, then #B, then #C back to Chatsworth). Or, you can use Amtrak
to/from Simi Valley, then catch SVT #A eastbound, then transfer to #D as
above. / Richard Nixon Library - MTA Bus #460 (board on 6th St) to
Fullerton Park/Ride, transfer to OCTA #26 * Venice Boardwalk MTA #33 or
#333 (Can be picked up at Union Station or along Spring St) / Olvera
Street It's right across the street from Union Station! / Queen Mary -
Metro Blue Line to Downtown Long Beach (Transit Mall), then take Runabout
(free shuttle) route #C / Catalina Island - Metro Blue Line to Downtown
Long Beach (Transit Mall), then take Runabout (free shuttle) route #A to
the ferry terminal in Long Beach. OR, MTA bus #447 from downtown to the
San Pedro ferry terminal. / Universal Studios & Citywalk - MTA #424, 425
or 522. Board on Broadway or Temple / Magic Mountain - (Weekdays only, but
Starline Tour bus service available on weekends) - Metrolink to Santa
Clarita, transfer to Santa Clarita Transit #30 at Santa Clarita station.
OR, SCT #794 from Union Station to Magic Mtn Parkway, transfer to #30.
/Watts Towers - Metro Blue Line, off at 103rd St. Station. / Crenshaw
District - MTA Bus #40 or #42. Board on Broadway / La Brea Tar Pits &
George Page Museum - MTA Bus #20,21,22,320 or 322. Board on Wilshire or
7th. / LA Museum of Contemporary Art - Metro Red Line to Civic Center
Station, or use the DASH downtown shuttle service. / The Original Pantry
Restaurant - (Northwest corner of Figueroa & 9th.) Take Blue Line to
7th/Flower station and wallk two blocks south on Fig. O Take the 439 from
the Gateway Plaza. Get off at Flower & 9th. Walk 1 block west. / Hollywood
Blvd. - MTA Bus #1. Board on Broadway / Old Town Pasadena - MTA Bus #401
(Freeway express). Board on Olive / Knott's Berry Farm - MTA #460 / Orange
Empire Railway Museum - The most foolproof way: Board Foothill Transit
#480 on Olive or 1st/Spring, or near Union Station. Ride to Montclair
Transit Center. At Montclair, transfer to Inland Empire #496 and ride to
Riverside Transit Center. At Riverside, transfer to RTA #22 and ride to
Perris. In Perris, call RTA Dial-a-ride (909-682-1284). (On certain
weekends, the Museum runs trains between downtown Perris and the museum,
obviating the need to use dial-a-ride). / San Fernando Mission - MTA #94
(board on Spring) to San Fernando/S.F. Mission Road, transfer to #234 (off
at Brand Park, and walk across the Park), or #239."
DL also runs a free shuttle bus from the Norwalk Green Line Station direct
to the park.
TRAIN: (Thanks to MHi...@primenet.com for providing this info.): "Catch
the LAX shuttle bus that will take you to the Metro Green Line train. The
shuttle is free. Then, buy a ticket for the Green Line with a transfer,
which should cost you around $1.75. Take the Green Line to the Imperial-
Wilmington station and transfer to the Metro Blue Line, which connects
downstairs. Very easy to find. Take the Blue Line to its northern
terminus, at the 7th & Metro Center in Downtown LA. There, you can
transfer to the Metro Red Line subway, downstairs. Ride the subway to its
final stop at LA Union Station. From there, you can transfer to either a
Metrolink or Amtrak train to Anaheim, or the Amtrak DL bus. Not only will
you save a lot of money, but you will get to see a slice of Los Angeles,
as well as the grand LA Union Station. If you have time, while you are at
Union Station, stop by Union Bagel right there in the station, and enjoy
one of LA's best bagels. If you take the Disney shuttle from LAX, you
might save a few minutes (but with freeway traffic, don't count on it) but
all you will see is the view from a lousy freeway. I really recommend
taking this route, at least when you first arrive in town."
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8) RESTRICTIONS
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PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING AGE / HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS:
1 yr. min. (w/adult) - Autopia
3 yr. min. - Gadget's Go-Coaster, Matterhorn Bobsleds
40 in. min. AND 3 yr. min.
- Big Thunder Mtn., Space Mtn., Splash Mtn., Star Tours
48 in. max. AND 3 yr. min. - Chip 'N Dale's Treehouse & Acorn Crawl
46 in. min. - Indiana Jones Adventure
52 in. max. AND 3 yr. min. - Goofy's Bounce House
52 in. min. AND 7 yr. min. - Autopia (child alone)
ALSO: There is a 7 yr. min. for children to ride alone in most
attractions.
You should be in good health and be free of heart, back or neck problems,
motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated. Expectant
mothers and children under three should not ride. See a ride Host or
Hostess for more information.
TIP: If your child is a half-inch or less short of the minimum height
requirements, get them into a pair of hiking boots with some thick socks.
Those and a stand straight attitude will help make that height right up.
OTHER RESTRICTIONS: NO SMOKING in all attractions, shops, bathrooms,
indoor AND outdoor eating areas and in popular open air areas (parades,
shows, lines etc.). You should honor designated parade viewing areas and
use designated crosswalks. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
No food may be brought in. No pets are allowed. Flash photography,
eating and drinking is prohibited in all attractions. And NO RUNNING!
(Even if you're trying to beat that crowd into Indy.)
WHAT TO EXPECT...
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9) ATTRACTION REHABS
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ATTRACTION REHAB CLOSURES: (Confirmed)
None through August at this time. Do remember that a great deal
of Tomorrowland is under cosmetic rehab at this time.
RESTAURANT REHAB CLOSURES:
None through August at this time.
MISC. REHAB CLOSURES:
Coke Corner & the Photo Center on Main St. are undergoing rehabs
and should be finished by June 26th.
CLOSED FOREVER:
AMERICAN JOURNEYS and WONDERS OF CHINA have been replaced by an encore of
the original CircleVision film AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, which will run until
Sept. The ROCKET JETS are closed and being rebuilt at the entrance
of TL.
Over the past two years the PEOPLEMOVER, the Fantasyland / Tomorrowland
SKYWAY and THE GOLDEN HORSESHOE JAMBOREE show have been closed and / or
removed, along with the PERFUME SHOP in New Orleans Square.
Please stop by CITY HALL on Main St. and ask to register a written
complaint if you feel you've lost one of your favorites. A new online
alternative is the very popular PROMOTE PAUL PRESSLER! site, which was
created to help you let DL know in a positive manner how you feel about
some of the upcoming changes you may not agree with. You can visit this
new web site at: http://members.aol.com/alweho/pressler/pressler.htm
Remember, it can only work if you care to help out - read through the site
and follow up with the links and telephone suggestions offered.
Annual Passholders (AP's) may also register complaints if they wish, but
current un-written DL management policy is to pretty much ignore them.
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10) CHANGES
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TOMORROWLAND has begun a long slow overdue renovation. They are now
shutting down major portions of this area as construction progresses over
the next year. This major overhaul, (with a budget smaller than Indy can
you believe?) will take its cue from both the recently finished WDW rehab,
and the DL Paris Discoveryland designs. A Buck Rogers / Deco / 1930's
future-that-never-was design motif.
Sylvia's Magic Kingdom page on the web has devoted an entire area to this
subject - containing wonderful artist renderings. Here's the orignal
posting from the RAD group, including the web addresses (Nice job guys!):
Subject: DL: "New" Tomorrowland pix & info on the Web
From: dbr...@primenet.com (David E. Brady) Date: 30 Mar 1996
Another update: I've added a lengthy report on the plans for Disneyland's
renovation of Tomorrowland to my roommate's home page, Sylvia's Magic
Kingdom. Included are several Disney press releases about the two-year
project, two large artist's-conception JPGs and excerpts from several
media reports. It's at:
http://www.primenet.com/~dbrady/oliande/tomorrowland.html
The main entry point for the whole site is:
http://www.primenet.com/~dbrady/oliande/index.html
[End original posting]
As of now, the Carousel of Progress / America Sings building has been
completely gutted - and for now a a fence has been built in front of it -
running from the Train Station to the EO entrance. The Rocket Jets have
been closed. Here's what's on tap for this area:
INNOVENTIONS (in the old Carousel building) Just like the 50's when Walt
first opened DL, corporate exhibits will return to Tomorrowland. Oh boy.
The bottom floor will host a revolving exhibit / show with moving
walkways.
HONEY I SHRUNK THE AUDIENCE (replacing Captain EO) The 3-D movie as seen
at EPCOT.
The following attractions are also planned for two years from now:
ROCKET RODS (replacing the PeopleMover) This new combined high-speed and
simulator type ride will zip you around Tomorrowland on the old
PeopleMover track. (This one is a go - and tests have shown that this will
be a real high speed kicker of a ride. DL feels this will be the next INDY
for them.)
The current CIRCLEVISION attraction, and the sports-themed PREMIERE SHOP
will be closed this spring to become the home of the pre-show, queue and
exit exhibit for the major corporate sponsor of this new attraction.
The old ROCKET JETS mechanism will be renovated as a lightshow type of
fixture intended as the focus of the new Tomorrowland, a totally new
structure (still basically giving the same type of ride) called ASTRO
ORBITER will be located at the Tomorrowland entrance - expect even more
congestion in the hub at parade and fireworks show times.
STAR TOURS outside waiting area will be replaced by an interior one.
Note that SPACE MTN. has already been upgraded inside, and has been
operating off and on with new seat-back sound systems playing a custom
music score in the cars. A new sign is at the entrance - and the white
exterior will change colors to a green and brass combination to fit in
with the new theme.
The final attraction change for now will be:
TOMORROWLAND PLACE (inside the old "Mission to Mars" building) a Planet
Hollywood / Hard Rock Cafe clone - with the decor taking its theme from
the '50s Tomorrowland.
Rich Koster (a grand Disney fan) posted the following more detailed info.
on Fidonet about the new Tomorrowland:
Upon entering the land, guests will have the chance to head into the a
major corporate Advanced Concept Center. This attraction will replace the
existing Circlevision building and will consist of five "stages"
throughout the presentation. A pre-show area incorporates the enter a
tunnel that heads under the Tomorrowland concourse and up into the
structure that used to house the WEDway Peoplemover.
Replacing that attraction will be the yet-to-be-permanently-named Rocket
Sleds. Racing along the exact track layout of the former Peoplemover, the
cars will actually pop a wheelie as they head out of the station.
Designers are toying with the idea of adding fiber optic lights to the
side of the vehicles that will seemingly change the shape and color of the
cars as they whisk around Tomorrowland at night. A total of 30 vehicles
will run the course at speeds of up to 35 m.p.h., making it the fastest
ride in the park. Testing has begun high above the Autopia as hapless
execs act as "guinea pigs" for the new venture.<G> Once the ride is
completed, guests will then head back through the tunnel and into the area
previously known as the Premiere Shop.
Atop the loading area for the sleds will be the Observatron, a kinetic
light sculpture that will spin, play music and perform a stunning light
show every 15 minutes that will dramatically enhance the Tomorrowland
Skyline. The Moonliner (from the ancient "Flight To The Moon" attraction)
will make a re-appearance in front of the Mission To Mars building as a
part of the decor for a restaurant. No word on whether the floor plan will
incorporate the two MTM rooms.
Directly in front of the new Tomorrowland restaurant and Space Mountain
queue will be a unique "water maze". Surrounding a sphere which serves as
your "goal", guests will attempt to navigate alternating walls of water
that reach as high as twelve feet. There is a way to get through to the
center without getting wet, but only if you're careful! <G>
The Carousel building will become Innoventions. I'm happy to report that
the carousel WILL turn, allowing guests to choose from five separate areas
of technology. Upon selecting this area, they can then enter the main bi-
level structure which will echo the world's fair motif of the current
Innoventions.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience will be the first show to debut in the new
land as changes take place, also expect to see a new Star Tours ride film
when the next three movies begin their release! New Tomorrowland is slated
to be completed in the summer of 1998.
Thanks Rich!
OTHER CHANGES:
Disney foreclosed on the nearby GRAND HOTEL, and has closed it. Original
plans for the new second gate DISNEY'S CALFORNIA ADVENTURE indicated that
it was scheduled to be demolished to make room for a new parking area -
but who knows at this point. The PAN PACIFIC HOTEL was purchased by Disney
and has been renamed the DL PACIFIC HOTEL. The DISNEY and KOA Campgrounds
were officially closed on Jan. 1st this year, to be replaced by parking
structures so that construction can begin in the parking lot for the new
second gate.
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11) ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
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All events weekends / holiday / Summer periods ONLY unless indicated
otherwise. PLEASE NOTE THAT DL MAY BE CHANGING THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULES AT
THEIR SLIGHTEST WHIM. Be sure to check with the show schedule available at
the front gate to confirm any of your particular favorites.
FANTASMIC! (Show):
Performed whenever the park is open until 10 PM or later:
Nightly thru Labor Day. - 9:20 & 10:45 PM
(Usually performed whenever the park is open till 10 PM or later on the
RIVERS OF AMERICA from Frontierland to New Orleans Square.)
DISNEY GALLERY RESERVED "FANTASMIC!" SEATING:
$30 includes "all-you-can-eat" dessert buffet
(Reservations [first come, first served*] must be made to the left walkway
of the BLUE BAYOU entrance podium from time of official park opening, be
aware lineups start DURING Magic Morning. To attend this event, you will
enter above the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN via the stairway)
LIGHT MAGIC:
Daily thru Labor Day
8:50 & 11 PM at Small World location
9:20 & 10:30 on Main St. location
HERCULES VICTORY PARADE:
Begins June 27th:
Daily thru Labor Day - 2 & 4:30 PM
(Starts at IT'S A SMALL WORLD, and ends on Main St., and returns again.)
FANTASY-IN-THE-SKY FIREWORKS with TINKERBELL and the DISNEY LIGHTS:
Begins Jun. 20 and nightly thru Labor Day:
Approx. 9:45 PM
(The DISNEY LIGHTS are computer-synched to music spotlights over DL.)
BIG THUNDER RANCH: (Show):
FESTIVAL OF FOOLS
Fri. - 4:15, 5:30, 7:45 & 9:05 PM
Sat. - 4:15, 6:30, 7:45 & 9:05 PM
Sun. - 2:45, 4, 6:15 & 7:30 PM
Show times may change by as much as 15 to 30 minutes from the above, so
please confirm with your show schedule.
(The show is perfomed at the BIG THUNDER RANCH, is located behind BIG
THUNDER RAILROAD in Frontierland, and is also accessible from Fantasyland
if you continue past the CASEY JR. train.)
FANTASYLAND THEATER (Show):
SPIRIT OF POCAHONTAS
Last year for this event:
Mon. thru Thur. - 1:15, 2:30, 3:45, 5:45, & 7 PM
Show times may change, by as much as 15 to 30 minutes from the above, so
please confirm with your show schedule, on busy days the performances
start later and run into the evening.
(The FANTASYLAND THEATER, formerly Videopolis, is located behind
Fantasyland, next to Small World - just before ToonTown.)
THE GOLDEN HORSESHOE (Shows):
Please note these times reflect when the audience is let in, the actual
show begins 30 minutes later.
BILLY HILL & THE HILLBILLIES:
Thur. thru Sat. & Mon. - 11:15 AM, 12:45*, 2:30*, 4* & 5:20* PM
Sun. - 10:45* AM, 12:15*, 2*, 3:30* PM
(Hillbilly band plays rock & roll hits)
GOLDEN HORSESHOE VARIETY SHOW:
Tue & Wed. - 10:45* AM, 12:15*, 2*, 3:30*, 4:45* PM
(Don't let the title fool you, this is just a piano player and magician)
*Make reservations at show entrance for these times. Light refreshments
available. (In Frontierland across from the MARK TWAIN DOCK.)
TOMORROWLAND TERRACE (Top 40 / Dancing):
VOYAGER (TOP 40 / DANCE):
Daily thru Labor Day.
Concert: 11 AM / Dancing: 12:25, 1:45, 3:30 & 5 PM
(Located at the TOMORROWLAND TERRACE STAGE, across from the ROCKETJETS)
CARNATION PLAZA GARDENS MAIN STAGE (Big Band Dancing):
SWINGTOWN or RED & THE RED HOTS, or STANFORD FREESE AND THE DL BIG BAND or
THE BILL TOLE ORCHESTRA or THE EDDIE REED BIG BAND (Your guess is as good
as mine... life is too short.):
Fri. - Dance lessons 8 PM / Dancing - 8:30, 9:45, 11 PM
Sat. - 7, 8, 9 & 10 PM
DISNEYLAND BAND (Tea Dance):
Sun - 12:55, 2 & 3 PM
(Plaza Gardens, left of the Castle as you face it from Main St.)
MICKEY'S MATTERHORN CLIMB:
Daily through Labor Day - Roughly around 1:30 PM
(Mickey actually climbs up the mountain to have lunch with Goofy. In full
costume. Amazing. Performed before the first Lion King parade. This event
is not listed in the Disneyland Today schedule. Confirm with City Hall as
to scheduled time. Best view and sound is from the walkway between
Fantasyland & Tomorrowland leading up to the Matterhorn.)
SWORD IN THE STONE CEREMONY:
Daily - 11:45 AM, 12:45, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30 & 5:30 PM
(Show times may vary by 15 to 30 minutes. In front of the Fantasyland's
KING ARTHUR CAROUSEL at the Sword in the Stone. Please note that this
event is no longer listed in the Disneyland Today schedule. Confirm with
City Hall as to scheduled time.)
FLAG RETREAT CEREMONY:
Daily
(This event is no longer listed in the Disneyland Today schedule. Confirm
with City Hall as to scheduled time. Main St. Plaza in front of the Train
Station)
There is also live music performed all over the park with (among others)
the DL BAND, the COKE CORNER PIANIST (if it's Rod, you're in for a treat),
the BRASS BROTHERS, and the Tomorrowland Top 40 band(s). The TRASH CAN
TRIO, dons sweeper attire and does a percussion act with trash cans and
such. Performance schedules vary by season and park attendance.
STORYTELLING:
TINKERBELL TOY SHOP: Up to four times a day either the Alice, Cinderella
or Belle walk around characters sit on an antique chair in the Toy Shop
and host a story telling session for the little ones. Look for a small
sign near the Tinkerbell Toy Shop in Fantasyland for scheduled times.
AT ALADDIN'S OASIS: Up to five times a day (usually on the hour
beginning at 1 PM) the Aladdin and Jasmine walk around characters host
a storytelling session for the little ones in this former restaurant.
Look for a small sign near the entrance of this location in
Adventureland for scheduled times.
Both of these events, which right now seem to alternate, are a wonderful
idea! I always feel the Disney magic is best when it gets more personal
like this - and many of the kids leave with a delightful experience.
RESERVATIONS for THE GOLDEN HORSESHOE, THE BLUE BAYOU and the DISNEY
GALLERY'S FANTASMIC! balcony seating / dessert buffet may be made at
starting at time of park opening. (The BLUE BAYOU may sometimes open for
reservations in off-peak periods as late as 30 to 45 minutes after park
opening.) The advance reservations for the Disney Gallery's FANTASMIC!
seating, now taken in the Pirates exit walkway door adjacent to the BLUE
BAYOU are critical since they sell out regularly. Please check the section
detailing this event for new reservations location.
THE TIPS & TRICKS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DAY...
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12) PLANNING AHEAD
----------------------------
For many people a day at DL only means long lines and never enough time to
see everything. If you are willing to invest a little time in planning
your day, you can see and do a good deal of the park, with time to relax
and enjoy this wonderful place. Listed below are some tips and tricks that
can make your visit one to treasure. (Keep in mind these tips are written
for a busy day, if you are visiting during the week or on off periods - it
will be much easier.) Please note that only key attractions have been
covered in detail in order to keep this document to a workable length.
PICK A GOOD DAY TO GO: Summer, ANY Saturday & holiday periods are usually
the busiest. Sundays (my vote!) are usually half the crowd, with a very
quiet morning but with all the entertainment and events that are available
on Saturdays / holidays. During the week attendance is much less than the
weekend, but usually (unless it's a holiday or Summer period) you don't
get any of the added shows or parades. DL has had quite an extra boost in
attendance lately due to many admission deals and constant promotions, so
keep that in mind also.
TIP: It's raining? Or you can only go alone? Go anyway! If it rains, the
crowds will be smaller, and even if they close the park early, there will
be few lines - if any - at all. (Just make sure to bring rain gear, it's
expensive there!) The only major loss during a rainy day is that any
outdoor shows and parades that may be normally scheduled will be canceled,
and a few outdoor rides, such as ALICE, DUMBO, the TEACUPS, and CASEY JR.,
will shut until the rain stops. Besides, if it really pours, you get to
see Main St. flood. Going alone is something everyone should try at least
once in their lives at DL. You will usually ride by yourself in most of
the attractions since CMs won't make you share a ride unit. Plus you can
see what you want to see when you want to see it. Fair warning, you may
get spoiled by this and never bring anyone else along again.
THINK BEFORE YOU DRESS: Three words - WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. The number
one medical complaint at DL is foot blisters from people who don't take
into account just how much walking and standing they will be doing all
day. Some folks even keep a pair of fresh shoes and socks in a locker or
their car to refresh their feet in the late afternoon before a long
evening.
Yes the weatherman may have said it will be a nice day - but be prepared
for how cold it gets in Anaheim at night, even during the Summer! If you
wear shorts, bring along a pair of sweatpants you can keep in your car or
locker until evening. Also bring a warm jacket, FANTASMIC! for example can
get bitterly cold with the water mists that get blown over the crowds
during the show, and if you get wet during an evening ride on SPLASH MTN.
you may freeze the rest of the night.
We don't need to remind you how expensive theme park apparel items can be,
and face it, that Goofy sweatshirt is tough to justify as a fashion
statement anywhere outside of Anaheim or Orlando. Sunblock is also a good
idea since so much of DL is outdoors. Make sure you cover those spots that
burn easily, like the top of a bald head, tops of ears and arms, along
with your nose. Bring your own since it's expensive to buy there.
TIPS: Save money and buy your film / extra videotapes and batteries
beforehand. Gum is not sold anywhere in the resort due to the fact it gets
stuck everywhere, if you need some - bring it with you, and dispose of it
properly won't you?
Overheating - and need a moist towlette? Head over to the BIG THUNDER BBQ
eating location and go over to the end of the chow line - you'll find a
huge basket of them - so pocket a few for the day as you need them. [Open
seasonally]
CHILDREN UNDER 3: Awhile back on the RAD groups someone posted about what
a problem a smaller child might be during a DL visit. Lisa posted this
response, which she was kind enough to allow me to quote here:
"Our daughter, coming up on 3, is already a Disney veteran. She
experienced D-Land at 23 months and WDW at 30 months (thank frequent flyer
miles...). She *loved* Mickey and all the costumed cast members, Dumbo the
Flying Elephant & the Carousel (both parks), all of Mickey's Toontown and
Mickey's Starland that she was big enough for (the crawl/bounce/slide
houses say kids 3 and up but she was more than up to the challenge). She
was just crazy for the parades, and Fantasmic...
Of course, there was some planning involved. We made sure we wouldn't be
touring the parks during the busier seasons, and so we avoided
interminable waits in line. We made sure to go back too the room for a nap
at lunch(Disneyland) and arranged for a sitter several times at WDW. (I
know, nice if you can afford it. Next time we are going to try to travel
with another family and switch off babysitting.)
The point is, you as an adult can keep going long after the little one
should stop, and you have to accommodate that or everyone will be
miserable. (OTOH, at 12 months, our daughter would just fall asleep in
place and be just fine in our arms or a well sun-screened stroller, This
changes somewhat as they get older. :^0 )
Looks like my husband may have a business trip to Anaheim this year, and I
hope we can make it another family event. Our daughter definitely
remembers and talks about the previous visits. Disclaimers: I'll mention
that we just happen to be the lucky parents of a happy, fearless toddler.
It could certainly be different with a more shy or temperamental child.
This is definitely a YMMV situation, and I really don't have the
experience to say how a 12 month old would do in this situation. I can
only say that I don't agree with any generalizations and as for the
business about waiting until they are old enough to remember every
"first", well, by the time our daughter is 6, for all we know we could be
living in Idaho with no frequent flyer miles. Seize the day, rent a
camcorder..." Thank you for your wise posting Lisa!
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