[FAQ/DL] D-I-G: The Disneyland Information Guide 1/7
Al Lutz
Archive-name: disney-faq/disneyland/part1
Last-modified: April 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 below for detailed information.
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AL'S DISNEYLAND INFORMATION GUIDE
" D - I - G "
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HEY THERE, HI THERE, HO THERE!
This latest posting (4/1/97) changes / adds / corrects the following:
* Make sure you stop by the web edition to read the latest TRIP REPORTS
[Covering visits made on 3/22 and 3/15] in the UPDATES section. Read
about construction in the park, the MAIN ST. eatery redo and all about
the HAPPY HEARTS public relations disaster. * DOOBIE was kind enough to
post the following information in alt.disney.disneyland about the
upcoming ANNUAL PASSHOLDER'S PARTY. This time APs will get an advance
performance of the new LIGHT MAGIC show. "The date is May 13th and is
scheduled to run 8:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Tickets are available starting Mar.
31st via phone and the Main Gate Group Sales window (which only remains
open each day until 5pm). Price will be $25 each until May 12. $30 on the
day of the event. You can buy up to 8. If purchased by May 3, you will get
some kind of little commemorative pin or something. There will be two
showings of Light Magic." * DL President Paul Pressler decided to delay
the start of the weekend FIREWORKS this year until May when the new
LIGHT MAGIC show debuts for the public. Needless to say, I've been swamped
with e-mail complaints about this last minute change. Nice going there
Paul... * Like clockwork, adult ADMISSION PRICES [but not children's] have
gone up another two dollars yet again this spring, this time not even
waiting for a major new attraction to open. * Read about the kinder and
gentler PIRATES coming back from rehab in the CHANGES section. Thanks to
a kind soul at the park you can now read exactly what was done. * The $26
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENT SALUTE ends MAY 14th. See the DISCOUNTS
section for details.
LEGAL STUFF: Disneyland(R), its event, attraction and area names are
trademarks of The Walt Disney Company. Indiana Jones is a trademark of
Lucasfilm LTD. Roger Rabbit is copyright Disney / Amblin Entertainment. All
other information in this guide is authored and copyright (c) 1997 by Al
Lutz. Rights to any and all other distribution formats are reserved by the
author. All listed information is subject to change. Please notify me at
alw...@aol.com before posting to any other boards. I am not an employee of
- nor do I claim to represent the Walt Disney Company in any manner. Read
the REALLY SCARY LEGAL PAGE on my web site which details the indescribable
horrors that will befall people who would even think of stealing this thing
without the proper permission or compensation.
PLEASE NOTE this is a completely independent review and guide of
Disneyland(R) and that I am not an employee of - and neither I nor this
site represent nor claim to represent - the park and / or the Walt Disney
Company in any manner whatsoever. That IS the reason you are reading this
isn't it?
A SPECIAL REQUEST FROM THE AUTHOR: It has come to my attention that the
author of the ECONOGUIDE 97 TO DISNEYLAND continues to utilize large
sections of this document without payment or credit. Please take a few
moments to let others know about this problem, and that if they are in the
market for a DL book, suggest that they purchase other guides instead.
THANK YOU.
The D-I-G is brought to you by some very special CDs / Cassettes on DELOS
INTERNATIONAL, including:
"MOZART TV - Favorite TV Tunes in the style of Great Classical Composers"
Delightfully arranged themes from "The Brady Bunch," "Friends, "I Love Lucy"
the "X-Files" and eleven others in the style of Mozart, Vivaldi, Satie and
others. Available at your local music stores nationwide February 20th.
"AN AWFULLY BIG ADVENTURE - The Best of Peter Pan, 1904 - 1996." The magic,
the wonder and enchantment of the nearly one-hundred-year-old story of Peter
Pan is captured in this first-ever collection of some of the most beloved
melodies associated with it. Newly arranged songs from the original 1904
play, the 1950 Jean Arthur / Leonard Bernstein production, the 1953 Disney
animated film and the 1954 Mary Martin musical. Three years in the making,
it is a timeless tale told anew, taking the listener on a journey to that
special star, "second to the right, and straight on till morning."
Also don't forget "HEIGH-HO! MOZART" & "BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BACH - MORE
Favorite Disney Tunes in the style of Great Classical Composers" - Two
albums full of delightful classical fantasias combining both the best of
classical music and Disney tunes from "Snow White" to "Toy Story." Also
available is BEAUTY AND THE BEAT - Favorite Disney Tunes in Steelband
Style. (See THE FINE PRINT for more info about these releases.)
"Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and
fantasy"
- Inscription over the entrance tunnels to Disneyland.
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D-I-G CONTENTS:
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Please read this section first...
1) INTRODUCTION
- Some quick notes about this guide before you get started
Before you go...
2) OPERATING HOURS
- Updated through May of 1997.
3) PHONE NUMBERS
- Includes a menu for DL's pesky voice mail system
4) PRICES
- Admission Pricing, including Annual Passport information
5) DISCOUNT INFORMATION
- Why pay full price? Find out how to save money here
6) JOIN & SAVE
- Magic Kingdom Club membership information
7) DIRECTIONS
- Not everyone lives nearby. Airport, Car, Bus & Train information
8) RESTRICTIONS
- Height regulations and ride boarding information
What to expect...
9) ATTRACTION REHABS
- What's down and when it starts running
10) CHANGES
- What's happened since your last visit
11) ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
- A complete entertainment listing including show times
The tips & tricks to get the most out of your day...
12) PLANNING AHEAD
- From picking a good day to go, even how to save hours waiting in line
13) PHOTOS WITH MICKEY & CHARACTERS
- How to hob-nob with the big cheese
The BIG rides and shows, and how to best see them...
14) INDIANA JONES ADVENTURE
- Ever been off-road before?
15) SHOWS
- Fantasmic! is a don't miss night-time spectacular, Pocahontas is...
well... er...
16) PARADES & FIREWORKS
- Visit with the King...
Those little details that make DL so special...
17) DON'T MISS / DON'T BOTHER
- Land by land breakdowns
Getting the most out of what you spend on...
18) MEALS
- A quick overview of your meal options, in the park, hotel and surrounding
areas, Birthday Party / Cake information...
19) MONEY MATTERS
- Where they hide the ATMs, shopping and mark downs
The little things that mean a lot...
20) MISCELLANEOUS
- Re-entry, lockers, free aspirin, handicapped info, getting married...
21) SCANNING THE LAND
- a fascinating contribution about listening in on DL's radio frequencies
from M. Scott Garner.
22) OTHER DISNEY LANDMARKS IN THE L.A. AREA
- When you can't get enough
23) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DL
- Other wonderful sources
24) BRING DL HOME
- Recipes and where to get Indy fonts for your computer
25) THE FUTURE
- What to expect in the next few years
26) THE FINE PRINT
- A word from our sponsor
27) THANK YOU
- All the nice folks who help make the D-I-G what it is, guide availability
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION FIRST...
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1) INTRODUCTION
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A FEW NOTES: Welcome to a labor of love for me, the Disneyland Information
Guide (or D-I-G for short). Originally started as a monthly posting of
Disneyland hours to the Disney Usenet Newsgroups (because I and many others
got sick of answering the same questions about schedules over and over
again) - it has expanded over the past two years into a web site [
http://members.aol.com/alweho/ ] and a seven part FAQ that is also now posted
monthly in the rec.parks.theme, rec.arts.disney.parks, rec.arts.disney.announce,
and alt.disney.disneyland groups. You can also find it in the news.answers,
rec.answers, and alt.answers groups.
As you can see by reading through the guide, I've been blessed with many
contributions and suggestions from a very loyal readership. From Australia
to Japan, from the United Kingdom all the way to Russia, the guide now
generates monthly over a thousand e-mails. And the usefulness of the guide
has only been increased by these people who take the time to drop a
suggestion, tip, or hint that ultimately ends up benefiting everyone else.
Because this is a hobby and not a job for me - there are certain
limitations that I've had to stick to, which help keep the workload under
control. So you won't find a complete Anaheim hotel or outside dining
listing, and I limit the guide's major re-writes to a monthly schedule. You
may also find updates added to guide at its web edition on their own page
as time permits, giving you a better picture of how things evolve since I
visit the park about twice monthly.
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------<
> PLEASE - although I don't mind answering a quick question - DO NOT e-mail <
> me with a detailed list on how to help plan your vacation the day before <
> you leave. This FAQ should answer the most common ones you may have and <
> you'll find that if you post your questions with enough time on the <
> rec.arts.disney.parks or alt.disney.disneyland groups many people will be <
> more than happy to help you out with what they know about in particular. <
> (Plus you'll get to meet some really terrific folks in the process.) <
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------<
Disneyland Park (DL for short in this document) constantly adjusts
operating and show schedules. Please make sure you confirm events important
to you via phone the night before your visit, and with your full-color
"Disneyland Today" hand-out that you will receive on the day you visit.
BEFORE YOU GO...
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2) HOURS
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OPERATING HOURS:
These dates were all confirmed with DL's telephone operators
WINTER SEASON
Now thru April 4th:
Daily - 8 AM to 12 Mid.
Apr. 5th thru Apr. 13th:
Mon. thru Thur. 9 AM to 9 PM
Fri. & Sat. - 8 AM to 12 Mid.
Sun. - 9 AM to 11 PM
Apr. 14th thru Apr. 24th:
Mon. thru Thur. 9 AM to 7 PM
Fri. & Sat. - 8 AM to 12 Mid.
Sun. - 9 AM to 11 PM
Apr. 25th thru May 16th:
Fri. - 9 AM to 12 Mid.
Sat. - 8 AM to 12 Mid.
Sun. - 9 AM to 11 PM
Mon. thru Thur. 9 AM to 7 PM
May 17th - May 24th:
Fri. & Sat. - 8 AM to 12 Mid.
Sun. - 9 AM to 12 Mid.
Mon. thru Thur. 9 AM to 7 PM
May 25th - May 31st: (Memorial Day Weekend)
Sun. - 8 AM to 1 AM
Mon. thru Thur. 9 AM to 9 PM
Fri. & Sat. - 8 AM to 12 Mid.
MAGIC MORNING / EARLY ENTRY ADMISSION:
Daily except: Wed. & Sun.
Early Entry allows guests entry to selected areas of the Park 60 to 90
minutes PRIOR to the normal opening time. Selected attractions are open,
breakfast is available, and Disney Characters are present. Events are
currently held in parts of Adventureland, Fantasyland, New Orleans Square,
and Tomorrowland. Attractions that are open may include: King Arthur's
Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Tea Cups, Matterhorn Bobsleds, the
Monorail, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Indiana Jones Adventure, the Jungle
Cruise and Star Tours.
TIP: Early Entry is no longer a small affair - be prepared to jostle your
way in with hoards who are getting up just as early as you from all the
local motels with WD Travel Co. packages. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early at
the front gate or you will be delayed in your entry.
There are several different Early Entry programs. Early Entry is not sold
separately or to the general public at large. Event tickets must be
obtained through one of these sources:
MAGIC MORNINGS are sold exclusively by Walt Disney Travel Company as a
travel package option. Must be booked in advance. Includes admission and
breakfast.
EARLY ADMISSION is offered to all DL Hotel and DL Pacific guests upon
check-in. Breakfast NOT included.
FLEX PASSPORTS--5 days for the price of 2 are sold thru contracted tour
agencies and area hotels. Present Flex Passport for admission to ONE Early
Entry. Breakfast NOT included. (See DISCOUNT INFORMATION below for more
details about these passports.)
FUNRISE is sold by Anaheim area consignment hotels / motels. Breakfast NOT
included. (Breakfast is served at Tomorrowland Terrace until 10 AM. Guests
without vouchers may purchase breakfast for $5.95 each. Restaurant open to
general public from Park opening to 10 AM.)
NOTE: Call the park for other hours and keep in mind they are ALWAYS
subject to change. Inclement weather may also change hours without advance
notice. It's always a good idea to call the day before your visit to
confirm the above schedules.
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3) PHONE NUMBERS
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NOTE: Disney has changed all of their prefix 999 telephone numbers to 781,
as of March 1st 1996. Calling with the old prefix now will get you a recording
telling you the new prefix. (This document reflects this new change.)
FREE BROCHURE: Call for a free DL Vacation Planning Brochure by using the
automated response system at: (800) 225-2057
DL ON THE WEB: DL now has a web site (as part of the consolidation of all
the Disney sites under the http://www.disney.com heading) with extensive
information on the park, even detailing operating schedules up to three
months in advance. (Although it seems to get out of date a little now and
then.) You may wish to confirm details on your visit utilizing this site.
The direct WWW address is: http://www.disneyland.com
DL VOICE MAIL INFO. LINE:
(714) 781-4565
Voice mail menu:
(1) ENGLISH
(2) SPANISH
(1) PRICES
(2) ANNUAL PASSHOLDERS HOTLINE
(#) REVIEW AP HOTLINE MENU
(##) RETURN TO MAIN MENU
(1) OFFERS
(1) $199 AP INFO
(2) $129 AP INFO & 27 BLACKOUT DATES
(3) $99 AP INFO & 60 BLACKOUT DATES
(2) SPECIAL EVENTS
IF AVAILABLE CHOICES HERE WILL VARY
(3) GUIDELINES
(1) AP AGREEMENT INFO
(2) RENEWAL INFORMATION
(3) CHANGE OF ADDRESS
(4) REPLACEMENT OF LOST AP
(5) DL UPDATE NEWSLETTER INFO
(6) DISNEY NEWS SUBSCRIPTION INFO
(3) HOURS
(4) ENTERTAINMENT
(5) SPECIAL EVENTS / PROMOTIONS
(6) ATTRACTION CLOSURES
(7) MAGIC MORNING / MKC INFORMATION
(8) DIRECTIONS / MAILING ADDRESS
(9) REVIEW THE MENU SELECTIONS
Actual humans you can talk to as of 7 AM:
(714) 781-4560
Available until when:
Park is open late - 10 PM
Park closes early - 1 hour after closing
From L.A. phones:
(213) 626-8605, ext. 4565
DISNEYLAND HOTEL:
Reservations / Information (for both the DL Hotel and DL Pacific):
(714) 956-M-I-C-K (6-4-2-5)
From L.A. phones:
(213) 636-3251
Voice Mail Menu:
(1) Park Information
Refers you back to the DL
park info number listed above
(2) Reservations
Direct Line to a Hotel Operator:
(714) 778-6600
Fax Line for Guests:
(714) 956-6597
Character Meals (at both hotel restaurants) reservations:
(714) 956-6755
NEW - DISNEYLAND PACIFIC HOTEL (Formerly the PAN PACIFIC):
Reservations / Information (for both the DL Hotel and DL Pacific):
(714) 956-M-I-C-K (6-4-2-5)
From L.A. phones:
(213) 636-3251
Character Meals (at both hotel restaurants) reservations:
(714) 956-6755
WALT DISNEY TRAVEL COMPANY:
For info on travel packages including "Magic Mornings"
(and other Early Entry hotel packages) call:
(714) 520-5050 or 7070
Info. is also available via mail by writing to:
WALT DISNEY TRAVEL COMPANY INC.
Travel Port Blvd.
1441 S. West St.
Anaheim, CA 92803
DISNEY GALLERY, New Orleans Square, direct line:
(714) 781-7531
(Please do NOT call for Fantasmic! reservations.)
You may also write for information on the park (at least three weeks in
advance) or to comment about your visit to:
DISNEYLAND
Guest Relations
1313 Harbor Blvd. P.O. Box 3232
Anaheim, CA 92803-6161
TDD's (Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf) may be used when calling
the following numbers:
DL Info: (714) 781-4569
DL Hotel Operator: (714) 778-6600
DL Hotel Reservations: (714) 956-6494
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4) PRICES
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DL PASSPORTS:
(Include use of all rides & attractions except arcades. Children 2 and
under are free. Magic Kingdom Club pricing (if available) is also noted.
The $26 RESIDENT SALUTE DISCOUNT PROGRAM has returned and will run until
May 14th - see the DISCOUNTS section for more details. [DL raised regular
admission prices this year on Mar. 13th.]
ONE DAY:
$36 Adults (Ages 12+) - MKC $34
$26 Children (Ages 3 - 11) - MKC $24
$32 Seniors (Ages 65+)
TWO DAY:
(All days must be used within 7 days of first usage)
$63 Adults - MKC $59
$47 Children - MKC $43
THREE DAY:
(All days must be used within 14 days of first usage)
$86 Adults - MKC $80
$65 Children - MKC $59
ANNUAL PASSES: [NOTE: MKC Discounts are no longer added on top of renewal
discounts]
$99 ANNUAL PASS
Admission during normal operating hours except for 60 blackout days. Not
valid 2/15 & 16, All Sats. Mar. thru Jun., 4/4, 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23,
25, 30, Jun. 6, 13, Jul. 3 - 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 25 & 26, Aug. 1 & 2, 8
& 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 30 & 31. A general parking pass may be purchased
for an additional $30 - valid only on the same dates the pass is. Quarterly
DL Update Passholder Newsletter included.
$129 DELUXE ANNUAL PASS
Admission during normal operating hours except for 27 blackout days. Not
valid 2/15 & 16, all Sats. Mar. thru Jun., 8/31, A general parking pass may
be purchased for an additional $30 - valid only on the same dates the pass
is. Quarterly DL Update Passholder Newsletter included.
$199 PREMIUM ANNUAL PASS
Admission for one year during normal operating hours.10% Discount on
buffeteria / waiter service locations at both park & hotel - $5 minimum.
15% Discount at the Blue Bayou restaurant ($5 minimum). 10% Discount on
most merchandise at the park and hotel ($10 Minimum - Disney Dollars,
Limited Edition Artwork, Disney Store / Gallery and Original Art is
excluded). 10% Discount at the DL Hotel (Depends on season & space
availability). 1 year subscription (or extension) to the Disney Magazine.
Special Passholder only events (There is an additional fee for these).
Includes general parking, you may show your pass and pay $6 dollars more
for preferred parking if desired. Quarterly DL Update Passholder Newsletter
included. (NOTE: Preferred parking has been eliminated. The minimum purchase
for a merchandise discount has increased to $10 from $5. Nice way to treat
us regulars eh?)
The above prices are for both Adults & Children, Seniors no longer are
entitled to a discount. If you decide to purchase an Annual Pass (AP) after
you begin your visit to DL, the cost of your current day's passport will be
applied, even if you purchase your non-premium passport on a blackout day.
(Special event passports may be excluded.) Vouchers for APs may also be
purchased at Disney Stores, these are good for up to six months from
purchase. If you've purchased a Premium AP voucher in advance, flashing it
to the parking attendants on your way in will save you the parking fee. If
you lose or have your AP stolen, there is a 20 dollar non-refundable
replacement fee, and you must purchase an admission at the gate to get in,
of which they will refund you the difference between it and the $20
replacement fee. You must present your Premium Passport in advance prior to
purchases in order to receive your discount.
Renewals are priced accordingly: (Passport type: Regular Price / Renewal
Price) Regular: $99 [no discount], Deluxe: $129 / $119, Premium: $199 /
$189, a flyer is sent to you about 60 days in advance, this flyer required
to purchase your renewal at the discounted prices either by mail or in
person at the park. There is NO LONGER a 30 day grace period for renewals.
WARNING: If done in advance via mail, you may NOT pick-up your pass at the
Guest Relations window outside the entrance of the park until the day AFTER
your old one expires.
TICKET PURCHASE HOTLINE: By calling 1-800-232-7976 (8 AM to 5 PM, Mon. -
Fri. excluding holidays) you can order AP vouchers or other ticket media at
the prices listed above, plus a $6 fee for handling and next day Fed-Ex
delivery. AmEx, M/C, Visa and Disney credit cards accepted.
MKC (Magic Kingdom Club) CARDS (Regular & Gold) get $2 off single day
regular price passports, and $10 off a first time deluxe or premium Annual
Pass purchase. [The discount has been eliminated for the regular AP] See
"JOIN & SAVE" under ">8 TIPS & TRICKS" (below) for information on how to
join this club.
3 1/2 HOUR GUIDED TOURS: (No change)
$12 Adults / Seniors
$10 Children
Length of tour varies depending on attraction wait time.
Groups over 15 / foreign language tours call in advance:
(714) 781-4573
AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, MASTERCARD, DISNEY & JCB CREDIT CARDS accepted for
admission and in the park for all purchases. Most admission media may be
also be purchased at any Disney Store. With a minimum of 2 weeks in
advance, tickets may also be purchased by mail with a check or money order
at the following address:
DISNEYLAND
Ticket Mail Order Services
1313 Harbor Blvd. P.O. Box 61061
Anaheim, CA 92803-6161
PARKING:
$ 6 Autos
$ 7 Autos with Trailers / Campers / RV's / Limos
$ 9 Buses / Tractors
$12 Premium Parking (Autos only)
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5) DISCOUNT INFORMATION
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The SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENT SALUTE discount, (Zip Codes 90000 - 93599)
applying to all ages, has returned and is in effect until May 14th. You
must have driver's license or utility bill AND other photo ID to prove you
are a resident for purchase. (You may also be asked for this ID when you
use this ticket for admission.) 8 tickets max. per adult. These tickets are
ONLY available at DL ticket booths, are only good for date of purchase, the
person with the I.D. MUST enter with the party and tickets are NOT
available at the Disney Store or by mail.)
A SIGNATURE FLEX 5-days-for-the-price-of-2 passport (consecutive days only)
is available when you book your hotel / ticket package through the Walt
Disney Travel Club. (Call them at the number below for additional
information.) WILL ROBISON was kind enough to post the following
information on how they work:
My hotel issued me as part of a package a DL Flex Passport. This passport
is good for 5 consecutive days use for the price of a 2 day passport. My
particular hotel, (The Penny Sleeper Inn), offered it as part of a package
that also included another day at another park for free. I would shop
around. From the number of Flex Passports I saw being used at DL over the
weekend, I would say that this new passport has become the standard
passport used by hotels in package deals that include 2 days at DL or more.
On the first day there, they will make you sign the passport and stamp the
first day of use on it. Each day after that you will be required to get the
passport stamped again and show some form of ID with the passport in order
to get in. After 5 days, of course, it's all used up. (The days must be
used consecutively.) This pass also allows guests early admission into the
park on the same days and same times and into the same places as Magic
Mornings (MM) guests. The differences between the two early admission
programs are that the MM includes a character breakfast and I think some
other stuff, where as the early admission with the Flex Passport only
includes admission and the use of all rides and attractions in those places
that the MM people are.
This passport is a real great deal if you plan on being at DL for 2 or more
days, since, obviously, it doesn't have to be used for all 5 days. For
instance, we used the pass to go to DL on Fri. night, all day Sat. and
Sun., and then back again on Monday morning. 4 days for the price of 2.
Pretty cool."
David Hall davehall@carson.u adds: "You can get the Flex Passport without
booking a hotel. It's called Friends & Family Fun Trip or Passport Plus.
Tickets are $71 for an adult and $56 for someone 3-11. There's a $10
handling fee per mailing address. You can either call (714) 520-7070 or a
local travel agent."
----- END [FAQ/DL] D-I-G: The Disneyland Information Guide 1/7 -----