Disneyland Scoop

When it comes to celebrating the magic and the sparkle of the holidays, there is no place like the Disneyland Resort where now through January 3, 2010, the season shines more brightly then ever. The holiday experiences include "A Christmas Fantasy Parade", a nightly snowfall on Main Street USA, and the shimmering lights and special effects that create "Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle". Other guests favorites are the Haunted Mansion Holiday with Jack Skellington and it's a small world holiday.

Disneyland's annual Candlelight Processional is this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday December 5 and 6. With the decision not to offer the Candlelight dining package this year, Candlelight regulars are now trying to figure out how to secure the best—or any—seats for the performance. Disneyland is notoriously tight-lipped about their crowd control plans for the show, and this year has been no exception. Officially, seats at Saturday's performances are reserved for invited guests and Club 33 members, while seats at Sunday's performance are reserved for D23 members. Past experience tells us that not all of those "reserved" seats will be taken by the intended guests, and there is usually a stand-by line of sorts to fill any empty seats shortly before each performance.

When we called for details about this year's standby process, the cast members we spoke with said there will be no stand-by line for extra seats this year, and any unused seats will be offered to guests chosen "at random" from the crowd in Town Square. Both cast members also recommended that we purchase Candlelight tickets through D23. (The $275-per-person package has yet to sell out).

Candlelight will be performed at 5:30 and 8:00 both nights; rumors that there is only one performance each night this year are wrong. The Processional takes place only before the 5:30 performance, when the combined members of the Disneyland employee choir and the participating community choirs make their way towards Town Square. The parade of choirs singing traditional carols is enough of a "Candlelight fix" for many visitors, and you can usually get a decent spot along Main Street without a day-long wait.

For those planning to camp out in Town Square for Candlelight, our best advice is to get there early (definitely before noon), pick a location where your view of the stage isn't blocked by speakers or lighting towers, pack a blanket or other ground cover, and bring something to pass the time. It's always a good idea to talk with the cast members throughout the day to stay informed while you wait, especially in the event that a stand-by line is formed, or that the cast member you've been chatting up is one who can "randomly" offer you an available seat.

Disneyland Resort Hours for November 30 - January 2, 2010

Disneyland Park

Monday, November 30: 10 am to 9 pm
Tuesday, December 1 - Thursday, December 3: 10 am to 9 pm
Friday, December 4 - Sunday, December 6: 8 am to 12 midnight
Monday, December 7 - Tuesday, December 8: 8 am to 6 pm
Wednesday, December 9 - Thursday, December 10: 9 am to 11 pm
Friday, December 11 - Sunday, December 13: 8 am to 12 midnight
Monday, December 14 - Wednesday, December 16: 9 am to 11 pm
Thursday, December 17 - Wednesday, December 23: 8 am to 12 midnight
Thursday, Christmas Eve: 8 am to 9 pm
Friday, Christmas Day: 8 am to 12 midnight
Saturday, December 26 - Wednesday, December 30: 8 am to 12 midnight
Thursday, New Years Eve: 8 am to 2 am
Friday, New Years Day: 8 am to 12 midnight
Saturday, January 2: 8 am to 12 midnight


Disney's California Adventure Park

Monday, November 30: 10 am to 6 pm
Tuesday, December 1 - Thursday, December 3: 10 am to 6 pm
Friday, December 4: 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday, December 5 - Tuesday, December 8: 10 am to 9 pm
Wednesday, December 9 - Thursday, December 10: 10 am to 7 pm
Friday, December 11: 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday, December 12 - Sunday, December 13: 10 am to 9 pm
Monday, December 14 - Wednesday, December 16: 10 am to 7 pm
Thursday, December 17: 10 am to 9 pm
Friday, December 18 - Saturday, December 19: 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday, December 20 - Wednesday, December 23: 10 am to 9 pm
Thursday, Christmas Eve: 10 am to 6 pm
Friday, Christmas Day: 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday, December 26 - Wednesday, December 30: 10 am to 10 pm
Thursday, New Years Eve: 10 am to 1 am
Friday, New Years Day: 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday, January 2: 10 am to 9 pm

Remember: Park Hours are subject to change.

CLICK HERE for additional Disneyland Resort Park Hours.

The following attractions and shows are closed for refurbishment. As always, things are subject to change, contact the Disneyland Resort for the most up-to-date schedule. Remember, the Disneyland Resort only posts closures typically in advance up to six weeks, so there is no way of knowing all closures months in advance. Check back as this page is updated weekly...

Disneyland

2009

• King Arthur Carrousel – closed December 8–10 for refurbishment.
• Main Street Opera House theater closed through December 16 to return Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln. A portion of the lobby has reopened, and Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years is playing on a very small screen in the lobby.

2010

• Haunted Mansion – closed January 4–14 for removal of the holiday overlay.
• Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm – closed January 4–12 for removal of the holiday overlay.
• Main Street Cinema – closed January 4 to February 1 for refurbishment.
• Starcade – closed January 4 to February 1 for refurbishment.
• Le Petit Chalet Gifts – closed January 4 to February 10 for refurbishment.
• Corn Dog Wagon – closed January 4 to May 4 for refurbishment.
• Tomorrowland Terrace – closed January 4 to May 4 for refurbishment.
• Rivers of America – closed January 4 to May 6 for major refurbishment. This also closes all attractions requiring use of the river: Sailing Ship Columbia, Mark Twain Riverboat, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island (closed until May 14), and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.
• "it's a small world" – closed through January 18–28 for removal of the holiday overlay.

Disney's California Adventure

Seasonal refurbishments:

• Grizzly River Run – closed January 4–8.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closed January 11 to February 19 for refurbishment.
• It's Tough to Be a Bug! – closed January 20 & 21.
• Francis' Lady Bug Boogie – closed January 25 to February 4.

Construction-related closures:

• The Vineyard Room – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this restaurant, though work to expand the venue will reportedly begin shortly.
• Golden Dreams – closed. The building that once house this film-based attraction has been demolished, and will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.
• Burger Invasion – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald's location, but an employee publication lists May 24, 2011 as the return date.
• Paradise Pier Lagoon – currently partially drained while workers complete several construction projects in the area.
• Golden State Amphitheater – area closed for construction of new viewing area for Disney's World of Color water show. The area is now scheduled to reopen in Spring 2010.
• Corn Dog Castle – closed due to construction in the area. An employee publication lists March 24, 2011 as its return date. During the renovation, corn dogs are available at Bountiful Valley Farmer's Market.
• Souvenir 66 – closed due to construction in the area. An employee publication lists March 24, 2011 as its return date.
• Orange Stinger – closed through April 28, 2010 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings.

Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at (714) 781-7290.

The pardoned turkeys arrived in Disneyland yesterday, Courage and Carolina were honored with a first class United Airlines flight and will now be in the petting zoo at Disneyland. They were honored with a Thanks for Giving Parade.

This holiday season, Annual Passholders Can Enjoy Special Holiday Savings and Offers!

Now through January 3, 2010 all So Cal Select, Southern California and Deluxe Passport holders receive 10% off all purchases at select Disneyland Resort stores. For the same time period Premium Passholders receive a 20% discount (usually 10%).

And why is December 5 such a good day to start - or finish - your holiday shopping? Because that's the day that APs enjoy early shopping opportunities at the World of Disney® store. From 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., you'll enjoy incredible discounts of up to 50% off select items, plus door busters and "Donald's Deals." The first 1,000 shoppers at the World of Disney® store at the Disneyland® Resort will receive a complimentary VinylmationTM gift.

While we normally focus on Disneyland, we have to highlight a good cause and a FREE ADMISSION to a local Theme Park!!! For the seventh consecutive year, Six Flags Magic Mountain will collect food for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank during an annual holiday food drive.

On Wednesday, Nov. 25, guests who bring a full bag of non-perishable food items will receive a free park admission ticket, good for that day.

Help a family in need this holiday season with your donation and then treat your own family to an exciting day at Six Flags Magic Mountain, getting your fill of thrills on the best collection of world-class coasters around, including Terminator Salvation: The Ride, X2, Tatsu, Scream, Goliath, Colossus and more.

Plus, the park has dozens of family adventures, including a six-acre children's area and an array of water attractions and shows.

Through the public's generous donations, this drive continues to be the largest single-day food collection effort for the Food Bank. All donated food will be given to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Park hours for Nov. 25 are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Happy Veteran's Day!!! We at Disneyland Scoop honor our brave men and women who proudly serve for our freedom. We salute and honor you today!!! Thank You for your service!!!

Disneyland is now offering free special edition pins with the activation of a $75.00 Christmas Gift Card. Choose from Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, or Mickey Mouse. The pins come attached to the Gift Card.

Participating locations include World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney, Emporium and Disney Showcase in Disneyland, and Greetings From California at Disney's CA Adventure.



While these cards are sold only at the above locations, the cards are redeemable at all locations that accept Disney Gift Card. These cards may be activated only for the $ 75 amount; however, they may be reloaded with any amount. Restrictions apply.

Last weekend, the Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade were filmed. Here is co-host Ryan Seacrest during the taping.

Demi Lavato also performed on Main Street. She sang "Wonderful Christmas Time".




Selena Gomez and Stitch



The parade will air on Christmas Day on ABC. Check local listings for more details!!!

Beginning last Friday, November 6th little princesses can now enjoy a new Princess Tiana makeover in Disneyland at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland. Fairy Godmothers sprinkle their pixie dust on aspiring princesses with three makeover packages including a combination of hair, nails and makeup. The royal transformation becomes complete with a package that includes the Princess Tiana costume, shoes, crown and more. Children must be at least three years or older to receive the regal treatments.

Starting today, you can book travel for an early-2010 deal. From January 5 through April 29, 2010, guests can get two nights free when they buy a three-night Disneyland Resort hotel package with five-day special value Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets.

How can you take advantage of this offer? You can book now through April 1, 2010, for arrivals between Jan. 5 – April 29, 2010, by calling (866) 60-DISNEY, contacting a local travel agent or visiting www.disneyland.com. Travel must be completed by May 4, 2010.

Here’s an insider tip: If you book online at www.disneyland.com, you can receive a personalized “welcome” phone call from a Disney character. You can schedule the call ahead of time to get the whole family excited about the upcoming trip.

Looking for a deal before the end of this year? Then check out this offer: Through Dec. 19, 2009, guests will save $400 when they buy a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package, featuring Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Paradise Pier – and Park Hopper tickets. The offer is valid for arrivals through Dec. 20, 2009. Please click here for details.

Stevie Wonder and Anika Noni Rose (the voice of Princess Tiana in Disney's upcoming Princess and The Frog movie) performed at Disneyland on Sunday as part of the taping of the Disney Parks Christmas Special. Portions of the holiday parade were filmed on Saturday as well.

Timed to coincide with the upcoming theatrical release of The Princess and the Frog, Disney debuted its first public performance of Tiana's Showboat Jubilee at Disneyland Friday morning, with a large crowd of park guests and cast members filling the seating area around the Rivers of America. The show is very similar to the Walt Disney World version that opened last month at the Magic Kingdom, and according to Show Director Carla Carlile, is not meant to tell the story of the film, but instead takes place after the movie ends—Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are enjoying their Happily Ever After, and have come to the waterfront for a celebration that will include up to 20 park guests per performance.

The Disneyland presentation begins with a processional from the New Orleans Square train station down to the Mark Twain loading dock. A cast of 22 dancers and the seven-piece Jambalaya Jazz Band join Tiana and Naveen in this procession. Waiting on board the Mark Twain is Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator from the film. Once the performers and preselected park guests are on board the Mark Twain, the ship moves into position for the show.

During the actual show stop, the Mark Twain is positioned in front of the Old Mill on Tom Sawyer Island (if you're looking for a front-and-center spot from which to watch the show, look for the two speaker towers on the water's edge—the Mark Twain will stop directly between those). Although a Disneyland spokesperson said that Fantasmic-style viewing areas would be set up along the Rivers of America with a walkway kept open to facilitate traffic flow through the area, these crowd control measures were not in use at the debut show, leading traffic along the water's edge to become very congested. A better vantage point is from the tiered walkway that is usually VIP seating for Fantasmic, which sets you far enough back from the Mark Twain that you can take in the entire "stage" for the show, and lets you see above the crowd gathered at the water's edge.

If you want to be selected to perform in the show, you'll want to head to New Orleans Square right after park opening, and hope to be selected by the costumed performers that will be scouting the area. There is no age limit to participate in the show, and 20 guests are selected for each performance. If you are selected, you will receive a "boarding pass" with the date and time you should return for the show. Participants get to perform in the show and have a private meet and greet with the lead characters.

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee will be presented daily at Disneyland, with show times at 11:15, 12:45, 1:45 and 4:15. According to a Disney spokesperson, the listed show time is when the Mark Twain leaves the dock. The show is currently scheduled to run through January 3, 2010.

Actor Jon Voight will narrate the 2009 Candlelight Processional at Disneyland December 5 and 6, according to several sources. The actor has appeared in a number of Disney films (including the National Treasure franchise), and is often spotted walking the red carpet at Disney movie premieres.


As we mentioned in earlier posts, Disney is only offering Candlelight Processional Tickets to D23 Members as a package deal. CLICK HERE for more information.

The Taqueria outside Tortilla Jo's in Downtown Disney closed earlier this year for a remodel, during which the walk up ordering windows were replaced with an indoor service counter, and an expanded, enclosed seating area was built. The new seating area allows the quick service venue to serve beer and margaritas, and the shaded patio can accommodate more diners than the original handful of tables. The new menu has some familiar items (though the popular Tacone did not return), and capitalizes on the "design your own meal" trend.

1. Select Your Meal

• Tacos – two soft corn or flour tortillas built with choice of meat, salsa, cheese, onions, cilantro and lettuce ($5.95).
• Burritos – large flour tortilla filled with choice of pinto or vegetarian black beans, meat, rice, salsa, cheese and sour cream ($8.85).
• Vegetarian Burrito – large flour tortilla filled with cilantro-lime rice, vegetarian black beans, pico de gallo, sautéed vegetables, jack cheese and guacamole ($6.95).
• Nachos – tortilla chips, JO's cheese sauce, choice of pinto or black beans topped with pico de gallo ($6.95). Add a choice of meat for $2.00.

2. Select Your Filling

• Shredded adobo chicken – tender citrus-marinated chicken cooked with achiote spice.
• Pork carnitas – pork shoulder, braised slowly with fresh citrus and Mexican spices.
• Grilled steak – lean beef marinated with fresh cilantro, lime and Mexican spices.

3. Select Your Salsa

• Salsa Roja – mild
• Salsa Verde – medium
• Salsa Quemada – spicy hot

Sides

• Chips & Salsa – $2.95
• Chips & Guacamole – $4.95
• Beans or Rice – $2.50
• Pico de Gallo – $1.50
• Guacamole – $2.00

Drinks

• Aguas Frescas – traditional fresh fruit juice served ice cold ($2.95).
• Bottled beverages – bottled water, fruit juice, Jarritos Mexican sodas ($2.95).
• Soda fountain – Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, Lemonade ($3.50).

Desserts

• Mexican brownie with chocolate sauce – $3.95
• Fresh fruit cup – $3.95
• Cookie – $1.95

Margaritas & Beer

• Frozen Margaritas – strawberry or lime ($8.00).
• Mexican Beer – Pacifico, Corona, Corona Light, Negra Modelo ($7.00).
• American Beer – Coor's Light, Budweiser ($6.25).

Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can now book rooms at the Disneyland Resort Hotels for stays between January 5 and February 11, 2010 starting at $139 per night at the Paradise Pier Hotel. Book online at Disneyland.com/APhotel, or call 866-411-3890 and ask for rate code "“APH." Rates do not include tax or Resort fees.

In an effort to help control the spread of swine flu, the Disneyland Resort will place hand sanitizing devices at or near the main entrance turnstiles of Disneyland and DCA, inside the lobbies at the Disneyland Resort Hotels, and in selected character meet-and-greet locations. The automated dispensers contain alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizing gel. "The safety of our Guests and Cast Members continues to be our top priority," said Greg Hale, chief safety officer, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "The addition of hand sanitizing dispensers is another example of how we are helping to prevent the spread of illness." Readers who have sailed with the Disney Cruise Line will no doubt remember the dispensers, which are widely used onboard.