It was a huge news week for Disneyland, as rumors hit the web early last week of major changes coming to Disneyland’s Rivers of America as part of the park’s upcoming Star Wars-themed expansion. Surprisingly, Disney quickly began confirming parts of the rumor about closures and rerouting the Rivers of America and Disneyland Railroad via social media. The community barely had time to recover from the news of a severely altered Rivers of America before Disney unveiled a restructured and notably pricier Annual Passport program, meaning Disneyland’s most loyal customers would have to pay significantly more for a park with much less to do.

Don’t miss your weekly Disneyland Resort crowd forecast — provided by our friends at Mouseaddict — in the Weekly News and Information Roundup at the end of today’s update!

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star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

We’ve got a big update with plenty of commentary for you today on Disneyland’s Annual Passport price increases and the changes coming to the Rivers of America. Let’s get started!

“We didn’t go into Disneyland
just with the idea of making money”
(again)

Prices Up / Priced Out

Late Saturday evening, the Disney corner of Twitter began lighting up Walt Disney World.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

With the restructuring, Disneyland’s Premium, no block-out day option, was effectively split into two new pass types. The two new tiers, called Disney Signature and Disney Signature Plus, feature all of the benefits of the now-discontinued $779 Premium Annual Pass, but with the added perk of free unlimited digital downloads from Disney’s PhotoPass. The new $849 Disney Signature pass comes with blackout dates, restricting admission during what are historically the two busiest weeks of the year – December 19, 2015 through January 2, 2016. Of course, if those dates are important to you, the $1,049 Disney Signature Plus pass offers access every day of the year. That means, if Premium Annual Passholders want the same 365 days-per-year access, they will now have to pay an extra $270 per year, or a huge 35% increase. That equivalent Premium Pass cost $499 in 2011, meaning it has more than doubled in price in just four years.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

With Disneyland’s no blackout day option now priced over $1,000, the bi-coastal Disney Premier Passport price had to be adjusted accordingly. That pass, which debuted in 2010 at $700, is now $1,439 — more than doubling in price in just five years. Meanwhile, the remaining Pass tiers saw increases of $30 or $50, meaning 9-12% increases at those lower levels. Returning is the Annual Passport parking add-on for lower-tier passes without parking privileges. That add-on was most recently priced at $159 before it was discontinued in February, forcing Passholders to pay the regular parking rates every visit. The parking add-on is back now, but is $199 — a $40 price jump.


Disneyland Resort Annual Passport Price Increases
Effective October 4, 2015
Annual Passport & Benefits New
Price
Previous
Price
Price Increase
Disney Premier Passport
  • Admission at Disneyland & Walt Disney World theme parks
  • No Blockout Dates
  • Oak Tree Golf green fees (WDW)
  • 15% Dining and Tours Discounts
  • 20% Merchandise Discount
  • Parking included
  • PhotoPass digital downloads
  • No Renewal Discount
$1,439 $1,099 + $340
+ 31%
Disney Signature Plus NEW
  • No Blockout Dates
  • 15% Dining and Tours Discounts
  • 20% Merchandise Discount
  • Parking included
  • PhotoPass digital downloads
  • $60 Renewal Discount
$1,049 $779
Compared to Premium
+ $270
+ 35%
Disney Signature NEW
  • Entry 351 days per year
    (Blocked Dec. 19 through Jan. 2)
  • 15% Dining and Tours Discounts
  • 20% Merchandise Discount
  • Parking Included
  • PhotoPass digital downloads
  • $50 Renewal Discount
$849 $779
Compared to Premium
+ $70
+ 9%
Disney Premium DISCONTINUED
  • No Blockout Dates
  • 15% Dining and Tours Discounts
  • 20% Merchandise Discount
  • Parking Included
$779
Disney Deluxe
  • Entry 320 days per year
  • 10% Dining and Merchandise Discounts
  • 15% Tours Discount
  • Parking available for $199 add-on
  • No Renewal Discount
$599 $549 + $50
+ 9%
Disney Southern California
RENEWALS ONLY
  • Entry 229 days per year
  • 10% Dining and Merchandise Discounts
  • 15% Tours Discount
  • Parking available for $199 add-on
  • No Renewal Discount
$459 $409 + $50
+ 12%
Disney Southern California Select
  • Entry 175 days per year
  • 10% Dining and Merchandise Discounts
  • 15% Tours Discount
  • Parking available for $199 add-on
  • $10 Renewal Discount
$329 $299 + $30
+ 10%

It’s worth noting that these Annual Passport increases mean many of those now weighing the feasibility of renewing have to deal with two significant price increases since they purchased their Annual Pass last year. For those who purchased Annual Passes between October 4, 2014 and February 21, 2015, their Annual Pass price has now increased twice over the last year. A Premium Annual Passholder looking to renew at ab equivalent no blockout level, not only has the $80 price increase from February, but the new $270 jump as well — a $350 increase in one year. Are Disneyland’s new 60th Anniversary nighttime entertainment offerings that force a majority of the park into gridlock conditions nearly every night enough to justify a 50% price increase?
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

The news of the restructuring and price increases fired up the Disney community. Some Disney fans rushed to defend Disney, arguing it’s all just basic economics and that increased prices will help thin crowds. A few went so far as to blame Passholders for not spending enough money in-park, forcing Disney to raise Pass prices. Many fans, however, openly aired their grievances over the price hikes and claims that Passes wouldn’t be renewed this year were not uncommon.

Unsurprisingly, Disney avoided taking to social media or their official blog to speak directly to the people that they were asking more money from. The company did, however, speak with the OC Register as well as the Wall Street Journal on the matter. Locally, Disneyland spokesperson Suzi Brown told the OC Register that the price increases were a way to “manage strong demand.” Perhaps on the surface, that’s a valid claim. After all, Disneyland has never been more popular and over the 10 years since the 50th anniversary celebration, the Resort has continually posted record attendance and revenue numbers. This year’s 60th anniversary celebration has brought about Disneyland’s biggest year in history in both revenue and attendance. So by all accounts, demand is up and far exceeding what Disneyland can actually meet. Disney Parks head Bob Chapek addressed the issue head-on in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, which was conveniently published on Sunday alongside Annual Pass price hikes. Chapek told the Journal that Disney is now considering pricing throughout the year based on demand, giving extra perks or lower admission prices on slower days. Chapek noted:

“We have to look at ways to spread out our attendance throughout the year so we can accommodate demand and avoid bursting at the seams.”

.

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Indeed, “bursting at the seams” is an apt description of the Disneyland experience over the last several years. Everything from parking, to attraction queues, and parade routes are over crowded on a daily basis. So is the solution to just keep raising prices? Will $1,000 Annual Passes and $100 single-day tickets solve the problem? Considering the price hikes have repeatedly failed to reduce crowding, it’s safe to assume this latest round won’t either. “Managing demand” and “looking at ways to spread out attendance” is really meaningless lip service being used to suggest Disneyland isn’t simply being greedy and to convince the public that they’re the problem for liking Disneyland and crowding the park. It’s clear that Disney has no interest in managing demand — those record numbers are critical in keeping shareholders happy. “Managing demand” just blames guests for doing what Disney wanted all along while distracting from the reality that the company avoided meaningful investment and expansion for years. That lack of quality investment and costly half-measures (opening-day Disney’s California Adventure and Tomorrowland 1998, for example) has rapidly caught up to the company after a string of highly successful marketing promotions that started in 2005 with Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. To their credit, Disney has finally started stepping up their game in recent years, most notably by re-inventing Disney California Adventure into a profitable enterprise after a decade of floundering. Meanwhile, Disneyland hasn’t seen a viable new E-Ticket in over 20 years (Indiana Jones Adventure in 1995). The park has invested in reopening shuttered classics like the Submarine Voyage and enhancing long-time favorites like Star Tours, but Disneyland remains without the new people-eating attractions it has desperately needed for years to absorb the increased demand the park saw over the last decade.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Meanwhile, infrastructure, namely roads and parking, remain severely insufficient. Disney has quickly made a couple new surface lots in recent years and will start building a new 5,000-space parking structure — but not until 2017. So how do they help the problem now? They raised theme park parking prices to $18 and cut Downtown Disney’s free 3-hour parking down to 2-hours and doubled the hourly parking rate from $6 to $12. That should do the trick!
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Disneyland has not only successfully grown its tourist attendance numbers but the Resort grew its Annual Passholder program as well. Disneyland’s Annual Passholder program is so successful that it has been able to raise its no blackout option from $349 in 2005 to today’s $1,049 while its membership numbers skyrocketed over those last 10 years. There are fans that claim Disneyland’s Annual Passholders are a strain on the Resort by filling the park while spending very little, contributing little to Disneyland’s revenue. If the myth that Annual Passholders don’t spend enough were true, would Disney continue to aggressively market new Annual Passport sales, offer monthly payment options for locals, host special AP events for free, offer Passholder-exclusive merchandise, or pay to manage dedicated Annual Passholder social media accounts? (Hint: No.)
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

So, yeah, Disneyland has a problem managing the demand it built up for itself without simultaneously building infrastructure and attractions to absorb that demand. And now, Disneyland’s big solution — a 14-acre, two-ride Star Wars-themed expansion above Frontierland and a new parking structure — are months away from breaking ground and years away from opening. Meanwhile, land for a third gate and expansion pads in Disney California Adventure remain untouched, and record profits go to pad executive bonuses instead of raising the wages of the hourly Cast Members that keep Disneyland from crumbling under the weight of record crowds every day. Managing demand, indeed.

“Disneyland is a work of love.
We didn’t go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money.”
— Walt Disney

Temporaryland

It remains unknown just how much capacity Disneyland’s 14-acre Star Wars Land will yield when it opens several years from now. The land is expected to open with several shops and restaurants and two new attractions, the capacity of which is undisclosed. One thing is for certain, demand for Star Wars Land is already through the roof and whatever Disney ends up opening will likely cause even more demand headaches for the park if additional capacity isn’t added concurrently with Star Wars construction. In the short term, Disneyland has announced that its new Star Wars-themed Season of the Force offering in Tomorrowland will reopen in Tomorrowland this November 16. Season of the Force will include the reopening of Disneyland’s long-neglected Innoventions as the new Star Wars Launch Bay. The attraction will amount to a collection of exhibits and character meet-and-greets promoting the new film.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Below, work on the new Star Wars Launch Bay exterior is progressing with a new star field paint job.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Star Wars Launch Bay will include:

Choose Your Destiny with Special Character Experiences

  • Dark Side – Encounter one of the most iconic villains from Star Wars, Darth Vader.
  • Light Side – Fly casual at this makeshift Rebel base, and meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.

Explore the Dark and the Light in Themed Galleries

  • Dark Side Gallery – Get a look at authentic pieces of stormtrooper armor as well as famous Sith lightsabers once wielded by masters of the dark side.
  • Light Side Gallery – Explore a gallery filled with Rebel flight helmets and lightsabers once wielded by Jedi Knights.
  • Preview Gallery – See props from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
  • Starship Gallery – Discover models of famous starships and their pilots from throughout the Star Wars saga.

Join the Battle in the Star Wars Game Center – Play the latest games from the Star Wars galaxy, including Disney Infinity 3.0 – featuring park-exclusive Toy Box levels.

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Nearby, the Tomorrowland Theater will reopen with a Star Wars clip show.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Above the theater, the already popular Space Mountain will get a new Star Wars-themed overlay, which Disney says will put guests in the middle of an X-wing starfighter battle.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Star Tours will get a new scene based on the upcoming movie, and in December the Jedi Training Academy show will get a refresh based on the Disney XD show, Star Wars Rebels.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

The Frontier Awakens

Of course, the Star Wars additions come without a price that goes beyond $1,000 APs. The new Annual Pass prices come right on the heels of the news that Disney MiceAge ran an rumor update several days later detailing the major changes the closures would bring.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

The MiceAge article explained the 14-acre space being carve out for Star Wars Land will require rerouting the Disneyland Railroad, reducing the Rivers of America by 25%, and shaving off a significant portion of Tom Sawyer Island.

The new railroad route will make a sharper right turn past Splash Mountain and head out towards what is now Tom Sawyer Island and the Big Thunder Ranch area. The tracks will pass along the backside of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad before making another dogleg turn to the north and joining the current alignment near the existing Toontown station. The Fantasyland Theatre will head off to Yesterland as the new railroad alignment is sent through that area, carving out some new acreage for a future Fantasyland expansion that is gaining steam with TDA planners now.

The new railroad alignment will obviously mean big changes to the Rivers of America. The river pathway will be truncated and shortened on its northern end, and the unused northern half of Tom Sawyer Island will be removed so that the new riverbed can take that space. Once the new riverbed is created and new underwater track is laid, the Rivers of America track that the two big boats travel along will be approximately 25% shorter than its original 1955 layout.

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

News that the Rivers of America would be reduced by at least 25% to make space for the southern edge of Star Wars Land came as a huge blow to long-time Disneyland fans, with many taking to Twitter and Facebook to ask Disney if the rumors were true. To their credit, Disney managed to quickly assemble and disseminate an official “Reactive FAQ” and Disney’s social media team used it to quell concerns.

Keep in mind that the news of the Rivers of America, Disneyland Railroad and related closures preceded the news of Disneyland’s new Annual Pass price hikes. So, first fans learned that Disneyland was shutting down half of Frontierland and the Disneyland Railroad for over a year, only to later be told they’d be paying notably more over the next year for less to do. What a value. Below, Disney’s full Star Wars Land construction “Reactive FAQ.”

    Where exactly will the new Star Wars-themed land be built?
    As we have said previously, the new Star Wars-themed land will be built in the Big Thunder Ranch area inclusive of some backstage areas. It will also extend from the Big Thunder Ranch area across the back section of the Rivers of America. While this activity begins the process of preparing the space for the new land to be built, specific plans are still being finalized.

    What is happening to Tom Sawyer’s Island, Rivers of America, and Fantasmic!?
    They will be temporarily closed beginning January 11 to begin preparations for a Star Wars- themed land.

    Will the Sailing Ship Columbia, Mark Twain Riverboat, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes and Fantasmic! return when the work is complete?
    Yes.

    When are Tom Sawyer’s Island, Rivers of America and Fantasmic! expected to reopen?
    While it is too early to give an exact date, we expect it will be more than a year.

    Will the Rivers of America be drained?
    The work will require the river to be at least partially drained. As with our usual process, water drained from the Rivers of America will be diverted to the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment system where it will be treated and stored. When it comes time to refill the rivers, we will refill from the same system.

    Has the Rivers of America gone down for a lengthy time before?
    Periodically the Rivers of America has been drained for refurbishment. The last time was in 2010.

    What is happening to the river?
    The Rivers of America will have a new route when it reopens.

    Has the Rivers of America been rerouted before?
    This will be the first time the course or shape of the river has changed.

    Has the train ever been rerouted before?
    Yes, prior to the opening of “it’s a small world” and Mickey’s Toontown, the train followed a slightly different route.

    What is happening with the animals?
    Circle D will relocate to an off-property location nearby. The horse drawn vehicles on Main Street, USA will continue to operate. We are finalizing plans for the animals that currently reside in the petting farm.

    What is happening to the Pope House?
    Plans are in review to move the Pope House to another location on property.

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

The Pirates-themed overlay hasn’t aged well, but overall Tom Sawyer Island is still delightful and rich with opportunity.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

The Indian village will likely be lost to history.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

While Disney promises the Rivers of America and all river attractions will reopen in the future, they fail to acknowledge the significance of the Rivers of America in Disneyland’s history. The Rivers of America features a route that has remain unchanged since park opening in 1955 and Tom Sawyer Island is the only part of the park single-handedly designed by Walt Disney himself. Sure, scenery along the River has changed over the years and Tom Sawyer Island currently features a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed overlay, but these attractions still make up an area of the park that is perhaps as quittessentially “Walt Disney” as Main Street, U.S.A. or the Disneyland Railroad. star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Change is a necessary evil in the theme park business, especially at one so rich in history as Disney’s is. But is altering the park so severely in the name of progress worth disregarding history?
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Last year in this blog, we covered the reopening of Disneyland’s fabled Club 33 — a club that had undergone a massive overhaul and expansion project and that emerged with only a couple scraps of the history and connection to Walt Disney that made its original incarnation so special and unique. I ended my review of the new Club 33 with the following:

As Disneyland approaches its 60th Anniversary, it is — more than ever — imperative that Disney really takes the time to take a look at its history and realize that it is the company’s most valuable asset. What was passed down to today’s Walt Disney Company from Walt Disney and his brilliant team is a legacy other companies could only dream of having. What was done to New Orleans Square and Club 33 is largely a very unfortunate purging of that that rich history and legacy.

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

I re-post that Club 33 commentary because a year later, Disneyland finds itself on the verge of repeating very significant and recent mistakes. While Disneyland is designed to constantly change and adapt, it’s important to remember that the park is also able to host a meaningful celebration for its 60th birthday because of foundational, quintessentially “Disney” spaces, attractions, and experiences like the Rivers of America. The attractions and spaces that keep Disneyland so uniquely connected to Walt Disney are why the park is still able to so deeply affect people when Walt’s voice is featured in the nightly fireworks show, or when a Cast Member points out Walt’s apartment on Main Street to a guest. That’s why black and white photos of the park and Walt Disney decorate Disneyland Hotel guest rooms, and are successfully able to be sold on $300 pin sets. Disneyland has the incredibly unique privilege of being the only Disney theme park Walt Disney built and walked. You can’t get that back once you’ve stripped it all away.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction



Gay Days 2015

This weekend marked the annual unofficial Gay Days event at Disneyland, making Disneyland’s already crowded conditions even busier with a huge turnout.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

The Gay Days Mark Twain cruise
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Disney offered the popular special rainbow cake, cookies and souvenir mugs at select dining locations over the weekend.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Halloween Tree-t

Over at the Grand Californian Hotel, the talented pastry team has built an impressive Halloween Tree “cake” out of rice crispy treats.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

It’s a lot of fun and definitely worth checking out if you’re at the resort.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

To co-incide with the Halloween Tree, a temporary set-up selling fall drinks and treats is nearby in the hotel lobby.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

At World of Disney, the latest decade in the Disneyland 60th decades art merchandise line is out now.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

Around the Park

To end, some photos from around the park.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
Enjoy retro fun just steps away from Disneyland at
Howard Johnson Hotel & Water Playground

A short walk from the park, HoJo Anaheim is conveniently located next to Matterhorn Mountain at Disneyland with nearby dining, freeway access, FREE parking and FREE Wi-Fi. For more information on HoJo Anaheim, room rates, or to book your stay today, visit HoJoAnaheim.com/MiceChat

Save with MiceChat & Passholder Discounts Every Day!
The HoJo Anaheim is now offering daily discounts for MiceChat members and even DEEPER discounts for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders! For more information visit the HoJo Anaheim Innsider Boards which features an up-to-date listing of available nights, or call (714) 776-6120 and ask for In-House Reservations to book. If your date isn’t listed, the HoJo Anaheim still offers rooms for 20% off their best available rate if you call (714) 776-6120.
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
Weekly News & Information Round-Up
Weekly Theme Park Hours
October 5-11, 2015
[B]Disneyland Park[/B] [B]California Adventure[/B]
Monday: 8 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: 8 am – 11 pm
Wednesday: 8 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 8 am – 12 am
Friday: 8 am – 7 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 12 am
Sunday: 10 am – 12 am
Mon.-Wed.: 8 am – 8 pm
Thursday: 8 am – 9 pm
Friday: 8 am – 12 am
Saturday: 8 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm
[CENTER]For a complete listing of theme park hours,
visit the Disneyland.com Theme Park Calendar
[/CENTER]
[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center]
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b]
  • “it’s a small world”: Closed October 19- November 5 to install holiday overlay.
  • Jungle Cruise: Closed November 2-12 to install holiday overlay.
  • Space Mountain: Closed November 2-13 to remove Ghost Galaxy overlay and install Hyperspace Mountain overlay.
  • Innoventions: Expected to reopen Fall 2015 with new Star Wars Launch Bay and Super Hero HQ.
  • Starcade: Closed indefintely.
  • Tomorrowland Theatre: Closed indefintely.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
  • Turtle Talk with Crush: Closed October 12-29 for refurbishment.
  • Luigi’s Flying Tires: Closed for re-Imagineering into new attraction. Reopening expected in early 2016.
  • [B]Blue Sky Cellar:[/B] Closed indefinitely.
[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b]
    None.
Tomorrowplan Crowd Estimates for Disneyland Resort from Mouseaddict

October 5-11

Mon
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
Tue
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
Wed
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
Thu
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
Fri
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
Sat
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
Sun
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

  • This weekend’s Passport shakeup changed everything! Get Tomorrowplan today to keep track of the changing crowd levels tomorrow.
  • Mickey’s Halloween Parties continue to attract sell-out crowds and fill hotel rooms.
  • Don’t look for crowds to let up anytime soon – be prepared with Wait Watcher, our unique wait time tracking feature. Ride more with Mouseaddict.
  • There’s a free Mouseaddict update available, which fixes iOS9 compatibility with our crowd map. Update now in the App Store.

The free Mouseaddict app for iPhone and iPad features more than five dozen categories of searchable resort information, weather forecasts, park and show schedules, the latest news and articles from MiceChat, and more. Download free on the App Store or at mouseaddict.com.

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

[center]Headline Roundup
A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center]
  • The Walt Disney Family Museum responded to PBS’ documentary on Walt Disney by saying the Museum “only supports examinations of Walt’s life that are based on fact.” (Walt Disney Family Museum)
  • Animator Floyd Norman responded to PBS’ documentary on Walt Disney by saying the program “failed to reflect the man I observed and worked for over a ten year period.” (Floyd Norman)
Alright, that wraps up this week’s Dateline Disneyland. What do you think of the Rivers of America changes and the new Annual Pass prices? Let us know in the comments section below!

We’ll be taking another vacation break next week but we won’t be away too long! Keep an eye out for more Disneyland coverage from MiceChat.

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For more Disneyland news, be sure to read MiceChat’s weekly In the Parks blog. And be sure to check out our sister blog, Dateline Disney World – a fantastic weekly photo blog covering Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!

Thanks for reading. See you at Disneyland!
[B]- Andy[/B]

star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction
star wars, Disneyland raises prices again as it prepares to close major attractions for Star Wars construction

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Andy Castro
Andy is a Southern California native and a life-long fan of Disney theme parks and animation. From 2007-2016, Andy wrote the weekly Dateline Disneyland photo, news and opinion blog here on MiceChat. Today, Andy continues to produce occasional Dateline Disneyland articles and additional special guest content for MiceChat.