Knott's says "Ride On" in 2009, SoCal/Military Discounts and MUCH more
Posted 01-09-2009 at 05:23 AM by In the Parks
Happy New Year to all... A lot to get to. Both in news, and in photos, as when the parks slow down in crowd size, the refurb walls show up.
What is currently offered in Discounts for the Disneyland Resort...
OK, we have mentioned the current Knott's and USH offers the last couple of weeks.
Today, we will focus on Disneyland.
The current BEST deal is for the US Military.
Disney Parks are offering 2 deals, one for Disneyland and one for Walt Disney World, and they are DIFFERENT!
The basic info on the offer, Disneyland is a free 3-Day ParkHopper for the Active Duty/Retired Military Member, and must get the ticket activated (First use) by June 12th, 2009.
Orlando is offering a free 5-day ParkHopper at WDW to Military members, ticket must be activated by December 23rd, 2009.
There are a lot of rules and regulations, plus additional offers, such as discounted hotel rooms that can be found in the MiceChat link that has the entire Disney Parks Press Release.
http://micechat.com/forums/industry-...eme-parks.html
Note, I am not sure what "Retired" is (I presume 20 years of service) , but ALL tickets start with a voucher at an US Military base. (I presume the MWR office; MWR=Morale Welfare and Recreation).
But the full press release has a lot of details, and if your questions are not answered, the MWR should be able to explain the rules.
COSTCO still has the Deluxe AP offer, but is no longer offering it online. The deal, still found at most Southern California stores, including Fullerton and Garden Grove is a free $50 Disney gift card with the purchase of a full priced Deluxe AP at $269.
Of course, the other big offers are now the Free Birthday Ticket in 2009 (must be the exact day of your Birthday and have Valid Government ID) and the "Pay for Disneyland, get DCA for FREE!" deal. Ironically, the two deals have created a special situation.
As mentioned here at MiceAge before, Disney Parks (both Anaheim and Orlando) will give you a free One Day, One Park Ticket on your exact Birthday with valid ID as part of the "What will you celebrate?" marketing campaign.
But the new "Pay for Disneyland, get DCA for FREE!" offer for Southern California and Baja California, Mexico residents, is basically 2 offers. The main offer is a ticket that is "two" one-day/one-park tickets, one for a visit for Disneyland, and a visit to Disney's California Adventure on another day (which has to be within 30 days between to the 2 visits). Currently $69 for adults, and $59 for kids 3 through 9.
The second version is a 2 Day ParkHopper for the price of one deal. Once again, SoCal/BajaCal residents only, $94 for adults and $84 for kids.
Now, this makes the FREE Birthday offer interesting. The FREE one-day/one-park ticket is basically a $69 credit towards any other ticket, as Disney wants you to be able to upgrade. But the 2fer is the same price as a one-day, one-park ticket, so you can "upgrade" for free. Disney figured it out, and has stated that SoCal's whose birthday is now through June 3rd will automatically get a FREE 2fer ticket instead of the one-day/one-park ticket. (As always, a valid Government issued ID is needed to get your Birthday Gift.
And for those who do not live in the Southern California area, Disney is currently offering "Everyone at the Kid's Price" for 3 day or longer Advance Purchase ParkHoppers. These tickets are available at Disneyland.com or from most Travel agents.
Interesting to see this quote at the Orange County Register on Thursday....
Disney offers ‘2fer’ tickets to Southern Californians through June 3 - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
Disneyland Spokesman John McClintock said that Disney has been offering southern California residents some permutation of the “2fer” offer since at least the early 1990s.
“It’s recognizing that our most loyal and enthusiastic guests are right here in southern California,” McClintock said.
And while Disneyland has had Southern California Resident specials for decades, especially during the slower off-season, California Adventure opened in 2001, so the 2fer was not available in the 1990's...
Also interesting to note, Disney was using their heads when they came up with the ending date of June 3rd, 2009 for the 2fer for the first day of use. Yes, the date is late that previous years, but the question is why Wednesday, June 3rd. Wednesday are not a normal last day for an offer. Well, the second day has to be within 30 days of the first day of use, so by making the last First day June 3rd, that makes Thursday, July 2nd the last day you could use the second day, just before the busy July the Fourth weekend.
But the 2fer should make the Memorial Day weekend even busier than normal.
"Celebrate Today!" Birthday issues.
Well, Disney is already having some issues with the new marketing campaign. As mentioned above, the 2fer has already made changes to the ticket giveaway. But a lot of the issues have come from the "alternative" gifts that are available to Annual Passholders and those with Multi-Day ParkHoppers. Multi-Day ParkHoppers bought in advance are eligible for the alternative gifts, since it is presumed they are part of a vacation package with family and friends, all of which bought the same length of stay ParkHopper, and the Birthday Person ended up going with the group, and does not need a free admission on their birthday.
The Alternative gifts are basically a set of special FastPasses, which Al Lutz discussed earlier this week here at MiceAge.
MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney...
Signs and refurb walls are up for the former Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, expected to reopen in April. The Petting Zoo section is not covered up and expected to reopen for the Martin Luther King, Jr./NAMM weekend.
Disney has decided to Celebrate in 2009 by placing refurb walls around the resort
Refurb Walls went up on Thursday along the Parade Route on Main Street. Note, the Main Street Vehicles are not available due to the work.
A large section in the "Hub" area is walled off
Disney is replacing the entrance floral display, with the new version themed for the "What will you celebrate?" marketing campaign.
Once Upon a Time store has been closed for a major makeover
Interesting to note, the One-Day, One-Park ticket is not listed first, instead of the bottom of the menu board. Is this due to the economy and that many guests complained about a $94 single day ticket?
Long line at the Annual Passport Processing Wednesday night.
Well, looks like DCA is really behind the times, still celebrating Christmas, and the "27 months of over 2.25 million prizes" campaign.
But this is a NICE Christmas gift, refurb walls to start work on the former Golden State Amphitheater area at DCA.
Mickey's Fun Wheel is progressing nicely
So is the Games of the Boardwalk upgrade
And some work has started for the World of Color show in the Paradise Pier Lake
Disney even decided to cover up the porta-potties
But they removed the "Crush" ad that promoted World of Color
What is currently offered in Discounts for the Disneyland Resort...
OK, we have mentioned the current Knott's and USH offers the last couple of weeks.
Today, we will focus on Disneyland.
The current BEST deal is for the US Military.
Disney Parks are offering 2 deals, one for Disneyland and one for Walt Disney World, and they are DIFFERENT!
The basic info on the offer, Disneyland is a free 3-Day ParkHopper for the Active Duty/Retired Military Member, and must get the ticket activated (First use) by June 12th, 2009.
Orlando is offering a free 5-day ParkHopper at WDW to Military members, ticket must be activated by December 23rd, 2009.
There are a lot of rules and regulations, plus additional offers, such as discounted hotel rooms that can be found in the MiceChat link that has the entire Disney Parks Press Release.
http://micechat.com/forums/industry-...eme-parks.html
Note, I am not sure what "Retired" is (I presume 20 years of service) , but ALL tickets start with a voucher at an US Military base. (I presume the MWR office; MWR=Morale Welfare and Recreation).
But the full press release has a lot of details, and if your questions are not answered, the MWR should be able to explain the rules.
COSTCO still has the Deluxe AP offer, but is no longer offering it online. The deal, still found at most Southern California stores, including Fullerton and Garden Grove is a free $50 Disney gift card with the purchase of a full priced Deluxe AP at $269.
Of course, the other big offers are now the Free Birthday Ticket in 2009 (must be the exact day of your Birthday and have Valid Government ID) and the "Pay for Disneyland, get DCA for FREE!" deal. Ironically, the two deals have created a special situation.
As mentioned here at MiceAge before, Disney Parks (both Anaheim and Orlando) will give you a free One Day, One Park Ticket on your exact Birthday with valid ID as part of the "What will you celebrate?" marketing campaign.
But the new "Pay for Disneyland, get DCA for FREE!" offer for Southern California and Baja California, Mexico residents, is basically 2 offers. The main offer is a ticket that is "two" one-day/one-park tickets, one for a visit for Disneyland, and a visit to Disney's California Adventure on another day (which has to be within 30 days between to the 2 visits). Currently $69 for adults, and $59 for kids 3 through 9.
The second version is a 2 Day ParkHopper for the price of one deal. Once again, SoCal/BajaCal residents only, $94 for adults and $84 for kids.
Now, this makes the FREE Birthday offer interesting. The FREE one-day/one-park ticket is basically a $69 credit towards any other ticket, as Disney wants you to be able to upgrade. But the 2fer is the same price as a one-day, one-park ticket, so you can "upgrade" for free. Disney figured it out, and has stated that SoCal's whose birthday is now through June 3rd will automatically get a FREE 2fer ticket instead of the one-day/one-park ticket. (As always, a valid Government issued ID is needed to get your Birthday Gift.
And for those who do not live in the Southern California area, Disney is currently offering "Everyone at the Kid's Price" for 3 day or longer Advance Purchase ParkHoppers. These tickets are available at Disneyland.com or from most Travel agents.
Interesting to see this quote at the Orange County Register on Thursday....
Disney offers ‘2fer’ tickets to Southern Californians through June 3 - Around Disney - OCRegister.com
Quote:
Disneyland Spokesman John McClintock said that Disney has been offering southern California residents some permutation of the “2fer” offer since at least the early 1990s.
“It’s recognizing that our most loyal and enthusiastic guests are right here in southern California,” McClintock said.
Also interesting to note, Disney was using their heads when they came up with the ending date of June 3rd, 2009 for the 2fer for the first day of use. Yes, the date is late that previous years, but the question is why Wednesday, June 3rd. Wednesday are not a normal last day for an offer. Well, the second day has to be within 30 days of the first day of use, so by making the last First day June 3rd, that makes Thursday, July 2nd the last day you could use the second day, just before the busy July the Fourth weekend.
But the 2fer should make the Memorial Day weekend even busier than normal.
"Celebrate Today!" Birthday issues.
Well, Disney is already having some issues with the new marketing campaign. As mentioned above, the 2fer has already made changes to the ticket giveaway. But a lot of the issues have come from the "alternative" gifts that are available to Annual Passholders and those with Multi-Day ParkHoppers. Multi-Day ParkHoppers bought in advance are eligible for the alternative gifts, since it is presumed they are part of a vacation package with family and friends, all of which bought the same length of stay ParkHopper, and the Birthday Person ended up going with the group, and does not need a free admission on their birthday.
The Alternative gifts are basically a set of special FastPasses, which Al Lutz discussed earlier this week here at MiceAge.
MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney...
Quote:
The Fastpass option might be of value to some folks on really busy days, however there's a trick to that as well. The birthday boy or girl goes to the kiosk in Tour Guide Gardens next to Disneyland's City Hall to collect their Fastpasses for their group, and the perky host or hostess there in the booth prints out two different kinds of Fastpasses, "Donald" Fastpasses and "Daisy" Fastpasses. The Donald Fastpasses are good on all of the most popular E Ticket attractions like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Soarin' Over California. While the Daisy Fastpasses are good on the smaller and more family friendly rides like Buzz Lightyear and Autopia.
Interestingly however, the number of Fastpass tickets you receive is to be based on that day's attendance, and in the reverse order from what you would assume. On the busiest days you will get the least amount of Fastpasses for both Donald and Daisy rides, while on slower days you will receive additional Fastpasses to use in the emptier parks. Since most Annual Passholders know the ins and outs of the Fastpass system anyway, including which attractions aren't even connected to the network, the birthday Fastpass option likely will take a backseat to the monetary value offered by the Fun Cards.
The second option is a free one day/one park ticket good for 12 months for the Birthday Person. This ticket has no value (a Comp) towards any other ticket media and will have the person's name printed on the ticket, basically making not valid for anyone else than the BD person, so you can't use it to let a friend in. The offer was basically designed for those who are getting the gift due to a Multi-Day ParkHopper, as the only reason an AP holder would want this ticket is if they do not want to renew their AP.
The third option is the "Birthday Fun Card", which has gotten the most interest from Annual Passholders, and has had the most changes since it was officially announced. When it was announced, it was going to be valid for just merchandise sold in the parks and only valid on the date issued (the person's Birthday). Well, the Fun Card options were expanded to included Guided Tours and PhotoPass, as mentioned at the Disney websites in the last few months, and this last week we have found out that Disney has decided that the Fun Cards would not expire and can be used after the person's birthday. Also, it sounds like the Fun Card will be valid in more locations (but still no locations that primarily sells food) including admission media, which will allow Annual Passholders to use theie Fun Card towards the renewal of their AP, and at some locations that were listed as not eligible, basically non-Disney owned shops in the parks. Jewel of Orleans has said they can and will accept the Fun Cards, since the Fun Cards basically work the same way as the Disney Rewards system does (Chase Visa card program). Of course, the cards have only been out about 1 week, and there will still be some fine tuning of the exact offer over the next few weeks.
Interesting to note, about 1,000 Birthday offers per day have been claimed at the Disneyland Resort during the first week of the offer.
Downtown Disney update.
Both Department 56 and Club Libby Lu are wrapping up business, due to Management decisions to close up their stores nationwide.
Department 56 is basically sold out, and if any merchandise remains this weekend, it will be at 90% off, but there is a good chance that you will find the door closed.
Club Libby Lu is offering 50% off any merchandise in the stores.
Other stores are doing well at DtD, including Build A Bear. Here is a special deal for the entire chain.
Quote:
Schedule a Build-A-Bear party at a store for 6 or more people to be held anytime in 2009, and the Guest of Honor is Free! (maximum value of $25).
Must book by February 14th, 2009 and mention the coupon code "93364".
Not valid with any other offer.
The phone number for the Anaheim Build-A-Bear is (714) 776-5980.
California Residents - Do You want a FREE Vacation!
Came across this offer in the Los Angeles Times, and since it allows you a chance to check out a small Amusement Park in the area, with a great roller coaster, Desperado, figured I would share the deal.
Terrible's Primm Valley Resorts is making this offer, basically trying to get folks to visit the area during a slow time (aka no requirement to attend something like a Time Share sales pitch). Here is the deal...
2 nights at the Buffalo Bill's Hotel
$25 in slot play in the hotel's casino (free gambling, you can keep whatever you win from the $25 you play on the machines).
2 free tickets to a show, Sin City Kitties, which is a burlesque show if you show up when it is playing (Thursday through Sunday). Note, this is a topless show.
2 free concert (event) tickets, once again if you show up on the dates they are available, Friday, January 9th - ESPN Friday Night Fights (boxing), Friday, January 16th - Natalie Cole in Concert, and Thursday, January 22nd - Michael McDonald (formerly of The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan) Concert.
There are a few rules, but not too many.
You must be 21 years of age or older with a valid California ID.
One free vacation per person
Offer good from January 4th through the 30th. No Saturday night check-ins.
If you check in on Friday, you only get a ONE night hotel stay.
Must be booked online at the link below.
And of course, management has the right to change/modify/cancel the promo at any time.
The city of Primm is located on the California/Nevada border next to Interstate 15, a few hundred miles from Southern California.
Not a bad deal just for the price of gas, and of course, the tickets to ride Desperado and the Log Ride.
SeaWorld to stop offering Free Beer Tastings
Sometimes you find great deals, and sometimes you lose them. A great perk of having a SeaWorld Annual Pass was the Free Beer (2 small samples per day of Anheuser-Busch products). The new owners of AB and SeaWorld, InBev has decided to stop offering the samples at all the Busch Entertainment parks.
Knott's Berry Farm introduced its 2009 Marketing Campaign
Knott's has started to use its new slogan, "Ride ON" in local advertising.
The Orange County Register had a flyer this week promoting the Food Drive offer (Everyone gets in for $22.99 with a food donation brought to the park) and Annual Passes (just $79.99 if you buy 4 or more at the same time). Both offers expire at the end of January, 2009.
Jewel of Orleans now offers Gift Certificates
And while the Jewel of Orleans does accept the Disney Gift Card in New Orleans Square, the chain also sells Gift Certificates for their 3 stores. Jewel of Orleans is run by Dianne's Estate Jewellery, which also has locations in San Francisco and Healdsburg in California.
More information can be found at this link.
Selected Photos from Darkbeer.Smugmug.com
Refurb Walls went up on Thursday along the Parade Route on Main Street. Note, the Main Street Vehicles are not available due to the work.
A large section in the "Hub" area is walled off
Disney is replacing the entrance floral display, with the new version themed for the "What will you celebrate?" marketing campaign.
That should do it for this week.
Well, I know what I will be doing this weekend, watching the Chargers game!
GO CHARGERS!!!
Total Comments 22
Comments
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Great update!Posted 01-09-2009 at 06:47 AM by WheresMickey
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Thanks David.
Go Chargers!Posted 01-09-2009 at 06:53 AM by Rixter - Wow, Disney's Wonderful World of Walls! It will all be for the best. This will be some multi-day resort come 2012. Iger has been great for Disney as a whole.Posted 01-09-2009 at 07:16 AM by RabidAlienz
- yes Great update! and yes GO CHARGERS!! hehehePosted 01-09-2009 at 07:18 AM by Dick O Dell
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I was out there yesterday (Thursday) and as you predicted, the entry floral was indeed not ready.Posted 01-09-2009 at 07:48 AM by ttrocc7007 -
I found it odd that (according to AL) the gift cards don't expire because of California law. However, he also stated that one could not receive any change when using the card. The odd part is, since last year, California law requires mechants to give change, in cash, if the amount on the card is less that $10. And, ironically, there IS an exemption for the expiration issue if the card is "Distributed by the issuer to a consumer without charge under an awards, loyalty or promotional program".
FAQs and Tips on Gift Certificates and Gift Cards: Legal Guide S-11 - California Department Of Consumer AffairsPosted 01-09-2009 at 08:44 AM by ralfrick -
Excellent update, David!
Thanks!Posted 01-09-2009 at 09:02 AM by MasterGracey -
Interesting update David!
My guess is that the Bush Parks are removing the beer tasting to further distance themselves from their parent company and make it easier to sell the parks.
If it weren't for the bad economy, they might already have been sold off by now.Posted 01-09-2009 at 09:48 AM by Dustysage -
interesting find ralfrick. although i'm still confused. but that's okay
Posted 01-09-2009 at 10:09 AM by filmfreak11 - Thanks for all the great pictures and updates! Everything I see gets me so excited for the next few years!
Hooray updates! >^_^<Posted 01-09-2009 at 11:04 AM by MissAlyssa - HI Darkbeer, Sorry to all the jewel lovers out there. But, Disney just informed us that The Jewel Of Orleans " MAY NOT" take the Birthday fun cards.
We do still offer layaways, and we also have gift certificates you can purchase. Sorry again.Posted 01-09-2009 at 11:25 AM by rokselar -
Great Update Thank you!Posted 01-09-2009 at 11:40 AM by cakvalasc -
Great Update!
You confused me with the ticket board thing. lol
Go Chargers!Posted 01-09-2009 at 12:57 PM by Kritter 
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great update! but so much is still so confusing, haha. so we can't use the fun card at the jewel of orleans? and where is the bibity boppity boutique going in, since we already have all that stuff at PFF?
and it seems like there's a lot of construction and refurb walls going up, even inside DL! I hope they're speedy and don't take too long since they're pulling in so many people for the birthday promotion.
and also, why did they remove that brand new crush board for WoC?
goodness gracious alive!Posted 01-09-2009 at 04:29 PM by twobluestripes -
Nice update!
I do have a comment regarding "Interesting to note, the One-Day, One-Park ticket is not listed first, instead of the bottom of the menu board. Is this due to the economy and that many guests complained about a $94 single day ticket?" - and from what I see, the 1-Day, 1-Park is listed first. Am I not seeing the point?Posted 01-09-2009 at 05:34 PM by CPTNMatt -
Are fastpasses available for the "look at the walls ride?" err attraction?
Great update as alwaysPosted 01-09-2009 at 06:13 PM by hadesthecat -
Thanks!!!
Posted 01-09-2009 at 07:00 PM by SouthHrbrBlvd -
You presume correctly. Military retirement is after 20yrs of service, MINIMUM. The only exception if medical retirement. Medically retired personel keep thier VA bennies. Some of the vets coming back from the war are medically retired due to enemy action. Others refuse the retirement and go on to serve. There are even those who stay in the military long after 20yrs. Officers and senior enlisted mostly. Such as the guy who created the program I work in: Hyman G. Rickover - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
9.5yrs to go for me before I am retired. Then maybe I can go work for Disney.Posted 01-09-2009 at 07:41 PM by Mnemorath
Updated 01-09-2009 at 07:51 PM by Mnemorath -
Temporarily the whole resort should be called DCA = Disney's Construction Adventure
Posted 01-10-2009 at 06:02 PM by Barbossa -
Where's the Pittsburgh pride??
GO STEELERS! (although we're down 10-7 as we speak)...Posted 01-11-2009 at 03:04 PM by untitled
