|
|---|
|
|
Entertainment, Special Events & Tours at DisneylandLAST UPDATE: 1/30/12 - MOST RECENT ADDITIONS ARE IN REDWondering what special events may be happening during your visit to Disneyland Resort? Listed below are the major events and festivals taking place during the year. On this page you'll also find any deals and discounts available on special activities (spa treatments, movies and more) at Disneyland Resort, as well as how to save money on theme park tours. Please note that this is an UNOFFICIAL listing, and while I make my best effort to keep it updated, complete and accurate, Disney changes things constantly. Be sure to call ahead before making any major plans based on the information below! Jump to:
Special EventsJump to:
New Year's Eve & New Year's Day Disneyland stays open late on New Year's Eve and offers extra entertainment, usually including live performances, an extra parade and fireworks. These festivities are included in regular park admission. If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on New Year's Eve (December 31) or New Year's Day (January 1), be aware that these are two of the busiest days of the year. The parks (especially Disneyland) usually reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon.
Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day)January 6, Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany or the Twelfth Day of Christmas), is a popular holiday in Mexico. The holiday celebrates the arrival of the Magi bearing gifts for baby Jesus, and Día de Reyes is the traditional day for Mexican children to receive Christmas gifts. In 2012, Disneyland celebrated Día de Reyes for the first time, throughout the coinciding weekend (January 6-8). The celebration included entertainment, kids' activities (face painting, crown decorating) and specialty food items at Rancho del Zocalo and nearby food carts. Foods offered included Mexican hot chocolate, mini rosca de reyes (traditional ring shaped sweet bread) and two types of tamales. Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year)In 2012, Disneyland celebrated the Lunar New Year for the first time, running for about a week after the first day of the Lunar New Year, which varies year to year (2012: January 23; 2013: February 10). The celebration, which was held in the plaza in front of "it's a small world," included entertainment, kids' activities and specialty food items from food carts. The first-ever Tinker Bell Half Marathon will be held at Disneyland on January 29, 2012. A weekend of events includes a Family 5K and Kids' Races and culminates with a 13.1-mile run that weaves you through Disneyland Resort. Click here for full details. Leap Year Day (February 29)This February 29, Disneyland Park will be open for 24 hours. Select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Theme park hours are 6:00 am on February 29 to 6:00 am on March 1, 2012; subject to capacity restrictions. Valid theme park admission required. EasterDisney does not offer an Easter parade or decorations in the parks. There used to be a buffet style Easter Brunch at the Grand Ballroom at the Disneyland Hotel, but it is no longer offered.
Call (714) 781-DINE (3463) for Easter meal information and reservations. Disney's California Food & Wine Festival In past years, Disney's California Food & Wine Festival has been offered at Disney California Adventure in the late spring through early summer (roughly late April through mid-June). However, due to ongoing construction work at Disney California Adventure, the Food and Wine Festival will not be held in 2011 or 2012. Click here for more information. The only special events for Mother's Day are usually buffet meals. For 2011, there were two special meals on Mother's Day:
Call (714) 781-DINE (3463) for Mother's Day meal information and reservations. Disneyland offers a special fireworks show every year on July 4. “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” combines patriotic music with bursts of red, white and blue to celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave. In 2011, a version of the Independence Day fireworks was also shown July 1-3. From July 1-4, 2011, an all-new Independence Day “World of Color” pre-show ran prior to each showing of “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure. The pre-show combined video, water effects, lighting and fireworks to create a spectacular celebration of American independence. These festivities are included in regular park admission. If you plan to visit Disneyland on Independence Day (July 4), be aware that it is one of the busiest days of the year. The park may reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon. Disneyland Half MarathonThe Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend has been affectionately dubbed The Happiest Race on Earth. Participants run, jog or walk a course unlike any other half-marathon on the West Coast. The 13.1-mile route takes runners through the two Disneyland Resort theme parks while colorful Disney characters and festive music inspire them along the way. For 2011, the Half Marathon Weekend was September 2-4. For more information, including online registration, click here. Disneys Halloween TimeDisney’s Halloween Time is offered at the Disneyland Resort in 2011 from September 16 - October 31. This period of time offers a lively mix of Disney characters in seasonal costumes, whimsical décor, decked-out attractions and tasty treats designed with the whole family in mind. Halloween Time experiences include special meet-and-greets with Disneyland characters in their Halloween costumes and spooky-silly holiday themed decorations. Based upon past years' festivities, here's what you can expect:
Space Mountain offers a Halloween overlay (the "Ghost Galaxy” overlay first introduced at Hong Kong Disneyland). And no Halloween celebration at Disneyland would be complete without the return of Jack Skellington and his friends to transform the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square into the popular seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday. Inspired by the animated film Nightmare Before Christmas, Haunted Mansion Holiday depicts the holiday mayhem that occurs when Halloween and Christmas traditions collide. Also offered is Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separately ticketed night time event which gives kids and their families the opportunity to dress in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland after it has closed to day guests. For the 2011 season, "Haunted Mansion Holiday" is offered from September 16 through January 7. The holiday-enhanced version of the attraction is a Disney California Adventure celebration where the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" comes to the Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays. Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland The popular Mickey's Halloween Party is a bewitching after-hours event at Disneyland! Enjoy all kinds of frightful fun, such as:
About Costumes: All event attendees — including adults — may dress in their favorite Halloween costume and must follow these and other guidelines as determined solely by Disney:
Guests that do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the event unless their costume can be modified to meet the above standards. 2011 Event Dates:
2011 Event Times:
2011 Ticket Prices:
Limit 8 tickets per guest, per event date. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event and parking for one vehicle (larger vehicles may require an additional fee) on the specified event date. Tickets are not valid for theme park admission prior to the hours of the event, except as noted above. This annual charity walk at Disneyland is a fundraiser for Children's Hospital Orange County (CHOC). The walk passes through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, followed by festivities in Downtown Disney. The 2011 event was on October 16. For details, click here. Disneyland Celebrates the Holiday Season (Overview) Each year Disneyland Resort undergoes a Christmas holiday transformation.
For 2011 the holidays were celebrated from
November 14, 2011 - January 8, 2012. Once the holiday period officially begins, Disneyland guests can enjoy a nightly holiday fireworks spectacular. During the holidays, the fireworks show concludes with a magical snowfall down Main Street, U.S.A., Small World Mall and New Orleans Square. Disneyland's annual holiday parade begins around the same time, and "it's a small world Holiday" opens around that time. Disney California Adventure celebrates the season with enhanced park-wide decorations and expanded entertainment offerings. Decorations in the resort hotels and Downtown Disney usually go up right after Thanksgiving (substantially later than the park decorations). Disney does not offer a Thanksgiving parade or decorations in the parks. However, the Christmas decorations are in place in the parks by Thanksgiving weekend and the Christmas Holiday events are well underway by that weekend.
The Candlelight Processional is an annual event on Main Street that includes a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a large choir and an orchestra performing traditional carols. In 2011 the Candlelight Processional was held December 3 and 4. The narrator was Gary Sinise. There are usually two performances each night, at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm.
In addition to the special parade, "snow" experience and fireworks at Disneyland, there are usually special buffet meals available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Information and reservations usually become available about 60 days in advance. Call (714) 781-DINE (3463) for information and reservations. If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on Christmas Day, be aware that it is one of the busiest days of the year. The parks (especially Disneyland) usually reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon. Special ActivitiesJump to:
Mandara Spa A touch of Bali comes to the Disneyland Resort at the Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. With its rustic stonework and finely crafted wood accents, the spa’s natural look and feel beautifully complement the hotel’s classic Arts & Crafts theme. Select one of the specialty massages and, after a restful stop in the Tea Pavilion, you’ll be led to one of the private treatment rooms for a Swedish, Sports or Deep Tissue massage. The spa can even accommodate couples wishing to enjoy a massage together. Other offerings include a variety of facial and full-body treatments, as well as manicures and pedicures. For reservations call (714) 300-7350.
ESPN Zone, located in Downtown Disney, is a sports dining and entertainment location offering more than 150 monitors, including a high-definition big screen. The restaurant offers American grill food, plus there is more than 10,000 square feet of interactive games and attractions.
Downtown Disney There is an AMC 12-plex movie theater, the AMC Downtown Disney 12.
Anaheim GardenWalk Located within walking distance of Disneyland, Anaheim GardenWalk has a 14-screen cinema complex called UltraStar.
Theme Park ToursFrom time to time, Disneyland offers special discounts to Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa cardholders and AAA members on various park tours. Reserve a tour up to 30 days in advance by calling (714) 781-4400, or stop by City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. Jump to:
This two-and-a-half-hour journey is ideal for first-timers to the Disneyland Resort. It provides tips and suggestions to make the most of your visit, plus you'll learn fun facts and trivia. The tour includes both Disneyland and Disneys California Adventure. Participants receive priority seating at a stage show or a parade and a reservation at one dining location for any day of your stay (selected locations). You'll also receive two FASTPASSes to use after the tour, and a sweet treat. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tour is limited to 20 people. Park admission is required. Regular price for this tour is $25 per person (all ages).
A Walk in Walts Footsteps Tour Experience Disneyland from its founders perspective. Highlights of the three-and-a-half hour tour include a sneak peek of the lobby of the legendary Club 33 restaurant in New Orleans Square, a trip on the Disneyland Railroad, a visit to Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room (the first attraction at Disneyland featuring Audio-Animatronics), a collectible trading pin, and a private lunch on Main Street, U.S.A. The Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour is not recommended for young children. (Most kids and young teens would find it boring.) Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tour is limited to 15 people. Park admission is required. Regular price for this tour is $59 per person (all ages).
During this three-hour tour, guests follow musical clues on a scavenger hunt to solve mysteries, hunt for hidden treasure, learn how to outsmart Disney villains and save the day by helping out everyone's pal, Mickey Mouse. The "Discover the Magic" tour breaks the mold of conventional tours where guests follow a guide who shares information. With this new experience, kids and their parents are put right in the action. The tour includes lunch and a special gift. You'll have quick visits with a couple of Disney characters along the way. The Discover the Magic Tour is recommended for families with children ages 5-9. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tour is limited to 20 people. Park admission is required. Regular price for the first two guests is $59 per person (two person minimum). Regular price for any additional guests in the same party is $49 per person.
This seasonal Halloween-themed 3-hour walking tour covers both parks and typically includes rides on Haunted Mansion Holiday, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Snow White's Scary Adventures and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. You'll also receive a souvenir keepsake and Halloween treat. Available for all ages, but guests must meet height requirements to experience the included attractions. In 2011 the tour was offered nightly September 16-October 31. Park admission is required. 2011 regular price was $68 per person. On nights when Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party is offered you must purchase the $108 "Ultimate Experience" ticket that combines the Happiest Haunts Tour and admission to the party. No discounts apply to the "Ultimate Experience" ticket. Discounts below applied to the Happiest Haunts Tour, not the "Ultimate Experience" ticket:
Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour This seasonal Holiday-themed tour includes information about Disneyland holiday traditions and decorations, VIP seating at the Christmas Fantasy Parade or the fireworks (depending on time of day you take the tour) and a sweet treat, plus a visit to Haunted Mansion Holiday and "it's a small world holiday". In 2011 the tour was offered starting November 14 and running through the holidays (except December 4 & 5, due to the Candlelight Processional). Park admission is required. 2011 regular price was $68 per person.
Disneyland VIP Tours are private tours just for your group. You'll be led around by a Host or Hostess who will tailor the tour to your interests. They can usually assist you in experiencing the attractions with minimal waits (you don't skip the lines, but they know which rides will have the shortest lines at which times). When you set up a VIP Tour, you can also request restaurant reservations, special viewing areas for certain shows and parades, etc. The cost is $175 per hour for up to 10 guests (higher rate applies if booked less than 48 hours in advance) and there is a 6-hour minimum. For an additional charge, you can upgrade to a Premium VIP Tour. Premium Tours include complimentary valet parking at Grand Californian Hotel, where a Host or Hostess will meet your group and take you to the Theme Park of your choice. It includes expedited entry into the theme parks, special viewing areas for shows and parades, and may possibly allow you to experience your favourite attractions again and again. There are no discounts on the VIP Tours. You can arrange a VIP Tour by calling Disney Special Activities at (714) 300-7710. Unlike the other tours, VIP Tours can be booked 90 days in advance. Back to top MouseSavers.com® is not an official site of The Walt Disney Company or of Universal Studios. Content of MouseSavers.com is © MouseSavers, Inc. 2001-2012. Website content may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of MouseSavers, Inc. Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions of Use - Marketing Disclosure |
|---|