600 lines
33 KiB
Plaintext
600 lines
33 KiB
Plaintext
Archive-name: disney-faq/disneyland
|
|
Last-modified: 23 Nov 1994
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disneyland Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
|
|
(Last update November 23, 1994)
|
|
|
|
|
|
This document is Copyright (c) 1994, by Walt Hoffman, all rights reserved.
|
|
It is intended for public use, and may be redistributed freely printed or
|
|
electronically in its complete and unaltered form provided distribution is
|
|
done at no charge to the receiver. Partial and other distribution means
|
|
require the permission of the author.
|
|
|
|
The Disneyland FAQ document is intended to provide information to answer
|
|
the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Disneyland Park in Anaheim,
|
|
California, USA. All reasonable efforts have been made to make sure this
|
|
information is accurate, but the author cannot be held responsible for
|
|
errors or schedule changes. This FAQ list is maintained by Walt Hoffman
|
|
which was based upon an original list created by Adrian McCarthy. This
|
|
Disneyland FAQ is published 3-4 times a year. Please send any suggestions
|
|
and/or comments on the Disneyland FAQ to Walt Hoffman at
|
|
Walter.T.Hoffman@jpl.nasa.gov or whoffman@ganymede.jpl.nasa.gov.
|
|
|
|
| CHANGES SINCE LAST POSTING: Added change bars, updated operating hours,
|
|
| prices, entertainment, attraction closures and refurbishment schedule, and
|
|
| Park Happenings.
|
|
|
|
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
|
|
-- Contact Disneyland Guest Relations at (714) 999-4565, (213) 626-8605,
|
|
extension 4565 or visit Disneyland's City Hall. The address for Disneyland
|
|
is 1313 Harbor Boulevard, P.O. Box 3232, Anaheim, CA 92803-3232.
|
|
|
|
-- For other Disney information see the rec.arts.disney FAQ and WDW FAQ
|
|
maintained by Tom Tanida (tanida@gso.saic.com). These include information
|
|
for Walt Disney World (WDW) theme parks, plus other general Disney
|
|
entertainment such as film, movies, and television. The FAQ documents can
|
|
be obtained using ftp to rtfm.mit.edu and looking in the
|
|
pub/usenet/news.answers directory.
|
|
|
|
HOURS OF OPERATION: Here is the schedule information from an updated
|
|
Disney calendar. Everything is subject to change.
|
|
|
|
A: 8 am to 1 am () Basic Annual Passport not valid
|
|
B: 8 am to midnight on these days
|
|
C: 9 am to midnight
|
|
D: 9 am to 11 pm
|
|
E: 9 am to 10 pm
|
|
F: 9 am to 7 pm
|
|
G: 10 am to 6 pm
|
|
|
|
| November '94
|
|
| 1G 2G 3G 4G 5C
|
|
| 6E 7G 8G 9G 10G 11F 12C
|
|
| 13E 14G 15G 16G 17G 18G 19C
|
|
| 20E 21G 22G 23G 24C 25B 26B
|
|
| 27E 28G 29G 30G
|
|
|
|
|
| December '94
|
|
| 1G 2G 3C
|
|
| 4E 5G 6G 7G 8G 9G 10C
|
|
| 11E 12G 13G 14G 15G 16G 17C
|
|
| 18E 19E 20E 21E 22E 23E 24# #8am to 7pm
|
|
| 25B 26B 27B 28B 29B 30B 31% %8am to 3am
|
|
|
|
|
| January '95
|
|
| 1C 2E 3G 4G 5G 6G 7C
|
|
| 8E 9G 10G 11G 12G 13G 14C
|
|
| 15E 16F 17G 18G 19G 20G 21C
|
|
| 22E 23G 24G 25G 26G 27G 28C
|
|
| 29E 30G 31G
|
|
|
|
|
| February '95
|
|
| 1G 2G 3G 4C
|
|
| 5E 6G 7G 8G 9G 10F 11C
|
|
| 12E 13G 14G 15G 16G 17F 18B
|
|
| 19B 20E 21G 22G 23G 24F 25C
|
|
| 26E 27G 28G
|
|
|
|
|
| March '95
|
|
| 1G 2G 3C 4B
|
|
| 5E 6F 7F 8F 9F 10C 11B
|
|
| 12C 13F 14F 15F 16F 17C 18B
|
|
| 19C 20F 21F 22F 23F 24C 25B
|
|
| 26C 27F 28F 29F 30F 31C
|
|
*******************
|
|
CURRENT PRICES: (US $) Current as of November 10, 1994
|
|
1-day 2-day 3-day Annual Premium Guided
|
|
=========================== Annual Tour
|
|
Adults 31.00 55.00 75.00 99.00 199.00 42.00
|
|
Children (3-11) 25.00 44.00 60.00 99.00 199.00 32.50
|
|
Seniors (60+) 25.00
|
|
Adults (MKC) 29.00 51.00 69.00 89.00 189.00
|
|
Children (MKC) 23.00 40.00 54.00 89.00 189.00
|
|
Parking 6.00/car
|
|
7.00/vans,campers,RV's
|
|
12.00 Preferred Parking
|
|
********************
|
|
Magic Kingdom Club (MKC) cardholders get admission discounts (about 7
|
|
percent) and other discounts. For more details about the MKC and how to
|
|
join, read the description elsewhere in this document.
|
|
********************
|
|
| Southern California resident promotion through December 24, 1994, can
|
|
| purchase a Regular Disneyland passport or Child Passport for just $23 per
|
|
| person ($22 with the MKC card). Must show proof of California residence
|
|
| within ZIP codes 90000 through 93599. Passports are good for day of pur-
|
|
| chase only with a daily limit of 8 Passports per individual with valid
|
|
| photo identification. Passports are not available at The Disney Store.
|
|
********************
|
|
| The Annual Passport promotion has been continued indefinitely. The price
|
|
| is $99 per person and is valid for 338 days out of the year, excluding some
|
|
| Saturdays and peak holiday periods. General parking is not included but
|
|
| can be added for $25. The cost of a one-day passport used on your initial
|
|
| visit can be applied towards the purchase of an annual pass. The Basic
|
|
| Annual Passport is not valid during 1994 on Nov. 26, and Dec. 25, 30-31.
|
|
| During 1995, also not valid on Jan. 1, Feb. 18-19, all Saturdays March
|
|
| through June, May 28, Sept. 3.
|
|
********************
|
|
The Premium Annual passport includes admission for all 365 days of the
|
|
year, special preferred parking, a one year subscription to Disney
|
|
Magazine, discounts on food (10% for buffeteria and table service, 15%
|
|
discount on Aladdin's Oasis and Blue Bayou), Disneyland Hotel
|
|
(accommodations and restaurants), and a 10% discount on most merchandise
|
|
(not including purchases under $5, collectible art, Disney Dollars, and
|
|
commemorative tickets).
|
|
********************
|
|
| Two- and Three-Day passports do not need to be used on consecutive days,
|
|
| however, they must be used prior to the expiration date (7 days from first
|
|
| use for a Two-Day passport and 14 days for a Three-Day passport.
|
|
|
|
For ticket purchases, Disneyland accepts U.S. currency, VISA, American
|
|
Express, Master Card, traveler's checks, Disney Dollars and personal checks
|
|
with proper identification. Foreign currency *can* be used at Disneyland
|
|
but is best to exchange for U.S. currency ahead of time. For some reason,
|
|
Discover card is not honored at Disneyland or the Disneyland Hotel. An ATM
|
|
(no longer BofA, now First Interstate Bank) is located to the left of the
|
|
Main Entrance.
|
|
| Tickets can also be purchased in advance at a Disney Store or by mail with
|
|
| a check or money order in the exact amount to Disneyland Ticket Mail Order,
|
|
| 1313 Harbor Blvd., P.O. Box 61061, Anaheim, CA 92803-6161. Mail orders
|
|
| must include a check or money order (no credit cards) and $2.50 for proc-
|
|
| essing. Merchandise available from the park or hotel can also be ordered by
|
|
calling 1-800-3-MAIL-33 (1-800-361-4533). Merchandise Special Events
|
|
information can be obtained by calling the hotline at 714-490-3935.
|
|
********************
|
|
| The Main Street Bank provides a variety of banking services such as cash
|
|
advances, credit card Disney Dollar advances, foreign currency exchange.
|
|
Also available are Disneyland annual passports, gift certificates, postage
|
|
| stamps, ticket upgrades/downgrades, and even a mailbox. Check cashing is
|
|
| available up to $20 with proper identification at the Penny Arcade on Main
|
|
| Street and Starcade in Tomorrowland.
|
|
********************
|
|
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), now provided by First Interstate Bank,
|
|
are available in multiple locations throughout the park accepting ATM cards
|
|
| for PLUS, Cirrus and Exchange networks as well as Visa/Mastercard and
|
|
American Express. These ATM locations are: outside of the park to the left
|
|
| of the Main Entrance, Main Street Bank, Frontierland Pay Master (area
|
|
between the Frontierland and Adventureland entrances), Main Street Penny
|
|
Arcade, Tomorrowland Starcade, Circlevision 360 theater exit, and inside
|
|
the Disneyland Hotel Travelport lobby.
|
|
********************
|
|
If you leave the park anytime during your stay, make sure you still have
|
|
your Disneyland passport and you get your hand stamped before exiting. For
|
|
re-admission into the park, you *must* have a current Disneyland passport
|
|
and a handstamp.
|
|
********************
|
|
ENTERTAINMENT:
|
|
Entertainment schedules can be changed at any time, or canceled due to
|
|
inclement weather. For the actual schedule for a particular day, contact
|
|
Disneyland or pick up a 'Disneyland Today' schedule when you visit the
|
|
park.
|
|
|
|
| ++ Holiday entertainment including 'The Very Merry Christmas Parade' and
|
|
| will be presented daily from November 24, 1994 through January 1, 1995.
|
|
| Entertainment includes visits from Santa Claus, Dicken's Carolers, and
|
|
| special holiday meals at selected Disneyland and Disneyland Hotel restau-
|
|
| rants. The Disneyland Hotel Resort also offers special holiday activities
|
|
| in specially-themed area for all to enjoy.
|
|
|
|
++ 'Fantasmic!', a spectacular mix of magic, music, live performers and
|
|
sensational special effects, is scheduled to be featured on nights when the
|
|
park is open until 10 p.m. or later.
|
|
|
|
| ++ 'Lion King Celebration', a high-tech parade based upon Disney's newest
|
|
| animated feature is performed during weekends and holiday periods.
|
|
|
|
++ 'Beauty & The Beast Live', a splendid stage show based upon the animated
|
|
| classic is performed at the Sony Videopolis stage, selected weekends and
|
|
| holiday periods through May 29, 1995.
|
|
|
|
++ 'Golden Horseshoe Jamboree', a song-and-dance revue stars Miss Lily and
|
|
Sam the bartender is performed live daily in Frontierland. Early reserva-
|
|
tions are a must, as this show usually plays to a full house.
|
|
|
|
| ++ Disneyland Character Breakfasts are held at the Plaza Inn from 9am (or
|
|
| when the park opens earlier) to 10:45am. It's an opportunity to enjoy
|
|
| breakfast with your favorite Disney characters. Price is $7.95 for adults
|
|
| and $5.25 for children. Reservations are not accepted. The Disneyland
|
|
| Hotel also has Character Breakfasts, call them directly for information at
|
|
| 714-956-6406.
|
|
|
|
| ++ 'Aladdin's Oasis' dining entertainment will be featured (starting Novem-
|
|
| ber 25th) on selected weekends and holiday periods days for lunch and
|
|
dinner which features magic, music, song, and dance with Aladdin, Princess
|
|
Jasmine, the Genie and Jafar from the movie, "Aladdin". In addition to the
|
|
show, the food offerings are every bit as exotic.
|
|
Food includes papadom wafers w/chutney (a sort of a chips and salsa), fresh
|
|
fruit, and main entree (beef, chicken, or vegetable), raisin nut pilaf, and
|
|
a special dessert. Dinner menu has larger food portions. Children (3-11)
|
|
can choose from cheese-filled pasta or chicken strips. Prices for
|
|
adults/children are $19.50/$14.50 for lunch and $24.50/$19.50 for dinner
|
|
| plus tax and gratuity (15%). Reservations are required and must be made in
|
|
| person on the day of the visit at the restaurant entrance or the Reserva-
|
|
| tion Center on Main Street. Payment is required for the confirmation of all
|
|
| reservations.
|
|
|
|
SHOW RESERVATIONS:
|
|
| Reservations can be made up until noon at the Reservation Center located in
|
|
the exit lobby of the Walt Disney Story Featuring Great Moments with Mr.
|
|
Lincoln. Reservations may also be made for the Blue Bayou restaurant,
|
|
Aladdin's Oasis, and Disneyland Hotel Resort restaurants. It's a good idea
|
|
to make your reservations when you first enter the park, as they do fill up
|
|
quickly.
|
|
|
|
| ATTRACTION REFURBISHMENT SCHEDULE: (Tentative schedule and is subject to
|
|
| change at any time. Call (714) 999-4565 for latest information.)
|
|
|
|
| Thunder Mountain Railroad now through 11/23
|
|
| Circlevision Theater now through 11/23
|
|
| Splash Mountain 11/28 through 12/16
|
|
| Sailing Ship Columbia 11/28 through 12/16
|
|
| Pirates of the Caribbean 1/03 through 1/20
|
|
| Matterhorn Bobsleds 1/03 through 4/07
|
|
| Swiss Family Treehouse 1/23 through 1/27
|
|
| Jungle Cruise 1/23 through 1/27
|
|
| King Arthur Carrousel 2/06 through 2/17
|
|
| PeopleMover 2/21 through 3/10
|
|
| Rocket Jets 3/20 through 4/07
|
|
| Dumbo the Flying Elephant 3/27 through 4/07
|
|
|
|
CURRENT CHANGES and CONSTRUCTION
|
|
-- Adventureland, The Temple of the Forbidden Eye. A new attraction based
|
|
upon the "Indiana Jones" character due to open in Spring 1995 (end of
|
|
February). This attraction incorporates a unique ride system to navigate
|
|
troop transports through the Temple and explore the power of the native god
|
|
Mara. Willpower and courage is needed to avoid the curse befalled to anyone
|
|
who looks into Mara's eyes. You and your fellow passengers choose which
|
|
path to take at the Chamber of Destiny. The ride building can be seen from
|
|
the parking areas, emerging from the jungles of Adventureland. The outdoor
|
|
queue area is open for guests to explore the excavation camp and catch a
|
|
| glimpse of what happening with the Indiana Jones site.
|
|
| -- Adventureland Bazaar and Shops undergoing refurbishment scheduled to
|
|
| open in December.
|
|
| -- Continuing Main Street storefront refurbishment.
|
|
| -- The Camera store on Main St. will be moved to the end of the block at
|
|
| the former Carefree Corner. FotoToons was removed to make room for an
|
|
| expansion of the clothing store.
|
|
| -- Skyway has been removed from the park joining the list of permanently
|
|
| closed attractions with Mission to Mars, Motor Boats, and The Town Square
|
|
| Cafe.
|
|
| --Tomorrowland Terrace undergoing major refurbishment. The band area was
|
|
| rearranged to now play out toward the Tomorrowland Autopia area.
|
|
| --A elevator is being added to the Disneyland Hotel monorail station for
|
|
| easier guest access.
|
|
|
|
| PARK HAPPENINGS:
|
|
| GENERAL:
|
|
| * New folding-format, Disneyland Today Park Guide. Replaced the old booklet
|
|
| style souvenir guide.
|
|
| * Handicapped parking has been significantly increased. Preferred parking
|
|
| for Premium Annual Pass holders has been moved from the Bambi section to
|
|
| the Donald section.
|
|
| MAIN STREET U.S.A.:
|
|
| * Main Street buildings repainted in a more colorful scheme of colors.
|
|
| * Audio added to windows above Main Street storefronts. Listen in the small
|
|
| alley near the Cone Shop and Lockers. Hotel Marceline, Piano Lessons, and
|
|
| a detective agency provide three different spiels roughly about 5 minutes
|
|
| each.
|
|
| * Plaza Inn is now the Plaza Inn Rotisserie serving full, complete meals
|
|
| (rotisserie chicken and Prime Rib) with beverage included.
|
|
| * Disneyland Railroad updated the audio spiel to include Mickey's Toontown.
|
|
| * The Main Street Bank replaced the Bank of America branch.
|
|
| * 'The Lion King' movie dioramas grace the Main Street shop windows.
|
|
| * New Century Timepiece Shop added custom, hand-drawn, artist watches of
|
|
| Disney Characters where guest can see them being crafted.
|
|
* Added a lifesize bronze statue, titled 'Partners', of Walt Disney with
|
|
Mickey Mouse in the hub encircled with smaller bronze statues of classic
|
|
Disney characters.
|
|
* Penny Arcade displays a large, green, 1000-pound, acrylic elephant statue
|
|
(nicknamed 'Penny') near the entrance. It was originally designed for the
|
|
Candy Palace at Disneyland-Paris but due to a change in color scheme of
|
|
that facility, she now resides at Disneyland.
|
|
ADVENTURELAND:
|
|
| * Jungle Cruise refurbishment completed. New boat dock, a two-story boat-
|
|
| house queue area, and a new trading post. Also, re-themed boats which are
|
|
| more rustic and each one is unique based upon their previous "owners".
|
|
* Enchanted Tiki Room pre-show area was altered for better visibility, and
|
|
the show uses a digital sound system (although the soundtrack and story is
|
|
still the same.)
|
|
| * Larger entrance to accommodate the crowds generated by Fantasmic!, includ-
|
|
| ing some changes to the Enchanted Tiki Room pre-show area.
|
|
FRONTIERLAND:
|
|
| * Big Thunder BBQ lowered the price of their menu by adding BBQ chicken and
|
|
| Beef Brisket. Some consider this restaurant the best value in the park.
|
|
| * ATM added near the entrance of Frontierland.
|
|
* Casa Mexicana is no longer sponsored by Lawry's. Slight changes in decor
|
|
and menu items (like Mickey Mouse-shaped flan).
|
|
NEW ORLEANS SQUARE:
|
|
* Fantasmic! sound system improvements and a new viewing area (New Orleans
|
|
Square Promenade) around the Rivers of America. Promenade is tiered and
|
|
angled to provide better viewing of Fantasmic!
|
|
| * Disney Gallery exhibits feature Disneyland-Paris artwork and Indiana Jones
|
|
| attraction art.
|
|
* Disney Gallery offering preferred balcony seatings of Fantasmic! with a
|
|
| dessert buffet, and coffee for $30.
|
|
* Pet Cemetery added to the front yard of The Haunted Mansion.
|
|
* Pirates of the Caribbean added portraits of pirates along the walls of the
|
|
indoor queue area. Added previously were silhouettes of fighting pirates
|
|
located on the right side of the burning city scene. This scene was taken
|
|
from Disneyland-Paris. Also, additional items were added in the bayou near
|
|
the boat loading area. Waterfall area now sprinkles guests with liquid
|
|
magic (water). Mist has been added just before entering into the battling
|
|
ship area. Possible new pirate figures installed for the drunken pirate
|
|
| figure hanging over (whoops, a pun) a bridge in the burning city scene, the
|
|
| pirate with the barking dog next to the hidden girl in a barrel scene, and
|
|
| the shooting pirate on the left prior to the exit ramp. Subwoofer speakers
|
|
| are planned to be added to various parts inside the attraction to heighten
|
|
| the experience.
|
|
| CRITTER COUNTRY:
|
|
| * Splash Mountain changed the name of the unseen bear living in the cave
|
|
| outside the first set of falls from 'Rufus' to 'Briar Bear'. Before Splash
|
|
| Mountain was built, that area was the access to Bear Country and snores
|
|
| could be heard from the caves above. To provide continuity, when Splash
|
|
| Mountain was built, a home for Rufus was built. Since Splash Mountain was
|
|
| popular and duplicated in Florida and Tokyo, the name was changed to 'Briar
|
|
| Bear' for better continuity with the movie, "Song of the South".
|
|
FANTASYLAND:
|
|
| * Storybook Land refurbished to include structures from recent movies
|
|
(Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, etc.) and add a waterfall
|
|
over the 'neverland' cave. The upgrade will be completed in phases for a
|
|
| |ull completion date sometime in 1995. Disneyland-Paris recently added
|
|
| this attraction which probably accounts for the improvements here.
|
|
| * Village Haus Restaurant underwent changes to include Italian food items
|
|
| like pizza, pasta, and salads.
|
|
* Sleeping Beauty's Castle walk-through now appears to be permanently open.
|
|
* It's a Small World boasts a digital sound system complete with a different
|
|
| soundtrack (with more instrumentals) inherited from Disneyland-Paris.
|
|
* Fantasia Gardens filled the space left from the removal of the Motor
|
|
Boats.
|
|
* Window near Peter Pan's Flight with children's toys in it has audio of the
|
|
Darling children playing.
|
|
TOMMORROWLAND:
|
|
| * The Skyway was removed as it no longer complied with updated California
|
|
| safety codes. Current information suggests it will *not* be replaced. Write
|
|
| Disneyland and voice your opinion concerning the closure.
|
|
| * Monorail audio spiel changed.
|
|
* Space Place: Disneyland Birthday Parties on weekends. Two different party
|
|
plans are available which include cake, ice cream, party favors, character
|
|
photo opportunities, lunch (with one of the plans), and park admission.
|
|
Call 714-520-5045 for details on Birthday Parties.
|
|
MICKEY'S TOONTOWN:
|
|
* Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin ride is open. This wild and zany attraction
|
|
captures the feeling of being in a cartoon world with Roger Rabbit and
|
|
friends. Turn the steering wheel to spin your cab around 360 degrees and
|
|
avoid "The Dip". Entertaining, but deceptive queue area walks you through
|
|
the back alleys of Toontown prior to boarding your cab. This is
|
|
Disneyland's newest attraction.
|
|
* Toontown's Jolly Trolley is jolly again. The trolley now bounces all
|
|
around (like it originally did) during it's trip through Toontown (although
|
|
usually one car per trolley instead of two).
|
|
OTHER:
|
|
* Low Price Children's menus for $2.99 at most table service and buffeteria
|
|
restaurants.
|
|
| * Disneyland Hotel restaurant 'Caffe Villa Verde' indoor/outdoor cafe
|
|
| changed menu and added Mediterranean theming and now serves pizza, pasta,
|
|
| and rotisserie chicken specialties.
|
|
* Disneyland Hotel access to the waterfall area has been restricted.
|
|
* ATM outside main entrance changed sponsorship to First Interstate Bank.
|
|
|
|
Future Plans and Rumors:
|
|
|
|
* Westcot Center, a west coast version of WDW EPCOT Center, is planned to be
|
|
built in the current Disneyland parking lot as part of a master plan for
|
|
The Disneyland Resort. A multi-level parking structure will be constructed
|
|
to the east. It will feature dedicated freeway ramps to funnel cars di-
|
|
rectly into the parking structure with transportation and a peoplemover to
|
|
transport guests over to the parks. Expansion plans also include multiple
|
|
| hotels and other entertainment venues. Project has encountered numerous
|
|
| delays but WDC President, Michael Eisner still remains committed to the
|
|
| project. Details about the expansion plan are available at the Disneyland
|
|
expansion preview center located at the Disneyland Hotel (in the Plaza
|
|
| building, above Maize's Pantry) and is open on Wednesdays from 12 pm to 5
|
|
| pm or by appointment at 714-956-6732..
|
|
|
|
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO SEE FANTASMIC!?
|
|
Come in from the Splash Mountain side as soon as they start clearing out
|
|
the crowds from the first show. If you come in from the other side, you'll
|
|
be fighting 7,000-10,000 people who are exiting out through Frontierland.
|
|
The show lasts about 23 minutes and the entire area is darkened during the
|
|
show making travel through here a little tricky.
|
|
|
|
HOW DO I BEAT THE CROWDS?
|
|
Unlike WDW, Disneyland does not usually open the park early to deal with
|
|
incoming crowds. However, often on weekends Main Street will open 30
|
|
minutes before the rest of the park. Some tour packages do offer a "Magic
|
|
Morning" package which allows participants to enter a themed area (usually
|
|
Toontown) one hour prior to opening to the general public.
|
|
|
|
In general, attendance is highest on Saturday, then Friday, Sunday, and
|
|
weekdays. Monday through Wednesday is probably the best day to visit to
|
|
| avoid the large crowds. Early arrival is a great way to enjoy the more
|
|
| popular attractions before other guests arrive. If you're staying in the
|
|
| area, take a mid-day break from the park and relax in your room for a
|
|
| while. This way, you avoid the most crowded part of the day when lines are
|
|
| long and return recharged to stay again until closing time.
|
|
|
|
Space Mountain is long most of the day and into the night, so first thing
|
|
in early morning is usually your best bet. Ditto Rocket Jets. Star Tours
|
|
will shorten significantly in the late evening (when the line is completely
|
|
inside, you're in good shape). Splash Mountain is always busy (avoid it
|
|
when backed up beyond the Briar Patch shop) but is OK when it's raining or
|
|
right before the park closes. An early-morning dash might also be a good
|
|
idea (since it's at the back of the park). The Country Bear Jamboree is
|
|
seldom crowded and it a good place to visit if you ventured over to Splash
|
|
Mountain and found a long line.
|
|
|
|
For dinner, venture over to the Disneyland Hotel to get some relief from
|
|
the crowds and then head back in. The Monorail Cafe has excellent food
|
|
with good portions. Goofy's Kitchen Character Dinner is all-you-can-eat,
|
|
all-you-can-drink. Alcoholic beverages are available but not all-you-can-
|
|
drink :-).
|
|
|
|
After dinner, the attractions in Fantasyland shorten a bit, but not much.
|
|
Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride will remain
|
|
popular throughout the entire day. Lines are usually short for Snow
|
|
White's Scary Adventures, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, and It's a Small
|
|
World. If the line is long at all, skip it and try again later.
|
|
|
|
Matterhorn lines are usually the shortest during the parades. Normally
|
|
there are two separate lines, one for each bobsled run. But sometimes
|
|
during the parades they combine both lines into one and route it away from
|
|
the parade area. This gives the impression the wait is long but is really
|
|
it is moving twice as fast. The line splits up into two later on as you go
|
|
through the turnstile. Usually the bobsled run on the right has the
|
|
shortest wait since most people turn to the left as they enter the
|
|
turnstile area.
|
|
|
|
PARADES
|
|
| Crossing a parade route is possible but time consuming. Certain areas are
|
|
| marked for crossing and guests are allowed to cross during gaps in the
|
|
| parade. Plan which side of the park you want to be on during the parade and
|
|
get there early. If you must cross, consider using the Disneyland RR or
|
|
the Skyway. Parade crossing zones north of the Matterhorn are usually less
|
|
congested than the one at the Hub. Main Street is tough (though not impos-
|
|
sible) to negotiate during popular parades.
|
|
|
|
WHAT ABOUT SMALL CHILDREN?
|
|
Kids age 2 and under are free. Strollers may be rented, but some people
|
|
prefer to bring their own. Many attractions have height and age
|
|
requirements, with limit signs ('You must be at least this tall...')
|
|
present at the entrance to most attractions. They seem to be fairly picky
|
|
about this. If you're an inch off, they won't let you in.
|
|
|
|
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 40+ inches
|
|
Space Mountain 40+ inches
|
|
Autopia (alone) 52+ inches
|
|
Autopia (w/ adult) 1+ years
|
|
Splash Mountain 3+ years and 40+ inches
|
|
Star Tours (alone) 7+ years
|
|
Star Tours (w/ adult) 3+ years
|
|
Matterhorn Bobsleds (alone) 7+ years
|
|
Matterhorn Bobsleds (w/ adult) 3+ years
|
|
Gadget's Go-Coaster 3+ years
|
|
Goofy Bounce House 52 inches or under
|
|
Chip 'N Dale's Treehouse/Acorn Crawl 49 inches or under
|
|
|
|
Children under 7 are supposed to be accompanied by an adult on other
|
|
attractions as well (Snow White's Scary Adventures, The Haunted Mansion,
|
|
etc.)
|
|
|
|
HOW DO I GET A MAGIC KINGDOM CLUB (MKC) CARD AND WHAT DOES IT GET ME?
|
|
MKC stands for the Magic Kingdom Club which is a benefit originally
|
|
provided to employees of large businesses for discounts on Disneyland
|
|
admissions. The program has expanded to other Disney parks and merchandise.
|
|
Check with your employer or credit union first, especially if you live near
|
|
any Disney attractions. If not, you can purchase a Gold MKC for $59 for 2
|
|
years. The address is Magic Kingdom Club Gold Card, PO Box 3850, Anaheim,
|
|
CA 92803-3850. Charge by calling (714) 490-3200. Gold card members get a
|
|
2-year subscription to Disney Magazine, a personalized gold membership
|
|
card, travel video, tote bag, and other goodies. Both types of MKC cards
|
|
get you the same discounts at the Disney Stores (except in the parks), on
|
|
admission tickets, and on Disney, Delta Airlines, and National Rent-a-Car
|
|
packages. The discount for both MKC cards are the same. The discounts do
|
|
NOT apply to merchandise at the park or the Disneyland Hotel but will
|
|
provide a 15% discount at Aladdin's Oasis and the Blue Bayou (2-5pm only).
|
|
The card is also good for 10% off at The Disney Stores which are usually
|
|
found in shopping malls throughout the world.
|
|
|
|
WHERE SHOULD WE STAY?
|
|
Since I'm a local, I've haven't stayed at many of the hotels in this area.
|
|
|
|
Here is a summary of the responses received so far. No guarantees. For
|
|
more information regarding lodging in the Anaheim area, contact the Anaheim
|
|
Area Visitor and Convention Bureau at 800 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA
|
|
92802, or phone (714)999-8999.
|
|
From a Disney handout: "The Walt Disney Travel Company: Offers the finest
|
|
in family vacation travel. A `Disney Vacation' is the ideals way to visit
|
|
the Magic Kingdom. Contact The Walt Disney Travel Company, P.O. Box 3232,
|
|
Anaheim, CA 92803 for information about travel arrangements and packages.
|
|
Telephone (714) 520-5050; Telex 655474.
|
|
|
|
DISNEYLAND HOTEL: $$$$
|
|
Official hotel for Disneyland including many shops and attractions and
|
|
the only hotel with a monorail station for transportation into the Magic
|
|
Kingdom. Since this is a Disney property, it provides the best "Disney
|
|
experience". Great shops, restaurants, and swimming pools. Free evening
|
|
water shows and other entertainment. Hotel guests can have their park
|
|
merchandise purchases delivered to their rooms free of charge. Call 714-
|
|
956-MICKEY for room reservations.
|
|
PAN PACIFIC: $$$
|
|
Located next to the Disneyland Hotel. Rooms are about half the price of
|
|
the Disneyland Hotel rooms and are large and quiet with comfortable beds
|
|
but somewhat dated decor. Average, no frills.. No refrigerators or
|
|
microwave ovens in the room but does have on-site restaurants (including
|
|
Japanese) and room service is available. A walkway provides access to the
|
|
Disneyland Hotel Resort's amenities such as shops and restaurants and
|
|
Monorail station for transportation into the Disneyland Park.
|
|
ANAHEIM HILTON AND TOWERS: $$$
|
|
"Above average Hilton." Small bathrooms (at least in non-tower rooms).
|
|
MARRIOTT: $$$
|
|
"Typical Marriott." Nobody said anything particularly good or bad.
|
|
PEACOCK SUITES, S. Harbor (just north of Katella).
|
|
Clive Feather (clive@sco.com) says "I can speak well of Peacock
|
|
Suites...We had a 3-room suite (lounge, double bedroom with en-suite, twin
|
|
double bedroom, and additional bathroom) for $129 a night plus tax.
|
|
Continental Breakfast included and free hourly Disneyland shuttle is
|
|
available. It's also a reasonable walk to the park."
|
|
| MAGIC CARPET MOTEL: $
|
|
| "Reasonable place to sleep" according to James Moore (james@wrs.com)
|
|
BEST WESTERN STARDUST: $$
|
|
"Very spacious. Clean comfortable and reasonably priced. Walking
|
|
distance, but a Disneyland shuttle is also available. No frills."
|
|
RESIDENCE INN: $$$
|
|
Very nice, apartment-like suites with complete, full-size kitchens and
|
|
some with fireplaces. Continental Breakfast included and free Disneyland
|
|
shuttle is available (with stops to the Disneyland Hotel if requested).
|
|
|
|
WHAT PARTS OF DISNEYLAND CAN I SKIP IF I'VE BEEN TO WALT DISNEY WORLD?
|
|
There are subtle differences in almost every corner of the park. If you're
|
|
a Disney aficionado, you'll want to check out everything. If you're
|
|
pressed for time, you can skip the following:
|
|
o Haunted Mansion
|
|
o People Mover (more primitive, but seems to last longer)
|
|
o Monorail (unless you want to go to the Disneyland Hotel)
|
|
o Captain EO (same movie as EPCOT Center)
|
|
o Circle Vision 360 (same as at WDW but also shows China film from EPCOT
|
|
during the early part of the day.)
|
|
o Autopia
|
|
o Small World (biggest difference is the exterior facade, including a
|
|
special presentation of the time every 15 minutes)
|
|
o Golden Horseshoe Jamboree (same show, different finale)
|
|
|
|
Tough calls: (similar, yet different and worth experiencing)
|
|
o Space Mountain
|
|
o Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
|
|
| o Submarine Voyage (WDW version was removed this year, DL version similar
|
|
| except for order of presentation and absence of Jules Verne nuances)
|
|
o Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (a trimmed down version of the Hall of
|
|
Presidents) and The Walt Disney Story
|
|
o Splash Mountain (front/back seating instead of side-to-side, story not as
|
|
narrative.)
|
|
o Country Bear Playhouse (different show and DL has 2 theaters,)
|
|
o Disneyland Hotel resort complex (accessible from within the park by
|
|
monorail).
|
|
|
|
Whatever you do, don't miss out on:
|
|
o Fantasmic!
|
|
| o Star Tours (unless you've been on the Disney/MGM Studios version. Best
|
|
| seat is back row, far right.)
|
|
o Matterhorn Bobsleds (2 different tracks, too)
|
|
o Jungle Cruise (my DL experiences have far surpassed the one at WDW)
|
|
o Pirates of the Caribbean (parts are identical, but DL is better)
|
|
o The Disney Gallery (above Pirates of the Caribbean). This originally was
|
|
built as an apartment for Walt Disney.
|
|
o Disneyland RR between Tomorrowland & Main Street for Grand Canyon and
|
|
Primeval World dioramas (not quite as impressive as EPCOT's World of Energy
|
|
| dinosaurs, but fun anyway)
|
|
o Mickey's ToonTown (new land)
|
|
o Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin ride (Toontown)
|
|
o Aladdin's Oasis (extra cost, about $25 per person)
|
|
|
|
The Disneyland parade route is different than WDW. North of Main Street,
|
|
Disneyland parades proceed north along the east side of the Castle up to
|
|
It's a Small World. WDW MK parades turn at the Hub, heading through
|
|
Liberty Square and Frontierland.
|
|
|
|
END of FAQ
|
|
|
|
|