This week we discuss the Disneyland ticket prices went up, some ticket discounts, Star Tours single rider line, refurbishments, holiday crowds, we talk to Rand Boyd formerly of Disneyland Maintenance, and more!
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News:
As we mentioned on last weeks episode, ticket prices were scheduled to go up, probably in February, but in a move that caught everyone by surprise, they went up this past Sunday with no warning. The latest increases have been met with a lot of disappointment from Disney fans, as it is really starting to price out lower income families from being able to go. The increases ranged from $7 for the one day – one park value ticket, all the way up to a $370 increase for the Premiere passport which offers access to all US Disney theme parks. Additionally, parking was increased from $20 a day to $25 a day, and MaxPass increased to $15 per ticket, per day, up from $10. – https://micechat.com/213713-disneyland-ticket-increase-2019/
Military personnel won’t have to feel the pricing increases yet. Disneyland is offering special discounted 3 and 4 day park hopper tickets starting at $178 and are valid all year except for Spring Break from April 14-22nd and Christmas from December 22 onward.. The PhotoPass collection add-on is also available for a discounted rate of $49. For full details, see the link in our show notes. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/12/disney-parks-salutes-u-s-military-with-special-ticket-offers-room-rates-in-2019/
In an attempt to get Southern California residents to the resort before Galaxy’s Edge opens, the resort is offering special ticket pricing for locals. Now through May 20th, you can purchase a 3 day, 1 park per day ticket for $179, or a 3 day park hopper for $234. Just like the military discount, spring break is blocked out and the tickets must be used by May 23rd. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/01/southern-california-residents-celebrate-the-new-year-at-disneyland-resort-with-special-3-day-ticket-prices-for-a-limited-time/
In an interview with Barron’s, Disney CEO Bob Iger was quoted when talking about bringing intellectual properties like Star Wars, Marvel, and Frozen to the parks, as saying “It’s not like “I’m going to ride some non-descript coaster somewhere, that maybe is [themed like] India or whatever.” No, you are going to Arendelle and you’re going to experience Frozen with Anna and Elsa. Or you’re going to fly a banshee into Pandora.” This caused die hard fans of original properties in the parks like the Haunted Mansion and Expedition Everest , which is the attraction he was referring to, to wonder if any future attractions would be non-IP related. – https://wdwnt.com/2019/01/bob-iger-makes-negative-comment-about-expedition-everest-takes-to-social-media-quote-then-changed-by-media-outlet/
If you enjoy riding Star Tours, but don’t like waiting a long time, and don’t mind riding alone, you are in luck! A single rider line has come to the attraction. The new line is confusing to guests and hard to manage for cast members, so hopefully they will improve the experience. For now, you enter the exit of the attraction through Star Trader (where it says “DO NOT ENTER”) and a cast member will fill empty single seats with you. – https://micechat.com/213627-disneyland-update-santa-priced-out-of-disneyland/
Be prepared to see a lot of construction walls if you are going to the resort in the next couple of months as it is refurbishment season! Sleeping Beauty Castle is already behind walls, but the walk through it still open until January 17, Other favorites like the Haunted Mansion will be down from now until January 18th for the removal of Haunted Mansion Holiday, then its a small world will follow from January 22nd to February 1st. To see the full list, check out the link in our show notes at dlweekly.net. – https://micechat.com/213627-disneyland-update-santa-priced-out-of-disneyland/
As we reported last week, Ballast Point in Downtown Disney is very close to opening to the public. They had a cast preview over the weekend and the menu has been announced! Its pretty standard menu including appetizers, salads & flatbreads, sandwiches & burgers, main dishes, and of course desserts. Items include ‘wahoo’ beer steamed mussels, smoked chicken wrap, soyrizo & roasted cauliflower tacos, and creme brulee cheesecake. – https://micechat.com/213627-disneyland-update-santa-priced-out-of-disneyland/
The monorails at Disneyland have a new wrap on them – this time it is for the World’s Biggest Mouse Party. The new wrap features Mickey and a paint brush on Monorail blue. – https://twitter.com/laughing_place/status/1082713494581964800/photo/1
In a stunning turn of events, if you visited the resort on New Years Day, crowds were reasonable with wait times that were very manageable, especially compared to the day before! The last weekend of the holiday season brought the crowds back for one last taste of the festivities and wait times climbed again. – https://micechat.com/213627-disneyland-update-santa-priced-out-of-disneyland/
The holiday season has come to an end at the resort, but the big question on everyone’s minds has been “Did Santa ever climb back into his sleigh?” We can happily report that he did! The sleigh appears to have been repaired in a way that is strong enough for even the most presents, milk, and cookies! – https://micechat.com/213627-disneyland-update-santa-priced-out-of-disneyland/
Finally a color I can get on board with! With the release of the Potion Purple headbands, there will be some purple treats that are coming as well. Of course there will be a Purple Glove Macaron!, that includes blackberry and currant buttercream and blackberry-currant jam center. The Purple Rose, a blueberry mousse with blackberry, currant, and lemon center, the Lavender Milk Tea with lemon popping pearls, purple whipped cream, and lavender sugar. For the complete list, check out the link in our show notes. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/01/foodie-guide-to-purple-treats-at-disney-parks/
Discussion Topic:
Elbow Grease and Pixie Dust: Memories of Disneyland Maintenance
