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