Disney California Adventure – Page 11

Neil Patrick Harris to be Host of All-New ‘World of Color’ Show for the Disneyland Diamond Celebration

Disney has announced that Neil will be joining Mickey Mouse as host of the all-new “World of Color – Celebrate!,” opening May 22 at Disney California Adventure park as part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Neil, himself a fan of Disney Parks, will bring his unique style of humor and charm to this special edition of the popular “World of Color” show.

“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” illuminates the night in a celebration of the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney. Mickey Mouse and Neil take us on a fun-filled and inspirational journey, exploring Walt’s decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments and his dream of Disneyland park, and culminating in a madcap musical tour of Disneyland Resort attractions as you’ve never seen them before!

Since its premiere in 2010, “World of Color” has amazed millions of Disney California Adventure park guests using a groundbreaking “stage” of nearly 1 full acre of engineered superstructure, longer than a football field. Nearly 1,200 programmable fountains and a vast underwater grid with more than 20,000 points of control send water to heights of up to 200 feet; shooting higher than Mickey’s Fun Wheel. The show employs nearly 30 high-definition projectors to take the audience on a journey through some of Disney’s most beloved animated moments.

The all-new “World of Color – Celebrate!” is just one part of our dazzling Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, which kicks off May 22 along with the new “Paint the Night” parade and the fully-immersive new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular.

It’s Official…Disney is Increasing Ticket Prices for US Parks Tomorrow

With record attendance at its theme parks, Disney will be increasing ticket prices at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort effective Sunday February 22nd.

Increases are across the board, with only DisneyQuest, parking fees, and ECV Wheelchair and Stroller rentals escaping an increase. Most notable is the removal of the No-Expiration option on Magic Your Way multi day tickets.

Disney announced Saturday that one-day ticket prices will rise to $105 plus tax at the Magic Kingdom. Prices at Disney World’s three other parks are increasing, too, but at $97 will stay under triple-digit territory.

For guests visiting the California parks, an adult one-day ticket to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure will rise from $96 to $99. A one-day park hopper add-on will increase from $54 to $56. Tickets for children ages 3 to 9 will climb from $90 to $93. A price for a Premium annual pass with parking and no blackout dates will go up 11 percent, from $699 to $779

“A day at a Disney park is unlike any other in the world, and there is strong demand for our attractions and entertainment,” spokesman Bryan Malenius said in a prepared statement. “We continually add new experiences, and many of our guests select multi-day tickets or annual passes which provide great value and additional savings.”

Because of the multi-day tickets, along with Floridian discounts, many if not most visitors will actually pay less than single-day prices. Industry consultants say the sticker shock of a one-day ticket could push even more consumers toward those choices.

Prices are rising on the multiple-day tickets and passes as well. Basic Florida resident annual and seasonal passes will cost $529 and $329 before tax, respectively, up from $485 and $319. Renewals are discounted about 15 percent.

Predictably, some parkgoers were frustrated, even outraged, at the news, taking to social media to rant and rave.

“It is kind of ridiculous that Disney is raising admission costs,” said Tarisa McGillivray, 27, “It’s sad to think you have to spend so much to go to the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

Others took the price hike in stride and took a more reasonable approach.

“In comparison to say a concert ticket to a well known artist, Disneyland ticket prices are not that high for the level of entertainment you get in the parks,” said Andrea Bradshaw, 30, of Corona.

“I do think that Disney’s perspective is they’re a premium-priced, premium product,” said Scott Sanders, a former vice president of pricing with the company. “They believe that … there are some people who can’t afford it, but there are a lot of people who are willing to pay for the experience.”

Mad T Party Returns to DCA as Part of Disneyland Resort’s Diamond Celebration

Big news coming out of the Rabbit Hole today … Mad T Party is returning to Disney California Adventure park! When the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration begins May 22, Mad T Party will makes its return – and this time, it will be a new, dazzling experience, marking the 60th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort in its own splendiferous way.

Mad T Party joins other sparkling nighttime entertainment coming as part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, including “Paint the Night” parade, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks and “World of Color – Celebrate!” Keep up with the latest news on the celebration here on the Disney Parks Blog, and join the conversation with the hashtag #Disneyland60.

It’s Official…Disney Announces Luigi’s Flying Tires Closing

Ever since Cars Land opened at Disney California Adventure park in 2012, it has been a huge success. This new land immerses guests in the world of “Cars” and makes them feel like they are standing in the town of Radiator Springs. We’ve heard from our guests that the cars themselves are one of the things they really love about Cars Land – and today I’m excited to tell you about a project that will bring even more four-wheeled fun.

At the end of the operating day on February 16, 2015, Luigi’s Flying Tires will close as our favorite Fiat departs for a vacation to his home country of Italy to visit with family. When he returns, his Casa della Tires will reopen as a completely new attraction in early 2016. The attraction will feature a new ride system and ride vehicles.

Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration to Begin May 22 – Details Announced

Tonight, during a special after-hours presentation on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration marking the resort’s 60th anniversary, will begin Friday, May 22.

As part of the celebration, the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland park and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure park will glisten and gleam, each with its own diamond medallion featuring the letter “D.” The entire resort will sparkle with Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration décor and festive banners in shades of Disneyland blue. Also bearing the diamond anniversary theme, creative merchandise and food items will be designed to complement the celebration. We’ll have more to share on those special items soon.

“As time has shown, Disneyland marked the beginning of something bigger than anyone could have imagined and this Diamond Celebration embraces its rich history while honoring Walt Disney’s commitment to pushing boundaries to create exciting and innovative new experiences for our guests,” said Staggs.

Continuing a tradition of innovative, immersive storytelling begun when Walt Disney opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955, the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration showcases three electrifying new shows that will take you into the worlds of Disney stories like never before.

Tonight, Tom Staggs was joined on stage by Steve Davison, executive for parades and spectaculars with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, as they shared that during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Disney California Adventure park will present a special edition of the popular “World of Color” show.

Opening May 22, 2015, “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” illuminates the night in a contemporary and moving celebration of Walt and his dream of Disneyland, showing that anything is possible if we never give up on our dreams.

Mickey Mouse will take guests on a fun-filled and inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney, exploring his decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments and the dream of Disneyland park.

Both epic and intimate in scope, “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and the Happiest Place on Earth in a first-of-its-kind spectacular, presented on the magic canvas of “World of Color” with compelling animated imagery, live-action footage, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score.

For Disney’s next big entertainment unveiling of the evening, Tom Staggs and Steve Davison shared that they’ll soon be painting the night in fantastic new light with one of the brightest gems of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, the “Paint the Night” parade.

The “Paint the Night” parade brings some of the most innovative floats, vibrant costumes, dazzling special effects, unforgettable music and energetic performances ever presented at Disneyland Resort. This new, state-of-the-art nighttime parade floods Main Street, U.S.A., with stunning color, fun surprises and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights.

Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust and “Paint the Night” in Disney dreams, bringing to light beloved characters and stories from “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story,” “Frozen” and more.

Wrapping up tonight’s big entertainment news for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Tom Staggs and Steve Davison have revealed a completely new kind of fireworks spectacular for Disneyland park, also debuting May 22, 2015.

“Disneyland Forever” shows just how magical the Magic Kingdom can be, in a sky-high celebration featuring sparkling pyrotechnics, immersive projections, and other effects that transform Disneyland park right before your eyes!

“Disneyland Forever” envelops you in an enthralling, breathtaking journey like never before, leveraging the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. Main Street, U.S.A., and several other Disneyland park locations become a magical canvas taking us into a world of dreams, from flying above the London skyline from “Peter Pan” to a dance with King Louie in “The Jungle Book.”

“Disneyland Forever” also features two original songs, the theme “Live the Magic” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world.” As “Disneyland Forever” caps off each evening of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, we discover Walt’s inspiring words still hold true today. Disneyland will continue to be home to all our dreams and adventures … forever!

Tonight, we’ve announced the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will include a special edition of the popular “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure park, plus an impressive new nighttime parade and a fully-immersive fireworks spectacular at Disneyland park.

Disneyland Resort Receives California’s Highest Environmental Honor

The Disneyland Resort was honored last week with a Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for waste reduction efforts. In the last 10 years, the Disneyland Resort has doubled the amount of waste diverted from landfills with the long-term goal of achieving Zero Waste – a designation already awarded to Circle D Corral by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council and one of the success stories noted in the GEELA nomination.

From the 4.4 million pounds of food scraps processed into animal feed annually, to the 20,000 pounds of partially used bathroom amenities collected at Disneyland Resort hotels for Clean the World Foundation, to the donation and repurposing of gently used shoes, costumes, furniture and decorations, and much more – the Disneyland Resort is doing its part to reduce, reuse and recycle.

The Disneyland Resort also was a 2009 GEELA recipient for sustainable practices, which included the drought-conscious way water-based attractions are drained and refilled working with the Orange County Water District.

Disneyland Resort May Be Increasing Ticket Prices Soon

According to multiple sources prices for tickets to either of the Disneyland Resort parks could be increasing very soon. According to sources the price of a single day ticket will rise from $96 to $99. It’s also expected that prices for children’s tickets, which is currently $90, will increase about the same $3 bump. The big shocker is going to be to the Passholders. We are hearing that the price of a Premium AP will jump up from the already sky high $699 to $779.

It is rumored that the price increase will probably take place within the next week or two, so if you are planning a trip to Disneyland parks, you might want to buy your tickets or Annual Pass online NOW before the price increase takes effect.

February Merchandise Events for Disneyland Resort

If you are planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort this February, here are a few quick tips on some of the merchandise events you don’t want to miss!

February 6–8: Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand from noon to 10 p.m. each day, at China Closet in Disneyland park, as we celebrate the release of her Valentine’s collection, among other fan favorites!

February 7–8: Join us as we welcome Nidhi Chanani from 1–4 p.m. each day at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Look for additional appearances by Nidhi, February 28 and March 1.

February 14: Join us for a special artist showcase as we celebrate the release of some of the newest pieces by artists Nidhi Chanani, Liana Hee, Jerrod Maruyama and Miss Mindy. Meet the artists from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District.

February 14-15: Meet ACME Archives artist Guy Vasilovich who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his latest pieces from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park.

February 28: World renowned Mouseketeer, entertainer and author, Bobby Burgess, will be on hand for a special appearance from 9-11 a.m. at Disneyana in Disneyland park, as we celebrate the recent release of Ears & Bubbles: Dancing My Way from The Mickey Mouse Club to The Lawrence Welk Show.

Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Liana Hee. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 from 6-10 p.m.

Which events have made your list of things to do?

City of Anaheim Announces Road Closures for Star Wars Half Marathon

The City of Anaheim is alerting its residents of temporary road closures the weekend of Jan. 16-18. Thousands of guests will converge upon Anaheim from nearby cities, other states and countries – and perhaps even from a galaxy far, far away – for the first annual Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, hosted by runDisney.

Please note the following temporary road closure schedule.* Commuters are encouraged to plan accordingly.

FRIDAY, JAN. 16

Disneyland Dr. (1:00 – 7:30 a.m.) closed between Katella Ave. and Ball Rd.
Magic Way (3:00 – 8:00 a.m.) closed between Hotel and Walnut St.

SATURDAY, JAN. 17

Disneyland Dr. (12:01 – 8:00 a.m.) closed between Katella Ave. and Ball Rd.
Magic Way (3:00 – 8:00 a.m.) between Disneyland Dr. and Walnut St.
Harbor Blvd (5:00 – 6:30 a.m.) closed southbound between Disney Way and Ball Rd. Northbound lanes open.
Ball Rd. (5:00 – 6:30 a.m.) closed eastbound between Harbor Blvd. and Disneyland Dr. Westbound lanes open.

SUNDAY, JAN. 18

Disneyland Dr. (12:01 – 8:00 a.m.) closed between Paradise Pier Hotel and Magic Way.
Disneyland Dr. (12:01 – 10:00 a.m.) closed between Katella Ave. and Magic Way.
Disneyland Dr. (3:00 – 8:00 a.m.) closed between Magic Way and Ball Rd.
Magic Way (3:00 – 10:00 a.m.) closed between Walnut St. and Disneyland Dr.
Ball Rd (5:00 – 8:00 a.m.) closed eastbound between Cast Pl. and Disneyland Dr. Westbound lanes open.
Katella Ave. (5:30 – 10:00 a.m.) closed westbound between Disneyland Dr. and Harbor Blvd. Eastbound lanes open.
Harbor Blvd. (5:00 – 8:30 a.m.) closed southbound between Katella and Disney Way. Northbound lanes open.
Harbor Blvd. (5:30 – 9:45 a.m.) restricted access between Katella Ave. and Chapman Ave.
Chapman Ave. (5:30 – 9:40 a.m.) closed eastbound between Harbor Blvd. and Euclid Ave. Westbound lanes open.
Euclid St. (5:00 – 9:00 a.m.) closed northbound between Chapman Ave. and Lampson. Southbound lanes open.
Main St. (5:00 – 9:00 a.m.) closed between Lampson and Garden Grove Blvd.
Acacia Pkwy. (5:15 – 9:00 a.m.) closed between Grove Ave. and Pine St.
Stanford Ave. (5:00 – 8:45 a.m.) closed eastbound between 9th St. and Pine St. Westbound lanes open.
9th St. (5:15 – 8:45 a.m.) closed between Stanford Ave. and Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove Blvd. (5:15 – 8:45 a.m.) closed westbound between 9th St. and Harbor Blvd. Eastbound lanes open.
Harbor Blvd. (4:30 – 8:30 a.m.) closed southbound between Garden Grove Blvd. and Lampson Ave. Northbound lanes open.
Harbor Blvd. (5:00 – 8:30 a.m.) closed southbound between Lampson Ave. and Chapman Ave. Northbound lanes open.

The Star Wars Half Marathon race route charts a different course from runDisney’s three additional half-marathon weekends in Anaheim: The Tinker Bell Half Marathon (May 7-10), Disneyland Half Marathon (Sept. 4-6) and the Avengers Half Marathon (Nov. 12-15). The Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend also includes a health and fitness expo open to the public, featuring merchandise products, apparel and guest speakers at the Disneyland Hotel.

For more information please visit runDisney.com.

For more information on the City of Anaheim please visit anaheim.net.

*Times are Pacific Standard Times and approximations. Information is subject to change without notice.

The preceding article was released by the City of Anaheim.

Enjoy ‘Frozen Fun’ and More at the Disneyland Resort with Special Ticket Offer for Southern California Residents

Disney is kicking off 2015 at the Disneyland Resort with a special ticket offer exclusively for Southern California residents! For a limited time – beginning today – So Cal residents may purchase the special park tickets with options for two or three days of magic and adventure at special prices. It’s the best way to experience the new “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure park – officially open today – and also to enjoy the classic attractions and entertainment throughout the Disneyland Resort.

Southern California residents may use the special tickets to visit one park per day (either park) or purchase Park Hopper tickets for a two- or three-day period. The offer has four purchase options: a 2-day ticket with choice of one park per day for $139; a 2-day Park Hopper ticket for $178; a 3-day ticket with choice of one park per day for $169, or a 3-day Park Hopper for $208. With these limited-time tickets, Southern California residents have the flexibility to make memories with family and friends over two or three days, from January 7 through May 21, 2015.* (Dates blocked are March 20 – April 4, 2015.) The sooner you purchase your tickets, the more time you will have to return for a second or third visit!

Also beginning today, “Frozen Fun” will be offered for a limited time at Disney California Adventure park, and includes “Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome,” an elegant location inside the Disney Animation building for Anna and Elsa to receive visitors. Guests may reserve a time to meet them with a Return Time Ticket, available just outside the Animation building. Elsewhere in the Disney Animation building, guests at the Animation Academy will be asked “Do You Want to Draw a Snowman?” – with an Olaf drawing experience.

Another element of “Frozen Fun” is “For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” which transforms the Muppet*Vision 3D Theatre into the Crown Jewel Theatre of Arendelle. Next door, in Stage 17, “Olaf’s Snow Fest” creates a winter scene where guests may meet and share warm hugs with Olaf. A giant play area with real snow encourages guests of all ages to build snow creations and zip down a snow slide. (Note: “Olaf’s Snow Fest” concludes April 30, 2015.) After dark, just outside the entrance to “Olaf’s Show Fest,” the area transforms into “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party.” Guests can join an interactive party that celebrates all things “Frozen” with music, games, photo opportunities, drinks and snacks and ice sculptors.

In addition to “Frozen Fun” at Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park, guests can also experience the magic of the Disney animated blockbuster “Frozen” with an all-new stage show beginning today at Fantasy Faire in Disneyland park. Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones have put their unique spin on the “Frozen” story, adapting it for the Royal Theatre and featuring Anna, Elsa and the Faire Maidens. Also beginning today, guests may use Disney FASTPASS to reserve a showtime at the Royal Theatre. Anna and Elsa also will also again make daily pre-parade appearances on their own float immediately preceding “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” in Disneyland park.

Special Southern California Resident tickets can be purchased at Disneyland.com/tickets, Disney Stores, Vons and other retail locations, as well as any Disneyland Resort ticket booth. Guests who purchase tickets online may print their tickets at home. When purchased in advance, 3-day tickets include one Magic Morning** early entry to Disneyland park, which provides an extra hour of play on select days before the park opens to the general public. This benefit is not available to tickets purchased at Disneyland Resort ticket booths. For restrictions, visit http://Disneyland.com/2days.

*So Cal Resident Ticket:
Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. 2-Day, 1-Park Per Day ticket is valid for admission for two (2) days to either Disneyland® or Disney California Adventure® park, but not to both parks on the same day. 2-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® ticket is valid for admission for two (2) days to both Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure® park on the same day. 3-Day, 1-Park Per Day ticket is valid for admission for three (3) days to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure park, but not to both parks on the same day. 3-Day Disneyland Resort Pak Hopper ticket is valid for admission for three (3) days to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park on the same day. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Tickets expire May 21, 2015. Blockout days of 3/20/15-4/4/15 apply. May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Tickets not valid before 1/7/15. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.

**Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour:
Magic Morning admission allows admission into selected attractions at Disneyland® Park before the park opens to the general public on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Each Guest must have valid, eligible theme park admission. Disneyland Resort Hotel guest Extra Magic Hour currently allows registered Disneyland Resort hotel guess admission into select attractions at Disneyland Park on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Disney California Adventure Park on Sunday, Monday Wednesday and Friday before the applicable park opens to the general public. Upon hotel check-in, guests will receive a schedule or be informed of when each park offers Extra Magic Hour. Each registered hotel guest (ages3 and older) must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card. To enhance the Magic Morning or Extra Magic Hour experience, it is strongly recommended that Guests arrive at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to regular park opening. Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour admissions are based on availability and capacity. Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants and appearances of characters may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to restrictions and cancellation.

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