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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!nic.hookup.net!decwrl!ames!haven.umd.edu!darwin.sura.net!seismo!tanida
From: [e-mail] (Tom Tanida)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney,rec.parks.theme,rec.answers,news.answers
Subject: Disneyland FAQ
Followup-To: rec.arts.disney
Date: 1 Dec 1993 21:40:29 GMT
Organization: FDC Headquarters, ToonTown
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Approved: [e-mail]
Message-ID: <2dj30d$[e-mail]>
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Summary: FAQ for Disneyland
Keywords: FAQ, Disneyland, Disney
Originator: [e-mail]
Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.arts.disney:26670 rec.parks.theme:507 rec.answers:3194 news.answers:15336

Archive-name: disney-faq/disneyland
Last-modified: 11 Oct 1993



                 Disneyland Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
                        (Last update October 11, 1993)



CHANGES SINCE LAST POSTING:  Updated operating hours, prices, entertainment,
 attraction refurbishment schedule and closures, added What's New? section,
 and Aladdin's Oasis information.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
--   Contact Disneyland Guest Relations at [phone] or [phone] or
     visit Disneyland's City Hall.  The address for Disneyland is 1313 Harbor
     Boulevard, P.O. Box 3232, Anaheim, CA 92803-3232.
--   For Walt Disney World (WDW) and other Disney information, see the larger
     Disney FAQ posted regularly from Tom Tanida.  Contact him directly at
     [e-mail] and request the DisneyFAQ.

HOURS OF OPERATION:   Here is the schedule information from an updated Disney
calendar.  Everything is subject to change.

     B:   8 am to midnight
     C:   9 am to midnight
     E:   9 am to 10 pm
     G:   9 am to 7 pm
     H:   8 am to 7 pm
     I:  10 am to 6 pm
     J:   9 am to 6 pm

This posting is a list of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about
visiting Disneyland.  All reasonable efforts have been made to make sure this
information is accurate, but I cannot be held responsible for errors or
schedule changes.  This FAQ list is maintained by Walt Hoffman based upon the
original list from [e-mail].  For more general Disney information see
the Disney FAQ, which includes park information, film, movies, television, and
other Disney facts, maintained by Tom Tanida.  The Disneyland FAQ is updated
periodically.  Send suggestions and comments on *this* Disneyland FAQ to
[e-mail].


        Sun  Mon  Tue  Wed  Thu  Fri  Sat
Oct '93                           1I   2C
         3E   4I   5I   6I   7I   8J   9C
        10E  11G  12I  13I  14I  15J  16C
        17E  18I  19I  20I  21I  22J  23C
        24E  25I  26I  27I  28I  29J  30C
        31E

Nov '93       1I   2I   3I   4I   5I   6C
         7E   8I   9I  10I  11J  12I  13C
        14E  15I  16I  17I  18I  19I  20C
        21E  22I  23I  24I  25C  26B  27B
        28E  29I  30I

Dec '93                 1I   2I   3I   4C
         5E   6I   7I   8I   9I  10I  11C
        12E  13I  14I  15I  16I  17I  18C
        19E  20E  21E  22E  23E  24H  25B
        26B  27B  28B  29B  30B  31*        * 8AM TO 3AM

Jan '94                                1C
         2E   3I   4I   5I   6I   7I   8C
         9E  10I  11I  12I  13I  14I  15C
        16E  17G  18I  19I  20I  21I  22C
        23E  24I  25I  26I  27I  28I  29C
        30E  31I

Feb '94            1I   2I   3I   4I   5C
         6E   7I   8I   9I  10I  11E  12C
        13E  14I  15I  16I  17I  18E  19B
        20C  21E  22I  23I  24I  25I  26B
        27E  28I

Mar '94
                   1I   2I   3I   4C   5B
         6E   7I   8I   9I  10I  11C  12B
        13E  14G  15G  16G  17G  18C  19B
        20E  21E  22E  23E  24E  25C  26B
        27E  28C  29E  30E  31E

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION AND REFURBISHMENT:  (Call [phone] for latest info)
Construction:
o A new "Indiana Jones"-themed attraction in Adventureland to open in 1995.
  This will not be a roller coaster like EuroDisneyland's but a unique ride
  simulator on a moving track.
o Fantasmic! sound system improvements and a new viewing area (New Orleans
  Square Promenade) around the Rivers of America.

Closures and Refurbishment:
o Columbia Sailing Ship         09/07 to 10/24
o Fantasmic!                    09/07 to 11/17
o People Mover                  09/20 to 10/28
o Matterhorn Bobsleds           09/20 to 11/12
o Skyway                        09/20 to 11/12
o Haunted Mansion               10/04 to 10/22
o Submarine Voyage              10/04 to 11/12
o Carnation Plaza Gardens       10/11 to 10/21
o Mark Twain                    10/18 to 11/24
o French Market                 10/25 to 11/04
o It's a Small World            11/01 to 11/24
o Monorail                      11/29 to 12/10
o Pirates of the Caribbean      11/29 to 12/17
o Tom Sawyer's Island           11/29 to 12/17
o Blue Bayou Restaurant         11/29 to 12/17
o Mission to Mars, Motor Boats, Fantasyland Autopia are closed permanently.
o The bank on Main Street is no longer sponsored by Bank of America.
  However, a variety of banking services can still be found there from
  ATM cash advances, credit card Disney Dollar advances, and foreign currency
  exchanges.  The bank also sells Disneyland passports, gift certificates,
  postage stamps, ticket upgrades/downgrades, and even has a mailbox.  The
  Bank of America Automated Teller Machine is still available outside of
  the park to the left of the Main Entrance.

New Details and Miscellaneous Items:

Main Street U.S.A.:
o Walt Disney mural and mirrored signs added inside the Crystal Arcade shop
  near the stuffed toy wall.
o Penny Arcade has added a large, green, 1000-pound, acrylic elephant statue
  (nicknamed 'Penny') near the entrance.  It was originally designed for the
  Candy Palace at EuroDisneyLand (EDL) but due to a change in color scheme
  of the facility, she now resides at Disneyland.
Adventureland:
o Tahitian Terrace restaurant was replaced by "Aladdin's Oasis", a dinner
  theater which features magic, music, song, and dance with characters 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 w/honeyed yogurt, and shishkabobs (beef, chicken, or
  vegetable), raisin nut pilaf, and a special dessert.  Children (11 and under)
  can choose from cheese-filled pasta shaped as Abu's friends or chicken
  tenders.  Adult prices are in the $20-25 range, with children $15-$20, plus
  tax and gratuity.  Lunch and Dinner shows are available and the entire
  experience takes about an hour.
o Enchanted Tiki Room added a new digital sound system (although the
  soundtrack is still the same.)
New Orleans Square:
o Pet Cemetery added to the front yard of The Haunted Mansion.
o Pirates of the Caribbean added silhouettes of fighting pirates on the right
  hand side in the burning city scene.  This was copied from EuroDisneyland.
  Also, additional items were added in the bayou near the boat loading area.
Fantasyland:
o Sleeping Beauty's Castle walk-through reopened (at least for now).
o It's a Small World added a new digital sound system complete with a new
  different soundtrack (with more instrumentals) inherited from EDL.
Mickey's Toontown:
o Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin ride in Mickey's TOONTOWN is scheduled to open
  on January 26, 1994 (Toontown's one year anniversary).
o Toontown's Jolly Trolley is jolly again.  The trolley now bounces all around
  (like it originally did) during it's trip through Toontown.
Other:
o Preferred Parking now available, located to the right of the Main Entrance.
o Disneyland Hotel Video Arcade relocated from its' "underwater" location to
  near the Seaport of the Pacific shop.
Future Plans and Rumors:
o Adventureland:  Future land closure to provide access for the Indiana Jones
  attraction, update The Enchanted Tiki Room, and perform extensive face
  lifting of the Jungle Cruise attraction.
o Westcot Center, a west coast version of WDW Epcot Center, to be built in
  the current Disneyland parking lot.  A multi-level parking structure will be
  constructed to the east.  It will feature dedicated freeway ramps directly
  connected into the parking structure and a peoplemover to transport guests
  over to the parks.  Expansion plans also include multiple hotels and other
  entertainment venues.  Environment impact study completed and approved by
  the City of Anaheim but still battles remain in making Westcot a reality.
  Details about the expansion are available at the Disneyland expansion
  preview center located at the Disneyland Hotel (in the Plaza building,
  above Maize's Pantry) and is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 2pm to 8pm.

CURRENT PRICES:  (US $)  Current as of September 25, 1993
                    1-day 2-day 3-day seasonal annual guided-tour
Adults              30.00 55.00 75.00 105.00   195.00 42.00
Children (3-11)     24.00 44.00 60.00  85.00   155.00 32.50
Seniors (60+)       24.00
Adults (MKC)        28.00 51.00 69.00  95.00   180.00
Children (MKC)      22.00 40.00 54.00  75.00   140.00
Parking              6.00/car
                     7.00/vans,campers,RV's
                    12.00 Preferred Parking

****************************************
>From October 15 until Summer 1994, Southern California residents can buy a
special Disneyland passport for just $22 per person (cannot be combined with
the MKC card).  Must show proof of California residence within ZIP codes 90000
through 93599.  Passports are good for day of purchase only with a daily limit
of 8 Passports per individual with a valid I.D.  Offer not valid during
12/26/93 to 12/31/93.
****************************************

Seasonal passes are good Sunday through Friday, September through May,
excluding December 25-31, which are also the least crowded times to visit
Disneyland.  Annual passes include parking.  Seasonal pass holders can also
get parking for an additional charge.

Magic Kingdom Club (MKC) cardholders get admission discounts of about 7
percent.  The MKC card discounts do NOT apply to merchandise at the park or
the Disneyland Hotel.  However, the card is good at The Disney Stores which
are usually found in shopping malls throughout the world.  Merchandise from
the park or hotel can be ordered by calling 1-800-3-MAIL-33 (1-800-361-4533).

For ticket purchases, Disneyland accepts US. currency, VISA, American Express,
Master Card, traveler's checks, and personal checks with proper identification.
A Bank of America ATM is located to the left of the Main Entrance.  Tickets
can also be purchased in advance at any Disney Store location or through the
mail by sending a check or money order in the exact amount to Disneyland
Admissions, 1313 Harbor Blvd., P.O. Box 3232, Anaheim, CA  92803-3232.

ENTERTAINMENT:
o "Aladdin's Royal Caravan" parades down Main Street twice daily on weekends
  only through November 14.
o "Beauty & The Beast Live" is performed at the Videopolis stage on selected
  weekends and holiday periods through January 2, 1994.
o Holiday Entertainment, including the Very Merry Christmas Parade and Mickey's
  Nutcracker, is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 25, 1993, and
  continue through January 2, 1994.

For the actual schedule for a particular day, contact Disneyland or pick up a
'Disneyland Today' schedule when you visit the park.

SHOW RESERVATIONS:
Reservations for the Golden Horseshoe Revue have moved to the counter in the
exit lobby for the Walt Disney Story Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Reservations are also taken for the Blue Bayou restaurant, and some of the
restaurants at the Disneyland Hotel.

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 [phone].
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".
  Hotel guests can have their park merchandise purchases delivered to their
  rooms free of charge.  Call 714-956-MICKEY for room reservations.
PAN PACIFIC:
  Next to Disneyland Hotel.  Rooms are reportedly larger, nicer, quieter, and
  about half the price of the Disneyland Hotel counterparts. Right next to
  Disneyland Hotel, you can walk over to see the shops and attractions there
  (including the Monorail station).
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.
BEST WESTERN STARDUST:
  "Very spacious.  Clean comfortable and reasonably priced.  Walking distance,
  but 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 (also goes to the Disneyland Hotel if requested).

>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
[phone]; Telex 655474.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO SEE FANTASMIC!?
This section on hiatus since Fantasmic! is not showing until after November
17, when the new viewing area is complete.  New viewing strategies will be
solicited from all to adapt to the new viewing areas currently under
construction.

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.

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.

After dinner, the "kiddie" rides 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.  Skyway line is almost always
shorter from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland than the other way around.


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.  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 impossible) 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?
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 $49. The
discounts are the same for both types of MKC cards.  The address is Magic
Kingdom Club Gold Card, PO Box 3850, Anaheim, CA 92803-3850. Charge by calling
[phone].  Gold card members get a 2-year subscription to Disney News
and other paraphernalia. All MKC cards get you discounts at the Disney Stores
(except in the parks), on admission tickets, and on Disney, Delta Airlines,
and National Rent-a-Car packages.

IF I'VE BEEN TO THE MAGIC KINGDOM IN WDW, WHAT PARTS OF DISNEYLAND CAN I SKIP?
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 Submarine Voyage (nearly identical to WDW's except for order of presentation
  and absence of little Jules Verne nuances)
o Skyway (useful for getting around, especially during parades)
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 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 one in Disney/MGM Studios)
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 Disney Art Gallery (above Pirates)
o Disneyana Shop on Main Street (features cels and other limited editions)
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)
o Mickey's ToonTown (new land)

The parade route is different.  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