DL and DCA refrub's Dec and Jan....

[tink2dw]

from MousePlanet

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams – dark through February 13, 2009. A Christmas Fantasy parade will be performed November 21 to January 4, 2009.
"
it's a small world" – closes January 5 to February 14, 2009 to remove the holiday overlay.

Haunted Mansion – closes January 5 to February 14, 2009 to remove the holiday overlay.

Hungry Bear Restaurant – closes January 5-23, 2009 for refurbishment.

Blue Ribbon Bakery – closes January 12, 2009 for one day.

Mark Twain Riverboat – closes January 26-28, 2009 for refurbishment.

Peter Pan's Flight – closes February 2, 2009 for refurbishment.

Pirates of the Caribbean – closes February 15, 2009 for refurbishment.


Disney's California Adventure

Sun Wheel – closed for refurbishment and to install the new Mickey face. No reopening date has been announced, but an employee publication lists April 24, 2009 as the return date.

The Vineyard Room – now closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this restaurant, but an employee publication lists October 4, 2009 as the return date.

Golden Dreams – now closed. This attraction will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.

Burger Invasion – now closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald's location, but an employee Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at 714-781-7290.publication lists June 25, 2010 as the return date.

Games of the Boardwalk – now closed to install a new facade and new Disney-themed games. No reopening date has been announced, but an employee publication lists April 24, 2009 as the return date.

Boudin Bakery & The Bakery Tour – closes February 9, 2009 for refurbishment.

but an employee Note: Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, call Disneyland at 714-781-7290.publication lists June 25, 2010 as the return date.

 

[nunzia]

..and for some reason there are NO fireworks scheduled the weekend of January 10..luckily we will be there the 17th and can hopefully see them. But NO DL parade, NO Fantasmic

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

..and for some reason there are NO fireworks scheduled the weekend of January 10..luckily we will be there the 17th and can hopefully see them. But NO DL parade, NO Fantasmic

That really sucks because in years past they would continue to offer the fireworks and F! as a means of making up for the lack of parades, and rides that are down. Sad! It's all cutbacks.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

It is all cutbacks but I guess we have been spoiled by disney during off season with cheaper costs (Airfaire, tickets, hotels) and they still had all the usual entertainment. I suppose we need to understand that everyone is hurting these days, even the untouchable disney, and we just need to understand that if we are going during an off time that we cant have all the shows we want. They can't afford to have them running constantly. I think people complain about the prices they pay to visit disney already and if they expect the same level of entertainment during off season as peak season then they can expect to be paying even more.

This is not directed toward anyone on this post but just my rantings about things I have read in the past and heard on my last trip this past week. Just think people should stop complaining and find the bright spots in life during these rough times...life is hard enough as it is. I was bummed about no F! on my trip but I knew that I was going during off season and that's what I get.

 

[PoohBear1988]

I was just looking at the calendar, and Grizzly River Run is down tues 20th Jan until tues 27th Jan, must have just been added....

 

[trodrigue]

Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams – dark through February 13, 2009

That would seem to me that it would be back then on Feb. 14?

I have heard about the paving project that will go into March, but not really read anything confirmed on that.

Can anyone point me to information on that?

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

It is all cutbacks but I guess we have been spoiled by disney during off season with cheaper costs (Airfaire, tickets, hotels) and they still had all the usual entertainment. I suppose we need to understand that everyone is hurting these days, even the untouchable disney, and we just need to understand that if we are going during an off time that we cant have all the shows we want. They can't afford to have them running constantly. I think people complain about the prices they pay to visit disney already and if they expect the same level of entertainment during off season as peak season then they can expect to be paying even more.

This is not directed toward anyone on this post but just my rantings about things I have read in the past and heard on my last trip this past week. Just think people should stop complaining and find the bright spots in life during these rough times...life is hard enough as it is. I was bummed about no F! on my trip but I knew that I was going during off season and that's what I get.

No offense, and I don't know where you're from, but I just spent $600 on 1 aifare ticket for 1 person in our group. I wouldn't say that is cheap airfare when I used to spend less than $300 a ticket. With that said, I expected to pay more because we are traveling during the holiday season, definitely not the slow time anywhere.
Are you saying that you went this past week at DL and there was no Fantasmic? Since when is the week before Christmas considered off peak? That's news to me. I've been there every year since 2000 during late December and/or the first week of January and it's never been considered off peak. If anything it's one of the busiest times of the year to be at DL. So if that's the case, and you were there this past week -- the week before Xmas -- than I would say you got ripped off.
People pay for, and plan their trips according to what historically (especially for the holiday season) Disney is known to show. That's why it stinks that they don't at least come clean and say that due to recent cutbacks or due to the economy, we're no longer going to be showing F!, and Parades, and fill-in-the-blank. They don't want to announce it, because the lack of offerings may cause people to cancel or reschedule their trip until things change back to how they usually are. (And heaven forbid people cancel or reschedule because that's going to cut into the bottom line.) Not coming clean regarding the show/planning calendar is a bit of bait and switch in my opinion, and not good business. The mentality is, "Let's not tell them what won't be showing, and they won't have any recourse to complain if they're disappointed; at any rate, we won't have to worry about having to give refunds because there is no liability on our part because we took all the info off the planning page." Remember, I emailed Disney about a month ago and they said as far as they know F! was supposed to be showing during the holiday season and through Jan 4 -- however it's subject to change. (That's the catch phrase right there that gives them a way out.)
Disney is a huge conglomerate. I don't feel sorry for them that it's slowed down. It's slow everywhere. It's all part of the economic cycle. I feel sorry for people who are losing jobs due to cutbacks. But I do have to wonder, with all the 'cutbacks' in shows, services, food quality and personnel to save the almighty dollar, are any of their high ranking executives taking any kind of pay cut? For some reason, I doubt that. Cost cutting measures is a means to preserving their bottom line.
It's not okay to string people along who are expecting a certain level of show and service from Disney during the busy time of the year, and then switch what they offer out just to save a buck. That is so unDisneylike. It's the epitomy of cheap, and unlike everything Disney has stood for all these years. And yes, I'm frustrated.

 

[Gisele]

In my opinion Krissy you were not ranting at all.







~~~~~~~~~~~~ Merry Christmas!~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Happy Hanukkah! ~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kristine ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Gisele]

DisneySuiteFreak,

You have made several good points. Please try not to feel so frustrated though. I know what that feels like, and it is not good for our health.
Paying $600.00 for one air fare, instead of the normal fare of $300.00 is a rather painful increase to have to pay. I hope that the person that you purchased this ticket for, appreciates it. For that is very generous and giving of you to do.









~~~~~~~~~~~~ Merry Christmas!~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Happy Hanukkah! ~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kristine ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Krissy Marissy]

No offense, and I don't know where you're from, but I just spent $600 on 1 aifare ticket for 1 person in our group. I wouldn't say that is cheap airfare when I used to spend less than $300 a ticket. With that said, I expected to pay more because we are traveling during the holiday season, definitely not the slow time anywhere.
Are you saying that you went this past week at DL and there was no Fantasmic? Since when is the week before Christmas considered off peak? That's news to me. I've been there every year since 2000 during late December and/or the first week of January and it's never been considered off peak. If anything it's one of the busiest times of the year to be at DL. So if that's the case, and you were there this past week -- the week before Xmas -- than I would say you got ripped off.
People pay for, and plan their trips according to what historically (especially for the holiday season) Disney is known to show. That's why it stinks that they don't at least come clean and say that due to recent cutbacks or due to the economy, we're no longer going to be showing F!, and Parades, and fill-in-the-blank. They don't want to announce it, because the lack of offerings may cause people to cancel or reschedule their trip until things change back to how they usually are. (And heaven forbid people cancel or reschedule because that's going to cut into the bottom line.) Not coming clean regarding the show/planning calendar is a bit of bait and switch in my opinion, and not good business. The mentality is, "Let's not tell them what won't be showing, and they won't have any recourse to complain if they're disappointed; at any rate, we won't have to worry about having to give refunds because there is no liability on our part because we took all the info off the planning page." Remember, I emailed Disney about a month ago and they said as far as they know F! was supposed to be showing during the holiday season and through Jan 4 -- however it's subject to change. (That's the catch phrase right there that gives them a way out.)
Disney is a huge conglomerate. I don't feel sorry for them that it's slowed down. It's slow everywhere. It's all part of the economic cycle. I feel sorry for people who are losing jobs due to cutbacks. But I do have to wonder, with all the 'cutbacks' in shows, services, food quality and personnel to save the almighty dollar, are any of their high ranking executives taking any kind of pay cut? For some reason, I doubt that. Cost cutting measures is a means to preserving their bottom line.
It's not okay to string people along who are expecting a certain level of show and service from Disney during the busy time of the year, and then switch what they offer out just to save a buck. That is so unDisneylike. It's the epitomy of cheap, and unlike everything Disney has stood for all these years. And yes, I'm frustrated.

Well hi, I'm from portland and NO NEED to be RUDE. Actually airfare has come DOWN for me. I just paid 379 and now I can pay 309 or go to LGB for 89. So that takes care of that part. Actually if you look at calendars and the DVC points chart...the time between thanksgiving and christmas is OFF SEASON. And between christmas and new years is the busiest the park sees. My post in no way said that what they are cutting back is right but you can't honestly be surprised by it. We are all frustrated but that is life...you do what you can and that's all you can do. Disney has money issues of their own despite what some think and I'd rather them cut a parade or 2 during january than cut back on cleaning staff and park hours even more.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Well hi, I'm from portland and NO NEED to be RUDE. Actually airfare has come DOWN for me. I just paid 379 and now I can pay 309 or go to LGB for 89. So that takes care of that part. Actually if you look at calendars and the DVC points chart...the time between thanksgiving and christmas is OFF SEASON. And between christmas and new years is the busiest the park sees. My post in no way said that what they are cutting back is right but you can't honestly be surprised by it. We are all frustrated but that is life...you do what you can and that's all you can do. Disney has money issues of their own despite what some think and I'd rather them cut a parade or 2 during january than cut back on cleaning staff and park hours even more.

KrissyMarissy, sorry if you felt I was being rude. I did write, "No offense." Honestly, I was not attacking you. I was merely making a point that Disney should just come clean with the planning calendar. If anything, I felt frustration and outrage to hear that you didn't get to see F! because it wasn't showing last week.
I understand the corporate reasons why they are not coming clean w/ the calendar, but for people that have to make plans several months in advance, there is no good excuse for them not having the information regarding upcoming shows, parades, etc., on their planning calendar at least 3 months in advance like they usually do. I'm one of those people trying to plan who has been asking over and over on every DL website known to man, if anyone (CM or insider) knows what Disney is planning because nothing is showing up on their calendar. I even sent an email to Disney and i knmow I'm not the only one, so they should get a clue. People need to make plans. It's one of those things that makes me ask, if they don't know what the heck they're doing, who is supposed to know? The answer, of course, is they do know, they just don't want to let us know until it's too late and we're already there. I really think that they just want to be able to save a quick buck at the expense of people who love & go to DL.
It's normal for them to cut back at the slow times -- like after the holidays until Spring break. Everyone understands that. I would never plan a trip during one of those times because of the lack of entertainment. I'm sorry that your DVC planning guide shows the week before Xmas as off peak; that makes no sense to me. The reality is that, as most people who go regularly during the Holidays know, it's anything but off peak the week before Christmas, especially because most people who live there or plan trips to go there have kids who are on Christmas break from school. That's why they usually have so much in the way of entertainment. The only time I've ever gone during the holidays and it was somewhat 'slow' was during the first week of December. From what I have been reading, this past holiday season has been pretty consistently busy, even during the supposed slower times. So it's very odd that Disney would cancel F! while you were there last week. I know they've cut it in the past when it was too cold for the performers. That's the only reason I've ever heard of them cutting it during the peak holiday season. F! usually goes off even during rain and high wind because the fireworks are low to the ground, not high aerials. There was a time several years ago when they only showed F! during the summer and warmer months. But once they started charging for reserved seats, that ceased, and F! appeared year round, except during the weekdays of slow months or when it was in refurb.
They're not going to cut cleaning staff or park hours any more than they usually do regardless of how slow or busy it is. They know the busy times and the slow times each year and manage the schedule accordingly. The slow time is when they close the park at 8pm. That will continue to happen regardless. All I'm saying is, this is not the slow time of the year. They shouldn't be cutting anything unless there is a problem involving safety issues and a ride or show like F! needs to go down for refurb unexpectedly due to those safety issues. In that case, they should update their calendar so everyone planning a trip has access to the info and can plan accordingly.
Again, I apologize if you felt offended or attacked. I was seriously upset for you, and for all of us, that Disney is choosing to cut entertainment and not update their calendars to save a buck.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

DisneySuiteFreak,

You have made several good points. Please try not to feel so frustrated though. I know what that feels like, and it is not good for our health.
Paying $600.00 for one air fare, instead of the normal fare of $300.00 is a rather painful increase to have to pay. I hope that the person that you purchased this ticket for, appreciates it. For that is very generous and giving of you to do.

Thanks Gisele. Sorry if I offended anyone, I'm just seriously surprised at Disney seeming to not care about the fact that people have to plan their vacations out and do so several months in advance. They are usually so good about putting up the planning calendars, and I guess it's making me like our business is being taken for granted. It just seems very unDisneylike of them to be cutting corners to save a few bucks.
The ticket was for my DS. He's happy to go and I'm sure he does appreciate it. Luckily DH and I were able to use mileage so it's not that bad. But imagine if I didn't have mileage! We wouldn't have been able to go on this upcoming trip -- it would have been too cost prohibitive. When you add in the cost of hotel for 5 nights, park tickets, rental car and eating (we've gotten kind of used to that! ) - it all adds up.
Again I apologize if I offended anyone. I didn't mean to do that.

 

[tink2dw]

They pull the Callender for ever Jan! they need to update every little thing! Jan is Value Season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

They pull the Callender for ever Jan! they need to update every little thing! Jan is Value Season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, after the holiday overlay is through, it is value season.

 

[nunzia]

It is all cutbacks but I guess we have been spoiled by disney during off season with cheaper costs (Airfaire, tickets, hotels) and they still had all the usual entertainment. I suppose we need to understand that everyone is hurting these days, even the untouchable disney, and we just need to understand that if we are going during an off time that we cant have all the shows we want. They can't afford to have them running constantly. I think people complain about the prices they pay to visit disney already and if they expect the same level of entertainment during off season as peak season then they can expect to be paying even more.

This is not directed toward anyone on this post but just my rantings about things I have read in the past and heard on my last trip this past week. Just think people should stop complaining and find the bright spots in life during these rough times...life is hard enough as it is. I was bummed about no F! on my trip but I knew that I was going during off season and that's what I get.

I agree.. I love off times and don't miss most entertainment. This is our Backstage Magic ABD, and part of the thing is the Fireworks and that IS scheduled for that Saturday, so that will be nice. We are coming 3 days early to get more DLR time, and since I had missed Fantasmic in May because I was babysitting the little tired grandkids so the parents could watch. I understand the cutbacks and I don't complain about Disney prices (a bargain really considering what the ticket price gets you.) But I think this is the first time I have ever seen no entertainment offered on a weekend.
It will still be great, but I just found it odd that a weekend had nothing at all.

 

[LucyDingo]

Yes, after the holiday overlay is through, it is value season.

How is it a "value?" Other than the kids priced tickets....everything else is costing us exactly the same as it would any other time we go.

 

[wendylady36]

How is it a "value?" Other than the kids priced tickets....everything else is costing us exactly the same as it would any other time we go.

I know there are great AP rates for the hotels in January! Other then that, I dunno.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

KrissyMarissy, sorry if you felt I was being rude. I did write, "No offense." Honestly, I was not attacking you. I was merely making a point that Disney should just come clean with the planning calendar. If anything, I felt frustration and outrage to hear that you didn't get to see F! because it wasn't showing last week.
I understand the corporate reasons why they are not coming clean w/ the calendar, but for people that have to make plans several months in advance, there is no good excuse for them not having the information regarding upcoming shows, parades, etc., on their planning calendar at least 3 months in advance like they usually do. I'm one of those people trying to plan who has been asking over and over on every DL website known to man, if anyone (CM or insider) knows what Disney is planning because nothing is showing up on their calendar. I even sent an email to Disney and i knmow I'm not the only one, so they should get a clue. People need to make plans. It's one of those things that makes me ask, if they don't know what the heck they're doing, who is supposed to know? The answer, of course, is they do know, they just don't want to let us know until it's too late and we're already there. I really think that they just want to be able to save a quick buck at the expense of people who love & go to DL.
It's normal for them to cut back at the slow times -- like after the holidays until Spring break. Everyone understands that. I would never plan a trip during one of those times because of the lack of entertainment. I'm sorry that your DVC planning guide shows the week before Xmas as off peak; that makes no sense to me. The reality is that, as most people who go regularly during the Holidays know, it's anything but off peak the week before Christmas, especially because most people who live there or plan trips to go there have kids who are on Christmas break from school. That's why they usually have so much in the way of entertainment. The only time I've ever gone during the holidays and it was somewhat 'slow' was during the first week of December. From what I have been reading, this past holiday season has been pretty consistently busy, even during the supposed slower times. So it's very odd that Disney would cancel F! while you were there last week. I know they've cut it in the past when it was too cold for the performers. That's the only reason I've ever heard of them cutting it during the peak holiday season. F! usually goes off even during rain and high wind because the fireworks are low to the ground, not high aerials. There was a time several years ago when they only showed F! during the summer and warmer months. But once they started charging for reserved seats, that ceased, and F! appeared year round, except during the weekdays of slow months or when it was in refurb.
They're not going to cut cleaning staff or park hours any more than they usually do regardless of how slow or busy it is. They know the busy times and the slow times each year and manage the schedule accordingly. The slow time is when they close the park at 8pm. That will continue to happen regardless. All I'm saying is, this is not the slow time of the year. They shouldn't be cutting anything unless there is a problem involving safety issues and a ride or show like F! needs to go down for refurb unexpectedly due to those safety issues. In that case, they should update their calendar so everyone planning a trip has access to the info and can plan accordingly.
Again, I apologize if you felt offended or attacked. I was seriously upset for you, and for all of us, that Disney is choosing to cut entertainment and not update their calendars to save a buck.

I have traveled there and to WDW many many times in december and although it may be crowded...disney still considers it to be off peak times. As does airfare because you will notice a huge jump in hotel rates and airfare around the 22nd through the first of the new year. I dont feel ripped off because I have seen it many times (F!) but I suppose if I were a first time visitor it might upset me. I couldn't honestly imagine sitting there watching it given just how cold it was. Waiting for the fireworks my legs were numb lol

Disney should give you notice but perhaps they can find a way to give a general idea? I know that they closed the parks early last wednesday due to weather and lack of crowds and as they say...all is subject to change without notice. I hope the economy recovers a bit and disney is able to provide the good service they once did.

 

[LucyDingo]

I know there are great AP rates for the hotels in January! Other then that, I dunno.

I don't know how the onsite hotels do it at DL...so maybe they have different rates. But we always stay offsite.

 

[wendylady36]

I don't know how the onsite hotels do it at DL...so maybe they have different rates. But we always stay offsite.

Me too! This is the first year I've actually looked at the onsite rates. Still too rich for my blood though. I'll take my $70 Holiday Inn room, thank you very much! Can't be wasting important Disneyland food money.