??'s RE: annual passes, reservations, rehab...

[Fantasmic303]

I'm sorry if this info has been covered elsewhere, but I'm on Disneyland Disboard overload right now.

We're in the planning stages of our trip for DL's 50th next summer, and I know I'm going to have umpteen questions. I've been to DL (but not in a few years), but we're WDW planners...much easier to just book it and know everything is taken care of, which is a little different than traveling to California.

A couple of issues for us right now:

1 - Passes. I'm a morning til evening kind of gal, and I know I'll get good use of whatever passes we purchase. However, I also know that Annual Pass holders in WDW get certain benefits that may make it worth it to purchase the pass, even if you're only making one trip down.

Does this hold true at all for DL? We'll be spending a week in the area, devoting most of it to Disney, and if there are special perks or deals that may make it cost effective to get an annual pass, I'd like to consider it. For example, are hotel rates different?

And while we're on the topic of passes, DL doesn't offer an "Ultimate Park Hopper" length of stay pass like WDW does, do they?



2 - Reservations. I've been watching disneyland.com and it won't accept bookings later than January 4, 2005 (except, I'm assuming for the 3-night package). However, I was at AAA today and on other travel websites, where I WAS able to atleast get a price estimate and the option of booking. Anyone have any insight on this?


3 - Prices. I'm gonna have to swallow whatever they do because I won't miss the 50th, but are we expecting a dramatic increase in accomodation prices?


4 - Renovations. I know that they're doing major rehab on DL for this celebration, and I want to make sure everything will be ready for my arrival. Are they expecting the major attractions (Space Mountain, for one) to be completed in time for next summer?


Sorry for all the questions - but thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[disneychrista]

1. You get discounts with the AP (generally 10% for the off food and merchandise)
If you plan to stay on property, which is NOT at all necessary like at WDW, then I do believe they have something simular to the Ultimate Park Hopper.

2. I wouldn't expect to be able to do any online booking, estimating on the Disneyland until at least November, you can call and get price quotes however.

3. Honestly I do not expect a huge increase in prices during the 50th but it is deffeintly the most expensive time to go, if you are planning a July visit.

4. Most of the refurbishments will be done by May 5, 2005. The exception could be the new (to us) Buzz Attraction and Space Mountain. I believe Buzz is scheduled to open on July 17, 2005 and Space officially won't open until November 2005, but there are those who say it will be open sooner.

 

[Noelle]

DL Annual Passholders do get discounted rates on the hotels. But just like WDW, it's for certain dates. They may not plan any discounted rooms on the days you'll be visiting. And just like WDW the discounted rooms go very fast! If you buy a Premium Pass, you'll get 10% most of your merchandise purchases inside the parks (a few restrictions apply...purchase must be over $10 and some items are not eligible for discount like DVDs.) You also get the discount at World of Disney. There are plenty of dining discounts at many of the sit down restaurants. (Not just lunchtime or weekdays like WDW.)

I believe they do offer an UPH when you book a package through Walt Disney Travel.

As for the rest of your questions...I can't really answer.

Good luck!

 

[Firefly777]

Buzz should be open by May 5th and I've heard Space will have Cast Member previews in March. So it could have a late Spring/Summer opening. None of this is set in stone, so it's really hard to say for sure right now.

 

[Blackunicorn]

I've never heard of a UPH for DL. The last time I booked a packaged through Disney Travel, the best offer they had was a 5-day PH for the price of a 3-day PH--which I believe they still offer, if you purchase your tickets in advance. This deal is not available at the gate. This year, I didn't buy a package, but I asked around A LOT because we're going to be at the park for more than 5 days and I haven't found anything like the UPH. So, if you find information that I haven't, PLEASE let me know! We'd be very interested in that!

 

[ksjayhawks]

I could be wrong--but believe only premium annual pass holders get the 10% off. Daughter has regular APs and doesn't get the discounts.

 

[disneychrista]

Direct from the disneyland.com website

The Deluxe Annual Passport includes these benefits:

• 10% dining discount at select Disneyland® Resort restaurants ($10 minimum purchase; restrictions apply)
• Special rates at the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort (subject to availability; restrictions apply)
• Exclusive benefits at select Downtown Disney® District locations
• An annual parking pass for the Mickey & Friends parking structure is available for an additional $49. (subject to availability; restrictions apply)

With a Premium Annual Passport, you'll enjoy:

• 365 consecutive days of admission to both Disneyland® Resort theme parks and unlimited enjoyment of attractions (except arcades and midway games) during regular operating hours.*
• 10% merchandise discount at select locations throughout the Disneyland® Resort ($10 minimum purchase; restrictions apply)
• Exclusive benefits at select Downtown Disney® District locations
• Free annual parking pass for the Mickey & Friends parking structure. (subject to availability; restrictions apply)
• 10-15% dining discount at select Disneyland® Resort restaurants ($10 minimum purchase; restrictions apply)
• Special rates at the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort (subject to availability; restrictions apply)
• One-year subscription to Disney Magazine.