The holiday season officially begins at the Disneyland Resort today, with the finishing touches added all around the Resort this past week. The 60-foot-tall evergreen Disneyland Christmas tree was installed after the park closed Sunday night, with the garlands across Main Street added in the following days. Santa's Reindeer Round-up at Disneyland and Santa's Beach Blast at Disney's California Adventure are ready to greet visitors, and the first public performances of "A Christmas Fantasy" parade and Believe ... in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular will take place this evening. If you can't make it to Disneyland this weekend to enjoy the start of the holiday season, these photos should hold you until next Monday's Disneyland Park Update. Click on any photo to see a larger version.

The 60-foot-tall evergreen Disneyland Christmas tree is in place on Main Street. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The final touches have been put on Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Glistening icicles drip from Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The centerpiece of this year's holiday celebration is Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle. The snow and icicle decorations are beautiful by day, but are frankly stunning at night. Little has been said about the Castle courtyard shows that set the stage for the Believe ... in Holiday Magic fireworks, but crowds are sure to grow as word spreads. The first show will be shortly after dusk, the second about an hour before the fireworks. Each includes a bit of dialogue between a young child wishing for snow, and a grandmotherly figure who counsels that anything is possible if you believe enough. As the snow machines begin to blow across Main Street and the twinkling lights glitter on the Castle, a tune familiar to some Disney fans fills the night. Country singer Kellie Coffey has recorded a new version of the "Shine" theme from DCA's short-lived Luminaria show to accompany these little vignettes, with new lyrics to fit the show. Coffey also provides vocals for both the Believe ... in Holiday Magic fireworks theme and "White Christmas" at the end of the show. The actress who provides the "grandmother" voice in the new pre-shows also re-recorded the vocal introduction to the fireworks.

Each of the pre-shows is roughly 4 minutes long, and are best enjoyed from any Main Street location where you can see at least the top half of Sleeping Beauty Castle. A longer version of the light-and-music show will replace Believe ... in Holiday Magic on nights when the weather conditions force cancellation of the fireworks show, and will lead into the "White Christmas" theme. This is a neat way to ensure that a little bit of holiday magic can be had every night, even when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle is transformed after dark. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle serves as the canvas for nightly shows. Photo © Disney.

Dancing with the Stars visits Disneyland

The ABC television series Dancing with the Stars taped a segment for next week's semifinals episode Thursday afternoon. Actress Jennie Garth and dance partner Derek Hough were scheduled to perform, and fans began to fill the area in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle by late afternoon to catch a glimpse of the stars. Production assistants handed out pre-made posters with slogans like "Go Derek!" and "We love you Jennie!" to some audience members, and prompted the crowd to cheer while the cameras rolled. The crowd had begun to get a little restless waiting for the stars to appear when Jennie Garth finally took the stage, accompanied by Mickey Mouse. Garth explained that her dance partner Derek Hough had fallen ill and was unable to perform. Instead, Jennie partnered with Mickey Mouse for two takes of a dance set to the song "It Take Two," and then remained to pose for photos and sign autographs for fans.

The Disneyland segments will be featured in Monday's Dancing with the Stars episode.

Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute

The Disneyland Resort is offering Southern California firefighters, law enforcement and rescue workers a complimentary three-day Park Hopper ticket valid as part of the Disney's Wildfire Heroes Salute. The tickets are valid starting tomorrow, Tuesday, November 13, and are good through February 28, 2008, with the exception of block-out dates of November 22-25; December 8-9; December. 25 to January 6, 2008; and February 15-17, 2008. Eligible emergency personnel may also purchase of up to five additional three-day Park Hopper tickets for $56 each, a substantial discount from the regular $189 cost.

Complete program details, including residency requirements and purchasing limits, are available at the Disneyland Web site (link).

Remembering Bruce Gordon

After we published last week's Disneyland Park Update we received news that former Disney Imagineer Bruce Gordon passed away last weekend. He was 56. Bruce was most recently working as show producer and creative consultant for The Walt Disney Family Museum. MousePlanet will have more about Bruce Gordon's extensive contribution to the Disney theme parks soon.

Bruce Gordon, shown here with a model of Splash Mountain, died last week at age 56. Photo © Disney.

A memorial service is scheduled this afternoon, Monday November 12th at 2:00 pm at Forest Lawn - Glendale in the Church of the Recessional (1712 S. Glendale Ave. Glendale, 91205).

Christmas comes to Disney's California Adventure

We continue our series on the transformation from HalloweenTime to Christmas time with photos from Disney's California Adventure. Click on any photo below to view a larger version. Many of the large decor elements have been installed in A Bug's Land, the Hollywood Backlot District and the Golden State area. Still to come: the sets for Santa’s Beach Blast inside the entrance to Disney's California Adventure.

The Golden Gate Bridge is the highlight of the DCA entrance. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Garlands festoon the Golden Gate Bridge. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Hollywood entrance glitters with golden decorations. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Hollywood Boulevard is decorated in classic Southern California style. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Tinsel and banners festoon the light poles along Hollywood Boulevard. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Colorful decorations on the colorful buildings of the Golden State district. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Flik puts the finishing touch on the bug's land decorations. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A pile of ornaments looms over the bug's land visitors. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Meanwhile, back at Disneyland...

More of the Main Street decorations were in place, and work has begun on Santa's Reindeer Round-up. The Christmas tree and garlands across Main Street will be installed this week. Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams is now on hiatus, and the first performance of the Christmas Fantasy Parade is next Friday at 3:30 p.m. The first showing of the "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular is scheduled for Friday at 9:25 p.m., weather permitting.

Main Street was bustling last Friday with preparations for the taping of the Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas Special. A small stage was erected in Town Square, with a much larger set in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Ryan Seacrest hosts this year's special, which includes performances by Josh Groban and appearances by the cast of High School Musical 2. Most of the HSM:2 cast, with the exception of Zac Efron, were on hand for Saturday's taping. (The Web site celebrity-gossip.net reports that Zac was meeting in Los Angeles with High School Musical directos Kenny Ortega on Saturday, and has photos of the duo that show Ortega carrying a script labeled "HSM3.")

The Walt Disney World Christmas Special will air on ABC stations on Christmas Day.

Workers construct a small stage on Main Street for the Walt Disney World Christmas Special. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The stage is set for the Disneyland portions of the Walt Disney World Christmas Special. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Garlands of green were added to Sleeping Beauty Castle, but the icicles are missing. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Holiday nights at the Disneyland Resort

MousePlanet staff member Karl Buiter submitted these evening photos of the Disneyland Resort holiday decorations. We'll have more photos in an upcoming Park Update once the final decorations are in place.

Sleeping Beauty Castle glows at night. Photo by Karl Buiter.

The Downtown Disney trees glow with lights and twinkling ornaments. Photo by Karl Buiter.

The Golden Gate Bridge twinkles above the DCA entrance. Photo by Karl Buiter.

The entrance to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot is somewhat more impressive at night. Photo by Karl Buiter.

it's a small world holiday reopened Friday, to the delight of large crowds. Photo by Karl Buiter.

Twinkle lights and garlands cover the streets of New Orleans Square. Photo by Karl Buiter.

A pretty tree twinkles in front of Mickey's Toontown house. Photo by Karl Buiter.

This and That

...We've heard that Disneyland may be testing the "Believe... in Holiday Magic" fireworks right after park closing this coming Wednesday, November 14. Disneyland closes at 8pm and the test is scheduled for 9:15pm, but the fireworks will be visible from the Esplanade and Downtown Disney.

...The Disneyland Resort reburbishment scheduled has itself undergone some major changes in recent weeks. The 2-day Space Mountain closure in January is off the schedule, and dates for the Gibson Girl and Mark Twain refurbishments have shifted. The Jungle Cruise will be closed for at least one month, and "it's a small world" begins a nine-month renovation on January 25.

...Tickets for the 2008 Candlelight Ceremony and Procession go on sale next Monday, November 19 at 10am. Details are available in the Annual Passholder section of the Disneyland.com Web site. (link) Tickets will be sold through http://www.disneyland.com/candlelight. Candlelight will be presented December 1 and 2, 2008 inside Disneyland.

To recap, three levels of tickets will be offered.

$75 per person, includes dinner at Storytellers Cafe or Hook's Point. ($25 increase from 2006)

$100 per person, includes dinner at Steakhouse 55, Vineyard Room or Yamabuki. ($25 increase from 2006)

$125 per person, includes dinner at Napa Rose, available to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders only. (Same price as 2006)

All prices include nonalcoholic beverage, tax and gratuity. Diners must purchase their tickets in the same transaction in order to be seated together, and there is a limit of 6 tickets per transaction.

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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

River Belle Terrace closed through December 14 for remodel.

Alice in Wonderland closed October 15 - November 20.

"it's a small world" closed October 22 - November 8 to install the holiday overlay.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor closed January 14 - 18 for refurbishment

Mark Twain Riverboat closed January 14 - 17 for refurbishment

Haunted Mansion closed January 7 - 24 to remove the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.

Jungle Cruise closed January 28 - at least February 28, 2008 for refurbishment.

"it's a small world" closes January 25 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late October 2008.

The Annual Pass redemption center at DCA usually offers a much shorter line. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney's California Adventure

Disney Animation (the Snow White exhibit) closed November 10 - 15.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue closed November 26, 2008 - February 14, 2008

Corn Dog Castle closed January 28 - February 1.

Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.

Toy Story Mania! under construction. Opens 2008.

Disney Visa cardmembers can participate in a special character meet opportunity. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Chip and Dale wait patiently to greet Disney Visa cardmembers in a quiet corner of DCA. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

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.

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Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

November

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 70th Anniversary Celebration. November 16, 2008. See MousePlanet's October 2, 2008 Disneyland Resort update for details (link).

December

Candlelight Processional Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2. Jane Seymour was announced to the choir as the narrator.

Jim Shore product release and signing. Saturday, December 1. 9 AM to 11 AM at the Disneyana Shop inside Disneyland park and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney. Note: admission is required to attend the Disneyland signing, but is not required for the Downtown Disney signing.

Jane Seymour product release and signing. Sunday, December 2, 10 AM - Noon. Artwork released at this summer's canceled Jane Seymour breakfast event will again be available for purchase. (link)

Precious Moments Disney Theme Park Exclusive Product Release. Friday, December 14. These park-exclusive sculptures will also be offered at Walt Disney World, and can be pre-ordered November 6 - December 6 through the Disney Gallery Web site. (link)

February 2008

Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland. Friday February 1st, 2008. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families (link).

Spring 2008

Disney's California Food & Wine Weekends. Spring 2008 (link)

Summer 2008

Disney Magic returns to Pacific Ocean itineraries. May 25-August 17, 2008.

2008 Disneyland Half Marathon. Sunday, August 31, 2008 (link)

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Current Discounts & Promotions

Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For convenience sake, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer which works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better / different offer, so we can share it with other readers!

This first section is a list of discounts on ticket only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts.

This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks must go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).

One Day, One Park Regularly $66/$56

One Day Park Hopper

Regularly $91/$81

Southern California 1–Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Southern California AAA offices and Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know.

Two Day Park Hopper

Regularly $132/$112

AOCVCB 2-Day Bonus Ticket ($119/$100) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $3 (adult) and $2 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10 (link). So if you are ordering more than 10 days in advance and your discount would be less than $10, you'll still come out ahead by ordering at the Disneyland Web site.

Three Day Park Hopper

Regularly $189/$159

Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value)

Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($169/$139) Effective January 3, 2008

2008 "2 Days Free" offer – Buy a 3-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 5-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first.

Southern California CityPass ($235/$189) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day). It also includes one day admissions to SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood, and either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance).

You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass online from Costco at a cost of $209.99/$169.99 (adults/child), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at a Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container which you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco!

AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($155/$126) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $4 (adult) and $3 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10. So if you are ordering more than 10 days in advance and your discount would be less than $10, you'll still come out ahead by ordering at the Disneyland Web site. Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Four Day Park Hopper

Regularly $214/$184

Advance Purchase 4–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($184/$154) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value).

Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($184/$154) Effective January 3, 2008

2008 "2 Days Free" offer – Buy a 4-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 6-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first.

AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$145) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 (adult) and $4 (child) and shipping on all orders is at least $10 Tickets include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Five Day Park Hopper

Regularly $234/$204

Advance Purchase 5–Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway grocery stores (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value).

Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) Effective January 3, 2008

2008 "2 Days Free" offer – Buy a 5-day Parkhopper ticket and receive a 7-day Parkhopper Bonus ticket which includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7, and tickets must be purchased in advance - this offer is not valid at the Disneyland Resort ticket booth. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first.

AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($183/$154) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $6 (adult) and $5 (child) and shipping on all orders is $10.

Hotel / Travel Packages

Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey's Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.

Disney's Good Neighbor Dream Vacation Packages – This package is valid for arrivals June 29 - August 30, 2008, and starts at $214 per person. Package includes two nights at a Good Neighbor hotel; Park Hopper ticket (with admission to one Early Entry and/or one Toontown Morning Madness depending on ticket purchased and days visited); preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Jolly Roger Hotel, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available at a higher price) Reservations must be made by August 27, 2008. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.

Fourth Night Free at Good Neighbor Hotels – This package is valid for arrivals September 2 to December 16, 2008, and starts at $257 per person. Package includes hotel accomodations; Park Hopper ticket; admission to one Early Entry and one Toontown Morning Madness; preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Best Western Pavilions, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available at a higher price) Reservations must be made by December 13, 2008. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.

Fourth Night Free at Disneyland Resort Hotels – This package is valid for arrivals August 19 to December 12, 2008, and starts at $345 per person. Package includes hotel accomodations; Park Hopper ticket; admission to one Early Entry and one Toontown Morning Madness; preferred seating at a DCA show; souvenir coin, luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. (Sample pricing is for two adults and two children under 9 years-old sharing one room at the Disneyland Hotel, and includes a 3-day park hopper ticket per person. Other hotels and ticket combinations are available.) Reservations must be made by November 12, 2008. Call (866) 279-7165 for more information.

2008 "2 Days Free" offer – When you buy a 3-, 4- or 5-day Parkhopper ticket, Disney will add two free days. In other words, you'll pay the 3-day rate ($189) and receive a Parkhopper Bonus ticket good for five days. You can maximize your savings by taking advantage of the advance purchase discount, and pay just $169. The Parkhopper Bonus ticket includes one Early Entry admission. The Spring promotion is available starting January 7. The ticket must be used for the first time on or before April 24 and expires 13 days after first use or on May 7, 2008, whichever occurs first.

Other Discounts

Disney Vacation Club membershave a new discount at the Disneyland Resort. DVC members can now purchase discounted tickets to Mickey's Halloween Treat at Disney's California Adventure. Tickets are $27 if purchased anytime between August 1 and the day before the event. Members cannot buy these tickets online, and must show their DVC membership card at any Disneyland Resort ticket booth to receive the discounted rate.

Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. Additionally, after signing up, your membership card will be mailed to you and be accompanied by a $10 award good for your next visit to a Rainforest Cafe. So if you know you will be eating there while at Disneyland and have a Rainforest Cafe local to you, it may make sense to prejoin the Safari Club so that you can use the award during your trip. See the Rainforest Cafe Web site for details (link).

ESPNZone MVP Club – Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within two weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link)

AAA Restaurant Discounts – AAA (American Automobile Association) members can receive a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) at Plaza Inn, Wine Country Trattoria Ariel's Grotto, PCH Grill, and Goofy's Kitchen.

Park Schedule/Blockout Dates

DL: Disneyland

DCA: Disney's California Adventure

Annual Pass blockout dates:

SL – Southern California Select Annual Pass

SC – Southern California Annual Pass

DX – Deluxe Annual Pass

Christmas comes to Disneyland

Given a fairly light news week at the Disneyland Resort, we thought we'd devote this week's Park Update to photos of the transformation from HalloweenTime to Christmas time. Trick-or-treaters were barely back in their beds when crews started to remove the major Halloween decor pieces, and Disneyland visitors could see snow on the front of Sleeping Beauty Castle the next morning. Click on any photo below to view a larger version.

Main Street – Work thus far is focused around Sleeping Beauty Castle, though the visual merchandising team has been hard at work in the stores on Main Street. The China Closet and Disney Showcase stores offer the biggest selection of ornaments and decor, but every store has something to offer. The Disneyland Resort has a brand new collection of gift card designs available, and is offering a pretty set of four holiday tin plates for $10 with a qualifying purchase at participating locations.

The decorators have yet to reach the Main Street buildings. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Disney Showcase offers two rooms of holiday merchandise and decor. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Many of the store windows sport new holiday displays. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disneyland shops offer a wide variety of gift cards, and a special gift with purchase. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle – The holiday transformation of the castle surpasses anything seen before. Most castle turrets have been covered with a thick layer of faux tiles, faux snow and tiny LEDs. The castle looks lovely in the daytime, and Disney's press releases promise that the effect will be even better at night.

A few drifts of snow were visible on Sleeping Beauty Castle the morning of November 1. Photo by Karl Buiter.

Just a few days later, snow blankets most of the castle spires. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A closer look reveals tiny LEDs buried in the "snow." Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The covering is so well crafted that it's hard to tell that the "tiles" are part of the wrap. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Strings of icicle lights hang from one of the towers. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A side view of the castle decorations shows the full daytime effect. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Mickey's Toontown & Fantasyland

The decor in Mickey's Toontown is nearly complete. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Daisy's Diner is decorated with daisies, of course. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Mickey's front yard features a decorated tree. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

"it's a small world" is closed through the end of the week to install the holiday overlay. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

New Orleans Square & Frontierland

New Orleans Square is usually the first area to receive holiday decorations. Photo by Karl Buiter.

Wreaths and garland festoon the balconies above New Orleans Square. Photo by Karl Buiter.

Big Thunder Ranch awaits transformation into Santa’s Reindeer Round-up. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Downtown Disney

Trees in Downtown Disney sport twinkle light-wrapped trunks and glowing "ornaments." Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

One section of the World of Disney shop is filled with holiday merchandise. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Hey Mickey – just wait 'til we get our Hanes on you

Hanesbrands Inc. and The Walt Disney Company announced a 10-year partnership that includes basic apparel exclusivity for the Hanes and Champion brands, product co-branding, attraction sponsorships and other brand visibility and signage at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts properties.

Under the deal, Hanes becomes the presenting sponsor of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, the location of the announcement. (The link? Concert T-shirts, of course.) Hanes will also have a customizable clothing shop at Downtown Disney that will enable guests to design and personalize their own custom T-shirts and other items.

Champion will gain naming rights for the stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, which will now become Champion Stadium. There will be other brand placement and promotional opportunities throughout the complex. There will also be in-store promotional and brand building opportunities at ESPN Zone restaurants and stores across the country.

Much of the apparel will be co-labeled, including Disneyland Resort by Hanes, Walt Disney World by Hanes, Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex by Champion and ESPN Zone by Champion. Basic apparel, under the terms of the agreement, is defined as T-shirts and tanks and fleece sweatshirts, sweatpants, hoodies and other family fleece, including infant and toddler items.

This and That

...Fans of the Golden Horseshoe Revue should mark their calendars for March 29, 2008. Disney Legends Wally Boag & Betty Taylor will be joined by Dana Daniels, Kirk Wall, Dick Hardwick, Stan Freese and original Golden Horseshoe Can-Can Girls for a dinner show and celebration at the Anaheim Sheraton Hotel. Tickets are $75 per person, and can be purchased at the event Web site. (link) The event will include a silent auction and limited edition merchandise.

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Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

River Belle Terrace closed through December 14 for remodel.

Alice in Wonderland closed October 15 - November 20.

"it's a small world" closed October 22 - November 8 to install the holiday overlay, then reportedly will close at the end of January 2008 for a nine-month refurbishment, and should re-open in late October.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor closed January 7 - 24 for refurbishment

Mark Twain Riverboat closed January 7 - 10 for refurbishment

Haunted Mansion closed January 7 - 24 to remove the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.

Space Mountain closed January 15 & 16

Both levels of the newly-remodeled Build a Bear Workshop have reopened to customers. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Disney's California Adventure

Disney Animation (the Snow White exhibit) closed November 10 - 15.

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will be closed from November 26 at least through the end of January, 2008.

Midway Games closed for an unknown duration. The future of the games has been somewhat questionable due to the Toy Story Mania project, but some of the games remain open for now.

Toy Story Mania! under construction. Opens 2008.

The Golden Gate Bridge at DCA's entrance is decorated for its final holiday season, while the front gate sports Year of a Million Dreams decorations. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

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.

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Events

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

November

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 70th Anniversary Celebration. November 16, 2008. See MousePlanet's October 2, 2008 Disneyland Resort update for details (link).

December

Candlelight Processional Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2. Jane Seymour was announced to the choir as the narrator.

Jane Seymour product release and signing. Sunday, December 2, 10 AM - Noon. Artwork released at this summer's canceled Jane Seymour breakfast event will again be available for purchase. (link)

February 2008

Unofficial Homeschool Day at Disneyland. Friday February 1st, 2008. This event is open to all homeschool and alternative schooling families (link).

Spring 2008

Disney's California Food & Wine Weekends. Spring 2008 (link)

Summer 2008

Disney Magic returns to Pacific Ocean itineraries. May 25-August 17, 2008.

2008 Disneyland Half Marathon. Sunday, August 31, 2008 (link)

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Current Discounts & Promotions

Candlelight package details confirmed

Disney's dining reservations Cast members have been given official information about the Candlelight Processional dining packages, and some of the details differ from the rumor we shared in last week's Disneyland Park Update. Tickets will be offered starting Monday, November 19 at 10 a.m. (PDT), but they will not be sold through Tickets.com as we previously reported. Instead, Disney will once again offer the tickets directly through http://www.disneyland.com/candlelight. (This link was not yet active at press time) Disneyland Resort annual passholders who have registered their e-mail address through the Disneyland Web site will receive a link to the registration page in an upcoming e-mail newsletter.

To recap, three levels of tickets will be offered.

$75 per person, includes dinner at Storytellers Cafe or Hook's Point. ($25 increase from 2006)

$100 per person, includes dinner at Steakhouse 55, Vineyard Room or Yamabuki. ($25 increase from 2006)

$125 per person, includes dinner at Napa Rose, available to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders only. (Same price as 2006)

Given the limited capacity of the venue and the speed in which tickets sell out each year, Disney has little incentive to make changes to the program, but it's still disappointing to find that the event planners have not addressed many of the recurring concerns. Though the Candlelight Processional itself is an annual tradition for many local families, it's clear that the premium dining package is not intended to be family-friendly. At press time there was no information about a child's ticket, and one phone representative said it was unlikely that one would be offered this year. Worse, the new 6 ticket-per-transaction rule is sure to be frustrating for larger families or groups.

As with last year, customers will dine before their chosen Candlelight performance, so those who request tickets for the earlier show will once again be sitting down for dinner around 3:30 in the afternoon. In the earlier years of the program, when diners would receive their performance tickets only after meeting a specific spending threshold at a participating restaurant, it was slightly more understandable that Disney would require guests to dine before the show. However, the new fixed-price ticket and set menu eliminates that operational requirement. Disney should be able to send each customer their performance tickets as soon as their reservation is confirmed, and allow diners to set their dinner reservations before or after the performance as they prefer.

Finally, we can only hope that Disney has addressed the system problems that caused so many problems last year. Tickets to the 2006 event sold out in just three days, after Disney's servers were overwhelmed by the demand the morning tickets went on sale.