The Latest News From the Disneyland® Resort!

Brett from the Disneyland® Resort visited our office yesterday to fill us in on all the newest happenings at Disneyland® throughout this year and into 2009, and there is a LOT!

Halloween Time is in full swing at both theme parks, but that is just the beginning of the excitement this month! Disney enthusiasts will be eager to visit the new “Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar”, slated to open October 20 in Disney’s California Adventure® Park. This new addition offers you an in-depth sneak peak at the major transformations that will be taking place at the park over the next few years. These exhibits will feature models, video, and interactive displays to keep you up-to-date on all the changes. Plus, the displays will be continually updated as construction continues and will always highlight current projects!

“Pixie Hollow” will open October 27, 2008 in Disneyland® Park to the delight of Tinker Bell fans everywhere. Guests will be able to meet and greet Tink and her pixie pals for the first time ever as they are “shrunken” down to the size of their favorite fairies. Learn the little known secrets about the Disney Fairies’ magical world as you interact with the stars of the highly anticipated “Tinker Bell” movie!

Just in time for the holiday season, for the first time since 2001 Sleeping Beauty’s Castle will once again open its doors and allow visitors to wander its corridors in an all-new walk-through experience! Plus, more lights than ever will be placed on the castle and, this year, will wind their way up Main Street for a breathtakingly beautiful holiday display!

Looking forward to 2009, Disney is pulling out all the stops and celebrating like they never have before! Everyone is invited to come to the Disneyland® Resort to celebrate all the moments in life that matter most. Birthdays, anniversaries of all kinds, reunions, personal triumphs, and exciting new beginnings are all reason to celebrate—in classic AMPLIFIED Disney style! City Hall on Main Street has special free buttons for celebrants of all types to share with all the world their special reasons for visiting the park. Be sure to make reservations for the Celebration Round-Up and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch where you can enjoy finger-licking barbecue and a unique celebratory dessert! From enhanced parades to electrifying street parties, next year is all about the joy of celebration—and carrying that magic home with you!

The biggest deal of all is you can celebrate you birthday at the Disneyland® Resort for FREE in 2009! Register your birthday on www.getawaytoday.com to receive your special birthday treat! Get Away Today offers exclusive savings on admission to the Disneyland® Resort including Adults at Kids Prices January 6 through April 30, 2009, plus additional savings of up to $40 per person! We also give you the inside scoop and expert knowledge so your “celebration vacation” will be unforgettable and give you cause to celebrate everyday!

Disneyland Resort: 3 Reasons To Go This Fall!

There are many reasons to get away this fall, but there's one place that's just a little more magical than the rest... the Disneyland ® Resort!  Here are Get Away Today's top three reasons you should visit the Disneyland® Resort this fall.

1.  Disney's Halloween Time only happens during this enchanting time of year.  Experience true Halloween wonder as it completely transforms Disneyland® and Disney's California Adventure® Parks with goulish delights!

2.  The weather in Southern California is near perfect in October.  By traveling in autumn, you escape the summer heat and avoid winter showers. 

3.  Because fall is normally slower for travel, many hotels offer free night specials, even over school fall breaks!  You can save big by taking advantage of seasonal offers.

If you've been thinking about visiting the Disneyland® Resort this fall, don't delay!  Book your vacation today online or by calling 866-FUN-TRIP(386-8747).

Disneyland® Resort: Tips for Traveling with Young Children

Traveling with young children can prove both challenging and immensely rewarding. A trip to the Disneyland® Resort is every child’s dream come true! Here are some tips for families traveling with small children to ensure a smooth, memorable travel experience.

Make the Most of Your Time

With both Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park to explore, trying to cram everything into a day or two would be both overwhelming and exhausting for both parents and kids. By purchasing a multi-day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® ticket you can ensure your family will be able to hit all the “must-sees” at your own pace! When you purchase a 3-Day or longer length Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® BONUS Ticket through Get Away Today you will receive an exclusive TWO Magic Mornings at Disneyland® Park through 2008. This fantastic bonus allows you access to specified attractions an hour before the park opens to the general public, and can significantly decrease the amount of time spent standing in line (a definite plus for those with active youngsters!). What’s even better are these specified areas usually include Fantasyland and Tomorrowland which offer rides appropriate for young children including Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.*

Plan Ahead

By planning your day’s activities in advance, you can find the perfect balance that will hopefully help your young ones handle the excitement. Check online for show and parade schedules, ride locations, height requirements, restaurant offerings, etc. then “schedule” your day. For example, after you hit a few rides, let your children expend some energy at the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, then relax with a show. With the endless activity options at the Disneyland® Resort you are bound to be able to create the perfect itinerary for your family!

Take Advantage of the Baby Care Centers

These life-saving stations located towards the entrance of both parks provide clean, quiet changing and feeding facilities. Baby necessities are available for purchase including, diapers, pacifiers, bottles, formula and other crucial supplies. There are even microwaves available to warm food, and miniature restroom facilities for the toddler-set! 

Be a “Street-Wise” Pedestrian

Be sure to grab a map of the Resort normally handed out when entering the park (or print one online before your trip) to avoid walking in circles. Stroller rentals are available for $10 a day and come with a family name card so you can easily identify your stroller among the sea of others. To save on time and tired legs, hop aboard the Disneyland® Railroad which can transport you to different “lands” and allows you to bypass the crowded park pathways. Plus, young dinosaur enthusiasts will love the trip back in time through the train’s tunnels!

Fuel Up on Healthy Snacks

Fresh fruit stands can be found throughout the parks which offer grapes, watermelon, veggies and dip, trail mix, bottled water, and a host of other nutritious munchies that provide a healthy alternative to standard amusement park fare. For a sweet treat that’s sure to delight little ones, keep your eyes open for carts that offer Mickey Mouse shaped ice-cream novelties, soft pretzels, and other fun snacks.

From time-saving tips to incredible discounts on tickets and hotels, Get Away Today is here to look after every detail to make your family’s Disney dreams come true!

*Early entry days and attraction access are subject to change without notice.

Disney's Birthday Fun Card

By now, you know most everything about Disney and Get Away Today celebrating your birthday next year at the Disneyland® Resort!  If you're thinking about selecting the Birthday Fun Card as your gift of choice, here is what you need to know!

Use of birthday fun card is acceptance of its terms and conditions.

1. Card valid only on day issued.

2. You may use the Birthday Fun Card only towards the purchase of merchandise items at participating merchandise locations owned and operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts. The Birthday Fun Card may not be used towards the payment of Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® Resort Hotel room night folio charges, or a Disney Cruise Line® reservation aboard Disney Cruise Line®, or towards the purchase of any food and beverage items, alcohol, cigarettes, spa services and products, or personal services such as face painting, caricature drawings, hair braiding, and hair wrapping.

3. The Birthday Fun Card is also not accepted at Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations, including but not limited to, China, Japan, and Morocco pavilions at World Showcase in Epcot®, Arribas Brothers, Basin, Basin White, Cirque du Soleil, Curl by Sammy Duval, Ghiradelli, House of Blues, Hoypoloi, LEGO Imagination Center, Magic Masters, Magnetron, Niki Bryan Spas, Orlando Harley Davidson Store, Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Rubio Balloon Arts, SD Watersports, Sosa Cigar, Starabillias, Sunglass Icon, Surrey Bike Rental, Virgin Megastore, Wyland Galleries and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned and operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World® Resort.

4. The Birthday Fun Card is also not accepted at Disneyland® Resort Operating Participant locations or any other locations or kiosks that are not owned and operated by the owners of the Disneyland® Resort, including but not limited to, Midway Games, Names Unraveled, Jewel of Orleans, Silhouette Studio, Portrait Artists, Parasol Cart, Heraldry Shop, Crystal Shops (Crystal Arts & Crystal d'Orleans), Paradise Pier Face Painting, Airbrush Tattoos, Rubio Portrait Artist or at Downtown Disney® District locations except World of Disney® Store, Marceline's Confectionery, and the Downtown Disney® District Pin Cart. The Birthday Fun Card is also not accepted at Disneyland® Resort outdoor vending carts.

5. No portion of the Birthday Fun Card balances will be redeemed for cash.

  6. The terms of acceptance of the Birthday Fun Card by participating Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® Resort locations may vary, check with individual locations for Birthday Fun Card program participation details.

7. The Birthday Fun Card will not be replaced if lost or stolen, except as may be required by law.

8. A damaged Birthday Fun Card will only be replaced if the original card is presented on the day such card was issued to the Guest Relations Lobby at Disney's California Adventure® Park or City Hall at Disneyland® Park.

9. The Birthday Fun Card may not be resold in any manner whatsoever.

10. The Birthday Fun Card may not be used towards the purchase of any Disney Dollars or gift certificates/cards.

11. The Birthday Fun Card is issued by and represents an obligation of Disney Gift Card Services, Inc.

12. The Birthday Fun Card is not a credit or debit card and carries no warranties, express or implied.

13. Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. is not responsible for any unauthorized use of your birthday fun card.

Get your Disney Birthday Fun Card by booking your vacation to the Disneyland® Resort with Get Away Today!  Simply register your birthday when booking your vacation!

Book Your Birthday Celebration NOW!!

You can now register for your FREE birthday treat at the Disneyland® Resort by booking your family vacation with  Get Away Today!  Simply book your vacation on our website and you will be directed to the pre-registration site once your vacation package is processed.  There's never been a better reason to celebrate your special occasion at the Disneyland® Resort!  Get Away Today gives you even more extras, like FREE Night Specials and a Magic Morning with each 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Ticket purchased for 2009!  Now is the time to book your 2009 Birthday Bash with Get Away Today!

Celebrate Your Birthday for FREE at the Disneyland® Resort in 2009!

Get Away Today is SO excited to help make your birthday at the Disneyland® Resort even better, by helping you celebrate for FREE!   

Disney just announced FREE admission to guests on their birthdays...OR if you have a multi-day pass, like Get Away Today's 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Bonus ticket (which is what we HIGHLY recommend) and you're traveling over your birthday, you'll receive your choice of amazing birthday gifts!

Simply book your birthday celebration at the Disneyland® Resort with Get Away Today, then pre-register directly from your invoice on our site.  Here is a list of questions & answers that you'll find helpful when planning your vacation:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the free admission on your birthday offer last?

A: The offer is good from January 1, 2009 until December 31, 2009.

Q: When does online registration begin and end?

A: You can begin registering your birthday for free admission on your birthday in 2009 on September 18, 2008.

Q: Is there any age requirement for online registration?

A: Yes, you must be 13 years of age or older to register online. If you're under age 13, you need to have an adult in your household age 18 or older to register you online.

Q: What kind of identification do I need to show at the gate?

A: If you're age 18 or older, valid Date of Birth identification includes: Government-issued Passport, Driver's License, Government-issued Photo ID or Birth Certificate. If you are under age 18 and don't have any of the abovementioned ID, an original Birth Certificate or a notarized copy of a Birth Certificate is required.

Q: I can't come on my birthday. Can I get free admission on another day?

A: Unfortunately, no. The free admission on your birthday offer means just what it says. It's only valid for free admission on your birthday in 2009.

Q: What ages are covered in this offer?

A: This offer is good for anyone over age 3.

Q: Why are children under 3 excluded from this offer?

A: Children under 3 are not required to have an admission ticket to enter the Theme Parks.

Q: My children don't live with me, but I'd like to sign them up for free admission on their birthday. Is that possible?

A:  Unfortunately, no. You can only sign up online those children under age 18 who live in your household. The other parent or guardian with whom your children are living at a different location can sign them up.

Q: Do I have to be a resident of a particular state in order to be eligible for this offer?

A: No. The offer is valid for all Guests, regardless of the place of residency.

Q: What if my birthday falls during our visit, but it is not on the first day. Will I be able to pick up my ticket on the first day of my arrival?

A: In order to make sure we have the opportunity to wish you Happy Birthday, we are asking our Guests to stop by on the actual date of their birth to receive their benefit, whether it's free admission on your birthday or one of the options available to Annual Passholders or Guests on travel packages that include multi-day tickets. Please use alternate ticket media to enter the Parks if you plan to begin your vacation prior to your birthday but also plan to stop by the ticket booth on the actual day to receive your benefit.

Q: Can I upgrade my free admission?

A: Yes, you can be upgraded to a ticket type of equal or greater value. However, you are responsible for any additional cost, and the new ticket may be used only by you.

Q: I am a Passholder (or have a valid Multi-Day Ticket or a Seasonal Pass that I will use for admission on my birthday in 2009), so I don't need to take advantage of this offer. If I register, is there anything else I could receive on my birthday?

A: Yes, you have several options which are available for you to select once you arrive at the Park with your confirmation message and your proper ID. You can receive:

  A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a One Day/One Park base ticket* for you to use on your birthday for merchandise, recreation or fun activities at select participating locations at Disneyland® Resort; or

  A special birthday FASTPASS® ticket+ for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday; or

  A One Day/One Park base ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.

*Ticket price at gate, excluding tax. Adults receive card in the amount of an adult ticket; children (ages 3-9) receive card in the amount of a child ticket. For terms and conditions of the card and details on participating locations, click here.

+The number of birthday FASTPASS tickets issued is limited and may not be available after 11am. Valid Theme Park admission required. FASTPASS for birthday celebrant and up to 5 members of his/her party.

  A birthday fun card, in the value equivalent to your free birthday ticket, and which is valid on DOB only, and can be used in our Parks for merchandise, Disney's PhotoPass on-site services, and tour experiences. Not valid for Food and Beverage purchases, Disney Gift Cards, Disney Dollars, alcohol, cigarettes or Resort folio or spa charges.

   A One Day/One Park Ticket that can be used anytime in the next 12 months from DOB. This ticket may be used by the Birthday celebrant only.

  A Special Birthday FASTPASS® ticket which provides four FASTPASS® entitlements to select attractions for every person in the birthday party (maximum of 6 guests per party). Availability of this option is not guaranteed after 11am.

Q: What if I don't spend my entire birthday fun card on my birthday?

A: The birthday fun card is valid only on your birthday. Any residual value cannot be recovered by the Guest after that day.

Q: What are you going to do with my birthday information?

A: The information we are collecting will be used to expedite the process of validating your Date of Birth once you arrive at the Theme Park gate with valid ID.

Q:  Where do I pre-register on Get Away Today's website?

A:  A pre-registration link is available on your invoice page once you have booked your vacation.  You may return to the invoice page to register after you've booked your vacation by logging in to My Vacation on www.getawaytoday.com. 

You can register at www.getawaytoday.com as early as Tuesday, September 23, 2008!  There's no better way to celebrate a birthday than with Get Away Today!

Disneyland® Resort Birthday Tips

What’s better than a birthday?  A birthday at the Disneyland® Resort!  Here are three ideas you can use that will make the birthday boy or girl’s birthday the best EVER! 

1. First things first… birthday celebrators should head straight to Town Hall on Main Street to collect their very own birthday sticker.  This alerts all Disney Cast Members that there is a birthday and the guest of honor will receive special attention. Some lucky birthday guests have reported getting a free dessert at a restaurant, having “Happy Birthday” sung to them while on a ride, and even having their entire group taken through the fast pass entrance on rides!  While these experiences aren’t guaranteed, if they happen, they sure are fun and only possible with a birthday sticker!

2. Special Birthday Buckets can be purchased for $20* each at any of the full-service restaurants in Disneyland® Park, Disney’s California Adventure® Park, and the hotels of the Disneyland® Resort.  Choose between a Sorcerer Mickey or Disney Princess birthday bucket which both come topped with an individual-sized birthday cake and contain birthday treats — including a collectible toy, a cloisonné pin and a few special surprises. Birthday buckets are also available from room service at Disneyland® Resort Hotels.

3. Celebrate with Mickey and Minnie at "My Disneyland Birthday Party" hosted by Pat E. Cake at Disneyland® Park's Plaza Inn!  This fun-filled party lasts for approximately 40 minutes and each guest receives a party hat, souvenir sipper cup, mini birthday cake, icing and cake toppings.  Reservations can be made by calling Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE.  This event costs $15.99* per person.

These special offerings are guaranteed to make birthdays the most magical ever!  Get Away Today offers great savings for all vacation packages at the Disneyland® Resort.  Book your birthday trip today!

*Prices and availability subject to change.

Happiest Race On Earth at the Disneyland® Resort

Today over 13,000 guests will participate in the Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend in Anaheim, CA.  This is the third year the event has taken place, and it just keeps getting bigger and better!  The event kicks off with a Health & Fitness Expo on August 29, 2008.  A Family Fun Run 5K,  Kid’s Races, Heely’s Kids’ Race and Roll, and Pasta in the Park Party all lead up to the culminating half marathon taking place today.

Runners will begin with a run through the Disneyland® Resort where they are cheered on by several Disney characters, then pass some Anaheim landmarks, such as Angel Stadium and the Honda Center.  The race officially ends in the Downtown Disney® District where finishers are met by their supporters and receive a commemorative medal.

Next year’s event will take place September 4-6, 2009 and is anticipated to reach capacity.  If you didn’t make it to the half marathon, you can still “run around” the Disneyland® Resort with Get Away Today’s many specials.  Only Get Away Today gives you two Magic Morning early entries with each 3-Day or longer Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket purchased, so get your tickets today!

Disneyland® Resort: Holiday Tips from Get Away Today

With holiday magic abounding, the Disneyland® Resort is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for holiday travel.  We hope you saw our post from August 18 with a sneak peek at what your family will be able to experience this year during Holidays at the Disneyland® Resort (November 21, 2008-January 4, 2009).  Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your vacation to the Disneyland® Resort.

1. Book early.  The holidays (especially the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas) are incredibly popular times to visit, and therefore, the best deals (and hotels) sell out quickly.  By booking early, you are guaranteed a spot.  Plus, we offer many hotels with free night offers now through December that make your stay even more affordable!

2. If you’re looking at going during the holiday season, but want to avoid heavy crowds, schedule your vacation sometime between the week after Thanksgiving and before the week of Christmas. 

3. Crowds are the largest the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.  If you want to celebrate your holidays inside the parks, go early and stick around. 

4. Purchase our Pirate and Princess packages for your little ones.  They are full of fun surprises and at only $34.99 each, they cost much less than purchasing souvenirs at the parks.  Simply order by calling 866-FUN-TRIP (386-8747) and we can have them sent to your home before your vacation, or have them waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive.

5. Give your family the gift of a vacation to the Disneyland® Resort.  If you can’t make it over the holiday season, wrap something under the tree for your family to open, letting them know of an upcoming trip for family memories that will last a lifetime.  Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount for anyone you know who is planning a vacation with Get Away Today.

Let Get Away Today help your dreams come true with a vacation during Holidays at the Disneyland® Resort!

Disneyland® Resort Special Hours on October 5, 2008

If your travel plans take you to the Disneyland® Resort over Sunday October 5, you can party with a rock star!  Miley Cyrus, perhaps better known as Disney's famed Hannah Montana, is celebrating her Sweet 16 Birthday Party that night at Disneyland® Park.  The private event will begin at 6:00pm and in addition to helping Miley celebrate her birthday, the festivities will also honor volunteers from Youth Service America.  Regular Park admission does not allow entry for this event, but a very limited amount of special event tickets will go on sale August 30, 2008 for approximately $250 each on Miley’s Sweet 16-Share the Celebration website. 

If you’re not attending the bash, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the Disneyland® Resort! Disneyland® Park will have special hours opening at 6:30am and closing at 5:00pm. Disney’s California Adventure® Park will have extended hours and be open from 10:00am-11:00pm, so you can party on!  Remember, only Get Away Today saves you up to $40 and gives you two Magic Morning early entries with each Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket purchased!