ANAHEIM, Calif.  — At the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, leisure and business travelers will find three Disney Hotel properties, each with a distinctive style: the luxurious surroundings and California Craftsman architecture of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the classic Disney magic and recently renovated charm of the Disneyland Hotel, and the sunny California beachfront theme at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Offering 2,452 guestrooms, suites and villas, and a variety of accommodations, surroundings and amenities, all three hotels feature the famous Disney touch for quality, service and hospitality.

As part of the Disneyland Resort, these hotels are just steps away from the eclectic mix of dining, entertainment and recreational features of the Downtown Disney District.  Of course, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks are just a short walk away from any of the Disney hotels.

DISNEYLAND HOTEL
The reimagined Disneyland Hotel creates a fun, family destination that pays tribute to the early days of Disneyland, complete with 973 remodeled rooms and re-themed towers that feature an energy-efficient sky-blue reflective glass exterior. The Fantasy Tower lobby showcases Mary Blair artwork, creating an instant connection to “it’s a small world.” The Frontier Tower features a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the lobby. At the Adventure Tower, guests will see Jungle Cruise characters incorporated into the design.

The AAA Four Diamond hotel is also home to a unique collection of themed suites immersing guests in a way only Disney can, including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, Pirates of the Caribbean, Adventureland, Big Thunder and Fairy Tale suites.

Guests of all ages will enjoy an immersive water play area and courtyard. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, a replica of the original Mark 1 Monorail Car sits at the entrance of two water slides, paying tribute to nostalgic Disneyland. No tickets are required at the new D-Ticket and E-ticket pools, which draw their names from the iconic ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland to experience attractions. The area also features a Minnie Mouse-themed outdoor spa. In addition, six new cabanas are available; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.

The new courtyard also has added two iconic dining locations. Tangaroa Terrace features Island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests use an innovative, easy-to-use touch screen to select menu items, which are prepared to order and delivered to their tables either inside or on the large outdoor patio.

Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar, named after Trader Sam, Disney’s Jungle Cruise “Head” Salesman, features interactive special effects blended with classic Disney storytelling. Trader Sam’s serves a mix of creative appetizers and signature cocktails like the “Uh Oa!” (light and dark runs with orange, passion fruit, guava and grapefruit juices) or the “Shipwreck on the Rocks” (bourbon, lemon, mint and organic agave nectar). Live music performed on the patio in the evening adds to the fun environment.

For families or individuals preferring a high degree of service, the Disneyland Hotel features concierge-level rooms with upgraded in-room amenities and complimentary access to the exclusive concierge lounge.  Meetings are easily accommodated within the hotel’s 136,000-square-feet of function space, and a business center provides a variety of services.

DISNEY’S GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL & SPA
Capturing the spirit of early California through inspiring design and daring architecture, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a deluxe 948-room resort hotel property, offering a premium option for business or pleasure visits to the Disneyland Resort.

This AAA Four Diamond hotel is the first Disney resort hotel in the world to be located inside a theme park – Disney California Adventure – making stays at the deluxe hotel a uniquely themed experience.  The Grand also is home to the first Disney Vacation Club Villas on the West Coast.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa celebrates the romantic Arts & Crafts movement of early 20^th century California.  Designed to capture the artistic exploration of California’s coastlines with its Monterey pines and redwood forests, the hotel is layered with the memories of the arroyo craftsmen, the mission pioneers and the Plein Air school of painters.

Among the deluxe guestrooms are standard rooms, artisan suites, two vice presidential suites and two presidential suites.  In addition, the Resort offers more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, ranging from the 12,000-square-foot Sequoia ballroom to smaller conference rooms and a sophisticated boardroom.

The deluxe hotel features 24-hour room service, its own entry gate into Disney California Adventure, and rooms that overlook both the theme park and the exciting Downtown Disney District.  For corporate meeting guests, the hotel features meeting planner offices, a business center and separate meetings and conventions check-in facilities.

Food and beverage facilities include the AAA Four Diamond restaurant Napa Rose, as well as Storytellers Cafe and Hearthstone Lounge.  Guests will enjoy two heated pools and a themed water slide, two whirlpools, a children’s pool, and a concierge level with upgraded amenities and services.

DISNEY’S PARADISE PIER HOTEL
Guests return to the heyday of California beachfront boardwalks at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.  Loaded with special Disney touches, this seaside-themed hotel overlooks Paradise Pier, one of the most colorful sections of the Disney California Adventure, making its name and theme a natural fit.

This hotel offers charming facilities and superb service, with a fun California beachfront theme including recently remodeled seaside-themed rooms.  The hotel is festively painted and decorated to reflect the theme, and some guests enjoy a view of the colorful Paradise Pier district of the park right from their room, along with the “World of Color” nighttime water spectacular.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel takes pride in being one of the finest hotels in its class.  The 15-story, high-rise structure features 481 guest rooms, including remodeled suites and a recently renovated rooftop pool and whirlpool, a fitness center,  lobby bar and coffeehouse, poolside bar, gift shops and game arcade.

In Disney’s PCH Grill, guests can take a trip along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), for a celebration of the state’s culinary diversity and fresh spirit.  Offered daily, “Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey & Friends,” is a lively character dining experience where families can snap photos, practice hula hooping and learn how to ride a wave with Mickey Mouse and other favorite Disney characters.

For hotel reservations, call (714) 956-MICKEY or contact a travel representative.  For information on group rates and meeting accommodations, call the Disneyland Resort sales office at (714) 956-6556.   For general Disneyland Resort information, call (714) 781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com.

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About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.  The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent DVC units; the magical, newly renovated, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties -  and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

Media Contact:
Disneyland Resort Public Relations
714/781-4500
www.disneylandnews.com
www.disneyparksblog.com
www.twitter.com/disneyland

ANAHEIM, CALIF — Long a favorite lodging for vacationers at Disneyland Resort, the Disneyland Hotel recently underwent a major renovation that brought new magic and significant upgrades to the AAA Four Diamond property. A new restaurant, bar, pools, water play area and themed suites add immersive experiences, making the landmark property one more reason for families to enjoy a multiday vacation at the Disneyland Resort.

“The Disneyland Hotel opened in 1955, the same year Disneyland opened,” said Daniel Delcourt, vice president, Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney District.  “It has greatly expanded over the years, and the latest renovations pay tribute to the shared history of the park and the hotel. We’re proud to be part of the Disney tradition of imaginative storytelling and great guest service and we welcome our guests to Disneyland Resort, a world-class, multi-day tourist destination.”

From the 973 remodeled rooms to the retheming of the towers, featuring an energy-efficient, sky-blue reflective glass exterior, the reimagined hotel creates a nostalgic family destination that pays tribute to the early days of Disneyland. The Fantasy Tower lobby showcases Mary Blair artwork, creating an instant connection to “it’s a small world.” The Frontier Tower features a scale model of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the lobby. At the Adventure Tower, guests will see Jungle Cruise characters incorporated into the design.

Iconic Dining Locations
Tangaroa Terrace, a “fast casual” restaurant, and Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar take their architectural cues from the original Tahitian Terrace restaurant in Disneyland park and the Polynesian/Tiki architecture that was popular during the early era of the original hotel.

Tangaroa Terrace features Island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with items that include cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cakes with Island fruit compote and Kalua pork flatbread, along with a selection of sandwiches, salads and “grab-and-go” items. Guests use an innovative, easy-to-use touch screen to select menu items, which are prepared to order and delivered to their tables either inside or on the large outdoor patio.

Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar, named after Trader Sam, Disney’s Jungle Cruise “Head” Salesman, recounts the story of his worldly travels through the artifacts and memorabilia he collected along the way. The bar features interactive special effects blended with classic Disney storytelling. Trader Sam’s serves a mix of signature cocktails such as the flaming Uh Oa — perfect for sharing —the Hippopotamai Tai and the Mosquito Mojito. The creative appetizer selection includes panko-crusted Chinese long beans and tamarind-glazed Island pork shanks with green papaya slaw.

Rounding out the tropical experience, Trader Sam’s features live music performed on the patio each evening.

Guests also can relax next to a large, outdoor stone fireplace, or enjoy the view of the new Cascade Falls and Old Unfaithful near the Frontier Tower, both reminiscent of the former Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction in Disneyland park.

Immersive Pool Experience
Guests of all ages will enjoy the new, immersive water play area. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, “Disneyland” is spelled out in familiar blocks atop a platform supporting two thrilling water slides. A replica of the original Mark 1 Monorail Cars sits at each slide’s entrance, paying tribute to nostalgic Disneyland. Guests glide through the cars as they twist and turn their way to the water below. The larger of the two main slides sits 26 feet high and stretches 187 feet, until it plunges into a splash pool. The second slide is 13 feet high and 112 feet long. For younger guests, the area includes a third, two-lane mini-slide that sits just 3 ½ feet high and is 19 feet long, as well as a series of small bubble jets in which to play.

No tickets are required at the new D-Ticket and E-ticket pools, which draw their names from the iconic ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland to experience attractions.

The 4-foot-deep, D-Ticket pool is a shady oasis next to the new Monorail water play area, and the E-Ticket pool is perfect for families, with poolside food and beverage service at select times of the year.

The pool area also features a Minnie Mouse-themed outdoor spa, which matches a Mickey-themed spa. In addition, six new cabanas are available; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.

Themed Suites
The Disneyland Hotel boasts a unique collection of themed suites including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse and the Pirates of the Caribbean suite. Three exciting, new suites were added as part of the renovation. The Adventureland Suite offers guests a two-bedroom hideaway complete with a grotto in the master bathroom that simulates various settings – including a rain forest and African savanna – through light and sound effects.

The Big Thunder Suite, where up to six pioneers are immersed in luxurious, rustic accommodations, was inspired by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland park. The Fairy Tale Suite, adorned in colors of sage and champagne, features an exquisite canopy bed as its centerpiece and a hand-cut cut mosaic of a stylized Sleeping Beauty Castle in the bathroom.

Guest Rooms
The beautifully remodeled guest rooms feature exquisite Disney touches woven into the décor. The beds have stunning new headboards with an artistically carved representation of Disneyland park’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle, which serves as the focal point in each guest room. The background on the headboard uses fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks – bringing the immersive park experience into the room. Guests also will discover a magical touch of music in the rooms, with refrains from the familiar song, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.”

The new magic at the Disneyland Hotel is part of a recently completed multiyear expansion project which was also highlighted by the creation of new experiences, attractions and nighttime spectaculars in Disney California Adventure park. The project culminated in the summer of 2012 with the opening of Buena Vista Street and the 12-acre Cars Land.

The AAA Four Diamond Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa was expanded in 2009, adding 203 hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club, marking the West Coast debut for Disney Vacation Club. At the Paradise Pier Hotel, all rooms were recently remodeled to fit the playful, beach theme.

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About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.  The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent DVC units; the magical, newly renovated, 973-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties -  and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

Media Contact:
Disneyland Resort Public Relations
714/781-4500
www.disneylandnews.com
www.disneyparksblog.com
www.twitter.com/disneyland

VACATION VILLAS: The first Disney Vacation Club Villas on the West Coast opened at the Grand Californian in 2009.  The 50 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas, part of Disney’s innovative vacation-ownership program, include kitchens, living and dining areas and other home-like amenities.

VIP ACCESS: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has a private entrance to Disney California Adventure and gives hotel guests VIP treatment and even quicker access to fun-filled adventures.  Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels also may take advantage of Magic Mornings, which gives guests early entry to select Disneyland attractions.

NO BETTER WAY TO RELAX: Enjoy a treatment at Mandara Spa, or sit by the Fountain Pool, an oasis of tranquility where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the artisan turtle fountain.

DATE NIGHT WITHOUT A CARE: Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa is conveniently located footsteps away from the Downtown Disney District, which offers shopping and dining diversions, along with theaters and music for entertainment.  Exclusively offered to hotel guests, Pinocchio’s Workshop is a licensed care facility that provides onsite care services for children 5-12 years of age from 5 pm to midnight (for a fee).

MORE FUN FACTS:

• Storytime is offered in the lobby at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. for the young, and young-at-heart.

• Available by request at time of booking are family-friendly rooms with bunk beds.  For added adventure, sleeping bags with floor pads are also available upon request.

• The hotel provides in-room Internet access, self parking and local telephone calls.

• A convenient Concierge Level provides upgraded amenities and services, including priority check-in, access to an exclusive lounge, complimentary movies and more.

• Located only footsteps away are the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort theme parks and other hotels.

• Fine dining is available at Napa Rose; great meals and character dining are available at Storyteller’s Café and quick meals are available at Whitewater Snacks.

• Handy, around-the-clock room service is available for late meals or midnight snacks, so guests never have to go hungry.

• The Mandara Spa & Health Club offers guests a full array of relaxing services, including massages, facials and salon services.

• Dedicated porte-cochere is available for group arrivals.

• High-tech presentation amenities include remote-control lighting and projection, premier sound systems, ceiling-recessed screens, satellite up/downlinks and more.

• Two convention registration centers are solely dedicated to the needs of business groups, for added convenience.

• An on-site business center is available to help with last-minute details.

• The Convention Services office is on-site to offer support, answer questions, or provide additional assistance with meetings.

• Guests are within walking distance of the expansive Anaheim Convention Center.

BY THE NUMBERS

• The hotel features 948 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including 44 suites. Guests enjoy three pools, including the Fountain Pool (a quiet escape), the Redwood Pool and slide (for the most active guests) and a Mickey Mouse-themed pool just for kids.

• 20,000 square feet of specially designed space for meetings and special events.

• 12,000-square-foot Sequoia Ballroom, with spacious pre-function area.

• 18 breakout rooms, including seven rooms connected to relaxing terrace areas.

• 300 underground parking spaces.

• For room rates and to make a reservation, call (714) 956-MICKEY (6425).

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Media Contact:
Disneyland Resort Public Relations
714-781-4500
www.disneylandnews.com
www.disneyparksblog.com
www.twitter.com/disneyland

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland, the original Disney theme park, on July 17, 1955, he said he hoped it would be “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” He famously observed: “Disneyland will never be completed…as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Since 1955, the Disneyland Resort has welcomed more than 650 million guests. It has expanded to become an approximately 500-acre, world-class, multi-day, family vacation  destination, complete with two renowned Disney theme parks, three hotels and the exciting shopping, dining and entertainment district known as Downtown Disney.

With the completion in June 2012 of the Disney California Adventure Park expansion, including Cars Land, the parks of the Disneyland Resort offer guests more classic characters, more storytelling, more attractions and more of the unique Disney heritage that gives Disney theme parks their special personality.

Disneyland Park - Upon its opening on July 17, 1955, Disneyland introduced a new concept in family entertainment and launched the theme park industry. Disneyland presented 18 major attractions on its Opening Day including the Mad Tea Party, the Jungle Cruise, Autopia and the Mark Twain Riverboat, and it featured five themed lands: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland and Main Street, U.S.A. Today, Disneyland is an evolving 85-acre American institution featuring more than 60 adventures and attractions in eight themed lands, having added New Orleans Square in 1966, Critter Country (originally Bear County) in 1972 and Mickey’s Toontown in 1993.  Favorite attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, “it’s a small world,” Indiana Jones Adventure and the mountain range of thrill rides: Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain.

Disney California Adventure Park - Since its opening in 2001 with such popular attractions as Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’ and Grizzly River Run, Disney California Adventure has been bringing adventure and fun to life with Disney storytelling magic. The extremely popular Twilight Zone™Tower of Terror attraction debuted in 2004.

With the addition of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street in 2012, the park features more than 35 adventures and attractions plus distinctive entertainment and dining. Cars Land, based on the Disney•Pixar movie “Cars,” offers three attractions: Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Buena Vista Street creates a new entry to the park, highlighted by the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge

With the completion of a multiyear expansion project in 2012, Disney California Adventure has grown from its original three themed lands – Golden State, Paradise Pier and Hollywood Pictures Backlot – to a total of eight lands including the 12-acre Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, “a bug’s land” (which opened in 2002), a renamed Hollywood Land, Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak and Pacific Wharf (all formerly parts of the Golden State area) and Paradise Pier.

The expansion of Disney California Adventure (announced in 2007) launched with the 2008 opening of Toy Story Mania!, an interactive, ride-through attraction where guests enter into a 4D carnival midway hosted by the “Toy Story” characters. In 2010, the expansion continued with the debut of “World of Color,” an award-winning, nighttime water spectacular featuring nearly 1,200 fountains that bring Disney animation to life. In 2011, Disney opened The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, a “dark ride” that transports guests “under the sea” to experience scenes and beloved songs from the Little Mermaid film.

In addition, several attractions in Disney California Adventure received new Disney themes during the park’s expansion. The Paradise Pier district now features Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings, Goofy’s Sky School and Disney-themed Games of the Boardwalk.

Downtown Disney District -This lively, colorful, admission-free district of exciting restaurants, shops and nightclubs is centrally located between the Disneyland Resort theme parks and hotels.  The 20-acre, 300,000 square-foot avenue features approximately 50 distinct venues including AMC Theatres, Catal Restaurant, ESPN Zone, House of Blues, La Brea Bakery Café, Rainforest Café, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Tortilla Jo’s, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, WonderGround Gallery and, of course, the World of Disney store. The Earl of Sandwich eatery opened in fall, 2012.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa -1600 S. Disneyland Drive, (714) 635-2300
Featuring 948 rooms and 50 Disney Vacation Club villas, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is the flagship hotel of the Disneyland Resort. The design of this AAA Four-Diamond, award-winning luxury property is inspired by the turn-of-the-century California Craftsman movement. In 2009 the hotel became home to the first Disney Vacation Club units on the West Coast. It’s also the first hotel in the United States to be built inside a Disney park (Disney California Adventure).

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel offers suites, a large convention facility, swimming pools, Mandara Spa and two restaurants: Storytellers Café and the award-winning Napa Rose. With approximately 35 sommeliers, including several advanced sommeliers, Napa Rose boasts the most certified wine experts under one roof anywhere in the United States.

Disneyland Hotel - 1150 West Magic Way, (714) 778-6600
Significant new enhancements at the iconic Disneyland Hotel were completed in 2012, including re-imagined guest rooms, Disney-themed suites, a new restaurant and bar – Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar – and a water play area with Monorail-inspired water slides. Other distinctive restaurants at the hotel include Goofy’s Kitchen and the award-winning Steakhouse 55.  This AAA Four-Diamond hotel features 969 rooms, including specially themed Disney character suites, and one of the largest contiguous convention spaces in the Western United States with 136,000 square feet.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel - 1717 S. Disneyland Drive, (714) 999-0990
A casually elegant 481-room hotel themed to the colorful “day at the beach” California seaside culture of fun, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel features the whimsical Disney’s PCH Grill restaurant, a pool deck with cabanas and water slide, and 30,000 square feet of convention and meeting space.

Disneyland Resort Facts & Firsts

• Opening Date: July 17, 1955
• 25,000 cast members, making Disneyland Resort the largest single-site employer in Orange County
• The Matterhorn Bobsleds was the first tubular steel roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1959, and it set the standard for modern-day roller-coaster design.
• Disneyland created the first daily operating monorail in the western hemisphere.
• The nighttime water spectacular “World of Color” uses a submersible platform that’s bigger than a football field, with more than 18,000 points of control and revolutionary lighting that infuses nearly 1,200 fountains with color — making it one of the largest show systems ever built.
• More than 800 species of plants, native to 40 different countries, grow at Disneyland Resort.
• The landscape surrounding the Jungle Cruise has evolved into its own ecosystem since the attraction opened in 1955. The trees have created a canopy that allows species of ground plants to grow that otherwise wouldn’t in Southern California.
• Through the years, a virtual “Who’s Who” of the 20th and early 21st centuries has visited the Disneyland Resort, including U.S. presidents (dating to Harry S. Truman), numerous heads of state and countless athletes, artists, authors and celebrities.
• The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are the only AAA Four Diamond Hotels in Anaheim.
• Disney California Adventure opened in 2001. It celebrated the completion of a five-year expansion in June, 2012, with eight themed lands, including the new Cars Land.
• Buena Vista Street, the new entryway into Disney California Adventure, invites guests to step into Los Angeles of the 1920s and ’30s, experiencing the sights and sounds Walt Disney may have discovered when he stepped off the train in California in 1923.
• At nearly 300,000 square feet and 125 feet tall at its peak, The Ornament Valley Mountain Range in Cars Land is the largest rock structure in any domestic Disney theme park.
• More than 30 different languages are spoken among Disneyland Resort cast members.
• Disneyland Resort costuming cast members maintain more than 1,200 different costumes for use in the parks and hotels.
• Approximately 50 certified scuba divers work on the Disneyland Resort Facilities team, which maintains such attractions as “World of Color,” “Fantasmic!” and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

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Media Contact
Disneyland Resort Public Relations
714/781-4500
www.disneylandnews.com
www.disneyparksblog.com
www.twitter.com/disneyland

ANAHEIM, Calif. - With the expansion of Disney California Adventure Park, there’s no better time for guests to enjoy special moments with their friends and families at the Disneyland Resort, making the most of their vacation and making memories that last a lifetime. There are plenty of tips for guests as they plan to stay and play at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, the three on-site hotels and Downtown Disney.

PLAN

• Disney Vacation Planning DVD – Guests are invited to preview the magical experiences that await their next Disneyland Resort Vacation with a library of informative videos. To order a Disney Vacation Planning DVD, go to www.disneyland.com.
• My Disneyland Membership – Guests may join “My Disneyland” for free to gain access to unique Disneyland Resort content, including vacation planning and reservation tools, behind the scenes videos, Disney games and polls.
• Disneyland Express – Just 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and just 15 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), Disneyland Resort offers the Disneyland Express for easy bus transfer to the resort. Disneyland Resort Express also provides convenient transportation to Anaheim area hotels.
• Dining reservations - To make the most of vacation time, guests often make dining reservations in advance at the resort’s award-winning restaurants. To make a reservation, call 714-781-DINE or send an email with date, time and contact information to dine@disneyland.com

STAY

• Stay in the Magic – Guests discover many special benefits when they stay at one of three Disneyland Resort hotels: the recently renovated Disneyland Hotel and luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the sunny California beachfront-themed Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
• Extra Magic Hour – Early Admission to the Parks – Beginning June 18, 2012, guests staying at any Disneyland Resort hotel may enjoy Extra Magic Hour entry into Disneyland or Disney California Adventure one hour before the parks open to the public. This opportunity is good for the length of a guest’s stay, with designated days for each park. To check availability, daily times and additional information, visit  www.disneyland.com and click on “Park Hours.” (Valid theme park admission and active hotel room key required.)
• Grand Location - Guest who stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa enjoy an exclusive guest-only entrance to Disney California Adventure through the hotel. Nearby, guests also enjoy the Downtown Disney District, with its eclectic mix of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities.
• Storybook Vacation – At Disneyland Resort hotels, guests have the opportunity to share a meal and laughs with favorite Disney characters, relax by sparkling pools and enjoy a night on the town complete with dinner at one of several award-winning restaurants.
• Convenience and Legendary Service – Guests who stay at Disneyland Resort Hotels are treated to exclusive conveniences throughout their stay, including a Keys to the Magic card for charging meals and merchandise to the guest room. The Package Express service delivers resort merchandise purchases right to a guest’s hotel. Hotel guests are  treated to the legendary Disney guest service throughout their vacation.
• Great Value – Guests can find great value in multiple-day tickets and vacation packages at the Resort hotels, or at nearby Good Neighbor hotels, by purchasing online. The latest special offers are available at www.disneyland.com/offers, with information about  tickets, hotels and special packages.

PLAY

• Disney FASTPASS Service – FASTPASS allows guests to reserve a specific time window to enjoy their favorite attractions. When guests come back during that specified window they enjoy the shorter line reserved for FASTPASS holders.
• Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness – Guests who book their Disneyland Resort vacation with the Walt Disney Travel Company enjoy a full hour of fun and games with Mickey and some of his pals before Toontown opens to the public on select days.
• Disney Mobile Magic – Guests get the most out of their vacation with the official Disney application for their smart devices. Disney Mobile Magic showcases GPS-enabled park maps, allows guests to view official wait times for attractions, character locations, and provides dining guides, reservation tools and interactive games all for free.
• “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Tour – Guests may follow in the footsteps of the man whose vision and creativity brought Disneyland park to life, Walt Disney. This 3 ½-hour guided tour covers the life of Walt Disney and stories behind the magic of Disneyland. To book this, or other tours offered by Disneyland Resort, call (714) 781-TOUR (8687).
• Charging Lockers – Guests re-charge their batteries and get back to the fun in no time when using a series of new lockers on Main Street U.S.A. that include options for traditional AC outlet or specialized chargers for electronic devices.
• Parent “Rider Switch” - A theme-park “rider switch” policy gives both parents a chance to enjoy their favorite attractions without double the wait. A parent who waits with a young child while the other parent rides the attraction may board the ride with minimal wait time once the first parent exits. Guests may ask a cast member about this option.

Media Contact:
Disneyland Resort Public Relations
714/781-4500
www.disneylandnews.com
www.disneyparksblog.com
www.twitter.com/disneyland

Since 1955, the Disneyland Resort has welcomed more than 600 million guests. It has expanded to become an approximately 500-acre, world-class, multi-day, family resort destination, complete with two renowned Disney theme parks, three hotels and the exciting shopping, dining and entertainment district known as the Downtown Disney District.

With the completion in June 2012 of the Disney California Adventure park expansion, the parks of the Disneyland Resort offer guests more classic characters, more storytelling, more attractions and more of the unique Disney heritage that gives Disney theme parks their special personality.

Disneyland park - Upon its opening on July 17, 1955, Disneyland introduced a new concept in family entertainment and launched the theme park industry. Disneyland presented 18 major attractions on its Opening Day including the Mad Tea Party, the Jungle Cruise, Autopia and the Mark Twain Riverboat, and it featured five themed lands: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland and Main Street, U.S.A. Today, Disneyland is an evolving 85-acre American institution featuring more than 60 adventures and attractions in eight themed lands, having added New Orleans Square in 1966, Critter Country (originally Bear County) in 1972 and Mickey’s Toontown in 1993.  Favorite attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, “it’s a small world,” Indiana Jones Adventure and the mountain range of thrill rides: Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain.

Disney California Adventure park - Since its opening in 2001 with such popular attractions as Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’ and Grizzly River Run, Disney California Adventure has been bringing adventure and fun to life with Disney storytelling magic. The extremely popular Twilight Zone™Tower of Terror attraction debuted in 2004. On June 15, 2012  three new attractions opened in the new Cars Land, based on the Disney•Pixar movie “Cars,” along with an all new park entry, Buena Vista Street, highlighted by the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge.

With the completion of a multiyear expansion project in 2012, Disney California Adventure grew from its original three themed lands – Golden State, Paradise Pier and Hollywood Pictures Backlot – to a total of eight lands including the new 12-acre Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, “a bug’s land” (which opened in 2002), a renamed Hollywood Land, Condor Flats, Grizzly Peak and Pacific Wharf (all formerly parts of the Golden State area) and Paradise Pier.

The expansion of Disney California Adventure (announced in 2007) launched with the 2008 opening of Toy Story Midway Mania!, an interactive, ride-through attraction where guests enter into a 4-D carnival midway hosted by the “Toy Story” characters. In 2010, the expansion continued with the debut of World of Color, an award-winning, nighttime water spectacular featuring nearly 1,200 fountains that bring Disney animation to life. In 2011, Disney opened The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, a “dark ride” that transports guests “under the sea” to experience scenes and beloved songs from the Little Mermaid film.

In addition, several attractions in Disney California Adventure received new Disney themes during the park’s expansion. The Paradise Pier district now features Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings, Goofy’s Sky School and Disney-themed Games of the Boardwalk.

With the addition of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, the park features more than 35 adventures and attractions plus distinctive entertainment and dining. Cars Land offers three attractions: Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.

Downtown Disney District -This lively, colorful, admission-free esplanade of exciting restaurants, shops and nightclubs is centrally located between the Disneyland Resort theme parks and hotels.  The 20-acre, 300,000 square-foot avenue features approximately 50 distinct venues including AMC_® Theatres, Catal Restaurant, ESPN_® Zone, House of Blues_®, La Brea Bakery Café, Rainforest Café_®, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Tortilla Jo’s, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, WonderGround Gallery and, of course, the World of Disney store. Earl of Sandwich is now open in the Downtown Disney District.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa -1600 S. Disneyland Drive, (714) 635-2300
Featuring 948 rooms and 50 Disney Vacation Club villas, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is the flagship hotel of the Disneyland Resort. The design of this AAA Four-Diamond, award-winning luxury property is inspired by the turn-of-the-century California Craftsman movement. In 2009 the hotel became home to the first Disney Vacation Club units on the West Coast. It’s also the first hotel in the United States to be built inside a Disney park (Disney California Adventure).

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel offers suites, a large convention facility, swimming pools, Mandara Spa and two restaurants: Storytellers Café and the award-winning Napa Rose. With approximately 35 sommeliers, including several advanced sommeliers, Napa Rose boasts the most certified wine experts under one roof anywhere in the U.S.

Disneyland Hotel -1150 West Magic Way, (714) 778-6600
Significant new enhancements at the iconic Disneyland Hotel include re-imagined guest rooms, Disney-themed suites, a new restaurant and bar – Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar – and a water play area with Monorail-inspired water slides. Other distinctive restaurants at the hotel include Goofy’s Kitchen and the award-winning Steakhouse 55.  This AAA Four-Diamond hotel features 969 rooms, including some specially themed Disney character suites, and one of the largest contiguous convention spaces in the Western United States with 136,000 square feet.

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel -1717 S. Disneyland Drive, (714) 999-0990
A casually elegant 481-room hotel themed to the colorful “day at the beach” California seaside culture of fun, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel features the whimsical Disney’s PCH Grill restaurant, a pool deck with cabanas and water slide, and 30,000 square feet of convention and meeting space.

Disneyland Resort Facts & Firsts

• Opening Date: July 17, 1955
• 25,000 cast members, making Disneyland Resort the largest single-site employer in Orange County
• The Matterhorn Bobsleds was the first tubular steel roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1959, and it set the standard for modern-day roller-coaster design.
• Disneyland created the first daily operating monorail in the western hemisphere.
• The nighttime water spectacular “World of Color” uses a submersible platform that’s bigger than a football field, with more than 18,000 points of control and revolutionary lighting that infuses nearly 1,200 fountains with color — making it one of the largest show systems ever built.
• More than 800 species of plants, native to 40 different countries, grow at Disneyland Resort.
• The landscape surrounding the Jungle Cruise has evolved into its own ecosystem since the attraction opened in 1955. The trees have created a canopy that allows species of ground plants to grow that otherwise wouldn’t in Southern California.
• Through the years, a virtual “Who’s Who” of the 20th and early 21st centuries has visited the Disneyland Resort, including U.S. presidents (dating to Harry S. Truman), numerous heads of state and countless athletes, artists, authors and celebrities.
• The Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are the only AAA Four Diamond Hotels in Anaheim.
• Disney California Adventure park opened in 2001. It celebrated the completion of a five-year expansion in June 2012, with eight themed lands, including the new Cars Land.
• Buena Vista Street, the new road into Disney California Adventure, invites guests to step into Los Angeles of the 1920s and ’30s, experiencing the sights and sounds Walt Disney may have discovered when he stepped off the train in California in 1923.
• At 280,000 square feet and 125 feet tall at its peak, The Ornament Valley Mountain Range in Cars Land is the largest rock structure in any domestic Disney theme park.
• More than 30 different languages are spoken among Disneyland Resort cast members.
• Disneyland Resort costuming cast members maintain more than a thousand different costumes for use in the parks and hotels.
• Approximately 50 certified scuba divers work on the Disneyland Resort Facilities team, which maintains such attractions as “World of Color,” “Fantasmic!” and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.

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FAIRY TALE SUITE — A marble foyer descends into an enormous bedroom overlooking the entire resort through floor-to-ceiling windows in the Fairy Tale Suite at the Disneyland Hotel. The sage and champagne colors used throughout the suite elegantly blend the combination of blonde and glass furniture and the suiteÕs centerpiece is an exquisite canopy bed overlooking the corner view. The room is finished with crown moulding, automatic drapes and a custom-designed dresser, from which a flat-panel television ascends at the touch of a button. DISNEYLAND HOTEL – The newly renovated Disneyland Hotel includes new décor in the rooms, a new pool-and-slide water play area, and the new poolside Tangaroa Terrace restaurant and Trader Sam’s bar, inspired by classic features found in Adventureland in Disneyland park. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland) DISNEYLAND HOTEL – The newly renovated Disneyland Hotel includes new decor in the rooms, a new pool-and-slide water play area that evokes the early years of Disneyland park, and the new poolside Tangaroa Terrace restaurant and Trader Sam’s bar, inspired by classic features found in Adventureland in Disneyland park. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)