If you want to see some great footage of Disneyland from the early days, watch “Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in Two Pieces” on AppleTV+. He even reveals how he acquired the original sign from Merlin’s Magic Shop!
I dug into the history of Merlin’s and found that it was located in Fantasyland. I always thought Steve Martin worked on Main Street! I wrote about Steve’s connection to the Park in the Voyageers section below, hope you enjoy!
Thanks to carminaire for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
NEW APPS! ALL-ACCESS Member Update:
One subscription, no matter where you purchase, unlocks Ad-free premium versions of ALL our apps + MORE!
I know some of these apps are not Disney-related, but our goal is to give ALL-ACCESS members access to everything we produce:
MouseWait for Disneyland, MouseWait for Disney World, Fort Wilderness, Nashville (NEW UPDATE!), Bible Chat: The Encourager, Puppy Chat
IN PROGRESS: Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Sea World, Knott’s Berry Farm, Dollywood, Bush Gardens Tampa Bay, Cedar Point Ohio, lounge.land
✅ UPDATED: Disneyland + Disney World Recipe Generator: take a pic of your food, or screenshot food from our Lounge, get a Disney-inspired recipe. We updated the backend on this tool and it works much better now!
✅ Curated Daily Report with LINKS! enter your preferences, we read the news for you, then you get a customized daily report! Check out the video here!
✅ Sticker Fairy: Design custom stickers for the Lounge or anything else you want, like merchandise or t-shirts. You own the designs!
✅ NEW in Sticker Fairy: Turn Yourself Into Any Character with Image to Sticker!
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If you have any suggestions for new apps, please reply and let me know!
Disneyland Resort News:
The iconic Haunted Mansion ride has officially reopened at Disneyland Park with a new virtual queue system. This is great news for guests who want to experience this ghostly attraction without the long lines!
Hold onto your chimichangas, because the Merc with a Mouth is heading to Disneyland! That’s right, the one and only Deadpool is making his way to the Happiest Place on Earth. Keep your eyes peeled for this mischievous Marvel hero as he causes chaos and comedy throughout the parks. Who knows what kind of shenanigans he’ll get up to! 🤪🌮
Foodies, listen up! Disneyland has some mouthwatering new menu items and price changes that you’ll want to know about. From new hotel eats to even more price increases, there’s a lot to digest. But don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you so you can plan your culinary adventures accordingly. 🍴
The magic of Disneyland is always evolving, and there’s plenty of exciting construction happening around the resort. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is already splashing to life, the Haunted Mansion is getting a ghostly new look, and Critter Country is undergoing a major transformation. Keep your eyes peeled for these enchanting new additions! 🛠️
You can get news updates like these, customized to your preferences, anytime in the MouseWait App. Check out the video here and become an ALL-ACCESS or better-yet a Club 333 Founding Member here!
Disney World Resort News:
Heads up, Disney fans! There’s new construction underway at the Pop Century hotel food court, which could affect your next trip. Be sure to check for updates before your visit.
Disney foodies, get excited! Three Disney World hotel restaurants have added some mouthwatering new menu items. Time to plan your next foodie adventure! 🍽️
Speaking of delicious Disney eats, one of our writers tried some brand new plant-based meals at Animal Kingdom and has nothing but rave reviews. You’ll want to add these to your must-try list.
If you haven’t tried this underrated EPCOT restaurant yet, you’re missing out! Our team is obsessed with this hidden gem – you’ll want to book your reservation ASAP.
Heads up, Disney resort guests! One of the pools at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be closing this week for some refurbishments. Be sure to plan accordingly for your upcoming stay.
There’s a reason this iconic Magic Kingdom restaurant has such a loyal following – find out what makes it so special!
If you haven’t tried this hidden gem at a Disney World hotel, you’re seriously missing out. Our team is raving about the delicious food and amazing atmosphere – add it to your bucket list!
Disney fans, get ready for the holidays! Tickets are now on sale for the only Breakfast with Santa experience at Disney World. Don’t miss out on this magical holiday event!
Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
Week of August 1-7:
Crowd Level: Moderate to High
Notes: Summer vacation season still in effect. Expect higher crowds, especially on weekends.
Week of August 8-14:
Crowd Level: Moderate
Notes: Slight decrease in crowds as some schools begin to resume. Weekdays may offer better visiting conditions.
Week of August 15-21:
Crowd Level: Moderate to Low
Notes: Continued decrease in crowds as more schools return to session. Good time for visits, especially on weekdays.
Week of August 22-28:
Crowd Level: High
Notes: Halloween Time at Disneyland begins August 23. Expect a significant increase in crowds due to the popular seasonal offerings.
Week of August 29 – September 4:
Crowd Level: Very High
Notes: Labor Day weekend (Aug 31 – Sep 2) will bring peak crowds. Halloween Time festivities continue to draw large numbers.
Week of September 5-11:
Crowd Level: High
Notes: Halloween Half Marathon weekend (Sep 5-8) will bring additional crowds. Expect higher than usual attendance, especially around race events.
Week of September 12-18:
Crowd Level: Moderate
Notes: Post-Labor Day period typically sees a decrease in crowds. Good time for visits, especially on weekdays.
Week of September 19-25:
Crowd Level: Moderate to Low
Notes: Historically one of the least crowded periods. Excellent time for visits with shorter wait times.
Week of September 26-30:
Crowd Level: Moderate
Notes: Slight increase in crowds as October approaches. Halloween Time continues to attract visitors, but still relatively manageable.Key Events Affecting Crowds:
- Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort (Begins August 23)
- Labor Day Weekend (August 31 – September 2)
- Halloween Half Marathon Weekend (September 5-8)
- Oogie Boogie Bash events at Disney California Adventure (Select nights in September)
Best Weeks to Visit:
- August 15-21: Lower summer crowds before Halloween season
- September 12-18: Post-Labor Day lull
- September 19-25: Historically low crowds before October rush
Recommendations:
- For lowest crowds, target weekdays in mid-September
- If visiting during Halloween Time, prepare for larger crowds and consider purchasing event tickets in advance
- Utilize early morning hours and weekdays for shorter wait times
- Be aware of special event dates and plan accordingly
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
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Weekly Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Report
Week 1-2 (August 1-13):
- Moderate to heavy summer crowds
- Gradual decrease in crowds as more schools resume
- Potential for high temperatures and afternoon storms
Week 3-4 (August 14-27):
- Significantly lighter crowds as most schools are back in session
- Some of the lowest crowd levels of the year
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival typically begins
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party may start at Magic Kingdom
Week 5 (August 28 – September 3):
- Continued low crowds, except for Labor Day weekend (September 2-4)
- Slight increase in crowds leading up to the holiday weekend
Week 6-8 (September 4-24):
- Some of the lowest crowd levels of the year
- Ideal time for shorter wait times and easier dining reservations
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in full swing
- Regular Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events at Magic Kingdom
Week 9 (September 25-30):
- Slight increase in crowds as October approaches
- Still relatively low crowd levels compared to peak seasons
Key Events and Considerations:
- Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: Begins in late August and runs through November. May cause higher crowds at Epcot, especially on weekends.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Typically starts in mid-August and runs on select nights through October. Affects Magic Kingdom hours and crowds on party nights.
- Weather: August and September are part of hurricane season. High temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Value Season: Late August through September often features lower resort prices and potential discounts.
Recommendation:
For the optimal combination of low crowds and special events, we recommend visiting during weeks 3-4 of August or weeks 6-8 of September. These periods offer the best balance of reduced wait times, special event availability, and potential cost savings.
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
Updates from the Lounge
Brighten your day with a grand circle tour through the MouseWait Lounge! You’ll find incredible posts like the ones below.
Upcoming Events at Disneyland & Disney World
Here is our updated list of upcoming events and refurbishments for both Disneyland and Disney World:
For a larger view, visit this page. You can also access it from the “Home” tab of the MouseWait for Disneyland and Disney World.
And now, let’s take a look at Walt Disney World:
Check our our Amazon Disney Store here (MouseWait benefits from your purchases)
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks (images courtesy of Parkendium)
Steve Martin and Merlin’s Magic Shop
Steve Martin’s connection to Disneyland runs deep, dating back to his childhood and playing a crucial role in shaping his future comedy career. In 1956, at the age of 11, Martin began working at Disneyland, selling “The Disneyland News” at the entrance.
Martin was captured in a home movie called “Disneyland Dream,” which was later added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. If you like vintage Disneyland footage, watch Disneyland Dream on Youtube, you’ll love it!
Martin himself contacted the creator of the film, confirming his appearance: “At age eleven I worked at Disneyland. I sold guidebooks at the park from 1956 to about 1958. I am as positive as one can be that I appear about 20:20 into your film, low in the frame, dressed in a top hat, vest, and striped pink shirt, moving from left to right, holding a guidebook out for sale.”
As he grew older, he moved on to other roles within the park. He sold souvenir spinning lassos in Frontierland and then spent three years working at Merlin’s Magic Shop in Fantasyland. It was during this time that Martin honed his skills in magic and comedy, learning every trick and collecting every gag he could.
Merlin’s Magic Shop opened in Fantasyland on July 17, 1955, Disneyland’s opening day. It was located near Sleeping Beauty Castle, facing the center courtyard. Walt Disney himself approached magician Merv Taylor to run the shop, which was operated by Taylor and Hume, Inc.
Merlin’s Magic Shop in Fantasyland operated until January 1983. It closed as part of the extensive Fantasyland renovation that year. After the renovation, Disney decided to keep all magic merchandise on Main Street and repurpose the Fantasyland space.
Over the years, the location has housed various shops, including Mickey’s Christmas Chalet, the Castle Heraldry Shoppe, Briar Rose’s Cottage, and the Villain’s Lair. Today, this small building is home to the Castle Holiday Shoppe.
However, perhaps the most significant influence on Martin’s comedic career came from watching Wally Boag perform at the Golden Horseshoe Revue in Frontierland. Boag, Disneyland’s resident comedian, left an indelible mark on the young Martin. In his memoir “Born Standing Up,” Martin wrote that Boag was “the first comedian I ever saw in person” and that he “brought the house down when he turned his wig around backward.”
Martin would watch Boag’s performances hundreds of times, studying his timing and delivery. He recalled, “I absorbed Wally Boag’s timing, saying his next line in my head” and “took the audience’s response as though it were mine.” This experience was instrumental in shaping Martin’s own comedic style and timing.
Years later, long after he had left Disneyland and become a comedy legend, Steve Martin’s connection to Merlin’s Magic Shop remained strong. In a nostalgic twist of fate, Martin discovered the original wooden sign from Merlin’s Magic Shop on eBay. Unable to resist the pull of his magical past, he purchased the sign for his personal collection.
This acquisition, mentioned in his latest documentary “Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in Two Pieces”, serves as a touching reminder of where his journey began. The sign, a tangible piece of Disneyland history, now stands as a testament to the pivotal role that Merlin’s Magic Shop played in shaping Steve Martin’s career.
The story of Steve Martin and Merlin’s Magic Shop is a tale of how a young boy’s dreams, nurtured in the magical realm of Disneyland, blossomed into an extraordinary career in entertainment. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact that seemingly small experiences can have on our lives, and how the magic of our youth can continue to inspire us throughout our lives.
Well, that’s all for this week, {{contact.first_name}}!
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Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
July 30, 2024 Issue #31 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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