This week, SorcererD91_CM did a spectacular job covering D23 live in the Lounge—a treat for many of us who couldn’t attend. Dom always goes the extra mile when it comes to hosting MouseWait events, posting live pictures, and bringing the magic to the Lounge for all of us. We appreciate him so much!!!!!!
Thanks to SorcererD91_CM for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
The D23 announcement that I’m most excited about is the new show “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” at the Opera House will allow us to go back in time, stepping into Walt Disney’s office during the peak of his creative genius. It will feature the first Walt Disney Animatronic (more info below)!
Check out our D23 recap blog here for all the latests announcements. Feel free to jump in there and post your thoughts!
MouseWait Universal Orlando is here!
ALL-ACCESS Member Update:
MouseWait Universal Orlando for iOS is here! Install here and let me know what you think!
One subscription, no matter where you purchase, unlocks Ad-free premium versions of ALL our apps + MORE!
I’m working on a brand new version of MouseWait and I’m trying to get the Android App back online! Hopefully, the new version for iOS will be out this week, and then Android the week after.
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, Universal Studios Orlando, Nashville, Bible Chat: The Encourager, Puppy Chat
IN PROGRESS: 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!
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✅ Unlimited Dining Alerts for Disneyland and Disney World
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✅ Disneyland + Disney World VISION Tour Guide: take a pic, get top five tips!
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If you have any suggestions for new apps, please reply and let me know!
Disneyland Resort News:
The D23 Expo was packed with major announcements about upcoming expansions, lands, and rides coming to Disney parks over the next few years. Get ready for new immersive experiences, thrilling attractions, and so much more! 🎢
Disney is doubling the size of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, and adding two brand-new rides! Plus, the mischievous Deadpool and the clawed Wolverine have joined the assembly of superheroes, much to the delight of Marvel fans. 🦸♂️
The highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride is set to open at Disneyland in the coming months. Get ready to be transported to the vibrant world of New Orleans and join Princess Tiana on a magical adventure! 🌺
A new show called “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” featuring Disney’s first-ever audio-animatronic of Walt Disney will debut in 2025 at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland Park, as part of the park’s 70th anniversary celebration ✨
Disney is bringing the beloved Pixar film Coco to life with a brand-new attraction, and an Avatar ride is also in the works for Disney California Adventure. Get ready for even more immersive storytelling and cinematic experiences! 🎥
Disneyland is gearing up for another big anniversary in 2025, and they’re going all out! According to reports, the “Happiest Place on Earth” is planning something truly special to commemorate this milestone. Stay tuned for more exciting details as they’re announced! 🎉
Costco members can take advantage of an amazing hotel package at the 4-star Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, just 19 miles from Disneyland. Enjoy 3 nights for the price of 2, a rental car, $100 resort credit, and more! 🏨
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:
Calling all foodies! We have the full list of booths coming to EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival. Get ready to indulge in a delectable array of global cuisines and seasonal specialties! 😋
Annual Passholders, listen up! Discounts are ending soon at a popular EPCOT eatery. Be sure to take advantage of these savings before they’re gone! 💸
Great news for thrill-seekers! Lightning Lane prices are about to decrease at Disney World. Bypass the lines and make the most of your park time! 🎢
Buckle up, because Disney just unveiled a slew of expansions, lands, and rides coming in the next few years. Get ready for a Monsters, Inc. land in Hollywood Studios and a brand-new Villains land in Magic Kingdom! 😍
Hungry guests, take note! 38 Disney World hotel restaurants have updated their menus. Be sure to check out the latest culinary offerings during your stay! 🍔🍕
Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
Week 1: August 14 – August 20, 2024
Crowd Level: High
Notable Events: Summer season in full swingRecommendation: Avoid if possible. This week falls during peak summer season when crowds are at their highest due to school vacations.
Week 2: August 21 – August 27, 2024
Crowd Level: Moderate to High
Notable Events: Last week of summer seasonRecommendation: Consider visiting towards the end of the week as some schools begin to resume classes.
Week 3: August 28 – September 3, 2024
Crowd Level: Moderate
Notable Events: Labor Day weekend (August 31 – September 2)Recommendation: Visit early in the week before the holiday weekend for lower crowds. Avoid Labor Day weekend if possible.
Week 4: September 4 – September 10, 2024
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
Notable Events: None significantRecommendation: Excellent time to visit. Most schools are back in session, leading to lower crowd levels.
Week 5: September 11 – September 17, 2024
Crowd Level: Low
Notable Events: None significantRecommendation: Highly recommended. This week typically sees some of the lowest crowd levels of the year.
Week 6: September 18 – September 24, 2024
Crowd Level: Low
Notable Events: None significantRecommendation: Highly recommended. Continued low crowd levels make for an enjoyable visit.
Week 7: September 25 – September 30, 2024
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
Notable Events: Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort likely to beginRecommendation: Good time to visit, but be aware that Halloween decorations and events may attract more visitors towards the end of the month.
Key Takeaways:
- The best weeks to visit during this period are September 4-24, with September 11-17 being particularly favorable.
- Avoid the weeks of August 14-20 and the Labor Day weekend (August 31 – September 2) if possible, as these periods tend to have higher crowd levels.
- Weather in Anaheim during this period is generally warm and pleasant, with average highs ranging from the mid-80s°F in August to the low 80s°F in September.
- Be prepared for potential Halloween-themed events and decorations starting in late September, which may lead to a slight increase in crowd levels.
- To maximize your experience, consider visiting on weekdays rather than weekends, and arrive early to take advantage of shorter lines in the mornings.
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 (August 14-20):
- Crowd levels: Moderate to high
- Weather: Hot and humid with possible afternoon thunderstorms
- Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival begins
- Notes: Crowds start to decrease as some schools resume
Week 2 (August 21-27):
- Crowd levels: Moderate
- Weather: Hot and humid with possible afternoon thunderstorms
- Events: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins
- Notes: Crowds continue to decrease as more schools resume
Week 3 (August 28 – September 3):
- Crowd levels: Low to moderate
- Weather: Hot and humid with possible afternoon thunderstorms
- Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues
- Notes: Labor Day weekend may see a slight increase in crowds
Week 4 (September 4-10):
- Crowd levels: Low
- Weather: Hot but slightly less humid
- Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues
- Notes: One of the best weeks to visit with low crowds
Week 5 (September 11-17):
- Crowd levels: Very low
- Weather: Warm with lower humidity
- Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues
- Notes: Historically one of the least crowded weeks of the year
Week 6 (September 18-24):
- Crowd levels: Low
- Weather: Warm with moderate humidity
- Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues
- Notes: Excellent time to visit with low crowds and pleasant weather
Week 7 (September 25-30):
- Crowd levels: Low to moderate
- Weather: Warm with moderate humidity
- Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival continues
- Notes: Crowds may increase slightly due to promotional ticket deadlines
Best Weeks to Visit:
- September 11-17
- September 4-10
- September 18-24
These weeks offer the best combination of low crowds, relatively pleasant weather, and ongoing special events.Key Events Affecting Crowds:
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (ongoing throughout the period)
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (select nights from mid-August)
- Labor Day weekend (September 2-4)
Weather Considerations:
August will be hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. September brings slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity, especially in the latter half of the month.Additional Notes:
- Weekdays generally have lower crowd levels than weekends.
- The Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket and 4-Park, 4-Day Walt Disney World Magic Ticket promotions may cause a slight increase in crowds towards the end of September.
- Hurricane season peaks in September, so monitor weather forecasts closely.
For the optimal experience, we recommend visiting during the week of September 11-17, which historically has the lowest crowds and pleasant weather conditions.
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)
In a fitting tribute to the man who started it all, Disneyland Park is set to unveil a groundbreaking new attraction that will bring Walt Disney himself back to life through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology. “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” is scheduled to debut in 2025 at the Main Street Opera House, coinciding with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration.
The Show
This innovative experience will transport guests back in time, allowing them to imagine what it would be like to step into Walt’s office during the height of his creative genius. The centerpiece of the attraction will be Disney’s first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney, a technological marvel that builds upon the very innovations Walt himself pioneered over 60 years ago.
The show will rotate with the long-standing “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” after its initial run, creating a perfect balance between Disneyland’s rich history and its exciting future. This rotation also pays homage to Walt’s significant advances in Audio-Animatronics technology, which he first introduced with the groundbreaking Lincoln figure.
The Creative Process
Disney Imagineers have been working tirelessly to ensure that this new attraction captures the essence of Walt Disney. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “Creating our first Walt figure is a huge responsibility, and we’ve brought members of the Disney family along with us for every step of the journey”.
To ensure authenticity, the Disney family has been closely involved in the development process. Roy P. Disney, Walt’s great-nephew, has visited the Imagineering campus to review the progress and lend his insights to the project.
A Magical Legacy
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” promises to be more than just an attraction; it will be a heartfelt tribute to the man whose dreams and determination created the happiest place on earth. As guests step into the Main Street Opera House in 2025, they’ll have the unprecedented opportunity to feel as though they’re in the presence of Walt Disney himself, hearing his stories, and experiencing the magic that sparked the creation of Disneyland and beyond.
This new show not only celebrates Walt’s legacy but also demonstrates Disney’s ongoing commitment to innovation and storytelling. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, promising to inspire a new generation of dreamers while honoring the visionary who started it all.
Well, that’s all for this week!
Hit reply and let me know how I can make this newsletter better!
Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
August 13, 2024 Issue #33 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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