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Disneyland Resort News:
The Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, a reimagined dining venue in Critter Country, is set to open on October 25, 2024. The venue will feature a fresh look and menu inspired by the Country Bears and their musical travels across the United States.
Guests can expect Country Bears theming throughout the restaurant, along with music from various iterations of the show. The menu will showcase dishes inspired by regional barbecue favorites discovered by the Country Bears during their tours. This new dining experience adds a fun, musical twist to Disneyland’s culinary offerings.
Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort is currently in full swing, running through October 31, 2024. Visitors can enjoy a variety of special Halloween-themed attractions and experiences, including:
- Halloween SCREAMS Fireworks in Disneyland
- Haunted Mansion Holiday
- Character Experiences
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark in Disney California Adventure
- Radiator “Screams” in Disney California Adventure
- Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit in Downtown Disney
- Limited-time merchandise, food and beverage offerings, and festive decor
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the highly anticipated replacement for Splash Mountain, is scheduled to open on November 15, 2024. This new attraction, inspired by “The Princess and the Frog,” will bring guests on a musical journey through the bayou. Magic Key holders have already had the opportunity to preview the ride during special events.
Disneyland is currently offering a fall discount for resort hotel stays. Guests can save up to 15% on rooms at Disneyland Resort Hotels for stays from Sunday to Thursday nights between October 20 and December 19, 2024. Disney VISA cardholders are eligible for an even better offer, with savings of up to 25% on premium room types.
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Disney World Resort News:
Walt Disney World is gearing up for the holiday season with festive offerings across all its parks and resorts starting in early November. Here are some highlights:
Magic Kingdom
Starting November 12, Magic Kingdom will be decked out in holiday décor, featuring garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights throughout Main Street, U.S.A. The popular “Frozen Holiday Surprise” show will return, transforming Cinderella Castle into a shimmering, crystalized palace each evening.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event, will run on select nights from November 8 to December 20. This special event includes exclusive entertainment like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show.
EPCOT
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the replacement for Splash Mountain, is now open at Magic Kingdom. This new attraction is included in the Group One Lightning Lane selections for the park.
Disney has introduced the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, replacing the former Disney Genie+ service. This paid service allows guests to skip standby queues at various attractions. Key points include:
- Can be purchased up to 7 days in advance for Disney Resort hotel guests (up to 14 days for length of stay)
- Other guests can purchase up to 3 days in advance
- Allows up to three advanced Lightning Lane selections per day, with a tiered system for most parks
Halloween Offerings
While many Halloween events will have concluded by October 22, some offerings may still be available:
- The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which includes Halloween-themed elements, runs through November 23.
- SeaWorld Spooktacular continues through November 3 on weekends.
Planning Tips
- Consider visiting Magic Kingdom on a day when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled if you’re not attending the party. The park tends to be less crowded during the day on these dates.
- If using the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, familiarize yourself with the tiered system for each park to maximize your selections.
- For lower crowds in the evenings during the fall season, Animal Kingdom is often the best option.
- Keep an eye out for special holiday-themed food and beverage offerings throughout the parks, which typically begin in early November.
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Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
Week of October 23-29:
Best time to visit this week: Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday)
Events: Halloween Time continues, Oogie Boogie Bash on select nights
Notes: Moderate crowds expected, increasing on weekend
Week of October 30-November 5:
Best time to visit this week: November 1-5 (after Halloween)
Events: Halloween Time ends October 31, transition to holiday season begins
Notes: Expect higher crowds on October 31 for Halloween
Week of November 6-12:
Best time to visit this week: Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday)
Events: Holiday decorations being installed
Notes: Lower crowds expected, good time to visit before holiday season officially begins
Week of November 13-19:
Best time to visit this week: November 13-14 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Events: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begins November 15, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens
Notes: Expect increased crowds starting November 15 for holiday season kick-off
Week of November 20-26:
Best time to visit this week: November 20-21 (Monday-Tuesday)
Events: Thanksgiving week
Notes: Very high crowds expected, especially November 23-26
Week of November 27-December 3:
Best time to visit this week: November 27-30 (Monday-Thursday)
Events: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort in full swing
Notes: Moderate crowds expected, good time to visit between holidays
Week of December 4-10:
Best time to visit this week: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday)
Events: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort continues
Notes: Moderate crowds expected, increasing on weekend
Week of December 11-17:
Best time to visit this week: Weekdays (Monday-Thursday)
Events: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort continues
Notes: Crowds begin to increase as schools start winter breaks
Week of December 18-24:
Best time to visit this week: December 18-19 (Monday-Tuesday)
Events: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Christmas week approaching
Notes: Very high crowds expected, especially from December 21 onwards
Week of December 25-31:
Best time to visit this week: No recommended days
Events: Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, peak of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Notes: Extremely high crowds expected all week, parks may reach capacity
Overall Best Weeks to Visit:
1. November 6-12: Low crowds, transition to holiday season
2. November 27-December 3: Moderate crowds, full holiday experiences
3. December 4-10: Moderate crowds, holiday season in full swing
Events Leading to Higher Crowds:
1. Halloween (October 31)
2. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort opening (November 15)
3. Thanksgiving week (November 20-26)
4. Christmas week (December 18-25)
5. New Year’s week (December 26-31)
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
Weekly Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Report
Week of October 23-29, 2024:
This week offers moderate crowd levels, making it a good time to visit. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is ongoing, adding extra appeal for food enthusiasts. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party continues on select nights at Magic Kingdom, providing special Halloween entertainment.
Week of October 30 – November 5, 2024:
Crowds may increase slightly due to Halloween (October 31) and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November 1-3). However, overall crowd levels remain manageable. This is the last week for Halloween-themed events.
Week of November 6-12, 2024:
Crowd levels may spike around Veterans Day (November 11). This week also coincides with Jersey Week, a popular travel time for visitors from New Jersey. Expect higher than average crowds, especially on the weekend.
Week of November 13-19, 2024:
This week offers a brief lull between holidays, with moderate crowd levels. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays typically begins around this time, offering seasonal entertainment and food options.
Week of November 20-26, 2024:
Crowds will increase significantly as Thanksgiving (November 28) approaches. This is one of the busiest weeks of the year, with peak crowds expected from November 23-26.
Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024:
Crowd levels decrease after Thanksgiving, making this a relatively good time to visit. Holiday decorations and events are in full swing across all parks.
Week of December 4-10, 2024:
Moderate crowds can be expected this week. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party continues on select nights at Magic Kingdom, offering special holiday entertainment.
Week of December 11-17, 2024:
Crowd levels begin to increase as schools start winter breaks. Weekend days may be particularly busy.
Week of December 18-24, 2024:
This week sees a significant increase in crowds as Christmas (December 25) approaches. Expect very high crowd levels, especially in the latter part of the week.
Week of December 25-31, 2024:
This is the busiest week of the year at Walt Disney World. Extreme crowds are expected, with New Year’s Eve (December 31) being particularly crowded.
Best Weeks to Visit:
1. October 23-29, 2024
2. November 27 – December 3, 2024
3. December 4-10, 2024
These weeks offer a good balance of moderate crowds and special seasonal events. However, be aware that crowd patterns can change, and it’s always advisable to have a solid touring plan regardless of when you visit.
Key Events Affecting Crowds:
– Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (through November 23)
– Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (through October 31)
– Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November 1-3)
– Veterans Day and Jersey Week (around November 11)
– Thanksgiving (November 28)
– Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (late November through December)
– Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights in November and December)
– Christmas (December 25)
– New Year’s Eve (December 31)
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:
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Your Weekly Disneyland Resort Food Report
The most exciting news this week is the confirmed opening date for the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree. This reimagined restaurant, formerly known as the Hungry Bear Restaurant, will open its doors on October 25. The venue will feature:
- New Country Bears theming
- Music from all iterations of the Country Bear show
- A menu inspired by food the Country Bears discovered while on tour
Halloween Treats
Halloween Time is in full swing at Disneyland Resort, offering a variety of spooky treats and savory delights. Here are some standout items:
Must-Try Halloween Foods:
- Asian-inspired Spicy Pork Tacos at Studio Catering Co. & Hollywood Lounge
- Peanut Butter-Chocolate Churro at Cozy Cone Motel 1
- Fantasyland Garlic Cheesy Brat at Edelweiss Snacks
- Philly Potato Dog at Refreshment Corner
Skip These:
- Tangy Apple Mickey-shaped Beignets at Mint Julep Bar
- Caramel Apple Cold Brew at Cafe Daisy
Best Overall Eats
Based on recent reviews, these items have received high praise:
- Peanut Butter Cold Brew (both mocktail and cocktail versions) at Cappuccino Cart
- Dark Matter Pizza at Alien Pizza Planet
- Poison Apple Cake at Plaza Inn
New Items to Try
- Boo-gogi Toasted Sandwich with Corn Cheese Soup at Alien Pizza Planet
- Taro Bread Pudding at Aunt Cass Café
- Monstropolis Float at Refreshment Corner
Discounts
While there are no specific food discounts mentioned for Disneyland Resort this week, guests should always check for any available promotions or special offers when dining at the parks.
Remember, Halloween Time offerings are available through November 14 at most locations, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy these seasonal treats.
For more information on the best and worst Halloween foods at Disneyland this year, check out this comprehensive guide.
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland always included immersive themed lands that would transport guests to different times and places. While Walt himself passed away in 1966, his dream of expanding Disneyland continued with the addition of Bear Country in 1972. This new land, inspired by the forests of the Pacific Northwest, was home to the original Golden Bear Lodge, which would later evolve into the Hungry Bear Restaurant we know today.
The Golden Bear Lodge opened in September 1972 as part of the $8 million Bear Country expansion. Walt Disney had always wanted to create a rustic, wilderness-themed area in the park, and while he didn’t live to see Bear Country come to fruition, his ideas heavily influenced its development.
In 1977, the Golden Bear Lodge was renamed Hungry Bear Restaurant. This change coincided with other modifications in Bear Country, including the renaming of the Mile Long Bar refreshment center. Despite the name change, the restaurant maintained its rustic charm and continued to be a popular dining spot for park visitors.
As Disneyland evolved, so did the Hungry Bear Restaurant. It remained a constant presence in the park, even as Bear Country was renamed Critter Country in 1988. The restaurant’s two-story layout and terrace dining area overlooking the Rivers of America became iconic features, offering guests a peaceful retreat and stunning views of passing river craft.
Now, in an exciting turn of events, the Hungry Bear Restaurant is undergoing another transformation. On October 25, 2024, it will reopen as the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.
This reimagining pays homage to the restaurant’s roots and the beloved Country Bear Jamboree attraction. The new concept will feature a menu inspired by regional barbecue dishes that the Country Bears supposedly discovered during their nationwide tours. While not a character dining location, the restaurant will play music from various iterations of the Country Bear show, bringing back a piece of Disneyland history.
I don’t think this article mentions Hungry Bear, but what if you had bought something in Chelsea Park Estates back in 1955???????
This latest evolution of the Hungry Bear Restaurant is part of a broader rebranding of Critter Country into Bayou Country, coinciding with the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on November 15, 2024. It’s a testament to how Walt Disney’s original vision continues to inspire and evolve, keeping Disneyland fresh and exciting for new generations of visitors while honoring its rich history.
Some interesting trivia about the Hungry Bear Restaurant:
- The lower level of the original Golden Bear Lodge also served as the Mile Long Bar, a refreshment center that was later replaced when Splash Mountain opened in 1989.
- Hungry Bear Restaurant is considered a potential historic landmark. It was identified as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places for its association with Disneyland’s expansion in the 1970s and as an example of Rustic/Theme Park style architecture.
- The restaurant’s terrace offers one of the best views of the Rivers of America in the park, a feature that has remained constant throughout its various incarnations.
- Chelsea and I dined here on our very first date back in 1993! Several years later, we took a picture with the result of that first date. A generous MouseWaiter captured this photo, printed it, and sent it to us—and it’s still displayed in our home!
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
October 22, 2024 Issue #43 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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