Thanks to misschurro for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
MouseWait Secret Santa Exchange 2024
From the Lounge by GodofWine: It is that time again for the MouseWait Secret Santa Exchange! All communications will come from [email protected] and you will be emailed a Google Form to fill out.
Here’s how it works:
1. Send an email to [email protected] to participate.
2. You will get an email from me with a few attachments; a questionnaire link, a detailed rules page, and an FAQ page.
3. After reading the Rules and FAQ, fill out the questionnaire and submit it.
4. Keep an eye on your email/spam folders.
5. Sign-ups end on November 15th.
6. You will receive your match on or before November 22nd.
7. All gifts need to be sent out on or before December 15th.
You may participate as a family or have each family member participate individually. Keep in mind for every package coming in, you’ll have a package going out.
You may participate if you are outside the US.
You may sign up to only be an Elf (you will not get a gift in return).
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Disneyland Resort News:
The holiday season at Disneyland Resort will run from November 15, 2024 through January 6, 2025, featuring several exciting offerings:
New Holiday Food & Treats
- The 2024 Holiday Foodie Guide has been released, featuring new items like the Santa Baymax Macaron
- Holiday treats will be available starting November 14 through January 6, 2025
Holiday Entertainment
- “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”
- “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks with snowfall on Main Street
- “World of Color: Season of Light” at California Adventure
- “Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party” character dining at Grand Californian Hotel (starting November 19)
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open on November 15, 2024, replacing Splash Mountain. The area will be renamed from Critter Country to Bayou Country.
Several hotel discounts are available through December 19, 2024:
- Disney Visa Cardmembers: Up to 25% off select rooms
- Magic Key Holders: Up to 20% off select rooms
- General Public: Up to 15% off select rooms
- Make dining reservations 60 days in advance, especially for popular restaurants
- Use mobile ordering to avoid long lines at quick-service locations
- Consider dining packages that include reserved viewing for shows and parades
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:
The holiday season is officially kicking off at Disney World with several special events:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins November 8, 2024, at Magic Kingdom, featuring exclusive holiday entertainment and treats.
- Disney Jollywood Nights returns for its second year starting November 9, 2024, at Hollywood Studios as a separately ticketed holiday event.
- The official start of Holidays at Walt Disney World is November 12, 2024.
Disney has released their 2024 holiday food lineup, with several new offerings starting November 8, including:
- Mini Christmas Croquembouche with chocolate pâte à choux and hazelnut custard
- White Mocha Crème Brûlée featuring espresso and white chocolate
- New holiday-themed treats at various locations including a Peppermint-Chocolate Swirl Cone and Christmas Tree Sundae
Several money-saving offers are currently available:
- Room discounts of up to 30% for stays from November 24 to December 25, 2024
- Military members can access specially priced theme park tickets through December 17, 2024
- Disney Visa Cardmembers have access to exclusive hotel savings
- Base ticket prices for 2024 start at $109 per day, with prices varying by date
- Magic Kingdom tickets range from $134-$189
- EPCOT tickets range from $119-$179
- Hollywood Studios tickets range from $129-$184
- Animal Kingdom tickets range from $109-$164
November typically offers favorable conditions with:
- Average temperatures ranging from 57°F to 79°F
- Lower humidity compared to summer months
- Moderate crowds except during Thanksgiving week (November 23-December 1)
Get the perfect gift from our Amazon Disney Store here (MouseWait benefits from your purchases)
Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
Week of November 6-14
Best week of the month for lower crowds
– Weekdays are optimal for visiting
– Veterans Day (November 11) may see moderate increase in attendance
– Park hours may be shorter during this period
– Regular entertainment schedule in effect
Week of November 15-21
Moderate to High Crowds
– Holiday Season officially begins November 15
– Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens November 15
– First weekend of holiday celebrations will draw larger crowds
– Holiday decorations, entertainment, and seasonal treats debut
– “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks begin nightly performances
Week of November 22-28
Very High Crowds
– Thanksgiving Week (peak season)
– Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail debuts in Downtown Disney
– All holiday attractions and entertainment in full operation
– Expect peak wait times and heavy crowds throughout the week
– Special holiday dining options begin at resort hotels
Week of December 1-8
Recommended Week for December Visit
– First week of December typically sees lowest crowds of the month
– Candlelight Processional weekend (December 7-8) will be busy
– All holiday entertainment and attractions operating
– Shorter wait times during weekdays
Week of December 9-15
Moderate Crowds
– Weekdays still manageable
– Weekend crowds increase as locals visit before holiday peak
– Full holiday entertainment schedule
– Evening hours tend to be busier than mornings
Week of December 16-22
High to Very High Crowds
– Crowds begin building for holiday peak
– Local schools begin winter break
– Extended park hours in effect
– Evening crowds particularly heavy
Week of December 23-31
Peak Crowds (Highest of the Year)
– Christmas week through New Year’s Eve
– Maximum park capacity likely
– Extended holiday hours
– Expect longest wait times of the year
– All holiday entertainment and attractions operating
– New Year’s Eve will see extremely high attendance
Special Holiday Features Throughout Period:
– Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with snow and icicles
– “Snow” falls nightly in select areas
– Holiday overlays on attractions
– Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure
– Special holiday food and beverage offerings
– Seasonal merchandise available
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App! Our Crowd Index is currently down in the Disneyland App and we’re working to restore it!
Weekly Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Report
**November 6-11**
– Moderate to heavy crowds due to Veterans Day weekend
– First Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins November 8
– First Disney Jollywood Nights begins November 9
– Peak crowds expected November 9-11 (Veterans Day weekend)
**November 12-22**
– Moderate crowds with best visiting conditions
– Official start of Disney World holiday season on November 12
– Recommended week for visiting (November 16-22)
– Moderate wait times at all parks
– Christmas decorations fully installed at Magic Kingdom
**November 23-30**
– AVOID: Peak Thanksgiving crowds
– One of the five busiest weeks of 2024
– Extremely high wait times at all parks
– Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ends November 23
– Epcot Festival of the Holidays begins November 29
**December 1-20**
– Heavy crowds, especially weekends
– Multiple holiday events running:
– Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
– Jollywood Nights
– Epcot Festival of the Holidays
– Expect higher crowds than historical December averages
**December 21-31**
– AVOID: Peak holiday season
– Maximum capacity crowds
– Longest wait times of the year
– Special New Year’s Eve celebrations
Best Times to Visit
1. November 12-22
– Moderate crowds
– Full holiday decorations
– Pleasant weather (highs 79°F, lows 57°F)
– All holiday events operating
Events Affecting Crowds
**Holiday Parties**
– Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights)
– Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios (select nights)
– Epcot Festival of the Holidays (starts November 29)
**Sports Events**
– NIT Season Tip-Off (November 28-29)
– ESPN Events Invitational (November 28-29)
– Disney Junior Soccer Showcase (November 29-December 1)
Weather and Park Hours
– November: Mild temperatures, lower humidity
– December: Cooler temperatures, minimal rain
– Extended park hours during peak periods
– Early closures at Magic Kingdom on party nights
For optimal experience, visit during November 12-22 window, utilize Early Entry benefits, and plan park visits around special events and party dates.
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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ALL-ACCESS members, AND those who spend at least $99 in Credits in a calendar year get exclusive access to our new Sticker Fairy to generate their own custom Stickers + our NEW image to Sticker generator! Get your Credits here
Your Weekly Disneyland Resort Food Report
The holiday foodie guides are here for DISNEYLAND and WALT DISNEY WORLD!
New Holiday Offerings Starting November 15
- The 2024 holiday season kicks off with numerous festive food and beverage offerings across the resort.
- Disney Festival of Holidays returns with Festive Food Marketplaces featuring both new and returning menu items.
- A new Sip and Savor Pass will be available in both 4-coupon and 8-coupon versions.
New Character Dining Options
- “Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!” debuts November 19 at Disneyland Hotel.
- Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party breakfast and brunch launching at Storytellers Cafe, featuring holiday-themed meals and characters in festive pajamas.
New Collectible Items Available
- Holiday Travel Tumbler (starting Nov. 15)
- Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread House Bucket (limited to 2 per person)
- Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer Sipper (starting Nov. 15)
- Mickey Elf Bucket (starting Nov. 21)
Key Locations for Holiday Food and Souvenirs
- Disneyland Park: Multiple locations including Alien Pizza Planet, Galactic Grill, and Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
- Disney California Adventure: Award Wieners, Paradise Garden Grill, and Smokejumpers Grill
- Hotels: The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel and GCH Craftsman Grill at Grand Californian
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
Walt Disney’s deep patriotism and personal connection to military service shaped one of Disneyland’s most enduring traditions – the daily Flag Retreat Ceremony. This ceremony, which has taken place every single day since the park’s opening in 1955, reflects Walt’s profound respect for those who serve our nation.
During Walt Disney’s lifetime, the Flag Retreat Ceremony held a deeply personal meaning for him. He would often stand in Town Square, watching the ceremony with tears streaming down his cheeks. His daughter Diane later recalled that her father was “a great sentimentalist” who was deeply moved by these patriotic displays.
The Early Ceremony
When the ceremony first began in 1955, it was considerably simpler than today’s elaborate ritual. Walt insisted on having it from opening day, making it one of Disneyland’s longest-running traditions. The original ceremony consisted primarily of Disneyland security officers lowering the flag while recorded patriotic music played in the background.
Walt’s Military Connection
Walt’s patriotic spirit was formed early in his life when he attempted to join the Army during World War I. Though too young to enlist traditionally, he obtained his parents’ permission but was ultimately prevented from joining due to illness. Undeterred, he served as a Red Cross ambulance driver in France after the war. His brother Roy also served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, establishing a family legacy of military service.
The Ceremony’s Evolution
When first established by Walt in 1955, the Flag Retreat Ceremony was a relatively simple affair. It initially consisted of just a few security officers lowering the flag while patriotic music played from a boombox.
However, the ceremony underwent a significant transformation thanks to Ernie Napper, a retired Marine who worked security at Disneyland. Napper felt the ceremony deserved more recognition and worked to expand it, bringing in Disney characters, the Disneyland Band, and the Dapper Dans to replace the recorded music.
Modern Day Tradition
Today’s ceremony is a moving tribute that takes place daily before sundown in Town Square. The ritual includes:
- The Disneyland Band and Dapper Dans performing patriotic music
- Recognition of each military branch with their respective service songs
- Veterans and active-duty service members being invited to participate
- A formal lowering and folding of both the American and California flags
Walt’s Legacy of Military Support
Walt’s commitment to the military extended far beyond the Flag Retreat Ceremony. During World War II, Disney Studios created more than 1,200 military insignias for various units, with Donald Duck becoming an unofficial mascot for troops. This tradition of support continues today, with Disney donating over $20 million to veteran and military organizations since 2012.
Interesting Trivia
- The Flag Retreat Ceremony continued even during Disneyland’s 13-month closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Some flags around the park have only forty-five stars and are not officially American flags, which is why they remain flying at night.
- Walt Disney personally wrote the dedication plaque at the base of the Town Square flagpole, which reads “Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America”.
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
November 5, 2024 Issue #45 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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