Black Friday Specials, new food, crowd reports…

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Disneyland Resort News

New menu items launched within the last 7 days

• Barbacoa Tamale with pumpkin mole, pickled onions, crema, queso fresco, and toasted pumpkin seeds at the Holiday Duets booth, available starting November 15.
• Holiday Half at the Holiday Duets booth, featuring a half portion of turkey pot pie and a half portion of mac & cheese.

Hidden menu items and seasonal specialties

• Christmas Tree Pull-apart Sourdough Bread at Aunt Cass Café in Disney California Adventure, available from November 27 through January 6.

Trending dishes with specific locations

• Cranberry BBQ Chicken Sandwich at Galactic Grill. Guests are raving about its unique flavor profile, featuring cranberry-orange marmalade BBQ sauce.

Dining optimization tactics

To optimize your dining experience:

• Utilize Mobile Order to minimize wait times at popular eateries like Café Daisy or Galactic Grill.
• Ask for the chef’s special at Café Orleans for a unique dining experience not listed on the menu.

Crowd Favorite menu items

• Mickey-shaped Jingle Bell Glow Cube at various locations in Disney California Adventure, featuring both gold and silver glitter options.

Unexpected dining hacks

• At Café Daisy, ask for a side of the signature house-made pickles to go with your meal.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE TIPS

Lesser-known photo opportunities

• Animation Building: Capture memorable moments during the Animation Academy sessions where you can draw Disney characters.

Hidden character meet locations

• Look for Disneyland cats for a unique character encounter; these feral cats help keep the rodent population in check.

Unpublished seasonal offerings

• Holiday Duets at Disney California Adventure offers unique holiday-themed small bites and drinks.

Free souvenirs and other hidden gems

• Accidentally popped Disney balloons can be replaced free of charge if you bring evidence to a balloon vendor.

Lesser-known things to do

• Relax at the Grand Californian Hotel lobby and enjoy the ambiance with a drink at the Hearthstone Lounge.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS

Active discounts (minimum 7-day validity)

• Disney+ Subscribers can buy 2 days and get 1 free at Disneyland Resort, valid for travel now through December 27, 2024.
• Military Discounts: 3-day and 4-day Park Hopper Tickets are available at a discount through December 10, 2024.

Magic Key holder specials

• Inspire Key: $1,749, with benefits including parking, discounts, and no blockout dates except December 21 to January 1.
• Believe Key: $1,374, with ~48 blockout dates per year.

Disney Visa cardholder perks

• Special discounts on merchandise, dining, and more at the Disneyland Resort.

Mobile order benefits

• Use Mobile Order to pre-order meals and avoid long lines, especially useful during busy holiday periods.

Hotel savings

• Extra Night Free specials at various Disneyland Resort hotels when booking through Get Away Today.

Lesser-known ways to save money

• Forgo the Park Hopper Option if you’re planning a shorter visit, focusing on one park to save money per ticket.

CROWD INDEX INTELLIGENCE:

14-day crowd forecast

• November 26 – December 2: Moderate to high crowds, peaking around Thanksgiving.
• December 3 – December 9: Crowds will remain high due to the start of the Christmas season.

Known crowd drivers

• Thanksgiving Week and Veterans Day long weekend are expected to draw significant crowds.

Optimal visiting dates

• November 27: A Wednesday, expected to be slightly less crowded than other days.

Best/worst times of day

• Best: Early mornings before the crowds arrive, especially on weekdays.
• Worst: Evenings after work for locals, particularly on weekends.

Current refurbishments

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed from November 18 through mid-December.

Using Lighting Lane

• Book early: Utilize Lightning Lane passes to minimize wait times, especially for popular rides.

Virtual queues

• Join virtual queues for Haunted Mansion and other rides to secure a spot without waiting in line.

Single Rider line wait time strategies

• Use Single Rider lines to cut down wait times significantly for attractions like Space Mountain and Incredicoaster.

Rider switch strategies

• Rider switch is effective for families with young children, allowing one adult to ride while the other waits, then switch.

Current Rope drop strategy

• Arrive very early to take advantage of the Rope Drop and experience key attractions with minimal wait times.

Park hopping efficiency

• Plan your day: Start in one park, then hop to the other when crowds typically subside in the late afternoon.

EVENTS & SHOWS

Top 3 currently running shows by guest satisfaction:

World of Color – Season of LightRating: 9.2/10

• Performance Schedule: Nightly at 9:00 PM
• Duration: 22 minutes
• Venue Capacity: 5,000
• Peak/Off-Peak: Peak times around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Fantasmic!Rating: 8.9/10

• Performance Schedule: 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM
• Duration: 27 minutes
• Venue Capacity: 8,000
• Peak/Off-Peak: Peak times are before the first show

A Christmas Fantasy ParadeRating: 8.6/10

• Performance Schedule: 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM
• Duration: 35 minutes
• Venue Capacity: Variable along parade route
• Peak/Off-Peak: Peak times 30 minutes before each parade

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!

Find the top Disney Black Friday Specials on Amazon! (MouseWait benefits from your purchases)

Disney World Resort News

New Menu Items Launched Within Last 7 Days

• Air Tours Bacon and Waffles – Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, $14, Available Nov. 26 – Dec. 30
• Breakfast sausage waffle, mini quiche, candied bacon with bourbon-maple syrup
• Holiday Fruitcake Mule – All-Star Resorts, $12, Available through Dec. 31
• Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Apple Blossom Bitters, cranberry juice, rosemary, and ginger beer

Hidden Menu Items and Seasonal Specialties

• Pao de Queijo – Skipper Canteen, $15, Available upon request
• Cheese bread bites served with poblano cream and chimichurri sauce

Trending Dishes with Specific Locations

• Gingerbread Milk Shake – Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, $6.49, Available during regular park hours
• Vanilla ice cream, gingerbread syrup, ginger snap crumbles, whipped cream, and chocolate piece

Dining Optimization Tactics

• Use the ‘Ditch the Side’ Hack – Ask to remove sides from meals to save a couple of dollars, especially at Quick Service locations.

Crowd Favorite Menu Items

• Jingle Cruise Kringle – Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen, $13, Available Nov. 26 – Dec. 31
• A holiday-themed twist on the traditional Jungle Cruise menu with flavors of the season.

Unexpected Dining Hacks

• Ask for the Chef’s Special – At various restaurants, ask for the chef’s special, which might include unique or seasonal dishes not on the regular menu.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE TIPS

Lesser-Known Photo Opportunities

• The DVC Moonlight Tree – At Boardwalk Resort, a photo op that’s lit up beautifully at night.

Hidden Character Meet Locations

• Epcot’s World Showcase – Check the My Disney Experience app for character appearances, like Mary Poppins at the UK pavilion or Olaf at Norway.

Unpublished Seasonal Offerings

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Special shows and treats during the event, like the Holiday Pot Roast Hot Dog at the Friar’s Nook, available until 9:30 p.m.

How to Get Free Souvenirs

• Ask for a Celebration Button – At Guest Relations or any shop, get a button for your special occasion, which might lead to small perks or recognition from Cast Members.

Lesser-Known Things to Do

• Visit the Art of Animation Resort – Experience the Finding Nemo and Cars themed areas with minimal crowds for a low-key exploration.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS

Active Discounts (Minimum 7-day Validity)

• Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays from November 26 to December 3, 2024.

Magic Key Holder Specials

• Free Disney Dining Plan when purchasing a non-discounted four-night/four-day Walt Disney Travel Company package.

Disney Visa Cardholder Perks

• 10% off select merchandise and dining at Disney Springs.

Mobile Order Benefits

• No Wait Times – Order food on the My Disney Experience app to skip lines at Quick Service restaurants.

Hotel Savings

• Discounts on Deluxe Resorts – Cardmembers can save up to 30% on select premium rooms at Deluxe Resort hotels.

Lesser-Known Ways to Save Money

• Ask for ‘Only’ – When ordering at counter-service locations, you can request items à la carte, potentially saving on sides you don’t want.

CROWD INDEX INTELLIGENCE

14-Day Crowd Forecast

• November 26 – December 3, 2024: Moderate crowds with peak times on Thanksgiving week, particularly the 28th.
• Optimal Visiting Dates: November 26-27 and December 3-4 for lighter crowds.

Known Crowd Drivers

• Thanksgiving Holiday: November 28, 2024, and surrounding days.

Best/Worst Times of Day

• Magic Kingdom: Best times are mid-morning and late evening; avoid late afternoon.
• EPCOT: Late morning to early afternoon is optimal; avoid late afternoon.
• Hollywood Studios: Early opening to late morning; avoid mid-afternoon.
• Animal Kingdom: Early morning to late afternoon; avoid early evening.

Current Refurbishments

• Voyage of the Little Mermaid – Reimagined version expected late 2024.

Temporary Closures or Modified Operations

• Jingle Cruise: Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom is themed for the holidays, running through December.

Impact Assessment

• Crowds: Expect higher crowds during Thanksgiving week, affecting wait times for attractions and dining.
• Alternative Attractions: Utilize shows and parades during peak crowd times or explore less busy areas like Disney Springs.

Lighting Lane & Strategy

• Avoid Using Lighting Lane on days with lower crowds to save money. Use it strategically on busy days.

Current Rope Drop Strategy

• Arrive Early: Be at the park gates before opening to ride popular attractions with minimal waits.

Park Hopping Efficiency

• Evening Hopping: Start at a park with morning attractions, then hop to another with evening entertainment.

Early Entry/Extended Evening Hours

• Early Entry: Utilize this to get ahead of the crowds for popular rides.
• Extended Evening Hours: Often less crowded, perfect for enjoying attractions with shorter lines.

EVENTS & SHOWS

Top-Rated Shows by Guest Satisfaction Metrics

Festival of Fantasy Parade – Magic Kingdom

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Schedule: 2:00 p.m. daily
• Duration: 12 minutes
• Venue Capacity: Large
• Peak/Off-Peak Times: Peak during weekends and holidays; off-peak weekdays.
• Weather Cancellation: Parade may be cancelled or altered in severe weather.

Wonderful World of Animation – EPCOT

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Schedule: 8:45 p.m. daily
• Duration: 12 minutes
• Venue Capacity: Large
• Peak/Off-Peak Times: Consistent crowds; try to catch it on less busy days.
• Weather Cancellation: Show may be affected by weather, with potential delays or cancellations.

Happily Ever After Fireworks – Magic Kingdom

• Rating: 4.9/5
• Schedule: 9:00 p.m. daily
• Duration: 18 minutes
• Venue Capacity: Large
• Peak/Off-Peak Times: Peak during holidays; off-peak after late evening park hopping.
• Weather Cancellation: Fireworks are subject to cancellation or modification in inclement weather.

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.

VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks

The Forgotten Land of Disneyland: A Journey Through Holidayland

Images courtesy of Parkendium

Nestled just beyond the gates of Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, there once existed a peculiar and oft-forgotten corner of Disneyland known as Holidayland. From June 1957 to September 1961, this 6.5-acre plot of land served as a unique experiment in leisure—a sprawling picnic ground designed to complement the bustling attractions inside the park. Though its tenure was brief, Holidayland holds a fascinating place in Disneyland’s history, offering a glimpse into Walt Disney’s ever-evolving vision for his “Happiest Place on Earth.”

A Vision Beyond the Berm

Holidayland was born out of Walt Disney’s desire to create a space where families could relax and enjoy simple pleasures away from the park’s more structured attractions. Located just outside Disneyland’s iconic berm near Frontierland, it was envisioned as an antidote to the crowded pathways and long lines inside the park. The area featured open fields for baseball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as picnic tables shaded by a massive candy-striped circus tent—the largest of its kind at the time, capable of seating 4,000 guests. It even offered something Disneyland proper did not: alcohol. For many visitors, this made Holidayland an enticing retreat.

Walt Disney himself was deeply involved in conceptualizing Holidayland. He often spoke about the importance of play and recreation, famously remarking that “people need play as much as they need toil.” Early plans for Disneyland had included picnic areas and carnival-like spaces, ideas that eventually coalesced into Holidayland. Milt Albright, a longtime Disney employee and manager of Holidayland, recalled how Walt’s vision extended beyond rides and attractions; he wanted Disneyland to be a complete resort experience.

The Experience of Holidayland

Stepping into Holidayland was like entering an old-fashioned town fair. Families could spread out on grassy fields, children could climb on playground structures, and corporate groups could host picnics or team-building events. The area also featured a bandstand for live performances and a softball diamond with bleachers for spectators. On special occasions, visitors were treated to appearances by beloved Disneyland performers like Wally Boag and Betty Taylor from the Golden Horseshoe Revue or even the Mouseketeers themselves.

One memorable early event was organized for the Los Angeles Elks Lodge in June 1957. The day included games for children, performances by Indian Village dancers, and concerts by both the Elks’ band and Disneyland’s own marching band. The highlight came when the gates to Disneyland were ceremoniously opened for attendees—a moment that underscored how Holidayland served as both a standalone attraction and a gateway to the magic within.

The Challenges of Holidayland

Despite its charm, Holidayland faced significant challenges that ultimately led to its closure. For one, it lacked sufficient infrastructure; there were too few restrooms for its 7,000-guest capacity, limited shade aside from the circus tent, and no lighting for evening events. Additionally, its theming paled in comparison to Disneyland’s meticulously designed lands. Guests often described it as feeling more like a municipal park than part of Walt Disney’s immersive world.

Perhaps most tellingly, visitors seemed eager to leave Holidayland behind in favor of Disneyland itself. As one organizer noted after an event: “The ball diamond and games area were not used by the group after the show as they couldn’t wait to go into Disneyland.” By 1961, with plans underway for New Orleans Square and other expansions within the park, Disney executives decided that Holidayland’s prime real estate could be put to better use.

A Legacy Hidden in Plain Sight

Though it disappeared from maps over six decades ago, Holidayland left subtle traces on Disneyland’s landscape. Its former grounds now house backstage facilities like show buildings for Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion—two attractions that epitomize Walt Disney’s commitment to storytelling and innovation.

Holidayland also serves as an early example of Disney experimenting with spaces beyond traditional theme park attractions. In many ways, it foreshadowed later developments like Downtown Disney or even Disney’s water parks—areas designed for relaxation and recreation outside the main parks.

Little-Known Trivia About Holidayland

• The Original Location:Early plans placed Holidayland within Disneyland itself, near where the Matterhorn now stands. However, space constraints pushed it outside the park.
• The Circus Tent’s History: The enormous candy-striped tent had previously been used for Mickey Mouse Club Circus performances inside Disneyland.
• Walt’s Philosophy: Walt Disney’s early concept drawings for Disneyland always included picnic areas because he believed families needed spaces to unwind together—a philosophy that shaped not only Holidayland but also future park designs.
• A Unique Offering: Holidayland was one of the few places associated with Disneyland where alcohol was served during its operation—a rarity given Walt’s general aversion to alcohol in his parks.

The Spirit of Experimentation

Holidayland may not have been a resounding success by traditional measures—it lacked longevity or widespread acclaim—but it exemplifies Walt Disney’s willingness to experiment boldly with new ideas. His vision for Disneyland was never static; it was a living project that evolved with each challenge and opportunity.

In reflecting on this forgotten corner of Disneyland history, one is reminded of Walt’s famous declaration: “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” Holidayland may have been short-lived, but its story adds another layer to the rich tapestry of innovation and creativity that defines Walt Disney’s legacy.

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 26, 2024 Issue #48 to 29,891 Disney fans.

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