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Disneyland Resort News
The holidays at Disneyland Resort are a sensory feast, where the magic of the season blends seamlessly with Disney’s signature attention to detail. From December 10 to December 17, 2024, the resort is alive with festive food, insider experiences, and entertainment that will leave you enchanted. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit this week.
A Culinary Wonderland
This week, Disneyland’s holiday food offerings are nothing short of spectacular. Over at Disneyland Park, Café Daisy on Mickey’s Toontown is serving up the new Chocolate Cake Snow Globe ($7.99), a decadent dessert with layers of chocolate sponge, truffle mousse, and chocolate glaze topped with a buttercream tree.
For savory fans, don’t miss the Thanks-mas Sandwich ($12.49) at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café—featuring turkey breast, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy on rustic bread. Meanwhile, Alien Pizza Planet is drawing crowds for its Chicken Al Pastor Pizza Slice ($9.99), a spicy and flavorful seasonal specialty.
Across the esplanade at Disney California Adventure Park, the Festival of Holidays continues with standout dishes like the new Sticky Toffee Pudding Macaron ($6.50) and the returning favorite Al Pastor Pork & Pineapple Slider ($8.50). Pro tip: Grab a Sip and Savor Pass for $59 (Magic Key holders save $5) to sample multiple dishes while saving money. For a hidden treat, ask for the chef’s special at Café Orleans—rumor has it there’s an off-menu holiday crème brûlée that’s worth seeking out.
Insider Tips for Magical Moments
Beyond the food, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. For unique photo opportunities, head to Cars Land at sunset for the “Sh-Boom” lighting moment when neon signs illuminate in sync to nostalgic tunes—a perfect Instagram shot. Over in Fantasyland, be the first in line at Storybook Land Canal Boats in the morning to sign their secret guest book. And don’t miss Santa Claus meet-and-greets in Critter Country or Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for festive family photos.
Looking for free souvenirs? Visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where guests of all ages can get “pixie dusted” with glitter sprinkled over their heads while making a wish—no purchase required! Another lesser-known activity is enjoying nightly snowfall in Downtown Disney near Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, adding a touch of winter wonderland magic even outside the parks.
Navigating Crowds Like a Pro
The holiday season means higher crowd levels, but strategic planning can make all the difference. This week sees moderate-to-high attendance due to school breaks and holiday festivities. The busiest days are expected to be December 13-15 due to weekend visitors and local passholders taking advantage of their last pre-blockout days. For lighter crowds, aim for midweek visits on December 12 or 17.
Mornings remain your best bet for shorter wait times—rope drop strategies are essential for popular attractions like Rise of the Resistance and Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland Park or Radiator Springs Racers in California Adventure. Use Lightning Lane or Single Rider lines strategically; for example, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! often has minimal waits via Single Rider after 8 PM.
Refurbishments this week include Splash Mountain (closed indefinitely) and Mickey’s PhilharMagic (reopening December 14). In their place, consider alternatives like Pirates of the Caribbean or Animation Academy for immersive experiences without long waits.
Savings You Can Use Now
Disneyland Resort offers several ways to save this week. Magic Key holders can enjoy discounts on dining and merchandise across both parks as well as up to 20% off rooms at select hotels Sunday through Thursday nights. Disney Visa cardholders can also take advantage of perks like discounted hotel stays and exclusive PhotoPass lenses.
Mobile ordering through the Disneyland app not only saves time but can also unlock exclusive menu items like specialty churros or seasonal drinks not listed on standard menus. If you’re staying at one of Disneyland’s hotels, early entry allows you to experience key attractions before official park opening—a great way to maximize value during peak season.
Shows Worth Your Time
For entertainment, three standout shows are captivating audiences this week:
- “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” (Disneyland Park): This daily parade features beloved characters like Anna and Elsa alongside Santa Claus himself. The festive floats and catchy music make it a must-see for families.
- “World of Color – Season of Light” (California Adventure): This nighttime spectacular combines stunning water projections with holiday music and scenes from Disney classics like Frozen. Arrive early for prime viewing near Paradise Bay.
- “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular (Disneyland Park): End your evening with this breathtaking display above Sleeping Beauty Castle, complete with snowfall on Main Street—a quintessential Disney holiday experience.
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Disney World Resort News
Walt Disney World in December is a world transformed. As the holiday season reaches full swing, the parks and resorts are alive with festive magic, culinary delights, and bustling crowds. If you’re visiting this week—December 10 to December 17, 2024—here’s everything you need to know to navigate the enchantment and make the most of your trip.
A Culinary Wonderland
The holiday season brings with it a dazzling array of food offerings across Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is brimming with festive treats like the Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll ($7.49) at Main Street Bakery and the indulgent Eggnog Shake ($8.49) at The Friar’s Nook, which features eggnog soft-serve topped with ginger snap crumbles and whipped cream. Over at EPCOT, don’t miss the Holiday Turkey Popover—a savory combination of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry chutney served in a house-made popover.
For those seeking hidden gems, ask for the “chef’s special” at sit-down restaurants like The Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom or indulge in seasonal specialties like the Festive Beignets ($7.29) at Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow, dusted with sugar cookie powder and served with cookie butter icing. Mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app can save you time during busy meal hours, especially for popular items like the Italian Beef Tots ($11.49) at The Friar’s Nook.
Dining optimization tip: Consider early lunch or late dinner reservations to avoid peak crowds. And for a sweet surprise, inquire about hidden menu items—some locations offer exclusive off-menu treats for those who ask.
Insider Tips for Unique Experiences
While everyone flocks to Cinderella Castle for photos, savvy visitors can find quieter photo spots like the Tangled-themed lanterns near Rapunzel’s Tower in Magic Kingdom or the lush pathways around Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life. For character interactions, lesser-known meet-and-greet locations include Moana at Character Landing in Animal Kingdom and Figment at ImageWorks in EPCOT.
Looking for free souvenirs? Annual Passholders can pick up a charming Snow White-themed baking set at Creations Shop in EPCOT or a collectible Mufasa postcard at Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures in Animal Kingdom. Both are available through December 18 with proof of passholder status.
Crowd Forecast and Strategies
This week sees moderate to heavy crowds as holiday travelers arrive early to experience seasonal events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Expect peak attendance on weekends (December 14-15) and lighter crowds on weekdays (December 11-13). Early mornings remain the best time to hit popular attractions before lines swell by mid-morning.
Magic Kingdom’s Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse remains closed for refurbishment until December 20, but alternative attractions like Tom Sawyer Island provide a quieter escape from the hustle. For thrill-seekers, using Lightning Lane on headliners like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is essential during busy periods. Single rider lines (where available) and Rider Switch options also help minimize wait times.
Rope drop strategy: Arrive 30 minutes before early entry begins (available to resort guests) to secure spots for high-demand rides. Park hopping? Plan transitions between parks after 2 PM when crowds tend to disperse slightly.
Savings Opportunities
Disney is offering several discounts this week:
- Annual Passholders can save up to 40% on select Disney Resort hotel stays through December 25.
- Disney Visa cardholders enjoy perks like up to 20% off tickets for Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil in Disney Springs.
- Mobile ordering not only saves time but sometimes includes exclusive discounts or bonus items.
For budget-conscious visitors, consider staying off-property or taking advantage of Florida resident deals on hotel rooms (up to 30% off). Dining discounts are also available for Disney Visa cardholders at select locations throughout the resort.
Top Shows This Week
- Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios): A guest favorite with stunning water projections and pyrotechnics. Shows run nightly; arrive early for optimal seating.
- Harmonious (EPCOT): This nighttime spectacular combines music from around the world with dazzling fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon.
- Festival of Fantasy Parade (Magic Kingdom): Catch this daytime parade featuring beloved characters on elaborate floats—best viewed from Main Street USA.
Each show offers unique experiences, but be mindful of weather cancellations for outdoor performances like Fantasmic! during rainy evenings.
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
Images courtesy of Parkendium
Above the bustling charm of Main Street USA, in the cozy second-floor apartment of Disneyland’s Fire Station, Walt Disney found a personal haven—a place where his love for family, storytelling, and the holidays converged. During Christmas, this small but meaningful space became a backdrop for intimate family traditions and a perch from which Walt could witness the holiday magic he so lovingly infused into his park. As captured in the Disney+ documentary Christmas with Walt Disney, narrated by his daughter Diane Disney Miller, these moments reveal a man whose love for Christmas was as profound as his dedication to creating joy for others.
A Father’s Christmas Traditions
Walt Disney’s Christmas celebrations began at home, where family traditions were cherished and preserved. Diane recalls that every holiday season started with the placement of their beloved Nativity set. “The first thing that would happen,” she shared, “the Nativity set would be brought out.” This act symbolized the grounding simplicity of their holiday spirit, even amid Walt’s larger-than-life career.
Walt had a passion for capturing family moments on film. Diane fondly remembered how her father used his collection of cameras to document their Christmas mornings over the years. These home videos, featured in the documentary, offer glimpses of Walt as a loving husband and father—affectionate and playful. From decorating their Christmas tree to opening presents with his daughters Diane and Sharon, these private moments reveal a man deeply connected to his family.
The Disneys also sought snowy adventures during the holidays. They would travel to winter destinations where Walt’s playful side came alive. Diane humorously recounted her father’s comical attempts at ice skating—a scene that seemed straight out of one of his animated shorts like The Art of Skiing (1941). These vacations not only provided cherished memories but also inspired elements of Walt’s creative work.
Christmas at Disneyland: A Celebration of Giving
For Walt Disney, Christmas wasn’t just about personal joy—it was about sharing magic with others. His favorite way to celebrate the season was at Disneyland. As Diane revealed in Christmas with Walt Disney, “His very favorite way to celebrate Christmas was at Disneyland.” This sentiment came alive in 1962 when Walt appeared on Holiday Time at Disneyland, a television special that showcased the park’s festive transformation.
Dressed in his holiday best, Walt toured Disneyland’s attractions and highlighted its growing Christmas traditions. The special featured scenes from the Candlelight Procession, where choirs processed down Main Street USA carrying candles, culminating in a moving performance at the train station. The episode also captured the park’s Christmas parade—a vibrant spectacle featuring oversized toy soldiers, Disney characters dressed for winter, and Santa Claus himself.
But perhaps more than any public display, Walt’s generosity during the holidays defined his spirit. After the devastating 1955 flood in Yuba City, California—tragically occurring on Christmas Eve—Walt gave the community an unforgettable belated gift. He sent members of the original Mouseketeers, including Annette Funicello, to bring cheer to affected families. This act exemplified Walt’s belief in using his resources to brighten lives during challenging times.
A Legacy Illuminated
The Fire Station apartment served as both a retreat and a vantage point from which Walt could observe the holiday magic he had created below. During those early years at Disneyland, when budgets were tight and decorations modest—a single tree in Central Plaza and simple wreaths on Sleeping Beauty Castle—Walt insisted on hosting a Christmas parade despite financial concerns. His reasoning was quintessentially Disney: “We should do the parade precisely because no one’s expecting it. Our goal at Disneyland is to give people more than they expect.”
The apartment itself became part of this legacy. Diane described how her mother Lillian would host tea on their private terrace during quieter afternoons, overlooking Main Street USA dressed in its holiday finest. Today, the lamp glowing in the apartment window symbolizes Walt’s enduring presence—a reminder of his vision and love for creating joy.
Christmas Through Animation
Walt’s love for Christmas also found expression in his films and animated shorts. The documentary highlights classics like Mickey’s Good Deed (1932), Pluto’s Christmas Tree (1952), and Fantasia‘s Nutcracker Suite (1940), which captured whimsical yet heartfelt depictions of holiday cheer. These works reflected Walt’s ability to blend humor with sentimentality—qualities that defined both his art and his life.
A Sentimental Tribute
In her narration for Christmas with Walt Disney, Diane shared how much she cherished these memories: “He was a wonderful dad… so affectionate.” Her reflections add depth to our understanding of Walt not just as an innovator but as a man who valued family above all else.
As we imagine him sitting by the window of his Main Street apartment during those early December evenings—watching families stroll through his park under twinkling lights—we see a man who embodied the spirit of giving. Whether through grand gestures like surprising flood victims or small acts like filming his daughters opening gifts on Christmas morning, Walt Disney lived by his own words: “The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish achievements but rather with the things we do for others.”
Today, Disneyland continues to honor this legacy every holiday season. From its dazzling parades to its timeless Candlelight Procession, it reminds us that Walt’s dream was never just about creating a theme park—it was about creating memories that last forever. And above it all, in that little apartment above Main Street USA, one can almost feel Walt’s enduring presence—a father, a dreamer, and above all else, a believer in magic.
Well, that’s all for this week!
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Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
December 10, 2024 Issue #50 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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