Jack and I rebuilt MouseWait from scratch…AGAIN!!!! The iOS version is live in the App Store. Please check it out, update your rating, and let us know what you think! Also, take a look at our new Crowd Index—we’re still fine-tuning it, so it should improve over time.
UPDATE: 12-21-24: The following issues have been fixed in version 15.0.1, which we hope to release shortly. We also corrected the Crowd Index, which was displaying incorrectly.
The login screen incorrectly states “email/password” when it should say “username.” During the upgrade process, your information should be prefilled. If it isn’t, please sign in with your username. Additionally, the “Forgot Password” feature is not working. You can find another version of this in the Lounge: click the top right icon, navigate to the Lounge login page, and select “Forgot Password” to reset your password.
We’re currently rebuilding WDW for iOS, and then we’ll build the Android versions of both!
Thanks to carminaire for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
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Disneyland Resort News
As the holiday season envelops Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, the culinary landscape transforms into a winter wonderland of flavors, where every bite is a celebration. From the twinkling lights of Main Street, U.S.A., to the festive decor of Disney California Adventure, the parks are not just a visual treat but a culinary one as well. Here’s your guide to navigating the holiday food scene at Disneyland, ensuring your visit is as delightful to your taste buds as it is to your eyes.
A Symphony of Seasonal Delights
The holiday season at Disneyland is marked by an array of new menu items that have just made their debut. At A Twist on Tradition in Disney California Adventure, indulge in the Barbecue Pulled Pork Cornbread Bake for $14.99, a unique twist on Thanksgiving flavors, available through January 6, 2025.
Over at Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland Park, the Holiday Green Drink at $7.50, an apple-flavored beverage topped with caramel cold foam and sprinkles, is a refreshing choice from November 15 through January 6, 2025.
And for those with a sweet tooth, the Dutch Apple Churro at the Churro Cart in Critter Country, now dusted with holiday spices and drizzled with Dutch apple sauce, is a must-try for $6.
Hidden Gems and Seasonal Specialties
For those in the know, there are hidden menu items and seasonal specialties that add an extra layer of magic to your dining experience. At Corn Dog Castle, the Holiday Stuffing Corn Dog for $12.50, available from November 15 through January 6, is a unique treat dipped in seasoned corn batter and topped with cranberry-mustard sauce.
Meanwhile, Café Orleans offers a delightful surprise with the Chef’s Special, a dish not listed on the standard menu but tailored to the season or the chef’s creativity.
Trending Dishes and Dining Optimization
The Barbacoa Tamale at Lamplight Lounge for $19.99, with its pumpkin mole and seasonal toppings, has become a crowd favorite, available from November 15 through January 7.
For those looking to optimize their dining experience, utilizing the Disneyland app for mobile ordering at popular spots like Café Daisy, Galactic Grill, and Alien Pizza Planet can save you from long lines. Eating during off-peak times, like early or late, can also enhance your dining experience, avoiding the rush between 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Insider Experience Tips
Beyond the culinary delights, Disneyland offers hidden gems for those willing to explore. For lesser-known photo opportunities, head to the Magic Key Terrace for exclusive views or catch the Hidden Character Meet at Grizzly Peak where characters like Chip ‘n’ Dale might make surprise appearances. For unpublished seasonal offerings, keep an eye out for the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Hotel, where you might find free holiday-themed souvenirs like gingerbread cookies or festive photo ops.
Exclusive Savings and Crowd Intelligence
For those looking to save, Disney+ subscribers can enjoy a special ticket deal, buying two days and getting one day free at a Disneyland Resort theme park, valid from November 18 through December 27, 2024. Magic Key holders can benefit from discounts on dining, merchandise, and parking, with the Inspire Magic Key offering up to 20% off select merchandise and 15% off select dining.
For a limited time, Southern California residents can visit Disneyland Resort for as low as $67 per day with the purchase of a special 3-day, 1-park per day ticket. This offer is valid for visits from January 1 through May 15, 2025, subject to park reservation availability. Tickets can be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days, and upgrades to Park Hopper tickets and Lightning Lane Multi Pass are available for additional fees.
As for crowd levels, the first week of December, particularly November 30 to December 8, 2024, is the optimal time to visit with lower crowds due to the post-Thanksgiving lull and Magic Key blockout dates. However, expect peak attendance from December 22, 2024, through the end of the year. For the best experience, visit on weekdays, especially Wednesdays and Thursdays, and consider early mornings or late evenings to avoid the busiest times.
Events & Shows
Among the current shows, A Christmas Fantasy Parade is a must-see for its festive floats and holiday cheer, Believe … In Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular offers a magical end to your day with its dazzling display, and World of Color – Season of Light at Disney California Adventure provides a unique water show experience with holiday themes. Each show brings its own charm, making them worth your time for their spectacle and the joy they bring to visitors of all ages.
In this holiday season at Disneyland, every corner of the park is a stage for culinary delights, hidden treasures, and magical moments. Whether you’re savoring a new holiday treat, capturing a unique photo, or enjoying a show, Disneyland ensures that your visit is filled with wonder and joy, making it truly the happiest place on earth.
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Disney World Resort News
As the holiday season continues at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the parks transform into a winter wonderland, not just in decor but in culinary delights as well. From December 17 to December 26, 2024, visitors can indulge in a festive array of new menu items, hidden gems, and crowd favorites that promise to make this holiday season unforgettable.
A Feast for the Senses
The culinary landscape at Disney World is ever-evolving, with new offerings popping up like holiday decorations. This week, guests can savor the Mini Christmas Croquembouche at various locations, a delightful creation of chocolate Pâte à Choux, chocolate-hazelnut custard, and chocolate ganache, available from November 8 through December 31, as reported by WDWNT’s holiday food guide. For those with a sweet tooth, the Yule Log at Disney’s BoardWalk Deli, featuring caramel-milk chocolate mousse, spiced orange gelee, and chocolate chiffon, is a must-try, available until January 4, according to Disney Tourist Blog’s Christmas treats guide.
Hidden Delights and Seasonal Specialties
For those in the know, Disney World offers secret menu items that add an element of surprise to your dining experience. At Marketplace Snacks in Disney Springs, the Dole Whip Taco combines the iconic Dole Whip with a twist, served on a wedge of watermelon and sprinkled with chocolate chips, as revealed by Disney Tips’ secret menu guide. Meanwhile, at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Magic Kingdom, the Galaxy Loaded Fries are an off-menu indulgence, available only through mobile order.
Dining Optimization and Crowd Favorites
To make the most of your dining experience, consider these tactics:
- Mobile Order: Use the My Disney Experience app to order from nearby locations like Rosie’s All-American Café, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying, as recommended by Disney Parks Blog’s dining tips.
- Dining Reservation Availability: Check for available dining times for the entire day, making it easier to plan your meals around your park itinerary.
Recent reviews highlight crowd favorites like the Peppermint Swirl Cheesecake at Disney’s BoardWalk Deli, praised for its unique blend of peppermint cheesecake and dark chocolate mousse. For a savory treat, the Santa’s “Good List” Boil at Paddlefish, available only on December 25, offers a festive seafood feast.
Unexpected Dining Hacks
- Ask for Recipes: At many Disney restaurants, you can request the recipe for your favorite dish, which comes on an embossed card from the chef, as noted by Shoreline Destinations’ souvenir guide.
- Free Souvenirs: Collect free items like park maps, character autographs, and even drink coasters from your favorite resorts.
Insider Experience Tips
Beyond the culinary delights, Disney World offers hidden gems for those looking to capture the magic:
- Lesser-Known Photo Opportunities: Capture the perfect shot at the entrance of EPCOT where Goofy or Pluto often greet guests, as shared by The Park Prodigy’s character guide.
- Hidden Character Meet Locations: Look for Captain Jack Sparrow wandering around Adventureland for spontaneous interactions.
- Unpublished Seasonal Offerings: Keep an eye out for special character meet-and-greets like the one with Vampirina, Fancy Nancy, and Doc McStuffins at the Animation Courtyard.
Exclusive Savings
For those looking to save:
- Annual Passholder Discounts: Save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays from December 9 to December 25, 2024, when booked by August 28, 2024, according to Disney Tourist Blog’s discount guide.
- Magic Key Holder Specials: Enjoy up to 30% off on select Villas at Aulani & Disney Vacation Club Villas, and up to 25% on select rooms at Disneyland Resort hotels, as reported by AllEars’ Magic Key perks update.
- Disney Visa Cardmember Perks: Cardmembers can get a free Disney Dining Plan with select vacation packages and enjoy discounts on various Disney experiences, detailed in AllEars’ Visa cardmember guide.
Crowd Index Intelligence
- Crowd Forecast: Expect heavy crowds from December 21-31 due to the holiday season, according to WDW Prep School’s crowd calendar.
- Optimal Visiting Dates: Early December, particularly December 1-5, offers moderate crowds, ideal for those looking to avoid peak times.
- Refurbishments: Note that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for refurbishment from January 6, 2025, to sometime in 2026, as reported by Blog Mickey’s refurbishment schedule.
Events & Shows
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Experience the magic with exclusive holiday treats like the Letter To Santa at Main Street Bakery, available only during the party, as featured in Mickey Visit’s holiday foodie guide.
- Epcot Festival of the Holidays: Enjoy a variety of international holiday kitchens, with new booths and returning favorites.
- Jollywood Nights: A new event at Hollywood Studios, offering a festive atmosphere with unique entertainment and dining options.
As you navigate through the festive crowds and indulge in the culinary wonders of Disney World, remember that the true magic lies in the details—the hidden treats, the unexpected encounters, and the joy of sharing these moments with loved ones. This holiday season, let Disney World be your canvas, where every bite, every photo, and every moment is a brushstroke in your own magical story.
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 + check out Disneylonestar’s new history posts!
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
I love discovering little-known stories about Walt. However, verifying their accuracy can be challenging, as much of Walt’s life has become lore over the years. I’m still working to confirm the stories listed below, so if you have any information about whether they appear in books about Walt, please let me know!
1. The Christmas Tree Tradition:
- Story: Walt loved Christmas trees and had a special one built every year by the studio’s craftsmen. This wasn’t just any tree – it was an artificial one (starting in the early 1950s) meticulously designed to be perfect and last through the holiday season. It was adorned with hundreds of ornaments, many of which were handmade and given to Walt by studio employees over the years. This tree was a centerpiece in the Disney home, placed strategically in front of a window so it could be seen from the street.
- Little Known Fact: The tree was famously displayed in a bay window of the main house, but later, after the passing of Walt and then Lillian, it was moved to be prominently displayed in the living room of his Palm Springs vacation home, where it remained as a beloved Christmas fixture.
2. The Fireplace Video:
- Story: Walt was known for filming family moments, and one tradition was recording a “fireplace video” each Christmas. This wasn’t just any fireplace video – it showed a beautifully decorated fireplace, a crackling fire, and subtle Christmas music playing in the background. He would gift this film to friends and family, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere even if they didn’t have a fireplace.
- Little Known Fact: This fireplace video became the inspiration for the “Disney Yule Log” that the company eventually released, and for the yearly tradition that aired on WPIX in New York City from 1966 to 1989.
3. Christmas Parties and Generosity:
- Story: Walt threw legendary Christmas parties for his studio employees. These weren’t just stuffy corporate events; they were filled with music, dancing, and a genuine sense of holiday cheer. Walt was known to be a generous host, often giving out lavish gifts to his staff and their families.
- Little Known Fact: Walt also held a Christmas Party for his neighborhood every year at his home on Woking Way, handing out gifts for all the kids in the neighborhood. Walt was also known to play Santa for various charities, including his daughters’ school.
4. Christmas and “Lady and the Tramp”:
- Story: The iconic opening scene of “Lady and the Tramp,” where Jim Dear gifts Darling a puppy in a hatbox, was inspired by a real-life event. Walt once gifted his wife Lillian a Chow puppy in a hatbox as a Christmas present.
- Little Known Fact: Lillian initially disapproved of the idea of a dog in a hatbox, finding it to be distasteful, however, that moment was still included in the film as an homage to Walt’s gesture, but with more emphasis on Lady being revealed from the box.
5. Christmas After Loss:
- Story: Christmas was a bittersweet time for Walt. His father, Elias, passed away just before Christmas in 1941, and his mother, Flora, died on Thanksgiving in 1938 due to a faulty furnace Walt bought them. These losses deeply affected him and added a layer of poignancy to the holiday season.
- Little Known Fact: Despite these tragedies, Walt continued to embrace the spirit of Christmas, perhaps finding solace in the joy it brought to his family and the world through his work. He even had a model train set up around the family Christmas tree, a tradition that was said to help him cope with the holiday’s emotional weight.
6. The Final Christmas:
- Story: Walt’s final Christmas in 1966 was spent battling lung cancer. While he wasn’t able to fully participate in the festivities, he still made an effort to maintain the holiday spirit for his family.
- Little Known Fact: Even in his weakened state, Walt insisted on having the Christmas tree up and decorated. He also reportedly watched some of his old Christmas specials with his family, finding comfort in the familiar traditions. On Christmas morning that year, Walt Disney World was announced on Florida television. Less than two weeks before Christmas day, Walt would pass away.
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
December 17, 2024 Issue #51 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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