Due to soaring demand, Mickey Mouse-shaped gingerbread cookies are currently priced at $7.49 each, but purchases are limited to five per person, per transaction, according to the online menus, including the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and Market House.
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Disneyland Resort News
As the holiday season continues at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, the air is thick with the scent of gingerbread and the sound of carols. From December 24 to December 31, 2024, the parks are not just a place for rides and attractions but a canvas for culinary delights, hidden gems, and exclusive savings that make this time of year truly magical.
A Feast for the Senses
The culinary teams at Disneyland have outdone themselves this year, introducing a slew of new menu items that are as delightful to the palate as they are to the eye. According to Mickey Visit’s food guide, the Garlic Cream Cheese Bread at the Festival Food & Beverage Cart in Paradise Gardens is a must-try, served warm with a drizzle of hot honey, it’s a 10/10 experience that has guests returning for seconds and thirds.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Peppermint Hot Cocoa Churro near Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is a seasonal favorite, rolled in peppermint cocoa sugar and optionally paired with a chocolate-peppermint marshmallow dipping sauce, earning a well-deserved 9/10.
Hidden among the festive offerings are seasonal specialties like the Thanks-mas Sandwich at Jolly Holiday, a Thanksgiving-themed delight with oven-roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce, rated at 8/10 by Mickey Visit. For an unexpected dining hack, ask for the chef’s special at Café Orleans, where you might be treated to a dish not listed on the menu.
Insider Tips for a Magical Experience
Beyond the culinary delights, Disneyland offers a treasure trove of lesser-known experiences. As shared by Funex’s hidden gems guide, for a photo opportunity that’s both enchanting and serene, visit the Wishing Well to the side of Sleeping Beauty Castle, where you can toss a coin and make a wish. According to MousePlanet’s latest update, hidden character meet locations like the Holiday Fun with Santa & Friends area in Fantasyland Theater provide a chance to meet Santa with modest waits, even on busy days.
For those seeking free souvenirs, Funex’s guide suggests looking for the vintage mailboxes on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can send real postcards from Disneyland. And for a truly unique experience, ask a Cast Member about the availability of the Lilly Belle, a beautifully decorated private train car that occasionally runs on the Disneyland Railroad.
Exclusive Savings and Discounts
This holiday season, Disney Tourist Blog reports that Disney+ subscribers can enjoy a special ticket offer, purchasing a 3-Day, 1-Park per day ticket for $330, valid from November 18 through December 27, 2024. According to Mickey News, Disney Visa Cardmembers have their own perks, including a 25% discount on select premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel from October 20th to December 19th, 2024. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy a 10% discount on select dining and merchandise, and a 15% discount on VIP Tours.
Navigating the Crowds
According to Disney Tourist Blog’s crowd calendar, the first week of December, particularly from November 30 to December 8, is the least crowded, making it an ideal time to visit. However, from December 22 onwards, expect peak attendance with the last 10 days of the month likely being the busiest of the year. For those planning to visit during this time, consider Park Hopper tickets and start your day at Disneyland before hopping over to Disney California Adventure in the evening.
Current Refurbishments and Operational Updates
MousePlanet reports that the Meet Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow is currently closed for refurbishment with no published reopening date. For those looking to avoid long lines, Disney Tourist Blog suggests utilizing the Lightning Lane for key attractions or exploring Single Rider lines for shorter waits. Virtual queues for rides like Haunted Mansion can also save time, and for families, the Rider Switch strategy allows one parent to ride while the other waits with children, then switch without waiting in line again.
A Review of Holiday Shows
- A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel: This show brings the spirit of Christmas with a unique blend of traditional Mexican music and Disney magic. Guests have praised the vibrant performances and the heartwarming story of family and celebration.
- Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season: A delightful addition to the holiday lineup, this show features characters from “Encanto” and has been lauded for its colorful costumes, engaging storyline, and the infectious joy it brings to audiences of all ages.
- The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special: An unexpected but hilarious holiday offering, this show combines Deadpool’s irreverent humor with holiday cheer, making it a must-see for those who appreciate a good laugh amidst the festive atmosphere.
As the year draws to a close, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim transforms into a winter wonderland, offering not just rides and attractions but a full sensory experience of holiday magic. From the culinary delights to the hidden gems and exclusive savings, this is a time when the park truly shines, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the joy and wonder of the season.
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Disney World Resort News
In the heart of Orlando, where the magic of Disney World unfolds, the holiday season brings with it a symphony of flavors, sights, and sounds that captivate the senses. As the sun sets on December 24, 2024, and the week ahead promises a crescendo of festive cheer, let’s embark on a journey through the culinary delights, insider tips, and exclusive savings that await the discerning traveler.
A Feast for the Senses
The culinary landscape at Disney World this week is a tapestry of new and returning delights. At Magic Kingdom, the Holiday Dinner Hot Dog at Casey’s Corner, priced at $12.99, is a whimsical twist on the classic, available only during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The S’mores Cake at the same location, a new addition, offers a sweet escape with its chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow mousse, available during both the party and regular park hours, according to That Park Place’s holiday menu guide.
For those seeking a hidden gem, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café introduces the Carne Asada Loaded Fries for $14.99, a savory treat exclusive to the party until 11 p.m. Meanwhile, Sleepy Hollow delights with Orange Chicken Tenders for $11.99, a fusion of flavors that’s only available during the party, as detailed in That Park Place’s comprehensive menu coverage.
EPCOT isn’t far behind with its Holiday Kitchens offering a range of dishes, but for a truly unique experience, head to The Ganachery for the Eggnog Ganache Square at $5.99, a new treat that encapsulates the essence of the season, as featured in Disney Tourist Blog’s holiday treats guide.
Disney Springs offers a taste of Italy with Terralina Crafted Italian‘s Porcini Prime Rib for $42, available only on Christmas Day. And for a sweet indulgence, Vivoli il Gelato presents the Gingerbread Tiramisu at $9.99, a dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious, according to Disney Tourist Blog’s festive food roundup.
Dining Optimization Tactics
To make the most of your dining experience, consider these strategies:
- Mobile Order: Use the My Disney Experience app to order ahead, reducing wait times and ensuring you get your desired meal.
- Crowd Favorite: Based on recent reviews, the Holiday Dinner Loaded French Fries at Casey’s Corner are a must-try, with guests raving about the unique combination of flavors, as reported by That Park Place.
- Unexpected Dining Hacks: Ask for the “secret menu” at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort’s Premier Food Court for dishes like Poutine with Gravy and Cheese Curds, as revealed by Disney Tips’ secret menu guide.
Insider Experience Tips
Beyond the culinary delights, Disney World holds secrets for those in the know:
- Lesser-known Photo Opportunities: Capture the magic at Adventurers Outpost in Animal Kingdom, where Mickey and Minnie are dressed in safari gear, offering a unique backdrop for photos, as suggested by Debbie’s Villas’ meet-and-greet guide.
- Hidden Character Meet Locations: In Magic Kingdom, head to Fantasyland in the morning for shorter lines to meet characters like Snow White and the princesses at Fairytale Hall, according to Disney Fanatic’s character meet tips.
- Unpublished Seasonal Offerings: Look for pixie dust at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where a cast member might surprise you with a little bag of magic, as noted by Sand and Snow’s free Disney secrets.
- Free Souvenirs: Collect transportation cards from Disney transportation drivers, a fun and free memento, shared by Sand and Snow’s guide to free Disney items.
Exclusive Savings
For those looking to save while indulging in the magic:
- Active Discounts: Disney Visa cardholders can enjoy a 10% discount on select merchandise and dining, as detailed in Disney Parks Blog’s savings guide.
- Magic Key Holder Specials: Magic Key holders have access to exclusive discounts on food, merchandise, and special events, according to Disney Parks Blog’s membership perks overview.
- Mobile Order Benefits: Ordering through the app not only saves time but also sometimes offers exclusive deals or early access to new menu items, as highlighted by Disney Parks Blog’s dining tips.
- Hotel Savings: Guests staying at Disney Resorts can make dining reservations 60 days in advance for their entire stay, optimizing their dining experience, as explained by Disney Parks Blog’s planning guide.
Crowd Index Intelligence
The week ahead sees a mix of crowd levels:
- December 24-26: Expect high crowds due to the Christmas holiday.
- December 27-31: Crowds will remain high, with New Year’s Eve being the peak.
- Optimal Visiting Dates: Consider visiting on December 29 or 30 for slightly lower crowds.
- Best/Worst Times: Early mornings and late evenings are less crowded, especially during park hopping hours.
Events & Shows
Among the myriad of shows, three stand out:
- Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Hollywood Studios: A dazzling display of lights, music, and fireworks, this show encapsulates the holiday spirit with a touch of Disney magic. Guests appreciate the blend of classic holiday tunes with Disney’s unique storytelling, as reviewed by Travel Channel’s entertainment guide.
- Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration at Magic Kingdom: This stage show features Mickey and friends in a festive celebration, offering a heartwarming experience that’s perfect for families, according to Travel Channel’s holiday entertainment coverage.
- Candlelight Processional at EPCOT: A moving retelling of the Christmas story with a celebrity narrator and a mass choir, this event is a must-see for its emotional depth and musical excellence, as highlighted by Travel Channel’s special events guide.
As the week unfolds, Disney World becomes a canvas where every moment is painted with the brushstrokes of holiday magic. Whether you’re savoring a new culinary creation, capturing a hidden photo op, or enjoying exclusive savings, the essence of Disney’s enchantment is ever-present, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a world where every detail is crafted to delight.
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
In the crisp November air of 1955, Walt Disney, astride his horse and accompanied by Davy Crockett himself, Fess Parker, led what would become one of Disneyland’s most cherished holiday traditions down Main Street U.S.A. The inaugural Christmas parade, far from today’s polished spectacle, was a delightfully eccentric affair that reflected its creator’s lifelong fascination with circus entertainment.
The Birth of a Holiday Tradition
That first procession featured an extraordinary menagerie – camels lumbering alongside llamas and ostriches, while acrobats and clowns cavorted between antique circus wagons that Walt had personally acquired from a Los Angeles amusement park. The parade served as a grand announcement for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, a holiday entertainment that, while short-lived, demonstrated Walt’s willingness to follow his creative instincts, even against financial advice.
Evolution of Christmas Magic
A Grandfather’s Pride
Perhaps the most touching tradition emerged in the years following that first parade, as Walt made it a point to ride as Grand Marshal with several of his grandchildren in each season’s inaugural procession. These young passengers, though admittedly terrified by the experience, understood they were part of their grandfather’s proud display of family love to his growing Disney community.
The Legacy Continues
Today’s “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” which debuted in 1995, carries forward many elements first introduced during Walt’s time. The iconic toy soldiers, now a beloved parade staple, first marched down Main Street in 1960’s “The March of Toys,” inspired by Walt’s film “Babes in Toyland”.
Behind the Pageantry
The modern spectacle dazzles with 126,000 twinkling LED lights adorning Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, creating a crystalline backdrop for the parade’s passage. Yet this grandeur stands in stark contrast to Disneyland’s opening day, when Walt faced a plumber’s strike and had to choose between operating water fountains or toilets – he chose the latter, prompting one journalist to quip that he was trying to boost Coca-Cola sales.
Walt’s personal touch extended beyond the parade route. He maintained a secret apartment above the Main Street fire station, where a lamp still burns in the window, symbolizing his eternal presence in the park. This attention to detail and personal investment characterized everything about Disneyland’s holiday celebrations, from the Christmas Bowl that would evolve into the Candlelight Procession to the careful selection of seasonal entertainment.
The Christmas parade remains a testament to Walt Disney’s genius for combining spectacle with intimacy, grandeur with warmth, creating not just entertainment but lasting memories for generations of families. It stands as perhaps the perfect embodiment of his vision for Disneyland – a place where holiday magic would never fade, and where the spirit of Christmas would always find its most joyful expression.
Well, that’s all for this week!
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Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
December 24, 2024 Issue #52 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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