Thanks to HARR_E for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
If you’re a Club 333 Member or a current ALL-ACCESS member, you can receive our latest paid app (normally $9.99) for free by replying to this email!
DOOMSDAI: Offline Intelligence for Every Adventure + Your Safety Net When Things Go Sideways.
Imagine having a vast library of knowledge and a quick-witted AI companion right in your pocket, even when the internet disappears. Whether you’re exploring remote trails, navigating a long flight, or facing a sudden emergency where the grid goes down, DOOMSDAI is your lifeline. This isn’t just another app; it’s your offline survival guide, first-aid expert, and source of crucial information, all rolled into one. From practical skills to engaging conversation, DOOMSDAI keeps you prepared, informed, and even entertained, no matter what life throws your way. When the Wi-Fi vanishes, DOOMSDAI ensures you’re not just surviving, you’re thriving. It is the ultimate peace-of-mind for any situation, from everyday adventures to unexpected doomsday scenarios – all without needing the internet.
If you’re an ALL-ACCESS member, we need new reviews for Disneyland, Disney World, and all of our apps. If there’s a way you can help, that would be awesome!!!!
If you could just say something like “ALL-ACCESS is totally worth it, even if you just read the weekly newsletter” that would really help us out!!!!
Press this to review Disneyland:
Thank you!!!!
One Subscription.
20+ Travel Apps 🎉
MouseWait ALL-ACCESS
Here’s the current list of apps included in the ALL-ACCESS network:
MouseWait for Disneyland, MouseWait for Disney World, Fort Wilderness, Knott’s Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, Dollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, Sea World Orlando, Busch Gardens, Nashville, Bible Chat: The Encourager, Puppy Chat, RV Camping Chat, Maui Top Five, Cedar Point, Yellowstone Top Five
One subscription, no matter where you purchase, unlocks Ad-free premium versions of ALL our apps + MORE:
✅ Sticker Fairy: Design custom stickers for the Lounge or anything else you want, like merchandise or t-shirts. You own the designs! Turn Yourself Into Any Character with Image to Sticker!
✅ Unlimited Dining Alerts for Disneyland and Disney World
✅ Expert Priority Email Support: We answer your questions 7 days a week!
✅ Disneyland + Disney World Recipe Generator: take a pic of your food, or screenshot food from our Lounge, get a Disney-inspired recipe. We updated the backend on this tool and it works much better now!
✅ Curated Daily Report with LINKS! enter your preferences, we read the news for you, then you get a customized daily report! Check out the video here!
✅ Disneyland + Disney World VISION Tour Guide: take a pic, get top five tips!
✅ Unlimited expert chat: ask anything about the parks and Kate will search the web, compile answers, and save you time and money!
✅ lounge.land private Lounge: SAVE 15 HOURS and $500 PER TRIP!
✅ 1000 MouseWait Credits per month: for ALL-ACCESS members on our monthly and yearly plans.
If you have any suggestions for new apps, please reply and let me know!
UNLOCK ALL-ACCESS TODAY!
Disneyland Resort News
In the heart of Anaheim, where the magic of Disneyland Resort unfolds, the week of January 7 to January 14, 2025, promises a tapestry of culinary delights, insider experiences, and strategic savings for the discerning visitor. As the park shakes off the holiday season, it welcomes the new year with a flourish of flavors and a whisper of secrets.
A Feast for the Senses
The real gems are the hidden menu items and seasonal specialties. At Café Orleans, ask for the chef’s special, a delightful surprise that might include a unique twist on their famous Monte Cristo sandwich. For a taste of the Lunar New Year, the Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron at Bamboo Blessings offers a fusion of flavors, with strawberry buttercream and a milk tea center, available from January 17 through February 16.
Dining optimization tactics include using mobile order services to skip lines, especially at popular spots like Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, which is currently closed for refurbishment but will reopen soon. For those looking to indulge in crowd favorites, recent reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor highlight the Garlic Noodles at Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year celebration as a must-try.
Insider Experience Tips
Beyond the well-trodden paths, Disneyland holds secrets for those who know where to look. For a lesser-known photo opportunity, head to the Heroic Encounter Photo Opportunity in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure, available daily from 3 to 6 p.m. for Disney Visa Cardmembers.
Exclusive Savings
Savvy visitors can take advantage of several discounts this week. Magic Key holders can enjoy 50% off Lightning Lane Multi Pass from January 6 through January 31. Disney Visa Cardmembers have access to a variety of perks, including up to 20% off on tickets for Drawn to Life performances through December 2025.
Crowd Index Intelligence
However, be aware of temporary closures; Haunted Mansion is closed for refurbishment from January 7-18, and Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe is also undergoing refurbishment starting January 7. For those looking to maximize their park time, using Lightning Lane can be beneficial, especially for popular attractions like Space Mountain or Rise of the Resistance.
Events & Shows
Among the current shows, World of Color – ONE at Disney California Adventure stands out for its innovative use of water, light, and music to tell a story of unity and inspiration. Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park, with its return to nightly performances, offers a spectacle of magic, music, and fireworks, making it a must-see for its sheer scale and storytelling. Lastly, Mickey’s Mix Magic provides a vibrant, high-energy show with projections and fireworks, perfect for those who love a modern twist on classic Disney magic.
As you navigate through Disneyland Resort this week, remember that the magic lies not just in the attractions but in the details, the flavors, and the insider knowledge that transforms a visit into an unforgettable experience.
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 best Disney Parks gifts on Amazon
(MouseWait benefits from your purchases)
Disney World Resort News
A Week at Disney World: A Guide to Magic and Savings
As the first week of January 2025 unfolds, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is buzzing with the promise of new experiences, exclusive savings, and the magic that only Disney can deliver. Here’s your insider’s guide to making the most of your visit from January 7th to January 14th, 2025.
NEW DINING PLAN!
Disney World has announced an exciting free dining plan promotion for 2025. To qualify, guests must book a non-discounted 3-night, 3-day (minimum) vacation package between January 2nd and February 10th, 2025, including a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a Park Hopper ticket. The offer is valid for arrivals from May 27th through June 26th, and July 7th through August 6th, 2025.
Guests at Deluxe Resorts or Deluxe Villa Resorts will receive the complimentary Standard Disney Dining Plan, which includes one Table Service meal, one Quick Service meal, one snack or non-alcoholic drink per day, and a Resort Refillable mug. Value and Moderate Resort guests will enjoy the Quick Service Dining Plan, featuring two Quick Service meals and one snack or non-alcoholic drink per day, plus a Resort Refillable mug. Note that this offer cannot be combined with other discounts, and gratuities are not included in the Dining Plans.
Savoring the Flavors of Disney
This week, Disney World introduces a delightful array of new menu items that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, indulge in the 2025 New Year’s Eve Cupcake at Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus, featuring chocolate cake with cherry filling, almond buttercream, and a chocolate giraffe Mickey decoration, available until January 14th for $5.99. Over at Disney Springs, Amorette’s Patisserie offers the Countdown to Midnight Petit Cake for $6.99, a treat that combines chocolate chiffon, milk chocolate mousse, and coconut-pecan filling.
For those looking for something unique, the Hawaiian New Year cocktail at Hollywood Lounge in Disney California Adventure is a must-try, blending champagne with passion fruit, orange, and guava syrup (POG) for $15.99.
Dining Optimization Tactics:
- Mobile Order: Use the My Disney Experience app to order food in advance, reducing wait times and ensuring you get your meal when you want it.
- Crowd Favorites:Recent reviews highlight the Bánh Mì Hot Dog at Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure for $12.99, praised for its unique flavors.
- Unexpected Dining Hacks:Opt for the Mickey-shaped Hot Dog Bun at select outdoor vending carts, a fun twist on a classic for $7.99.[Continue with same format through rest of content, removing numbered citations and instead linking relevant text directly to sources]
Insider Experience Tips
Lesser-known Photo Opportunities:
- Capture the magic at the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, especially during the Zootopia: Better Zoogether show, where the lighting creates a spectacular backdrop.
Hidden Character Meet Locations:
- Look for Mickey and Minnie in their explorer outfits at the Adventure Outpost in Animal Kingdom, a less crowded spot for character interactions.
Unpublished Seasonal Offerings:
- The Epcot International Festival of the Arts kicks off on January 17th, but early birds can catch previews of the art installations and culinary delights.
Free Souvenirs and Hidden Gems:
- Collect Pressed Pennies scattered throughout the parks, a cost-effective way to remember your trip.
Exclusive Savings
Active Discounts:
Magic Key Holder Specials:
Mobile Order Benefits:
- Utilize mobile ordering to save time and potentially get discounts on certain menu items.
Hotel Savings:
Lesser-known Ways to Save Money:
Crowd Index Intelligence
14-Day Crowd Forecast:
- January 7-12: Moderate crowds, with a slight uptick due to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
- January 13-14: Crowds lighten up slightly before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
Optimal Visiting Dates:
- January 13th and 14th are your best bets for lower crowds.
Best/Worst Times of Day:
- Magic Kingdom: Arrive early for rope drop to experience attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad before the crowds build up. Avoid mid-afternoon.
- EPCOT: Late morning to early afternoon is ideal, especially with the Festival of the Arts starting soon.
- Hollywood Studios: Early morning or late evening for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
- Animal Kingdom: Early morning for Pandora attractions, and late afternoon for Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Current Refurbishments:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed for refurbishment starting January 6, 2025, with a planned reopening in 2026.
- Astro Orbiter in Magic Kingdom will be closed from January 13, 2025, to summer 2025.
- Hall of Presidents will be closed for refurbishment starting January 20, 2025, and expected to reopen later in 2025.
Alternative Attractions:
- During the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, explore Splash Mountain or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Using Lightning Lane and Virtual Queues:
- Utilize Lightning Lane for popular attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to minimize wait times.
- Join the virtual queue for Haunted Mansion to ensure a spot without waiting in line.
Single Rider Line and Rider Switch Strategies:
- Use Single Rider lines for attractions like Test Track at EPCOT to bypass long queues.
- For families, Rider Switch allows one parent to ride while the other waits with children, then switch without waiting again.
Park Hopping Efficiency:
- Start your day at the park with the earliest opening time, then hop to another park in the afternoon when crowds are at their peak.
Events & Shows
Reviews of Current Shows:
- Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom: A vibrant, high-energy show that combines acrobatics, music, and storytelling. Guests rave about the energy and the way it brings the story to life.
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios: This show captures the essence of the beloved film with stunning costumes and performances. It’s a must-see for its emotional depth and the magical transformation of Belle.
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Animal Kingdom: A heartwarming show that follows Nemo’s journey with humor and heart. The puppetry and the way it engages the audience make it a favorite among families.
As you navigate through the enchanting world of Disney this week, remember that the magic is not just in the attractions but in the details, the savings, and the unique experiences that make each visit unforgettable. Enjoy your journey through the happiest place on earth!
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!
MouseWait for Disneyland 15.0.1 is available now complete with bug fixes, including our Crowd Index, login screen, Lounge, and more. You get get it right here! WDW has been in review for almost a week, so we’re hoping it will be approved soon. Please check it out, update your rating, and let us know what you think! WDW for iOS + Android versions for both are coming soon!
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
Walt Disney and New Year’s Eve: Early Days of Magic at Disneyland
In the winter of 1955, just months after Disneyland’s grand opening, Walt Disney found himself walking through the park on a chilly New Year’s Eve. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of popcorn and churros, and Sleeping Beauty Castle shimmered under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights.
It was a moment of quiet reflection for Walt, who had poured his heart into creating a place where families could come together, leaving behind the worries of the world. That first New Year’s Eve at Disneyland was modest compared to today’s grand celebrations, but it marked the beginning of a tradition that would grow into something extraordinary.
A Vision for Families
Walt Disney had always envisioned Disneyland as more than just an amusement park. It was a sanctuary for families, inspired by his own experiences as a father. The idea for Disneyland famously came to him while watching his daughters ride the merry-go-round at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. He longed for a place where parents and children could enjoy themselves together—a dream that became reality when Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955.
By New Year’s Eve of that year, Disneyland had already begun to establish itself as a beloved destination. Walt, ever the perfectionist, was deeply involved in every detail of the park’s operation. He spent countless hours walking through its lands, chatting with guests and cast members alike. On that first New Year’s Eve, Walt reportedly stayed late into the night, ensuring everything ran smoothly as families gathered to ring in 1956 at “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
The First New Year’s Eve Party
Disneyland’s earliest New Year’s Eve celebrations were intimate affairs compared to today’s elaborate productions. In 1958, the park hosted its first official New Year’s Eve party as a separately ticketed event. Walt personally oversaw many aspects of its planning, eager to create an unforgettable experience for guests. The event welcomed 7,500 attendees—an impressive number given that Disneyland was still in its infancy as a cultural phenomenon.
The evening featured live music, dancing under the stars, and a modest fireworks display—a precursor to what would become one of Disneyland’s most iconic traditions. Walt understood the power of fireworks to evoke wonder and joy; in fact, he had introduced nightly fireworks shows earlier that year with “Fantasy in the Sky,” which he personally requested as a way to keep guests in the park longer and provide magical nighttime entertainment. Though simple by today’s standards, those early displays captured the imagination of everyone who saw them.
Walt’s Hands-On Approach
Walt Disney was known for his tireless work ethic and attention to detail. During those early years, he was often seen wandering through Disneyland late at night or early in the morning, inspecting attractions and brainstorming improvements. On New Year’s Eve, this dedication took on special significance. He wanted every guest to leave with memories they would cherish forever.
One story recalls Walt personally testing out attractions on quiet evenings to ensure they met his high standards. It’s easy to imagine him doing so on New Year’s Eve—perhaps riding King Arthur Carrousel or strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., as festive music played in the background. For Walt, Disneyland wasn’t just a business; it was an extension of his creative soul.
A Growing Tradition
As Disneyland grew in popularity throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, so too did its New Year’s Eve celebrations. By 1966—the last year Walt would see in at Disneyland before his passing—the park had become a favorite destination for families looking to welcome the new year with magic and wonder. That year’s festivities drew 18,000 guests—a testament to how much Walt’s vision resonated with people from all walks of life.
Even after his death in December 1966, Walt’s influence continued to shape Disneyland’s New Year’s Eve traditions. His commitment to creating unforgettable experiences lives on in every firework that lights up the sky over Sleeping Beauty Castle and every note of “Auld Lang Syne” that echoes through Main Street.
Little-Known Trivia
- Fireworks Innovation: The “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show debuted in 1958 because Walt wanted nighttime entertainment that would keep guests in the park longer. Early shows were manually launched by cast members using hand flares—a far cry from today’s sophisticated pyrotechnics.
- Personal Touch: Walt was known for mingling with guests during special events like New Year’s Eve. He often asked them about their experiences and took their feedback seriously.
- The First Countdown: While modern New Year’s Eve celebrations at Disneyland feature elaborate countdowns across multiple stages, early events relied on simple announcements and live music to mark the transition into the new year.
Walt’s Legacy on New Year’s Eve
Today, Disneyland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are among its most anticipated events of the year. From dazzling fireworks displays to live performances and themed parties across multiple lands, they embody the spirit of joy and togetherness that Walt Disney cherished so deeply.
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
January 7, 2025 Issue #1 to 29,891 Disney fans.
Overwhelmed with Disney vacation planning?
Get MouseWait ALL-ACCESS today!
Make sure to follow MouseWait on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook