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Disneyland Resort News
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, transforms into a winter wonderland, not just in its festive decorations but also in its culinary offerings. This week, from December 31, 2024, to January 7, 2025, the parks are brimming with new menu items, hidden gems, and seasonal specialties that promise to delight the palate of every visitor.
A Feast for the Senses
The holiday season at Disneyland is a time when the culinary team pulls out all the stops. At Alien Pizza Planet, guests can indulge in the new Chicken Al Pastor Pizza Slice, a fusion of spiced red sauce, mozzarella cheese, roasted corn, and al pastor-marinated chicken, garnished with crema and tomatillo sauce drizzle, available through January 6, 2025. For those with a sweet tooth, the Alien Reindeer Macaron, filled with salted caramel buttercream, chocolate ganache, and brownie pieces, is a must-try.
Dining Optimization Tactics
To make the most of your dining experience, consider these insider tips:
- Mobile Order: Use the Disneyland app to order ahead at locations like Café Daisy, where you can enjoy the new Peppermint S’mores Hot Chocolate, a delightful blend of hot chocolate, peppermint syrup, and festive toppings.
- Ask for the Chef’s Special: At Café Orleans, inquire about the chef’s special, which might not be on the menu but offers a unique taste of the park’s culinary creativity.
Crowd Favorites and Hidden Gems
Recent reviews highlight the Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie at Disneyland Hotel as a crowd favorite, with its soft texture and festive sprinkles. For an unexpected dining hack, try the Holiday Green Drink at Alien Pizza Planet, an apple-flavored beverage topped with caramel cold foam and sprinkles, available through January 6, 2025.
Insider Experience Tips
Beyond the food, Disneyland offers a treasure trove of experiences:
- Lesser-known Photo Opportunities: The Snow White Grotto, with its serene setting and the story behind its creation, provides a picturesque backdrop for photos.
- Hidden Character Meet Locations: Look for characters like Mirabel from “Encanto” at the Paradise Gardens gazebo in Disney California Adventure.
- Unpublished Seasonal Offerings: Catch the new “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” show, where Mirabel and friends celebrate the holidays with music from the film.
Exclusive Savings
For those looking to save:
- Magic Key Holders: Enjoy up to 25% off on select stays at Disneyland Resort hotels from January 7 through March 20, 2025.
- Disney Visa Cardholders: Save up to 30% on select premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or the Disneyland Hotel, including The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, for Sunday to Thursday night stays from June 10 to September 26, 2024.
- Mobile Order Benefits: Skip the lines by ordering food ahead, especially at busy locations like Café Daisy.
Crowd Index Intelligence
This week, expect:
- Crowd Levels: Post-holiday crowds will remain heavy through January 6, 2025, due to local school districts returning to session.
- Optimal Visiting Dates: January 6-11, 2025, and January 14-16, 2025, are recommended for lower crowds.
- Refurbishments: “It’s a Small World” will close for refurbishment starting January 21, 2025, and is expected to reopen in spring 2025.
Events & Shows
Here are three shows you shouldn’t miss:
- “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season”: A heartwarming celebration with Mirabel from “Encanto” and her friends, featuring beloved songs from the film.
- “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!”: An enchanting evening show with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland and a special appearance by Miguel from “Coco”.
- “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”: A magical parade with Disney characters, Santa Claus, and festive floats, offering a visual feast for all ages.
As you navigate through the enchanting world of Disneyland this week, remember that the magic isn’t just in the rides and shows but also in the culinary delights and hidden experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re savoring a new holiday treat or capturing a moment at a secret photo spot, Disneyland’s charm lies in its ability to surprise and delight at every turn.
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Disney World Resort News
As the clock strikes midnight and the fireworks paint the sky with hues of celebration, Disney World in Orlando, Florida, welcomes the New Year with a culinary extravaganza that promises to delight every palate. From the whimsical to the savory, the parks and resorts are brimming with new menu items, hidden gems, and dining strategies that will make your visit not just memorable, but deliciously so.
New Year’s Delights: This week, Disney World has unveiled a series of new menu items that are as enchanting as the fireworks. At Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom, indulge in the Orange Chicken Tenders ($12.99), a fusion of fried chicken tenders with an orange-soy glaze, available only during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party until January 7, 2025. For those with a sweet tooth, The Ganachery at Disney Springs offers the Mickey Ornament Chocolate Piñata ($15.99), a milk chocolate shell filled with dark chocolate-covered peppermint marshmallows, available through December 31, 2024.
Hidden Gems: Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden menu items like the Holiday Pot Roast Hot Dog at The Friar’s Nook in Magic Kingdom, a unique twist on the classic hot dog, topped with braised pot roast, Swiss fondue, horseradish mustard, and crispy onions, available during the Christmas Party until January 7, 2025.
Trending Dishes: According to recent reviews, the Salted Caramel Horchata at Sleepy Hollow has become a crowd favorite, with guests raving about its perfect balance of sweet and salty. Another must-try is the Gingerbread Tiramisu at Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs, a seasonal specialty that layers gingerbread cake with tiramisu cream, available through January 4, 2025.
Dining Optimization: To make the most of your dining experience, consider these tactics:
- Mobile Ordering: Use the My Disney Experience app to order ahead at quick-service restaurants, saving you precious time during peak hours.
- Character Dining: Opt for breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace for a unique character meet-and-greet experience with rare characters, available daily.
- Lunch Reservations: Book lunch at popular spots like Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater to avoid the dinner rush.
Insider Experience Tips
Lesser-Known Photo Opportunities: Capture the magic at less crowded spots like the gazebo in the UK pavilion at EPCOT, where you might find Mary Poppins for a unique photo op.
Hidden Character Meet Locations: Look for Fancy Nancy in her playhouse-themed backdrop at Hollywood Studios’ Animation Courtyard, or catch Peter Pan near his Never Land map in Magic Kingdom.
Unpublished Seasonal Offerings: While not widely advertised, the Wilderness Explorers program at Animal Kingdom offers a book, pen, and stickers for completing various tasks, providing a fun, educational experience.
Free Souvenirs: Collect free park maps, character autographs, and even recipes from your favorite dishes by asking your server. Don’t miss the chance to grab a free golf ball from Winter Summerland Mini Golf.
Exclusive Savings
Active Discounts: From January 2 to February 10, 2025, book a Disney World vacation package with a free dining plan for stays between May 27 through June 26, and July 7 through August 6, 2025. This deal requires a minimum 3-night, 3-day package with a Park Hopper option.
Magic Key Holder Specials: Magic Key holders can enjoy discounts on select merchandise and dining, with details available through the My Disney Experience app.
Disney Visa Cardholder Perks: Cardholders can receive a free 5×7 printed family picture along with a private character meet-and-greet at EPCOT’s Innoventions West between 1-7 pm.
Hotel Savings: Disney Resort hotels offer lower rates in January, except during New Year’s Day, Marathon weekend (Jan. 9-12), and MLK Weekend (Jan. 17-20).
Crowd Forecast: Expect moderate crowds from January 1-5 due to holiday vacationers, with a slight decrease from January 6-12 as schools resume, though the runDisney Marathon will keep numbers up. The week of January 13-16 sees lighter crowds before a surge for the UCA College Cheerleading & Dance Team Nationals and MLK holiday.
Optimal Visiting Dates: For a more relaxed experience, aim for January 21-30, when crowds are moderate and the weather is cooler.
Refurbishments: Be aware of closures like the Fantasia Pool at All-Star Movies Resort from January through April 2025, and the extensive refurbishment at Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort through September 2025.
Alternative Attractions: During closures, explore lesser-known attractions like the Wilderness Explorers program or take advantage of the Single Rider lines for shorter waits.
Events & Shows
Must-See Shows:
- Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom: A breathtaking spectacle of music, dance, and acrobatics that brings the story of Simba to life in a way that captivates audiences of all ages.
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios: This show offers a condensed version of the beloved tale, with stunning costumes and performances that make you feel like you’re part of the story.
- Harmonious at EPCOT: A nighttime spectacular that uses fireworks, lasers, and water fountains to tell a story of global unity, with a soundtrack that includes Disney classics reimagined in various languages.
As you navigate through the parks, remember that Disney World is not just about the rides and shows; it’s about the experiences, the flavors, and the memories you create. Whether you’re savoring a new culinary delight, capturing a unique photo, or enjoying a show, every moment at Disney World is an opportunity to make magic.
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 gentle flicker of home movies, Walt Disney emerges not as the entertainment titan we’ve come to know, but as a father carefully documenting Christmas mornings with his beloved family. The intimate documentary “Christmas with Walt Disney,” narrated by his daughter Diane Disney Miller, peels back the carefully constructed public persona to reveal tender moments of a man who found magic in both the grandiose and the simple.
The Family Man Behind the Magic
The film, masterfully directed by Don Hahn of “Beauty and the Beast” fame, weaves together previously unseen footage from the Disney household, where Walt’s collection of cameras captured the quiet joy of holiday traditions. As Diane recalls, their celebrations would begin with the careful placement of the family Nativity set, a ritual that grounded their festivities in tradition despite Walt’s innovative spirit.
A Father’s Gift to the World
Perhaps Walt’s most enduring Christmas legacy lives on at Disneyland, where he transformed his personal love of the season into shared joy for millions. The park’s first Christmas in 1955 was notably modest, with Dickens carolers strolling the near-empty paths and performing at what was then christened the Disneyland Christmas Bowl.
The Filmmaker’s Christmas Spirit
Throughout his career, Walt infused the holiday season into his creative works. From early shorts like “Santa’s Workshop” (1932) and “The Night Before Christmas” (1933) to beloved sequences in feature films like “Lady and the Tramp,” his productions captured the warmth and wonder of the season.
A Legacy of Joy
The last Candlelight Processional that Walt attended featured Dick Van Dyke as narrator, fresh from his triumph as Bert in “Mary Poppins.” It was December 1965, just one year before Walt’s passing. Yet the traditions he established continue to flourish, with the Candlelight Processional remaining a cherished part of Disney parks’ holiday celebrations.
The Museum’s Gift
In the end, “Christmas with Walt Disney” stands as more than a mere documentary – it’s a window into the heart of a man who made magic his life’s work, yet found his greatest joy in the simple pleasure of celebrating Christmas with his family. Through Diane’s narration, we discover that behind the studio gates and beyond the park turnstiles, Walt Disney was, above all, “a wonderful dad” who delighted in bringing joy to others, especially during the holiday season.
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 31, 2024 Issue #53 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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