This week’s VOYAGEERS segment explores the lore of the Matterhorn basketball court. We posted a video on YouTube 13 years ago that settled the debate. Read below to discover more interesting facts!
Thanks to MsTiki for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
Disneyland Resort News
Disneyland’s culinary team has unleashed a wave of new flavors this week, blending comfort and creativity. At Royal Street Veranda, the Cheesy Biscuits with Cajun Cheese Sauce ($8.99 + $1.39 for sauce) are a revelation—think Cheez-It crackers transformed into fluffy, garlic-buttered bites.
Over in California Adventure, San Fransokyo Cerveceria’s Pretzel-Wrapped Hot Dog ($10.99) pairs a snappy frank with a golden, salt-crusted bun that crackles with each bite. For dessert lovers, Trolley Treats’ Peanut Butter Raspberry Chocolate Square ($7.29) delivers a nostalgic PB&J vibe with a gourmet twist, while Schmoozies’ Hazelnut Mickey Waffles ($10.99) offer a Nutella-stuffed indulgence best shared.
Don’t miss the Chocolate-Hazelnut Whip ($1.39) at Harbour Galley, a velvety dip for their iconic warm cookies. Pro tip: Mobile order these treats early—lines swell by midday.
Secrets in Plain Sight
While crowds cluster around Cinderella’s Castle, quieter magic awaits. At California Adventure’s Paradise Gardens, Mickey and Minnie greet guests in vibrant Korean hanboks, a nod to Lunar New Year traditions. Over in the Performance Corridor near Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Meilin and Ming Lee from Turning Red host a rare meet-and-greet—ask about their favorite Toronto snacks for a playful exchange.
Free keepsakes? Magic Key holders can snag a limited-edition pin and lanyard set at Tomorrowland’s Starcade until January 31. For a DIY souvenir, head to Golden Vine House for kid-friendly Lunar New Year crafts like paper lanterns.
Savings Without the Stress
Disney’s wallet-friendly perks are plentiful this week. Magic Key holders enjoy 50% off Lightning Lane Multi Pass (valid through Jan 31) and $2 popcorn refills with a Stitch-themed bucket (through Feb 19). Hotel guests at JW Marriott Anaheim or Disney’s Grand Californian can access exclusive breakfast buffets or discounted park tickets, while SoCal residents nab 3-day passes for $67/day (kids: $50) through March 20.
Dining discounts abound: 10% off at Plaza Inn, Carthay Circle Lounge, and Hearthstone Lounge (expanded during Storytellers Café’s March refurbishment). For a splurge, Napa Rose’s final weeks before its spring closure offer a chance to savor the Smiling Tiger Salad—order the Chef’s Counter for a front-row culinary show.
Navigating the Crowds
The runDisney Half Marathon (Jan 30–Feb 2) will flood the resort with runners and road closures, particularly around Pixar Pier and Mickey & Friends Parking. Post-race, February 3–4 promises lighter crowds. Key refurbishments:
- Disneyland Railroad and Monorail (closed until March 7)—opt for the Main Street Vehicles or Pixar Pal-A-Round for elevated views.
- “it’s a small world” (indefinite closure)—fill the void with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
Rope Drop Strategy: Arrive by 7:30 AM for Early Entry (hotel guests) and target Rise of the Resistance or WEB SLINGERS first. Post-3 PM, park-hop to catch shorter waits at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!.
Shows That Shine
- Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession (California Adventure): A vibrant parade blending lion dancers, drummers, and Mulan’s warrior spirit. Catch the 5 PM showing for golden-hour lighting.
- Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration: This 6-minute film at Paradise Gardens Bandstand, scored by Oscar-winner Tan Dun, tugs heartstrings with its tale of reunion.
- Fantasmic! (Disneyland): Returning with pyro and projections, this nighttime spectacle remains a crowd favorite—snag a dessert package for prime seating.
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Disney World Resort News
The Magic and Mayhem of Disney World: A Week of Culinary Delights, Crowd Navigation, and Hidden Gems
January 28–February 4, 2025
The Food Scene: Where to Eat (and Hack) Your Way Through the Parks
Disney World’s culinary landscape is buzzing this week, blending nostalgia with innovation. At Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom, the lunch/dinner menu features a hearty BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger ($18.99), a crowd favorite for its smoky bourbon-infused sauce. Over in Magic Kingdom, mobile order hacks reign supreme: snag a Peter Pan Float ($7.29) at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies before noon to avoid the post-parade rush.
For seasonal flair, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (through February 18) offers limited-time bites like the Deconstructed BLT ($6.50) at Pop Eats—a whimsical take on the classic sandwich. Insider tip: Mobile order via the My Disney Experience app between 10:30–11:30 AM for same-day pickup slots, avoiding 30+ minute standby lines.
Insider Secrets: Beyond the Guidebooks
- Free Souvenirs: At Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station, ask for a Wilderness Explorer Badge—kids (and playful adults) earn stickers by completing eco-friendly challenges.
- Hidden Characters: Find Vampirina near the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror exit at Hollywood Studios between 2–4 PM. She’s rarely listed on schedules but appears for “spooky afternoon meet-ups.”
- Photo Ops: The Tangled-Themed Rest Area in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland transforms at dusk into a golden-hour gem, with floating lantern projections on the walls.
Savings Alert: Discounts You Can’t Miss
- Disney Visa Cardholders: Save 10% on dining at Jiko – The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge) and Mama Melrose’s (Hollywood Studios) through February 28.
- Hotel Deals: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers 30% off stays February 1–15 for bookings made by January 31. Use code “SPRING25” at checkout.
- Mobile Order Perk: Order a Kids’ Meal ($9.99) at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café (Magic Kingdom) and receive a free Stitch Sipper Cup with purchase (while supplies last).
Crowd Intelligence: Navigate Like a Pro
14-Day Forecast:
- January 28–31: High crowds (8/10) due to lingering marathon tourists.
- February 1–4: Moderate dips (5/10) midweek, spiking to 7/10 on weekends.Optimal Visit Dates: February 3–4 (EPCOT and Animal Kingdom).
Closures & Workarounds:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (closed until 2026): Substitute with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (rope drop at 8:30 AM for <20-minute waits).
- Astro Orbiter (closed through March): Head to Magic Carpets of Aladdin for similar aerial views.
Rope Drop Strategy: At Hollywood Studios, sprint to Rise of the Resistance first, then hit Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway—average wait drops to 15 minutes by 9:45 AM.
Shows Worth Your Time
- Festival of Fantasy Parade (Magic Kingdom): A riot of color and music, this daytime spectacle features updated floats inspired by Raya and the Last Dragon. Catch it at 3 PM near the Liberty Square bridge for unobstructed views.
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (Hollywood Studios): The 2:30 PM show often has same-day Lightning Lane availability. Sit in the “stunt volunteer” section (rows 5–7) for interaction chances.
- The Magic of Disney Animation (Hollywood Studios): A low-key gem with live sketches by artists. Sessions at 11 AM and 1 PM rarely fill up—perfect for midday breaks.
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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
The Secret Basketball Court Inside Disneyland’s Matterhorn
The Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland is a marvel of engineering and storytelling, a towering Alpine peak that has captivated guests since its debut in 1959. But hidden within its snowy façade lies one of the park’s most peculiar and enduring secrets—a tiny basketball court tucked away in the mountain’s upper reaches. This quirky feature has become the stuff of legend, blending fact, myth, and a touch of Disney magic.
Walt Disney’s Vision: From Swiss Alps to Anaheim
The story of the Matterhorn begins with Walt Disney himself, whose creative journey was often sparked by his travels. In the late 1950s, Walt visited Switzerland while overseeing the production of Third Man on the Mountain, a film about a young climber conquering the Alps. During his stay in Zermatt, Walt became enchanted by the majestic Matterhorn. Its snow-capped peaks and rugged beauty inspired him to bring a piece of the Alps to Disneyland. Legend has it that Walt sent a postcard to his Imagineers back in California with just two words scrawled across it: “BUILD THIS”.
At the time, Disneyland had a modest hill called Holiday Hill, a leftover mound of dirt from the construction of Sleeping Beauty Castle’s moat. Walt saw potential in this unassuming rise and transformed it into Snow Hill, which eventually evolved into the iconic Matterhorn Mountain. The attraction would not only become Disneyland’s first true thrill ride but also the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster, setting a new standard for theme park innovation.
A Hidden Court Among the Clouds
While most guests experience the Matterhorn as a thrilling bobsled ride through icy caves and past roaring animatronic Yetis, few realize that high above their heads exists a secret basketball court. Nestled in an attic-like space near the mountain’s peak, this small court features a backboard and hoop but is far from regulation size. It barely extends beyond the free-throw line and feels more like an eccentric attic than an arena.
The court’s origins are less glamorous than its lore suggests. Initially, the space was designed as a break room for cast members and climbers who scaled the mountain for live performances—a nod to Walt’s love for immersive storytelling. In the early 1960s, one enterprising climber added a basketball hoop to liven up their downtime. Over time, this whimsical addition became part of Disneyland folklore.
Debunking Myths: Zoning Laws and Tall Tales
One of the most persistent myths surrounding the Matterhorn basketball court is that it was installed to circumvent Anaheim’s zoning laws. According to this tale, city ordinances at the time limited building heights unless they were classified as sports facilities. By adding a basketball court, Disney could claim the Matterhorn as such and build it as tall as they pleased.
As charming as this story is, it isn’t true. Anaheim didn’t implement such height restrictions until years after the Matterhorn was completed in 1959. The court wasn’t part of any grand scheme but rather an organic addition born out of practicality and creativity. Still, this myth has endured, perhaps because it aligns so well with Walt Disney’s reputation for clever problem-solving.
A Storied Space: Cast Member Lore
It also became a spot for cast camaraderie—a hidden gem where employees could shoot hoops while taking in one of Disneyland’s most exclusive views.
The space even played host to some unique moments in Disney history. During special events like fireworks shows, Tinker Bell would zip-line from the mountain’s peak, and her handlers would sometimes use the court as part of their setup area. Imagineers have also left their mark here; walls near the court bear signatures from those who’ve worked on or operated the ride over its long history.
A Legacy of Whimsy
Today, access to the basketball court is highly restricted, reserved for select cast members and maintenance crews. While it no longer serves as an active break area or playground for climbers—who were temporarily retired from performances in recent years—the court remains intact as a testament to Disneyland’s spirit of creativity and fun.
The Matterhorn itself continues to stand as a symbol of Walt Disney’s boundless imagination. From its groundbreaking design to its hidden quirks like this secret court, it embodies everything that makes Disneyland magical: innovation, storytelling, and an enduring sense of wonder.
So next time you race through its icy caverns or gaze up at its snowy summit during fireworks, remember that somewhere high above you is one of Disneyland’s most delightful secrets—a tiny slice of Alpine whimsy brought to life by Walt Disney’s dream and his team’s ingenuity.
Well, that’s all for this week!
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Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
January 28, 2025 Issue #4 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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