Season of the Force announced, new food, and more…

MouseWait's Disney News

A new version of MouseWait for iOS is here. Update today for bug fixes, numerous improvements, and a new Valentine’s Day logo!

image
image

Thanks to aDisneyFamily for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!

Disneyland’s Season of the Force 2025: Galactic Highlights

February 11, 2025

Must-See Entertainment

Attraction Updates

Character Encounters

Exclusive Experiences

Food & Merchandise

New Eats:

Limited-Edition Gear:

Pro Tips

Disneyland Resort News

A Week of Culinary Delights, Hidden Gems, and Strategic Magic

February 11, 2025

The Foodie’s Frontier

Disneyland’s culinary scene is always evolving. Here’s a look at what’s generating buzz, but remember that menus and offerings can change:

  • Avengers Campus: Two rumored new items are generating interest: the Red Rage Wings (possibly $14.99), described as spicy habanero-glazed chicken with potato bites, and the Cheese Pizza Pocket (possibly $9.99), a mozzarella-stuffed snack. These items are unverified but plausible given Disney’s tendency to introduce new foods.
  • Galaxy’s Edge: The Toydaria Swirl ($8.50) – a green milk with chili-lime seasoning and mango jellies – is a confirmed favorite.
  • Disney California Adventure (DCA): During the recent Lunar New Year celebration, the Taro Vietnamese-Style Iced Coffee (around $7.50) was available. While there were reports of some guests experiencing stomach issues related to Lunar New Year food offerings, a direct link to this specific drink hasn’t been officially confirmed. It’s always wise to be mindful of your own dietary sensitivities.
  • Hanagi Japanese Restaurant (Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel): For a more upscale experience, Hanagi offers an omakase experience (price varies, but around $65 is a reasonable estimate). Expect dishes like bluefin toro and miso-marinated black cod. The article mentions an off-menu tricolor sashimi carpaccio ($22); however, this is unverified and should be inquired about directly with the restaurant.
  • Dining StrategiesMobile order popular items like the Pork Belly Bao from Lucky Fortune Cookery; Mobile ordering before the lunch rush (around 11:30 AM) is a good general strategy to avoid long lines, though not an official rule.
  • Cafe Orleans offers a New Orleans cuisine. The article suggests there is an unlisted “Chef’s Creole Shrimp Pasta”. This item has not been verified.

Secrets of the Parks

Discover Disneyland’s hidden charms beyond the main attractions:

  • Pixar Place Hotel: A new Up-themed photo opportunity, recreating Carl and Ellie’s porch, was available until February 14th, with Dug sightings.
  • Cars Land: Capture photos with the backdrop murals near Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, reminiscent of the film’s Radiator Springs. While not exactly a “secret,” they offer great photo opportunities.
  • Free Souvenirs: Grab a complimentary “Celebration Button” at City Hall – a classic Disneyland perk. During specific events like DVC’s Moonlight Magic, limited-edition items (like Valentine’s cards, as mentioned in the original article) may be available, but this is event-specific.
  • Character Sightings:Princess Elena often appears near Paradise Gardens, though character appearances are always subject to change.
  • Important Note: The original article mentions Figment at EPCOT’s Flower & Garden previews. This is incorrect. Figment is a character at EPCOT in Walt Disney World (Florida), not Disneyland.

Savings Without the Sorcery

  • Magic Key Holders: Discounts and perks are available for Magic Key holders, such as popcorn refills. The article claims 20% off, but specific percentages and offers change, so always check the official Disneyland website or app for current details.
  • SoCal Residents: Disneyland frequently offers special ticket deals for Southern California residents. The original article’s “$67/day for a 3-day ticket” is plausible but needs to be verified against current promotions on the official Disneyland website.
  • Disney Visa: Disney Visa cardholders typically receive benefits like discounts at select locations (including World of Disney) and potential financing options on vacation packages. Terms and conditions always apply, so check the official Disney Visa benefits.
  • Hotel Deals: Hotel rates are highly variable. The Westin Anaheim offers park-view rooms, but the “$299/night vs. $375 standard” comparison in the original article is potentially misleading. Always check current rates directly with the hotel.

Crowd Calculus

Feb 12–25 Forecast (Estimates):

  • Lower Crowds: February 12–14 (post-Valentine’s) and February 19–21 are typically less crowded, based on historical trends.
  • Peak Days: February 17–18 (President’s Day weekend) and February 24–25 (potential school breaks) are likely to be busier. These are estimates, and actual crowds can vary.

Strategy:

  • Rope Drop: Early Theme Park Entry for hotel guests is a valuable perk. Targeting popular rides like Hyperspace Mountain (if available during your visit) or using the single rider line for WEB SLINGERS (availability can vary) are good strategies.
  • Lightning Lane: Prioritize Lightning Lane selections for high-demand rides like Rise of the Resistance and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, as they often sell out.
  • Park Hop: Park hopping to DCA later in the day (check the official Disneyland app for the current park hopping start time, it’s usually 1 PM, the article listed 11 AM) can be a good strategy, as Radiator Springs Racers sometimes has shorter wait times in the afternoon.

Encore-Worthy Entertainment

  1. Fantasmic! (Disneyland Park, typically 9 PM & 10:30 PM): This classic show, featuring pyrotechnics and water effects, is a must-see. Check the Disneyland app for current showtimes.
  2. World of Color – ONE (DCA, typically 9 PM): DCA’s water and light spectacular features music and scenes from various Disney and Pixar films.
  3. Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession (DCA, check app for times): A vibrant parade celebrating Lunar New Year. Verify the end date on the official Disneyland calendar, as it can vary.

Disneyland’s magic is often found in the unexpected moments. Be open to serendipitous experiences, and remember that the best trips combine planning with flexibility.

One Subscription.

20+ Travel Apps

MouseWait ALL-ACCESS Weekly Update:

image

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

** For Club 333 Members or current ALL-ACCESS members only ** 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.

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!

Disney World Resort News

A Week at Walt Disney World: Where Magic Meets Mayhem

Amidst evolving experiences and culinary adventures, the parks balance ever-changing offerings with timeless charm.

Culinary Currents: Flavors in Flux

Disney World’s dining scene is constantly evolving. At EPCOT, anticipation builds for the 2025 Flower & Garden Festival (March 5 – June 2). Two new Outdoor Kitchens, Yacht Grub and Beach Grub, have been announced, hinting at possible coastal-inspired cuisine. While the specific menus are yet to be revealed, speculation includes dishes like lobster rolls or ceviche, drawing inspiration from Disney’s resort theming.

In Magic Kingdom, Columbia Harbour House (Liberty Square) offers a classic Lobster Roll. (Check the My Disney Experience app for the current price, which is subject to change.) At Animal Kingdom, the Pongu Pongu stand (Pandora) is known for it’s unique and refreshing drink and snack offerings.

Disney Springs provides a wide range of dining options. The Fountain, located at the Dolphin Hotel, offers a variety of American cuisine, including burgers (check the menu for current offerings and prices). Mobile ordering is a valuable tool throughout the parks, often saving time. For instance, at Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom), you can use mobile order to bypass potential lines and enjoy their popular Cheeseburger Steamed Pods (bao buns) – check the app for current pricing.

Secrets of the Kingdom

Beyond the iconic Cinderella Castle, the Adventureland Treehouse (formerly the Swiss Family Treehouse) in Adventureland provides unique views of the park. While it might not always have minimal foot traffic, it’s often less crowded than major attractions. For a moment of tranquility, explore the detailed and often-overlooked courtyard in the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT.

Character enthusiasts should keep an eye out for Vanellope von Schweetz, who makes appearances near the Tomorrowland Speedway in Magic Kingdom. During EPCOT’s festivals, character topiaries are frequently displayed at the park entrance. For example, a Moana topiary is often a highlight of the Flower & Garden Festival; arriving early (around park opening) can improve your chances of getting unobstructed photos.

Savings Without the Sleuthing

Disney World frequently offers various discounts, but availability and specifics change constantly. It’s essential to check official Disney sources and reputable third-party sites for the most up-to-date information before your trip. Here’s a snapshot of potential savings opportunities, but verify all details before relying on them:

  • Room Discounts:
  • Disney often has seasonal room-only discounts. Currently, there aren’t any broad, widely advertised room-only discounts beyond those bundled with packages (see below), which is common during peak seasons.
  • Keep checking the “Special Offers, Deals & Discounts” page on the official Walt Disney World website.
  • Ticket Discounts:
  • Florida Resident Discounts: Florida residents frequently have access to discounted tickets, such as the “Disney Thrills Ticket”. Always check the Florida Resident section of the Disney World website.
  • Military Discounts: Disney offers specially priced theme park tickets and resort rates to active and retired U.S. military personnel. These are usually available through your base’s ticket office or Shades of Green (the military resort on Disney property).
  • AAA/CAA Discounts: Members of AAA (American Automobile Association) or CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) may find small discounts on tickets or packages. Check the AAA/CAA website for details. It’s often less substantial than other discounts.
  • Dining Discounts:
  • Annual Passholder Discounts: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders often receive discounts (typically 10%) at many table-service and quick-service restaurants.
  • Disney Visa Card Discounts: Holders of the Disney Visa credit card from Chase sometimes receive discounts at select dining locations (often 10%).
  • Tables in Wonderland (Discontinued): This program has been discontinued, and there is no current replacement.
  • Other Discounts:
  • Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Member Discounts: DVC members receive various discounts on dining, merchandise, and recreation.

Important Note: All discounts are subject to availability, blackout dates, and specific terms and conditions. Always read the fine print carefully. The best place to find official, current discounts is the “Special Offers, Deals & Discounts” page on the Walt Disney World website.

Crowds & Closures: Navigate the Storm

  • Crowd Levels: Expect higher crowds during holiday periods, such as Presidents’ Day weekend. The days immediately following major holidays often see a decrease in attendance.
  • Ride Radar:Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom) operates regularly, but check the My Disney Experience app for any unscheduled closures.
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) is subject to periodic closures for refurbishment. Check the My Disney Experience app for current status.
  • Test Track (EPCOT) is currently closed for a major reimagining. No reopening date has been announced.

Pro Tips:

  • Rope Drop: Arriving at park opening (“rope drop”) is a good strategy to experience popular attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run (Magic Kingdom) or Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios) with shorter wait times.
  • Virtual Queues: Some attractions, such as TRON Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, utilize virtual queues. Check the My Disney Experience app for current virtual queue drop times, as these are subject to change.
  • Single Rider: Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) offers a single rider line, which can significantly reduce wait times.

Shows Worth the Spotlight

  1. Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios): This nighttime spectacular features water projections, pyrotechnics, and scenes from various Disney films, including Raya the Last Dragon and Frozen.
  2. Happily Ever After (Magic Kingdom): This fireworks show features a soundtrack of modern Disney hits. Arriving 45 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot near the Partners Statue (Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse) is a common strategy.
  3. Turtle Talk with Crush (EPCOT): This interactive show, featuring the animated sea turtle Crush, is known for its improvisational humor and appeal to all ages.

Disney World’s magic is found in the details: a peaceful moment in a themed area, the convenience of mobile ordering, or the spectacle of a nighttime show. As the parks transition between seasons and festivals, new experiences and culinary delights are always on the horizon.

New iOS WDW App is here + Android Coming Soon!

If you can’t see the continue button on the first screen of the new MouseWait, ensure that large text is not enabled on your phone. If it is, switch it back to normal. After completing the onboarding, you can revert the text size and it should work!image

Jack and I rebuilt our WDW App from scratch, with a lot of improvements throughout, including a brand new dining system!!!!

IMPORTANT: If you’re an ALL-ACCESS member, the old dining system will no longer work. However, all of your pending requests are still active and running. When you reach the login screen, your account information should be auto-filled. Just click “login,” and you’ll be all set! Please update to the new version here.

If you get a chance, could you please review our new WDW app?

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:

and this is for WDW

Thank you!!!!

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!

image
image

image

Find the best Disney Parks gifts on Amazon

image

(MouseWait benefits from your Amazon purchases when you use this link)

VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks

Images courtesy of Parkendium

In the dusky glow of Black Spire Outpost, where the spires of Batuu cast long shadows under twin moons, the whir of a lightsaber hums faintly above the clatter of smuggler’s cantina dice. This spring, as Disneyland prepares to launch its annual Season of the Force—a months-long celebration of Star Wars lore with new character encounters, galactic cuisine, and a projection-mapped Skywalker Saga spectacle—the boundary between Walt Disney’s midcentury imagination and George Lucas’ galaxy far, far away feels thinner than ever. The event, running from March 28 to May 11, 2025, is more than a marketing ploy; it’s the culmination of a 40-year dance between two storytellers who never met but shared a gravitational pull toward mythmaking.

image

A Bench, a Carousel, and the Spark of Rebellion

The story begins not with droids or Jedi, but with a park bench. In 1937, Walt Disney sat watching his daughters ride the Griffith Park carousel in Los Angeles, struck by the dismal state of family entertainment. “Why can’t there be a place where parents and children both have fun?” he mused. That bench, now enshrined in Disneyland’s Opera House, became the seed for a revolutionary idea: a themed park where escapism was meticulously engineered. When Disneyland opened in 1955, its lands—Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland—were storybooks come alive, each a portal to another world. Walt’s obsession with immersion bordered on fanaticism; he banned gum sales to maintain cleanliness and insisted trash cans be styled to each land’s aesthetic.

Decades later, George Lucas would channel that same fervor. A lifelong Disney devotee, Lucas visited Disneyland on its second day in 1955 and returned yearly, drawn to its “ability to make dreams tangible.” His childhood fascination with Flash Gordon serials and Westerns mirrored Walt’s love of Americana and futurism. Yet their bond runs deeper than nostalgia: both men mortgaged their futures to fund their visions. Walt liquidated his life insurance and sold the rights to his own name to build Disneyland; Lucas risked bankruptcy to film Star Wars, betting Fox’s money on a space opera executives dubbed “a children’s movie.”

When Indiana Jones Paved the Way for Star Tours

The first Star Wars ripple in Disneyland arrived not through a Death Star trench run, but via a fedora-washing archaeologist. In 1986, newly minted Disney CEO Michael Eisner—eager to attract teens to the “kiddie park”—reached out to Lucas, his former Paramount colleague. Their collaboration birthed Captain EO, a Michael Jackson-led 3D spectacle, and Star Tours, the 1987 motion simulator that thrust guests into a chaotic flight to Endor.

image

The ride was a gamble. Imagineers retrofitted military-grade flight simulators, while ILM crafted a film so visceral, one technician reportedly vomited during testing. When Star Tours opened, Disneyland stayed operational for 60 straight hours to meet demand. Lines snaked past the remnants of Adventure Thru Inner Space, the Monsanto-sponsored attraction it replaced—a poetic full-circle moment, as Walt had once partnered with corporations to fund his park.

Lucas’ fingerprints lingered. He insisted Rex, the bumbling droid pilot, be voiced by Pee-Wee Herman’s Paul Reubens, injecting humor into the chaos. “Walt would’ve loved that touch,” says Disney historian Jeff Kurtti. “He knew comedy was the spoonful of sugar.”

From Star Tours to Galaxy’s Edge: A $4 Billion Bet

The real seismic shift came in 2012, when Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion. Bob Iger’s now-legendary pitch to Lucas—“We’ll protect your legacy”—echoed Walt’s own battles to retain creative control. The deal birthed Galaxy’s Edge, a 14-acre land that’s less “attraction” and more living film set. Visitors sip blue milk (a nod to Luke’s Tatooine staple), tinker with droid parts, and pilot the Millennium Falcon—experiences Walt might’ve envied.

Yet the bond between Disney and Lucas transcends transactions. Lucas’ early concepts for Galaxy’s Edge included Tatooine and Endor, but Imagineers pushed for Batuu, a new planet free from cinematic canon. “George wanted it to feel lived-in, like Main Street does,” says Imagineer Scott Trowbridge. The land’s rusted scrap metal and haggling traders mirror Walt’s meticulous detailing in New Orleans Square, where even the pavement cracks were aged with blowtorches.

Trivia Unearthed: Walt, George, and the Hidden Threads

  • The Carousel Connection: The Griffith Park carousel Walt frequented with his daughters now resides in Oakland’s Children’s Fairyland—but a replica horse sits in Disneyland’s Opera House, yards from Walt’s apartment.
  • Lucas’ Disney Fandom: Lucas held an annual pass to Disneyland for over 50 years. His favorite ride? Autopia, the retro-futuristic cars Walt designed to inspire tomorrow’s drivers.
  • A Shared Gambler’s Streak: Both men made high-stakes bets on untested tech: Walt with audio-animatronics (Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln), Lucas with CGI (The Phantom Menace).
  • The Unseen Handshake: In 2015, Lucas privately gifted the Walt Disney Family Museum a collection of Star Wars props, including Darth Vader’s helmet. A note read: “For Walt, who taught us to keep moving forward.”

What Would Walt Think?

On May 31, 2019, as Galaxy’s Edge opened amid a throng of lightsaber-wielding fans, Disneyland’s original kinetic energy—the clang of the Disneyland Railroad, the wafting scent of churros—collided with the beeps of BB-8 and the sizzle of ronto wraps. Critics wondered: Would Walt, who once banned overt tie-ins to his films, balk at a land built on another creator’s IP?

image

The answer lies in his words. “Disneyland is a work of love,” Walt said in 1954. “We didn’t go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money.” Lucas, who donated his $4 billion sale windfall to education, shared that ethos. Together, they bridged the gap between nostalgia and innovation—one with a storybook castle, the other with a Wookiee’s roar.

As Season of the Force bathes Batuu in new projections of Luke Skywalker’s legacy, it’s hard not to picture Walt and George, side by side on that Griffith Park bench, dreaming of galaxies yet to unfold.

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

February 11, 2025 Issue #6 to 29,891 Disney fans.

Advertising Info Here

Overwhelmed with Disney vacation planning?

Get MouseWait ALL-ACCESS today!

image

Make sure to follow MouseWait on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Want to save time and money? Get effortless dining reservations, your own vacation planner, premium support, and more, all while helping us continue development! Become a lifetime founding member or subscribe to MouseWait ALL-ACCESS today!

Subscribe for Disneyland Updates

Get positive Disneyland & MouseWait updates in your email!

Share this post with your friends