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Disneyland Resort News
A Week at the Happiest Place on Earth: Culinary Delights, Hidden Gems, and Strategic Escapes
February 18–25, 2025
Under the soft glow of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Resort hums with a kinetic energy this week—a blend of post-Valentine’s romance, lingering Lunar New Year flourishes, and the anticipatory buzz of spring. For those navigating the parks between February 18 and 25, the key lies in balancing indulgence with ingenuity. Here’s how to savor the magic without succumbing to the madness.
The Foodie’s Playground
Disneyland’s culinary team has been busy. At Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland, the Strawberry Milk ($9.99) served in a chocolate cracking cup with cold foam has become an Instagram darling, available through February 16. Over in New Orleans Square, Red Rose Taverne tempts with the Valentine’s Grey Stuff ($8.49)—a red velvet cake layered with raspberry mousse and heart sprinkles—available until February 28 per Disney Parks Blog. For savory cravings, Studio Catering Co. in California Adventure offers the Moo Shu Pork Burrito ($13.99), a hearty wrap stuffed with sautéed vegetables and crispy noodles, paired with plum sauce as noted by Undercover Tourist.
Don’t overlook the unsung heroes. At Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, ask for the off-menu Bulgogi Pizza Slice ($12.50), a spicy Korean-inspired twist available through February 27 according to Disney Food Blog. Mobile ordering here isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. Use it to bypass lines at Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs in Downtown Disney, where the Snake Sourdough Bread ($7.99) has quietly become a cult favorite.
Secrets of the Kingdom
While crowds cluster around Main Street, slip into Fantasy Faire’s Royal Hall 30 minutes before posted times to meet Rapunzel or Belle with minimal wait as advised by Undercover Tourist. For a free souvenir, request a “Celebration Button” at City Hall—cast members often stock limited-edition designs for unannounced milestones.
Disney Visa Cardholders gain exclusive access to the CommuniCore Hall PhotoSpot in EPCOT (1–6:30 PM daily), where Mickey and Goofy pose for private sessions with free digital downloads per AllEars. Meanwhile, Toon Finder cast members—stationed near Royal Theatre—hold the keys to rare character sightings; ask politely, and they might reveal where Mirabel or Asha will appear next as shared by Journey of Parenthood.
Smart Savings
Southern California residents can still snag the 3-Day Ticket for $199, valid through March 20. Magic Key holders receive 15% off at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill and Ballast Point Brewing in Downtown Disney via Undercover Tourist, while Disney Visa Cardmembers unlock 10% discounts on $50+ purchases at World of Disney.
For hotel guests, the Disneyland Hotel offers 20% off stays Sunday–Thursday through March 20. A lesser-known hack: Order kids’ meals (even as an adult) at quick-service spots like Plaza Inn—the portion sizes rival adults’ meals at half the price.
Crowd Calculus
Post-Presidents’ Day crowds wane after February 18, but brace for a midweek spike on February 20–21 due to a cheer competition. Optimal visiting dates: February 19 and 24–25, when wait times dip below 30 minutes for headliners like Rise of the Resistance.
Rope Drop Strategy: At Disneyland, sprint to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first—then hit Indiana Jones Adventure during the midday lull. At California Adventure, prioritize WEB Slingers before 10 AM, then use Single Rider for Incredicoaster (cuts waits by 70%).
Avoid Haunted Mansion’s 45+ minute waits by joining the virtual queue at 1 PM via the Disneyland app. For modified ops, note that Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree remains closed until October 2024; pivot to River Belle Terrace for smoked brisket sandwiches per AllEars dining updates.
Shows Worth Your Time
- Fantasmic! (Disneyland, 9 PM nightly): The revamped show swaps the fire-breathing dragon for a dazzling Peter Pan ship battle, blending nostalgia with new tech. Reviewers praise the “childlike wonder” of Tinker Bell’s flight over the Rivers of America in Disney Tourist Blog’s review.
- World of Color – ONE (California Adventure, 8:45 PM): Though criticized for its disjointed IP mashup, the Moana and Coco segments—with water screens erupting in tropical hues—are transcendent per Disney Tourist Blog.
- Mickey’s Mix Magic (Disneyland, 9:15 PM): Skip the fireworks (lackluster per Disboards reviews), but linger on Main Street for the projections—a kaleidoscope of vintage Mickey cartoons synced to a surprisingly catchy EDM remix.
Parting Wisdom
At Café Orleans, whisper “chef’s special” to your server for an off-menu Mardi Gras Monte Cristo—a smaller, crispier version of the classic, served with strawberry jam via Undercover Tourist. And if you spot a cast member with a “Toon Finder” badge, ask about the Character Palooza—a rogue’s gallery of rare faces like Robin Hood or Ludwig Von Drake, often near Big Thunder Mountain after dusk per Journey of Parenthood.
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Disney World Resort News
The Art of Mastering Disney World’s February Lull
How to Navigate Post-Valentine’s Crowds, Seasonal Surprises, and Culinary Gems
As the last heart-shaped confetti settles after Valentine’s Day, Disney World enters a brief interlude of relative calm. From February 18–25, 2025, the parks hum with understated energy—a sweet spot for those who know where to look. Here’s how to transform this transitional week into a masterclass in crowd navigation, culinary discovery, and serendipitous magic.
The Hidden Rhythms of Crowds
Presidents’ Day crowds (Feb 17) linger like confetti in the wind, but by midweek, wait times deflate. Touring Plans crowd data shows crowd levels dropping to 5/10 post-Feb 20, with a slight uptick during RunDisney’s Princess Half Marathon weekend (Feb 20–24). Marathoners flood Epcot’s finish line by midday, making mornings ideal for Magic Kingdom’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (7:45 AM rope drop) or Hollywood Studios’ Slinky Dog Dash (target 8:05 AM via Early Entry).
Pro tip: Park-hop after 2 PM using Disney’s updated transportation app to track monorail and Skyliner wait times. Animal Kingdom’s Na’vi River Journey sees 20-minute waits post-4 PM as families retreat for early dinners.
A Culinary Safari
Disney’s kitchens pivot subtly from Valentine’s excess to late-winter whimsy. At Amorette’s Patisserie (Disney Springs), the $12 Raspberry Macaron Heart lingers through Feb 25—a tart-sweet hybrid of passion fruit curd and raspberry cream. Nearby, The Ganachery tempts with the Red Velvet Ganache Pop ($9), a ruby-hued orb of cream cheese ganache enrobed in dark chocolate.
Overlooked gem: Woody’s Lunch Box (Hollywood Studios) quietly rolled out a Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Lunch Box Tart ($7), blending jammy preserves with strawberry crisps. Mobile order it by 10:30 AM before the post-Slinky Dog rush.
Hack alert: At Magic Kingdom’s Sunshine Tree Terrace, ask for the Citrus Swirl (not on menus since 2023)—cast members often oblige if orange soft-serve supplies allow.
Characters in the Margins
While Mirabel’s Encanto meet-and-greet at Magic Kingdom’s Fairytale Garden draws queues, wander Frontierland’s Rivers of America after 3 PM. Look for Meeko (Pocahontas’ raccoon companion) playfully pilfering “berries” near Tom Sawyer Island—a rare photogenic cameo noted by Steps to Magic.
At Animal Kingdom, Russell and Dug from Up hold court at the Wilderness Explorers Club (Discovery Island), but the real prize is Kevin, the 10-foot-tall bird, who struts through Asia’s pathways unpredictably. Pro photographers cluster near Anandapur Ice Cream Truck at 11 AM for her most frequent sightings, per Disney Food Blog.
Discounts Worth the Plastic
Disney Visa cardholders unlock quiet perks this week:
- 30% off premium rooms (Sundays–Thursdays through March 20; Grand Floridian and Polynesian excluded) via Disney Rewards
- 20% savings on Drawn to Life Cirque du Soleil tickets using code DVC2025
- 10% discounts at Epcot’s Arribas Bros. crystal shops—ask for the “Diamond Hourglass” ($85 pre-discount), a Cast Member favorite
Mobile order bonus: Joffrey’s iced lattes ordered via app after 2 PM include free Mickey-sprinkle upgrades.
Shows That Still Spark
- Fantasmic! 2.0 (Hollywood Studios): The updated finale features Moana’s oceanic projection mapping—sit in sections 3–5 for optimal Te Fiti volcano sightlines.
- Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade (Magic Kingdom): A 11:15 AM dash of obscure characters—spot Raya and Encanto’s Bruno near Liberty Square.
- Epcot’s Festival of the Arts: Ending Feb 24, don’t miss the Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt ($10 map; prize: a neon Figment magnet), detailed in Disney Parks Blog.
The Unadvertised Souvenir
At Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion, ask a cast member at Spice Road Table for the Golden Scarab—a free pressed penny featuring Aladdin’s cave of wonders. Only 20 are stamped daily.
Final Wisdom
This week rewards the observant: the couple sharing a Raspberry Macaron Heart as Kevin parades past, the runner refueling with a Lunch Box Tart before her half-marathon, the child giggling as Meeko “steals” her popcorn bucket. In Disney’s February interlude, magic favors those who sidestep the obvious.
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!
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VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
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The Harmonious Legacy: Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebrates the Sherman Brothers’ Timeless Magic
On July 17, 2025, as the morning sun casts golden light over Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland will awaken to its 70th anniversary—a milestone echoing Walt Disney’s original promise of “a happy place” where imagination reigns. Amid the festivities, a quieter tribute unfolds at the Main Street Cinema, where the melodies of Richard and Robert Sherman, the songwriting duo whose music became the heartbeat of Disney’s storytelling, will resonate anew.
Here, amid the flicker of vintage projectors and the scent of buttered popcorn, guests will encounter The Last Verse, a short film debuting a final stanza to their iconic “it’s a small world.” Penned by Richard Sherman before his passing in 2024, the verse is a poignant coda to a six-decade legacy: “Mother earth unites us in heart and mind / And the love we give makes us humankind…” (New “it’s a small world” Verse Announcement, Disneyland’s 70th Plans, Main Street Cinema Tribute).
The Alchemy of Walt and the Shermans: A Partnership Forged in Optimism
Walt Disney first noticed the Sherman Brothers in 1961, when their buoyant tunes for Annette Funicello climbed the charts. Intrigued by their knack for marrying whimsy with emotional depth, he summoned them to his office—a modest space cluttered with storyboards and ashtrays—and handed them a copy of Mary Poppins. “Do you know what a nanny is?” he asked, eyes twinkling. When they quipped, “A goat,” Walt’s laughter sealed their fate (Sherman Brothers’ Early Days). The brothers’ subsequent pitch—a shift to Edwardian London, a tapestry of songs like “Chim Chim Cher-ee”—aligned perfectly with Walt’s underlined chapters in the book. “You’re hired,” he said, launching a collaboration that would define Disney’s musical golden age (Sherman Brothers’ Disney Journey).
Their workspace, a cramped office in the Disney studio, became a laboratory of “Shermanizing,” a ping-pong process where lyrics and melodies volleyed between them. Robert, the introspective wordsmith, and Richard, the effervescent composer, crafted earworms that balanced childlike wonder with philosophical heft. Walt, ever the curator of joy, recognized their genius. During a studio tour with a corporate executive, he paused at their door, gestured to Robert, and declared, “Bob’s the poet” (Robert Sherman’s Legacy). It was a rare moment of praise from a man who preferred letting work speak for itself.
Whistling in the Dark: The Songs That Built a Kingdom
The Sherman Brothers’ fingerprints are etched into Disneyland’s DNA. For the 1964 World’s Fair, Walt tasked them with distilling global unity into a single tune. The result, “it’s a small world,” debuted aboard a flotilla of singing dolls—a “prayer for peace,” as Richard later called it (Sherman Brothers’ Reflections). Critics dismissed it as saccharine, but Walt, ever prescient, retorted: “It’ll outlive us all.” Today, it stands as the most-performed song in history, its refrain echoing across six continents (Sherman Brothers Overview, Richard Sherman’s Bio).
Less celebrated but equally vital is their contributions to The Enchanted Tiki Room. When Imagineers struggled to explain the attraction’s premise—a theater of animatronic birds—the Shermans penned “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room,” a calypso-infused tutorial where “the birds sing words, and the flowers croon.” The song’s playful logic became a template for Disney’s storytelling: if you sing it, they will believe (Sherman Music in Parks, Disney Legends Profile).
Walt’s trust in the brothers extended beyond music. In 1965, as Mary Poppins swept the Oscars, he invited them to develop EPCOT’s Carousel of Progress. The result, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” embodied Walt’s futurism, but when executives deemed it “too optimistic” for the 1970s, the Shermans penned “The Best Time of Your Life” without missing a beat (Sherman Brothers’ Versatility). Both songs still rotate in the attraction, a testament to their adaptability.
“Bob’s the Poet”: Untold Stories and Stubborn Pride
Behind the harmonies lay a complex relationship—with Walt, and each other. Though Richard often basked in the spotlight, Robert remained the quiet force. A WWII veteran haunted by his time in Europe, he channeled his trauma into lyrics like “Feed the Birds,” a ballad Walt considered his favorite. Every Friday, the brothers would play it for him on the studio piano. “That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?” Walt once murmured, eyes misty (Robert’s Personal Story, Mary Poppins Collaboration).
Their final interaction with Walt, days before his 1966 death, was characteristically understated. After a screening of The Happiest Millionaire, Walt lingered in the hallway. “Keep up the good work, fellas,” he said—the only direct compliment he ever paid them (Walt’s Praise).
Decades later, when Disney sought a third verse for “it’s a small world,” Robert resisted. “You don’t put a mustache on the Mona Lisa,” he quipped. But fearing a lesser writer might tarnish their work, he relented. The new stanza, debuted posthumously at Disneyland’s 70th, is a bridge between eras, blending 1964’s idealism with 2025’s yearning for connection (Legacy Continuation, New Verse Debut).
A Jolly Holiday: The Tribute’s Sensory Tapestry
Inside the Main Street Cinema, the tribute immerses guests in the Shermans’ world. Glass cases display Richard’s handwritten score for The Jungle Book and Robert’s oil paintings—a hobby he kept private for decades (Robert’s Private Life). A reconstructed office replica captures their creative chaos: a desk strewn with lyric sheets, a vintage telephone, and a framed photo of Walt, grinning mid-chuckle.
The centerpiece, The Last Verse, screens in a velvet-draped theater. As archival footage of the brothers plays—Richard at the piano, Robert puffing a pipe—the new verse swells, its lyrics superimposed over scenes of Disneyland’s opening day. The effect is elegiac yet hopeful, a reminder that the park’s magic lies not in rides, but in shared humanity (Film Announcement, Tribute Details).
“The Magic Lingers On”
As dusk falls on July 17, the it’s a small world façade will glitter with 70th-anniversary gold. Inside, dolls in traditional garb will sing Richard’s final words, their voices blending with the clatter of vintage attractions nearby: the Tiki Room’s chirping birds, the Carousel of Progress’s hum of progress. At the Opera House, Walt’s Audio-Animatronic doppelgänger will greet guests for A Magical Life, a delayed show now synced with the Shermans’ tribute—a symbolic reunion of the trio who shaped Disney’s soul (Anniversary Highlights, Event Sync, 70th Celebration).
The Shermans’ legacy, like Walt’s, endures in paradoxes: simplicity and depth, nostalgia and innovation. Their songs, once deemed mere novelty, now feel prophetic—anthems for a world still learning to sing together. As Richard once mused, “Melodies linger.” At Disneyland, they always will (Enduring Legacy, Musical Impact).
Well, that’s all for this week!
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Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
February 18, 2025 Issue #7 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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