It’s time for 2025’s eighth edition of your favorite feel-good Disney Parks newsletter!
The iconic red and gold sign above the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland Park has been removed to prepare for the debut of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” a new show featuring the first-ever audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney. The attraction, initially slated to open on May 16, 2025, as part of the resort’s 70th-anniversary celebrations, has been delayed and will now premiere on July 17, 2025. How do you feel about this?
Thanks to happiestplace for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
Disneyland Resort News
As the golden hour bathes Sleeping Beauty Castle in a warm glow, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, transforms into a tapestry of magic and memory, especially during the week of February 25 to March 4, 2025. This period, bridging late winter and early spring, is alive with seasonal festivities, from the nostalgic 90s Nite to lingering Valentine’s Day delights, offering a rich palette for visitors to explore.
Disneyland Food Guide: A Culinary Journey
The week kicks off with a nod to the 90s, as Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite on March 4 and 6 introduces exclusive food items. Among them, the Powerline Max Popcorn Bucket, a nostalgic souvenir, is available at various locations, while the Fried Apple Pie Sundae at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, priced at $10.49, features fried apple pie, vanilla ice cream, spiced caramel, and whipped cream, perfect for a sweet treat. The After School Fruit Punch at Little Red Wagon, a non-alcoholic blend of apple juice with pineapple and cherry flavors, served with a themed glow cube for $7.99, adds a playful touch. These items, detailed in a recent X post by @chipandcompany (Powerline Max), are must-tries for event attendees.
Beyond the event, hidden menu items offer a treasure hunt for foodies. The Galactic Burger at Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland, not listed but available upon request, is a secret-within-a-secret, featuring cheese, Thousand Island, grilled onions, and fries inside the bun, a nod to In-N-Out’s Animal Style, as noted in Undercovering Delicious Disneyland Secret Menu Items. Seasonal specialties, though Lunar New Year ended on February 16, include Valentine’s Day treats like the Carl and Ellie Petit Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie, available until February 28, a vanilla chiffon with raspberry jam, detailed in Disney Eats: Valentine’s Day Foodie Guide 2025.
Trending dishes, based on recent reviews, include the Dole Whip at Tropical Hideaway, a pineapple soft serve delight, and churros at various carts, both praised on TripAdvisor for their iconic status. The Birria Tacos at Cocina Cucamonga in Disney California Adventure, rated highly on Yelp, are another crowd favorite, offering a spicy, savory bite. To optimize dining, mobile ordering via the Disneyland app, as highlighted in Mobile Ordering at Disneyland Guide, allows pre-ordering and pickup, saving time. Dining during off-peak hours, like early morning, and splitting meals can further enhance your experience.
Crowd favorite menu items, according to recent reviews, include the Oswald Sundae at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, with vanilla and chocolate ice cream topped with hot fudge, and the BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends Pasta at River Belle Terrace, both lauded for flavor. Unexpected dining hacks include asking for the chef’s special at Cafe Orleans, potentially uncovering unique dishes, and requesting extra sauces or sides at quick-service locations to customize your meal, a tip shared in Best Disneyland Food to Eat 2025 RANKED.
Insider Experience Tips: Uncovering Hidden Magic
For those seeking unique photo opportunities, the petrified tree in Frontierland, a gift from Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian, stands as a quiet backdrop, detailed in Ten Hidden Gems in Disneyland Park. The Halloween Tree, dedicated to Ray Bradbury, offers a literary touch, especially during off-season visits. Hidden character meet locations, like the Evil Queen near the Wishing Well in Fantasyland, provide intimate encounters, as noted in Tips for Meeting Your Favorite Disneyland Characters. The Citizens of Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure offer chatty, less formal interactions, a hidden gem for character enthusiasts.
Unpublished seasonal offerings this week include any lingering Valentine’s Day photo ops or special character appearances, not widely advertised but worth exploring via the Disneyland app. Free souvenirs abound, with pressed pennies at machines throughout the park, costing just $0.51, and character autographs, free upon request, as detailed in Free Things at Disneyland. Cast members often have free stickers, another delightful find. Lesser-known things to do include the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, a forested play area in Disney California Adventure, offering climbing nets and slides, perfect for a break, as mentioned in Top Photo Spots in Disneyland.
Exclusive Savings: Stretching Your Dollar
Current discounts include a children’s special ticket offer at $50 for ages 3-9, valid until March 20, 2025, subject to park reservation availability, as seen on Disneyland Offers. Magic Key holder specials offer up to 20% off select merchandise and 15% off dining, with exclusive events like a souvenir pin giveaway from January 7-13, detailed in Guide to Disneyland Magic Key Annual Pass. Disney Visa cardholders enjoy 10% off select dining and merchandise, plus exclusive character photo ops, as noted in Disney Visa Rewards Card Benefits.
Mobile order benefits, as outlined in Mobile Order in Disneyland, save time by allowing pre-ordering, bypassing lines at quick-service restaurants. Hotel savings include up to 30% off select stays at Disneyland Resort hotels during the 70th anniversary celebration, valid for bookings through March 7, 2025, for travel until March 21, 2025, as seen on Hotel Savings for the Celebration.
Crowd Index Intelligence: Navigating the Throngs
For the next 14 days, crowd levels are moderate to high, with peaks on weekends and during 90s Nite on March 4 and 6, driven by school breaks and the event, as noted in February 2025 Disneyland Crowd Calendar. Optimal visiting dates are Tuesday, February 25, and Wednesday, February 26, with lighter crowds. Best times of day are early morning for rope drop, especially at Disneyland Park, and late evening after 8 PM for both parks. Current refurbishments, if any, should be checked via the Disneyland app, with alternatives like shows or nearby attractions suggested.
Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass, starting at $15 per person, for skip-the-line access, and consider single-rider lines for shorter waits. Virtual queues for attractions like Haunted Mansion, managed through the app, help manage wait times. Rope drop strategy involves arriving at park opening, targeting key attractions first, and park hopping efficiency means starting at Disney California Adventure for early entry, then moving to Disneyland Park, as detailed in Schedule of Disneyland Events.
Events & Shows: Highlights of the Week
Three shows stand out this week, based on guest satisfaction. “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure, a water spectacular with music and lights, is praised for its emotional storytelling, as seen in recent reviews on TripAdvisor. “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland Park, with fireworks and live performances, offers a classic Disney experience, highly rated for its spectacle. “Turtle Talk with Crush,” an interactive show, is ideal for families, with guests loving the live chat with Crush, as noted in Guide to Character Experiences.
Current News: What’s New This Week
Recent updates include preparations for the 70th anniversary celebration, starting May 16, 2025, with new decorations and special events, as announced on Disneyland Resort 2025 Event Dates. The Disneyland app has enhanced mobile ordering options, and limited-time merchandise tied to upcoming movies is expected, adding excitement for visitors planning ahead.
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Disney World Resort News
A Comprehensive Guide to Disney World, February 25 – March 4, 2025
Food Guide: Culinary Adventures Await
Disney World’s dining scene is a tapestry of innovation and tradition, and this week offers a feast for the senses. Let’s start with the newest menu items launched within the last 7 days, though our search revealed none added from February 18 to February 25, 2025. However, seasonal specialties from earlier in February, like the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Lunch Box Tart ($6.99, available at various quick-service locations until February 28, 2025, as noted on AllEars.net), and the Springtime Pasta ($18.99, Via Napoli, EPCOT, from DisneyFoodBlog.com), are still worth savoring. These items reflect Disney’s commitment to fresh, themed experiences.
Hidden menu items add an element of surprise. The Cookies & Cream Milkshake ($7.99, Sunshine Seasons, EPCOT, upon request, from DisneyFoodBlog.com) is a delightful find, while the Explorer’s Punch at Nomad Lounge (prices vary, from DisneyFoodBlog.com) offers a cocktail adventure. Seasonal specialties, though the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts ended on February 24, 2025, might leave lingering treats; check for any extended offerings on the Disney Parks Blog.
Trending dishes, based on recent reviews from Yelp and TripAdvisor, include the iconic Dole Whip ($5.99, Aloha Isle, Magic Kingdom, from Eater.com) and Turkey Legs ($12.99, various quick-service, from Travel+Leisure.com), beloved for their nostalgia and flavor. Dining optimization tactics are crucial: make reservations 60 days in advance via the My Disney Experience app, consider the Disney Dining Plan for bundled savings, and explore character dining for a magical meal. Crowd favorite menu items, like Beignets ($5.99 for three, Scat Cat’s, Magic Kingdom, from AllEars.net) and Mickey Mouse-shaped Pretzel ($6.99, various locations, from TripAdvisor.com), are must-tries. Unexpected dining hacks include asking for off-menu items at counter-service spots (from DisneyFoodBlog.com) and using mobile order to bypass lines, enhancing your efficiency.
Insider Experience Tips: Uncovering Hidden Magic
Beyond the marquee attractions, Disney World hides treasures for the curious. Lesser-known photo opportunities abound, such as the back of Cinderella Castle for unique angles (from BabyQuip.com) or Rapunzel’s Tower near Fantasyland restrooms (from USA Today.com), perfect for Instagram-worthy shots. Hidden character meet locations, like Merida at Fairytale Garden (from ThisGirlKnowsIt.com) or Figment in EPCOT’s Imagination! pavilion (from UndercoverTourist.com), offer intimate encounters not always advertised. Unpublished seasonal offerings might include special events; check the Disney Parks Blog for updates.
Free souvenirs and hidden gems enhance your visit without extra cost. Grab park maps at entrances (from ShorelineDestinations.com), celebration buttons for birthdays or anniversaries at guest services (from MouseSavers.com), and participate in the Wilderness Explorers program in Animal Kingdom for a book, pen, and stickers (from DisneyTouristBlog.com). Lesser-known activities, like exploring Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom for its caves and views (from AllEars.net) or Epcot’s World Nature for educational exhibits (from MickeyVisit.com), offer a quieter pace, ideal for a break from the crowds.
Exclusive Savings: Stretching Your Budget
Saving money at Disney World is an art, and this week offers several avenues. Current discounts, valid for at least 7 days, include Florida resident offers requiring a Florida billing address at checkout and military discounts for eligible members, with hotel offers via call at 407-934-7639 (from DisneyWorld.disney.go.com/special-offers/). Other discounts, found on MouseSavers.com, include up to 25% off rates plus waived resort fees at Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village near Disney World for stays from May 1 to May 31, 2025 (from MouseSavers.com). Lesser-known ways to save include packing your own snacks to avoid park prices, using single rider lines for quicker rides (from DisneyTouristBlog.com), and leveraging early entry for resort guests to maximize park time without additional cost.
Crowd Index Intelligence: Navigating the Flow
Understanding crowd dynamics is key to a smooth visit. The 14-day crowd forecast from February 25 to March 4, 2025, shows moderate to high levels, especially on weekends, with optimal visiting days being mid-week, like Tuesday, February 25, and Wednesday, February 26, 2025, based on crowd calendars from MagicGuides.com. Known crowd drivers include school breaks in the northeast during late February, though Presidents’ Day (February 17, 2025) is past, suggesting lighter crowds mid-week. Best times of day are morning rope drops and late afternoons; avoid midday peaks around lunchtime.
Current refurbishments include It’s Tough to Be a Bug closing permanently on March 17, 2025, and Kali River Rapids scheduled to reopen in March 2025 with no specific date (from DisneyTouristBlog.com). These closures impact guest experience by limiting attraction options; alternatives include Expedition Everest or Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom. Strategies for managing crowds include using Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass for popular rides (from MouseHacking.com), joining virtual queues for high-demand attractions like Rise of the Resistance via the My Disney Experience app, and employing single rider lines for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or Test Track (from WDW-Magazine.com).
Rider switch, available for attractions with height requirements, allows adults to take turns riding without waiting twice (from DisneyTouristBlog.com). Rope drop strategy involves arriving 30 minutes before opening, targeting popular rides first (from IllHaveCoffee.com). Park hopping efficiency, now all-day since January 9, 2024, suggests starting at the earliest opening park and using transportation like the Skyliner (from DisneyTouristBlog.com). Early entry, for resort guests, and extended evening hours, on select nights, offer lower wait times; check Disney World Calendar for specific dates.
Events and Shows: Highlights to Catch
While major events like the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts ended on February 24, 2025, current shows offer magic. Consider Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios for its stunning costumes (rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.com), Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom for its energetic performances (4.7/5 on Yelp.com), and Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom for a spectacular night sky (4.8/5 on Google Reviews, from AllEars.net). These shows, based on guest satisfaction, promise memorable moments.
Current News: What Matters Now
For visitors this week, note the latest from the Disney Parks Blog: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed on January 5, 2025, for enhancements, reopening in 2026 (from WDW-Magazine.com), and Test Track at EPCOT is set for a late summer 2025 refresh (from MagicGuides.com). These updates could affect your plans, so check the official site for real-time changes.
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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A Detailed Look at Disneyland’s 10th Anniversary and Walt Disney’s Stories
Introduction: A Decade of Magic
In 1965, Disneyland, which opened its gates on July 17, 1955, celebrated its 10th anniversary, dubbed the “Tencennial.” This milestone marked a decade of growth, with the park welcoming nearly 50 million guests and expanding its attractions and shows. Walt Disney, the visionary behind the park, was deeply involved in the celebrations, ensuring they reflected his commitment to innovation and guest experience. The festivities included a television special, community outreach, and special events, each highlighting Walt’s personal touch and forward-looking vision.
Walt Disney’s Role and Stories from the Anniversary
Walt’s involvement was most evident in the television special “Disneyland 10th Anniversary,” which aired on January 3, 1965, as part of “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” Disneyland 10th Anniversary | Disney Wiki | Fandom. In this episode, he introduced Julie Reihm, a 20-year-old tour guide selected as the first “Miss Disneyland Tencennial,” and took her on a tour of the Imagineering department. This tour showcased future attractions like It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion, giving viewers a glimpse into Walt’s ongoing plans. The episode featured appearances by Disney Legends such as Mary Blair, Harriet Burns, John Hench, Rolly Crump, Marc Davis, and Blaine Gibson, adding a personal touch to the presentation.
Another significant event was the gathering of original cast members on July 17, 1965, at the Disneyland Hotel’s Magnolia Room. Walt spoke to those who had been with the park since its opening, reflecting on their contributions and the park’s journey. According to “We’re Just Getting Started”: Disneyland’s Tencennial Anniversary in 1965 | The Walt Disney Family Museum, he said, “It’s just been a sort of dress rehearsal, and we’re just getting started. So if any of you start to rest on your laurels, just forget it,” emphasizing his belief that Disneyland was still in its early stages. His brother, Roy Disney, also spoke, highlighting the cast members’ role in the park’s success, adding a familial and collaborative tone to the event.
Walt’s stories during this period often reflected his pride and vision. For instance, during the television special, he shared insights into the park’s history and future, reinforcing his role as a storyteller and innovator. His interactions with Julie Reihm were unscripted, showcasing his ability to connect with people and share his passion for the park.
Memorable Events and Sensory Descriptions
The anniversary celebrations were filled with memorable moments that captured the magic of Disneyland. In front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters gathered for a grand party, as described in Disneyland 10th Anniversary | Disney Anthology Series Wiki | Fandom. Mary Poppin, a character from the recently released film, made a special appearance, flying in to lead a band of dancing chimney sweeps and conjuring up a giant dancing birthday cake with singing candles. This spectacle, with the cake and candles adding a whimsical touch, must have been a visual and auditory delight, with the crowd erupting in applause.
The parade down Main Street, U.S.A., featured a local high school band and cheerleaders, bringing a community element to the celebration, as noted in Disneyland 10th Anniversary – Wikipedia. A water show on the Rivers of America, a new addition for the anniversary, enhanced the nighttime entertainment, with boats and performances creating a mesmerizing display. Sensory descriptions paint a vivid picture: imagine the sights of colorful lights on the castle, the sounds of marching bands and the anniversary song, and the smells of popcorn, cotton candy, and freshly baked goods from the park’s shops, all contributing to a magical atmosphere.
Historical Details and Interesting Facts
The 10th anniversary, or “Tencennial,” was a unique choice of terminology, differing from the more common “decennial,” adding a distinctive flair to the celebration. Julie Reihm’s role as ambassador involved extensive travel, promoting Disneyland across the U.S. and overseas, as detailed in “We’re Just Getting Started”: Disneyland’s Tencennial Anniversary in 1965 | The Walt Disney Family Museum. The park set a new attendance record in 1965, reflecting its growing popularity, and by this time, had seen an investment of over $53 million, indicating significant expansion.
Walt was already planning for future attractions, with New Orleans Square, the Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean in development, as mentioned in Walt Disney on the 10th anniversary of Disneyland – MiceChat. The television special was directed by Hamilton S. Luske, a Disney legend known for his work on classic films like “Pinocchio” and “Cinderella,” and the music for the anniversary song was composed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, famous for their work on “Mary Poppin,” adding a musical legacy to the event.
Little-Known Trivia
Several lesser-known facts enhance the understanding of this anniversary:
- The term “Tencennial” was used instead of “decennial,” possibly to make the celebration sound more unique and festive.
- Julie Reihm, at 20 years old, traveled to nearly every American state and overseas, promoting Disneyland as its ambassador.
- The episode featured a water show on the Rivers of America, a special performance for the anniversary.
- The park’s attendance record in 1965 highlighted its increasing popularity, with significant investments reflecting its growth.
- Walt’s future plans included major attractions like New Orleans Square and the Haunted Mansion, over four years away from opening, as previewed in the television special.
- The director, Hamilton S. Luske, and composers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman added significant artistic contributions to the celebration.
- The cast member gathering included Roy Disney’s speech, emphasizing the team’s role, adding a collaborative note to the event.
- The investment in the park had reached over $53 million by 1965, underscoring its financial and developmental growth.
The 10th anniversary of Disneyland was a celebration of a decade of magic, with Walt Disney at the forefront, sharing stories, showcasing future plans, and motivating his team. The events, from the television special to the cast member gathering, highlighted his vision for continuous innovation and guest delight. Sensory experiences like the dancing birthday cake and parade, combined with historical details and trivia, paint a comprehensive picture of this milestone, reflecting Walt’s enduring legacy in creating a place where dreams come true.
Well, that’s all for this week!
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Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
February 25, 2025 Issue #8 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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