Thanks for joining me once again for some feel-good Disney Parks news! I made a mistake last week regarding the “new” hotel across from Disneyland. The Westin is already open!
So, I’m trying something new this week. As you may know, I recently integrated GPT-4 AI technology into Kate, our bubbly Virtual Plaid. I’m now tapping into her massive database, which includes 14 years of MouseWait data, to come up with intriguing sections for the newsletter. Please hit reply and let me know which sections you like and which ones I should add!
Thanks to HARR_E for the live pics! See more real-time pics and post your pics to the NEW Lounge!
Protect Your Trip with Faye
The Neverland Navigator: A Weekly Guide to New Discoveries at Disneyland and Disney World
Sip like a princess: If you’re looking for a refreshing drink and a cute souvenir, check out the new Princess Belle Sipper at Disneyland Resort. This yellow plastic cup features Belle in her iconic ballgown, along with images of Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere and more. You can find it at various locations throughout both parks starting August 15
🎉🎊🎉 Magic Key holders get ready to party! 🎉🎊🎉 The summer blockouts are over and a new Magic Key dance party is waiting for you at Disney California Adventure! 💃🕺🎶🎉
🗓️🕰️ From August 14-31, the party runs Monday to Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. And it’s not just any party – you’ll have the chance to meet some of your favorite Disney characters, snap special photos, and even score a Magic Key magnet as a party favor! 🎁
Prepare your taste buds for a Hawaiian adventure! The Hawaii booth is now open at EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival.
🎉🍴🌎 EPCOT has a new restaurant called Shiki-Sai and it’s open now! Come taste the delicious food and enjoy the amazing atmosphere!
Here You Leave Today…
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to find moments of escape and immerse ourselves in the magic of Disney. You can transport yourself to the enchanting atmosphere of Disneyland and Disney World with a 4-hour ambiance video.
As you listen, you’ll feel as if you’re strolling through the parks, surrounded by the sights and sounds that make Disney so special. You can also dive into the world of Disney park ambiance music with highly-rated Spotify playlists like Disney Parks: Background Music, Walt Disney World 50 – Complete Playlist, Disney World Parks Music and Disney Parks Ambience.
Pixie-Dusted Paths: Tips for a Smoother Disney Experience
🎉🎒🏰 It’s back-to-school season, but there’s still time to squeeze in some summer fun at Disneyland! This week is a great time to visit if you’re a California resident and want to use up your ticket days before they expire.
🌞☀️🎢 With summer vacation ending soon, the parks may be a little less crowded, giving you more time to ride your favorite attractions and explore the magic of Disneyland.
🎉👑🏰 According to MousePlanet, Magic Key holders are coming back to Disneyland Resort this week! The Enchant Magic Key had a summer break but now it’s time to come back and have fun! Friday August 18th is going to be very busy, so make sure to plan ahead and get your reservations early! ✨🔑💫
Flavors of Fantasyland: Your Culinary Tip of the Week
Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure is one of the hottest reservations at Disneyland Resort. Here’s how to try and get a spot using the rope drop method from this SF Gate article:
1️⃣ Check Lamplight Lounge’s hours on the Disneyland app – it typically opens at 9 a.m. Friday through Sunday and 11:30 a.m. the rest of the week.
2️⃣ Arrive at the park early and be ready to enter as soon as the park opens. This is known as “rope drop” in Disney lingo.
3️⃣ Once you’re inside the park, head straight to Lamplight Lounge and be ready to wait in line – the bar seating area is first-come, first-served.
4️⃣ Ask the hostess if there are any seats available at the downstairs bar. If there are, you’re in luck! If not, you may have to wait for a bit or try one of the other strategies.
5️⃣ Once you’re seated, take a look at the brunch menu. The brunch burger and French toast are popular choices.
6️⃣ Enjoy your meal and the fantastic views of Pixar Pier!
Remember, the rope drop method involves a bit of luck and requires an early start to your day at the park, but it can be a great way to snag a spot at the Lamplight Lounge without a reservation. Good luck and have fun! 🍽️🎢
Want to beat the crowd to reservations? Get MouseWait ALL-ACCESS!
Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks with the VOYAGEERS
In the spirit of the novel I wrote years ago, VOYAGEERS (available on Amazon), I’m including an intriguing historical fact about the Parks each week. Here’s the first one!
Did you know that Richard Nixon was ‘kidnapped’ on the monorail: In 1959, then-Vice President Richard Nixon and his family were visiting Disneyland. While on the monorail, the operator inadvertently left the platform without the Secret Service agents, effectively ‘kidnapping’ Nixon for a brief moment until the monorail returned to the station.
Whimsical Wonders: Uncovering the Lesser-Known Delights of Disneyland
Animation Academy Sketch: If you visit Disney California Adventure at Disneyland, you can learn how to draw a Disney character at the Animation Academy. You can keep your sketch as a free souvenir, and even get it signed by the character if you meet them later.
Wilderness Explorers Handbook: If you visit Animal Kingdom at Disney World, you can become a Wilderness Explorer and learn about animals and nature. You can get a free handbook at the Wilderness Explorers headquarters near the entrance of the park, and collect stickers as you complete challenges at different station.
A free Jungle Cruise map, which you can get by asking a cast member at the exit of the attraction. This map shows the route and landmarks of the classic ride, as well as some fun facts and jokes. You can also get a free Indiana Jones Adventure decoder card, which helps you translate the hieroglyphs in the queue of the attraction.
Walt’s Words: Weekly Inspiration from The Great Storyteller
“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” -Walt Disney