This week, in your favorite feel-good Disney Parks newsletter, we have two new apps launching, news about a new character coming to Disneyland, new food at Disney World, Hungry Bear news, and more!
Thanks to WyldsideB for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
Fort Wilderness & Universal Orlando!
If you’re an ALL-ACCESS member, you get early access to our new Fort Wilderness and Universal Orlando apps! Reply to this email and I’ll send you the link.
With one subscription, ALL-ACCESS members unlock all of our apps including Disneyland, Disney World, Fort Wilderness, Universal Orlando, Sticker Fairy, Elder Defender, chat with Him, and more to come next week!
Upgrade to ALL-ACCESS today and help support future development!
Disneyland Resort News:
Hungry Bear will reopen as Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree and it will feature the Country Bears! You’ll get to enjoy the bears’ favorite regional barbecue dishes while listening to their greatest hits!
Calling all Marvel fans! Get ready for a super-powered encounter, because you can now meet Deadpool at Disneyland! That’s right, the Merc with a Mouth is making his way to the Happiest Place on Earth, so be on the lookout for this mischievous anti-hero as you explore the parks. Who knows what kind of chicanery he’ll get up to?
Foodies, listen up! Disneyland has some mouthwatering new menu items and price changes that you’ll want to know about. From new hotel eats to even more price increases, there’s a lot to digest. But don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you so you can plan your culinary adventures accordingly. 🍴
Attention, Halloween fans! Oogie Boogie Bash is back at Disney California Adventure, and it’s bigger and better than ever. With more event nights than ever before, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to don your costumes and get in the spooky spirit. But hurry, tickets are selling out faster than a Headless Horseman can gallop! 🎃
The magic of Disneyland is always evolving, and there’s plenty of exciting construction happening around the resort. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is already splashing to life, the Haunted Mansion is getting a ghostly new look, and Critter Country is undergoing a major transformation. Keep your eyes peeled for these enchanting new additions! 🛠️
Did you know that Disneyland’s iconic Matterhorn Bobsleds ride is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year? That’s a whole lot of thrilling mountain adventures! 🏔️
You can get news updates like these, customized to your preferences, anytime in the MouseWait App. Check out the video here and become an ALL-ACCESS or better-yet a Club 333 Founding Member here!
Disney World Resort News:
Calling all tiki fans! A brand new Trader Sam’s mug has arrived at Disney World, along with two delicious new tropical drinks. Time to head over to the Grog Grotto and sip on some enchanting new concoctions! 🍹
Remember when Disney World sold some truly outrageous food items? From a giant turkey leg the size of your head to an ice cream sandwich the size of a small child, these over-the-top snacks were a must-try for any Disney foodie. 🍔🍕
Not every Disney hotel restaurant is a winner. In fact, some Disney fans say they’ll never eat at these hotel spots again. But don’t worry, we’ve got the scoop on the ones to skip so you can spend your precious dining dollars elsewhere. 🍽️
After years of waiting, Disney has finally made some major changes to the iconic Be Our Guest restaurant. Get ready for an even more enchanting dining experience in the Beast’s castle! 🏰
Prices are on the rise and new menu items are popping up all over Disney World. Stay in the loop with all the latest Disney food updates, from new hotel offerings to even more price increases. 💰
Don’t overlook this truly unique dining experience in Disney World. With its one-of-a-kind menu and atmosphere, it’s a must for any Disney foodie. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this hidden gem! 🍴
Traveling to Disney World alone? You may want to avoid these potentially awkward restaurants. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of great solo-friendly dining options to enjoy! 🍽️
With shockingly low wait times, it seems like hardly anyone is visiting Disney World this summer. But that just means shorter lines for you! 🎢
Disney fans have spoken, and they’ve determined the absolute best hotel perk at Disney World. Do you agree with their choice? 🏨
We got a taste of the mouthwatering food offerings at Disney’s new private island, Lookout Cay. From BBQ to beachside bites, it’s shaping up to be a delicious destination! 🏝️
Disney fans got real about the worst parts of visiting Disney World. But don’t worry, we’ve got tips to help you overcome those challenges and have an amazing time! 🏰
This week’s Pixar Fest report:
Pixar Fest Weekly Briefing – July 23, 2024
Pixar Fest is in full swing at Disneyland Resort, offering a magical celebration of friendship and beloved Pixar characters. Here’s your quick guide to the best experiences this week:
Must-Try Eats:
- Luigi’s Guido Cone: A fan favorite featuring chili and pasta in a cone source
- Un Papa Loca: Al pastor-topped baked potato inspired by Coco source
- Barbecue Potato Dog: Pulled pork-topped smoked sausage in a baked potato source
- Coconut Pineapple Dole Whip Float: Refreshing and highly recommended source
Top Souvenirs:
- Pizza Planet Truck Popcorn Bucket: Lights up and includes a removable Toy Story Alien figure source
- Pixar Fest Spirit Jersey: Features multiple characters in a comic book style source
- Reversible Bucket Hat: Two Pixar designs in one source
- Lug Bag: Practical and stylish with Pixar Fest branding source
Can’t-Miss Events:
- “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” parade at Disney California Adventure
- “Together Forever: A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks show at Disneyland
- Pixar Pals Playtime Party: Character meet-and-greets and dancing at Fantasyland Theatre
Pro Tips:
- Look out for 50 hidden Pizza Planet trucks throughout both parks source
- Keep an eye out for subtle Inside Out 2 references, especially during the fireworks show source
- The Pixar Fest Marketplaces in California Adventure offer unique small bites, including Ratatouille pizzettas and Turning Red pork bao source
Remember, Pixar Fest runs until August 4, 2024, so there’s still time to experience the magic.
For more information, visit the official Pixar Fest page.
ALL-ACCESS Member Update:
ALL-ACCESS unlocks ALL of our Apps for one low price. This is just some of what you get:
✅ NEW: Fort Wilderness app — reply for early access!
✅ NEW: Universal Orlando app — reply for early access!
✅ NEW: “chat with Him” app — reply to this email for early access!
✅ Elder Defender is like having your own scam expert available 24/7 via email and our app. Simply forward, reply, or send emails, and receive expert answers in your inbox.
✅ UPDATED: 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!
✅ Sticker Fairy: Design custom stickers for the Lounge or anything else you want, like merchandise or t-shirts. You own the designs!
✅ NEW in Sticker Fairy: 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!
✅ Ad-free premium versions of ALL our apps: Disneyland, Disney World, Nashville, and more to come!
✅ Disneyland + Disney World VISION Tour Guide: take a pic, get top five tips!
✅ Unlimited trained ChatGPT chats: 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.
Keep an eye out for exciting new additions like Fort Wilderness, Disney Cruise Line, and Universal Studios, coming soon! If you have any suggestions for new apps, please reply and let me know!
Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
Week of July 24-31:
- Moderate to heavy crowds expected (6/10 to 8/10 range)
- Summer tourist season in full swing
- No major events, consistent crowd levels throughout the week
- Weekends may be slightly less crowded due to Magic Key blockout dates
Week of August 1-7:
- Moderate to heavy crowds continue (6/10 to 8/10 range)
- Summer tourist season ongoing
- No significant events impacting crowds
- Similar pattern to late July, with potentially lighter weekend crowds
Week of August 8-14:
- Crowds begin to decrease slightly as summer season winds down
- Weekdays may see a slight reduction in attendance
- No major events scheduled
Week of August 15-22:
- Crowd levels continue to decrease
- Last week before Halloween Time begins
- Potential for lower crowds as families prepare for back-to-school
Week of August 23-31:
- Halloween Time at Disneyland begins on August 23
- Expect a surge in attendance, especially on opening weekend
- Crowds may be heavier than previous weeks due to seasonal event launch
Week of September 1-7:
- Labor Day weekend (August 31 – September 2) will see high crowd levels
- Halloween Time continues, maintaining higher attendance
- Oogie Boogie Bash begins at Disney California Adventure (select nights)
- Weekdays after Labor Day may see a slight decrease in crowds
Week of September 8-14:
- Crowd levels may stabilize post-Labor Day
- Halloween Time and Oogie Boogie Bash continue
- Weekdays potentially less crowded than weekends
- Gay Days event (September 13-15) may increase attendance
Week of September 15-21:
- Moderate crowds expected
- Halloween Time and Oogie Boogie Bash ongoing
- Weekday crowds potentially lower than weekends
Week of September 22-30:
- Crowd levels remain moderate
- Halloween Time popularity may cause slight increases in attendance
- Weekends likely busier than weekdays
Key Takeaways:
- Late July through mid-August will have consistent, moderate to heavy crowds due to summer tourism.
- Crowd levels may decrease slightly in mid to late August before Halloween Time begins.
- The start of Halloween Time on August 23 will likely cause a significant increase in attendance.
- September crowds are generally moderate, with potential spikes during Labor Day weekend and the start of Halloween events.
- Weekdays in September may offer slightly lower crowd levels compared to weekends.
Note: Crowd predictions are subject to change due to various factors. It’s advisable to check for updates closer to your planned visit date.
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
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Weekly Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Report
Week of July 24-31:
- Moderate to heavy summer crowds
- Peak summer vacation season
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays likely to be busiest
Week of August 1-7:
- Moderate crowds, gradually decreasing
- Some schools beginning to resume classes
- Weekends remain busier than weekdays
Week of August 8-14:
- Noticeable decrease in crowds starting August 12
- Orange and Osceola County schools resume (August 12), significantly impacting attendance
- Weekdays become notably less crowded
Week of August 15-21:
- Lower crowds as more school districts return to session
- Potential for some of the lightest crowds of the summer
- Weekends may still see slight increases in attendance
Week of August 22-28:
- Continued low crowds
- Ideal time for visiting with minimal wait times
- Pleasant park experiences with lower attendance
Week of August 29 – September 4:
- Low crowds early in the week
- Slight increase expected for Labor Day weekend (August 30 – September 2)
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins (typically late August)
Week of September 5-11:
- Return to very low crowd levels after Labor Day
- One of the best weeks to visit for minimal crowds
- Comfortable park experiences with shorter wait times
Week of September 12-18:
- Consistently low crowds
- Excellent time for visiting all parks
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
Week of September 19-25:
- Continued low crowds
- Ideal time for experiencing attractions with minimal wait times
- Potential for slightly increased attendance at Epcot due to Food & Wine Festival
Week of September 26-30:
- Crowds remain low but may begin to increase slightly
- End of month may see more visitors for Food & Wine Festival
- Still a good time to visit overall
Key Events and Considerations:
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:
- Typically begins in late August and runs through November
- May cause higher attendance at Epcot, especially on weekends
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:
- Usually starts in August and runs on select nights through October
- May affect Magic Kingdom crowds on event nights
Labor Day Weekend (August 30 – September 2):
- Expect a slight increase in crowds
- Still manageable compared to peak seasons
Weather Considerations:
- Hot and humid conditions persist through September
- Afternoon thunderstorms common
- Hurricane season peaks in September; consider travel insurance
Recommendations: For the lowest crowds and best overall experience, target visits in late August (after August 12) or early to mid-September (after Labor Day). These periods offer a combination of lower crowds, special events, and relatively manageable weather conditions. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends throughout this period.
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
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.
Upcoming Events at Disneyland & Disney World
Here is our updated list of upcoming events and refurbishments for both Disneyland and Disney World:
For a larger view, visit this page. You can also access it from the “Home” tab of the MouseWait for Disneyland and Disney World.
And now, let’s take a look at Walt Disney World:
Check our our Amazon Disney Store here (MouseWait benefits from your purchases)
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks (images courtesy of Parkendium)
This week’s story about Disneyland history features the Hungry Bear Restaurant, which has played a significant role in our family’s history. I took Chelsea there on our first date back in 1993!!!!!
The Birth of the Golden Bear Lodge
When Disneyland first opened its Bear Country (now known as Critter Country) in 1972, the restaurant we now know as Hungry Bear made its debut under a different name: Golden Bear Lodge. This original name evoked images of California’s gold rush era and the state’s iconic bear symbol, perfectly fitting the area’s theme.
A Taste of the Wilderness
From its inception, the restaurant was designed to transport guests to a rustic forest setting. Nestled among towering trees on the shores of the Rivers of America, the Golden Bear Lodge (and later, Hungry Bear Restaurant) offered diners a unique opportunity to feel as if they were enjoying a meal in the heart of the wilderness, all while still in the middle of Disneyland. Learn more about its rustic charm here.
The Country Bear Connection
While many assume the restaurant was always tied to the Country Bear Jamboree attraction, this connection is actually a recent development. In July 2024, Disneyland announced plans to rename and retheme the Hungry Bear Restaurant to the “Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree”. This change brings the beloved Country Bears characters into the restaurant’s story, creating a new backstory where the bears bring back barbecue favorites discovered during their musical tours. More details can be found here.
The Hidden Gem of Disneyland Dining
One of the lesser-known aspects of the Hungry Bear Restaurant is its status as a hidden gem for relaxation in the park. The restaurant’s multi-tiered seating area, particularly the lower level, offers a secluded spot where guests can enjoy their meals while watching boats sail by on the Rivers of America. This peaceful setting has made it a favorite among Disneyland regulars looking for a quiet respite from the park’s hustle and bustle. Discover more about this hidden gem here.
Walt’s Vision of Immersive Dining
The Hungry Bear Restaurant embodies Walt Disney’s philosophy of creating immersive experiences throughout the park. By placing the restaurant in a naturalistic setting and theming it to match its surroundings, Walt’s team ensured that even a simple meal could become part of the overall Disneyland story. This attention to detail in dining locations was a revolutionary concept in theme park design when Disneyland first opened, and it continues to be a hallmark of the Disney park experience today.
As the Hungry Bear Restaurant enters its next chapter with the Country Bears theme, it carries forward a legacy of adaptation and storytelling that has been part of its history since the early days of Disneyland. From Golden Bear Lodge to Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, this eatery continues to offer guests a unique blend of delicious food and Disney magic, all while honoring Walt’s original vision for an immersive park experience.
For more details, check out the Hungry Bear Restaurant on D23.
Well, that’s all for this week, {{contact.first_name}}!
Hit reply and let me know how I can make this newsletter better!
Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
July 23, 2024 Issue #30 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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