There’s a new popcorn bucket coming to Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line, plus lots of new places to eat at Disneyland, and 22 new snacks at Disney World–Disney is upping their food game for the holidays! Let’s dive right into this week’s edition of your favorite feel-good Disney Parks newsletter!
Thanks to MsTiki for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
Your Ultimate RV Camping Guide is here!
One Subscription.
20 Travel Apps.
MouseWait ALL-ACCESS
This week, we launched RV Camping Chat! Jack made this one so you can chat and find things near you, get RV advice, route information, and more! Perfect for your next trip to Fort Wilderness!
One subscription, no matter where you purchase, unlocks Ad-free premium versions of ALL our apps + MORE!
Here’s the list and it’s growing weekly:
MouseWait for Disneyland, MouseWait for Disney World, Fort Wilderness, Knott’s Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Orlando, Sea World Orlando, Busch Gardens, Nashville, Bible Chat: The Encourager, Puppy Chat, RV Camping Chat
IN PROGRESS: Dollywood, Cedar Point Ohio, lounge.land, Hawaii, Elder Defender, Maui Top Five, and more!
✅ 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!
✅ 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.
If you have any suggestions for new apps, please reply and let me know!
Disneyland Resort News:
Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District is about to get an influx of new restaurants, and you won’t want to miss out! From 9 new magical eateries, there’s something for every foodie in your crew. Get ready to indulge in delicious Disney dining like never before! 🍕🍔
Disney Vacation Club members, get ready for some exclusive after-hours fun in 2025! Disney has just announced new after-hours events that you won’t want to miss. Plus, they’ve added even more dates for 2024! 🎢✨
Are you a Disneyland pro who knows all the top secret shortcuts? Or are you new to the parks and want to discover the best ways to get around? Either way, you’ll want to check out these 5 insider tips for navigating the parks like a VIP! 🏃♀️
Disney has just confirmed the release date for a brand new popcorn bucket coming to Disneyland and the Disney Cruise Line. Popcorn lovers, get ready to add this must-have souvenir to your collection! 🤩
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:
Planning a Disney World vacation can be expensive, but our experts have shared their top money-saving tips to help you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. From discounts to hidden gems, these tips are sure to help you save big on your next Disney adventure!
Attention all foodies! Disney World is about to get even more delicious with the addition of 22 new snacks hitting the parks on September 15th. From sweet treats to savory bites, there’s something for every taste bud. Be sure to add these must-try snacks to your Disney bucket list!
Get ready for some splashin’ good times! One of Disney World’s water parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, is set to reopen in November. Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot day or just want to have some aquatic fun, this water park is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
A new show in Magic Kingdom has been causing quite a stir among Disney fans, but we were pleasantly surprised by just how much we enjoyed it. If you’re curious about this controversial change, be sure to check it out for yourself and see if you agree with our review!
Sad news for Disney fans, as EPCOT’s backstage tour is set to permanently close. This insider’s look at the park’s operations will be missed, but there are still plenty of other ways to experience the magic of Disney World.
Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
Week 1 (September 11-17): Best time to visit this period. Lower crowds expected as schools are back in session. Halloween Time decorations and offerings will be in full swing. Oogie Boogie Bash events on September 12, 15, and 17 may impact Disney California Adventure closing times.
Week 2 (September 18-24): Moderate crowds expected. Weekdays remain preferable to weekends. Oogie Boogie Bash events on September 19, 22, and 24 will affect Disney California Adventure hours.
Week 3 (September 25-October 1): Crowd levels may increase slightly as October approaches. Weekdays still recommended over weekends. Oogie Boogie Bash on September 26 and 29 will impact Disney California Adventure.
Week 4 (October 2-8): Expect higher crowds as Halloween season popularity peaks. October 1-6 may offer slightly lower crowds compared to later in the month. No Oogie Boogie Bash events this week.
Week 5 (October 9-15): Crowds likely to be heavy due to fall break periods for many schools. Weekdays may offer slight relief compared to weekends. Oogie Boogie Bash events may resume this week (dates to be confirmed).
Week 6 (October 16-22): Very busy period expected. Fall breaks continue, and Halloween enthusiasm builds. Expect peak crowds, especially on weekends. Oogie Boogie Bash events likely (dates to be confirmed).
Week 7 (October 23-31): Busiest period of the Halloween season. Expect heavy crowds throughout the week, peaking on weekends and Halloween (October 31). Oogie Boogie Bash events likely to conclude this week.
Key Events and Factors:
- Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort (entire period)
- Oogie Boogie Bash events (select nights, typically Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)
- Fall break periods for schools (particularly in October)
- Increasing popularity of Halloween celebrations at the parks
Recommendations:
- For lower crowds, prioritize visits in September, especially weekdays.
- If October visit is necessary, aim for early in the month (October 1-6).
- Expect higher crowd levels and plan accordingly as Halloween approaches.
- Be aware of Oogie Boogie Bash dates, as they affect Disney California Adventure park hours.
- Utilize Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane services to maximize attraction experiences during busier periods.
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
Start Your Own App Business Today
After more than 15 years in the App Store, I’ve developed a boilerplate that lets you build a fully monetized app in under an hour. While it’s still a work in progress (the reason for the current 50% discount), it’s a unique opportunity if you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own app business. See how it works here!
Weekly Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Report
Week 1 (September 11-17): Recommended week to visit. Low crowds expected as most schools are back in session. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ongoing. Pleasant weather with average highs in the mid-80s.
Week 2 (September 18-24): Excellent time to visit. Continued low crowds. Special events ongoing. Weather remains favorable with slightly cooler temperatures.
Week 3 (September 25-October 1): Good time to visit, but crowds may start to increase slightly towards the weekend. Halloween decorations in full swing. Food & Wine Festival continues to draw weekend crowds to EPCOT.
Week 4 (October 2-8): Moderate crowds expected. Fall break season begins for some schools. Halloween events becoming more frequent. Weather typically very pleasant with lower humidity.
Week 5 (October 9-15): Not recommended. Heavy crowds expected due to Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend (October 14). Many schools on fall break. Peak attendance likely.
Week 6 (October 16-22): Crowds expected to remain high but slightly lower than previous week. Fall break season continues. Halloween events in full swing.
Week 7 (October 23-31): Moderate to heavy crowds. Increasing Halloween festivities leading up to October 31. runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend typically occurs in early November, which may impact crowds at the end of this week.
Key Events Impacting Crowds:
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (ongoing through October 31)
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (ongoing through November)
- Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 14)
- School Fall Breaks (throughout October)
- Halloween (October 31)
Best Weeks to Visit:
- September 11-17
- September 18-24
- September 25-October 1
Weather Considerations: Weather improves throughout this period, with average highs dropping from mid-80s in September to upper 70s by late October. Hurricane season officially ends November 30, so remain aware of potential tropical weather, especially in September.
Additional Notes:
- Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
- EPCOT tends to be busier on weekends due to the Food & Wine Festival.
- Magic Kingdom closes early on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights.
- Make dining reservations and plan park visits well in advance, especially for October dates.
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)
Your Weekly Disneyland Resort Food Report (NEW!)
New Seasonal Offerings
Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) brings exciting new food items to Disneyland Resort:
- At Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante: Torta Cubana featuring breaded steak, ham, and panela cheese
- At Award Wieners: Torta de Milanesa and Stuffed Pan Dulce
- At Studio Catering Co. and Hollywood Lounge: Chile Relleno Burrito
Must-Try Halloween Items
The Halloween season is in full swing with an impressive lineup of seasonal treats:
- Fantasyland Garlic Cheesy Brat at Edelweiss Snacks ($12.99)
- Graveyard Banana Funnel Cake at Stage Door Café ($9.99)
- Autumnal Harvest Flatbread at Red Rose Taverne ($13.99)
- Jack-O’-Lantern Mickey Pumpkin Macaron at Jolly Holiday Bakery ($8.29)
- Spicy Beef and Mozzarella Corn Dog at Corn Dog Castle ($11.79)
New Summer Menu Highlights
Some summer menu items introduced on May 1st are still available:
- Various new offerings at quick-service and table-service locations throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
Returning Favorites
The popular Beef Birria Toasted Cheese has returned to Jolly Holiday Bakery.
- Various new offerings at quick-service and table-service locations throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
Returning Favorites
The popular Beef Birria Toasted Cheese has returned to Jolly Holiday Bakery.
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
On June 14, 1959, Disneyland unveiled one of its most iconic attractions – the Matterhorn Bobsleds. This groundbreaking ride was the brainchild of Walt Disney himself, inspired by his love for Switzerland and a desire to create something truly unique for his park.
Walt’s Swiss Inspiration
Walt Disney had a deep appreciation for Switzerland, having vacationed there on several occasions. In 1958, while visiting the set of the Disney film “Third Man on the Mountain” in Zermatt, Switzerland, Walt became captivated by the majestic Matterhorn peak. The story goes that he was so impressed by the mountain that he sent a postcard of it back to his Imagineers with a simple message: “Build this!”
From Holiday Hill to Alpine Adventure
Construction Challenges
Building the Matterhorn was no small feat. It was designed to be 1/100th the size of the real Matterhorn, standing at 147 feet tall. The construction, which began in early 1958, presented unprecedented engineering challenges. Bob Gurr, the Imagineer responsible for designing the track, has described it as the hardest project he ever worked on.
The American Bridge Company, known for constructing the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, was tasked with building the steel structure inside the Matterhorn. The exterior was crafted using steel members and plywood to create the rock-like structure.
Innovative Features
The Matterhorn Bobsleds made history as the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster. It featured a unique electronic dispatch system that allowed multiple cars on the track simultaneously. The ride also incorporated forced perspective techniques, using smaller trees at higher altitudes to make the mountain appear taller.
The Basketball Court Mystery
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Matterhorn is the small basketball court hidden inside the structure. Contrary to popular myth, it wasn’t installed to comply with local zoning laws. Instead, it was added as part of a break room for the climbers who occasionally scaled the mountain’s exterior. This quirky addition has become a beloved piece of Disney lore.
Here’s a video we posted a long time ago that shows the happiest basketball court on earth!
Opening Day and Beyond
The Matterhorn opened to great fanfare on June 14, 1959, alongside the Monorail and Submarine Voyage. It immediately became a park icon and has remained a beloved attraction for over six decades.
Walt Disney’s vision for the Matterhorn exemplifies his innovative spirit and dedication to creating immersive experiences. From a postcard inspiration to a towering achievement in theme park design, the Matterhorn stands as a testament to Walt’s ability to turn dreams into reality, bringing a piece of the Swiss Alps to the heart of Anaheim.
Wishing you the best week,
Kelly