This week, LIVE Sticker Night MEET-UP TONIGHT at 6:30 pm. Meet at Earl’s @6:30pm, (the pop-up in DTD) and head to The Grand! Thanks to misschurro AND iLoveGoofy for all the real-time pics and for hosting the meetup!
Thanks to mischurro for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
I was saddened to hear that we recently lost a member of our MW family, Varela2892. She was a MouseWaiter for 10+ years and a loyal supporter.
I searched my Gmail and discovered messages from her going back to 2015. She was a remarkably kind person who patiently endured bugs with our Android app. From 2015 onwards, there’s a trail of Credits purchases, donations, and various other contributions to MouseWait. I’m so glad she chose to spend time with us, and we are better because of it.
People like her are the best of MouseWait and the reason why we’re still here today. Her kind spirit shines through in her response to one of my newsletters in 2020:
“Thank you!!! Love this app, I became a member on Aug 10 2012 and it has been such a wonderful experience!! I’m hoping to meet everyone next year at a reunion!!”
We are praying for her family.
You can read more in the Lounge.
MouseWait for Dollywood is here!
One Subscription.
20 Travel Apps.
MouseWait ALL-ACCESS
Last week, we launched Maui Top Five and RV Camping Chat and this week Jack launched our latest park app for Dollywood AND Cedar Point!
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, Dollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, Sea World Orlando, Busch Gardens, Nashville, Bible Chat: The Encourager, Puppy Chat, RV Camping Chat, Maui Top Five, Cedar Point
IN PROGRESS: Jack is building a National Parks suite of apps that will also be included in ALL-ACCESS!
✅ 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:
Foodies, rejoice! Disney has updated the menus at dozens of restaurants across Disneyland and Disney World. From the return of fan-favorite snacks to exciting new additions, there are so many delicious options to indulge in during your next Disney adventure. 🍔🍕
Disneyland’s Critter Country has undergone a transformation, and it’s looking better than ever! The land has reopened after a closure for construction, and the new Bayou Country theming is absolutely stunning. From the charming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to the reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, there’s so much to explore in this revitalized area of the park. 🐻❄️
Halloween has arrived at the Disneyland Resort, and the parks are looking spookier than ever! From the Haunted Mansion Holiday to the Oogie Boogie Bash, there are so many festive experiences to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the seasonal treats, decorations, and entertainment – it’s a ghoulishly good time! 🎃👻
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:
Looking to score a sweet deal on a Disney World hotel? Read this first before booking – the hotel discount for Disney College Program participants may not be as amazing as it seems. 😉
Attention, caffeine lovers and hotel lovers! Starbucks and Marriott are teaming up to bring you a special offer for rewards members. Time to start planning your next Disney World vacation with a side of Frappuccino! ☕️🏨
The beloved Dole Whip float is back for good at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom! Tropical flavors and Disney magic, all in one delicious treat. 🍍
Attention, Disney World travelers! The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Orlando. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest weather developments as you plan your magical getaway. ☔️
Foodies, take note! One popular Magic Kingdom restaurant just got a total menu overhaul. Plus, there are more dining updates across the Disney parks you won’t want to miss.
Attention, character meet-and-greet enthusiasts! We’ve discovered the secret to waiting only 5 minutes to meet the 2 most popular characters in Disney World. Your autograph book is about to get a lot more impressive! ✍️
Looking for some lesser-known but highly-rated Disney World restaurants to try on your next trip? Check out these 5 hidden hotel gems that are beloved by Disney World reviewers. 🏨🍽️
Foodies, get excited! A popular prix fixe restaurant in EPCOT is getting a brand-new menu. Time to start planning your next special occasion dining experience! 🍽️
The latest Halloween popcorn bucket has arrived at Disney World’s EPCOT. Spooky season is in full swing! 🎃
Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
Best Weeks to Visit
- September 30 – October 4
- November 4 – 8
- November 11 – 15
Week of September 25-29
- Moderate crowds expected
- Halloween Time celebrations in full swing
- Oogie Boogie Bash events on select nights at Disney California Adventure
Week of September 30 – October 4
- Lower crowds expected as summer season ends
- Ideal time to visit before Halloween crowds increase
- Halloween Time celebrations continue
Week of October 7-11
- Crowds begin to increase as Halloween approaches
- Weekend crowds may be heavier due to Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 14)
Weeks of October 14-25
- Increasingly busy as Halloween nears
- Expect heavy crowds, especially on weekends
- Oogie Boogie Bash events continue
Week of October 28 – November 1
- Peak Halloween crowds expected
- October 31 will be extremely busy
Week of November 4-8
- Excellent time to visit with lower crowds
- Transition period between Halloween and Christmas seasons
- Some Christmas decorations may start appearing
Week of November 11-15
- Lower crowds continue
- Veterans Day (November 11) may cause a slight increase in attendance
- Last week before holiday season officially begins
Week of November 18-22
- Crowds begin to increase as Thanksgiving approaches
- Holiday season officially begins on November 15
- Christmas decorations and entertainment fully implemented
Week of November 25-30
- Heavy crowds expected due to Thanksgiving holiday
- November 28 (Thanksgiving Day) will be extremely busy
- Holiday season in full swing
Events Impacting Crowds
- Halloween Time (September – October 31)
- Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party (select nights through October)
- Thanksgiving Week (November 25-30)
- Start of Disneyland Holiday Season (November 15)
Key Takeaways
- Early October offers a sweet spot with Halloween festivities and lower crowds.
- The first two weeks of November provide an excellent opportunity for lighter crowds before the holiday season rush.
- Weekdays generally have lower attendance than weekends.
- Avoid the week of Thanksgiving for the lowest crowds.
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
Help support this newsletter with MouseWait Credits!
ALL-ACCESS members, and those who spend at least $99 in Credits in a calendar year get exclusive access to our new Sticker Fairy to generate their own custom Stickers + our NEW image to Sticker generator! Get your Credits here
Weekly Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Report
The period from late September to November offers a mix of low to moderate crowds, with some peak periods around holidays and special events. The best weeks to visit are generally in early to mid-October and early November, while the weeks around Halloween and Thanksgiving should be avoided if possible.
September 25 – October 1:
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival continues
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights
- Note: Crowds may increase slightly towards the weekend as October begins
October 2 – 8:
Crowd Level: Low
- One of the best weeks to visit
- Ideal weather conditions
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights
October 9 – 15:
Crowd Level: Moderate
- Columbus Day weekend (Oct 11-13) may see increased crowds
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights
October 16 – 22:
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
- Crowds generally lower after Columbus Day
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights
October 23 – 29:
Crowd Level: Moderate
- Crowds may increase as Halloween approaches
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights
October 30 – November 5:
Crowd Level: High
- Halloween (Oct 31) and the days surrounding it will be busy
- Jersey Week begins (Nov 3-9), bringing higher crowds
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ends (Nov 23)
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Oct 31 – Nov 3)
November 6 – 12:
Crowd Level: Moderate
- Veterans Day (Nov 11) may bring slightly higher crowds
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins (select nights starting Nov 8)
- Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios begins (select nights starting Nov 9)
November 13 – 19:
Crowd Level: Low to Moderate
- One of the better weeks to visit in November
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights
- Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios on select nights
November 20 – 26:
Crowd Level: Very High
- Thanksgiving week (Nov 28) is one of the busiest times of the year
- Avoid if possible, especially Nov 23-30
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights
- Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios on select nights
November 27 – 30:
Crowd Level: High to Very High
- Post-Thanksgiving crowds remain high
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays begins (Nov 29)
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights
- Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios on select nights
Best Weeks to Visit:
- October 2 – 8
- October 16 – 22
- November 13 – 19
Weeks to Avoid:
- November 20 – 26 (Thanksgiving week)
- October 30 – November 5 (Halloween and Jersey Week)
- November 27 – 30 (Post-Thanksgiving)
Key Events Affecting Crowds:
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (through Nov 23)
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (select nights through October)
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights starting Nov 8)
- Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios (select nights starting Nov 9)
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Oct 31 – Nov 3)
- Jersey Week (Nov 3-9)
- Veterans Day (Nov 11)
- Thanksgiving (Nov 28)
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
As we transition into fall, Disneyland Resort is introducing several new seasonal food items:
- The “Ghost” of Anaheim burger is now available at Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland.
- Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land is serving a new Mickey Mouse mummy shake.
- Stage Door Café in Frontierland has added a graveyard banana funnel cake to its menu.
Halloween Time Treats
Halloween Time is in full swing at Disneyland Resort, bringing a variety of spooky and delicious treats:
- Main Street, U.S.A. is hosting the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, featuring an array of pumpkin-themed decorations and treats.
- The Downtown Disney District is offering themed food and beverage items at select locations.
Dining Experiences
- Goofy’s Kitchen is featuring Halloween-themed décor and character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes from August 23 to October 31.
- Storytellers Cafe has introduced “Mickey’s Autumn Adventures,” a new autumn-themed breakfast and brunch dining experience running from September 3 to November 18. This includes seasonal decor and characters in autumnal attire.
Plaza de la Familia
In celebration of Día de los Muertos, Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (August 23 to November 2) is offering:
- Menu items inspired by Mexican cuisine.
- Special entertainment, including “The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate The Musical World of Coco!” show starting August 30.
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
Walt Disney played a pivotal role in the creation and development of Circle-Vision 360, an innovative film format that immersed viewers in a 360-degree visual experience. The origins of this technology can be traced back to the early 1950s when Walt was exploring new ways to enhance the storytelling capabilities of cinema.
Origins and Walt’s Vision
Walt Disney’s interest in immersive film experiences led to the development of Circarama, the precursor to Circle-Vision 360. The first Circarama film, “A Tour of the West,” debuted at Disneyland in 1955. Walt saw this technology as a way to transport audiences to different places and times, aligning with his vision of creating immersive and educational experiences for park visitors.
The technology evolved from Circarama, which used eleven 16mm projectors, to Circle-Vision 360°, which debuted in 1965 using nine 35mm projectors. This change improved the quality and efficiency of the system while maintaining the immersive experience Walt had envisioned.
Development and Implementation
Walt Disney’s longtime animator and visual effects pioneer, Ub Iwerks, designed the cameras and projection systems for both Circarama and Circle-Vision 360°. This collaboration between Walt’s visionary ideas and Iwerks’ technical expertise resulted in a groundbreaking attraction that would become a staple of Disney parks for decades.
The first Circle-Vision 360° film to debut at Disneyland was a new version of “America the Beautiful” in 1967. This film showcased the beauty and diversity of the United States, aligning with Walt’s patriotic values and desire to celebrate American culture.
Interesting Stories
One fascinating aspect of Circle-Vision 360° production was the innovative ways filmmakers captured footage. For instance, cameras were mounted on top of automobiles for travelog scenes, allowing viewers to feel as if they were driving through various locations.
For the film “The Timekeeper” in 1992, the technology advanced further, incorporating static cameras and CGI effects to enhance the storytelling capabilities of the format.
Trivia and Legacy
Here are some interesting trivia points about Circle-Vision 360:
- At one point, every Disney Resort had at least one Circle-Vision 360° theater.
- The circular theaters were standing-room only, with railings provided to steady viewers during the immersive experience.
- For the Circle-Vision 360 film in the China pavilion at Epcot, a Disney crew carried a 300-pound camera up 4,500 steps of the Huangshan Mountain in the Annui Province to capture footage.
- The America the Beautiful attraction at Disneyland ran for nearly 17 years, from 1967 to 1984, showcasing the enduring popularity of the format.
- Circle-Vision 360° films were not only used in Disney parks but also featured at various world’s fairs, extending the reach of this innovative technology.
Circle-Vision 360° represents Walt Disney’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of entertainment technology and creating immersive experiences for audiences.
Although many of the original Circle-Vision theaters have been replaced, the legacy of this innovative format lives on in current Disney attractions and continues to inspire new immersive technologies.
Well, that’s all for this week!
Hit reply and let me know how I can make this newsletter better!
Wishing you the best week,
Kelly
September 24, 2024 Issue #39 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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