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Disneyland Resort News
On a crisp December morning, as the sun paints the sky in shades of soft golden hues, the magic of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim comes alive. From the enchanting fairy tales of Disneyland Park to the modern adventures in California Adventure, the next week promises a blend of holiday spirit, unique culinary delights, and insider secrets that will make your visit truly memorable.
A Gastronomic Journey Through Disneyland
As you stroll through the parks, your senses will be tickled by the aroma of new culinary offerings. This week, Aunt Cass Café in California Adventure unveils the Christmas Tree Pull-apart Sourdough Bread, a plant-based treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, available until January 6, 2025, for $9.99.
Meanwhile, over at Café Daisy, indulge in the Crispy Chocolate-dipped Croissant ($5.49), a new addition that combines flaky pastry with a sweet chocolate coating, available from November 15 through January 7, 2025.
For those in the know, there are whispers of hidden menu items at Lamplight Lounge in California Adventure.
The Zombie drink, with its eerie green and red hues, tastes like a Mai Tai but looks like something you’d find in a haunted mansion.
Dining optimization this week includes leveraging mobile ordering to bypass lines, especially at popular locations like Galactic Grill, where the Galactic Burger “Alien Style” ($16.99) promises a unique twist on In-N-Out’s animal style.
Crowd Favorite dishes, according to recent foodie reviews, include the Mac & Cheese in a Bread Bowl from Aunt Cass Café, now a standard menu item thanks to its popularity. Guests have noted it’s both filling and a fun, photogenic meal.
For an unexpected dining hack, consider asking for the Mexican Candy Drink at Lamplight Lounge; it’s a blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for those who enjoy a little zest with their meal.
Insider Experience Tips
This week, seek out lesser-known photo opportunities like the hidden garden behind Sleeping Beauty Castle, a serene spot for capturing magical memories.
For those looking for unique character meet-and-greets, venture to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge early in the morning where you might catch a glimpse of characters like Rey or Chewbacca in less crowded settings.
Unpublished seasonal offerings include the Sip and Savor Pass for the Disney Festival of Holidays, offering a variety of festive food samples across the park.
Free Souvenirs can be found by asking cast members for “pixie dust” at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or by participating in the Star Wars scavenger hunt in Galaxy’s Edge for a free guidebook.
Exclusive Savings
This week, Magic Key holders can enjoy a 25% discount on hotel stays, while Disney Visa cardholders might snag up to 30% off for premium rooms at Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel. For a comprehensive look at hotel discounts, consider the current deals extending from December 10 through January 9, 2025.
Crowd Index Intelligence
The crowd forecast for the next 14 days shows a peak around December 8, thanks to the weekend and holiday spirit. However, the best times to visit are December 3-5, where you can expect below-average crowd levels.
Current refurbishments include Space Mountain, closed from December 4 through December 10 for maintenance, with an expected reopening on December 11. Matterhorn Bobsleds will also be closed for refurbishment from December 6 through January 5, 2025.
To navigate crowds efficiently, consider rope-dropping Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Galaxy’s Edge for a shorter wait, and utilize Lightning Lane for popular rides like Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure.
Events & Shows
This week, don’t miss “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”, a spectacle of holiday cheer with festive floats and characters. “it’s a small world” Holiday transforms the iconic ride into a winter wonderland, a must-see for its charm and nostalgia. And for an immersive experience, “World of Color – Season of Light” in California Adventure uses water, light, and music to tell a story of the holidays, praised for its emotional depth and visual splendor.
As the sun sets and the lights of Disneyland begin to twinkle, you’re not just visiting a theme park; you’re stepping into a world where every detail, from the food to the festivities, has been curated to create moments of magic. Embrace the unique experiences, savor the culinary delights, and let the magic of Disneyland make your December unforgettable.
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Disney World Resort News
As the holiday season wraps its tinsel around the Walt Disney World Resort, the parks and their surrounding areas are bustling with the spirit of Christmas. The Magic Kingdom is aglow with twinkling lights, but this week, from December 3 to December 10, 2024, it’s not just the decorations that are stealing the show; the culinary delights are equally captivating.
Starting in the heart of the Magic Kingdom, Main Street Bakery has introduced a new treat, the Letter To Santa ($9.99), available exclusively during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This flourless chocolate cake, layered with hot cocoa mousse and topped with marshmallows, is a sweet ode to holiday correspondence, available only until December 10. Over at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, a Gingerbread Milk Shake ($7.49) has become the crowd favorite, its ginger snap crumbles adding a festive crunch to every sip, available not just at the party but during regular park hours as well.
For those with an adventurous palate, Casey’s Corner, hosted by Coca-Cola, has launched a Holiday Dinner Hot Dog ($14.99), a unique twist on the classic American meal, with turkey, gravy, fried onions, and cranberry sauce on an all-beef hot dog. For a vegetarian delight, there’s the Holiday Dinner Loaded French Fries ($12.99), an unexpected yet delightful hack for those seeking a taste of Thanksgiving without the turkey.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar offers the Holiday Mine Car Meatballs ($14.00). These savory meatballs, with their festive twist, are available from November 8 through January 4, giving visitors a taste of adventure and holiday cheer.
Disney Springs is not to be outdone, with Air Tours Bacon and Waffles ($12.99) featuring a breakfast sausage waffle, mini quiche, and candied bacon with bourbon-maple syrup, a new item for the 2024 holiday season.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE TIPS:
For those looking to capture the magic in a more secluded setting, hidden photo opportunities abound. At EPCOT, the gardens behind The Land pavilion offer a serene backdrop for a family snapshot, especially when the lights of the Living with the Land attraction dance with the evening sky.
Character meet-and-greets can be found in less crowded locales. Ask Cast Members about hidden spots where you might encounter characters not listed on the map, like a surprise visit from Minnie Mouse at Disney’s Contemporary Resort‘s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf.
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS:
Guests can save up to 30% on rooms at various Disney hotels like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Beach Club Resort for stays from December 9 to December 25, 2024. Special offers are also available for Annual Passholders and Florida residents, with discounts up to 40% during the same period. For those staying on property, using Magic Key or Disney Visa card perks, like dining discounts and special merchandise offers, can further enhance the experience.
CROWD INDEX INTELLIGENCE:
The next 14 days will see varying crowd levels. From December 3 to December 10, expect heavy crowds, particularly on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, as guests flock to witness the holiday decorations. However, December 11 might offer a slight reprieve for those looking to dodge the busiest times.
Refurbishments this week include Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom, closed until December 20, 2024. Guests can explore alternative attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opened in June, offering a new twist on an old tale.
EVENTS & SHOWS:
For entertainment, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Hollywood Studios stands out with a rating of 4.8, offering nightly performances until December 31. This dazzling show runs for 25 minutes, and while it does not have a capacity limit, arriving early is advised for the best viewing spots. The show’s schedule varies, but it generally starts at dusk, with peak times around 6:30 PM. Weather cancellations are rare but can occur in extreme conditions, with updates provided on the official Disney app.
In this week of festive indulgence and magical moments, Disney World offers a blend of culinary delights, insider tips, and strategic planning opportunities that ensure every guest experiences the holiday spirit in the most enchanting ways.
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.
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Christmas stories with Walt
Images courtesy of Parkendium
In the crisp December air of 1955, Walt Disney’s newest creation was about to experience its first Christmas season. The man who had revolutionized entertainment stood in his apartment above the Main Street Fire Station, gazing down at his kingdom adorned with modest holiday decorations, his breath visible in the winter chill.
The Personal Touch
Walt’s love for Christmas ran deep, stemming from his Midwestern upbringing. His daughter Diane would later recall how her father’s eyes would light up during the holiday season, matching the twinkle of the park’s decorations. During the 1962 “Holiday Time at Disneyland” television special, Walt appeared in his characteristic festive attire – a top hat and scarf – standing alongside Santa Claus, his enthusiasm for the season evident in every gesture.
A Humble Beginning
The park’s first Christmas was notably austere, yet touched with Walt’s theatrical genius. The Hub featured a natural Christmas tree, its simple lights reflecting Walt’s belief that even modest decorations could create magic. The castle wore a sparse collection of wreaths and garland, while the entrance to Frontierland displayed just enough greenery to hint at the season.
The Christmas Bowl Legacy
Perhaps the most touching of Walt’s early holiday innovations was the Christmas Bowl, where local choirs performed carols twice daily on weekends. Originally positioned near the castle, this simple stage surrounded by artificial trees would evolve into what we now know as the Candlelight Ceremony. Walt would often listen to the performances from his apartment, the music drifting up to his private sanctuary above Main Street.
The Great Circus Debate
The most dramatic chapter of that first Christmas was Walt’s insistence on the Christmas Circus, despite fierce opposition. His determination led to one of the most creative financial solutions in Disney history – Walt Disney Productions would literally rent back a portion of Disneyland to stage the show. The parade that launched the circus captured Walt’s showmanship perfectly, as he rode horseback alongside Davy Crockett star Fess Parker, leading a procession that included antique circus wagons, exotic animals, and the beloved Mouseketeers.
Walt’s Holiday Traditions
According to Diane Disney Miller, Walt considered Disneyland his “very favorite way to celebrate Christmas”. He would often bring his family to the park during the holiday season, creating personal traditions that would later influence park celebrations. During the 1962 television special, Walt took particular pride in showcasing the park’s holiday transformation, personally touring cameras through the festive grounds.
Lesser-Known Stories
One touching tale emerged from the Christmas Eve flood of 1955 in Yuba City, California. In response to the disaster, Walt arranged a special visit from the original Mouseketeers, including Annette Funicello, bringing holiday cheer to the devastated community. This exemplified Walt’s belief that Disneyland’s magic should extend beyond the park’s boundaries.
The tradition of cast member participation in holiday celebrations began under Walt’s direct guidance. He specifically requested that park employees be called the “Disney Employee Choir” rather than cast members when performing, wanting to maintain a clear distinction between volunteers and entertainment staff.
Today’s elaborate Christmas celebrations at Disneyland, with their million lights and sophisticated shows, grew from these humble beginnings. Yet in every twinkling light and holiday carol, one can still feel Walt’s original vision – a place where the spirit of Christmas could touch everyone who entered his magical kingdom, just as it had touched him throughout his life.
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
December 3, 2024 Issue #49 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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