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Disneyland Resort News
A Week at the Happiest Place on Earth: Your Insider’s Guide to Disneyland, January 14-21, 2025
New Menu Items: This week, Disneyland has introduced a delightful array of new dishes. At Bamboo Blessings in Disney California Adventure, indulge in the Mini Char Siu Pork Shanks for $12.99, a savory treat available through February 16, 2025. For those with a sweet tooth, the Strawberry Milk Tea Macaron at the same location offers a unique twist on a classic dessert, priced at $5.75.
Hidden Gems: Venture to Café Orleans in Disneyland Park, where an unexpected dining hack awaits. Ask for the chef’s special, which might include a delightful surprise like a Cajun Shrimp & Grits not listed on the menu, available for $28.00.
Trending Dishes: The Ube Popcorn Mix at Troubadour Tavern has become a crowd favorite, with its unique flavor profile earning it high praise on Yelp and TripAdvisor. Priced at $8.79, it’s a must-try for snack enthusiasts.
Dining Optimization: To make the most of your dining experience, consider using the Sip and Savor Pass during the Lunar New Year celebration. This pass, available for $59, allows you to sample six different food and non-alcoholic beverage items from various marketplaces, offering both savings and a culinary adventure.
Insider Experience Tips
Lesser-Known Photo Opportunities: For a magical photo, head to the lesser-known spot near the Mark Twain Riverboat where the lighting and backdrop create a serene, almost ethereal scene, especially during the early morning hours.
Hidden Character Meets: Keep an eye out for Mushu from Mulan, who makes surprise appearances during the Lunar New Year festivities, offering a unique photo op not commonly advertised.
Free Souvenirs: Magic Key holders can snag a free collectible button set at Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite, available from January 21 through February 13, 2025, while supplies last.
Exclusive Savings
Magic Key Holder Specials: This week, Magic Key holders can enjoy a 50% discount on Lightning Lane Multi Pass through January 31, 2025, making it an excellent time to skip the lines. Additionally, a special Stitch Popcorn Bucket is available for $14.25 with $2 refills until February 19, 2025.
Disney Visa Cardholder Perks: Cardholders can take advantage of 10% off merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations, and up to 20% off at certain dining spots like Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. and Luxury of Time at Disney Springs.
Hotel Savings: Guests can save up to 25% on select stays at Disneyland Resort hotels from January 7 through March 20, 2025, with specific discounts varying by day of the week.
Crowd Index Intelligence
Crowd Forecast: Expect lower crowds this week, with the exception of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, which might see a slight increase in attendance. The best days to visit are January 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19.
Refurbishments: The Disneyland Railroad is closed for refurbishment starting January 13, with operations resuming in the spring. Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure will remain closed until March 13, 2025.
Strategies: Utilize the Single Rider lines for attractions like Radiator Springs Racers to cut down wait times significantly. For Haunted Mansion, now reopened after its holiday overlay, consider using the virtual queue system to secure your spot.
Events & Shows
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession: A vibrant parade celebrating the Year of the Snake, this event features Mulan, Mushu, and other characters in a colorful display of culture and festivity. It’s a must-see for its unique blend of Disney magic and cultural celebration.
World of Color: Although temporarily closed for refurbishment, its return in February promises to be a spectacle not to be missed, with its dazzling water, light, and fire effects.
Magic Happens Parade: Returning in the spring, this parade is known for its enchanting floats and catchy tunes, making it a delightful experience for all ages.
As you plan your visit to Disneyland this week, remember that the park’s charm lies not just in its attractions but in the details—the hidden treats, the unexpected encounters, and the strategic ways to enjoy every moment. Whether you’re here for the food, the magic, or the memories, Disneyland in January offers a quieter, yet equally enchanting, experience.
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Disney World Resort News
This week, Disney World’s culinary scene is as vibrant as ever. At EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, which runs from January 17 to February 24, 2025, new menu items have been introduced that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate.
The Fictional Victuals booth near the Refreshment Station offers a Squid Ink Pasta with lump crab, truffle cream, and shaved truffle for $26.00, a dish that’s both visually striking and deliciously indulgent. For those with a sweet tooth, the Swirled Showcase near Port of Entry has launched the Imagination Cone, featuring bubble gum soft-serve in a lavender cone with “sparks” of imagination and white chocolate wings, priced at $6.00.
Dining at Disney isn’t just about the food; it’s an art form. To optimize your dining experience, consider using the My Disney Experience app for mobile ordering, which can save you precious time. For instance, at Magic Kingdom’s The Plaza, the Bacon Cheeseburger, a crowd favorite, can be ordered ahead, ensuring you spend less time in line and more time enjoying the park.
Insider’s Peek
Beyond the well-trodden paths, there are hidden gems for those in the know. For a unique photo opportunity, head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom where the Tree of Life offers a lesser-known spot for a serene, nature-infused picture. Character meet-and-greets are also scattered in unexpected places; at Donald’s Dino-Bash! in Dinoland U.S.A., you can encounter Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Chip & Dale in their prehistoric attire, even amidst the ongoing construction.
Exclusive Savings
Savvy visitors can find ways to save. Currently, Florida residents can enjoy up to 30% off rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights from February 23rd to April 30th, 2025. Magic Key holders at Disneyland Resort, while not directly applicable to Disney World, can take advantage of exclusive merchandise and events, hinting at similar perks for Disney World Annual Passholders. For those with a Disney Visa Card, dining discounts at select restaurants like Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offer a 10% savings, making your culinary adventures a bit more budget-friendly.
Navigating the Crowds
The crowd levels at Disney World fluctuate, but this week, expect moderate to high crowds due to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts and the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend from January 8 to January 12, 2025. Here’s your strategy:
- Optimal Visiting Dates: January 14 and January 15 are your best bets for lower crowds before the marathon weekend kicks in.
- Best/Worst Times: Early mornings are your friend; utilize Early Theme Park Entry for a head start. Late afternoons to early evenings are peak times, especially at Magic Kingdom.
- Refurbishments: Big Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom is closed until well into 2026, impacting crowd distribution. Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom is also closed for its annual refurbishment, reopening in March.
- Time-Saving Tactics: Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass wisely, focusing on high-demand attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or TRON Lightcycle / Run. For rides like Haunted Mansion, virtual queues can be your ally. Single Rider lines can significantly reduce wait times for attractions like Test Track at EPCOT.
The Shows Must Go On
Among the myriad of shows, three stand out this week:
- Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom: A spectacle of color, music, and acrobatics that brings the story of Simba to life in a way that’s both thrilling and heartwarming.
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Animal Kingdom: This show, with its vibrant puppetry and engaging storyline, is a must-see for families, offering a unique blend of humor and heart.
- Harmonious at EPCOT: Although it’s set to close for reimagining, catch it while you can. The nighttime spectacular combines fireworks, fountains, and music in a celebration of Disney’s global legacy.
As you navigate through this week at Disney World, remember that the magic isn’t just in the attractions but in the details, the hidden corners, and the unexpected moments of joy. Whether you’re savoring a new culinary creation, capturing a unique photo, or simply enjoying the company of beloved characters, Disney World in January 2025 promises a tapestry of experiences, woven with the threads of magic and wonder.
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 + check out Disneylonestar’s new history posts!
MouseWait for Disneyland 15.0.1 is available now complete with bug fixes, including our Crowd Index, login screen, Lounge, and more. You get get it right here! Please check it out, update your rating, and let us know what you think! WDW for iOS + Android versions for both are coming soon!
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
In the crisp January air of Anaheim, California, the dreams of Walt Disney took tangible form. As the calendar pages turned to mark the first decade of Disneyland’s existence, the park became a canvas for Walt’s imagination, painted with the vibrant hues of innovation and storytelling.
A Winter’s Tale of Magic
On January 3, 1955, just months before Disneyland’s grand opening, the park was a flurry of activity. George Mills, a newly hired employee, recalled his first day on site: “I came to Disneyland and worked for McNeil Construction Company, raising steel and pouring concrete. For the most part, the Park was built in six months.” The urgency was palpable, with over 1,100 workers putting in 10-hour days, six days a week, racing against time to bring Walt’s vision to life.
As the park neared completion, Walt’s determination only grew stronger. Despite plans to open without it, he made the bold decision on January 15, 1955, to include Tomorrowland in the park’s debut. “The park can only open as a complete experience,” he declared, overruling concerns from Admiral Fowler about the land’s readiness. This last-minute addition would become a testament to Walt’s unwavering commitment to his vision, a quality that would define Disneyland for years to come.
January also saw the birth of beloved park traditions. On January 18, 1958, the Disneyland Kennel opened its doors, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along for the adventure. It was a small detail, but one that spoke volumes about Walt’s desire to create a truly family-friendly environment.
Echoes of Innovation
As the calendar pages flipped through the years, each January brought new wonders to the park. In 1959, the 15 millionth guest passed through Disneyland’s gates, a milestone that surely would have brought a smile to Walt’s face. That same year, the introduction of E Tickets added a new layer of excitement to the guest experience, a system that would become synonymous with Disneyland’s most thrilling attractions.
The early 1960s saw Walt’s creative spirit in full force. January 1962 welcomed the Swiss Family Treehouse, a marvel of engineering featuring six tons of steel and 110 cubic yards of concrete. This impressive structure stood as a testament to Walt’s belief that even the most fantastical ideas could be brought to life with ingenuity and determination.
The Maestro’s Touch
Walt’s involvement in the park was deeply personal. He was known to walk the grounds, observing guests and taking mental notes. His favorite character, Goofy, could often be spotted entertaining visitors, a nod to Walt’s playful spirit. And while Mickey Mouse may have been the park’s icon, it was Walt himself who provided the beloved character’s voice from 1928 to 1947, adding an extra layer of magic to every interaction.
One little-known fact speaks volumes about Walt’s dedication to authenticity. When designing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land decades later, Imagineers used the original R2-D2 to create droid tracks in the walkways, despite financial concerns. This attention to detail, rooted in Walt’s original vision, continues to set Disney parks apart.
A Symphony of Senses
As guests strolled down Main Street, U.S.A. in those early Januarys, they were enveloped in a carefully orchestrated sensory experience. The warm, sweet aromas wafting from the bakery, the cheerful sounds of the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet (who made their debut in 1959), and the sight of Sleeping Beauty Castle rising in the distance all worked in harmony to create an immersive environment.
Walt understood the power of these sensory details. He once said, “I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the Park. I want them to feel they’re in another world.” This philosophy guided the creation of every aspect of Disneyland, from the themed lands to the smallest decorative elements.
As we look back on those formative Januarys, we see more than just the birth of an amusement park. We witness the unfolding of a grand narrative, with Walt Disney as both author and protagonist. His dream of a place where parents and children could have fun together became a reality that continues to captivate millions.
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
January 14, 2025 Issue #2 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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