Welcome back to another week of feel-good Disney Parks news! I’m experimenting with different types of content in each newsletter to see what resonates with you. Don’t hesitate to hit reply and let me know!
Thanks to SorcererD91 for hosting another successful round of MW Trivia on Zoom! See more real-time pics and post your pics to the NEW Lounge!
MouseWait Updates:
I just released a new version of our Disney World app that addresses several issues including a fix for Pending Reservations for ALL-ACCESS members and commenting in the WDW Lounge. I also added more news to the Home tab dashboard.
We need reviews! If you can spare a moment to leave your review in the App Store, that would help us a great deal!
To make it easier for ALL-ACCESS and Club 333 Members to access our live chat priority support, I have included a live chat option and an email address within the app.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with Disney vacation planning, we are here to help! Get MouseWait ALL-ACCESS today!
Upcoming Events at Disneyland & Disney World
Last week, Abqkid requested an “Upcoming Events” section via email. As a result, I put one together this week. Abqkid, I replied to your email, but it bounced back. I just wanted to let you know that I wasn’t ignoring you!
I asked Kate, our GPT-4 powered Virtual Plaid, to search the web and compile as many upcoming events as possible, and put them in an easy-to-read format for you. I think she did a great job! We created a table listing upcoming events for both Disneyland and Disney World, including information about refurbishments—all in a single view!
For a larger view, visit this page. You can also access it from the “Home” tab of the MouseWait Apps. Soon, you will be able to expand up to 20 news stories on the dashboard!
The Neverland Navigator: A Weekly Guide to New Discoveries
Disneyland:
🎉🍴👑 Tiana’s Palace is opening in Disneyland Park on September 7, 2023!
It’s a quick-service restaurant inspired by the one Princess Tiana created in “The Princess and the Frog” movie 🐸. That means you can order your meal using the Disneyland app and skip the line! 📱👍
Just like the French Market, Tiana’s Palace is a quick-service restaurant, so unfortunately no reservations are available. But with Mobile Order, you can plan ahead and save time. Don’t miss out on this delicious and magical experience! 🎉🏰👑
🎉🎨🌳 The Frontierland entrance area in Disneyland Park has been updated!
Some walls have been removed and moved around, making way for a brand new trail to Frontierland! 🤠🌵
This wider route is perfect for exploring and discovering all the magic that Disneyland has to offer! 🏰✨ See it here!
🌟🪐👽 Star Wars fans, listen up! 🤩 Starting August 23, Ahsoka Tano from the new show “Ahsoka” on Disney+ might be wandering around Black Spire Outpost on Batuu! 🎉 So if you’re visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, keep your eyes peeled for this awesome Jedi warrior! 💫 May the force be with you! 🙌
🎉🎭🎵 The amazing “Rogers: The Musical” show at Disneyland is coming to an end soon! 😢 Don’t miss your chance to see it before it’s gone! 🎉👀
According to Disneyland officials, the show will close on August 31, 2023, which means you only have 8 days left to see it! 🗓️ So hurry and get your tickets now before it’s too late! 🎟️
Disney World:
🎉👧🚃 Come September, the parking lot trams will be back and ready to serve guests at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios! 🎉🚃 This means you won’t have to walk long distances to get to the entrance anymore! Yay! 🎉💃
🎉📱🏰 The Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort apps now have a Genie+ Lightning Lane filter on the Tip Board! This feature makes it easier than ever to find and enjoy all the attractions that offer Genie+ Lightning Lane access! 🎉💫 So if you’re looking to skip the lines and maximize your time at the parks, be sure to check out this amazing feature! 🏰✨
🎉🎨🇲🇽 Get ready to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month at Walt Disney World Resort from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15! 🎉🎨🇲🇽
👋 Meet Mirabel from the new movie Encanto at Magic Kingdom starting Sept. 15! 🎉👸 She’ll be around after the celebration ends, too! Her uncle Bruno will also be joining the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade starting the same day. 🦜🎉
🎉🎤🕺 NSYNC members Joey Fatone and Lance Bass performed at EPCOT over the weekend—watch the video here! 🤩🎉
🍩🥐 Have you tried the amazing Croissant Doughnut at Connections Cafe in EPCOT? It’s so yummy! 😍 Check out this cool video to see what it looks like! 🎥👀 Link to video
🍦👧🎉 Get ready for a tasty treat at Black Tap in Downtown Disney! 😋🍓🍦 The Blueberry CrazyShake is a must-try for all Disney fans. This shake is part of the #Disney100 celebration and is filled with yummy blueberry flavor. 🤤 Don’t miss out on this delicious shake during your visit to #Disneyland! 🎉🏰🍦
Flavors of Fantasyland: Your Culinary Tip of the Week
This week, we are featuring some of the most delicious Disney recipes that you can make at home:
- ‘Ohana Bread Pudding. This is not your typical pudding. It’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, and topped with sweet bananas, decadent caramel sauce, and heavenly vanilla ice cream. You can get this sweet sensation in Disney World’s Polynesian Resort, or just make it in your kitchen at a fraction of the cost! Find the recipe here.
- Disney Pumpkin Fudge. If you love pumpkin and fudge, this Disney dessert is a must-try! It’s chewy, ooey-gooey, and loaded with chocolate and pumpkin flavors. It’s also very easy to make with just a few basic ingredients. Find the recipe here.
- Disney Pumpkin Pancakes. These pancakes are soft, fluffy, and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. They are hearty and warming, and perfect for a chilly morning. They are also inspired by the pumpkin pancakes served at Disney World during the fall season. Find the recipe here.
- Mickey Mouse Waffles. Waffles are already pretty perfect as they are. But with a Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker, you can transform the breakfast classic into an even more appetizing dish. It’s a hit with both the kids and the kids-at-heart. You can use any waffle batter you like, or follow this recipe for a light and crispy waffle that will make you smile. Find the recipe here.
- Cape May Cafe Beach Club Macaroni and Cheese. This is one of the most popular dishes at the Cape May Cafe Beach Club buffet in Disney World. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting, and has a secret ingredient that makes it extra special: lobster! You can make this dish at home with just a few simple steps and enjoy a taste of the sea. Find the recipe here.
Speaking of food, do you want to beat the crowd to dining reservations at Disneyland or Disney World? Get MouseWait ALL-ACCESS!
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
In the spirit of the VOYAGEERS (available on Amazon), I’m including an intriguing historical fact (a.k.a Disney lore) about the Parks each week!
Walt Disney had a dream of creating a private apartment for himself and his family in Disneyland, where he could relax and enjoy the magic of his park. He chose a location above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, next to the exclusive Club 33 that he also designed for VIP guests and corporate sponsors.
He hired the same decorator who worked on his home in Holmby Hills, Emile Kuri, to create a cozy and elegant space that reflected his personal taste and style. The apartment was about 2,200 square feet and featured a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and two bedrooms. The living room had a fireplace, a sofa bed, a writing desk, and a hidden wet bar. The kitchen had a stove, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a dishwasher. The bathroom had a shower, a tub, and a vanity. The bedrooms had twin beds, dressers, and closets.
The apartment also had a balcony that overlooked New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America. Walt Disney wanted the apartment to be a surprise for his wife Lillian, so he kept it a secret until it was almost finished. He planned to invite her for a romantic dinner at Club 33 and then show her the apartment afterwards. Unfortunately, Walt Disney passed away in December 1966, before the apartment was completed. He never got to see his dream come true or share it with his wife.
The apartment remained unused for several years, until it was converted into an art gallery in 1987. In 2015, it was transformed into an exclusive dining experience called 21 Royal, where guests can enjoy a seven-course meal prepared by Disneyland chefs for $15,000. The apartment still retains some of the original furnishings and decorations that Walt Disney chose, as well as some personal items that belonged to him and his family. It is one of the most hidden and treasured places in Disneyland, where Walt Disney’s legacy lives on.
Whimsical Wonders: Uncovering the Lesser-Known Delights of Disneyland
Disneyland is a place where dreams come true, but did you know that there are many hidden gems and secrets that can make your visit even more magical? Here are some of the lesser-known delights that you can discover at Disneyland and Disney World this month:
- If you love Big Hero 6, you won’t want to miss the new San Fransokyo area opening in California Adventure on August 31st. You can meet Baymax, explore the colorful cityscape, and enjoy some delicious Asian-inspired cuisine at the Lucky Cat Café or the Noodle Bowl.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try the secret menu items at some of the restaurants and snack stands around the parks. For example, you can order a Macaroni and Cheese Bread Bowl at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland or a Galactic Burger with Cheese Puffs at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom.
- If you want to experience some extra magic, ask a cast member for a special request or a surprise. You might get a birthday button, a ride on the Lilly Belle train car, or even a chance to pilot the Mark Twain Riverboat.
- If you’re a fan of fireworks, don’t miss the final show of Wondrous Journeys on August 31st at Disneyland. This spectacular display celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company with dazzling effects and memorable music.
Walt’s Words: Weekly Inspiration from The Great Storyteller
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
This quote is from a book by Pat Williams, who interviewed Walt Disney’s friends, family, and colleagues to learn more about his life and philosophy. It reflects Walt Disney’s optimism, determination, and vision for creating a world of magic and wonder. He believed that nothing was impossible if you had a strong will and a clear goal. He also encouraged others to follow their dreams and not give up on them. This quote can inspire us to overcome our fears and challenges and pursue our passions and aspirations.