I love this picture of Storybook Land because it brings back so many great memories. Watching my kids ride Casey Jr., seeing their faces as we floated around the canal looking at those miniature towns–always made me feel like we were in another world. Even during really stressful times, we could go there and forget about everything, except what really mattered.
Thanks to picturepassport for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
I also remember the MouseWait meetups we had on Casey Jr. Everyone at the station would cheer on the train cars as they passed, and everyone on the train would answer back with a roar.
Where else could you forget about your worries and act like kids again?
Learn more about the history of Storybook Land below, along with a special ticket deal for Anaheim residents, and details about the return of the Hatbox Ghost sipper!
Also, don’t miss our DOUBLE CREDITS sale that ends tonight! Now’s the time to stock up!
NEW APPS! ALL-ACCESS Member Update:
One subscription, no matter where you purchase, unlocks Ad-free premium versions of ALL our apps + MORE!
I’m working on a brand new version of MouseWait and I’m trying to get the Android App back online! Hopefully, the new version for iOS will be out this week, and then Android the week after.
I know some of these apps are not Disney-related, but our goal is to give ALL-ACCESS members access to everything we produce:
MouseWait for Disneyland, MouseWait for Disney World, Fort Wilderness, Nashville (NEW UPDATE!), Bible Chat: The Encourager, Puppy Chat
IN PROGRESS: Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Sea World, Knott’s Berry Farm, Dollywood, Bush Gardens Tampa Bay, Cedar Point Ohio, lounge.land
✅ 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:
Get ready to try some delicious new eats at Disney California Adventure! Plaza de la Familia is returning to celebrate Día de los Muertos, and Disney just released the mouthwatering new menu items we’ll get to indulge in. Mark your calendars for this festive foodie celebration! 🍴
Disneyland is the place to be for spotting your favorite stars! We recently caught another celebrity enjoying her birthday at the park, and it looks like she had an incredible time! 🤩
Attention, foodies! There are some big changes coming to the Disneyland dining scene. Prices are going up on a popular character meal, but the good news is that 18 Magic Kingdom restaurants are getting brand new snacks. Time to start planning your next culinary adventure! 🍕🍔
Locals, listen up! Anaheim and Anaheim Hills residents can score $69 one-day, one-park tickets to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure from August 5 through September 26. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal! 💰
Calling all Haunted Mansion fans! A beloved Disney souvenir is returning soon, and it’s getting a major upgrade. Get ready to add this spooky item to your collection! 👻
Are you a Disney map enthusiast? One of our writers has been collecting Disney guide maps since 1972 and has quite the fascinating story to share. Dive into the evolution of these iconic souvenirs! 🗺️
Heads up, Disneyland fans! A slew of refurbishments are kicking off at the resort tomorrow, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit. From classic attractions to dining locations, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. 🔨
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:
Disney has been busy shaking things up with price increases at popular restaurants and the addition of super cute new Loungefly collections. Don’t miss out on the upgraded Haunted Mansion souvenir coming soon! 🎃
Ahoy, mateys! Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Destiny, is setting sail soon. Check out all the delicious dining options you can enjoy on board! 🛳️
Uh oh, looks like Tropical Storm Debby has made landfall in Central Florida. Be sure to stay safe and prepared if you’re visiting the area. 🌧️
Refurbishments continue at several Disney World hotels this week, so double-check your resort before your trip! And don’t miss these must-try eats at the Monorail hotels. 🏨
From “basically perfect” meals to downright disappointing dishes, the Disney food scene is always full of surprises! And don’t forget to check out the new limited-edition treats that just arrived. 🍔🍕🍨
Disney fans are eagerly awaiting some major announcements from the company on August 10th. Fingers crossed for something exciting! 🤞
Be sure to check out the latest Eating Everything in Disney World Challenge, and avoid these restaurant faux pas on your next visit. Happy exploring, VIPs! 😊
Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
Week of August 7-13:
- Crowd Levels: Moderate to High
- Notes: This week marks the tail end of summer vacation for many schools, resulting in higher crowd levels.
- Recommendation: Visit on weekdays if possible, as weekends tend to be busier.
Week of August 14-20:
- Crowd Levels: Moderate
- Notes: Crowd levels begin to decrease as some schools resume classes.
- Recommendation: A good week to visit, especially during weekdays.
Week of August 21-27:
- Crowd Levels: Low to Moderate
- Notes: Halloween Time at Disneyland begins on August 23, which may cause a slight increase in crowds.
- Recommendation: Visit early in the week before Halloween Time starts for lower crowds.
Week of August 28 – September 3:
- Crowd Levels: Moderate to High
- Notes: Labor Day weekend (August 31 – September 2) will likely see increased crowds.
- Recommendation: Visit on weekdays before the holiday weekend for better experiences.
Week of September 4-10:
- Crowd Levels: Low to Moderate
- Notes: Post-Labor Day period typically sees lower crowd levels.
- Recommendation: An excellent week to visit, especially on weekdays.
Week of September 11-17:
- Crowd Levels: Low
- Notes: This week historically has some of the lowest crowd levels of the year.
- Recommendation: Highly recommended week for visiting, with shorter wait times expected.
Week of September 18-24:
- Crowd Levels: Low to Moderate
- Notes: Crowd levels remain favorable, but may increase slightly towards the weekend.
- Recommendation: A good week to visit, prioritize weekdays if possible.
Week of September 25-30:
- Crowd Levels: Low to Moderate
- Notes: Crowd levels may increase slightly as October approaches, but still relatively low.
- Recommendation: A good week to visit, with weekdays being preferable.
Events and Factors Affecting Crowds:
Halloween Time at Disneyland (August 23 – October 31):
- The popular Halloween season at Disneyland begins on August 23, which may lead to increased crowds, especially on weekends and evenings.
- Special decorations, themed attractions, and events may attract more visitors.
Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure (August 23 – November 2):
- This cultural experience celebrating Día de los Muertos may draw additional visitors to Disney California Adventure.
Labor Day Weekend (August 31 – September 2):
- Expect higher crowd levels during this holiday weekend.
Oogie Boogie Bash:
- While specific dates haven’t been announced, this popular Halloween party typically occurs on select nights in September and October, potentially increasing evening crowds on event days.
Overall Recommendation: The best times to visit Disneyland Resort within this period are:
- September 4-17: Consistently low crowds, especially on weekdays.
- August 14-22: Moderate crowds with a slight decrease as summer winds down.
- September 18-30: Generally low crowds, but may increase slightly towards the end of the month.
- To maximize your experience, consider visiting on weekdays and arriving early in the day. Be prepared for potentially higher crowds during Halloween Time events, especially on weekends and evenings.
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
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Weekly Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Report
Week of August 5-11:
- Crowd Levels: Light to moderate
- Notable Events: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins (select nights)
- Recommendation: Excellent week to visit, with crowds decreasing as more schools resume
Week of August 12-18:
- Crowd Levels: Very light
- Notable Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
- Recommendation: Highly recommended week, one of the best of the year
Week of August 19-25:
- Crowd Levels: Very light
- Notable Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
- Recommendation: Excellent week to visit, with some of the lowest crowds of the year
Week of August 26 – September 1:
- Crowd Levels: Light, increasing slightly towards Labor Day weekend
- Notable Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
- Recommendation: Very good week to visit, but avoid Labor Day weekend if possible
Week of September 2-8:
- Crowd Levels: Moderate to heavy for Labor Day (Sept 2), then very light
- Notable Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
- Recommendation: Avoid Labor Day, but excellent for the rest of the week
Week of September 9-15:
- Crowd Levels: Very light
- Notable Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
- Recommendation: Highly recommended week, one of the best of the year
Week of September 16-22:
- Crowd Levels: Very light
- Notable Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
- Recommendation: Excellent week to visit, with some of the lowest crowds of the year
Week of September 23-29:
- Crowd Levels: Light to moderate, increasing slightly towards the weekend
- Notable Events: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
- Recommendation: Very good week to visit, especially early in the week
Key Observations:
- Mid-August to mid-September offers the lowest crowd levels of the period, with some of the lightest crowds of the entire year.
- Labor Day weekend (August 31 – September 2) will see a temporary spike in crowd levels.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins in August, occurring on select nights and potentially affecting Magic Kingdom hours and crowds.
- The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs throughout this period, potentially increasing crowds at EPCOT, especially on weekends.
- Weather considerations: August and early September can be extremely hot and humid, with a high chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane season is also in effect, so monitor weather forecasts.
Recommendations:
- For the lowest crowds, target the weeks of August 12-18, August 19-25, September 9-15, or September 16-22.
- If visiting during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates, consider attending the event for a unique experience with lower crowds.
- For the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, visit EPCOT on weekdays to avoid larger weekend crowds.
- Be prepared for hot and potentially rainy weather. Plan indoor activities or breaks during the hottest part of the day.
- Keep an eye on any developing tropical systems if visiting during this period, especially in September.
The period from August 7 to September 30, 2024, offers excellent opportunities for visiting Walt Disney World with lower crowds, particularly in mid-August through mid-September. While there are some events that may affect crowd levels, overall this is an optimal time for those seeking a less crowded Disney experience. However, visitors should be prepared for hot weather and potential rain, and stay informed about any weather-related concerns.
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)
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks (images courtesy of Parkendium)
Walt Disney’s vision for Storybook Land Canal Boats is a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to creating magical experiences for families. This charming attraction, which opened on June 16, 1956, has become a beloved part of Disneyland’s history, captivating generations of visitors with its miniature worlds and storybook charm.
The origins of Storybook Land can be traced back to Walt’s initial dream of creating a small park across the street from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Although that particular project never materialized, the concept of a canal boat ride remained with Walt. Inspired by the miniature city of Madurodam in the Netherlands, Walt envisioned a similar attraction for Disneyland.
When Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, the attraction debuted as “Canal Boats of the World.” However, due to time and budget constraints, it was incomplete and quickly earned the unflattering nickname “The Mud Bank Ride”. Recognizing its potential, Walt closed the attraction in September 1955 for extensive renovations.
Walt was heavily involved in the redesign process, even personally planting a bonsai tree during the reconstruction. His hands-on approach and attention to detail transformed the once-barren landscape into a magical miniature world featuring scenes from beloved Disney films. This reimagined attraction reopened as Storybook Land Canal Boats, showcasing Walt’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
The magic of Storybook Land lies in its intricate details and the sense of wonder it evokes. The 1:12 scale miniatures, featuring tiny doors that actually open and close, transport visitors into a world of imagination. Walt’s personal touch is evident in every aspect of the attraction, from the carefully crafted landscapes to the charming storybook scenes.
Regarding Casey Jr. Circus Train, another beloved attraction that complements Storybook Land, it was not fully operational on Disneyland’s opening day in 1955. Due to mechanical difficulties, Casey Jr. debuted on July 31, 1955, just 14 days after the park’s grand opening. This slight delay allowed the Imagineers to ensure the attraction was running smoothly before welcoming guests aboard.
The combination of Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train creates a seamless, immersive experience in Fantasyland. Together, these attractions showcase Walt Disney’s genius in creating multi-layered, interconnected experiences that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Storybook Land Canal Boats stands as a testament to Walt Disney’s creative vision and his ability to transform even initial setbacks into magical experiences. Its enduring popularity and the cherished memories it continues to create for families are a fitting tribute to Walt’s legacy of bringing joy and wonder to generations of Disneyland guests.