Are you ready for Halloween Time at the Parks? There’s so much to explore—new treats to taste, exclusive souvenir buckets to collect, and plenty more spooky surprises! Let’s dive right into this week’s edition of your favorite feel-good Disney Parks newsletter!
Thanks to grumpypapa for the real-time pics in the Lounge! See more real-time pics and post your pics here!
We’re rebuilding MouseWait from scratch…again
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If you’ve been following our journey since COVID, you’ll know I made the decision to completely rebuild MouseWait to ensure we could continue updating it during that time.
The project went significantly over budget and took longer than expected. We ended up with a version that was initially acceptable, but it quickly deteriorated due to poor code quality and the use of outdated SDKs and workarounds.
Last November, Jack and I took over all coding responsibilities. While it took us some time to get up to speed, we’re now progressing at a strong pace. The ALL-ACCESS network has grown to 12 apps, and we’re steadily moving towards our goal of 20 travel apps.
Initially, we thought we could overhaul the existing app. However, after spending a few weeks trying to fix issues and get our Android App back online, we realized we needed to start fresh with our new RevBoiler template.
This approach will allow us to rebuild on a strong foundation. Our aim is to create a faster, more personalized app with an easier dining reservation alert system, and a lot more awesome features!
Say a prayer for us—we’re trying to finish this in record time!
Last week, we launched our first Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm apps, as well as a Sea World Orlando App for iOS. Additionally, we pushed a major update to our Nashville App:
One subscription, no matter where you purchase, unlocks Ad-free premium versions of ALL our apps + MORE!
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, Knott’s Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Orlando, Sea World Orlando, Busch Gardens, Nashville, Bible Chat: The Encourager, Puppy Chat
IN PROGRESS: Dollywood, Cedar Point Ohio, lounge.land, Hawaii, RV Camping, Elder Defender, and more!
✅ 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!
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✅ NEW in Sticker Fairy: Turn Yourself Into Any Character with Image to Sticker!
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If you have any suggestions for new apps, please reply and let me know!
Disneyland Resort News:
If you’re visiting Disneyland with little ones, you’ll be thrilled to know about the Rider Switch program. This fantastic feature allows parties to enjoy attractions even if some members don’t meet height requirements or can’t ride for any reason. No more splitting up or missing out on the magic! 🎢
Attention, thrill-seekers! Some of your favorite Disneyland rides will be closing for refurbishments and upgrades over the next few months. Keep an eye out for the reopening of the New Orleans Square to Galaxy’s Edge path, as well as the reimagining of the Hungry Bear Restaurant. 🛠️
Disney fans, get ready for some big announcements! Two highly anticipated new additions are coming to the parks, and November 15th is going to be a huge day for Disney enthusiasts. Stay tuned for all the exciting details! 🎉
Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure! Get ready for exclusive entertainment, limited-time merchandise, and spooky snacks. 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:
Heading to Disney World soon? You’ll want to snag those hard-to-get restaurant reservations ASAP before they’re snatched up! From coveted spots at EPCOT’s World Showcase to fan-favorite Magic Kingdom eateries, these are the reservations that Disney fans would practically fight you for. 🍽️
Dining at EPCOT just got a bit pricier, with price increases hitting restaurants across the World Showcase. But don’t worry, the flavors are still as magical as ever! 🌎
An abandoned restaurant in the Morocco pavilion at EPCOT has temporarily reopened for a special event. While it’s not open for regular dining just yet, this is an exciting opportunity for Disney fans to check out the space.
Looking to upgrade your Disney World wardrobe? Adorable Disney-inspired dresses are on sale at Target – perfect for your next magical trip! 👗
Wondering if the $27 Disney Genie+ line-skipping service is worth it in Magic Kingdom? With lower wait times lately, you may be able to skip the extra cost.
Heading to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? Make the most of your Disney Dining Plan snack credits with these top festival snack picks. 🍔🍕
These underrated Disney World attractions may not be on everyone’s must-do list, but they’re seriously amazing and shouldn’t be missed! 🎢
There’s only one place to snag the latest and greatest Disney popcorn bucket, so hurry before it sells out! 🍿
One of our favorite snacks from the Germany pavilion at EPCOT is coming to a brand new Disney store location. Time to plan a shopping trip! 🛍️
Curious about the inside scoop on Disney World wait times? We’re spilling some little-known secrets you won’t want to miss.
We tried every single booth at this year’s EPCOT Food & Wine Festival – the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Foodies, get ready! Disney has announced price increases and new menu items at EPCOT’s World Showcase restaurants. Time to plan your next culinary adventure around the globe! 🌍🍽️
Weekly Disneyland Resort Crowd Report
The period from early September to late October offers varying crowd levels and experiences at Disneyland Resort. Early to mid-September generally sees lower crowds, while October becomes progressively busier due to Halloween events and school breaks. Key factors influencing attendance include Halloween Time celebrations, Oogie Boogie Bash events, and regional school schedules.
Weekly Breakdown:Week of September 3-8:
- Recommended week to visit
- Lower crowds expected as schools are back in session
- Halloween Time celebrations begin, offering seasonal experiences without peak crowds
- Oogie Boogie Bash occurs on September 3, 5
Week of September 9-15:
- Favorable week for visiting with moderate crowds
- Weekdays remain less crowded than weekends
- Full Halloween Time offerings available
- Oogie Boogie Bash on September 10, 12, 15
Week of September 16-22:
- Moderate crowds, slightly increasing towards the weekend
- Weekdays still preferable to weekends
- Oogie Boogie Bash on September 17, 19, 22
Week of September 23-29:
- Crowd levels begin to increase as October approaches
- Weekdays remain better options than weekends
- Oogie Boogie Bash on September 24, 26, 29
Week of September 30-October 6:
- Crowds continue to build as Halloween season gains popularity
- Weekdays still offer some reprieve from weekend crowds
- Oogie Boogie Bash on October 1, 3, 6
Week of October 7-13:
- Expect higher crowds as Halloween enthusiasm grows
- Some schools may have fall breaks, increasing attendance
- Oogie Boogie Bash on October 8, 10, 13
Week of October 14-20:
- Crowds likely to be high due to proximity to Halloween
- Many schools have fall breaks during this period
- Oogie Boogie Bash on October 15, 17, 20
Week of October 21-27:
- Very busy week as Halloween approaches
- Weekend crowds expected to be particularly heavy
- Oogie Boogie Bash on October 22, 24, 27
Week of October 28-31:
- Peak Halloween crowds expected
- October 31 (Halloween) will likely see the highest attendance of the period
- Oogie Boogie Bash on October 29, 31
Key Events and Factors:
Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort:
- Runs from August 23 to October 31
- Includes special decorations, themed attractions, and entertainment
- Attracts both locals and tourists, increasing overall attendance
Oogie Boogie Bash:
- Special ticketed event at Disney California Adventure
- Occurs on select nights, causing early closure of California Adventure to regular guests
- May lead to higher crowds in Disneyland Park on event nights
School Schedules:
- Most schools are in session in September, leading to lower crowds
- October sees various fall breaks, especially in Western states, increasing attendance
Weather:
- Generally pleasant throughout the period
- September averages: Highs around 80°F, lows around 65°F
- October averages: Highs around 75°F, lows around 60°F
Recommendations:
- For lowest crowds, visit in early to mid-September, preferably on weekdays.
- If visiting in October, plan for higher crowds and make use of strategies like Genie+ and rope drop.
- For Halloween experiences with moderate crowds, aim for mid to late September.
- Consider park hopper tickets, especially on Oogie Boogie Bash nights, to maximize park time.
- Make dining reservations and plan must-do attractions in advance, particularly for October visits.
Check out our real-time MouseWait Crowd Index in the MouseWait App!
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Weekly Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Report
The period from early September to late October offers varying crowd levels and experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. September generally sees lower crowds, while October becomes progressively busier. Special events and holidays influence crowd levels throughout this period.Weekly Breakdown:September 4-8:
- Crowd Levels: Very low
- Highlights: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ongoing
- Notes: Excellent time to visit with minimal wait times
September 9-15:
- Crowd Levels: Very low
- Highlights: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights
- Notes: Continued excellent conditions for park touring
September 16-22:
- Crowd Levels: Low
- Highlights: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Halloween events
- Notes: Slight increase in crowds, but still favorable conditions
September 23-29:
- Crowd Levels: Low to moderate
- Highlights: Continued Halloween and Food & Wine events
- Notes: Crowds begin to increase as October approaches
September 30-October 6:
- Crowd Levels: Moderate
- Highlights: Walt Disney World anniversary (October 1), peak of Food & Wine Festival
- Notes: Expect an uptick in visitors due to anniversary and start of October
October 7-13:
- Crowd Levels: Moderate to high
- Highlights: Columbus Day weekend (October 11-14)
- Notes: Holiday weekend will bring increased crowds
October 14-20:
- Crowd Levels: Moderate
- Highlights: Continued Halloween and Food & Wine events
- Notes: Post-holiday crowds decrease slightly
October 21-27:
- Crowd Levels: Moderate to high
- Highlights: Halloween events intensify as October 31 approaches
- Notes: Expect increasing crowds as Halloween nears
October 28-31:
- Crowd Levels: High
- Highlights: Peak Halloween celebrations
- Notes: Busiest period of the fall season
Key Events Affecting Crowds:
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (ongoing throughout the period)
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (select nights)
- Columbus Day weekend (October 11-14)
- Halloween (October 31)
Recommendations:
- For lowest crowds, visit in early to mid-September
- If Halloween events are a priority, consider late October despite higher crowds
- Avoid Columbus Day weekend for a less crowded experience
- Take advantage of lower crowd levels in September for attractions, and enjoy special events in October
Weather Considerations:
September remains hot and humid with a chance of afternoon showers. October sees slightly cooler temperatures but remains warm. Pack accordingly and plan for potential rain, especially in September.
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 and Noteworthy
- Disneyland Resort has introduced over 100 brand-new food items for 2024, promising a diverse and exciting culinary adventure.
- The Beef Birria Toasted Cheese has made a popular return to Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.
Upcoming Events
- Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure is confirmed to return from November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025.
- The Sip and Savor Pass will be available for the Festival of Holidays with 4-ticket and 8-ticket options.
- Disney ¡Viva Navidad! festivities will return to Paradise Gardens, featuring special menu items inspired by Latin American traditions.
Must-Try Items
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Halloween seasonal item).
- Ursula Shake from Schmoozies! (Returning Halloween favorite).
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats at The Sketch Pad Café in Pixar Place Hotel (Available Aug. 25 through Oct. 31).
Special Dining Experiences
- Mickey’s Autumn Adventures at Storytellers Cafe: A fall-themed character breakfast or brunch available Sept. 3 through Nov. 18 (Reservations recommended).
- Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates the Holidays!: New holiday-themed character dining experience starting November 19 (Reservations not yet open).
- Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storyteller’s Cafe: New breakfast and brunch offering starting November 19 (Reservations not yet open).
VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
Think about the generations of families who have fond memories at Coke Corner on Main Street. It’s one of the best places to hang out since it puts you in the middle of the action. MouseWait renamed it Coaster Corner for a while, in a tribute to the #1 MouseWaiter in the world, Coaster! Few companies maintain partnerships for decades, but Coke + Disney has stood the test of time.
The Origins of Coke Corner
Walt Disney’s partnership with Coca-Cola began even before Disneyland opened. In 1942, Walt Disney appeared on Coca-Cola’s radio program “The Pause that Refreshes on the Air”. This initial collaboration set the stage for a long-lasting relationship between the two iconic American brands.
When Disneyland was in its planning stages, Walt Disney faced a significant challenge: financing the construction of his ambitious theme park. In 1955, Walt personally reached out to Coca-Cola to help finance the then-enormous $17 million construction cost of Disneyland. This strategic move not only secured funding but also established Coca-Cola as a key partner in the park’s development.
Coca-Cola’s Presence in Disneyland
As a result of this partnership, Coca-Cola became the exclusive provider of soft drinks at Disneyland when it opened on July 17, 1955. The Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner, now known as Coke Corner, was one of the original corporate-sponsored locations in the park. It was strategically placed on Main Street U.S.A., ensuring high visibility and easy access for guests.
The Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner was designed to blend seamlessly with the turn-of-the-century theme of Main Street U.S.A. It featured authentic Coke advertising posters, memorabilia, and even custom-made antique thermometers commissioned by Coca-Cola especially for Disneyland.
Walt’s Vision and Attention to Detail
Walt Disney was known for his meticulous attention to detail, and this extended to the Coke Corner. A famous anecdote illustrates this perfectly: When the electricians were installing the light bulbs on the facade of Coke Corner, they encountered a problem with an odd number of sockets, which would disrupt the alternating red and white pattern. Walt himself reportedly came up with the creative solution of painting one bulb half red and half white to maintain the pattern. This unique “split bulb” can still be seen at Coke Corner today, serving as a testament to Walt’s hands-on approach and problem-solving skills.
The Mutual Benefits
For Walt Disney, partnering with Coca-Cola brought not only financial support but also added authenticity to the Main Street U.S.A. experience. For Coca-Cola, the partnership provided unparalleled brand exposure in a family-friendly environment. The collaboration allowed both companies to create moments of joy and optimism for consumers, aligning with their shared values.
This partnership has endured and expanded over the decades. Today, Coca-Cola products are available at every Disney Park worldwide, and the two companies continue to collaborate on special promotions and unique experiences for park guests.
The story of Coke Corner in Disneyland exemplifies Walt Disney’s innovative approach to theme park development, combining corporate partnerships with immersive storytelling to create a truly unique guest experience.
Wishing you the best week,
Kelly