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Disneyland Resort News
New Menu Items Launched Within Last 7 Days:
- Barbecue Pulled Pork Cornbread Bake with Creamy Slaw – $14.99 – Available at A Twist on Tradition in Disney California Adventure, now through January 6, 2025. A unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving meal, this dish combines barbecued pulled pork with sweet cornbread and a creamy slaw.
- Holiday Green Drink – $7.50 – Alien Pizza Planet at Disneyland Park. This apple-flavored beverage is topped with caramel cold foam and sprinkles, available from November 15 through January 6, 2025
- Dutch Apple Churro ($6) at the Churro Cart in Critter Country has returned with a twist, now dusted with cinnamon and holiday spices, drizzled with Dutch apple sauce, and garnished with holiday sprinkles.
Hidden Menu Items and Seasonal Specialties:
- Holiday Stuffing Corn Dog ($12.50) at Corn Dog Castle, available from November 15 through January 6. This unique treat is dipped in seasoned corn batter, fried to a golden brown, and topped with cranberry-mustard sauce.
Trending Dishes:
- Barbacoa Tamale ($19.99) at Lamplight Lounge is gaining traction for its pumpkin mole and seasonal toppings, available from November 15 through January 7.
- Holiday Half Chicken ($29.99) at Lamplight Lounge features a kabocha squash purée, glazed brussels sprouts, and roasted mushrooms, available from November 15 through January 7.
Dining Optimization Tactics:
- Mobile Order: Utilize the Disneyland app to order from popular locations like Café Daisy, Galactic Grill, and Alien Pizza Planet to bypass long lines. The app can also show current wait times for dining locations.
- Dine During Off-Peak Times: Eat early or late to avoid the lunch and dinner rush. Peak times are around 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Crowd Favorite Menu Items:
- Based on recent reviews, Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie ($6.29) at various outdoor vending locations remains a beloved treat for its festive appeal and taste.
- Peppermint Mickey Mallow ($4.50) at Café Daisy is also highly favored for its holiday theme and delicious flavor.
Unexpected Dining Hacks:
- Ask for the Chef’s Special: At Café Orleans, ask for the chef’s special, which might not be on the standard menu but offers unique dishes tailored to the season or chef’s creativity.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE TIPS
Lesser-known Photo Opportunities:
- The Small World Wall: Outside “it’s a small world” for a vibrant, crowd-free backdrop.
- The Pink Teacup: By the Mad Tea Party ride for a whimsical, intimate setting.
Hidden Character Meet Locations:
- Hidden Pascal: At Disney’s Riviera Resort, search for Pascal, the chameleon from Tangled, in public spaces like the Eventi Room or Le Petit Café for a special button and daily stickers.
Unpublished Seasonal Offerings:
- Check out the Animation Academy in the Animation Building at Disney California Adventure for a free drawing class where you can keep your artwork as a souvenir.
Free Souvenirs and Other Hidden Gems:
- Animation Academy Art: Keep your drawing from the Animation Academy class as a unique, free souvenir.
Lesser-known Things to Do:
- Hidden Character Hunts: Explore Disney resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge to find hidden character cut-outs for a fun, indoor activity that often comes with small rewards.
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS
Active Discounts (Minimum 7-day Validity):
- Disney+ Subscribers: Buy a 3-Day Ticket with Admission to 1-Park Per Day for $330, valid from November 18 through December 27, 2024.
Magic Key holder Specials:
- **Inspire Key:** $1,749 with 20% merchandise discount, 15% food & beverage discount, and parking included (excluding blockout dates).
Disney Visa Cardholder Perks:
- Aulani Offer: Save up to 35% on select rooms at Aulani Resort & Spa for stays of five or more nights during select travel dates. Use your Visa Card to book.
CROWD INDEX INTELLIGENCE:
14-Day Crowd Forecast:
- Nov 19-25: Crowd levels are expected to be at an average of 7 out of 10.
- Nov 26: Expected to be busier with a crowd level of 8 due to Thanksgiving travel.
Crowd Drivers:
- Thanksgiving Holiday and subsequent travel back home could spike crowd levels.
Optimal Visiting Dates:
- November 20-22 are the best dates for lower crowds before the surge on November 26.
Best/Worst Times of Day:
- Disneyland Park: Best times are during early entry (7:30 AM – 8:00 AM) or late evening after 9:00 PM. Worst times are noon to 4:00 PM.
- Disney California Adventure: Early entry and late evening are optimal, with peak crowds from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Current Refurbishments:
- **Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed from November 18, 2024, to December 12, 2024.
- **Dumbo the Flying Elephant:** Closed on November 19, 2024.
- **The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure:** Closed from November 4, 2024, to November 22, 2024.
Alternative Attractions:
- During refurbishments, consider attractions like Space Mountain in Tomorrowland or Incredicoaster at Pixar Pier.
Virtual Queues:
- Utilize virtual queues for rides like Haunted Mansion to manage your time effectively.
Single Rider Line Wait Time Strategies:
- Single Rider: Use this option for attractions like Radiator Springs Racers to skip long lines, but be aware that you’ll be separated from your party.
Rider Switch Strategies:
- **Rider Switch:** If someone in your party can’t ride due to height restrictions or other reasons, one adult can ride while the other waits, then switch without waiting in line again.
Current Rope Drop Strategy:
- Rope Drop: Arrive before the park opens to head straight to popular attractions like Rise of the Resistance or Indiana Jones Adventure.
Park Hopping Efficiency:
- Park Hopping: Start at Disneyland Park for early entry, then hop to Disney California Adventure around 11:00 AM when park hopping begins.
Early Entry/Extended Evening Hours Impact:
- Early Entry: Gain access to select attractions before the general public, maximizing ride time.
EVENTS & SHOWS
Currently Running Shows (Ranked by Guest Satisfaction):
A Christmas Fantasy Parade (Rating: 9.2/10)
- Performance Schedule: Multiple times per day
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
- Venue Capacity: Along parade route
- Peak/Off-Peak Times: Check the Disneyland app for showtimes; avoid peak crowds.
Believe … In Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular (Rating: 8.9/10)
- Performance Schedule: Evening shows
- Duration: About 15 minutes
- Venue Capacity: Viewable from various locations around the park
- Peak/Off-Peak Times: Watch during off-peak times to avoid crowds.
World of Color – Season of Light (Rating: 8.7/10)
- Performance Schedule: Nightly shows
- Duration: Approximately 21 minutes
- Venue Capacity: Paradise Bay
- Peak/Off-Peak Times: Arrive early for the best viewing spots.
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Disney World Resort News
New Menu Items Launched
- Holiday Mine Car Meatballs: Maple-Bourbon Meatballs, Granny Smith apple and cranberry chutney, sweet potato hay, and thyme at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Nov. 7 – Dec. 30) Disney Eats Foodie Guide
- Eggnog Ganache Square: Eggnog ganache covered in dark chocolate at The Ganachery (Available Nov. 8 – Dec. 31)
- Gingerbread-Pecan Toffee: Spiced toffee enrobed with milk chocolate and encrusted with toasted pecans and gingerbread crumbs at The Ganachery (Available Nov. 8 – Dec. 31)
- Gingerbread Tiramisu: Tiramisu cream with layers of gingerbread cake soaked in three different milks at Vivoli il Gelato
- Gingerbread Eggnog Entremet: Gingerbread financier, eggnog panna cotta, and raspberry gel at Vivoli il Gelato
- Gingerbread Cookie: European-style gingerbread, dark chocolate, and sugar glaze at Primo Piatto (Available Nov. 1 – Jan. 1)
- Peppermint Igloo: White chocolate igloo filled with white chocolate-peppermint mousse and dark chocolate cake at Roaring Fork (Available Nov. 1 – Jan. 1)
- Holiday Mickey Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake, white chocolate mousse, colored buttercream, holiday sprinkles, and white chocolate candy cane at The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Nov. 1 – Jan. 1)
Hidden Menu Items and Seasonal Specialties
- Salted Caramel Horchata: Non-alcoholic at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Mickey Visit Holiday Foodie Guide
Trending Dishes
- Holiday Turkey Popover: Roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and cranberry chutney in a house-made popover at Magic KingdomMickey Visit Holiday Foodie Guide
- Gingerbread Milk Shake: Vanilla ice cream, gingerbread syrup, and ginger snap crumbles topped with whipped cream and a chocolate piece at Plaza Ice Cream ParlorMickey Visit Holiday Foodie Guide
Dining Optimization Tactics
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Many party-only items are available until closing, which is earlier than regular park hours, allowing for an exclusive dining experience with lower crowds.
- Resort Dining: Take advantage of resort-specific offerings, such as the Peppermint Igloo at Roaring Fork, which can provide a unique dining experience.
Crowd Favorite Menu Items
- Holiday Turkey Popover at Magic Kingdom is a standout according to recent reviews.
- Gingerbread Milk Shake at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor has been highly praised for its innovative flavor profile.
Unexpected Dining Hacks
- Ask for the Chef’s Special: At Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, inquire about any holiday-specific creations that are not on the regular menu.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE TIPS
Lesser-Known Photo Opportunities
- Magic Kingdom: Capture the unique perspective from the Swiss Family Treehouse, offering a panoramic view of Adventureland BlogMickey Refurbishments Guide
- EPCOT: Look for hidden photo spots within the World Showcase pavilions, like the bridge to Italy.
Hidden Character Meet Locations
- Magic Kingdom: Merida can often be found at the Enchanted Glade Gazebo in Liberty Square.
- Animal Kingdom: Pocahontas makes special appearances at The Oasis, with her schedule posted in My Disney Experience Disney Food Blog Character Meet Guide
Unpublished Seasonal Offerings
- Magic Kingdom: Holiday-specific offerings like the Holiday Turkey Popover are available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
How to Get Free Souvenirs
- Character Autographs: Bring a notebook or use one provided by Disney to collect autographs from characters Shoreline Destinations Free Souvenirs Guide
- Transportation Cards: Ask bus, monorail, or boat drivers for transportation cards as a keepsake
- Stickers: Cast Members often give out stickers as free souvenirs
- Recipes: Request a recipe for your favorite dish at a restaurant, and they will provide it on an embossed recipe card
Lesser-Known Things to Do
- Pirates Tutorial: Complete the tutorial in Adventureland to receive a pirate certificate.
- Wilderness Explorers Program: Participate in Animal Kingdom for a book and pen, along with stickers.
- Jedi Training: Attend the training in Hollywood Studios to receive a Jedi certificate
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS
Active Discounts
- Room Discounts: Get up to 20% off room rates at select Disney World resorts for stays Sunday to Thursday nights from October 6 – November 21, 2024 MouseSavers Discount Guide
- Dining Plan: Souvenir mugs are available with a dining plan
Magic Key Holder Specials
- Check with Disney’s official site for current offers exclusive to Magic Key holders.
Disney Visa Cardholder Perks
- Free 5×7 Printed Family Picture: Along with a private character meet-and-greet at Epcot’s Innovention West between 1-7 pm
Mobile Order Benefits
- Utilize mobile ordering for quicker service, especially during peak dining times.
Hotel Savings
- Port Orleans French Quarter: Some guest rooms under refurbishment until November 2024; daytime construction may be audible BlogMickey Refurbishments Guide
Lesser-Known Ways to Save Money
- Park Maps: Collect maps from all the parks as free souvenirs
- Newsletters: Collect resort newsletters as mementos
- Leis: Free from the Polynesion Village Resort Luau
CROWD INDEX INTELLIGENCE
14-Day Crowd Forecast
- November 19-21: Moderate to heavy crowds.
- November 22-24: Heavy crowds arriving for Thanksgiving.
- November 25-30: Peak Thanksgiving crowds.
Crowd Drivers
- Thanksgiving Holiday: A major driver of high crowds from November 22-30 WDW Prep School Crowd Calendar.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Starting November 8, 2024, impacts attendance and park hours Disney Tourist Blog November Guide.
Optimal Visiting Dates
- November 19-21: Before the Thanksgiving influx, moderate crowds with some quieter moments.
Best/Worst Times of Day for Each Park
- EPCOT: Lightest crowds before 4 pm on weekdays, with heavier crowds in the evenings due to the Festival of the Holidays Disney Tourist Blog November Guide.
Current Refurbishments
- Magic Kingdom:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: January 16-21, 2025, multi-year refurbishment BlogMickey Refurbishments Guide
- Swiss Family Treehouse: November 18 – December 19, 2024 BlogMickey Refurbishments Guide
Temporary Closures or Modified Operations
- Magic Kingdom:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party impacts regular park hours Disney Tourist Blog November Guide
Impact Assessment on Guest Experience
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Extended closure impacts thrill seekers; consider alternatives like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
- Swiss Family Treehouse: Guests interested in the unique view can enjoy similar sights from other attractions.
Alternative Attractions
- Magic Kingdom: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Jungle Cruise are great alternatives during refurbishments.
Use of Lighting Lane, Single Rider Lines, Rider Switch
- Lighting Lane: Use it for popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
- Single Rider: Available for Test Track and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
- Rider Switch: For families with small children, allowing one parent to ride while the other waits with the child.
Rope Drop Strategy
- Magic Kingdom: Arrive early for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peter Pan’s Flight
- EPCOT: Head to Test Track before it closes for reimagining on June 17, 2024
Park Hopping Efficiency
- Optimal Park Hopping: Start at a park with early entry, then hop to another park before crowds peak.
Early Entry/Extended Evening Hours
- Early Entry: Check for park-specific early entry times; Magic Kingdom and EPCOT often have this benefit.
EVENTS & SHOWS
Top 3 Current Shows by Guest Satisfaction
Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Venue Capacity: Seating for approximately 1400 guests
- Peak/Off-Peak: Early shows tend to be less crowded
- Weather Cancellation: Can be canceled due to inclement weather; check show times and weather forecasts.
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Venue Capacity: Limited seating available
- Peak/Off-Peak: Early shows are less crowded
- Weather Cancellation: Show can be canceled if weather conditions are severe.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Animal Kingdom
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Venue Capacity: Seating for approximately 1500 guests
- Peak/Off-Peak: Early shows are less crowded
- Weather Cancellation: Show can be canceled if weather conditions are unsafe.
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.
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VOYAGEERS: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Parks
Images courtesy of Parkendium
On July 22, 1955, just days after the grand opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, a sweet scent wafted through the air, beckoning guests down Main Street U.S.A.
Here, nestled between the Penny Arcade and Refreshment Corner, was a confectionery paradise known as “Candyland.” Walt Disney, ever the visionary, had placed this shop in a prime location, along the bustling thoroughfare that was modeled after his own childhood memories of Marceline, Missouri.
The Candy Palace wasn’t merely a shop; it was a time machine, transporting visitors to a bygone era of small-town America where candy was not just a treat but an experience.
The Vision and Craftsmanship
Walt Disney’s vision for the Candy Palace was to create a place where guests could witness the simple joy of candy-making, reminiscent of a simpler time. He positioned it on Main Street to ensure that its large display windows would draw the eye of every passerby. These windows, designed with meticulous detail, served not only as a showcase but as a stage for the candy makers, who were the unsung heroes of this enchanting enterprise.
From its inception, the Candy Palace was more than just a shop; it was a theater where the spectacle of confectionery craftsmanship was on full display. Master candy makers, with their precise skills, became the stars of this show. They would skillfully prepare batches of fudge, dip strawberries in chocolate, and create caramel apples, all within view of an eager audience. The Candy Palace was where the magic of Disneyland was made palpable, where the scent of sugar and vanilla filled the air, creating an irresistible allure.
The 1997 Renovation
In 1997, the Candy Palace underwent a significant renovation, emerging as the Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen. This transformation was not just cosmetic; it was a renaissance that reinforced its legacy. The shop retained its charming façade and the large windows that allowed guests to peek into the candy-making process, but now it was more spacious, with a dedicated kitchen where more intricate confections could be crafted. The renovation also brought a renewed focus on the artisans, giving them a stage where they could showcase their talents to an even larger audience.
The Evolution of Treats
The Candy Palace’s journey through time has seen the evolution of its most cherished treats. Fudge, with its rich history, remains a staple, its smooth texture and variety of flavors a nod to traditional craftsmanship. But it’s the chocolate-dipped strawberries that have become a signature treat, their vibrant red hue contrasting beautifully against the dark chocolate. This treat, like the shop itself, has evolved, becoming more refined while maintaining its nostalgic appeal.
Sensory Delights
A visit to the Candy Palace is not just a visual or culinary experience; it’s a sensory journey. The inviting aroma of freshly baked goods and the sweet scent of melting chocolate beckon guests. The sound of the Welte Orchestrion, a majestic antique instrument purchased by Walt Disney, fills the air every seven minutes, adding to the ambiance. The sight of candy makers at work, the clinking of metal as they stir pots of molten sugar, and the gentle hum of conversation among guests all contribute to a timeless atmosphere.
Trivia Tidbits
- Wristbands for Candy Canes: During the Christmas season, the demand for the homemade candy canes is so high that the shop issues wristbands to limit purchases, ensuring that every guest has a fair chance to secure this coveted treat.
- Architectural Details: The shop’s exterior is adorned with signs shaped like wrapped candies and chocolate bars, a playful nod to its sweet offerings.
- The Penny Arcade: Adjacent to the Candy Palace, the Penny Arcade houses antique Mutoscopes and Cail-o-Scopes, providing a nostalgic counterpoint to the confectionery delights next door.
- Candyland to Candy Palace: Originally known as Candyland, the shop’s name was changed to Candy Palace to better reflect its role as a regal retreat from the hustle and bustle of Main Street.
The Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen at Disneyland remains a testament to Walt Disney’s vision of creating a place where the simple pleasures of life are celebrated. It’s a place where the craftsmanship of old-world candy making lives on, where the scents and sights evoke memories of a time when life was simpler, and where the love for sugar and chocolate is timeless.
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
November 19, 2024 Issue #47 to 29,891 Disney fans.
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