Episode 514: The holidays have officially arrived at Walt Disney World, and in this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, Jon and I dive headfirst into all the news and festivities happening across the parks!
First up, we head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom where the Zootopia: Better Together show has debuted inside the Tree of Life Theater. We share our first impressions, reactions, and thoughts on how it fits into Animal Kingdom’s lineup. Is this the right move for the park? Does Zootopia belong there, or is it another IP square peg in a round hole? You know we’ve got opinions. Speaking of Zootopia, Zootopia 2 will be hitting theaters soon, and we discuss whether we’ll be heading to the theater to see it.
Then we turn to the business side of Disney because what’s a Disney conversation these days without a little talk about streaming? Disney+ recently hiked its prices, and we share our thoughts on how this impacts fans, families, and subscribers. We also dig into the ongoing dispute between Disney and YouTube TV because nothing says “holiday cheer” like two media giants arguing over carriage fees.
Episode 513: After a short break, we are back together again! We’re jumping right back into the magic. Jon just got back from his latest trip to Walt Disney World, and he’s got plenty to share, from the rides and resorts to the latest park updates and a few surprises along the way.
In the news, we discuss the updates coming to Frozen Ever After and Ratatouille at Epcot. These are getting some updates that will be much appreciated. We also got the news that Soarin is going to get a fresh new film for America’s 250th birthday next summer. Soarin over America will is scheduled to be a temporary offering but we can’t help but speculate what might be included in our flight over America.
For Jon’s trip this time he went on a budget friendly mission and stayed at an Air BnB for that was located very close to Walt Disney World. He also got some really good on ride footage of several attractions. Check out our youtube channel for updates. Jon also had a change of opinion about Fantasmic. His review may surprise you.
Episode 512: On this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, Jason is back in the co-host chair, and he has a lot to share about his latest adventures. Fresh off his cruise aboard the brand-new Disney Treasure, he gives us all the details on what it was like sailing on Disney’s newest ship. From dining and entertainment to exploring the ports of call, Jason paints a picture of what makes this ship unique compared to the rest of the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Then, I jump in with a recap of my own recent trip to Disneyland. Anytime we get the chance to talk Disneyland versus Walt Disney World, you know it’s going to be a lively discussion. We dive into the similarities and differences between the two resorts, comparing some of the iconic rides that exist on both coasts. Which version of Pirates of the Caribbean reigns supreme? How does Space Mountain in California stack up against Florida’s? And why does Disneyland’s smaller size sometimes give it a charm that Walt Disney World’s sprawling scale just can’t replicate?
Episode 511: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we’re diving into the latest Disney (and theme park) news before tackling a topic that everyone can relate to, how to do Walt Disney World on a budget!
In the News
There’s never a dull moment in the world of Disney and theme parks, and this week proved it: The Firing (and Un-Firing) of Jimmy Kimmel – In true entertainment industry fashion, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was announced as “out,” only to be brought “back in” shortly after. We break down what happened, what it means, and why Disney always seems to find itself at the center of these public kerfuffles.
Robbery at Disney Springs – A Disney Springs restaurant made headlines after an unfortunate robbery incident. We share what we know about the situation and how it could have happened.
Candlelight Processional Narrator Lineup – The holiday season is approaching, and Disney has unveiled this year’s list of celebrity narrators for the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. But one very surprising name is missing from the list this year. We talk about who’s in, who’s out, and what the absence might signal.
Epic Universe Coaster Incident – Over at Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe, there was an unfortunate incident on one of the new coasters. We discuss what happened and what we know about this tragic event.
After covering the headlines, we shift gears to talk about saving money at Walt Disney World. We all know Disney trips can get pricey, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank.
Episode 510: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we’re asking the question: What would you do if you had Walt Disney World all to yourself? Not with your family. Not with friends. Just you, the parks, and the freedom to do whatever you want.
In this episode, we dive into our dream solo itineraries. whether that means spending a full day lounging at your favorite resort, snacking your way around World Showcase without anyone rushing you along, or finally doing those overlooked attractions you always skip when traveling with a group. Spoiler alert: going solo has its perks!
But before we daydream about Mickey-shaped snacks in solitude, we break down some of the latest Disney news:
Lakeshore Lodge Construction Update Disney’s newest resort continues to rise along Bay Lake. We share what’s happening on-site and what this means for future guests looking for another deluxe option.
Polynesian Entrance Construction Getting in and out of the Poly is currently… let’s just say, not the smoothest arrival experience. We’ll talk about the work underway and how it impacts both resort guests and those just stopping by for a Dole Whip or dinner.
Disney Cruise Line Delay The newest ship in Disney’s growing fleet won’t be setting sail as soon as expected. We’ll share what we know about the delay, what it could mean for future itineraries, and why excitement for the ship is still running high.
Park Improvement Projects All across Walt Disney World, refurbishments and fresh updates are happening. From new facades to refreshed pathways, we discuss the little changes that add up to keeping the magic looking its best.
Finally, we circle back to our main topic: solo Disney trips. Whether it’s finally getting that perfect castle photo without feeling rushed, snagging a seat at La Cava del Tequila, or just hopping on your favorite ride over and over again, sometimes the best Disney memories are the ones you create on your own.
Episode 509: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we’re shaking things up and letting spontaneity take the wheel. Sometimes the best Disney trips are the ones where you don’t over plan every second, and that’s exactly what we’re diving into.
A Tale of Two Trips
We’ve got two very different adventures on the horizon, and each comes with its own approach:
Jon’s Walt Disney World Trip – Jon is keeping things budget-friendly while also testing out some of the “underdogs” of Disney dining. You know those restaurants that always seem to get roasted in reviews? Jon wants to find out if they’re really that bad—or if maybe they deserve a little redemption. Consider it his very own “Disney Food MythBusters.”
Adam’s Disneyland Trip – On the other side of the country, Adam is taking the no-plan plan. That means going with the flow, making decisions on the fly, and embracing a relaxed Disneyland experience. Sometimes the magic is found in the moments you didn’t script out weeks in advance.
Spontaneity in the Parks
We chat about the balance between planning and winging it. With Lightning Lane systems, dining reservations, and virtual queues, Disney can often feel like a military operation. But there’s still plenty of room for unplanned surprises—the kind that make the best memories.
The Beak & Barrel Time Limit
Yes, our favorite new pirate-themed watering hole at Magic Kingdom has a time limit, and we break down what that means for guests. Is it fair? Is it frustrating?
Episode 508: Walt Disney Comes to the Carousel of Progress Disney confirmed that a Walt Disney animatronic will be added to the Carousel of Progress. Guests will get to see their very own version of Walt inside this classic attraction. Alongside that, we also got a big tease that some or all of the Carousel’s scenes may be changing. Could we be in for a modern overhaul? Or even brand-new show scenes to reflect the future as Walt once envisioned it?
Dinosaur’s Extinction Date
The closure of Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom finally has an official date. The attraction will close to make way for a brand-new Indiana Jones ride. Will the ride system stay the same, or will we get a whole new experience? Either way, fans of Dinosaur should make their plans to ride it one last time before it goes extinct for good.
Cinderella Castle Returns to Classic Colors
Magic Kingdom’s centerpiece, Cinderella Castle, will soon be returning to its pre-50th Anniversary paint scheme. Gone will be the rose-gold and blue makeover, with the castle returning to its timeless look. While some will miss the anniversary flair, many fans have been longing for the castle’s classic palette to shine again.
TRON Gets an Ares Upgrade
Over in Tomorrowland, TRON Lightcycle/Run is getting a special update to coincide with the upcoming Tron: Ares film. Expect red lighting effects and a new music overlay to bring the movie’s energy to life on the ride. Whether it’s temporary or permanent remains to be seen, but it’s exciting to see Disney tie film promotion directly into the park experience.
Episode 507: This week’s episode is jam-packed with Disney news. It seems like the past week has been an avalanche of updates, concept art, and announcements about projects both in progress and on the horizon. Let’s dive into some of the biggest stories we’re covering in Episode 507 of Traveling with the Mouse.
Zootopia 3D Show Gets an Opening Date at Animal Kingdom
Disney has finally given us an opening date for the all-new Zootopia 3D show coming to Animal Kingdom. November 7th is an earlier opening date than we expected but with the release of Zootopia 2 in theaters later that month it makes perfect sense. We discuss the timing, and whether it will bring much-needed energy to Animal Kingdom.
Big Thunder Mountain’s New Concept Art and Backstory
Hang on to your hats and glasses, because Big Thunder Mountain is about to dig deeper into its backstory. Disney released new concept art along with a fleshed-out narrative for the classic attraction. We break down what the updates mean, how much will actually change in the guest experience, and how this retelling fits into Disney’s growing trend of “story-forward” refurbishments.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Becomes Muppets Mayhem
We all know that soon Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is losing Aerosmith and gaining…the Muppets. The new concept art shows released this week shows what the Muppet-ified version of the pre-show will look like. We share our thoughts on the concept art and speculate on how long this change-over might take.
Beak and Barrel Lounge at Magic Kingdom
Avast, ye thirsty travelers! The Beak and Barrel, the new pirate-themed lounge at Magic Kingdom, is just about ready to open its doors, and we’ve got a look inside. From themed cocktails to immersive details, this lounge seems to be another step in Disney’s strategy of creating more unique hangout spaces in the parks. We break down the vibe, and whether this addition is worth the wait.
Spaceship Earth Refurbishment – But for How Long?
Finally, we turn our attention to EPCOT’s icon. Spaceship Earth has closed for refurbishment, but Disney is being vague on just how long it will be down. We talk about what changes might be on the horizon, whether this will be a quick spruce-up or something more significant, and how a long closure would affect the park experience.
Episode 506: In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we put on our accountant hats (don’t worry, they’ve got Mickey ears) and dive deep into Disney’s pricing strategy over the years. Resort hotels have always been a core part of the Walt Disney World experience, but just how much more expensive are they now compared to when the doors first opened in the early 1970s?
We track down standard room rates from the Polynesian and Contemporary all the way back to 1972, adjust them for inflation, and compare them to today’s 2025 rack rates. The results might surprise you… or maybe they won’t. (Spoiler: Disney’s prices have definitely outpaced inflation, especially at the Deluxe resorts.) Moderates and Values tell a slightly different story, but either way, the price of staying on property has changed dramatically in real terms.
And while we’re crunching numbers, we also take a look at the cost of seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Party tickets that used to be a budget-friendly add-on are now a serious investment. We compare today’s prices to past years and ask: at what point does spooky season at the Magic Kingdom start scaring away wallets more than ghosts?
It wouldn’t be Traveling with the Mouse without a healthy dose of Disney news:
The Beak and Barrel reservation launch at Magic Kingdom… let’s just say it didn’t go according to plan. We talk through what went wrong and what it says about Disney’s ongoing struggles with online systems.
Construction check-in: We look at progress across the big projects currently underway at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. One project in particular looks like it’s flying ahead of schedule compared to the others, and we break down what that might mean for opening timelines.
Episode 505: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we catch up on some of the latest Disney news and dive into the numbers from Disney’s Q3 earnings report. The headline? Parks revenue is up 9% this quarter, thanks largely to an increase in guest spending and the excitement surrounding Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship.
But the biggest buzz in the parks right now is happening over at Magic Kingdom, where The Beak and the Barrel pirate-themed lounge is just weeks away from opening. We now have the full menu and pricing, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a swashbuckling hideaway themed cocktails, tropical bites, and just enough Disney magic to make you feel like you’ve stepped into an adventure on the high seas. We share some of our favorite-sounding items from the menu and discuss whether this will become the next must-visit spot for parkgoers looking to relax with a drink and a view.
We close out the episode with a bit of speculation about the Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom. What will it be called? Which villains will take center stage? And will it lean more spooky, epic, or even elegant in tone? We toss around possible land names with the help of artificial intelligence.
Episode 504: Let’s hop in our time-traveling monorail, crank up some radio Disney, and set the dial to the decade of slap bracelets, VHS tapes, and Disney dollars… because Traveling with the Mouse, we’re heading back to the 1990s (aka the Disney Decade) and reliving all the things that made it pure magic.
Michael Eisner declared the 1990s would be Disney’s “Disney Decade” and in this episode we are focusing on what we loved about Walt Disney World in the 90’s. We saw some new parks open up like Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney opening new parks at Walt Disney World is something that hasn’t happened since the 1990’s. Disney integrated the success of their animated films and the Disney Afternoon cartoons into the parks in some interesting ways.
It wasn’t just about the new rides or the hit movies. It was the feeling that Disney was firing on all cylinders across the board. Animation, theme parks, music, and merchandise!
Episode 503: Adam returns from his latest trip to Walt Disney World with fresh, first-hand impressions of two brand-new additions: the long-awaited Disney Starlight nighttime parade and the newly reimagined Test Track. Did they live up to the hype? Did Adam cry during the parade?
Disney Starlight is the newest nighttime parade to debut at Magic Kingdom. This dazzling spectacle combines elements of classic nighttime parades with modern tech and fresh character appearances. Does this parade get two thumbs up?
Test Track, which has gone full retro-futuristic in the newest version. Disney and Chevrolet have leaned hard into the legacy of World of Motion, and the results are a nostalgic dream for EPCOT Center fans!
Episode 502: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we get our glow on as we dive headfirst into the dazzling world of Disney’s nighttime parades! With the debut of Disney Starlight lighting up the skies, we couldn’t resist the chance to flip the switch and illuminate the rich history of these after-dark spectacles. From the retro charm of the Main Street Electrical Parade to the emotional majesty of SpectroMagic, and now the fresh energy of Disney Starlight, we’re ranking the brightest of the bunch.
You know we’re going to gush about SpectroMagic which is our sentimental favorite. But we also discuss other great parades like Paint the Night – Disneyland’s high-tech masterpiece with a killer EDM beat. Dreamlights – Tokyo Disneyland’s longer, flashier take on Electrical Parade and of course the OG the original Main Street Electrical Parade!
Episode 501: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re celebrating Disney milestones, peeking behind the construction walls, and asking the real question: Does the new Walt Disney animatronic actually look like Walt?
Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary this week, and to mark the occasion, the spotlight is on a brand-new Walt Disney audio-animatronic set to debut in a new show at the Main Street Theater. It’s a bold move by Disney but will it deliver? We share our thoughts on the design of this brand new show that is sure to get a lot of attention.
Meanwhile, over in Florida, we’ve got our ears to the tracks. Recent permits and backstage construction photos show a possible Walt Disney World Railroad expansion, or at least some form of reconfiguration of the current layout. Also on deck: Disney Starlight, the brand-new nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom next week. We look at new images of the lead float and see if it adds to our anticipation of the new nighttime spectacular.
This week’s episode is a special one, folks. Episode 500. That’s right five hundred episodes of Disney banter, ride breakdowns, trip reports, armchair imagineering, and more Magical opinions than any one podcast probably needs.
We start this milestone episode by hopping in our time-traveling Doombuggy and heading all the way back to Episode 1. Yep, remember when we nervously hit record in 2017 and started talking about what drew us to Disney in the first place? Back when FastPass+ was still a thing and we all couldn’t wait for Galaxy’s Edge to open? Good times.
But, we couldn’t just celebrate the past we had to speculate wildly about the future too. So what will we be talking about in another 500 episodes?
Will there be a 5th Gate or at least blue sky concept art for one?
Will Spaceship Earth finally get that long-promised update?
Will Figment finally get a new ride?
Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just hopped on for the ride recently, we’re so grateful you’re part of this community. Here’s to another 500 episodes filled with magic, mayhem, and Mickey pretzels.
Episode 499: On today’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re throwing open the gates of possibility—and imagining what could happen if Disney finally decided to build a fifth theme park at Walt Disney World.
We kick things off by discussing the recent news that Disney has the approval to Build a 5th theme park at Walt Disney World should they choose to do so. This is still at least a decade away but we can’t help but speculate what we would like to see as a new park. We explore everything from villain-themed lands and Disney mythology to international legends, space exploration and Music inspired attractions.
What Would Walt Do?
We channel Walt’s spirit via AI and ask: would he go retro-futuristic and build a new EPCOT-style experimental city? Would he create something focused on storytelling and innovation? Or would he surprise us with something we never saw coming?
We share our thoughts on how Disney could honor the original vision while creating something new something that invites wonder, progress, and joy for the next generation of dreamers.
Episode 498: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re casting our nets into the beautiful, mysterious waters of Bay Lake! Don’t worry, it’s a metaphorical dive, no SCUBA gear required. But before we dip into history, we kick things off with some exciting updates from around the Disney Parks!
Test Track 3.0 Gets a re-opening Date! The long-rumored reimagining of Test Track now has an official re-opening date of July 22nd! Not only are we getting a fresh new look at the exterior, but Disney has also given us a sneak peek at what some of the interior scenes will look like. We do know that there will be cast member previews as well as Annual Passholder and DVC but what we don’t know yet is exactly when. The other thing we don’t know yet is will Disney use Virtual Queue or Single Pass for Test Track for the first few weeks.
Construction World: Turbocharged Edition
As part of Disney’s promise to turbocharge the parks, we’re seeing a lot of construction progress across property:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is laying down new track faster than a runaway mine train.
Dinoland U.S.A. area is seeing a lot of construction activity as it transforms into the lush and vibrant Tropical Americas.
And right on the shimmering shores of Bay Lake, the Lakeshore Lodge is rising up with faced paces construction.
Deep Dive: The History and Legacy of Bay Lake
Now let’s row gently into the heart of today’s episode: Bay Lake the natural, spring-fed lake that predates Disney and has quietly witnessed every transformation of Walt Disney World since the very beginning. We take a look at the Past, present, and future of this natural wonder that is one of the best spots in all of Walt Disney World.
In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re catching up on all the latest Disney Parks news because things are moving fast, and in true Disney fashion, we’re saying farewell to old favorites while getting hyped for what’s on the horizon.
Let’s start with the big announcement that has set the Disney fandom ablaze: Rivers of America has just one month left before it officially closes to make way for the all-new Piston Peak National Park, We take a close look at the concept art released by Disney and share our thoughts.
It’s official—Muppet*Vision 3D is no more. Walls have gone up around the theater as Disney begins transforming this space into Monsters, Inc. Land. As for Monsters, Inc., we’re curious to see how this new land shapes up. Since Disneyland announced the closing of the Monster Inc. attraction out there will it (or parts of it) be moving to Florida?
Speaking of Disneyland there’s new updates on the new Avatar Land and CoCo attractions coming to California. We take a look at those updates and where they are going to be placed.
We also look at other construction projects going on. Astro Orbiter is looking closer to re-opening as Buzz lightyear is getting ready for its much needed refresh. The Polynesian Village resort is going to get some modifications to the entrance. We also look through the Menu of the newly opened adults only lounge at Epcot Geo 82.
Episode 496: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into Adam’s Memorial Day weekend trip to Walt Disney World. He arrived on opening day for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe so naturally we were curious: Would Disney feel the ripple effects of the Epic excitement across town?
Adam takes us through his experiences over the long holiday weekend including opening day of the all-new Disney Villains show, and he gives us a full review.
We also discuss some of the recent Disney news. We will get to Piston Peak next week national park next week. But we do discuss the new details around Disney Starlight nighttime Parade and the many small improvement project that are going on all around Walt Disney World.
Episode 495: Welcome back, fellow Mouseketeers, to another practically perfect episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In Episode 495, we mix a spoonful of nostalgia with a dash of curiosity as we explore one of the most glaring missed opportunities in Disney Parks history: Why hasn’t Mary Poppins received a significant attraction of her own? But Before we hop on our chalk-drawn carousel horses and soar into the realm of possibilities, let’s run through this week’s Disney news…
We discuss the latest with the Disney Abu Dhabi project. Epic Universe officially opens this week and we will finally see what the impact on Walt Disney World will be. Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween released the dates a pricing for 2025 and they are not so low, in fact the prices are up across the board for the Halloween Parties.
🌂 The Curious Case of the Missing Mary Poppins Ride
Now onto the main topic: Where is our Mary Poppins attraction?!
Let’s rewind the tape…
1964 – The Movie That Practically Perfected Itself Mary Poppins was a massive hit — critically, commercially, and culturally. Julie Andrews became a household name. The Sherman Brothers gave us songs that still echo down Main Street. So why didn’t Walt greenlight a ride?
Well, our best guess? Timing. Walt passed away in 1966, just two years after the film’s release. The company entered a state of “WWWD” — What Would Walt Do? — which led to a lot of ideas being shelved or slow-walked while Walt Disney World came into being. That being said, We had fun brainstorming what a Mary Poppins attraction might have looked like if Disney had pulled the trigger in different decades: From the end of the Walt Era, through the lost years, into the Eisner era where we did get Mary Poppins included in an attraction but not it’s own to the present day where IP reigns supreme. Mary Poppins is one of Disney’s most iconic characters. She has Oscar gold, a timeless score, and cross-generational appeal — and yet, she’s never been given a proper ride. Ultimately, timing is everything and this popular film just never found the right timing. It’s fun to dream about though.
