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Episode 458: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, Jon and Adam take you on a journey through their summer adventures, share their thoughts on the latest Disney news, and reveal some exciting new merchandise. Get ready for a fun-filled episode packed with travel stories, fireworks comparisons, and Disney insights!

Jon’s Trip to Dallas, TX
Jon kicks off the episode by sharing highlights from his trip to Dallas, Texas. He took a road trip with his family to Texas. He shares the different sites and attractions that he visited and we even shared some presidential history between his trip and Adam’s trip to D.C.

Adam’s 4th of July in Washington D.C.
Adam recounts his exciting 4th of July celebration in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. He had the chance to experience the patriotic festivities and even managed to find some Disney tie-ins during his trip. Adam also compares the 4th of July fireworks shows in D.C. to Walt Disney World’s.

Country Bear Musical Jamboree: A Pleasant Surprise
Jon and Adam share their reactions to the newly revamped Country Bear Musical Jamboree. They discuss how the updated show has exceeded their expectations and brought a fresh, entertaining experience to the park. Their relieved and pleasantly surprised reactions highlight the success of this classic attraction’s revival.

D23 Parks Panel: What Does “Horizons” Mean?
The upcoming D23 parks panel has been given the intriguing title “Horizons,” and the artwork features a retro Epcot vibe. Jon and Adam delve into what this could mean for the future of Disney parks. They speculate on potential announcements, attractions, and themes that might be revealed, drawing connections to the beloved Horizons attraction from Epcot’s past.

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Episode 455: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re diving into some exciting Disney news and letting our imaginations run wild as we brainstorm new attractions for each World Showcase pavilion.

First up, the massive construction overhaul at Epcot is finally complete! This ambitious project has brought new life to the park with updated attractions, enhanced landscaping, and futuristic new areas. We discuss the highlights of the changes and what guests can look forward to on their next visit to Epcot. Next, we’ve got an exciting update for all you classic Disney fans. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree has an official opening date! We share the details and our thoughts on the revamped show, which promises to blend beloved classic elements with fresh, Disney-themed musical numbers. Last but certainly not least, passholder previews for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have begun! We hope to experience the attraction ourselves and give our reviews next week.

Now, onto the main event of this episode! We let our imaginations soar as we brainstorm ideas for adding a ride to each existing World Showcase pavilion at Epcot. We hope you enjoy our ideas and invite you to share your own! If you could add rides/attractions to the world showcase what would they be? Would you base it on an existing Disney IP that would fit in that country?

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Episode 453: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we have a lot to cover, from heartfelt tributes to exciting new attractions. So, grab your Mickey ears and join us as we dive into the magic! We start this episode on a bittersweet note as we honor the passing of Disney legend Richard Sherman. Richard, along with his brother Robert, composed some of the most iconic songs in Disney history. Their music has been the soundtrack to our childhoods and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. Next, we shift our focus to something spectacular lighting up the skies at Disney Springs. The new drone show, Dreams That Soar, is a breathtaking display of technology and artistry. This innovative show uses drones to create dazzling patterns and images in the night sky, accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack. We then dive into the latest news on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, set to officially open later this month. Finally, we get into Adam’s trip report. Adam recently returned from a visit to Walt Disney World, and he’s got a lot to share!

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Welcome back, Disney fans, to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week, we dive deep into the world of virtual queues and explore how they’ve evolved, their current use, and what we can expect from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure once it opens. Virtual queues were introduced to manage the demand for Disney’s most popular attractions and enhance the guest experience by reducing the time spent waiting in line. Instead of standing in line for hours, guests can join a virtual queue and enjoy other park activities while waiting for their turn. The concept first gained popularity with the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The success of this system led to its implementation for other major attractions, such as Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, and most recently Tron.

We couldn’t wrap up this episode without diving into the Passholder Foodie Challenge. As avid Disney foodies, we’ve been sampling our way through the delicious offerings, and we’re here to share our favorites and what’s still on Disney’s must-try list.

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Episode 450: We just got the news Finally about Tiana’s Bayou Adventures opening date of June 28, 2024. We recorded this episode shortly before that news broke so we will cover that in detail next week. However, this week we do have some other things to discuss. Mainly the delightful look into Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney Sea. We talk about what we would hope could get imported from Japan to our domestic parks. We also cover some other news and end with a few popular forum topics that have been making the rounds lately. Mainly, the current state of Disney Merchandise. We reminisce on the old days where you could really find some unique merch. Another topic that was popular lately is what attraction at Disney would you most want to sleep overnight on? We give our takes. Lastly, we look at a scenario that is fairly common, You have to check out of your hotel room at 11am but your flight isn’t until much later. What would you do at Walt Disney World to pass the time?

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Episode 446: Welcome back to the podcast, fellow Disney enthusiasts! We hope you all had a wonderful Spring Break. As we jump back into the magic, there’s a treasure trove of Disney news waiting for us. From program updates to new concept art, and even some corporate drama, let’s dive into what’s been happening in the wonderful world of Disney. First up, Disney has rolled out some changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) program. These updates aim to enhance the experience for guests requiring additional assistance at the parks. We’ll walk you through what’s new, what’s changed, and how these adjustments could impact your next visit. Disney has released some tempting summer discounts that basically extends the spring discounts all the way to October. There is also a “free dinning” option for Disney Visa Card holders. Disney has also unveiled new concept art for Test Track and the Pandora themed land coming to Disneyland. So tune in, get caught up, and continue your journey in the ever-evolving world of Disney with us.

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Episode 441: Welcome back to “Traveling With The Mouse,” where episode 441 brings us an exciting blend of Disney enchantment both at sea and on the tabletop. This time, Jason returns to the fold, not just with tales from the high seas aboard the Disney Magic but with an infectious new obsession – Disney Lorcana, the latest card game craze sweeping through the Disney fandom.

Jason takes us through a detailed exploration of the game, highlighting some of the most interesting and valuable cards in his collection. For those uninitiated, Disney Lorcana is more than just a card game; it’s a dive into a richly imagined world where Disney characters wield incredible powers in stunning artwork

Jason also just returned from a 5-night voyage on the Disney Magic, setting sail from New Orleans. Despite the Disney Magic being one of the fleet’s older members, Jason reveals how its recent updates breathe new life into the vessel, making it stand shoulder to shoulder with its larger counterparts. He walks us through the highlights of his journey, from the unique ports of call to the onboard entertainment that makes Disney cruises unforgettable.

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Welcome to another episode of “Traveling with the Mouse.” This week in Episode 430, we take a slight detour from our usual Disney-centric discussions for a special segment on Jon’s recent trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Then, we dive headfirst into the latest happenings in the world of Disney, from executive interviews to unexpected park incidents.

Jon takes us on a journey beyond the Disney parks to the charming town of Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. He shares his experiences with the local attractions, the unique vibe of the Smokies, and how they compare to our beloved Disney destinations. Jon specifically talks about the Sky Fly attraction and how it compares to Soarin and Flight of Passage.

Back in the realm of Disney, we dissect the recent interview with Disney CEO Bob Iger. Iger’s insights were not only revealing but also painted a vivid picture of where the company stands and the direction it’s headed before his tenure wraps up in 2026. We then discuss the current state of Disney movies and why this year has been a particularly tough year at the box office. From theatrical releases to streaming strategies, we ponder what could reinvigorate Disney’s cinematic magic.

Recently, Disneyland witnessed an unusual and concerning event: a guest streaking on the “It’s a Small World” attraction. We discuss this incident, reflecting on why such occurrences seem to be on the rise and what, if anything, can be done to prevent similar events in the future. And Finally, the iconic Hatbox Ghost has officially taken up residence in the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World. We share our impressions of this spooky addition to a beloved attraction.

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Episode 429: Welcome back to another episode of “Traveling with the Mouse.” As the holiday season twinkles into full swing, we’ve got some festive surprises and insightful discussions lined up for you. First up, we’re thrilled to reveal our new holiday logo this week! It’s a merry blend of Disney magic and festive joy, perfect for getting into the spirit of the season. And here’s an extra treat: in celebration of Black Friday, we’re offering a special 30% off on all our merchandise, featuring the new logo. Mark your calendars and get ready to add some Disney holiday flair to your wardrobe! Link to our shop. Next, we dive into the first night of Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. While we were brimming with excitement for this new ticketed event, it seems the opening night had its share of hiccups. From long lines to technical snags, we dissect what went down and what it means for the future of this holiday extravaganza. When then share our top 3 picks on a variety of Disney World topics. From the most thrilling rides and best-hidden dining spots to the top drinks at Epcot, our lists are packed with personal insights, tips, and maybe a few surprises. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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Episode 427, Welcome back to another episode of “Traveling with the Mouse” – your go-to audio guidebook for all things Disney. This week, in Episode 427, we’ve got a blend of the latest Disney news and a playful twist that will have you seeing the parks from a whole new angle! First up, we dive into the Disney headlines. The Monorail had some tire issues this week. The holiday season is now in full swing and Disney’s legal battle with the state of Florida is heating up. We continue on to our main topic this week where we ask and answer some questions that don’t normally get asked about Walt Disney World. Things like, Which ride has the most uncomfortable seats or the ride with the worst on-ride photo. We want to hear your thoughts on these quirky Disney questions. Share your opinions and your hilarious ride photos with us on our social media channels – because if you can’t laugh at a picture of yourself staring blankly on Haunted Mansion, then where’s the fun in that?

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Hello Disney enthusiasts and travel aficionados! Welcome to another magical episode of Traveling with the Mouse. This week, we’re thrilled to have Jason with us. We Dive into the Disney realm as we cover some spellbinding news that’s sure to pique your interest. Spirits and spirits collide! Disney is bringing a hauntingly delightful experience for fans with a new Haunted Mansion-themed bar on the soon to set sail Disney Treasure. We discuss the potential themes, drinks, and unique offerings we hope to see. With more enchanting details unveiled, Jollywood Nights is shaping up to be a must-attend event. From captivating entertainment to themed treats, we delve deep into what guests can expect from this festive event. Of course, we touch on much more in the episode, from hidden gems to exciting announcements. With Jason’s trip on the horizon, we also chat about his plans, what he’s looking forward to most, and if any of our discussed news items will make it onto his itinerary.

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Episode 419, We peel back the layers of the recent upheavals at the helm of the magical world of Disney, chronicling the roller coaster journey from the early days of Bob Chapek’s CEO tenure to the trying times faced by Bob Iger in what has arguably been the most testing period of his reign. The conversation kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the insightful article published by CNBC, a narrative painting the vivid highs and lows of Disney in the last three years. From Chapek taking the mantle in early 2020 to the current dynamic scenarios, we have seen it all, and yet, the story is still unfolding. While the recent events signal a turbulent time at Disney, we cannot help but hold onto the magic that has always defined this incredible brand. We share our candid thoughts on what lies ahead. We will have full coverage of the Destination D23 event and all of the announcements from the parks panel next week!

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Episode 417: of “Traveling with the Mouse” is jam-packed with the latest and most thrilling news from the magical world of Disney. As always, Jon and I are here to give you the inside track on what’s happening and what’s to come.

One of the most anticipated events on the Disney calendar, Destination D23 is right around the corner! Josh D’aMaro will have another parks presentation. We can only hope that it will be better than the one at D23 last year. Expectations are low. We preview ‘Journey of Water,’ a walk-through attraction inspired by the world of ‘Moana’. It promises to be a refreshing blend of creativity, innovation, and Disney magic. If you’re dreaming of a stay at the Yacht and Beach Club in early 2025, you might want to hit the pause button. We’ve got some news that could influence your travel plans. Details in the episode! We also delve into the thrilling expansions set to open soon in Tokyo Disney Resort, and more.

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Episode:413 Hello, Mouseketeers! Prepare for an exciting episode of “Traveling with the Mouse” this week as we delve into all the Disney news that’s been making waves and offer a sneak peek into Jason’s upcoming adventure at Disneyland!

First up, we venture into the world of Disney news, which has been anything but quiet recently. The ongoing feud between Disney and the state of Florida continues to capture headlines. We break down the latest updates in this complex saga, shedding light on what it means for the theme park and its guests. Next, we tackle a rather unusual piece of news. In a surprising twist, a Disney hotel has been branded as one of the ugliest buildings in America! We dive into the details of this article, questioning the criteria used for such a dubious honor, and discussing whether we agree or disagree with this controversial claim. But it’s not all drama in the Disney universe. We share some happier news for Disney Vacation Club members, who are being treated to discounted VIP tours. We break down what this means for members and how it might enhance their Disney experience.

Shifting gears from the buzz of Disney news, we join Jason as he previews his upcoming trip to Disneyland! As a seasoned Disney Ride Challenge runner and co-host of “Traveling with the Mouse”, Jason’s trip previews are always packed with valuable insights and tidbits. From planning strategies to must-visit attractions, Jason shares his expectations and goals for this exciting journey to the Happiest Place on Earth.

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Episode 409: Welcome to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse podcast! In this week’s episode, Jon recently returned from a trip to Walt Disney World. He fills us in on everything from his stay at an Air BnB to attending an exclusive Epcot after-hours event, and being the first of us to try out Gideon’s Bakehouse. Jon also traveled with a party that used the DAS system. He explains how the Disability Access Service works. During his visit, Jon also experienced Tron and he lets us know where it ranks for him. Jon left just and Jason and I arrived so next week we will continue with Jason and Adam’s trip report. Stay tuned!

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Episode 403: As the world recovers from the pandemic, Disney is making some updates to enhance your visit to the most magical place on earth. Here are the top five updates announced by Disney that will make your visit easier starting in January 2024. We discuss these and give our opinion on them. A few of these are pretty vague but we talk about what we hope these updates will mean.

Park Reservations Will Slowly Be Going Away in 2024
One of the biggest changes announced by Disney is the gradual phasing out of park reservations in 2024. Starting with dates based tickets on January 9th.

Annual Passholders and Cast members Will Have “Good to Go” Days
Annual passholders and cast members will have special days to visit the parks without making a reservation. This is a great perk for those who like to make spontaneous visits to the parks or for those who want to avoid the hassle of making reservations. However, no details are given as to how many “good to go” days will be available. It is a step in the right direction at least.

The Dining Plan Is Coming Back
After being suspended during the pandemic, the dining plan is finally making a comeback. This popular feature allows guests to prepay for meals and snacks at select restaurants throughout the parks and resorts. To start with there will only be 2 plans available to book.

Genie Plus Will Be Available for Advance Purchase
Genie Plus is a new feature that allows guests to skip the regular standby lines for select attractions by paying an additional fee. Disney has announced that Genie Plus will be available for advance purchase. No further details have been given about how far in advance and how many lightning lanes could be reserved in advance. Sounds a lot like they are going back to the way Fast Pass plus was but just with a price tag now.

Resort Guests Will Continue to Have Early Entry and evening hours for Deluxe resorts
If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you’ll continue to have the perk of early entry times. This means that you can enter the parks before the general public and enjoy shorter wait times for popular attractions. Deluxe resort guests will continue to have extra evening hours for select days. This isn’t anything new but at least they are extending this perk through 2024.

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Welcome to Traveling with the Mouse, the podcast that takes you on a journey through the magical world of Disney! In this episode, we bring you the latest news and have some fun with AI by having it write a game for us to play. But First up, we have some exciting news for all the Disney fans out there. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets are now on sale! This is one of the most popular events at Disney World, and it’s not hard to see why. So if you’re planning a trip to Disney World this fall, be sure to grab your tickets before they sell out. Next, Disney has announced a new discount on lightsabers at Galaxy’s Edge. The Galactic Starcruiser has also extended its discounts this summer to Disney Visa card holders. Moving on, we discuss the latest incident involving the fire breathing dragon. This time during a performance of Fantasmic at Disneyland. Finally, we have the latest drama with the Reedy Creek Improvement District. We end the episode with a little game that AI created for this episode.

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Episode 399: Welcome to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse, where we bring you the latest updates on all things Disney! In this episode, we’ll be catching up on the news from the past few weeks, including updates on the Reedy Creek situation, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Magic Kingdom Expansion, Happily Ever After, Tron, and the removal of the Harmonious barges. First up, we talk about the ongoing situation between Bob Iger and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Next, we have some updates on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Construction continues to move rapidly at Walt Disney World and we now have a closing date for Splash Mountain at Disneyland. There’s also some rumors floating around about major changes to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom and those beyond Big Thunder lands. Also, Jason and Adam have just returned from a trip to Walt Disney World, and while we won’t be covering their trip report in this episode, we can’t wait to hear all about it in next week’s show.

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Episode: 397. Welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse podcast! In this episode, we bring you the latest news from the world of Disney, and a trip report from Disneyland Paris. Our co-host, Jason, recently returned from a trip to Paris, and he has some fascinating insights to share about his experience at Disneyland Paris. From the rides and attractions to the food and atmosphere, Jason gives us a comprehensive overview of his time spent at the park.

In other news, we are thrilled to see that Happily Ever After is mostly unchanged. We cannot wait to see it once again light up the skies with its dazzling display of fireworks and music. We also have exciting news about new meet and greets that will be coming to the parks this year. In addition, we discuss the updated concept for Epcot, which is a bit underwhelming when compared to the audacious concept art from before the pandemic. This week we got a sneak peek of what the inside of Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ looks like. It is more elaborate than we were expecting.

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Episode: 394 Welcome to another episode of “Traveling with the Mouse”! This week, we have some exciting Disney news to discuss, including the Tron preview for annual passholders, the start of the Flower and Garden Festival, and the construction of the new DVC tower at the Polynesian.

But first, let’s talk about a topic that’s near and dear to every Disney fan’s heart: rides that are worth saving. We’ve all experienced the heartache of seeing a beloved attraction disappear, only to be replaced by something new that doesn’t quite measure up. One of the most famous examples of this is Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, which was replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Now, don’t get us wrong – we love Winnie the Pooh. But there’s something about Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride that just can’t be replicated. It was a classic dark ride that took you on a wild journey through Toad Hall and beyond, complete with a trip to hell (yes, really). The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, on the other hand, is a cute and whimsical ride that’s perfect for younger children, but lacks the thrills and chills of its predecessor. So, what other rides do we think are worth saving?