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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.

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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?

✨ Special thanks to our friend Jolly Jolly, an expert travel advisor who can help make your next adventure stress-free. Whether you’re planning a Disney vacation or looking beyond the parks, Jolly Jolly takes care of the details so you can focus on the fun. https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/jolly-jolly

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!


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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.

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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.

Thank you!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Episode 494: Welcome back to Traveling With the Mouse! This week’s episode is packed tighter than a Jungle Cruise boat during rope drop. We’ve got big news, emotional farewells, spicy park debates, and a challenge that will test your park-hopping stamina (and possibly your sanity).

New Park Announced in Abu Dhabi

Let’s start with the headline heard ‘round the globe: Disney is building a new resort and theme park in Abu Dhabi! That’s right—Mickey and the gang are heading to the UAE, bringing a new kind of magic to the Middle East. We dive into what this means for Disney’s global strategy and speculate on what kinds of lands and attractions might make up this new park.

Mama Melrose’s Closed, Muppets are next

We pour one out for Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, which has officially closed its doors. It’s the end of an era for Hollywood Studios—and soon for PizzaRizzo and MuppetVision 3D, too. This quirky little corner will soon be transforming into Monster’s Inc. Land. But, hey the Muppets have a new skyliner wrap so that makes up for everything.

The Beak and Barrel – Yo Ho, Let’s Lounge!

We break down everything we know so far, from the parts of the story Disney has revealed to the new details on its theming. Will this lounge have a similar time limit and drink limit to Oga’s Cantina? We think Disney will try to maximize throughput but also keep people relatively sober at Magic Kingdom.

Are the Rafts a Ride?

It’s time to answer an age-old question: What counts as a ride at Disney? With AI as our trusty sidekick, we dig deep to define what is actually considered to be a “ride” at Disney parks.

  • Do the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts qualify as a ride, or are they just themed transportation?
  • Are the Friendship Boats inside Epcot a ride?
  • What about the Main Street Vehicles—they move, they’re charming, but are they rides?

We establish a scientific(-ish) framework using Disney’s own classifications, challenge rules and a little sprinkle of theme park philosophy. If you love a good nerdy debate, this segment is for you.

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Episode 493: Welcome back, Mouseketeers, to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week we’re ready to catch you up on all the latest news swirling around Walt Disney World.

The hype for Universal’s Epic Universe is very real, and guess what? Disney is feeling it. You can tell because Disney is starting to subtly—but noticeably—pivot. From marketing to refurb schedules to surprise guest offerings. The questions still remains, What will be the full impact of Epic Universe on Walt Disney World. We will find out in just a few short weeks.

Refurbishment Round-up: Big Thunder Mountain is shaking up its status quo with a new track replacement. Smoother rides are on the way but we are sure it will remain the wildest ride in the wilderness!

Over in Tomorrowland, Astro Orbiter has a new paintjob. This spinner is getting a complete replacement with hopefully a little more “space” in the ride vehicles this time.

Multiple resorts are in the middle of refreshes—From the Grand Floridian’s lobby to the rooms at Pop Century, there’s a lot of activity going on to spruce up the resorts.

We are also getting ready to say goodbye to the Muppets courtyard and all of its offerings starting this week with Mama Melrose’s restaurant which is set to close on May 10th.

We have an opening date for GEO-82, the new Spaceship earth adults only lounge. It is set to open on June 4th and already has a fireworks special event with a hefty price tag.

If you listened to Last weeks episode you probably have picked a side in the Monorail Vs. Skyliner debate. You can show your support for your favorite mode of Disney Transportation by getting a Team Monorail or Team Skyliner shirt from our store located here!

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Episode 492: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we’re bringing you the transportation battle you’ve all been waiting for: Monorail vs. Skyliner! We set out to settle this debate once and for all by putting both iconic Disney transportation systems head-to-head in a full, scientific-style breakdown. We took an unbiased approach (as much as humanly possible) by creating 14 different categories to evaluate and score the Monorail and Skyliner. From speed to scenery, comfort to nostalgia, we dug deep into every detail to truly find out which one is the better way to get around Walt Disney World.

While the numbers may have given us a “scientific” winner, the truth is, we all admitted we’ve already chosen our sides in our hearts. Whether you grew up dreaming of gliding into Epcot aboard the Monorail or you can’t get enough of soaring over Caribbean Beach Resort in a colorful Skyliner gondola, your favorite is probably already locked in. Where do you stand: Team Monorail or Team Skyliner? Let us know after you listen!

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Episode 491: After a two-week break, we are back! Life threw us a little scheduling curveball with spring breaks falling on different weeks, so we each took some time to recharge in our own way—with non-Disney vacations! Jon shares his relaxing trip to the Florida panhandle, complete with sunshine, sand, and some much-needed downtime. Meanwhile, I ventured up north to Montreal, Canada for a totally different kind of spring break adventure—think cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and poutine (lots of poutine). But don’t worry—we didn’t forget about Disney! After catching up on our trips, we dive into all the Disney news we missed over the past couple of weeks, from updates to the parks to entertainment announcements and more.

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Episode:490 This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into the Sweet 16 round of our March Madness bracket of the Best Extinct Walt Disney World Attractions! The bracket has been full of surprises and nostalgia so far, and we’re thrilled to see strong contenders from all four parks still in the running. From the golden age of EPCOT Center to classic Magic Kingdom favorites, the matchups are heating up and some tough decisions are being made. As we narrow it down from 16 to the ultimate extinct attraction champion, we debate the merits of rides that shaped our childhoods, attractions that pushed the boundaries of theme park innovation, and those that still live on in our hearts (and YouTube ride-throughs).

In addition to our bracket madness, we break down the latest Disney news: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is finally getting a much-needed refurbishment at Magic Kingdom. While the timing is a surprise, we agree it’s time for the blasters to actually hit what you’re aiming at!

Summer and Fall Discounts Are Here! Disney has officially rolled out their seasonal promos, including the return of the Free Dining Offer for select dates. If you’re planning a trip, now’s a great time to start crunching those numbers—or talk to your favorite Disney travel agent!

EPCOT Fire Alert! There was a small fire at the France Pavilion, and while the smoke were visible from across the park, thankfully it was quickly contained and didn’t cause any major disruptions.

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Episode 489: Hey Disney fans, it’s that magical time of year again—no, not the blooming of spring flowers—it’s time for our annual March Madness bracket here at Traveling with the Mouse! We’re on a thrilling quest to crown the ultimate extinct Walt Disney World attraction. We started with 64 beloved, nostalgic rides, shows, and experiences from across all four parks and beyond, and in this exciting episode, we’ve narrowed it down to the Sweet 16!

Which cherished classics have survived the tough battles so far? Did fan favorites like Horizons, The Great Movie Ride, or Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride cruise safely into the next round, or did we witness shocking upsets by sleeper hits like Kitchen Kabaret or a classic fireworks spectacular?

Join us as we debate, reminisce, and passionately defend our favorites while moving closer to deciding which Disney attraction we miss the most. Will your favorite make it through to the Elite Eight, or did it sadly say goodbye too soon?

Listen in as the magic and memories unfold, and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on social media—which attraction are YOU rooting for? Let’s see who will take home the prestigious title of “Best Extinct Attraction” from Walt Disney World!

May the best attraction win!

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Episode 488: If you had a time machine and could visit Walt Disney World at any point in its 54-year history, what year would you choose? That’s the big question we’re tackling in this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse!

After covering the latest Disney news—including a look at ticket prices for Epic Universe compared to Disney, New looks into the Monsters Inc attraction, and the new cars attraction coming to Magic Kingdom—we dive into a fun discussion: What would be the ideal year for each of us to visit Disney World if we could time travel?

Jason is going back to 2019, the height of the FastPass+ era and the perfect year for a ride challenge. Disney’s skip-the-line options were at their best, and Parkeology challenges were still possible without the hassle of boarding groups and Lightning Lane headaches. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge had just opened, and the Riviera Resort (his home DVC resort) was brand new. It was a golden age for ride efficiency and planning mastery.

Adam, who balances nostalgia with a love of modern attractions, would time travel to 2000—a sweet spot where the Disney of the ‘90s was still alive, but new innovations were coming in. The paper FastPass system was fully operational, allowing for strategic planning without overcomplicating the experience. Plus, Test Track was brand new, Splash Mountain was at its peak, and EPCOT still had its classic charm before the big changes of the 2000s took hold.

Jon, the biggest EPCOT Center purist among us, is traveling back to 1993. This was the golden age of original EPCOT, where Horizons, World of Motion, and the original Journey into Imagination were all still thriving. FastPass didn’t exist yet, so there was more spontaneity, and the Polynesian Resort was still affordable enough to stay at without breaking the bank. No need to plan every minute—just vibes, monorail rides, and classic Disney experiences.

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Episode 487: Welcome back to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week, we’re diving into some of the latest Disney news stories, checking in on the progress of Universal’s Epic Universe, and capping things off with some spicy hot takes about Walt Disney World. Let’s get into it!

Epic Universe: The Countdown to Opening

Universal’s Epic Universe is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious theme parks we’ve ever seen, and as we get closer to its grand opening in 2025, we discuss how things are looking. With lands themed to Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this park is set to bring some serious competition to Disney.

Hot Takes: Do We Agree?

To wrap up the episode, we dive into some of the most controversial opinions about Walt Disney World. Are the Skyliner gondolas really better than the Monorail? Is Hollywood Studios really a half day park? We give our takes on these and more. Some we agree with, some we strongly disagree with, and a few might just surprise you.