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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Episode 482: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, I’m taking you through my first-ever experience running in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon! From the moment I decided to sign up to crossing the finish line, it was an unforgettable journey filled with early mornings, thrilling moments, and, of course, a well-earned margarita at La Cava del Tequila.

The Road to RunDisney: Signing Up and Training

If you’ve ever looked into a RunDisney event, you know that signing up is an event in itself! Spots fill up fast, and you’ve got to be ready when registration opens. Once I secured my spot, then the real work began—training.

Race Weekend: The Energy, The Magic, and the Early Wake-Up Call

Race weekend is a full experience, and Disney does it BIG. From the expo, where I picked up my race bib and some exclusive merch, to the pre-race energy on race morning, everything was electric. Except for the rain! The 3:00 AM wake-up call was tough but the adrenaline and excitement take over. Being there with thousands of other runners and a touch of Disney magic, it was worth it.

The race itself? Absolutely incredible. Running through Epcot and Magic Kingdom as the sun began to rise was surreal. Seeing The electric water pageant boats our in the lagoon to welcome us into the Magic Kingdom was a fun surprise. (We love the Electric Water Pageant) Seeing my family as I ran down Main Street, U.S.A., was a highlight I will never forget, and the character stops along the way is what makes a Disney event truly unique. The crowd support, cast members cheering, and Disney’s impeccable organization made for an unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely! The Walt Disney World Half Marathon was a one-of-a-kind experience that blended my love for Disney with the personal challenge of a race. The community, the energy, and the magic of running through the parks made every step worth it. If you’re considering doing a RunDisney event, I say go for it—you won’t regret it.

So, what’s next? Maybe a full marathon? We’ll see!

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Episode 477: Welcome back to Traveling with the Mouse! In this week’s episode, Adam takes us on a journey through his recent trip to Walt Disney World during the most wonderful time of the year—the Christmas season! From twinkling lights to festive treats, he shares his magical experiences and offers tips for making the most out of your own holiday visit.

It’s no secret that Disney knows how to deck the halls, and this year was no exception. Adam breaks down the highlights, including the awe-inspiring holiday decor at each park. From the towering Christmas tree at Magic Kingdom to the glimmering lights on Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the parks were truly a winter wonderland.

Candlelight Processional: A Highlight of the Season

One of the trip’s standout moments was Adam’s visit to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional. Featuring Josh Gad as the celebrity narrator, this iconic Disney tradition brought warmth, laughter, and goosebumps as the story of Christmas was told through powerful music and narration. Adam opted for the dining package to secure guaranteed seating—and let’s just say it was worth it.

Testing the Multi-Pass System

Adam also took this trip as an opportunity to test the Multi-Pass system, Disney’s newest take on skipping the lines. He dives into the pros and cons of the system, comparing it to past offerings like Genie+, FastPass+, and even the old paper FastPass days. While the convenience of bundling several attractions into a single pass was a game-changer, he critiques some of the challenges, including availability and cost. Tune in to hear his thoughts on whether the Multi-Pass is worth it for your next trip.

From Christmas magic to thoughtful critiques of Disney’s evolving offerings, this episode has something for every Disney fan. Whether you’re planning your own holiday visit or just want to live vicariously through Adam’s adventures, Episode 477 is packed with festive fun and practical advice.

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Episode 470: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into the storm that shook things up at Walt Disney World—Hurricane Milton. We talk about how the parks responded, why Jon ultimately canceled his much-anticipated trip, and what this means for Disney fans going forward.

Beyond Milton, we take a journey through the history of every time Disney has had to close its doors over the past 53 years. From other hurricanes and 9/11 to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s fascinating to see how Disney has navigated these unprecedented challenges. These closures were rare, but are happening more frequently in recent years.

Finally, we wrap up the episode with some of the latest Disney news, including updates on park operations post-Milton.

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Episode 465: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into some of the hottest topics swirling around the Disney community right now. From a headline-grabbing lawsuit to perplexing hotel availability and a comparison of Halloween events at the parks, we’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s break it all down!

You might have seen the recent headlines about a wrongful death lawsuit involving Disney, and let’s be real—the news can make things sound wild! But as we dug deeper into the details, we found that while the situation is indeed serious, it’s important to separate fact from sensationalism. We take you through what’s really going on.

If you’ve tried booking a Disney hotel room for that one October weekend, you might’ve noticed something strange—limited availability across the board! We’re scratching our heads too. Is it a glitch in the system, or is something big happening that weekend?

With Halloween right around the corner, we couldn’t resist comparing two of Disney’s most popular seasonal events: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the After Hours events.

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Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into our hopes and predictions for the upcoming D23 Parks panel. From anticipated announcements to our ultimate wish list, we cover it all. Plus, we review Inside Out 2 and discuss the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass system. Let’s get started!

As the D23 Parks panel approaches, excitement is building for what Disney might unveil. We anticipate more details about the transformation of Dinoland into the tropical Americas. This new land will feature Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions. We also expect Updates on the Beyond Big Thunder expansion including potential new lands and attractions that will enhance the Magic Kingdom experience. We’re hoping for some unexpected surprises that will thrill Disney fans, such as new attractions or experiences across various parks.

We also take a look at Inside Out 2 and share our thoughts on the film. We share Ideas for how Inside Out 2 could be integrated into the Disney parks. There’s some existing structures that could easily house an attraction based on this franchise.

Finally, Disney’s new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass system is rolling out, and we’ve got some early thoughts as this new system is rolling out. As with any new change Disney makes there’s pros and cons. Being able to book in advance and hold 3 lightning lanes at a time is a good thing but same day availability is in short supply. The kinks will get worked out and we hope with time that this system will have more positives than negatives.

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Episode 454: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into some fresh Disney news and explore our visions for the future of Walt Disney World. Buckle up and get ready for a journey filled with imagination and magic! The cast member previews have started for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and we discuss our initial thoughts of the attraction. We then discuss what we would do with the capital investments that Disney has agreed to put into Walt Disney World over the next 10-20 years. We give our thoughts on improvements we would make if we were in charge. Also, Happy 90th Birthday to Donald Duck!

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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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Welcome back, to another magical episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This is episode 444, and today we’re diving into a beloved tradition with a twist – our annual March Madness Disney Bracket. But this year, we’re tuning our ears to the harmonies and melodies of the Disney universe as we pit iconic Disney songs against each other in the ultimate showdown to crown the best Disney song of all time!

Our bracket this year is divided into four enchanting categories: Classic Animation, Modern Animation, Live-Action (with a focus on original films), and Theme Park Attractions. We’ve carefully selected 16 matchups that promise to spark debates, tug at your heartstrings, and maybe even surprise you with some upsets. From the timeless charm of “When You Wish Upon a Star” to the powerful ballad “Let It Go,” every song in our bracket has left an indelible mark on Disney fans worldwide.

Until next time, keep dreaming, keep believing, and keep traveling with the mouse.

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We have been pretty busy the last couple of weeks with each of us having trips close together. Hopefully we will be back on schedule next week. Feel free to enjoy some episodes from the archives in the mean time. Thanks for listening.

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Episode 396: Welcome back to Traveling with the Mouse, your one-stop-shop for all things Disney! On today’s episode, we’ve got an exciting lineup of topics to discuss, including the highly anticipated annual passholder preview of Tron Lightcycle Run and Jason’s upcoming trip to Disneyland Paris.

Let’s start with the big news, shall we? The annual passholder preview of Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World has been generating a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason. The ride, which is set to open to the public in the coming weeks, promises to be an exhilarating experience unlike anything else in the park.

Now, let’s talk about Jason’s upcoming trip to Paris. Jason is visiting Paris this week and he is going to spend a day at Disneyland Paris. He purchased the premiere pass to skip the lines at the most popular attractions. Jason walks us through his plans for the day as he wants to get in as much as he can at both parks in one day. We can’t wait to hear all about it when he gets back.

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Episode 387: In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing Adam’s recent trip to Walt Disney World over the Christmas holidays. One of the highlights of his trip was riding the Walt Disney World Railroad. It is so good to have it back in service. He noticed that one particular station had the shortest lines while he was there. Another highlight of Adam’s trip was a visit to La Cave del Tequila. One of our favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World and the staff there is just amazing. He also got to sample Jock Lindsey’s “Holiday” Bar at Disney Springs and really enjoyed it. We also cover the Disney news and rumors that we missed over the past couple of weeks.

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Episode 383: It finally happened. Somebody wished upon a star and now Bob Iger is back as Disney’s CEO. We had already recorded an episode for this week but we recorded a new segment just to cover this major story. At first is was hard to believe it was actually true. We try to be realistic about this news and not get too excited even though we agree that this is good news for Disney fans. Also, in other news we did previously record a discussion on Festival of the holidays starting soon. Fantasmic is getting 2 shows per night through early 2023. Mando has interrupted the timeline at Batuu in Disneyland but we don’t care. Disney is acquiring a new partially built cruise ship to add to its fleet. Walt’s dreamers statue has arrived in Florida. We also do a mini review of Andor; the Star Wars series on Disney Plus.

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Episode 382: This week’s episode got cut short by some technical issues. We did manage to discuss some news and two of us have trips coming up soon. Jason is in Walt Disney world this weekend to see Fantasmic and I will be there soon as well. We discuss some of the latest holiday happenings around Walt Disney World. Bob is at it again and we discuss the Q4 earnings call. We got some new details on the Disneyland treehouse redesign. It is going to be kind of back to the original Swiss Family Robinson but not quite. We have a date for when Guardians will add the holiday track to cosmic rewind. A rare hurricane in November impacted the Disney World resort this week. We also experienced some technical difficulties that cut this episode short.

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Episode 379: Jon and I talk Disney news and rumors today. There’s a lawsuit over the park reservation system. We have more thoughts on the price increases and the impacts we think it will have. People went crazy over cups at club cool. Bob Weis is retiring from the company after a 40+ year career. Rumor has it that the Play pavilion is officially cancelled. We have the menu and pricing for Monsieur Paul and we got a little sticker shock. There is also an official date for the return of Fantastic at Hollywood studios. We discuss this and the dinning package that gives you reserved seating.