Today we are starting a new format on Traveling with the Mouse…Every Wednesday will now be an episode where we discuss the latest Disney news and rumors. In today’s episode we discuss the new privacy policy at Disney hotels, The Monorail system, Disney testing out a cashless system at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Star Wars the Last Jedi reaches $600 million dollars at the domestic box office. There’s a few other news stories sprinkled in as well. We hope you like the new format!
Episode 55 – Our Favorite Disney Films
Today we take a look through the list of Disney films going all the way back to the beginning in 1937. We talk about the movies that we grew up watching as kids and list some movies most people may not remember. We highlight some films from each decade that we like and think deserve some more attention. We then look to the future and discuss the movies that we are most looking forward to being released in the coming years.
Episode 54 – Character Meets
One of the best parts of going to Disney with Kids is for the Character meets. Jon and I discuss the different types of character meets that you can experience. We talk about our favorite character experiences over the years and where to find them. We also talk about the rumor that once of the most unique character meets may be going away.
Episode 53 – Best places to take a break
What are the best places in Walt Disney World to take a break? When it gets hot and you have been walking all day you need a place to stop and cool off for a few minutes. That’s why in this episode Jon and I discuss some of our favorite places to stop and take a break. We break it down by park and in each park we give some suggestions for locations where you can take a break as well as attractions that are good for getting some cool air and a place to sit. What are your favorite places to take a break?
Episode 52 – Is Disney fun for Adults?
We all know that Disney is a lot of fun for kids but can it be just as much fun for the parents? In today’s episode, Jon and I have an interesting discussion about this topic. We recall what it was like for us going to Disney as kids and how it has evolved now that we are parents. We give our top 3 things that we think Parents and Adults can do to have fun at Disney. Join in on the discussion and tell us what you do to have fun at Disney as an adult.
January News Roundup
Monorail red left one of it’s doors open in route to EPCOT. Disney is closing all of their Children’s Activity Centers. Club-level guests will now have the option to buy additional fast passes. Stitch’s great escape just wont go away….Those stories and more on this episode of Traveling with the mouse.
Episode 51 – Refurbishments
The start of the year usually means it is refurb time for some rides and attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. We cover what attractions will be undergoing refurbishments and for how long. We also talk about some of the ongoing construction projects that might impact your vacation this year.
Episode 50 – Avoiding the crowds
The crowds at Walt Disney World can be a lot to deal with. In this episode, Jon and I give our tips for avoiding the crowds. We discuss having a plan in place, using the park hours to your advantage, how to navigate the parks when it is busy, and the best times of year to visit.
Episode 49 – Aulani, Part 2
It’s the long awaited part two of my Aulani trip. If you missed it, go back and listen to Episode 42 to hear Part 1. In this episode however, I go into more detail on my thoughts about the resort and all that it has to offer. I talk about the dinning options and what I thought of the food at Aulani. I talk about the pools and resort activities that are so much fun. I also reveal my favorite resort activity that is a must do. At the end of the episode I talk a little about what kind of things I did outside of Aulani on the island of Oahu.
Link to the video referenced in the episode of Mo‘olelo Fire Pit Storytelling Continue reading
Episode 48 – 2018 Rumors
Today we are talking about updates and changes that are rumored for 2018. In our last episode we discussed the things that are confirmed for this year so we are covering the things that haven’t yet been confirmed. There are rumors about Country Bear Jamboree getting a change, New pavilions coming to EPCOT, new attractions coming to World Showcase and many other small rumored changes. Join us as we dig into them all.
Episode 47 – What’s New for 2018?
Happy New Year! Today we start off the new year by previewing all of the new Disney related things coming in 2018. We preview what things we know are coming to the Disney Parks this year. specifically, Toy Story Land in Walt Disney World and Pixar Pier in Disney’s California Adventure Park. We also preview the new Disney movies that will hit theaters this year. What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
Episode 46 – Fast Pass Plus
We finish out the year having a discussion about the Fast Pass Plus system at Walt Disney World. We give our overall thoughts about it and go through each park and talk about which selections we would make when the most sought after Fast Passes are not available.
New Round up – December 2017
In today’s episode, Jon and I discuss the many news Stories that have been coming one after another this month. We talk about the 20th Century Fox acquisition and we talk Star Wars news. We also discuss other stories including, The re-opening of Hall of Presidents, a new cirque du soleil show coming to Disney Springs, and Disney Springs Hotels are getting some extra perks. Happy Holidays to all!
Episode 45 – Jon’s Trip Report – Part 3
Today’s episode is part 3 of Jon’s trip report from his Disney Cruise/Walt Disney World vacation. Jon walks us through his final day at sea and goes over the various activities that are available on a Day at Sea on a Disney Cruise. Next he talks about his experience at The Beach Club Villas as well as some dinning reviews at EPCOT. On the Last day of his trip Jon talks about riding Flight of Passage and gives his review of the attraction. He concludes his trip report with an experience he had with the customer service at the Beach Club that included an ambulance ride over to Celebration hospital. Tune in for the details.
Episode 44 – Jon’s Trip Report – Part 2
Continuing where we left off in Episode 43, Jon takes us through the next two days of his trip. This episode includes information on the dining options on a Disney Cruise as well as the day at Castaway Cay. Jon walks us through the Pirate Day activities on the cruise which includes the Pirates themed dining menu and ending the night with Pirates themed fireworks at sea. Look for Part 3 coming up next.
Episode 43 – Jon’s Trip Report – Part 1
Jon is back from his Walt Disney World/Disney Cruise vacation. Today we talk through the first few days of his trip which started with a day at the Magic Kingdom including the Christmas Party. The second day Jon walks through the first day of the cruise. Look for Part 2 coming up in the next episode.
Episode 42 – Aulani, Part 1
Today’s episode I am flying solo as Jon is still on his vacation. I talk about my trip to Disney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii. There is so much to cover that I barely scratched the surface so look for a part 2 episode coming soon. In this part 1 Episode I cover the process that I went through in getting to Hawaii from Atlanta, GA with a 2 year old. I also give my overall impression of the resort.
Episode 41 – Other potential locations for Walt Disney World
Today we discuss some of the other potential locations that the Walt Disney World property could have been located. We even discuss some of the early projects that could have influenced the purchase of land for “project future” had they materialized. They locations are spread across the country and any one of them could have changed the course of events the lead to the Walt Disney company purchasing land in central Florida. The book that we referenced for the episode is titled: Project Future. You can get it Here
Episode 40 – Resort Ideas with entrances to the parks
With the rumors out there about a new hotel that would have an entrance to EPCOT it got us thinking about other ideas for resorts that have an entrance to one of the parks. We have a discussion about what theme these resorts might have and where they could be located with a special entrance to one of the parks. We go through each park and figure out just about every possible location that a new hotel could go. What kinds of hotels would you build with an entrance to the parks and where would you put it?
Episode 39 – The Sounds and Smells of Walt Disney World
This may seem like a strange topic but hear us out. We started thinking about distinct sounds and smells that remind us of Walt Disney World and a lot of things came to mind. Some of them are things that we have associated with Disney from our childhood and others are more recent. Disney has done such a good job of creating an atmosphere for the resort hotels, the parks and attractions that we can immediately think of Disney when we encounter a sound or smell that is similar to them in our everyday lives. Let us know what smells and sounds you associate with Walt Disney World.
