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In our recent episode, while diving deep into Jason’s Disneyland trip report, a theme park more than 2,000 miles away still managed to tug at his heartstrings – the one and only Epcot at Walt Disney World.

“The thing I missed most while out there in California? Epcot. There’s just nothing quite like it…”

A snippet from Episode 416 where we discuss Epcot

Indeed, there isn’t. Epcot has remained unparalleled since its grand opening in 1982. It’s a testament to the park’s uniqueness that even after visiting Disneyland, with its myriad of attractions and timeless charm, Epcot still held its own. It’s almost like Epcot is our little piece of Walt out here on the east coast. While Walt never saw Epcot come to fruition, he was obsessed with the idea of it in his final days.

What Epcot could have been…an experimental prototype community of tomorrow

Even through we didn’t get a living, breathing community of the future – it emerged as something perhaps even more special: a celebration of humanity’s achievements, a glimpse into our potential future, and a global cultural fiesta all rolled into one. Epcot seamlessly marries two contrasting worlds: the forward-looking, technology-driven Future World and the rich, diverse World Showcase. This blend allows guests to hop from experiencing the thrill of tomorrow in attractions like Test Track or Spaceship Earth to indulging in the culinary and cultural delights of 11 different countries, all in the span of a day.

For all three of us at “Traveling with the Mouse”, Epcot holds a special place. It has long been our favorite of the Disney World theme parks but sometimes it is hard to know exactly why. We touch on it in the clip above from our most recent episode. There is just something about Epcot that you can’t get anywhere else on earth. They tried to make a Westcot but those plans ultimately fell through. Disney hasn’t been able to replicate the uniqueness and originality that is Epcot. It really is the most unique Disney park in the world.

So, next time you find yourself wandering the pathways of Epcot…remember to: Thank the Phoenicians, Design your own car, Save the Galaxy, Visit Mars (or circle the earth), Soar around the World, Drink Around the World, go to La Cava and then ride Gran Fiesta Tour, enjoy some food and wine, soak in the atmosphere, learn to live with the land, visit our favorite purple dinosaur, get stuck for 25 minutes on the Seas, ride the Skyliner back and forth between Epcot and Hollywood Studios and so much more. No matter where your Disney travels take you, you might just find yourself missing this one-of-a-kind gem.

What are some of your thoughts, memories, and Epcot stories? Let us know!

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Episode 416: Pack your bags, don your Mickey ears, and prepare to journey across the country with us in this exciting episode of “Traveling with the Mouse”. Our co-host, Jason, recently embarked on a captivating trip to Disneyland, California with his son Andrew. Jason takes us along, regaling us with tales of his adventures in Walt’s original theme park. One of the highlights of his trip, and certainly a segment you won’t want to miss, is Jason’s experience on the Main Street tour. It wasn’t just any tour; this unique journey culminated in a visit to Walt Disney’s very own apartment above the fire station on Main Street. To stand in the space where Walt once stood. The highlight of the Trip for his son was Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure park. They spend a lot of time there and got a lot of merch there too! But, as all Disney aficionados can attest, every Disney park visit brings its own set of comparisons, especially for those of us who have Walt Disney World engraved in our hearts. The discussion inevitably veers towards comparing similar attractions between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. We also hit on something that does make Disney World truly special, Epcot. That is what Jason seemed to miss the most while visiting Disneyland and one thing that proves just how unique and groundbreaking Epcot truly is.

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Episode 415: Greetings, Mouseketeers! Ready for another enchanting episode of “Traveling with the Mouse”? This week, we’re diving deep into exciting news, whirlwind rumors, and some delightful, imaginative brainstorming that’ll have every Disney enthusiast’s heart racing.

We kick things off by dissecting the latest earnings call from Disney. What’s up, what’s down, and what does it all mean for park-goers and Disney aficionados alike? We dissect the numbers, explore their implications, and discuss the potential future of our beloved theme parks.

But then, we venture into the realm of rumors that have taken the media by storm: Could Apple be considering a merger or even an acquisition of Disney? It’s a thought that might seem out of a fairy tale, but with the ever-evolving world of business mergers, we ponder on the feasibility, implications, and potential outcomes of such a colossal move.

After a dive into the news and speculations, we shift gears to our main segment, where dreams truly come alive. With the hypothetical scenario of an unlimited budget for Walt Disney World, what would we change? What new innovations would we bring to each of the four theme parks?

Join us on this magical journey, and let’s dream big, Mouseketeers!

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Welcome back, Mouseketeers! This week’s episode of “Traveling with the Mouse” promises to be an insightful Disney experience as we welcome our special guest, Raul.

Raul recently embarked on a magical journey to Walt Disney World with his Mom and Nephew, and what makes this trip truly unique is how we, the “Traveling with the Mouse” team, contributed to his adventure!

As Raul shares his enchanting experiences, laughter, and unforgettable moments from his trip, he delves into how our guidance, tips, and Disney insights shaped his adventure. His reflections on how different the experience would have been if he was on his own are both enlightening and heartwarming. Whether it’s navigating the theme parks, choosing the right attractions, or simply soaking in the Disney magic, Raul’s perspective adds a fresh and personal touch to the Disney vacation story.

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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: 412: Greetings, Mouseketeers! Welcome back to another episode of “Traveling with the Mouse” – your go-to podcast for all things Disney! This week, hosts Jon and Adam have brewed up an extra magical serving of Disney chatter that’s sure to whisk you away to the Happiest Place on Earth. Kicking off this week’s episode, we jump right into the latest news and updates from Walt Disney World. We revisit some of Bob Iger’s recent comments that got him into hot water. But that’s not all! In the spirit of embracing different perspectives, we’ve taken a deep dive into the world of hot takes from TPM Vids, a popular YouTube channel known for its informative and entertaining Disney content. As we journey through their list of bold Disney assertions, we put our own Disney knowledge to the test, providing our thoughts and responses to each hot take.

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Episode 411: Welcome back, Mouseketeers, to another exciting episode of “Traveling with the Mouse”! As always, we’re here to sprinkle a little pixie dust on your week and keep you up-to-date with everything happening at the Happiest Place on Earth. In this week’s episode, we dive into the latest news and rumors swirling around the magical kingdom of Walt Disney World. From Bob Iger’s contract extension to his comments on the Parks and the strike. Bob has been in the news a lot lately. But we’re not just stopping at the latest news! In our ongoing mission to help you make the most out of your Disney World adventure, we’re also sharing our current top picks for the best experiences across the Walt Disney World. From dining to unwinding, and even spending those hard-earned Disney dollars, our picks are sure to enhance your Walt Disney World experience. Remember, every Disney journey is unique and filled with its own magic. We hope our tips and insights will help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Episode 410: Welcome, fellow Disney enthusiasts, to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In this edition, we join Jason and Adam on their recent trip Walt Disney World. Join us as we delve into their experiences staying in a treehouse villa, reconnecting with friends who hadn’t visited in years, and Adam’s extra day at Wilderness Lodge. Nestled amidst the lush vegetation of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Jason and Adam enjoyed the tranquility of a Treehouse Villa. These unique accommodations, perched high above the ground, provided a sense of seclusion and a touch of wilderness while still being part of the enchanting resort atmosphere. Surrounded by nature, they were able to unwind and recharge after days filled with Disney adventures. We were joined by some friends who hadn’t been in several years so we hit all of the new highlights like Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy, Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge. We also had some great experiences at Enzo’s Hideaway, La Cava Del Tequila, and Baseline taphouse to name a few. We also had to visit this classic attractions like Carousel of Progress, Tom Sawyer Island, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates. Adam also stayed an extra night at Wilderness Lodge and went to Geyser Point.

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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 408: Welcome back, fellow Disney enthusiasts, to another exciting episode of the Traveling with the Mouse podcast! This episode Jon and I catch up on the latest news and rumors and we can’t help but chat about our latest Disney World trips. We will go more in depth in next week’s episode but we had to cover some of the details of our recent vacations. In the news, we have a new pricing structure for Disney Genie Plus that goes into effect June 27th. The Reflections resort may not be dead in the water after all. The Dinosaur attraction at Animal Kingdom has seen better days. It’s almost like they are ready to pull the plug on it. And in some ways they already have. Indiana Jones meet and greet is coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World is gearing up for 4th of July. In our next episode, we’ll be diving deep into our respective experiences with our trip reports so stay tuned.

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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 405: Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Traveling with the Mouse podcast. Today, we have an exhilarating lineup as we delve into our summer trip previews. Our first adventure takes us to the enchanting wilderness of Fort Wilderness, where our co-host, Jason, previews his memorial day weekend trip. We will hear more about that next week. Next, Jon is eagerly counting down the days until his visit to Orlando. With Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort on his itinerary, he will be staying at an Air bnb in the Windsor Hills area. I will also be returning in a few weeks with Jason back to Disney but this time we will be staying in a treehouse villa. Of course, we can’t forget the latest news from the ever-evolving world of Disney. In this episode, we’ll be discussing some exciting updates, including the upcoming VIPassholder days in June. This exclusive event is a fantastic opportunity for Annual Passholders to enjoy extra perks, unique experiences, and unforgettable moments within the parks. Star Cruiser is now sold out and the Pixar Place hotel concept art is interesting. So, fellow travel enthusiasts, join us on this episode of Traveling with the Mouse podcast as we embark on incredible journeys, discuss the latest news, and fuel our wanderlust. Whether you’re camping at Fort Wilderness, exploring the magical parks of Orlando, or eagerly awaiting your next adventure, this episode is sure to ignite your passion for travel and all things Disney.

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Welcome back, fellow travelers, to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse podcast! Today, we have an episode packed with intriguing news from the magical world of Disney. In this edition, we explore the recent series of unexpected announcements that have sent shockwaves through the Disney community. Join us as we delve into the closure of the Star Cruiser, the cancellation of the Lake Nona project, and the mixed reviews for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Disney has decided to permanently close the Star Cruiser experience. While the closure itself may not be entirely surprising, what has caught everyone off guard is the decision to pull the plug by the end of September. The Star Cruiser, an ambitious and immersive Star Wars-themed hotel experience, was initially met with great enthusiasm and anticipation. Unfortunately, various factors have led to its demise, leaving fans disappointed. As we bid farewell to this unique venture, we reflect on the impact it has had on the Disney landscape and give our thoughts on what Disney should do with it in the future.

One of the notable decisions made during the Chapek era was the Lake Nona project which was going to move Imagineering to Florida. This week Bob Iger announced this project is now officially cancelled. The timing match up politically with what is going on in Florida but this project was most likely doomed the moment Chapek was fired.

With much anticipation, the last installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” has arrived. The Film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. The early reviews, however, present a mixed bag of opinions. Harrison Ford did receive a standing ovation at the premiere and it is also John Williams final film score. Do we think that these early critics are wrong and the film will deliver to the fans? We all know that critics are often not in line with audiences…we’re looking at you Last Jedi….

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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 the latest episode of Traveling with the Mouse, where we discuss the best ways to save money on a Disney vacation! While there may not be many discounts on ticket prices, one area where you can save money is where you stay. Disney has a variety of resort types, each with their own unique experiences, but there are also options outside of Disney that can save you money. First, let’s discuss Disney’s resort options. From budget-friendly options like the Value Resorts to the luxurious Deluxe Resorts, there is something for everyone at Disney. We’ve personally stayed at many of these resorts and have found that they all have their own charm and benefits. When it comes to saving money, it’s important to consider the trade-off between cost and convenience. While staying off-site may save you money, it can also mean losing valuable time. You’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation and the time it takes to get to and from the parks. On the other hand, staying on Disney property can be more convenient, we still recommend driving your own car as bus transportation can be very slow. In the end, the best way to save money on a Disney vacation will depend on your individual preferences and budget. Whether you choose to stay on or off Disney property, there are options available that can help you save money without sacrificing the magic of a Disney vacation.

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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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Welcome to the 400th episode of Traveling with the Mouse podcast! Today, we have a double trip report for you. Jason and Adam share highlights from their recent trip to Walt Disney World. One of the main focuses of this trip was dining at signature restaurants, and they did not disappoint. Among the standout meals were Takumi-Tei, Le Cellier, California Grill, and Narcoossee’s. They also enjoyed drinks at the beloved La Cava del Tequila and tried out a new experience at Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Jason got to experience the Deluxe after hours where he got to ride Tron by himself. We also toured some friends around the parks this week. Thank you for tuning in to this special episode of Traveling with the Mouse podcast. Be sure to follow us on social media and stay tuned for more episodes filled with Disney travel tips and reviews.

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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 398: This week we have a special guest and our first repeat guest to the show, Nathan Firesheets. You have probably heard by now that he just completed the Disney global ride challenge where he completed every operating ride at all 12 Disney parks across the globe in 12 days. The challenge itself is no small undertaking. Disney currently operates 12 parks across the globe, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. Nathan had to not only ride every operating ride at each park, but also navigate the logistics of travel between them. During the interview, Nathan shared some of the highlights of his journey. He talks about why he decided early on which route he was going to take and why this only recently became possible again. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the Disney Global Ride Challenge is the sheer variety of experiences that Nathan had. Each park has its own unique flavor, and we asked Nathan what his favorite ride is at each Disney park in the world. If you’re interested in hearing about Nathan’s Disney Global Ride Challenge from the challenge running perspective be sure to listen to our supersize episode of Traveling with the Mouse. We dive deep into the details of his journey, and who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to take on a challenge of your own, whether it’s riding every ride at a single park or exploring all 12 Disney parks across the globe.