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.
Episode 503: Adam returns from his latest trip to Walt Disney World with fresh, first-hand impressions of two brand-new additions: the long-awaited Disney Starlight nighttime parade and the newly reimagined Test Track. Did they live up to the hype? Did Adam cry during the parade?
Disney Starlight is the newest nighttime parade to debut at Magic Kingdom. This dazzling spectacle combines elements of classic nighttime parades with modern tech and fresh character appearances. Does this parade get two thumbs up?
Test Track, which has gone full retro-futuristic in the newest version. Disney and Chevrolet have leaned hard into the legacy of World of Motion, and the results are a nostalgic dream for EPCOT Center fans!
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.
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.
Episode 496: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into Adam’s Memorial Day weekend trip to Walt Disney World. He arrived on opening day for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe so naturally we were curious: Would Disney feel the ripple effects of the Epic excitement across town?
Adam takes us through his experiences over the long holiday weekend including opening day of the all-new Disney Villains show, and he gives us a full review.
We also discuss some of the recent Disney news. We will get to Piston Peak next week national park next week. But we do discuss the new details around Disney Starlight nighttime Parade and the many small improvement project that are going on all around Walt Disney World.
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.
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!
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.
Episode 485: The latest episode of Traveling with the Mouse is here, and we’re diving into some of the biggest news stories from Walt Disney World. But beyond the headlines, we’re tackling a question that’s been on the minds of many Disney fans—if Disney truly wants to add value to the ever-increasing cost of a Disney vacation, what should they bring back?
Bring Back Magical ExpressLet’s start with the big one: Disney’s Magical Express. For years, this free transportation service took guests straight from Orlando International Airport to their Disney resort, making travel seamless and stress-free. It was a true perk of staying on-property, saving guests the hassle and cost of rental cars or rideshare services. When Disney ended this service in 2022, it left many feeling like they were paying more for less. Wouldn’t it be great if they brought it back?
Remember the days when you could shop to your heart’s content in the parks without having to lug your purchases around all day? Disney used to allow guests to send their purchases either to the front of the park for pickup at the end of the day or straight to their Disney resort for convenience. This was especially helpful for big souvenirs, like artwork or fragile collectibles. This simple service made park days more enjoyable, and we think it’s time for Disney to bring it back!
Episode 484: Last year Disney has launched its newest iteration of the skip-the-line service, and we’re diving deep into Disney MultiPass, breaking down how it works, our experiences using it across all four Walt Disney World parks, and the best strategies to maximize your time.
We begin the episode catching up on some recent news stories like the closing date for Tough to be a bug and The fix for a long time issue with Rise of the Resistance out at Disneyland. The old Star Cruiser building is being turned into office space and we’ve noticed that a lot of little cleanup projects have begun around the parks as a result of increased capital expenditures this year.
We spend the bulk of our time talking about maximizing the Multi-pass system. Jason joins us as we discuss the key differences to this system and how to effectively use this version of Disney’s skip the line offering. We go through each park and give our suggestions and strategies on how to best navigate each of the 4 Disney World parks.
Episode 481: Welcome to the latest episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week Adam and Jon share exciting details about their upcoming Disney trips. This episode is packed with Trip previews, goodbyes to beloved attractions, and everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in early 2025. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect.
Adam’s Half Marathon Prep
Adam is gearing up for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, part of the runDisney event series that draws athletes and Disney fans from all over the world. He’s sharing his thoughts pre-race and since it’s his first time, He talks about what it’s like from the newbie’s perspective. Tune in next week for the full breakdown if the race experience and lesson’s learned from taking on a run Disney race!
Jon’s upcoming Trip Plans
Jon’s upcoming trip coincides with EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, one of the most vibrant events on Disney’s calendar. He will be staying at Wilderness Lodge and talks us through his plans to experience some new things and say goodbye to some old ones.
Ride Closures and Early 2025 Tips
Disney is starting 2025 with several ride closures as part of their ongoing park updates. In this episode, we discuss what this means if you plan to visit in early 2025. We discuss the attractions that will be unavailable during early 2025 and how to navigate these closures and when to expect attractions to re-open. There’s also some good discounts that Disney is rolling out for early 2025 that guests should take advantage of even if some rides are down for refurbishment.
Episode 480: Today, we’re taking a journey through the highs and lows of 2024 and casting our gaze forward to what 2025 has in store. It’s been quite a year for Disney fans, with exciting openings, bittersweet closures, and some major announcements that left us eager for the future. Let’s dive in!
2024: A Year to Remember
This past year brought us the closing and re-opening of the Country Bear Jamboree (now the country bear musical jamboree). Perhaps the most anticipated was the debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. When the attraction has everything working properly it truly is amazing. The introduction of the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass brought a new dimension to planning park visits. We’ll call it a hybrid of the different skip the line iterations that Disney has had recently. And, Of course, the D23 announcements signal a major investment to the parks in the coming years. The plans for “Beyond Big Thunder” the transformation of Dinoland into the Tropical Americas, Monster’s Inc land and Villains land all are ambitious, to say the least. While these projects are years away, 2024 set the stage for a new era in the parks.
2025: A Year of Transition
At first glance, 2025 might seem quieter compared to the big moments of 2024. But don’t let that fool you—this year is all about laying the groundwork for what could become an impressive new chapter in Disney history. If the promised investments in the parks come to fruition, 2025 could be the start of something truly transformative.
Continued Construction and Previews: The projects announced at D23 will likely see major progress in 2025. While we may not get to enjoy them just yet, seeing these projects take shape is important.
New Experiences: There are a few new things coming this year that have us excited. Test Track 3.0 is the obvious front runner this year. The new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom also has me hopefully optimistic. As a Disney adult I am looking foward to the 2 new lounges opening this year. Also, the Disney Villains show at Hollywood studios is a good sign that Disney is investing significant capital into the parks again.
Episode 478: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re diving into Disney’s big year at the box office, looking ahead to what 2025 holds for the company, and covering some major updates that Disney fans won’t want to miss. From the surprising success stories of 2024 to the latest theme park changes, there’s a lot to talk about. Let’s break it all down!
Disney’s Box Office Domination in 2024
2024 was a banner year for Disney at the box office. Moana 2 continues to perform strong and with Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine making billions, all eyes are now on Mufasa: The Lion King, set to release this week. In the episode, we discuss whether Mufasa can live up to the hype and continue Disney’s winning streak into 2025.
Another Unexpected Ride Closure for Refurbishment
This week we were surprised to learn that Gran Fiesta Tour is closing for refurbishment in early 2025. It will be closed from January 6th through March 15th. We speculate on whether this is just a standard routine maintenance or is this enough time to convert the ride to a Coco themed attraction?
Updates to the Run Disney Marathon Course
Calling all Run Disney fans! The 2025 Marathon course map has been released, and there are some changes to look out for. This year’s course offers a few changes to the Magic Kingdom section of the route, including a run through Cinderella Castle!
Previewing the 2025 Epcot Festivals
Epcot’s festivals are always a highlight of the Disney calendar, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. From the International Festival of the Arts to the 30th year for the Flower and Garden Festival. We did notice that Disney seems to be returning to a more traditional schedule for these festivals. It looks like 2025 will have more weeks of “diet Epcot” than any other year since the pre-covid era.
Exploring the Disney Treasure
Last but not least, we take a closer look at the Disney Treasure, the latest addition to Disney’s cruise ship fleet. This ship brings a whole new level of storytelling to the high seas with its unique design, themed dining experiences, and entertainment options. We discuss what sets the Treasure apart from Disney’s other cruise ships and why it should be on your travel bucket list.
Episode 472: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into a hot topic that’s got everyone buzzing—Disney’s latest price hikes! From ticket prices to Annual Passes and even snacks, Disney recently rolled out some significant increases across the board. And with the grand opening of the newest, most opulently themed Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk, it’s clear that Disney is doubling down on luxury experiences. But with prices that are enough to make your wallet sweat, we have to ask: Is it really worth it?
While Disney’s prices continue to soar, there are still a few gems in the parks that we think offer great value for your money. We break down some of our favorite go-to spots for quality food, drinks, and experiences that won’t require a second mortgage. First up? The Baseline Taphouse. Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s the perfect spot for grabbing a beer or cocktail without the Disney premium that other places carry. Not only is the atmosphere super chill, but the selection and prices make it a win for any park-goer looking to unwind. Then there’s the trusty quick-service options. While not as flashy as the table-service experiences, Disney’s quick-service restaurants offer some solid options that are worth every penny. Despite the price increases, there are certain experiences and treats we think are worth loosening the purse strings for.
Welcome back to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! On this week’s show, we’re diving into the latest Disney news, and then we’re shaking things up with a fun, yet thought-provoking, hypothetical game. We’re asking ourselves: of the attractions on the chopping block, which one would we save?
We discuss some things in the news like the points chart for the new Tower rooms at the Polynesian set to open in December. We have an update on both of the new housing projects that Disney is undertaking on both coasts. Dok-Ondar is back at his shop in Galaxy’s edge and we are still trying to figure out what exactly is happening over at Woody’s Lunchbox.
To wrap up the episode, we take a walk down memory lane and highlight some major milestones that happened this week in Disney history. Whether it’s a ride debut, a key film release, or a landmark event, we look back on the moments that shaped the parks and the company we all love. From classic ride openings to the launch of iconic films, this segment is filled with Disney nostalgia and celebrates the moments that made us fans for life.
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In today’s show, we dive into the latest Disney news and give our thoughts on the changes and updates happening around Walt Disney World. We’ve got a lot to cover in episode 467, so let’s jump right in!
How’s Tron Holding Up Without the Virtual Queue?
It’s been a full week since Tron Lightcycle Run dropped its virtual queue, and we’ve been watching closely to see how things play out. If you remember, the virtual queue was both a blessing and a headache—helping to manage lines but also adding an extra layer of stress for guests hoping to ride. Now that it’s gone, standby lines are the new reality, and in this episode, we break down how wait times have fared, the pros and cons of this change, and what it might mean for how guests will rope drop at Magic Kingdom.
Next up, we’ve got updates on the ongoing refurbishment of Jungle Cruise. Then, we dive into the progress on the Pirates Tavern construction in Magic Kingdom. Set to bring some new life to Adventureland, this upcoming tavern has generated a lot of excitement.
Test Track 3.0 – What’s Next?
You know we love a good ride revamp, and Test Track is on deck for a makeover with the upcoming 3.0 version. In this episode, we talk about what we’ve learned so far about the changes coming to this fan-favorite ride. Will it live up to the hype? What can we expect from the new design and technology? We break down everything we know, plus some of our wild speculations. Stay tuned for all the latest details!
Walt Disney World Restaurant Rankings: Agree or Disagree?
Lastly, we couldn’t resist talking about food. If you’ve been to Disney World, you know that dining is a huge part of the experience. Recently, some trusted travel sites have ranked the top places to eat at Disney World, and let’s just say… we’ve got opinions! In this episode, we review the rankings and weigh in with our own thoughts on which restaurants deserve the top spots and which ones might be overrated. From signature dining experiences to quick-service favorites, we’ve got the inside scoop on what’s worth your time (and money) during your next Disney trip.
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.
Episode 464: Welcome back, Disney fans, to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! Today we dive deep into the ripple effects of the recent D23 announcements and how they’re shaping the future of Walt Disney World. Now that a couple of weeks have passed since the dust settled, we’ve had time to digest the news and reflect on what these changes mean for the parks, the resorts, and our beloved Disney experience.
Shifting gears, we take a look at the highly anticipated Polynesian DVC Tower, which is set to open later this year. There’s no doubt this new addition will be a hit, especially with the DVC crowd. But, as we reflect on the history of changes at the Polynesian, it’s clear that not all updates have been warmly received. The Polynesian is a resort that’s very dear to many Disney fans, and with each renovation, there’s always a question of whether it will enhance or detract from its iconic status.
While we’re on the topic of resorts, we also take a moment to reflect on the value of staying at Disney resorts in general. There’s no denying that location is the biggest draw for many of Disney’s on-property hotels. Being able to hop on a monorail, walk to a park, or be a short bus ride away from the magic is a convenience that’s hard to beat. But with the prices of these resorts climbing higher and higher, we have to ask: is location the only thing keeping these resorts relevant?
Lastly, we wrap up the episode with a discussion on Virtual Queues. Disney has kept Virtual Queues around for the most popular attractions, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run, and now, the big question is: when will they retire the Virtual Queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
Episode 463: Hey Disney fans, welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In episode 463, we dive deep into some of the hottest topics in the Disney universe right now. From speculating about the location of Monsters Inc. Land to discussing the latest updates to Peter Pan’s Flight, we’ve got a lot to cover!
The Future of Monsters Inc. Land: Where Should It Go? One of the most intense debates swirling around Disney right now is the location for the new Monsters Inc. Land that was announced at D23. We couldn’t resist speculating about where this new land might end up. We each reveal where we hope to see this monster-filled world come to life. But it’s not just about the location. We also debate which attractions we’d be willing to sacrifice to make way for Monsters Inc. Land and we’d love to hear your thoughts on which attractions should stay or go!
Peter Pan’s Flight Updates Next, we shift gears to discuss the recent updates to Peter Pan’s Flight. This classic ride has seen some changes, and naturally, we have opinions! Did Disney hit the mark with these changes, or did they miss the pixie dust? Tune in to hear our verdict.
Theme Park Attendance: Who’s Up and Who’s Down?
We also dive into the latest report on theme park attendance worldwide. It’s been a wild 2023 for Disney parks, with some locations seeing a spike in visitors while others experienced a dip. We analyze the numbers and speculate on what might have contributed to these changes. Whether it’s new attractions, park expansions, or just the general state of the world, there’s a lot to unpack in this report. If you’re curious about which Disney parks are on the rise and which ones might be struggling, you won’t want to miss this segment.
Episode 462: Hey Disney fans! In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive deep into all the major announcements from this past weekend’s D23 parks panel. If you missed it, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with all the details, updates, and, of course, our own thoughts and speculations.
The Monster’s Inc. Land Surprise Let’s start with the biggest surprise of the event – the announcement of a brand new Monster’s Inc. land coming to Hollywood Studios! Ever since the film first graced our screens, fans have been dreaming of a roller coaster that lets us experience the wild ride of those suspended doors, and now it’s finally happening! The only question now is – where exactly is this land going to fit in Hollywood Studios? We discuss the potential locations and what it could mean for the future layout of the park.
Goodbye Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island In a twist that left us all stunned, Disney also announced (after D23) the closure of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island to make way for a Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. The loss of these iconic areas is sure to be felt by many long-time Disney goers, but we’re curious to see how the Cars theme will be integrated into the Magic Kingdom experience. Will it be worth the trade-off? Only time will tell.
Villains Land – It’s Official!
On the flip side, one of the most highly anticipated announcements was the official confirmation of Villains Land. After years of speculation and fan theories, it’s finally happening! Will it live up to the hype? We discuss our expectations and what we hope to see when it finally opens.
Worldwide Parks Updates
But it wasn’t just the domestic parks that got some love during the panel – there were announcements for Disney parks worldwide. We go over the key highlights and what they mean for Disney fans globally.
The Missing Announcements While we were thrilled with most of what we heard, there were a few things that left us scratching our heads. We share our disappointments and speculate on what might be coming down the pipeline, even if it wasn’t ready for the D23 stage.
What are you most excited about, and what left you wanting more? Let us know in the comments or over on our social media!
