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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 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 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!

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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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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 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 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.

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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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TWTM 475: Welcome back to Traveling with the Mouse! In episode 475, we dive into the details of the Walt Disney Company’s 2024 earnings call, and while some of it may feel like déjà vu, there are a few tidbits that have us raising an eyebrow. Grab your Mickey ears and let’s unpack the numbers, strategy, and what’s brewing for Disney’s parks and beyond.

Revenue Up, Attendance Steady – The Chapek Legacy Lives On

No surprises here – Disney’s revenue has increased, even though attendance hasn’t significantly spiked. The strategy of managing crowd levels while driving revenue through higher ticket prices, premium experiences, and merchandise sales appears to still be the blueprint. Whether you love or hate the lingering Chapek-era philosophy, it’s clear that Disney is prioritizing guest spending over simply filling the parks to capacity.

This approach has certainly drawn criticism over the years, but there’s no denying its success on the balance sheet. From Lightning Lane upsells to exclusive experiences, Disney has continued to perfect the art of making us want to spend more during our visits.

Epic Universe? “Not Our Concern,” Says Disney

One of the more surprising comments from the earnings call came when the competition was mentioned. Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is set to open next year, and while fans speculate on its impact, Disney seemed unfazed. The company expressed confidence in its ability to maintain its market dominance, emphasizing its iconic brands, established guest loyalty, and upcoming park expansions.

Are they right to shrug off Epic Universe? Only time will tell, but with rumored game-changers like Nintendo Land and Universal’s growing reputation for immersive attractions, Disney’s confidence could either be strategic posturing or genuine assurance. Either way, it will be interesting to see how this plays out in 2025 and beyond.

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Episode 474: As we kick off the holiday season, we’re ready to dive into the magical festivities happening at Walt Disney World in our latest podcast episode! From dazzling Christmas parties to a brand-new celebration, we’re covering everything you need to know to make your Disney holiday trip merry and bright.

Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights 🎅

No holiday season at Disney is complete without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. While we love the Christmas Party, The price tag has continued to increase. We take a look at how much the party has increased since 2019 and how that tracks with other types of events. Will Jollywood Nights be better this year? Stay tuned as we look to see if this event improves over the mixed reviews it got last year.

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays 🌍
EPCOT continues to be a standout with the International Festival of the Holidays, celebrating global holiday traditions through food, music, and cultural experiences. The Candlelight Processional returns, bringing the Christmas story to life with celebrity narrators, a 50-piece orchestra, and a choir. There’s a new spaceship earth gingerbread house this year!

Seasonal Treats & Sweets 🍪

It wouldn’t be the holidays at Disney without the delicious treats! We talk about everything from classic gingerbread cookies to a few new twists on holiday sweets. If you have a sweet tooth, there’s plenty to be excited about.

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Episode 473: Welcome to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! We’re diving into some exciting Disney news, including a new option for skipping the lines, holiday updates, and even some breakfast news! Here’s what we cover in this episode.

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment Prep

You may have noticed a few changes around Big Thunder Mountain lately. Disney is already laying the groundwork for a major refurbishment of this classic attraction. While we don’t have all the details on what the refurbishment will entail, we talk about what this means for Big Thunder and speculate on the updates we might see. This wild ride is about to get wilder—or, at the very least, refreshed for future visitors!

Jingle Cruise Returns!

If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom for the holidays, you’ll be happy to hear that the Jingle Cruise is back! This holiday overlay of the Jungle Cruise ride brings festive decorations, themed jokes, and a dash of holiday spirit to Adventureland. We chat about why this seasonal favorite is a must-do and what you can expect if you’ve never taken a trip on this unique holiday adventure.

Breakfast at Satu’li Canteen

Finally, we’ve got a tasty update for those early risers! Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has brought back breakfast service. This Pandora favorite is now serving breakfast, offering a great start for those looking to fuel up before exploring the beautiful landscape of Pandora and the rest of the park. We dive into the breakfast menu and recommend what we’re excited to try next time we’re there.

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Episode 469: Hey there, Disney fans! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! After taking a week off to recharge, we’re diving headfirst into the latest happenings in the Disney world. We’ve got a lot to cover this week, so let’s get into it! First up, let’s talk about the weather. Hurricanes can impact travel plans, and we want all our listeners to stay safe out there. Whether you’re at home or planning a trip, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared.

Big Discounts for 2025

In more exciting news, Disney has already released some big discounts for 2025! That’s right—if you’re planning ahead (and we know you are!), now is the perfect time to start looking at options for your future trips. We’ll go over the best deals and how you can snag them before they disappear. It’s all about planning smart to get the most out of your Disney experience!

Jon’s Upcoming Trip to Walt Disney World

This week, we’re particularly excited to preview Jon’s upcoming trip to Walt Disney World! He’s got a packed itinerary, and he’s aiming to hit all the must-see attractions before they potentially change. Jon is making sure to explore The Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom, Dinoland at Animal Kingdom, and he’s even planning to visit Muppets Courtyard. Who knows what changes might be coming? So, he’ll definitely be stopping by Pizzarizzo and Muppet Vision 3D just in case! You never want to miss those classic experiences.

We’ll also dive into the process of booking the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass in advance. With so many rides and attractions to experience, knowing how to navigate the Lightning Lane system can save you a lot of time and stress. We’ll share tips and tricks to make the most of this feature so you can maximize your park time and enjoy all your favorites without the long waits.

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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.

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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.

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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, time travelers! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we delve into the history and evolution of Disney World’s skip-the-line offerings over the past 25 years. From the original paper FastPass to the current Genie Plus and Lightning Lane systems, we discuss the pros and cons of each. Plus, we cover the exciting news about the new Disney Destiny cruise ship and celebrate Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s 25th anniversary. Let’s dive in!

The paper FastPass system was introduced in 1999, revolutionizing the way guests experienced attractions at Disney World. This system allowed guests to obtain a paper ticket with a return time, effectively reducing wait times at popular attractions. In 2014, Disney introduced FastPass Plus, a digital system that allowed guests to book FastPasses in advance using the My Disney Experience app. In 2021 the era of paid offerings began with Genie Plus, a service that allows guests to pay for access to shorter wait times via the Lightning Lane. Recently, Disney introduced the Lightning Lane Single and Multi-Pass options.

We also cover the exciting announcement of the new Disney Destiny cruise ship. This latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line promises innovative features, magical experiences, and destinations that will captivate Disney fans of all ages. We discuss what we know so far and our excitement for this new venture on the high seas. Finally, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. This thrilling ride has been a staple at Disney’s Hollywood Studios but how much longer will this ride stay in its current form?