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Episode 506: In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we put on our accountant hats (don’t worry, they’ve got Mickey ears) and dive deep into Disney’s pricing strategy over the years. Resort hotels have always been a core part of the Walt Disney World experience, but just how much more expensive are they now compared to when the doors first opened in the early 1970s?

We track down standard room rates from the Polynesian and Contemporary all the way back to 1972, adjust them for inflation, and compare them to today’s 2025 rack rates. The results might surprise you… or maybe they won’t. (Spoiler: Disney’s prices have definitely outpaced inflation, especially at the Deluxe resorts.) Moderates and Values tell a slightly different story, but either way, the price of staying on property has changed dramatically in real terms.

And while we’re crunching numbers, we also take a look at the cost of seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Party tickets that used to be a budget-friendly add-on are now a serious investment. We compare today’s prices to past years and ask: at what point does spooky season at the Magic Kingdom start scaring away wallets more than ghosts?

It wouldn’t be Traveling with the Mouse without a healthy dose of Disney news:

The Beak and Barrel reservation launch at Magic Kingdom… let’s just say it didn’t go according to plan. We talk through what went wrong and what it says about Disney’s ongoing struggles with online systems.

Construction check-in: We look at progress across the big projects currently underway at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. One project in particular looks like it’s flying ahead of schedule compared to the others, and we break down what that might mean for opening timelines.

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Greetings, Disney enthusiasts! In Episode 424 of “Traveling with the Mouse,” we delve into a cocktail of Disney delights, from fresh park news to a trip report! Firstly, let’s raise our Mickey ear hats to the return of all-day park hopping! This beloved feature has been missed by many, and its return signals a step closer to the full Disney magic we know and love. But as with all tales, there’s a twist. Along with this joyful revelation, we’ve seen price hikes materializing faster than a puff of pixie dust. Parking, delectable food & beverage options, exclusive tours, and even the coveted annual passes have seen a spike in prices. Next, for those of you who’ve been eagerly awaiting the roster of hosts for the iconic Candlelight Processional at Epcot, wait no more! We’ll give you the full rundown, along with our personal picks and why they stand out in this festive lineup. Last but certainly not least, join us as we recount Adam’s recent expedition to Walt Disney World. From being amongst the fortunate few to experience the ‘Journey of Water’ during its soft open to sipping on delightful concoctions at La Cava, it’s an adventure packed with highs and lows. And speaking of highs and lows, the holiday weekend brought with it the challenges of navigating the labyrinth that is Genie+. Tune in to hear the ins, outs, and in-betweens of this new system during peak park times.

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20190620_024705476_iOSEpisode 221: We have a lot of news stories to cover this week. Price increases have been rolled out at Walt Disney World. There are a few good news stories…The leave a legacy stones have been removed from one side of the entrance to Epcot and Passholder’s are getting a preview of Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios sometime in August! We do have another crazy rumor to discuss that involves the Country Bear Jamboree (say it aint so!) We also cover some construction updates at California Adventure and at Magic Kingdom.

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Before blazing into 2019 with our mickey ears flapping in the wind, we decided that on this last day of 2018 to take a look back over the news stories from the past 364 days that stood out the most to us. We begin the episode with one of the latest news stories that we just had to mention, the apparent theft of the Buzzy animatronic from the wonders of life pavilion at Epcot. After that we discuss the major news events of the year and take a look at the top stories from each month in 2018. The common themes from this year were monorail issues, price increases and a lot of construction. We can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store in the world of Disney. We will preview the coming year next week. Happy new year everyone!