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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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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 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.

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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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TWTM_240Episode 240: We catch up on the latest Disney news before discussing Jon’s recent solo trip to Walt Disney World! This week we actually discuss the final trailer to Star Wars Rise of Skywalker and give our thoughts and theories about it. Fuel Rods are now going to cost $3 per swap, and Disney is doubling down on the Villains after hours events in 2020. Jon recently visited Mickey’s not so scary Halloween party and got to spend a lot of time on the Skyliner during his stay at Pop Century Resort. Jon shares some tips that he learned about riding the Skyliner with us. During his trip he also got to hang out in Batuu and visit Jock Lindsay’s Hanger Bar at Disney Springs. 

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Episode 209: Today we are discussing everything from summer discounts to the new additions coming to Hollywood Studios!

News Topics:

  • A variety of new discounts for this summer have been released
  • New Details in Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Special treats menu has been released for the Disney Villains after hours event
  • Rumor: Disney may be planning an interchangeable “black box” type attraction
  • New table service restaurant is coming to Toy Story Land!

FYI News stories:

  • Special Star Wars activities planned for May 4th
  • Avengers End Game is breaking all kinds of box office records
  • Phantom Manor has finally re-opened
  • New Rule changes for Disney Parks are now in effect

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Episode 201: Disney news for April 4, 2019

Topics:

  • New photopass photo added to the Haunted Mansion
  • There will be no standby access to Galaxy’s Edge through June 23rd
  • 3 Disney Springs restaurants were involved in a credit card data breach
  • Jessie’s Critter Carousel is now open at California Adventure
  • Dumbo debuts at number 1 but below box office expectations
  • Disney adds a Villains After Hours event at Magic Kingdom over the summer
  • Philharmagic is coming to California Adventure
  • Woody’s Roundup BBQ Dining Experience Coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disneyland Paris experienced a litter protest this week
  • Typhoon Lagoon will have its first VIPassholder event
  • Archive recording of Don Rickles will be used for Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story 4
  • Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is now open at Hollywood Studios