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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: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.

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Episode 449: Welcome back, Disney fans, to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! Today, we’re packed with fresh news and exciting updates from across the Disney universe. From anticipated attractions to anniversary celebrations and beyond, we’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s dive in!

First up, we discuss the much-anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the official opening date, and rumors are swirling about possible preview dates. Disney’s Hollywood Studios just celebrated its 35th anniversary with new Merch and that’s about it. Speaking of anniversaries, can you believe it’s been 25 years since “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” was released? We discuss our thoughts on the film looking back 25 years later and if we want to see it again in theaters while it is on it’s limited run.

In Disney Cruise line News, Disney has recently shared the map of their new private island, Lookout Cay. It is definitely impressive but will we miss seeing the ship off in the distance while we are chilling on the beach? Lastly, Adam vents some frustrations with the Run Disney registration process. Many fans have encountered challenges and complexities when signing up for these popular events. Adam shares his personal experiences and offers tips on snagging a registration.

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Episode 443: In this installment of “Traveling With The Mouse,” we dive into some of the latest Disney news, Spring break is in full force, and we share a unique trip report from a visitor experiencing the magic of Disney World after a hiatus of over three decades. Furthermore, we continue our nostalgic journey from last week’s episode, with a deeper dive into Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We share our own experiences, tracing the transformation of this iconic park over the years. From its early days as a tribute to the golden age of Hollywood to its current status as a hub of thrilling adventures and immersive storytelling, we discuss how Disney’s Hollywood Studios has grown and changed, shaping our memories and experiences along the way.

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Episode 440: In this nostalgic journey of Traveling With The Mouse, we dive deep into the heart of Disney’s rich history, exploring the attractions that once brought magic to its parks. We’re not just reminiscing about the past; we’re reimagining it. Imagine a world where money is no object, and we have the power to bring back any Disney attraction, but with a twist: they’re updated with today’s technology and creative insights. We kick off the episode with the latest Disney news, catching up on the newest updates But the core of our discussion is a trip down memory lane, with a futuristic vision. What classic attraction would we bring back if we could? Listen to what our picks are and what we would do to modernize them. Then let us know, what classic Disney attraction would you like to see make a comeback?

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Episode 439: In this episode of “Traveling With The Mouse,” we delve into the latest happenings around Disney parks and share our curated list of must-do non-ride attractions across all four parks at Walt Disney World.

News Update: We kick off with exciting news about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, including the reveal of the new Tiana animatronic. With the ride currently in testing, anticipation is building for its summer opening at Walt Disney World. We speculate on possible opening dates and discuss what this means for the park.

Main Topic: Moving beyond the thrill of rides, we explore the essence of Disney magic through its non-ride attractions. From the immersive storytelling of the Enchanted Tiki Room to the serene beauty of the World Showcase at Epcot, we guide you through the experiences that offer a different pace but no less excitement. Whether it’s marveling at the intricacies of Animal Kingdom’s trails or enjoying the interactive exhibits in the parks, there’s a world of wonder awaiting beyond the queue lines.

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Episode 429: Welcome back to another episode of “Traveling with the Mouse.” As the holiday season twinkles into full swing, we’ve got some festive surprises and insightful discussions lined up for you. First up, we’re thrilled to reveal our new holiday logo this week! It’s a merry blend of Disney magic and festive joy, perfect for getting into the spirit of the season. And here’s an extra treat: in celebration of Black Friday, we’re offering a special 30% off on all our merchandise, featuring the new logo. Mark your calendars and get ready to add some Disney holiday flair to your wardrobe! Link to our shop. Next, we dive into the first night of Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. While we were brimming with excitement for this new ticketed event, it seems the opening night had its share of hiccups. From long lines to technical snags, we dissect what went down and what it means for the future of this holiday extravaganza. When then share our top 3 picks on a variety of Disney World topics. From the most thrilling rides and best-hidden dining spots to the top drinks at Epcot, our lists are packed with personal insights, tips, and maybe a few surprises. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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Hello Disney enthusiasts and travel aficionados! Welcome to another magical episode of Traveling with the Mouse. This week, we’re thrilled to have Jason with us. We Dive into the Disney realm as we cover some spellbinding news that’s sure to pique your interest. Spirits and spirits collide! Disney is bringing a hauntingly delightful experience for fans with a new Haunted Mansion-themed bar on the soon to set sail Disney Treasure. We discuss the potential themes, drinks, and unique offerings we hope to see. With more enchanting details unveiled, Jollywood Nights is shaping up to be a must-attend event. From captivating entertainment to themed treats, we delve deep into what guests can expect from this festive event. Of course, we touch on much more in the episode, from hidden gems to exciting announcements. With Jason’s trip on the horizon, we also chat about his plans, what he’s looking forward to most, and if any of our discussed news items will make it onto his itinerary.

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Episode 367: We’re back with another stellar edition of Traveling with The Mouse! Today we have a special guest host. James’ daughter Emeline joins us for a discussion on the Magic Band plus and we play a game of Would you rather? Disney edition! We also break into ranking the Disney Parks. Spoiler Alert, we have a different order than we did the last time we ranked the parks. We also give our favorite rides at each park…Some of the answers were surprising but if you are a fan of the show then most of them will not shock you.

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Episode 353: This week Adam recently return from an Easter trip to Walt Disney World! This episode is all about the much needed getaway. I stayed at Gran Destino but I spent quite a bit of time at the Polynesian. I talk about the significance of that resort and why it means so much to me. It was nice to be back and reflect on good times that I’ve had there over the years. I also have more in Genie Plus. I go through the frustrations but also a glimmer of hope for the future. My family enjoyed the Flower and Garden festival and the easter egg hunt at Epcot. I got lucky with a table at La Cava! I also discovered a new lounge that will become a new regular at Hollywood Studios!

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Baseline Tap House

If you’ve been to Disney’s Hollywood studios lately then you know the importance of getting there when the park opens. If you want to ride Slinky Dog Dash without an hour wait, then you need to be on the first bus or Skyliner gondola over to the park. However, what I am talking about is not a ride or an attraction. The second most important “rope drop” at Hollywood Studios happens at 10:30am. That is when Baseline Tap House opens for business each day. It has become a regular part of our Hollywood Studios routine! We feel that making this “rope drop” is just as important as securing that Rise of the Resistance boarding group or making it to the park in time to get onto Slinky Dog with a short wait.

Our Hollywood Studios Strategy…

Here’s how the last several trips to Hollywood Studios has gone for us. We get up before 7am so that we can grab that Rise of the Resistance boarding group. We get to the park at or around the time it opens and we head to Slinky Dog Dash. Sometimes we may choose to go to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway instead. After the initial ride, we may hit up Toy Story Mania or Smuggler’s Run. By the time we are done with those it is usually around 10:15am which means it is time to hightail it over to Baseline Tap House to be one of the first in line when it opens!

We regularly get the charcuterie plate, ($10.00) Bavarian pretzel, ($9.00) and the Beef Puff ($11.00). As far as the drinks go, Jason and I prefer the beers on tap while our wives tend to prefer the cocktails. I usually go the for North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner ($10.50 for the 22oz) My wife prefers the California Sunset cocktail ($14.00). Yes, I know it is 10:30 in the morning but we are on vacation! Besides, what better way to Prepare yourself for joining the resistance than by settling the nerves with a little refreshment from Baseline Tap House? You can hear more about Baseline Tap House from our recent trip report episode here!

Timing that boarding group…

Baseline Tap house Souvenir glass

I believe the sweet spot for a Rise of the Resistance boarding group is between groups thirty and forty. What that typically means is that your boarding group should be called somewhere between 10:30 and 11:30 am. This gives you plenty of time for a mid-morning drink and bite to eat at Baseline before joining the Resistance! Throughout the day this place gets and stays pretty busy so finding a table can be tricky. It is also important to find a spot in the shade. Next time you find yourself at Hollywood Studios, stop by Baseline Tap House for a nice refreshment…Tell them Traveling with the Mouse sent you!

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Episode 282: Today we have a super sized episode for you! We start by discussing the latest Disney news. Josh D’amaro made headlines during an interview where he said that the recent technological advancements that have been implemented in the parks are “here to stay” many believed that to mean that the parks reservation system is not going away. We listen to that part of the interview and our interpretation is very different than the click bait headlines. We also discuss the NBA walkout, the guest that was arrested for assaulting a security cast member over the mask policy, and the potential for Disney to increase park capacity.

We move on to discussing what we think are the best attractions to be housed in a particular show building. For example, the building that is the current home for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin was also home to other attractions in the past. We decide which attraction, past or current is the best one for each location in the parks. We go through Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom has only had one that we could think of so we left it out.

Finally, we talk about the recent Every Ride, tag team challenge that was completed this week. The four masketeers completed the challenge and we dissect their run to see just how this unique challenge was done and how the rules work.

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3ACC24F1-1C1F-4ABE-858D-C3E1FB9BDF4DEpisode:279. Today, we reveal that one of us has tested positive for Corona-virus. We also discuss the latest Disney News. The movie release of Mulan is coming to Disney+ for an additional fee. The Disney 3rd quarter earnings call happened this week and there’s some good and bad things that came out of it. Annual Passholders are continuing to see some extra love and attention these days with extended discounts and of course a new magnet! (one per household). The average wait times for 3 of the 4 Walt Disney world parks has gone up week by week since re-opening but one park has seen wait times go down. Could you guess which one? Splash mountain had a boat sink as well this week and had to close for a couple of days. Isn’t that the attraction to have a boat sink this year?

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E4F990E9-1E26-4B1D-9028-E4B67E7C2795Episode 276: Today Jon and I talk about the re-opening of all 4 Walt Disney World Parks. Disneyland Paris is also now officially open. However, Hong Kong Disneyland is closing once again. We discuss some of the new procedures that are happening at Epcot and Hollywood Studios and what rides feel safer than other. There’s a lot of new discounts coming out for annual passholders for resorts and merchandise. Disney is also giving passholders more information on extending their pass or cancelling and refunding passes. We have new activity going on with the Star Wars galactic star cruiser and more construction updates. We also preview my trip that I will discuss next week.

 

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07c9a877-9921-4648-9915-e4d9ee983caeEpisode 248: This episode is all about Star Wars! As we prepare for the release of Rise of Skywalker in theaters we take a look back at all of the Star wars films. We pick our best and worst moments, best and worst lines, and We each rank them in order. We also discuss some of the latest news surrounding Rise of the Resistance and how there are now backup boarding groups. During the episode we discover that I can do a pretty good Sebulba impression. Who Knew? We also rank our favorite light saber battles. There’s also a lightning round where we answer questions like what is our favorite light saber color? Rise of Skywalker is in theaters this Friday. When are you going to go see it?

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Episode 229: As always we discuss the latest Disney news & Rumors! We cover some new things exclusively coming the the Hollywood Studios version of Galaxy’s Edge. Tower of Terror has completed it’s refurbishment. Epcot’s project gamma is continuing to expand. The NBA experience is now quite operational. There was some unusual maintenance issues at Disneyland recently. And finally we preview the upcoming D23 convention in Anaheim. We give some rumors as well as our wish list of things we’d like to see announced.

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TWTM Podcast Episode 228

Episode 228: Today we discuss everything from loaded Blue and Green milk at Hollywood Studios to our recap of the Give Kids the Rides event on July 24th! We also give some construction updates at Walt Disney World. Primeval Whirl continues to have delays on its re-open…And there was another Parkeology completion this past week. All this and more!

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Episode 218: Today we are recapping our recent Parkeology run from June 1st! For anyone not familiar with this challenge, we attempted to ride every ride in all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks in 1 day. We attempted the challenge for the first time back in March and came up short. On our second attempt we had 2 additional rides to complete but we also had 2 more hours in the day. This day produced a lot of fun and a lot of drama…Our run literally came down to the last minute!

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Episode 207: It’s that time again! We discuss the Disney news from the past week.

Here are the topics:

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary details
  • It is confirmed that No nighttime parade will be part of WDW 50th Aniniversary
  • New details on the Villains after hours event coming to Magic Kingdom
  • Possible Major spoiler for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker!
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway delayed until spring 2020

Additional News Stories

  • This week we saw Skyliner evacuation testing
  • Disneyland Cast members wont be able to visit Galaxy’s Edge until August
  • Tomorrowland Speedway’s modification nears completion
  • Major construction is going on at the entrance of 3 of the Disney theme parks
  • Some Disney titles will be modified or not included in Disney Plus 

 

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Episode 206: Today we answer the age old question…How do I decide which Walt Disney World theme park to visit for each day of my vacation? We talk about the factors that go into making that decision. We try to break down those factors in a simple way to help make the choice a lot easier. We know that there are a lot of complexity to planning a Walt Disney World vacation but if you take some time to do a little research then you can save time and money but more importantly add more fun to your vacation!