By |

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.

By |

Episode 483: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, Jon takes us on a journey through his latest trip to Walt Disney World! He shares all the details about his stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, his experience using Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, and some first impressions of the latest attractions added to the parks.

Staying at Wilderness Lodge
Jon’s home base for this trip was Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, one of the most beloved deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. Nestled along Bay Lake, this resort offers the perfect mix of rustic charm and Disney magic. He shares his thoughts on the atmosphere, amenities, and why it might just be one of the best places to stay for a more relaxed Disney experience.

He also dives into the transportation options, including the pros and cons of taking the boat to Magic Kingdom versus relying on buses to other parks. Plus, he weighs in on whether the dining options at Wilderness Lodge—like Geyser Point and Whispering Canyon Cafe—lived up to the hype!

Multi-Pass and new Attractions

Jon gives his take on the Multi-pass skip the line system. He gives his pros and cons of Multi-pass his take on how it stacks up to previous versions. This trip also gave Jon the chance to experience some of the newer rides at Walt Disney World for the first time. He shares his thoughts on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Journey of Water among others.

By |

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.

By |

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.

By |

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?

By |

Episode 459: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we take a delightful trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our favorite times visiting Disney parks in the 80s and 90s. Plus, we dive into some important updates and news from the world of Disney. Let’s get started!

Jon and Adam share their fondest memories of visiting Disney parks during their childhoods. We explore what made the 80s and 90s such magical decades for Disney fans and discuss what we believe was the best age to visit during those times.

We discuss the current reliability of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Rise of the Resistance. Both attractions have faced their share of technical issues, and we delve into what’s being done to improve their uptime and guest experience. Disney is testing a new single rider line for Rise of the Resistance, and we share our thoughts on how this could impact wait times and ride efficiency. We discuss the potential benefits and any concerns we might have.

Thank you for joining us on this nostalgic and informative journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more Disney news and updates. Until next time, keep dreaming big and keep traveling with the mouse!

By |

Episode: 457 Welcome back, Disney fans! In this special episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re joined by the incredible Ryan and Reagan, also known as The Brothers WDW. These two Disney enthusiasts recently completed not one, but two Parkeology runs back to back, conquering an impressive 52 rides in a single day across all four Walt Disney World Parks. Get ready for an action-packed episode filled with strategy, close calls, and the latest Disney updates!

We kick off the episode by welcoming our special guests, Ryan and Reagan. The Brothers WDW have taken on the Parkeology challenge and emerged victorious. They recently completed 2 back to back runs of 52 rides. They break down the key elements that helped them succeed, recounting some of the close calls and unexpected hurdles they faced along the way. Their quick thinking and teamwork ultimately tipped things in their favor.

As Disney prepares to implement changes to the Lightning Lane system, we discuss how these updates might impact future Parkeology challenges and regular park visits. We discuss how to run the challenge or just to get the most out of your Disney vacation you have to adapt and roll with whatever the day gives you.