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.

Episode 471: Buckle up because we’ve got a lot to cover this week! In this episode, we dive into the major refurbishment plans coming to Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom, Universal’s big news for Epic Universe, and Disney’s latest paid perks for DVC members and deluxe resort guests. Let’s break it down.

Big Thunder Mountain’s Upcoming Refurbishment: What’s Going On?

Big Thunder Mountain is set to undergo a significant refurbishment, and it’s raising some eyebrows. This iconic ride is already a fan favorite, but could Disney be planning something even bigger? With Rivers of America seeing a major update with the construction of the new cars attraction we can’t help but wonder if there’s more going on behind the scenes. Could this be part of the larger reimagining of Frontierland? You know Disney loves to keep us guessing.

Epic Universe at Universal: Mark Your Calendars for 2025

While Disney is busy with refurbishments, Universal has set an official opening date for Epic Universe in 2025. This massive new park has been highly anticipated, and now we’re finally getting details on some of the lands and attractions. From Super Nintendo World to the rumored Universal Monsters area, Epic Universe is shaping up to be a game-changer. We discuss what this means for Disney and how the competition between the two entertainment giants could impact the guest experience.

Disney’s New Paid Perks: Worth the Price?

Disney just rolled out some new paid perks, and of course, we had to dig into the details. DVC members and guests staying at deluxe resorts now have access to some pretty exclusive add-ons, but are they worth the extra cost? The Lightning Lane Premiere Pass will test how far people will go for a little extra convenience we break down what each perk offers and answer the burning question: is the convenience really worth the price? Are you better off sticking with Genie+ or splurging for the premiere access? We’ve got opinions, and we’re not holding back!