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!
This week’s episode is a special one, folks. Episode 500. That’s right five hundred episodes of Disney banter, ride breakdowns, trip reports, armchair imagineering, and more Magical opinions than any one podcast probably needs.
We start this milestone episode by hopping in our time-traveling Doombuggy and heading all the way back to Episode 1. Yep, remember when we nervously hit record in 2017 and started talking about what drew us to Disney in the first place? Back when FastPass+ was still a thing and we all couldn’t wait for Galaxy’s Edge to open? Good times.
But, we couldn’t just celebrate the past we had to speculate wildly about the future too. So what will we be talking about in another 500 episodes?
Will there be a 5th Gate or at least blue sky concept art for one?
Will Spaceship Earth finally get that long-promised update?
Will Figment finally get a new ride?
Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just hopped on for the ride recently, we’re so grateful you’re part of this community. Here’s to another 500 episodes filled with magic, mayhem, and Mickey pretzels.
Episode 498: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re casting our nets into the beautiful, mysterious waters of Bay Lake! Don’t worry, it’s a metaphorical dive, no SCUBA gear required. But before we dip into history, we kick things off with some exciting updates from around the Disney Parks!
Test Track 3.0 Gets a re-opening Date! The long-rumored reimagining of Test Track now has an official re-opening date of July 22nd! Not only are we getting a fresh new look at the exterior, but Disney has also given us a sneak peek at what some of the interior scenes will look like. We do know that there will be cast member previews as well as Annual Passholder and DVC but what we don’t know yet is exactly when. The other thing we don’t know yet is will Disney use Virtual Queue or Single Pass for Test Track for the first few weeks.
Construction World: Turbocharged Edition
As part of Disney’s promise to turbocharge the parks, we’re seeing a lot of construction progress across property:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is laying down new track faster than a runaway mine train.
Dinoland U.S.A. area is seeing a lot of construction activity as it transforms into the lush and vibrant Tropical Americas.
And right on the shimmering shores of Bay Lake, the Lakeshore Lodge is rising up with faced paces construction.
Deep Dive: The History and Legacy of Bay Lake
Now let’s row gently into the heart of today’s episode: Bay Lake the natural, spring-fed lake that predates Disney and has quietly witnessed every transformation of Walt Disney World since the very beginning. We take a look at the Past, present, and future of this natural wonder that is one of the best spots in all of Walt Disney World.
Episode 488: If you had a time machine and could visit Walt Disney World at any point in its 54-year history, what year would you choose? That’s the big question we’re tackling in this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse!
After covering the latest Disney news—including a look at ticket prices for Epic Universe compared to Disney, New looks into the Monsters Inc attraction, and the new cars attraction coming to Magic Kingdom—we dive into a fun discussion: What would be the ideal year for each of us to visit Disney World if we could time travel?
Jason is going back to 2019, the height of the FastPass+ era and the perfect year for a ride challenge. Disney’s skip-the-line options were at their best, and Parkeology challenges were still possible without the hassle of boarding groups and Lightning Lane headaches. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge had just opened, and the Riviera Resort (his home DVC resort) was brand new. It was a golden age for ride efficiency and planning mastery.
Adam, who balances nostalgia with a love of modern attractions, would time travel to 2000—a sweet spot where the Disney of the ‘90s was still alive, but new innovations were coming in. The paper FastPass system was fully operational, allowing for strategic planning without overcomplicating the experience. Plus, Test Track was brand new, Splash Mountain was at its peak, and EPCOT still had its classic charm before the big changes of the 2000s took hold.
Jon, the biggest EPCOT Center purist among us, is traveling back to 1993. This was the golden age of original EPCOT, where Horizons, World of Motion, and the original Journey into Imagination were all still thriving. FastPass didn’t exist yet, so there was more spontaneity, and the Polynesian Resort was still affordable enough to stay at without breaking the bank. No need to plan every minute—just vibes, monorail rides, and classic Disney experiences.
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.
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In today’s show, we dive into the latest Disney news and give our thoughts on the changes and updates happening around Walt Disney World. We’ve got a lot to cover in episode 467, so let’s jump right in!
How’s Tron Holding Up Without the Virtual Queue?
It’s been a full week since Tron Lightcycle Run dropped its virtual queue, and we’ve been watching closely to see how things play out. If you remember, the virtual queue was both a blessing and a headache—helping to manage lines but also adding an extra layer of stress for guests hoping to ride. Now that it’s gone, standby lines are the new reality, and in this episode, we break down how wait times have fared, the pros and cons of this change, and what it might mean for how guests will rope drop at Magic Kingdom.
Next up, we’ve got updates on the ongoing refurbishment of Jungle Cruise. Then, we dive into the progress on the Pirates Tavern construction in Magic Kingdom. Set to bring some new life to Adventureland, this upcoming tavern has generated a lot of excitement.
Test Track 3.0 – What’s Next?
You know we love a good ride revamp, and Test Track is on deck for a makeover with the upcoming 3.0 version. In this episode, we talk about what we’ve learned so far about the changes coming to this fan-favorite ride. Will it live up to the hype? What can we expect from the new design and technology? We break down everything we know, plus some of our wild speculations. Stay tuned for all the latest details!
Walt Disney World Restaurant Rankings: Agree or Disagree?
Lastly, we couldn’t resist talking about food. If you’ve been to Disney World, you know that dining is a huge part of the experience. Recently, some trusted travel sites have ranked the top places to eat at Disney World, and let’s just say… we’ve got opinions! In this episode, we review the rankings and weigh in with our own thoughts on which restaurants deserve the top spots and which ones might be overrated. From signature dining experiences to quick-service favorites, we’ve got the inside scoop on what’s worth your time (and money) during your next Disney trip.
Episode:456 Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re diving into some firsthand experiences and exciting updates from the Disney parks. Grab your Mickey ears and join us as we explore the magic!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Passholder Preview
Adam and Jason had the incredible opportunity to preview Tiana’s Bayou Adventure twice this past weekend. With the official opening just around the corner on June 28th, we’re here to share all the details and our thoughts on this highly anticipated attraction. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a nice addition to the Disney parks, offering a fresh and engaging experience that honors the beloved film. We can’t wait for everyone to experience it starting June 28th!
Test Track
Test Track 2.0 has been a thrilling favorite, with its high-speed adventures and interactive design elements. Our last ride was filled with nostalgia and excitement, appreciating all the elements that made this version special. While we’re sad to see Test Track 2.0 go, we’re excited about the possibilities for its refurbishment. We discuss our hopes for the new version, including more immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology.
Other Disney News
With the massive construction project at Epcot now complete, we discuss the new features and attractions that have been unveiled. Communicore Hall is very underwhelming especially after what was originally planned for Epcot prior to 2020. This entire area is the finally of a severely cut back and watered down project. It painfully shows with this lackluster area in my favorite park.
Welcome back to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! As summer heats up, so does the magic at Walt Disney World, and we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know for a spectacular summer visit. From exciting new attractions to exclusive summer events and fantastic discounts, we’ve got the scoop on how to make your Disney vacation truly unforgettable.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the summer is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. We’ve got some strong indication on the previews and opening date. Disney is also rolling out some fantastic discounts this summer. We’ll outline the best deals on hotel stays, park tickets, and dining plans. Whether you’re a Florida resident looking for a quick getaway or planning a lengthy family vacation, there are plenty of savings to take advantage of. We also update you on things that are closing this summer (Test Track) or other attractions likely to close before the end of the year. (Dinosaur).
Navigating Walt Disney World during the busy summer months can be a challenge, We’ll share advice on: Beating the Heat: Strategies to stay cool and hydrated. Avoiding Crowds: Optimal times to visit. Dining Reservations: How and when to book to ensure you don’t miss out on sought-after restaurants.
Episode 446: Welcome back to the podcast, fellow Disney enthusiasts! We hope you all had a wonderful Spring Break. As we jump back into the magic, there’s a treasure trove of Disney news waiting for us. From program updates to new concept art, and even some corporate drama, let’s dive into what’s been happening in the wonderful world of Disney. First up, Disney has rolled out some changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) program. These updates aim to enhance the experience for guests requiring additional assistance at the parks. We’ll walk you through what’s new, what’s changed, and how these adjustments could impact your next visit. Disney has released some tempting summer discounts that basically extends the spring discounts all the way to October. There is also a “free dinning” option for Disney Visa Card holders. Disney has also unveiled new concept art for Test Track and the Pandora themed land coming to Disneyland. So tune in, get caught up, and continue your journey in the ever-evolving world of Disney with us.
Episode 366: We made it to our leap year episode! This week Jon and I go back in time and discuss the best attractions that Epcot has ever had. We go through every iteration of attractions in each location in Future World and some in World Showcase as well. It’s no surprise that we are fans of the original Epcot since we were kids of the 80’s and 90’s. We do agree on some but disagree on others. There are modern attractions that we love to like Guardians, Test Track and Soarin’ but we don’t always agree on which version is best. We may continue this discussion with the other parks in the coming episodes. Let us know if you enjoy this type of discussion and chime in with your picks for the best attractions at Epcot.
We are continuing our series where we walk through the different lands of the Disney Parks. Today we are starting our journey through Epcot by going through each attraction in the east side of future world. The attractions on the east side include Test Track, Mission Space, and the other attractions that are closed in this area. We go through the history of each attraction and wrap up by giving our thoughts on the shopping and dinning options in this area of the park. Join us next week as we go through the west side of Future world.
