Episode 503: Adam returns from his latest trip to Walt Disney World with fresh, first-hand impressions of two brand-new additions: the long-awaited Disney Starlight nighttime parade and the newly reimagined Test Track. Did they live up to the hype? Did Adam cry during the parade?
Disney Starlight is the newest nighttime parade to debut at Magic Kingdom. This dazzling spectacle combines elements of classic nighttime parades with modern tech and fresh character appearances. Does this parade get two thumbs up?
Test Track, which has gone full retro-futuristic in the newest version. Disney and Chevrolet have leaned hard into the legacy of World of Motion, and the results are a nostalgic dream for EPCOT Center fans!
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.
Episode 472: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into a hot topic that’s got everyone buzzing—Disney’s latest price hikes! From ticket prices to Annual Passes and even snacks, Disney recently rolled out some significant increases across the board. And with the grand opening of the newest, most opulently themed Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk, it’s clear that Disney is doubling down on luxury experiences. But with prices that are enough to make your wallet sweat, we have to ask: Is it really worth it?
While Disney’s prices continue to soar, there are still a few gems in the parks that we think offer great value for your money. We break down some of our favorite go-to spots for quality food, drinks, and experiences that won’t require a second mortgage. First up? The Baseline Taphouse. Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s the perfect spot for grabbing a beer or cocktail without the Disney premium that other places carry. Not only is the atmosphere super chill, but the selection and prices make it a win for any park-goer looking to unwind. Then there’s the trusty quick-service options. While not as flashy as the table-service experiences, Disney’s quick-service restaurants offer some solid options that are worth every penny. Despite the price increases, there are certain experiences and treats we think are worth loosening the purse strings for.
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!
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.
Episode 455: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re diving into some exciting Disney news and letting our imaginations run wild as we brainstorm new attractions for each World Showcase pavilion.
First up, the massive construction overhaul at Epcot is finally complete! This ambitious project has brought new life to the park with updated attractions, enhanced landscaping, and futuristic new areas. We discuss the highlights of the changes and what guests can look forward to on their next visit to Epcot. Next, we’ve got an exciting update for all you classic Disney fans. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree has an official opening date! We share the details and our thoughts on the revamped show, which promises to blend beloved classic elements with fresh, Disney-themed musical numbers. Last but certainly not least, passholder previews for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have begun! We hope to experience the attraction ourselves and give our reviews next week.
Now, onto the main event of this episode! We let our imaginations soar as we brainstorm ideas for adding a ride to each existing World Showcase pavilion at Epcot. We hope you enjoy our ideas and invite you to share your own! If you could add rides/attractions to the world showcase what would they be? Would you base it on an existing Disney IP that would fit in that country?
Welcome back, Disney fans, to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week, we dive deep into the world of virtual queues and explore how they’ve evolved, their current use, and what we can expect from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure once it opens. Virtual queues were introduced to manage the demand for Disney’s most popular attractions and enhance the guest experience by reducing the time spent waiting in line. Instead of standing in line for hours, guests can join a virtual queue and enjoy other park activities while waiting for their turn. The concept first gained popularity with the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The success of this system led to its implementation for other major attractions, such as Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, and most recently Tron.
We couldn’t wrap up this episode without diving into the Passholder Foodie Challenge. As avid Disney foodies, we’ve been sampling our way through the delicious offerings, and we’re here to share our favorites and what’s still on Disney’s must-try list.
Episode 451: Finally, the wait is over! We’ve got all the scoop on Tian’s Bayou Adventure, and Disney is shaking things up for the passholder preview this time around. Instead of the usual long waits and frustrating virtual queues, passholders will need to be in the park on the date of the preview and snag a virtual queue spot at one of two times during the day. Fingers crossed this new system works better than the old one! But wait, there’s more! If you’re a DVC member or a D23 Gold member, you’ll also get a chance to preview Tian’s Bayou Adventure. However, these opportunities are a bit more restrictive, we go through those specific details.
And in other news, the drama at Gideon’s Bakehouse continues! We’ll dive into the latest developments. Stay tuned for the full story and our thoughts on how this might affect future visits. Now, let’s talk about something truly magical—the new drone show at Disney Springs! This new show is lighting up the skies later this week. Lastly, there’s a rumor circulating that the old 1.0 Magic Bands might be decommissioned soon. We’ll discuss what this could mean for park-goers and how to prepare if you still have one of these classic bands. Make sure to follow us on all our social media channels and subscribe to our podcast for the latest Disney news and adventures. See ya real soon!
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.
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 445: Welcome back! We’re wrapping up our exhilarating March Madness bracket to finally crown the best Disney song of all time. With Jason joining us, the competition is fiercer than ever as we dive into the melodies that have enchanted us for generations.
Of course, it wouldn’t be our show without a sprinkle of the latest Disney news. Whether you’re planning your next Disney vacation or just looking to stay up-to-date with all things Disney, we’ve got you covered.
Jason shares his excitement for his upcoming spring break trip to Disney World, and he’s got something special planned. Imagine racing from Big Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom to the Millennium Falcon in Hollywood Studios, using only the Disney Monorail and Skyliner. How fast do you think he can make it? It’s a unique challenge that’s sure to add an extra layer of adventure to his trip. Be sure to follow @sirpoovey on X to catch all the action live and see just how quickly Jason can complete this challenge.
And if all that wasn’t enough, we’re throwing in a bonus bracket where Disney legends go head-to-head. From animators and imagineers to voice actors and live-action stars, we’re putting the spotlight on the individuals whose creativity and passion have shaped the Disney experience. It’s a tribute to the legends behind the magic, and we’re excited to see which icon our listeners believe stands above the rest.
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?
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.
Episode 399: Welcome to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse, where we bring you the latest updates on all things Disney! In this episode, we’ll be catching up on the news from the past few weeks, including updates on the Reedy Creek situation, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Magic Kingdom Expansion, Happily Ever After, Tron, and the removal of the Harmonious barges. First up, we talk about the ongoing situation between Bob Iger and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Next, we have some updates on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Construction continues to move rapidly at Walt Disney World and we now have a closing date for Splash Mountain at Disneyland. There’s also some rumors floating around about major changes to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom and those beyond Big Thunder lands. Also, Jason and Adam have just returned from a trip to Walt Disney World, and while we won’t be covering their trip report in this episode, we can’t wait to hear all about it in next week’s show.
Episode 392: Today on the show we’re talking Q1 earnings call and what the aftermath will be. Some new things were announced like new sequels for some of the biggest franchises and a new experience coming to Disneyland. There were also some things that we didn’t want to hear…There will be seven thousand layoffs across the Disney organization and the Theme Park investments got cut by 700 Million dollars. The company is reorganizing to place ESPN out by itself. We can guess what that means as the company is also trying to erase the debt caused by recent acquisitions. Also, Reedy Creek Improvement District will be renamed but will continue on. However, the new board will consist of 5 supervisors that will be hand picked by the governor. There isn’t much Disney can do about it but wait and see how this goes.
Episode 391: Today we discuss among other things, what are our favorite bathrooms at Walt Disney World. When you have kids like we do, it is vital to know where all of the good bathrooms are. We talk the latest Disney news as well. Cast member previews for Tron are in full swing. The back story for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has been revealed. There is also a rumor going around the Pacos Bill’s could be getting a re-theme soon. Jason also previews his upcoming day trip to Disneyland Paris. He gives us the details on their premiere experience to skip the lines at the top attractions.
Episode: 364 This week we have another trip report from Walt Disney World. This time I recently returned from a trip with a group of 14 people. I found out that there are some challenges with a group of that size of course, but also that an enjoyable time with minimal wait times can still be had. With a few tricks up my sleeve we did the majority of our rides with Lightning Lanes. We did all 4 parks each day with a group of 10-14 people and I go through the strategies that I used for each park. It turned out surprisingly well! If I can get a large group through Disney and everyone had a great time then so can you! There will be a part 2 to this trip coming soon. We also cover some news that broke this week. Mainly that Bob’s contract got extended and We now know that Tiana’s bayou adventure will be opening in 2024!
