Episode 514: The holidays have officially arrived at Walt Disney World, and in this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, Jon and I dive headfirst into all the news and festivities happening across the parks!
First up, we head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom where the Zootopia: Better Together show has debuted inside the Tree of Life Theater. We share our first impressions, reactions, and thoughts on how it fits into Animal Kingdom’s lineup. Is this the right move for the park? Does Zootopia belong there, or is it another IP square peg in a round hole? You know we’ve got opinions. Speaking of Zootopia, Zootopia 2 will be hitting theaters soon, and we discuss whether we’ll be heading to the theater to see it.
Then we turn to the business side of Disney because what’s a Disney conversation these days without a little talk about streaming? Disney+ recently hiked its prices, and we share our thoughts on how this impacts fans, families, and subscribers. We also dig into the ongoing dispute between Disney and YouTube TV because nothing says “holiday cheer” like two media giants arguing over carriage fees.
Episode 513: After a short break, we are back together again! We’re jumping right back into the magic. Jon just got back from his latest trip to Walt Disney World, and he’s got plenty to share, from the rides and resorts to the latest park updates and a few surprises along the way.
In the news, we discuss the updates coming to Frozen Ever After and Ratatouille at Epcot. These are getting some updates that will be much appreciated. We also got the news that Soarin is going to get a fresh new film for America’s 250th birthday next summer. Soarin over America will is scheduled to be a temporary offering but we can’t help but speculate what might be included in our flight over America.
For Jon’s trip this time he went on a budget friendly mission and stayed at an Air BnB for that was located very close to Walt Disney World. He also got some really good on ride footage of several attractions. Check out our youtube channel for updates. Jon also had a change of opinion about Fantasmic. His review may surprise you.
Episode 510: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we’re asking the question: What would you do if you had Walt Disney World all to yourself? Not with your family. Not with friends. Just you, the parks, and the freedom to do whatever you want.
In this episode, we dive into our dream solo itineraries. whether that means spending a full day lounging at your favorite resort, snacking your way around World Showcase without anyone rushing you along, or finally doing those overlooked attractions you always skip when traveling with a group. Spoiler alert: going solo has its perks!
But before we daydream about Mickey-shaped snacks in solitude, we break down some of the latest Disney news:
Lakeshore Lodge Construction Update Disney’s newest resort continues to rise along Bay Lake. We share what’s happening on-site and what this means for future guests looking for another deluxe option.
Polynesian Entrance Construction Getting in and out of the Poly is currently… let’s just say, not the smoothest arrival experience. We’ll talk about the work underway and how it impacts both resort guests and those just stopping by for a Dole Whip or dinner.
Disney Cruise Line Delay The newest ship in Disney’s growing fleet won’t be setting sail as soon as expected. We’ll share what we know about the delay, what it could mean for future itineraries, and why excitement for the ship is still running high.
Park Improvement Projects All across Walt Disney World, refurbishments and fresh updates are happening. From new facades to refreshed pathways, we discuss the little changes that add up to keeping the magic looking its best.
Finally, we circle back to our main topic: solo Disney trips. Whether it’s finally getting that perfect castle photo without feeling rushed, snagging a seat at La Cava del Tequila, or just hopping on your favorite ride over and over again, sometimes the best Disney memories are the ones you create on your own.
Episode 506: In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we put on our accountant hats (don’t worry, they’ve got Mickey ears) and dive deep into Disney’s pricing strategy over the years. Resort hotels have always been a core part of the Walt Disney World experience, but just how much more expensive are they now compared to when the doors first opened in the early 1970s?
We track down standard room rates from the Polynesian and Contemporary all the way back to 1972, adjust them for inflation, and compare them to today’s 2025 rack rates. The results might surprise you… or maybe they won’t. (Spoiler: Disney’s prices have definitely outpaced inflation, especially at the Deluxe resorts.) Moderates and Values tell a slightly different story, but either way, the price of staying on property has changed dramatically in real terms.
And while we’re crunching numbers, we also take a look at the cost of seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Party tickets that used to be a budget-friendly add-on are now a serious investment. We compare today’s prices to past years and ask: at what point does spooky season at the Magic Kingdom start scaring away wallets more than ghosts?
It wouldn’t be Traveling with the Mouse without a healthy dose of Disney news:
The Beak and Barrel reservation launch at Magic Kingdom… let’s just say it didn’t go according to plan. We talk through what went wrong and what it says about Disney’s ongoing struggles with online systems.
Construction check-in: We look at progress across the big projects currently underway at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. One project in particular looks like it’s flying ahead of schedule compared to the others, and we break down what that might mean for opening timelines.
Episode 504: Let’s hop in our time-traveling monorail, crank up some radio Disney, and set the dial to the decade of slap bracelets, VHS tapes, and Disney dollars… because Traveling with the Mouse, we’re heading back to the 1990s (aka the Disney Decade) and reliving all the things that made it pure magic.
Michael Eisner declared the 1990s would be Disney’s “Disney Decade” and in this episode we are focusing on what we loved about Walt Disney World in the 90’s. We saw some new parks open up like Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney opening new parks at Walt Disney World is something that hasn’t happened since the 1990’s. Disney integrated the success of their animated films and the Disney Afternoon cartoons into the parks in some interesting ways.
It wasn’t just about the new rides or the hit movies. It was the feeling that Disney was firing on all cylinders across the board. Animation, theme parks, music, and merchandise!
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 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 496: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into Adam’s Memorial Day weekend trip to Walt Disney World. He arrived on opening day for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe so naturally we were curious: Would Disney feel the ripple effects of the Epic excitement across town?
Adam takes us through his experiences over the long holiday weekend including opening day of the all-new Disney Villains show, and he gives us a full review.
We also discuss some of the recent Disney news. We will get to Piston Peak next week national park next week. But we do discuss the new details around Disney Starlight nighttime Parade and the many small improvement project that are going on all around Walt Disney World.
Episode 491: After a two-week break, we are back! Life threw us a little scheduling curveball with spring breaks falling on different weeks, so we each took some time to recharge in our own way—with non-Disney vacations! Jon shares his relaxing trip to the Florida panhandle, complete with sunshine, sand, and some much-needed downtime. Meanwhile, I ventured up north to Montreal, Canada for a totally different kind of spring break adventure—think cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and poutine (lots of poutine). But don’t worry—we didn’t forget about Disney! After catching up on our trips, we dive into all the Disney news we missed over the past couple of weeks, from updates to the parks to entertainment announcements and more.
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.
Episode 486: Welcome back to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! We’re diving into the latest Disney news and I’m sharing details about my recent trip to the Grand Canyon. It’s a packed episode full of updates, insights, and, of course, a bit of travel inspiration!
Guardians of the Galaxy is officially off of Virtual Queue
It only took 1005 days but Guardian’s of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is officially off of Virtual Queue. We take a look at the first few days of Standy wait times and ask why did it take so long? What was different about this attraction that kept in on Virtual Queue longer than any other?
Disney’s Ticket Pricing Model Rumors
One of the biggest stories making waves in the Disney community is the rumor that Disney is considering a major shift in how they price park tickets. If this comes to fruition, it would resemble the airline industry’s dynamic pricing model, where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand, time of year, and other factors.
While Disney already uses some level of dynamic pricing for park tickets and Multi-pass, this rumored change could mean even more variability in what guests pay for admission. Could this mean cheaper tickets on slow days? Or will it create even more complexity when planning your trip?
Construction Everywhere
If you’ve visited Walt Disney World recently, you’ve probably noticed—there’s a lot of construction going on. Mostly, small projects right now like sprucing up the train station and plaza restaurant at Magic Kingdom. The Italy Pavillion at Epcot and Woody’s Lunchbox finally getting some shade. The bigger projects are just on the horizon though and we expect an announcement any day about the official closure of Rivers of America now that permits have been approved for construction. In future refurbishment news, The large guitar in front of Rock N’ Rollercoaster is scheduled for some work. It makes us wonder is any of this work in preparation for converting the ride over to the Muppets theme? Otherwise, why do this so close to the ride being re-themed?
A Grand Adventure at the Grand Canyon
Shifting gears from Disney, I recently took a trip to the Grand Canyon, and wow—it was an experience unlike any other. As someone who loves theme park magic, seeing nature’s version of awe-inspiring landscapes was a refreshing change of pace. We took the Grand Canyon Railway, a nostalgic and fun way to approach the park, and it added a whole extra layer to the trip. If you’re considering a visit, this is a must-do! The small route 66 town did give off a radiator springs vibe. As a Disney fan I couldn’t help but notice and I will always find a Disney connection!
Episode 485: The latest episode of Traveling with the Mouse is here, and we’re diving into some of the biggest news stories from Walt Disney World. But beyond the headlines, we’re tackling a question that’s been on the minds of many Disney fans—if Disney truly wants to add value to the ever-increasing cost of a Disney vacation, what should they bring back?
Bring Back Magical ExpressLet’s start with the big one: Disney’s Magical Express. For years, this free transportation service took guests straight from Orlando International Airport to their Disney resort, making travel seamless and stress-free. It was a true perk of staying on-property, saving guests the hassle and cost of rental cars or rideshare services. When Disney ended this service in 2022, it left many feeling like they were paying more for less. Wouldn’t it be great if they brought it back?
Remember the days when you could shop to your heart’s content in the parks without having to lug your purchases around all day? Disney used to allow guests to send their purchases either to the front of the park for pickup at the end of the day or straight to their Disney resort for convenience. This was especially helpful for big souvenirs, like artwork or fragile collectibles. This simple service made park days more enjoyable, and we think it’s time for Disney to bring it back!
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.
Episode 481: Welcome to the latest episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week Adam and Jon share exciting details about their upcoming Disney trips. This episode is packed with Trip previews, goodbyes to beloved attractions, and everything you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World in early 2025. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect.
Adam’s Half Marathon Prep
Adam is gearing up for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, part of the runDisney event series that draws athletes and Disney fans from all over the world. He’s sharing his thoughts pre-race and since it’s his first time, He talks about what it’s like from the newbie’s perspective. Tune in next week for the full breakdown if the race experience and lesson’s learned from taking on a run Disney race!
Jon’s upcoming Trip Plans
Jon’s upcoming trip coincides with EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, one of the most vibrant events on Disney’s calendar. He will be staying at Wilderness Lodge and talks us through his plans to experience some new things and say goodbye to some old ones.
Ride Closures and Early 2025 Tips
Disney is starting 2025 with several ride closures as part of their ongoing park updates. In this episode, we discuss what this means if you plan to visit in early 2025. We discuss the attractions that will be unavailable during early 2025 and how to navigate these closures and when to expect attractions to re-open. There’s also some good discounts that Disney is rolling out for early 2025 that guests should take advantage of even if some rides are down for refurbishment.
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 478: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re diving into Disney’s big year at the box office, looking ahead to what 2025 holds for the company, and covering some major updates that Disney fans won’t want to miss. From the surprising success stories of 2024 to the latest theme park changes, there’s a lot to talk about. Let’s break it all down!
Disney’s Box Office Domination in 2024
2024 was a banner year for Disney at the box office. Moana 2 continues to perform strong and with Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine making billions, all eyes are now on Mufasa: The Lion King, set to release this week. In the episode, we discuss whether Mufasa can live up to the hype and continue Disney’s winning streak into 2025.
Another Unexpected Ride Closure for Refurbishment
This week we were surprised to learn that Gran Fiesta Tour is closing for refurbishment in early 2025. It will be closed from January 6th through March 15th. We speculate on whether this is just a standard routine maintenance or is this enough time to convert the ride to a Coco themed attraction?
Updates to the Run Disney Marathon Course
Calling all Run Disney fans! The 2025 Marathon course map has been released, and there are some changes to look out for. This year’s course offers a few changes to the Magic Kingdom section of the route, including a run through Cinderella Castle!
Previewing the 2025 Epcot Festivals
Epcot’s festivals are always a highlight of the Disney calendar, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. From the International Festival of the Arts to the 30th year for the Flower and Garden Festival. We did notice that Disney seems to be returning to a more traditional schedule for these festivals. It looks like 2025 will have more weeks of “diet Epcot” than any other year since the pre-covid era.
Exploring the Disney Treasure
Last but not least, we take a closer look at the Disney Treasure, the latest addition to Disney’s cruise ship fleet. This ship brings a whole new level of storytelling to the high seas with its unique design, themed dining experiences, and entertainment options. We discuss what sets the Treasure apart from Disney’s other cruise ships and why it should be on your travel bucket list.
TWTM 475: Welcome back to Traveling with the Mouse! In episode 475, we dive into the details of the Walt Disney Company’s 2024 earnings call, and while some of it may feel like déjà vu, there are a few tidbits that have us raising an eyebrow. Grab your Mickey ears and let’s unpack the numbers, strategy, and what’s brewing for Disney’s parks and beyond.
Revenue Up, Attendance Steady – The Chapek Legacy Lives On
No surprises here – Disney’s revenue has increased, even though attendance hasn’t significantly spiked. The strategy of managing crowd levels while driving revenue through higher ticket prices, premium experiences, and merchandise sales appears to still be the blueprint. Whether you love or hate the lingering Chapek-era philosophy, it’s clear that Disney is prioritizing guest spending over simply filling the parks to capacity.
This approach has certainly drawn criticism over the years, but there’s no denying its success on the balance sheet. From Lightning Lane upsells to exclusive experiences, Disney has continued to perfect the art of making us want to spend more during our visits.
Epic Universe? “Not Our Concern,” Says Disney
One of the more surprising comments from the earnings call came when the competition was mentioned. Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is set to open next year, and while fans speculate on its impact, Disney seemed unfazed. The company expressed confidence in its ability to maintain its market dominance, emphasizing its iconic brands, established guest loyalty, and upcoming park expansions.
Are they right to shrug off Epic Universe? Only time will tell, but with rumored game-changers like Nintendo Land and Universal’s growing reputation for immersive attractions, Disney’s confidence could either be strategic posturing or genuine assurance. Either way, it will be interesting to see how this plays out in 2025 and beyond.
Episode 470: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into the storm that shook things up at Walt Disney World—Hurricane Milton. We talk about how the parks responded, why Jon ultimately canceled his much-anticipated trip, and what this means for Disney fans going forward.
Beyond Milton, we take a journey through the history of every time Disney has had to close its doors over the past 53 years. From other hurricanes and 9/11 to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s fascinating to see how Disney has navigated these unprecedented challenges. These closures were rare, but are happening more frequently in recent years.
Finally, we wrap up the episode with some of the latest Disney news, including updates on park operations post-Milton.
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.
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.
