By |

Episode 493: Welcome back, Mouseketeers, to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week we’re ready to catch you up on all the latest news swirling around Walt Disney World.

The hype for Universal’s Epic Universe is very real, and guess what? Disney is feeling it. You can tell because Disney is starting to subtly—but noticeably—pivot. From marketing to refurb schedules to surprise guest offerings. The questions still remains, What will be the full impact of Epic Universe on Walt Disney World. We will find out in just a few short weeks.

Refurbishment Round-up: Big Thunder Mountain is shaking up its status quo with a new track replacement. Smoother rides are on the way but we are sure it will remain the wildest ride in the wilderness!

Over in Tomorrowland, Astro Orbiter has a new paintjob. This spinner is getting a complete replacement with hopefully a little more “space” in the ride vehicles this time.

Multiple resorts are in the middle of refreshes—From the Grand Floridian’s lobby to the rooms at Pop Century, there’s a lot of activity going on to spruce up the resorts.

We are also getting ready to say goodbye to the Muppets courtyard and all of its offerings starting this week with Mama Melrose’s restaurant which is set to close on May 10th.

We have an opening date for GEO-82, the new Spaceship earth adults only lounge. It is set to open on June 4th and already has a fireworks special event with a hefty price tag.

If you listened to Last weeks episode you probably have picked a side in the Monorail Vs. Skyliner debate. You can show your support for your favorite mode of Disney Transportation by getting a Team Monorail or Team Skyliner shirt from our store located here!

By |

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!

By |

In this episode we talk about the competition between Disney and Universal Studios. Who is it more of a competition for? Who has the upper hand? We discuss those questions and more…Send us your comments to podcast@travelingwiththemouse.com