By |

Episode 494: Welcome back to Traveling With the Mouse! This week’s episode is packed tighter than a Jungle Cruise boat during rope drop. We’ve got big news, emotional farewells, spicy park debates, and a challenge that will test your park-hopping stamina (and possibly your sanity).

New Park Announced in Abu Dhabi

Let’s start with the headline heard ‘round the globe: Disney is building a new resort and theme park in Abu Dhabi! That’s right—Mickey and the gang are heading to the UAE, bringing a new kind of magic to the Middle East. We dive into what this means for Disney’s global strategy and speculate on what kinds of lands and attractions might make up this new park.

Mama Melrose’s Closed, Muppets are next

We pour one out for Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, which has officially closed its doors. It’s the end of an era for Hollywood Studios—and soon for PizzaRizzo and MuppetVision 3D, too. This quirky little corner will soon be transforming into Monster’s Inc. Land. But, hey the Muppets have a new skyliner wrap so that makes up for everything.

The Beak and Barrel – Yo Ho, Let’s Lounge!

We break down everything we know so far, from the parts of the story Disney has revealed to the new details on its theming. Will this lounge have a similar time limit and drink limit to Oga’s Cantina? We think Disney will try to maximize throughput but also keep people relatively sober at Magic Kingdom.

Are the Rafts a Ride?

It’s time to answer an age-old question: What counts as a ride at Disney? With AI as our trusty sidekick, we dig deep to define what is actually considered to be a “ride” at Disney parks.

  • Do the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts qualify as a ride, or are they just themed transportation?
  • Are the Friendship Boats inside Epcot a ride?
  • What about the Main Street Vehicles—they move, they’re charming, but are they rides?

We establish a scientific(-ish) framework using Disney’s own classifications, challenge rules and a little sprinkle of theme park philosophy. If you love a good nerdy debate, this segment is for you.

By |

Let’s be honest: some Disney debates are eternal. Like, Are the rafts a ride? (yes) But perhaps no debate divides the Disney faithful more than this one: Monorail or Skyliner? In Episode 492 We used AI to extensively compare the Skyliner and the Monorail across a whole bunch of categories—wait times, cost, reliability, you name it. In a very close race, the Skyliner edged out the win. I get why on paper the skyliner won but I’m here to say that I am Team Monorail. Always have been, always will be. Here is why…

The Arrival Day Tradition

As far back as I can remember, my family had a tradition on arrival day. We typically arrived in the afternoon and after we settled into our room at the Polynesian (we always stayed at the Polynesian back then), we would take a slow lap around the resort Monorail loop. We’d hop on the Monorail and make our way around, stopping at the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary. We’d poke around the shops, grab a snack, and take in the unforgettable Disney resort ambiance. It wasn’t just transportation it was our welcome ritual. By the time we made our way back to the Poly, we felt like we were home. On the day we left, we often made one final loop on the resort Monorail before saying, “See you real soon.” The Monorail was the first and last thing we would do on our trips to Walt Disney World.

The Same Trains, Now with my Kids

You know what gives me in the feels every single time? Knowing that those same Mark VI Monorail trains I rode as a kid in the 90’s are still gliding down the beam today—and now, my kids get to ride in them. There’s not many things you can say that about after 30 years.

Sure, the interiors have been touched up (a little facelift here, a new color stripe there), and yes, the iconic spiel has changed voices over the years. But when I hear Jack Wagner’s voice say “Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas,” I’m 8 years old again, staring out the Monorail window in pure bliss. Thank you, Jack!

Monorail from World of Motion at Epcot 1985
My brothers in a Mark IV monorail circa 1984

Monorail = History + Street Cred

It’s easy to dunk on the Monorail nowadays. You hear, “It’s always breaking down” or “They really need new trains!” And yeah, sure, she’s not in her prime. But It is important to remember that every transportation system has hiccups. The Monorail just happens to have every single one of them documented and dissected by the internet. That’s the world we live in now.

The truth? The Monorail still transports thousands of guests safely every single day. And it has over 53 years of history at Walt Disney World with a pretty stellar safety record. In fact, the Monorail has been operating at Disneyland since 1959 and at Disney World since 1971. That’s a lot of Disney history right there.

One might even say the Monorail is the Phoenicians of Disney theme park transportation—because it invented it. So the next time you move across your car to make room for everyone, say a little thank you to the Monorail.

For the Newcomers

If you’re newer to Disney or you just love a good breeze in your Skyliner gondola, that’s cool. They’re fun, scenic, and still have that new car smell. But don’t sleep on the Monorail. It’s not trying to be trendy—it is the trend that started it all.

My kids are team skyliner, and I love the skyliner too but my heart will always belong to the Monorail. There’s just too much of my own history wrapped up in it for it to ever be out-ranked. So yes, I’m biased toward the Monorail—and proud of it.

Disney can build new transportation systems as advanced and a fancy as they want but I will still say, “It won’t beat the monorail, I don’t care what they put up!”

Join the Legacy: Team Monorail Merch

If you choose Team Monorail, you’re choosing vintage vibes, classic cool, and a slice of Disney that goes back to Walt’s vision. And yes, we’ve got the merch to prove it.

👕 [Rep your Monorail pride here]
🛸 [Or be a Skyliner person, I guess… here’s your link]

Pick your ride. Pick your side. Just don’t skip the loop.

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 492: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we’re bringing you the transportation battle you’ve all been waiting for: Monorail vs. Skyliner! We set out to settle this debate once and for all by putting both iconic Disney transportation systems head-to-head in a full, scientific-style breakdown. We took an unbiased approach (as much as humanly possible) by creating 14 different categories to evaluate and score the Monorail and Skyliner. From speed to scenery, comfort to nostalgia, we dug deep into every detail to truly find out which one is the better way to get around Walt Disney World.

While the numbers may have given us a “scientific” winner, the truth is, we all admitted we’ve already chosen our sides in our hearts. Whether you grew up dreaming of gliding into Epcot aboard the Monorail or you can’t get enough of soaring over Caribbean Beach Resort in a colorful Skyliner gondola, your favorite is probably already locked in. Where do you stand: Team Monorail or Team Skyliner? Let us know after you listen!

By |

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.

By |

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.

By |

Episode 489: Hey Disney fans, it’s that magical time of year again—no, not the blooming of spring flowers—it’s time for our annual March Madness bracket here at Traveling with the Mouse! We’re on a thrilling quest to crown the ultimate extinct Walt Disney World attraction. We started with 64 beloved, nostalgic rides, shows, and experiences from across all four parks and beyond, and in this exciting episode, we’ve narrowed it down to the Sweet 16!

Which cherished classics have survived the tough battles so far? Did fan favorites like Horizons, The Great Movie Ride, or Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride cruise safely into the next round, or did we witness shocking upsets by sleeper hits like Kitchen Kabaret or a classic fireworks spectacular?

Join us as we debate, reminisce, and passionately defend our favorites while moving closer to deciding which Disney attraction we miss the most. Will your favorite make it through to the Elite Eight, or did it sadly say goodbye too soon?

Listen in as the magic and memories unfold, and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on social media—which attraction are YOU rooting for? Let’s see who will take home the prestigious title of “Best Extinct Attraction” from Walt Disney World!

May the best attraction win!

By |

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.

By |

Episode 487: Welcome back to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week, we’re diving into some of the latest Disney news stories, checking in on the progress of Universal’s Epic Universe, and capping things off with some spicy hot takes about Walt Disney World. Let’s get into it!

Epic Universe: The Countdown to Opening

Universal’s Epic Universe is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious theme parks we’ve ever seen, and as we get closer to its grand opening in 2025, we discuss how things are looking. With lands themed to Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this park is set to bring some serious competition to Disney.

Hot Takes: Do We Agree?

To wrap up the episode, we dive into some of the most controversial opinions about Walt Disney World. Are the Skyliner gondolas really better than the Monorail? Is Hollywood Studios really a half day park? We give our takes on these and more. Some we agree with, some we strongly disagree with, and a few might just surprise you.

By |

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!

By |

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!

By |

Episode 484: Last year Disney has launched its newest iteration of the skip-the-line service, and we’re diving deep into Disney MultiPass, breaking down how it works, our experiences using it across all four Walt Disney World parks, and the best strategies to maximize your time.

We begin the episode catching up on some recent news stories like the closing date for Tough to be a bug and The fix for a long time issue with Rise of the Resistance out at Disneyland. The old Star Cruiser building is being turned into office space and we’ve noticed that a lot of little cleanup projects have begun around the parks as a result of increased capital expenditures this year.

We spend the bulk of our time talking about maximizing the Multi-pass system. Jason joins us as we discuss the key differences to this system and how to effectively use this version of Disney’s skip the line offering. We go through each park and give our suggestions and strategies on how to best navigate each of the 4 Disney World parks.

By |

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.

By |

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.

By |

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.

By |

Episode 479: Welcome back to another festive episode of Traveling with the Mouse! We’re thrilled to have Jason join us again as he shares all the magical details from his recent trip to Walt Disney World during the holiday season. From special ticketed events to delightful discoveries, Jason has plenty of insider info to get you in the holiday spirit.

Jollywood Nights: Year Two Impressions

Jason kicks things off with a review of the second year of Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He compares this year’s event to its debut, highlighting what has improved and what still needs some pixie dust. From character encounters to the live entertainment and overall crowd levels, Jason provides a thorough breakdown of how Disney’s newest holiday offering is evolving.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Next, Jason dives into the beloved classic, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. He details the enchanting parade, snowfall on Main Street, and, of course, the free holiday treats. He also shares his thoughts on whether the fireworks dessert party is worth the extra cost and how it enhanced his viewing experience of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.

Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT

EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is always a seasonal highlight, and Jason’s trip was no exception. He shares his favorite food and beverage picks from the holiday kitchens, as well as some new hidden gems he discovered for refreshments. If you’re looking for some unique spots to relax and enjoy a drink, Jason has you covered!

By |

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.

By |

Episode 477: Welcome back to Traveling with the Mouse! In this week’s episode, Adam takes us on a journey through his recent trip to Walt Disney World during the most wonderful time of the year—the Christmas season! From twinkling lights to festive treats, he shares his magical experiences and offers tips for making the most out of your own holiday visit.

It’s no secret that Disney knows how to deck the halls, and this year was no exception. Adam breaks down the highlights, including the awe-inspiring holiday decor at each park. From the towering Christmas tree at Magic Kingdom to the glimmering lights on Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the parks were truly a winter wonderland.

Candlelight Processional: A Highlight of the Season

One of the trip’s standout moments was Adam’s visit to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional. Featuring Josh Gad as the celebrity narrator, this iconic Disney tradition brought warmth, laughter, and goosebumps as the story of Christmas was told through powerful music and narration. Adam opted for the dining package to secure guaranteed seating—and let’s just say it was worth it.

Testing the Multi-Pass System

Adam also took this trip as an opportunity to test the Multi-Pass system, Disney’s newest take on skipping the lines. He dives into the pros and cons of the system, comparing it to past offerings like Genie+, FastPass+, and even the old paper FastPass days. While the convenience of bundling several attractions into a single pass was a game-changer, he critiques some of the challenges, including availability and cost. Tune in to hear his thoughts on whether the Multi-Pass is worth it for your next trip.

From Christmas magic to thoughtful critiques of Disney’s evolving offerings, this episode has something for every Disney fan. Whether you’re planning your own holiday visit or just want to live vicariously through Adam’s adventures, Episode 477 is packed with festive fun and practical advice.

By |

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.

By |

Episode 474: As we kick off the holiday season, we’re ready to dive into the magical festivities happening at Walt Disney World in our latest podcast episode! From dazzling Christmas parties to a brand-new celebration, we’re covering everything you need to know to make your Disney holiday trip merry and bright.

Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights 🎅

No holiday season at Disney is complete without Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. While we love the Christmas Party, The price tag has continued to increase. We take a look at how much the party has increased since 2019 and how that tracks with other types of events. Will Jollywood Nights be better this year? Stay tuned as we look to see if this event improves over the mixed reviews it got last year.

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays 🌍
EPCOT continues to be a standout with the International Festival of the Holidays, celebrating global holiday traditions through food, music, and cultural experiences. The Candlelight Processional returns, bringing the Christmas story to life with celebrity narrators, a 50-piece orchestra, and a choir. There’s a new spaceship earth gingerbread house this year!

Seasonal Treats & Sweets 🍪

It wouldn’t be the holidays at Disney without the delicious treats! We talk about everything from classic gingerbread cookies to a few new twists on holiday sweets. If you have a sweet tooth, there’s plenty to be excited about.