On the Road with Mickey

By Mike EllisSociety & Culture Places & Travel

On the Road with Mickey episodes

September 28On the Road w/Mickey 327 – Best Attractions for the Whole Family!
Episode 327 – Best Attractions for the Whole Family!
Best Attractions for the Whole Family!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 327, and our feature topic is the Best Attractions for the Whole Family! In this week’s episode, we are talking about our favorite resort lobbies in Walt Disney World! Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Brenda: As of September 21st, the single rider line option at Expedition Everest has gone away forever. Disney tested an updated pre-sorting system in the standby queue that divides guests into odd and even party groups before the loading platform. This grouping method fills empty train seats effectively, which supposedly lowers average standby wait times.
Mike: Have you ever wanted to work at Walt Disney World? Well, if your name is Sophie, then pay attention! Walt Disney World is going to be adding 5,000 new Cast Members in the next five years, spanning all areas of the resort! This is because of the investment that Disney is making into Walt Disney World – they are going to be pouring in up to 17 billion dollars over the next 10 to 20 years, and that will require Cast Members to make it work. If you are interested in applying, go to Disneyjobs.com to apply!
Sophie: Disney has just donated $100,000 to Gorilla Conservation Efforts in celebration of World Gorilla Day on September 24th. This coincides with the arrival of Bakari, the newest silverback gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The donation will go to support global gorilla conservation efforts.
Connect with us! Here’s how:
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Facebook Group: https://facebookgroup.ontheroadwithmickey.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OntheRoadwithMickey
Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
Email: [email protected]
Website: ontheroadwithmickey.com
Question of the Week Feedback:
What is your Preferred Disney Resort?
Sophie: Pop Century
Mike: Port Orleans Riverside
Brenda: Wilderness Lodge
Dale: We have never stayed at the Grand Floridian but it is my favorite because I can always find Mary Poppins and Alice In Wonderland there.
Sheila: Caribbean Beach and Contemporary
Chrissy: All Stars
Debbie: I LOVE the Polynesian but can only afford Coronado….and they do a very good job making us feel welcome. But if I ever hit a lottery…Poly here I come. Of course, first I have to buy a ticket.
Robin: I loved staying at the Contemporary, but I also love Pop Century.
Chandler: I’d love the opportunity to stay at Wilderness, or AKL. My wallet continues to tell me Pop is going to be my answer to this question.
Pam: Polynesian, Boardwalk, and Animal Kingdom. Perfect Trifecta
Randy: California Grand, Wilderness Lodge
Feature Topic: Best Attractions for the Whole Family!
It’s a small world (MK)
Kilimanjaro Safaris (AK)
Na’vi River Journey (AK)
Jungle Cruise (MK)
Frozen Ever After (Epcot)
Mickey’s Philharmagic (MK)
Living with the Land (Epcot)
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (HS)
TTA People Mover (MK)
Country Bear Jamboree (MK)
Wildlife Express Train (AK)
Walt Disney World Railroad (MK)
Carousel of Progress (MK)
Festival of the Lion King (AK)
Finding Nemo: The Musical (AK)
Prince Charming Regal Caroussel (MK)
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (MK)
Dueling Dumbos (MK)
Pirates of the Caribbean (MK)
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
What was your favorite Disney Attraction when you were a little kid or someone you went with was a little kid?
Sophie: Goofy’s Barnstormer
Mike: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Brenda: Peter Pan’s Flight
This Day in Disney History for 9/28:
1931: The Clock Store, a Silly Symphony cartoon, is released.
The Weekly Disney Windows
Card Walker – House of Magic (Magic Kingdom) – Dr. Card Walker – Licensed – Practitioner of Psychiatry and Justice of the Peace – We Never Close – Except for Golf – 1972
A little bit of Walt
“ILife is beautiful. It’s about giving. It’s about family.“ – Walt Disney
Coming next week: Attractions We Appreciate More Now Than We Used To
1 hr 8 min
September 21On the Road w/Mickey 326 – Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World!
Episode 326 – Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World!
Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 326, and our feature topic is the Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World! In this week’s episode, we are talking about our favorite resort lobbies in Walt Disney World! Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Sophie: The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now open! It opened on September 14, and Disney had 60 characters there for the opening celebration!
Brenda: The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival dates were announced! The festival will run from March 10 – May 31, 2027.
Connect with us! Here’s how:
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Email: [email protected]
Website: ontheroadwithmickey.com
Question of the Week Feedback:
There are a lot of little pieces of trivia in the parks. What is a little piece of trivia (or Easter Egg) that you really enjoy?
Sophie: The Walt Portrait in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Sophie: The Roy & Minnie Statue along with the Walt & Mickey Statue
Mike: The Disneyland & Walt Disney Firehouses, and the way the light from Walt’s Apartment over the Disneyland firehouse that never turns off in memory of Walt.
Lee: Trader Sams, The Polynesian Resort, at the very top, if you look at the ceiling, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Keys are hanging from the ceiling because he had too many Mai Tais!
Brenda: I like the fun aspects of Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater which we have eaten at a lot. All the license plate registrations were dated to 1955 as a nod to Disneyland as well as the 50’s era cars. Plus, the initials on the car license plates are all nods to Disney Imagineers who worked on the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. On each license plate, the 3 letters are an Imagineer’s initials and the 3 numbers are a reference to their birthdays! I always loved that fun Disney touch.
Chandler: The Lost Boys Fire Brigade
Feature Topic: Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World!
Brenda:
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Peter Dominique, Jr. designed (he also designed Wilderness Lodge and Grand Californian)
Wilderness Lodge
Art of Animation Resort
Sophie:
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter
Polynesian Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort
Mike:
Disney’s Yacht Club & Disney’s Beach Club
Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower
Pop Century
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
What is your Preferred Disney Resort?
Sophie: Pop Century
Mike: Port Orleans Riverside
Brenda: Wilderness Lodge
This Day in Disney History for 9/21:
2002: The city of Marceline, Missouri hosts the fourth annual Walt Disney’s Hometown Toonfest.
The Weekly Disney Windows
Leighton I. Sherwood – First Aid (Disneyland) – Doc Sherwood, M.D – Family Practice – 2014
A little bit of Walt
“In learning the art of storytelling by animation, I have discovered that language has an anatomy. Every spoken word, whether uttered by a living person or by a cartoon character, has its facial grimace, emphasizing the meaning.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: Best Attractions for the Whole Family
1 hr 6 min
September 14On the Road w/Mickey 325 – How Walt Disney’s Original Ideas Still Shape the Parks!
Episode 325 – How Walt Disney’s Original Ideas Still Shape the Parks!
How Walt Disney’s Original Ideas Still Shape the Parks!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! Brenda is out this week on vacation, and today we’re joined once again by our good friend Lee! This is episode 325, and our feature topic is the How Walt Disney’s Original Ideas Still Shape the Parks! In this week’s episode, we are talking about how the ideas of Walt still play out in the parks today! Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
The 2026 EPCOT Candlelight Processional narrator lineup has been released! Some notable names: Gary Sinise on November 29-December 1; Neil Patrick Harris from December 10-12, Lauren Daigle December 15-16, and Jodi Benson on December 24-25.
Congratulations to Disney Legend Lea Salonga, the voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in the movie Mulan, for becoming the first Filipina ever to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Glimmering Greenhouses are returning to Epcot for the holidays. In addition to seeing them in the Living with the Land ride, you can also experience them up close with the Behind the Seeds Tour. The Greenhouses will be lit for tours November 27-December 30.
Connect with us! Here’s how:
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Email: [email protected]
Website: ontheroadwithmickey.com
Question of the Week Feedback:
What are some of your incredible Disney Memories?
Sheila: “Our trips with the Ellis family over the years.”
Brenda: “Each and every one of them”
Chandler: “When you take your 3yo kiddo for his first trip and he’s not too sure about the characters at Crystal Palace.”
Chandler: “When you take your kiddo and he gets to meet the love of his 3yo life.”
Chandler: “When your 18yo kiddo asks his dad to ride Aladdin and not his mom.”
Chandler: “That time I rode Everest with the kiddo and didn’t know what to expect.”
Pam: “Being at Animal Kingdom soft opening”
Debbie: “They have all been incredible but one that stands out was December 2001. My Mom and I went down to celebrate Life…Not knowing at the time we both had cancer. The crowds at the parks were very light. We did the Legacy Picture at Epcot and had an unbelievable time…just the two of us.
We lost her to cancer in October 2004 and I’m now a 23 year cancer survivor. It was our last Disney trip together.
I bring the Mickey Mouse Snowman every year as my special memory. She bought it for me on that last trip..
Robin: “There were these people and two little girls!”
Feature Topic: How Walt Disney’s Original Ideas Still Shape the Parks!
Keep Moving Forward – the parks will never be completed, things will always be changing
Original sketches of Disneyland dating back to 1932.
Family atmosphere, the reimagining of areas, not tear down. Frontierland forestry vibe.
Epcot – how Walt’s vision for a community of tomorrow became a park, and by extension, communities by Storyliving by Disney
How Disney pops up in social media and how the company is incorporated in everyday living.
Carousel of Progress – Updating the Decades and incorporating Walt into the show
Trashcans and Desired Paths – tiny details that are used to make the parks cleaner
When you have a good idea, you stick with it. Example: The Candlelight Processional began, not at Epcot, but at Disneyland in 1955.
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
There are a lot of little pieces of trivia in the parks. What is a little piece of trivia (or Easter Egg) that you really enjoy?
Sophie: The Walt Portrait in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Sophie: The Roy & Minnie Statue along with the Walt & Mickey Statue
Mike: The Disneyland & Walt Disney Firehouses, and the way the light from Walt’s Apartment over the Disneyland firehouse that never turns off in memory of Walt.
Lee: Trader Sams, The Polynesian Resort, at the very top, if you look at the ceiling, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Keys are hanging from the ceiling because he had too many Mai Tais!
This Day in Disney History for 9/14:
1928: Walt Disney writes a letter to his brother Roy and Ub Iwerks about the recording session for Steamboat Willie.
The Weekly Disney Windows
Joyce Carlson – Emporium (Magic Kingdom)- Dolls by Miss Joyce – Dollmaker for the World – Shops in New York, California, Florida, Japan, & Paris – Owner & Founder Joyce Carlson. – 2000
A little bit of Walt
“The important thing is the family.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World
1 hr 10 min
September 07On the Road w/Mickey 324 – Incredible Disney Memories with Special Guests Alisha & Lee!
Episode 324 – Incredible Disney Memories with Special Guests Alisha & Lee!
Incredible Disney Memories with Special Guests Alisha & Lee!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! Brenda is out this week on vacation, and today we’re bringing on our special guests Alisha & Lee to join us on the show! This is episode 324, and our feature topic is the Incredible Disney Memories with Special Guests Alisha & Lee! In this week’s episode, we are sharing our favorite memories! Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
We talked a while back about the changes that Walt Disney World has made regarding the transportation around the resort. Brenda is at Walt Disney World, and she reported back to us on some of those changes. Here’s what she had to say:
Leaving Disney Springs: “All we had to do leaving Disney Springs last night was scan our MagicBand.”
Taking a Lyft to the Poly: “Lyft driver just said drop off and they let us through.”
Lastly, the Grand Floridian Cafe has announced that they will re-open from their long refurbishment on November 2, 2026
Connect with us! Here’s how:
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Facebook Group: https://facebookgroup.ontheroadwithmickey.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OntheRoadwithMickey
Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
Email: [email protected]
Website: ontheroadwithmickey.com
Question of the Week Feedback:
What is one of your favorite Disney comfort foods?
Hannah: “Casey’s corn dog nuggets”
PJ: “Popcorn”
Chandler: “Disneyland Churro.”
PJ: “Dole whips!”
Robin: “Mickey waffles!”
Pam: “Polynesian Bread Pudding”
Deb: “Dole Whips and the Corn Dog at Sleepy Hollow.”
Kim: “Hot salted pretzel with cheese”
Alisha: “Jumbo Turkey Leg”
Lee: “Belgium Waffle Ice Cream Cone at Disney Springs”
Sophie: “Cookies and Cream Cookie” at Gideons
Sophie: “Beignets” at Port Orleans French Quarter
Feature Topic: Incredible Disney Memories with Special Guests Alisha & Lee!
Alisha
Alisha’s daughter’s first roller coaster – DL Space Mountain w/ a 5yo.
Walt Disney World 21st B-Day
Planning Daughter’s 21st B-Day trip(?)
Lee
Going to Disney for the first time (as a teenager)
Animal Kingdom Drum sets
Photos of the kids growing through the years
Coming up: Finding all the Fishing Spots on Disney Property!
Soccer golf, pickleball
Mike
Tiny Sophie’s first ride on Splash Mountain
Barnstormer
First Trip 47 years ago (age 11)
Daddy and Mommy’s trip to Disney while pregnant with Sophie
Sophie’s 21st birthday trip
Sophie
Sophie’s Solo Trip June 2025
Florida Reunion 2019
Disney Cruising
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
What are some of your incredible Disney Memories?
This Day in Disney History for 9/7:
1911: The Birth of Disney Legend and Master Animator Freddie Moore
The Weekly Disney Windows
Meg Crofton – Disney Clothiers (Magic Kingdom) – Center for Leadership Development & Mentoring – Meg Gilbert Crofton, Founder – “We start leaders on their journeys” – 2015
A little bit of Walt
“If you can dream it, you can do it. Remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: How Walt Disney’s Original Ideas Still Shape the Parks
1 hr 3 min
August 31On the Road w/Mickey 323 – Best Disney Comfort Foods!
Episode 323 – Best Disney Comfort Foods!
Best Disney Comfort Foods!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 323, and our feature topic is the Best Disney Comfort Foods! In this week’s episode, we are sharing our favorite comfort classics! Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Brenda: As we reported a couple of months ago in our Limburger Cheese rumor, the Disney Cruise Lines is returning to New York City for the Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 sailing season! The Disney Wish will have cruises there to Bermuda, as well as to New England and Canada!
Sophie: Disney’s newest resort, Lakeshore Lodge, will be opening on July 1, 2027! This incredible looking resort on the shores of Bay Lake will feature A-Frame lodges overlooking the water, themed after the movie Brother Bear, that will sleep 5 to 8 people, as well as Studios that will be themed after the movie Encanto!
Mike: The Disney/Pixar movie Toy Story 5 will begin streaming on Disney+ exclusively on September 23rd, so if you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it in the comfort of your home then!
Connect with us! Here’s how:
Facebook: https://facebook.ontheroadwithmickey.com
Facebook Group: https://facebookgroup.ontheroadwithmickey.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OntheRoadwithMickey
Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
Email: [email protected]
Website: ontheroadwithmickey.com
Question of the Week Feedback:
Are there any places we missed for relaxation from our list?
Chandler: “There is a hidden little pavilion behind Drinkwallah, near the water’s edge. I enjoyed a nice lunch from the Yak & Yeti counter service one afternoon. A slight breeze and a gentle hum of the fans dampened the hustle and bustle that was happening on the main walkway above.”
Robin: “The ride it’s a small world!”
Feature Topic: Best Disney Comfort Foods!
Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding at Raglan Road
50s Prime Time Cafe – Grandpa Gene’s Chicken Pot Pie and Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken
Pot Roast at Liberty Tree Tavern
Carrot Cake Cookie at the Trolley Car Cafe
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie – Tarte aux Fraises
Cousin Megan’s Traditional Meatloaf
‘Ohana Potstickers and Noodles
Regal Eagle Macaroni and Cheese
Akershus Traditional Kjøttkaker: Norwegian Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam
Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork at Eight Spoons – Snack Credit!
Bounty Platter with Mickey Waffles
Rotisserie-roasted Turkey at The Garden Grill Restaurant
Nutella Waffle at Sleepy Hollow
Primo Piatto Blueberry Lemon Pancakes
Chicken Fried Rice at Yak & Yeti Quick Service
Quattro Formaggi Pizza at Via Napoli
Iced Water – Anywhere <3
Biergarten Buffet
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
What is one of your favorite Disney comfort foods?
This Day in Disney History for 8/31:
1964: The Dapper Dans sing at the groundbreaking ceremony for Anaheim Stadium!
The Weekly Disney Windows
Jack Rorex – Market House (Disneyland) – “Buena Vista Construction Co \ Jack Rorex \ Ivan Martin \ Cash Shockey” – 1955
A little bit of Walt
“It’s a mistake not to give people a chance to learn to depend on themselves while they are young.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: Incredible Disney Memories with Special Guests Alisha & Lee!
51 min
August 24On the Road w/Mickey 322 – The Most Relaxing Spots in Each Park!
Episode 322 – The Most Relaxing Spots in Each Park!
The Most Relaxing Spots in Each Park!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 322, and our feature topic is The Most Relaxing Spots in Each Park! In this week’s episode, we are highlighting our locations in each park where you can just relax. Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
D23 News Cheddar!
Mike: Disney is making two changes to attractions at Epcot! The first is that the Dreamfinder will be returning to the Journey Into Imagination with Figment attraction! Secondly, Spaceship Earth is going to be undergoing a major update for the first time in nearly 20 years! Stay tuned for more details.
Brenda: Coming to VIllains Land will be a roller coaster centered around Maleficent! Also, coming back to Expedition Everest: The Yeti is coming back to life inside the attraction!
Sophie: Coming to Piston Peak in the Magic Kingdom, two new attractions – Cars Ridge Run Rally, which is a racing attraction and is billed as a quest to find “the wildest racer in the wheelderness”. Also coming to Piston Peak, Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along. Miss Fritter is inspired by the Diva of Demolition from Cars 3.
Connect with us! Here’s how:
Facebook: https://facebook.ontheroadwithmickey.com
Facebook Group: https://facebookgroup.ontheroadwithmickey.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OntheRoadwithMickey
Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
Email: [email protected]
Website: ontheroadwithmickey.com
Question of the Week Feedback:
What Disney animated movie would you like to see made into a live action remake?
Chandler: “I think Up could be done. I know there’s an AI video out there showing some actors doing scenes, but I doubt all those particular actors would be up for it (no pun intended). I think Up would make an excellent live action.”
Chrissy: “No more remakes”
Robin: “Bambi?”
Brenda: “The Princess and the Frog and Anastasia.”
Cindy: “Pochantas and Brave”
Kelly: “Sword and the Stone”
Sherry: “Atlantis!”
Jennifer: “None”
Paula: “I think Brave would be fun”
Kim: “Sleeping Beauty”
Feature Topic: The Most Relaxing Spots in Each Park!
Magic Kingdom:
The Plaza Inn greenhouse section of the restaurant
Riding the TTA
Front Porch at Tony’s Town Square
A Ride on the WDW Railroad
Carousel of Progress
Country Bear Jamboree
The Garden Hub in front of the Castle (when not busy)
Columbia Harbour House
Hall of Presidents and Mickey’s PhilharMagic, especially for a break from the weather.
Epcot:
Walt the Dreamer section
The Odyssey Building
Canada Pavilion by the waterfall
World Showcase at night
Japan Pavilion by the Koi pond
The American Adventure Pavilion
The Miniature train setup at Germany
Biergarten Restaurant on the dance floor
Living with the Land
Aquarium area of The Seas with Nemo and Friends
The seating area around Sunshine Seasons
Playground area around Guardians of the Galaxy and also inside Mission: SPACE
Hollywood Studios:
Stage Shows
Walt Disney Presents inside One Man’s Dream
Animation Courtyard
Star Tours
Near Pixar Place
Trolley Car Cafe
Sunset Blvd on the way to Tower of Terror
The area after Tower of Terror
The area at night by Grauman’s Chinese Theater
ABC Commissary where they have tables
PizzaRizzo upstairs seating
The Friendship boat rides between Hollywood Studios and Epcot, and also the Skyliner
Animal Kingdom:
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Flametree BBQ seating area
Back area between Africa and Pandora
Pandora at night
Maharaja Jungle Trek
Petting Zoo area
Asia the table area by the water
Finding Nemo: The Musical
The front of the park before you enter the park
Satuli Canteen
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Tree of Life
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
Are there any places we missed for relaxation from our list?
This Day in Disney History for 8/24:
2006: Two white rhinos take their first steps in Africa after being released into the wild from Animal Kingdom
2011: A male African Elephant is born at Animal Kingdom.
The Weekly Disney Windows
Robert A. Iger – Emporium (Disneyland) – New Century Builders – Robert A. Iger, Chief Architect – “Looking forward to your tomorrow!” – Courageous, Confidence, Excellence, Innovation, Curiosity, Optimism.
A little bit of Walt
“Dreams, ideas, and plans not only are an escape, they give me purpose, a reason to hang on.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: Best Disney comfort foods
1 hr 12 min
August 17On the Road w/Mickey 321 – Our Top 3 Disney Live-Action Movie Remakes!
Episode 321 – Our Top 3 Disney Live-Action Movie Remakes!
Our Top 3 Disney Live-Action Movie Remakes!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 321, and our feature topic is Our Top 3 Disney Live-Action Movie Remakes! In this week’s episode, we each talked about our favorite live-action movie remakes that Disney has been producing. Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Lactose Intolerance Awareness Week
Connect with us! Here’s how:
Facebook: https://facebook.ontheroadwithmickey.com
Facebook Group: https://facebookgroup.ontheroadwithmickey.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OntheRoadwithMickey
Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
Email: [email protected]
Website: ontheroadwithmickey.com
Question of the Week Feedback:
What is one piece of advice you would give to a first time Disney-goer?
Paula: “I’d say get the Photo Pass. The ride photos are so cool to have and the Disney photographers are truly amazing with creating memorable moments”
Sherry: “Plans are great but write them in pencil and don’t let a messed up plan ruin your trip! Especially if traveling with kids because they may blow your plan to pieces. Leave time in your day for breaks. Whether that’s at the hotel, finding a comfy spot to sit for parades or a show, or sit down meals for late lunches! Your feet will love you! Do NOT wear new shoes to the parks and even with comfy worn in shoes pack blister band aids just in case. Drink lots of water and always hit the potty before long ride lines (even if no one has to go lol)”
Chandler: “Don’t spend all your time behind your phone. Sure, get a photo, take a video, but not every. Single. Second.”
Pam: “At least 6 months in advance, start a walking program that you can build up to 15,000 steps a day. Get good walking shoes to break in BEFORE you go to WDW.
Know that you can’t do it all.
Grab a celebration button from check in.
If you love interacting with the characters, breakfast character dining is less expensive than L/D. Cuts down on standing in lines to meet them.
Definitely plan the table service restaurants you want to try but keep flexibility in your day for surprises you weren’t expecting.
If you have the days, make a few low energy days.
Above all else, ENJOY THE TIME.”
Sheila: “Make sure you have a Disney Vacation Planner, Have that planner make all your dinner reservations and lightening lanes. Ask your family their must do’s and make a plan.”
Laurie: “Bring duct tape
Dumbo or die
That was from a 1990s travel book.
Make the plans. Don’t keep going but stop for street shows, grab a nosh, or pop into a ride that has a short line.
I took a man to Disneyland. Had to look at kids then Cruella. Half an hour to buy a hat. At least 4 snack breaks. I knew the weather was gonna turn wet. We had to go home. He had the best day ever while my wee autistic brain curled up and melted away. We could have done more rides but half an hour for a baseball cap was too much.
So my advice is to have plans and options. Know the food so you can stop now for yummy food then stick to a schedule and try to wait as your stomach says FEED ME NOW.”
Feature Topic: Our Top 3 Disney Live-Action Movie Remakes!
Sophie:
3) The Little Mermaid (2023)
2) Aladdin (2019)
1) Cinderella (2015)
HM) Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Brenda:
3) Lilo & Stitch (2025)
2) Cinderella (2015)
1) Beauty and the Beast (2017)
HM) Mulan (2020)
Mike:
3) Cinderella (2015)
2) Beauty and the Beast (2017)
1) Moana (2026)
HM) Aladdin (2019)
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
What Disney animated movie would you like to see made into a live action remake?
This Day in Disney History for 8/17:
1786: The Birth of Davy Crockett!
The Weekly Disney Windows
Richard Irvine – Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Magic Kingdom) – Walter E. Disney – Graduate School of Design & Master Planning \ Headmaster – Richard Irvine | Dean of Design – John Hench \ Instructors – Howard Brummitt, Marvin Davis, Fred Hope | Instructors – Vic Greene, Bill Martin, Chuck Myall \ We specialize in Imagineering
A little bit of Walt
“We have always tried to be guided by the basic idea that, in the discovery of knowledge, there is great entertainment—as, conversely, in all good entertainment, there is always some grain of wisdom, humanity or enlightenment to be gained.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: The Most Relaxing Spots in Each Park
51 min
August 10On the Road w/Mickey 320 – Disney for First Time Visitors!
Episode 320 – Disney for First Time Visitors!
Disney for First Time Visitors!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 320, and our feature topic is Disney for First Time Visitors! In this week’s episode, we each talked about how your Disney trips will change when you are going with little kids versus going with teens. Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Mike: D23 is coming up – it will be running in Anaheim from August 14-16. There are 11 new Disney Legends in the Class of 2026! Brenda and Sophie have the list of honorees!
Brenda: Chris Berman (Television), Jerry Bruckheimer (Film), Susan Egan (Voice), Eric Goldberg (Animation), Anne Hathaway (Film), Bob Iger (Leadership)
Sophie: Kim Irvine (Imagineering), Dwayne Johnson (Film & Voice), Jonas Brothers (Television & Music), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Film & Music), Alan Tudyk (Film & Voice).
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Question of the Week Feedback:
What are your favorite Disney Memories, both as a kid or as a teen?
Mike: That first trip, 1979
Brenda: That first trip, 1979
Sophie: The most recent trip and the first cruise, 2026
Chandler: “I remember as a 5ish year old kid, my Aunt Karen took me to a re-release of Mary Poppins at the movie theater. This was in the 70s. (1970s, y’all.) This was my first Disney memory that I can vividly recall.”
Chandler: “When I was in fourth grade, my parents took me and my sisters to CA to visit my maternal great-grandfather. He was a 70+ year old man with a heavy German accent. Friendly as could be. He took us to Disneyland. While I can vaguely remember a few attractions and probably meeting Mickey for the first time, I remember just sitting on a concrete bench or wall next to him, while we were waiting for others to return to where we were.
I’m thankful for that visit, and the two more times I visited him before he passed away.”
Robin: “I’m enjoying the parks with my grandkids! We do a lot more with them than we did when my kids were younger.”
Robin: “One vivid memory is from years ago. Jim and I rode the roller coasters and the kids sat on the bench and waited for us! Haha!”
Feature Topic: Disney for First-Timers!
Book a Travel Agent – No extra cost if you book with Pixie Vacations 🙂
Look at the dates you are wanting to go. You need to know when you want to go, and what special events might be happening. Also, factor in travel time.
Plan your top experiences to determine what you want to see and experience, not trying to do everything on this one trip.
Book your trip as far out as possible so that you can pay longer towards that trip and not have credit card expenses to pay when you get home.
Time of year, know your park hours so you aren’t trying to go to a park that closes early because of a party.
On Property or Off Property
Certain resorts have various transportation methods. Monorail, Skyliner, Disney Bus, Boat.
What parks are we going to? What do we want to see and do?
What do we want to eat!
MyDisneyExperience App – especially when it comes to the park maps!
Keep your ears open for a LightningLane tutorial 🙂
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
What is one piece of advice you would give to a first time Disney-goer?
This Day in Disney History for 8/10:
1934: Walt and Lillian Disney sail to Hawaii from Lost Angeles.
The Weekly Disney Windows
Bob Gurr – House of Magic (Magic Kingdom) – “The Big Wheel Co. \ “One-of-a-Kind” \ Horseless Carriages \ Unicycles \ Dave Gengenbach \ Bob Gurr \ George McGinnis \ Bill Watkins
A little bit of Walt
“We have always tried to be guided by the basic idea that, in the discovery of knowledge, there is great entertainment—as, conversely, in all good entertainment, there is always some grain of wisdom, humanity or enlightenment to be gained.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: Our Top 3 Disney Live-Action Movie Remakes
1 hr 3 min
July 27On the Road w/Mickey 319 – Disney with Teens vs Disney with Little Kids!
Episode 319 – Disney with Teens vs Disney with Little Kids!
Disney with Teens vs Disney with Little Kids!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 319, and our feature topic is Disney with Teens vs Disney with Little Kids! In this week’s episode, we each talked about how your Disney trips will change when you are going with little kids versus going with teens. Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Mike: Not a lot of Cheddar this week, but the big announcement that I’ve seen (quite by accident) is that The Magic of Disney Animation is opening up on September 14th!
Brenda: It is featuring these areas:
“Drawn to Wonderland”
“Off the Page!”
“Olaf Draws!”
Once Upon A Studio Theater
Sophie: Before the opening, you can watch a special on Disney+ “Once Upon a Studio” to learn more about the inspiration behind the new area!
https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/disney-animation-inspired-experience-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/
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Question of the Week Feedback:
What is your favorite Attraction Lore/Backstory?
Deb: “The story that goes with and preshow at GOG.”
Laurie: “Tom Sawyer island was an old fort. This is where Tom played as a kid.
Captain EO
Golden Dreams
Bugs Land
Kali rapids”
Pam: “So…Kilimanjaro Safari was created to rescue Little Red from poachers that kidnapped Little Red (Big Reds calf)?”
Robin: “There is a backstory about the house in living with the land. I don’t know all the deets, but I think it’s a working office?”
Feature Topic: Disney with Teens vs Disney with Little Kids!
When planning, decide whether you are taking your kids out of school or not, depending on their age. School schedules matter.
With littles, you need to keep in mind the ride height requirements and what your little kids can and can’t ride.
Also, keep on top of what your family’s interests are.
Choosing your resort. Choose your resort based on your family ages, little kids, think about something like Art of Animation. Teens, based on budget, see if you can get a 2-bedroom villa so there is more space and place for kids to have their own space.
Value resorts don’t have water slides at the pools, but the Moderate resorts have water slides.
Keep in mind your family’s tastes for thrills/experiences. Characters, Rollercoasters, etc.
Disney Magic!!!
Teens: Sleep later, go to the parks later, stay until close.
Little Kids: Little kids wake up early, so you go early to the parks, mid-day breaks, and return later to close the parks.
Dining: take into account your kid/teen’s appetite
Evening entertainment – fireworks and your children’s tolerance for loud noises.
Little kids – make sure they know who the Cast Members are in case the parents get lost. Teens, not as big a concern.
Navigating Lightning Lanes for kids vs. teens can be very different. Kids – you generally choose for everyone. Teens – sometimes they ride things on their own
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
What are your favorite Disney Memories, both as a kid or as a teen?
Mike: That first trip, 1979
Brenda: That first trip, 1979
Sophie: The most recent trip and the first cruise, 2026
This Day in Disney History for 7/27:
1955: Future Disney Legend Bill “Sully” Sullivan begins working at Disneyland as a Jungle Cruise ticket taker.
The Weekly Disney Windows
Dave Smith – Fortuosity Shop (Disneyland) – New Century Historical Society / Dave Smith / Town Archivist / Preserving, Protecting & Presenting Our Fond Memories of the Past
A little bit of Walt
“Disneyland is like a piece of clay, if there is something I don’t like, I’m not stuck with it. I can reshape and revamp.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: Disney for First-Timers
1 hr 31 min
July 20On the Road w/Mickey 318 – The Best Disney Attraction Backstories!
Episode 318 – The Best Disney Attraction Backstories!
The Best Disney Attraction Backstories!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 318, and our feature topic is The Best Disney Attraction Backstories! In this week’s episode, we each talked about a specific Disney attraction and the backstory behind the attraction. Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Sophie: Interestingly, two Walt Disney World restaurants have now introduced a walk-up list feature. The Beak & Barrel in the Magic Kingdom will be adding it soon, and over at Epcot, Geo-82 will be adding it as well. Currently, it looks like the features aren’t fully available but if you are near the locations and look in the MDE app, you will see a button for their location that says to “Join Walk-Up List”.
Brenda: This is more rumor than anything, but it appears that the Disney Cruise Line may be bringing back departures out of New York City. There have been some updates on various cruise websites, such as the Manhattan Cruise Terminal website, and that is sparking discussion about whether DCL is returning to New York! No official word from Disney, but stay tuned!
Mike: We here at On the Road with Mickey would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of Disney Legend Don Iwerks, who passed away at the age of 96 on July 9th. Don is the son of the legendary Ub Iwerks, and Don’s daughter Leslie has also worked on projects for Disney. Our prayers go out to Don’s wife Betty, his sons John & Larry, and his daughter Leslie. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Tamara, who he carried in his heart always.
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Question of the Week Feedback:
What is your favorite Attraction Lore/Backstory?
Sophie: Haunted Mansion
Mike: Expedition Everest
Brenda: Cosmic Rewind
Chandler: “I enjoy the stories of how the early imagineers had to create the attraction ride systems before Disneyland even opened.”
Cindy: “The backstory of Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids.”
Feature Topic: The Best Disney Attraction Backstories
Sophie: Phantom Manor
Disneyland Paris (originally Euro Disneyland)
Catering to a distinctly non-American audience
No Liberty Square, no New Orleans Square, where to put the Haunted Mansion?
Multiple languages, not just French and English
Decided on Frontier land due to french enthusiasm for the American Gold Rush → Thunder Mesa, Arizona, USA
(Marc Davis reference)
Thunder Mesa Backstory
EVERYTHING is owned by one Henry Ravenswood, founder of the Big Thunder Mining Co.
In childhood, Melanie was confined to the grounds of Ravenswood Manor
As she grew, she acquired a long line of suitors
Capt. Rowan D. Falls – Captain of the Mark Twain Riverboat (sent over a waterfall by Henry)
Ignatius Knight – An explosives manufacturer for Big Thunder Mining Co. (blew up in a dynamite explosion by Henry)
Barry Claude – An oil-field tycoon (led into the forest by Henry and mauled by a bear)
Sawyer Bottom – An owner of a Sawmill (tied to a log by Henry and sawed in half)
Jake – Melanie’s final suitor, a train engineer who planned to take her away from Thunder Mesa to start a new life (hanged from the rafters of the attic by a mysterious phantom)
Henry vowed to thwart the wedding of Jake & Melanie, but was killed in a massive earthquake before he could. The wedding plans proceeded despite the tragedy
On the day of the wedding however, Melanie dressed in her bridal gown and waited for Jake to arrive. He never did.
Heartbroken, Melanie vowed to wait for her beloved, but as days turned to weeks, months, years, she became a recluse in the now dilapidated manor.
Many questioned if she was still alive, but on quiet nights, her voice could be heard, singing melancholy songs of lost love.
All the while, a mysterious phantom (revealed to be the ghost of Henry Ravenswood) haunts the manor, inviting numbers of dead spirits to live there. Jake’s spirit never appears, theorized to be trapped in his hanging corpse, still suspended in the attic.
Brenda: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
The Guardians of the Galaxy are a team of intergalactic mercenaries (some say outlaws) who primarily defend the Andromeda galaxy. I agree with those that think of them as good guys — with an unconventional approach to the Super Hero business.
The team was founded in 2014 when Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot, and Drax the Destroyer assembled to save Xandar from being decimated by Ronan the Accuser. Recognized by the Nova Empire, the Guardians were hired shortly after by the Sovereign’s leader Ayesha to defeat an Abilisk, but became their enemies when Rocket stole from them. They gained three new members in Mantis, Nebula and Yondu Udonta when they banded together to defeat Ego, which resulted in Udonta’s death. Nebula then left the team as the remaining Guardians resumed their adventures.
Four years later, the Guardians joined forces with the Avengers to stop Thanos from collecting the Infinity Stones.
Pre-show
At the end of the gallery, Terrans (inhabitants of Earth) are ushered to the final stop of the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion, hosted by Nova Prime Irani Rael of the Nova Corps. She welcomes the guests and begins by explaining how both Xandar and Terra were born of the same moment — the Big Bang. She then details how the Xandarians traveled through the galaxy to reach Terra to showcase their culture: by utilizing a Cosmic Generator, a piece of Xandarian technology that creates “jumpholes” that allowed them to create shortcuts to reach their destination much quicker. As a culmination of the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion, Terrans will be teleported to a Nova ship in space to demonstrate the Cosmic Generator. After Nova Prime’s presentation, Centurion Tal Marik of the Nova Corps welcomes Terrans and advises the prohibition of communication devices with recording capabilities (i.e. cellphones and smartphones), after which Terrans are ushered into the teleportation chamber.
After Terrans have been teleported to the Nova ship, the Cosmic Generator is stolen and the ship loses its power before a demonstration could be presented, prompting Nova Prime to urgently call the Guardians of the Galaxy for help. Peter Quill / Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot all appear on screen answering the distress call, only to discover that a Celestial named Eson, seen outside the Nova ship, has stolen the Cosmic Generator. Unhappy with the Terrans, the Celestial uses the Cosmic Generator to send Terra through a jumppoint to the dawn of time, with the intention of erasing its existence, before entering the jump point itself.
Quill urges Centurion Tal Marik to follow Eson while the Guardians rendezvous with the Nova ship to stop the Celestial but is unable to do so due to the lack of power in the ship and needing to send Terrans to evacuation shuttles. However, Rocket suggests he can control the shuttles to have the Terrans follow Eson via jumpholes and rendezvous with them instead, as they are their only way of tracking the Celestial in order to recover the Cosmic Generator. Terrans are then led to the corridors of the loading platforms to board their evacuation shuttles.
Ride experience
As the shuttles depart, Terrans begin making their way out of the Nova ship to enter the jumppoint in their evacuation shuttles. Peter Quill / Star-Lord and Gamora assure them that they’re tracking the shuttles to meet them, while Drax and Rocket instead make pessimistic remarks about the situation. The Guardians wish the Terrans luck as they set off, and after crossing the jumppoint the Terrans arrive at Eson’s location, where it holds the Cosmic Generator. Shortly after, the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive in their ship as Eson prepares to throw the Cosmic Generator towards Terra, who disregards Quill’s music from the Guardians’ ship as “noise”. The Guardians then blast the Cosmic Generator from the Celestial’s hands, opening another jumppoint which proceeds to suck everything in, taking them all the way back in time to the Big Bang and eventually fading into complete darkness. Suddenly, the evacuation shuttles are launched backwards in an explosion, and it is at this point that the vehicles begin their spinning profiles on their axis to achieve a sensation of “space travel” while the story develops around them with a randomized song selection out of six.
As the evacuation shuttles travel through multiple jumpholes along the way, the Guardians of the Galaxy engage in combat with Eson around the Terrans as they also cross multiple jumppoints. The Guardians finally lead a fleet of Nova Corp Starblasters to Eson, who manage to contain the Celestial and recover the Cosmic Generator. As the Guardians of the Galaxy travel far from the scene, they lead the Terrans to a final series of jumpholes that takes them to the Milky Way, then around the Moon before locking the coordinates for EPCOT and sending them back to Terra. As they arrive, Peter Quill welcomes the Terrans to the Guardians of the Galaxy, the rest of the team remarking amongst themselves as they disembark.
Mike: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Picture this, if you will…
The Date is October 31, 1939
The Location: The Hollywood Tower Hotel
The Scene: A severe thunderstorm rolls over Hollywood. Lightning struck the hotel, and a service elevator carrying five guests disappeared into another dimension. The hotel is abandoned, and decades later is opened to the public for tours.
To gain an understanding of what the attraction would look like, the Walt Disney Imagineering team watched ALL 156 episodes of the Twilight Zone series, and they deliberately chose pieces from several different episodes to include in the attraction.
In the queue, you enter the forgotten lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, complete with:
Dust-covered furniture
Half-finished drinks
Luggage that was never claimed
Cobwebs everywhere
A stopped grandfather clock
Basically, what you are entering is into a space that has not changed since that fateful night, October 31, 1939.
As for the ride itself, well, you don’t just fall. You enter the 5th dimension that Rod Serling mentioned in the opening of every episode of The Twilight Zone. Then, you don’t just fall – you fall FASTER than gravity! Lastly, computer technology since 2002 randomly changes each drop sequence, so you never have the same exact ride each time.
As for the building – it is deliberately built at 199 feet. This is because if it was 200 feet tall, FAA regulations would require an airplane beacon be placed on top of the building, which would affect the theming of the attraction.
Fun Fact: In two days from the airing of this episode, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will celebrate its 32nd anniversary of opening on July 22, 1994
“Tower of Terror isn’t my favorite attraction. However, the way the Imagineers have created such a suspension of disbelief, it is truly like you have left Florida, you have left Walt Disney World, you have left Hollywood Studios, and you have entered another time, another place, and entered into the Hollywood Tower Hotel on October 31, 1939. That is why this backstory is so captivating to me.”
Sophie’s Question of the Week:
What is your favorite Attraction Lore/Backstory?
This Day in Disney History for 7/20:
1890: Actress Verna Felton is born
The Weekly Disney Windows
Jack Lindquist
A little bit of Walt
“If I can’t find a theme, I can’t make a film anyone else will feel. I can’t laugh at intellectual humor. I’m just corny enough to like to have a story hit me over the heart.” – Walt Disney
Coming next week: Disney with Teens vs Disney with Little Kids
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to [email protected]. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
56 min

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