Traveling With The Mouse

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

The post Raft Rides, Pirate Lounges, and Mouse on the Move appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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!

The post Summer Shifts and Epic Impacts appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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!

The post The Ultimate Monorail vs. Skyliner Showdown appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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.

The post We’re Back! Spring Break Recap and Disney News Catch-Up appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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.

The post Extinct Attraction Madness: Sweet 16 Showdown & Disney News Updates appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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!

The post March Madness: Top Extinct Attractions appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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.

The post Our Ideal Disney Time Travel Years! appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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.

The post Disney News, Epic Universe, and Hot Takes on Walt Disney World appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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?

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!

The post Catching Up on Disney News & A Trip to the Grand Canyon appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.

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!

The post What Should Disney Bring Back to Add More Value? appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse.