Traveling With The Mouse

Episode 464: Welcome back, Disney fans, to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! Today we dive deep into the ripple effects of the recent D23 announcements and how they’re shaping the future of Walt Disney World. Now that a couple of weeks have passed since the dust settled, we’ve had time to digest the news and reflect on what these changes mean for the parks, the resorts, and our beloved Disney experience.

Shifting gears, we take a look at the highly anticipated Polynesian DVC Tower, which is set to open later this year. There’s no doubt this new addition will be a hit, especially with the DVC crowd. But, as we reflect on the history of changes at the Polynesian, it’s clear that not all updates have been warmly received. The Polynesian is a resort that’s very dear to many Disney fans, and with each renovation, there’s always a question of whether it will enhance or detract from its iconic status.

While we’re on the topic of resorts, we also take a moment to reflect on the value of staying at Disney resorts in general. There’s no denying that location is the biggest draw for many of Disney’s on-property hotels. Being able to hop on a monorail, walk to a park, or be a short bus ride away from the magic is a convenience that’s hard to beat. But with the prices of these resorts climbing higher and higher, we have to ask: is location the only thing keeping these resorts relevant?

Lastly, we wrap up the episode with a discussion on Virtual Queues. Disney has kept Virtual Queues around for the most popular attractions, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run, and now, the big question is: when will they retire the Virtual Queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

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Episode 463: Hey Disney fans, welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In episode 463, we dive deep into some of the hottest topics in the Disney universe right now. From speculating about the location of Monsters Inc. Land to discussing the latest updates to Peter Pan’s Flight, we’ve got a lot to cover!

The Future of Monsters Inc. Land: Where Should It Go?
One of the most intense debates swirling around Disney right now is the location for the new Monsters Inc. Land that was announced at D23. We couldn’t resist speculating about where this new land might end up. We each reveal where we hope to see this monster-filled world come to life. But it’s not just about the location. We also debate which attractions we’d be willing to sacrifice to make way for Monsters Inc. Land and we’d love to hear your thoughts on which attractions should stay or go!

Peter Pan’s Flight Updates
Next, we shift gears to discuss the recent updates to Peter Pan’s Flight. This classic ride has seen some changes, and naturally, we have opinions! Did Disney hit the mark with these changes, or did they miss the pixie dust? Tune in to hear our verdict.

Theme Park Attendance: Who’s Up and Who’s Down?

We also dive into the latest report on theme park attendance worldwide. It’s been a wild 2023 for Disney parks, with some locations seeing a spike in visitors while others experienced a dip. We analyze the numbers and speculate on what might have contributed to these changes. Whether it’s new attractions, park expansions, or just the general state of the world, there’s a lot to unpack in this report. If you’re curious about which Disney parks are on the rise and which ones might be struggling, you won’t want to miss this segment.

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Episode 462: Hey Disney fans! In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive deep into all the major announcements from this past weekend’s D23 parks panel. If you missed it, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with all the details, updates, and, of course, our own thoughts and speculations.

The Monster’s Inc. Land Surprise
Let’s start with the biggest surprise of the event – the announcement of a brand new Monster’s Inc. land coming to Hollywood Studios! Ever since the film first graced our screens, fans have been dreaming of a roller coaster that lets us experience the wild ride of those suspended doors, and now it’s finally happening! The only question now is – where exactly is this land going to fit in Hollywood Studios? We discuss the potential locations and what it could mean for the future layout of the park.

Goodbye Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island
In a twist that left us all stunned, Disney also announced (after D23) the closure of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island to make way for a Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom. The loss of these iconic areas is sure to be felt by many long-time Disney goers, but we’re curious to see how the Cars theme will be integrated into the Magic Kingdom experience. Will it be worth the trade-off? Only time will tell.

On the flip side, one of the most highly anticipated announcements was the official confirmation of Villains Land. After years of speculation and fan theories, it’s finally happening! Will it live up to the hype? We discuss our expectations and what we hope to see when it finally opens.

But it wasn’t just the domestic parks that got some love during the panel – there were announcements for Disney parks worldwide. We go over the key highlights and what they mean for Disney fans globally.

The Missing Announcements
While we were thrilled with most of what we heard, there were a few things that left us scratching our heads. We share our disappointments and speculate on what might be coming down the pipeline, even if it wasn’t ready for the D23 stage.

What are you most excited about, and what left you wanting more? Let us know in the comments or over on our social media!

Until next time, keep traveling with the mouse!

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Welcome back, time travelers! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we delve into the history and evolution of Disney World’s skip-the-line offerings over the past 25 years. From the original paper FastPass to the current Genie Plus and Lightning Lane systems, we discuss the pros and cons of each. Plus, we cover the exciting news about the new Disney Destiny cruise ship and celebrate Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s 25th anniversary. Let’s dive in!

The paper FastPass system was introduced in 1999, revolutionizing the way guests experienced attractions at Disney World. This system allowed guests to obtain a paper ticket with a return time, effectively reducing wait times at popular attractions. In 2014, Disney introduced FastPass Plus, a digital system that allowed guests to book FastPasses in advance using the My Disney Experience app. In 2021 the era of paid offerings began with Genie Plus, a service that allows guests to pay for access to shorter wait times via the Lightning Lane. Recently, Disney introduced the Lightning Lane Single and Multi-Pass options.

We also cover the exciting announcement of the new Disney Destiny cruise ship. This latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line promises innovative features, magical experiences, and destinations that will captivate Disney fans of all ages. We discuss what we know so far and our excitement for this new venture on the high seas. Finally, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. This thrilling ride has been a staple at Disney’s Hollywood Studios but how much longer will this ride stay in its current form?

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Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into our hopes and predictions for the upcoming D23 Parks panel. From anticipated announcements to our ultimate wish list, we cover it all. Plus, we review Inside Out 2 and discuss the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass system. Let’s get started!

As the D23 Parks panel approaches, excitement is building for what Disney might unveil. We anticipate more details about the transformation of Dinoland into the tropical Americas. This new land will feature Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions. We also expect Updates on the Beyond Big Thunder expansion including potential new lands and attractions that will enhance the Magic Kingdom experience. We’re hoping for some unexpected surprises that will thrill Disney fans, such as new attractions or experiences across various parks.

We also take a look at Inside Out 2 and share our thoughts on the film. We share Ideas for how Inside Out 2 could be integrated into the Disney parks. There’s some existing structures that could easily house an attraction based on this franchise.

Finally, Disney’s new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass system is rolling out, and we’ve got some early thoughts as this new system is rolling out. As with any new change Disney makes there’s pros and cons. Being able to book in advance and hold 3 lightning lanes at a time is a good thing but same day availability is in short supply. The kinks will get worked out and we hope with time that this system will have more positives than negatives.

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Episode 459: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we take a delightful trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our favorite times visiting Disney parks in the 80s and 90s. Plus, we dive into some important updates and news from the world of Disney. Let’s get started!

Jon and Adam share their fondest memories of visiting Disney parks during their childhoods. We explore what made the 80s and 90s such magical decades for Disney fans and discuss what we believe was the best age to visit during those times.

We discuss the current reliability of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Rise of the Resistance. Both attractions have faced their share of technical issues, and we delve into what’s being done to improve their uptime and guest experience. Disney is testing a new single rider line for Rise of the Resistance, and we share our thoughts on how this could impact wait times and ride efficiency. We discuss the potential benefits and any concerns we might have.

Thank you for joining us on this nostalgic and informative journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more Disney news and updates. Until next time, keep dreaming big and keep traveling with the mouse!

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Episode 458: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, Jon and Adam take you on a journey through their summer adventures, share their thoughts on the latest Disney news, and reveal some exciting new merchandise. Get ready for a fun-filled episode packed with travel stories, fireworks comparisons, and Disney insights!

Jon’s Trip to Dallas, TX
Jon kicks off the episode by sharing highlights from his trip to Dallas, Texas. He took a road trip with his family to Texas. He shares the different sites and attractions that he visited and we even shared some presidential history between his trip and Adam’s trip to D.C.

Adam’s 4th of July in Washington D.C.
Adam recounts his exciting 4th of July celebration in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. He had the chance to experience the patriotic festivities and even managed to find some Disney tie-ins during his trip. Adam also compares the 4th of July fireworks shows in D.C. to Walt Disney World’s.

Country Bear Musical Jamboree: A Pleasant Surprise
Jon and Adam share their reactions to the newly revamped Country Bear Musical Jamboree. They discuss how the updated show has exceeded their expectations and brought a fresh, entertaining experience to the park. Their relieved and pleasantly surprised reactions highlight the success of this classic attraction’s revival.

D23 Parks Panel: What Does “Horizons” Mean?
The upcoming D23 parks panel has been given the intriguing title “Horizons,” and the artwork features a retro Epcot vibe. Jon and Adam delve into what this could mean for the future of Disney parks. They speculate on potential announcements, attractions, and themes that might be revealed, drawing connections to the beloved Horizons attraction from Epcot’s past.

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Episode: 457 Welcome back, Disney fans! In this special episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re joined by the incredible Ryan and Reagan, also known as The Brothers WDW. These two Disney enthusiasts recently completed not one, but two Parkeology runs back to back, conquering an impressive 52 rides in a single day across all four Walt Disney World Parks. Get ready for an action-packed episode filled with strategy, close calls, and the latest Disney updates!

We kick off the episode by welcoming our special guests, Ryan and Reagan. The Brothers WDW have taken on the Parkeology challenge and emerged victorious. They recently completed 2 back to back runs of 52 rides. They break down the key elements that helped them succeed, recounting some of the close calls and unexpected hurdles they faced along the way. Their quick thinking and teamwork ultimately tipped things in their favor.

As Disney prepares to implement changes to the Lightning Lane system, we discuss how these updates might impact future Parkeology challenges and regular park visits. We discuss how to run the challenge or just to get the most out of your Disney vacation you have to adapt and roll with whatever the day gives you.

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Episode:456 Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re diving into some firsthand experiences and exciting updates from the Disney parks. Grab your Mickey ears and join us as we explore the magic!

Adam and Jason had the incredible opportunity to preview Tiana’s Bayou Adventure twice this past weekend. With the official opening just around the corner on June 28th, we’re here to share all the details and our thoughts on this highly anticipated attraction. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a nice addition to the Disney parks, offering a fresh and engaging experience that honors the beloved film. We can’t wait for everyone to experience it starting June 28th!

Test Track

Test Track 2.0 has been a thrilling favorite, with its high-speed adventures and interactive design elements. Our last ride was filled with nostalgia and excitement, appreciating all the elements that made this version special. While we’re sad to see Test Track 2.0 go, we’re excited about the possibilities for its refurbishment. We discuss our hopes for the new version, including more immersive storytelling and cutting-edge technology.

Other Disney News

With the massive construction project at Epcot now complete, we discuss the new features and attractions that have been unveiled. Communicore Hall is very underwhelming especially after what was originally planned for Epcot prior to 2020. This entire area is the finally of a severely cut back and watered down project. It painfully shows with this lackluster area in my favorite park.

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Episode 455: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re diving into some exciting Disney news and letting our imaginations run wild as we brainstorm new attractions for each World Showcase pavilion.

First up, the massive construction overhaul at Epcot is finally complete! This ambitious project has brought new life to the park with updated attractions, enhanced landscaping, and futuristic new areas. We discuss the highlights of the changes and what guests can look forward to on their next visit to Epcot. Next, we’ve got an exciting update for all you classic Disney fans. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree has an official opening date! We share the details and our thoughts on the revamped show, which promises to blend beloved classic elements with fresh, Disney-themed musical numbers. Last but certainly not least, passholder previews for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have begun! We hope to experience the attraction ourselves and give our reviews next week.

Now, onto the main event of this episode! We let our imaginations soar as we brainstorm ideas for adding a ride to each existing World Showcase pavilion at Epcot. We hope you enjoy our ideas and invite you to share your own! If you could add rides/attractions to the world showcase what would they be? Would you base it on an existing Disney IP that would fit in that country?

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