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.

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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.

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Episode 473: Welcome to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! We’re diving into some exciting Disney news, including a new option for skipping the lines, holiday updates, and even some breakfast news! Here’s what we cover in this episode.

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment Prep

You may have noticed a few changes around Big Thunder Mountain lately. Disney is already laying the groundwork for a major refurbishment of this classic attraction. While we don’t have all the details on what the refurbishment will entail, we talk about what this means for Big Thunder and speculate on the updates we might see. This wild ride is about to get wilder—or, at the very least, refreshed for future visitors!

Jingle Cruise Returns!

If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom for the holidays, you’ll be happy to hear that the Jingle Cruise is back! This holiday overlay of the Jungle Cruise ride brings festive decorations, themed jokes, and a dash of holiday spirit to Adventureland. We chat about why this seasonal favorite is a must-do and what you can expect if you’ve never taken a trip on this unique holiday adventure.

Breakfast at Satu’li Canteen

Finally, we’ve got a tasty update for those early risers! Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has brought back breakfast service. This Pandora favorite is now serving breakfast, offering a great start for those looking to fuel up before exploring the beautiful landscape of Pandora and the rest of the park. We dive into the breakfast menu and recommend what we’re excited to try next time we’re there.

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Episode 472: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into a hot topic that’s got everyone buzzing—Disney’s latest price hikes! From ticket prices to Annual Passes and even snacks, Disney recently rolled out some significant increases across the board. And with the grand opening of the newest, most opulently themed Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk, it’s clear that Disney is doubling down on luxury experiences. But with prices that are enough to make your wallet sweat, we have to ask: Is it really worth it?

While Disney’s prices continue to soar, there are still a few gems in the parks that we think offer great value for your money. We break down some of our favorite go-to spots for quality food, drinks, and experiences that won’t require a second mortgage. First up? The Baseline Taphouse. Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s the perfect spot for grabbing a beer or cocktail without the Disney premium that other places carry. Not only is the atmosphere super chill, but the selection and prices make it a win for any park-goer looking to unwind. Then there’s the trusty quick-service options. While not as flashy as the table-service experiences, Disney’s quick-service restaurants offer some solid options that are worth every penny. Despite the price increases, there are certain experiences and treats we think are worth loosening the purse strings for.

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Episode 471: Buckle up because we’ve got a lot to cover this week! In this episode, we dive into the major refurbishment plans coming to Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom, Universal’s big news for Epic Universe, and Disney’s latest paid perks for DVC members and deluxe resort guests. Let’s break it down.

Big Thunder Mountain’s Upcoming Refurbishment: What’s Going On?

Big Thunder Mountain is set to undergo a significant refurbishment, and it’s raising some eyebrows. This iconic ride is already a fan favorite, but could Disney be planning something even bigger? With Rivers of America seeing a major update with the construction of the new cars attraction we can’t help but wonder if there’s more going on behind the scenes. Could this be part of the larger reimagining of Frontierland? You know Disney loves to keep us guessing.

Epic Universe at Universal: Mark Your Calendars for 2025

While Disney is busy with refurbishments, Universal has set an official opening date for Epic Universe in 2025. This massive new park has been highly anticipated, and now we’re finally getting details on some of the lands and attractions. From Super Nintendo World to the rumored Universal Monsters area, Epic Universe is shaping up to be a game-changer. We discuss what this means for Disney and how the competition between the two entertainment giants could impact the guest experience.

Disney’s New Paid Perks: Worth the Price?

Disney just rolled out some new paid perks, and of course, we had to dig into the details. DVC members and guests staying at deluxe resorts now have access to some pretty exclusive add-ons, but are they worth the extra cost? The Lightning Lane Premiere Pass will test how far people will go for a little extra convenience we break down what each perk offers and answer the burning question: is the convenience really worth the price? Are you better off sticking with Genie+ or splurging for the premiere access? We’ve got opinions, and we’re not holding back!

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Episode 470: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into the storm that shook things up at Walt Disney World—Hurricane Milton. We talk about how the parks responded, why Jon ultimately canceled his much-anticipated trip, and what this means for Disney fans going forward.

Beyond Milton, we take a journey through the history of every time Disney has had to close its doors over the past 53 years. From other hurricanes and 9/11 to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s fascinating to see how Disney has navigated these unprecedented challenges. These closures were rare, but are happening more frequently in recent years.

Finally, we wrap up the episode with some of the latest Disney news, including updates on park operations post-Milton.

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Episode 469: Hey there, Disney fans! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! After taking a week off to recharge, we’re diving headfirst into the latest happenings in the Disney world. We’ve got a lot to cover this week, so let’s get into it! First up, let’s talk about the weather. Hurricanes can impact travel plans, and we want all our listeners to stay safe out there. Whether you’re at home or planning a trip, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared.

Big Discounts for 2025

In more exciting news, Disney has already released some big discounts for 2025! That’s right—if you’re planning ahead (and we know you are!), now is the perfect time to start looking at options for your future trips. We’ll go over the best deals and how you can snag them before they disappear. It’s all about planning smart to get the most out of your Disney experience!

Jon’s Upcoming Trip to Walt Disney World

This week, we’re particularly excited to preview Jon’s upcoming trip to Walt Disney World! He’s got a packed itinerary, and he’s aiming to hit all the must-see attractions before they potentially change. Jon is making sure to explore The Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom, Dinoland at Animal Kingdom, and he’s even planning to visit Muppets Courtyard. Who knows what changes might be coming? So, he’ll definitely be stopping by Pizzarizzo and Muppet Vision 3D just in case! You never want to miss those classic experiences.

We’ll also dive into the process of booking the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass in advance. With so many rides and attractions to experience, knowing how to navigate the Lightning Lane system can save you a lot of time and stress. We’ll share tips and tricks to make the most of this feature so you can maximize your park time and enjoy all your favorites without the long waits.

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Welcome back to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! On this week’s show, we’re diving into the latest Disney news, and then we’re shaking things up with a fun, yet thought-provoking, hypothetical game. We’re asking ourselves: of the attractions on the chopping block, which one would we save?

We discuss some things in the news like the points chart for the new Tower rooms at the Polynesian set to open in December. We have an update on both of the new housing projects that Disney is undertaking on both coasts. Dok-Ondar is back at his shop in Galaxy’s edge and we are still trying to figure out what exactly is happening over at Woody’s Lunchbox.

To wrap up the episode, we take a walk down memory lane and highlight some major milestones that happened this week in Disney history. Whether it’s a ride debut, a key film release, or a landmark event, we look back on the moments that shaped the parks and the company we all love. From classic ride openings to the launch of iconic films, this segment is filled with Disney nostalgia and celebrates the moments that made us fans for life.

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Welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In today’s show, we dive into the latest Disney news and give our thoughts on the changes and updates happening around Walt Disney World. We’ve got a lot to cover in episode 467, so let’s jump right in!

How’s Tron Holding Up Without the Virtual Queue?

It’s been a full week since Tron Lightcycle Run dropped its virtual queue, and we’ve been watching closely to see how things play out. If you remember, the virtual queue was both a blessing and a headache—helping to manage lines but also adding an extra layer of stress for guests hoping to ride. Now that it’s gone, standby lines are the new reality, and in this episode, we break down how wait times have fared, the pros and cons of this change, and what it might mean for how guests will rope drop at Magic Kingdom.

Next up, we’ve got updates on the ongoing refurbishment of Jungle Cruise. Then, we dive into the progress on the Pirates Tavern construction in Magic Kingdom. Set to bring some new life to Adventureland, this upcoming tavern has generated a lot of excitement.

Test Track 3.0 – What’s Next?

You know we love a good ride revamp, and Test Track is on deck for a makeover with the upcoming 3.0 version. In this episode, we talk about what we’ve learned so far about the changes coming to this fan-favorite ride. Will it live up to the hype? What can we expect from the new design and technology? We break down everything we know, plus some of our wild speculations. Stay tuned for all the latest details!

Walt Disney World Restaurant Rankings: Agree or Disagree?

Lastly, we couldn’t resist talking about food. If you’ve been to Disney World, you know that dining is a huge part of the experience. Recently, some trusted travel sites have ranked the top places to eat at Disney World, and let’s just say… we’ve got opinions! In this episode, we review the rankings and weigh in with our own thoughts on which restaurants deserve the top spots and which ones might be overrated. From signature dining experiences to quick-service favorites, we’ve got the inside scoop on what’s worth your time (and money) during your next Disney trip.

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Episode 466: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we sit down with one of our absolute favorite cast members, Jose Barbas, from La Cava del Tequila! Barbas brings his infectious energy and deep passion for his work to the show as we explore what drives him as a cast member. We dive into his love for creating magical moments for guests, his journey at Disney, and why La Cava del Tequila holds such a special place in his heart.

Barbas takes us behind the scenes of La Cava, sharing what sets it apart from the many other lounges and bars around Disney World. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or someone just dipping your toes into the world of agave spirits, La Cava has something for everyone, and Barbas helps us break down the diverse menu. We go over everything from the perfect beginner’s margarita to rare and premium tequila options for the more adventurous guest. No matter your taste or experience level, you’ll leave knowing more about this not so hidden gem in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion!

Of course, we also sprinkle in some of our classic Disney news updates. This week, we discuss the big change for Tron Lightcycle Run as it moves away from virtual queue and what that could mean for your future visits. It’s an episode packed with great insights, fun stories, and some essential Disney news.

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Episode 465: Welcome back, Disney fans! In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into some of the hottest topics swirling around the Disney community right now. From a headline-grabbing lawsuit to perplexing hotel availability and a comparison of Halloween events at the parks, we’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s break it all down!

You might have seen the recent headlines about a wrongful death lawsuit involving Disney, and let’s be real—the news can make things sound wild! But as we dug deeper into the details, we found that while the situation is indeed serious, it’s important to separate fact from sensationalism. We take you through what’s really going on.

If you’ve tried booking a Disney hotel room for that one October weekend, you might’ve noticed something strange—limited availability across the board! We’re scratching our heads too. Is it a glitch in the system, or is something big happening that weekend?

With Halloween right around the corner, we couldn’t resist comparing two of Disney’s most popular seasonal events: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the After Hours events.

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