Episode 501: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re celebrating Disney milestones, peeking behind the construction walls, and asking the real question: Does the new Walt Disney animatronic actually look like Walt?

Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary this week, and to mark the occasion, the spotlight is on a brand-new Walt Disney audio-animatronic set to debut in a new show at the Main Street Theater. It’s a bold move by Disney but will it deliver? We share our thoughts on the design of this brand new show that is sure to get a lot of attention.

Meanwhile, over in Florida, we’ve got our ears to the tracks. Recent permits and backstage construction photos show a possible Walt Disney World Railroad expansion, or at least some form of reconfiguration of the current layout. Also on deck: Disney Starlight, the brand-new nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom next week. We look at new images of the lead float and see if it adds to our anticipation of the new nighttime spectacular.

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Walt the Animatronic

This week’s episode is a special one, folks. Episode 500. That’s right five hundred episodes of Disney banter, ride breakdowns, trip reports, armchair imagineering, and more Magical opinions than any one podcast probably needs.

We start this milestone episode by hopping in our time-traveling Doombuggy and heading all the way back to Episode 1. Yep, remember when we nervously hit record in 2017 and started talking about what drew us to Disney in the first place? Back when FastPass+ was still a thing and we all couldn’t wait for Galaxy’s Edge to open? Good times.

But, we couldn’t just celebrate the past we had to speculate wildly about the future too. So what will we be talking about in another 500 episodes?

Will there be a 5th Gate or at least blue sky concept art for one?

Will Spaceship Earth finally get that long-promised update?

Will Figment finally get a new ride?

Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just hopped on for the ride recently, we’re so grateful you’re part of this community. Here’s to another 500 episodes filled with magic, mayhem, and Mickey pretzels.

Thank you!

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Episode 500 – A Look Back, A Look Ahead, and the Magic in Between

Episode 499: On today’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re throwing open the gates of possibility—and imagining what could happen if Disney finally decided to build a fifth theme park at Walt Disney World.

We kick things off by discussing the recent news that Disney has the approval to Build a 5th theme park at Walt Disney World should they choose to do so. This is still at least a decade away but we can’t help but speculate what we would like to see as a new park. We explore everything from villain-themed lands and Disney mythology to international legends, space exploration and Music inspired attractions.

What Would Walt Do?

We channel Walt’s spirit via AI and ask: would he go retro-futuristic and build a new EPCOT-style experimental city? Would he create something focused on storytelling and innovation? Or would he surprise us with something we never saw coming?

We share our thoughts on how Disney could honor the original vision while creating something new something that invites wonder, progress, and joy for the next generation of dreamers.

The post

What Would a 5th Gate at Walt Disney World Look Like?

Episode 498: In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re casting our nets into the beautiful, mysterious waters of Bay Lake! Don’t worry, it’s a metaphorical dive, no SCUBA gear required. But before we dip into history, we kick things off with some exciting updates from around the Disney Parks!

Test Track 3.0 Gets a re-opening Date!
The long-rumored reimagining of Test Track now has an official re-opening date of July 22nd! Not only are we getting a fresh new look at the exterior, but Disney has also given us a sneak peek at what some of the interior scenes will look like. We do know that there will be cast member previews as well as Annual Passholder and DVC but what we don’t know yet is exactly when. The other thing we don’t know yet is will Disney use Virtual Queue or Single Pass for Test Track for the first few weeks.

Construction World: Turbocharged Edition

As part of Disney’s promise to turbocharge the parks, we’re seeing a lot of construction progress across property:

 * Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is laying down new track faster than a runaway mine train.
 * Dinoland U.S.A. area is seeing a lot of construction activity as it transforms into the lush and vibrant Tropical Americas

Bay Lake Deep Dive and Disney News Roundup

In this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse, we’re catching up on all the latest Disney Parks news because things are moving fast, and in true Disney fashion, we’re saying farewell to old favorites while getting hyped for what’s on the horizon.

Let’s start with the big announcement that has set the Disney fandom ablaze: Rivers of America has just one month left before it officially closes to make way for the all-new Piston Peak National Park, We take a close look at the concept art released by Disney and share our thoughts.

It’s official—Muppet*Vision 3D is no more. Walls have gone up around the theater as Disney begins transforming this space into Monsters, Inc. Land. As for Monsters, Inc., we’re curious to see how this new land shapes up. Since Disneyland announced the closing of the Monster Inc. attraction out there will it (or parts of it) be moving to Florida?

Speaking of Disneyland there’s new updates on the new Avatar Land and CoCo attractions coming to California. We take a look at those updates and where they are going to be placed.

We also look at other construction projects going on. Astro Orbiter is looking closer to re-opening as Buzz lightyear is getting ready for its much needed refresh. The Polynesian Village resort is going to get some modif

Goodbye Muppets, Hello Piston Peak! Big Changes at Disney Parks

Episode 496: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into Adam’s Memorial Day weekend trip to Walt Disney World. He arrived on opening day for Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe so naturally we were curious: Would Disney feel the ripple effects of the Epic excitement across town?

Adam takes us through his experiences over the long holiday weekend including opening day of the all-new Disney Villains show, and he gives us a full review.

We also discuss some of the recent Disney news. We will get to Piston Peak next week national park next week. But we do discuss the new details around Disney Starlight nighttime Parade and the many small improvement project that are going on all around Walt Disney World.

The post What Were the Crowds at Disney Like During Opening Weekend of Epic Universe? [https://travelingwiththemouse.com/2025/06/04/what-were-the-crowds-at-disney-like-during-opening-weekend-of-epic-universe/] appeared first on Traveling With The Mouse [https://travelingwiththemouse.com].

What Were the Crowds at Disney Like During Opening Weekend of Epic Universe?

Episode 495: Welcome back, fellow Mouseketeers, to another practically perfect episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In Episode 495, we mix a spoonful of nostalgia with a dash of curiosity as we explore one of the most glaring missed opportunities in Disney Parks history: Why hasn’t Mary Poppins received a significant attraction of her own? But Before we hop on our chalk-drawn carousel horses and soar into the realm of possibilities, let’s run through this week’s Disney news…


We discuss the latest with the Disney Abu Dhabi project. Epic Universe officially opens this week and we will finally see what the impact on Walt Disney World will be. Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween released the dates a pricing for 2025 and they are not so low, in fact the prices are up across the board for the Halloween Parties.

The Curious Case of the Missing Mary Poppins Ride

Now onto the main topic: Where is our Mary Poppins attraction?!

Let’s rewind the tape…

1964 – The Movie That Practically Perfected Itself
Mary Poppins was a massive hit — critically, commercially, and culturally. Julie Andrews became a household name. The Sherman Brothers gave us songs th

A Mary Poppins Ride That Never Was (And Other Disney News)

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

New Park Announced in Abu Dhabi

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

Mama Melrose’s Closed, Muppets are next

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

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

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

Raft Rides, Pirate Lounges, and Mouse on the Move

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! [http://tee.pub/lic/5nlJ3VduyN8]

Summer Shifts and Epic Impacts

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!

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The Ultimate Monorail vs. Skyliner Showdown

Welcome to "Traveling with the Mouse," your weekly journey into the heart of the Walt Disney World experience! Join hosts Jon, Jason, and Adam as they embark on a magical podcast adventure that celebrates all things Disney. Our episodes unfold with captivating discussions about the latest news, fascinating rumors, and insider tips about the beloved theme park.