Transcript
Speaker: Hey folks, welcome to episode number 18 of the Rhubarb Travelers podcast. We are recording this show on Monday, November 9th, 2026. I am Blake and with me as always is Damon. How are you doing, my friend?
Speaker: Doing okay, I guess. It's been it's been a while. it's middle I had to literally blow the dust off the microphone before we started. i I'm still using mine for other things, so that's okay.
Speaker: It's been a tough, it was it let's see, so i think it was ah seven months? Must be seven months, eight months? Yeah, somewhere along those. Somewhere along those lines. So, yeah, I mean, the the the quick of it is, is that, you know, I was sick. I had cancer.
Speaker: I got treatment, chemo for six months. I got a clean PET scan and I'm done. Woohoo! Clean PET scan. I still don't feel great, but we're working through that. I think it's, you know recovery is is ah is a process, let's say that.
Speaker: Did you get to ring the bell that they? I did. So, you know, it's funny. i You ring the bell after you finish your last chemo treatment, but I had my PET scan four weeks after my last chemo treatment. right I kind of didn't want to ring the bell until after the PET scan, but I was told that's not how things are done. So yes, I i rang the bell. My family is there. My son came back from college. So yeah, it was it was it was a process. Duke was phenomenal. um
Speaker: Everyone there was very nice, but I was in the hospital for quite a long time. um But now I'm home. And here we are recording. I had to cancel, obviously, my trips. So there was no trip across the country, no Disneyland trip. But next year?
Speaker: Next year? No, not next year. Next year have a cruise. Yeah. right we're It will be 28, right? When we go to the Olympics. When we go to the Olympics. Yeah. So, folks, in case you didn't know, Damon and I are headed to the Olympics out in Los Angeles. So we'll be going out... um Gosh, is that in July? I don't even, I guess it's Summer Olympics, so it's got to be July, right? Yeah, it must be. I mean, don't really remember the date. I just know that, like, my daughter will graduate, so it's easy for me. Like, at that point, like, it won't really matter too much. It'll be easier. And then we're going to do Disneyland. We may try to do the Grand Canyon on the way. We will see.
Speaker: ah but We'll see. We'll see how it goes. Yeah. and if you've ever tried to buy tickets, folks, for the Olympics, it's an interesting process to say. that it It still was easier than the World Cup. I will tell you that.
Speaker: So, yeah, I mean, I guess ah people don't know. So I had tickets to the World Cup. um I couldn't go. And what was interesting is that because the hotel was booked in my name and my wife's name, we tried to transfer it over to my son because, you know, he's 22. We couldn't because of the World Cup. So we had made that trip to Dallas outside of the World Cup before the World Cup tickets were even offered. But we were staying at the Gaylord, which is obviously a very nice hotel. And once you the World Cup opened, obviously, we had already had our reservations.
Speaker: but you couldn't make any changes to them. So I was still getting chemo treatment, but obviously I couldn't go. So what ended up having to happen is my wife ended up having to go.
Speaker: So she but went wow and she just kind of hung out. And the nice thing about it was is that that we had three tickets because it was going to be me, my daughter, my oldest son. were doing it as a stop on the way out to California.
Speaker: And my middle son was not going to do that because he was going to fly. He ended up actually... taking my ticket and then they went to the World Cup and they all flew out there because I couldn't have them out that long. You know, my parents were taking care of me because I was still kind of messed up there, but I wanted them to go. But I was happy because he wouldn't have gone otherwise, and they really enjoyed it. I had gotten ridiculous tickets. I didn't realize that. They sent me pictures, and it was like they were almost on the field. I was like, wow. Now, the only nice good thing is is that I had already been to a World Cup, so that was fine when it was in New Jersey at the Meadowlands.
Speaker: So it wasn't terrible that I didn't go. I just wanted to go Dallas Stadium, but, eh. We'll see it another time. um But I do have my trip coming up to Dollywood. Yeah, talk about So that be over Thanksgiving. So again, that was supposed to be an August trip.
Speaker: And while the doctor said I could have gone, i didn't feel comfortable going. And I was still pretty... you know, towards the end of it, I was still pretty sick. So, you know, just stomach wise. So, you know, again, we didn't go, we moved it to Thanksgiving. So be going over, let's see. So we're leaving our house Thanksgiving, getting there Thanksgiving night and staying for only like two or three days. Staying the, what is it? Heart song? Heartland? i don't know. Whatever new hotel. I think it's heart song. Yeah. Yeah, the heart song. So we're staying there because we had stayed at the other one already, the Dream War.
Speaker: So we got two rooms and we're doing that right over Thanksgiving. Okay. Well, you might be able to see some ah Christmas overlays while you're there. We did. And we were there during this time previously. yeah So, yeah, it was nice to kind of see all the Christmas stuff. I'll be going on the new ride. don't know how many other rides I'll do. I know one of the things I will say is that I'm pretty tired. Even, you know, it can last up to a year, I guess. so I'm still pretty tired most of the days. Right. I don't know how a park's going to be. but We'll see. We have two we have two rooms
Speaker: And again, since we're staying there, we have access to the trolley that goes to Dollywood. So that way, if we need to come back, my wife or myself, or even if I just need to come back, you know, they can at least stay and we don't have to worry about them getting back to the hotel. So that's, you know, kind of the nice thing about it. And from what I understand, and was reading up about the Dollywood plans for the next 10 years, I think. is I don't know what news you had, but...
Speaker: not ah Not about the next 10 years. like and Okay, so it was like how much money they're putting into it, but their goal is to open three more hotels to have five total. Wow.
Speaker: Yeah, it will be interesting because one of the things, like again, that I'm not a huge fan of with Disney is that there's so many DVC resorts that you know when you give out a benefit, it's almost like it's non-existent because there's just so many people. you know The nice thing about this Dollywood situation is when you stay at the hotel,
Speaker: excuse me, you get some benefits. Right. And the more hotels you have, obviously the less benefits that you'll have. Right. So that was kind of one of the things where it's like, well, we'll see how they do, but they are looking to expand the park.
Speaker: so Well, that was that was the first place my mind went to when you just said three new hotels. Where is all that capacity going to go once they go into the park? so Yeah. They've done a pretty good job at setting themselves up for some, you know, new areas. i mean, they have land. I mean, I know Disney has land too, but they have land that's like right there.
Speaker: Right. like You can see it. It exists right there. So I think they'll have enough space, you know, especially they're talking about a new coaster as well. So there's there's a lot on the horizon there, but I do like Dollywood. I do like the fact that it's very, um, Christian Christmas when you go, like, that's kind of the nice part about it. So they do a lot of the, you know, things from the Bible and kind of shows and things like that. So I think it will be nice. We've been there once, um, and it will be nice to kind of go again.
Speaker: Yeah. All right. All right. Well, before we get into our news for today, we just wanted to take a moment to say a big thank you to all of our Patreon subscribers. um We know it's been a while, but you folks have been great supporting supporting us. and We keep saying it, but you know what? We're going to get back on this and we're going to do something for you, Patreon folks, um just to say thank you for for what you've done so far. So again, thank you. um Damon and I are going to be talking about this and we will get you something. I don't know what it is yet, but we're going to come up with something. I promise.
Speaker: I promise. That's a Blake promise. so Yeah. Hey, that's that's as good as it's going We'll you roll with that one. Yeah. All right, folks, let's go on to our news and we're going to start with DVC news and we're heading to the magic kingdom over by the shores of Bay Lake, where Disney has released new details about the Lake shore lodge that will be opening 2027. Now there is a scheduled opening of July 1st, 2027, and Disney has shared a new look inside the lodge. Um,
Speaker: That is including the Branch and Brush, and that's going to be the new cocktail lounge with lake views. There's going to be floor-to-ceiling windows. There's going to be a river running through it, but it's not going to be a river with water. It's going to be a river with fiber optic lights that are coming up through the floor. Kind of think about the lights that are over in Epcot where they they are in the the cement out there when you're walking out. But they're going to have that. It's going to simulate a river. There's going to be chandeliers that will change colors as if you were going through the seasons.
Speaker: um And this is all ah with running with the theme, the nature theme of this entire this entire resort. I just hope that there's some sort of, you know, a lot well, not some, but a lot of nods to River Country. I mean, I think this is a good start for sure.
Speaker: But I'm hoping that there's even more than that. that The covered wagon somewhere would be great. Can you get a covered wagon? That would be wonderful. Yeah. Yep. And Disney has also announced that they are opening up rental reservations. People are upset. Like, yeah they totally mishandled this one, unfortunately. And what and the the reason people are upset, especially DVC members, is because they are opening up rental reservations before they open up reservations that DVC members can use their points on, right? People called too, and the problem was is that like people were getting hung up on by the system or you know they couldn't get through. it just they They weren't prepared. I think Disney should have known that this was, and people are going to want to stay here, right? hey People consider this you know part of the Disney experience. It's not just rides, it's these resorts as well. So I'm surprised that they weren't well prepared for it.
Speaker: That's good old Disney IT for you right there. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I never blame the IT department. we have to blame the people that are throwing money at the phone system, right? It's it's the money people always. All right.
Speaker: I mean, I would like to stay here. My guess is that I'll buy points here. So again, one of the things that we do is we just, we kind of just keep buying points every time like our payoff another set of points and I just don't even really think about it. i think we have a few more years left on Riviera, but I think what I'll probably do is I'll probably just pay that off and then start a new contract here. Right.
Speaker: Now, when you do that, when you, yeah do you use Disney's financing arm? what I do because it's easier. okay Like I said, it's easier and it also doesn't affect your credit. So if you' oh you've got something else going on, like I know one time we did it when we were buying a house and it's like, you know, that's kind of the nice part about it. It doesn't necessarily show up.
Speaker: So there's that to be said. Plus for me, it's just easy. I know who I'm dealing with. It's, you know, there's never been a problem. I'd log into the website. I can see what I owe left. Like I just consider that part of like my monthly payments. That's why when it's done, I'll get another one. Or like I said, when it gets close to being done, I just pay it off and start another one. Right. I don't know how many points we'll end up with maybe a hundred. I just, I have, so like again, I have so many points now that,
Speaker: and i don't They haven't even announced point rates for this yet, have they? I don't think so. but yeah like i just I don't know how many more points I really, truly need.
Speaker: Now, once I start you know having grandkids, I'm sure that I'll probably need more points than I have. But I will i will buy here just on the principle of Haunted River Country, which, again... Totally 100% an idea that I came up with um that seemed to resonate well. So I almost feel like I have to.
Speaker: Yeah. All right, well let's go over to the Disney Cruise Line, but we're still going to be talking about DVC, where the Disney Believe, there is going to be a DVC member exclusive first wave experience on the Disney Believe cruise ship.
Speaker: That is going to be sailing January 5th through January 10th. And now this is going to be in 2028. So you've got about months to to book this It's going to be a five-night trip. It departs from Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Speaker: It includes stops at the Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Those are Disney's private islands. And then it will also be stopping off at Nassau, Bahamas.
Speaker: The booking window is opening up November 21st, so you've got a couple of weeks to make that decision. It's going to be opening up at 10 a.m. m on Eastern Time. And interesting thing here, DVC members will be able to book using either cash or points. However, everything I've read that it is a terrible use of points. And I still did it because it's easy. Again, there's something to be said about ease, right? Like time is time, time is money, right? So at some point, you know, the only thing is, is that the Castaway Key is great. I love it.
Speaker: Lookout Key is just, it's boring. I tell you. Really? you know Yeah. the the The way that the ships work, It is great. Like, ah you know, the food is phenomenal. Very well done. Very, you know, good for younger kids and things like that. But once you get a little bit older, think the problem is, is that you start thinking about things to do. I know when we were on a Disney ship, we were bored a little bit at the time. And again, look away key. We went early, like in that whole situation, because I love going to things when they just open up. Right. There's just not a ton to do there, at least for kids that are a little bit older, which is why we kind of switched over to Royal Caribbean. But, you know, I think we'll go back to Disney to do some quiz because there is, like I said, there is something to be said about the food and, you know, the the the shows are also very well done. and This would be interesting. Yeah.
Speaker: So if you want to use points to book this cruise, now you will have to be eligible for membership extras. That is part of that DVC program. You can't, which i'm pretty which I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, that's only for people who have bought directly from...
Speaker: Or those people that got grandfathered in, which never should have happened. i still I still don't understand. Like, you know, yeah don't even get me started. like yeah you're Like, they should just take that away. Like, either buy points from Disney or don't.
Speaker: Yeah. So, yes, you have to be eligible for membership extras to use points to book the cruise. And any points used must qualify for the applicable exchange options that are out there.
Speaker: Now, if you want to pay cash, um prices aren't available right now. They haven't posted those prices. But as soon as i just don't know if I would love being on a cruise with all DVC members, to be honest with you.
Speaker: right i'm I'm like DVC-lite, especially more so as the kids got older. So like a true hardcore DVC members, eh, might be a little much for me. Okay. All right.
Speaker: Disney also revealed details on the design and theming of this new ship. The Believe is going to be the same class of ship as recent vessels that include the Disney Wish, the Treasure, and the Destiny. And some of the features on this ship are there's going to be rotational dining.
Speaker: that I like that Frozen Family Feast. That sounds into Worlds of Marvel. Yeah, these all sound really good. Yeah, 1923, which I'm assuming is probably going to be like a steak steakhouse um type experience. Yeah.
Speaker: The popular Haunted Mansion parlor, bar, and lounge. To me, I would get on this boat just for that right there, just to get into the Haunted Mansion bar and lounge. yeah Just for the experience, if nothing. I guess. like i To me, Haunted Mansion is overrated, but sure. Oh, you're breaking my heart. Oh, my gosh. I mean, listen, if like they did something new with it, cool. But like i mean as it is, it's long in the tooth, unfortunately.
Speaker: Well, I don't know. I think they're going to... like classic things, like right? So like I didn't say like I necessarily want to go away, but I don't think it's it's... It's a little overrated for me just because I've been there a lot And things like that. but Right.
Speaker: Well, i think I think the plan is, from what I've read, they're going to have some effects there that involve the three traveling, the hitchhiking ghost and Madame Leota. There's going to be some neat effects there. So I would do it just for that.
Speaker: There's going to be The Wishing Well, which is a lounge inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, um a brand new stage show based off of Disney's Encanto, along with Tangled, the musical, and the Disney Sees the Adventures.
Speaker: um There's going to be a piano bar, which is, if you've never been to piano bar, i' suggest going. It's pretty fun. yeah Sure. yeah I'm not a fan, but I do like the fact that Ariel's Grotto sounds cool.
Speaker: like I'm not a piano bar person, but that does sound pretty neat. Yep. And then there's going to be a new entertainment hub, Gazelle, which is inspired by Zootopia. don't remember, like, i must have seen parts of Zootopia, but like, I don't think I've seen the whole thing.
Speaker: I've seen it one time. It was nice. I haven't seen two yet, so I've got to it. I wish, you know, we go through all these things like, man, could you imagine a Disney ship that like was all the things were themed after like cartoons from the 80s and 90s? Oh my gosh.
Speaker: That's something I would do. Like, can we get that ship? i I have to imagine that there'd be enough people that would want to do that that like, There'd be money around that. don't even have to make it one of the big ones. Give it, give me one of the small ones. Like I'm cool with that.
Speaker: I mean, it's the age demographic where you've got that extra income now. Right. So that's what I'm saying. Like 50 year olds. would they not want to do that? Like if they did something like that, they'd get me away from Royal Caribbean. Let's put it that way. Yeah, I could. Man, if they had DuckTales, you'd be the first in line for that. I definitely would be.
Speaker: DuckTales. What is the other ones? Oh, X-Men 97, which, you know. I didn't like that. I tried it when I was sitting around. just I had nothing to watch, and I even tried to kick it up, and I couldn't do it.
Speaker: Oh, man. Hmm. All right, let's move over to back to Magic Kingdom where Christmas party visitors can now get a new DVC keepsake. Not too big of a news here, but there's a little bit extra holiday extra for eligible dv simmer DVC members attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Speaker: ah DVC members can stop over by McKim's Mile House. and for those What is it that they're getting? They haven't announced that yet. So McKim's Mile House is the, in case you didn't know, that's the new DVC lounge. I say new, but gosh, it's been around for a little bit now. DVC lounge in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. I have not been yet. So yeah, you can collect a complimentary keepsake during the party evening. So the pickup window for that. It seems like such a waste of time during the party. Yeah. It's from 6 to 10 PM. You got to bring your digital membership card and a photo ID.
Speaker: um And then the normal rules apply. You got to have separate party admission. You have to have the ticket to actually go to the party. um So again, they didn't announce what it is. I have to imagine it's like, it's got to be a Christmas ornament, right? It's got to be something like that. I don't know. Yeah. Anyway, so if you're headed to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, make sure you stop by McKim's Mile House and get your DVC extra there.
Speaker: Man, I'm looking at all these things. Like, I know we haven't done a show in a while, but man, some of this news is old here, Blake. What? No, it's not. I see published October 6th. Where do you see that at? Where was that? in The Candlelight Procession. We're really going to go over that? like Oh, yeah. Well, I mean, it's coming up. So, yeah. I mean, I guess. Okay.
Speaker: All right. I miss Kidani Village lobby work, though. Sorry. we i skipped over that. Okay. Well, we don't have to talk about Kidani Village. all right. All right, so let's talk about... all right, so that's it for the DVC news. Let's talk about Disney news in general. so As Damon was mentioning, let's talk about Candlelight Processionals. Disney has announced the narrator lineup for the upcoming Candlelight Processional events that are always a huge hit over in Epcot. And this year, Candlelight Processional is going to run from November 27th through December 30th. And the newcomer narrators for this year include Benjamin Bratt, Robin Roberts from the the ABC Good Morning News,
Speaker: Why is Jason Kelsey on Oh, I'm so, I, yeah, I'm over the Kelsey brothers. I'm just ready for them to disappear off into the sunset. But yes, Jason Kelsey is coming along with Josh Groban. And then we've got the returning voices, Jody Benson, and then the national treasure and self-avowed Disney fan, Neil Patrick Harris will be returning.
Speaker: So if you are headed over, to Epcot and make sure you stop by for candlelight processional. And if you want to, there are dining packages available and they will, they started booking on October fourteenth They include a meal and guaranteed seating for the designated performance. So honestly, have you ever done ah meal and seating for any of those things like that? No, I mean, I've seen candlelight procession, but like, I don't have a huge interest in that.
Speaker: Yeah, um we've never done candlelight processional before, but we did do a, one time we did do the meal and ah preferred seating thing for Fantasmic just because we thought it would be cool. We enjoyed it. I mean, it was a nice ah it was nice to sit within those like first three rows of of the Fantasmic stadium. for We might have done that for Fantasmic as well. I kind of forget. Again, like it's so long ago with the kids.
Speaker: Yeah, Okay, let's stay in the holiday theming, and we're going to go over to the Rockin' Roller Coaster, where the Electric Mayhem has announced a holiday coaster soundtrack for the coming season. So there's going to be a seasonal overlay for Rockin' Roller Coaster starring The Muppets. It is scheduled from November 4th through January 6th. I mean, is this news anymore, please? Yeah, man. Come on. Come on.
Speaker: but We got to catch up. We got to catch up. We got to got to shake the rust off here. Okay. right So the update includes holiday music outside the attraction, so out in the queue line, seasonal moments inside the recording studio, and four holiday-inspired tracks during the ride.
Speaker: And some of the the collaborators you're going to hear are Kermit and Fozzie, of course. and Jennifer Hudson and Cindy Lauper will be part of the musical. I like that they're doing an overlay. I mean, they didn't do too much else with the ride when the Muppets came. you know, it's funny. I asked my kids about it and they're just kind of like, so it's the Muppets, but the same thing. Like, yeah.
Speaker: Yeah. Those are kind of cool. Yeah, I haven't been there. i haven't ridden it since the the Muppets took it over. So i'm I'm actually wondering what they're going to do inside of the ride to to make it a holiday theme because you're zipping by pretty fast there. So I don't know what you're going to be able see.
Speaker: All right. More more Christmas season. More news from October 6th. Go ahead. Whatever. Okay. Let's go over to Epcot. Guardians of the Galaxy. Cosmic Rewind. At least this one hasn't started yet Yeah.
Speaker: They got jealous that the Muppets are doing an overlay, Christmas overlay. So they're going to do their own overlay of songs. Disney's revealed that the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind will have three seasonal tracks that will be shuffled into the song rotation. That will start November 25th through January 6th.
Speaker: The lineup's going to feature Andy Williams, my favorite, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and the Waitresses. I don't even know who the Waitresses are. I have to be honest. don't know either. so But anyway, ah the soundtrack begins two days before the November 27th start of Epcot's Festival of the Holidays.
Speaker: So the festival calendar and the ride seasonal calendar aren't identical. So if you're planning a trip right after Thanksgiving, just make sure. And if you're really wanting to see these ah or hear these songs, make sure you plan your trip accordingly.
Speaker: So, all right.
Speaker: Now let's go over, let's go back to the cruise lines for a minute and the Disney Imagination. The Disney Imagination has been announced as the first ship of the Japan-based cruise business that Disney is starting up.
Speaker: So the ship is planned to sail from Tokyo, and that's going to begin in the spring of 2029.
Speaker: And this cruise business is going to be run pretty much like Tokyo Disney is run, where it is actually owned by the Oriental Land Company.
Speaker: um They own and operate Tokyo Disney, and basically they just license all of Disney's IP from Disney, and and the Disney folks are there as consultants um to make sure that all you know lines up with the Disney brand.
Speaker: okay They've announced that Ariel, Sebastian, and their underwater friends are going to be part of the ship's stern design team. And so there will be, you know, your normal fare of cruising. So if you've ever thought about doing a cruise from Japan or to Japan, just know that starting in spring of 2029, the Disney imagination is going to be able to fulfill that dream, right?
Speaker: Are you ever going to take a cruise over to the to the Asian part of the world? i don't know. because you know that with the Is it the adventure? I can't remember. What's that super gigantic boat that they bought?
Speaker: for off of auction and turned it into. Yeah. i don't remember. Yeah. You're asking me, ask me stuff. I truly don't remember. All right.
Speaker: All right, folks. Well, that is all of the Disney news, which means that it is now time for the after show.
Speaker: All right, folks, it's time for the after show. And our first after show is over at Universal, where we're going to talk about actually the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Speaker: Universal is going to have Earl the Squirrel. it will get his own balloon in the parade. So... They've announced that ah Earl will debut as a balloon in the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. That occurs on November 26th. And then after the New York appearance, the balloon is scheduled to go over to Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's at Universal Studios in Florida. That'll happen in early December.
Speaker: And then Universal has also announced that Earl merchandise collection, character readings, and a holiday tribute store inspired by the history of the Macy's Parade. So I had to go actually look up this Earl the Squirrel thing. And apparently the story behind this is that during Universal's early days of their Christmas lights, one of the the technical folks were walking around and they noticed that lights were out. So they climbed up, they looked in, and lo and behold, there was a squirrel nest and the squirrel had chewed on wires and made the lights go out. So they kind of turned it into this story and they made this puppet squirrel pop out at certain times during the day. So Earl the Squirrel has become a thing and now he's getting eyes. He looks Rocky from Rocky and Bowling. Yeah, he does. If you go look at a picture, he looks like Rocky from from Rocky and Bullwinkle. So, yeah. so if you're big into Earl the Squirrel, he's getting his parade ballooned. make sure you watch ah Macy's Day Thanksgiving. well And there's also going to be a Bluey.
Speaker: yeah So there's a Bluey. That's it. Pretty big bluey with the Christmas crown on. Right. And there's also what we said, there's some other things because it's the hundredth. So it's a big one. There's some balloons through the years things. Right.
Speaker: So that will be kind of neat. So will be definitely be a parade to watch, right? Celebrating. Or sure. and I don't know. yours Did I ever tell you i actually marched in the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day parade one time? No. Yep. So I was this back during college days. I was in marching band at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and the marching band got invited to go march in the parade. So I've actually been in the the Thanksgiving Day parade. It was a very neat experience.
Speaker: Nice. Yeah. So. All right, let's stay at, you know oh no, let's actually go to Universal Hollywood out on the West Coast. They've announced Merry Minions and the Holiday Date. So the celebrations are going to run from November 21st through January 3rd. The new edition is Illuminations Merry Minions in Minion Land.
Speaker: going to include seasonal decorations, holiday outfits for the character greetings, and themed merchandise. Now, that's the new. There's also going to be the returning offerings of Grinchmas over in the Grinchland. Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. That is something that I kind of wish I could go see. I would be interested in Yeah, agree.
Speaker: Yeah. There's going to be seasonal touches in the Super Nintendo world. I don't know how much they could really do there, but except throw some hats on things. But you know what? They'll get creative.
Speaker: um And then Universal says that these holiday experiences are going to be included with theme park admission. So it's not like an extra ticket that you've got to buy. So what's going to happen when the HBO Harry Potter comes out?
Speaker: In other words, are they going to change, like, the character readings? Like, what are we going to have? Like, so is Hagrid's going to have a different Hagrid? Like, i don't know what are they going to do for all this you mean, like, for the rides and stuff? Oh, yeah. i mean, think about all the ride stuff. Like, because kids will probably be watching the newer one, right? Like,
Speaker: So what's going to happen? There's a lot to change over there. It's not like having you know like having Mickey Mouse or Donald and you just, hey Mickey's always Mickey. like you know Maybe his ear shape changes, but that's okay. We can roll with it. like No, this is going to be a big situation here. I'm kind of curious how that's handled over there.
Speaker: Yeah, and I got to be honest, I haven't really kept up with the TV. Has that TV series started? December 25th, man. Okay, December 25th. Okay.
Speaker: all right I think that's going to be a big thing. And then, so Blake obviously leaves out the most important news at Epic Universe, right? So, it's officially confirmed now. Construction is underway for a brand new indoor thrill coaster inside Dark Universe. Right. So, they're... It's biggest, you know, well, the first major post-opening ride.
Speaker: And... kind of exciting. I think that, you know, the the werewolf ride, whatever that is over there, is just, eh. So I think that this is this is really good because I think this will, you know, up that thrill factor that exists over in Dark Universe. And I think you can do that because it's Dark Universe. You make it as scary as possible because why not?
Speaker: exciting for this. I hope that they do it do it right. I know that everyone kind of wanted the Creature from the Black Lagoon, but I think that will be next. i don't know what this one will be about, but it will be interesting to see how they handle it.
Speaker: Right. and And I think the big thing here is that it's going to add much needed capacity to that park because there's yeah some like there's been some reliability issues with the rides over there in that park. So I think they're they're trying to get this up and running as fast as possible.
Speaker: Yeah, as long as they don't skimp, because I think that will be ah good one for sure. Right. All right. Since Damon is heading to Dollywood later this year, let's head on over to Dollywood. And they've announced their 2027 season um and new experiences.
Speaker: So Passholder Preview Day is set for March the 10th, which, by the way, I didn't realize that Dollywood is not open all year long. i just learned d We Wally Worlded that. So when we went the first year ever, we rolled out there and it was like, i don't remember when it was. The kids were younger and like, we're like ready to go to the park on a Thursday. And they're like, nah, park ain't open till tomorrow. We're like, what? Sorry, folks. Park's close. So we definitely had that happen. Now, we went to the aquarium there, the Ripley's, which is really good. And there's so much to do there. Like, it wasn't like a problem, but still.
Speaker: Yeah. it was It was definitely interesting. Yeah. So Pass Holder Preview Day is set for March 10th. General opening to the public is going to be on March 11th. Now, some of the other events that are taking place during the year, their Flower and Food Festival will be May 7th through June 20th.
Speaker: Not to be outdone by Disney, Dollywood now has their own running races, and that is going to be from April 23rd through the 25th. Now, having done the Disney Marathon, I'm not exactly sure I would want to run a race in in the mountains of Tennessee just because I don't think—
Speaker: I didn't like walking that park in general. Like now I have no energy. Yeah. i'd Be sucking air the entire time. Wait, wait, wait. So I didn't realize this though. So wait, Rudolph is coming back?
Speaker: Yes. Yes. Oh, that makes me super hype. So characters from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer classic TV show are returning as well. Yeah. So we when we were there, they were there and we were like super excited and then like they kind of went away. So I'm i'm happy that they'll be back. Yep. That is part of Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, which, by the way, won an award for Best Theme Park Christmas.
Speaker: So so let's let's talk about it. They won a bunch of awards, right? Best Guest Experience, Most Beautiful Park, Best Family Coaster. Big Bear Mountain as a coaster is really good. I'm not going to lie to you. like It's a pretty good one. And Wildwood Grove, Best Kids Area.
Speaker: Nah, I don't know about that. um But I will tell you that I think as a family coaster, plus the firecracker is pretty good over there too, but Big Bear Mountain's long. Like that's what makes it so good. It's long and you're really like in the woods. Like that's pretty cool. But I will say, no people, you know, always, you know, want to comment about, you know, Dollywood and Disney, but you know, best guest experience.
Speaker: It's, you know, that's park staff, cleanliness, overall operations and guest value. like i will It's a dub. I will tell you, we I've been one time and I was, honestly, I was blown away by how good it was. I kind of went into it with lower expectations, right? and Because you got to, I mean, obviously you're going to try and compare it to Disney. So I wasn't expecting a lot. I was blown away.
Speaker: I would absolutely get Also, I think it, and again, don't quote me on this one, but i think it won some food award too. for best theme park food. So the food there is really good and it's it's inexpensive. So we were looking because we're going to be there for two days and I had already in my mind expected like, okay, I'm going to be there for two days, probably going to be 200 and something dollars for two-day ticket. It's like 120
Speaker: Yeah, it's not bad at all for two days. Their version of FastPass, I call it FastPass, but... Time Stopper. Yeah, Time Stopper. i I like it.
Speaker: I mean, I thought it was... So it's changed a little bit, though. Yeah. So now they have these these golden hour things as well. But yeah, it's changed a little bit where it used to be unlimited. And now I think there's limits to it and things like that. But it's not bad.
Speaker: And again, there's not as many people because you either have to buy that or the two resorts get it for free. Right. It's like there's only two resorts, right? It's the same sort of thing. But I'm just, i can't believe it. I just, I'm excited about Rudolph.
Speaker: Yeah. Honestly. So. All right. Well, folks, that is going to wrap it up for our show. Thank you so much for coming back and listening to us. Now, as far as the future. Yeah, we have to put some stipulations around this. Yeah. As I told Blake, probably going to start with once a month.
Speaker: Let's. ah Right. right'll We'll see how it how how it goes for me. um I will tell you, i really am getting into like doing the website stuff and and and the other stuff that I used to do and YouTube videos and things like that.
Speaker: um But again, I'd like to continue. this So we'll go for, you know, once every month. Hopefully we'll be able to get back to every two weeks. My schedule's a little different. I know Blake's a little bit busier, so we're going to try our hardest. We're going to try.
Speaker: Yeah, I wouldn't expect anything until December, let's say, after Thanksgiving for sure. So we'll shoot for beginning of December, and then after the holidays, we'll we'll reevaluate. So you'll get one more before the new year.
Speaker: For sure. and And you know that means, of course, that we might be reporting on news tomorrow. That it might be a couple of weeks old. Are you going to be okay with that? I'm just going to ask because you're giving me grief for. I mean, your your October 6th is more than a month ago. like That's a tough one. um Yeah, I think maybe what we can do is we can maybe we can do a little roundup section.
Speaker: How do you like that? Sure. Sure. So we'll go two two weeks, we'll be like kind of the new news, and we'll have a quick roundup, because I think it's not terrible to talk about stuff that kind of happened, but we'll hopefully get back to being more... Yeah, we could do like a quick hit show or something Mm-hmm.
Speaker: All right. Well, all that being said, folks, make sure you listen to us on all of your podcast streamers. If we are not on your favorite platform, please drop us a message in the Facebook group. We still have the Facebook group.
Speaker: And let us know so we can get it set up there. Yeah. And I will tell you that, you know, anyone that follows me personally, I'll probably have some more news over there relatively soon everything going on.
Speaker: Yep. If you listen to us on Apple Podcasts, or even if you don't listen to us on Apple Podcasts, go to Apple Podcasts, download it, follow the show there, and leave us five-star rating, and also write us a review. That helps us out tremendously in getting out in front of new listeners. Especially since we've been stagnant for so long. Yeah, I know. We've got to crank this engine back up and get it going again. Yeah.
Speaker: if you have any questions for us, email us at rhubarbtravelerspodcast at gmail.com. If you have a trip report, send it there too. We love talking about trip reports.
Speaker: And then yeah again, I mentioned Patreon at the very beginning of the show. Head on over to Patreon, do a quick search for Rhubarb Travelers Podcast, and please consider becoming a Patreon subscriber. It is only $5 a month right now, and it helps us with the server fees and our podcasting fees that you have to pay for to do all this stuff.
Speaker: Go check us out on the socials. We are on Facebook. I kind of guess we got to get back up on Instagram and make some videos again. So with all that being said, we will see you folks on the next show. Thank you happy for, i guess yes, happy Thanksgiving. it And thank you for hanging in there with us. So see you next time. if Folks, we'd like to remind you please take some time over the next couple of weeks and go support your local youth arts program.
Speaker: Whether it's instrumental music or choral music or theater arts or traditional painting or graphic design, go support your local youth arts program because without the youth programs of today, you won't have the Disney performers of tomorrow.
Speaker: Folks, the Rhubarb Travelers podcast is for entertainment purposes only. We are not employed by the Walt Disney Company or NBC Universal, the parent company of Universal Studios. And as such, all opinions expressed on the show are exclusively our own. Please consult a DVC or Disney cast member or Universal team member for more information about anything we might have talked about
Speaker: the Again, the the lobby's nature is going to be, excuse me, the lobby's, gosh, I'm going to start that over. That was just, i can tell I haven't done this in a while. Okay.
Speaker: I'm actually going to read the script. That might help.
