On the Road With Mickey

Podcasting Disney and other points of interest!

On the Road w/Mickey 330 – Forgotten Disney Characters We Still Love!

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Forgotten Disney Characters We Still Love!
Episode 330 – Forgotten Disney Characters We Still Love!

Forgotten Disney Characters We Still Love!

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 330, and our feature topic is Forgotten Disney Characters We Still Love! In this week’s episode, we are talking about those characters that we don’t see as much around the parks, yet still love. Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • The Boardwalk has a new seaside-theater-themed lounge for adults. Hurly-Burly has taken over the former Jellyrolls space. This new venue opened on October 1 and offers an elevated, golden-era supper club experience that says open until 1:00 a.m. Early hours starting at 4 pm is open to everyone, including children and it features host-led family trivia and interactive games reminiscent of the casual family lounge activities on the DCL ships like the Wish and Treasure. At 9 pm, the venue transforms into a strictly 21- and-over speakeasy. A singer dressed in 1930s-style beaded flapper gown croons alongside a 3-piece band with jazz-infused renditions of nostalgic Disney melodies as well as modern non-Disney songs by popular pop artists. Hurly-Burly’s offers Italian-American, Atlantic Coast Boardwalk comfort foods as well as shareable plates and sweet treats. Cocktails such as Caramel Corn Old Fashioned and craft beers are also available.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • When you think of Main Street, U.S.A., what is the one thing that makes it feel like Disney to you?
      • Sophie: The Music
      • Brenda: Feeling of “Coming Home”
      • Mike: The feeling of going back in time
      • Pam: The smell. The bench Walt is sitting on and the castle in the distance. The emporium. The Dapper Dans. Casey’s Corner piano person. The ice cream parlor. The trolley. Too much?????
      • Dale: The Barber Shop Music!
      • Paula: Seeing the castle down the end of the street…brings tears to the eyes
      • Chandler: The Streetmosphere. Oh, wait. Nevermind
      • Shirley: As soon as I see that castle, it seems like all my problems just melt away.
      • Donna: Seeing the castle
      • Debbie: I agree with the smell, the little shops and getting the first look at the Castle. November 8th, can’t wait!
      • Annette: The castle 100%
      • John: Just watching the people milling around looking at things.
      • Missy: The smells, music, and smiles
      • Cindy: Town Square, the trolley pulled by the horses and excitement of everyone.
  • Feature Topic: Forgotten Disney Characters We Still Love!
    • Walt Disney – not a character, but a true character!
    • Clarabelle Cow & Horace Horsecollar
    • Scrooge McDuck & Ludwig Von Drake
    • Princess Eilonwy – The Black Cauldron
    • Johnny Appleseed – Melody Time
    • Ichabod Crane – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
    • Kenai & Koda – Brother Bear
    • Chicken Little
    • Merlin & Archimedes – The Sword in the Stone
    • Max & Roxanne – A Goofy Movie
    • Mary Poppins at 1900 Park Fare (Breakfast) and also you can rarely see her with the Penguins
    • Elliott – Pete’s Dragon
    • Lady Tremain, Anastasia, Drucella at 1900 Park Fare (Dinner)
    • The Orange Bird
    • Duffy the Disney Bear & Friends
    • Merida from Brave
    • The Dreamfinder – Journey into Imagination with Figment
    • Mooshu – Mulan
    • Street Performers at Hollywood Studios
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What are some of your favorite Disney characters that are not the most recognized or well-known?
      • Sophie: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
      • Brenda: Robin & Maid Marian
  • This Day in Disney History for 10/26:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Ken Anderson – Market House (Disneyland) – Ken Anderson – Bait Co. – 1955
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “I am corny, you know? But I think there are just about 140 million people in this country who are just as corny as I am.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: Disney Songs That Became Part of Park History

On the Road w/Mickey 329 – The Story Behind Main Street, U.S.A.!

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The Story Behind Main Street, U.S.A.
Episode 329 – The Story Behind Main Street, U.S.A.!

The Story Behind Main Street, U.S.A.!

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 329, and our feature topic is The Story Behind Main Street, U.S.A.! In this week’s episode, we are talking about the history of how Main Street, U.S.A. came to be. Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Mike: Jingle Cruise comes back to the Magic Kingdom on November 3!!
    • Sophie: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be closing for a refurb beginning on November 2 and is scheduled to reopen on December 18, 2026.
    • Brenda: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will again receive a Holiday Remix this year. From November 25, 2026 – January 6, 2027 guests will hear one of 3 special holiday songs: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams; Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra; or Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • Is there a ride that you just don’t care for? If so, what is it?
      • Brenda: Astro Orbiter
      • Mike: The Tower of Terror
      • Sophie: The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
      • Cindy: Splash rides
      • Kim: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
      • Pam: Astro Orbiter = heights; Mission Space= extreme nausea; Tower of Terror = falling
      • Robin: I’m not a huge fan of the mine train. Big Thunder gal here!
      • PJ: Unpopular opinion…It’s a Small World
      • Sherry: Tomorrowland speedway!!!!!! So hot, stinks and I hate that gas pedal!!!!
      • Chandler: Ratatouille. Breaks down too often and ruined my taste for EPCOT. Harsh? Maybe. I’ll only return to Epcot if I have 4 or more Park days on my trip. Will drop Epcot on any 3-park trip.
      • Chrissy: Mission space
  • Feature Topic: The Story Behind Main Street, U.S.A.!
    • Discussion opener: When you walk onto Main Street, do you think of it as an attraction, or simply as the road to the attractions?
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • When you think of Main Street, U.S.A., what is the one thing that makes it feel like Disney to you?
      • Sophie: The Music
      • Brenda: Feeling of “Coming Home”
      • Mike: The feeling of going back in time
  • This Day in Disney History for 10/19:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Claude Coats – House of Magic (Magic Kingdom) – Big Top Theatrical Productions – Famous Since ’55 – Shows for World’s Fairs and International Expositions – Claude Coats – Marc Davis – John DeCuir – Bill Justice – 1972
    • Emporium (Disneyland) – Coats & Co. – Claude Coats – Proprietor – Big and Tall Sizes for Gentlemen – 1992
    • Haunted Mansion Tombstone – At Peaceful Rest Lies Brother Claude – Planted here beneath this sod.
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “Every cast member is responsible for the impression we make; take five minutes a day to make a magical memory for one of our guests.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: Forgotten Disney Characters We Still Love

On the Road w/Mickey 328 – Attractions We Appreciate More Now Than We Used To!

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Attractions We Appreciate More Now Than We Used To
Episode 328 – Attractions We Appreciate More Now Than We Used To!

Attractions We Appreciate More Now Than We Used To!

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 328, and our feature topic is Attractions We Appreciate More Now Than We Used To! In this week’s episode, we are talking about those attractions that we appreciate more now than we used to in Walt Disney World! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Mike: In Carousel of Progress news, one of the big items is that Debi Derryberry, the voice of Patricia, the daughter, in the version of the show that we now know, is going to be involved in the new format of the show when it re-opens in late Spring 2027. She will be in a new role as Grandmother in the attraction!
    • Sophie: Hooray! For the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, November 26, 2026, a brand new Bluey balloon will make its debut in the parade! The Bluey balloon is 47 feet long, 27.8 feet wide, and 47.2 feet tall! This is not the first time Bluey has been in the parade, but this year’s balloon is inspired by the Christmas special “Christmas Swim” episode with Bluey wearing her festive Christmas crown.
    • Brenda: The Keel laying ceremony for the Disney Believe happened on October 5th. The ceremony is a tradition dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, and a specially minted coin is placed beneath the ship’s keel before major construction continues. The keel is the structural center beneath the ship that runs all the way from the bow to the stern, and the coin was specially minted and features Tinker Bell on one side and part of the ship on the other.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What was your favorite Disney Attraction when you were a little kid or someone you went with was a little kid?
      • Sophie: Goofy’s Barnstormer
      • Mike: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
      • Brenda: Peter Pan’s Flight
      • Debbie: Splash Mountain
      • Chandler: Oh! Hands down it’s going to be Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. I was so enthralled and mesmerized by all the animatronics and sets. It started my “how do they do that?” fascination and wanting to get the BTS intel.
      • Sheila: Autotopia when I was a kid. I would go with my family and ride over and over again.
      • Dale: The Great Movie Ride.
      • Paula: We always loved Haunted Mansion, even when my son was small
  • Feature Topic: Attractions We Appreciate More Now Than We Used To!
    • Sophie:
      • The Haunted Mansion
      • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
      • The Hall of Presidents
      • The American Adventure
      • MuppetVision 3D
    • Brenda:
      • PeopleMover
      • Living with the Land
      • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
      • The Great Movie Ride
    • Mike:
      • It’s a Small World
      • Swiss Family Treehouse
      • Frozen Ever After/Maelstrom
      • Mickey & Minnie’s Country Houses
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • Is there a ride that you just don’t care for? If so, what is it?
      • Brenda: Astro Orbiter
      • Mike: The Tower of Terror
      • Sophie: The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
  • This Day in Disney History for 10/12:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Wathel Rogers – Main Street Confectionery (Magic Kingdom) – Buena Vista Magic Lantern Slides – Treat Your Friends To Our Special Tricks – Yale Gracey – Bud Martin – Ken O’Brien – Wathel Rogers – 1975
    • The Fortuosity Shop (Disneyland) – “You’ll Cut a Fine Figure” – Wathel Rogers – Menswear – 1992
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “Invent your own job; take such an interest in it that you eat, sleep, dream, walk, talk and live nothing but your work until you succeed. Then you may take on a hobby or two if you feel so inclined.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: The Story Behind Main Street, U.S.A.

On the Road w/Mickey 327 – Best Attractions for the Whole Family!

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Best Attractions for the Whole Family
Episode 327 – Best Attractions for the Whole Family!

Best Attractions for the Whole Family!

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 327, and our feature topic is the Best Attractions for the Whole Family! In this week’s episode, we are talking about our favorite resort lobbies in Walt Disney World! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Brenda: As of September 21st, the single rider line option at Expedition Everest has gone away forever. Disney tested an updated pre-sorting system in the standby queue that divides guests into odd and even party groups before the loading platform. This grouping method fills empty train seats effectively, which supposedly lowers average standby wait times.
    • Mike: Have you ever wanted to work at Walt Disney World? Well, if your name is Sophie, then pay attention! Walt Disney World is going to be adding 5,000 new Cast Members in the next five years, spanning all areas of the resort! This is because of the investment that Disney is making into Walt Disney World – they are going to be pouring in up to 17 billion dollars over the next 10 to 20 years, and that will require Cast Members to make it work. If you are interested in applying, go to Disneyjobs.com to apply!
    • Sophie: Disney has just donated $100,000 to Gorilla Conservation Efforts in celebration of World Gorilla Day on September 24th. This coincides with the arrival of Bakari, the newest silverback gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The donation will go to support global gorilla conservation efforts.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What is your Preferred Disney Resort?
      • Sophie: Pop Century
      • Mike: Port Orleans Riverside
      • Brenda: Wilderness Lodge
      • Dale: We have never stayed at the Grand Floridian but it is my favorite because I can always find Mary Poppins and Alice In Wonderland there.
      • Sheila: Caribbean Beach and Contemporary
      • Chrissy: All Stars
      • Debbie: I LOVE the Polynesian but can only afford Coronado….and they do a very good job making us feel welcome. But if I ever hit a lottery…Poly here I come. Of course, first I have to buy a ticket.
      • Robin: I loved staying at the Contemporary, but I also love Pop Century.
      • Chandler: I’d love the opportunity to stay at Wilderness, or AKL. My wallet continues to tell me Pop is going to be my answer to this question.
      • Pam: Polynesian, Boardwalk, and Animal Kingdom. Perfect Trifecta
      • Randy: California Grand, Wilderness Lodge
  • Feature Topic: Best Attractions for the Whole Family!
    • It’s a small world (MK)
    • Kilimanjaro Safaris (AK)
    • Na’vi River Journey (AK)
    • Jungle Cruise (MK)
    • Frozen Ever After (Epcot)
    • Mickey’s Philharmagic (MK)
    • Living with the Land (Epcot)
    • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (HS)
    • TTA People Mover (MK)
    • Country Bear Jamboree (MK)
    • Wildlife Express Train (AK)
    • Walt Disney World Railroad (MK)
    • Carousel of Progress (MK)
    • Festival of the Lion King (AK)
    • Finding Nemo: The Musical (AK)
    • Prince Charming Regal Caroussel (MK)
    • Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (MK)
    • Dueling Dumbos (MK)
    • Pirates of the Caribbean (MK)
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What was your favorite Disney Attraction when you were a little kid or someone you went with was a little kid?
      • Sophie: Goofy’s Barnstormer
      • Mike: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
      • Brenda: Peter Pan’s Flight
  • This Day in Disney History for 9/28:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Card Walker – House of Magic (Magic Kingdom) – Dr. Card Walker – Licensed – Practitioner of Psychiatry and Justice of the Peace – We Never Close – Except for Golf – 1972
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “ILife is beautiful. It’s about giving. It’s about family.“ – Walt Disney

Coming next week: Attractions We Appreciate More Now Than We Used To

On the Road w/Mickey 326 – Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World
Episode 326 – Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World!

Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World!

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 326, and our feature topic is the Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World! In this week’s episode, we are talking about our favorite resort lobbies in Walt Disney World! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Sophie: The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now open! It opened on September 14, and Disney had 60 characters there for the opening celebration!
    • Brenda: The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival dates were announced! The festival will run from March 10 – May 31, 2027.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • There are a lot of little pieces of trivia in the parks. What is a little piece of trivia (or Easter Egg) that you really enjoy?
      • Sophie: The Walt Portrait in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
      • Sophie: The Roy & Minnie Statue along with the Walt & Mickey Statue
      • Mike: The Disneyland & Walt Disney Firehouses, and the way the light from Walt’s Apartment over the Disneyland firehouse that never turns off in memory of Walt.
      • Lee: Trader Sams, The Polynesian Resort, at the very top, if you look at the ceiling, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Keys are hanging from the ceiling because he had too many Mai Tais!
      • Brenda: I like the fun aspects of Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater which we have eaten at a lot. All the license plate registrations were dated to 1955 as a nod to Disneyland as well as the 50’s era cars. Plus, the initials on the car license plates are all nods to Disney Imagineers who worked on the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. On each license plate, the 3 letters are an Imagineer’s initials and the 3 numbers are a reference to their birthdays! I always loved that fun Disney touch.
      • Chandler: The Lost Boys Fire Brigade
  • Feature Topic: Best Resort Lobbies at Walt Disney World!
    • Brenda:
      • Animal Kingdom Lodge – Peter Dominique, Jr. designed (he also designed Wilderness Lodge and Grand Californian)
      • Wilderness Lodge
      • Art of Animation Resort
    • Sophie:
      • Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter
      • Polynesian Resort
      • Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Mike:
      • Disney’s Yacht Club & Disney’s Beach Club
      • Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower
      • Pop Century
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What is your Preferred Disney Resort?
    • Sophie: Pop Century
    • Mike: Port Orleans Riverside
    • Brenda: Wilderness Lodge
  • This Day in Disney History for 9/21:
    • 2002: The city of Marceline, Missouri hosts the fourth annual Walt Disney’s Hometown Toonfest.
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Leighton I. Sherwood – First Aid (Disneyland) – Doc Sherwood, M.D – Family Practice – 2014
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “In learning the art of storytelling by animation, I have discovered that language has an anatomy. Every spoken word, whether uttered by a living person or by a cartoon character, has its facial grimace, emphasizing the meaning.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: Best Attractions for the Whole Family

On the Road With Mickey

Podcasting Disney and other points of interest!

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