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On the Road w/Mickey 303 – March Madness of Disney: Epcot!

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March Madness of Disney: Epcot!
Episode 303 – March Madness of Disney: Epcot!

March Madness of Disney: Epcot!

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! We are missing Brenda this week, who is out sick, so pray that she feels better and is able to join us next week! This is episode 303, and in this episode we tackle #MarchMadness with the March Madness of Disney: Epcot! It is time to see how the voting went and who is moving on! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Mike: Six years ago, we were about to start our first trip to WDW for the Flower & Garden Festival – but today was the day we learned that the parks were closing because of the COVID Pandemic. It feels like a lifetime ago.
    • Sophie: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin will be re-opening on April 8th! Who’s ready to go to infinity – and beyond?!
    • Brenda:We have liftoff! Soarin’ Around America, which is coming back to Walt Disney World for the 250th Anniversary of America, will be playing on Soarin’ Screens beginning on May 26th!
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What is your favorite land in the Magic Kingdom?
      • Brenda: Liberty Square for the ambience but Tomorrowland for the attractions.
      • Robin said “Frontier land!”
      • Butch said “Frontier Land. reminiscent of the good old days!”
      • Erin said “Fantasyland!”
      • Pam said “Liberty Square”
      • Chrissy said “Fantasyland”
      • Stephanie said “Adventureland”
      • Paula said “Adventure Land”
      • Randy said “Tomorrow land”
      • Kim said “Adventure land”
      • Sheila said “Adventure land”
      • Chandler said “Whichever one I’m in.”
  • Feature Topic: March Madness of Disney: Epcot!
    • Epcot 1st Round:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 21 vs. 8) Mission:SPACE 1
        • 2) Frozen Ever After 12 vs. 7) Spaceship Earth 13
        • 3) Test Track 17 vs. 6) Luminous: The Symphony of Us 6
        • 4) Remy’s Ratitoullie Adventure 9 vs. 5) Soarin’ 15
      • Dining
        • 1) Garden Grill Restaurant 16 vs. 8) Connections Eatery 4
        • 2) Akershus 10 vs. 7) Regal Eagle Smokehouse 7
        • 3) Via Napoli 11 vs. 6) Teppan Edo 7
        • 4) Le Cellier Steakhouse 16 vs. 5) Space 220 4
    • Final Four:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 22 vs. 7) Spaceship Earth 5
        • 3) Test Track 7 vs. 5) Soarin’ Around the World 27
      • Dining
        • 1) Garden Grill Restaurant 19 vs. 4) Le Cellier Steakhouse 16
        • 2) Akershus Royal Banquet Hall 7 vs. 3) Via Napoli 20
    • Finals:
      •  1) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 20 vs. 5) Soarin’ Around the World 6
      • 1) Garden Grill Restaurant 25 vs. 3) Via Napoli 9
    • The Winner for Attractions is repeat winner Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind by a score of 20-6, and the winner for Dining is the Garden Grill Restaurant by a score of 25-9!
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What is your favorite Epcot Pavilion in either World Showcase or any of the other  areas?
      • Sophie: China Pavilion and The Land Pavilion.
      • Brenda: Walt Statue at Dreamer’s Point and France Pavilion.
      • Mike: American Adventure Pavilion and Spaceship Earth in World Celebration
  • This Day in Disney History for 3/16:
  • Mix up the Mike!
    • Roger Broggie, Jr. – Magic Kingdom – Little Gremlins
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “Films stimulate children to read books on many subjects.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: March Madness of Disney: Hollywood Studios!

As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!

On the Road w/Mickey 302 – March Madness of Disney: Magic Kingdom!

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Episode 302 – March Madness of Disney: Magic Kingdom!

March Madness of Disney: Magic Kingdom!

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and he’s Grogu, and We’re On the Road with Mickey! We are missing Brenda this week, who is out sick, so pray that she feels better and is able to join us next week! This is episode 302, and in this episode we tackle #MarchMadness with the March Madness of Disney: Magic Kingdom! It is time to see how the voting went and who is moving on! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Sophie: In refurbishment news, Walt Disney Imagineering has begun installing interior sets for the Encanto Attraction, which will be located in the Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom Park!
    • Mike: Walt Disney World has announced that the Muppet Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which is currently closed to change from Aerosmith to The Muppets, will still be available as a Tier 1 lightning lane multi-pass attraction.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What is your official prediction for March Madness MK?
      • Sophie: Haunted Mansion & Cinderella
      • Mike: Pirates of the Caribbean & Cinderella
      • Brenda: TRON & Crystal Palace
  • Feature Topic: March Madness of Disney: Magic Kingdom!
    • Magic Kingdom 1st Round:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Haunted Mansion 20 vs. 8) Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover 7
        • 2) Tron 9 vs. 7) Carousel of Progress 10
        • 3) 7 Dwarfs Mine Train 16 vs. 6) Peter Pan’s Flight 8
        • 4) Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 2 vs. 5) Pirates of the Caribbean 22
      • Dining
        • 1) Cinderella’s Royal Table 22 vs. 8) Pinocchio Village Haus 4
        • 2) Be Our Guest 24 vs. 7) Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe 6
        • 3) Crystal Palace 15 vs. 6) Casey’s Corner 8
        • 4) Liberty Tree Tavern 24vs. 5) Tony’s Town Square 3
    • Final Four:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Haunted Mansion 16 vs. 7) Carousel of Progress 4
        • 3) 7 Dwarfs Mine Train 10 vs. 5) Pirates of the Caribbean 14
      • Dining
        • 1) Cinderella’s Royal Table 4 vs. 4) Liberty Tree Tavern 11
        • 2) Be Our Guest 10vs. 3) Crystal Palace 3
    • Finals:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Haunted Mansion 23 vs. 5) Pirates of the Caribbean 20
        • 2) Be Our Guest 14 vs. 4) Liberty Tree Tavern 21
      • The Winner for Attractions is The Haunted Mansion by a score of 23-20, and the winner for Dining is Liberty Tree Tavern by a score of 21-14!
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What is your favorite land in the Magic Kingdom?
  • This Day in Disney History for 3/9:
    • 1911: Disney Legend and Nine Old Men member John Lounsbery is born!
  • Stump the Soph!
    • Tony Baxter – Magic Kingdom – The Camelot Corp.
  • A little bit of Walt
    • ““Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland … the blessing of size.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: March Madness of Disney: Epcot!

As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!

On the Road w/Mickey 301 – March Madness of Disney Selection Show!

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March Madness of Disney Selection Show!
Episode 301 – March Madness of Disney Selection Show!

March Madness of Disney Selection Show!

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 301, and in this episode we begin #MarchMadness with our March Madness of Disney Selection Show! I hope you are as excited about the tournament as we are! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Mike: We would like to take a moment in memory of Jeff Galloway, who passed away at the age of 80. He was a running icon, helping countless people achieve their goal of participating in RunDisney events. From his team: “Sadly, we lost someone truly irreplaceable today. We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Jeff — a husband, a father, a grandfather, a coach, a mentor, and a believer in every single one of you.” May he rest in peace. Our prayers are for his family, friends, and everyone touched by his work.
    • Brenda: Say hello to the Godfather of the Disney Adventure: Robert Downey, Jr. aka Tony Stark, aka Ironman!!!
    • Sophie:We’ve touched on this before, but new details for The Magic of Disney Animation have been released! It will open in Summer 2026 at Hollywood Studios, and it will be part of The Walt Disney Studios district! It will have a look and feel that will remind people of the legendary Burbank lot, and you’ll be able to step behind the scenes and into the stories of some of the world’s most iconic films. There is so much to talk about that is coming to this district!
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What are your hidden gems when it comes to resort dining?
      • Sherry Ann said “Kona cafe at Poly and Whispering Canyon …. I can’t even list all the hilarious shenanigans that have happened at Whispering Canyon!”
      • Sheila said “We love the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs.
        Kona Cafe at the Polynesian
        The flying fish at the Boardwalk”
      • Stephanie said “Not sure if it’s a hidden gem anymore, but Steakhouse 71 is ahhhhmazing!!!”
      • Pam said “Love the fun at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. Ale and Compass yummy breakfast at the Yacht Club resort. Also at YCR= Yachtsman Steakhouse for delicious dinner”
      • Chrissy said “Olivia’s and Tony’s are our favs”
      • Cindy said “Beignets at French Quarter. Grand Floridian Cafe.”
      • Paula said “I’m with Stephanie…love Steakhouse 71”
  • Feature Topic: March Madness of Disney Selection Show!
    • This year, we asked and you answered, so we are expanding our selections to include dining in the tournament! So, each park will have match-ups for attractions and match-ups for dining!
    • Magic Kingdom:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Haunted Mansion vs. 8) Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover 
        • 2) Tron and 7) Carousel of Progress
        • 3) 7 Dwarfs Mine Train vs. 6) Peter Pan’s Flight
        • 4) Tiana’s Bayou Adventure vs. 5) Pirates of the Caribbean
      • Dining
        • 1) Cinderella’s Royal Table vs. 8) Pinocchio Village Haus
        • 2) Be Our Guest vs. 7) Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
        • 3) Crystal Palace vs. 6) Casey’s Corner
        • 4) Liberty Tree Tavern vs. 5) Tony’s Town Square
    • Epcot:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind vs. 8) Mission:SPACE
        • 2) Frozen Ever After vs. 7) Spaceship Earth
        • 3) Test Track vs. 6) Luminous: The Symphony of Us
        • 4) Remy’s Ratitoullie Adventure vs. 5) Soarin’
      • Dining
        • 1) Garden Grill Restaurant vs. 8) Connections Eatery
        • 2) Akershus vs. 7) Regal Eagle Smokehouse
        • 3) Via Napoli vs. 6) Teppan Edo
        • 4) Le Cellier Steakhouse vs. 5) Space 220
    • Hollywood Studios:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance vs. 8) Frozen Sing-Along
        • 2) Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway vs. 7) Toy Story Mania
        • 3) Slinky Dog Dash vs. 6) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
        • 4) Fantasmic vs. 5) Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
      • Dining
        • 1) Hollywood Brown Derby vs. 8) ABC Commissary
        • 2) 50’s Prime Time Cafe vs. 7) Docking Bay 7
        • 3) Hollywood & Vine vs. 6) Woody’s Lunchbox
        • 4) Roundup Rodeo BBQ vs. 5) Sci-Fi Dine In Theater
    • Animal Kingdom:
      • Attractions
        • 1) Avatar: Flight of Passage vs. 8) Zootopia: Better Zoogether
        • 2) Expedition Everest vs. 7) Finding Nemo The Musical
        • 3) Kilimanjaro Safaris vs. 6) Kali River Rapids
        • 4) Festival of the Lion King vs. 5) Na’vi River Journey
      • Dining
        • 1) Tiffins vs. 8) Harambe Market
        • 2) Tusker House vs. 7) Pizzafari
        • 3) Yak & Yeti vs. 6) Rainforest Cafe
        • 4) Flame Tree Barbecue vs. 5) Satu’li Canteen
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What is your official prediction for March Madness MK?
      • Sophie: Haunted Mansion & Cinderella
      • Mike: Pirates of the Carribean & Cinderella
      • Brenda: TRON & Crystal Palace
  • This Day in Disney History for 3/2:
  • Stump the Soph!
    • Yale Gracey – Buena Vista Magic Lantern Slides – Main Street Confectionery (Magic Kingdom)
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “We’re all proud of the honors that many groups around the world have given us. And we’re even more proud that the public- whether in theaters, at Disneyland, or in their homes- continue to express faith in the kind of family entertainment we produce.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: March Madness of Disney: Magic Kingdom!

As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!

On the Road w/Mickey 300 – Top 3 Resort Restaurant Gems!

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Top 3 Resort Restaurant Gems
Episode 300 – Top 3 Resort Restaurant Gems!

Top 3 Resort Restaurant Gems!

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 300, and in this episode we are sharing our Top 3 Resort Restaurant Gems! We wanted to share with you some of our go-to restaurants outside of the parks! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Sophie: The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival doesn’t start until March 4th, but the topiaries for the event are starting to arrive! Will you be at Walt Disney World during the festival?
    • Mike: I didn’t realize this, but  The Seas Pavilion (originally named The Living Seas) just turned 40 years old at EPCOT! To commemorate the anniversary, new leafy sea dragon plants were installed in the nursery on the second floor of the pavilion. Congratulations to 40 years at EPCOT! Even though the pavilion didn’t open until January 15, 1986, it was being planned out since before opening day of EPCOT in 1982.
    • Brenda: The incredible Voices of Liberty put on their annual Presidents Day tribute called “Songs of Freedom”. In this performance, they celebrate the service, the storytelling, and the voices that continue to shape America’s story.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What is your last park and attraction for your trip?
      • Annette said “Disney Springs and Hollywood Studios”
      • Mrs. Dale said “It is Cinderella’s castle or breakfast with Mary Poppins.”
      • Andrea said “Always Disney Springs before we leave and lunch at Earl of Sandwich. Just left today after 5 magical days!”
      • Kourtney said “Magic Kingdom – Space Mountain, then one last look at the castle”
  • Feature Topic: Top 3 Resort Restaurant Gems
    • Sophie:
      • Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge (TS)
      • Olivia’s Cafe – Old Key West Resort (TS)
      • The Turf Club Bar & Grill – Saratoga Springs Resort (TS)
    • Mike:
      • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds
      • Topolino’s Terrace – Flavor of the Riviera – Riviera Resort
      • Cape May Cafe – Beach Club Resort
    • Brenda:
      • ‘Ohana – Polynesian Resort
      • Storybook Dining at Artist Pointe – Wilderness Lodge
      • Boma – Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What are your hidden gems when it comes to resort dining?
  • This Day in Disney History for 2/23:
  • Stump the Soph!
    • Mary Blair – Center Street Academy of Fine Art – Uptown Jewelers (Magic Kingdom)
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “When they come here they’re coming because of an integrity that we’ve established over the years and they drive hundreds of miles. I feel a responsibility to the public.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: March Madness of Disney: Magic Kingdom!

As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!

On the Road w/Mickey 299 – Last Park and Attraction of your trip!

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Episode 299 – Last Park and Attraction of your trip!

Last Park and Attraction of your trip!

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 299, and in this episode we are sharing our thoughts from our time spent on the Disney Treasure in our Disney Treasure Trip Recap! We all looked at various items from our cruise and answered questions about what we thought! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Brenda: Disney is teasing us with some cruise news. Word is that the Disney Wish will be sailing out of the UK for the 2027 year!
    • Mike: February 8 marked the 25th anniversary of the opening of Disney’s California Adventure Park and the Grand Californian Hotel! Congratulations!
    • Sophie: Disney had a commercial in the Super Bowl teasing the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu movie! You can check it out here: The Mandalorian and Grogu | A New Journey Begins | In Theaters May 22
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What is your number 1 international bucket list destination?
      • Sophie: Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica
      • Mike: Israel, Jerusalem, Bethlehem
      • Brenda said “Austria and Switzerland”
      • Kim said “Tokyo Disney”
      • John said “Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef.”
      • Cindy said “Portugal and the Christmas markets in Europe.”
      • Chandler said “Tokyo, so I can visit the Disney Parks there.
        I would also like to take my wife to Germany. I’ve been before and it’s breath taking”
      • Pam said “Tokyo Disney”
      • Sheila said “Disney in Paris in the spring time and Christmas markets in Germany while cruising down the rhine river.”
      • Jennifer said “Machu Picchu. It’s been #1 on my bucket list for almost 20 years now.”
  • Feature Topic: Saving the Best for Last Series: Last Park and Attraction
    • Brenda:
      • My last park is always the Magic Kingdom! Last ride of the trip (if it is opened) is the Carousel of Progress. Second choice is TTA Peoplemover.
    • Sophie:
      • I don’t have a tradition like Aunt Brenda. Last park and ride can change from trip to trip. When planning, I like to think about Magic Kingdom as my last park. Would like the final ride to be the Carousel of It’s a Small World or something like that where she can see it late at night.
    • Mike:
      • Magic Kingdom. Attraction: Not one attraction at all, but an attempt to see as many attractions as I can before the end of the day and park closing.
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What is your last park and attraction for your trip?
  • This Day in Disney History for 2/16:
  • Stump the Soph!
    • Walt Disney World Railroad Office – Walter E. Disney
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “Well, “a beautiful tomorrow, just a dream away.” That says we’re going places. There’s progress ahead, and that’s just the mood we want for the whole pavilion. Here, for example, is a scale model of the General Electric Carousel Theatre—a theatre in which the audience itself moves in their seats around the stages. The actors? Well, they’re not real people, but they are a talented and interesting cast. We call them audio-animatronic figures, and they talk and act like human beings. The Carousel Theatre will present a warm and entertaining portrayal of how life has changed through electrical energy. The same kind of exciting and unique entertainment is what we’re planning for every area of the General Electric Pavilion. So, see you at the fair, and remember…- Walt Disney
    • RICHARD SHERMAN, ROBERT SHERMAN, & WALT DISNEY (Singing)
    • There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow…

Coming next week: Top 3 Resort Restaurant Gems

As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!