On the Road With Mickey

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This Day in Disney History

On the Road w/Mickey 313 – Our Favorite Epcot Experiences that make our trip special!

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Our Favorite Epcot Experiences that make our trip special!
Episode 313 – Our Favorite Epcot Experiences that make our trip special!

Our Favorite Epcot Experiences that make our trip special!

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 313, and our feature topic is Our Favorite Epcot Experiences that make our trip special! This week, we are taking a look at all of the incredible things specifically at Epcot that really add value to our day! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Mike: In the “Don’t Blink” category for Cheddar, news from Disney that the Virtual Queue required for access to Bluey’s Wild World, which was required when the area opened on May 26th, is no longer needed as of June 2nd.
    • Sophie: Do you like a Pineapple Upside Down cake? If you do, the Disney Parks Blog has the recipe for the pineapple upside down cake that you can get at the Plaza Inn at Disneyland on their website! Here’s the link: https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/disney-eats-pineapple-upside-down-bundt-cake-recipe-from-plaza-inn/ 
    • Brenda: The huge news out of Disney is that the Carousel of Progress will be closing on July 6th in order to update the scenes and incorporate Walt into the attraction. It will be a totally different experience when it reopens, which should be sometime in 2027.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What is something on the list that we missed from last week?
      • Cindy: Andor
      • Robin: Animal Kingdom
      • Chrissy: A Dole Whip
      • Heidi: Ariel
      • Stephanie: All-Star Resorts
      • Cindy, for Sophie: Anita from 101 Dalamations
  • Feature Topic: Our Favorite Epcot Experiences that make our trip special!
    • Mike:
      • Festival of the Holidays
      • Walt the Dreamer Statue
      • Flower & Garden Festival
      • Viking Stave Church in Norway
      • Voices of Liberty
      • I miss Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
    • Sophie:
      • Candlelight Processional 
      • Food & Wine Festival
      • Living with the Land Glimmering Greenhouses during the holidays!
      • Food & Wine – Hosted by Remy and finding little tiny Remy’s hidden throughout the park.
      • The American Adventure Experience
    • Brenda:
      • Eat to the Beat concerts
      • Canada Pavilion – specifically Victoria Gardens
      • Caramel Kouche and the trains at Germany
      • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!
      • Via Napoli Quattro Fremage Pizza
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What is an experience that you had that changed from what you planned, but still went well?
      • Sophie: For King & Country concert cancellation
      • Brenda: MVMCP when we came across the Dwarfs
      • Mike: COVID closing Disney – reopening 2 days before our trip
  • This Day in Disney History for 6/8:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Roy O. Disney – Two Brothers Inc. – Dreamers & Doers – “If we can Dream it we can Do it!” – Roy O. Disney, Walt E. Disney, Founders and Partners – Above Delicious Sweets – Disneyland Paris
    • Additional Coolness Factor:
      • New Century Notions – Flora’s Unique Boutique – opposite the Emporium in Disneyland Paris on Main Street, U.S.A. – indicates that the business was opened in 1888, which just happens to be the year that Flora Call married Elias Disney
    • https://fans.disneylandparis.com/en/family-history-at-disneyland-paris/
  • 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.” (about Carousel of Progress)  – Walt Disney

Coming next week: What Season of Disney are you in?

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 312 – The ABCs of Disney – Letter A!

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The ABCs of Disney - Letter A!
Episode 312 – The ABCs of Disney – Letter A!

The ABCs of Disney – Letter 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 312, and our feature topic is The ABCs of Disney – Letter A! This week, we are taking a look at all of the things at Disney that start with the letter A! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Brenda: Every week we see additional updates on the transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The Animation Courtyard transformation is almost done, and the return of The Magic of Disney Animation will be here before we know it! The Courtyard area is now open, and this outdoor area is meant to draw you as if you were transformed to the iconic Burbank studio lot!
    • Mike: Over at Universal Orlando Resort, a BIG change is coming to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The attraction at Islands of Adventure  will no longer be included with the Universal Orlando Express Pass system! This change takes place effective on July 1st.
    • Sophie: In Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, we reported how the ride was changed to include the Mandalorian and Grogu with the release of the movie – which, by the way, cleared 100 million over Memorial Day weekend! Anyway, in addition to the obvious references to Mando and Grogu, you can now activate Grogu Mode, which replaces Chewie Mode for the ride!
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • If you could be inserted into any piece of Disney media, which would you want to be inserted into? (e.g. movie, TV series, etc.)
      • Sophie: Star Wars Universe
      • Brenda: In the Avengers
      • Mike: The Tangled Franchise
      • Theresa agreed with me about The Tangled Franchise! “this for sure”
      • Miss Dale said “Mary Poppins!!!!”
      • Chandler said “Mary Poppins… Even if I were just the guy in the background, maybe sweeping the sidewalk at the park or something.”
      • Chrissy said “Beauty and the Beast”
  • Feature Topic: The ABC’s of Disney: Things we like at Disney that start with the letter A!
    • Audio-Animatronics
    • Atlantis – The Lost Empire
    • The American Adventure
    • Animal Kingdom Park
    • Avatar: Flight of Passage
    • Animation!
    • Animation Courtyard
    • Princess Aurora
    • Alderran
    • Adventureland!
    • Art of Animation
    • Anandapur
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • African Safari (Kilimanjaro)
    • Astro Obiter
    • Anakin Skywalker
    • Ahsoka Tano
    • Aladdin
    • Alice in Wonderland
    • Attractions
    • Al Catraz Window
    • Aloha Isle
    • Aulani
    • Disney Adventure
    • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
    • Animal from the Muppets
    • Asha
    • Anna & Elsa
    • Ariel
    • Anastasia & Drizzela
    • All Star Resorts
    • Artist’s Pallet
    • Alien Swirling Saucers
    • Awesome Planet
    • Caramel Apples
    • Atlantic Dance Hall
    • Ale & Compass
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What is something on the list that we missed?
  • This Day in Disney History for 6/1:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • J.S. Hamel – Consulting Engineer – Disney Gallery (Disneyland)
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive. This facility makes it the most versatile and explicit means of communication yet devised for quick mass appreciation.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: Our Favorite Epcot Experiences that make our trip special!

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 311 – Top 3 Immersive Disney Attractions!

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Top 3 Immersive Disney Attractions!
Episode 311 – Top 3 Immersive Disney Attractions!

Top 3 Immersive Disney Attractions!

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 311, and our feature topic is Top 3 Immersive Disney Attractions! It is time to give recaps of Brenda’s trip on Norwegian Cruise Lines and our trip to Walt Disney World!Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Sophie: Bluey’s Wild World Opens at Animal Kingdom Park on May 26th! This will be located at the Conservation Station as part of the Cool KIDS’ Summer, but will continue beyond the summer months. Interestingly, Disney must think this is going to be a big hit because access will be limited to a virtual queue at the opening of the area. You can sign up for it in the My Disney Experience app.
    • Brenda: Casting calls went out for performers for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for the Frozen Holiday Surprise and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration. Before you know it, Christmas will be here!
    • Mike: Congratulations are in order for Jeff Vahle, the President of Walt Disney World Resort, who announced that he is retiring from the Company after 36 years at the end of the summer. We wish him well in his retirement and in the next season of his life!
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What is your favorite Disney franchise?
      • Sophie: Star Wars
      • Brenda: Marvel
      • Mike: Mickey Mouse & Friends
      • Cindy: “Disney Cruise Line and the rollercoasters”
      • Chandler: “Inside Out. I know it’s only 2 movies, but I really like them.” He then added “Ask me next month and you might get a different answer”
      • Paula said “This such a tough one because I like them all…but Disney animation is best”
      • Sheila said “Marvel”
      • Robin said “Marvel”
  • Feature Topic: Top 3 Immersive Disney Attractions!
    • Sophie:
      • 3) Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
      • 2) Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
      • 1)Fantasmic
    • Brenda:
      • 3) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
      • 2) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
      • 1) Candlelight Processional
    • Mike:
      • 3) Remi’s Ratatouille Adventure
      • 2) Avatar: Flight of Passage
      • 1) Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • If you could be inserted into any piece of Disney media, which would you want to be inserted into? (e.g. movie, TV series, etc.)
      • Sophie: Star Wars Universe
      • Brenda: In the Avengers
      • Mike: The Tangled Franchise
  • This Day in Disney History for 5/25:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Gordon Williams – Main Street Confectionery (Magic Kingdom) – “Safe & Sound Amplification Co. – Gordon Williams – Ed Chisholm” – Window added in 1975, Gordon’s career spanned from 1939 – 1977. He also has a tombstone in the Haunted Mansion, which reads “R.I.P. Good friend Gordon – Now you’ve crossed the River Jordan” and also has one in the Haunted Mansion in Tokyo, with the same wording except instead of Gordon it reads Borden.
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “I like the workshop idea, with students being able to drop in and learn all kinds of arts. You know, a kid might start out in art and end up as a talented musician. A school should offer a kind of cross-pollinization that would develop the best in its students….”(talking about CalArts, 1964) – Walt Disney

Coming next week: The ABC’s of Disney: Things we like at Disney that start with the letter A!

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 310 – Trip Recaps from Walt Disney World and Norwegian Cruise Lines!

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Trip Recaps from Walt Disney World and Norwegian Cruise Lines!
Episode 310 – Trip Recaps from Walt Disney World and Norwegian Cruise Lines!

Trip Recaps from Walt Disney World and Norwegian Cruise Lines!

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 310, and in this episode our feature topic is Trip Recaps from Walt Disney World and Norwegian Cruise Lines! It is time to give recaps of Brenda’s trip on Norwegian Cruise Lines and our trip to Walt Disney World!Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Mike: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets are now on sale for guests of select Disney resorts and will go on sale to the general public on May 12. This specially-ticketed annual event is offered during select nights from August 7 through October 31. 
    • Sophie: On May 22, in conjunction with the Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie, the Millenium Falcon will have an adjustment to Smuggler’s Run with a new mission involving them!
    • Brenda:The reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has brought about an expected change to Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Magic Kingdom. BTMRR will now be offered as a Tier 1 offering along with Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Peter Pan’s Flight and the Jungle Cruise.
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What’s your favorite pastime between Disney trips?
      • Sophie: Minecraft has a special 1:1 re-creation of the Disney Theme Parks!
      • Brenda: Creative journaling
      • Mike: Planning Disney Trips, SiriusXM, OTRWM
      • Deb: Planning the next trip!
      • Chrissy: Watching Disney movies
      • Chandler: Reading about other people’s trips. And being happy for them.
      • Paula: Watch YouTube videos and listen to Disney podcasts. Browse restaurant menus. Outside of Disney, I enjoy doing yard work, puzzles, movies and margaritas.
      • Robin: Smelling the body wash samples from my last trip. I can’t ever use these bc I need that smell to start my day!
  • Feature Topic: Trip Recaps from Walt Disney World and Norwegian Cruise Lines!
    • Brenda:
      • NCL sailing on the brand-new Norwegian Cruise Line ship Luna. First time sailing. 3 night, 4 day, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Port of Miami, balcony stateroom on deck 14! Queen size bed, sofa, nice bathroom, designed for two people.
      • Hudson’s and the Commodore, same dinner menu. Hudson’s had a more expansive view. Several specialty dining.
        • Italian
        • Mediterranean
        • Thai
        • French
        • Teppan Yaki Style
        • Steakhouse
        • Los Lobos
      • Shows:
        • Rocketman: Elton John Tribute
        • The Eagles Tribute
        • Haiku Cirque de Solei-like show. Very acrobatic.
        • 21+ Cabaret show
      • Aqua Slide coaster, water slide/coaster combo.
      • Mini-golf
      • Midway
      • Gaming area
      • The ship you are sailing on can be the destination, not just the transportation.
      • Vibe Beach Club upgrade for 18+, very relaxing.
      • Overall, a really good experience and I would do it again!
    • Mike & Sophie:
      • Walt Disney World
        • April 30 – May 4, 2026
        • Firsts on this trip:
          • First time staying at Art of Animation Resort
          • ‘Ohana for dinner
          • Disney Starlight Parade
          • New Country Bear Jamboree
          • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (first time for Cindy)
          • Frozen Ever After
          • Docking Bay 7
          • Woody’s Lunch Box
          • Slinky Dog Dash
          • Villains Ever After: Unfairest of them All
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What is your favorite Disney franchise?
      • Sophie: Star Wars
      • Brenda: Marvel
      • Mike: Mickey Mouse & Friends
  • This Day in Disney History for 5/11:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Lillian Bounds Disney
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “I’m always close to projects when we’re chewing over the basic idea. Once the pattern is set, the answer to your question is simple. I let the staff take over and I go on to other things.” – Walt Disney

Coming next week: Top 3 Immersive Disney Attractions

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 309 – The Disneyland Resort Champions!

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The Disneyland Resort Champions!
Episode 309 – The Disneyland Resort Champions!

The Disneyland Resort Champions!

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 309, and in this episode our feature topic is The Disneyland Resort Champions! It is time to wrap up our March Madness of Disney & Tournament of Champions series! Who will win the top billing for attractions and dining at Disneyland Resort? Let’s find out together! Here’s what we talked about:

  • Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
    • Brenda: The France Pavilion’s Palais du Cinema will be completing its three month renovation soon, and on May 10, the theater will be reopened with the Impressions de France and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along movies both being available in a shared schedule.
    • Mike: H2O Glow After Hours will be returning to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. It is available on select nights from June 2nd through September 5, and is a separately priced ticket. Tickets start at $85 plus tax for adults, with $20 off for kids ages 3-9, and 20% annual passholder and DVC member discounts also available.
    • Sophie: Toy Story 5 will hit theaters on June 19th! Just announced, Disney Legend Randy Newman will return to create the music score for the movie. He has been the composer for all five movies in the franchise!
  • Connect with us! Here’s how: 
  • Question of the Week Feedback:
    • What is something that you want us to experience and share while we’re at Walt Disney World this trip?
      • Paula: Check out what the specialty dole whips are in Adventureland. Have a great trip!
      • Pam: Pontoon boat Fireworks cruise out of the Contemporary marina. LOVED IT!!!
      • Robin: All things Animal Kingdom!
      • Mom says, “have fun!”
      • Brenda: Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade
      • Sheila: Killajamaro Safari.
      • Chrissy: Kali River Rapids
  • Feature Topic: The Disneyland Resort Champions!
    • Finals:
      • 1) Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance 10 vs 1) Radiator Springs Racers 8
      • 1) Blue Bayou 10 vs 2) Lamplight Lounge 4
    • March Madness and Tournament of Champions Trends:
      • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the most popular ride at Walt Disney World
      • The Classic Rides (Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean) are also very popular.
      • Dining locations that are also connected in some way to an attraction seem to win out. Case in point: Garden Grill Restaurant and Blue Bayou
      • What will future contests look like when Monster’s Inc Roller Coaster opens?
  • Sophie’s Question of the Week:
    • What’s your favorite pastime between Disney trips?
      • Sophie: Minecraft has a special 1:1 re-creation of the Disney Theme Parks!
      • Brenda: Creative journaling
      • Mike: Planning Disney Trips, SiriusXM Disney Hits Channel, On the Road with Mickey podcasts
  • This Day in Disney History for 4/27:
  • The Weekly Disney Windows
    • Leota Toombs & Kim Irvine
  • A little bit of Walt
    • “Whenever I go on a ride, I’m always thinking of what’s wrong with the thing and how it can be improved.” – Walt Disney

Coming in two weeks: Trip Recaps from Walt Disney World and Norwegian Cruise Lines!

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!