MouseChat.net – Disney, Universal, Orlando FL News & Reviews

It's the question every parent asks: "How old should my kids be before we take them to Disney World?" This week on Mouse Chat, we tackle it head-on. There's no single magic number — but there ARE ages and stages that make the trip smoother, more magical, and more worth the money. We talk through the real trade-offs at every stage: the baby and toddler years (naps, strollers, and "will they even remember it?"), the sweet spot of the preschool and early-elementary years when the magic hits hardest, the tween and teen years when thrill rides and independence change the whole trip, and the truth about multi-generational trips with a big age range in the group. We share what we've learned from our own family, honest tips on Rider Switch, height requirements, park pacing, best times of year to go with little ones, and how to plan a trip that actually matches your kids' ages instead of fighting against them. Bottom line: the "best age" is really about planning the right trip for the kids you have right now — and that's exactly what we love helping families do. Thanks for listening! If this helped, subscribe to Mouse Chat and leave us a review — it means the world and helps other families find the show.

This week on Mouse Chat, Sharpie takes us to Europe for a father-son high-school graduation trip through Spain and Portugal — a destination his oldest son picked as he heads off to study architecture. From Gaudí's Sagrada Família to a flamenco tablao, high-speed trains, beach towns, and Lisbon's tile shops, here's an honest trip report with real tips you can use to plan your own visit. What we cover this week: The route: flying Aer Lingus out of Pittsburgh with a 12-hour Dublin layover each way, then Barcelona (3 nights) → high-speed train to Madrid → train to Seville → local train to Cádiz → back to Seville → a flight to Lisbon, plus a day trip to Cascais. Barcelona: an 8-hour guided tour, an hour inside Sagrada Família (and why the light, the facades, and the windows are unlike any cathedral you've seen), the Gothic Quarter, a Picasso mural, Park Güell, the harbor cable car, neighborhood markets, and a breathtaking live flamenco show. Riding the rails: what first class on Spain's high-speed trains is really like (lounge, meal service, roomy seats) and the fields of sunflowers "as far as the eye can see" between Madrid and Seville. Madrid: a tuk-tuk tour on a 104°F record-heat day — including the AI-translation guide snafu — and how to roll with it when a tour doesn't go to plan. Cádiz: a relaxing beach-town break, a spa hotel with a full thermal suite and 75-minute massages for about $100 each, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. Lisbon & Cascais: the cleanest city of the trip, the designer-lined Avenida da Liberdade, a rooftop-pool hotel, hunting down handmade Portuguese pottery and antique tiles, and cliff divers at a beautiful beach town 40 minutes away. Real-world tips: Spain's excellent public transit, the current euro exchange rate (about $1.15 to €1), walking 75 miles over nine days, and Sharpie's planning method — book the big-ticket sights, then fill the gaps with finds along the way. Thinking about a trip like this? Sharpie plans Europe travel for Mouse Chat's travel agency, Pixie Vacations — free planning, no booking fees. Get a free, no-fee quote at https://pixievacations.com/get-a-quick-vacation-quote/ or call 678-815-1584. Prefer to see Spain and Portugal by ship? You can browse and book Mediterranean and Atlantic cruises through our online booking engine at https://cruise.pixievacations.com. Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mousechat-net-family-travel-podcast-disney-universal/id395503030 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1ujpZQKOnCuKcgArpnBQKQ. Questions or comments? Email comments@mousechat.net.

Disney Springs and Disney's BoardWalk are both getting a major refresh in 2026, and this week the Mouse Chat team walks through every new restaurant, lounge, shop, and attraction worth knowing about — plus when each one opens. At Disney Springs, we dig into Six Ravens, the mysterious savory spin-off from Gideon's Bakehouse (signage is up and it's coming this summer), Morimoto's new Kakigori Kool shaved-ice cart, and LEVEL99 — a 45,000-square-foot, two-story game palace with 60+ challenge rooms opening June 29, 2026 (tickets from $29.99). New retail from Vuori and Columbia Sportswear is on the way too. Over at the BoardWalk, Disney finally confirmed the long-rumored additions: Hurly-Burly, a waterfront lounge with daytime trivia and 21+ live music (filling the gap Jellyrolls left behind), a new Basin bath-and-body shop, and a still-unnamed quick-service restaurant — all starting late 2026. We also cover Good to Go Days for summer, the return of Disney Springs resort-bus verification, and first looks at the upcoming Disney Lakeshore Lodge. Chapters, tips, and the full rundown are in the episode. New shows drop every Monday at 8 AM Eastern — subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss one. Planning a Walt Disney World trip after this episode? The Mouse Chat team's travel agency, Pixie Vacations, offers free Disney vacation planning with no booking fees — Steve Griswold is a Disney College of Knowledge graduate. Get a free, no-fee quote at https://pixievacations.com/get-a-quick-vacation-quote/ or call 678-815-1584. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mousechat-net-family-travel-podcast-disney-universal/id395503030 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ujpZQKOnCuKcgArpnBQKQ

Disney Springs and Disney's BoardWalk are both getting a major refresh in 2026 — and this week the Mouse Chat team breaks down every new restaurant, lounge, shop, and entertainment venue worth knowing about. From Gideon's Bakehouse's mysterious savory spin-off to a 45,000-square-foot game palace, plus the long-rumored BoardWalk additions Disney finally confirmed, here's what's coming and when. Ready to turn any of this into a trip? [Get a free, no-fee Disney World quote from Pixie Vacations »](https://pixievacations.com/get-a-quote/?utm_source=mousechat&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=july2026) ### Disney Springs — New Food & Dining **Six Ravens (Gideon's Bakehouse savory concept) — signage up, opening this summer.** The strongest "almost open" signal yet: signage is now installed at the former Art of Shaving space in The Landing, just a few doors from the original Gideon's. The signature item is the "Coffyn" — a hand pie with sandwich-style fillings wrapped in a house-made yeast roll (a nod to a medieval European pastry) — paired with smashed potatoes and dips like sweet heat and homemade honey mustard. Drinks include local beers crafted with Orlando's Sideward Brewing and The Ravenous Pig, plus root beer on tap. The name nods to the Tower of London and its legendary guardian ravens. Note for listeners: it's grab-and-go, no reservation, and **not** on the Disney Dining Plan. **Kakigori Kool (Morimoto Asia shaved-ice cart) — summer 2026.** Morimoto Asia is adding a snack cart serving Japan's kakigori shaved-ice dessert with fruity syrups and toppings, right outside the restaurant. *Building your Disney Springs dining hit list? Our agents know the new spots and the can't-miss classics — [start a free quote](https://pixievacations.com/get-a-quote/?utm_source=mousechat&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=july2026) and we'll fold it into your trip.* ### Disney Springs — Entertainment (old DisneyQuest / NBA Experience building) **LEVEL99 — opens June 29, 2026; tickets on sale June 22.** The largest LEVEL99 to date: 60+ challenge rooms and duels across a 45,000-sq-ft, two-story space, plus a chef-crafted menu with their award-winning Detroit-style pizza and a big central bar. Tickets start at $29.99 (1.5- and 2.5-hour intervals). It's the chain's fourth location after Natick, MA; Providence, RI; and Tysons, VA. Fun hooks: the first 500 guests opening day get a commemorative pin, and the date was revealed via an Instagram puzzle fans had to decode. **Vuori + Columbia Sportswear (retail).** Athletic apparel brand Vuori opens at Disney Springs this summer alongside LEVEL99 and Six Ravens, and Columbia Sportswear reopens July 24. ### Disney's BoardWalk — New Lounge, Store & Dining (the big one) Disney officially confirmed the long-rumored BoardWalk additions — all opening starting in late 2026 — finally filling in those empty buildings everyone's been speculating about. (Trying to decide where to stay near Epcot and Hollywood Studios? Listen to [Which Disney World Resort is Perfect for You?](https://mousechat.net/which-disney-world-resort-is-perfect-for-you-mouse-chat-podcast/)) **Hurly-Burly (waterfront lounge) — late 2026.** The headliner: a new waterfront lounge inspired by a historic seaside theater. By day it hosts trivia and family-friendly games; each evening it becomes a live-music venue for guests 21+. It fills the live-entertainment gap left by Jellyrolls, which closed in April 2025 after nearly 30 years. Expect coastal-inspired cocktails, light bites, and a rotating lineup of live performers. **Basin (bath & body retail) — late 2026.** The Disney Springs favorite is opening a BoardWalk location for soaps, bath bombs, bath salts, and body butters — with an interactive twist: create custom bath teas, make your own soaps, and personalize purchases with a soap embossing press, all themed to BoardWalk's vintage seaside look. **New quick-service restaurant — TBA.** Disney confirmed a new quick-service spot is planned but hasn't shared theme, menu, or opening date — more expected later this summer. We'll keep you posted. *Want a BoardWalk-area stay (BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club, or the Swan & Dolphin) so you can walk to Epcot? [Get a free quote](https://pixievacations.com/get-a-quote/?utm_source=mousechat&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=july2026) and we'll match you to the right resort.* ### Other Newsworthy WDW Items **Disney Springs resort bus verification returns June 28 — and becomes permanent.** A practical heads-up: this makes resort-hopping through Disney Springs noticeably harder. For more on getting around property, hear [Best Options to Get to Disney World](https://mousechat.net/best-options-to-get-to-disney-world-mouse-chat-podcast/). **Good to Go Days added for summer.** WDW Good to Go Days return for summer 2026 with three June dates — June 25, 28, and 29 — letting Annual Passholders visit without a park reservation, subject to blockouts. Check our monthly-updated [Disney World crowd calendar](https://pixievacations.com/disney-world-crowd-calendar/) before you pick dates. **Disney Lakeshore Lodge — first looks.** New first looks at the lazy river and pool area for Disney's Lakeshore Lodge — the new resort coming to the Bay Lake area between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge, currently slated for 2027. **Bonus tip:** Adding a Disney cruise to your park trip? You can browse and book Disney Cruise Line — and every major line — through our [online cruise booking engine](https://cruise.pixievacations.com/app/0/cruise/0/selection.html?search[vendor_ids][0]=20), no fees. For the new ships, hear [Disney Treasure vs Disney Destiny](https://mousechat.net/disney-treasure-vs-disney-destiny-which-2026-disney-cruise-should-you-book/). --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **When does Six Ravens open at Disney Springs?** Six Ravens, the savory concept from Gideon's Bakehouse, is targeting a summer 2026 opening at The Landing in Disney Springs (the former Art of Shaving space, near the original Gideon's). Signage is installed as of June 2026. It's grab-and-go, no reservations, and not on the Disney Dining Plan. Planning a Disney Springs day? Pixie Vacations can build it into your free trip plan. **When does LEVEL99 at Disney Springs open?** LEVEL99 opens June 29, 2026 in the former DisneyQuest / NBA Experience building, with tickets starting at $29.99. It's an interactive challenge-and-duel venue with 60+ rooms across 45,000 square feet, plus a full restaurant and bar. **What is Hurly-Burly at Disney's BoardWalk?** Hurly-Burly is a new waterfront lounge confirmed for Disney's BoardWalk, opening late 2026. It hosts trivia and family games by day and live music for guests 21+ in the evening, filling the entertainment gap left by Jellyrolls. It joins a new Basin bath-and-body store and a yet-to-be-named quick-service restaurant. **Do you need a park reservation for Good to Go Days?** No. On Walt Disney World Good to Go Days, eligible Annual Passholders can enter a park without a park reservation (subject to blockouts). Summer 2026 added June 25, 28, and 29. A travel advisor can help you plan dates around blockouts and crowds. **Is booking Disney World through Pixie Vacations really free?** Yes. Pixie Vacations is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and Disney pays the agency's commission — so expert planning, dining and Lightning Lane strategy, and price monitoring cost you nothing extra. [Request your free quote.](https://pixievacations.com/get-a-quote/?utm_source=mousechat&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=july2026) --- ## Listen to This Episode New episodes of Mouse Chat drop every Monday at 8 AM Eastern. Listen right here, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a show. Questions or comments? Email comments@mousechat.net. --- ## Plan Your Vacation — Free with Pixie Vacations Dreaming of a Walt Disney World trip after this episode? The Mouse Chat team's travel agency, **Pixie Vacations**, offers free vacation planning with **no booking fees** — Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, Sandals & Beaches all-inclusive resorts, weddings, honeymoons, and group trips. Steve Griswold is a Disney College of Knowledge graduate, and our team has personally experienced the parks, ships, and resorts we recommend. **Ready to book?**

East Coast vs. West Coast Disney! On this episode of Mouse Chat, the gang shares two fresh trip reports — Debbie heads to Disneyland and Caitlin does a Disney World Beach Club staycation — with real tips you can actually use to plan your own trip.

Is a European cruise worth it? We took the whole family on a 7-night Mediterranean cruise out of Rome aboard Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas — and on this episode of Mouse Chat we give you the honest answer: the magic, the heat, the lost luggage, and what we'd do differently next time. We sailed Rome → Santorini → Ephesus (Turkey) → Mykonos → Naples/Pompeii → Rome, and we get into the real tips that made (and almost broke) the trip: • Why you should ALWAYS arrive a day early — our lost-luggage story • The Santorini insider move: a water taxi to Oia that skips the 2-hour cable car line • Why a nighttime golf cart tour is the best way to see Rome • Private guides vs. big bus excursions (and why we'll pay extra every time) • Ephesus ruins, Turkish rugs, market haggling, and Pompeii • The honest verdict: a Mediterranean cruise is NOT a beach week — and the one itinerary mistake to avoid (don't stack 3 ports in a row!)

Vacation Spots to Beat the Summer Heat

Why Universal Studios Orlando Should be on Your Vacation List

Which Disney World Resort is Perfect for You

What is Drinking around the World at Epcot?

Must Do Disney World EXTRAS, The Top Rated Worth It Extras To Do

What's Happening at Walt DIsney World Summer Thru Halloween?

Our Love of Disney and How Mouse Chat Started

These are the top 10 rated restraunts at Epcot as rated by Travelers. Do you agree?

We take You to Tenerife canary islands

Disney's Interesting Movie Line Up

This week on Mouse Chat we break down everything you need to know about staying at Disney's World for Easter— Easter, dining, tips, activities. The Mouse Chatters share firsthand tips from Easter trips most recent stay. If you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation this Easter, this is the episode for you.

Caitlyn does a Full Disney Cruise Line Review of both Disney Islands and also the newest Disney Cruise Ship in the USA, teh Disney Destiny.

Is Beaches Turks & Caicos Treasure Beach Worth it? the new Beaches Resort Village, Treasure Beach is open and I sayed there for 4 days. Here is my full Beaches Turks Treasure Beach Review and Rating.

Best Options to get to Disney World

EPCOT Flower & Garden - What's Happening This Year

Disney World Top Listener Questions

Which VIP Tour is the best? We do the Disney World and Universal Orlando VIP Tours and give you the skinny

We are with Jayde who just wrapped up TWO Disney College Programs at Walt Disney World. Jayde was nice enough to share all the ins and outs about the Disney College Program so if you are interested in applying for the program, be sure to listen to this weeks Mouse Chat Disney Podcast. How to Apply for the Disney College Program Tips about the Disney college program interview process What Does the Disney College Program Pay? Who can apply to the Disney College Program? Where do you live and what does it cost? How much do you get paid on the Disney College Program? What jobs are available on the Disney College Program?

We are back from Walt Disney World after Lisa and Caitlyn both enjoyed two different Disney Resorts and the parks. Here is our full Disney Trip Report.

Before you travel to Walt Disney World, here are the Disney World resort refurbishment schedules for all the walt disney world resort hotels

I hate when I go to Disney World and my favorite rides are closed for updates. Don't go to Disney World in 2026 without first checking what's going to be open. Here is our complete list of Disney World Park updates and refurbishments.

There are some amazing deals for families for Disney World Vacations in 2026

Ways To Get Your Disney KICKS in 2026

With so many dining options at Disney World's Disney Springs shopping location, we put together some of our favorites for you

With 2026 days away, here is what we are looking forward to in travel for 2026.

Here's what is coming to Disney World in 2026

Our Annual 2025 Disney Year In Review Show

Is Jamaica Open? We Fly To Jamaica To Get You The Real Story. We flew to Jamaica for 4 days to Montego Bay and also to Ocho Rios to the Sandals Resorts that just reopened on Jamaica. This is our full Jamaica review and Sandals Dunns River review for 2025 as well as should you book a trip to Jamaica for 2026 and beyond.

Best Disney Gift Ideas For Your Disney Fan

New Disney Destiny Cruise Ship - What You Need to Know. Please get with a Mouse Chatter to book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation. We are all "Pixies" at Pixie Vacations - PixieVacations.com and have over 15 years of travel agent experience living, traveling and booking Disney vacations for families.

Best Disney World Resort and Park Bars, New Grand Bar Opens

New Better Zoogether Reviewed & Best Shows At Disney World

Disney World Trip Review - VIP Tour Tips, Festival of Arts Details

Yeah there is a history and evolution of coffee at Walt Disney World and we cover Disney coffee on this weeks Mouse Chat Podcast

Best Halloween Parties - Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Studios

We are back from Aulani in Hawaii and have a show filled with Disney Aulani tips and tricks

Epcot World Showcase Mexico to Italy

In-Depth Review of Epcot's World Showcase

D23 the Disney Fan convention just concluded. Here is what's coming to Disney Parks. If you are looking for a Disney vacation, please contact a mouse chatter here and get a free Disney Vacation Quote,

We Take You To Beak & Barrel + So much more new at Disney World. We are back from 4 full days of seeing everything coming in 2025 and 2026 to Walt Disney World. If you are ready to experience the new fun stuff, this is the review show for you. Get the latest Disney World vacation special offers by contacting a Mouse Chatter. It's complementary, that means FREE, to book with a Mouse Chatter here at Pixie Vacations and we will get you set up with the best Disney Vacation perfect for your family.

We Take You on Royal Caribbean's New Star of the Seas. Current Royal Caribbean Cruise Special Offers If you are looking for a Royal Caribbean Cruise please contact a Mouse Chatters here and we are happy to help you book the perfect cruise vacation.

We go to all the Disney World Pools, Yeah I know we should have used more sun screen.

Why You Should Cruise on Disney We cover everything Disney Cruise Line has to offer, plus an amazing Disney Cruise Line Special Offer.

Is it Worth it? Disney New StarLight Parade, TestTrack 3.0, Villains Unfairly Ever After – New Reviews!

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