Podcasts about Hollywood studios

We're ranking our top burger spots from across the parks, resorts, Disney Springs, and beyond, discussing what makes each one stand out and whether it's worth going out of your way to try. From the iconic Stack Burger at Steakhouse 71 and the island-inspired Wayfinder Burger at Wailulu Bar & Grill to the legendary Bison Cheeseburger at Geyser Point and the fan-favorite creations at D-Luxe Burger, we'll break down the flavors, toppings, atmosphere, and overall experience at each location. Along the way, we'll also highlight a few underrated burgers that deserve more attention, including favorites at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, Yak & Yeti Restaurant, Victoria Falls Lounge, Beaches & Cream, and more. As a bonus, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the best burgers ever served during EPCOT's festivals, including one of our most beloved Food & Wine Festival burger offerings of all time. If you're planning your next Disney vacation and want to know where to find the juiciest, most flavorful burgers on property—or you're just looking for an excuse to talk Disney food—this episode is for you. Grab some fries, maybe a milkshake, and join us as we crown the best burgers at Walt Disney World!

It's the final lap of Matt's big trip as we hear about the lower wait times while they "rested" at the resort, action-packed evenings in the parks, meeting neighbors and one final splash (actually many) on Tiana's.

874 · The Walt Disney World Time Capsule - What Would You Put in the Box?It is 2076. Someone digs up a sealed time capsule in Walt Disney World. What did we choose to leave them?This week on WDW Radio, we build a Walt Disney World time capsule - a snapshot of the parks exactly as they exist in 2026. And there is one rule attached to it that changes every single answer.One attraction. One resort. One song. One snack. One smell. One sound. One price. More than a dozen categories in all, spanning Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the Walt Disney World resorts - and none of them are as easy as they sound.Along the way: the real time capsules Disney has already buried at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and the wonderfully surprising things they chose to seal inside them. The pick that broke the rule in the very first category. And the one thing we each wanted to make sure went in that box, no matter what.Plus a final item that is not an object at all.So what would you put in the box? Call the voicemail and tell me, and I will play your answers on a future show.

Sarah shared highlights from her July Disney vacation, including a Disney Destiny cruise from Fort Lauderdale and a stay at Disney's Beach Club. Their family of five traveled via Brightline and Disney transportation, enjoyed split one-on-one park days with each child at Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom, and wrapped up the trip with Disney Springs before a delayed flight home.   Links: Fairytale Watercolors on Instagram Disney Cruise Line primer How to do embarkation day on Disney Cruise Line How to do disembarkation on Disney Cruise Line Small World Vacations Disney Cruise Line Request   Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to leave us a message with your first name, location, and trip info. Be sure to include your exact trip dates, who is in your party, where you will stay, and anything unique about the trip. You can do that using your computer or phone at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo   Subscribe to get new episodes There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep to Go (if you're used to listening on the website, subscribe so you can take new episodes with you on your phone) Subscribe in iTunes  (and please leave a review!) Subscribe to the podcast   Follow on social media Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube   Ways to support us Become a Patron Get a quote request for a future trip from Small World Vacations Subscribe to the WDW Prep School weekly newsletter Podcast Episode Finder Visit the site Things we recommend   Affiliate Links: Amazon DVC Rentals Quicksilver Tours and Transportation Small World Vacations Designer Park Co - Use code "WDWPrep" to save 10%

We're putting each other on the spot with a mix of honest confessions, impossible choices, and hot takes covering everything from ships and staterooms to dining, entertainment, private islands, and more. Is Castaway Cay still the ultimate private island, or is Lookout Cay making a serious case? Which onboard restaurant would we bring to land, and what Disney Cruise tradition do we think gets a little too much hype? Once a card is drawn, there's no backing out—we have to give a clear answer and defend it, even if it sparks a debate. While we've personally sailed the Disney Magic, Disney Wish and the Disney Destiny, this episode celebrates the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet. Whether you've sailed once, sailed them all, or are dreaming about your very first Disney cruise, you'll find plenty of fun conversations, surprising opinions, and maybe even a few ideas for planning your next adventure at sea. So grab your favorite tropical drink, settle into your deck chair, and play along with us. Would your answers match ours, or would you make completely different choices? There's only one way to find out!

492 - Walt Disney World is in the middle of its biggest construction wave in years — and if you have a trip coming up, you need to know what to expect. In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, hosts and best-selling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart break down every major Walt Disney World refurbishment and construction project happening right now, park by park and resort by resort. PLAN A VACATION STRESS FREE - START HERE You'll learn why Magic Kingdom's Frontierland is now the largest construction site in Disney history as it transforms into Cars Land's "Piston Peak," what's happening with the long-awaited Villains Land, and why Carousel of Progress just closed for a major overhaul. Rob & Kerri also cover Hollywood Studios' Monstropolis construction, the new Walt Disney Studios Lot and Muppets Rock n Roller Coaster, plus Animal Kingdom's Tropical Americas project replacing DinoLand. On the resort side, get the details on Disney's Polynesian Resort renovations (including the Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace closure), the Grand Floridian Cafe closure through October, Yachtsman Steakhouse's summer closure, the Turf Club Lounge closure at Saratoga Springs, and the annual Skyliner maintenance shutdown scheduled for January 24–30, 2027. Plus, don't miss the launch of Disney Travel Secrets' new Superfans giveaway series — starting with a pair of Mickey Mouse ears up for grabs in the Facebook group! Whether you're planning a Disney World vacation for this fall, Christmas, or beyond, this episode gives you the insider construction and refurbishment updates you won't find anywhere else.

Join us for episode 495 of the Theme Park Trader Podcast! Guests DESTROY Beak and Barrel & BaseLine Tap House in this week's episode of Theme Park Trader! But first — is table service dining dying at Walt Disney World? With guests now dropping serious money on Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Premier Pass before they even step through the gates, more and more visitors are skipping sit-down restaurants altogether. So is Disney's answer to grab those lost guest dollars... bars and lounges? We dig into why spots like The Beak and Barrel and BaseLine Tap House might be exactly where Disney wants you spending instead — lower commitment than a two-hour ADR, no huge kitchen overhead, and premium-priced drinks with a themed backdrop. Then it's time for the main event: we read the most BRUTAL guest reviews of Magic Kingdom's pirate lounge The Beak and Barrel and Hollywood Studios' BaseLine Tap House. From "a tavern full of disappointment" to complaints about pricing, portions, queues and theming that didn't live up to the hype — nobody is safe. Do you agree with the reviews? Have you visited either lounge? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome to your Daily Disney News for Monday, July 20th, 2026. Let's dive into the magical updates! - Disney's Hollywood Studios has revamped the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular with new stunts, effects, and an immersive storyline. - Disneyland Resort announces "California Sun Fest," featuring surf culture, music, beach-themed parades, and specialty snacks. - Tokyo Disneyland unveils "Ariel's Undersea Voyage," a new ride with stunning visuals inspired by "The Little Mermaid." - Disney+ to premiere "Behind the Enchantment: Disney's Magical Creators," featuring backstage insights into Disney's artistry and innovation. Have a magical day and tune in again tomorrow for more updates.

The Florida weather tried to run the show, but we still pulled off a packed Walt Disney World parks trip with plenty of snacks, storms, and hard-earned tips. Five parks. Three days. Were we crazy, lucky, or smart? Yes.We start with the pre-cruise stretch: checking into Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, hopping to EPCOT, and attempting the classic “drinking around the world” challenge in World Showcase while thunder and rain keep forcing us indoors at exactly the right moments.We also share one of our favorite adult breaks at EPCOT: Geo-82, the 21+ lounge inside Spaceship Earth, plus what it's like riding Ratatouille now that the 3D is gone and how Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind hits when you catch a new song. Italy becomes our accidental home base again, and yes, we have thoughts about how easy it is to “get stuck” there once the snacks and drinks start rolling.Then we splurge at Hollywood Studios with Lightning Lane Premiere Pass and explain how it works, what it costs, and why it felt like a true game changer for doing the park in a few hours without living on our phones. After a Disney Springs errand run, we got swept away at DVC's Moonlight Magic at Typhoon Lagoon.Post-cruise, we go full bucket list with a Polynesian Bora Bora bungalow stay, Trader Sam's, and July 4 fireworks from the deck. We wrap the trip with  what was supposed to be a relaxing day, but turned into Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom highlights, including Nomad Lounge, a minivan pro tip, Tron, the Beak and Barrel pirate bar, and ride updates like a smoother Big Thunder and a refreshed Buzz Lightyear.Subscribe, share this with your Disney parks planning crew, and leave a rating and review so more Disney fans can find us. What's your biggest Disney splurge that actually felt worth it?----Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own.Instagram, Threads, Facebook: @ourmousecapadesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespodhttps://OurMousecapades.compodcast@ourmousecapades.com

The field has been narrowed from eleven pavilions to just four, and now it's time to crown a champion in the final episode of the Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup! After surviving the play-in round and quarterfinals, the remaining pavilions enter the Final Four with everything on the line. We'll once again compare each matchup across food, drinks, attractions, immersion, shopping, hangout factor, hidden details, festival presence, and overall experience—but at this stage, every decision feels tougher than ever. The two semifinal winners will advance to the championship match, where we'll take one final look at what makes each pavilion special and decide which one truly deserves to lift the Cup.  Then, after three episodes, multiple upsets, and plenty of tough calls, only one pavilion remains standing. Which pavilion survives the Final Four? Who reaches the championship match? And which World Showcase country is crowned the first-ever Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup champion? Grab your bracket at https://www.patreon.com/wonderlandcrew/posts/main-street-cup-163717533, see whether your picks are still alive, and join us as we finish the tournament and crown the ultimate EPCOT pavilion!

For this MGM 1935 Studios Year by Year episode we again explored the screen persona of forgotten star Ann Harding in a double feature, Biography of a Bachelor Girl (directed by Edward H. Griffith) and The Flame Within (produced, written, and directed by Edmund Goulding). We discuss the changes from S.N. Behrman's 1932 play Biography and how well its liberal political message survives them and then turn to making the auteur case for Edmund Goulding, while remaining riveted by Harding's liberated but dignified persona, whether she's playing a psychiatrist caught up in counter-transference or a broad-minded portraitist who's become infatuated with a Communist. And in Fear and Moviegoing in Toronto we discuss Penny Marshall's A League of Their Own (1992) and the meaning of Geena Davis' enigmatic central performance.  Time Codes: 0h 00m 20s:      1935 & MGM 0h 06m 00s:      BIOGRAPHY OF A BACHELOR GIRL (1935) [dir. Edward H. Griffith] 0h 32m 30s:      THE FLAME WITHIN (1935) [dir. Edmund Goulding] 0h 59m 07s:      Fear & Moviegoing in Toronto – Penny Marshall's A League of Their Own (1992) at the Carlton Cinema  0h 00m 00s:      So This is Sarris (from Andrew Sarris' The American Cinema) - Frank Capra Studio Film Capsules provided by The MGM Story by John Douglas Eames Additional studio information from: The Hollywood Story by Joel W. Finler 1935 Information from Forgotten Films to Remember by John Springer                                 +++ * Marvel at our meticulously ridiculous Complete Viewing Schedule for the 2020s * Intro Song: "Sunday" by Jean Goldkette Orchestra with the Keller Sisters (courtesy of The Internet Archive) * Read Elise's latest film piece on Preston Sturges, Unfaithfully Yours, and the Narrative role of comedic scapegoating. * Check out Dave's new Robert Benchley blog – an attempt to annotate and reflect upon as many of the master humorist's 2000+ pieces as he can locate – Benchley Data: A Wayward Annotation Project!  Follow us on Twitter at @therebuggy Write to us at therebuggy@gmail.com   We now have a Discord server - just drop us a line if you'd like to join! 

We have got a LOT to cover this week and honestly the news just keeps coming. Let's get into it. First up, Magic of Disney Animation finally has an opening date and it is September 14th. This is the brand new experience coming to the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios and it sounds like a really solid lineup. You've got Drawn to Wonderland which is a playground experience, Off the Page for character meetings, Olaf Draws which is a drawing class (yes please), the Once Upon a Studio Theater, and more. This feels like a real destination area and we are genuinely excited to check it out. Quick financial note for anyone who follows the business side of things: The Walt Disney Company drops their 3rd Quarter financial results on Wednesday August 5th at 8:30am Eastern via live webcast. Worth keeping an eye on. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party fans, heads up. October 13th and August 18th are the next two dates to sell out and they are moving faster than last year. If you are on the fence about grabbing tickets, stop waiting. Also interesting, both Beak and Barrel and Geo-82 went to walk-up lists last week, which is actually a first for those spots. The party crowd is hungry. Now let's talk D23 because things are getting really exciting. Neil Patrick Harris is going to host the Experiences Showcase and honestly the format sounds amazing. It's inspired by the Carousel of Progress, he'll be guiding the whole show, chatting with Imagineers and storytellers, and there are supposed to be announcements, special performances, and surprises. We are so ready. Also at D23, Leslie Iwerks is debuting a brand new documentary focused on Disney Parks. She made the Imagineering Story and Disneyland Handcrafted, so the pedigree here is outstanding. We also want to take a moment to acknowledge that her father Don Iwerks recently passed away at 96. Don was an absolute legend. He developed the 360 degree Circle Vision camera, built the film equipment used at the 1964 World's Fair, engineered the 3D film and effects for Captain EO, and built the projection system for Star Tours. What a career. What a legacy. And then there is the Space Mountain rumor that has everyone buzzing. Word is the attraction could be getting a very major refurbishment, potentially including a full track replacement, updated audio, and a redesigned ride vehicle that seats two across instead of single file. Nothing confirmed yet but this might be something we hear more about at D23 next month. So yeah, a packed episode. Drop your thoughts in the comments below. What are you most excited about? Are you ready for Magic of Disney Animation? What do you think about the Space Mountain rumors? Let us know! If you enjoyed this episode, hit that like button, subscribe to the channel, and make sure you tap the notification bell so you never miss a new episode of Capture The Magic. Find the full Capture The Magic Podcast feed wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure you are subscribed so you never miss an episode! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I'm way overdue for reviewing Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets--there's several reasons for that, but I'm excited to share my thoughts on this remake--not just for the coaster but for the muppets in the park. And that's not all that's going on at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Monsters Inc. is in big build mode--everything in scaffolding and iron girders going vertical. We'll talk about the approach to this land. And then I share my emotional impressions of the new Magic of Disney Animation courtyard, which now has an opening date of September 14th, 2026. All this and more, plus a really good churro makes what's happening at this park really exciting. Join us for this Muppets Rock & Roller Coaster Review, Monsters Inc. buildout & Magic of Disney Animation Opening Date. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization. __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.  Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!  David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena.  Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!  

Matt's back in the neighborhood fresh off his revenge trip. We're sitting at the ping-pong table this week ready for part 2 (of 3) of his everlasting recap. Grab a chair, and a paddle, as we hear all about his move to Old Key West and more park days as his family gears up for a big 4th of July. * * * * * *

This week on the Mouse Minutes Podcast, Whitney + Jordan are back aboard Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, now featuring its all-new Muppets theme at Disney's Hollywood Studios.Just a few episodes ago, we shared our thoughts on Disney's decision to retire the longtime Aerosmith version. Now that the retheme is complete, it's time to see how it all came together. Has Disney breathed new life into one of Walt Disney World's most iconic thrill rides, or was the original better before the change?Listen in as we break down the new story, line queue, music, ride experience, and overall execution before sharing our updated grades to help you decide if the new Rock 'n' Roller Coaster makes the grade.Your ten minutes starts… now!. . .Keep up with ⁠Mouse Minutes on Instagram or follow us here:https://www.instagram.com/mouseminutespodcast/. . . Check out these other Mouse Minutes episodes:• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith | Episode 031• Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue | Episode 104

Welcome to the Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup! In this special tournament series, we're putting all 11 World Showcase pavilions head-to-head in a single-elimination bracket to determine, once and for all, which pavilion deserves to be crowned the ultimate EPCOT champion. Before the competition begins, we explain exactly how the tournament was created. Using AI analysis, rankings and opinions from some of the most trusted Disney fan sites, and our own experiences after countless visits to EPCOT, we seeded each pavilion into the bracket based on six major categories: Food, Drinks, Attractions, Immersion, Shopping, and Hangout Factor. But once the tournament starts, the seeds no longer matter—every matchup is decided one category at a time, with the winner advancing and the loser going home. After introducing the rules and revealing the full bracket, it's time for the opening play-in round. Three exciting matchups kick off the tournament as lower-seeded pavilions battle for the chance to face the top contenders waiting later in the bracket. Every debate is filled with tough decisions, surprising opinions, and plenty of Disney discussion as we compare everything from signature restaurants and iconic snacks to rides, entertainment, architecture, hidden details, and festival offerings. Who earns the first victories? Which pavilion pulls off an upset? And which favorites are waiting for their chance to enter the tournament? Welcome to the Main Street Magic EPCOT World Showcase Cup!

Live from Walt Disney World! Matt's revenge trip is here!! He's recording from Old Key West as the Dapper Dads catch up mid-trip. Enjoy the breakdown of checking-in to the Poly (Matt's first time!), exploring the monorail resorts, as well as pure Matt-style-domination at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Enjoy the show! Apologies for the inconsistent volume levels...not experts. * * * * * *

Are you ready for a glorious three-hour road trip with the Electric Mayhem? Join Morgan and Jake on this episode of Neverland Navigation Radio as they break down the biggest additions coming to Walt Disney World in 2026!The main event of this episode is a full review of the brand new Muppets Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios! We talk about the new neon courtyard, the incredible pre-show featuring a Scooter animatronic, and all the salvaged props from Muppet Vision 3D scattered throughout the queue. Find out which songs made the cut (including Def Leppard and Blur!) and why the Statler and Waldorf finale makes this the ultimate good-vibes coaster.We also round up the other major Disney World updates, including:Animal Kingdom: Bluey's Wild World brings a meet-and-greet, a real-life game of Keepy Uppy, and an Australian animal exhibit!Magic Kingdom: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back with a butter-smooth track (goodbye, kidney stone relief!). Plus, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin gets a major tech refresh with new vehicles, a new target system, and a robot named Buddy.EPCOT: We review the hard cuts and patriotic sights of the new Soarin' Over America limited-time film.Disney Springs & More: The new Level 99 interactive experience, Animation Courtyard updates, and new Grogu scenes on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run!Thinking of taking a Disney or Universal vacation? Let Morgan do the heavy lifting! She is a free-to-you travel agent who gets paid by the destination, meaning you don't pay a penny extra. Plus, her clients get a free trip gift just to say thank you! Email her today at morgan@neverlandnavigation.com.Make sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @NeverlandNavco!

We're wrapping up an unforgettable Fourth of July weekend at Walt Disney World with plenty of food, fireworks, resort updates, and a few surprises along the way. We kick things off by giving shoutouts to some amazing members of the Main Street Magic community we had the chance to meet before diving into the latest changes around Disney's Polynesian Village Resort—including an update to Wailulu Bar & Grill's menu and the unexpected reason Disney has eliminated zero-proof cocktails across its owned restaurants. From there, we eat our way through the weekend with breakfast at Steakhouse 71, featuring Walt's Prime Rib Hash, seasonal pancakes, a build-your-own omelet, and some must-order sides before heading poolside to Barefoot Pool Bar for refreshing drinks and spicy honey pork wings. We also stop by Trader Sam's Grog Grotto to sample several appetizers and then chat about finishing the trip at Tambu Lounge with a couple of classic favorites. Along the way, we share our thoughts on the new Disney Springs bus procedures, recap what it's like spending Independence Day at Disney's Polynesian Resort, and discuss everything from fireworks to crowd levels to whether this holiday weekend is worth experiencing for yourself. Whether you're planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, looking for honest Disney dining reviews, or just want to spend some time hanging out with us, this episode is packed with food, fun, Disney updates, and plenty of holiday magic.

Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week's Disney Dish with news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and the wider entertainment industry before digging into listener questions and recent theme park patent applications. They discuss Typhoon Lagoon's upcoming maintenance closure, Disneyland's unusual evening ticket offer, the new pirate-to-skeleton effect in Pirates of the Caribbean, and Universal's long-awaited Hellraiser Halloween Horror Nights house. Then Jim continues his history of Disney's Living Character Initiative with a look at Pixar Place, Toy Story Mania, and the short-lived Luxo Jr. figure that hopped into Hollywood Studios history. NEWS • Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to close for annual maintenance on September 9, 2026, leaving Blizzard Beach as Walt Disney World's open water park. • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sees another sold-out date, with Len and Jim looking at why early weekend parties disappear quickly. • Level99 opens at Disney Springs, prompting a discussion about interactive play spaces, Disney Quest, and why Disney IP is not part of the experience. • Disneyland introduces a $59 evening ticket for select summer nights, suggesting softer attendance in Southern California. • Universal Orlando announces Hellraiser for Halloween Horror Nights, giving Pinhead a long-awaited haunted house spotlight. FEATURE • Jim revisits the Living Character Initiative after Disney's 2006 Pixar acquisition reshaped priorities inside Imagineering. • Mickey's Midway Mania becomes Toy Story Mania as Pixar characters move to the center of Disney's park strategy. • Hollywood Studios' Pixar Place is designed as a tribute to Pixar's Emeryville campus, complete with a Florida version of Toy Story Mania. • The Luxo Jr. figure debuts as a six-foot-tall living character but vanishes after only about ten months due to weather exposure and trademark complications. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week's Disney Dish with news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and the wider entertainment industry before digging into listener questions and recent theme park patent applications. They discuss Typhoon Lagoon's upcoming maintenance closure, Disneyland's unusual evening ticket offer, the new pirate-to-skeleton effect in Pirates of the Caribbean, and Universal's long-awaited Hellraiser Halloween Horror Nights house. Then Jim continues his history of Disney's Living Character Initiative with a look at Pixar Place, Toy Story Mania, and the short-lived Luxo Jr. figure that hopped into Hollywood Studios history. NEWS • Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to close for annual maintenance on September 9, 2026, leaving Blizzard Beach as Walt Disney World's open water park. • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sees another sold-out date, with Len and Jim looking at why early weekend parties disappear quickly. • Level99 opens at Disney Springs, prompting a discussion about interactive play spaces, Disney Quest, and why Disney IP is not part of the experience. • Disneyland introduces a $59 evening ticket for select summer nights, suggesting softer attendance in Southern California. • Universal Orlando announces Hellraiser for Halloween Horror Nights, giving Pinhead a long-awaited haunted house spotlight. FEATURE • Jim revisits the Living Character Initiative after Disney's 2006 Pixar acquisition reshaped priorities inside Imagineering. • Mickey's Midway Mania becomes Toy Story Mania as Pixar characters move to the center of Disney's park strategy. • Hollywood Studios' Pixar Place is designed as a tribute to Pixar's Emeryville campus, complete with a Florida version of Toy Story Mania. • The Luxo Jr. figure debuts as a six-foot-tall living character but vanishes after only about ten months due to weather exposure and trademark complications. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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?**

As part of an ongoing legal dispute with three Hollywood studios, Midjourney is seeking to compel those studios to reveal how they use AI themselves. Also, Selby's VC firm Copper Sky Capital is currently raising a $300 million second fund, according to a regulatory filing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey Howdy Hey! Welcome to episode 306 of Disney Assembled!!!In this episode, we discuss what's new at Walt Disney World. We talk about the recent rollout of major updates like Bluey at Animal Kingdom, the refreshed Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios, the Muppets takeover of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, the Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment, and upcoming changes to Carousel of Progress. We also debate how these changes could reshape park rankings, especially whether Animal Kingdom may overtake Epcot for many visitors.The episode also includes a review of Mandalorian and Grogu.If you enjoy the show,...Subscribe to the show on your podcast player of choice. If you are able, consider giving us a 5-star rating and review.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy us a Dole Whip!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a member and get extra content on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Find and subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disney Assembled store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase some excellent Disney Assembled merch.Follow and shoot us a message on our socials: @DisneyAssembled on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disneyassembled@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Be sure to check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify Playlist, "Disney Assembled's Favorites" - click here to listen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.You can find links to all of the above, as well as links to where you can subscribe to the show, on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disneyassembled.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠See you real soon!Troy & Mimi :)

For this round of Paramount 1935 we watched William A. Wellman's The President Vanishes, based on the pacifist anti-fascist novel by Rex Stout, and the first film version of Dashiell Hammett's The Glass Key, directed by Frank Tuttle and starring George Raft as the devoted and unlucky friend of a criminal political boss. Elise is startled by Raft's liveliness (even as he spends a good stretch of the movie half-dead) and Dave avidly discusses two of his favourite topics, 20th century American politics and Dashiell Hammett (together and separately). A brisk round of So This Is Sarris provides a satisfying conclusion to the proceedings. Time Codes: 0h 00m 20s:      1935 & Paramount 0h 09m 50s:      THE PRESIDENT VANISHES (1934) [William A. Wellman]   0h 36m 53s:      THE GLASS KEY (1935) [dir. Frank Tuttle]         0h 55m 12s:      So This Is Sarris (The American Cinema by Andrew Sarris) – Edgar G. Ulmer   Studio Film Capsules provided by The Paramount Story by John Douglas Eames Additional studio information from: The Hollywood Story by Joel W. Finler 1935 Information from Forgotten Films to Remember by John Springer         +++ * Marvel at our meticulously ridiculous Complete Viewing Schedule for the 2020s * Intro Song: "Sunday" by Jean Goldkette Orchestra with the Keller Sisters (courtesy of The Internet Archive) * Read Elise's latest film piece on Preston Sturges, Unfaithfully Yours, and the Narrative role of comedic scapegoating. * Check out Dave's new Robert Benchley blog – an attempt to annotate and reflect upon as many of the master humorist's 2000+ pieces as he can locate – Benchley Data: A Wayward Annotation Project!  Follow us on Twitter at @therebuggy Write to us at therebuggy@gmail.com We now have a Discord server - just drop us a line if you'd like to join!     

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick things off with Fourth of July traditions, viral Disney merch, and the growing strategy behind park-specific popcorn buckets and venue-branded souvenirs. Lauren digs into the early arrival of 2027 Walt Disney World merchandise, the mini Mickey ear keychains taking over social media, and why Hollywood Studios suddenly feels like a collectible popcorn bucket hotspot. Then Jim shares the story of Disney Texposition, a proposed Dallas-area regional entertainment concept that could have brought a little bit of Walt Disney World magic to Texas decades before Universal Kids Resort. NEWS • Disney's 2027 dated merchandise has already started appearing at Walt Disney World, beginning with a calendar that may hint at next year's design direction. • Lauren breaks down the viral mini Mickey and Minnie headband keychains, including why the plain black Mickey version became the must-find souvenir. • Hollywood Studios continues to lean into specialty popcorn buckets, from Lightning McQueen to Bullseye, Sam Eagle, Star Wars, and more. • Jim and Lauren discuss whether Disney is using park-exclusive buckets and merchandise to move guests around Walt Disney World. • Baseline Tap House gets its moment in the spotlight as Jim explains the Disney MGM Studios history hiding behind that surprisingly specific t-shirt. FEATURE • Jim tells the story of Disney Texposition, a planned Dallas-area regional entertainment center developed with the Rouse Company in the late 1980s. • The project would have blended Pleasure Island, Disney MGM Studios, character dining, themed shopping, live shows, and simulator attractions into a smaller regional Disney experience. • Disney considered the Texas concept as a possible gateway that could encourage families to book larger trips to Disneyland or Walt Disney World. • Jim explains how Disneyland Paris financial troubles helped derail Disney Texposition, just before Disney shifted focus to another regional project: Disney's America. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2, Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets. If a trip down to Florida to visit the parks is on your radar for the summer of 2026, head over to Unlocked Magic and let their team help make your next vacation a little more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not only is Sometimes Ben driving this week—he's also our boss. He's tasking us with making the Magic Kingdom even better. How did the Dapper Dads do?! Enjoy the show!  * * * * * *

In today's episode of The Great British Waffle, Ben, Becca, John, and Claire are diving nose-first into the fascinating world of Disney's environmental scent engineering. From the iconic musty bromine water on Pirates of the Caribbean to the smoky burning library in Spaceship Earth, we break down our favorite (and least favorite!) aromas across Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.We also explore the history of Imagineering's famous "Smellitzer" machine, debate why Hollywood Studios ranks lowest on our sensory list, share a heartwarming insider story about the bats at Animal Kingdom, and give you the ultimate guide to the best (and worst) restrooms on Disney property!If you love bringing the magic home with Disney-inspired wax melts and candles, this episode is a must-watch!✨ Join the Conversation!What is your single favorite smell in Walt Disney World? Are you Team Burning Rome or Team Tomorrowland Speedway Petrol? Let us know in the comments below!

Matt shared highlights from his family of six's first Walt Disney World vacation (June 13–21), covering their stay at Disney's Beach Club, transportation, heavy use of Lightning Lanes, and a day-by-day recap of dining, attractions, characters, and resort time.   He also reflected on favorite experiences—including Hollywood Studios, 1900 Park Fare, and their Beach Club cabana day—along with lessons learned and a total trip cost of more than $21,000.   Links: Summer Travel Tips Review: Wait Magic and Standby Skipper WDW Prep Toolkit All About Lightning Lanes Small World Vacations Walt Disney World Request Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar   Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to leave us a message with your first name, location, and trip info. Be sure to include your exact trip dates, who is in your party, where you will stay, and anything unique about the trip. You can do that using your computer or phone at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo   Subscribe to get new episodes There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep to Go (if you're used to listening on the website, subscribe so you can take new episodes with you on your phone) Subscribe in iTunes  (and please leave a review!) Subscribe to the podcast   Follow on social media Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube   Ways to support us Become a Patron Get a quote request for a future trip from Small World Vacations Subscribe to the WDW Prep School weekly newsletter Podcast Episode Finder Visit the site Things we recommend   Affiliate Links: Amazon DVC Rentals Quicksilver Tours and Transportation Small World Vacations Designer Park Co - Use code "WDWPrep" to save 10%

We're recapping another food-filled weekend at Walt Disney World and beyond as we take you through every meal, snack, and dining experience from our latest trip. Over the course of just 48 hours, we visited seven different dining locations, ranging from Disney quick service favorites and signature dining to a brand-new off-property brunch spot that completely impressed us. We kick things off with lunch at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge before heading to Disney Springs for dinner at House of Blues. We make a stop at Golden Oak Outpost to try the new Banana Caramel Beignets, revisit Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, and enjoy dinner at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood atop Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. We also venture outside the Disney bubble to experience brunch at Harlow Grove in Winter Park, a beautiful new restaurant that quickly earned a spot on our list of must-visit dining destinations. As always, we're sharing exactly what we ordered, our honest thoughts on each dish, what surprised us the most, what we'd definitely order again, and whether each location is worth adding to your next Walt Disney World vacation itinerary.  Whether you're planning your next Disney vacation, looking for new restaurants to try, or simply enjoy hearing honest Disney dining reviews, this episode is packed with plenty of delicious conversation, helpful recommendations, and a few unexpected favorites that might just inspire your next meal. Grab a snack and join us as we break down one of our tastiest weekends yet!

Len Testa and Jim Hill start with snow shovels, snapping turtles, and New Hampshire's ongoing audition for “America's Australia,” then move into a packed Disney Dish. This week, they cover Disney's holiday party calendar, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house retirement, tightening resort-access rules, the BoardWalk's new Hurley Burley lounge, Disneyland's Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest, and Universal Kids Resort's very sunny Texas debut. They also dig into new DVC survey perks, listener questions about Europa Park, Australia in World Showcase, and whether Epcot is due for a monorail-adjacent hotel. Then Jim continues Disney's living-character history with Dinotopia's odd but memorable second life at Walt Disney Studios Park. NEWS • Disney's Hollywood Studios may be targeting August for Magic of Disney Animation, though the building may have opinions of its own. • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights return with schedules that neatly zip together across the holiday season. • The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is being retired, raising questions about resort crowds, access rules, and guest satisfaction. • Disney's resort-access language continues to tighten around holiday decorations, dining reservations, and who gets to visit which lobby. • The BoardWalk's former Jellyrolls space is set to become Hurley Burley, with family entertainment by day and a 21-and-up lounge by night. • Disneyland's Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest brings HBCU bands, drumlines, and Mickey Mouse as drumline major to Downtown Disney. • Universal Kids Resort opens in Texas with early chatter about short rides, light landscaping, and a shade situation that may require SPF and optimism. FEATURE • Jim explains how sets from ABC's 2002 Dinotopia miniseries wound up on the Studio Tram Tour at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. • Waterfall City helped fill out a park that opened with a small budget and a very large need for things guests could see from a tram. • The segment revisits Dinotopia, Reign of Fire, Catastrophe Canyon, and the strange art of letting narration do the work of missing dragons. • Jim sets up next week's look at Pixar Place, the Living Character Initiative, and the Luxo lamp story that still gives Imagineers the thousand-yard stare. For this episode's full show notes, click here.View transcript here.HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVC Rental Store. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounted theme park admission at prices better than Disney's. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start with snow shovels, snapping turtles, and New Hampshire's ongoing audition for “America's Australia,” then move into a packed Disney Dish. This week, they cover Disney's holiday party calendar, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house retirement, tightening resort-access rules, the BoardWalk's new Hurley Burley lounge, Disneyland's Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest, and Universal Kids Resort's very sunny Texas debut. They also dig into new DVC survey perks, listener questions about Europa Park, Australia in World Showcase, and whether Epcot is due for a monorail-adjacent hotel. Then Jim continues Disney's living-character history with Dinotopia's odd but memorable second life at Walt Disney Studios Park. NEWS • Disney's Hollywood Studios may be targeting August for Magic of Disney Animation, though the building may have opinions of its own. • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights return with schedules that neatly zip together across the holiday season. • The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is being retired, raising questions about resort crowds, access rules, and guest satisfaction. • Disney's resort-access language continues to tighten around holiday decorations, dining reservations, and who gets to visit which lobby. • The BoardWalk's former Jellyrolls space is set to become Hurley Burley, with family entertainment by day and a 21-and-up lounge by night. • Disneyland's Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest brings HBCU bands, drumlines, and Mickey Mouse as drumline major to Downtown Disney. • Universal Kids Resort opens in Texas with early chatter about short rides, light landscaping, and a shade situation that may require SPF and optimism. FEATURE • Jim explains how sets from ABC's 2002 Dinotopia miniseries wound up on the Studio Tram Tour at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. • Waterfall City helped fill out a park that opened with a small budget and a very large need for things guests could see from a tram. • The segment revisits Dinotopia, Reign of Fire, Catastrophe Canyon, and the strange art of letting narration do the work of missing dragons. • Jim sets up next week's look at Pixar Place, the Living Character Initiative, and the Luxo lamp story that still gives Imagineers the thousand-yard stare. For this episode's full show notes, click here.View transcript here.HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVC Rental Store. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounted theme park admission at prices better than Disney's. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex tells the history of Hollywood Studios' Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. And boy, do the guys have some feelings about this amazingly themed restaurant; they even try to see what IP would fit with the restaurant.For more Dizneyverse, head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dizneyverse.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or check us out on Instagram ⁠@Dizneyverse ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our shirts on our Tee Public store. ⁠T-Shirts by Into the Dizneyverse | TeePublic

What would the ultimate Walt Disney World resort look like if we could mix and match the best features from every Disney resort? In this episode, we're taking on the ultimate Disney Resort Draft Challenge to find out. Using a snake draft format, we each build our dream resort by selecting from categories including location, overall theme, lobby, standard room, pool, quick service restaurant, table service restaurant, lounge, transportation, and recreation. But there are plenty of twists along the way. We each receive a one-time Steal Card that can completely change the outcome of the draft, while a randomly assigned Forced Pick means every resort—even Value and Moderate resorts—has a chance to shine. To keep things balanced, we're also required to include at least one Value Resort selection and one Moderate Resort selection in our final resort. Throughout the draft, we explain the reasoning behind every pick, debate what makes each resort element special, and do our best to convince each other—and you—that our choices create the ultimate Disney vacation destination. Whether you're dreaming about your next stay, planning a future trip, or simply love talking Disney resorts, this episode is packed with strategy, friendly competition, Disney debates, and plenty of opportunities to play along and decide whose resort you'd book first.

We're bringing our updated favorites from Epcot. Rides, shows, foods/restaurants and something that always gives us those Epcotian goosebumps. Enjoy the show!  * * * * * *

These are the rides with the Top 5 Longest Average Wait times in Hollywood Studios. We'll talk about whether WE would wait that time, if we have any tips to avoid the long wait, and look at how long our IG followers would wait.   Weekly Exclusive Bonus Episodes of our Podcast are available at  our Patreon page. Visit our Amazon Storefront to see what our must-haves are for the parks (Affiliate Link)     Follow Along! Podcast Account: @ThatParkLifePodcast Beth: @TheRealBethMcDonald and @SimplisticThrills Greg: @Gregintheparks Greg's Other Podcast: The Quick Escape Podcast

We recap an incredibly food-focused weekend at Walt Disney World, where we made our way through Disney Springs, EPCOT, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Port Orleans Riverside, and several resort dining locations in search of some of the newest and most talked-about menu items. We share our thoughts on everything from Italian favorites at Terralina Crafted Italian and massive cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse to specialty pizzas at Pizza Ponte, unique ice cream flavors at Salt & Straw, and the limited-time Pepperoni Pizza Burger from D-Luxe Burger. Along the way, we also sample Fourth of July-themed treats, Annual Passholder-exclusive Joffrey's beverages, and several seasonal desserts that are perfect for summer. The food tour continues with stops at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT, Satu'li Canteen and Pizzafari in Animal Kingdom, Scat Cat's Club at Port Orleans Riverside, Hurricane Hanna's at Disney's Beach Club Resort, and more. We break down what was worth the money, what surprised us most, and which items we'd happily order again. To wrap things up, we hand out our Foodie Superlatives, including things like Best Overall Item, Best Sweet Treat, Best Savory Item, and the one item we'd skip next time. Whether you're planning your next Disney vacation or just looking for your next must-try snack, this episode is packed with plenty of Disney food recommendations and honest reviews.

Today we are very excited to have friend of the show Chris from New Jersey back with us to share his trip with his extended family to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort last April! We hear about the planning of the trip, but more importantly, how to be flexible when those plans change. We discuss great meals at places like O'hana, Whispering Canyon, Topolino's Terrace, and more! We also hear about lots of fun times in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios! Plus, stick around for the end of the show where Chris tells about another trip just a few weeks ago where he "snuck" down to Walt Disney World to surprise his mom on her 70th birthday at Hoop Dee Do Revue and was actually on the same plane with her, without her even knowing it! You have to hear the story to believe it!  We hope you can continue the conversation with us this week in the Be Our Guest Podcast Clubhouse at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse! Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

Send us Fan MailWhat would your perfect day at Walt Disney World look like if you had to make some tough choices?This week on The Mickeyphile Podcast, Scott and Karen take on the Perfect Disney Day Challenge. The rules are simple: in each Walt Disney World park, they get one snack, one meal, three attractions, one show, and one hidden gem. No unlimited budgets. No trying to do everything. Just the experiences they'd choose if they only had one day to experience each park their way.Would they rope drop Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or head straight for a classic attraction? Is the best EPCOT snack found in World Showcase or somewhere else entirely? Which shows make the cut, and which fan favorites get left behind? Along the way, they compare choices, debate priorities, and discover that building the perfect Disney day isn't as easy as it sounds.Before the challenge begins, they break down several Walt Disney World news stories, including the opening of Level99 at Disney Springs, new transportation restrictions affecting some visitors, Disney's new 2-Day, 2-Park ticket for EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, and the upcoming refurbishment of the Grand Floridian Café.Plus, Fourth of July plans, recent visits to the parks, and plenty of Disney discussion from two Central Florida locals who spend a lot of time in the magic.Play along and see how your perfect Disney day compares to ours.As always, thank you for listening to The Mickeyphile Podcast.

What happens when a corner of a theme park stops working as one idea and becomes a group of separate experiences that never fully connect?This week, Stephen breaks down one of the most overlooked areas of Disney's Hollywood Studios: Commissary Lane. While each part of the street still functions on its own, the overall space has slowly drifted into fragmentation, with two dining outlets and entertainment existing side by side without a shared purpose.Instead of replacing it with a single attraction or layering on another IP overlay, we explore a different approach, rebuilding the entire street as one unified experience.Introducing The Golden Mickey Awards District, a connected transformation where arrival, participation, and celebration all become part of a single Hollywood event. This is about restoring cohesion, intent, and narrative clarity to a space that lost its shared story, and making Hollywood Studios feel a little more like Hollywood again.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Jeremy sits down with Scott and Michele Atwood, founders of The Main Street Mouse and creators of House of Mouse Expo, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved Disney fan events in the country. With House of Mouse Expo returning July 31 through August 2, 2026, there's no better time to explore how it all began, how it has grown over the years, and what continues to make it such a special experience for Disney fans. The conversation begins with Scott and Michele's journey from Michigan to Central Florida and how their passion for Disney led them to launch The Main Street Mouse, a community that has connected Disney fans for more than a decade. From there, Jeremy dives into the origins of House of Mouse Expo, discussing the inspiration behind the event, the challenges of getting it off the ground, and how it evolved into a gathering that brings together Disney fans, creators, vendors, and special guests from around the country. Along the way, Scott and Michele share stories from behind the scenes, including the planning, logistics, unexpected obstacles, and memorable moments that attendees rarely get to see. They also discuss the friendships and connections that have formed through the expo and why creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere has always been at the heart of HOME. The episode also includes a fun dream guest draft, expo superlatives, and a look ahead at what's next for House of Mouse Expo. Whether listeners are longtime attendees, considering their first visit, or simply curious about what goes into creating a successful Disney fan event, this conversation offers a unique look at the passion, dedication, and community that continue to make House of Mouse Expo feel like HOME. Connect with Scott & Michele Atwood

On today's Disney podcast, we're ranking all of our favorite Walt Disney World rides across Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. From the classics that we love to ride anytime we go to the newest thrill rides with the best technology that require some patience to enjoy, we’re talking about all of the best rides in the Most Magical Place on Earth. Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations. For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com We would love you to join us on Patreon! Thanks so much for supporting the show. We also have Addicted to the Mouse Merchandise! You can check it out at https://addictedtothemerch.com Thanks so much for listening! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Sunday for the podcast. Join us every Sunday and Wednesday evening as we take you to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, on Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios and everywhere in between! We can be found at www.addictedtothemouse.com and be reached at danandleslie@addictedtothemouse.com Please also connect with us here: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/addictedtothemouse Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedtotheMouse Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AddictedtotheMouse/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/addictedtothemouse/ The post From Nostalgia to Thrills: Our Ultimate Disney World Ride Ranking appeared first on Addicted to the Mouse.

Landon said he'd drive a couple of mini episodes today, but ended up taking us on a highway of one solid show. Enjoy his unique top 10 list of places he'd like to explore...but can't. * * * * * *

We continue our Resort Wars series with a showdown between two EPCOT-area favorites: Disney's BoardWalk Inn and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. Both resorts offer incredible access to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, but they deliver completely different vacation experiences. BoardWalk Inn immerses guests in the charm and nostalgia of a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City boardwalk, complete with lively entertainment, unique dining, and one of the most iconic atmospheres at Walt Disney World. Meanwhile, Swan Reserve offers a more modern and luxurious approach, featuring some of the newest rooms on property, spacious family suites, and access to the extensive amenities, pools, and dining options of the Swan and Dolphin resorts. Throughout the episode, we compare the two resorts across seven categories, including theming and atmosphere, rooms and comfort, dining and drinks, transportation and location, recreation and amenities, value for money, and listener feedback. We discuss everything from the magic of strolling the BoardWalk at night and grabbing a drink at AbracadaBar to the benefits of staying in a sleek, contemporary room just steps from EPCOT. Will Disney's immersive storytelling and unmatched atmosphere help BoardWalk Inn secure the victory? Or will Swan Reserve's modern accommodations, impressive amenities, and strong value proposition prove too much to overcome? Whether you're planning your next Walt Disney World vacation or trying to decide where to stay for an upcoming trip, this episode will help you determine which of these popular Crescent Lake resorts is the better fit for your travel style.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the stars of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster have been replaced. Aerosmith is out. The Muppets are in. To one of our hosts, this was a catastrophic mistake. To the other hosts—and maybe the public at large—it was mostly a good idea.Who's right? We'll definitively answer that question by the end of this podcast!*We have not actually ridden the ride. However, thanks to our finely tuned theme park assessment skills, we're confident we can determine its quality from a copious amount of opening-day footage."Electric Mice Orchestra" episode is up at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/PodcastTheRide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW PODCAST: THE RIDE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/PodcastTheRide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/podcasttheride⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BUY PODCAST: THE RIDE MERCH:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teepublic.com/stores/podcast-the-ride⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCAST THE RIDE IS A FOREVER DOG PODCAST⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://foreverdogpodcasts.com/podcasts/podcast-the-ride⁠ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're pairing up our favorite attractions, restaurants, lounges, and experiences from across Walt Disney World to create the ultimate theme park duos. These are the combinations that just belong together—whether it's because of their theme, location, storytelling, or simply the way they complete one another. We travel through all four parks, matching iconic attractions with the dining and experiences that elevate them even further. From grabbing a drink at Beak and Barrel after sailing through Pirates of the Caribbean, to enjoying Garden Grill before a relaxing ride through Living with the Land, we discuss the pairings that have become must-dos for us over the years. Along the way, we share why Jungle Cruise and Skipper Canteen are the perfect Adventureland combo, why Expedition Everest and Yak & Yeti feel like they were made for each other, and how attractions like Rise of the Resistance, Frozen Ever After, Flight of Passage, and Kilimanjaro Safaris become even better when paired with the right food, drink, or experience nearby. We also debate some underrated combinations, revisit a few classic favorites, and ultimately rank our Top 5 Theme Park Duos from the entire list. Will Pirates and Beak and Barrel take the crown? Can Garden Grill and Living with the Land claim the top spot? Or will an Animal Kingdom favorite climb to the top of the rankings? If you're planning your next Walt Disney World vacation or just looking for new ways to experience the parks, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create your own perfect Disney pairings.

On today's Disney podcast, we’ve got some news, updates, and new land details. From the back story behind Monstropolis coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to revamped Disney Cruise Line menus, we’re looking forward to covering all of it. Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations. For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com We would love you to join us on Patreon! Thanks so much for supporting the show. We also have Addicted to the Mouse Merchandise! You can check it out at https://addictedtothemerch.com Thanks so much for listening! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Sunday for the podcast. Join us every Sunday and Wednesday evening as we take you to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, on Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios and everywhere in between! We can be found at www.addictedtothemouse.com and be reached at danandleslie@addictedtothemouse.com Please also connect with us here: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/addictedtothemouse Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedtotheMouse Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AddictedtotheMouse/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/addictedtothemouse/ The post New Monstropolis Details in Hollywood Studios + More Disney News! appeared first on Addicted to the Mouse.

Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney's most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey's Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert's retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads. FEATURE • Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles. • The team traces how Pixar's growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. • Shull explains the “Andy's backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land. • The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com GUEST • Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com FOLLOW • Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews, YouTube: @jimhillmedia, TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounts that make your next Disney trip cheaper than ever. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney's most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey's Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert's retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads. FEATURE • Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles. • The team traces how Pixar's growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. • Shull explains the “Andy's backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land. • The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com GUEST • Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com FOLLOW • Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews, YouTube: @jimhillmedia, TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounts that make your next Disney trip cheaper than ever. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Mike, Pam & Scott are back to get the weekend started with some relaxed Disney talk by just looking through our old photos from previous Disney vacations on our phones and randomly selecting a picture and telling the story behind it. We are trying to prove that almost every photo we take on a Disney vacation can bring back happy memories and probably had a fun story behind it! From Hilton Head to Aulani to Disney Cruise Line to NYE at Epcot to Covid-times at Hollywood Studios, we have lots of stories to share from our previous trips on today's show! Please share your thoughts over on the Discord channel at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse. We hope you enjoy today's podcast!  Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com.  Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast. Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!