Addicted to the Mouse: Disney Podcast | Disney World, Universal, & Cruise Vacation Planning

On today’s Disney podcast, we’re diving deep into everything coming to the reimagination of Animation Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As Disney World transforms this area into The Walt Disney Studios (themed to the actual studios out in Burbank, CA), guests will have a ton of new offerings to experience. From learning to animate with Olaf and getting the opportunity for a ton of new meet and greets with your favorite characters, to a new play area and yes…Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer’s Hat is making a comeback! When will we all get to experience this new are...

On today’s Disney podcast, we’re going through the 2026 Epcot Foodie Guide for Flower and Garden Festival and getting very excited (and hungry) for opening day in just over a week! Listen as we discuss the returning exhibits, topiaries, scavenger hunts and more. But really, we’re focusing on the food and drinks we definitely want to try, from everything that is new for this year and all of our returning favorites. If you’ve never been to Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, we think it’s worth it. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical V...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking about the 50 best ways to build hype before your next Walt Disney World Vacation. We all know anticipation of coming to Disney World is one of the most exciting parts about planning a Disney Vacation and we always want to maximize that as much as possible. From making your own Mickey Waffles to scavenger hunts, these are all the best ways to build anticipation prior to your vacation. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.f...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are going beyond the US theme parks and talking international travel. From passports and visas to long-haul flights and packing lists, these are all of the tips and advice that we use ourselves when planning longer, international travel to destinations around the world. 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...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking all about the new Summer 2027 itineraries that are available to book starting next week! And let me tell you, there were a few surprises with these announcements. From getting a new ship sailing in Europe to a surprising twist with Disney ships sailing out of Galveston, we’ve got all the DCL news. And, we talk about what we are looking to book when our window opens as well…Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://w...

On today’s Disney Podcast in honor of Super Bowl Sunday, we are having a little contest ourselves. Leslie is going to see how many Disney acronyms she can successfully get correct. From FoTLK and DAK to SSR and POR, we’ve got 100 total acronyms to get through before we go watch the big game. How many did you get right? 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...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are answering the 40 most asked questions online from guests who are planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation. From how gratuities work to what makes DCL worth the price, we’re covering some really great questions. We absolutely love Disney Cruise Line and can’t wait to be back on board the Wish in a couple of months. What questions do you have about sailing with DCL? 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 woul...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are answering the 50 most asked questions online from guests who are planning a Disney World vacation and have never been before. From what is Lightning Lane to whether you should stay on property or not, we’re getting into all of them. 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 Mous...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking about our favorite places in all four Disney World theme parks that we love spending time in just to soak up the vibes. From lounges to attractions, these places have us coming back time and time again. After well over a decade of trips to Disney World, these are our favorites…what are yours? 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 s...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are spending two afternoons in Epcot and experiencing everything the 2026 Festival of the Arts has to offer. From the art and exhibits to the amazing food available all over the park, even two full afternoons didn’t feel like enough. Come with us as we taste our way through the festival and discover new displays, merchandise, and more…Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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Today, we’re looking forward to one of the best times of the year over at Universal Orlando Resort – Mardi Gras! Running from February 7 – April 4, 2026, this event brings amazing food, concerts, an incredible parade (yes, there are LOTS of beads to be caught) and more! We absolutely can’t wait to get back to Universal Studios Florida to celebrate this year. What’s your favorite thing about Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration?

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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On today’s Disney Podcast, we are recapping the changes that have come or are coming to Disney World in 2026, plus new discounts and more! From Tea returning to the Grand Floridian to opening dates for exciting new attractions, these are the changes you need to know about when planning your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation…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.

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On today’s Disney Podcast, we are ranking all 21 of Walt Disney World’s themed lands across all four theme parks. From Main Street USA to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, we are talking about what each land has to offer and where we spend most of our time when we visit. 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...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are salivating over all of the amazing food you can find this year at Epcot International Festival of the Arts for 2026 in Walt Disney World. From January 16th to February 23rd, 2026, guests can experience this amazing festival in Epcot, celebrating art and artists from all over. Whether you’re wanting to try some of the new festival food, get a signed piece of Disney art, or take the kids on a fun scavenger hunt, there’s lots for everyone to enjoy at the 2026 Festival of the Arts. Enjoy!

This episode is sponso...

We just disembarked from the Scarlet Lady in Miami this morning after a 5-Night Virgin Voyages cruise. We were a little nervous before getting on board and not totally sure what to expect. We had an amazing time, but there were some definite eye-opening moments! Join us as we bring you along for the food, entertainment, drinks, and more…Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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We are a little nervous about this one… Today, we’re talking all about our upcoming couples cruise on Virgin Voyages. Sailing out of Miami, we are embarking on a 5-night Caribbean sailing with Virgin, an adult-only cruise line where you won’t find anyone under the age of 18. We are really excited about all of the food, which Virgin has come to be known for, and cautiously optimistic about some of the more….interesting entertainment offerings. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www...

On today’s Disney Podcast we are talking about 25 of the most iconic Disney World attractions that are no longer around. From SpectroMagic to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, some of these are incredibly nostalgic for our family and we miss them a lot. Which ones were you most fond of? 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.

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On today’s Disney Podcast we are talking about what is coming in 2026 to Disney World, Cruise Lines, and Beyond. But what we’re really excited about is our family’s personal travel plans for 2026. From cruising to new countries we’ve never visited to stepping out of our comfort zone to experience ancient history on a continent we’ve always dreamed about, we cannot wait to bring 2026 to all of you. 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 lo...

We just wanted to take a few minutes on this Christmas Eve to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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We also have Addicted to the Mouse Merchandise! You can check it out at https://addictedtothemerch.com

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On today’s Disney Podcast, we are headed to the Magic Kingdom area to check out all of the Christmas decor. We’re taking you with us as we explore all of the monorail resorts and Magic Kingdom itself. From the Polynesian Village Resort to the Contemporary, come with us as we shop Christmas merch, try holiday treats, and listen to the Dapper Dans sing Christmas Carols on Main Street. 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 l...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking about how to prepare for an upcoming Disney World vacation and what to do while on that vacation to have the best experience. From breaking in your shoes to park touring strategies for avoiding the heat, these are all of our best tips from over a decade of Disney World trips. 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 su...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are looking ahead to next month when Epcot International Festival of the Arts makes its return to Walt Disney World. From January 16th to February 23rd, 2026, guests can experience this amazing festival in Epcot, celebrating art and artists from all over. Whether you’re wanting to try some of the new festival food, get a signed piece of Disney art, or take the kids on a fun scavenger hunt, there’s lots for everyone to enjoy at the 2026 Festival of the Arts. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free con...

Today is all about splurging on one of our favorite cruise lines – Royal Caribbean. When we want to spoil ourselves on Royal, we book a suite. Sounds straightforward, right? Not exactly… Royal Caribbean has three different tiers of Suite Benefits amongst all of their suites on all of their ships – Sea Class, Sky Class, and Star Class. What are the differences you ask? Let’s get into 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

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On today’s Disney podcast, we are taking you with us as we experience two full afternoons trying all of the best food and drinks at the 2025 Festival of the Holidays in Epcot. From several different beer flights to new food offerings (along with some classic favorites), we are reviewing the best (and worst) things to try when visiting Epcot this Holiday Season. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking through all of the Bucket List Disney World Dining for every meal type. From character dining to fancy meals for celebrations, these are the most popular restaurants to visit on Walt Disney World property. What’s your favorite restaurant at Disney? 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 Mo...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking through all of the Walt Disney World resorts and the reasons why we would stay at or avoid each of them. Depending on what your budget allows and the priorities for your family during your vacation, there are reasons to book each of these resorts…and reasons to stay away from them. These are all of our reasons for staying and avoiding each resort, whether they are Value, Moderate, Deluxe, or Good Neighbor. Enjoy! 

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Uni...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are taking a break from the parks and cruises and focusing on being thankful (and the release of Stranger Things Season 5). To all of you out there that have listened, watched, subscribed, booked trips, and stopped us in the parks to say hi….Thank You!! You have all meant so much to us and we are so appreciative of you and your families. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking all about Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World. Understanding the three tiers of Lightning Lanes and how to purchase them is just the beginning. Once you know the mechanics of how to skip the standby queues for Disney World attractions, you have to actually choose which ones you’re going to preschedule for each of the tiers. If you choose unwisely, you might be in for a very frustrating trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. So, let’s get into it…Enjoy!

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On today’s Disney Podcast, we are reviewing our experience from Disney Jollywood Nights in Hollywood Studios two nights ago. We had a wonderful time enjoying all of the entertainment and food & beverages offerings for this specialty event. Then, we’re talking all about Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays for 2025. From the Storytellers to the amazing Holiday Kitchens you will find scattered throughout the park, this is everything you need to know before you go to Festival of the Holidays. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Univ...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are trying something a little different. We’re bringing you with us as we explore al of the areas around Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship – Disney Destiny. Join us as we tour every public space on board and describe the theming, hidden gems, and amazing decor of this incredible new ship sailing from Fort Lauderdale, FL. From the a Pirates of the Caribbean themed lounge to where you can find the most amazing artwork on board, this was a fun one. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free conci...

We just got off Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, for the 3-night Christening Cruise. We’re taking you with us as we experience everything from the brand new Hercules musical to a wonderful Marvel-themed adult comedy show. From the Lion King restaurant to all of the villains, we’re covering it all as we sail on board the Destiny before its Maiden Voyage later this month. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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We are back from Disneyland and getting ready to head to the Disney Destiny! Before we do, we’re salivating over all of the amazing holiday-themed food that you can soon find across the Disney World Parks, Resorts, and Disney Springs without needing to purchase tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Disney Jollywood Nights. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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We are back in Disneyland here in Anaheim, California! After two and a half years, it’s amazing being back in one of our favorite places to visit. On today’s Disney podcast, we are taking you with us as we explore Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for the day before we check into our conference this evening. Let’s do this!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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There is a ton of buzz around Artificial Intelligence and everything it can do right now, but would you trust it to plan your family’s expensive Disney vacation? On today’s Disney Podcast, we asked both ChatGPT and Google Gemini to plan the perfect Disney World vacation for a family of four going for a week. Both Large Language Models gave us very similar plans, but one was way more detailed and had more up-to-date information than the other. Let’s get into it…

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializi...

The first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is coming up in just over a week and we are so excited to have holidays back at Disney World! Today, we’re talking through everything you can experience at this year’s MVMCP, including the Foodie Guide for all of the party-specific specialty food and drinks. 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.

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It’s almost Holidays in Disney World! In just a couple of weeks, we’ll be back in Hollywood Studios for Disney Jollywood Nights 2025. After a rough start in 2023, this hard-ticketed event was much improved in 2024. We are REALLY excited to get back and see what’s new for Jollywood Nights this year. 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 ha...

It’s been two and a half years since we were last at Disneyland! On today’s Disney Podcast, we are looking forward to our upcoming trip out to Anaheim, visiting Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney. We’re talking about everything we are most looking forward to when we head out to the West Coast to Disneyland and DCA. From new experiences that we have never done to our favorite food that we can’t wait to order again, these are our Top 50 Must-Dos for Disneyland. Enjoy!

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On today’s Disney Podcast, we are covering everything we bring with us on a Disney Cruise (for each destination) as well as the prohibited items that Disney will not let you bring on the ships. Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, or elsewhere, these are all the things you should consider bringing with you (or not) on your next Disney Cruise. Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com

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On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking about the similarities and differences between all six Disney Cruise Line ships and then ranking all of them. We’re covering the best benefits and some drawbacks with each class of ship and combining that with the theming of the spaces and entertainment offerings you will find on each. In the end, we will give you our favorite Disney ships in order. Which Disney cruise ships are your favorite? Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https...

On today’s Disney Podcast, we are talking about our favorite meal to eat while at Disney World…BRUNCH! Whether we are sleeping in for a rest day or taking a break from the parks, we love a good Disney brunch. Today, we’re talking about our favorite brunch options at Disney World, where you can find them, and the dishes that they serve. 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 Patreo...