Explore every episode of the podcast Adventures and Mousecapades: A Podcast About Disney
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 151. DVC Roulette | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:54:14 | |
It’s our last retroactive trip report! This episode we look back at our 16-day trip to Disney World in August of 2021. The parks were still in pandemic mode and we had a LOT of DVC points to spend or lose. Our 3-bedroom suites at Animal Kingdom and Bay Lake Tower, and a 2-bedroom suite at Riviera, were great escapes from the heat and humidity! ---- | |||
| 150. Disney World First Timers | 11 Nov 2024 | 01:11:10 | |
Sara Ward from Magical Adventures with Sara is back this week, and introduces her kids to Disney World for the first time. These Disneyland vets visited did some resort hopping at Port Orleans Riverside and Yacht Club, and spent time in all the parks. Sara also gives a great overview of the Disney Dining Plan and how great of a value that can be for you - the numbers really do add up! Links to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and more at https://linktr.ee/MagicalAdventureswithSara ---- | |||
| 141. Princess Rachel from HR | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:45:42 | |
Rachel (from HR) is back, and this time we’re talking about her Disney career. She’s a former cast member, with three College Program stints under her belt plus a bunch of time as a full-time resort HR staffer. Rachel (and Bill) were married at Disney World, and she regales us with what it’s like being a princess for a day. Plus, she and our friend Heather just spent a whirlwind 4 days in Disneyland. This is a FUN episode that we know you’ll love. ---- | |||
| Episode 51 - Disney Holiday Favorites | 19 Dec 2022 | 00:23:02 | |
Tis the season to enjoy all things holiday from our favorite Mouse. From ride overlays to special parades to ... snorkeling in the Caribbean? Sure why not! These are our favorite holiday goings on in the world of Disney. Happy & Merry! ---- | |||
| Bonus Episode 50.1 - DCL's Potential Future Fleet | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:09:38 | |
DCL is in the middle of adding 3 new ships, and recently surprised everyone by purchasing a partially-completed hull to be Mickey Boat #8. We shared our thoughts on what this might mean for the Disney Magic and our favorite, the Disney Wonder. ---- | |||
| Episode 50 - Mexican Riviera Double Dip | 12 Dec 2022 | 00:59:22 | |
This is the story of how we met some of our best friends, though the magic of Disney pixie dust randomly seating us at the same table for dinners on our "without the kids" September 2017 7-night Mexican Riviera sailing on the Wonder. We don't usually party like this, but we sure did this trip! It was a good thing we were sailing back-to-back, because we needed another 4 night cruise to ease back into reality. ---- | |||
| Episode 49 - Disney Gift Guide | 05 Dec 2022 | 00:29:27 | |
This week we sat down to do some virtual holiday shopping for the Disney fans in your life for the young and young at heart. We hit various different price points, from stocking stuffers to budget busters. Hopefully this gives you a few ideas on what might work for that special person in your list!
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| Episode 48 - Double Overtime | 28 Nov 2022 | 01:24:22 | |
We finally close out our Big Summer Blowout Vacation with visits to all 4 parks, restaurant reviews, summer thunderstorms, 50th anniversary golden statues, a trivia trophy, a $36k table, cinnamon rolls, new attractions ridden for the first time, quite a few drinks, dueling pianos, and a baguette. Who could ask for anything more? ---- | |||
| Episode 47 - Vacation Overtime | 21 Nov 2022 | 00:41:24 | |
Our "Big Summer Blowout" vacation seemingly never ends. Nathan had the opportunity to work remotely from Florida while Alicea and the kids headed back to Seattle to start the school year. Highlights include a trip to Kennedy Space Center to see Artemis not launch, a new best friend in Abi the 3-legged pit bull, Nathan's solo day in the parks for his birthday, and a two-day double birthday celebration for Nathan and our great friend Bill. We also experienced the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort - what an absolutely beautiful building! ---- | |||
| Episode 46 - Chaotic Kids Creating Cruise Content | 14 Nov 2022 | 00:29:19 | |
This week Kaitlyn and Sterling join us to talk about their experiences on Disney Cruise Line. We learn about favorite snacks, adventures off the ship, and how the DCL cast and crew make magical experiences for younger cruisers. Join us for sublime sailing silliness! ---- | |||
| Episode 45 - Universal Knowledge | 07 Nov 2022 | 01:13:01 | |
In late August we spent 3 days at Universal Studios Resort in Florida. Yes, we're a Disney travel podcast, so consider this our experimental phase. It was really cool to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and some of the other attractions that we've been missing staying with the Mouse. Hear all about our adventures as we bring Kaitlyn and Sterling onto this episode to share their perspectives. We solemnly swear we're up to no good. ---- | |||
| Episode 44 - Halloween Horror Nights | 31 Oct 2022 | 00:34:57 | |
Our very first holiday special! This week's episode is all about our ghoulish night spent at Universal Studios Florida at Halloween Horror Nights. ---- | |||
| Episode 43 - DVC Moonlight Magic | 24 Oct 2022 | 00:39:41 | |
This week we talk about a Disney Vacation Club member perk, the Moonlight Magic events held throughout the year in Disney World. Returning for 2022, there were 7 after-hours events for DVC members across 3 of the WDW theme parks. Nathan was lucky enough to be in town for one of them at Animal Kingdom at the end of August, and got to enjoy the festivities. Come hear what Moonlight Magic is all about! ---- | |||
| 140. A Disneyland Gastro Tour | 02 Sep 2024 | 01:16:33 | |
This week we bring you on a whirlwind tour around the Disneyland Resort to sample the amazing food and beverages to be found. From Mickey waffles to multi-course extravaganzas with a few rum drinks and old fashioneds in between, Disneyland has whatever your tastebuds desire. We hope you’re taking notes, Disney World, because you have some catching up to do! ---- | |||
| Episode 42 - Fancy Food & Libations | 17 Oct 2022 | 01:01:36 | |
One of the things you have to know about us is that we're different people when we're at Disney than we are at home, especially when it comes to spending time on a Disney Cruise with our best friends. The Crew parties hard, and that was especially true when it came to the fine dining options and drink tasting sessions aboard the Disney Fantasy this past August (2022). We partook in multiple officially hosted drinking sampling classes, several unofficial sessions with the amazing bartenders onboard, hit up Palo for brunch and dinner on the same day, and had one of the best meals we've ever had at Remy. ---- | |||
| Episode 41 - Caribbean Craziness | 10 Oct 2022 | 01:00:35 | |
We continue reminiscing about our amazing 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy this past August, covering pretty much the entire cruise that we didn't get to last week! ;-) We had a blast with Aristocat Charters on Tortola, found the best bartenders on the ship, and luxuriated with our best close friends in the Grand Cabana on Disney's private island - Castaway Cay. A good time was had by all! ---- | |||
| Episode 40 - The Fantastic Fantasy | 03 Oct 2022 | 00:49:56 | |
It had been 6 long years since we'd been on the Disney Fantasy, and it was SO good to be back. This time we were joined by our great friends and enjoyed a 1 bedroom concierge suite with a bump-out veranda. Talk about spoiled! This episode we talk about our port arrival experience, the concierge spaces, the kids club spaces, and our overall impression of the food onboard. ---- | |||
| Episode 39 - Three for DW | 26 Sep 2022 | 01:23:10 | |
How we fit so much into just 3 days in Disney World we haven't a clue. Join us for a recap of the first part of our Big Summer Blowout as we hit the parks for few days with our son Sterling before Kaitlyn arrived for the rest of our vacation. It was hot, but we had a plan to cope with that, miss the afternoon storms, and have a ton of fun. Listen to hear how it all went down! ---- | |||
| Episode 38 - Steakhouse 71 | 19 Sep 2022 | 00:30:20 | |
OMG - our lunch at the new Steakhouse 71 during our recent trip to see the Mouse in Florida was INCREDIBLE! This week's episode is our review of the reimagined Waves Restaurant, now going as Steakhouse 71. It's incredible food at moderate prices (at least for by Disney standards), and the 15 layer chocolate cake is to die for. Just make sure you eat before you listen! ---- | |||
| Episode 37 - Disney Packing Tips | 12 Sep 2022 | 00:55:10 | |
Let's face it - we're all busy and when it comes to getting ready to go on vacation you are either the kind of person who starts packing a month in advance, or you're up until the middle of the night right before you leave hoping you don't forget anything. Frankly, we're a little more in the latter camp, but we do start getting prepared long before that sleepless night. This week we share some essentials to bring with you on your Disney trip, whether that's to the parks or on a cruise, and of course the flights to and from. Our hope is these suggestions can help you be prepared for an amazing Disney vacation! ---- | |||
| Episode 36 - Our Caribbean Christmas | 05 Sep 2022 | 00:38:26 | |
This week we offer our trip report for our Merrytime Cruise back in 2016 on the Disney Fantasy to the Easter Caribbean, with stops at Tortola, St. Thomas, and Castaway Cay. We got spoiled in concierge this cruise, had an incredible dinner at Remy onboard, sailed for the first time with Aristocat Charters, and enjoyed a cabana on Castaway. And of course there was plenty of Disney magic to go around. ---- | |||
| Episode 35 - 2016 WDW Very Merry | 29 Aug 2022 | 00:34:11 | |
We're back to Disney World on this week's episode as we remember our time in the parks before our Christmas Cruise. We stayed in a 3 bedroom grand villa at Bay Lake Tower with a beautiful view of Magic Kingdom and the fireworks - what a treat that was! Give a listen to find out one of our favorite places to view the fireworks from in the Magic Kingdom - and it's not where you think it might be. ;-) ---- | |||
| Episode 34 - From Mousecapades to Adventures | 22 Aug 2022 | 00:30:01 | |
Sometimes your travel plans take a left turn at Albuquerque. Sometimes they take a right turn in Orlando. This week we have to think on the fly as our travel plans change at the last minute and we have to defer our sailing on the Wish until the spring, and instead find accommodations for a week somewhere in Florida. Stressful? Yes. Amazing in the end? Absolutely! Hear how we pivoted from a 4 night sailing to a week at the beach, and even got a little spaceship action thrown in too. ---- | |||
| Episode 33 - Mickey's Not-So-Scary Returns | 15 Aug 2022 | 00:46:53 | |
The timing worked out and we were able to attend the first MNSSHP in three years! For those of you who don't know all the Disney acronyms, that's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. We had a great time sampling some of the food, snagging some Mummy Mickey popcorn buckets, engaging with live actors on Pirates of the Caribbean, and enjoying the Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party - complete with open bar and reserved fireworks seating in front of the castle! It was a dark and stormy night (literally), but we had fun anyway. Here all about it in this week's episode! ---- | |||
| 139. Adventures and D23 | 26 Aug 2024 | 01:20:34 | |
We attended our very first D23 Disney Fan Expo this year. It was an incredible experience and we got to meet and talk to so many incredible people. We also got some Disneyland park time in before and after the show, and those days did not disappoint either. Join us as we recap all the fun, and some lessons learned, from D23 2024. ---- | |||
| Episode 32 - A Galactic Starcruiser Experience | 08 Aug 2022 | 00:56:40 | |
This week we're joined by Wendy Spies, who recently cruised on the Halcyon ... otherwise known as the Galactic Starcruiser at Disney World in Florida. Hear all about her family's experience from the character interactions and story elements, to the food, to kids hanging out in the bar playing Sabaac. Truly her experience showcases the magic that Disney Imagineers and Cast Members create, and it's caused Alicea and I to start planning when we might take our on voyage to a galaxy far, far away. ---- | |||
| Episode 31: Aulani for Two | 01 Aug 2022 | 00:32:22 | |
Join us as we explore the amazing island of Oahu from our home away from home, Disney's Aulani Resort. Highlights of our 8 night stay included the impressive Polynesian Cultural Center, the various museums and memorials at Pearl Harbor, and a jump scare moment when the tsunami warning sirens went off as we were driving by the beach. And rest assured, we spent PLENTY of time sitting out on our lanai reading and relaxing. ---- | |||
| Episode 30 - Two Tickets to Paradise | 25 Jul 2022 | 00:46:39 | |
A tropical paradise to explore and enjoy, Maui is one of our favorite places on earth. While our Disney trips are often "go go go", time in Hawaii is the exact opposite for us. This week we cover the first half of our island hopping trip back in 2016, without the kiddos. Join us as we explore the rugged coastline, touch the stars, and have meals that we still dream about to this day. ---- | |||
| Episode 29 - Walt Disney Studios and World War II | 18 Jul 2022 | 00:41:59 | |
Join us this week as we get a preview of the new Disney Studios and World War II exhibit at the Museum of Flight here in Seattle. Since we have a family membership to the Museum, we were able to attend a lecture by the exhibit's curator (and MoF Trustee) Kent Ramsey. This was a fascinating look at what Walt & Co. were up to during the war, why Donald Duck was so popular with the troops, and how animated films are put together. There's something in the exhibit for all ages! ---- | |||
| Episode 28 - Disneyland Pixie Dust | 11 Jul 2022 | 00:33:02 | |
On to Disneyland for this heavily pixie dusted leg of our 2015 adventure. We get a surprise stay in the Adventureland Suite at Disneyland Hotel, experience the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay on Haunted Mansion, and enjoy Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Plus, join us as we discover what happens when a 4 year old gets a bit too overwhelmed. ---- | |||
| Episode 27 - Disney Wonder Back to Back | 04 Jul 2022 | 00:42:58 | |
Ahoy Mateys! It's time for double the fun as we board the Disney Wonder for a back to back family adventure in the fall of 2015. Join us as we take a train from Seattle to Vancouver, BC for a repositioning cruise down to San Diego, and then witness the transformation of the ship for Halloween on the High Seas. This episode has planes, trains, automobiles, busses, and cruise ships, and a whole lot of fun in between. ---- | |||
| Episode 26 - Disney Cruise Tips & Tricks | 27 Jun 2022 | 00:52:46 | |
We see lots of first-time cruisers, or first timers with Disney Cruise Line at least, asking some common questions on various message boards about how things work on the Mickey Boat. This week we tackle some common Q's and turn them into A's, and lend some lessons learned along the way too. Disney Cruising is always changing, and even we learn new stuff, so whether this is your first excursion or your 21st, you just might learning something. ---- | |||
| Episode 25 - Tips for Disney with Littles | 20 Jun 2022 | 00:29:49 | |
This week we cover 10 tips and tricks for going to a Disney park with little kiddos in tow. From packing favorite snacks to setting healthy expectations about how much you can do in a day, it really is possible to enjoy a Disney visit with infants and toddlers. What's your favorite tip for hitting the parks with Junior Mousketeers? Let us know! ---- | |||
| Episode 24: Star Wars Celebration 2022 | 13 Jun 2022 | 00:19:55 | |
Alicea had the great pleasure to work at Star Wars Celebration 2022 a couple weeks ago, spending the weekend with none other than Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) herself! What a sweet gig! We get a glimpse behind the scenes and hear how Alicea got into all this in the first place. May The Force be with you! ---- | |||
| Episode 23 - Flying Solo at Disneyland | 06 Jun 2022 | 00:40:04 | |
Alicea had an opportunity to visit Disneyland a couple weeks ago all by herself. Flying solo in the parks has some definite perks, and can even be relaxing if you want it to be. Is Genie Plus worth it for a relaxing chill day in the parks? The answer may surprise you! ---- | |||
| 138. D23 Recap with Scott Gustin | 19 Aug 2024 | 01:41:51 | |
This week we’re joined by one of the preeminent voices in the Disney news arena, Scott Gustin. Scott has been working in the news industry for over 17 years and was a fellow attendee at this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim last weekend. Join us as we recap all that was announced by Disney Parks and get a seasoned perspective on what we heard and saw. You can follow Scott over on Twitter @scottgustin (https://x.com/scottgustin). ---- | |||
| Episode 22 - Disney Genie and Genie+ at Disneyland | 30 May 2022 | 00:27:48 | |
Visiting a domestic Disney park in 2022 is complicated, and the new Genie and Genie+ services, plus Individual Lightning Lane Selections (i.e. pay-per-ride "fancy rides"), and all the rules around how and when you can use them are a big cause of that complication, confusion, frustration, and added cost. This week we talk about these offerings and our experience with them in Disneyland over spring break. Spoiler alert: we're not fans. ---- | |||
| Episode 21 - California Adventure (2022) | 23 May 2022 | 01:04:43 | |
Following up on last week's episode, we look across the plaza to Disney's California Adventure Park and the highlights from our recent spring break trip. We enjoyed the new Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier, learned a few things about ride redemption passes, and even discovered a couple a trick that could help you choose the fastest line at the ticket gates. ---- | |||
| Episode 20 - Disneyland Park (2022) | 16 May 2022 | 01:12:38 | |
This week we dig into our recent trip to Disneyland over spring break, focusing on Disneyland Park. Hear what we loved and what we unfortunately missed, what it was like with big crowds, and how many attempts it took us to make it all the way through Rise of the Resistance without a breakdown. Hint: many. ---- | |||
| Episode 19 - Here's Sterling | 09 May 2022 | 00:23:56 | |
You're heard from him a little bit, but this week it's time to really meet our son Sterling. Come along as we explore Disney from the eyes of a 10 year old who's been going on Disney trips since before he remembers. Sterling and Nathan also plot how to complete a "Grand Slam" on Disney Cruise Line before anybody else in the family. ---- | |||
| Episode 18 - Club 33 | 02 May 2022 | 01:01:39 | |
This week we share our experiences as guests at the world famous Club 33 at Disneyland. We'll talk about the history, how you become a member (bring your checkbook!), and what it's like to dine at this exclusive venue - we're lucky to have been twice! So come along and take a peek behind the door at 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square. ---- | |||
| Episode 17 - Disneyland Food 2022 | 25 Apr 2022 | 01:11:40 | |
Make sure you have a snack ready as you listen along to this week's episode as we recap all the eats and treats we had on our recent trip to Disneyland for Spring Break 2022. From the amazing new Pym Test Kitchen, to California Adventure Food & Wine kiosks, to old favorites like Plaza Inn, there was a LOT of great stuff to enjoy. And of course, churros!!! ---- | |||
| Episode 16 - Disney Hugs Are Back | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:21:43 | |
Disney's finally coming back to "normal" after the pandemic, and we wanted to talk a little about how Disney reacted to the pandemic and the impacts it had on us as a Disney traveling family. We were literally among the last Disney guests globally when things shut down in March 2020. We had multiple trips cancelled. We experienced Disney World with restrictions and shortages during the pandemic. And we're super-excited to see some of our favorite elements finally making a return in 2022. ---- | |||
| Episode 15 - Aulani Welcome Home | 11 Apr 2022 | 00:30:29 | |
We continue catching you up on our trip reports from the days of yore recapping our first visit to Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa on Oahu in Hawaii. We're DVC owners at Aluani, and this 2014 trip was our first visit to the "door knob" we'd purchased. We visited the Pearl Harbor memorial sites, enjoyed the lazy river, and found a great beach for the kiddos to play in the water. ---- | |||
| Episode 14 - Disney Vacation Club Overview | 04 Apr 2022 | 01:09:07 | |
This week we dive into Disney's timeshare offering, Disney Vacation Club. We've been owners at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii since 2013, so we're sharing what we've learned over the years about how DVC works, the benefits of ownership, the costs involved, and the difference it's made in our family. There's a lot in this episode, so buckle up! ---- | |||
| Episode 13 - First Disneyland Trip | 28 Mar 2022 | 00:54:00 | |
This week we look back on our first trip to Disneyland, and Sterling's first introduction to Mickey Mouse. This was also our first Disney Vacation Club vacation. Firsties! ---- | |||
| 137. DVC Resort Review: Old Key West | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:25:11 | |
We’re continuing our occasional series looking at Disney Vacation Club resorts with an overview of the original DVC location - Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This sprawling campus has over 500 rooms across 50+ buildings, and offers some of the biggest rooms available to DVC guests. Olivia’s Cafe is worth a visit even if you aren’t staying on property, and Disney Springs is just a short boat ride away. ---- | |||
| Episode 12 - Travel Agent Q&A | 21 Mar 2022 | 00:58:17 | |
This week we talk to our good friend Audie Lawley, who just so happens to be a travel agent with Magic For Less Travel. Learn some pro tips about how a TA can help plan your perfect vacation! ---- | |||
| Episode 11 - Panama Canal Cruise Part 3 | 14 Mar 2022 | 00:32:45 | |
In this episode we spend four relaxing days at sea, visit Puerto Vallarta, realize why DCL sells luggage in the gift shops (it's for our tequila), and do some sport fishing off Cabo San Lucas. ---- | |||
| Episode 10 - Traversing the Panama Canal | 07 Mar 2022 | 00:23:21 | |
Incredibly warm. Oppressively humid. Stunningly impressive. The Panama Canal is an absolute marvel of human ingenuity. Today we transit from the Atlantic to the Pacific ... westbound, technically! ---- | |||