MouseChat.net – Family Travel Podcast - Disney, Universal, Cruises, All Inclusive, Travel News & Rev

Caitlyn is back from maternity leave (welcome, baby Clara!) and Steve and Lisa are just home from their annual Labor Day weekend at Universal Orlando, this year with a new addition: a full day at Epic Universe before Halloween Horror Nights. First up, an honest Epic Universe review now that the park has had time to settle in. Is Express Pass worth it? (Short version: if you're only there for one day, yes, and note that Epic's Express is a separate ticket that isn't included with the Universal hotel unlimited Express perk.) We talk about the jaw-dropping walk into Super Nintendo World, why Mine-Cart Madness and Ministry of Magic were down until the afternoon and what a Universal team member told us about ride safety sensors and reset times, how long the Express lines really were, and the difference between Stardust Racers green and yellow (think Slinky Dog on overdrive versus a lap-bar coaster that's more intense than VelociCoaster). Plus the food finds: the DK Crush float in the Donkey Kong barrel mug, pumpkin juice and quiche for breakfast in the Wizarding World, a hidden German restaurant down a back alley in Paris, and Burning Blade Tavern. And a warning about the stairs. So many stairs. Then it's on to Halloween Horror Nights: how the new Stay and Scream wristband setup works, why the gates opened late, whether HHN Express is worth paying more than the admission ticket (we did all 10 houses in about four hours), and our picks for the best houses this year, including the Ozzy Osbourne tribute, Sinners, Hellraiser, Stranger Things, Jack and Oddfellow, Madlands, and the delightfully corny H.R. Bloodengutz house. We also cover the scare zones (the Fortnite zone got so packed security was routing people around it), the improved food booths, the all-new closing show, and the annual tradition of buying $100 worth of Universal umbrellas. We wrap up with a surprise reunion with Bob from the original Mouse Chat crew and a story about the time Disney gave us a real recording studio to tape an episode. Mouse Chat is sponsored by Pixie Vacations. Ready to plan your Universal Orlando, Epic Universe, or Disney World vacation? Our agents plan it for free at PixieVacations.com. Questions or comments for the show? Email us at comments@mousechat.net.

Level 99 has taken over the old DisneyQuest and NBA Experience building at Disney Springs, and it's exactly Lisa's kind of place. This week Steve and Lisa are joined by special guest Laura from Game Masters Escapes, who has designed 21 escape rooms, runs 14 of them (plus three holiday rooms) in Canada, and has installed rooms everywhere from the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas to Mexico City. Laura walks us through what makes Level 99 such a smart addition to Disney Springs, why interactive entertainment is so good for families (grandparents, parents, and kids all playing on the same team), and what goes on behind the scenes of an escape room: how designers balance "too easy" and "too hard," why the game master wants you to win in the last five minutes, the room that makes you dance and chant, the props guests accidentally destroy, and the one leg lamp that has survived seven years of players. We also get into which cruise lines have escape rooms (Royal Caribbean and Norwegian do; Disney doesn't yet), why Disney resorts like the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge would be perfect spots for one, tips for anyone nervous about trying their first escape room, and what's next for the industry, from projection mapping to Activate-style physical games. Thinking about owning your own escape room business, or want one at your hotel or resort? Visit GameMastersEscapes.com. Mouse Chat is sponsored by Pixie Vacations. Ready to plan your Disney World, Universal Orlando, or cruise vacation? Our agents plan it for free at PixieVacations.com. Questions or comments for the show? Email us at comments@mousechat.net.

Lisa, Debbie "Sharpie," and Steve sit down with Steven, a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Orlando and host of the Happily Ever Active podcast, to talk about how to actually get your body ready for a Disney World vacation — before you ever set foot in the parks. Steven breaks down how most people walk only 4,000–5,000 steps a day but need to handle 20,000+ at Disney, and why that sudden jump (not the walking itself) is what causes sore feet, back pain, and injuries like plantar fasciitis and shin splints. He shares his progressive walking plan to build up mileage in the 1–3 months before your trip, the real rules for buying park-ready shoes (heel cup, toe box, breaking them in at the end of the day), how to prevent and treat the dreaded "Disney rash," chafing fixes for hot, humid park days, and the right way to wear a backpack so it doesn't wreck your shoulders and back by 3pm. The crew also digs into packing smart for a day in the parks, hidden bench and ledge spots for a quick sit-down break in line, stretches you can do in the queue for Rise of the Resistance, and how to pace a multi-generational family trip so grandma, grandpa, and the kids all actually enjoy the day instead of melting down during "Mickey's Magical Meltdown" hour. Steven's free resources, walking program, water station map, and his book Disney Ready: Your Pain-Free Parks Survival Guide are all available at fitforthemagic.com. This episode is brought to you by Pixie Vacations — no-fee travel agents who help families plan Disney World, Universal, cruise, and all-inclusive vacations. Ready to plan your next trip? Visit pixievacations.com to get a free quote. Got a comment or question? Email us at comments@mousechat.net. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time on Mouse Chat! A couple of quick notes: I flagged the guest's name as "Steven" throughout (distinct from host Steve) and I gave him credit for "Doctor of Physical Therapy" based on what he said in the episode — worth a quick glance before you publish to make sure I got his title and site name (fitforthemagic.com) exactly right. Want me to trim this down to a shorter version for the Blubrry field if there's a character limit, or draft a companion blog post / show notes page for pixievacations.com or the Griswold Family Vacations site off the same content?

D23 2026 was stacked — for the first time in a long while, Disney made major announcements for all six U.S. parks, plus Disney Cruise Line and a full lineup of movies. In this episode, Lisa, Debby, Sharpie and Steve give you the fast, fun rundown of everything that matters, with the context and honest takes you only get from planners who've actually been there. Here's what's coming to the Disney parks (and when): Magic Kingdom Villains Land — a new immersive land roughly the size of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, anchored by a Maleficent family coaster and a Magic Mirror dark ride through the Evil Queen's catacombs, starring Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Jafar, Scar and more. Shops, restaurants, and yes — a villains bar with smoky drinks. Ground is already broken. Piston Peak — Frontierland's national-park-themed expansion (replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island) with a Cars-inspired E-ticket, a Mrs. Fritter spinner, and a Ranger HQ lodge with walking trails. Projected for 2027. Carousel of Progress reimagined — new decades (1960s, 1980s, the Y2K millennium, and a "possible future"), new voices from Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston, a rumored Walt Disney opening — and hopefully the same "Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow." Debuting late spring 2027. Disney's Hollywood Studios Monstropolis — "the city frightful" opens in the former Muppets Courtyard (phased, starting 2027). The Globe Theatre welcome show with Mike & Sulley, Archie's Scared Pig Pizza, the Monsters University Alumni Club, Harryhausen's sushi restaurant, and the Door Coaster (a vault coaster that launches riders ~40 feet in about 4 seconds) coming in a later phase. Disney's Animal Kingdom Tropical Americas — Indiana Jones: Rise of the Jade Serpent (with a Harrison Ford animatronic), an Encanto Casita ride-through, a new carousel, and the largest quick-service restaurant on property. Plus — the Expedition Everest "Disco Yeti" is finally getting fixed. Epcot Spaceship Earth gets a "grand and miraculous" overhaul, and Dreamfinder returns to Journey Into Imagination. Disney Cruise Line First look at the Disney Believe (sailing late 2027), a Moana-and-South-Pacific-themed evolution of the Wish class — plus a new, smaller class of ships debuting 2029 built for underserved ports, growing the fleet to 13. Disneyland Resort Tomorrowland reimagining, Avengers Campus expansion and the new Stark Flight Lab, the return of the original World of Color, a new nighttime projection spectacular, and the Magic Happens parade coming back for summer 2027. At the movies: Coco 2, Frozen 3 (Anna & Kristoff finally marry — and Olaf falls in love), a new Ice Age, and Incredibles 3. Chapters 0:00 — Welcome & why D23 is the "Disney high holidays" 3:56 — Villains Land comes to Magic Kingdom 9:43 — Piston Peak replaces Rivers of America & Tom Sawyer Island 15:23 — Disney Cruise Line: first look at the Disney Believe + a new smaller ship class 22:56 — Tomorrowland reimagining at Disneyland 26:20 — Monstropolis opens at Hollywood Studios (Door Coaster, Harryhausen's) 33:34 — Carousel of Progress reimagined (Jamie Lee Curtis & Bryan Cranston) 37:57 — Movies & music: Coco 2, Frozen 3, Ice Age, Incredibles 3 40:07 — Animal Kingdom: Indiana Jones, Encanto & the Disco Yeti fix 47:05 — Epcot: Spaceship Earth overhaul + the return of Dreamfinder 54:37 — Disneyland Resort: Avengers Campus, World of Color & nighttime shows 63:00 — Wrap-up Plan your Disney vacation with us Mouse Chat is brought to you by Pixie Vacations, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with 735+ five-star reviews. Steve is Disney College of Knowledge certified, and our planning is 100% free — Disney pays us, so you pay the same either way.

Epcot or Magic Kingdom? Dole Whip or Mickey pretzel? Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point? This week Lisa puts Steve and Debbie in the hot seat for a rapid-fire (okay… not-so-rapid-fire) round of "This or That." Two options, gut-instinct answers, and a whole lot of friendly disagreement — with plenty of insider reasoning packed in along the way. Some are total no-brainers, a few get controversial, and Lisa tries (and mostly fails) to predict everyone's answers. It's a fun, easy listen packed with real opinions from travel agents who live and breathe Disney. Play along at home and see how many you match! In This Episode Intro — (0:00) A smaller crew this week — Caitlyn's on baby watch and Sharpie's out — so Lisa runs the game with Steve and Debbie. Parks & Planning — (1:05) Magic Kingdom or Epcot? • Rope drop or stay late? (plus everyone's favorite ride to look at lit up at night) • Lightning Lane vs. standby • Disney World or Disneyland? (and yes, Steve really does drive from Atlanta) • Table service or quick service? Rides & Coasters — (7:56) Space Mountain or Big Thunder? • Rise of the Resistance — Disneyland vs. Disney World • Slinky Dog Dash or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? • Pirates of the Caribbean East or West? • Matterhorn or Expedition Everest? Cruise & Castaway — (8:30) Castaway Cay or a Caribbean port? • Castaway Cay or Lighthouse Point? • Cruise dinner or brunch? • Newest ship or the classics? • Concierge or excursions? • Alaska or Caribbean? • Poolside day or excursion day? Resorts, Snacks & Sweets — (11:54) On-property or offsite savings (Debbie would pick All-Star Sports over the Ritz!) • Dole Whip or Mickey pretzel? • Beignets at Port Orleans or churros on Main Street? More Park Favorites — (14:26) Park hopper or one park? • Fireworks or one more ride? • Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios? • Genie+ or the old free FastPass+ days? • Haunted Mansion — Florida or the Disneyland Nightmare Before Christmas overlay? • Disney Springs or Downtown Disney? • Villains or princesses? • Monorail or Skyliner? • Adults-only trip or bring the whole family? • Very Merry Christmas Party or Not-So-Scary Halloween? ⚡ Lightning Round — Both Answer at Once! — (27:30) Splash Mountain or Tiana's Bayou Adventure? • Wishes or Happily Ever After? • IllumiNations or Luminous? • The dearly missed Magical Express • Extra Magic Hours or today's early entry + evening hours? • The Great Movie Ride or Runaway Railway? • Maelstrom or Frozen Ever After? • Ellen's Energy Adventure or Guardians Cosmic Rewind? • Paper FastPass or booking in the app? • Soarin' Over California or Around the World? • MaxPass nostalgia • Tower of Terror or Guardians Mission Breakout? • Old or new Test Track? • Main Street Electrical Parade or Paint the Night? Wrap-up — (44:10) Thanks for playing along!

Is it worth it? That's the question the Mouse Chat crew tackles this week as Steve, Lisa, and Debbie go around the table and put Disney World's most debated add-ons on trial. From Lightning Lanes and the Dining Plan to dessert parties, park hoppers, Disney Cruise concierge, pin trading, and popcorn buckets — we call out what's a total skip and what's absolutely worth every penny. Expect some hot takes, a few friendly arguments, and a whole lot of real-world advice from travel agents who book Disney every single day. Grab a Mickey bar and settle in — this is a fun one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vacation Spots to Beat the Summer Heat

Why Universal Studios Orlando Should be on Your Vacation List

Which Disney World Resort is Perfect for You

What is Drinking around the World at Epcot?

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

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

Our Love of Disney and How Mouse Chat Started

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