Best Mouse Park Insider Podcasts (2025)

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Disneyland Tomorrowland Attractions Cast Member Josh Biesiada 1:09:59

1d ago1:09:59

1:09:59

Josh joins us to chat about being a ride operator on the Autopia, Buzz Lightyear, Monorail, and Finding Nemo attractions in Tomorrowland at Disneyland and has many great stories. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless and Cleaning The Kingdom: Night, Day, Past and Present. The Sweep Spot is …

1
Walt Disney World Expansions: Exciting Additions or Missed Opportunities 47:59

7d ago47:59

47:59

Send us a text This week on The Magical Park Hoppers, Dustin and Hunter dive into some of the biggest anticipated changes possibly coming to Walt Disney World! We’re talking about the idea of a brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land, an exciting Cars expansion, and the long-hoped-for Disney Villains Land. Are these changes magical upgrades—or are they steer…

1
Mirror, Mirror, What Was That? Our Live-Action Snow White Recap 56:58

8d ago56:58

56:58

Send us a text The fairest one of all… or just the most controversial production ever? This week, Andrea and Ryan take you on a wild ride through the drama timeline of Disney’s new Snow White—from questionable quotes to internet meltdowns—and share their unfiltered reactions to the finished film. Plus, our new weekly feature - the Reddit Rabbit Hol…

1
Disneyland Current Events for May 26, 2025 47:15

9d ago47:15

47:15

We catch up on the latest at Disneyland, including the kickoff of the 70th Anniversary, additional details about the upcoming Walt Disney animatronic show, and so much more! Once per month, including this time, our Patreon participants join us in our live-as-we-record chat.We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping W…

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Opening Day at Epic Universe – A Journey Through Every Portal 1:07:33

12d ago1:07:33

1:07:33

Send us a text 🎢 Epic Universe Preview Day Special! 🚀 We got a first look at Universal’s Epic Universe during exclusive preview access — and in this episode, we’re sharing all the magic! Come along as we take you portal by portal through every land, including Super Nintendo World, Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Un…

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A Mary Poppins Ride That Never Was (And Other Disney News) 1:05:10

14d ago1:05:10

1:05:10

Episode 495: Welcome back, fellow Mouseketeers, to another practically perfect episode of Traveling with the Mouse! In Episode 495, we mix a spoonful of nostalgia with a dash of curiosity as we explore one of the most glaring missed opportunities in Disney Parks history: Why hasn’t Mary Poppins received a significant attraction of her own? But Befo…

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The Glaring Problem with Headlights 46:17

14d ago46:17

46:17

Something seems to have happened to car headlights. In the last few years, many people have become convinced that they are much brighter than they used to be—and it’s driving them to the point of rage. Headlight glare is now Americans’ number one complaint on the road. The story of how and why we got here is illuminating and confounding. It’s what …

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It All Started with a Mouse: Meet Your Hosts 28:12

15d ago28:12

28:12

Send us a text Welcome to the very first episode of our podcast! Join hosts Dustin and Hunter as we share the stories behind our passion for theme park travel. Inspired by Walt Disney’s famous quote, “It all started with a mouse,” we dive into our personal journeys and unforgettable moments that ignited our love for all things theme parks. This epi…

1
1980s Disneyland Attractions Hostess Julie Showalter 1:24:19

16d ago1:24:19

1:24:19

Julie joins us to chat with many fascinating stories about starting in Foods at Tomorrowland Terrace in the late 1970s, helping to open Tokyo Disneyland in the early 1980s, working “It’s a Small World” as a ride operator, and more! We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless and Cleaning The King…

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Raft Rides, Pirate Lounges, and Mouse on the Move 1:00:38

21d ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Episode 494: Welcome back to Traveling With the Mouse! This week’s episode is packed tighter than a Jungle Cruise boat during rope drop. We’ve got big news, emotional farewells, spicy park debates, and a challenge that will test your park-hopping stamina (and possibly your sanity). New Park Announced in Abu Dhabi Let’s start with the headline heard…

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Hot Takes & Water Slide Mistakes: A Disney Reddit Deep Dive 48:12

22d ago48:12

48:12

Send us a text Reddit: where Disney fans go to ask the real questions—like “Should I get divorced at EPCOT?” and “Is Belle even a real princess?” (Gasp.) This week, we’re diving headfirst into the wildest, weirdest, and interesting unpopular Disney World opinions the internet has to offer. Follow us @disneyinsideoutpodcast…

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Disneyland Current Events for May 12, 2025 1:25:25

23d ago1:25:25

1:25:25

We catch up on the latest at Disneyland, including plans for a new Disneyland in Abu Dhabi, more details about the new attraction featuring Walt Disney, dozens of tasty new food items, and so much more! Once per month, our Patreon participants join us in our live-as-we-record chat. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of …

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Off-the-Wall Stories of Off-Label Use 54:01

28d ago54:01

54:01

Products often tell you exactly how they’re intended to be used. But why leave it at that? As a culture, we have long had a knack for finding ingenious, off-label uses for things. In this episode, we take a close look at a few examples of products that are ostensibly meant for one thing, but are better known for something else entirely. We explore …

1
Summer Shifts and Epic Impacts 59:32

29d ago59:32

59:32

Episode 493: Welcome back, Mouseketeers, to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week we’re ready to catch you up on all the latest news swirling around Walt Disney World. The hype for Universal’s Epic Universe is very real, and guess what? Disney is feeling it. You can tell because Disney is starting to subtly—but noticeably—pivot. Fr…

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Author Foxx Nolte on the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean 1:15:21

30d ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Author Foxx Nolte joins us to chat about being a Walt Disney World cast member, visiting Disneyland, and the classic Disney theme park attractions, the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, with fascinating analysis. Nolte’s books are listed here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Foxx-Nolte/author/B08K3CV3YF We have authored two books: Cleanin…

1
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Back to the Future: A Cinderella Sequel That Actually Slaps? 53:11

1M ago53:11

53:11

Send us a text Time travel! Wand theft! Romantic tension between Anastasia and the King?! Who is wearing a wig?! This is not your childhood Cinderella. If you’re confused, enchanted, and slightly concerned for the timeline—welcome. You’re in the right place. Follow us @disneyinsideoutpodcastBy Andrea Shapiro and Ryan Wright

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The Ultimate Monorail vs. Skyliner Showdown 1:08:52

1M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Episode 492: This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we’re bringing you the transportation battle you’ve all been waiting for: Monorail vs. Skyliner! We set out to settle this debate once and for all by putting both iconic Disney transportation systems head-to-head in a full, scientific-style breakdown. We took an unbiased approach (as much as human…

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Disneyland Current Events for April 28, 2025 59:06

1M ago59:06

59:06

We catch up on the latest at Disneyland, including plans for new Millennium Falcon adventures, progress on Porto’s, a Canadian caper, and more! Once per month, including this time, our Patreon participants join us in our live-as-we-record chat. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless and Clea…

1
How “Chicken Soup” Sold Its Soul 50:49

1M ago50:49

50:49

Chicken Soup for the Soul was the brainchild of two motivational speakers who preach the New Thought belief system known as the Law of Attraction. For more than 30 years, the self-help series has compiled reader-submitted stories about kindness, courage, and perseverance into easily digestible books aimed at almost every conceivable demographic: Ch…

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We're Back! Spring Break Recap and Disney News Catch-Up 1:06:28

1M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Episode 491: After a two-week break, we are back! Life threw us a little scheduling curveball with spring breaks falling on different weeks, so we each took some time to recharge in our own way—with non-Disney vacations! Jon shares his relaxing trip to the Florida panhandle, complete with sunshine, sand, and some much-needed downtime. Meanwhile, I …

1
Disneyland Attraction Hosting and Magic Music Days with Ralph Siemsen 1:15:51

1M ago1:15:51

1:15:51

Lynn’s very own band teacher Ralph Siemsen joins the show to chat about working as a Disneyland ride operator and with Magic Music Days in the 1980s and 1990s. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless and Cleaning The Kingdom: Night, Day, Past and Present. The Sweep Spot is an unofficial Disne…

1
Five Years, Five Decades, and One Very Questionable Cake Castle 56:31

2M ago56:31

56:31

Send us a text For our 5th anniversary episode, Andrea and Ryan take a brief look at every major Disney Parks milestone, from Walt Disney World’s grand opening to the golden statues of the 50th. We cover everything from the nostalgic (hello, 25th birthday cake castle!) to the spectacular (IllumiNations 2000, we miss you). Plus, what do we want for …

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Disneyland Current Events for April 14, 2025 1:01:13

2M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

We catch up on the latest at Disneyland, including new and returning entertainment, more updates from Downtown Disney, 70th Anniversary offerings, and more! Once per month, our Patreon participants join us in our live-as-we-record chat. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless and Cleaning The…

1
Spring Break Forever 50:08

2M ago50:08

50:08

The infamous annual ritual of spring break—where thousands of college students head to the same warm location and go crazy—can seem like it’s always been here. But it hasn’t. The spring break phenomenon is a holdover from midcentury teen culture that has endured by changing, just enough, to be passed from one generation to the next. In this episode…

1
Disneyland with Mark Eades 1:08:44

2M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Former Disneyland cast member, Imagineer, and journalist Mark Eades returns to discuss being a ride operator, the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, and the Order of the Red Handkerchief. Mark was previously on Episode 217. https://bleav.com/shows/the-sweep-spot/episodes/the-sweep-spot-217-former-imagineer-mark-eades/ We have authored two book…

1
Mouse-Eared Mischief: Disney’s Greatest Tricksters, Lies & April Fools Shenanigans! 56:27

2M ago56:27

56:27

Send us a text Ever been bamboozled by a Disney plot twist? Lied to by a lovable rogue? Tricked into believing a Tiana series was actually coming? (Same.) This week, we dive into Disney’s most devious deceivers, heroic fibbers, and the gaslighting pros who make us question reality—looking at you, Mother Gothel. Plus, Andrea picks the ultimate masco…

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Extinct Attraction Madness: Sweet 16 Showdown & Disney News Updates 58:06

2M ago58:06

58:06

Episode:490 This week on Traveling with the Mouse, we dive into the Sweet 16 round of our March Madness bracket of the Best Extinct Walt Disney World Attractions! The bracket has been full of surprises and nostalgia so far, and we’re thrilled to see strong contenders from all four parks still in the running. From the golden age of EPCOT Center to c…

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Disneyland Current Events for March 31, 2025 1:02:18

2M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

We catch up on the latest at Disneyland, including the arrival of Season of the Force, changes to live entertainment, new merchandise for the 70th Anniversary, and more! Once per month, including this time, our Patreon participants join us in our live-as-we-record chat. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt…

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DisLove E158: Special Episode Reliving the Magic: Inside Disneyland's Sold-Out After Dark 90s Nite 23:10

2M ago23:10

23:10

Send us a text We review our experience at Disneyland's sold-out After Hours 90s Night event, sharing all the nostalgic goodness from character meet-and-greets to special entertainment offerings that made this $149 ticket worthwhile. • Received a 90s-style fanny pack as the complimentary gift upon entry • Character meet-and-greets included DuckTale…

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How Books About Things That Changed the World… Changed the World 58:24

2M ago58:24

58:24

Look in the nonfiction section of any bookstore and you’ll find dozens of history books making the same bold claim: that their narrow, unexpected subject somehow changed the world. Potatoes, kudzu, soccer, coffee, Iceland, bees, oak trees, sand, chickens—there are books about all of them, and many more besides, with the phrase “changed the world” o…

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March Madness: Top Extinct Attractions 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

Episode 489: Hey Disney fans, it’s that magical time of year again—no, not the blooming of spring flowers—it’s time for our annual March Madness bracket here at Traveling with the Mouse! We’re on a thrilling quest to crown the ultimate extinct Walt Disney World attraction. We started with 64 beloved, nostalgic rides, shows, and experiences from acr…

1
Disneyland Entertainment and Character Work with Patrick Nailon 1:05:20

2M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Former Disneyland cast member Patrick Nailon chats with us about being in the original Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular at Disneyland, as well as his portrayals of taller characters. This is a revealing behind-the-scenes discussion. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless and Cleaning The Kin…

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Tokyo Disney-Sea-Us Cry? 1:02:16

3M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Send us a text Andrea and her boyfriend Reid take us on a wild journey through their first-ever visit to Tokyo DisneySea—a park so stunning it almost makes you forget the popcorn-induced rage. They recount the highs (the jaw-dropping design! The incredible Journey to the Center of the Earth and Peter Pan rides!) and the lows (why can’t we just stan…

1
Our Ideal Disney Time Travel Years! 1:05:05

3M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Episode 488: If you had a time machine and could visit Walt Disney World at any point in its 54-year history, what year would you choose? That’s the big question we’re tackling in this week’s episode of Traveling with the Mouse! After covering the latest Disney news—including a look at ticket prices for Epic Universe compared to Disney, New looks i…

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Disneyland Current Events for March 17, 2025 51:55

3M ago51:55

51:55

We catch up on the latest at Disneyland, including what has been revealed about the new attractions on the way to Avengers Campus, celebrating the original park’s 70th Anniversary, new missions planned for the Millennium Falcon, and more! Once per month, our Patreon participants join us in our live-as-we-record chat. We have authored two books: Cle…

1
Truck Nutz (Encore) 41:29

3M ago41:29

41:29

Truck Nutz is a brand name for the dangling plastic testicles some people affix to the bumpers or hitches of their vehicles. Also sold as Bulls Balls, Your Nutz, and other brand names, these plastic novelties have a powerful symbolic charge and are often associated with a crass, macho, red state audience. But truck nuts are a surprisingly complicat…

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Disney News, Epic Universe, and Hot Takes on Walt Disney World 1:06:17

3M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

Episode 487: Welcome back to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! This week, we’re diving into some of the latest Disney news stories, checking in on the progress of Universal’s Epic Universe, and capping things off with some spicy hot takes about Walt Disney World. Let’s get into it! Epic Universe: The Countdown to Opening Universal’s Epic…

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Knott’s Bear-y Tales and the Disneyland Connections with Chris Merritt & Eric Lynxwiler 1:09:51

3M ago1:09:51

1:09:51

Artists and authors Christopher Merritt and J. Eric Lynxwiler join us to chat about some of the connections between Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, and the historical Bear-y Tales attraction, about which they’ve created a must-have book: https://www.fantasy-funwheel.com/kbtp-home We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of…

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DisLove E157: Abbey from PolkaDot Paws by Abbey and How to Give Your Dog Disney Magic Too: Everything You Need to Know About Pet-Friendly Options 26:37

3M ago26:37

26:37

Send us a text We discuss the various options for bringing pets to Walt Disney World and interview Abby, owner of Polka Dot Paws, about her Disney-themed pet products and how she creates magic for our furry friends. Use the promo code DISLOVE25 to receive free shipping from Abbey's Etsy shop. • Four pet-friendly resorts at Disney World: Port Orlean…

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Have Mercy! Full House Takes on Disney 55:26

3M ago55:26

55:26

Send us a text Before Genie+, before Lightning Lanes, there was Michelle Tanner’s ability to cut every line at Disney World. Andrea and Ryan discuss the iconic Full House Disney episodes. From Michelle’s rise to toddler dictatorship to Jesse’s impromptu serenade, we break down all the magical (and questionable) moments! Follow us @disneyinsideoutpo…

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Catching Up on Disney News & A Trip to the Grand Canyon 59:02

3M ago59:02

59:02

Episode 486: Welcome back to another episode of Traveling with the Mouse! We’re diving into the latest Disney news and I’m sharing details about my recent trip to the Grand Canyon. It’s a packed episode full of updates, insights, and, of course, a bit of travel inspiration! Guardians of the Galaxy is officially off of Virtual Queue It only took 100…

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Disneyland Current Events for March 3, 2025 52:25

3M ago52:25

52:25

We catch up on the latest at Disneyland, including the possibilities for an Encanto ride, a returning Disneyland Railroad tour, Season of the Force, and more! Once per month, including this time, our Patreon participants join us in our live-as-we-record chat. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Sp…

1
Jerry Lewis’ Lost Holocaust Clown Movie 58:52

3M ago58:52

58:52

In 1972, Jerry Lewis—the actor and filmmaker known for slapstick comedies like The Nutty Professor—took the biggest risk of his career when he decided to make a drama called The Day The Clown Cried, about a circus clown who ends up in Auschwitz. This could have been a landmark as one of the first portrayals of the Holocaust in American cinema. Inst…

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Tokyo Disneyland with Imagineer Greg Combs 51:19

3M ago51:19

51:19

Imagineer Greg Combs returns to the show to chat about Tokyo Disney Resort and his work on Tokyo DisneySea. Greg previously appeared on Episode 353: https://bleav.com/shows/the-sweep-spot/episodes/the-sweep-spot-ep-353-talk-with-disney-imagineer-greg-combs/ We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spot…

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Patch’s Mid-Puppy Crisis: A Tail of Identity 51:36

4M ago51:36

51:36

Send us a text What happens when one Dalmatian puppy decides he’s too unique for the pack? Patch’s London Adventure explores that very question—plus Nanny's failure as a babysitter, Cruella antics, and Thunderbolt’s confidence in improv. Andrea and Ryan are here to break down this straight-to-video sequel and decide if it deserves its spot in the D…

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What Should Disney Bring Back to Add More Value? 1:04:24

4M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

Episode 485: The latest episode of Traveling with the Mouse is here, and we’re diving into some of the biggest news stories from Walt Disney World. But beyond the headlines, we’re tackling a question that’s been on the minds of many Disney fans—if Disney truly wants to add value to the ever-increasing cost of a Disney vacation, what should they bri…

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Disneyland Current Events for February 17, 2025 1:24:03

4M ago1:24:03

1:24:03

We catch up on the latest at Disneyland, including 70th Anniversary plans, changes to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Food and Wine Festival, special themed hotel rooms and so much more! Once per month, our Patreon participants join us in our live-as-we-record chat. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dre…

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The Scratch-Off Ticket’s Instant Win 40:18

4M ago40:18

40:18

You may never have thought very hard about scratch-off tickets, but that’s part of their power. They’re a form of gambling that’s simply a pedestrian part of American life. But not so long ago, they were risky and innovative, the killer app of their time and the must-play game of the state lottery. In this episode, Ian Coss, host of the new podcast…

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Mastering Disney's MultiPass – Tips & Strategies for Every Park 1:14:51

4M ago1:14:51

1:14:51

Episode 484: Last year Disney has launched its newest iteration of the skip-the-line service, and we’re diving deep into Disney MultiPass, breaking down how it works, our experiences using it across all four Walt Disney World parks, and the best strategies to maximize your time. We begin the episode catching up on some recent news stories like the …

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Disneyland Cast Member Dining Memories 56:06

4M ago56:06

56:06

We go behind the scenes and chat about our Disneyland backstage dining memories with Adam Owens, who worked as a Foods cast member, often providing dining to other cast members. We have authored two books: Cleaning The Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt’s Dream Spotless and Cleaning The Kingdom: Night, Day, Past and Present. The Sweep Spot is a…

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Mouse Park Insider Podcasts

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