[00:00:00] Speaker A: Hey everyone. Welcome to the season four premiere of the Mouse Ears podcast. That's right. Season four, baby. So this week's episode we are talking about what's coming in 2025. That's right. A list of new attractions and offerings from major Disney. Not Disney, Universal Cruise Lines. All inclusive travel destinations. 2025. And boy, do we talk about a lot. [00:00:31] Speaker B: Excited? Yes. [00:00:33] Speaker A: So we hope that you enjoyed this episode. We're going to dive right in because it is a long one, is a two parter and hope you all enjoy. All right, let's cue that intro. [00:00:56] Speaker B: Let's talk about the other park, the park that must not be named, but we're gonna name it right here. Talking Universal Orlando. Because we are going to get epic in this. But before we do, we got to talk about some hotels. Who wants to talk about some hotels? Jenny, are you gonna save it for Disney? You're gonna save it for Disney World? [00:01:21] Speaker C: I wanna save it for Disney. [00:01:22] Speaker B: You could save. We'll save you for Disney World. Okay, I can do it. Brooks, you can help me. Steph, I know you're willing to chime in. We're gonna do it. Here we go now. So this first one I'm very excited for because I, and I know, Brooks, you did too. We spent at least a couple hours going through, looking at pictures and videos. The influencers. The influencers, the media passes. They were, I don't know if they were there today or yesterday at Stella Novum, but Universal Stella Nova Resort, which is inspired by distant galaxies, is opening up on January 21st. So what is that? Next Tuesday? Next Monday? Nope. That's in April. [00:02:21] Speaker D: Nope. [00:02:22] Speaker B: Pull the calendar. It is Tuesday. [00:02:24] Speaker D: Tuesday. [00:02:24] Speaker B: Yeah, Next Tuesday. So when you're listening to us, Stella Nova opens up tomorrow and it is featuring 750 guest rooms designed to provide a celestial oasis for guests. Now Brooks and I, as we were kind of chatting about this, Stella Nova and Terra Luna, which we'll talk about next, are technically in the prime value categories for resorts for Universal Orlando. Now I want to get yalls thoughts before we move on. What would from Disney to Universal, what would you put in the same prime value category to match it with Stella Nova and Terra Luna? Not talking about, you know, it's, it's a new, it's a brand new resort. So it looks fresh and all like besides that, what resorts in Disney World would you kind of put in the same category? [00:03:25] Speaker D: Disney World? [00:03:27] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, that's a good question. They're right there a couple miles apart. [00:03:32] Speaker C: I mean, I would say Grand Destino Tower. [00:03:37] Speaker D: I said Coronano. Grandestino Tower. [00:03:39] Speaker B: Interesting. I did not think of it that way just because of the same theming. I'm curious. [00:03:44] Speaker C: I think there's an element of luxury to it, but it's at a better price point and I think that's exactly what Grand Destino gives you. You walk into that lobby and it's just beautiful and it looks like it's a deluxe hotel, but the price point is much better. You know, the rooms are still beautiful and comfortable and you know, it's just. [00:04:06] Speaker D: A gorgeous face and I mean this is just something else. Cuz I'm totally on par with what Jen is saying. But if you think about it too, Stella Nova and Teraluna aren't necessarily like super close. You have to take a bus. It's location wise, it's nice and upscale, but it's a little bit retracted and that's kind of Coronado as well. It has similar elements if you break. [00:04:34] Speaker B: It down and I did not think of it that way because yes, it is a little secluded from, you know, your, your main parks, your islands of Adventure, CityWalk, Universal or like you know, Universal Studios and you know, Coronado, same thing. You're a little far from, you know, Magic Kingdom, but you're just, you're spitting distance from Epic Universe, which with Coronado you got Epcot and Studios and even Animal Kingdom right there. [00:05:04] Speaker D: It's in the Animal Kingdom geographical area. [00:05:08] Speaker B: So. And yeah, and you're, and honestly you're, you're really only five because like if you come out of Coronado, hang a left, go over the bridge, the second light is the turn in for Studios. Epcot is just down, loop around or make a left and you're there. Animal Kingdom is hanging right. Hanging right. Go straight and you're there. [00:05:29] Speaker D: I mean, tell me you're, you were a cast member. Bus driver without telling me you were. [00:05:35] Speaker B: Cast member, but bus driver, so you're right. Brooks, you and I were talking about this just a couple hours ago. What do you think? [00:05:49] Speaker A: I would say about the same with the Coronado with everything but to me it's it intriguing as well. Look at the price difference between what Stella Luna, Stella Nova and Terra Luna are going to be as opposed to Coronado and I would say more the Grand Destino Towers. The price difference is you can stay almost twice as long at the Universal ones than you can at the Disney ones. And the fact that those are considered their prime value categories because I, I saw a couple of people online not liking the space theme on them, but they it looks incredible to me. And the fact that if you're a Florida resident, you can Potentially stay for $133 a night is insane. [00:06:57] Speaker B: No, I, I mean, I agree, which is why what I was thinking is completely different, honestly. Because with checking out, you know, so the prime value, which is like their middle of the road, they just don't have as many resorts as Disney does. So prime value being middle of the road and their price point kind of had me thinking like more of a art of animation, pop century feel. And I say that for the reason of, you know, the rooms themselves, especially the refurb rooms with Pop Century are a heck of a lot more modern, which you kind of get with the Stellanova, at least Stella Nova from what we've seen. So that I see. And then with the price point, I mean there are times you can get pop sentry under 200 bucks, you know, a night. But at the same time, and it's. I'm not throwing any shade to these three resorts, but the All Stars are just not in that value. I mean the all Stars compared over to Universal would be your, your inns and suites. So that's like your Cabana Bay, your Dockside and Surfside in inn and suite, which not throw in any shade. Heck, if you're hitting the parks hard personally, why would you go to stay at the Polynesian if you're going to spend every day of your trip in the park? So anyway, go check it out if you haven't seen it. [00:08:38] Speaker D: You see, I wouldn't even. Art of animation is on the higher side, even higher than Coronado. However, theming wise, you know, they're very full on Disney and which is fantastic. I mean families love that Terra Luna and Stella Nova. Not that I think the theming is awesome, but I'm also a huge Star wars geek. Like I love anything out, you know, outer space. Where's the connection here? What is the theme? Like what is there a storyline that. I mean, the only thing that I can think about is the interstellar, the celestial, celestial area in the new park. But even then, how intergalactic outer space is it? Not for nothing, but the landscape looks fantastic. I don't really know like what touches. They're gonna have to kind of bridge that gap. So I'm just a little curious there because Disney does such a great job with theming, even if it's subtle art of animation, higher price point, even if the rooms aren't as upscale as some of these other resorts, like Grand Estino for instance. And I would put it there as just as far as like hey, there's a lot of theming immersiveness that's going on with Terra Luna and Stella Novo. However, I'm more curious like what inspired this? Was it the downfall of Galactic Star Cruiser? Honestly? Hey, that was a creative flop. They learned from it. And Disney is going to come up, come out with something bigger and better after that, but it just wasn't successful. And now you're coming in with an a galactic style resort to buildings for a price of a what? For a value priced room at Walt Disney World. [00:10:59] Speaker B: Well, so if you, and I mean this can go, you can go think about either way. Most of us, most of Art of Animation though are suites. And if you take the price point from Art of Animation, the, the family suite and compare that to the, the two bedroom suite at All Star Music, you're kind of within about a hundred dollars of a price point now. And then of course if you go over and book, you know, like a two bedroom at Saratoga Springs, well that's just thousands of dollars more. But when I think when we look more toward, and this is my opinion, when you look more towards Universal, you know, there's no to me, there's no ties of theming to the parks with their resorts because you know, they're all owned and operated by Lowe's. [00:11:55] Speaker A: The, the hotel group, not the home improvement store. [00:12:01] Speaker B: Yes. Spelled differently. You know how many times I've tried to spell Lowe's and like I go to spell W, L, O, W E S and not L, E, O, W S or however it's spelled. Ridiculous. But I think this is almost Universal's first attempt at kind of tying in some theming. It's got it. [00:12:25] Speaker D: It's something because at least like some of the other resorts, like belows you have some minion themed suites and you've got some Jurassic World themed suites. Hard Rock, obviously there's really not much there unless you want to stretch it and say RIP Red Rocket, which is going away. But and honestly now that we're talking about it, frankly, I haven't even had this discussion in my own head off of the podcast. This is the first time I'm voicing my thoughts. But yeah, even Grand Helios. What would you even tie that in? There's really not much. The big theme would be Celestial park, right? We shall see. [00:13:08] Speaker B: I'm not, I mean, you know, myself or Brooks will get into that, but I don't even know. I think you're right. I don't even Know if we can tie Grand Helios into. [00:13:18] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:13:19] Speaker B: Now that we're talking about the epic universe. [00:13:22] Speaker D: And yet it has an entrance, a direct entrance to the park. So it has to, to some degree. Right. [00:13:27] Speaker A: I think more will be revealed as I think. I think Universal may be holding a few things close to their chest. I think it would be revealed. [00:13:40] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:13:40] Speaker B: I don't think it's a hot take. [00:13:42] Speaker D: Isn't that so exciting, though? [00:13:44] Speaker C: Oh, see, I thought that Dockside and Surfside were very like Element and Earth central. And then we have Stella Nova and Terra Luna was like the sky. So like the Earth in the sky. That's what I thought. I could be way off base, but that's how I took it is they had the two like sister kind of resorts that were, you know, like land and sea and then skies and stars for the other. [00:14:17] Speaker B: Son of a gun. So I don't know what you're stepping in. Could be anything. By the way, side note, did you know that Surfside Inn and Suites is actually built on the old Wet n Wild? [00:14:31] Speaker C: Yes. [00:14:31] Speaker B: I'd say now you do what you already did. There you go. [00:14:34] Speaker C: That, that little piece of information I did retain in my head. But now the. Now everybody knows it. So welcome to the club. [00:14:46] Speaker D: Moving on, moving on. [00:14:48] Speaker A: Moving right along. [00:14:49] Speaker B: Do you wanna. Do you wanna take Grand Helios? [00:14:53] Speaker A: Sure. [00:14:54] Speaker B: Okay, so quickly. Hold on. Let me quickly talk about Stella. Wow. Terra Luna. [00:15:00] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:15:02] Speaker B: So the sister resort to Stella Nova Terra Luna is going to be opening up March 25, 2025. It's going to offer, we're thinking the same 750 guest rooms with a. With tranquil accommodations to the resort's prime value category, which we actually just talked about for a very serene retreat. The prime value resort hotels are Stella New Stella Nova Luna and Luna Terra along, actually, along with, I believe it's the Aventura. And I think that's it. I think it's. Yeah. Which there's so much to talk about. So there we go. That was easy. That was quick. We've already. We spent a lot of time on the other one. Go ahead, Brooks. I'll let you have it. [00:15:53] Speaker A: So the Universal Helios grand hotel. Opening on May 22, 2025, this 500 room Lowe's Hotel located within Universal's epic universe at the end of the celestial park. It's designed to transport guests into a world where the heavens and earth unite. The hotel offers extraordinary dining, a rooftop. A rooftop bar with incredible views and relaxing amenities. Guests will also enjoy a dinner dedicated Entrance into the theme park enhancing convenience and immersion. And this third resort hotel is in the Signature Collection. So Helios Grand Hotel. [00:16:46] Speaker B: But. And this is where. This is what I don't like. It's in the Signature Collection, but as of this recording does not include the unlimited Express Pass. [00:17:01] Speaker C: I think that'll be coming. [00:17:03] Speaker D: Do you know why that is? [00:17:06] Speaker B: Do you? I don't. [00:17:07] Speaker A: I don't think so. This is. This is my opinion. This is Brooks's opinion. Has is no way affiliated with Mouse Ears Podcast or their partners. I think that for 2025 they're not going to offer it and starting in 2026 they'll start to offer the Express Pass. And that's when I think they'll also offer the annual passes to include Epic Universe or whenever they do their price increases. [00:17:39] Speaker C: I was going to say, do you think the price is then going to increase to that of the other Signature hotels? Because the price right now is amazing for what it is. [00:17:51] Speaker D: I think yes. And only because this is a Lowe's lowest. Whatever you. However you want to say it. Hotel. Lowe's Hotel. To my understanding, I could be wrong. They that company purchases the Express Passes and that's how they're able to bundle it into your hotel room. So I think because a. It still hasn't been determined or Sorry, it's still too new to have those Express passes because. Hello, you need to purchase a single day ticket every single time you go. Unless you have an annual pass and you're purchasing multiple single day tickets. So any other person has to purchase a. It's a three or four day. [00:18:43] Speaker A: Three days. [00:18:44] Speaker D: Yeah, three, three days. If you do Universal Onsite Adventure and Epic or four, including Volcano. But at the end of the day it's only. You can only go to Epic once almost at a time, so to speak. So even though I. It's going to still be crazy. There is this tame approach that Universal is doing and I think that the prices are low now because Lowe's hasn't purchased Express Pass because they're still not being literally offered at any point. So do I think prices are going to go up 100%? 100%, yeah. But it's just a matter of when because we know that this current ticket style is going to go through the entire entirety of 2025. I don't expect us to know until November at least fall what we can expect in 2026 for tickets we're at. [00:19:47] Speaker B: It might be even. So yeah. [00:19:49] Speaker D: They waited a while. If you ask me. [00:19:51] Speaker B: Valid points. I mean I did not know that they were the ones that purchased those. [00:19:57] Speaker D: I am 90% sure that's the case that they purchase it and that's how it gets bundled in. [00:20:04] Speaker B: So if that is true, then you can't purchase something that's being offered in Epic. So that does make sense. I can see that making sense. So, and I don't, and I don't, I mean I don't, I don't see that because we're opening in May of 25. I don't see if they're gonna do it. I don't see that happening until maybe even 27 because they might take it a full year, you know, do you know, a year and a half and then I don't know. [00:20:38] Speaker D: And I don't know if they're going to have a reservation system. Like how are they going to basically monitor if you get a three day ticket, who goes, when are you going to have a huge influx on a single Saturday? That's what I'm wondering. I don't expect any kind of. Again, personal opinion. This is not confirmed by Universal. I don't expect, you know, Express passes of any sort this year. And I'm thinking they're trying to come up with a way to do a reservation system so that they can kind of have some sort of control when you use your Epic. Like you have to purchase your three day, but you might have to let them know when you're going where. See again, speculation. But I think they want to do it better than Disney because there was a lot of uproar there with their reservation system. Right. [00:21:33] Speaker B: So I was gonna say I think they probably took a lot of notes from Disney because how many times have they changed from let's go OG fat paper fast passes to now the long Besides the paper FastPass, the longest standing was FastPass plus, which worked. It was not the paper, but it worked. And then Universal over there has had the same three tiers for how many years? It's got to be at least 20 years now, probably longer. So if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Disney. [00:22:21] Speaker D: And here's another thought, actually, no, I'm going to wait till we officially introduce the park, then I'm going to. [00:22:29] Speaker C: All right, I'm going to throw out a pro tip just based on my, our conversation and my thoughts. If you want to stay at one of the signature resorts and you do not really care about having the Express Pass unlimited, you just want to go and stay at a really nice resort and maybe hit the parks for a little bit this year is probably the time to do that and stay at Helios at that lower price point. So think about it. [00:22:58] Speaker B: Yeah, it was averaging like 350 bucks a night. [00:23:01] Speaker C: I found one night, I searched some dates, and it was two. [00:23:09] Speaker D: Well, that's competing with Coronado. [00:23:11] Speaker B: I'll say. That's Coronado price. [00:23:13] Speaker C: It was like two. I think it was like 267 for the dates that I had searched. And I was like. [00:23:20] Speaker B: And that's not Grand Destino Tower. [00:23:21] Speaker D: You need to share these dates. Share these dates right now. Oh, my gosh. What? [00:23:30] Speaker C: Yeah, so I've been looking because I want to stay there. You know, I go to the parks enough that I don't really need to go ride everything, but I definitely want to hit all three of the new hotels. And, you know, that would. That would be awesome. Or stay there and use the extra money for a VIP tour for the other parks. So that'll work. [00:23:56] Speaker B: Okay. [00:23:57] Speaker C: That was my pro tip, based on my. [00:24:00] Speaker B: That's actually genius. [00:24:04] Speaker C: I have my moments. [00:24:05] Speaker B: So I think. I think we're down to. I mean, what I personally think is the most epic thing on this. On these show notes. And the one thing that I think I am most excited for. It's true. I mean, it's. It's true. [00:24:26] Speaker C: Do we get a drum roll or. I feel like we just. [00:24:30] Speaker D: Walt didn't get a drum roll. [00:24:32] Speaker B: Walt's also been dead for a number of years, but we're bringing it. [00:24:35] Speaker D: His head is frozen. What? [00:24:38] Speaker C: I can't wait for those stories to come out. That animatronic. They put his brain in there. [00:24:44] Speaker D: You know, those are. [00:24:45] Speaker A: But okay, so talk about a countdown, right? Here it is. It's the epic countdown. [00:24:57] Speaker B: That's the best we can do. [00:24:58] Speaker A: Yeah. So bad we're not copyrighted. [00:25:02] Speaker B: No, I hope not. Universal's Epic Universe. I mean, the newest theme park that has opened in Orlando since Animal Kingdom. I'm not counting Volcano Bay, but, you know, thinking Animal Kingdom in 1998, I believe it was. But so we have Epic Universe opening up on the 22nd of May, 2025. And this fantastic new theme park is going to feature what I think are five fantastic lands that they've included. And we're including Super Nintendo World, which is what they already have out in Universal Hollywood. And we're excited. They're including how to train your dragon. The Isle of Burke. That's what I'm most excited, which is. I don't even have words. [00:26:05] Speaker D: Excited. [00:26:06] Speaker A: But wait. [00:26:08] Speaker B: Dark Universe. [00:26:10] Speaker A: Okay, real quick. Hot take all the Stuff that's coming out with Dark that I've seen with Dark Universe, I think that might be kind of. That might be the hidden gem of Epic Universe. [00:26:25] Speaker C: I'm really excited about that one because. [00:26:28] Speaker A: When they first announced it, I was like, okay, that could be. That, that could be interesting. All the stuff that they have shown and everything, I think that's going to be the sleeper of the park. Sorry. [00:26:43] Speaker B: I think it's something new. Like look around at all the other parks there. I mean, how long have we been trying to get a villains land in the Magic Kingdom? [00:26:52] Speaker A: And Disney didn't announce villains land until Dark Universe. [00:26:59] Speaker B: Yeah, they saw the excitement and they're going, man, hold my popcorn bucket. We should have done this. Hey, we brought the trams back after. [00:27:09] Speaker A: Covid, so that was straight U.S. justice for the trams. [00:27:13] Speaker B: But we're not done. We have Celestial park, which you know is like the main street USA of this park, which I'm very excited for the. The Stardust racers because when they pulled dueling dragons out of Islands of Adventure, I cried. So the fact that they're bringing back and I. If you have not seen the very blurry, grainy test videos that people have posted with the lights and everything at night, oh, it is so cool. So I'm looking forward to that. And of course they're gonna have like, you know, multiple Michelin star restaurants. Universal's food, like there's dining table service quality. But wait, there's more. [00:28:01] Speaker A: That's right. [00:28:03] Speaker B: And we're ending with the Wizarding world of Harry Potter. Ministry of Magic. We cannot have a theme park without Harry Potter land. Like, okay. [00:28:16] Speaker A: And the fact that you can be there for the trial of Umbridge. [00:28:20] Speaker B: Yeah. Come on. All right, we do. We need to head. [00:28:25] Speaker A: Sorry. [00:28:26] Speaker B: I haven't even read the. Each world offers unique attractions, dining and entertainment experiences in parentheses. The opening of Universal's fourth gate. Epic Universe, exclamation point. Epic Universe is made up of five awesome themed land. And I already went through those good notes there. Steph, I appreciate you. [00:28:44] Speaker D: Your notes from before, I just didn't take them out. [00:28:48] Speaker B: Well, you should have just taken them out. Wow. Okay, let's break it down. The lands that you guys are excited for. What's your number one? Like what are we feeling here? [00:29:00] Speaker D: I'm stoked for. I listen. I love Harry Potter. How to train your dragon Brand new. Not brand new like, you know, Dark Universe because that's original concept. This is just an IP that has not been explored yet. And there is some fantastic attractions that are going to be incorporated. You know, what we're seeing is correct with a real life type of toothless. And on top of all of this, there's going to be a live action how to Train youn Dragon movie coming out. I loved the books. I loved the movies. This to me is, I am beyond excited for how to Train youn Dragon. Personally. [00:29:42] Speaker A: The little kid in me is so excited for Super Nintendo World. Like I can't tell you how many hours I spent playing Donkey Kong country on Super Nintendo. And when I saw the roller coaster where you're going to be in the minecart and you're actually and they give the illusion that you're jumping the tracks. When they talked about that, I was trying to figure it out in my head how on earth are they going to do that? And their solution is brilliant. [00:30:21] Speaker B: They have done it. [00:30:23] Speaker A: And I'm, I'm just ready to be in there and jump and get the bananas and spell Kong and everything. [00:30:34] Speaker B: So the, that's. [00:30:36] Speaker A: But I, and I, and I say that I'm excited for everything in that part because I think this is really Universal's chance to flex their muscles. [00:30:48] Speaker B: So they're killing it. [00:30:51] Speaker A: I, yeah, I so I think that this is going to really catapult Universal because it's I def in there's definitely a number one and number two there in Orlando with the theme parks as people view it as a whole. I think this is going to really catapult Universal. So I think they took a chance with going as far as they have with all these different parks. And I think they're, they're knocking it out. They've hit a grand slam and that we haven't even been there yet. [00:31:27] Speaker C: So yeah, I'm with, I'm with Brooks on this. My inner child with the original Nintendo Entertainment System and oh my gosh, super good old Ness. I just. [00:31:43] Speaker A: Sega Master System. [00:31:44] Speaker C: Oh, I am so, so excited. I'm gonna cry. I'm gonna cry probably the whole day just running around like a little kid in a candy store. Just ding, ding, soaking it all in. Just the entire park. I'm excited about all of it. I'm a lot more excited about Dark Universe than I thought I would be. That's probably very high. Second on my list. Even though I love Harry Potter and I love how to Train youn Dragon, I'm really excited to see what they've done with that. But Super Nintendo, I, I it makes. [00:32:15] Speaker A: Me want to buy a annual pass just so I can then buy a single day ticket. [00:32:22] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, I would see I would have to agree with the both of you with a very close second being, you know, Ministry of Magic. Yeah, the playing Donkey Kong, playing Super Mario Brothers, Super Mario Kart, you know, on N64, like growing up on, on all of the Nintendo stuff. But then what Universal has done with Hogstream, with Diagon Alley, Ministry of Magic, they are going to take exactly what you imagined from reading the books, and then they're gonna plop it down right off a destination parkway. Like, it's just, and it's, you walk in, it's gonna be exactly what you imagined when you read the books or have seen in the movie like that. It's, it is absolutely fantastic. And the roll, the, the roller coaster that they have in there, they have taken new design like the, with Donkey Kong attraction and how they designed that track to do this. And now with the Ministry of Magic attraction, y'all, it's gonna be a wild 2025 over there at Universal came up. [00:33:50] Speaker D: With the name Epic Universe. It's awesome. And it's very easy to say, like, I'm heading over to Epic. You know, that's like saying, I'm heading over to Epcot. Like, Epic. Epcot. Ep, Epic. Like, you know, it's not Islands of Adventure. [00:34:05] Speaker C: Universal has an excellent marketing team. They have done an amazing job. [00:34:13] Speaker B: Not just their marketing, but whoever is running their Twitter account needs a raise. [00:34:23] Speaker A: Because they run for Wendy's. [00:34:27] Speaker B: They really do. So kudos. If you were running Universal's Twitter X account, you need to like, tip your hat to them. [00:34:36] Speaker A: Are you referring to that one that they posted? It's like, if only there was a. [00:34:42] Speaker B: A dinosaur place to see, to meet and greet and ride dinosaur attractions. And I was like, oh, shots fired. [00:34:53] Speaker D: I, I, you just, I read it and said to you guys, and I'm still getting goosebumps thinking about it. That was a burn. Not a burn, a burn. [00:35:04] Speaker B: But see, and that's not the first time they've done that to them either. [00:35:07] Speaker C: No, they've done a lot of that. [00:35:09] Speaker A: And, and to me was, what's been impressive too is how quickly they have done this. Not only a brand new park with five different worlds and all these, you know, just innovative attractions, but also three. [00:35:29] Speaker B: Hotels and Disney built one ride. [00:35:32] Speaker A: So I think, like I said, I think this is, this was Universal's chance to kind of flex their muscles. And I'm basing this off of the stuff that I've seen at Universal Studios Hollywood with the Super Nintendo World. And this is going to be even bigger than that. [00:35:53] Speaker B: Correct. [00:35:54] Speaker A: And Like I said, I didn't think I was going to be really that excited about Dark Universe, and I am pumped for that. [00:36:02] Speaker D: Okay, so I gotta say this before I forget. People can only go to the parks and we're going to talk independently of me. Media passes, which we don't know if they're going to give out or not, which they probably will. We don't know how. There's a lot, and I mean a lot to cover. First question. What do you think the park hours are going to be? [00:36:23] Speaker B: 9 to 11? [00:36:24] Speaker C: I think it'll be open later than what the other Universal parks are open. The other Universal parks, they close kind of early. I think this is going to be open late now. [00:36:35] Speaker B: And that is true. Now, Universal Studios has been open till 10, but Islands does usually shut down early. You are right about that. [00:36:46] Speaker D: Is it going to be influenced by the fact that it's attached to a hotel to not make it a loud experience for the hotel and not be open till late? I don't think it's going to be open that late. I don't think it'll open early. [00:36:59] Speaker A: I think also I wouldn't be surprised if they've been able to kind of design that hotel too, to where you may not hear the noise from the parks as much. [00:37:14] Speaker D: We won't know the distance until May, but. And I'm sure, I think they probably will do some sort of early park entrance. If you're saying resort. Second question. If you were going with the media pass or for your first day, what would you prioritize? Food or rides? Because there's a lot of different ways you can. You. You'd have to plan out what you wanted to basically experience. There's a lot of dining and a lot of great and really enticing locations to eat. [00:37:54] Speaker C: So well, considering I'm allergic to everything. I'm hitting the rides. I'm gonna pack my snacks. I'm hitting the rides. [00:38:03] Speaker A: And I think this could be a interesting topic for an episode that we have for a future day. Because we. We were talking as we were planning out this season of having an epic month leading up to Epic Universe opening. Because as you can tell from our excitement as we're talking about this, like, we are pumped about it opening, but we have not really covered it as that much because I feel like we've been kind of waiting to see more stuff coming out. So. Because I want to get, you know, Disney. Disney World does have stuff coming out, so I want to get to that. And I think that could be a good Topic to talk about later so we can go more in depth, because I have a pink. I have an itinerary. [00:38:50] Speaker B: So excited. [00:38:52] Speaker A: We would need. [00:38:53] Speaker D: Stay tuned for that. [00:38:54] Speaker B: So we have covered what I think is the most epic news of this episode. And I only say it's epic because that's the name of the theme park. I don't. You know, but we are saving. You know, we are saving. They're not. Certainly not the least. But this one we know. I mean, we. We're like, top. Not. We know everything about Disney World because that's. Hello. It's the podcast, first and foremost. [00:39:28] Speaker A: So it's our bread and butter. [00:39:31] Speaker B: It is not just any bread and butter. I'm talking bread and butter from Texas Roadhouse. Get that? Cinnamon butter, honey butter. Yeah. [00:39:40] Speaker A: Logan's Roadhouse. Those honey rolls. [00:39:43] Speaker B: It could be 10, 15 at night or am as you're driving in Houston traffic. We're talking about Texas Roadhouse. Bread and butter. [00:39:53] Speaker D: I love that so much. I'm so hungry. [00:39:56] Speaker B: Now we're diving in. Let's go ahead and do Walt Disney World. And Jen has been dying to talk this entire episode, and we've saved it for last. [00:40:07] Speaker C: I'm so excited. [00:40:09] Speaker B: She's. All you are is go. [00:40:10] Speaker A: She just couldn't hide it. [00:40:11] Speaker C: I can't hide it. All right, we're going to break it down by park. There are a lot of changes coming to Walt Disney World, and I want everyone to stay positive with the changes that are coming. Okay, Hang in there with me. Stay positive. We're going to start in the park that I used to work in. So, Hollywood Studios, there is a new show, Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After. Now, this is set to premiere this summer 2025 at Hollywood Studios. It's a live show that will transform Sunset Showcase into the mystical realm of the magic mirror. There's going to be some iconic villains like Gorilla De Vil, Captain Hook, Maleficent. They're gonna have production numbers. This is going to be a thrilling experience. I am so excited for this show. I'm hoping that this is a little bit of a preview of the things to come for the new villains land. So I'm thrilled with this. [00:41:22] Speaker D: I'm excited for the merch there. [00:41:24] Speaker C: Yes. Bring on the Maleficent merch. [00:41:27] Speaker D: I'm just saying, um, hopefully they do bring merch there. [00:41:32] Speaker A: I'm sure they will make that villain's spirit jersey more readily available. [00:41:37] Speaker C: Yes. Okay, this one I have a little bit of mixed feelings about. The Little Mermaid. A musical adventure is set to open this summer this is going to be a live show. It has songs from the film. It's going to have new sets, vibrant cast. It's also going to have performers and puppets. I am curious if they are still going to have the Ursula that keeps catching on fire. Poor Ursula. [00:42:07] Speaker A: Hopefully they have solved that problem. [00:42:10] Speaker C: I hope that they have solved that problem. That's why I have mixed feelings. I had to throw it out there because I can. [00:42:16] Speaker A: Kelsey is very excited seeing her catch on fire live. [00:42:22] Speaker C: So, yeah, I am excited for this. I do love the Little Mermaid, so. But I'm. I'm hoping that this is everything that they say it's going to be and that there's a very big update and it's not just throwing paint on something. So I think they can do a lot with this one. [00:42:41] Speaker D: I just hope that they can kind of revamp Animation Courtyard as a whole. [00:42:45] Speaker C: Yes. [00:42:46] Speaker D: Not just this shit show, because that area needs it. [00:42:51] Speaker C: It needs it. [00:42:52] Speaker D: And I. I'd like some con. Like some further connections to some of these things because I still feel like it's. And I love Hollywood Studios. This is my personal hot take. I still feel like it's still too dispersed with its theming. [00:43:06] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:43:07] Speaker D: Personally. [00:43:07] Speaker C: But I agree. [00:43:08] Speaker D: I have high hopes for the show. [00:43:10] Speaker C: Okay. Moving on to Magic Kingdom and the one that everybody is excited about. Disney is going to have a new nighttime parade. It is called the Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away. It also debuts this summer. It's going to be a big summer for Disney. It'll have illuminated floats. It'll be classic and contemporary Disney films. Have Peter Pan, encanto, Frozen. The concept artwork for this looks amazing. I'm a huge fan of the Light Parade, so I. I can't wait to see what they do with this. I am really excited about this, and as soon as we get a date, I would like to book a trip and be there for opening. Okay. Also, in Magic Kingdom, Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge, set to open in 2025. We don't know if that's going to be summer or not, but I imagine they're going to try to get that open as soon as they can. This new lounge will offer a seaworthy selection of grogs and grub, providing an immersive experience for guests. If they do this lounge the way that they did the Haunted Mansion Lounge on this ship, this is going to be amazing. This has the potential to just be amazing. I hope. I hope. [00:44:39] Speaker D: I still think that it's going to be somewhat like, what's the one at the Poly Trader? Sam's. I know they said supposed to be new technology and such. [00:44:52] Speaker B: I could see them doing it just like Trader Sam's. [00:44:55] Speaker D: Right. [00:44:56] Speaker B: Because that's still a hit after 10. [00:45:01] Speaker D: And I would. I'm gonna bet that Pirates is gonna open in the fall, late fall. And I'm going to bet that the parade is going to debut May or June. Yeah, kind of like right around the 70th. But not over. No. I feel like it's going to be probably, maybe like, right after some of the hype for Disneyland's it dies down. Or like right before. But I feel like it's still going to be in that early summer time frame. That's my guess, though. [00:45:36] Speaker C: Okay, we're going to move on to Epcot. Test Track is undergoing a significant transformation. The updated version is scheduled to reopen in late 2025. Usually when they say late 2025, you're thinking somewhere around November. I mean, Disney's late is late in the year. Specific details haven't been fully disclosed, but there's going to be a lot more innovation. It's going to be a better experience, and it's going to really give some props to the world of motion attraction. So I'm excited about this. I love Test Track, so I'm excited to see what they do with this. Animal Kingdom. Zootopia, Our beloved It's Tough to be a bug show that terrified my children for years is going away. Zootopia. Better. Zootopia. Zoogether. I can't even say that. Zoogether. That's scheduled to open in winter of 2025 at Animal Kingdom. This is a 3D show that will be in the Tree of Life, and it will take the place of. It's Tough to Be a Bug. Guests will embark on an adventure through the various. What is that? Biomes I can't even see of Zootopia. And counting favorite characters and immersive storytelling. I skipped one. All right, let's head back to. Let's park. Hop back to Epcot. All right, so Spaceship Earth Lounge in Epcot will debut in spring. Late spring 2025. This new lounge inside Epcot's iconic Spaceship Earth will offer guests a sophisticated space to relax and enjoy refreshments. Inspired by the geometric design of the sphere, this lounge will feature rich textures and warm metallic tones, celebrating the legacy of this timeless icon. So that is going to be amazing. I think that's really going to be amazing. I don't know how you could go wrong with Spaceship Earth. [00:47:40] Speaker B: You can't. You got to thank the Phoenicians. [00:47:43] Speaker A: Yeah, Yeah. I want to mock. I want a mocktail. That's called thanking the Phaehons. [00:47:51] Speaker D: If they don't have one like that, that's a missed opportunity. Yeah, I think it'll be nice to have like another indoor bar that's gonna kind of take us away from Space220. Although I'm assuming they're gonna have some sort of a queue. It'll be popular, but it'll be another indoor seating or seated venue for people to relax, drink and see. Because I think the way that they explain explained it. There's supposed to be. And at least in the concept art, there's going to be windows wrapping around the majority of the building. So that'll be really nice. [00:48:24] Speaker B: I could be a nice like lookout over, you know, like where Walt sets the statue. Not the animatronic. People. Pay attention now. Come on. But you know, like that really nice because when we were there in September, that was gorgeous, y'all. [00:48:42] Speaker D: So imagine at night when all the lights are turned on. [00:48:46] Speaker C: Yeah, it's gonna be nice. [00:48:49] Speaker B: I'll hit me with an old Fashioned there. I'll tell you what. [00:48:53] Speaker C: Or I think the Phoenicians. Disney, take note. Please have that drink for Brooks. The mocktail. [00:49:00] Speaker A: Mocktail. Mocktail. [00:49:01] Speaker C: The mocktail. [00:49:02] Speaker B: There's a hashtag for you. Hashtag, thank the Phoenicians. [00:49:07] Speaker C: So I think that's going to be really cool and it'll be nice to have another space, you know, no pun intended. Another space towards the front of the park. Look at me. Okay. All right. Hopping back over to Animal Kingdom. All right. Tropical America. This is a themed area that is going to take the place of Dino Land. [00:49:33] Speaker B: Goodbye. [00:49:34] Speaker C: Goodbye, Dinoland. [00:49:35] Speaker B: Deuces. If you want to go see dinosaurs, go to Islands of Adventure. [00:49:40] Speaker C: Look, I have never. Full disclosure, I have never been a fan of the carnival type dinosaur area. I hate it. I think it looks junky. Every time I walk through it, I cringe. I just. I just think it's yucky. [00:49:59] Speaker D: But I can't tell you how many times I played in the Boneyard when I was growing up, going, yeah, the Boneyard was cool. [00:50:05] Speaker C: But that whole, like carnival games. [00:50:09] Speaker D: I agree. [00:50:10] Speaker C: You know that. [00:50:12] Speaker A: So I was not a fan of it until I learned the history of it. The history behind that whole area is incredible and it made me appreciate it. But I can. I can understand. [00:50:29] Speaker C: Yeah. I'm sorry, Brooks. I'm sorry. So this is not going to be opening this year. This is a two year construction project. This is going to Be a long, you know, a very long process in terms of. Of Disney. So Chester and Hester's Diorama, the new area is inspired by Encanto and the Indiana Jones franchise. So we're probably. I mean, we're getting an Indiana Jones ride where Dinosaur is. It's basically the same ride car and that kind of stuff. So I think that's coming. The full completion is expected by 2027, but some parts of DinoLand will remain accessible throughout 2025. So don't completely write off Animal Kingdom and Dinoland area. I'm hoping that they keep that playground open as long as possible because that place is so much fun to play in. So, yeah, I mean, all the other projects going on are going to be much more long term, but these are things that are coming in 2025. Don't be deterred thinking that there isn't new stuff coming and everything's going to be all torn apart for 2025. There's going to be a lot of new things coming to Walt Disney World. So if you're putting off a trip, don't. Please don't. There's so many new things that are coming this year. You know, take the trip. [00:51:54] Speaker D: There are. And to kind of piggyback what you're saying, this is only emphasizing 2025. [00:52:01] Speaker C: Yep. [00:52:01] Speaker D: For Disney World and Disneyland for that matter. We haven't. Other than like the completion of Tropical Americas. We didn't even touch about some of the other topics. We kind of mentioned Villains Land, but we didn't talk about Monsters Inc. Coming. We didn't talk about. Oh, I'm drawing a blank. Cars Land coming. [00:52:24] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:52:24] Speaker D: Or Villains Land coming. [00:52:26] Speaker B: There's so much information. [00:52:29] Speaker D: There is a lot. And this is only 2025. [00:52:33] Speaker A: And we didn't talk about the retheming of a rock and roller coaster either. [00:52:38] Speaker D: Right. [00:52:39] Speaker C: So there's a lot coming. [00:52:43] Speaker D: The great thing about Disney, and I'll. I'll throw shade at Universal for a second here. They might have a fantastic new park and hotels coming, but it was a long time before we got anything new over there. Disney is constantly, constantly, constantly, constantly putting out things. So it's always changing, always evolving, always improving, and always providing a new experience for guests. Literally. I mean, think about all these different things that are coming in 20. This is 2025 alone. All the things that are coming. And there's so much more on the horizon. Are there things currently closed that we're not super happy about, like Big Thunder Mountain? Yes. However, it's for a good cause. We're going to get two new lands. So if I have to sacrifice one ride for two new lands, I'm all for it. [00:53:43] Speaker B: But you don't even sacrifice. Like I said, it's just a year temporary closed for a year. So, you know, they can, you know, do some. [00:53:52] Speaker D: The opportunity. [00:53:53] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. You're going to say it's coming back. So if you are going for a once in a lifetime trip, going 2027. [00:54:03] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:54:03] Speaker B: When big Thunder opens and you know. [00:54:05] Speaker C: When people ask us, because I know that we all get this. Anyone who's a Disney ad or goes, you know, has gone more than twice. Why do you go back? It's stuff like what's going on in 2025. No two trips are the same. [00:54:20] Speaker B: So there was actually somebody that said something. Very well spoken. Let me quick. Because I have it up. Let me quickly read it. And it is a quote. Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world. Which tells you right there, yes, Disney took five years to build Tron, but at least, you know, they are doing things. Look at the reconstruction of pretty much Epcot and you know, it's. There can. Like Steph said, they are continuously making changes. So Universal and, and I'll bet I'll go to bat for Universal. Unlike Disney, Universal's landlocked. I mean, look where Epic Universe is. It's. They. I mean, so they have to go through and buy property to just build in Universe. And Disney has. I mean, Disney world itself is 45 square miles. [00:55:25] Speaker C: So it's the size of San Francisco. [00:55:29] Speaker B: They were, they. Now they. Walt. Walt and his boys, man, they did it right. But. And then Universal just came in late. However, I mean, it's. [00:55:41] Speaker D: However, they don't really do too many changes to their parks like Disney does. [00:55:46] Speaker B: They really don't. [00:55:48] Speaker D: Like, they don't update things that much, even if it's like one thing, like without expanding. So that's something that I can happily say about Disney. [00:55:57] Speaker B: Absolutely. [00:55:58] Speaker D: You know, I have a client that she's a Floridian. She hasn't been to Disney World in a really long time. She's like, I need help. I know there's like all these new things, but, you know, I have been. I'm like, you haven't been in more than five or 10 years. It's a completely different park, I can tell you that much. You know, maybe not Animal Kingdom yet other than Avatar, but there's just seriously like constant improvements and of evolution and the incorporation of the new Disney. So it's, you know, contemporary with what children are watching now while still paying tribute to what we watched. And those, you know, older than me, you know, it is an art. And they might not always get everything right, but I do love that I can plan my trips and always have something new to experience, even with the amount of times I go. So I'm really looking forward to 20, 25. What am I most looking forward to? I don't know. What do you guys. What would you guys say? [00:57:10] Speaker B: Epic Universe. [00:57:13] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:57:13] Speaker B: Just because, I mean, in my life, I mean. Okay, I guess I can't say in my lifetime from what I can. I mean, the last park that opened was Animal kingdom. I was 7, so I don't really remember last week. So I not gonna remember what happened when I was seven. So I've slept since then a number of times. But so in my early to mid-30s, the fact that, you know, I've got a brand new theme park opening up, I mean, I would say with and all the great that I am so happy to have a nighttime parade coming back to the Magic Kingdom. Y'all don't understand. I am so excited. But Epic Universe is my number one. [00:57:59] Speaker A: I agree. The fact that, I mean, how long has it been since we've had a new park like we've had and I'm not including water parks. A new like theme park open on the east coast like this. It's very exciting. It's very epic. I said just perfect naming. [00:58:26] Speaker B: It is a perfect name. [00:58:27] Speaker C: So, Jen, I'm in the same boat. I am most excited about Epic, but I'm also with Kelton that as far as Disney goes, I am most excited about that nighttime parade. [00:58:39] Speaker B: That is two retired cast members talking right there. That just. That just tells you. [00:58:45] Speaker C: Yeah, I cannot wait for that. I will book a trip just to go see it. [00:58:52] Speaker A: Steph, quick weekend. [00:58:53] Speaker D: So I was looking at our show notes and like, we talked a lot about cruises and I just wanted to like, mention real quick, we only talked about Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean. But the cruise industry is booming and there are ships being built left and right right now, which is exciting. I personally do love cruising and I like selling cruises to clients. I think it's a phenomenal way to vacation as a Disney. You know, I don't. I'm not a Disney purist, but I do. Disney is just always gonna. An epic universe. Oh, goodness. I don't know. I don't know because I'm very excited. I'm very, very, very excited for Epic. I cannot say that I'm not. But every time I go to Universal I feel like I'm cheating on Disney and I feel like I am just doing something wrong and I just, I can't go to Orlando without going to Disney too. Just so I'm excited about that. [01:00:04] Speaker A: To quote Elise, why not both? [01:00:07] Speaker D: Both. [01:00:08] Speaker A: Both. [01:00:09] Speaker D: Hashtag B. Oaf. Both. [01:00:12] Speaker C: So really quick I'll throw this in. Do you guys think that Universal is toying with the idea of cruise line? No. [01:00:20] Speaker B: No, I don't think so. [01:00:21] Speaker A: Not in the near future. [01:00:23] Speaker D: Well, they're. Aren't they opening another location, Texas or something? They're going to work on exp. Yeah, I think they're. That's what they're going to focus on is more expansion in that I think. [01:00:37] Speaker A: If they do, I think they'll partner with another crew like existing cruise line. Yeah, I don't think they'll do their own. If, if they do, I'm. I don't think that they. I don't think they are in anytime soon. But I think if they explore that avenue, I think they'll partner with another cruise line. [01:00:58] Speaker D: Either way, this spring, I hope you find me at Spaceship. Spaceship. [01:01:03] Speaker B: So anyways, by the way, Frisco. It's Frisco, Texas, not Fredericksburg. I don't know why I said Fredericksburg. [01:01:10] Speaker D: Well, still, it's another park all entirely. [01:01:13] Speaker B: Like and that one's actually, that's dedicated more to the younger crowd. So I'm hoping when that opens, I'm hope. We haven't even talked about that at all. I keep forgetting about that one. [01:01:28] Speaker D: The opportunities are endless. [01:01:30] Speaker B: There. There is a lot of things coming for 2025 and beyond. However, I think we got to take it back for a little 50th anniversary trivia question. So I'll throw it over to Brooks for that one. [01:01:46] Speaker A: So if you remember way back when, when before we all started talking about all this stuff, we mentioned with our trivia question that Space Mountain had just celebrated its 50th anniversary at Magic Kingdom. But another attraction also just celebrated their 50th anniversary. They both open on the same day, January 15, 1975. Can you guess what the other attraction is? [01:02:16] Speaker B: I'm going to take a guess. Astro Orbiter. [01:02:19] Speaker A: Anyone else? [01:02:20] Speaker C: I have no idea. [01:02:22] Speaker B: There's only 40 something attractions in that park. You can pick. [01:02:26] Speaker D: Can we get a hint at what land we should be focusing on? [01:02:31] Speaker C: Would that give it away? [01:02:33] Speaker D: I. I'm gonna go with Toy Story. [01:02:36] Speaker C: Is it Dumbo? [01:02:38] Speaker A: Did you just say Toy Story? Toy Story wasn't open it wasn't around. [01:02:42] Speaker D: You know, like the Buzz Lightyear Star Command, Astro Blaster, whatever it's called. That's the one. [01:02:51] Speaker A: Oh, everyone, now is the time. Now is the best time. Now is the best time of your life. It's a song that they psalm for the attraction now more known as There's a great big beautiful tomorrow. Progress shining at the end of every day. Yep. Carousel of Progress opened in Magic Kingdom the same day as Space Mountain. [01:03:23] Speaker C: I did not know that. [01:03:24] Speaker B: Wow. [01:03:24] Speaker D: They did not care about that in social media. Any tributes? Oh my goodness. [01:03:31] Speaker C: We can do a late one for it. Yeah, I, I have a lot of good pictures of putting Snapchat filters on the characters on the animatronics. [01:03:44] Speaker A: And I, I did research it beforehand. So I was like, really? And I looked at, I'm like, yep, they opened on the same day. [01:03:53] Speaker D: That's incredible. [01:03:55] Speaker B: So people never care about Carousel of Progress unless it's a hundred degrees with no clouds. [01:04:04] Speaker A: Then you need that 21 minute break. And what a fantastic break it is. [01:04:10] Speaker B: Speaking of 21 minute breaks in the air conditioning, I think it's about time we go ahead and wrap this up for our season four opener episode of the Mouse Ears podcast. Don't forget to join us over on Facebook in the Mouse Ears Podcast Podcast Facebook group. Follow us along on TikTok for now and Instagram. Make sure you follow us there to stay up to date for all things travel, but mostly Disney. If you're interested in having a Fairy Tale Journeys travel agent book, your next trip could be Disney, Universal, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean sandals. Heck, they got Norwegian MSC, you know, Carnival. All inclusives. Check them out fairytale journeys.com make sure to let them know that your four greatest friends here sent you from the. Lastly, if you have enjoyed our weekly episodes of the podcast, we would love, love for y'all to leave us that five star review. Wherever you listen, y'all, it's been a great Season 4 opener from deep in the heart of Texas until the next episode. Y'all have a great week. See you next time. Bye, everybody. [01:05:28] Speaker A: Bye bye everyone.