Adventures and Mousecapades: A Podcast About Disney

Alicea & Nathan Novak
  • 4.7 (16)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse: Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club. We love traveling to experience Disney magic, and enjoy talking to others who share our passion for all things from the House of Mouse.

  1. 219. Disney After Dark: After Hours 2026 Guide

    1D AGO

    219. Disney After Dark: After Hours 2026 Guide

    The parks hit different after midnight. From neon-lit dance parties and rare character sets in Anaheim to wide-open ride marathons in Orlando, we break down what 2026’s Disney after-hours landscape actually looks like, how much it costs, and where the magic is worth the splurge. We compare Disneyland After Dark’s themed nights—Sweethearts’ Night, 70 Years of Favorites, Disney Channel Night, Star Wars Night, and Pride Night—with Walt Disney World’s ride-first After Hours at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. You’ll hear highlights like lightsaber instruction, cosplay showcases, and unlimited PhotoPass in California, alongside TRON, Rise of the Resistance, Cosmic Rewind, and smart snack stops in Florida. We also look ahead to the seasonal heavy hitters that shape late-year travel: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the stylish return of Jollywood Nights. With on-the-ground tips about entry windows, dining pitfalls, and how to prioritize shows versus attractions, you’ll be ready to build a night that matches your vibe—romance and nostalgia, high-energy dance parties, or low-wait ride blitzes. Whether you’re chasing a selfie with Merlin, scoping a Mandalorian meet, or planning a three-hour lap of headliners, we map what’s confirmed, what’s likely, and how to plan without guesswork. If you found this helpful, follow OurMousCapades on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and YouTube, and drop us a rating and review so more Disney fans can plan smarter. Got questions or a story to share? Email podcast@ourmousecapades.com and tell us which after-hours night you want us to cover next. ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    29 min
  2. 218. DCL's Marvel Day at Sea

    MAR 2

    218. DCL's Marvel Day at Sea

    When your heroes show up, five nights on the Disney Magic with Marvel Day at Sea, concierge calm, and two ports packed with culture turn into one amazing trip! We dig into the real logistics, why staying in Galveston can beat Houston for embarkation, how concierge perks like hot breakfast room service and late luggage cutoff change your pace, and why a little prep unlocks the best Marvel encounters. From the first sea day, the ship transforms. Warriors of Wakanda training with General Okoye, Avengers-style shield and bow sessions for kids, and playful shipwide announcements turn hallways into a story. We secured Heroic Encounters thanks to a timely concierge nudge and landed memorable moments with Gamora, Groot, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Iron Man. The culinary star is the Marvel Day at Sea dinner menu that's deep, varied, and a clear upgrade over Pirate Night, proving Disney Cruise Line can refresh classics without losing its soul. The nighttime crescendo, Heroes Unite, stitches fireworks into the plot for a high-energy, family-friendly show with surprise appearances and just the right edge. Between events, we share honest notes on a spa that didn’t sparkle this time, fun Soul Duo sets, and small wins like a chocolate martini with a sense of humor. Port days add balance: in Cozumel, we taste Mayan cacao, learn why cocoa was currency, and paint vibrant alebrijes. In Progreso, we navigate the four-mile pier, opt for a private tour, explore climbable ruins with renovated facilities, and cool off in surface-level cenotes—keeping heat and distance in mind. We wrap with crowd context from a midwinter break sailing, final sea day highlights like Palo Brunch and mixology, and candid thoughts on future itineraries. Would we chase another Marvel Day at Sea? Absolutely—though we’d pick a different home port for smoother travel. Tap play to get practical tips, character strategies, dining musts, and a feel for how Marvel magic can elevate a classic Western Caribbean cruise. Subscribe, share with a Disney-loving friend, and leave a quick review to help fellow fans find us. ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    59 min
  3. 217: It's 3AM. Do you know where your bags are?

    FEB 23

    217: It's 3AM. Do you know where your bags are?

    Ever tried to shave hours off a brutal layover and accidentally triggered a full‑blown travel saga? We did. What started as a seamless return from a Disney cruise turned into delay creep, code share finger‑pointing, and a nine‑hour airport marathon, complete with mystery “boarding passes” and luggage that chose its own adventure through Chicago and Phoenix. We walk you through the decision that set it all off, ditching a late nonstop for a midday connection, and the cascading consequences when ORD slipped, one notification at a time. You’ll hear how our reservation got split, why system-by-system rebooking can box you into worse seats, and how airline apps often contradict reality. We also share small wins that mattered: fellow passengers who swapped to give us windows, a gate agent who overrode nonsense, and Bobbi at Alaska Baggage Services who delivered service with real care when everything else felt broken. This story doubles as a practical survival guide. We break down why winter hubs plus tight connections are a risky combo, how AirTags expose the truth about your bags, and the callback trick that stops your iPhone from screening out the one number you actually need. We talk IAH logistics, why A3 gates are a power-hunt purgatory, and the comfort calculus of first class when traveling with a knee injury. Most of all, we leave you with hard rules we’ll follow next time: bias to nonstops, avoid code shares for critical legs, build buffers, and keep meds, chargers, and sleep gear in your carry-on. If you’ve ever watched your plans unravel one delay at a time, you’ll feel seen and, we hope, better armed for your next trip. Listen now, subscribe for our full Marvel Day at Sea trip report next week, and share your best airport hacks. What’s your golden rule for stress‑proof travel? ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    38 min
  4. 216. Mea Culpa (stand by for nostalgia)

    FEB 16

    216. Mea Culpa (stand by for nostalgia)

    The suitcase zippers are straining, work piled up all week, and a Disney Magic cruise is hours away. Perfect time to hit rewind to January 2022! We’re taking you back to where our show began, re-airing our very first recording, and reintroducing the two nerds behind the microphones: Alicea and Nathan, high school sweethearts who moved from the East Coast to the Seattle area and accidentally became Disney adults. We unpack the numbers that shape our point of view: 14 Disney trips since 2009, 127 nights in Disney stays, and 11 cruises—two of them Panama Canal crossings, one finishing as the world was closing down. You’ll hear the earliest sparks that made Disney stick, from a drumline turning onto Main Street with the castle dead ahead to the Wonderful World of Disney and Mousercise on vinyl. Then we rapid-fire through our favorites with practical detail: why Haunted Mansion still haunts us, why Rise of the Resistance feels more like cinema than a queue, and how PeopleMover earns its “underrated” crown. We talk DVC stays at Riviera and Aulani, the intimacy of the Disney Wonder, Garden Grill breakfasts that feel personal, and the eternal Dole Whip vs. churro standoff. This is also a map for what came next. We share how we keep up with Disney news without parroting headlines, how we’ll handle topics like Genie+ only after firsthand use, and why our goal is to deliver weekly, focused episodes that help you plan smarter trips without losing the joy. Expect honest takes, usable tips, and plenty of park and cruise wisdom gathered from real itineraries. Have a question or a hot take? We want your voice in the mix. Subscribe, share with a fellow Disney fan, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Then tell us: which park wins your heart, and what’s the one ride you’ll never skip? ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    39 min
  5. 215. McCayla's planDisney Journey

    FEB 9

    215. McCayla's planDisney Journey

    A nudge to apply turned into a no, then a yes, and finally a year that blended writing marathons, real‑time research, and friendships that feel like family. We sit down with McCayla to unpack how planDisney actually works: no secret databases, no cast‑member access—just rigorous accuracy, collaborative teamwork, and a love for helping guests make better memories at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. We walk through the three‑round application process and talk candidly about rejection, resilience, and the mysterious “fit” of each year’s cohort. McCayla shares how training prepped her for the calendar‑year contract and what the weekly quota looks like when hot topics surge, from Lightning Lane strategy to Magic Key buzz and ticket linking. She reveals why better context in your question leads to better answers, and how panelists read between the lines when the format isn’t built for back‑and‑forth. Beyond the inbox, you’ll hear about media‑day magic at Disneyland’s 70th celebration, filming a Disney Parks piece on the new family map, and the honest reality of answering when timelines move, like the long Napa Rose closure. The heart of it all is community: panelists spot‑checking details across resorts, swapping on‑site updates, and showing up for each other well beyond park talk. If you’ve ever considered applying to planDisney, or just want sharper, stress‑saving planning advice, this conversation is your blueprint for what it takes, why it’s worth it, and how to keep your joy intact. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a Disney‑loving friend. Got questions or your own planning wins? Send us a note and join the conversation. ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    1h 16m
  6. 214. Brittany Charboneau on Winning, Joy, and runDisney Magic

    FEB 2

    214. Brittany Charboneau on Winning, Joy, and runDisney Magic

    What if your training plan felt more like play than pressure? We sit down with Brittany Charboneau, the Funny Runner, whose blend of elite grit, Disney joy, and improv comedy turns marathons into stories worth telling. From sweeping the Dopey Challenge in 2022 to winning the Walt Disney World Marathon as a new mom here in 2026, Brittany shows how costumes, creativity, and community can transform the toughest miles. We trace her path from eighth grade track to professional trail and road racing, and why she refuses to be only “a runner.” Comedy training at Second City sharpened her mental game; themed weeks, curated playlists, and even a tutu or two keep the work fresh. She breaks down a brutally honest race day where nothing clicked, the self talk that almost sank her, and the moment she chose to ease, wave, take a quick character photo with Joy, and finish on her own terms. Run Disney fans will love the inside look at what makes these weekends different: pre-dawn corrals, park routes lined with characters, and a culture that cheers every pace. Brittany explains why there’s no prize purse, why that’s okay, and how the community spirit inspired her to jog out and encourage the final finisher, an act that went viral because it captured what running can be at its best. We also trade favorite rides, parks, and snack recs, and unpack how parenting reframed her motivation without stealing the fun. If you’re chasing a PR, chasing vibes, or just chasing the courage to start, this conversation delivers practical mindset tools, joyful stories, and a reminder that the finish line belongs to everyone. Follow Brittany at funnyrunner26.2 on Instagram and learn more at thefunnyrunner.com. If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review - we’d love to hear your favorite race memory. ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    1h 3m
  7. 213. Disneyland Planner 2026

    JAN 26

    213. Disneyland Planner 2026

    Planning a 2026 Disneyland trip without drowning in tabs? We’ve got you. We walk through the year’s biggest dates and smarter strategies, calling out the can’t-miss festivals, the ride overlays that actually change your day, and the cultural moments that add heart to the parks. If you’re torn between a spring food crawl or a fall haunt, this guide helps you pick your window and build a plan that fits your style and stamina. We start with early-year standouts: Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure brings Mulan’s procession, the Hurry Home pre-show before World of Color, character attire, and yes, irresistible food booths. February layers in Celebrate Soulfully with live gospel on the Downtown Disney stage and a heritage trail spanning both parks. We flag runDisney weekend as a crowd mover and give a quick reality check on what’s included with a regular ticket versus extra-cost events. Anaheim Ducks Day pops in late February with limited wristband photo ops and a lively fan rally. Spring is where flavor leads. The California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (Mar 6–Apr 27) delivers chef demos, beverage seminars, tight LA studio bands, and the Sip and Savor play that makes tasting more wallet-friendly. We share a pro tip for the resort egg hunt: grab the keepsake when you pick up the map to avoid backtracking. Then come the Star Wars choices: Hyperspace Mountain returns Apr 28, while May 22 marks The Mandalorian and Grogu joining Smugglers Run and a looser Galaxy’s Edge timeline. If you want thrills now or fresh canon later, your timing matters. Summer stretches the 70th celebration with park-wide decor, new character looks, and a Main Street theater exhibit featuring a surprisingly emotive Walt Disney animatronic. June 19 brings HBCU drumlines to Downtown Disney for a thunderous set you’ll feel in your bones. On July 2, Soarin’ Across America returns for the nation’s semiquincentennial, likely feeding patriotic holiday surges. Fall ushers in Halloween Time from Aug 21–Oct 31 with Haunted Mansion Holiday, Cars Land overlays, nighttime projections, and seasonal snacks, before holidays begin Nov 18 with festive decor, parades, and fireworks. Along the way, we keep an honest eye on crowds, mobile order tactics, and where merch will tempt you most. If this helped you plan smarter or dream bigger, follow the show, share it with a Disney friend, and leave a quick review so more fans can find us. Got a 2026 trip on the books? Tell us your dates and what you’re most excited to see. ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    25 min
  8. 212. Would You Rather...? Disney Movies!

    JAN 19

    212. Would You Rather...? Disney Movies!

    Doors close, choices open. We’re diving headfirst into a cascade of Disney Would You Rather dilemmas that test how we think about mentors, sidekicks, power, and responsibility, all while keeping the fun at full throttle. From Yen Sid’s steady hand to Merlin’s lovable chaos, we explore what good guidance really looks like and why structure vs. spontaneity is a decision you make as much as a personality you have. We square off on sidekicks—Mushu’s snark and magic versus Pascal’s quiet loyalty—and unpack why conversation, humor, and a little dragon fire can change the course of a hero’s journey. Then it’s tools and power: Mary Poppins’ bottomless carpet bag or the Robin Williams–level whirlwind of a rules-bound genie. We talk constraints, creativity, and why having limits can sharpen the wish you truly want. Add Maui’s hook versus a magic carpet, and we hit the big question: is freedom the ability to go anywhere, or the power to become what the moment needs? Our map gets bigger with world choices: the neon tech of San Fransokyo or the layered communities of Zootopia. One of us craves invention and labs; the other dreams of social design that celebrates difference. We bring that lens to everyday life with Baymax’s gentle healthcare support versus WALL·E’s eco-minded cleanup—care for the body or care for the planet—and push further into team dynamics: the scrappy resilience of the Resistance or the specialized punch of the Avengers. Fashion even gets strategic with Edna Mode’s tailored clarity against the Fairy Godmother’s high-reach magic. And we end with the ultimate risk call: accept Maleficent’s curse or negotiate Ursula’s contract. Spoiler: we’re reading the fine print and bringing a pen. Join us, pick your path, and tell us where you land. Subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this episode with the Disney lover in your life—then drop your choices and why. Which dilemma did you agonize over the most? ---- Adventures & Mousecapades is a passion project from Alicea & Nathan Novak - two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse. We are not affiliated with Disney, nor are we travel agents. Opinions are our own. Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter: @ourmousecapades OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    20 min
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4.7
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Two Seattleites addicted to The Mouse: Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club. We love traveling to experience Disney magic, and enjoy talking to others who share our passion for all things from the House of Mouse.

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