Adventures and Mousecapades: A Podcast About Disney

Alicea & Nathan Novak
  • 4.5 (17)
  • 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. 215. McCayla's planDisney Journey

    3D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 211. From Aulani To Aneurysm: A Wild 2025 And What’s Next

    JAN 12

    211. From Aulani To Aneurysm: A Wild 2025 And What’s Next

    Start with fireworks, end with gratitude—that’s the arc of a year that took us from Aulani sunsets and Alaska glaciers to hospital hallways and a comeback cruise. We pull back the curtain on twelve trips, a few legendary mishaps, and the wins that made 2025 feel both impossible and unforgettable. We revisit the Junior Theater Festival in Sacramento and the hidden gem that is Stage Nine’s Disneyana trove. We talk first impressions of the Disney Treasure, why Trader Sam’s remains a ritual, and how the Grand Californian turned a busy week into slow mornings. Then the plot twist: an aortic aneurysm that led to open-heart surgery, a deep-breath recovery, and a return to sea on the Disney Magic from San Juan to Galveston—with a sun-drenched stop at Lookout Cay. Add a total knee replacement to close the year and you’ve got a masterclass in pacing, patience, and planning. Looking ahead, we share the 2026 lineup: a concierge stay aboard the Disney Magic, Sterling’s performance at Disney California Adventure during Food & Wine, and a seven-night Eastern Caribbean on the Disney Destiny that swaps routine ports for St. Martin, San Juan, and Lookout Cay. We’ll catch July 4th fireworks from a Polynesian bungalow and maybe sneak in the US Open in New York, Halloween scares we missed last time, and a holidays finale split between the Big Island’s volcano views and an Aulani New Year. Along the way, we dig into podcast stats—20,000 downloads, global listeners, and a surge fueled by guest stories and community energy—plus practical tips on staying smart in parks and on ships. Hit play to laugh at the mishaps, borrow our itineraries, and pick up strategies for making big trips feel doable. If you’ve got a Disney story to share or a cruise on the horizon, we’d love to have you on the show. Subscribe, leave a quick review, and tell a friend who still thinks FastPass exists—then drop us a note with your 2026 dream trip. ---- 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

    30 min
  6. 210. Winter Disney News Roundup

    JAN 5

    210. Winter Disney News Roundup

    New magic is landing from every direction, and we’re sorting the signal from the noise so you can plan with confidence. From Bluey stepping into the parks and onto the ships, to Electric Mayhem cranking up Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, to Autopia finally going electric, this week is packed with news that actually changes how you map a Disney trip. We walk through what’s opening, what’s closing, and what’s getting better so you spend less time guessing and more time making great choices. On the East Coast, we dig into Walt Disney World updates: refreshed tech on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, a thoughtful reimagining of Hollywood Studios’ Animation Courtyard, and Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival dates that anchor spring travel. Animal Kingdom’s next chapter begins as DinoLand sets its farewell, while Frozen Ever After gets a visual lift with new animatronic faces. We also flag the take off date for Soarin’ Across America and how limited-time overlays like The Mandalorian on Smugglers Run can flip a must-skip into a must-do. Out West, the long 70th celebration keeps Disneyland lively even as smart maintenance windows rotate key attractions. We break down Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world returning from their holiday states, Rise of the Resistance scheduling, and the practical win of Autopia’s electric conversion in 2026. California Adventure’s event cadence stays strong with Lunar New Year and Food & Wine, and Bluey’s Best Day Ever brings hands-on play to the Fantasyland Theatre—an easy anchor for family downtime between headliners. We also head to sea with Disney Cruise Line: the Disney Adventure’s complex journey toward Singapore, Bluey programming rolling onto the Dream and Wish, and an intriguing West Coast outlook that could make short back-to-back sailings the savvy path to status. Whether you’re plotting a once-a-year vacation or stacking weekends around festivals, you’ll find clear takeaways, key dates, and a few pro tips to avoid hiccups and long lines. Enjoy the episode? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and YouTube at our mousecapades, share with a Disney-loving friend, and drop a review in your podcast app. Tell us the one update you’re most excited to experience this year! ---- 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

    31 min
  7. 209. Theme Park Roulette: Hollywood Studios Edition

    12/29/2025

    209. Theme Park Roulette: Hollywood Studios Edition

    What happens when you hand your Hollywood Studios plan to a roulette wheel on a July Tuesday? We tested it—standby only, all ride types in play, casual sit down dining, storms looming—and discovered how randomness collides with Florida heat, crowd flow, and the realities of queue waits. From a lucky late-morning villains show to a brunch at Oga’s that fueled vibes more than bodies, we followed the wheel into Smugglers Run, character meets, Slinky Dog at peak heat, Tower of Terror salvation, and a Baseline Tap House reset that saved the evening. We closed with Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, a quick AC break at Vacation Fun, and the sparkle of Fantasmic as fireworks framed the lessons learned. Along the way, we break down practical tactics for Hollywood Studios without Lightning Lane: anchor your day with one morning headliner, a true midday meal indoors, and an evening show; group Galaxy’s Edge stops to reduce backtracking; use character experiences and theater shows as strategic AC breaks during storm windows; and respect the hidden time tax inside certain queues, especially Smugglers Run. We talk queue math, walk times, and why pretzels and charcuterie at Baseline can be the smartest thirty minutes you spend all day. If you crave spontaneity but don’t want to sacrifice fun, this story-driven play-by-play will help you build rails around randomness. You’ll hear where we went wrong, where we got lucky, and how small choices—shade, snacks, sequence—compound into either energy or exhaustion. Hit play, steal our hard-won tips, and then tell us: would you trust a wheel to plan your park day? Subscribe, share with a Disney friend, and leave a quick review to help more fans find the show. ---- 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

    21 min
  8. 208. Would You Rather...? DCL Chaos Edition

    12/22/2025

    208. Would You Rather...? DCL Chaos Edition

    Holiday cheer, knee-surgery jokes, and a stack of Disney Cruise Line would-you-rathers: we put our sea-day priorities to the test and uncover what actually makes a voyage unforgettable. From the big itinerary call—seven unhurried nights on the Disney Fantasy versus a Wish double dip at Castaway Cay—to the most controversial dining debate on the ocean, we weigh time, cost, and vibe to help you plan with purpose. We get honest about premium dining: Remy and Enchanté deliver exquisite, lingering dinners, while Palo brunch fuels your day without stealing it. Then it’s relaxation versus thrills as we square off between endless AquaDuck or AquaMouse runs and a private cabana on Castaway Cay, complete with shade, chilled towels, and your own slice of calm. Entertainment choices spark strong opinions too—front-row Broadway-style shows versus fireworks from your balcony—and we explain why the longer, crafted experience often wins out. Shore days and tools matter more than you think. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point dazzles with powder-soft sand and serene water, tempting even activity lovers away from Castaway’s bike-and-snorkel combo. We also pit paper Navigators against the app with concierge help, and there’s no contest when it comes to stress-free planning. Add in spa serenity versus fish extender chaos, a rare character breakfast victory over a Captain Minnie meet, and a few crossover curveballs—Hades in peak sass mode, dinner with the Madrigals, and the ultimate earworm showdown—and you’ve got a playful guide to dialing in your own perfect cruise. If you’re mapping a DCL trip, this conversation is your shortcut to smarter choices and happier sea days. Subscribe, share with your Disney crew, and leave a quick rating or review so more fans can find the show. What’s your must-pick: cabana day or brunch at Palo? ---- 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

    22 min
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4.5
out of 5
17 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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