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. 230. DVC Resort Review: The Villas at Disneyland Hotel

    1D AGO

    230. DVC Resort Review: The Villas at Disneyland Hotel

    The Disneyland Hotel has been part of Disney history since 1955, but its newest chapter is very much about the future: The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, also known as the Discovery Tower. We walk you through what it’s actually like to stay here using Disney Vacation Club points, from the first impression of the tower’s “storytelling through color” exterior to the practical details that matter when you are planning a real trip to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.  We get specific about room types and who each one is for, including the tiny yet points efficient Duo Studio, the more versatile DVC Studio, and the One Bedroom Villas that finally bring the full kitchen, dining table, and in room washer and dryer many members expect. We also cover Two Bedroom options for larger families and the jaw dropping Three Bedroom Grand Villa setup for groups who want peak luxury. Along the way, we share the tradeoffs with views, the layout of the sprawling Disneyland Hotel campus, and why this resort can be easier than you’d think for getting to the parks and Downtown Disney on foot.  Then we dig into the money and logistics: the DVC points chart ranges, the important Anaheim transient occupancy tax that is not included in this contract, and why that nightly fee can change the math for your stay. We also talk pools, cabanas, the fitness center, and our favorite dining and drink stops like Palm Breeze Bar, Trader Sam's Tiki Bar, and the broader Downtown Disney food lineup that sits just steps away.  If you’re considering DVC at Disneyland, thinking about renting DVC points, or just want a clear guide to the newest deluxe accommodations at Disneyland Resort, hit play, then subscribe and share the show with a Disney friend. If you like what you hear, please leave a rating and review so more Disneyland planners can 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: @ourmousecapades YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespod https://OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    38 min
  2. 229. Is the Strongest Disney Magic In Anaheim?

    MAY 18

    229. Is the Strongest Disney Magic In Anaheim?

    She’s a Disney World regular, a DVC owner, and a self-proclaimed Disney nerd who went from cruise skeptic to Disney Cruise Line Gold in under two years. But until recently, Heather had never made the pilgrimage to Disneyland, the park where Walt’s presence still feels close enough to touch. Her first walk down Main Street sets the tone fast: the light in Walt’s apartment, the fire station, the windows, the castle, and the immediate realization that nostalgia hits differently in Anaheim, even on your first visit. We dig into what it’s like to plan a first time Disneyland trip when you’re used to the scale of Walt Disney World, including how a compact park map can feel intimidating until you learn the flow. Heather shares how her friends built a detailed touring plan with Lightning Lane strategy, why rope drop to close is both effective and brutal, and which attractions truly outshine their Florida counterparts. The ride comparisons get specific, from a longer and richer Pirates of the Caribbean to the real stretching room elevator at Haunted Mansion, plus a candid look at how tighter sightlines can sometimes break immersion. Then we go where every great Disney planning conversation eventually goes: food. Heather talks churros (California wins, no contest), quick-service favorites, Cozy Cone cravings, and a jaw-dropping anniversary surprise that includes dinner at Club 33 during an Alice in Wonderland overlay. We wrap with the big Disneyland vs Disney World question: which one is better at heartstrings, and which one still wins as the ultimate vacation destination. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a Disney friend, and please leave a rating and review so more fans can 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: @ourmousecapades YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespod https://OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    58 min
  3. 228. The Ultimate Asia Disney Trip

    MAY 11

    228. The Ultimate Asia Disney Trip

    A family of six. Two international Disney parks. A brand-new mega cruise ship. And one massive question: can you actually make a trip like that work with four kids and come home happy? We sit down with D'Nesha, who went from dreaming about Disney as a kid in Louisiana to pulling off a true bucket-list itinerary across Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, then sailing Disney Cruise Line’s newly launched Disney Adventure.  We talk through the real planning behind a multi-stop Asia Disney vacation, including how she booked international flights first, price-tracked shorter regional hops, and chose hotels that made transportation simple. If you’ve wondered how to get around in Shanghai with Didi, how Hong Kong’s metro and Octopus system feels with kids, or what long-haul flying is like when you’re trying to avoid turning the cabin into chaos, D'Nesha shares what worked and what surprised her. She also gets candid about jet lag, language barriers, and why crowd culture at international Disney parks can lead to shorter ride waits and longer character lines.  Then we shift to the Disney Adventure cruise experience: what felt different on a brand-new ship, how character interactions and crowd control work when thousands of guests are on the app at once, and why the entertainment, dining, and photo opportunities still delivered big “Disney” moments. D'Nesha also shares two critical planning topics families often miss: medication restrictions in certain countries and how visa-free entry rules depend on onward travel proof and timing.  If you’re planning Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, a Singapore add-on, or your first Disney Cruise Line sailing in Asia, this conversation is full of practical tips and honest takeaways. Subscribe for more travel strategy, share this with your favorite Disney planner, and leave a review with the biggest international trip you’d attempt next. You can find D'Nesha on Instagram @raisingbabymerritts. ---- 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: @ourmousecapades YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespod https://OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    1h 20m
  4. 227. Spring Break Crowds of Destiny

    MAY 4

    227. Spring Break Crowds of Destiny

    Spring break on a brand new Disney Cruise Line ship sounds like pure pixie dust, until you realize everyone else had the exact same idea. We sit down with our returning guest Amy, a proud DCL veteran, to hear what it’s really like sailing the Disney Destiny during peak season with a five year old who lives for Marvel heroes, big character moments, and nonstop kid club time. We dig into the full Disney Destiny review: the five night itinerary with a stop at Cozumel (and why staying onboard can be the right call), plus a Castaway Cay day that still proves why Disney’s private island is many cruisers’ happy place. Amy shares the practical details that matter when you’re planning a Disney cruise, from the family veranda stateroom setup and surprise fireworks views to how sea days feel on a Wish class ship packed with activities like Uncharted Adventure. Then we get candid about the tradeoffs of a spring break cruise. We talk Hercules hype, what worked brilliantly, and what felt like a production still smoothing out timing and tech. We also unpack crowd pressure, long lines for villains like Dr. Facilier, and the kind of seat saving chaos that can make a premium vacation feel stressful. On the brighter side, we cover rotational dining (Pride Lands, Marvel, 1923), the Haunted Mansion Parlor as a next level themed bar, and why the Rainforest Room pass can be the best money you spend onboard. If you enjoy honest trip reports and Disney Cruise Line planning tips, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a rating and review so more Disney fans can find us. What’s your deal breaker on a crowded sailing? ---- 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: @ourmousecapades YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespod https://OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    1h 7m
  5. 226. You Can Do Disneyland Without The Rush

    APR 27

    226. You Can Do Disneyland Without The Rush

    You don’t have to rope drop to close down the park to have a great Disneyland trip. On our spring break visit, we purposely slowed the pace and discovered that guided tours are one of the best ways to experience Disneyland Park when you want comfort, story, and a little extra magic without sprinting between rides. We break down what a Disneyland guided tour actually is: small groups led by a specially trained Cast Member, a themed itinerary, headsets for easy listening, and a few perks that can include reserved viewing or expedited attraction access. We also share a practical accessibility tip for hearing aid users, plus a quick look at what tours are currently offered and how they compare with the high-priced VIP tour option. Then we recap two tours we took. The 70th Anniversary Tour digs into park history and design choices, from Main Street’s subtle evolution in time to vintage Disneyland commercials in your ear as you walk. The Women Who Make The Magic tour spotlights the trailblazing women behind Disney storytelling and park-making, encouraging everyone to slow down, look up at the dedication windows, and notice the names that shaped Disneyland’s legacy. We also sprinkle in a few trip highlights outside the tours: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the Walt Disney Story, live entertainment, and a very real lesson in pivoting when Lightning Lane plans fall apart. If you love Disney history, Imagineering details, and smarter ways to plan a Disneyland vacation, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a Disney friend, and leave a rating and review so more park fans can 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: @ourmousecapades YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespod https://OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    51 min
  6. 225. Napa Rose and Disneyland Dining Highlights

    APR 20

    225. Napa Rose and Disneyland Dining Highlights

    Napa Rose is back and we came hungry. After a slower Disneyland Resort trip (recovery pace is real), we realized the best “attraction” of the week was food, and the newly remodeled Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel delivered a serious fine dining moment. We walk through what changed, what still feels classic, and why the ambiance might be the one thing that keeps it from reaching its full Michelin-level potential. Then we get into the details you actually want when you’re planning Disneyland dining: how hard reservations can be, what the lounge walk-in situation feels like, and what the new prix fixe setup costs before you even consider wine pairings. We recap our cocktails, the amuse-bouche, bright first courses, richer pasta plates, and mains that made us pause mid-bite. Nathan also puts the kids’ grilled cheese to the test and it somehow becomes a top-two sandwich of all time. From there, we share a few highlights from Club 33’s Le Grand Salon, then head straight into the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. We explain how the Sip and Savor Pass works, the “eat it all the same day” rule we almost missed, and the booth items we’d happily chase again, plus the one dish that overwhelmed us fast. If you’re building a Disneyland foodie hit list, this is the roadmap. Subscribe for more Disneyland trip reports, share this with your favorite Disney foodie, and leave a rating and review so more fans can find us. What’s the one Disneyland bite you’d plan a whole day around? ---- 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: @ourmousecapades YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespod https://OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    55 min
  7. 224. Olaf Fainted & Grogu Wants Merch Money

    APR 13

    224. Olaf Fainted & Grogu Wants Merch Money

    Disney changes don’t arrive in a slow drip right now, they come in waves. This week is another of our quarterly Disney news roundups that help you track what matters across Disney's movies, parks, the cruise line, and corporate intrigue coming from the House of Mouse. And yes, we also have one very important personal headline: we’re headed to Napa Rose for dinner, with a remodeled, re-menued review coming soon. On the film side, we talk about why Pixar’s Hoppers hits so well, then jump into what’s next on the release calendar. The Mandalorian and Grogu looks ready to bring Star Wars humor and a whole lot of Grogu-driven box office energy. Toy Story 5 has us laughing and questioning whether the toys even want another sequel. Live action Moana feels surprisingly soon, but we’re still curious to see how it lands. And from Marvel, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has us genuinely hyped for what looks like another tough reset moment for Peter Parker. Then we shift to Disney Parks updates and what they mean for your next trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Cinderella Castle is nearly done with its repaint, DinoLand U.S.A. is officially closed, and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is moving from Aerosmith toward the Muppets. We also hit the return of high tea at the Grand Floridian, big anniversaries like Shanghai Disneyland’s 10th and Tokyo DisneySea’s 25th, and the newest additions that will drive crowds, including Bluey experiences, Frozen’s expansion in Paris, and the refreshed Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Finally, we get into Disney Cruise Line growth and corporate tea. The Disney Adventure launches, Japan cruise news hints at more than one ship, and leadership changes bring a new era with Josh D’Amaro as CEO and major shifts at Lucasfilm. If you like smart Disney speculation mixed with real planning context, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a Disney friend, and leave a rating and review so more fans can 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: @ourmousecapades YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespod https://OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    37 min
  8. 223. Disneyland for the Toddler Trifecta

    APR 6

    223. Disneyland for the Toddler Trifecta

    A last-minute flight deal turns into a full-on Disneyland stress test: two tiny kids, huge crowds, a rainy day at Disney California Adventure, and one missing “best friend” pillow that nearly breaks everyone’s heart. Jarrett is back to share how his family tackled their first Disneyland trip after recently doing Disney World and a Disney cruise and what actually changes when you swap Orlando’s giant bubble for Anaheim’s compact, walkable resort. We talk through the real planning decisions parents care about, like whether park hopping is worth it with a five-year-old and a two-year-old, how rope drop can happen by accident, and why Lightning Lane can feel like a lifesaver and a headache at the same time. Jarrett breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised them most, from navigating stroller pinch points and record-level crowds to chasing Star Wars thrills in Galaxy’s Edge. Rise of the Resistance downtime, rider swap limitations, and height requirement surprises all make the trip feel messy, but the wins are big. There’s also plenty of Disneyland and DCA detail for Disney trip planning nerds: ride highlights like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Smugglers Run, Web Slingers, and kid-friendly coasters, plus food notes on better Disneyland churros, the breakfast Ronto Wrap, and a quirky popcorn bucket refill rule difference. Most importantly, we dig into the parenting side: toddlers melt down, do weird toddler things, and still walk away with memories that pop up months later. If you’re planning Disneyland with young kids or comparing Disneyland vs Disney World, this one is for you. If you want to hear more about Jarrett's trip, go check out his blog post at https://jswordsmith.com/taking-toddlers-to-disneyland-the-real-story/. If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe, share the episode with a Disney-loving friend, and leave a rating and review so more listeners can find us. What’s your best tip for surviving Disney with little kids? ---- 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: @ourmousecapades YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourmousecapadespod https://OurMousecapades.com podcast@ourmousecapades.com

    52 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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