MouseKast

Welcome to another Open Mic Night on MouseKast!  On this episode, Chuck Meaghan, Matt and Hawk discuss some of the new (or newly refurbished) attractions and events opening this summer at Walt Disney World.  Our viewers talk about some of their park planning strategies and we touch on park music.  Our viewers set the topics on this Open Mic Night!

"There's nothing free at Walt Disney World!"  While you might think that's the case, the reality is there are many free items and experiences for guests to enjoy at Walt Disney World.  From park maps, to free water, to experiences and more, Meaghan, Matt, Hawk and Chuck share some of their favorite freebies.

It's another Game Night on MouseKast!  This time we're playing three clues and an answer.  Chuck slowly provides three clues about a item at Walt Disney World.  Matt, Meaghan and Hawk, along with our live viewers, try to guess the answer - maybe before the third clue is revealed!  How will you do?

Disney recently announced the five songs that will play at the newly re-themed Rockin' RollerCoaster Starring the Electric Mayhem. We wanted to expand on that -- if we could set the playlist, what five songs would we choose?

For our final round of March Mouseness 2026, we'll look at the top 16 souvenirs at Walt Disney World.  From collectibles to apparel, low/no cost souvenirs and more - which will come out on top? There are a lot of souvenirs to be found at Walt Disney World, but which do Chuck, Hawk, Meaghan and Matt -- and our viewers -- think is the top souvenir?

Welcome to round 3 of March Mouseness!  On this round, we'll select the top of 16 Disney songs and soundtracks.  Which will come out on top?  It's all about the music on this week's edition of MouseKast!

We're back with another Game Night!  This time we're playing Two Truths and a Lie.  Chuck presents three statements about something at the Magic Kingdom.  Two of these statements are true and one is a lie.  Can you spot the lie along with Hawk, Meaghan and Matt?  Listen and find out!

Welcome to the 2026 March Mouseness tournament!  On this round, Matt leads Meaghan and Chuck through the top 16 Disney animated sidekick characters, who will be number one???

Welcome to the 2026 March Mouseness tournament!  On this round, Chuck leads Matt and Meaghan through the top 16 snacks at Walt Disney World!  From park exclusive snacks, to classic tasts, decadent delights and frozen favorites, which snack will be number one???

It's another Open Mic Night on MouseKast!  On this episode, Matt and Chuck join the listeners to discuss Thomas Mazloum's selection as the new chairman of Disney Experiences (including parks, cruise line, merchandizing, experiences and more) and what that might mean for Disney Parks.  We also discuss some of the partnerships we'd like Disney to persue for merchandizing, experiences, event and more!

The 2026 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival opens on March 4.  On this episode of MouseKast, Chuck, Meaghan, Matt and Hawk have a preview of the flora, fauna, fun and food included in this year's festival.  We also share some of our tips and tricks on how to get the most out of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

We're back for another Game Night - Where Have You Heard This?  Be sure to have your headphones on!  Can you identify where this audio clip is from?  It could be a current or extinct attraction, show, experience, restaurant or anything else at Walt Disney World!  How many can you identify?

On this episode of MouseKast, Matt is musing about how we might rearrange Disney's Hollywood Studios (go back to show 108 for our rearrangement of the Magic Kingdom).  What attractions, dining, shows or experiences might we either bring (or bring back) from another park into DHS, or remove from DHS to another park?   Matt, Meaghan and Chuck come up with some interesting ideas and concepts -- what do you think?

It's another Open Mic Night on MouseKast!  On this episode, Meaghan, Matt, Hawk and Chuck discuss their thoughts about Josh D'Amaro's selection as the new CEO of the Disney company and what we hope he will bring as the new CEO.  We also discuss creativity at Disney and a return to the "classics," the return of the Muppet Show and more!  Our viewers decide the topics on this episode of MouseKast.

With so many dining options at Walt Disney World, how can you decide which restaurants you shouldn't miss and which ones you should skip? On this episode of MouseKast, Chuck, Meaghan, Matt and Hawk review our top 5 Don't Miss dining options and our top 5 Just Don't restaurants.

It's game night on MouseKast!  We're starting a new game series -- guess the Disney detail.  Chuck provides some clues about a place, a thing, maybe a part of an attraction - and our hosts and online viewers try to identify the Disney detail.  Come play along!

On this episode of MouseKast, Matt is musing about how we might rearrange the Magic Kingdom.  What attractions, dining, shows or experiences might we either bring from another park into the Magic Kingdom, or remove from the Magic Kingdom to another park?   Matt, Meaghan and Chuck come up with some interesting ideas and concepts -- what do you think?

It's time for another open mic night!  On this episode of MouseKast, Hawk, Chuck and Meaghan talk with our viewers about some current Disney news including some refurbs, a new Disney+ documentary, the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon, the benefits of going to Disneyland and much more!  The viewers determine the topics we talk about!

On this special discussion, Chuck, Meaghan, and Matt look back at a transformative year at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. If 2025 felt different, that's because it was — this was truly the year of construction. From cranes on the skyline to walls teasing what's next, the parks were full of change, anticipation, and big promises for the future. The trio reflects on what it was like to visit during such a pivotal moment, what projects excited (or tested) guests the most, and how this year of building sets the stage for what's coming next. It's a thoughtful look back at a year defined not just by what was open — but by what was becoming.

What better way to wrap up the year than with a great game night -- and we return to one of the most popular games - 20 questions!  Can you guess the answer before Matt does?

On this holiday edition of MouseKast, Matt, Meaghan and Chuck review a special Disney/Universal edition of the 12 gifts of Christmas... from experiences to cast members to Christmas decor, memories and more -- what are the 12 gifts that a Disney or Universal trip give us?

On this episode, Meaghan and Matt talk with paper artist Jackie Huang about her journey from animation-minded college student to paper artist working with companies such as Disney and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to two-time children's author and illustrator. You can find Jackie on Instagram (@jackiehuangstudios), Substack (https://jackiehuang.substack.com/) and on her website, jackiehuang.com

On this month's Open Mic Night - Matt shares some stories and observations from a recent surprise trip to Walt Disney World, we review some of the new happenings and openings coming for summer 2026, and share some of our favorite Disney holiday traditions.  It's another Open Mic Night where our viewers determine the topics!

For many, planning their first (or subsequent) trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando can be daunting -- and many questions arise. On this episode of MouseKast, we review some of the most frequently asked questions we get.  It's MouseKast 101!

We've hit a major milestone, and we're celebrating the only way we know how — with Game Night! In this recurring 4th Tuesday of the month edition, Chuck puts Matt's, Hawk's and Meaghan Disney knowledge to the test in a fast-paced round of "Who Said or Sang It?" Can you identify the movie, song, show, or attraction each quote or lyric comes from… and name the character or performer behind it? Join in, play along, and help us mark 100 episodes of magic, memories, and plenty of laughter with the MouseKast family.

In this week's episode, Matt brings a fresh round of musings to the table — this time diving into Disney's most underrated films. Chuck and Meaghan jump in with their own takes as the trio imagines what new attractions these overlooked stories could inspire, breaks down the best (and the not-so-great) live-action remakes, and weighs in on recent restaurant changes across the Disney universe. Join the conversation as Matt sparks the ideas and Chuck and Meaghan keep the magic (and the laughter) going.

It's time for another Open Mic Night!  On this episode of MouseKast, our viewers share their thoughts about the ongoing deliberations between YouTube TV and Disney... turning 3D attractions back to 2D... lounge menus and pricing and much more!  The viewers control the topics on another open Open Mic Night!

Those who have visited the Magic Kingdom lately may have noticed several spaces that are practically unused -- prime real estate that could be put to better use. On this episode of MouseKast, we'll talk about those spaces and share our thoughts about how those spaces could be better used.

It's a special Halloween edition of Game Night on MouseKast!  Test your trivia knowledge of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Disney Halloween shorts, The Haunted Mansion, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and more!

Welcome to MouseKast!  On this episode we're starting a new recurring topic - Matt's Musings.  Matt throws out different ideas and "what ifs" for discussion.  On this episode, we muse about using Disney music at weddings, make some changes to the Magic Kingdom, prognosticate about Villains Land, share our favorite Disney Parks memories and more!

We're back with our monthly Open Mic Night!  On this episode of MouseKast, the live viewers join Chuck, Matt, Hawk and Meaghan to talk about several topics including recent Disney announcements about the new Zootopia show opening at Disney's Animal Kingdom, changes to Rock N Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios and changes to Frozen Ever After at Epcot.  The conversation then turns to recent price increases and concludes with some discussion about accessiblity in the parks.  The viewers take charge on the conversation on MouseKast!

In the wake of recent events at Universal's Epic Universe — including the tragic incident on the Stardust Racers ride — MouseKast dives deep into the evolving landscape of theme park culture. As parks grapple with rising guest expectations and the pressures of delivering immersive experiences, we explore: The etiquette of being a respectful guest The responsibilities of park staff and management The balance between thrill and safety The impact of entitlement culture on theme park operations How kindness and empathy can bridge the gap between patrons and employees Join us for a thoughtful conversation on how theme parks can move forward — with compassion, accountability, and a shared commitment to joy.

Welcome to another game night on MouseKast!  For this month's game night, we're challenging you to identify where you've heard each of our sound clips!  It could be from an attraction, show, restaurant, experience -- anywhere at Walt Disney World.  Get your ears on - it's an audio game night on MouseKast!

On last week's show (episode 90), we talked about the potential for updates Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party with the upcoming creation of Villains Land at the Magic Kingdom.  On this week's episode of MouseKast, we wanted to extend this discussion to all the other Disney parks -- as well as Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe -- and how these parks and resorts could "plus up" their Halloween/Fall decor, dining and more...  We're enhancing the spirit of the spooky season on MouseKast!

Boo to you!  Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) debuted at The Magic Kingdom for the 1995 Halloween season.  Over the years, there have been some changes and updates, but it's been quite a while since this event has seen any significant updates.  On this episode of MouseKast, Matt, Meaghan, Hawk and Chuck borrow Madame Leota's crystal ball and peer into the future to see what impact the upcoming addition of Villains Land at the Magic Kingdom might have on MNSSHP and what changes Disney could implement now even before Villains Land opens.  

We're back with another open mic night as the live viewers determine the topics.  On this episode, Chuck, Meaghan, Matt and Hawk talk about the recent opening of two lounges at Walt Disney World, the impacts of Epic Universe on annual passes at Universal Studios Orlando and a general discussion about when to consider an annual pass for Universal or Disney.  We then jump into the past to talk about past perks, attractions and more!  

Over Labor Day weekend 2025, Disney made a few announcements at Destination D23... including some changes at the Carousel of Progress, TRON Lightcycle Run, and Cinderella Castle. On this episode of MouseKast, we'll review these announcements and share our thoughts on a recent Disney Parks Blog post about they say are the best times to visit Walt Disney World.   

We're back with our monthly game night!  On this episode of MouseKast, gamemaster Matt leads us through some draft scenarios from new character meet-and-greets to new podcasts to new attractions based on movies that do not currently have an associated attraction.  Come play along!

When hinges creak in doorless chambers... it means it's Halloween season!  Chuck, Matt and Hawk join some other foolish mortals in the chat to talk all about Halloween Horror Nights at Universal, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney, Halloween Cruises on Disney Cruise Line and more! We're heading into the spooky season on MouseKast!

Open Mic Night is back on MouseKast!  On this episode the listeners/viewers take the reigns as Chuck, Hawk, Meaghan and Matt share the conversation with our listeners/viewers.  We talk about the first ever bar coming to the Magic Kingdom, and how this is another part of the evolution of Walt Disney's original vision for the parks.  Our listeners also share their thoughts about the need for much more kindness in the parks as guests continue to demonstrate their own version of "theme park rage."  

In late July, as part of the coverage of the 70th anniversary of Disneyland, Orange County Register writer Robert Niles published a commentary in which he shares his concerns about what Disney Parks may look like in 70 years from now (or if there will be any Disney parks in 70 years).  Meaghan, Matt, Hawk and Chuck take a deep dive into this idea and share our thoughts about some of the issues theme park companies face.  We're looking at what the future may hold - especially when it comes to the changing family dynamic on this episode of MouseKast!

Game night returns on MouseKast!  On this episode, Chuck brings back a fan favorite -- 20 questions!  Can Hawk and Matt and our guest, Mark, figure out the person, place or thing?  Will the live viewers make the correct guess?  Listen and play along -- see if you can figure it out!

If you've been anywhere on the East Coast lately, thermometers have been threatening to explode because it's so hot!  So how can you best handle the heat while at the parks?  Matt, Meaghan and Hawk talk with Chuck live from a toasty Magic Kingdom about some of the best ways to beat the heat – and – we have a special LIVE showing of the new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, with an instant review afterward.  It's a hot time with lots of magic on this edition of MouseKast!

You may have wondered why some Marvel characters aren't at Walt Disney World.  That's because Universal still owns the east coast theme park rights to certain Marvel characters.  On this episode of MouseKast, Chuck and Hawk consider what can Disney offer Universal to get full control of Marvel in the theme parks? What might Universal want?  What about some collaborative efforts?  We're lawyering up on this edition of MouseKast!

Open Mic Night returns on MouseKast!  On this episode, our live viewers dictate the topics we discuss.  On this Open Mic Night, we begin with the Liberty Belle's final run as construction begins on Piston Peak at the Magic Kingdom.  We also talk about spaces and places at Walt Disney World we think need to be revitalized and some of our must-do traditions for a Disney trip.  The viewers take control - on Open Mic Night here on MouseKast!

With the 4th of July coming up, we're taking a deep dive into fireworks and other nighttime events at Disney Parks.  Special guest and pyrotechnical expert, Mark Jones, joins us to discuss some of the behind-the-scenes work that takes place at Disney to put on a nightly fireworks show.  Plus, we talk about some of our favorite nighttime events and share some different places to view Magic Kingdom fireworks.  We're lighting up the sky on this episode of MouseKast!

It's game night!  On this episode we're playing "Would You Rather" Universal Studios vs. Walt Disney World edition!  

It's no secret that Epic Universe has become a game changer in the theme park industry, especially in central Florida.  On this episode of MouseKast, we bring back a fan-favorite topic:  What would Walt Do?  This time Chuck, Matt, Meaghan and Hawk discuss how Walt Disney might have reacted to the competition imposed by the opening of Epic Universe.  We're channeling our inner Walt Disney here on MouseKast, where the mind meets the magic!

Open Mic Night returns on MouseKast!  This time, Hawk, Meaghan and Matt take the reins and talk about several fan-driven topics including park hopping, rainy days at Disney and some of our favorite bathrooms!   Our viewers control the discussion on this episode of MouseKast!

Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be! In this episode of MouseKast, we break down the many benefits of using a travel agent when booking your next trip to the Disney Parks or setting sail on a Disney Cruise. From expert advice and personalized planning to stress-free scheduling and potential savings, we cover how a travel agent can help make your Disney experience smoother, more magical, and even more affordable. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this episode is packed with helpful insights you won't want to miss!