In this episode, a massive shakeup at Walt Disney World as new CEO Josh D’Amaro reportedly pauses Villains Land to demand something bigger, darker, and far more ambitious—potentially redefining the future of Disney expansion. We break down rumors of a Forbidden Mountain coaster, next-level trackless ride tech with “panic mode” vehicles, and a Fortress of Evil centerpiece designed to compete directly with Universal’s Epic Universe. Plus, Smugglers Run gets a Mandalorian-powered overhaul, Toy Story Midway Mania closes ahead of Toy Story 5, and Olaf joins Animation Academy with brand-new dialogue from Josh Gad

Beyond Disney, the competition is heating up with Mattel filing plans for a $3 billion indoor-focused Orlando theme park, Universal rolling out aggressive ticket deals that slash per-day pricing, and Jurassic Park props appearing backstage at Universal Hollywood. Plus Dollywood’s wildly creative themed airline experience tied to Smoky Mountain Christmas.

On this episode, we unpack one of the biggest leadership shifts in Disney history as Josh D’Amaro is officially named the next CEO, reshaping the future of Parks and Entertainment. We break down what that means for the company, plus Lightning Lane Premier Pass selling out at a staggering $449, new ride system patents that could power Piston Peak in Cars Land, and the revealed building layouts for both Cars Land and Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

We also dive into major attraction updates across Walt Disney World, including Frozen Ever After’s refreshed animatronics, new permits tied to the Muppets takeover of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, a Walt animatronic coming to Carousel of Progress, and significant enhancements planned for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Add in DVC 35th Anniversary incentives, Tropical Americas expansion details at Animal Kingdom, and even Royal Caribbean’s bold new Discovery Class ship announcement, and this episode is stacked with future-focused news for serious theme park fans.

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In this episode we discuss the massive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge timeline changes, new characters, classic John Williams music, and even a Cantina refresh shaking up the land. We also cover EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts Lorcana quests, the possible Bluey transformation coming to Animal Kingdom, Haunted Mansion construction tied to Villains Land, and new queue re-entry rules that every park-goer should understand before their next trip.

The aftershow heats up with Universal and SeaWorld news, including Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift officially replacing Rip Ride Rockit, Pokémon attractions officially coming to Universal Japan and what that might mean for Orlando, Fan Fest Nights in Hollywood, and a stacked Seven Seas Food Festival concert lineup.

Add in leadership shakeups at Lucasfilm, retail closures at Disney Springs, and Gideon’s Bakehouse expanding into savory territory, and this episode is packed with industry shifts and fan-favorite surprises from start to finish.

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Get ready for a packed episode of The Rhubarb Travelers Podcast as we break down major Disney news, smart vacation strategies, and some genuinely surprising updates across the theme park world. From Disney Vacation Club’s 35th Anniversary casting call to Kids Eat Free on the Disney Dining Plan, plus big changes to Disneyland perks and water park access at Walt Disney World. We also dig into major ride updates, including Rise of the Resistance going down indefinitely at Disneyland and fresh details on the Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear refurbishments.

In the Aftershow, we roll into Universal and beyond with Halloween Horror Nights anniversary details, Mardi Gras concert lineups, Harry Potter anniversary celebrations, and what’s coming next at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Add in listener trip-planning questions, new Toy Story Land snacks, high-tech LEGO Star Wars sets, and a billion-dollar Avatar box office run, and you’ve got an episode that hits theme park news from every angle. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just love staying in the loop, Episode 10 delivers the fun and the facts.

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In Episode 9 of The Rhubarbs Travelers, we ring in the new year by taking a Disney survey about the new Storyliving community Asteria located in Pittsboro, NC. In the news, Disney is cracking down on DVC point rentals, possibly using new AI monitoring to target commercial-scale operations. We also discuss the major 2026 refurbishment of Cinderella Castle, which includes a return to its classic original color scheme. Then, we dive into the latest aerial photos of the Villains Land expansion at Magic Kingdom and the technical wizardry behind the new free-roaming Olaf animatronic. Plus, we share essential tips for new DVC members on how to score spots for the highly coveted Moonlight Magic events.

The Aftershow heats up with Universal Orlando news as the Jurassic Park River Adventure begins a massive ten-month closure, sparking rumors of a Jurassic World re-theming. We analyze new permit filings suggesting an Intamin-designed flagship attraction is coming to the Lost Continent, with speculation swirling between a Harry Potter expansion or a Legend of Zelda debut. We also take a quick trip across the globe to look at the ambitious $1 billion Dracula-themed resort currently under construction in Romania. Join Blake and Damon as we break down what these massive investments mean for your 2026 travel plans!

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In Episode 8 of The Rhubarbs Travelers, we have an official date for the closing of the Aerosmith version of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. We also dive into Disney’s massive $1 billion investment in OpenAI, which will soon allow fans to create their own Sora videos featuring over 200 iconic characters from Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. We also discuss the 2027 launch of Lakeshore Lodge, a project aimed at bringing "apartment-style" immersive living directly inside the parks. We also cover Disney’s new "no exceptions" final sale policy at outlet stores designed to shut down professional resellers for good. Plus, we get into the holiday spirit with details on the newly announced 2027 Hallmark movie, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, filming right on location at the resort.

In our Aftershow, we react to the first-ever LEGO Harry Potter land and themed accommodations announced for LEGOLAND Deutschland, a historic investment for the Wizarding World.

Make sure to stick around to the end as Damon talks about coming to watch Blake perform with The Raleigh Ringers! And go check out the group at www.rr.org

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In Episode 7 of The Rhubarbs Travelers, we celebrate the long-awaited arrival of Bluey to Disney Parks, detailing the new shows and experiences coming to Disneyland and Animal Kingdom. We also discuss the confirmed July 2026 opening date for Soarin’ Across America and analyze the rumors surrounding airline-style ticket pricing and a new partnership with Meta for smart glasses. DVC members won't want to miss our breakdown of the 2026 annual dues and the surprising 30-month extension to the Contemporary Resort's refurbishment. Plus, we explore Disney's cutting-edge animatronics, from a free-standing dancing Minnie Mouse to the next-gen tech coming to the Lion King ride in Paris.

Stay tuned for our Aftershow, where we react to Zootopia 2 making history with the biggest global opening for an animated film of all time. We also dig into intriguing permits filed at Disney Springs that point to a new concept from the owner of Gideon's Bakehouse taking over the Art of Shaving space. From the permanent closure of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster pre-show to the reimagining of Hollywood Studios' Animation Courtyard.

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In this week’s episode, the guys discuss the looming question of whether all the construction will make 2026 a surprisingly slow year for Disney World attendance, and dive into the massive Tropical Americas overhaul that includes the all-new Indiana Jones ride coming to Animal Kingdom in 2027. Damon and Blake also share the latest details on the Disney on Broadway Concert Series returning to Epcot for the Festival of the Arts.

Plus, we answer a listener's questions about planning a first-time trip to Dollywood. In the Aftershow, we talk about Universal Orlando's future, footers confirming the coaster replacing Rip Ride Rockit, and the prevailing rumors about a potential Quidditch-themed expansion at Epic Universe.

This episode sponsored by Dontresistthetravel.com