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!
This episode sponsored by Dontresistthetravel.com