Adventures of a Disney Dad: A Walt Disney World Trip Planning Podcast

Everything NEW at Disney World in 2026 (Plus the Best Disney World Deals Right Now)

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down everything that’s new at Walt Disney World in 2026 and what it means for families planning a trip.
We cover Disney’s new CEO, what changes (and what probably won’t), and then dive into the best Disney World deals for 2026, including bounce back offers, room discounts, and how kids can eat free on the Disney Dining Plan.
Then we walk park-by-park through the biggest updates for 2026, including Cool Kids Summer, new shows, returning rides, construction impacts, and what’s actually worth planning around at each park.
If you’re trying to decide whether 2026 is a good year to visit Disney World, this episode will help you plan smarter and save money.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Disney World 2026 Overview + New CEO Discussion
07:10 – Disney World 2026 Deals Explained (Bounce Back, Room Discounts, Kids Eat Free)
12:20 – Cool Kids Summer at Disney World (What It Is and Why It Matters)
13:00 – Animal Kingdom 2026 Updates (DinoLand, Zootopia, Bluey & Bingo)
16:00 – Magic Kingdom 2026 Updates (Big Thunder, Beacon Barrel, Castle Repaint)
20:10 – EPCOT 2026 Updates (Geo-82, Frozen, Test Track, Soarin’)
23:00 – Hollywood Studios 2026 Updates (Muppets, Animation Courtyard, New Shows)
27:25 – Is 2026 a Good Year to Visit Disney World? Final Thoughts
👉 Need help planning your Disney, Universal, or Disney Cruise Line vacation?
Get a free quote and let Matt help you find the best deals for your dates.
https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
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Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. It helps the podcast more than you know.

Real Disney World Questions, Real Answers (No Fluff)

In this listener Q&A episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip tackle real Disney World planning questions straight from the inbox. From the best and worst holidays to visit Walt Disney World, to dining strategies, Skyliner food debates, and whether certain “Disney hacks” still work, this episode is packed with practical advice for families planning a trip.
Matt also shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning a large family spring break vacation, including resort decisions, transportation logistics, and the big question a lot of families are asking right now: is Epic Universe worth it with young kids?
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, first-timers, or planning a more relaxed Disney trip, this episode is full of honest takes and experience-driven advice.
👇 Listener questions covered in this episode include:• Best and worst holidays to visit Disney World based on crowds, snacks, and events• Are pre-park opening dining reservations still worth it• Is Topolino’s Terrace a good brunch stop on a Hollywood Studios day• Is the Fantasmic Dining Package actually worth the cost• Best breakfast and dinner options along the Skyliner that beat EPCOT• How to plan around dining reservations with toddlers• When Disney’s major construction projects might realistically be finished
🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.
📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email or DM us and we’ll answer it on the show.
👉 Need help booking character dining or planning your trip?
Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free.
📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
⭐ Enjoy the podcast?
Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us.
Have a question? Email us!
matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com
☕ Want to support the podcast?
If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going.
https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur
 
📬 Have a Disney planning question?
Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

Top 6 Character Dining Experiences at Disney World

Trying to decide which Disney World character dining experiences are actually worth the money? In this episode of Adventures of a Disney Dad, Matt and Chip rank their top 6 character dining experiences at Walt Disney World from worst to best, based on real trips, real kids, and real food opinions.
We break down what actually matters to families, including:
Which character meals give you the best bang for your buck
Where the food is genuinely good vs just “theme park good”
Which experiences save you the most time meeting characters
And which popular options might not live up to the hype
From Akershus and Crystal Palace to Cinderella’s Royal Table, Tusker House, 1900 Park Fare, and our clear #1 pick, we explain exactly why each spot landed where it did on the list.
Plus, we wrap things up with a rapid-fire snack draft, sharing our favorite snacks at Walt Disney World when you don’t want quick service or table service, including a few snacks you probably aren’t expecting
If you’re planning a Disney vacation in 2026 (or beyond), this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes and book character dining with confidence.
🎯 Calls to Action
👉 Need help booking character dining or planning your trip?Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free.📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
⭐ Enjoy the podcast?Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us.
☕ Want to support the podcast?If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going.
📬 Have a Disney planning question?Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

Why EPCOT Is the Most Misunderstood Disney Park (with Dapper Danielle)

EPCOT might be the most misunderstood park at Walt Disney World, especially for families who haven’t visited in years.
In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, we’re joined by Dapper Danielle and co-author Ian Wilson to talk all things EPCOT, inspired by their brand-new book I Love EPCOT. We dive deep into what EPCOT really is today, how it’s changed, what families often miss, and why this park deserves way more credit than it gets.
If you’ve ever wondered whether EPCOT is “boring,” too adult-focused, or skippable on a first Disney trip, this episode will completely change how you see the park.
🎢 In This Episode, We Cover:
Why EPCOT gets such a bad rap with millennials and families
What EPCOT is like now vs 10–15 years ago
The history and hidden details most guests never notice
Why EPCOT is secretly one of the best parks for characters
Candlelight Processional, festivals, and underrated experiences
EPCOT’s biggest missed opportunities (and biggest wins)
Each guest’s EPCOT “Mount Rushmore” must-do list
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Disney fan, you’ll walk away with a brand-new appreciation for EPCOT.
📘 Get the Book
Check out I Love EPCOT and I Love Disney’s Magic Kingdom to explore the parks in a whole new way.
Get them here: I Love EPCOT: https://amzn.to/4qlS8J1I Love Disney’s Magic Kingdom: https://amzn.to/4sH1Uaq
Connect with Danielle: https://www.instagram.com/thedapperdanielle/Connect with Ian: https://www.instagram.com/ianw._.w/
🏰 Need Help Planning Your Disney Trip?
We help families plan Walt Disney World vacations every day.👉 Get a free, no-obligation Disney quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
 
☕ Support the Show
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support our work, you can buy us a coffee or leave a tip. Every bit helps us keep creating free planning content for families.👉 Tip jar: https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur
👍 Don’t Forget
Subscribe for weekly Disney planning episodes
Leave a review if you found this helpful
Share this episode with someone planning an EPCOT day

Overrated Disney World Advice We Wish Families Would Ignore

Are you following Disney World advice that actually makes your vacation worse?
 
In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, Matt and Chip break down the most overrated Walt Disney World planning advice we see all over social media, Facebook groups, and TikTok. From crowd calendars and rope dropping every day to overbooking dining and paying extra for hotel views, we’re calling out what families really don’t need to stress about.
 
We’re sharing real, experience-based advice that helps you plan a Disney vacation that actually works for your family, not an influencer’s spreadsheet.
 
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Disney planning or pressured to “do it all,” this episode is for you.
 
🎢 What We Cover in This Episode
 
Why crowd calendars are wildly overrated
 
When paying extra for a hotel view is (and isn’t) worth it
 
Why you don’t need dining reservations every day
 
The truth about Disney transportation vs Uber/Minnie Vans
 
Why rope dropping every day can backfire for families
 
Why your Disney resort is more than just a place to sleep
 
When Skyliner and Monorail resorts are not the best choice
 
Whether park hopping is actually worth the money
 
Why EPCOT is absolutely for kids (and Animal Kingdom is not “just a zoo”)
 
⏱️ Episode Chapters
 
01:45 Why online Disney advice can be misleading
02:30 Hotel room upgrades and views
05:20 Why crowd calendars don’t matter
09:40 Disney transportation myths
14:40 Overbooking dining reservations
17:20 Rope dropping every day
22:55 Your resort is part of the vacation
25:40 Skyliner and Monorail resort myths
28:15 Is park hopping worth it?
30:00 EPCOT for kids and Animal Kingdom misconceptions
33:40 Final thoughts and listener questions
 
🏰 Need Help Planning a Disney Trip?
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line or Universal Orlando vacation in 2026 and want expert help, I’m a travel agent and my services are 100% free.
 
👉 Get a quote and start planning: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
 
☕ Enjoy the Show? Support the Podcast
If this episode helped you and you want to support the work we do, you can buy me a coffee or leave a tip to support future episodes and content.
 
👉 Tip jar and support link: https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur
 
📩 Got a Question?
Send in your listener questions and we may answer them on a future episode.
Email: matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com

Major Walt Disney World Changes Coming in 2026 That Families Need to Know

Walt Disney World is heading into a major transition year with a lot of construction happening, and 2026 is shaping up to change how families plan their trips.
In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, we break down everything we know so far about what’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2026 and what it actually means for real families. From Bluey and Bingo arriving at Animal Kingdom to major changes at Hollywood Studios, ride refurbishments, character moves, and festival dates, there’s a lot happening that could impact when you go and how you plan.
We also talk candidly about spring break crowds, traveling with babies, and how upcoming closures like Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster and Frozen Ever After could affect your 2026 vacation if you’re not paying attention.
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip in 2026, or even thinking about it, this episode will help you avoid surprises and make smarter planning decisions.
🎧 Episode Chapters
00:00 Welcome back and life updates03:15 Planning Disney World during spring break with kids and babies07:55 Bluey and Bingo coming to Animal Kingdom in 202612:10 Is Animal Kingdom becoming a full-day park?14:30 Taylor Swift Eras Tour costumes at Hollywood Studios16:05 Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster changes and Muppets retheme20:10 How refurbishments impact trip planning22:10 Hollywood Studios animation courtyard and character changes25:30 Festival dates and ride closures that affect 2026 trips26:45 When will Cinderella Castle be repainted?28:30 Final thoughts and planning advice
🏰 Need Help Planning a Disney Trip?
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line or Universal Orlando vacation in 2026 and want expert help, I’m a travel agent and my services are 100% free.👉 Get a quote and start planning: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
☕ Enjoy the Show? Support the Podcast
If this episode helped you and you want to support the work we do, you can buy me a coffee or leave a tip to support future episodes and content.👉 Tip jar and support link: https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur
📩 Got a Question?
Send in your listener questions and we may answer them on a future episode.Email: matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com

Disney World 2025 Holiday Planning, Party Tips, and Must Know Updates

If you are planning a Walt Disney World trip for the 2025 holiday season, this episode answers the most common listener questions we are getting right now. Matt and Chip break down the newest changes at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, how to plan park days around Christmas parties, whether MultiPass is still worth it during holiday hours, the best free Christmas activities for families, what crowds look like the week between Christmas and New Years, and how to prepare for Florida’s unpredictable winter weather.
 
If you want real, practical advice from two dads who do this every week, this is the episode to watch.
 
In today’s episode, you will learn:
 
The new changes at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
 
What Disney removed, what the new packages include, and whether the experience is still worth it for girl dads in 2026.
 
Disney World holiday strategy that saves your sanity
 
How to plan around Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, which days have the lowest wait times, and how to avoid the biggest holiday mistakes.
 
Why Premier Pass is selling out at four hundred twenty nine dollars
 
What that price spike really means for families and the future of line skipping in the parks.
 
The honest truth about Epic Universe
 
Why wait times are out of control, why Express Pass is becoming essential, and the simple mistake that ruins most first time visits.
 
The best free Christmas activities at Disney World
 
Resort decorations, gingerbread houses, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, and how to meet Santa without a park ticket.
 
How to prepare for Florida winter weather
 
The temperature swings that surprise most families, what to pack, and the simple trick that prevents an emergency trip to Disney Springs for clothes.
 
Listener questions answered
 
Holiday crowds, MultiPass during party days, Christmas week warnings, and more.
 
If you want real, practical, family centered Disney and Universal planning advice without the gimmicks, this is your episode.
 
Chapters
01:05 What changed at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in 2026
04:20 Is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique still worth it
09:00 Disney Cruise Line updates and discounts
12:45 Epic Universe warning Should families visit without Express Pass
15:55 Why is Premier Pass selling out Is it worth the price
20:40 Listener Question How to plan park days during Christmas party season
24:50 Listener Question Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party vs Jollywood Nights
28:55 Listener Question The best free holiday activities at Disney
34:20 Listener Question Is Christmas week really that crowded
38:35 Listener Question How to handle Florida winter weather swings
42:20 Final thoughts and trip planning tips
 
Helpful Links
 
Get a free Disney or Universal vacation quote!
Your trip deserves expert planning and it costs you nothing.
➡️ https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
 
Read the latest Disney planning guides
➡️ https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/
 
Join the newsletter for weekly tips and deals
➡️ https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/

7 Rookie Disney World Planning Mistakes That Ruin Vacations

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is exciting, but it is also way easier to get wrong than most families realize. After helping hundreds of families plan their trips, I see the same seven mistakes over and over, and they lead to stress, meltdowns, exhaustion, and a vacation that feels more like a survival mission than actual fun.
In this episode, I break down the 7 rookie mistakes most first-timers make at Walt Disney World and show you exactly how to avoid them so your trip is smoother, happier, and actually feels like a vacation.
You’ll learn:• Why party nights and park hours can quietly wreck your plans• The big reason you should never do Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios back to back• How one extra resort night can transform the entire trip• Why dining reservations can throw off your whole schedule• When rope drop hurts families more than it helps• Simple ways to recover, pace yourself, and avoid burnout• The number one planning mistake that ruins Disney trips for most families
📩 Get a free vacation quote: www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote📰 Join the weekly newsletter: www.adventuresofadisneydad.com
Plan smart, not perfect — and I’ll see you in the parks!

We Ranked the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels...

Ranking every Walt Disney World resort hotel — from the best deluxe resorts to the ones we’d only stay at for a discount. In this episode, Matt and Chip debate and break down every Disney World resort using real experience as dads, travelers, and Disney fans.
If you’ve ever wondered which Disney resort is actually worth the money, this tier list covers it all — transportation, dining, pools, theming, and value for families. Before you book your next trip, find out which resorts made the Elite Tier and which ones we’d avoid (even if the price looks tempting).
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro: How we ranked every Disney resort01:50 Animal Kingdom Lodge04:20 All-Star Resorts06:30 Caribbean Beach Resort09:30 Grand Floridian12:00 Saratoga Springs13:50 Pop Century16:40 Art of Animation18:10 Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter21:00 Wilderness Lodge & Fort Wilderness24:20 Yacht & Beach Club25:50 Coronado Springs27:40 Polynesian Village Resort29:30 BoardWalk Inn30:50 Contemporary Resort32:30 Riviera Resort
 Resources & Free Planning Help
Plan your Walt Disney World vacation with Adventures of a Disney Dad — free tools, honest rankings, and expert tips for families.💻 Blog: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com📬 Join the newsletter for resort guides and Disney planning tools🎧 Listen to the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

How to Plan the Perfect runDisney Weekend (Without the Stress)

The Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast is back, and this week I’m joined by my friend and returning guest, Matt Richardson, one of the most passionate voices in the Disney running community. We’re diving into everything you need to know before your first runDisney race weekend, including the early mornings, the corrals, the famous Balloon Ladies, and all the details that make these races different from anything else out there.
Whether you’re considering signing up, or actively getting ready for Wine & Dine, Princess Half Marathon, Marathon Weekend, or Springtime Surprise, this episode will help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for race day.
 
🎧 In This Episode:
How Matt got started with runDisney and what makes these races so special
Why runDisney events are perfect for beginners and new runners
How to navigate early mornings, corrals, and the 16-minute pace rule
Tips for avoiding rookie mistakes and making the most of race weekend
What to expect at the expo, plus merch advice
Our picks for the best races and resorts for runners and spectators
⏱ Chapters:
01:00 – What makes runDisney races unique
06:00 – Why racing keeps runners motivated
08:30 – What makes the runDisney community so inclusive
10:30 – The Balloon Ladies explained (and how not to get swept)
13:00 – Navigating corrals, proof of time, and pacing tips
17:30 – Character photos vs race time: how to balance both
20:30 – Early morning race logistics (yes, 2:30 a.m. wake-ups!)
25:00 – Avoiding social media fear-mongering before your race
27:30 – Fueling and pre-race breakfast strategies
30:30 – When to arrive for race weekend and expo tips
38:00 – Which race weekend is best for first-timers
44:30 – The value of charity bibs and fundraising tips
46:00 – Best Disney resorts to stay at for race weekend
 
📎 Show Notes & Links:
🎽 Follow Matt Richardson on social:
https://www.instagram.com/mattrichardson
https://www.tiktok.com/@matthungryagain
 
💙 Support Matt’s Boys & Girls Club charity run: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2025bgccfdisneywinedine/account/2159671/
 
🏰 Plan your next runDisney trip with me — my travel services are 100% free: www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
 
📧 Join my newsletter for Disney race tips, park planning, and family vacation advice: www.adventuresofadisneydad.com
 
🔗 Read: 6 Tips to Avoid the runDisney Balloon Ladies: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/rundisney/rundisney-balloon-ladies
 
#runDisney #DisneyWorld #DisneyRunning #DisneyMarathon #WineAndDineHalfMarathon #PrincessHalfMarathon #MarathonWeekend #SpringtimeSurprise #AdventuresOfADisneyDad