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

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

What I Wish I Knew Before Taking My Kids to Disney World

I planned our first Disney World trip the wrong way and learned the hard lessons so you don’t have to. In this episode I share 6 things I wish I knew before our first Walt Disney World vacation with little kids so you can save time, avoid stress, and have a smoother trip.
What you’ll learn:
00:50 Dining Reservations: Not the End of the World
02:49 Rope Drop: Not Mandatory for Everyone
04:47 Transportation Woes: Plan Ahead
08:08 Disney Discounts: Keep an Eye Out
10:04 Choosing the Right Resort: It Matters
12:39 Embrace Disney Technology: Save Time and Stress
I’m Matt, a Disney dad of three and a travel agent who plans trips for families every week. These are the exact tips I give my clients.
Walt Disney World Key Date Calculator: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/walt-disney-world-key-date-calculator
 
Free weekly tips: Join my newsletter for park strategies, booking reminders, and family-first advice → www.adventuresofadisneydad.com
 
Work with me: Ready for help planning your trip? Get a free quote →https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

9 Disney World Splurges That Are Worth Every Penny

Disney World is expensive, but not everything is worth the money. In this video, I share 9 Disney World extras that are always worth the splurge. From fireworks dessert parties and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to Savi’s Workshop and VIP tours, these are the upgrades my family has tried and loved at Walt Disney World.
You’ll learn what each experience costs, what’s included, and why it may (or may not) be right for your trip.
👇 Helpful Links
📖 More Disney planning tips: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com
Read more: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/walt-disney-world/disney-world-experiences-actually-worth-the-money
📝 Free Disney World vacation quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
👍 Like this video, subscribe, and share your favorite Disney splurge in the comments!

Disney World Planning Listener Questions!

In this episode, Chip and Matt are joined by special guest Hallie Jones to answer your listener questions!
We discuss the pros and cons of Disney resorts like Pop Century vs. Coronado Springs, to offering expert tips on Multi Pass.
We also dive into topics such as the best viewing spots for Magic Kingdom fireworks outside the park, common mistakes to avoid at Magic Kingdom, and much more.
01:50 Discussing Disney's Announcements and Future Plans
05:08 Tron Aries Overlay and Upcoming Trips
08:28 Which Parks to Visit on Which Days
15:01 Split Stays Between Universal and Disney
22:07 Best Spots to View Magic Kingdom Fireworks
25:42 Pop Century vs. Coronado Springs
33:28 Common Mistakes at Magic Kingdom
38:45 When to Consider Park Hopper Tickets
43:48 Top Multi Pass Selections at Epcot
48:56 How Much Time Do You Spend on Your Phone at Disney?
 
Newsletter and Freebie: www.adventuresofadisneydad.com
Plan your next trip with me (free)
👉 https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
Connect with Hallie: https://www.instagram.com/itallstartedwithamouse138

Animal Kingdom 1 Day Itinerary with Kids (2025)

Animal Kingdom in one day with kids. Exact plan with rope drop strategy, Lightning Lane Multipass picks, must see shows, best character meets, can’t miss food, hidden trails, and how to handle evenings. It’s not just a zoo and not just a place for thrill rides. We show how to balance Flight of Passage or Kilimanjaro Safari at rope drop with a chill, animal forward day that still hits the headliners.
01:00 Skip park or half day debate with kids 02:30 Rope drop philosophy with Multipass basics and pricing 03:30 Flight of Passage vs Safari at rope drop, how to pair with Multipass 05:30 First three Multipass picks that work all day 07:30 Characters you should prioritize and where to find them 09:00 Trails, photo spots, and “side quests” around Tree of Life 11:00 3 2 1 family plan: 3 rides, 2 characters or shows, 1 meal 13:00 Use Tusker House to meet Mickey and friends fast 15:00 Quick eats that hit, what to skip for food 18:00 Kali River Rapids: when to ride and when to skip 20:00 Park hours, Pandora at night, and evening hop strategy 22:00 Half day vs full day and cutting table service if time is tight
 
Plan your next trip with me (free): https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

10 Things at Disney World NOT Worth Your Time or Money

This week we are sharing how to save money and time at Walt Disney World with 10 Disney World things to skip! I sat down with Disney Content Creator, Jay, to discuss some popular dining, parties, add-ons and strategies that we think are NOT worth the time or money.
00:24 Meet Jay: Disney Content Creator
01:28 Resort Reviews: Contemporary vs. Boardwalk
03:13 Dining at Disney: Steakhouse 71 and More
04:11 Jay's Disney Content Journey
09:44 10 Things Not Worth Your Time or Money at Disney
21:05 Is Park Hopper Worth It for First Timers?
22:19 The Pitfalls of Overplanning Your Disney Vacation
23:24 The Importance of Flexibility in Your Disney Schedule
25:56 Saving Money on Disney Resort Views
28:21 The Downside of Too Many Table Service Restaurants
30:19 Avoiding Long Waits for Peter Pan's Flight
32:05 The Hassle of Booking Dining at Other Resorts
34:48 Skipping Water Rides to Stay Dry
36:53 The Fantasmic Dining Package Debate
 
📱 Connect with Jay! • Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/king.jayscorner
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kingjay9
 
📌 Planning a Disney vacation? Let’s work together: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
Blog: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/
 

9 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tips for 2025. Learn how to avoid common mistakes at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, beat the crowds, and plan the perfect night at Magic Kingdom with your family.
You paid over $150 for one night at Disney World’s Halloween party. In this episode, I’m sharing 9 practical strategies based on years of experience taking my kids to MNSSHP. From character meets to parade timing, this guide will help you save time, skip stress, and make the most of your night.
Watch this if you want to enjoy MNSSHP without wasting time, missing out on characters, or melting down in a parade crowd.
📍 Chapters:
01:03 The Crowd Myth You Need to Know
02:40 How Early to Arrive (and Why)
04:00 Group Costume Strategy
05:10 Set Priorities, Not Schedules
06:55 Rare Characters and Wait Times
08:45 Best Time for Boo-To-You Parade
10:15 When to Ride Rides
11:10 Florida Weather Realities
12:20 Candy Bag Hacks
13:10 Why We Skip Table Service Meals
 
📌 Planning a Disney vacation? Let’s work together:
https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

Disney Food Blog Founder Reveals the Truth About Disney Adults

In this episode, we’re joined by AJ Wolfe, the founder of Disney Food Blog and owner of AllEars, to talk about the heart behind her new book Disney Adults. We explore what it really means to be an adult Disney fan, how the term has evolved over time, and why this audience plays such a vital role in Disney’s future.
AJ also shares her perspective on how content creation has shifted, which food trends need to end, and what it’s like running two of the most influential platforms in the Disney space. This is a real conversation about nostalgia, burnout, honesty, and how to hold onto the magic even when the parks feel more complicated than ever.
👇 Watch this if you’re a Disney fan who’s ever been told to “grow out of it.”
📘 Grab AJ Wolfe’s book Disney Adults: https://amzn.to/41aIluL
 
📍 Chapters:01:16 AJ Wolfe's Disney Journey
05:45 The Birth of Disney Food Blog
08:20 Running a Disney Media Empire
16:52 Writing the Book on Disney Adults
24:32 Influencer and Fan Stories
28:17 The Power of Disney Adults
31:50 Navigating Disney's Evolution
34:03 Personal Disney Favorites
40:12 Disney Dining Insights
 
📌 Planning a Disney vacation? Let’s work together:https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

Disney World on a Budget: Rachel Cruze’s Planning Strategy

Disney World on a budget is possible — and in this episode, financial expert Rachel Cruze shares how her family plans affordable Disney vacations without debt, guilt, or overspending.
Rachel is a New York Times bestselling author, host of The Rachel Cruze Show, and co-host of Smart Money Happy Hour. She joined me on the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast to break down how she saves, budgets, and balances family expectations when planning trips to Walt Disney World.
🎢 From $15,000 Disney vacation headlines to real travel agent numbers💰 How to avoid debt and plan smarter over time👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Navigating money and marriage while planning Disney🍦 When to say “yes” to bubble wands and treats — and when to pass🏰 Why Rachel skips some character meals (and the one she’ll always book)
Whether you’re a first-time Disney planner or trying to make the most of your next trip, this episode is packed with practical strategies and honest advice that will help you plan a magical Disney vacation without the financial stress.
👇 Need help planning your trip? I’m a Disney-focused travel agent — and my services are 100% free:🔗 https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote
📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofadisneydad/🌐 Blog & planning tools: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com
#RachelCruze #DisneyWorldOnABudget #DisneyVacationPlanning #DebtFreeDisney #FamilyTravelTips #DisneyDad #DisneyPlanning #BudgetDisney #WaltDisneyWorld