🎢 Disney World FIRST IMPRESSIONS — Bucket List Experiences We FINALLY Tried!

We just checked a TON of items off our Disney bucket list at Walt Disney World — and we’re sharing our honest first impressions of every single one!

From iconic rides to hidden gems, snacks, and immersive experiences, this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast covers everything we experienced for the very first time — including TRON Lightcycle / Run, Alien Swirling Saucers, and even the new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away! ✨✨

If you’re planning a Disney trip, building your own bucket list, or just love Disney content — this video is packed with insights, opinions, and a few surprises you won’t want to miss.

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:54) Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away

(00:05:33) Christopher Robin’s Room

(00:07:43) Belle in France

(00:08:36) Potatoland

(00:10:17) The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant

(00:12:22) Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs

(00:13:44) Pardon the Interruption

(00:14:54) Back to the Corn Dogs

(00:17:06) Pretzel Bread Pudding / Sommerfest

(00:19:15) 50's Prime Time Café

(00:22:25) Minnie Vacay

(00:23:44) Alien Swirling Saucers

(00:25:07) TRON Lightcycle / Run

(00:28:28) Remaining Disney Bucket List Items

• First impressions of Disney rides, food, and experiences
• Hidden gems you might be missing at Disney World
• Honest reviews (no Disney influencer sugarcoating 👀)
• Our updated Disney bucket list

• Disney World trip planning
• Disney food reviews
• Ride reviews & first reactions
• Disney fans & park lovers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation and wondering if Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is worth it? 🎨✨ We’re breaking down our full stay in a Finding Nemo Family Suite and giving honest grades on everything from food to vibes!

In this episode, we share our real experience staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort - including what surprised us, what we loved, and what we think could be better.

🐠 We stayed in the Finding Nemo Family Suite

How spacious is it really? Is it worth the price for families? We walk you through the layout, comfort, theming, and who we think this room is perfect for.

🌊 Big Blue Pool Review

We spent time at the Big Blue Pool (the largest pool at Walt Disney World!) and talk atmosphere, crowd levels, theming, and whether it lives up to the hype.

🍔 Food & Dining at Art of Animation

We break down Landscape of Flavors — quality, variety, value, and convenience for park days.

🎶 Vibes & Theming

From Finding Nemo to Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid — does this resort feel immersive or overwhelming? Is it relaxing… or sensory overload?

📍 Location & Transportation

We talk Skyliner access 🚠, bus transportation, and how easy it is to get to the parks.

🙌 Cast Member & Staff Experience

Did the service match Disney standards?

At the end, we give each category a letter grade so you can quickly decide if Art of Animation is the right fit for your Disney trip.

If you’re researching:

• Best Disney World Value Resorts
• Disney Art of Animation Review 2026
• Finding Nemo Family Suite Review
• Is Art of Animation worth it?
• Best Disney Resort for Families

…this episode is for you!

Don’t forget to follow along for more Walt Disney World reviews, tips, and honest takes to help you plan the most magical vacation possible! ✨🏰

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:04:18) First Impressions

(00:16:30) Minnie Vacay

(00:17:43) Cool Kids Summer

(00:24:50) Did it Meet Expectations?

(00:41:31) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod...

🏴‍☠️ Did you catch our First Impressions of The Beak & Barrel? You can watch it on YouTube! ➡️ https://youtu.be/-TUW0vOcd78

👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link)

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disney just revealed a slate of plans tied to 2026 — and taken together, they tell a much bigger story about where the parks are headed.

In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, we break down 10 major Disney Parks announcements and grade each one on a tier list, looking beyond the hype to talk about what actually matters for guests.

We discuss:

• What Disney is clearly prioritizing heading into 2026
• Which announcements excite us — and which concern us
• How these changes could impact crowd levels and planning
• What this shift means for people planning Disney trips in 2026 and beyond
• Who Disney’s future plans really seem to be designed for

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip, debating Disney vs. Universal, or just trying to make sense of Disney’s long-term direction, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually affects your experience.

🎢 Let us know which announcement you’d rank in S-tier — and which one deserves an F.

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:10) Disney World in 2026

(00:21:58) Minnie Vacay

(00:23:09) Podcast Exclusive!

(00:26:21) Themes of 2026

(00:30:44) Next time on Big Thunder Pod...

🐉 Did you catch our First Impressions on Epic Universe? You can watch it on YouTube! ➡️ https://youtu.be/PfyK9gx-Q-U?si=ZMi1dcaTYbh_Bdqa

👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link)

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All we want for Christmas… is Disney to actually fix some things. 👀

In this holiday-themed episode, we’re sharing our ultimate Disney World 2026 Christmas wish list — from bold hot takes that might ruffle some feathers to practical updates that would make planning a Walt Disney World trip easier than ever. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or starting to think about a Disney vacation in 2026, these are the changes we think Disney needs to make.

🎁 In this episode, we talk about:

• Big Disney World changes we want to see in 2026

• Travel and planning updates that would make park days less stressful

• Ride, hotel, and guest experience improvements Disney should prioritize

• A few spicy hot takes Disney fans might not agree on 👀

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, following Disney news, or just love debating the future of the parks, this one’s for you.

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:02) Disney Parks Wish List

(00:05:37) Magical Express

(00:08:03) Christmas & Hollyowd Studios

(00:09:42) Resort Perks

(00:13:42) Olaf

(00:15:29) U.S. Parks

(00:17:08) Animal Kingdom

(00:21:46) Affordability

(00:25:35) Tomorrowland

(00:29:42) Abby's Hottest Take

(00:32:39) Beau's Hottest Take

(00:35:41) Bonus Entries

(00:38:58) Minnie Vacay

(00:40:06) Final Thoughts

(00:41:14) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod...

(00:43:20) Close

🐉 Did you catch our First Impressions on Epic Universe? You can watch it on YouTube! ➡️ https://youtu.be/PfyK9gx-Q-U?si=ZMi1dcaTYbh_Bdqa

👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link)

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or gearing up for the opening of Epic Universe? 🌌 In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, we break down our first-ever stay at Universal’s brand-new Stella Nova Resort — and whether it truly is the best new value hotel option at Universal.

We give Stella Nova an overall grade and score the individual categories that matter most to families and theme-park travelers:

• Location & transportation to Epic Universe and the Universal parks 🚍
• Room quality & comfort 🛏️
• Dining and food options 🍔🍕
• Themed design & atmosphere ✨
• Pool area & amenities 🏊‍♂️
• Price vs. value 💰

If you’re trying to decide where to stay for your next Universal Orlando vacation, or you want to know how Stella Nova compares to Cabana Bay, Terra Luna, or the Universal Helios Grand Hotel inside Epic Universe, this episode gives you everything you need. 🎢

Whether you're planning your first visit or looking for the perfect hotel for your family, this review will help you figure out if Universal’s Stella Nova Resort should be your home base for Epic Universe 2025. 🌍✨

Tune in for honest opinions, helpful tips, and all the insight you need before booking your stay! 🎧

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:08) A Resort's Importance

(00:03:33) Cost & Disney Comparison

(00:04:44) Stella Nova Review

(00:16:11) Minnie Vacay

(00:17:29) Grade Expectations - Pool, Food, & More

(00:35:30) Would You Return?

(00:38:12) Viewer Comments

(00:40:43) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod...

🐉 Did you catch our First Impressions on Epic Universe? You can watch it on YouTube! ➡️ https://youtu.be/PfyK9gx-Q-U?si=ZMi1dcaTYbh_Bdqa

👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link)

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as two Disney Adults superfans take our first-ever trip to Epic Universe — Universal Orlando’s massive new theme park! Can this brand-new park really compete with Disney World? …Or did it just steal our hearts (sorry, Mickey 😳)?

In this video, we explore Epic Universe lands, rides, food, and the overall experience, sharing our honest reactions as Disney diehards seeing it all for the first time. From Celestial Park to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, and more — we break down everything that surprised us, impressed us, and totally shocked us.

Whether you’re planning your first visit, comparing Disney World vs. Epic Universe, or just love theme park content, this video will help you decide if Epic Universe is worth it and whether it truly challenges Disney’s magic.

✨ In This Video:

• Our real first impressions of Epic Universe

• How it compares to Disney World

• Rides, theming, food, crowds & atmosphere

• What Disney still does better

• What Universal absolutely nailed

• Should Disney fans be worried?

🏰 Disney World vs. Epic Universe — Who wins?

Watch to find out!

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:39) Abby vs. Universal

(00:05:04) Getting to Epic Universe

(00:06:09) Celestial Park

(00:08:32) How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk

(00:12:53) Super Nintendo World

(00:20:35) Pizza Moon & More

(00:23:18) Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

(00:28:50) Dark Universe

(00:33:22) Minnie Vacay

(00:34:25) Epic or EHHHpic

(00:47:12) Final Thoughts

(00:55:22) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod...

🔔 Subscribe for more Disney, Universal, and theme park adventures from the Big Thunder Podcast!

🌴 We stayed Club Level at Disney's Polynesian Resort! Was the upgrade worth the ??? ➡️ https://youtu.be/CgkwvlYKd3U

#EpicUniverse #UniversalOrlando #DisneyWorld #ThemeParks #DisneyVsUniversal #BigThunderPodcast #EpicUniverseReview #UniversalEpicUniverse #DisneyFans #FirstTimeAtEpicUniverse

👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link)

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s Big Thunder Podcast, we finally snag a reservation at The Beak and Barrel, the brand-new Pirates of the Caribbean–themed tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland! ⚓ We’re sharing every detail from the immersive pirate atmosphere to the animatronic parrot who might just steal the show. 🦜

Was the 45-minute time limit enough to enjoy our grog and grub? Are the snacks worth their weight in treasure, or should this bar walk the plank? 🍗💀 We’ll dish on the best (and weirdest) menu items, the two-drink limit, and whether the hype for this swashbuckling spot is truly deserved.

If you’re planning your Disney World 2025 vacation, hunting for the best new Magic Kingdom restaurant, or just want to know if it’s worth fighting for a reservation, this is the episode for you. 🎢

👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link)

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:00:48) Beak and Barrel Basics

(00:01:30) Reservations

(00:2:28:26) Post-Fireworks Nightmare

(00:08:27) Charley's Jungle Cruise Review

(00:10:18) Checking In at Beak & Barrel

(00:11:24) First Impressions

(00:16:25) Food & Drinks

(00:20:17) The Time Limit

(00:22:42) Minnie Vacay

(00:23:45) Would You Go Back?

(00:25:39) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod..

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎃 In this episode of The Big Thunder Podcast, we share our honest thoughts on our very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom! 🌙 From the exclusive party treats 🍪 and spooky ride overlays 👻 to the Boo-To-You Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks, we’re breaking down everything you need to know before you go.

🎟️ Was the event worth the price? 💸 What are the must-do attractions and shows? 🕛 And how can you make the most of your time at this limited-capacity Halloween event? We’re sharing tips, surprises, and even a few disappointments from our experience so you can plan your best Disney Halloween trip yet! 🎃✨

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:16) The Game Plan

(00:03:33) Food Reviews

(00:08:49) Boo-to-You Review

(00:15:04) Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

(00:16:29) Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks

(00:17:57) Personal Highlights

(00:22:31) The Negatives

(00:29:01) Minnie Vacay

(00:30:19) Final Thoughts

(00:37:12) Advice for Next Year

(00:40:18) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod...

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎃🍴 In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, we sink our teeth into the brand-new foods at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025 and the delicious new offerings at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival 2025. Whether you’re planning your trip to Walt Disney World this fall or just dreaming about the spooky snacks and global flavors, we’ve got you!

👻 From sweet treats to savory bites, we share what’s new, what’s returning, and which items we’d put at the top of our must-try list. Plus, to keep things fun, we play a game during each food discussion—testing our Disney knowledge and adding a little extra magic along the way.

✨ If you’re planning a Disney trip, looking for the best Halloween snacks at Magic Kingdom, or wondering which EPCOT Food & Wine Festival foods are worth it, this episode is packed with tasty tips and Disney foodie fun.

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:08) Mickey's Not-So-Spooky Halloween Party

(00:03:18) New Halloween Party Foods

(00:16:00) Minnie Vacay

(00:17:28) Epcot's Food & Wine Festival

(00:18:58) New Festival Foods

(00:35:03) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod...

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🌺 Aloha from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! In this week’s episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, Beau and Abby share all the details from their recent stay at the Polynesian Resort Club Level 🏝️ — from the incredible lounge snacks 🍍 to the stunning fireworks views over Seven Seas Lagoon 🎆. If you’ve ever wondered whether Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is worth it, we’ve got tips, pros, cons, and insider info to help you decide.

We also dive into the breaking news about Star Wars Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios ✨, talking about what the announced changes could mean for Star Wars fans and park-goers. Plus, we give our first impressions on the final Marvel film of 2025, The Fantastic Four: First Steps!

Whether you’re planning your own Polynesian stay, a Hollywood Studios day, or just love geeking out over Disney and Marvel news, this episode has a little something for everyone. 🌴✨

🎧 Listen now and start planning your dream Disney getaway!

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:00:55) Changes Planned for Animation Courtyard

(00:10:16) Minnie Vacay

(00:11:41) Staying Club Level at the Poly

(00:39:23) Non-Spoilers - Fantastic Four: First Steps

(00:47:20) SPOILERS! Fantastic Four: First Steps

(00:52:54) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod...

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

🖥️ Check us out on YouTube!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.