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Dis & Hers
Dis & Hers episodes
- Spirit Airlines’ Collapse, and the Great WDW vs. Disneyland Attraction Debate (Ep. 17)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back at Magic Kingdom after a lengthy refurbishment, and Disney fans wasted no time flooding Frontierland for the reopening. Lauren and Eric break down the surprisingly massive crowds, debate whether the updated coaster was really worth a multi-hour wait, and compare Walt Disney World’s version of Big Thunder to Disneyland’s and even Disneyland Paris’. They also dive into one of the week’s biggest travel stories: the shutdown of Spirit Airlines and what Disney travelers can do to keep finding affordable flights in an increasingly expensive travel landscape.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad officially reopens at Magic Kingdom after a lengthy refurbishment
- Lauren and Eric react to the massive opening day crowds and multi-hour wait times
- A coast-to-coast debate over whether Disneyland or Walt Disney World has the better versions of classic attractions
- Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World all enter the Disney attraction showdown
- Why Disneyland’s Fantasyland feels different and more nostalgic to longtime Disney fans
- Spirit Airlines officially shuts down after nearly 34 years in business
- The impact Spirit’s closure could have on Disney travelers looking for budget-friendly vacations
- Alternative budget airline options for Disney trips including Breeze, Allegiant, Frontier, and Southwest
- Travel hacks and booking strategies that can help Disney fans save money on flights
- Why flexibility and rebooking may be the key to cheaper Disney vacations moving forward
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 min - Is Disney Actually Listening… (Ep. 16)
Lauren and Eric dig into a question Disney fans have been quietly (and loudly) asking: is Disney finally starting to listen again? From ride reliability to cast member culture shifts and the return of meaningful passholder perks, the duo breaks down what’s changed and what might just be clever business strategy.
Then they pivot to the dollars-and-cents reality of annual passes in 2026, exploring whether the latest discounts and perks actually make them worth it. Along the way, they balance optimism with skepticism and invite listeners to decide for themselves what’s really driving Disney’s recent moves.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ride reliability improvements point to proactive maintenance and fewer breakdowns across major attractions
- Disney acknowledges post-COVID hiring gaps and refocuses on cast member hospitality training
- Fan influence shows up in visible changes like the Magic Kingdom castle repaint
- Major 2026 refurbishments planned for classic rides including Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear
- Galaxy’s Edge begins shifting to include classic Star Wars characters after years of fan feedback
- VIP Passholder Summer Days expands with deeper perks and a longer three-month run
- 40% dining discounts and upgraded lounges highlight Disney’s push to reward loyalty
- Annual pass math reveals most guests need multiple trips to truly break even
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTSEric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
37 min - Top 10 Disney Rookie Mistakes (and Why the Lines Feel Worse Than Ever) (Ep. 15)
Lauren and Eric break down the biggest Disney rookie mistakes that can quietly derail your trip, from poor planning to painful footwear, and why so many guests end up frustrated before the day is done. Drawing from hundreds of community responses, they count down the most common missteps first-time visitors make and share how to avoid them. Then, they pivot to a growing concern across the parks: why lines do not just feel long, they feel worse than ever. From Lightning Lane dynamics to queue etiquette, this episode connects the dots between planning mistakes and longer, more frustrating waits.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The top 10 Disney rookie mistakes, crowdsourced from hundreds of guest experiences
- Why forgetting basics like sunscreen, water, and ponchos can cost you comfort and money
- The real impact of wearing the wrong shoes on a high-step park day
- How failing to plan for weather can lead to expensive last-minute purchases
- Why not understanding park layout leads to wasted time and unnecessary walking
- Why using the My Disney Experience app is essential for wait times, mobile ordering, and navigation
- How dining reservations or lack of them can derail your day
- The importance of rope dropping and setting realistic time expectations
- Why showing up without a plan often leads to frustration and missed experiences
- The psychology behind why Disney lines feel longer than they actually are
- Lightning Lane versus standby and how shifting ratios are impacting perceived wait times
- The rise in line-cutting complaints and the gray areas around queue re-entry
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTSEric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
34 min - Epic Universe vs. Walt Disney World: What’s Actually Worth Your Summer Vacation? (Ep. 14)
Lauren and Eric revisit Universal’s Epic Universe one year after their first visit to see how the park experience has evolved and whether it’s still worth the cost and effort in 2026. From rising hotel prices and long wait times to the reality of Express Pass strategy, they break down what’s changed and what hasn’t. Then, they pivot to Disney’s aggressive summer push, exploring whether discounts, refreshed attractions, and new experiences are enough to keep guests from jumping ship. If you’re planning a summer trip, this episode helps you decide where your time and money should go.
HIGHLIGHTS
- One year later: how Epic Universe’s crowds, pricing, and ride reliability compare to opening season
- The real cost of visiting Epic, including Express Pass debates and “ghost room” hacks
- Summer heat and park design: how Epic’s layout impacts comfort and touring strategy
- Disney’s $99 room deals and summer promotions aimed at keeping guests on property
- New vs. refreshed: Muppets coaster overlay, Buzz Lightyear updates, and Smugglers Run changes
- Family trip planning dilemma: Disney vs. Universal for kids ages 7 to 10
- Listener perspectives from Reddit and Facebook on whether Epic is “worth it” right now
HOSTS
Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
34 min - Worth the Wait? The Rides We Skip & How Much We Spend on Disney (Ep. 13)
Eric and Lauren dive into one of the most relatable Disney debates: which rides are actually worth the wait. Inspired by a road trip listen to a popular attraction-ranking podcast and a deep Reddit scroll, they compare their own “line tolerance” for fan-favorite rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Frozen Ever After. Then, the conversation shifts to the real cost of Disney vacations, breaking down what families are actually spending per day and where those dollars really go. It’s a mix of hot takes, practical planning, and a little financial reality check for Disney fans.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Breaking down a March Madness-style bracket of the best theme park rides in America
- Which Disney attractions are not worth a 60+ minute wait according to fans
- The ongoing debate: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train vs. Slinky Dog Dash
- Why Frozen Ever After is a must-do for some and a hard pass for others
- How Reddit users really feel about wait times at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom
- The surprising “$1,000 per day” rule for Disney vacations
- Food budgets, Lightning Lane costs, and how quickly expenses add up
- Hidden pre-trip costs like merch, outfits, and Amazon hauls
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32 min - The Utilidor Isn’t So Magical After All (Ep. 12)
Lauren and Eric go underground this week to unpack their unexpectedly viral TikTok and the surprisingly polarizing reactions to their utilidor-inspired basement. What started as a fun Disney homage quickly turned into a reality check from former cast members who know the tunnels all too well. Then, the conversation moves topside as they explore what it really costs to live near Walt Disney World, from Golden Oak luxury to the curious case of Celebration.
HIGHLIGHTS
- A TikTok featuring their utilidor-themed basement sparks viral attention and unexpected cast member reactions
- Former Disney cast members reveal the less magical side of the utilidor, including smells, noise, and daily operations
- The surprising divide between Disney fan perception and cast member reality when it comes to backstage areas
- A breakdown of Golden Oak living, including home prices ranging from $4M to $18M and steep HOA fees
- Celebration, Florida examined as Disney’s original master-planned community, with mixed reviews from residents on charm versus “uncanny valley” vibes
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
36 min - D23 Strategy, Legends Debate & The Rise of the Bourne Stuntacular (Ep. 11)
Lauren and Eric break down everything you need to know about D23 2026—from the expanded week-long fan experience to the realities of membership tiers and ticket strategy. They also dive into this year’s Disney Legends class, unpacking fan reactions and notable “snubs.” Then, the conversation shifts to Universal, where an unexpected meme has thrust the Bourne Stuntacular into the spotlight. Finally, they explore underrated Disney park experiences that fans say deserve more love.
HIGHLIGHTS
- D23 2026 expands into a full week of fan experiences leading up to the Anaheim Convention Center expo (August 14–16)
- Breakdown of D23 membership tiers, including free, Gold Essential, Gold Choice, and Gold Complete options
- Ticketing strategy insights, including Honda Center access and the challenge of securing premium experiences
- Disney Legends 2026 class includes Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, and more
- Fan reactions highlight debate over “snubs” like Hilary Duff, Raven-Symoné, and Selena Gomez
- Why D23 is “Comic-Con for Disney fans” and who it’s really worth it for
- The viral rise of Universal’s Bourne Stuntacular thanks to in-park signage and social media memes
- How crowd behavior and visibility impact theme park show attendance
- Reddit’s best underrated Disney World experiences, from resort boat rides to quiet pavilion corners
- Personal hidden gems, including Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough and Main Street moments
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 min - From Disneyland Magic to Universal Hollywood Thrills and Vegas Horror (Ep. 10)
Eric and Lauren recap a whirlwind West Coast trip that somehow included perfect Disneyland weather, a near-lost family heirloom, a surprise ER visit, and a first-ever Universal Hollywood experience. From standout meals and parade magic to unexpected disappointments and unforgettable moments with friends, this special trip report covers it all. Plus, the highs and lows of taking the whole family to Vegas for a taste of Horror Unleashed.
HIGHLIGHTS
- March at Disneyland delivers ideal hoodie weather, smaller crowds than summer, and a surprise overlap with Food & Wine Festival
- Staying off-property at the Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance proves more affordable, spacious, and just as convenient as Disney hotels
- Paint the Night parade lives up to the hype, while fireworks are a no-show thanks to Santa Ana winds
- Plaza Inn emerges as the best meal of the trip, beating out expectations including Blue Bayou
- A magical recovery story as a lost diamond ring is found in a hotel hot tub against all odds
- First-time visitor reactions remind Eric and Lauren just how impactful Galaxy’s Edge still is for non-Disney regulars
- Universal Studios Hollywood impresses with the Studio Tour, WaterWorld stunt show, and nostalgic charm despite smaller scale
- A medical scare sidelines Lauren for part of the trip, leading to an unexpected visit to the hospital where Walt Disney passed away
- Vegas Horror Unleashed delivers thrills, while the Sphere and Strip experiences offer mixed results for a family trip
HOSTS
Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
48 min - Live Streamers, Snack Wars, and Disneyland Strategy Mistakes (Ep. 9)
Eric and Lauren unpack a wild week in the Disney parks, from the growing debate around live streamers and park etiquette to Disney’s latest efforts to win back middle-class families. They also dive deep into the Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World snack showdown and share a costly lesson about choosing between Lightning Lane and Park Hopper. It’s a mix of park culture, planning strategy, and plenty of food opinions.
HIGHLIGHTS
- A live streamer incident at Disneyland sparks a bigger conversation about safety, swatting risks, and whether live streaming should be restricted in the parks
- The difference between respectful content creators and disruptive live streamers, including real guest and cast member frustrations
- Disney’s new push to attract middle-class families with lower ticket options, discounts, and kid-focused experiences
- Expanded low-tier ticket availability, summer promotions, and added value offerings across Disneyland and Walt Disney World
- The ongoing value debate: breaking down cost-per-hour and whether Disney is still “worth it” compared to other entertainment
- Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World snacks: why Lauren says Disneyland wins and Eric… just eats everything
- Standout Disneyland snacks including the raspberry macaron, Matterhorn cream puff, and cheesy garlic pretzel bread
- A Disneyland strategy mistake: skipping Lightning Lane leads to a $600 Park Hopper decision mid-day
- Food & Wine Festival crowds at Disney California Adventure and how timing can completely change your park experience
- The big planning question: Park Hopper or Lightning Lane at Disneyland - and why the answer isn’t so simple
HOSTS
Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
39 min - Bad Guests, Good Influencers: Inside the Best and Worst of Disney Fandom (Ep. 8)
Eric and Lauren take a look at two very different sides of the Disney parks experience. First, they dive into the strange, frustrating, and sometimes hilarious examples of bad guest behavior that cast members deal with every day. Then they flip the script and explore the world of Disney content creators - highlighting some of the nicest influencers in the community and breaking down how people actually turn Disney fandom into a career online.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Weird guest behavior in the parks: From guests interrupting performances to someone walking into Animal Kingdom with an entire bag of hard-boiled eggs, Eric and Lauren share some of the strangest stories pulled from Disney fan forums.
- Cast member frustrations: The duo discusses the kinds of guest behavior that drive cast members crazy - including entitlement over “pixie dust,” arguing about ride safety rules, spoiling character magic for kids, and hoarding limited-edition merchandise.
- Guests behaving badly: Stories range from public arguments over reality TV in Disney restaurants to runaway scooters smashing trash cans - plus the uncomfortable reality of guests ignoring common courtesy in the parks.
- The nicest Disney influencers: A Reddit deep dive reveals a surprisingly wholesome consensus about creators like Paging Mr. Morrow, while Lauren shares why Disney Dish co-host Len Testa stands out as one of the most beloved figures in the Disney fan community.
- How Disney creators actually make money: Eric and Lauren explain YouTube monetization, sponsorships, Patreon communities, and the reality that many influencers still keep full-time jobs while building their Disney platforms.
HOSTS
Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @ericherseyLauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW – DIS & HERS
- Website: DisAndHers.com
- Instagram: @disandhers
- TikTok: @disandhers
- Facebook: Dis and Hers
- YouTube: Dis & Hers
FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA
- Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
- Instagram: JimHillMedia
- TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded AgencyIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 min
About Dis & Hers
From the publisher's feed
Dis & Hers is a Disney podcast where real conversations from the Disney community meet honest opinions.
This show is not about ride strategies, Lightning Lane tutorials, or park basics. Instead, Eric and Lauren focus on the culture around Disney - what fans are debating online, what’s trending on Reddit, TikTok, and X, and the questions people keep asking but rarely get straight answers to.
Using real-time online conversations, search behavior, and firsthand experience, Dis & Hers explores the bigger picture behind Disney decisions and fan reactions - sometimes agreeing, sometimes disagreeing, and always keeping it honest.
Best of Dis & Hers
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