Welcome to Part 3 of our 2025 Family Disney World Trip Series! 🚂✨ In this episode of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, Abbie and Rob take you along for a full day at Magic Kingdom, where plans changed, rides broke, parades got competitive, and snack choices got... sticky.

Whether you're a first-timer or a Disney diehard, we’ve got everything you need to know about making the most of Magic Kingdom — even when things don’t go according to plan.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

🏰 Rope Drop Chaos – What happened when your first planned ride went down?

⚡ Lightning Lane Lessons – Our Tiana’s Bayou glitch and how to use ride redemptions smartly

🐻 New Country Bear Jamboree Music – Did it win over the kids?

👻 Haunted Mansion Secrets – Ghosts, gimbals, and weird ride photos

🍽️ Crystal Palace vs. Quick Service – What was worth it (and what wasn’t)

🎇 Parade Madness in Frontierland – Why staking out a spot is more competitive than Genie+

🎢 Space Mountain First-Timers – Hear how our kids reacted to Disney’s classic coaster

🎮 Buzz Lightyear’s Last Mission – Our final ride before the update

🍿 Main Street Popcorn Mix-In Review – Which combos were a hit?

🏆 Magic Moments & Meltdowns – Real talk on staying flexible when plans shift

From hidden photo spots to ride strategy and parade prep, this episode is packed with practical tips, unexpected laughs, and honest takes on a day full of Disney surprises.

🎧 Catch up on Part 1 and Part 2 in this trip series, then join us next week for Part 4: Hollywood Studios Day!

Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal.

🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com

Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable.

Join Abbie and Rob as they tackle an action-packed Disney day—starting at Animal Kingdom and ending at Epcot. From rope-dropping Navi River Journey and braving the Dinosaur ride one last time, to spotting active lions on Kilimanjaro Safaris and sipping sweet Night Blossom drinks in Pandora, this episode is packed with insider tips and Disney know-how.

They’ll share the smart rope drop strategy that helped them beat the crowds, the hidden Flame Tree Barbecue seating spot with stunning Expedition Everest views, and why timing your Lightning Lanes just right can save your day. Then, it’s off to Epcot for Soarin’, Test Track, Moana’s Journey of Water, Goofy’s Gone Fishing slushy, and a delicious dinner at Garden Grill—plus a few surprise attractions before fireworks from the Skyliner.

Whether you’re planning to park hop for the first time or you’re a Disney pro looking for ways to maximize your day, you’ll get real-world advice, laugh-out-loud moments, and honest takes on what worked (and what didn’t) in their jam-packed itinerary.

Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal.

🌐 Website: familytravelplanner.com

Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable.

In Episode 125 of the Disney Hour Express, join Abbie and Rob for a wild and wonderful kickoff to their 2025 Walt Disney World vacation! This first installment of their multi-part trip report is packed with real travel chaos, funny parenting moments, and theme park tips you don’t want to miss.

After a JetBlue flight delay saga that turned a short trip into an all-day ordeal, the family finally lands in Orlando — just in time for a late-night check-in at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Day 1 may have been filled with twists and turns, but the magic picks up fast with a full day at Typhoon Lagoon, including a relaxing cabana experience, surprisingly good food (hello, giant sundae in a pail!), and splashy adventures on raft rides like Miss Adventure Falls and Crush 'n' Gusher.

They also put the 2025 Disney Dining Plan to the test at Typhoon Lagoon — find out how mobile ordering works at water parks and what’s included with your quick service credits. Then it's a mad dash to make their reservation at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, where they tackle issues with split-stay check-ins and a not-so-kid-friendly upscale dinner.

Get ready for:

First-hand tips for navigating Disney water parks

Why Coronado Springs is secretly one of the most romantic resorts

Planning around Disney’s unpredictable weather (and lightning!)

Honest thoughts on Topolino’s Terrace with picky eaters

Dining Plan hacks and surprises

Whether Typhoon Lagoon’s massive wave pool is worth the hype

Whether you're planning your next Disney trip, curious about the latest updates to the 2025 Disney Dining Plan, or just love relatable family travel stories, this episode delivers laughs, lessons, and lots of Disney magic.

Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal.

🌐 Website: @disneyfamilytravelplanner

Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable.

Get ready for your next Walt Disney World vacation with this jam-packed 2025 Disney World Packing Guide! In this episode of Disney Hour Express, Abbie and Rob share their must-have travel essentials, new packing hacks, and real-life tips for staying cool, comfortable, and organized at the parks.

They reveal what they’re bringing to conquer the Florida heat—including cooling patches, Disney-themed Owala water bottles, power banks, and body glide—and explain why good sneakers and the right socks can make or break your trip. You'll also hear about their full itinerary: staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, using the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass system, visiting Typhoon Lagoon, and making the most of the 2025 Disney Dining Plan promo.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Disney pro, this episode offers practical advice for packing smart, avoiding common mistakes, and planning a smooth Walt Disney World vacation.

Want the inside scoop on Disney’s Wish cruise ship and Universal’s Epic Universe? In this episode of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, hosts Abbie and Rob chat with FTP Travel Specialist, Megz, about her recent Orlando adventure packed with first-hand experiences and practical travel tips.

Invited by Disney for a special agent workshop, Megz explored Saratoga Springs and the Grand Floridian, sharing why Grand Floridian might surprise families looking for kid-friendly touches. She also recaps her evening at the Fantasmic Dessert Party, complete with unique bites like maple buttercream Whoopie Pies and Dole Whip cream puffs.

The conversation then shifts to Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated Epic Universe. Megz dives into the details of Wizarding Paris, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park, offering helpful advice for avoiding peak crowds and calling out must-ride attractions like Stardust Racers and Monsters Unchained. Food lovers will want to hear about her visit to Pizza Moon and her take on the park’s custom soda flavors.

For fellow travel planners and Disney enthusiasts, Megz also shares highlights from Disney’s boutique agency workshop and explains how it’s shaping the way agents support their clients. She even reviews the Drury Hotel at Disney Springs, noting its complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails as a budget-friendly perk.

If you’re planning a Disney or Universal vacation, this episode delivers practical insights and thoughtful advice to help you make the most of your trip.

Join Abbie, Rob, and Family Travel Planner Specialist, Dylan, on this magical episode of Disney Hour Express. Dylan shares her unforgettable Walt Disney World adventure, including an exclusive Disney VIP tour, solo park days, and staying at deluxe resorts like the Grand Floridian and Contemporary.

Hear about:

Behind-the-scenes Disney perks at the Disney Destinations Workshop

Tips for Typhoon Lagoon, extended evening hours, and navigating summer crowds

VIP tour secrets: skipping lines, park-hopping in style, and hidden fun facts

Dining highlights like churro waffles at Crystal Palace and Italian classics at Trattoria al Forno

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury Disney vacation or planning your first trip, this episode is packed with Disney travel hacks, hilarious stories, and insider tips.

✨ Listen now and find out what it’s like to experience Disney like a VIP!

00:00 – Welcome to Disney Hour Express

00:53 – Fourth of July at Magic Kingdom: Fireworks & Lightning Lanes

07:46 – Staying at Saratoga Springs: Best Sections & Pool Tips

18:54 – Typhoon Lagoon: Mini Donuts, Rainstorms & Bus Transfers

27:59 – VIP Dining: Akershus Princess Dinner at Epcot

35:48 – Solo Park-Hopping Tips & Extended Evening Hours at Epcot

43:19 – Disney’s Grand Floridian: Room Hacks & Brunch Review

52:10 – Disney VIP Tour: Skipping Lines & Hidden Secrets

1:03:16 – Guardians of the Galaxy Ride Strategies & Songs

1:20:20 – Resort Life: Pools, Hot Tubs & Deluxe Perks

1:32:19 – Crystal Palace Breakfast & Churro Waffle Review

1:40:01 – Lessons from Disney Destinations Workshop & Agent Networking

In episode 121 of the Disney Hour Express podcast, Abbie and Rob focus on Walt Disney World’s All-Star Resorts—Sports, Music, and Movies. They break down what guests can expect at these Disney value resorts, including oversized theming, room refurbishments, and room layouts. The hosts discuss room sizes, pricing, and the advantages of choosing a preferred room.

The episode also covers included perks such as early theme park entry, free Disney transportation, and rare direct bus access to Blizzard Beach. Listeners get helpful tips on mobile ordering at resort food courts, as well as a comparison of dining and recreation options across the three resorts—including arcades, outdoor games, and evening entertainment.

In the news segment, Abbie and Rob discuss the closure and planned updates for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, new construction for the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster, and the removal of Miss Piggy’s fountain at Hollywood Studios. They also talk about changes to EPCOT’s Test Track, odd take home policies at Epic Universe’s Pizza Moon, new Halloween Horror Nights houses, and a planned year-round horror attraction in the Midwest.

In Episode 120 of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, Abbie and Rob wrap up their Disney Dining Plan 2025 Series diving into how the DDP applies to Disney Springs and Walt Disney World Resort hotels. They cover which restaurants require two table service credits and which don’t accept the dining plan at all. They also break down quick-service and snack spots where credits won’t work, At the resorts, they highlight top-tier dining locations that require two credits and lounges, bars, and eateries that are excluded entirely from the plan. Finally, they give their post series opinions on "Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it?"

The episode wraps with updates on major park news: Magic Kingdom will extend hours for Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away, Soarin’ Around the World now has a corrected Eiffel Tower scene, Test Track 3.0 launches soon-ish, and Winter Summerland Mini Golf has reopened. The hosts also discuss rising crowd levels at Epic Universe and the reveal of the theme for Halloween Horror Nights 34. Packed with planning tips and real insights, this episode helps listeners understand how to get the most from the Disney Dining Plan in 2025.

00:00 – Intro and Welcome to Episode 120

In this episode of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, hosts Abbie and Rob deliver a complete, in-depth guide to using the 2025 Disney Dining Plan at EPCOT. As the final part of their four-part dining series, this episode focuses entirely on how to maximize your Disney Dining Plan at EPCOT’s table service and quick service restaurants, helping travelers plan smarter, eat better, and get the most value out of every dining credit.

Listeners will learn how the Disney Dining Plan works at EPCOT, including the differences between the Quick Service and Standard Dining Plans, what’s included with each meal or snack credit, and why understanding your plan can save time and money. Abbie and Rob walk you through each EPCOT pavilion and review every table service dining option available—from fan-favorite character meals like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill to signature experiences like Le Cellier Steakhouse, Chefs de France, and Via Napoli. They highlight which restaurants accept the dining plan, which ones require two credits, and which locations, like Space 220 and Takumi Tei, do not participate in the plan at all.

The episode also features a full review of EPCOT’s best quick service options, including Connections Eatery, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, and La Cantina de San Angel. Rob and Abbie share their personal experiences and expert insights on where to eat, what to order, and how to find the best snacks that qualify for the Disney Dining Plan. You'll also find out where to avoid wasting your credits and which hidden gems offer the best views, flavors, and value.

Toward the end of the episode, the hosts cover important Disney World updates, including the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D, the new Monsters Inc. land coming to Grand Avenue, the launch of the Dream the Night Away nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, and changes to the Rivers of America area. They also discuss new updates to the My Disney Experience app that make it easier to search and book dining reservations.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone planning to use the Disney Dining Plan at EPCOT in 2025. It combines expert planning tips, honest reviews, and practical strategies to help families and Disney food lovers make the most of their trip to Walt Disney World.

In part three of the Disney Dining Plan series, hosts Abbie and Rob turn their attention to Disney's Hollywood Studios. This episode dives into how the Disney Dining Plan works at this specific park, covering everything from quick service favorites to full-service restaurants. They compare the two dining styles, explain what guests can expect from each, and share practical tips to help visitors get the most value out of their dining credits.

Listeners will hear reviews of popular locations like Docking Bay 7, Woody’s Lunch Box, and the Hollywood Brown Derby, along with helpful insights about shaded seating, mobile ordering, and crowd-friendly dining strategies. The conversation also highlights top snack options around the park, especially those eligible for snack credits under the dining plan. The hosts also reveal their picks for where their family is going to use their DDP credits this summer.

To close the episode, Abbie and Rob offer a quick look at new happenings at Universal Studios, Epcot's new lounge, and preview what’s coming in the final part of their four-part series on Disney dining. This episode is a helpful resource for planning a stress-free, flavor-filled day at Hollywood Studios.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Welcome