Disney Hour Express

Our 2026 Walt Disney World vacation continues with Part 3 as we head to Magic Kingdom for the 30th anniversary of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

After a relaxing morning at Art of Animation, we head to Magic Kingdom for lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern before spending the rest of the day and night inside the park. We talk about whether using a regular park ticket before MNSSHP made sense for our trip and what Magic Kingdom crowds and wait times were like on a Halloween party day.

Once the party begins, we take on Space Mountain in complete darkness, check out the new Grave Digger photo experience, meet rarely seen Disney characters, trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom, catch Powerline Max, ride Haunted Mansion late at night, and watch Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.

We also break down our strategy for Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, including where we watched in Frontierland, how early we arrived, and where we’d go if our favorite spot wasn’t available.

Along the way, we share what felt new for 2026, what we thought of the party’s entertainment and character experiences, and one of our biggest takeaways from MNSSHP: you cannot do everything in one night. We explain why choosing the rides, characters, food, trick-or-treating, and entertainment that matter most to your family can make for a much better night.

And after spending the evening collecting candy around Magic Kingdom, we finally reveal just how much made it home with us

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

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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.

Our 2026 Walt Disney World vacation recap continues! In Part 2, we head to EPCOT for a full family day—but this time, we intentionally skip rope drop and try to experience the park at a slower pace.

After taking the Disney Skyliner from Art of Animation, we meet Stitch near the International Gateway and quickly discover a problem with our Lightning Lane plans. We share our actual wait times and honest reactions to Soarin’ Across America, Test Track 3.0 and the updated version of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. We also discuss the upcoming changes to Spaceship Earth and Journey Into Imagination with Figment.

Along the way, we try Sunshine Seasons for the first time, explore some frequently overlooked EPCOT attractions and enjoy a relaxed walk around World Showcase before dinner at San Angel Inn. The evening ends with a missing hat, a second ride on Soarin’ Across America and a last-minute dash to Remy’s just before EPCOT closes. Did skipping rope drop finally give our family the slower EPCOT day we wanted—or did Lightning Lane planning add another kind of stress?

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.

Our long-awaited 2026 Walt Disney World vacation recap is finally here! In Part 1, we cover our arrival day, our first impressions of the Finding Nemo Family Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and a chaotic dinner that wasn’t exactly the magical start we had envisioned.

The next morning, we rope drop Magic Kingdom and put a popular Disney planning theory to the test: Is Magic Kingdom really less crowded on a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party day? We share our actual wait times, how we used Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and our thoughts on the reopened Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and updated Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

Despite a torrential downpour, we make it through most of Magic Kingdom before park hopping to Hollywood Studios for more attractions, character dining at Hollywood & Vine, and Fantasmic! By the end of the day, we had completed 17 rides and shows—but the weather had already set something in motion that would affect the rest of our trip.

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.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is officially back for 2026, and opening night gave us plenty to talk about. We break down what looked new and different this year, including the Haunted Mansion-inspired Market Street entrance, the Stitch masquerade, new pirate entertainment, Powerline Max, character waits, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, ride overlays, trick-or-treating and more.

We also discuss what hasn’t changed much at MNSSHP and whether the familiar entertainment is part of the charm—or if Disney needs to do more with the event.

Then we turn to our own Walt Disney World vacation, which is getting very close. What should you actually be doing about two weeks before a Disney trip? We go through our real pre-trip checklist, including My Disney Experience, tickets, flights, park hours, attraction closures, Lightning Lanes, must-do rides, MagicBands, payment methods, packing, shoes, park bags, Florida weather and making time to rest.

Whether you’re heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or counting down the final days before your own Walt Disney World vacation, this episode will help you know what to check, what to prepare and what not to over-plan.

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.

Halloween Horror Nights 2026 is celebrating 35 years of fear at Universal Orlando. With 10 haunted houses, several ticket options, an expanded Stay & Scream experience and major changes to Express Pass options, planning a night at HHN 35 can quickly become confusing.

In this episode, Abbie and Rob break down what first-time visitors should know before entering Universal Studios Florida after dark. We explore the history of Halloween Horror Nights and preview the announced HHN 35 houses, including Sinners, Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser and Evil Dead Burn. We also discuss the scare zones, live entertainment, attractions and food confirmed so far.

Then, we compare single-night tickets, Rush of Fear, Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus and Ultimate Frequent Fear passes. We examine Universal’s decision to discontinue its separate multi-night Fear Pass + Express products, why longtime HHN fans are frustrated and how the change could affect the way repeat visitors experience the event.

We also look back at complaints surrounding the 2025 Premium Scream Night and what Universal is changing for 2026. You’ll learn the difference between Scream Early and Stay & Scream, what to expect from the scareactors, whether HHN is appropriate for your family and where to stay when Halloween Horror Nights is the focus of your trip.

Whether you’re attending for one night or considering a multi-night pass, this first-timer guide will help you understand the costs, compare your ticket options and prepare for Halloween Horror Nights 2026.

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event. Universal warns that the event may be too intense for young children and does not recommend it for children under 13.

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.

Disney World’s 2026 holiday parties are almost here. We’re breaking down Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—including 2026 dates, ticket prices, entertainment, attraction overlays and what’s new this year.

In Episode 145 of Disney Hour Express, we explain what each separately ticketed event includes and share our experience attending all three parties. You’ll hear our best strategies for early entry, lower ride waits, trick-or-treat trails, complimentary cookies, rare characters and finding a good parade-viewing spot.

We also compare the three Disney World holiday parties and discuss whether the experience justifies tickets that can cost more than $200 per person. If you could only attend one—or needed to eliminate one—which party should you choose?

Whether you’re planning a Halloween trip or visiting Walt Disney World during Christmas, this guide will help you decide which 2026 Disney holiday party is best for your family.

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.

Abbie and Rob wrap up their Disney Destiny series with an honest family review of their first Disney Cruise Line vacation — and answer the big question: was it worth it? After several episodes covering embarkation day, dining, entertainment, kids clubs, Castaway Cay, and Cozumel, this finale looks back at the full trip: what they loved, what disappointed them, and what they would do differently next time.

They talk about the stateroom, the veranda, Disney cruise food, room service, the Oceaneer Club, onboard lounges, Castaway Cay, Cozumel, and the challenge of trying to do everything on a first cruise. They also share practical advice for families planning their first Disney cruise, including how to approach the app, character experiences, seasickness prep, embarkation day, and finding the right pace once you’re onboard.

The episode also compares Disney Cruise Line to a Walt Disney World vacation and asks whether a Disney cruise feels like a replacement for the parks or a completely different kind of Disney trip.

If you’re considering the Disney Destiny, planning a Disney cruise with kids, or wondering whether Disney Cruise Line is worth it for families, this episode gives you the good, the bad, and the lessons learned from a real family sailing.

🌐 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.

In episode 143 of Disney Hour Express, Abbie and Rob bring back their annual Walt Disney World Dining Draft and try to choose the table service restaurants for their upcoming family trip. They debate Magic Kingdom dining options like The Plaza Restaurant, Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Tony’s Town Square, talk through whether a sit-down meal makes sense before Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and explain how the Disney Dining Plan and park hopping change the decision.

Then they go park by park through Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT with options like Hollywood & Vine for the Fantasmic dining package, Yak & Yeti, San Angel Inn, Biergarten, and 1900 Park Fare. Plus, they close with a quick Disney news roundup covering Disney World website AI testing, the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster, EPCOT solar trash cans, and a rumored Epic Universe nighttime show.

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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.

00:00 Welcome to Disney Hour Express Episode 143

02:15 The fourth annual Disney Hour Express dining draft

04:15 Mickey’s Not-So-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dining debate

08:00 The Plaza Restaurant vs. party time strategy

12:00 Magic Kingdom dining: Crystal Palace and the kids’ pick

15:30 Liberty Tree Tavern, Diamond Horseshoe, and atmosphere matters

18:30 Tony’s Town Square enters the conversation

26:15 How the Disney Dining Plan changes the dining strategy

30:15 Hollywood Studios table service options

31:15 Hollywood & Vine and the Fantasmic dining package

35:30 Sci-Fi, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, 50’s Prime Time, and Brown Derby

39:45 Animal Kingdom dining options

42:15 Yak & Yeti vs. Tusker House

44:45 EPCOT dining: too many good choices

47:20 San Angel Inn, La Hacienda, and Mexico pavilion memories

48:20 Biergarten, buffet talk, and trying something new

53:00 EPCOT quick service side notes: Sunshine Seasons and Les Halles

56:40 Resort dining pick: 1900 Park Fare

59:00 Disney World news: AI testing on Disney’s website

1:00:45 Monsters Inc. Door Coaster progress at Hollywood Studios

1:01:50 EPCOT solar-powered trash cans

1:04:45 Epic Universe nighttime show rumors

1:06:20 Wrap-up and what’s coming next

We're back with Part 3 of our Disney Destiny review series, and somehow we're still not done talking about Disney Cruise Line's newest ship... or at least the newest one they're okay talking about. 

In this episode, we're diving into the entertainment, lounges, bars, port stops, and some of the biggest surprises from our sailing. We share our thoughts on Disney Hercules, Frozen: A Musical Spectacular, Disney Seas the Adventure, Pirate Night, the Haunted Mansion Parlor, and everything else that kept us busy throughout the cruise.

We also discuss our experiences in Cozumel and Disney's Castaway Cay, including Bailey's stingray snorkeling adventure, our favorite moments on the island, and why Castaway Cay ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip.

Along the way, we share practical tips for future cruisers, what we'd do differently next time, and the entertainment experiences that exceeded our expectations.

If you're considering a Disney Destiny sailing, planning your first Disney Cruise Line vacation, or simply love hearing about Disney travel experiences, this episode is packed with honest opinions, family stories, and plenty of Disney cruise talk.

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.

00:00 Disney Destiny Part 3 Begins

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Episode 141 continues Rob and Abbie’s in-depth first Disney Destiny cruise review, and this time it’s all about the food, dining experiences, breakfast, quick service, room service, and kids clubs.

From Pride Lands, 1923, and Worlds of Marvel to Marceline Market, Mickey churro waffles, Goofy’s Grill, pizza, tacos, and specialty coffee, Rob and Abbie break down what actually felt worth it, what surprised them, and what they’d do differently next time.

If you’re planning your first Disney Cruise Line vacation on the Disney Destiny, this episode offers a real family perspective on rotational dining, allergy-friendly dining tips, buffet strategy, room service, and how OceanEars Club, Edge, and Vibe worked for their family.

They also share honest thoughts on Disney Destiny’s themed restaurants, the difference between immersive dining and practical dining, breakfast must-dos, kids club realities, and the small cruise details that can make or break your experience.

Whether you’re wondering if Disney Destiny is worth it, planning a Disney cruise with kids, or just want the full scoop on Disney Cruise Line food, this episode is packed with practical tips and firsthand insight.

Part 3 is coming next, where Rob and Abbie will cover Broadway-style shows, onboard entertainment, ports of call, Castaway Cay, and their overall Disney Destiny verdict.

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.