Today marks the official closure of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — and I was there for it.

In this special episode of Park Vibes Podcast, I share what it was like spending the final night in DinoLand, soaking in the atmosphere, the history, and the nostalgia… and getting one last unforgettable ride on DINOSAUR.

We take a look back at DinoLand’s often-misunderstood identity, the hidden storytelling behind the land, and the ride’s original, darker incarnation — Countdown to Extinction — before it was rethemed. From the chaotic roadside carnival energy to the raw intensity that made DINOSAUR one of Disney’s most thrilling attractions, this episode is a love letter to a land that was never perfect, but always memorable.

As DinoLand fades into history and the future of Animal Kingdom begins to take shape, this episode is about honoring what was, appreciating the memories made, and saying a proper goodbye before the walls go up.

If you ever rode DINOSAUR, wandered Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, or just felt something standing in that corner of the park one last time — this one’s for you.

Watch my YouTube video on the last day!

DINOSAUR Ride Closing | Final Day at DinoLand U.S.A. – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

https://youtu.be/SHOLJWYLNoY

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Hop in and buckle up for a very special episode of The Park Vibes Podcast—because Dallin is back in Florida!

This week, Chris and Dallin meet up inside EPCOT, hop on an attraction, and bring you a brand-new mini-series idea we’re calling “Ride & Chat” (or maybe “Chat & Ride”… we’re still figuring that part out 😆).

During the ride, the guys catch up on life updates, including Dallin’s big move back to Utah, how he and his family are settling in, and what Park Vibes content will look like moving forward.

Dallin also shares highlights from his recent Disneyland trip, and together we dive into a fun compare-and-contrast between Disneyland and Walt Disney World—the things we love, the things we miss, and a few spicy takes we couldn’t help but throw in.

If you love real-time theme park energy, honest conversations, and lots of laughs, you’re going to love this episode.

Come ride with us and enjoy the vibes!

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Get ready, Disney fans — 2026 is shaping up to be one wild ride! 🎢

In this week’s episode of The Park Vibes Podcast, Chris McClain breaks down all the latest bad news (and a little good news) coming to Walt Disney World next year — from major construction zones and ride closures to ticket price hikes and new re-imagined attractions.

We’ll cover:

🏗 Big Thunder Mountain’s major refurbishment

🚀 Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin high-tech update

🦖 The farewell to DINOSAUR and the rise of Tropical Americas

🎸 Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s Muppets makeover

💰 And what those new $139–$209 ticket prices really mean

Plus, Chris shares how to find the magic in the middle of the mess — and why a little construction can’t dim the Disney glow for long.

Whether you’re planning your next vacation, day-dreaming about Main Street popcorn, or just love park talk with great vibes, this episode will help you plan smarter for Disney World 2026 — one construction wall at a time.

🎧 Tune in, laugh a little, and keep those Park Vibes alive!

Email us at [email protected]

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Join Chris on The Park Vibes Podcast for a heartfelt look at Disney’s brand-new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! — opening tomorrow at Animal Kingdom. We’ll say farewell to It’s Tough to Be a Bug! 🐜, welcome Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde 🦊, and explore how this change captures the spirit of Disney storytelling for a new generation.

Along the way, Chris spotlights the colorful Winged Encounters show, shares this week’s Vibe of the Week, and reminds us that sometimes the most magical moments come when we embrace what’s new. ✨

🎧 Your perfect pre-opening-day listen — full of nostalgia, excitement, and that signature park-day energy.

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It’s the night before Halloween, and the Park Vibes Podcast is diving deep into the spooky side of Walt Disney World! 👻 From eerie legends to real-life chills, Chris counts down the Top 5 Spookiest Locations across the parks — including haunted tales, hidden details, and nighttime moments that will give you goosebumps (in the best Disney way possible).

Plus, we’ve got your weekly dose of park updates and news, exclusive travel deals and promotions from GetAwayToday.com and an update on Dallin’s big move back to Utah — how he and his family are settling in, and what’s next for the show as we keep the Disney magic alive coast to coast.

So grab your Mickey pumpkin popcorn bucket, dim the lights, and get ready to experience a little Frightful Fun — Park Vibes style. 🌙✨

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In this week’s episode of The Park Vibes Podcast, we’re getting a little personal. Our cohost Alan is heading back to Utah, and we’re diving into what goes into making big life decisions — the kind that shift your surroundings but not your passions. 🌄✨

We talk about what this change means for him, how it impacts our adventures here in Florida, and most importantly, the exciting new directions ahead for Park Vibes. From long-distance laughs to future park trips, creative projects, and new episodes on the horizon — this isn’t goodbye, it’s just the next chapter. 💫

Join us for an honest, hopeful conversation about friendship, change, and why the magic never really leaves — it just finds a new way to shine. 🌟

This week on the Park Vibes Podcast, we’re diving into the biggest Disney World news and Orlando theme park updates you don’t want to miss! From attraction closures and new opening dates to exciting overlays and ride makeovers, we’ll cover everything happening right now at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and beyond. Get the latest details on the upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether 4D show, the closure of DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A., updates on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and even the limited-time TRON: Ares overlay arriving this fall.

But that’s not all! We’re also joined by Dallin and George, who just returned from their unforgettable cruise vacation. They’ll be sharing highlights, stories, and tips from their adventure at sea, and we can’t wait for you to hear their recap. Pizza is mentioned…just sayin’

Whether you’re a Disney parks fan, a Universal Orlando regular, or just love keeping up with theme park magic, this episode is packed with news, laughs, and good vibes.

Send us an email at [email protected]

And check out our YouTube channels:

Chris

https://youtube.com/@thesinglerider?si=DlQTieAKQaCxHrOP

Dallin

https://youtube.com/@parkbenchtravel?si=TuEp0WyOe7q_Q-id

Ever wondered what it’s like to explore Disney or Universal completely on your own? In this week’s episode, Chris goes solo — both in the parks and on the mic — to share why a one-person park day can be just as magical (and sometimes even more magical) than visiting with a group.

From the freedom to do what you want, when you want, to the secret time-saving power of single rider lines, Chris breaks down the perks, his favorite solo-friendly attractions, and pro tips to make your first solo day unforgettable. Plus, hear the story of his very first solo park adventure and the unexpected magic that happened along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned Disney pro, a Universal thrill-seeker, or just curious about going it alone, this episode will inspire you to try a “single rider” day for yourself.

Check out Chris’ YouTube channel :

https://youtube.com/@thesinglerider?si=W7Qx4f8XwMloqPy7

Watch Chris attempt to ride Expedition Everest 50 times in just 1 day!

Expedition Everest Challenge | How many times can I ride in 9 hours??

https://youtu.be/n97M6BkwlnU

In this episode of Park Vibes Podcast, Chris and Dallin break down the top 10 reasons why Disney’s After Hours events are one of the best kept secrets for fans and families alike. Fresh off their recent night at Hollywood Studios After Hours, they share personal experiences, insider tips, and honest pros and cons that’ll help you decide if this exclusive event is right for you. From shorter wait times to unexpected moments of Disney magic, tune in to hear why we keep coming back for more.

Whether you’re planning your next Disney trip or just want to experience the after-hours vibe through our stories—this one’s for you.

If you’d like to check out some of our experiences at after hour events, check out the following videos:

After Hours at The Magic Kingdom | Full Experience | Is it Worth it?

https://youtu.be/7qq_cyjpOPA

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS AFTER HOURS | Full Experience | Is it Worth it??

https://youtu.be/Xt0dfq54jPc

Have you attended an after hours event? Let us know if you feel it was worth it and email us at [email protected]

It’s not all pixie dust and butterbeer. In this episode, we’re getting real about the top 10 drawbacks of living in Orlando near the parks. From tourist traffic to the parks losing their novelty, and everything in between, Dallin and Chris share the honest truth about the flip side of the magic. If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Disney’s doorstep, this episode might give you something to think about.

email us: [email protected]