Adventures of a Disney Dad: A Walt Disney World Trip Planning Podcast

In this Disney news and planning episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down several new Walt Disney World discounts, major attraction updates across the parks, and one of the most common questions families ask when planning a trip: where should we eat? Quick Service Edition!

From new ticket deals that could save families hundreds of dollars, to the return of Soarin’ Over America and the arrival of B...

In this listener Q&A + Disney news episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down the latest updates about Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom and answer real planning questions straight from the inbox.

From the rumored Emperor’s New Groove family coaster to a Maleficent boat ride and possible Hades dinner show, we talk through what this new land might actually look like, whether Disney is shiftin...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down everything that’s new at Walt Disney World in 2026 and what it means for families planning a trip.

We cover Disney’s new CEO, what changes (and what probably won’t), and then dive into the best Disney World deals for 2026, including bounce back offers, room discounts, and how kids can eat free on the Disney Dining Plan.

Then we walk park-by-park thr...

In this listener Q&A episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip tackle real Disney World planning questions straight from the inbox. From the best and worst holidays to visit Walt Disney World, to dining strategies, Skyliner food debates, and whether certain “Disney hacks” still work, this episode is packed with practical advice for families planning a trip.

Matt also shares a behind-the-scenes look at pla...

Trying to decide which Disney World character dining experiences are actually worth the money? In this episode of Adventures of a Disney Dad, Matt and Chip rank their top 6 character dining experiences at Walt Disney World from worst to best, based on real trips, real kids, and real food opinions.

We break down what actually matters to families, including:

• Which character meals give you the best bang for your buck
• Where the fo...

EPCOT might be the most misunderstood park at Walt Disney World, especially for families who haven’t visited in years.

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, we’re joined by Dapper Danielle and co-author Ian Wilson to talk all things EPCOT, inspired by their brand-new book I Love EPCOT. We dive deep into what EPCOT really is today, how it’s changed, what families often miss, and why this park deserves way more c...

Are you following Disney World advice that actually makes your vacation worse?

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, Matt and Chip break down the most overrated Walt Disney World planning advice we see all over social media, Facebook groups, and TikTok. From crowd calendars and rope dropping every day to overbooking dining and paying extra for hotel views, we’re calling out what families really don’t need to ...

Walt Disney World is heading into a major transition year with a lot of construction happening, and 2026 is shaping up to change how families plan their trips.

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, we break down everything we know so far about what’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2026 and what it actually means for real families. From Bluey and Bingo arriving at Animal Kingdom to major changes at Hollywood Stu...

If you are planning a Walt Disney World trip for the 2025 holiday season, this episode answers the most common listener questions we are getting right now. Matt and Chip break down the newest changes at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, how to plan park days around Christmas parties, whether MultiPass is still worth it during holiday hours, the best free Christmas activities for families, what crowds look like the week between Christmas an...

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is exciting, but it is also way easier to get wrong than most families realize. After helping hundreds of families plan their trips, I see the same seven mistakes over and over, and they lead to stress, meltdowns, exhaustion, and a vacation that feels more like a survival mission than actual fun.

In this episode, I break down the 7 rookie mistakes most first-timers make at Walt Disney World and...

Ranking every Walt Disney World resort hotel — from the best deluxe resorts to the ones we’d only stay at for a discount. In this episode, Matt and Chip debate and break down every Disney World resort using real experience as dads, travelers, and Disney fans.

If you’ve ever wondered which Disney resort is actually worth the money, this tier list covers it all — transportation, dining, pools, theming, and value for families. Before ...

The Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast is back, and this week I’m joined by my friend and returning guest, Matt Richardson, one of the most passionate voices in the Disney running community. We’re diving into everything you need to know before your first runDisney race weekend, including the early mornings, the corrals, the famous Balloon Ladies, and all the details that make these races different from anything else out there.

Whet...

I planned our first Disney World trip the wrong way and learned the hard lessons so you don’t have to. In this episode I share 6 things I wish I knew before our first Walt Disney World vacation with little kids so you can save time, avoid stress, and have a smoother trip.

What you’ll learn:

00:50 Dining Reservations: Not the End of the World

02:49 Rope Drop: Not Mandatory for Everyone

04:47 Transportation Woes: Plan Ahead

08:08 Dis...

Disney World is expensive, but not everything is worth the money. In this video, I share 9 Disney World extras that are always worth the splurge. From fireworks dessert parties and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to Savi’s Workshop and VIP tours, these are the upgrades my family has tried and loved at Walt Disney World.

You’ll learn what each experience costs, what’s included, and why it may (or may not) be right for your trip.

👇 Helpful...

In this episode, Chip and Matt are joined by special guest Hallie Jones to answer your listener questions!

We discuss the pros and cons of Disney resorts like Pop Century vs. Coronado Springs, to offering expert tips on Multi Pass.

We also dive into topics such as the best viewing spots for Magic Kingdom fireworks outside the park, common mistakes to avoid at Magic Kingdom, and much more.

01:50 Discussing Disney's Announcements and...

Animal Kingdom in one day with kids. Exact plan with rope drop strategy, Lightning Lane Multipass picks, must see shows, best character meets, can’t miss food, hidden trails, and how to handle evenings. It’s not just a zoo and not just a place for thrill rides. We show how to balance Flight of Passage or Kilimanjaro Safari at rope drop with a chill, animal forward day that still hits the headliners.

01:00 Skip park or half day deba...

This week we are sharing how to save money and time at Walt Disney World with 10 Disney World things to skip! I sat down with Disney Content Creator, Jay, to discuss some popular dining, parties, add-ons and strategies that we think are NOT worth the time or money.

00:24 Meet Jay: Disney Content Creator

01:28 Resort Reviews: Contemporary vs. Boardwalk

03:13 Dining at Disney: Steakhouse 71 and More

04:11 Jay's Disney Content Journey

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tips for 2025. Learn how to avoid common mistakes at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, beat the crowds, and plan the perfect night at Magic Kingdom with your family.

You paid over $150 for one night at Disney World’s Halloween party. In this episode, I’m sharing 9 practical strategies based on years of experience taking my kids to MNSSHP. From character meets to parade timing, this guide w...

In this episode, we’re joined by AJ Wolfe, the founder of Disney Food Blog and owner of AllEars, to talk about the heart behind her new book Disney Adults. We explore what it really means to be an adult Disney fan, how the term has evolved over time, and why this audience plays such a vital role in Disney’s future.

AJ also shares her perspective on how content creation has shifted, which food trends need to end, and what it’s like ...