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

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...

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 m...

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 tren...

Disney World on a budget is possible — and in this episode, financial expert Rachel Cruze shares how her family plans affordable Disney vacations without debt, guilt, or overspending. Rachel is a New York Times bestselling author, host of The Rachel Cruze Show, and co-host of Smart Money Happy Hour. She joined me on the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast to break down how she saves, budgets, and b...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, we’re sharing 10 fun and relaxing activities to do at Walt Disney World without a park ticket. Whether you're planning a rest day, trying to save money, or looking for unique Disney experiences, these non-park day tips are perfect for families, first-timers, and Disney veterans.   We also break down the latest updates to Test Track, EPCOT’...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip dive into some of Disney's most pressing questions, discussing ride closures, the criteria for keeping attractions, and why some outdated rides remain open. They also analyze whether  travel insurance for Disney Cruises is worth it and share insights on the current free Disney gift card offer. Additionally, we explore Multipa...

In this episode of Adventures of a Disney Dad, Matt delves into the essentials of navigating Lightning Lane Multipass at Walt Disney World. He shares 7 of his top tips to maximize the use of Multipass, covering the basics of the service and beyond. Matt also discusses strategies for booking rides, the importance of timing, and how to effectively combine Multipass with park hopping and standby stra...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, hosts Matt and Chip dive into a plethora of updates from Walt Disney World, including a new discount for Disney Cruise Line and upcoming changes in the parks. They discuss a range of topics like the new Starlight Parade at Magic Kingdom, construction updates for Cars Land in Frontierland, and the closure of Muppet Courtyard and Rivers of A...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip delve into updates at Walt Disney World and discuss strategies for visiting 4 parks in 2 days. They cover upcoming events including the Halloween and Christmas parties, ticket sales for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and the 70th-anniversary celebration at Disneyland. They also address listener questions about navigat...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, hosts Matt and Chip welcome a special guest, Danielle Kelly (@thedapperdanielle), to discuss her new book 'I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom,' which just released nationwide! They delve into Danielle’s background, her journey as a content creator, and her firsthand Disney knowledge accrued from her time as a cast member.   Listeners get a tast...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, hosts Matt and Chip discuss Matt’s experience at the Epic Universe preview thanks to Universal Orlando. Matt provides a detailed and honest review, touching on various aspects of the new park, including attractions, food, and logistics.   They also compare Epic Universe to Disney parks, pondering the potential impact on Disney and whether...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip dive into their favorite aspects of Walt Disney World, including their preferred parks, resorts, table service, and quick service dining options.   They discuss frequently asked questions from listeners and share their thoughts on splurges worth making during a Disney vacation. Additionally, Matt teases his upcoming preview v...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Chip returns from his Disney Cruise Line vacation and shares highlights of the trip, including experiences on the Disney Magic ship and family activities on Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point.   Matt discusses his recent experience staying offsite and the challenges encountered, such as heavy traffic and difficulties booking Multipass rides...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt takes on a solo mission while Chip is away on a Disney Cruise. He covers the latest updates and promotions from Walt Disney World, including significant room discounts and the nuances of the free Disney Dining Plan offer. He also touches on upcoming refurbishments and new shows at various Disney parks.   In addition, Matt provides ins...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, Matt and Chip dive into a variety of Disney-related topics including Chip’s week out planning for his family Disney Cruise and Matt’s recent experiences at Walt Disney World's Flower and Garden Festival, highlighting favorite topiaries and food offerings.   They also touch on new developments at Disney World, including the Frontier Arcade'...

Matt and Chip are finally back after a short break, and this episode is packed with first-hand experiences, hot takes, and Disney news! Matt just returned from Walt Disney World, and he’s got plenty to share—including a surprising revelation about After Hours events at Magic Kingdom. Plus, Chip is gearing up for his upcoming Disney cruise, and Matt got an exclusive tour of the Disney Fantasy—will...

In this episode of 'The Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast,' Matt and Chip respond to listener questions and discuss significant Disney updates. They dive into the big news about the elimination of virtual queues at Walt Disney World, specifically for Tiana's Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy. This leads to a comprehensive discussion on how this change will impact rope drop strategies an...

Ranking Walt Disney World Dining and Listener Questions with Main Street Tourist and Kingdoms & Co In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast we are joined by guests Athina from Kingdoms and Co and Lauren from Main Street Tourist. They discuss their recent Disney trips, covering everything from Festival of the Arts, Disney cruises, to navigating the parks with kids.   The group...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip share their best tips and tricks for navigating Walt Disney World during spring break, or heavily crowded periods.   We dive into essential strategies such as setting realistic expectations, tips for character dining, utilizing Disney's multi-pass and lightning lanes, planning transportation, and making use of rope drop strat...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip dive into listener questions about visiting Walt Disney World without a MultiPass, offering strategies and expectations for the experience.   They discuss prioritizing rides, planning around cost, and the convenience of MagicBands.   The episode also explores the best activities for non-park days, like Skyliner resort hopping...

Planning the Ultimate Disney Dream Vacation   In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Chip and Matt take on a listener Colin’s suggestion to plan their dream Disney vacation with no budget restrictions (but within reason).   We discuss the ideal resorts, essential Disney experiences, and smart planning strategies. We cover the best room options, essential add-ons, favorite dinin...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, we dive into listener questions covering a range of topics including the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, dining options, and the advantages of staying on versus off Disney property. We also discuss whether character dining is worth it for adults, and share tips on how to manage a Disney trip without dining reservations or Multi Pass. The session...

In this week's episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, Matt and Chip are joined by special guest Nicki Marie.   The trio discusses various aspects of planning Disney trips for families, sharing do's and don'ts based on their personal experiences. Nikki opens up about her journey into content creation, her podcast 'Unplugged with Nikki Marie,' and how her personal experiences shaped her...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, we recap the recent experiences at Walt Disney World's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights.   The episode covers highlights and recommendations for both events, including character meet and greets, entertainment, food options, and crowds. We provide our feedback and tips on how to strategize for both parties to maximiz...

In this episode of the 'Adventures of a Disney Dad' podcast, we dive into the essentials of planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Wevdiscuss the overwhelming demand and importance of early planning, the variety of stateroom options, and how to choose your ship based on key factors like destination, dates, and costs.   Additionally, we provide updates on Walt Disney World price changes and introd...