Big Thunder Podcast | A Disney Theme Parks Podcast

🎙️ This week on the Big Thunder Podcast, we're diving into the three biggest Disney stories making waves right now! We break down the surprising Taylor Swift and Toy Story 5 connection, take a look at EPCOT's brand-new trash can designs, and discuss the announcement of H.U.M.A.N. Day coming to the upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land. Then, we put on our Imagineering hats and debate which animated...

This week on the Big Thunder Podcast, we break down the latest Disney Parks news, including ☀️ Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World, 🐶 Bluey heading to Disney's Animal Kingdom, 🎸 the upcoming Muppets takeover of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and 🚀 new adventures featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Then we tackle a big question: How can 🌌 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge...

Why does coming home from Disney World feel so emotional? In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, Beau and Abby dive into the very real phenomenon known as "The Disney Blues," a post-Disney depression of strange sadness, emotional crash, and longing for the parks after vacation ends. We’re talking about: ✨ Why Disney vacations feel different from normal trips ✨ The psychology behind Disney m...

🎢 Disney World FIRST IMPRESSIONS — Bucket List Experiences We FINALLY Tried! We just checked a TON of items off our Disney bucket list at Walt Disney World — and we’re sharing our honest first impressions of every single one! From iconic rides to hidden gems, snacks, and immersive experiences, this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast covers everything we experienced for the very first time — inclu...

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation and wondering if Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is worth it? 🎨✨ We’re breaking down our full stay in a Finding Nemo Family Suite and giving honest grades on everything from food to vibes! In this episode, we share our real experience staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort - including what surprised us, what we loved, and wh...

Disney just revealed a slate of plans tied to 2026 — and taken together, they tell a much bigger story about where the parks are headed. In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast , we break down 10 major Disney Parks announcements and grade each one on a tier list , looking beyond the hype to talk about what actually matters for guests. We discuss: What Disney is clearly prioritizing heading into...

All we want for Christmas… is Disney to actually fix some things. 👀 In this holiday-themed episode, we’re sharing our ultimate Disney World 2026 Christmas wish list — from bold hot takes that might ruffle some feathers to practical updates that would make planning a Walt Disney World trip easier than ever . Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or starting to think about a Disney vacation in 2026...

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or gearing up for the opening of Epic Universe ? 🌌 In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast , we break down our first-ever stay at Universal’s brand-new Stella Nova Resort — and whether it truly is the best new value hotel option at Universal . We give Stella Nova an overall grade and score the individual categories that matter most to families and theme-par...

Join us as two Disney Adults superfans take our first-ever trip to Epic Universe — Universal Orlando’s massive new theme park! Can this brand-new park really compete with Disney World? …Or did it just steal our hearts (sorry, Mickey 😳)? In this video, we explore Epic Universe lands, rides, food, and the overall experience, sharing our honest reactions as Disney diehards seeing it all for the firs...

In this week’s Big Thunder Podcast, we finally snag a reservation at The Beak and Barrel , the brand-new Pirates of the Caribbean–themed tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland! ⚓ We’re sharing every detail from the immersive pirate atmosphere to the animatronic parrot who might just steal the show. 🦜 Was the 45-minute time limit enough to enjoy our grog and grub? Are the snacks worth their weig...

🎃 In this episode of The Big Thunder Podcast , we share our honest thoughts on our very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom ! 🌙 From the exclusive party treats 🍪 and spooky ride overlays 👻 to the Boo-To-You Parade , Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular , and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks , we’re breaking down everything you need to know before you go. 🎟️ Was...

🎃🍴 In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast , we sink our teeth into the brand-new foods at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025 and the delicious new offerings at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival 2025 . Whether you’re planning your trip to Walt Disney World this fall or just dreaming about the spooky snacks and global flavors, we’ve got you! 👻 From sweet treats to savory...

🌺 Aloha from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! In this week’s episode of the Big Thunder Podcast , Beau and Abby share all the details from their recent stay at the Polynesian Resort Club Level 🏝️ — from the incredible lounge snacks 🍍 to the stunning fireworks views over Seven Seas Lagoon 🎆. If you’ve ever wondered whether Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is worth it, we’ve go...

On this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast , we’re opening up our suitcases and backpacks to show you exactly what we pack for our trips to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando ! From must-have essentials to surprising items that always come in handy, we’re helping you get theme park ready like a pro. 🏰🎢 Then, we’re diving into the brand-new Lilo & Stitch movie — does this live-action rei...

In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast , we’re diving into all the latest from Disney Parks—and beyond! From thrilling new stage shows to some not-so-jolly holiday news, we’ve got a jam-packed lineup for Disney fans of all kinds. 🎭 New Stage Shows at Hollywood Studios: Two all-new productions are making waves at Walt Disney World! We’re breaking down everything we know about Disney Villains:...

🎙️ This week on the Big Thunder Podcast , we're diving into some enchanting new announcements from Disney and Pixar! 🌟 💀 First up, we're talking about the just-announced Coco 2 — what we know, what we hope to see, and why we’re both crying already 😭🎸. 🦸‍♂️ Then, it'll be clobberin' time in California when the Fantastic Four meet-and-greet comes to Disneyland! 🕵️‍♀️ Next, we play a brand-new r...

🚨 HUGE Theme Park & Movie News! 🚨 On this episode of The Big Thunder Podcast , we break down the latest updates from Disney and Universal, including Level99 coming to Disney Springs 🎯, fresh details on the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, TX 🎢, and the end of virtual queues for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure & Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 🎶! PLUS, breaking news out of SXSW on the n...

In this episode of Big Thunder Podcast , we break down the closing of It’s Tough to Be a Bug! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and what to expect from its replacement, Zootopia: Better Together 🐞➡️🌆. Then, we react to the brand-new trailers for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps 🦸‍♂️🔥 and Jurassic World: Rebirth 🦖⚠️—which one has us more excited? Next, we help you bring the magic of Universal...

In this episode, we’ve got all the latest Disney buzz, starting with breaking news 📰 about Jellyrolls on the Disney Boardwalk—will it be saying goodbye or just going through a transformation? You won’t want to miss the scoop on this beloved piano bar 🎹🍸. Then, Muppets Courtyard closure dates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! 🚪🎭 We break down what’s coming next for this iconic area and what you c...

In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, we’re breaking down all the latest news from Disney and Universal! 📰✨ 🎢 Universal’s Stella Nova Resort – Get the scoop on this brand-new resort near Epic Universe. Is it worth the hype? 🤩 👨‍⚖️ Daredevil: Born Again – We’re diving into the new trailer for Marvel’s much-anticipated series. What can fans expect? 🦸‍♂️🔥 🦖 Pteranodon Flyers Reopening?...

On this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, we kick off the new year by diving into all the major movies coming from Disney 🎥✨ and Universal 🎢🎬 in 2025. From animated adventures 🐭 to blockbuster franchises 🦖, we share their excitement and predict which films will top their must-watch lists. Plus, we catch up on the latest news that broke during our holiday break, including Universal’s not-so...

This week, we’re rolling out the red carpet for the First-Ever Thundie Awards , our delightfully ridiculous award show honoring films, television, and theme parks! 🎥🎢📺 From the FOMO Event of the Year to the Most Interesting Antagonist , no category is too absurd for this celebration of pop culture fun. 🏅✨ We also dive into some major Disney news, including the live-action adaptation of Tangle...

🌊✨ MOANA 2 REACTIONS! ✨🌊 One of us didn’t exactly love it—can you guess who? 🤔 We share our honest thoughts on this new film and see how it stacks up against the original. Plus, we break down Disney World’s brand-new resort announcement 🏰, a surprising Disney/NBA crossover event coming to Disney+ 🏀, and all the buzz from EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays! 🎄❄️ Stick around as we play Retain,...

Join us for an exciting episode packed with Disney and Universal news, fun trivia, and reviews! 🎬✨ 🚀 Muppets Courtyard Updates : Dive into the latest changes coming to Muppets Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios. What’s next for our favorite Muppet friends? 🐸🎭 🌊 Moana Trivia Challenge : Think you know all about Moana? Play along as Abby tests her knowledge in a fun Moana-themed trivia ga...

In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, Beau and Abby dive into the ultimate holiday showdown 🎄🎢 as they compare the Christmas festivities at Disney World ✨ and Universal Studios Resort 🎅. They also explore the magical details of the newly opened Wicked Experience 🧙‍♀️ and share reactions to this year's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 🎁 and Jollywood Nights 🎶. Get ready for festive...