Disney Hour Express

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 reopen...

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 ou...

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. ...

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 wh...

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 cr...

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...

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 C...

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...

Thinking about your first Disney cruise? Here’s what it’s actually like from the moment you arrive to your first night onboard. In this episode of the Disney Hour Express, we share our real first-day experience aboard the Disney Destiny as a family of first-time cruisers. We went in thinking we’d cover the entire cruise… and quickly realized Day 1 alone is a lot. From embarkation confusion to that emotional “we made it” moment stepping onto the ship, we break down exactly what to expect. We talk through the boarding process, arrival times, and what Disney...

Thinking about a Disney Cruise but not sure where to start? We’re preparing for our first sailing and breaking down everything you need to know before you book. In this episode of Disney Hour Express, we walk through the full Disney Cruise Line experience—from ship classes and onboard activities to dining, kids clubs, and what actually makes Disney cruises different from other cruise lines. If you’ve ever wondered how it compares to a Disney World trip, or whether it’s the right fit for your family, this is the perfect place to begin. We...

Abbie and Rob are back with the latest Disney World updates and Walt Disney World news after a short break from the podcast. In Episode 138 of Disney Hour Express, they cover several major changes happening across the parks, including the upcoming Muppets retheme of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, the return of Soarin’ Across America, and the arrival of Bluey and Bingo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They also break down current Disney World vacation deals, including the return of the Free Disney Dining Plan and resort discounts of up to 30% off select Disney hotels. The ep...

In this episode, Abbie and Rob take the Podineers on a deep dive into Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — from its quirky Imagineering roots in the 1970s to the massive changes coming when it reopens in Spring 2026. We explore the original Thunder Mesa plans, Tony Baxter’s reimagining of the ride, and how Big Thunder became one of the most iconic attractions in Disney history. Then we look at how it fits into the new Magic Kingdom expansion, including Piston Peak and Villains Land now rising around its footprint. Mixed in, you’ll also hear fun person...

In this festive episode of Disney Hour Express, Abbie and Rob dive into Rob’s whirlwind two-night adventure across Walt Disney World’s biggest holiday parties. Night one takes him into the heart of Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, where surprise character encounters with Life Day Chewbacca and Mando & Grogu steal the show, and a lucky walk-on for Rise of the Resistance turns the evening around after early tech hurdles and tough streaming conditions. From the jazz-filled Tip Top Club to the high-energy Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, Rob breaks down each highlight, along with his honest take on the...

Zootopia has officially taken over the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! In this week’s episode, Rob and Abbie dive deep into Zootopia: Better Zoogether — the all-new show replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug. They explore how Disney Imagineering transformed the attraction, what guests can expect from the experience, and how this update fits into the park’s evolving direction. Plus, they catch up on other Disney Parks news and updates since the last show — from new announcements to early holiday event previews. 🎙️ Recorded live on opening day of Zootopia: Bett...

Disney has announced Soarin’ Across America for 2026—Abbie and Rob break down what’s changing, what’s returning, and why fans are so excited. Take flight with the Disney Hour Express crew as they explore the full journey of Soarin’, from its early days as Soarin’ Over California to today’s global adventure Soarin’ Around the World. The hosts share fun facts about the ride’s origins, the Imagineering innovations behind the scenes, and what the new Soarin’ Across America might include when it debuts at EPCOT and Disneyland Resort. Plus, they cover the latest Disney and Universal...

Get to know Abby and Rob from Disney Hour Express in a relaxed live chat, plus park strategy and honest takes on the latest news. Highlights include: • How Disney hooked us, from solo trips to Treehouse Villas nostalgia. • Rope-drop strategy tips for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON. • Why early morning safaris show more animals. • Our favorite snacks—Gaston’s cinnamon roll and the Confectionery’s loaded popcorn. • Disney news: ticket and park-hopper price jumps, Spaceship Earth reopening, Mickey’s PhilharMagic refurbishment, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster → Muppets rumors. • Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Market menu changes...

Our very first Disney Hour Express livestream didn’t go exactly as planned thanks to some early audio glitches, but the second half of the show is packed with Disney magic and news you don’t want to miss. We share tips for first-time Disney visitors, including how to avoid feeling overwhelmed and why meal planning makes such a big difference. We dive into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025, from canceled parades and rare character sightings to spooky snacks and a rain-soaked night that changed the entire event. We cover the big Hollywood Studios update with the closure of Animat...

This episode of Disney Hour Express brings you a spoiler-light review of Pixar’s new film Elio, including its emotional tone, pacing, and whether it’s worth watching on Disney+. We also cover the latest Walt Disney World news from Jollywood Nights 2025, where guests can catch the new Little Mermaid musical and Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After shows. At EPCOT, fans will notice a nostalgic World of Motion tribute on Test Track 3.0, and over at Universal Orlando, demolition permits hint at big changes coming to the Lost Continent with rumors of Zelda or Wicked taking its place. Our...

This week on Disney Hour Express, we share our full 2025 Disney World family trip wrap-up and answer the big question: is the Disney Dining Plan worth it in 2025? From real numbers and receipts to character dining and quick service meals, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and how much value the plan actually gave our family. We also reveal why Magic Kingdom came out on top over Hollywood Studios, the surprising highlights that made our trip special, and how a cabana completely changed our Typhoon Lagoon experience. Favorite rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Slinky Dog...

This week on Disney Hour Express, Abbie and Rob share the ultimate surprise—a last-minute family trip to Walt Disney World. From packing bags in secret to revealing the vacation with a prank “Magical Minute,” you’ll hear the full story of how the kids reacted, where they stayed, and what made this trip one to remember. We review Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with honest details about the rooms, pools, and monorail convenience, and then dive into the magic of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. From walk-on classics like Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean to...