Join Abbie, Rob, and Family Travel Planner Specialist, Dylan, on this magical episode of Disney Hour Express. Dylan shares her unforgettable Walt Disney World adventure, including an exclusive Disney VIP tour, solo park days, and staying at deluxe resorts like the Grand Floridian and Contemporary.

Hear about:

• Behind-the-scenes Disney perks at the Disney Destinations Workshop

• Tips for Typhoon Lagoon, extended evening hours, and navigating summer crowds

• VIP tour secrets: skipping lines, park-hopping in style, and hidden fun facts

• Dining highlights like churro waffles at Crystal Palace and Italian classics at Trattoria al Forno

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury Disney vacation or planning your first trip, this episode is packed with Disney travel hacks, hilarious stories, and insider tips.

✨ Listen now and find out what it’s like to experience Disney like a VIP! To get in touch with Dylan, follow her on her socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylan.familytravelplanner/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylandoesdisney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylanfamilytravelplanner You can reach Abbie and Rob: 📸 Instagram: @DisneyFamilyTravelPlanner 🎥 TikTok: @FamilyTravelPlanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Website: https://familytravelplanner.com Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Disney Hour Express

00:53 – Fourth of July at Magic Kingdom: Fireworks & Lightning Lanes

07:46 – Staying at Saratoga Springs: Best Sections & Pool Tips

18:54 – Typhoon Lagoon: Mini Donuts, Rainstorms & Bus Transfers

27:59 – VIP Dining: Akershus Princess Dinner at Epcot

35:48 – Solo Park-Hopping Tips & Extended Evening Hours at Epcot

43:19 – Disney’s Grand Floridian: Room Hacks & Brunch Review

52:10 – Disney VIP Tour: Skipping Lines & Hidden Secrets

1:03:16 – Guardians of the Galaxy Ride Strategies & Songs

1:20:20 – Resort Life: Pools, Hot Tubs & Deluxe Perks

1:32:19 – Crystal Palace Breakfast & Churro Waffle Review

1:40:01 – Lessons from Disney Destinations Workshop & Agent Networking

In episode 121 of the Disney Hour Express podcast, Abbie and Rob focus on Walt Disney World’s All-Star Resorts—Sports, Music, and Movies. They break down what guests can expect at these Disney value resorts, including oversized theming, room refurbishments, and room layouts. The hosts discuss room sizes, pricing, and the advantages of choosing a preferred room.

The episode also covers included perks such as early theme park entry, free Disney transportation, and rare direct bus access to Blizzard Beach. Listeners get helpful tips on mobile ordering at resort food courts, as well as a comparison of dining and recreation options across the three resorts—including arcades, outdoor games, and evening entertainment.

In the news segment, Abbie and Rob discuss the closure and planned updates for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, new construction for the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster, and the removal of Miss Piggy’s fountain at Hollywood Studios. They also talk about changes to EPCOT’s Test Track, odd take home policies at Epic Universe’s Pizza Moon, new Halloween Horror Nights houses, and a planned year-round horror attraction in the Midwest. You can reach Abbie and Rob: 📸 Instagram: @DisneyFamilyTravelPlanner 🎥 TikTok: @FamilyTravelPlanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Website: https://familytravelplanner.com 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview: Disney's All-Star Resorts 00:53 – What Are Disney Value Resorts? Price Ranges & Categories 03:15 – All-Star Sports, Music, and Movies: Theming & Differences 06:30 – Room Refurbishments & Amenities: What's New in 2024 08:00 – Family Suites at All-Star Music: Layout, Pricing, and Perks 11:30 – Resort Size & Capacity: Room Counts and Guest Volume 13:45 – Disney Transportation: Bus Service to Parks & Blizzard Beach 16:45 – Food Courts & Dining Tips at All-Star Resorts 19:00 – Resort Activities: Arcades, Pools, and Nightly Entertainment 22:45 – Park Perks: Early Entry, Free Parking, and More! 26:00 – Weekly Disney News: Ride Closures & New Attractions 44:30 – Final Thoughts

In Episode 120 of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, Abbie and Rob wrap up their Disney Dining Plan 2025 Series diving into how the DDP applies to Disney Springs and Walt Disney World Resort hotels. They cover which restaurants require two table service credits and which don’t accept the dining plan at all. They also break down quick-service and snack spots where credits won’t work, At the resorts, they highlight top-tier dining locations that require two credits and lounges, bars, and eateries that are excluded entirely from the plan. Finally, they give their post series opinions on "Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it?"

The episode wraps with updates on major park news: Magic Kingdom will extend hours for Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away, Soarin’ Around the World now has a corrected Eiffel Tower scene, Test Track 3.0 launches soon-ish, and Winter Summerland Mini Golf has reopened. The hosts also discuss rising crowd levels at Epic Universe and the reveal of the theme for Halloween Horror Nights 34. Packed with planning tips and real insights, this episode helps listeners understand how to get the most from the Disney Dining Plan in 2025. You can reach Abbie and Rob: 📸 Instagram: @DisneyFamilyTravelPlanner 🎥 TikTok: @FamilyTravelPlanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Website: https://familytravelplanner.com Chapter List

00:00 – Intro and Welcome to Episode 120 00:38 – Exploring Disney Springs: Size and First Impressions 02:18 – Quick History of Disney Springs: From Lake Buena Vista to Today 03:36 – Bonus Episode Overview and Dining Plan Reminder 04:05 – Disney Springs Restaurants Requiring Two Table Service Credits 05:58 – Our Experience at Splitsville and Casual Dining Options 06:55 – Disney Springs Restaurants That Don’t Accept the Dining Plan 08:07 – Quick Service Locations Not Accepting Dining Plan Credits 11:55 – Transition to Resort Dining Overview 12:32 – Resort Restaurants Requiring Two Table Service Credits 16:23 – Dining Credit Options at Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts 17:42 – Dining Plan Not Accepted at Bars and Lounges 22:58 – Importance of Verifying Dining Plan Participation 24:24 – Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It in 2025? 28:43 – JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out Trend at Disney 30:35 – How Some Guests Do Disney Differently 33:24 – News: Magic Kingdom Parade and Fireworks Changes 34:00 – Starlight Dream the Night Away Details & Route 36:02 – Mini Golf Reopens at Winter Summerland 38:00 – Soarin’ Eiffel Tower Scene Fix and Ride System Update 40:34 – Astro Orbiter Refurbishment & Ride Testing 42:04 – Test Track 3.0 Opens Soon: What’s New 43:55 – Epic Universe: Ride Hours Extended After Park Close 46:55 – Increased Crowds At Epic Universe & Summer Travel Tips 48:48 – Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up

In part three of the Disney Dining Plan series, hosts Abbie and Rob turn their attention to Disney's Hollywood Studios. This episode dives into how the Disney Dining Plan works at this specific park, covering everything from quick service favorites to full-service restaurants. They compare the two dining styles, explain what guests can expect from each, and share practical tips to help visitors get the most value out of their dining credits.

Listeners will hear reviews of popular locations like Docking Bay 7, Woody’s Lunch Box, and the Hollywood Brown Derby, along with helpful insights about shaded seating, mobile ordering, and crowd-friendly dining strategies. The conversation also highlights top snack options around the park, especially those eligible for snack credits under the dining plan. The hosts also reveal their picks for where their family is going to use their DDP credits this summer.

To close the episode, Abbie and Rob offer a quick look at new happenings at Universal Studios, Epcot's new lounge, and preview what’s coming in the final part of their four-part series on Disney dining. This episode is a helpful resource for planning a stress-free, flavor-filled day at Hollywood Studios. You can reach Abbie and Rob: 📸 Instagram: @DisneyFamilyTravelPlanner 🎥 TikTok: @FamilyTravelPlanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Website: https://familytravelplanner.com Chapters

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:00 – Disney Dining Plan Overview 09:39 – Table Service Rundown at Hollywood Studios 20:15 – Best Table Service Value with Fantasmic Dining Package 32:00 – Quick Service Dining at Hollywood Studios 42:00 – Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Picks 45:30 – Hosts' Top Picks for Meals & Snacks 49:30 – Disney & Universal Park News 58:00 – Closing & Next Episode Preview

In this episode of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, hosts Abbie and Rob continue their Disney Dining Plan series with a detailed look at Animal Kingdom dining options. They review restaurants like Tiffins, Yak & Yeti, Rainforest Café, Tusker House, and Nomad Lounge, sharing insights on how to use the 2025 Disney Dining Plan effectively. From unique snacks to standout quick service and table service meals, they offer practical advice for families planning where to eat at Animal Kingdom.

The hosts explain how dining credits apply at each location, what meals offer the best value, and how each restaurant’s atmosphere contributes to the overall experience. The episode also covers recent updates from the parks, including new details about Epic Universe ride wait times, upcoming Disney events, and a look back at the 50th anniversary of Jaws.

This episode offers helpful information for families organizing a Disney World trip, Disney food lovers, and guests aiming to use the dining plan wisely. With clear tips, personal experiences, and recent park news, listeners can better plan their visit to get the most out of their time and meals at Animal Kingdom. You can reach Abbie and Rob: 📸 Instagram: @DisneyFamilyTravelPlanner 🎥 TikTok: @FamilyTravelPlanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Website: https://familytravelplanner.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Disney Dining Plan Series 00:54 Exploring Animal Kingdom Table Service Options 03:50 Tiffin's Restaurant: A Signature Experience 08:01 Rainforest Cafe: A Unique Dining Adventure 12:00 Tusker House: Character Dining Experience 16:10 Yak & Yeti: Pan-Asian Cuisine 19:53 Nomad Lounge: A Relaxing Retreat 26:37 Exploring the Nomad Lounge 28:17 Dining Options and Family Considerations 29:58 Dawa Bar and Relaxation Spots 32:15 Restaurantasaurus Lounge and Dining Plans 34:02 Quick Service Restaurants Overview 37:56 Unique Offerings at Satuli Canteen 38:23 Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe: A Culinary Focal Point 40:30 Snack Options and Seasonal Treats 42:32 Pongu Pongu and Unique Snacks 50:50 Desserts and Sweet Treats 53:29 Exploring Breakfast Tachoes and Animal Kingdom Dining 57:10 Sit Down vs Quick Service Dining Choices 01:00:31 Exciting News from Disney Parks 01:06:14 Celebrating Jaws' 50th Anniversary 01:08:54 Epic Universe Opening and Wait Times

In this first episode of a four-part Disney Dining Plan series, Abbie and Rob break down everything you need to know about using the dining plan at Walt Disney World and take a deep look on how to use it in Magic Kingdom. This episode focuses on understanding the basics of the Disney Dining Plan, comparing Quick Service vs. Standard options, and offering money-saving tips to help you get the most value out of your vacation meals. While the episode opens with personal stories from a memorable Mother’s Day and a visit to Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the main focus is helping families navigate the Disney Dining Plan with confidence.

The hosts explain how the dining plan works, what’s included in each tier, and how snack credits, beverage choices, and meal entitlements can be used across the parks. They share real-life examples of dining at Magic Kingdom and offer tips on using mobile ordering, managing credits, and choosing meals that give you the best bang for your buck.

Restaurants like Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table are highlighted as premium experiences where dining credits can stretch further, but are they the best value in Magic Kingdom? The episode also touches on character dining, the history of alcohol availability in the park, and how buffets and family-style meals can maximize your plan—especially for families.

This episode is a must-listen for Disney vacation planners looking to optimize their dining plan and avoid common mistakes. Be sure to tune in to the rest of this four-part series for detailed park-by-park guides, snack hacks, and expert meal planning strategies. You can reach Abbie and Rob: 📸 Instagram: @DisneyFamilyTravelPlanner 🎥 TikTok: @FamilyTravelPlanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Website: https://familytravelplanner.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 03:00 Mother's Day Experience and Broadway Play Review 05:58 Theater Experience and Immersive Elements 08:57 Emotional Impact of the Play 12:02 Discussion on Harry Potter Characters and Future Adaptations 14:53 Disney Dining Plans Overview 17:59 Quick Service vs. Standard Dining Plans 21:08 Cost Analysis of Dining Plans 23:55 Alcohol and Beverage Options in Dining Plans 27:01 Kids Menu and Dining Plan Eligibility 28:36 Mobile Ordering and Dining Experience 30:50 Dining Options at Magic Kingdom 35:20 Signature Dining Experiences 38:10 Character Dining and Buffets 41:27 Family Style Dining vs. Buffets 45:44 Pricing and Value of Dining Credits 54:34 Alcohol in Magic Kingdom and Quick Service Options 56:27 Exploring Quick Service Dining Options 01:00:38 Understanding Snack Credits and Their Value 01:03:51 Choosing the Right Dining Plan for Your Trip 01:06:37 Planning Meals: Snacks to Table Service 01:12:04 Navigating Quick Service Restaurants 01:16:09 Finalizing Dining Plans and Upcoming Events

In this episode of Disney Hour Express, hosts Abbie and Rob catch up with returning guest Tink, who shares her recent experiences aboard the Disney Fantasy cruise and her visit to Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park. Tink starts by detailing her time on the Disney Fantasy, including a standout dinner at Remy, and a laid-back visit to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. She discusses what sets the ship apart, from the dining quality to the mix of entertainment options for all ages.

The episode then shifts to a preview of Epic Universe, with a focus on the attractions inside Super Nintendo World, such as the Mario-themed rides, and the eerie atmosphere of the Dark Universe area. Tink also shares her take on the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter section, noting how it builds on the immersive detail fans have come to expect. The hosts break down how the virtual queue system works, the range of dining choices inside the park, and what visitors should know ahead of time. They also discuss Celestial Park and its potential for unique nighttime experiences.

Throughout the episode, Abbie, Rob, and Tink offer grounded, practical advice and firsthand observations to help families and theme park fans plan their next trip. Instead of hype, they focus on what actually works—and what might not—at both Disney and Universal’s latest offerings. Got questions for Tink? Contact her at: Email - tink@familytravelplanner.com Instagram - tinkfamilytravelplanner You can reach Abbie and Rob: 📸 Instagram: @DisneyFamilyTravelPlanner 🎥 TikTok: @FamilyTravelPlanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Website: https://familytravelplanner.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Disney Hour Express 00:54 Cruising on the Disney Fantasy 06:03 Dining Experiences on the Cruise 12:01 Excursions and Activities at Castaway Cay 19:51 Exploring Epic Universe 29:55 Rides and Attractions in Mario World 36:03 Dark Universe and Its Attractions 37:05 The Evolution of Theme Park Rides 41:27 Navigating the New Dark Universe 46:04 Virtual Queue Challenges 48:27 Dining Experiences in Epic Universe 54:24 Exploring the Harry Potter World 01:00:00 Celestial Park and Nighttime Magic 01:06:22 Reflections on the Preview Experience