Sams Disney Diary

SamsDisneyDiary
  • 0.0 (0)
  • DESTINOS Y VIAJES
  • CADA DOS SEMANAS

Walt Disney World is the one location where my entire family can find something to smile about. No matter the age, no matter who is with us, you will find an adventure. Sam's Disney Diary is simply a way for me to capture and share the memory or those adventures in the magic. I hope you enjoy.

  1. 1 ABR

    Swan Boats History, Buzz Soft Open, D23 Tickets & Easter at Disney

    A Question Beneath Cinderella Castle This week's special Tuesday night edition of This Week at Walt Disney World started with a simple question. As work around Cinderella Castle revealed old tracks in the drained moat, Greg asked what they were. That question led Sam down a deeper path — and the answer brought back one of Walt Disney World's earliest attractions. The Full Story of the Swan Boats Those tracks were not random. They were part of the original Swan Boats that once operated at Magic Kingdom in the 1970s and early 1980s. The Swan Boats offered guests a quiet cruise around the castle hub and into nearby waterways. Unlike today's attractions, this was more about atmosphere than thrills. It reflected an earlier version of the park, where scenic experiences played a bigger role. The boats followed a guided path, which explains the tracks revealed beneath the moat. When the attraction closed, most of that infrastructure disappeared from view — until now. Seeing those tracks again gives guests a rare connection to opening-era Walt Disney World. It is a reminder that the park has always evolved, even in places most guests never think to look. Buzz Lightyear Soft Opening Continues Back in the present, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin continues its soft opening period ahead of its official return. Greg revisited the attraction and shared how his opinion has changed since earlier cast member previews. That second look added more perspective and made Buzz one of the most talked-about updates at Magic Kingdom right now. D23 Expo Tickets Go on Sale Looking ahead, D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 tickets go on sale this week. Sam and Greg talked through what fans should expect, how quickly tickets may move, and what they are hoping to see announced.  The show also looked at the 2026 class of Disney Legends, adding another layer of anticipation for what D23 could bring this year. Easter Arrives at Walt Disney World Walt Disney World is already preparing for the Easter holiday. Mr. and Mrs. Bunny have arrived in the parks, bringing seasonal photo opportunities and a classic Disney touch. At the same time, Band Leader Mickey is performing with the Philharmagic marching band in the castle hub, adding live entertainment and energy to the park atmosphere. A Perfect Time for a Retro Easter Look With Easter approaching, Sam highlighted the Easter Parade archive — a collection that captures classic Disney holiday moments. It is a perfect reminder of how Disney has celebrated Easter over the years, and why those traditions still resonate today. For longtime fans, there is something special about revisiting a retro Easter morning. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From uncovering the history of the Swan Boats to Buzz updates, D23 planning, and Easter celebrations, this special Tuesday night show blended Disney history with current park news.  Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where Disney past and present come together.

    1 h 6 min

  2. 25 MAR

    Cinderella Castle Pops, Buzz Preview & Bluey Arrives at Disneyland

    Cinderella Castle Pops with New Color Magic Kingdom guests are seeing a brighter look at the park icon as Cinderella Castle continues its latest visible transformation. Fresh color is making the castle stand out in a new way, and even routine work on the centerpiece of Walt Disney World always becomes a talking point. For Sam and Greg, the castle update was one of the clearest signs that spring changes are still moving across the resort. Greg Gets an Early Buzz Preview One of the biggest park updates this week was Greg's early look at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin ahead of its return. This was not the full reopening just yet. Instead, Greg got to experience the attraction during a cast member preview, giving the show an early reaction before guests officially return. That preview made Buzz one of the most anticipated ride stories at Magic Kingdom right now. Bluey Opens at Disneyland Bluey officially opens at Disneyland, adding even more family energy to the resort. The rollout continues Disney's bigger Bluey push across the parks, streaming, and live experiences. As Bluey keeps expanding, it is becoming one of Disney's clearest family-facing growth stories. That momentum now stretches from Disneyland entertainment to Disney+ and beyond. Hannah Montana Turns 20 on Streaming Disney also marked a nostalgia-heavy milestone with Hannah Montana 20th anniversary streaming. For longtime Disney Channel fans, it was another reminder of how much value Disney continues to find in legacy brands. Moana Live-Action Trailer Builds Momentum A new Moana live-action trailer dropped, and excitement quickly followed. The footage added more momentum to one of Disney's most closely watched upcoming releases.  For fans of the animated original, the trailer gave another early look at how Disney is approaching the live-action adaptation. Excitement Builds for the Darth Maul Series The upcoming Darth Maul series also stayed in the spotlight. Anticipation continues to build as Star Wars fans look for more details about how the series will expand the galaxy on Disney+. What's Coming to Disney+ in April Sam and Greg also looked ahead at what's coming to Disney+ in April, giving fans a bigger picture view of the streaming calendar. That made the episode feel broader than just a parks recap and tied together the latest Disney news across platforms. Zootopia 2 Reaches 32 Million Views Another major milestone came from Zootopia 2, which hit 32 million views. That kind of response signals strong interest and reinforces how much attention the sequel is already generating. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From Cinderella Castle and Buzz previews to Bluey, Moana, Disney+, and Star Wars, it was another packed week of Disney conversation.  Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park updates, streaming news, and fan reaction all come together.

    1 h 3 min

  3. 19 MAR

    Bluey Takes Over Disney Parks, Cool Kids Summer, Olaf, Shareholder Meeting, Disney Madness Round 2

    Big Disney News Changes the Shape of the Show This week's episode of This Week at Walt Disney World came in with a full list of park updates, entertainment news, and fan conversation. Then the 2026 Disney shareholder meeting added a new layer to everything Sam and Greg were already discussing. It did not stop the show. Instead, it gave the episode more weight. With new CEO Josh D'Amaro sharing updates in real time, the conversation naturally shifted as Sam and Greg worked through what those company-level announcements could mean. Bluey Expands Across Disney Parks and Beyond Even with the shareholder meeting unfolding, Sam and Greg still covered the full slate of Disney park news. One of the biggest stories was Bluey's growing presence across Disney parks and platforms. Disneyland launches Bluey's Best Day Ever on March 22, complete with themed food, a popcorn bucket, a sipper, and added family appeal. Then on May 26, Bluey heads to Disney's Animal Kingdom as part of a much bigger summer rollout. Add in new Bluey minisodes on Disney+ and Bluey's Big Play, and Disney's strategy is clear. Bluey is becoming one of its biggest family-facing brands. Cool Kid Summer Starts May 26 That same date, May 26, also marks the launch of Cool Kid Summer. Sam and Greg walked through the lineup, including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live, The Magic of Disney Animation, Learn to Draw with Olaf, Off the Page, and Soarin' Across America. Taken together, those experiences point to a summer built around families, animation, and recognizable Disney characters. That makes Cool Kid Summer one of the most important seasonal pushes Disney has announced in a while. Buzz, Star Wars, and Summer Ticketing News The week also delivered several major planning updates for Walt Disney World guests. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin reopens April 8 at Magic Kingdom, while The Mandalorian & Grogu arrive on Smugglers Run May 22. Disney also rolled out special discount tickets for kids, giving families another reason to start thinking about spring and summer trips now. Olaf, New Costumes, and More Across Disney Around the parks, cast members are debuting new costumes, while Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck continue expanding Disney's relationship with F1 Academy. [caption id="attachment_80739" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck will be front and center of the Disney x Formula 1 ACADEMY collaboration this spring, appearing in exclusive merchandise, on-site character experiences and original content that brings their magic to fans old and new.[/caption] Then there was Olaf. During the week, Olaf appeared at NVIDIA GTC ahead of Disneyland Paris, giving Disney fans one more unexpected crossover moment. Outside the parks, Disney Cruise Line's Midnight Magic commercial premiered during the Oscars and quickly pulled at fans' emotions. Meanwhile, speculation continued around a possible Darkwing Duck reboot. Greg Lands a Guinness World Record Then came one of the most unexpected moments of the show. During the broadcast, Greg got official word that his name is in the Guinness Book of World Records. The record came in support of the smallest popcorn bucket ever, which instantly became one of the most memorable parts of the night. For a show that already tracks popcorn buckets, collectibles, and theme park oddities, the announcement felt perfectly on brand. Disney Madness Moves to Round 2 The episode also kept the fan bracket energy going as Disney Madness moved into Round 2. That added one more layer to a show already packed with park news, company updates, and collectible culture. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From shareholder meeting updates and Bluey expansion to Cool Kid Summer, Olaf, Disney Madness, and Greg's Guinness World Record moment, this was one of the busiest live shows in recent weeks. Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where Disney news, live reactions, and fan conversation come together.

    1 h 10 min

  4. 11 MAR

    Flower & Garden Opens, Hoppers Arrives, and Disney Movie Madness 2026 Begins

    Flower & Garden Festival Blooms at EPCOT Spring officially arrived at EPCOT as the Flower & Garden Festival opened across the park. Topiaries, gardens, and fresh seasonal color changed the atmosphere almost overnight. This annual shift always gives EPCOT new energy. After Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden brings a brighter look and a different rhythm to the park. Hoppers Hits Theaters Disney and Pixar's Hoppers arrived in theaters, adding another big entertainment headline to the week. The release gives Disney fans something new to watch beyond the parks while also adding to the larger conversation around Disney animation and theatrical momentum. Winnie the Pooh Gets a Springtime Popcorn Bucket A new Springtime Winnie the Pooh popcorn bucket arrived to celebrate Winnie the Pooh's 100th birthday. The release added another collectible to the growing popcorn bucket lineup and gave fans one more seasonal item to hunt down in the parks. A Muppet Tribute Appears in the Parks A new Muppet Easter egg display appeared as a tribute to The Muppet Show. For longtime fans, it was another welcome reminder that the Muppets still matter inside Disney parks, even in smaller details. The display also fit naturally into the ongoing conversation Sam and Greg have been having about Muppet visibility, nostalgia, and what still resonates with fans. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Transformation Begins With the attraction now closed, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster has officially started its transformation. That shift marks the end of one era and the beginning of another at Disney's Hollywood Studios. For fans who squeezed in one last ride before the closure, the project now becomes one to watch closely. Cinderella Castle Work Continues At Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle continues its latest round of visible work. Even routine updates at the park icon tend to draw attention, and this one is no different. As always, any changes to Cinderella Castle become part of the bigger visual story at Walt Disney World. Mario Galaxy Popcorn Buckets Are Coming Outside Disney, Greg kept tracking the growing popcorn bucket trend. This time, attention turned to Mario Galaxy popcorn buckets heading to theaters everywhere. That expanding collectible culture shows no signs of slowing down, whether the release is tied to Disney, another studio, or a major new film. Disney Animated Movie Madness Begins The first round of Disney Animated Movie Madness is officially underway. With 64 Walt Disney Animation Studios films going head-to-head, the tournament adds a fun fan-driven layer to the week's Disney conversation. [caption id="attachment_80492" align="aligncenter" width="1047"] 2026 Disney Madness Attraction Madness This Week at Walt Disney World[/caption] As voting begins, the bracket gives Disney fans a new way to debate favorites, rediscover classics, and rally behind the films that matter most to them. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From festival season and new movie releases to park transformations, collectibles, and Disney Madness voting, it was another packed week. Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park updates, fandom moments, and Disney conversation come together.

    1 h 8 min

  5. 6 MAR

    EPCOT After Hours Review: Topiaries, Late-Night Rides, and Is the Event Worth It?

    Live from EPCOT After Hours For this special Thursday night edition of This Week at Walt Disney World, Sam and Greg went live from EPCOT After Hours. The plan was simple: explore the park at night, check the crowds, and answer one big question. Is EPCOT After Hours worth it? The night did not go exactly as planned. Even so, the live show still delivered a real look at what the event feels like once the park clears out and the lights come up. Flower & Garden Topiaries Shine at Night One of the best surprises of the night was seeing the Flower & Garden topiaries fully in place during the evening. EPCOT always changes character after dark, and the festival displays gave the park extra color and atmosphere. This setting made the event feel different from a normal park day. Instead of rushing from booth to booth, the experience leaned more into mood, space, and the chance to enjoy EPCOT in a calmer environment. Luminous in the Background Luminous: The Symphony of Us was part of the nighttime backdrop during the live show, but Sam and Greg did not stop to watch it as part of the event review. Instead, it served as atmosphere while they moved through EPCOT and focused on testing the event itself. Two Attractions, Live and After Dark The night did not unfold exactly the way Sam and Greg expected. However, they still managed to ride two attractions live during the show: Living with the Land Frozen Ever After That gave viewers a real-time look at what the event could offer. It also showed how the park feels when major attractions are experienced after dark and with lighter crowds. How Long Are the Lines? The biggest question heading into the show was all about wait times. If guests buy a ticket for EPCOT After Hours, they want to know whether the event actually delivers on shorter lines. Based on what Sam and Greg experienced, the answer depends on what kind of night you want. If your goal is to ride as much as possible, the event absolutely makes sense. Lower crowds and the chance to move quickly from one attraction to the next can make the extra ticket cost worthwhile. On the other hand, guests looking for a more relaxed event with a lot of extras may weigh the value differently. EPCOT After Hours works best when the priority is attractions. Is EPCOT After Hours Worth It? In the end, the answer is yes — if you are focused on riding as much as possible. That is where the value shows up. The event gives guests a cleaner shot at shorter waits, a more open park, and the chance to experience EPCOT in a different rhythm than a normal day visit. Even though the night did not go perfectly, it still showed exactly why After Hours can work for the right guest. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park updates, live experiences, and fan conversation come together.

    1 h 15 min

  6. 26 FEB

    Magic of Disney Animation Returns, Princess Half Weekend & Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's Final Days

    Festival of the Arts Closes, Flower & Garden Ahead EPCOT officially wrapped the 2026 Festival of the Arts as the park begins its transition to the Flower & Garden Festival. While festival booths close and signage comes down, early floral installations and seasonal shifts already signal what's next. The quick turnaround highlights EPCOT's constant evolution. One festival ends, and another begins almost immediately. runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Takes Over runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend brought energy, costumes, and early mornings to Walt Disney World. Runners filled the parks and resorts, creating a unique atmosphere that blends athletic achievement with Disney storytelling. Race weekends always shift crowd patterns, and this one was no exception. From character stops to celebratory medals, Princess Weekend once again delivered memorable moments. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Update Confirmed Disney confirmed that an update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut on May 22. While details remain limited, the confirmation alone generated excitement among Star Wars fans. The attraction continues to evolve as part of Disney's larger push to keep Galaxy's Edge fresh and connected to current storytelling. Robert Downey Jr. Named Godparent of Disney Adventure In cruise line news, Disney announced that Robert Downey Jr. will serve as the godparent of the upcoming Disney Adventure cruise ship. The announcement adds star power to Disney Cruise Line's continued expansion and ties Marvel talent directly into the fleet's future. Major Updates for The Magic of Disney Animation Hollywood Studios shared new details for The Magic of Disney Animation, bringing renewed attention to Animation Courtyard. Highlights include: A new character experience inside Off the Page A refreshed Learn to Draw with Olaf experience A new animatronic element enhancing the attraction These updates signal Disney's renewed focus on in-park animation storytelling. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's Final Days March 1 marks the final day to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster before its transformation. The closing countdown adds urgency for fans wanting one last launch through the Hollywood Hills. With major changes coming to the attraction, this is the end of a long-running era at Hollywood Studios. Animation Academy Changes at Animal Kingdom While one Animation Academy-style experience is set to debuts in Hollywood studios, another closes at Animal Kingdom as the park prepares for Bluey-related additions. The shift reflects ongoing adjustments across the resort as Disney balances new intellectual properties with existing offerings.All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From festival transitions and race weekend energy to animation updates, cruise announcements, and Star Wars momentum, it was another full week of Disney news. Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park updates, construction progress, and fandom conversations come together.

    1 h 6 min

  7. 18 FEB

    Frozen Ever After Update, Flower & Garden Blooms & Beyond Big Thunder Progress

    This week at Walt Disney World, February 18, 2026, Greg became one of the first guests to experience the updated Frozen Ever After, now featuring new animatronics. The refreshed scenes add improved movement, facial detail, and lighting enhancements that noticeably elevate the attraction's finale. The update signals Disney's continued investment in existing attractions while larger park expansions continue around the resort. Mardi Gras at Port Orleans Over at Disney's Port Orleans Resort, Mardi Gras celebrations added festive color and energy. The resort's New Orleans inspiration makes it a natural fit for seasonal décor, specialty food, and lively atmosphere. EPCOT Transitions to Flower & Garden As Festival of the Arts winds down, EPCOT is already shifting toward the next season. Early Flower & Garden topiaries and blooms are appearing throughout the park, signaling the start of another transformation. The quick seasonal turnover highlights how EPCOT constantly evolves throughout the year, giving returning guests something new each visit. Beyond Big Thunder: First Track Elements Revealed New construction images from Beyond Big Thunder reveal the first visible elements of Cars Land track design. The progress confirms that the next major expansion in Magic Kingdom is physically taking shape. These early structural pieces provide the clearest look yet at how the area will expand beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Changes Inside Villains Land Work continues inside Villains Land, with visible adjustments and groundwork shaping the future expansion. While Disney has not released final attraction details, movement on site suggests steady forward progress. Monstro Rises at Hollywood Studios At Hollywood Studios, the new Monstro facade is beginning to take shape. The visible exterior progress gives guests their first real glimpse of how the updated Animation Courtyard area may look once complete. You Can Get Married in the Haunted Mansion In a surprising Disney detail, couples can now host weddings inside the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. The announcement blends gothic atmosphere with Disney fairy-tale flair, offering one of the most unique wedding venues on property. Mandalorian & Grogu Trailer Sparks Buzz The latest Mandalorian & Grogu trailer dropped, and the reaction was immediate. The footage signals major cinematic momentum for Star Wars and reinforces Disney's continued investment in the franchise. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From attraction updates and seasonal transitions to construction milestones and Star Wars hype, it was another packed week of Disney conversation. Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where park updates, expansion progress, and fandom moments come together.

    1 h 7 min

  8. 11 FEB

    Disney Super Bowl Strategy, Villaintines Day & Live from Disney's BoardWalk

    Live from Disney's BoardWalk For the week of February 11, 2026, Sam and Greg went live on location from Disney's BoardWalk at Walt Disney World. The setting brought great atmosphere and real park energy, even if a few technical difficulties cut the show slightly short. The experience delivered valuable lessons, and yes — more live broadcasts from the parks are coming. The Big Game Is Over — MVPs to Disneyland The Big Game is in the books, and as tradition holds, the MVPs are heading to Disneyland. That moment always sparks conversation, but this year the focus went deeper. Sam and Greg broke down Disney's Super Bowl advertising investment and where the company chose to spend its dollars. The message was clear — This is the Way. Disney leaned into its strongest brands and signaled where it sees growth and long-term storytelling momentum. Villaintines Day and Valentine's Day at Walt Disney World Walt Disney World prepared for two back-to-back celebrations. Villaintines Day on February 13 brought a darker twist to the season, while traditional Valentine's Day festivities followed across the parks and resorts. From themed treats to couples celebrating in the parks, the atmosphere blended playful villain energy with classic romance. D23 Tickets on Sale in April Another major announcement: D23 tickets go on sale in April. Sam and Greg discussed what fans should expect, how quickly events can sell out, and why planning ahead matters for major Disney fan gatherings. Muppet Backlash and AI Allegations Online discussion swirled around alleged AI usage connected to Muppet content. Sam and Greg reacted to the backlash, separating speculation from confirmed information while discussing why authenticity matters so much to longtime fans of The Muppets. Live Show Lessons and What's Next Although the broadcast ended earlier than planned due to technical issues, the experiment was a success. Broadcasting live from Disney's BoardWalk added energy and spontaneity that studio shows simply cannot replicate. The takeaway is simple: expect more live, on-location shows from Walt Disney World in the future. All That and More with Sam & Greg Live From Super Bowl strategy and MVP traditions to Villaintines Day, D23 news, and Muppet discussions, it was another conversation-filled week. Join Sam and Greg each week for This Week at Walt Disney World LIVE, where Disney news, park culture, and fan conversation come together.

    41 min
Ver todo (300)

Acerca de

Walt Disney World is the one location where my entire family can find something to smile about. No matter the age, no matter who is with us, you will find an adventure. Sam's Disney Diary is simply a way for me to capture and share the memory or those adventures in the magic. I hope you enjoy.

Información

  • Creador
    SamsDisneyDiary
  • Años de actividad
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodios
    300
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2011-2025 SamsDisneyDiay.com (Contact Sam@SamsDisneyDiary.com)
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Sams Disney Diary