The Grim Grinning Dads

Grim Grinning Dads
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Leisure
  • Weekly

Welcome to the Grim Grinning Dads Podcast Hosted by Tyler, Charlie, and Caleb, three Disney-loving dads who know their way around theme parks, food, and family vacations, this podcast is all about bringing the fun (and sometimes the hot takes) straight to you. From ranking the best rides and restaurants to debating hidden gems and must-do experiences, we dive deep into the Disney parks, resorts, cruises, and beyond. You’ll get insider travel tips, planning advice, dad-approved hacks, and plenty of laughs along the way. Think of us as your Disney dad friends — the ones who tell it like it is

  1. 3d ago

    High Seas & Disney Please | Wonder of the Seas & Walt Disney World Recaps

    Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads! This Halloween, the Dads are talking Royal Caribbean cruises, Wonder of the Seas, Walt Disney World vacations, and plenty of Disney magic! We're joined by special guest Jacob for an episode packed with vacation recaps, travel tips, honest opinions, and a whole lot of high-quality H2O. First, Tyler and Charlie recap their Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas cruise! We discuss the ship's massive size, onboard dining and entertainment, crowds, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and the Royal Beach Club in Nassau. We also compare the Royal Caribbean cruise experience with Disney Cruise Line. If you're considering a Wonder of the Seas cruise, we'll share what impressed us, what didn't, and whether we'd sail again. Next, Jacob shares his family's recent Walt Disney World vacation, including his in-laws' first visit to Disney World. From staying at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival, and Animal Kingdom, we talk about traveling to Disney with young children, making memories, meeting characters, and why slowing down can make a family vacation even better. Finally, Caleb recaps his solo Walt Disney World trip! We cover rope-dropping Magic Kingdom, exploring Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival, Disney Springs, and some unforgettable food experiences. From Gideon's Bakehouse and Six Ravens to Carolina Reaper wings and TikTok LIVE adventures, there's no shortage of stories. Whether you're planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, comparing Disney Cruise Line, or dreaming about your next Walt Disney World vacation, there's something in this episode for you. What's your favorite way to vacation: a cruise or a Disney World trip? ⸻ Follow the Grim Grinning Dads: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grim.grinning.dads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimgrinningdads Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5U83wx8xDx4L8DfTpfn5FW?si=KeMABxNJR-uhOTJFrxQx4Q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grim-grinning-dads/id1836816757 Summon us anytime at grimgrinningdads@gmail.com If you'd like help planning your next Disney vacation, European adventure, cruise, all-inclusive resort, or just about anywhere else, the Dads are travel advisors with Genie Travel Company. Get started here: https://forms.gle/oxdsS1KYjQCUAqmc9 ⸻ Theme music for The Grim Grinning Dads Podcast created by @AdamPineless. Thank you for bringing the magic to life!

  2. Oct 22

    Dad's On Vacation

    Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads! This week, the Dads talk upcoming travel plans, including Caleb’s trip to Walt Disney World, along with cruise life and the little details that can make or break a vacation. Is Royal Caribbean’s upgraded Refreshment Package worth the extra cost? Tyler breaks down what’s included, from specialty coffees and smoothies to milkshakes, fresh-squeezed juice, and more. Caleb has one important question: are Monster energy drinks included? Meanwhile, Charlie considers the milkshake potential and introduces the word “peckish” to the conversation, sparking the kind of debate only these three Dads could have. The conversation also turns to upcoming adventures, hopes for more engaging tours, and the shenanigans that might happen when the Dads get together. Add a little football rivalry to the mix, and you know things could get interesting. Whether you’re planning a Disney getaway or setting sail on a cruise, the Dads have plenty to talk about. Would you pay extra for a cruise drink package, or are you perfectly happy sticking with the basics? ⸻ Follow the Grim Grinning Dads: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grim.grinning.dads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimgrinningdads Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5U83wx8xDx4L8DfTpfn5FW?si=KeMABxNJR-uhOTJFrxQx4Q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grim-grinning-dads/id1836816757 Summon us anytime at grimgrinningdads@gmail.com If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation, European adventure, cruise, all-inclusive resort, or just about anywhere else, the Dads are travel advisors with Genie Travel Company. Get started here: https://forms.gle/oxdsS1KYjQCUAqmc9 ⸻ Theme music for The Grim Grinning Dads Podcast created by @AdamPineless. Thank you for bringing the magic to life!

  3. Oct 16

    Disney Villians Fight Club

    Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads! This week, the Dads are getting into the Halloween spirit with a Disney Villains Fight Club! But first, we’ve got some holiday magic to discuss, including new Christmas music coming to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. From Trans-Siberian Orchestra to the Electric Mayhem, Disney is giving some classic attractions a festive soundtrack. We also share a few details about the Disney Believe, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. With bookings opening soon, four- and five-night Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, and an all-new Encanto stage musical, there’s plenty to get excited about. We’ll have more details when our Genie in Chief, Eric, joins us in a future episode! Then it’s time for the main event: 16 Disney villains enter the bracket, but only one can claim the crown. The Dads debate who would actually win in a fight, weighing magical abilities, physical strength, intelligence, technology, and a villain’s ability to outsmart the competition. Maleficent takes on Ernesto de la Cruz, Hades faces off against Yzma, Ursula goes up against Jafar, and the Evil Queen battles Scar. Meanwhile, Syndrome’s technology gets tested against Gaston and Captain Hook, and Mother Gothel discovers that psychological manipulation might not be enough to win a straight-up fight. As the bracket narrows, the Dads find themselves debating some serious heavyweight matchups. Can Maleficent’s dark magic overcome the power of a Greek god? Can Ursula take down Hades? And what happens when the Evil Queen’s mastery of mirrors and manipulation goes up against the ruler of the Underworld? There can only be one winner, and the final matchup delivers a surprising result. The Dads crown their ultimate Disney villain, but will you agree with their choice? Grab your favorite Disney snack and join the Dads for a Halloween-inspired showdown packed with villainous schemes, questionable battle strategies, hot takes, and plenty of arguments. Who is YOUR ultimate Disney villain, and who would win in a fight? ⸻ Follow the Grim Grinning Dads: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grim.grinning.dads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimgrinningdads Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5U83wx8xDx4L8DfTpfn5FW?si=KeMABxNJR-uhOTJFrxQx4Q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grim-grinning-dads/id1836816757 Summon us anytime at grimgrinningdads@gmail.com If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation, European adventure, cruise, all-inclusive resort, or just about anywhere else, the Dads are travel advisors with Genie Travel Company. Get started here: https://forms.gle/oxdsS1KYjQCUAqmc9 ⸻ Theme music for The Grim Grinning Dads Podcast created by @AdamPineless. Thank you for bringing the magic to life!

  4. Oct 9

    Overrated, Overhyped, & Outdated

    Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads! The Dads are back, and this week we’re kicking the hornet’s nest! We’re taking aim at some of Disney’s most popular vacation traditions and asking whether they’re truly magical or just overrated, overpriced, and draining our precious park time. First, Tyler shares a couple of Disney updates, including a Costco Disneyland ticket bundle featuring Park Hopper admission, Lightning Lane, and a $60 dining card. He also highlights an upcoming Roosevelt’s pop-up shop at Disney Springs featuring exclusive Disney-inspired apparel. Then it’s time to decide which Disney traditions need to go. From staking out fireworks viewing spots 90 minutes early to midday parades and the monorail versus ferry debate, the Dads share their alternatives to some of the most common park routines. Next, we tackle iconic Disney snacks. Is the famous turkey leg really worth the hype? Should you spend your money on ordinary popcorn and Mickey bars when the parks offer so many unique treats? We debate character dining, specialty snacks, and, of course, take a delicious detour into the wonderful world of Dole Whip. We also get into the planning mistakes that can eat up your park day. Is rope dropping Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure really the best strategy? And should you prioritize Flight of Passage over an early-morning safari? The Dads have plenty of opinions about making the most of your time. Finally, each Dad shares his ultimate Disney hill to die on. Charlie takes on matching family shirts, Caleb refuses to pay for Lightning Lane at Animal Kingdom, and Tyler delivers a take that might haunt him forever: he doesn’t need to see Fantasmic! at Disney World again. So grab your favorite Disney snack and join the Dads as we challenge conventional wisdom, debate Disney traditions, and figure out which experiences are worth your time and money. Which Disney tradition would YOU retire? ⸻ Follow the Grim Grinning Dads: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grim.grinning.dads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimgrinningdads Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5U83wx8xDx4L8DfTpfn5FW?si=KeMABxNJR-uhOTJFrxQx4Q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grim-grinning-dads/id1836816757 Summon us anytime at grimgrinningdads@gmail.com If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation, European adventure, cruise, all-inclusive resort, or just about anywhere else, the Dads are travel advisors with Genie Travel Company. Get started here: https://forms.gle/oxdsS1KYjQCUAqmc9 ⸻ Theme music for The Grim Grinning Dads Podcast created by @AdamPineless. Thank you for bringing the magic to life!

  5. Sep 25

    First Thought, Best Thought

    Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads! This week, the Dads are playing “First Thought, Best Thought,” firing off quick reactions to Disney rides, restaurants, lands, resorts, snacks, transportation, and everything in between. Before the game begins, we dive into some Disney news, including the return of Disney After Hours in 2027, the removal of single rider at Expedition Everest, and a giant Lily Pad DJ coming to Alien Swirling Saucers. Naturally, the Dads have opinions about whether the new Toy Story addition fits Andy’s backyard or feels a little forced. Then it’s time for the rapid-fire Disney Parks debate. We travel from Disneyland to Walt Disney World, talking Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates, Blue Bayou, the PeopleMover, Happily Ever After, the ferry boat versus monorail, Casey’s Corner, Spaceship Earth, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Living with the Land, and plenty more. The Dads make their way around World Showcase before heading to Hollywood Studios for the Skyliner, Millennium Falcon, Tower of Terror, Woody’s Lunch Box, and Sci-Fi Dine-In. Animal Kingdom gets its turn with Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King, and Satu’li Canteen. We also stop at some favorite Disney resorts, debate Disney Springs, My Disney Experience, and Memory Maker, and finally turn the spotlight on Disney fans themselves. Are we passionate, particular, impatient… or maybe just a little Veruca Salt? Grab your favorite Disney snack and join the Dads for a fast-paced episode packed with nostalgia, hot takes, questionable opinions, and plenty of Disney arguments. What would YOUR first thought be? ⸻ Follow the Grim Grinning Dads: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grim.grinning.dads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimgrinningdads Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5U83wx8xDx4L8DfTpfn5FW?si=KeMABxNJR-uhOTJFrxQx4Q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grim-grinning-dads/id1836816757 Summon us anytime at grimgrinningdads@gmail.com If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation, European adventure, cruise, all-inclusive resort, or just about anywhere else, the Dads are also travel advisors with Genie Travel Company: https://forms.gle/oxdsS1KYjQCUAqmc9 ⸻ Theme music for The Grim Grinning Dads Podcast created by @AdamPineless. Thank you for bringing the magic to life!

  6. Sep 18

    We Have Some Answers

    Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads! This week, the Dads are answering YOUR Disney questions! We’re pulling questions from the Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks group and covering resorts, special experiences, Disney Springs dining, mobility scooters, DVC resale, and one very important question: can you wear Disneyland merch at Walt Disney World? First, there’s some Disney news to cover. Disney has released new room and vacation package promotions for early 2027, with some significant savings available on select resorts. If you’re thinking about a Disney trip next year, now is the time to start planning. We also talk about the new tower crane going up for Piston Peak and the incredible overnight transformation that takes the parks from Halloween to Christmas. Then it’s time for your questions. We break down Coronado Springs, including the Grandestino Tower, Dig Site pool, Three Bridges, Dahlia Lounge, and even a little bus transportation strategy. We also discuss special experiences for moms, family-friendly restaurants at Disney Springs, and why renting a mobility scooter ahead of time can make a Disney vacation much easier. The Dads also tackle the DVC resale question, including what you actually get when buying resale and which DVC perks you may be giving up. And then Tyler has some thoughts about Disneyland merchandise at Walt Disney World. Naturally, this leads to a discussion about Figment, which somehow becomes a debate about which Disney park is the “real” one. Finally, we share a Disney tip that could save a priceless vacation memory: if a PhotoPass or attraction photo disappears from your account, don’t assume it’s gone forever. The Memory Maker team may be able to help track it down. So pull up a Doom Buggy and join the Dads as we answer your Disney questions, share some tips, argue about resorts, defend Figment, and prove once again that no Disney question is too strange for the Grim Grinning Dads. Have a Disney question of your own? Drop it in the Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks group. You might just hear the Dads answering it on a future episode. ⸻ Follow the Grim Grinning Dads: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grim.grinning.dads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimgrinningdads Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5U83wx8xDx4L8DfTpfn5FW?si=KeMABxNJR-uhOTJFrxQx4Q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grim-grinning-dads/id1836816757 Summon us anytime at grimgrinningdads@gmail.com If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation, European adventure, cruise, all-inclusive resort, or just about anywhere else, the Dads are also travel advisors with Genie Travel Company. https://forms.gle/oxdsS1KYjQCUAqmc9 ⸻ Theme music for The Grim Grinning Dads Podcast created by @AdamPineless. Thank you for bringing the magic to life!

  7. Sep 10

    Lightning Lanes & Lunch Bills: The 2026 Disney Strategy Audit

    Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads! This week, the Dads are asking a big question: Is Disney still worth the money in 2026? With rising prices, Lightning Lanes, dining, resort costs, and more ways than ever to spend money in the parks, we’re taking an honest look at what’s actually worth paying for. We kick things off with the latest Disney news, including the new Magic of Disney Animation area coming to Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World refurbishments and closures, and the construction taking over the parks. We also head west to talk Disneyland, Oogie Boogie Bash, Disney hotel perks, Halloween popcorn buckets, and whether staying on Disney property is really worth the premium. Of course, we have to talk food. New Disney treats, Hurley Burley at Disney’s BoardWalk, churros, milkshakes, and the new Gordon Ramsay restaurant at Downtown Disney all make their way into the conversation. Then we get to The Breaking Point. Are Disney vacations becoming too complicated? Between Lightning Lanes, dining plans, reservations, resort costs, and spending half the day looking at your phone, the Dads debate whether trying to get the most value out of every dollar can actually take away from the magic. And then comes the Ultimate Epcot Itinerary Battle. Give a family of four one day at Epcot and three very different budgets. Charlie goes full Penny Pincher and tries to experience Epcot for roughly $46. Tyler becomes the Strategic Splurger with a carefully planned day around $350. Caleb gets the Blank Check and somehow turns one day at Epcot into a roughly $13,000 experience involving a Riviera villa, VIP tour, nanny, and fireworks dinner. We also reveal what each Dad refuses to pay for, our favorite Disney money-saving hacks, when Multi Pass Lightning Lane is worth it, when Single Pass makes sense, and how to find some of the best Disney magic without spending another dollar. So pull up a Doom Buggy and join the Dads for a conversation about Disney prices, Disney value, and how to make the most of your next vacation. Which Epcot strategy would you choose? What’s your best Disney money-saving hack? And how much is too much for the magic? ⸻ Follow the Grim Grinning Dads: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grim.grinning.dads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimgrinningdads Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5U83wx8xDx4L8DfTpfn5FW?si=KeMABxNJR-uhOTJFrxQx4Q Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grim-grinning-dads/id1836816757 Summon us anytime at grimgrinningdads@gmail.com If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation, European adventure, cruise, all-inclusive resort, or just about anywhere else, the Dads are also travel advisors with Genie Travel Company: https://forms.gle/oxdsS1KYjQCUAqmc9 ⸻ Theme music for The Grim Grinning Dads Podcast created by @AdamPineless. Thank you for bringing the magic to life!

  8. Sep 3

    The Disney Personality Test

    Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads! The Dads are back, and this week we’re talking Disney news, new resorts, Imagineering decisions, Disney ride debates, and what might be the most revealing personality test we’ve ever put the Dads through. First up, Disney Cruise Line has announced new itineraries for Fall 2027 and Spring 2028. The Dads have some thoughts. Then we take our first real look at Lakeshore Lodge, Disney World’s newest resort coming in July 2027. With 967 rooms and theming inspired by Brother Bear, Bambi, Pocahontas, Encanto, and Fantasia, there’s a LOT to talk about. And naturally, the Dads make a deal: if we hit 1,000 YouTube subscribers, we’re staying at Lakeshore Lodge. So… you know what you have to do. We also head over to Piston Peak National Park and talk about an interesting Imagineering decision that could make a huge difference at Magic Kingdom. Disney reportedly shortened some of the structures at Piston Peak to help preserve sightlines throughout the park. We discuss why that matters, how the new land will fit alongside Big Thunder Mountain and Haunted Mansion, and the changes coming to the Haunted Mansion queue. And speaking of the Haunted Mansion, Caleb brings up an idea the Dads have discussed before: what if Disney turned the area near the Haunted Mansion into a Haunted Mansion-themed restaurant? If you missed that conversation, go back and check out our original discussion here: https://youtu.be/A_ZpqLoGOBA?si=E5gC-pIu6kfTEtCW&t=2818 Then it’s time for the main event… Tyler puts Caleb and Charlie through a series of brutal Disney “this or that” questions. No wavering. No “it depends.” No choosing both. The Dads have to commit. Disney World or Disneyland? Magic Kingdom or EPCOT? Rope drop or sleep in? Park hopper or one park per day? And perhaps the most important question of all… Has Disney finally priced itself into a problem? After all the answers are in, Tyler assigns each Dad a Disney personality type — and somehow, they’re almost disturbingly accurate. Plus, we celebrate a pretty huge milestone… The Grim Grinning Dads are officially ONE YEAR old! It’s been an incredible first year of Disney debates, questionable opinions, ridiculous tangents, and a whole lot of laughs. And we’re just getting started. So grab your favorite Disney snack, settle in, and join the Dads for another episode of the Grim Grinning Dads. And remember: 1,000 YouTube subscribers = Lakeshore Lodge. Can we make it happen? ⸻ Follow the Grim Grinning Dads: https://www.tiktok.com/@grim.grinning.dads https://www.instagram.com/grimgrinningdads Summon us anytime at grimgrinningdads@gmail.com If you’d like help planning your next Disney vacation, European adventure, cruise, all-inclusive resort, or just about anywhere else, the Dads are also travel advisors with Genie Travel Company. Use the link below to get started: https://forms.gle/oxdsS1KYjQCUAqmc9 ⸻ Theme music for The Grim Grinning Dads Podcast created by @AdamPineless. Thank you for bringing the magic to life!

See All (57)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Grim Grinning Dads Podcast Hosted by Tyler, Charlie, and Caleb, three Disney-loving dads who know their way around theme parks, food, and family vacations, this podcast is all about bringing the fun (and sometimes the hot takes) straight to you. From ranking the best rides and restaurants to debating hidden gems and must-do experiences, we dive deep into the Disney parks, resorts, cruises, and beyond. You’ll get insider travel tips, planning advice, dad-approved hacks, and plenty of laughs along the way. Think of us as your Disney dad friends — the ones who tell it like it is

Information

  • Creator
    Grim Grinning Dads
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grim Grinning Dads
  • Show Website
    The Grim Grinning Dads

You Might Also Like