Adventures of a Disney Dad: A Walt Disney World Trip Planning Podcast

Adventures of a Disney Dad
  • 5.0 (36)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Planning your dream Walt Disney World vacation? You’ve come to the right place! Adventures of a Disney Dad is your go-to podcast for expert tips, reviews, trip planning advice, and the latest updates to help you maximize the magic on your next Disney World vacation. In each episode, Matt from Adventures of a Disney Dad and Chip host the best podcast for planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. This show is dedicated to helping you learn how to get the most out of your Disney World vacation with the latest strategies and information. Each we share must-know strategies for multipass, Lightning Lanes, dining reservations, crowd predictions, and more! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, we’ve got you covered with: ✅ Plans to minimize wait times for any budget ✅ Budget-friendly Disney tips for tickets, hotels, and dining ✅ Honest restaurant & attraction reviews ✅ Seasonal events & festival guides (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT Food & Wine, and more!) ✅ Breaking Disney news & updates to stay ahead of the crowdsd We frequently feature creators and other Disney Parks enthusiasts for fresh perspectives on everything Walt Disney World. Subscribe now and let’s make your next Walt Disney World vacation stress-free. 🎧 New episodes weekly! For even more tips, visit www.adventuresofadisneydad.com

  1. 2D AGO

    10 Listener Questions Answered: Halloween Party, After Hours, and Lightning Lane Strategy

    If you’ve been wondering whether Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is actually worth it, how to handle Magic Kingdom after hours events, or how to stop blowing up your day with Lightning Lane Multipass, this episode is for you! Chip and I are back together to dig into 10 real listener questions from families planning their next Walt Disney World trip. We’re halfway to Halloween, party tickets are about to go on sale, and the inbox has been overflowing with great questions, so we wanted to knock a bunch of them out in one shot. In this episode we cover whether the Halloween party is worth it for families, when tickets go on sale and which dates actually sell out, what happens to wait times during after hours events versus party nights, and how to plan your park day if you have an after hours event that night. We also tackle two big Lightning Lane Multipass questions, including whether you should buy it for Animal Kingdom if you’re rope dropping there and then park hopping to Magic Kingdom. And because we couldn’t resist, Chip and I share our must do Disney snacks and rank the four parks for toddlers and kids under five. I also walk through one of my favorite under the radar tips for Magic Kingdom after hours: you can actually watch two fireworks shows in one night, including Enchantment from a near empty hub, even if you don’t have an after hours ticket. We talk through how the data shows wait times on Halloween party days are some of the lowest of the year at Magic Kingdom, which makes those days a sneaky win for park hopper guests who are not attending the party. We close out the episode with what I think is the single biggest mistake families make with Lightning Lane Multipass, and it’s probably not what you’re expecting. If you’ve ever felt like your whole park day fell apart after one tap in, you’ll want to stick around for that segment. Chapters 01:49   When Halloween party tickets go on sale and which dates sell out 03:28   Is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party worth it? 07:46   How after hours events impact wait times 10:47   What to do during the day before an after hours event 15:22   How Halloween parties affect Magic Kingdom wait times 17:12  Our number one must do Disney snack or restaurant 22:21   Ranking the four parks for toddlers and kids under 5 25:43   Lightning Lane Multipass at Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom? 30:36   The biggest mistakes with Lightning Lane Multipass   👉 Need help planning your Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or Disney Cruise Line vacation? Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free to you. 📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote ⭐ Enjoy the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us. Have a question? Email us: matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com ☕ Want to support the podcast? If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur 📬 Have a Disney planning question? Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

    34 min

  2. APR 30

    Ranking All 20 Magic Kingdom Area Table Service Restaurants From Worst to Best

    If you've ever stared at the My Disney Experience app trying to figure out which Magic Kingdom area restaurant is actually worth your money, this episode is for you! We sat down to rank all 20 table service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom area, including everything inside the park plus the four monorail and boat resorts. We're going to tell you exactly which ones we'd book again and which ones we'd cancel today. In this episode, we walk through every single one of the 20 Magic Kingdom area table service restaurants using a tiered system: never eating there again, average and meh, good, and elite. We also rank each one from 20 to 1 so you can see exactly where it lands. We cover food quality, theming, cost, value for money, reservation difficulty, kid friendliness, and the would I book it again test. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifteenth, this gives you a clear roadmap for where to spend your dining dollars. We also dig into some of the more controversial picks. Chef Mickey's lands lower than most millennials would expect, and we explain exactly why nostalgia isn't enough to save it. Be Our Guest has arguably the best theming of any Walt Disney World restaurant, but we break down why charging character meal prices without giving you a real character meet keeps it stuck in the average tier. Chip and I also disagreed on Kona Cafe, and you'll hear how he convinced me to move it up the list. And just when you think we're done, we close out with our superlatives: best for a milestone occasion, best for toddlers, best value, best fireworks view, easiest reservation to grab, easiest walk up, most overrated, most underrated, and the one restaurant we'd cut from any trip. Chapters 00:00  Intro and how we ranked all 20 Magic Kingdom area restaurants 00:53  The four tier system and our ranking criteria 03:44  Number 20: 05:08  Number 19: 06:38  Number 18: 07:52  Number 17: 09:09  Number 16: 11:32  Number 15: 13:11  Number 14: 16:25  Number 13: 19:39  Number 12: 22:39  Number 11: 24:53  Number 10: 27:55  Number 9: 29:31  Number 8: 31:13  Number 7: 34:10  Number 6: 35:14  Number 5: 36:18  Number 4: 38:18  Number 3: 40:00  Number 2: 41:30  Number 1: 42:55  Superlatives Plan Your Trip 👉 Need help planning your Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or Disney Cruise Line vacation? Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free to you. 📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote ⭐ Enjoy the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us. Have a question? Email us: matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com ☕ Want to support the podcast? If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur 📬 Have a Disney planning question? Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

    46 min

  3. APR 16

    What Nine Days at Disney Taught Me About Slowing Down and Letting Go

    Matt just got back from nine days at Walt Disney World with his family of 7, including 2 babies, and somehow it turned out to be his favorite trip ever and his least stressful one. In this episode, we break down what actually made it work, including the room request at Saratoga Springs that changed everything and a Lightning Lane rule Disney doesn't tell anyone about. Matt walks through the full trip: driving down in a Sprinter van, a split stay between Animal Kingdom Lodge and Saratoga Springs, the Magic Kingdom day that fell apart and why leaving early was the right call, and the Animal Kingdom evening that turned into one of the best nights of the whole vacation. We also cover a current Disney Plus subscriber discount with rooms starting at $99 a night and a Savanna view at Animal Kingdom Lodge for $369, and we break down a listener question about whether to book that Savanna view room or a resort view at Boardwalk. Chapters 02:29 What Adventures by Disney actually is and why people love it 04:22 2027 reservations are open: what to book now and why 05:18 The Disney Plus subscriber summer discount and current room pricing 06:04 Room rates breakdown: All-Star Sports, Port Orleans, Art of Animation, Saratoga, Animal Kingdom Lodge 07:22 Listener question: Savannah view at Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. resort view at Boardwalk 12:44 Driving to Disney in a Sprinter van: what worked and what surprised him 17:00 Split stay recap: Animal Kingdom Lodge first night, then Saratoga Springs 18:55 Room requests at Saratoga Springs and why it was the most important decision of the trip 25:22 Knowing when to leave: the Magic Kingdom day that wasn't working 30:10 The thing families forget: characters and shows are mostly done by 5 p.m. 32:09 The Lightning Lane two-hour window Disney doesn't advertise 👉 Need help planning your Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or Disney Cruise Line vacation? Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free to you. 📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote ⭐ Enjoy the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us. Have a question? Email us: matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com ☕ Want to support the podcast? If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur 📬 Have a Disney planning question? Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

    38 min

  4. APR 9

    The Last-Minute Disney Checklist Every Family Needs Before They Leave

    Matt is literally packing as this episode goes live. So who better to walk you through the last-minute Disney prep checklist than someone who is actively living it? We share the real things families forget before a Walt Disney World trip, including a few gems you only learn the hard way. In this episode, Matt and Chip go through their full pre-trip routine: checking dining reservations and canceling what you won't use before the fees kick in, verifying park hours that may have changed since you booked, checking the refurbishment calendar for any surprise closures, making sure Magic Bands are charged and linked, putting air tags on everything (yes, including the kids), and ordering groceries a few days in advance so they actually arrive before you do. They also cover the stuff nobody thinks to mention, like bringing your own straws, checking the weather close to departure, making sure all your devices are charged and updated, and the one room request tip that can genuinely improve your stay at any Disney resort Matt also explains how Animal Kingdom's extended hours completely shifted his strategy for this trip, and why checking park hours closer to your departure date can open up lightning lane options you didn't know you had. He walks through a specific example of how park hopping to Animal Kingdom in the evening could unlock rides that are totally tapped out at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom by midday during spring break. **Chapters** 00:15 Why last-minute prep matters, especially for first-timers 00:46 Chip's number one thing he always forgets: the dog 02:36 Tip 1: Bring your own straws (paper straws at Disney are the worst) 03:44 Tip 2: Sunscreen and sunglasses (and why Matt buys both at Disney every time) 05:14 Chip's tip: car seat travel bags and how they double as an overflow bag 06:12 Stroller bags, travel logistics, and giving credit to the wives 07:10 Tip 3: Review your dining reservations and cancel what you won't use 07:37 How park hours changed Matt's entire trip strategy 08:18 Deluxe Evening Hours and after-hours events that sneak up on you 09:08 Set an alarm to cancel dining reservations or you will forget 09:36 Tip 4: Check what dining has opened up from recent cancellations 11:01 Why not having dining reservations can land you at Paradiso 37 14:14 Why park hours, Disney Springs hours, and show times matter more than you think 15:00 Lightning lane strategy when Hollywood Studios is tapped out at midday 16:39 Tip 5: Air tags on bags, car keys, and yes, the kids 19:31 Tip 6: Check the weather a few days out, not weeks out 20:27 Tip 7: Check the refurbishment calendar for last-minute closures 22:29 Tip 8: Order groceries a few days in advance, not the day of 23:32 What happens when groceries arrive while you're at Magic Kingdom 24:30 Tip 9: Cords, devices, and making sure everything is charged and updated 25:35 Headphones for the kids: wireless, charged, and not left at school 26:32 Same team, different roles: how Matt and Chip divide trip prep with their wives 27:54 Tip 10: Always make a room request before your trip --- 👉 Need help planning your Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or Disney Cruise Line vacation? Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free to you. 📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote ⭐ Enjoy the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us. Have a question? Email us: matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com ☕ Want to support the podcast? If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur 📬 Have a Disney planning question? Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

    29 min

  5. MAR 13

    New Disney Discounts, Big Ride Updates & the Best Quick Service at Disney World

    In this Disney news and planning episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down several new Walt Disney World discounts, major attraction updates across the parks, and one of the most common questions families ask when planning a trip: where should we eat? Quick Service Edition! From new ticket deals that could save families hundreds of dollars, to the return of Soarin’ Over America and the arrival of Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom, this episode covers a wide range of updates that Disney fans should know about right now. Matt also walks through how some of these discounts can actually be stacked together, and why the math behind Disney’s dining plan doesn’t always work the way families expect. Then we dive into a full discussion ranking quick service dining across Walt Disney World, including the best spots in each park, hidden gems at Disney Springs, and the locations we usually avoid. If you’re trying to plan meals without wasting valuable park time on sit-down dining, this conversation will give you a lot of ideas. Chapters 00:43 New 4-Day Disney World Ticket Deal 01:37 New Disney Room Discounts Through October 3 02:30 Is the Disney Dining Plan Actually Worth It? 05:28 Disney Attendance, Pricing, and Cruise Value 05:54 Disney Cruise Bounce Back Offer Strategy 09:50 Walt Disney World Ride and Attraction Updates 10:15 Soarin’ Over America Returning to EPCOT 10:35 Bluey and Bingo Coming to Animal Kingdom 11:02 New Animation Courtyard Opening at Hollywood Studios 11:26 Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Update 11:39 Big Thunder Mountain Reopening Delay 13:59 Quick Service Dining at Disney World 14:49 Ranking Quick Service in the Parks 16:17 Why Hollywood Studios Has the Worst Quick Service 21:41 EPCOT Quick Service and Festival Food 22:22 Best Quick Service at Animal Kingdom 24:15 Best and Worst Quick Service at Magic Kingdom 26:21 Best Quick Service at Disney Springs 29:14 Final Thoughts and Planning Help 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform. 📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email or DM us and we’ll answer it on the show. 👉 Need help planning your Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or Disney Cruise Line vacation? Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free to you. 📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote ⭐ Enjoy the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us. Have a question? Email us: matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com ☕ Want to support the podcast? If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur 📬 Have a Disney planning question? Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

    30 min

  6. FEB 27

    Big Disney News + Your Toughest Disney World Planning Questions

    In this listener Q&A + Disney news episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down the latest updates about Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom and answer real planning questions straight from the inbox. From the rumored Emperor’s New Groove family coaster to a Maleficent boat ride and possible Hades dinner show, we talk through what this new land might actually look like, whether Disney is shifting toward a more family-friendly villains theme, and why this announcement surprised a lot of fans. Then we pivot into practical Disney planning strategy, including one of the most debated questions families face: should you add Park Hopper or just add another park day? We also cover resort debates, souvenir mistakes, safety concerns, and what we’d actually do if we had one full kid-free day at Walt Disney World. Whether you’re planning your first trip, debating ticket upgrades, or just love staying on top of Disney news, this episode blends hot takes with real-world experience. 👇 Listener questions and topics covered in this episode include: • The newest Villains Land details coming to Magic Kingdom • Is Emperor’s New Groove the right IP for a family coaster • How Villains Land compares to darker lands like Dark Universe • Park Hopper vs adding an extra park day — which gives you more value • How ticket pricing changes as you add more days • Are we really “Grand Floridian haters” • Why resort pricing makes Grand Floridian a tough choice for some families • The biggest Disney souvenir impulse purchases • What souvenirs actually get used once you’re home • Disney safety, first aid centers, and what happens if a child gets separated • Is “theme park crud” something families should worry about • Our ideal one-day adults-only Disney itinerary • Whether hiring a nanny service for a kid-free park day is worth considering 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform. 📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email or DM us and we’ll answer it on the show. 👉 Need help planning your Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or Disney Cruise Line vacation? Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free to you. 📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote ⭐ Enjoy the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us. Have a question? Email us: https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur 📬 Have a Disney planning question? Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

    40 min

  7. FEB 6

    Everything NEW at Disney World in 2026 (Plus the Best Disney World Deals Right Now)

    In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down everything that’s new at Walt Disney World in 2026 and what it means for families planning a trip. We cover Disney’s new CEO, what changes (and what probably won’t), and then dive into the best Disney World deals for 2026, including bounce back offers, room discounts, and how kids can eat free on the Disney Dining Plan. Then we walk park-by-park through the biggest updates for 2026, including Cool Kids Summer, new shows, returning rides, construction impacts, and what’s actually worth planning around at each park. If you’re trying to decide whether 2026 is a good year to visit Disney World, this episode will help you plan smarter and save money. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Disney World 2026 Overview + New CEO Discussion 07:10 – Disney World 2026 Deals Explained (Bounce Back, Room Discounts, Kids Eat Free) 12:20 – Cool Kids Summer at Disney World (What It Is and Why It Matters) 13:00 – Animal Kingdom 2026 Updates (DinoLand, Zootopia, Bluey & Bingo) 16:00 – Magic Kingdom 2026 Updates (Big Thunder, Beacon Barrel, Castle Repaint) 20:10 – EPCOT 2026 Updates (Geo-82, Frozen, Test Track, Soarin’) 23:00 – Hollywood Studios 2026 Updates (Muppets, Animation Courtyard, New Shows) 27:25 – Is 2026 a Good Year to Visit Disney World? Final Thoughts 👉 Need help planning your Disney, Universal, or Disney Cruise Line vacation? Get a free quote and let Matt help you find the best deals for your dates. https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote 👉 Want the best Disney deals sent to you? Sign up for the Adventures of a Disney Dad newsletter so you don’t miss discounts like these. https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/newsletter   👉 If you enjoy the show: Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. It helps the podcast more than you know.

    28 min

  8. JAN 30

    Real Disney World Questions, Real Answers (No Fluff)

    In this listener Q&A episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip tackle real Disney World planning questions straight from the inbox. From the best and worst holidays to visit Walt Disney World, to dining strategies, Skyliner food debates, and whether certain “Disney hacks” still work, this episode is packed with practical advice for families planning a trip. Matt also shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning a large family spring break vacation, including resort decisions, transportation logistics, and the big question a lot of families are asking right now: is Epic Universe worth it with young kids? Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, first-timers, or planning a more relaxed Disney trip, this episode is full of honest takes and experience-driven advice. 👇 Listener questions covered in this episode include: • Best and worst holidays to visit Disney World based on crowds, snacks, and events • Are pre-park opening dining reservations still worth it • Is Topolino’s Terrace a good brunch stop on a Hollywood Studios day • Is the Fantasmic Dining Package actually worth the cost • Best breakfast and dinner options along the Skyliner that beat EPCOT • How to plan around dining reservations with toddlers • When Disney’s major construction projects might realistically be finished 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform. 📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email or DM us and we’ll answer it on the show. 👉 Need help booking character dining or planning your trip? Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free. 📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote ⭐ Enjoy the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us. Have a question? Email us! matt@adventuresofadisneydad.com ☕ Want to support the podcast? If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. https://adventures-of-a-disney-dad.kit.com/products/matthew-brandabur   📬 Have a Disney planning question? Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.

    45 min
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5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Planning your dream Walt Disney World vacation? You’ve come to the right place! Adventures of a Disney Dad is your go-to podcast for expert tips, reviews, trip planning advice, and the latest updates to help you maximize the magic on your next Disney World vacation. In each episode, Matt from Adventures of a Disney Dad and Chip host the best podcast for planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. This show is dedicated to helping you learn how to get the most out of your Disney World vacation with the latest strategies and information. Each we share must-know strategies for multipass, Lightning Lanes, dining reservations, crowd predictions, and more! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, we’ve got you covered with: ✅ Plans to minimize wait times for any budget ✅ Budget-friendly Disney tips for tickets, hotels, and dining ✅ Honest restaurant & attraction reviews ✅ Seasonal events & festival guides (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT Food & Wine, and more!) ✅ Breaking Disney news & updates to stay ahead of the crowdsd We frequently feature creators and other Disney Parks enthusiasts for fresh perspectives on everything Walt Disney World. Subscribe now and let’s make your next Walt Disney World vacation stress-free. 🎧 New episodes weekly! For even more tips, visit www.adventuresofadisneydad.com

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