DISDads Podcast PLUS

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks Lots of updates from Disney Destinations for this fall! Aaron, Willie and Tim talk early word from the newest addition to Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wish. Then, they turn their attention to a bunch of updated openings at Walt Disney World, including Harmony Barbershop and Bibbidy […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks Aaron, Willie and Tim talk about the Walt Disney World “Enchanting Extras” collection of tours, events and activities. They highlight favorites for adults-only, parents traveling with younger children, things that don't require theme park admission, and more! Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks This week, Aaron, Willie and Tim discuss some of their favorite things about the Animal Kingdom Area of Walt Disney World. We think this area gets a bit neglected by guests – it lacks special transportation, like the monorail or Skyliner. And if you don't make […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Host: Tim Hicks Special Guest: Kyle Gossman With Willie off at camp, Aaron and Tim sat down with Kyle Gossman to hear all about his family's Galactic Starcruiser voyage on the Halcyon. (Warning: some content might be considered spoilers, if you are trying to avoid any advance knowledge of the experience). Thank […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks This week, Aaron, Willie and Tim talk about recent changes to the Genie+ system as implemented at Walt Disney World. There are changes to policies and procedures that impact the way that all guests at Walt Disney World are now using Genie+ services. Thank you to […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks Character interactions have gotten a major upgrade recently all across Disney Destinations. Aaron, Willie and Tim talk about their favorite character experiences at Walt Disney World. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who help make this show possible: Mouse Master Travel, An Authorized Disney […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks Aaron, Willie and Tim cover recent news about a number of experiences slated to return soon to Disney Parks and Resorts. From up-close character meetings to attraction openings to resort and dinner show re-openings, we finally seem to be getting back to normal-ish. Thank you to […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks It seemed like this past year was too weird of a year to do a “normal” awards show. So instead, back in January, Aaron, Willie and Tim tossed the concept of an awards show into a hopper along with an old Johnny Carson bit. This is […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks Aaron, Willie and Tim take a look at Disney Destination vacation planning from a different angle. The panel shares their best advice for what NOT to do when planning and enjoying your Disney Destination vacation. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who help make […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Willie Crocker & Tim Hicks What's your favorite Walt Disney World theme park is not as simple a question as it seems. Sure, we all have our personal favorites in general. But particular circumstances might mean that under those conditions, you would rank the parks differently. Aaron, Willie and Tim look […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Host: Willie Crocker Special Guest: Joshua Watters While Tim was away, Special Guest Josh Watters returned to the Man Cave to talk with Aaron and Willie about his family's multi-generational Thanksgiving Break vacation to Walt Disney World. We get an early report on the use of Genie+ services during a peak travel […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker It's a MAYBE Merry Christmas with the DISDads Podcast PLUS. Aaron, Tim and Willie look back at what we've received from Disney this year, and identifies which were “gifts” and which were really lumps of coal. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who help […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Tim, and Willie share their thoughts about Disney Destination travel announcements that were made at the recent Destination D23 event. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who help make this show possible: Mouse Master Travel, An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner info@mousemastertravel.com (888) 41-MOUSE (416-6873) […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guests: Terry Hawkins & Joe Masters The DISDads Club Convention X crew is back! With DDCC coming up in just one month, Joe Masters and Terry Hawkins join host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks for one last pre-event preview. We talk […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Jay Crocker The Disney Genie service launch delayed the publication of this one. Jay Crocker is back, joining Aaron, Willie and (eventually) Tim to talk about his vacation, celebrating Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary. We cover it all – crowds, touring, parks, attractions, and […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker This episode was recorded on the evening of Tuesday, October 19, the “go live” date for Disney Genie Service. Aaron, Tim, and Willie spent the day gathering information and reactions from people who were using the service at Walt Disney World on launch day. This is […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Willie & Tim enjoy a few rounds of Disney “Would You Rather” – offering each other a variety of theme park experience scenarios, about which each panelist must choose one option or the other, and explain why that was their choice. Thank you to the […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker First, we had MyMagic+, which begat FastPass+. Then came Disney+. Now, we're getting “Plus Gen.2” with Disney Genie+. Other companies have gotten in on the act too, with Apple calling their streaming service AppleTV+. But Disney has a history of “plussing” that goes all the way […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Willie and Tim talk about the new Disney Genie platform that has been announced for use at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. We discuss the key features of each part of the platform, and start the discussion of how to make the best use of […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guests: Joe Masters & Terry Hawkins Host Aaron Rittmaster, and Co-Hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks welcome Joe Masters and Terry Hawkins back to check in on the planning for DDCC X. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who help make this show […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Dr. Kathy MacNaughton Hance Dr. Kathy MacNaughton Hance, Pediatric Anesthesiologist with a Masters Degree in Public Health joins the guys to comment on cruise line policies, consumer decisions, and their impact on the safety of the cruise industry re-start. Thank you to the DISDads […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Tim and Willie discuss recent developments in the re-opening of Disneyland, continued progress on re-opening at Walt Disney World, and follow-up with Willie about his recent Walt Disney World vacation (the one we previewed for you on the show a few weeks ago). Thank you […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Willie and Tim talk about the news from the Disney Wish reveal. We cover just about everything that has been officially announced by Disney Cruise Line, and speculate about a few other things as well. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who help […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker In this week’s episode, Willie takes the hot seat to talk about the plans for an upcoming family trip to Walt Disney World. We talk about the all of the steps of his planning process, and take a long look at the impact COVID-19 had on […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Tim and Willie talk about the (at the time) newly-released Disney Cruise Line itineraries for Summer/Fall 2023. The panel talks about the highlights of the itineraries that were released, offers some thoughts about pricing (comparing opening day rates for Summer/Fall 2022 with these prices), and […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks Special Guests: Terrance Hawkins & Joe Masters Terrance Hawkins and Joe Masters join host Aaron Rittmaster and co-host Tim Hicks to talk about DDCC X, coming up January 5 – 9, 2022. 10 years? Yep, this will mark 10 years of Dis Dads Club Convention meetups at Walt Disney […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker You asked for it, you got it! Listener Todd Morgan said he thought it would be interesting to hear about what being a travel agent is like. We did our best to give you a big picture view – the good, the bad, and the ugly. […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Host Aaron Rittmaster and Co-Hosts Tim Hicks and Willie Crocker take a step back from travel this week to talk about the content they’re enjoying from the Disney+ streaming service. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who help make this show possible: Mouse Master […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Tim and Willie share ideas for improving the existing Quick Service dining options in the Walt Disney World theme parks. What one item could be added to existing menus that would take existing WDW theme park quick service restaurants to the next level? Thank you […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Your Host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks close out their podcast recording year with a review of the year-that-was in the Disney world. Thank you for welcoming the show back this year – we’re looking forward to a fresh new year with […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Jay Crocker Jay Crocker continues his Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Holiday trip report with Host Aaron Rittmaster and Co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks. This episode concludes his report, looking specifically at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (as well as a bit of discussion […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Jay Crocker Jay Crocker is back to talk with Host Aaron Rittmaster and Co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks about his 10-day Walt Disney World vacation over the Thanksgiving Holiday. This episode focuses on Jay’s experiences at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Willie and Tim wrap up a series of news and announcements that have been made regarding Walt Disney World just in the last few weeks. We discuss news about new attractions coming to Epcot, updates about the Galactic Starcruiser Hotel (gleaned from patent filings and […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Bob Chavez Special Guest Bob Chavez is back, talking with host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks about taking photos around Walt Disney World. We highlight our favorite photo spots all around Walt Disney World, with a focus on fun, practical, […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Gobble gobble! It’s a special Thanksgiving Day release. We thought you might enjoy talking Turkey on Turkey Day. So Host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks discuss the “turkeys” of Disney Destinations. Hear about where we feel like Disney laid an egg – […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Host Aaron Rittmaster is back with co-hosts Tim Hicks and Willie Crocker, looking to expand the menu of Walt Disney World dining options. The guys share nine ideas for restaurants that they think SHOULD exist at Walt Disney World, but don’t (at least not yet). We […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker It’s been a while since we’ve gotten into the Disney news and rumors fray. But with an investors’ call at the beginning of this month, bits of news dripping out about a wide variety of Disney Destinations, and rumors cropping up about even more, we figured […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Jay Gilbert Jay Gilbert joins Host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks to talk about a spur-of-the-moment decision to head down to Walt Disney World to surprise everybody’s favorite Duncle, Joe Masters. We also spend some time talking about things to […]

The one where Willie offers to buy THREE ROUNDS! Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Willie and Tim talk about the upcoming holiday seasons at Walt Disney World. We share the information that has already been released (no MNSSHP or MVMCP, extended Food & Wine offerings and special entertainment at Epcot, […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Bob Chavez Host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks are joined by Bob Chavez for a DAD Show episode – our first trip report show about a post-reopening Walt Disney World vacation for the whole family. Bob talks about long drives […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Aaron, Tim and Willie talk about Walt Disney World’s history of milestone anniversary celebrations. Then we turn to Walt Disney World’s upcoming Golden Anniversary, and speculate about what celebrating WDW’s 50th might look like (or at least what we’d like it to look like). Thank you […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Trip Report Guest: Brian Cassidy Special Guest Brian Cassidy visits the Mancave to talk about returning to Walt Disney World. Aaron, Willie and Tim take a deep dive with Brian. We got the low down on his experience with the new health and safety policies, as […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker This week, host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Tim Hicks and Willie Crocker turn their attention to managing travel at Walt Disney World for larger groups. As travel professionals, we’ve noticed several issues related to Walt Disney World group travel, in particular, that may be getting in […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker It’s been a while since we’ve talked about Disney Destination dining. This week, Host Aaron Rittmaster and Co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks put together the ULTIMATE LIST of Top 9 Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Quick-Service Dining Options. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Host: Tim Hicks Guests: Jay Crocker & Joe Masters Finally! We get to share a new trip report with you — and it’s a double. Host Aaron Rittmaster and co-host Tim Hicks talk with both Joe Masters and Jay Crocker about their Walt Disney World vacations. Joe and Jay were recorded live […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Jay Crocker Special Guest Jay Crocker is back with Host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Tim Hicks and Willie Crocker. The panel continues last week’s discussion of the parts of Disney’s Hollywood Studios that have been left behind with the openings of Toy Story Land […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Jay Crocker The panel looks at the parts of Disney’s Hollywood Studios that have been left behind with the openings of Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge that last couple of years. We consider how the existing older attractions might be re-freshed with new […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Terry Hawkins It may seem like Pandora is still brand-new, but if you think about it, every other park at Walt Disney World has either gotten a major expansion (Disney’s Hollywood Studios has had two), is in the process of getting a major expansion […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Jay Crocker Special Guest Jay Crocker returns to talk with host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Tim Hicks and Willie Crocker to talk about Adults-Only trips to Walt Disney World. Thank you to the DISDads Podcast PLUS Sponsors, who help make this show possible: Mouse […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker DVC Resorts have opened, but we’re still a couple of weeks away from Walt Disney World theme parks opening again, so Host Aaron Rittmaster and co-hosts Willie Crocker and Tim Hicks talk about enjoying Walt Disney World resort without visiting theme parks. Thank you to the […]

Host: Aaron Rittmaster Co-Hosts: Tim Hicks & Willie Crocker Special Guest: Jay Crocker Host Aaron Rittmaster opens the show with a personal message about the George Floyd murder and #BlackLivesMatter. Then co-hosts Tim Hicks and Willie Crocker, and special guest Jay Crocker, join Aaron to talk about recently announced plans to reopen Florida theme parks. […]