Podcasts about Disney Springs

Is Orlando more than just Disney? This week on The Great British Mickey Waffle, we step outside the theme park bubble to explore the best day trips, hidden gems, and local spots across Central Florida! If you want to escape the 30,000-step days and see what else Florida has to offer, we cover everything from the brand-new Level99 experience at Disney Springs to the pristine beaches of Anna Maria Island. We break down the best free parking spots, incredible local food finds like Celebration Brewing Company and Collage in St. Augustine, and even detail the epic scale of Buc-ee's. Whether you are heading west to Tampa or east to the coast, this episode is your ultimate guide to a relaxing Florida road trip.✨ DVC RENTAL UK:Looking to rent DVC points for your next trip, or rent out your unused points? Check out our official partners:

This time, Jeremy's on the other side of the microphone!Jeremy joins Nick on the Diz Twitter Podcast to talk about the moments, memories, and friendships that turned occasional Disney vacations into a huge part of his family's life—and eventually became Main Street Magic.From a toddler's unforgettable meeting with Mickey Mouse to a concert trip that sparked a whole new appreciation for Disney resorts, Jeremy shares how it all began. They chat about building the podcast, visiting Walt Disney World month after month, finding fun beyond the rides, and how enjoying Disney changes through different seasons of life. Plus, there's music talk, Disney Cruise Line love, and a reminder of why this community means so much.This episode features approximately the first 45 minutes of a longer conversation. To catch the entire episode, head to Nick's YouTube channel.The full version continues with an honest discussion about livestreaming, content creation, and respecting other guests' vacations; Jeremy's sobriety journey and rediscovering Disney without alcohol; and a lightning round covering favorite resorts, restaurants, festivals, attractions, and more. Yes, a few Disney opinions make an appearance!

Following a Fall Snack Crawl around Disney Springs, we discuss brunch at Cake Bake Shop, a staycation at a good neighbor hotel, and we taste our way around EPCOT's International Food and Wine Festival. We also do a deep dive into Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Studios Orlando, ranking our favorite snacks, scare zones, and haunted houses. Join the conversation on social media @monoreelradio on all major platforms or send us an email at monoreelradio@gmail.com. For links to anything you heard on the show, visit our website and if you want to experience the Disney magic for yourself, click here to start planning your next vacation. 

We're sharing the top ten things we wish we'd understood before our Walt Disney World vacations, with plenty of reminders we still need today.We kick things off by talking about why you can't do everything and why that shouldn't determine whether your trip was a success. From choosing one priority for each family member to building backup plans for weather and ride closures, we discuss how a little flexibility can keep disappointment from taking over your vacation.Then we tackle the practical lessons, including an overdue investment in comfortable shoes, the value of midday pool breaks, and choosing a resort that fits how you actually travel. Whether you're spending every minute in the parks or making relaxation the main event, your hotel should match your plans and budget.Food gets its moment, too, as we explain why scheduling every meal can eat up your time and why the dining plan deserves a closer look before you commit. We also cover learning the basics before arrival, setting aside money for what matters to you, and letting your family's version of fun guide your decisions.Finally, we share why working with a travel advisor is our biggest takeaway, including how Amy with MEI-Travel helps us compare options, handle bookings, and find available savings while leaving us free to enjoy planning.Whether you're preparing for your first visit or your fiftieth, these lessons are about making your vacation feel like yours. Less pressure, more flexibility, and happier feet? That's a magical place to start. And yes, permission to skip someone else's must-do is part of the package.

Resort Wars Showdown is back, and we're bringing two Walt Disney World favorites into the ring: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. We start with our gut reactions, then compare these resorts across theming and atmosphere, rooms and comfort, dining and drinks, transportation and location, recreation and amenities, and value for money.We love the Polynesian's tropical grounds, spacious rooms, and location across Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom. With the monorail, boats, buses, and a walking path, we have plenty of ways to get around. We also have a soft spot for its dining lineup, from 'Ohana and Kona Café to Trader Sam's and a DOLE Whip at Pineapple Lanai.At Animal Kingdom Lodge, we're drawn to the peaceful atmosphere, design, and chance to watch wildlife on the savanna. We talk about Jambo House and Kidani Village, remember our favorite resort activities, and dig into a dining lineup that includes Boma, Sanaa, and Jiko.As we work through each category, our choice gets harder. Would we rather stroll the Polynesian's lively grounds or relax on a balcony overlooking the animals? Which rooms feel most comfortable? How much does easy access to Magic Kingdom matter, and what kind of experience gives us the best value for our vacation?When our comparisons leave the decision in the hands of the Main Street Magic community, we turn to your listener poll and share which resort moves on in Resort Wars Showdown. We also read your comments and talk about why the winning resort might not be the right choice for every trip.Join us for a debate, resort memories, and a closer look at two places we'd gladly call home on our next Walt Disney World vacation. Then tell us: are you Team Poly or Team Animal Kingdom Lodge?

501 - Disney just quietly rolled out an AI-powered trip planner built with Google Cloud — and Rob & Kerri break down 10 reasons why letting AI plan your Walt Disney World vacation could actually ruin it. From ride closures and Lightning Lane strategy to reading your family's real needs, discover why a real Disney travel agent still beats a chatbot every time. Work with a human to plan your Disney Vacation - start here Plus in this episode: Epcot's Festival of the Arts gets its longest run ever (Jan 15 – Mar 1), new Flower & Garden Festival dates (Mar 10 – May 31), the full Candlelight Processional presenter lineup with Neil Patrick Harris, 2027 after-hours event news, a shoutout to the Coach store team in Disney Springs, and an "Are You Serious" tour of a Bay Lake Tower Grand Villa. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with insider insight you won't get from an algorithm. #DisneyWorld #DisneyAI #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyTravelAgent #EpcotFestivals #CandlelightProcessional #DisneyPlanning #DisneyTips #DisneyVacation #WDW

Join us for episode 504 of the Theme Park Trader Podcast! No complaints this time — just credit. We ran through everything Walt Disney World actually got right in 2026, and the dining lineup did a lot of the heavy lifting. We work through the table-service wins — Yak & Yeti, Via Napoli, 50's Prime Time Café, Skipper Canteen, Sanaa, Space 220, and 'Ohana — plus a full Disney Springs day that took in BOATHOUSE, TREX, Planet Hollywood, Summer House on the Lake, and The Polite Pig (whose ordering system gets a proper airing). Chef Mickey's comes up for the experience rather than just the food, Boma lands somewhere around average, and the newer spots earn their place: GEO-82, Beak & Barrel, and BaseLine Tap House. Fantasmic is back in the good books too.

Pull up a chair at EPCOT's Germany pavilion because we're taking you along for a live dining review of Biergarten Restaurant and the Eat to the Beat Dining Package before seeing Hanson!We explore the Bavarian village atmosphere, explain how the dining package works, and taste our way through the buffet. From beer cheese soup, pretzel rolls, German potato salad, sausage salad, bratwurst, sauerkraut, pork schnitzel, meatballs, roasted potatoes, and chicken schnitzel to mac and cheese, apple strudel, Baumkuchen trifle, and salted caramel cheesecake, we share our honest reactions. We also reveal which dishes we would go back for, which ones we would skip, and the delicious creation built at the table: a chicken schnitzel, beer cheese, and pretzel roll slider.Of course, this was not an ordinary meal. Right in the middle of Biergarten's live entertainment, the fire alarm sounded and the entire restaurant had to evacuate. We take you outside with us as guests and Cast Members wait for the all clear, then return to our table to finish the buffet after an interruption neither of us had experienced during hundreds of Disney meals.Along the way, we talk about the atmosphere, the musicians and dancing, the service, the value of using Biergarten for a concert dining package, and whether the restaurant deserves a place in your EPCOT rotation. At $69 per person, did the combination of an all-you-care-to-enjoy German buffet and reserved seating for Hanson make this package worth the price?Join us for food, laughs, questionable German pronunciations, one runaway bratwurst, an unexpected evacuation, and our final verdict on Biergarten Restaurant at EPCOT. Whether you are planning an Eat to the Beat concert night or considering this unique World Showcase dining experience, this episode will help you decide if it belongs on your Disney dining list.

We just hit 100 episodes! To celebrate, we're sharing our favorite things at Walt Disney World! We start by ranking all four parks, and Chip and I don't agree. Then we share our top three hotels, plus the budget resorts we'd pick in each category. From there we get into the best ride queues, the resort smells we can't forget, our go-to Disney Springs stops, and the quick service meals we'd eat today if we could. We keep it honest, because a favorite isn't always the right pick for every family. My favorite resort is Riviera, but it's not where I usually stay with my kids, and I explain why. You'll also hear which queue we'd skip every time and the resort scents we can't stop thinking about. We wrap up with a Santa dinner at The Cake Bake Shop that costs a family of four over $900, plus our favorite character meals and the surprise character meets we love most. Chapters 01:15  Looking back at 100 episodes and our guests 02:07  How a paralyzed vocal cord almost stopped the show 04:35  Why these are our favorites, not your rankings 05:03  Ranking the four Walt Disney World parks 06:54  The Animal Kingdom coffee that almost made me miss my flight 09:01  Chip's top three favorite hotels 11:25  My top three favorite hotels 14:50  Our favorite hotels on a budget 16:50  How I pick budget resorts for clients 19:00  Top three ride queues and the worst queue at Disney World 22:36  Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates queues 24:11  Honorable mentions: Tiana's and Tron 25:12  Our favorite Walt Disney World smells 29:33  Top three Disney Springs stops 34:51  Top three quick service meals 37:15  The most overrated snacks and meals 41:10  Hyped up things that are worth it 44:39  The $900 Santa dinner at The Cake Bake Shop 45:33  Favorite character meets and meals 49:20  Thank you for 100 episodes  

This week on the Mouse Minutes Podcast, Whitney + Jordan head to Disney Springs to grade The Polite Pig. It's a fast-casual barbecue spot serving up smoked meats and Southern-inspired flavors. And with recognition from the MICHELIN Guide, this Disney Springs BBQ joint certainly has some impressive credentials.But is The Polite Pig actually good enough to earn a spot on your Walt Disney World vacation itinerary?Join us as we grade the food, flavors, value, and overall experience to find out whether The Polite Pig is a must-try, or a pig to pass up!Your ten minutes start… now!. . . Check out these other Mouse Minutes episodes:• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café at Disney's Magic Kingdom | Episode 119• Satu'li Canteen at Disney's Animal Kingdom | Episode 021• Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom | Episode 095

Here is your Daily Disney News for Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 - Disneyland Tokyo announces "Skyward Adventures," a new attraction offering immersive experiences with advanced technology. - Disney Springs in Orlando welcomes "Enchanted Eats," a new restaurant with a menu inspired by Disney characters and films. - Rumors of a secret project at Disneyland Paris hint at a new land or a revamp of an attraction, stirring excitement among fans. - Disney+ to premiere "Behind the Magic," a docuseries exploring the creation of Disney's iconic films and attractions. Have a magical day and tune in again tomorrow for more updates.

We're setting sail, checking in, and admitting we got one wrong! We share our private Happily Ever After fireworks cruise experience, from a scenic ride around Bay Lake and an up-close look at the Electrical Water Pageant to watching Magic Kingdom's fireworks with synchronized audio onboard. We break down the experience, the cost of splitting a boat with friends, and whether this Disney extra deserves a spot on your vacation wish list.Then, we check into Disney's Riviera Resort for our first overnight stay, and discover that visiting a resort and calling it home are two very different experiences. We cover our spacious one-bedroom villa, pool time, the resort's relaxed atmosphere, and the bathroom layout that left us wishing for a little more privacy. Plus, we revisit Riviera's Resort Wars matchup against Saratoga Springs and officially change our winner!Of course, there's plenty of food along the way, including Primo Piatto, Bar Riva, Le Petit Café, and a memorable dinner at Topolino's Terrace. From duck confit gnocchi and standout tiger shrimp to affogatos, decadent desserts, and rooftop views of Luminous, this trip gave us plenty to talk about—and a few things we're already craving again.

In this week's episode, Aaron and Scott pick up right where they left off. You'll hear about Aaron's private tour of the Pixar Studios in Emeryville, why Aaron and Scott's shared love of the sea salt chocolate chip cookie at The Cookie Bar in Disney Springs is the best…ever, Aaron's favorite restaurant in the parks, and more! If you haven't already, be sure to check out the first part of their interview, where Aaron talks about his first Disney memory, how he got started in theatre on the west coast, what brought him to New York and his Broadway debut, and what it was like performing on Dancing with the Stars with Newsies.Email: TheMouseAndMePodcast@gmail.comSupport: www.patreon.com/themouseandmeFB and Instagram: “The Mouse and Me”Royalty Free Music by Kevin MacLeod from https://incompetech.filmmusic.io

Six Flags bought ArieForce One, Universal is offering Florida residents a cheaper way into Epic Universe, Disney has opened The Magic of Disney Animation, and that's only the beginning of a packed theme park news episode!On Vacationeers Theme Parks & More Podcast Episode 279, Tom and Jon catch up on the biggest theme park stories from the first half of September.

Join us at our table as we taste The Plaza's limited-time Halloween offerings, starting with the delightfully creepy Skull Meatloaf. This thick, skull-shaped meatloaf is served over creamy red-skin mashed potatoes with seasonal green beans, crispy onions, and a Caribbean-style glaze. It may look a little frightening when it arrives, but does the flavor bring it back from the dead? We discuss the portion size, seasoning, crispy edges, and why serving the sauce around the plate may be the secret to making this meatloaf work.Next up is the Devilish Crispy Chicken Sandwich, featuring a generously sized piece of fried chicken topped with ghoulish spiced mayonnaise, red cabbage, and Fresno peppers, all served on a wonderfully soft black kaiser roll. The heat starts gently, but it doesn't stay that way! We talk about the sandwich's slow-building spice, super-crispy chicken, tangy cabbage, and whether this Halloween creation crosses the line from “Disney spicy” into genuinely spicy territory.Of course, no Halloween meal is complete without dessert. We finish our lunch with the limited-time caramel pecan cheesecake, a layered treat with a chocolate cookie crust, vanilla cheesecake, caramel pecan cheesecake, chopped pecans, and plenty of caramel and chocolate on the plate. Even a diner who normally wouldn't choose a pecan dessert finds this one dangerously close to plate-licking territory.Along the way, we discuss The Plaza's reliably good food and service, where it ranks among Magic Kingdom's table-service restaurants, and whether the chicken sandwich or skull meatloaf would be our first choice on a return visit. We also break down the final bill, marvel at the surprisingly reasonable cheesecake price, question the wisdom of paying $4.99 for a Sprite, and perform a little classic Disney math.Are these Halloween offerings worth adding to your Magic Kingdom plans? Pull up a chair and find out in this lively, honest, and occasionally noisy restaurant review recorded right from the heart of the park!

Lauren, Dominic and their daughter are just back from three weeks at Walt Disney World and Universal, just in time for jetlag at the start of the new school year! They have both been for their honeymoon, so this family holiday was rather different.Find out why the upgraded their Dining Plan (and how the spent it), and how they managed rainy days in the parks. Also, if lazy resort days planned out the way they expected, and what they'd do differently next time.Plus, we answer questions on how to spend a Disney Springs day with a non-shopper, and the new place to eat at Boardwalk!Resorts/attractions/restaurants mentioned: Cosmic Rewind/Coronado Springs/Le Cellier/Crystal Palace/Expedition Everest

Level 99 has taken over the old DisneyQuest and NBA Experience building at Disney Springs, and it's exactly Lisa's kind of place. This week Steve and Lisa are joined by special guest Laura from Game Masters Escapes, who has designed 21 escape rooms, runs 14 of them (plus three holiday rooms) in Canada, and has installed rooms everywhere from the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas to Mexico City. Laura walks us through what makes Level 99 such a smart addition to Disney Springs, why interactive entertainment is so good for families (grandparents, parents, and kids all playing on the same team), and what goes on behind the scenes of an escape room: how designers balance "too easy" and "too hard," why the game master wants you to win in the last five minutes, the room that makes you dance and chant, the props guests accidentally destroy, and the one leg lamp that has survived seven years of players. We also get into which cruise lines have escape rooms (Royal Caribbean and Norwegian do; Disney doesn't yet), why Disney resorts like the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge would be perfect spots for one, tips for anyone nervous about trying their first escape room, and what's next for the industry, from projection mapping to Activate-style physical games. Thinking about owning your own escape room business, or want one at your hotel or resort? Visit GameMastersEscapes.com. Mouse Chat is sponsored by Pixie Vacations. Ready to plan your Disney World, Universal Orlando, or cruise vacation? Our agents plan it for free at PixieVacations.com. Questions or comments for the show? Email us at comments@mousechat.net.

One of the original Disney theme park attractions, Jungle Cruise has been taking guests on wild adventures since opening day at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom! With corny puns, larger-than-life animals, and plenty of Disney history, this classic Adventureland attraction has delighted generations of park-goers.But after all these years, is Jungle Cruise still worth the wait?With notoriously long lines, Central Florida heat, and plenty of other attractions competing for your time, should you skip the Jungle Cruise? Or is this classic boat ride still a must-do at the Magic Kingdom?Join Whitney + Jordan as they give the Jungle Cruise their signature grades and debate whether this iconic Disney attraction is still worth your next Walt Disney World vacation.Your ten minutes starts... now!. . . Check out these other Mouse Minutes episodes:Popcorn Buckets at Walt Disney World | Episode 097Tomorrowland PeopleMover | Episode 093Dumbo the Fly Elephant | Episode 065. . .Follow Mouse Minutes on Instagram and YouTube and let us know what you think about Disney's Fort Wilderness:https://www.instagram.com/mouseminutespodcast/https://www.youtube.com/@MouseMinutesPodcast. . .Subscribe to Mouse Minutes Podcast to be notified for next week's episode as we discuss which Disney Springs eatery might have the best barbecue in all of Walt Disney World!

We're back at the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival with more bites, sips, surprises, and completely unfiltered reactions in Part 2 of our live review.This time, we try an elevated brisket Sloppy Joe from Hops & Barley, spicy tuna and Wagyu beef hand rolls in Japan, a chicken gyro from Greece, flavorful hummus bowls at Tangierine Café, plant-based mushroom chili, beef bourguignon, Brazilian shrimp, a cookie butter Belgian waffle, Korean-inspired poutine, and plenty of festival desserts.Along the way, we discover some unexpected favorites, debate which items are worth their price, and finish tasting all the festival's new dishes before sharing our biggest hits and misses.This episode features audio edited down from our full video reviews. To watch every review and see the food and reactions for yourself, visit WonderlandCrew.com. You can join the Wonderland Crew for full access or purchase individual videos.

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the latest Disney parks news before tracing how Epcot's humble festival food booths evolved into permanent Global Marketplaces with open kitchens. TouringPlans researchers Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join the show to talk Food & Wine, while Disney surveys hint at possible themed cruises, Halloween party strategy, and how much guests trust Disney's planning tools. Plus, listener questions cover Tomorrowland, attraction relocations, parking garages, underwater pool music, and one extremely ambitious Carousel of Progress Halloween overlay. NEWS • Lakeshore Lodge gets a July 1, 2027 opening date, while Tiana's Bayou Adventure prepares for its first major refurbishment. • Disney's Art of Animation Resort is set for an extensive refurbishment, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is preparing to close at Disney Springs. • Disneyland breaks ground on its new eastern parking and transportation hub as Universal prepares to open Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift. • Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York in 2027, while a new survey tests guest interest in themed Disney cruises. • Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join Len and Jim for a look at this year's EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. FEATURE • Jim traces the roots of EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival back to the Walt Disney World Village Wine Festival and its move to EPCOT in 1996. • The California Grill's successful open-kitchen concept helped inspire a new approach to festival food booths around World Showcase. • Permanent gas, electrical, and water connections transformed temporary booths into the more elaborate Global Marketplace locations guests know today. • With EPCOT operating festivals through much of the year, Disney continues converting temporary food locations into permanent festival infrastructure. For this episode's full show notes, click here. (Coming Soon) HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia - Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com GUEST • Amy Schinner - TouringPlans researcher • Christina Harrison - TouringPlans researcher FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by BeOurGuestVacations.com from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Whether you're planning Disney or Universal, Be Our Guest Vacations can help make the trip easier for the whole family. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the latest Disney parks news before tracing how Epcot's humble festival food booths evolved into permanent Global Marketplaces with open kitchens. TouringPlans researchers Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join the show to talk Food & Wine, while Disney surveys hint at possible themed cruises, Halloween party strategy, and how much guests trust Disney's planning tools. Plus, listener questions cover Tomorrowland, attraction relocations, parking garages, underwater pool music, and one extremely ambitious Carousel of Progress Halloween overlay. NEWS • Lakeshore Lodge gets a July 1, 2027 opening date, while Tiana's Bayou Adventure prepares for its first major refurbishment. • Disney's Art of Animation Resort is set for an extensive refurbishment, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is preparing to close at Disney Springs. • Disneyland breaks ground on its new eastern parking and transportation hub as Universal prepares to open Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift. • Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York in 2027, while a new survey tests guest interest in themed Disney cruises. • Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join Len and Jim for a look at this year's EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. FEATURE • Jim traces the roots of EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival back to the Walt Disney World Village Wine Festival and its move to EPCOT in 1996. • The California Grill's successful open-kitchen concept helped inspire a new approach to festival food booths around World Showcase. • Permanent gas, electrical, and water connections transformed temporary booths into the more elaborate Global Marketplace locations guests know today. • With EPCOT operating festivals through much of the year, Disney continues converting temporary food locations into permanent festival infrastructure. For this episode's full show notes, click here. (Coming Soon) HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia - Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com GUEST • Amy Schinner - TouringPlans researcher • Christina Harrison - TouringPlans researcher FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by BeOurGuestVacations.com from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Whether you're planning Disney or Universal, Be Our Guest Vacations can help make the trip easier for the whole family. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the latest Disney parks news before tracing how Epcot's humble festival food booths evolved into permanent Global Marketplaces with open kitchens. TouringPlans researchers Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join the show to talk Food & Wine, while Disney surveys hint at possible themed cruises, Halloween party strategy, and how much guests trust Disney's planning tools. Plus, listener questions cover Tomorrowland, attraction relocations, parking garages, underwater pool music, and one extremely ambitious Carousel of Progress Halloween overlay. NEWS • Lakeshore Lodge gets a July 1, 2027 opening date, while Tiana's Bayou Adventure prepares for its first major refurbishment. • Disney's Art of Animation Resort is set for an extensive refurbishment, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is preparing to close at Disney Springs. • Disneyland breaks ground on its new eastern parking and transportation hub as Universal prepares to open Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift. • Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York in 2027, while a new survey tests guest interest in themed Disney cruises. • Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join Len and Jim for a look at this year's EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. FEATURE • Jim traces the roots of EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival back to the Walt Disney World Village Wine Festival and its move to EPCOT in 1996. • The California Grill's successful open-kitchen concept helped inspire a new approach to festival food booths around World Showcase. • Permanent gas, electrical, and water connections transformed temporary booths into the more elaborate Global Marketplace locations guests know today. • With EPCOT operating festivals through much of the year, Disney continues converting temporary food locations into permanent festival infrastructure. For this episode's full show notes, click here. (Coming Soon) HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia - Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com GUEST • Amy Schinner - TouringPlans researcher • Christina Harrison - TouringPlans researcher FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by BeOurGuestVacations.com from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Whether you're planning Disney or Universal, Be Our Guest Vacations can help make the trip easier for the whole family. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailEpisode 263 – Solo at Walt Disney World: Staying Safe & Traveling SmartThis week on The Mickeyphile Podcast, Scott and Karen are catching up on the latest news and refurbishment updates from around Walt Disney World before being joined by their friend Samantha Carpin for an important conversation about solo travel — particularly for women visiting Walt Disney World on their own.Samantha frequently travels to Disney solo, and on a recent trip she experienced a situation that made her genuinely concerned for her safety. She joins us to share what happened, how Disney Cast Members responded, and what she learned from the experience.We talk about staying aware of your surroundings even inside the “Disney bubble,” recognizing when something just doesn't feel right, finding a Cast Member or other safe person when you're uncomfortable, personal safety alarms, and some of the precautions Samantha takes while traveling alone.We also talk about getting from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World using rideshare services, sharing trip information with someone you trust, monitoring your route, and some of the safety tools available through rideshare apps.Walt Disney World News• Tiana's Bayou Adventure will close for refurbishment beginning November 2, with Disney currently indicating a reopening sometime in December.• The Walt Disney World Railroad will be closed for refurbishment from September 28 through October 29.• Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs is closing September 13, with questions remaining about what comes next for the location.• Grand Floridian Café officially returns for dinner beginning November 2.• Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course reopens October 23 following work on the course and greens.DVC News• The former Jellyrolls location at Disney's BoardWalk is becoming The Hurly-Burly, with an October 1, 2026 opening planned and family-friendly activities during the afternoon.• Disney's Lakeshore Lodge is scheduled to open July 1, 2027.• Cash reservations begin October 6, 2026 for Disney Vacation Club Members, October 7 for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, and October 8 for the general public.• Disney Vacation Club Members will also have an opportunity to experience a special First Wave Preview before the resort officially opens.Our Main Topic: Solo Travel & SafetySamantha shares the story of realizing someone may have been following her from Disney's Hollywood Studios back to her resort and what she did once she became concerned.We discuss trusting your instincts, going directly to a Cast Member when something seems wrong, keeping your head out of your phone and staying aware of who is around you, personal alarms and other practical safety precautions, traveling alone without allowing fear to ruin the experience, and why being inside Walt Disney World doesn't mean you should completely let your guard down.Samantha also shares her approach to Uber rides between the airport and Walt Disney World, including letting someone know when she gets into and out of the vehicle, using available safety and recording features, monitoring the route in the app, and taking advantage of options such as requesting a female driver when available.It's not about being afraid to travel alone — it's about being prepared, being aware, and knowing what to do if something doesn't feel right.Connect with The Mickeyphile PodcastInstagram & TikTok: @mickeyphile_podcastFind us on Facebook at The Mickeyphile Podcast and join our Facebook community.Have a topic idea, want to join us on an episode, or just want to say hello?mickeyphilepodcast@gmail.comIf you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney fans find the show!Theme Music: “Cân Ddelwedd” by Scott Daves © 2026And as always…Stay in the dang boats!

Disney Springs parking was never a $35 theme-park coupon. People treated it like one anyway. The guys have zero sympathy for the cheat code, call hallway influencers creepy, and still manage to get lost in a Frank Lloyd Wright house before they find the point again. 57 Minutes.

We're eating our way around the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and sharing our completely unfiltered reactions as each dish hits the table, or more accurately, the nearest Disney trash can. In Part 1 of our two-part live review, we try everything from basil pesto chicken dumplings and Buffalo dill pickle wings to tempura shrimp tacos, Norwegian caramel cream bread, a Dubai-style chocolate pistachio cookie, pumpkin pie funnel cake, and plenty more. Some dishes absolutely wow us, while others leave us wondering how they escaped the kitchen. Our friend and fellow food reporter Jon Self joins the fun as we discuss festival favorites, disappointing bites, value, portion sizes, and whether Italy may finally be turning things around. These reactions were captured live while filming our festival videos, so you're hearing our honest opinions before we've had time to reconsider—or recover from eating quite so much. This episode features edited audio from our original video reviews. To watch the complete videos and see all the dishes and reactions for yourself, visit WonderlandCrew.com. You can join the Wonderland Crew for full access or purchase the individual videos you'd like to watch.

This is the Live Call-in Show from this past Sunday night, August 30, 2026! Mike and Scott were back together for the hour taking your calls! We started the show with a great call from Francois from Canada discussing using a Placeholder and an exisiting reservation, as well as a Start, Bench, Cut game with Disney ice-cream options! We also talked with Morgan from Alabama about her upcoming first runDisney Half-Marathon at Wine & Dine! Jason called in from the Polynesian Tower to share the start to his trip, and Jared from Illinois called in to let us know, in fact, that he HAD experienced STK at Disney Springs! Come join us in the BOGP Clubhouse this week at www.beourguestpodcast.com/discord. Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com. Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast. Become a patron of the Be Our Guest Podcast over at www.patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast. Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

In the 307th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave grab their CEO badges again - after taking the reigns Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs, now they look down the interstate to the other parks - Universal Orlando. First, a little catching up with prepping for a Disney trip and knocking out a final Disney 5K, then news with lots of refurbishment windows for the Railroad and Art of Animation, 2027–2028 Skyliner downtime to note on your planning calendars, dwindling Halloween party tickets, the new flat-rate resort shipping policy, and the upcoming Hurly Burly lounge on the BoardWalk. Then, what we would do if were in charge. We address the transportation needs - and why a monorail ain't gonna happen, nor will the two parts of land ever connect.  Our disdain for 3D rides, dynamic pricing spikes, and what to put in the expansion areas at Epic Universe - plus Legend of Zelda! Express Passes! The return of the Jaws ride! A massive arcade! And more!  Welcome, Parisian Breakfast Plans & runDisney Virtual 5K Wrap-Up Disney News: Coral Reef & Art of Animation Refurbishment Schedules Skyliner Planned Maintenance Windows (2027–2028) & Tiana's Bayou Adventure Walt Disney World Railroad Closure & Halloween Party Ticket Availability Disney BoardWalk: "The Hurly Burly" Lounge Replaces Jellyrolls New Disney Resort Flat-Rate Package Shipping via Ricoh Universal CEO Challenge: Epic Universe Transit Realities & Lockheed Martin Land Helios Grand Hotel & The Express Pass Problem Curbing 3D Screen Fatigue in Favor of Physical Sets Resort-to-Resort Luggage Transfers & Eliminating Dynamic Pricing Universal Expansion Dreams: "Retroville" & Zelda Sit-Down Dining Upgrades & The Desperate Need for Queue Shade Outro & Socials

Mallory shares her family's unique Disney World trip, centered around her daughter's theater group performing at Disney Springs and attending a Disney-led workshop. She also discusses balancing a large group itinerary with family time, multi-resort stays, low crowds, skipping Lightning Lanes, and memorable behind-the-scenes and dining experiences.   Links: Small World Vacations Walt Disney World Request Disney World in August Our review of Port Orleans Riverside Riviera Resort WDW Prep Toolkit   Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to leave us a message with your first name, location, and trip info. Be sure to include your exact trip dates, who is in your party, where you will stay, and anything unique about the trip. You can do that using your computer or phone at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo   Subscribe to get new episodes There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep to Go (if you're used to listening on the website, subscribe so you can take new episodes with you on your phone) Subscribe in iTunes  (and please leave a review!) Subscribe to the podcast   Follow on social media Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube   Ways to support us Become a Patron Get a quote request for a future trip from Small World Vacations Subscribe to the WDW Prep School weekly newsletter Podcast Episode Finder Visit the site Things we recommend   Affiliate Links: Amazon DVC Rentals Quicksilver Tours and Transportation Small World Vacations Designer Park Co - Use code "WDWPrep" to save 10%

Nine hundred episodes. That's a whole lot of Disney opinions, vacation planning, restaurant debates, resort stays, questionable decisions, and unforgettable moments—and somehow, we've made it this far without completely losing control. Until now. For this very special milestone episode, Sean from But Mostly Disney takes over the host's chair and puts us through five rounds of questions, games, debates, and a few mildly uncomfortable moments. With Sean running the show, neither of us knows exactly what is coming next—and that is where the fun begins. We start with a rapid-fire game of “Finish the Sentence,” covering everything from the most unnecessarily stressful parts of a Disney vacation to overrated attractions, misunderstood Disney foods, and the little things we do that drive each other crazy. We also answer the same questions separately to see how closely our answers match after 900 episodes together. Next, Sean tests how well we really know one another in the Main Street Magic Newlywed Game. Can Jeremy identify Rhonda's ideal Walt Disney World resort? Does Rhonda know Jeremy's most predictable Disney food order? If one of us disappeared inside a Disney park for several hours, would the other know where to start looking? We're about to find out. Then it is time for “Keep It, Fix It, Kill It.” Sean gives us 20 Disney attractions, restaurants, resorts, experiences, and Disney Cruise Line offerings, and we must decide whether each one should remain exactly as it is, receive a much-needed update, or disappear forever. From Tomorrowland Speedway and Journey Into Imagination with Figment to the Disney Dining Plan, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Pirate Night, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, no Disney favorite is safe. The conversation gets a little more personal during the 900th Episode Hot Seat as Sean asks us questions we do not hear every day. We reflect on what each of us brings to Main Street Magic, what we have learned from one another, how this incredible community has changed us, and what we never want the podcast to become. Finally, Sean closes with one question that brings our entire 900-episode journey into focus: When someone eventually listens to their final episode of Main Street Magic, what do we hope they gained from the time they spent with us? This episode is funny, honest, occasionally chaotic, and filled with the kind of friendly Disney disagreements you would expect when we hand control of the show to Sean.

Kim is planning a trip to celebrate her and her husband Tom's 10th wedding anniversary! After Tom said he would really like to stay at the Polynesian, she decided to make it happen. What Tom doesn't know, is that instead of being a triple split stay between the Polynesian Resort, the Polynesian Tower, and Coronado Springs, Kim has made a sneaky switch-a-roo for this to be only split between both sides of the Polynesian. They will have two days of park time, so much of their week will be spent visiting other resorts, heading to Disney Springs, and enjoying some rest and relaxation at the pool, which they don't usually do. The perfect plan to celebrate 10 years! Trip Dates: July 7-14, 2026 Pre-Trip Interview: recorded 6/18/26   Episode Specific Links: Follow Kim on Instagram - @realkimshady_peloton Disney College Program Video - Brunch at Wine Bar George Review MCO Reserve (schedule your airport security) People mentioned in this episode: Beth Johnston with Main Street Magic (Kim's travel agent) - @theitineraryandbeyond   Be Our Guest: Do you have an upcoming trip you'd like to share?  Submit your trip information here to be considered as a podcast guest.   Get in Touch: If you would like to reach out to Virginia for something other than a trip report guest submission (for that use the link above!), you may email whereilongtobepodcast@gmail.com.   Follow: Instagram: @whereilongtobepodcast Facebook: @whereilongtobepodcast TikTok: @whereilongtobepodcast Website: whereilongtobepodcast.com

Here is your Daily Disney News for Sunday, August 30th, 2026 - Disneyland Resort announces "Adventures in Imagination," a new attraction opening next year in Anaheim featuring Disney and Pixar film worlds. - Tokyo Disneyland celebrates its 43rd anniversary with the "Dreams of Tomorrow" event, including parades, nighttime shows, and exclusive merchandise. - Disney Springs at Walt Disney World introduces a global-themed dining experience called "Taste of Adventure," offering diverse culinary delights. - Disney+ is developing a new animated series about the origins of the Guardians of the Galaxy, exciting news for Marvel fans. Have a magical day and tune in again tomorrow for more updates.

Disney's Beach Club Resort is one of the most popular Walt Disney World hotels, just steps away from EPCOT and a stroll or Friendship boat ride away from Disney's Hollywood Studios. Beach Club is also closely situated by the Disney Skyliner and has direct bus service to Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Alongside Disney's Yacht Club Resort, these sister properties share the most popular pool at Walt Disney World (Stormalong Bay) and offer a wide range of quick-service and table service dining options. In this episode, we share the reasons we love Disney's Beach Club and offer advice for those looking to stay here on a future vacation. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

Mike and Rikki are back to get your weekend started with some fun Disney talk! We start the show discussing the new "rail tables" added to World Showcase in Epcot just in time for the Food & Wine Festival! Mike changes his mind on what he thinks of these during the show! Then, we share some "sweet" stories from the years about times we have spent at Disney Springs, and actually give some tips that might help with your "sweet tooth" on your next trip too! Please share your thoughts with us in the BOGP Clubhouse! Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com.  Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast. Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

Resort Wars: Showdown rolls on, and this time two very different Deluxe Villa resorts are stepping into the ring as Disney's Riviera Resort takes on Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa! We're putting these two resorts head-to-head across seven rounds, comparing them in theming and atmosphere, rooms and comfort, dining and drinks, transportation and location, recreation and amenities, value for money, and of course, listener intel. Riviera brings an upscale European-inspired atmosphere, a compact and easy-to-navigate layout, one of the strongest resort dining lineups at Walt Disney World, and the huge transportation advantage of the Disney Skyliner. But is all of that enough to justify the premium price? Saratoga Springs counters with a completely different experience. It's sprawling, peaceful, packed with recreation, offers everything from Deluxe Studios to the unique Treehouse Villas, and puts Disney Springs within walking or boating distance. It may not have the same polished feel as Riviera, but does its space, versatility, location, and value make it the better overall resort? We'll debate each category, award a point round by round, bring in your listener votes and comments, and make our final arguments before crowning a winner. Only one can advance in Resort Wars: Showdown. Will it be Riviera or Saratoga Springs?

Looking for the best quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World? In this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 favorite quick-service dining spots in the Disney World parks and Disney Springs, perfect for when you want a great meal without spending hours at a table. We'll talk about mobile ordering, must-try dishes, and some of the best Disney World food options, from BBQ at The Polite Pig and fried chicken in Magic Kingdom to Mexican food at Pecos Bill and healthier options in Pandora. Don't settle for ordinary theme park food when some of Disney World's best quick-service restaurants may be just a few extra steps away. Come hungry and see if your favorites make my top 10!I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @mountains_of_magic or Facebook at Fantastical Vacations by Daniele. If you would like help in planning an upcoming Disney or Universal vacation, email me at danielerobbins@fantasticalvacations.com or fill out a quote form to get started planning the magic Get A QuoteMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/bring-the-funLicense code: E9BZCTS1O3JRPERX

We're taking you inside our hosted trip to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando and sharing why this resort can be a destination all on its own. We talk about the rooms and Disney fireworks views, the incredible pool and family-friendly activities, dining options, and all the included amenities around the property. Plus, we share how close it is to Disney Springs and the theme parks, who we think this hotel is best for, and whether we'd stay again.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 01:57 First impressions and lobby 04:00 Rooms and fireworks views 07:57 Pools and family activities 14:57 Dining and breakfast 20:00 Resort activities and amenities 23:50 Disney Springs and nearby options 27:54 Overall impressionsMentioned in this Episode:Comfrt.com 15% OFFFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

We're putting our Disney planning opinions, habits, strategies, and questionable decisions to the test with a brand-new round of Truth or Dare! We're taking turns choosing between Truth or Dare and randomly pulling from a collection of questions and challenges covering Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and general vacation planning. But which ones did we actually pull? You'll have to listen to find out. The possible Truths could have us confessing our biggest Disney planning mistakes, admitting which advice we don't always follow ourselves, revealing what guests spend way too much time worrying about, deciding which experiences aren't worth rearranging an entire day for, or exposing the planning decisions where we are most likely to disagree. And then there are the possible Dares. We could be forced to choose between giving up park hopping or Lightning Lane, pick one Walt Disney World resort to stay at for our next five trips, visit only two parks on our next vacation, choose between three nights at a Deluxe resort or seven nights at a Value, or plan a trip with some of our favorite options completely taken away. Disney Cruise Line could bring tough decisions involving staterooms, itineraries, excursions, dining, and onboard experiences. Disneyland could force us to rethink how we plan a completely different kind of Disney vacation. And the general vacation questions might reveal just how much control we're actually willing to surrender when somebody else is involved in the planning. Those are just some of the Truths and Dares waiting in the pile. Which ones did we draw? Which choices caused the biggest arguments? And what did we reveal that we probably would have preferred to keep to ourselves? There's only one way to find out. It's Disney Planning Truth or Dare!

If you've ever sat in the audience at Disney's Animal Kingdom and felt your eyes tear up as a certain blue tang fish reminded you to "just keep swimming," then you already know Scott's Guest, Katie Whetsell.Katie originated the role of Kelli in the original New York cast of "Dear Edwina," traveled with two Broadway national tours - "Wonderful Town" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and spent five seasons with the Tony-Award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival. She's performed all over Japan and Taiwan in two concert tours with "Disney On Classic" and recently appeared as The Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods" at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando with Jody Benson.At Walt Disney World, she was Winifred Sanderson in "Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular" and Dolly Drew at the "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue." In addition to currently playing the role of Dory in "Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond" in Animal Kingdom, you can see her in the role of Ms. Hesitation in Cirque du Soleil's "Drawn to Life" at Disney Springs. Enjoy the incredible Katie Whetsell! Email: TheMouseAndMePodcast@gmail.comSupport: www.patreon.com/themouseandmeFB and Instagram: “The Mouse and Me”Music by Kevin MacLeod from https://incompetech.filmmusic.io

We're heading outside the Disney bubble for a full Universal Orlando trip report! On this episode, we're recapping our recent stay and everything we experienced across Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, including 18 attractions, plenty of snacks, some seriously wet water rides, and one of the biggest questions we had going into the trip: just how valuable is Universal Express Pass? We worked our way through nine attractions at each park, from The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster to Revenge of the Mummy, E.T. Adventure, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Along the way, we tracked the posted standby wait for every attraction and compared it with how long we actually waited using Express. And the results were pretty eye-opening. We also talk about our stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, transportation, park entry, and some of the food and snacks we tried along the way, including Butterbeer, a Honeydukes pumpkin pastry, and the wonderfully strange Pizza Dog. Then we wrap everything up by looking at the actual cost of Unlimited Express during our visit and answering if would we pay for it separately? Does staying at a Signature Universal resort where Express is included completely change the value equation? And beyond simply saving time, did Express make the entire Universal experience better?

It's officially “Augtober” in Central Florida, and we are snacking our way around Disney Springs to try the new Fall offerings and of course, discussing our reactions to the announcements from this year's D23 Expo. We also recap our experience at the House Of Mouse Expo 2026, seeing the Steven Spielberg exhibit at Universal Studios, and the new animation courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios.   To listen to our House of Mouse Expo Vendor Showcase, click here.    Join the conversation on social media @monoreelradio on all major platforms or send us an email at monoreelradio@gmail.com. For links to anything you heard on the show, visit our website and if you want to experience the Disney magic for yourself, click here to start planning your next vacation.    

Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life at Disney Springs represents the first collaboration between Disney and Cirque du Soleil. The show celebrates the 100-year history of Walt Disney Animation Studios, including references to Walt Disney's Nine Old Men, Disney animators, and Disney stories, characters, and musical scores. Blending acrobatics, choreography, and special effects, this show is one you will not want to miss on your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. In this #hosted episode, I review Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life after seeing it for the first time. Learn more about this show by visiting https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

In this episode of the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast, host Curtis Stone sits down with local correspondent Jason to get a fresh 'boots on the ground' perspective of the parks. Jason has been living in the Orlando area for three years and has some incredible tips on how to navigate the summer heat, find hidden dining gems, and experience unique character interactions.From the newly revamped Muppet coaster pre-show to the retro arcade gaming at Disney Springs' Level 99, we cover all the latest changes you need to know before your next trip.**In this episode, we talk about:*** **Spontaneous Magic:** Playing Duck, Duck, Goose with Stitch and Donald Duck at the Animation Courtyard.* **The Muppets Return:** Experiencing the revamped pre-show and finding new Muppet merchandise.* **Animal Kingdom Construction:** How the Dinosaur area closure impacts a park day.* **Hidden Food Gems:** Italian affogatos at Vivoli Gelato and the incredible Adega Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse.* **EPCOT Wait Times:** Which lines are consistently inflated and why.* **Underrated Attractions:** Why Star Tours remains a must-ride on every trip.* **Millennium Falcon Fixes:** How we would redesign Smugglers Run to improve the engineer and gunner roles.* **Best Value Snacks:** Main Street's customizable popcorn tubs and the Pineapple Scrunch Sundae.**The Heart of the Episode**This conversation shines a spotlight on the return of 'plus magic' to the Disney parks. While big E-ticket rides are amazing, it's often the small, unexpected moments—like a cast member showing you a secret shortcut or Goofy joining in on a game of jump rope—that leave the most lasting impressions.**Planning Your Next Adventure?**Ready to find your own hidden gems? Let Margita and Judy at the Travelin' Tiaras handle all the details! From resort bookings to cruise coordination, they've got you covered. Support the podcast by emailing them at TravelinTiaras@gmail.com.**Support the Show on Patreon**Want to help keep the weekly episodes coming? Join our Patreon community and become a Super Geek! Sign up today at patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW.**Join the Geekin' Community**Connect with fellow Disney Geeks, share your favorite vacation tips, or apply to share your own trip report by joining our Geekin' on Walt Disney World Facebook community!Email curt.stone@geekinonwdw.com to be a guest on the show

We're coming to you live from Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar at Disney Springs with our good friends Jon and Susan to try almost the entire new Halloween seasonal menu—and as usual, Jock Lindsey's absolutely brings it when it comes to presentation. We work our way through five of the seasonal offerings, skipping only the returning Alien Invader Sliders. On the table are the Candelabra Eggs, topped with crispy fried chicken and sweet charred pepper sauce; the Dark Forest Dip, featuring creamy hummus and a seriously impressive black cat presentation; the Skull of the Dead Dip, loaded with barbacoa, cheese, fried onions, and plantain chips; the Bone Kabobs, featuring pork and beef served on some of the coolest skewers we've seen; and the Midnight Mayhem Popcorn Chicken, complete with buffalo sauce, candied bacon, nuts, and plenty of Halloween flair. We also try the very sweet, very colorful Viper's Nest non-alcoholic drink and spend probably way too much time trying to figure out where Jock Lindsey's finds all of these incredible Halloween serving pieces. But underneath all the skulls, coffins, bones, cats, and spooky presentation, how does the food actually taste? Along with Jon and Susan, we break down which dishes impressed us most, which were simply solid bar food, whether the plantain chips were the right choice, why “creamy tomato sauce” may be playing a little fast and loose with the word creamy, and whether these small plates justify Disney Springs prices. Plus, we talk about what makes Jock Lindsey's such a fun seasonal stop, why you probably shouldn't order five appetizers at once on one tiny table, and whether this Halloween lineup is worth adding to your next Disney Springs visit. Grab a seat at the table—it's time for a spooky live dining review!

Join us for another Disney Dining Show as we talk about the food and snacks we recently tried at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!From Halloween party-exclusive treats to some of the food we enjoyed at Jock Lindsay's Halloween Hangar Bar at Disney Springs, we're sharing our honest opinions on what we loved, what we'd skip, and what we think is actually worth trying.We'll break down everything we ate, share our favorites, and let you know which snacks and dishes stood out during our visit. Links:Important DIS links for more information!Support us on Patreon and receive exclusive content! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're kicking off Resort Wars: Showdown, a brand-new phase of our popular series where previous Resort Wars winners return to face each other head-to-head. From here, the winners keep advancing until only one Walt Disney World resort is left standing as the ultimate Resort Wars champion. Our first Showdown features two fan-favorite Moderate Resorts with very different personalities: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort vs. Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. We put these former champions through our familiar Resort Wars categories, comparing them on theming and atmosphere, rooms and comfort, dining and drinks, transportation and location, recreation and amenities, and overall value. Coronado Springs brings Gran Destino Tower, an impressive dining and lounge lineup, beautiful grounds, and amenities that can sometimes make it feel more Deluxe than Moderate. Riverside counters with peaceful Southern charm, gorgeous landscaping along the Sassagoula River, boat transportation to Disney Springs, classic Disney atmosphere, and one of the most relaxing resort experiences on property. Plus, we bring in the listener vote to see which resort the Main Street Magic community thinks deserves to advance. Two Resort Wars winners enter the Showdown. Only one moves on. Which resort survives the first battle?

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into Disney's latest theme park attendance numbers, new Lakeshore Lodge concept art, Disneyland's possible return to an old favorite, and some surprisingly revealing guest surveys. Listener questions cover everything from GLP-1 drugs and Disney dining to the possible return of Tables in Wonderland and new retail ideas for Disney Springs. Then Jim begins the history of Disney's family suites by tracing how global events repeatedly reshaped Walt Disney World hotel plans, culminating in the stalled second half of Disney's Pop Century Resort after 9/11. NEWS • Walt Disney World reports a 3% increase in domestic theme park attendance during Disney's fiscal third quarter. • Disney adds a new preshow to Zootopia: Better Zoogether to help guests follow the attraction's story. • New Lakeshore Lodge concept art reveals the resort lobby, Moon Glade restaurant, Bay Lake Provisions, and other dining spaces. • Disneyland rumors suggest the Main Street Electrical Parade could once again return in 2027. • Universal announces Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness and Killer Klowns from Outer Space for Halloween Horror Nights. FEATURE • Jim looks back at Disney hotel projects that were dramatically altered by world events, including the proposed Asian Resort at Seven Seas Lagoon. • The COVID-19 pandemic upends Disney's ambitious plans for EPCOT and Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration. • Disney begins developing Pop Century as another massive value resort near the Wide World of Sports complex. • After 9/11 sends tourism and hotel occupancy plunging, Disney halts work on Pop Century and leaves the unfinished Legendary Years buildings standing for nearly a decade. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish News is sponsored by BeOurGuestVacations.com. Plan your Walt Disney World vacation, including a trip to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, with the team at Be Our Guest Vacations. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into Disney's latest theme park attendance numbers, new Lakeshore Lodge concept art, Disneyland's possible return to an old favorite, and some surprisingly revealing guest surveys. Listener questions cover everything from GLP-1 drugs and Disney dining to the possible return of Tables in Wonderland and new retail ideas for Disney Springs. Then Jim begins the history of Disney's family suites by tracing how global events repeatedly reshaped Walt Disney World hotel plans, culminating in the stalled second half of Disney's Pop Century Resort after 9/11. NEWS • Walt Disney World reports a 3% increase in domestic theme park attendance during Disney's fiscal third quarter. • Disney adds a new preshow to Zootopia: Better Zoogether to help guests follow the attraction's story. • New Lakeshore Lodge concept art reveals the resort lobby, Moon Glade restaurant, Bay Lake Provisions, and other dining spaces. • Disneyland rumors suggest the Main Street Electrical Parade could once again return in 2027. • Universal announces Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness and Killer Klowns from Outer Space for Halloween Horror Nights. FEATURE • Jim looks back at Disney hotel projects that were dramatically altered by world events, including the proposed Asian Resort at Seven Seas Lagoon. • The COVID-19 pandemic upends Disney's ambitious plans for EPCOT and Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration. • Disney begins developing Pop Century as another massive value resort near the Wide World of Sports complex. • After 9/11 sends tourism and hotel occupancy plunging, Disney halts work on Pop Century and leaves the unfinished Legendary Years buildings standing for nearly a decade. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish News is sponsored by BeOurGuestVacations.com. Plan your Walt Disney World vacation, including a trip to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, with the team at Be Our Guest Vacations. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for another round of Disney Truth or Dare, and this time we're diving into one of our favorite topics—Disney food! In this episode, we're putting each other on the spot with a stack of Truth and Dare cards filled with honest opinions, impossible choices, and plenty of opportunities for some spirited debate about the best eats around Walt Disney World. Will we have to choose between Dole Whip and the Mickey Premium Bar? Eliminate an iconic Disney snack forever? Reveal our biggest Disney food hot take? Or defend which restaurant we'd recommend if someone only had one table-service meal during their entire vacation? Those are just a few of the questions that could come up—but with every card drawn at random, we never know what's coming next. From snacks and quick service to signature dining, festival booths, Disney Springs favorites, and resort restaurants, no corner of Walt Disney World's food scene is off limits. Once a card is drawn, there's no backing out, no changing the question, and definitely no saying, “It depends!” Whether you're planning your next Disney dining adventure or simply love hearing passionate Disney food debates, this episode is packed with fun, laughs, and plenty of opinions that may have you cheering us on… or yelling at your speakers. Grab your favorite Disney snack and play along to see how your answers compare to ours!

We're serving up a weekend roundup packed with delicious bites and exciting updates from Walt Disney World and beyond! We kick things off at Disney Springs with a look at the latest limited-time offerings from D-Luxe Burger, including the new Cheddar Biscuit Burger loaded with pimento cheese, fried green tomato, bacon, and jalapeño jam. Then we grab a scoop from Salt & Straw as we break down this month's creative pie-inspired flavors—from Wild-Foraged Berry Slab Pie to the surprisingly intriguing Gruyère & Tomato Custard Tart. Next, we head over to Beak and Barrel to discuss the newest details released, including menu updates and extra seating. Finally, we recap our weekend at House of Mouse Expo 2026, sharing some of our favorite moments, the incredible Disney community, and what made this year's event such a memorable experience. Whether you're planning your next Disney Springs foodie day, curious about the latest Disney news, or just looking to hang out with fellow Disney fans, this episode has a little something for everyone.

On today's Disney podcast, we’re covering all of the snacks and drinks you can find around Walt Disney World over the next two months for Halloween. If you’re coming from now until the end of October, you can find all kinds of spooky treats if you know where to look. From Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party exclusive food to a ton of options in Disney Springs, these sound too good to miss. Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations. For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com We would love you to join us on Patreon! Thanks so much for supporting the show. We also have Addicted to the Mouse Merchandise! You can check it out at https://addictedtothemerch.com Thanks so much for listening! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Sunday for the podcast. Join us every Sunday and Wednesday evening as we take you to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, on Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios and everywhere in between! We can be found at www.addictedtothemouse.com and be reached at danandleslie@addictedtothemouse.com Please also connect with us here: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/addictedtothemouse Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedtotheMouse Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AddictedtotheMouse/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/addictedtothemouse/ The post Spooky Snacks at Disney World | 2026 Halloween Foodie Guide appeared first on Addicted to the Mouse.