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We continue our Resort Wars series with a showdown between two EPCOT-area favorites: Disney's BoardWalk Inn and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. Both resorts offer incredible access to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, but they deliver completely different vacation experiences. BoardWalk Inn immerses guests in the charm and nostalgia of a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City boardwalk, complete with lively entertainment, unique dining, and one of the most iconic atmospheres at Walt Disney World. Meanwhile, Swan Reserve offers a more modern and luxurious approach, featuring some of the newest rooms on property, spacious family suites, and access to the extensive amenities, pools, and dining options of the Swan and Dolphin resorts. Throughout the episode, we compare the two resorts across seven categories, including theming and atmosphere, rooms and comfort, dining and drinks, transportation and location, recreation and amenities, value for money, and listener feedback. We discuss everything from the magic of strolling the BoardWalk at night and grabbing a drink at AbracadaBar to the benefits of staying in a sleek, contemporary room just steps from EPCOT. Will Disney's immersive storytelling and unmatched atmosphere help BoardWalk Inn secure the victory? Or will Swan Reserve's modern accommodations, impressive amenities, and strong value proposition prove too much to overcome? Whether you're planning your next Walt Disney World vacation or trying to decide where to stay for an upcoming trip, this episode will help you determine which of these popular Crescent Lake resorts is the better fit for your travel style.
This quarter across Disney Parks brings major shifts into focus as long-running projects move from concept art to real-world construction, classic attractions enter major reinventions, and new lands begin to visibly take shape across Walt Disney World and beyond.In this Q2 2026 edition of State of the Kingdom, we break down the biggest official announcements from Disney, including a landmark reimagining of Carousel of Progress and new details surrounding Monstropolis at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We also look at Halloween season changes coming to Disneyland Resort and what they signal for the future of seasonal entertainment.Then we move into the construction updates, where major projects like Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, and Monstropolis continue to rise at an accelerating pace, alongside ongoing work across Magic Kingdom and classic attractions like Cinderella Castle and Haunted Mansion.Finally, we dive into the rumors making waves this quarter, from emerging technology patents and expansion speculation to ongoing questions about Disneyland and international resort growth, including renewed discussion around Shanghai Disneyland's future.A quarterly report on Disney Parks and Imagineering… where everything is always under construction.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
Hey Ohana, This week we're sharing part 2 and the conclusion of our discussion on how we'd fix the identity crisis going on over at Hollywood Studios. (and to be fair by "conclusion" we just mean the end of this recording, because honestly even after we hit stop we still had a lot to talk about lol). If you didn't check out part 1 be sure to give that a listen and then head over to the FB group and let us and the rest of the Ohana know what YOU think! Another big shout out to our guests: Johanna, Jonathan, and Sean for joining us as well. Thanks for tuning in and as always... See Ya Real Soon! THANK YOU to the official TA of MTADA, Sue Passauer. Sue is affiliated with MEI & Mouse Fan Travel and can help you plan the perfect Disney vacation! She's the only person we trust with our own family vacations and the only TA we feel confident enough in to recommend to all of you in the Ohana! DISCLAIMER: We are not an affiliate of the Walt Disney Company nor do we speak for the brand or the company. Any and all Disney-owned property is theirs and theirs alone.
Hello everyone and welcome to the WDW Mainstreet podcast. Pull up your stool with John and Doug as they discuss all of the latest news from around Walt Disney World and their worlds. John went to Disney twice in the last week. First, he went to Animal Kingdom for the day, where did he eat and what did he ride and enjoy most? Second, John and Lisa headed back to Walt Disney World on Sunday for a week's stay at the new Poly Tower, what was his likes and dislikes on their stay. They went to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on this part of the trip report. What rides and attractions did they do? What did they enjoy most? Did John actually purchase Lightning Lane Plus? So grab yourself a cold one, sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
This week is a catch-up: seven news items we hadn't gotten to yet, with a quick read on each.-Oogie Boogie Bash. Disneyland is replacing the Frightfully Fun parade with a Madame Leota's Swinging Wake cavalcade for 2026. For a limited-ticket event, swapping wait-and-watch for come-and-go gives guests more of their evening back, as long as it's well executed. -Magic of Disney Animation. Disney detailed the new Hollywood Studios building, designed as a set of small interactive rooms. This is the micro-visit logic: one room is satisfying, three are satisfying, all of it is satisfying. -Universal United Kingdom Resort. Universal's UK park is now officially named. How it positions itself relative to the existing European market remains an open question, and the company has not addressed it. -Universal Kids Resort. Opens July 1 in Frisco, Texas, at $54 a day, about half the price of a regular Universal ticket, with marketing that leans into appealing to both the child and the caregiver in the same line. -Hagrid's and Tokyo Disney. Universal Orlando pulled Express Pass from Hagrid's, and Tokyo Disney ended free Priority Pass on August 31. Both moves aim to simplify queue systems to restore overall capacity. -Carousel of Progress. Walt Disney World closes the attraction on July 6 to time-shift its scenes from 1900, 1920, and 1940 to 1969, 1985, and 2000, with Walt himself returning as an audio-animatronic. Nostalgia needs a frame of reference, and the original scenes had passed out of living memory, which is the whole point of moving them forward.Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the stars of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster have been replaced. Aerosmith is out. The Muppets are in. To one of our hosts, this was a catastrophic mistake. To the other hosts—and maybe the public at large—it was mostly a good idea.Who's right? We'll definitively answer that question by the end of this podcast!*We have not actually ridden the ride. However, thanks to our finely tuned theme park assessment skills, we're confident we can determine its quality from a copious amount of opening-day footage."Electric Mice Orchestra" episode is up at: Patreon.com/PodcastTheRideFOLLOW PODCAST: THE RIDE:https://twitter.com/PodcastTheRidehttps://www.instagram.com/podcasttherideBUY PODCAST: THE RIDE MERCH:https://www.teepublic.com/stores/podcast-the-ridePODCAST THE RIDE IS A FOREVER DOG PODCASThttps://foreverdogpodcasts.com/podcasts/podcast-the-ride See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We're pairing up our favorite attractions, restaurants, lounges, and experiences from across Walt Disney World to create the ultimate theme park duos. These are the combinations that just belong together—whether it's because of their theme, location, storytelling, or simply the way they complete one another. We travel through all four parks, matching iconic attractions with the dining and experiences that elevate them even further. From grabbing a drink at Beak and Barrel after sailing through Pirates of the Caribbean, to enjoying Garden Grill before a relaxing ride through Living with the Land, we discuss the pairings that have become must-dos for us over the years. Along the way, we share why Jungle Cruise and Skipper Canteen are the perfect Adventureland combo, why Expedition Everest and Yak & Yeti feel like they were made for each other, and how attractions like Rise of the Resistance, Frozen Ever After, Flight of Passage, and Kilimanjaro Safaris become even better when paired with the right food, drink, or experience nearby. We also debate some underrated combinations, revisit a few classic favorites, and ultimately rank our Top 5 Theme Park Duos from the entire list. Will Pirates and Beak and Barrel take the crown? Can Garden Grill and Living with the Land claim the top spot? Or will an Animal Kingdom favorite climb to the top of the rankings? If you're planning your next Walt Disney World vacation or just looking for new ways to experience the parks, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create your own perfect Disney pairings.
In this Universal 1934 Studios Year by Year episode, we discuss the original There's Always Tomorrow, starring Frank Morgan and Binnie Barnes (remade by Douglas Sirk in the 50s with Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck) and the bizarre Claude Rains vehicle The Man Who Reclaimed His Head. The middle-class American nuclear families of the 30s and 50s curiously converge, and future Hollywood Ten screenwriter Samuel Ornitz tries to reclaim his mind from the studio heads (or so we irresponsibly conjecture). And in Fear and Moviegoing, we briefly discuss Bitter Rice, a feminist/Marxist/crime/erotic/neorealist melodrama directed by Giuseppe De Santis. Time Codes: 0h 00m 25s: 1934 & Universal 0h 03m 19s: THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW [dir. Edward A. Sloman] 0h 27m 01s: THE MAN WHO RECLAIMED HIS HEAD [dir. Edward Ludwig] 0h 41 m 35s: FEAR AND MOVIEGOING IN TORONTO – Bitter Rice (1949) by Giuseppe DeSantis at TIFF Lightbox 0h 47m 03s: So This Is Sarris (The American Cinema by Andrew Sarris) – Mitchell Leisen Studio Film Capsules provided by The Universal Story by Clive Hirschhorn Additional studio information from: The Hollywood Story by Joel W. Finler 1934 Information from Forgotten Films to Remember by John Springer +++ * Marvel at our meticulously ridiculous Complete Viewing Schedule for the 2020s * Intro Song: "Sunday" by Jean Goldkette Orchestra with the Keller Sisters (courtesy of The Internet Archive) * Read Elise's latest film piece on Preston Sturges, Unfaithfully Yours, and the Narrative role of comedic scapegoating. * Check out Dave's new Robert Benchley blog – an attempt to annotate and reflect upon as many of the master humorist's 2000+ pieces as he can locate – Benchley Data: A Wayward Annotation Project! Follow us on Twitter at @therebuggy Write to us at therebuggy@gmail.com We now have a Discord server - just drop us a line if you'd like to join!
Welcome back to Capture The Magic! This week we're diving into all the latest Disney World news and there's honestly so much happening right now. First up, Disney just dropped their complete 4th of July food and drink guide and wow, there are some seriously patriotic treats coming our way. We're talking red, white and blue everything across all four parks. Plus we finally got more details about what to expect story-wise when Monstropolis opens at Magic Kingdom. The new land is going to be way more immersive than we initially thought. Speaking of new stuff, Toy Story 5 is bringing some cool passholder perks to Hollywood Studios, and everyone can grab that new Bullseye popcorn bucket. But if you wanted that Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket that just dropped, good luck because it sold out almost immediately. Classic Disney popcorn bucket chaos strikes again. Over at EPCOT, La Poutinerie is opening July 1st and we've got the full menu with pricing. Spoiler alert, it's not exactly budget-friendly but those loaded fries look incredible. And if you've been wanting to do brunch at Citricos, now's your chance since they're moving the Grand Floridian Cafe brunch over there. We're also reviewing those Mickey churro waffles from Spyglass Grill that everyone's been talking about, plus we tried some of the new Bluey treats at Pizzafari. Let's just say one of us was way more excited about Bluey than the other. Plus we're chatting about our recent park experiences including that busy Animation Courtyard, the updated Smuggler's Run experience with Mando and Grogu, and why Soarin' Across America hits different every single time. Make sure to comment with your thoughts on all this Disney World news, smash that like button if you're excited about any of these updates, subscribe if you haven't already, and definitely hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode! You can find the full Capture The Magic Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Most Disney fans trust their favorite park to be a well-oiled machine—until chaos strikes with unexpected bans, messy lawsuits, and impossible to-do lists. In this episode, we dive into wild stories from the parks that could land you a lifetime ban or spark a lawsuit. Trust us, you'll want to hear about the shirtless park rowdy, the Safari mishap, and the lawsuit against a popular Orlando bakery. Plus, we peel back the curtain on whether scattered ashes are common or just a myth in the Disney universe.But it's not all chaos—Jeremy and Phil craft their ultimate Disney days for Hollywood Studios and Epcot, sharing the rides, snacks, and hidden gems that make each park unforgettable. From lightning lane strategies to secret food stops, this episode reveals how to maximize your Disney trip without missing a beat—or breaking the rules. Whether you're a seasoned Disney veteran or planning your first visit, you'll discover the key to balancing fun, efficiency, and avoiding unintentional bans.We also explore the curious case of parks needing protocol for ghost sightings, the real scoop on exclusive experiences like jellyrolls and the Cake Bake Shop lawsuit, and whether you should ever hop out of a safari truck to pee. These stories and tips could save your trip—and maybe your reputation!Perfect for Disney enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and anyone wondering what really happens behind the magic. Tune in to hear insider stories, expert trip planning, and the unexpected chaos that keeps Disney unpredictable. Don't miss out—your next Disney adventure depends on it.
Addicted to the Mouse: Planning Disney World, Disneyland, and All Things Disney
On today's Disney podcast, we’ve got some news, updates, and new land details. From the back story behind Monstropolis coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to revamped Disney Cruise Line menus, we’re looking forward to covering all of it. 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 New Monstropolis Details in Hollywood Studios + More Disney News! appeared first on Addicted to the Mouse.
We're each bringing our updated favorites from the Magic Kingdom. Rides, shows, foods/restaurants and something that always gives us those magic goosebumps. Enjoy the show! * * * * * *
Disney has finally revealed the story behind Monstropolis at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and we're breaking down everything announced. From H.U.M.A.N. Day and the Department of Human Relations to Harryhausen's Restaurant, the Glob Theater, and new details about the highly anticipated Monsters, Inc. door coaster, Disney is beginning to paint a clearer picture of what guests can expect when they step into Monstropolis. We discuss why Disney chose to set the land after the events of Monsters, Inc., whether H.U.M.A.N. Day is a clever storytelling solution, what these new details mean for Hollywood Studios, and the question many fans are still asking: was it worth losing MuppetVision 3D? Join us as we explore the latest chapter in Disney's plans for Monstropolis and what it could mean for the future of the park. On this episode: H.U.M.A.N. Day explained The Department of Human Relations Harryhausen's Restaurant The Glob Theater New story details for the door coaster What Monstropolis means for Hollywood Studios Was replacing MuppetVision worth it? Join the conversation and let us know what you think! Civil discussions encouraged. Email us at show@magicourway.com, call or text 815-MOWICAN (669-4226), or slide into our social media DMs. Every thought and opinion will forever be welcome on this Disney fan podcast. This is show #632. Magic Our Way — Where Every Opinion Is Welcome.
Hey Ohana, On this week's show we take dive into a monumental undertaking... trying to figure out Hollywood Studios. Many Disney fans (us included) love Hollywood Studios, but feel like something is just a little off. It seems to have become more of the catchall for Disney attractions rather than the park telling a cohesive story. And so, along with our friends, Johanna, Jonathan, and Sean, we attempt to figure out the underlaying issue in Hollywood Studios, and to create a common thread to bring the park back together. We had so much to chat about (and to be honest, there are probably even more future episodes on this topic in the future) that we talked for nearly 2 hours! So we're sharing part 1 this week and then be sure to tune back in to catch part 2 next week! Be sure to also head over to our FB group to continue the conversation! We'll share some questions and discussion topics based on the episode for the Ohana to get involved with! Thanks for tuning in and as always... See Ya Real Soon! THANK YOU, the official TA of MTADA, Sue Passauer! Sue is affiliated with MEI & Mouse Fan Travel and can help you plan the perfect Disney vacation! She's the only person we trust with our family vacation and the only TA we feel confident enough to recommend to our Ohana! DISCLAIMER: We are not an affiliate of the Walt Disney Company nor do we speak for the brand or the company. Any and all Disney-owned content is their property and theirs alone.
We put each other on the spot with a series of Truths and Dares centered around Walt Disney World's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. But don't worry—these aren't your typical Truth or Dare questions. The Truths are all about honest takes, unpopular opinions, favorite experiences, and a few hot takes that might ruffle some feathers among Disney fans. The Dares? They're packed with impossible choices that force us to pick between beloved restaurants, favorite shops, and Disney Springs experiences we never want to lose. Would we rather give up Gideon's or Everglazed? Which restaurant would we choose if we could only eat at one Disney Springs location forever? Is Marketplace better than the West Side? And what Disney Springs attraction, restaurant, or store deserves a little more love? Along the way, we share personal favorites, surprising answers, plenty of laughs, and a few decisions that were much harder than we expected. Whether you're a Disney Springs regular, a foodie planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, or just love hearing Disney debates, this episode is a fun way to test your own opinions and see where you agree—or disagree—with ours. Play along as you listen and let us know your answers to these Disney Springs Truths and Dares!
Disney Parks Podcast Show #929- Disney New For The Week Of June 8, 2026: The Ever-Changing Carousel of Progress Today's episode covers major Disney updates across parks, cruise line, streaming, and entertainment. Disney shared new details on Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios, including immersive city theming, iconic movie locations, a Monsters, Inc. coaster, and the... The post Disney Parks Podcast Show #929- Disney New For The Week Of June 8, 2026: The Ever-Changing Carousel of Progress appeared first on Disney Parks Podcast.
Dani, creative director for Rock 'n' Coaster with the Muppets at Disney's Hollywood Studios, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the completely revised ride and just reopened attraction now featuring the Muppets instead of the famous rock band. We discover how the ride still retains its thrills and the rock music works too—and we know from our own experience at the launch of Disney Cool Kids' Summer. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and www.disneytravelagents.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
Today's episode covers major Disney updates across parks, cruise line, streaming, and entertainment. Disney shared new details on Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios, including immersive city theming, iconic movie locations, a Monsters, Inc. coaster, and the “H.U.M.A.N. Day” storyline. Disney After Hours returns in 2026 to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios with reduced crowds, late-night ride access, and complimentary snacks. Disney Cruise Line is updating policies, including revised alcohol allowances, clearer selfie stick/tripod rules, and updated stateroom decoration guidelines. Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is getting a major overhaul with updated time periods, a new Walt Disney animatronic, and a refurbishment starting July 2026. New DVC details reveal Lakeshore Lodge, a large upcoming resort with roughly 876 villas and nearly 1,000 total rooms, expected in 2027. Disney is also testing a new Disney Store retail concept in malls, starting in Pittsburgh with nostalgic elements and Parks merchandise. A massive America 250 celebration will span TV, streaming, and both U.S. Disney parks with fireworks, special entertainment, and patriotic experiences in 2026. Upcoming films include Toy Story 5, live-action Moana, and other major theatrical releases through Summer and Fall 2026. On streaming, Disney is rolling out Hulu profile integration into Disney+, allowing watch history and recommendations to sync across platforms. Headlines include Banana Ball coming to Disney World, new park updates, LEGO releases, Smugglers Run secrets, and ongoing Disney Springs and BoardWalk changes. All this and more on this week's Disney Parks Podcast!
Today's episode covers major Disney updates across parks, cruise line, streaming, and entertainment. Disney shared new details on Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios, including immersive city theming, iconic movie locations, a Monsters, Inc. coaster, and the “H.U.M.A.N. Day” storyline. Disney After Hours returns in 2026 to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios with reduced crowds, late-night ride access, and complimentary snacks. Disney Cruise Line is updating policies, including revised alcohol allowances, clearer selfie stick/tripod rules, and updated stateroom decoration guidelines. Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is getting a major overhaul with updated time periods, a new Walt Disney animatronic, and a refurbishment starting July 2026. New DVC details reveal Lakeshore Lodge, a large upcoming resort with roughly 876 villas and nearly 1,000 total rooms, expected in 2027. Disney is also testing a new Disney Store retail concept in malls, starting in Pittsburgh with nostalgic elements and Parks merchandise. A massive America 250 celebration will span TV, streaming, and both U.S. Disney parks with fireworks, special entertainment, and patriotic experiences in 2026. Upcoming films include Toy Story 5, live-action Moana, and other major theatrical releases through Summer and Fall 2026. On streaming, Disney is rolling out Hulu profile integration into Disney+, allowing watch history and recommendations to sync across platforms. Headlines include Banana Ball coming to Disney World, new park updates, LEGO releases, Smugglers Run secrets, and ongoing Disney Springs and BoardWalk changes. All this and more on this week's Disney Parks Podcast!
Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney's most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey's Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert's retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads. FEATURE • Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles. • The team traces how Pixar's growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. • Shull explains the “Andy's backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land. • The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com GUEST • Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com FOLLOW • Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - 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 UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounts that make your next Disney trip cheaper than ever. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 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
Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney's most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey's Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert's retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads. FEATURE • Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles. • The team traces how Pixar's growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. • Shull explains the “Andy's backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land. • The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com GUEST • Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com FOLLOW • Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - 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 UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounts that make your next Disney trip cheaper than ever. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 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
In this Showdown episode, Conor and Caroline are taking in the sights of two of Pixar's most iconic locales: Monstropolis and Radiator Springs. Is the cozy, metropolitan aesthetic of 2001's Monsters, Inc. enough to overcome Monstropolis's lack of work/life balance? Is the charm of the forgotten town of Radiator Springs in 2006's Cars enough to make it worthy of a pit stop? Start your engines and hang on to your doors because this road trip is going to be a scream!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok for fun content and exciting new updates!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch the podcast!Dive deeper into the podcast by becoming a subscriber on our Poor Unfortunate Patreon for ad-free listening, exclusive bonus episodes, and more!Join the Poor Unfortunate Fam, our private community for listeners who love the podcast and want to connect to keep the discussions going! On Discord | On FacebookIf you like what you're hearing, help us keep bringing you your favorite Disney content by making a donation to Poor Unfortunate Podcast today!*This podcast is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.
Hyperion Adventures Podcast: Everything Disney for Every Fan
The Most Magical Ballgame On Earth - Our Banana Ball Adventure at Walt Disney World Last weekend, we traveled to vacation destination Where Dreams Come True for another just over 24 hour visit. This time, however, it was not all about the attractions, the food and the Disney Characters. Instead, we went to experience a unique sporting event that was making it's inaugural appearance in Orlando and we're telling you all about it. That's right! This week's show is all about The Most Magical Ballgame On Earth - Our Banana Ball Adventure at Walt Disney World. We'll share all the fun and excitement we experienced as the Party Animals took on the Loco Beach Coconuts at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Find out our thoughts on this new type of "baseball" that's sweeping the nation. Did it live up to they hype? We'll tell you in this episode. Banana Ball wasn't our only new experience we explored on this quick Walt Disney World visit. We also made our first stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House and traveled to EPCOT to check out Soarin' Across America. We discuss our thoughts on both of these new experiences in the episode. Disney Stories of the Week Once we complete our time talking about The Most Magical Ballgame On Earth - Our Banana Ball Adventure at Walt Disney World, it's time for the Disney Stories of the Week. In this episode, we talk about all the Halloween Time fun coming to Disneyland this Fall. Speaking of not-so-scary details, we also share the backstory behind the new Monsters Inc themed land heading to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Certainly, that's not all. As always, we wrap it all up with tips that might help you on your next Disney vacation. If you have any comments, questions, or requests to cover a particular topic, please feel free to Contact Us! We also invite you to join the positive fun in our Hyperion Adventurers Facebook Group as well as our Hyperion Mornings on YouTube for a daily dose of live positive chat! Thanks for listening! Cheers!
Hello Travelers! This week, join host Pete the Neverland Local as he explores the newly opened Walt Disney Studios lot-themed Animation Courtyard area at Hollywood Studios where you'll hear the new background area music and the Hollygroove Swingin' Band. Then, keeping in the animated spirit, you'll take in a full performance of the energetic Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After show featuring Cruella De Vil, Captain Hook, Maleficent, and more. We are listener supported - contribute to the Dole Whip Fund via Google or Apple Pay. Thanks! Walkabout the World is now on TikTok! Come follow our visual companion to the audio podcast at Walkabout.the.world.pod on TikTok And of course, visit us on Instagram and at walkabouttheworld.com - find links to all the things - attraction episodes, Insta accounts of all the hosts, and even how to buy your own Walkabout shirt!
Disney and Six Flags both shared details about new projects, and this week, we'll compare them.Disney announced the story behind Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. The experience is built around H.U.M.A.N. Day, short for “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice”, a citywide celebration that brings humans into the monster world for the first time. Set after the events of the original film, the story builds on James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski's discovery that human laughter is significantly more powerful than screams.Cast members work as human relations representatives, and the conflict arises from monsters who are not sold on the idea, including those from a Child Detection Agency. Beyond the suspended Monsters, Inc. coaster, Disney detailed a theater show built around H.U.M.A.N. Day that it says uses technology it has never attempted.Theme park lands struggle from a lack of exposition time, and this framing solves that cleanly, while giving guests a solid role in the story. Moreover, it helps cast members answer one question about the guest in front of them: "Who is this parkgoer to me?"Meanwhile, Six Flags Fiesta Texas announced Werewolf Gorge for its 35th anniversary season, a Vekoma family launch coaster opening in 2027 and the longest in park history at 4,120 feet, with four launches and speeds up to 45 mph. Guests are on a tour of an abandoned 19th-century Texas silver mine led by Jasper Bunyan, a roadside showman who has turned the haunted quarry into a tourist trap. Bunyan loads visitors onto a mining train for what he sells as a sightseeing run through the gorge, but the tour turns into a high-speed escape when a centuries-old werewolf curse comes back to life around them. The queue runs through two themed rooms, a Museum of Cryptids and a Werewolf Museum, that set up Bunyan's character and the local legend before riders board. For Six Flags, this is a real step up in storytelling. However, the story lives almost entirely in the queue, with no surrounding land to reinforce it and no role for the guest beyond a tourist on a tour.Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.
Today, Mike, Pam & Scott are back to get the weekend started with some relaxed Disney talk by just looking through our old photos from previous Disney vacations on our phones and randomly selecting a picture and telling the story behind it. We are trying to prove that almost every photo we take on a Disney vacation can bring back happy memories and probably had a fun story behind it! From Hilton Head to Aulani to Disney Cruise Line to NYE at Epcot to Covid-times at Hollywood Studios, we have lots of stories to share from our previous trips on today's show! Please share your thoughts over on the Discord channel at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse. We hope you enjoy today's podcast! 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!
Jeremy sits down with acclaimed theme park journalist, Disney food expert, and author Carly Caramanna for a fascinating conversation about Disney food history, nostalgia, storytelling, and her upcoming book, The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook. Carly shares her journey from growing up in a Disney-loving family in New Jersey to becoming one of the most recognized voices covering theme parks and travel, with work appearing in outlets including USA Today, CNN, BBC, NPR, and more. Along the way, she reveals how a late-night discovery of a 1981 Walt Disney World cast member restaurant manual eventually sparked the idea for a cookbook dedicated not just to recipes, but to preserving the stories behind Disney's most beloved dining experiences. Together, Jeremy and Carly explore the evolution of Disney food over the decades, discussing everything from the earliest days of Disneyland to the Michael Eisner era, Pleasure Island, Disney-MGM Studios, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, and beyond. Carly shares behind-the-scenes details about researching long-forgotten restaurants, tracking down former cast members, recreating extinct recipes, and adapting vintage dishes for modern kitchens. The conversation also dives into the ongoing debate surrounding Disney adults, why theme parks should be viewed as living art, and how Disney's culinary scene has helped elevate Central Florida into a nationally recognized food destination. Along the way, Carly offers plenty of hot takes, including her picks for the most underrated and overrated restaurants at Walt Disney World, her favorite Disneyland snacks, why Narcoossee's deserves far more attention, and what excites her most about the future of Disney dining. From hot dog egg rolls and carrot cake cookies to blue shrimp, monorail cocktails, and nostalgic Disney memories, this episode is packed with food, history, humor, and plenty of Disney magic.Connect with Carly Caramanna Website: Adventures by Carly Instagram: @adventuresbycarlyPreorder the Book The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook is available now for preorder!
Disney, The Muppets, and Jim Henson Disney just closed the Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios to make way for Monstropolis. But while Muppet Vision 3D, Jim Henson's Last Muppet project, is gone, the Muppets aren't leaving Hollywood Studios; they've moved into the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Is this a promotion or a demotion? To understand what's happening today, we have to look back to the deal that almost happened in 1989. In this episode, we explore the history and connection between Jim Henson, George Lucas, and Michael Eisner. We dive into the the handshake between Eisner and Henson that almost changed Disney forever, the tragic timing of Jim Henson's final project, and why it took Disney 14 years to finally close the deal. In this video, we look at: The commonalities between Jim Henson and Walt Disney. The George Lucas bridge that brought Jim Henson to Imagineering. The "Muppet Babies" connection to Marvel and Star Wars. The "Great Muppet Movie Ride" was planned but never built. Why the 1990 TV Special "The Muppets at Walt Disney World" was a bittersweet turning point. The future of the Muppets in film and in the Disney Parks. Subscribe on Youtube for more Disney connections in Video: https://www.youtube.com/@SynergyLovesCompany?sub_confirmation=1 Podcast: Listen to Synergy Loves Company → https://synergylovescompany.com Support the Show: Shop official Synergy Loves Company merch → https://shop.synergylovescompany.com Affiliate Disclosure: Some links above may be affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel! Connect with Me: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/synergylovescompany Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/erichsynergy.bsky.social Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/synergylovescompany Credits / Resources: • Music licensed via Melod.ie • Synergy Loves Company is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries. • Images and clips are used under fair use for commentary, criticism, and education. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into Disney's latest wave of merch-driven experiences, from a London pop-up built around Disney UU collectibles to Trader Sam's 15th anniversary tiki mug celebration. They also track the growing Toy Story 5 promotional push, including Papa John's Pizza Planet packaging, movie theater collectibles, and Grogu's new blue Nilla Nummies. Then Jim turns to Disney's newly reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios and asks whether Disney will properly honor the Florida animation team that helped create Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, and more. NEWS • Disney tests another ticketed-style merch experience with a Disney UU collectible pop-up in London. • Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar celebrates 15 years with a new anniversary mug and expanded food offerings. • Papa John's rolls out Pizza Planet boxes and Toy Story 5 personal pan pizzas tied to the film's release. • AMC, Cinemark, and Regal prepare exclusive Toy Story 5 popcorn buckets, cups, blankets, and collectible tie-ins. • Grogu gets his own blue Nilla Nummies cookies as Mandalorian and Grogu merch keeps expanding. FEATURE • Jim looks at the newly opened Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios. • The reimagined space pays tribute to Disney's California animation history, from Hyperion to Burbank. • The conversation turns to the often-overlooked legacy of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. • Jim hopes the finished Magic of Disney Animation attraction includes meaningful nods to Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, John Henry, and the artists who made them. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2, Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ 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 This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets. If a 2026 park trip is on your radar, head over to UnlockedMagic.com and let their team help make your next vacation a little more magical. 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
Monstropolis: The City Frightful now has an official backstory from Walt Disney Imagineering. In this Walt Disney World news episode, we discuss the latest information from Disney about the Monsters Inc. land, the new area inspired by the animated Disney-Pixar film coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Details include the story behind the land and the attractions coming to the park, such as the suspended doors roller coaster and Harryhausen restaurant, along with my personal predictions about what we can expect. 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!
FYA LIVE! August 29th at the House of Blues Anaheim! Tickets now on sale https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/090064B5CE9C1B1FWe stepped behind the construction walls of a MONSTER project over at Disney's Hollywood Studios! In this episode, we'll also unpack and Review our BIG week at Walt Disney World - In which we experienced a medley of both new and updated attractions for Summer 2026.Consider supporting us on our FourthWall for Bonus Episodes, Merch, and More!www.fyapod.comCREATED & HOSTED BYRyan Bergara & Byron MarinEDITORByron MarinSocial:http://www.instagram.com/fyapodhttp://www.instagram.com/ryanbergarahttp://www.instagram.com/byronamarinFYA Logo by Arthur Kierce (@theonekierce)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Cody Berman had the $80,000 corporate job straight out of college, the four-hour daily commute, and the career path everyone said he should want. He hated all of it. By 25, he was financially free -- not because he stumbled into crypto or built a unicorn startup, but because he obsessively maximized the gap between what he made and what he spent, tried 30 different side hustles until a few of them worked, and built a life around what he actually valued. His new book is called Retire by 30. This episode is the conversation behind it.What You'll Walk Away WithWhy the title Retire by 30 is deliberately misleading -- and what Cody says the book is actually aboutThe gap: why the spread between income and expenses matters more than your investment returns, especially at the beginningHow Cody's co-host Justin hit financial freedom at 30 without a single side hustle -- just strategic corporate moves, index funds, and a 75-80% savings rateThe house hacking math: why living in a multi-family property created a $3,000+ monthly swing compared to friends paying Boston rentWhat happened when Cody tried to sell Lauren on FIRE using a spreadsheet -- and the reframe that actually workedWhy the big three (housing, transportation, food) move the needle infinitely more than cutting lattes and canceling NetflixThe 30-side-hustle graveyard: which ones were the worst, which one was the most ridiculous, and the one breakout that still generates income todayPurple's story: how someone retired on $500,000 and now has $1.1 million without adding another dollar to the pileThe surprising thing financial freedom actually teaches you about yourself -- and why it's never a money problem after you hit the numberWhat AI is actually good at for personal finance -- and why the more you already know, the better its answers getWhy This Matters NowWhether you're 25 or 55, the math Cody lays out is the same: find the gap, protect the gap, invest the difference, and build a life you don't need to escape from. The age you start determines the timeline, not the framework. This episode is the one to send to anyone in their 20s who hasn't started -- and anyone in their 40s who thinks it's too late.From the BasementCody Berman joins Joe and OG -- who is recording from inside Hollywood Studios at Coach Con -- to walk through the Retire by 30 framework, the 30 side hustles he actually tried, and the case studies from the book that prove it works in wildly different ways. The USA Today AI financial advice headline gives OG a full platform to explain where AI is genuinely useful, where it confidently hallucinates IRS codes, and why it apparently tried to blackmail a corporate email server. Doug arrives with Trader Joe's trivia after discovering the hard way that cider contains alcohol. Stacker Molly gets her HYSA cleared of all charges.Resources MentionedRetire by 30 by Cody Berman -- retireby30book.com; also available wherever books are soldCody Berman -- Financial Independence Show podcast; co-hosted with JustinA Purple Life blog -- referenced as a case study; apurplelife.netUSA Today -- "Half of Americans get financial advice from AI, but is it any good?" by Daniel DeViseAcquired podcast -- recommended for Trader Joe's, Coca-Cola, and Mars episode deep divesThe College Investor with Robert Farrington -- referenced for prior AI financial advice accuracy testingStacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vaultStacking Benjamins Scorecard -- stackingbenjamins.com/scorecardStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- stackingbenjamins.com/201Stacking Benjamins BAD Groups -- stackingbenjamins.com/badStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We're strolling through a smattering of topics today on the sidewalk. TJ creates a 5th park for Disney World, Landon wonders if we'll hit a "Disney World Cold Zone" when the kids get older, and of course we talk resorts and hit the 3 Questions to end the show. * * * * * *
We're recapping a packed Disney trip that took us from Blizzard Beach to EPCOT, from a one-night resort stay to Banana Ball, and finally to Disney's Animal Kingdom for breakfast, snacks, shopping, and Disney's new Bluey experience. We kick things off at Blizzard Beach, where we cool down with some water park fun, try a couple of sweet treats including the S'mores Churro, and even run into a listener along the way. From there, we head to EPCOT to check out the limited-time Annual Passholder Lounge inside Restaurant Marrakesh and share whether this summer perk is worth making time for. Next, we check into the Meliá Orlando Celebration for a one-night stay before heading to ESPN Wide World of Sports to experience Banana Ball. We'll discuss the atmosphere, entertainment, and whether this unique event lives up to the hype. On Saturday, we make our way to Disney's Animal Kingdom for breakfast at Satu'li Canteen, check out some new merchandise, sample snacks from Isle of Java and Pizzafari, and join the virtual queue for Disney's newest Bluey experience. Along the way, we highlight our favorite moments, biggest surprises, best values, and the experiences we'd most recommend. Whether you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation or just love hearing about what's new around the parks, this episode is packed with reviews, tips, and plenty of Disney fun.
Send us Fan MailBluey's Wild World has officially opened at Animal Kingdom and became an instant hit with guests. Disney was so confident in demand that the Virtual Queue was eliminated less than a week after opening. We discuss what this means for guests and whether Bluey's newest Disney experience lives up to the hype.We also review two of Walt Disney World's newest attractions:Soarin' Across America at EPCOTRock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney's Hollywood StudiosAfter preview rides on both attractions, we're sharing what surprised us, what Disney got right, and whether either experience deserves a spot at the top of your must-do list.Plus:Secret Grogu interactions inside Smugglers RunDisney Cruise Line's updated alcohol policyNew stateroom door decoration guidelinesSummer crowds, Florida weather, and the start of hurricane seasonWhich of Disney's newest offerings impressed us the mostWhether you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation or preparing for your next Disney Cruise Line sailing, we've got the latest news and honest opinions from the parks.In This EpisodeBluey's Wild World opens at Animal KingdomVirtual Queue removed after less than a weekSoarin' Across America reviewRock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets reviewGrogu updates in Smugglers RunDisney Cruise Line alcohol policy changesDisney Cruise Line door decoration policy changesSummer at Walt Disney WorldConnect With UsFollow The Mickeyphile Podcast for weekly discussions covering Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney news, dining reviews, trip reports, and vacation planning tips.
Think Walt Disney World is just for little kids? Think again! In this episode of Mom Street USA, we're creating the PERFECT THRILL DAY at Disney World for coaster lovers, adrenaline junkies, teens, and anyone who loves high-speed attractions.We're breaking down the best thrill rides across all four Walt Disney World theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. From the backward plunge on Expedition Everest to the thrilling launch of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the high-speed race through the Grid on TRON Lightcycle Run, we're covering every major thrill ride Disney has to offer.In this episode you'll learn:• The best thrill rides in each Disney World park• Height requirements for Disney thrill attractions• Which rides are best for first-time coaster riders• The most intense rides at Walt Disney World• Tips for riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle Run, Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, and more• How to maximize Lightning Lanes and Single Rider lines• My recommended strategy to experience the MOST thrill rides possible in one dayFeatured Attractions:⭐ Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind⭐ TRON Lightcycle Run⭐ Tower of Terror⭐ Rock 'n' Roller Coaster⭐ Expedition Everest⭐ Flight of Passage⭐ Rise of the Resistance⭐ Space Mountain⭐ Big Thunder Mountain Railroad⭐ Seven Dwarfs Mine Train⭐ Slinky Dog Dash⭐ Test Track⭐ Mission: SPACE⭐ Tiana's Bayou AdventureWhether you're planning a Disney vacation with teenagers, thrill seekers, or coaster enthusiasts, this episode will help you build the ultimate Disney World thrill ride itinerary.Subscribe for more Disney vacation planning tips, Disney World itineraries, Lightning Lane strategies, Disney hotel reviews, park guides, and family-friendly Disney vacation advice!Watch Mom Street USA LIVE on YouTube every FRIDAY at 12pm est!Join us now on our Patreon account: https://patreon.com/MomStreetUSACheck out our partnership with Kingdom Strollers here: https://fas.st/t/jLDXEFpD Find more on MOWD here: https://mowd.io/ Have a question or have a future show topic recommendation? Chat with us on Patreon or email us @ momstreetusa@gmail.com!https://linktr.ee/momstreetusa#DisneyWorld #DisneyPlanning #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyPodcast #DisneyTips #DisneyVacation #MagicKingdom #HollywoodStudios #EPCOT #AnimalKingdom #DisneyThrillRides #DisneyVacationPlanning
Most DIY investors spend their energy optimizing investments. The wealthiest investors optimize systems. According to Vanguard, a great advisor can add roughly 3% to your portfolio -- not by picking better stocks, but by keeping you from wrecking what you already have and by making the boring structural decisions most people skip. Joe and OG walk through the return boosters that actually move the needle, none of which involve a single exotic investment. OG and Anna follow up with the retirement withdrawal sequence that turns a good tax strategy into a great one.What You'll Walk Away WithWhy staying invested is the single highest-return move available to most investors -- and the Wall Street Journal archive experiment that proves it better than any chartHow news addiction creates the three portfolio killers: panic selling, market timing, and the constant feeling that today is the day to make a moveWhy your investment policy statement is a shock absorber between your emotions and your account -- and why advisors often beat DIY investors not by picking better funds but by being harder to reach on bad daysAsset location: the quiet return booster that moves money into the right tax shelter without changing a single investmentWhy tax loss harvesting is widely marketed to the wrong people -- and who actually has a strong use case for itSocial Security timing as a portfolio decision: why "I don't have to decide today" is sometimes the most financially sophisticated answer availableThe sequence of return risk trap that turns retirement into a constant anxiety loop -- and the simple margin of safety that makes it irrelevantThe lightning round: concentrated stock, leverage, crypto yield products, options trading, rebalancing, and tax efficiency -- return or trouble?OG and Anna on the distribution ladder: how to sequence withdrawals from pre-tax, brokerage, and Roth accounts to minimize taxes in retirementWhat IRMAA is, why it shows up two years after the decision that caused it, and why Roth conversions need to happen in November -- not MarchWhy This Matters NowIf you've been dollar-cost averaging into index funds and calling it a day, this episode is the next conversation. The gap between a well-built system and a random pile of investments isn't measured in which funds you chose -- it's measured in taxes paid, sequence of returns survived, and whether you had a plan when everything felt uncertain.From the BasementJoe and OG dig into the return boosters that have nothing to do with picking better investments -- recorded while OG is already inside Hollywood Studios at 4 AM trying to figure out the Lightning Lane math. OG and Anna deliver episode four of their financial basics series with a full walkthrough of tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing, including the IRMAA trap, Roth conversion timing, and why the tax triangle you built in season one is the whole point. Doug arrives with Studebaker trivia. The community delivers an anonymous car buying post that may be the most actionable 200 words the basement has produced all year. And the Stacking Benjamins Inner Circle scam gets called out by name.Resources MentionedStacking Benjamins Scorecard -- stackingbenjamins.com/scorecard; free tool to evaluate your current financial positionStacking Benjamins Basics Guide -- season one and season two workbooks free at stackingbenjamins.com/basicsguideStock Market Maestros episode -- linked at stackingbenjamins.com; on the habits of the world's best investorsStacking Benjamins YouTube channel -- youtube.com/stackingbenjamins; full OG and Anna basics seriesStacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vaultStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- stackingbenjamins.com/201Stacking Benjamins Community (The Basement) -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementStacking Benjamins Meetups (BAD Groups) -- stackingbenjamins.com/BADSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Grab a drink and join the crew for our official 7th Birthday show! This month, The Great British Mickey Waffle continues our five-senses park exploration by turning our attention to sound, acoustic tracking, and environmental audio loops.Claire, Ben, Becca, John, and special guest Zac Brown discuss:• The legacy of the Dapper Dans and their ultra-rare vintage organ chimes.• The psychological impact of the Walt Disney World Railroad horn on the arrival experience.• The Imagineering math behind park audio: Time signatures, RPMs, and seamless geographic blending.• Tomorrowland vs. Adventureland: The battle for the ultimate land background loop.• Animatronic Nightmares: What attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion sound like when the music gets cut completely.• A tour through the auditory landscapes of EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY:• Step into our virtual pub! Join "The Waffler's Arms" on Facebook to hang out with Claire, Ben, Becca, John, and hundreds of other Disney fans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewafflersarms• Check out our official home on the web: https://www.gbmickeywaffle.com• Watch us live every Wednesday at 8:30 PM UK Time over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thegreatbritishmickeywaffle
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets and Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run (featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu) opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on May 26, 2026. These new experiences include a heightened degree of Imagineering details, especially Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, which now combines the legacy Disney attraction with Muppet Vision 3D and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. In this episode, we discuss how Disney updated these attractions in a quick period of time and the easter eggs you won't want to miss from either attraction. Plus, I interview four Walt Disney Imagineers who worked on these experiences, including Bette Lombardi (Producer), Vanessa Huber (Project Manager), Justin DeTolla (Creative Director), and Morgan McDowell (Senior Software Project Manager). Special thanks to James from Guide2WDW for joining me on this episode. 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!
We're putting two of Walt Disney World's most beloved Deluxe Resorts head-to-head as Disney's Yacht Club Resort takes on Disney's Beach Club Resort. These sister resorts may share Stormalong Bay and a prime Crescent Lake location, but they offer two very different vacation vibes — and we're breaking it all down to decide which one comes out on top. We compare Yacht Club's refined nautical elegance and quieter, more adult-leaning atmosphere against Beach Club's bright, beachy energy and family-friendly charm. From theming and room comfort to dining, transportation, recreation, and overall value, each resort battles it out round by round in classic Resort Wars fashion. We also discuss fan-favorite dining locations like Yachtsman Steakhouse, Ale & Compass, Cape May Cafe, and Beaches & Cream, plus the unbeatable walkability to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios that makes this resort area one of the best on property. If you're trying to decide which resort is best for your next Walt Disney World vacation — whether you're planning an adults-only getaway, family trip, festival weekend, or pool-focused staycation — this episode should help you decide which side of Crescent Lake deserves your vote.
Hunter reviews the brand new update to Smuggler's Run at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They then share some brief but in depth spoiler thoughts on the latest Star Wars film, Mandalorian & Grogu.
Dayna is back from Walt Disney World with firsthand updates from some of the newest experiences in the parks! In this episode of Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Jess dive into Dayna's recent visit for passholder previews, including the new Muppets-themed Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the limited-time Soarin' Across America overlay at EPCOT, and the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard. Dayna shares what changed, what stayed the same, and whether the Muppets overlay works on one of Hollywood Studios' most iconic thrill rides. Jess also gives her very honest thoughts on the Muppets, Aerosmith, and why this retheme may not be winning her over just yet. Plus, the crew talks EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, nostalgic Disney smells, new park green spaces, snacky snacks, and another round of John's 15-word Disney attraction guessing game. Whether you're planning a Walt Disney World trip, curious about the latest Disney Parks updates, or just want honest reactions from travel advisors who love the parks, this episode has you covered. In this episode: Muppets Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster first impressions Soarin' Across America review Animation Courtyard reopening updates Mickey Mouse Clubhouse early opening EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival thoughts Disney snack reviews Why scent is such a powerful part of the Disney experience A chaotic Disney ride guessing game
Eric and Lauren dive into one of the biggest debates in the Disney fan community: should you spoil upcoming attractions before your vacation, or go in completely blind? From ride POV videos and vlog coverage to hotel walkthroughs and foodie recommendations, they unpack when spoilers help and when they ruin the magic. Then, they take a spoiler-free look at Walt Disney World's newest additions, including the Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster, Bluey's debut at Animal Kingdom, and the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios. HIGHLIGHTS Disney fans debate whether ride POV videos enhance vacations or ruin the surprise The new Muppets-themed Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster officially opens at Hollywood Studios Bluey and Bingo arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom with a new interactive experience Animation Courtyard gets a major refresh with Disney history Easter eggs and walkaround characters New entertainment offerings debut across Walt Disney World for “Cool Kids Summer” Eric and Lauren break down the pros and cons of Disney spoilers before a big trip Why hotel and resort walkthrough videos may actually improve your vacation planning The internet reacts to the Muppets coaster retheme and whether younger fans will embrace it First impressions of Bluey's Animal Kingdom experience and why fans are already divided For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: DisAndHers.com Instagram: @disandhers TikTok: @disandhers Facebook: Dis and Hers YouTube: Dis & Hers FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA Facebook: JimHillMediaNews Instagram: JimHillMedia TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Frank may have had the week off, but the party didn't stop! Jen sits down with Louis and Val to relive their unforgettable experiences at the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios After Parties. *** Learn more about our Dillo's Discord Universe here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dillos-discord-150502505 ***
Cool Kids Summer is back at Walt Disney World in 2026, and it's better than ever. On May 26, all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom) opened new attractions to kick off the summer season. These include Jessie's Roundup, Goofycore, Soarin' Across America, Bluey's Wild World, Magic of Disney Animation (including Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live), Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: Starring the Muppets. This is in addition to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which recently reopened with major enhancements and upgrades. In this episode, I share my honest review of Cool Kids Summer thanks to a week-long preview hosted by Disney Parks. 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!
TJ's bringing a top 10 this week. Enjoy the show! * * * * * *
Join me as I recap all the exciting new summer openings at Walt Disney World! In this episode, I share my personal reviews of the brand-new Mandalorian & Grogu mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, the rethemed Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster starring The Muppets, Soarin' Across America at EPCOT, Bluey's Wild World at Animal Kingdom, the stunning new Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios, and more.Organized park-by-park for easy listening, I also dive into my experience at the recent media event and the insightful Q&A with Walt Disney World leadership — including why it feels like Disney is truly focusing on better guest experiences and transparency.Whether you're planning a trip or just love the latest Disney news, this episode is packed with honest reviews, highlights, and summer magic!
We're recapping a wild Walt Disney World weekend that included car camping at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, trying out Lightning Lane Multi Pass over two full park days, eating our way around property, and finally getting to experience newly reopened attractions like Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster, Smuggler's Run, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Ranger Spin, and Soarin. We'll talk about the realities of Disney car camping, including setup, comfort, requesting the perfect campsite near the comfort station, nighttime campground vibes, and whether we'd actually do it again. Along the way, we packed in a ton of attractions across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, including Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, TRON, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and more. Of course, there's also plenty of food discussion, including breakfast at Steakhouse 71, drinks and snacks at The Beak and Barrel, flatbreads at Baseline Tap House, dinner at Trail's End Restaurant, and an impromptu brunch stop at Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' before heading home. We'll break down what worked, what didn't, and whether this entire Disney weekend adventure was truly worth it. Watch our car camping "room" tour here!
484 - Disney World's Cool Kids Summer 2026 is HERE — and it's bigger than ever. In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, your hosts and bestselling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart break down everything families need to know to make the most of Disney's hottest (and coolest) summer promotion, running now through September 8, 2026. Let us help you plan your next Disney Vacation - CLICK HERE From brand-new attractions to surprise character meet-and-greets, DJ dance parties, and money-saving resort tips, this episode is your complete insider guide to Disney World summer 2026.