Episode 135: No More Bugging Out — Zootopia Arrives at Animal Kingdom!

Zootopia has officially taken over the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! In this week’s episode, Rob and Abbie dive deep into Zootopia: Better Zoogether — the all-new show replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug. They explore how Disney Imagineering transformed the attraction, what guests can expect from the experience, and how this update fits into the park’s evolving direction. Plus, they catch up on other Disney Parks news and updates since the last show — from new announcements to early holiday event previews. 🎙️ Recorded live on opening day of Zootopia: Better Zoogether 👂 Join the Podineers every other Friday for more Disney magic, laughs, and park talk!

Disney has announced Soarin’ Across America for 2026—Abbie and Rob break down what’s changing, what’s returning, and why fans are so excited. Take flight with the Disney Hour Express crew as they explore the full journey of Soarin’, from its early days as Soarin’ Over California to today’s global adventure Soarin’ Around the World. The hosts share fun facts about the ride’s origins, the Imagineering innovations behind the scenes, and what the new Soarin’ Across America might include when it debuts at EPCOT and Disneyland Resort. Plus, they cover the latest Disney and Universal Parks news—from refurbishments and seasonal overlays to the exciting changes coming to fan-favorite attractions. If you love park history, immersive storytelling, and that unforgettable Soarin’ soundtrack, this episode is your perfect in-flight entertainment. 🔗 Follow Family Travel Planner – Your Go-To Disney & Universal Vacation Experts! Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal. 🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable.

Get to know Abby and Rob from Disney Hour Express in a relaxed live chat, plus park strategy and honest takes on the latest news. Highlights include: • How Disney hooked us, from solo trips to Treehouse Villas nostalgia. • Rope-drop strategy tips for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON. • Why early morning safaris show more animals. • Our favorite snacks—Gaston’s cinnamon roll and the Confectionery’s loaded popcorn. • Disney news: ticket and park-hopper price jumps, Spaceship Earth reopening, Mickey’s PhilharMagic refurbishment, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster → Muppets rumors. • Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Market menu changes after DinoLand closures. Why listen: Real-world tips for your next trip, lighthearted stories, and news that keeps Disney fans up to date. 00:00 — Introduction 01:00 — Live kickoff + guest tech hiccups 02:15 — HHN 2025 quick take (better lines than 2024) 04:30 — How Disney brought us together (+ Blockbuster nostalgia) 06:20 — Abbie’s Florida/Universal student AP era 08:50 — Family life, “the magic,” why we keep going back 09:20 — Rob’s origin: Treehouse Villas → Galaxy’s Edge solo trip 12:15 — Snack picks: Gaston’s cinnamon roll, Confectionery popcorn 15:10 — Rope-drop strategy: AK win; testing MK (7DMT vs TRON) 18:00 — Safari tip: why early rides show more animals 19:10 — Villains we (sort of) root for 21:40 — Lightning Lane “for life”: FoP vs Rise 22:45 — Tough rides: Teacups & Forbidden Journey motion woes 27:10 — Star Tours: Rebel Spy + “lightsaber” gimbal mix-up 28:20 — Price talk: day tickets vs park-hopper jumps 35:50 — Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster → Muppets chatter 39:20 — Animal Kingdom: Harambe Market menu shifts 45:10 — Spaceship Earth reopening window 47:00 — Mickey’s PhilharMagic 3-week refurb 50:30 — After Hours events—when it’s worth it 52:10 — Shout-outs & thanks 52:58 — Neighborhood coyote check + sign-off Links mentioned: Walt Disney World – https://disneyworld.disney.go.com Disney Parks Blog – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog Support the show: Follow or subscribe and leave a 5-star review. For trip help, contact [email protected]. Credits: Hosts Abbie & Rob | Disney Hour Express | Episode 133 | Recorded Live. Note: Prices and details reflect what was current during recording—check official Disney sources for updates.

Our very first Disney Hour Express livestream didn’t go exactly as planned thanks to some early audio glitches, but the second half of the show is packed with Disney magic and news you don’t want to miss. We share tips for first-time Disney visitors, including how to avoid feeling overwhelmed and why meal planning makes such a big difference. We dive into Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025, from canceled parades and rare character sightings to spooky snacks and a rain-soaked night that changed the entire event. We cover the big Hollywood Studios update with the closure of Animation Courtyard and what Disney is planning for 2026. We also talk through the full EPCOT Candlelight Processional 2025 narrator lineup featuring Jennifer Garner, Brendan Fraser, Henry Winkler, and more. On top of that, we discuss the latest Disney+ price hike and what it means for families, plus the new plans for the former Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser site. Join Rob and the Disney Hour Express team for fun, family-friendly conversations, up-to-date Disney World news, and stories from the parks that keep you connected to the magic. See the video and find out who Bubba is on our YouTube page: https://youtube.com/@familytravelplanner  🔗 Follow Family Travel Planner – Your Go-To Disney & Universal Vacation Experts! Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal. 🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 00:00 – Disney Hour Express Livestream Intro 00:51 – First Livestream Recap & Audio Issues 02:08 – Disney World First-Timer Tips (meal planning, avoiding stress) 03:29 – Overwhelmed by Park Size? Breaking Down Magic Kingdom & More 07:19 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2025 Highlights 09:26 – Rain Cancels Parade & Shows at MNSSHP (Ticket Response) 12:25 – Rare Characters, Trick-or-Treating & Event Snacks 15:27 – Disney’s Guest Compensation & Free Park Hopper Tickets 16:25 – Hollywood Studios News: Animation Courtyard Closure 2025 18:42 – Star Wars Launch Bay Relocation & Darth Vader Meet & Greet 20:15 – What’s Coming in 2026: Walt Disney Studios Reimagined 21:28 – EPCOT Candlelight Processional 2025 Narrator Lineup 25:56 – Candlelight Dining Packages & How to Get Reserved Seating 29:17 – Disney+ Price Hike 2025 (plans & bundles explained) 33:11 – Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Site Update (New Use Announced) 35:04 – Wrap-Up & Final Disney Thoughts

This episode of Disney Hour Express brings you a spoiler-light review of Pixar’s new film Elio, including its emotional tone, pacing, and whether it’s worth watching on Disney+. We also cover the latest Walt Disney World news from Jollywood Nights 2025, where guests can catch the new Little Mermaid musical and Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After shows. At EPCOT, fans will notice a nostalgic World of Motion tribute on Test Track 3.0, and over at Universal Orlando, demolition permits hint at big changes coming to the Lost Continent with rumors of Zelda or Wicked taking its place. Our kids join the conversation with their favorite Disney trip moments, from the Boo-to-You Parade to first-time thrills on Tower of Terror and Space Mountain, plus a lighthearted churro debate. Abbie and Rob also share planning insights to help families decide what’s worth prioritizing and what can be skipped during crowded events. We wrap with exciting news: Disney Hour Express is expanding with live streaming on YouTube, giving listeners a chance to interact in real time. Perfect for anyone searching Disney World news, Pixar Elio reviews, Jollywood Nights tips, or Universal Orlando updates. 🔗 Follow Family Travel Planner – Your Go-To Disney & Universal Vacation Experts! Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal. 🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 👉 Love Disney news and family trip tips? Don’t forget to follow Disney Hour Express on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss updates on Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Pixar reviews. Join us for our new YouTube live streams starting soon, where you can chat with us in real time while we share Disney park news, trip planning strategies, and family stories. 00:00 – Welcome to Disney Hour Express 02:30 – Pixar’s Elio Review (spoiler-light) 08:13 – Elio Box Office & Pixar’s Struggles 12:27 – Disney Jollywood Nights 2025 Announcements 16:44 – EPCOT Test Track 3.0 Update & World of Motion Nod 20:49 – Universal Orlando News: RIP Ride Rockit & Lost Continent Rumors 28:31 – Disney Affordable Housing Project & Casting Calls 31:59 – Kids Join the Podcast: Family Disney Trip Highlights 40:35 – Favorite Disney Rides: Space Mountain & Tower of Terror 53:11 – Disney Food & Treats (Plus the Churro Debate) 59:21 – Big News: Disney Hour Express Going Live on YouTube 01:01:29 – Final Thoughts & Closing

This week on Disney Hour Express, we share our full 2025 Disney World family trip wrap-up and answer the big question: is the Disney Dining Plan worth it in 2025? From real numbers and receipts to character dining and quick service meals, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and how much value the plan actually gave our family. We also reveal why Magic Kingdom came out on top over Hollywood Studios, the surprising highlights that made our trip special, and how a cabana completely changed our Typhoon Lagoon experience. Favorite rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Slinky Dog Dash, and Expedition Everest made the trip unforgettable, while Fantasmic! left us wondering if it’s still a must-see. If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation and want honest insights on dining, rides, and budgeting, this episode has everything you need to plan smarter and enjoy more magic. 🔗 Follow Family Travel Planner – Your Go-To Disney & Universal Vacation Experts! Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal. 🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable.

This week on Disney Hour Express, Abbie and Rob share the ultimate surprise—a last-minute family trip to Walt Disney World. From packing bags in secret to revealing the vacation with a prank “Magical Minute,” you’ll hear the full story of how the kids reacted, where they stayed, and what made this trip one to remember. We review Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with honest details about the rooms, pools, and monorail convenience, and then dive into the magic of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. From walk-on classics like Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean to front-row thrills on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Space Mountain’s lights-out overlay, it was a night packed with short waits, character sightings, and exclusive party treats. Highlights include the Boo-To-You Parade, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks hosted by Jack Skellington, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and plenty of trick-or-treat fun. If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation—or wondering whether the Halloween party is worth it—this episode gives you the inside scoop on what to expect, what to prioritize, and how to make the most of the magic. 🔗 Follow Family Travel Planner – Your Go-To Disney & Universal Vacation Experts! Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal. 🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 0:00 – Welcome to Disney Hour Express 0:54 – The Big Surprise: A Secret Disney Trip 6:19 – Early Flight & Arrival 8:53 – Lunch at Gasparilla Island Grill 9:55 – Tiny Arcade & First Grand Floridian Impressions 11:39 – Grand Floridian Lobby & Construction Chaos 16:23 – Checking Into the Turret Room 18:46 – No Balcony Blues & Cast Member Reactions 23:39 – Room Review: Comforts, Misses, and Mary Poppins Theme 28:42 – Pool Time: Beaches Pool & Courtyard Pool 34:23 – Campfire, Snacks, and Evening Fun 38:27 – Dinner Decisions & Grand Floridian Shopping 43:03 – Fireworks & Electrical Water Pageant Mix-Up 49:42 – 1900 Park Fare Brunch & Character Fun 55:50 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary: First Impressions 1:05:18 – Ride Highlights: Jungle Cruise, Pirates & Tiana’s Bayou 1:09:56 – Casey’s Corner Snacks & Candy Hauls 1:17:03 – Boo-To-You Parade & Disney's Not-So-Scary Fireworks 1:31:58 – Trick-or-Treat Trails, Haunted Mansion & Party Finale 1:43:26 - Is The Grand Floridian Worth It? 1:46:09 - Is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Worth It?

Get ready to roll down Hollywood Boulevard with us on Part Four of our annual family Disney World trip series! In this episode, we dive deep into our full Hollywood Studios day—from the excitement of Toy Story Land to the thrills of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Food was a big highlight of our Hollywood Studios visit. We finally tried the famous tachos at Woody’s Lunchbox, grabbed lunch at Backlot Express, and had mixed results at Oga’s Cantina. We also enjoyed character dining at Hollywood & Vine, complete with Mickey and friends in their summer outfits. If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, our experiences with snacks, meals, and reservations will help you decide which options are worth it. Of course, the rides delivered plenty of Disney magic. From the excitement of Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania to family favorites like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and the epic Rise of the Resistance, every ride added its own thrills. We even had a magical moment where one of our own was chosen as the Rebel Spy on Star Tours. Along the way, we caught shows like Frozen Sing-Along and a hidden Villains performance, though The Little Mermaid proved harder to catch than expected. We also touch on the latest Disney news, including the refurbishment of EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth, the start of the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, and the opening of Magic Kingdom’s first-ever bar, The Beak and Barrel. We also share thoughts on AJ Wolfe’s book Disney Adults, which explores the psychology behind our love for Disney and why we keep coming back no matter the price hikes or changes. If you’re planning a Hollywood Studios day in 2025 (or beyond), this episode is packed with insights, tips, and lessons learned—from navigating Lightning Lanes to finding the best snacks. Think of it as your behind-the-scenes guide with real family experiences, a few hilarious missteps, and some magical wins. Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal. 🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 00:55 – Hollywood Boulevard & Rope Drop vs Sleeping In at Hollywood Studios 06:14 – Disney News Update: Spaceship Earth Refurbishment & EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 18:28 – Woody’s Lunchbox Review: Tachos, PB&J Pop-Tart & Dining Plan Confusion 22:00 – Toy Story Mania & Slinky Dog Dash: Family Ride Reactions 24:42 – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway & Lightning Lane Tips 26:33 – Tower of Terror Family Drama & A First Drop Experience 38:24 – Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge: Rise of the Resistance & Oga’s Cantina Review 45:52 – Smuggler’s Run Surprises & Who Becomes the Rebel Spy on Star Tours 55:40 – Character Dining at Hollywood & Vine + Frozen Sing-Along Fun 1:05:51 – Fantasmic! Dining Package Review & Final Takeaways for 2025 Trips  

Welcome to Part 3 of our 2025 Family Disney World Trip Series! 🚂✨ In this episode of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, Abbie and Rob take you along for a full day at Magic Kingdom, where plans changed, rides broke, parades got competitive, and snack choices got... sticky. Whether you're a first-timer or a Disney diehard, we’ve got everything you need to know about making the most of Magic Kingdom — even when things don’t go according to plan. Here’s what you’ll hear: 🏰 Rope Drop Chaos – What happened when your first planned ride went down? ⚡ Lightning Lane Lessons – Our Tiana’s Bayou glitch and how to use ride redemptions smartly 🐻 New Country Bear Jamboree Music – Did it win over the kids? 👻 Haunted Mansion Secrets – Ghosts, gimbals, and weird ride photos 🍽️ Crystal Palace vs. Quick Service – What was worth it (and what wasn’t) 🎇 Parade Madness in Frontierland – Why staking out a spot is more competitive than Genie+ 🎢 Space Mountain First-Timers – Hear how our kids reacted to Disney’s classic coaster 🎮 Buzz Lightyear’s Last Mission – Our final ride before the update 🍿 Main Street Popcorn Mix-In Review – Which combos were a hit? 🏆 Magic Moments & Meltdowns – Real talk on staying flexible when plans shift From hidden photo spots to ride strategy and parade prep, this episode is packed with practical tips, unexpected laughs, and honest takes on a day full of Disney surprises. 🎧 Catch up on Part 1 and Part 2 in this trip series, then join us next week for Part 4: Hollywood Studios Day! 🔗 Follow Family Travel Planner – Your Go-To Disney & Universal Vacation Experts! Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal. 🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 00:00 – Intro & Magic Kingdom Day Setup   04:39 – D23 News & No Parks Panel in 2025   09:19 – Rivers of America Construction + Early Entry Plan   13:58 – Rope Drop Strategy Fails: Seven Dwarfs Down   18:38 – Peter Pan, Small World & Early Ride Reviews   23:17 – Haunted Mansion + LeFou's Brew Overload   27:56 – Lightning Lane Glitch: Tiana’s Bayou Confusion   32:36 – Country Bear Jamboree & PhilharMagic   37:15 – Pirates Ride + Pirates Adventure Game   41:55 – Jungle Cruise & Skipper Commentary   46:34 – Crystal Palace Character Dining Review   51:14 – TRON Wait Tips + Locker Issue   55:53 – Kids Ride Space Mountain for the First Time   1:00:33 – Buzz Lightyear Final Ride Before Closure   1:05:12 – PeopleMover & Custom Popcorn Mixes   1:09:52 – Tiana’s Bayou Full Ride Review   1:14:31 – Parade Viewing Chaos in Frontierland   1:19:11 – Cosmic Ray’s Dinner + Bathroom Incident   1:23:50 – Winnie the Pooh Ride Redemption   1:28:30 – Fireworks at the Bus Stop + Final Thoughts  

Join Abbie and Rob as they tackle an action-packed Disney day—starting at Animal Kingdom and ending at Epcot. From rope-dropping Navi River Journey and braving the Dinosaur ride one last time, to spotting active lions on Kilimanjaro Safaris and sipping sweet Night Blossom drinks in Pandora, this episode is packed with insider tips and Disney know-how. They’ll share the smart rope drop strategy that helped them beat the crowds, the hidden Flame Tree Barbecue seating spot with stunning Expedition Everest views, and why timing your Lightning Lanes just right can save your day. Then, it’s off to Epcot for Soarin’, Test Track, Moana’s Journey of Water, Goofy’s Gone Fishing slushy, and a delicious dinner at Garden Grill—plus a few surprise attractions before fireworks from the Skyliner. Whether you’re planning to park hop for the first time or you’re a Disney pro looking for ways to maximize your day, you’ll get real-world advice, laugh-out-loud moments, and honest takes on what worked (and what didn’t) in their jam-packed itinerary. Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal. 🌐 Website: familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. Chapter List 00:00 – Disney Hour Express Intro & Park Hopping Day Overview 03:37 – Rope Dropping Animal Kingdom: Early Entry & Ride Strategy 06:41 – Pandora Morning: Navi River Journey & Flight of Passage Tips 09:12 – Kilimanjaro Safaris & Morning Animal Sightings 18:55 – Hidden Flame Tree Barbecue Seating with Everest View 25:40 – Bus Ride to Epcot & Lightning Lane Planning 27:56 – Soarin’ Ride Experience & Connections Eatery Review 34:07 – Moana’s Journey of Water & Test Track Ride Changes 43:51 – Garden Grill Character Dining Highlights 56:50 – Evening Rides, Skyliner Fireworks & Park Hopping Recap