In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down everything that’s new at Walt Disney World in 2026 and what it means for families planning a trip.

We cover Disney’s new CEO, what changes (and what probably won’t), and then dive into the best Disney World deals for 2026, including bounce back offers, room discounts, and how kids can eat free on the Disney Dining Plan.

Then we walk park-by-park through the biggest updates for 2026, including Cool Kids Summer, new shows, returning rides, construction impacts, and what’s actually worth planning around at each park.

If you’re trying to decide whether 2026 is a good year to visit Disney World, this episode will help you plan smarter and save money.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Disney World 2026 Overview + New CEO Discussion

07:10 – Disney World 2026 Deals Explained (Bounce Back, Room Discounts, Kids Eat Free)

12:20 – Cool Kids Summer at Disney World (What It Is and Why It Matters)

13:00 – Animal Kingdom 2026 Updates (DinoLand, Zootopia, Bluey & Bingo)

16:00 – Magic Kingdom 2026 Updates (Big Thunder, Beacon Barrel, Castle Repaint)

20:10 – EPCOT 2026 Updates (Geo-82, Frozen, Test Track, Soarin’)

23:00 – Hollywood Studios 2026 Updates (Muppets, Animation Courtyard, New Shows)

27:25 – Is 2026 a Good Year to Visit Disney World? Final Thoughts

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In this listener Q&A episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip tackle real Disney World planning questions straight from the inbox. From the best and worst holidays to visit Walt Disney World, to dining strategies, Skyliner food debates, and whether certain “Disney hacks” still work, this episode is packed with practical advice for families planning a trip.

Matt also shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning a large family spring break vacation, including resort decisions, transportation logistics, and the big question a lot of families are asking right now: is Epic Universe worth it with young kids?

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, first-timers, or planning a more relaxed Disney trip, this episode is full of honest takes and experience-driven advice.

👇 Listener questions covered in this episode include: • Best and worst holidays to visit Disney World based on crowds, snacks, and events • Are pre-park opening dining reservations still worth it • Is Topolino’s Terrace a good brunch stop on a Hollywood Studios day • Is the Fantasmic Dining Package actually worth the cost • Best breakfast and dinner options along the Skyliner that beat EPCOT • How to plan around dining reservations with toddlers • When Disney’s major construction projects might realistically be finished

🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.

📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email or DM us and we’ll answer it on the show.

👉 Need help booking character dining or planning your trip?

Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free.

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Trying to decide which Disney World character dining experiences are actually worth the money? In this episode of Adventures of a Disney Dad, Matt and Chip rank their top 6 character dining experiences at Walt Disney World from worst to best, based on real trips, real kids, and real food opinions.

We break down what actually matters to families, including:

• Which character meals give you the best bang for your buck
• Where the food is genuinely good vs just “theme park good”
• Which experiences save you the most time meeting characters
• And which popular options might not live up to the hype

From Akershus and Crystal Palace to Cinderella’s Royal Table, Tusker House, 1900 Park Fare, and our clear #1 pick, we explain exactly why each spot landed where it did on the list.

Plus, we wrap things up with a rapid-fire snack draft, sharing our favorite snacks at Walt Disney World when you don’t want quick service or table service, including a few snacks you probably aren’t expecting

If you’re planning a Disney vacation in 2026 (or beyond), this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes and book character dining with confidence.

🎯 Calls to Action

👉 Need help booking character dining or planning your trip? Matt is a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel, and his services are 100% free. 📩 Get a free quote: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

⭐ Enjoy the podcast? Please take a minute to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more Disney families find us.

☕ Want to support the podcast? If this episode helped you, consider buying us a coffee or dropping something in the tip jar. Every bit of support helps keep the show going.

📬 Have a Disney planning question? Leave a comment, send an email, or drop it on social. We read them all and use them for future episodes.