In this episode, Abbie and Rob take the Podineers on a deep dive into Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — from its quirky Imagineering roots in the 1970s to the massive changes coming when it reopens in Spring 2026.

We explore the original Thunder Mesa plans, Tony Baxter’s reimagining of the ride, and how Big Thunder became one of the most iconic attractions in Disney history. Then we look at how it fits into the new Magic Kingdom expansion, including Piston Peak and Villains Land now rising around its footprint.

Mixed in, you’ll also hear fun personal stories, queue details you may have missed, hidden Mickeys, Disney holiday chatter, and some great news updates from around Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

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 & Holiday Catch-Up 04:00 – Why We’re Talking Big Thunder 05:00 – Big Thunder Reopening Spring 2026 06:00 – Is Big Thunder a Good First Coaster? 07:00 – Walt Disney’s Train Obsession & Ride Origins 08:00 – Queue Story, Ride Bounciness & Kids’ Reactions 29:00 – Queue Story vs. Everest Story 30:00 – Disneyland vs. Magic Kingdom Versions 31:00 – Frontierland Landscape Changes 32:00 – Map Breakdown: Piston Peak & Villains Land 33:00 – Aerial View: Rivers of America Drained 34:00 – Big Thunder’s Size & Expansion Fit 49:00 – Year-End Episode Preview 51:00 – Universal News: VelociCoaster Changes 52:00 – Wrap-Up & Sign-Off

In this festive episode of Disney Hour Express, Abbie and Rob dive into Rob’s whirlwind two-night adventure across Walt Disney World’s biggest holiday parties. Night one takes him into the heart of Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, where surprise character encounters with Life Day Chewbacca and Mando & Grogu steal the show, and a lucky walk-on for Rise of the Resistance turns the evening around after early tech hurdles and tough streaming conditions. From the jazz-filled Tip Top Club to the high-energy Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, Rob breaks down each highlight, along with his honest take on the Glisten ice show and the chaotic Jingle BAM fireworks. Night two brings the classic holiday magic of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, complete with a lively Jack & Sally meet-and-greet, a spirited Jingle Cruise voyage, a full cookie crawl, and a beautiful viewing of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. With late-night snacks, surprise cookie windfalls, and a full recap of entertainment, rides, and must-try treats, this episode is your guide to experiencing both Disney holiday parties back-to-back—through the eyes of someone who lived every minute of it.

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.

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.

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 disney@familytravelplanner.com.

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

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.

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.

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.