We covered A LOT. January updates including the Skyliner closure, Festival of the Arts crowds, Frozen Ever After closing with no reopen date, Cinderella Castle repaint timing for photos, and the Wilderness Lodge boat closure (02:25). I also shared my behind-the-scenes process for pricing a summer trip; comparing DVC Rental Store confirmed reservations vs. booking through Disney and how the 4+2 ticket promo fits. (07:18).
I answered questions from Betsy on pre-cruise parks (Magic Kingdom vs. Hollywood Studios) (18:50), Elizabeth on Beach Club with a newborn + pool logistics (21:18), Colleen on Buzz Lightyear’s reopening and which fireworks to prioritize (23:33), Lindsay on doing Animal Kingdom as a half-day without overdoing it and how I’d use LLMP (26:02), Sarah on Riviera travel time for naps, Easter crowds, and dining on fireworks nights (30:05) and doing Guardians with young kids using Rider Switch (34:00–38:18), Crystal on which second park to add after a first-trip Magic Kingdom visit (38:18), T on requesting cribs on the app (41:11), Shea on BoardWalk vs. Wilderness Lodge/AKL for Christmas decor (44:00), Tracy on whether EEH are worth it with kids (47:11), Katie on early Tusker House reservations (52:04), and Erin on when the 2026 dining plan (kids eat free) actually makes sense (55:43).
February WDW updates including Frozen Ever After reopening 2/12, DINOSAUR's closure, Wildlife Express closing 2/23, and Blizzard Beach / Typhoon Lagoon flip (01:43–04:05). I also covered the 4+2 ticket promo deadline (02:55).
I shared my current dining alert recommendation (Stakeout) and a new 30% off member code for MagicBand + Apple Watch charms from Lynn’s Etsy shop (05:00–09:43) with code LAIDBACK.
Planning Q&A included Lightning Lane booking order and strategy, choosing Hollywood Studios vs. Animal Kingdom with young kids, Magic Kingdom lunch strategy (Skipper Canteen vs. quick service), parade timing, and realistic expectations for Big Thunder Mountain reopening (12:30–21:26). We also talked Disney Dining Plan strategy with kids, which character meals are worth prioritizing (Akershus vs. Cinderella’s Royal Table), plus Nomad Lounge vs. Tusker House (21:26–30:54).
March WDW updates: Buzz Lightyear reopens 4/8, Big Thunder now expected in early May, Bluey opens at Animal Kingdom 5/26, Disney Junior updates + the Hollywood Studios courtyard open 5/26, and the Grand Floridian tea room returns 3/19 (01:30). I also covered spring break strategy and a quick refresher on how to read Lightning Lane data + what’s currently selling out fastest (08:25).
I answered Kristen (18:21) on ideal trip length, extra rest days, and when double park days make sense on a longer trip, Rachel (22:38) on extended evening hours during Easter crowds, whether to still buy Single Pass, and how to think about rope drop vs. staying late, and Katie (28:26) on splitting up two Magic Kingdom days, where to use Lightning Lanes, and the best parade/fireworks plan with an overstimulated grandparent.
We covered April-into-May updates: Buzz Lightyear reopened and is averaging higher waits than before, so I shared why it may now be a top Early Entry or Lightning Lane priority (01:15). I also covered the new Muppets version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster opening 4/16, Big Thunder officially reopening 5/3, and how May the 4th could affect crowds in Galaxy’s Edge (02:30).
I answered Stephanie (13:00) on getting from Swan to Magic Kingdom for an early Cinderella’s Royal Table breakfast, Jamie (18:00) on using Multipass in a second park and adult-only bar hopping, Rachel (22:00) on Extended Evening Hours, Single Pass, and rope drop vs. staying late, Katie (28:00) on splitting up two Magic Kingdom days and parade strategy with grandparents, plus a few extra questions on Tron timing, “throwaway” Lightning Lanes (36:00) and answered more live questions.
March WDW updates: Buzz Lightyear reopens 4/8, Big Thunder now expected in early May, Bluey opens at Animal Kingdom 5/26, Disney Junior updates + the Hollywood Studios courtyard open 5/26, and the Grand Floridian tea room returns 3/19 (01:30). I also covered spring break strategy and a quick refresher on how to read Lightning Lane data + what’s currently selling out fastest (08:25).
I answered Kristen (18:21) on ideal trip length, extra rest days, and when double park days make sense on a longer trip, Rachel (22:38) on extended evening hours during Easter crowds, whether to still buy Single Pass, and how to think about rope drop vs. staying late, and Katie (28:26) on splitting up two Magic Kingdom days, where to use Lightning Lanes, and the best parade/fireworks plan with an overstimulated grandparent.
In this live planning call, we covered Disney’s latest app update, November ride changes, and what to expect with Standby Skipper. I also answered member questions from Grace (15:45) on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party routes, Caroline (19:00) on parade timing and breaks, Carolyn (22:45) on EPCOT dining for New Year’s, and Christine (25:50) on mindset when plans go sideways.
In this month’s live planning call, we covered real-time takeaways from booking Lightning Lanes with the new app flow (00:40), December-specific Disney updates you need to know (10:30), and then dove into member questions about January trips, crowd levels, and Multi-Pass strategy.
I answered questions from Marynay (15:08) on January crowds + choosing between EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, and Angela (19:37) on pre-booking Lightning Lanes for a Fantasyland morning + Space Mountain/pre-dessert party night. Then we talked through Molly’s EPCOT vs. Hollywood Studios with 3 toddlers dilemma (23:51) and wrapped with a quick chat on Sebastian’s Bistro favorites (28:02) and whether Storybook Dining is “worth it” (30:26).
