Adventures of a Disney Dad: A Walt Disney World Trip Planning Podcast

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is exciting, but it is also way easier to get wrong than most families realize. After helping hundreds of families plan their trips, I see the same seven mistakes over and over, and they lead to stress, meltdowns, exhaustion, and a vacation that feels more like a survival mission than actual fun.

In this episode, I break down the 7 rookie mistakes most first-timers make at Walt Disney World and...

Ranking every Walt Disney World resort hotel — from the best deluxe resorts to the ones we’d only stay at for a discount. In this episode, Matt and Chip debate and break down every Disney World resort using real experience as dads, travelers, and Disney fans.

If you’ve ever wondered which Disney resort is actually worth the money, this tier list covers it all — transportation, dining, pools, theming, and value for families. Before ...

The Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast is back, and this week I’m joined by my friend and returning guest, Matt Richardson, one of the most passionate voices in the Disney running community. We’re diving into everything you need to know before your first runDisney race weekend, including the early mornings, the corrals, the famous Balloon Ladies, and all the details that make these races different from anything else out there.

Whet...

I planned our first Disney World trip the wrong way and learned the hard lessons so you don’t have to. In this episode I share 6 things I wish I knew before our first Walt Disney World vacation with little kids so you can save time, avoid stress, and have a smoother trip.

What you’ll learn:

00:50 Dining Reservations: Not the End of the World

02:49 Rope Drop: Not Mandatory for Everyone

04:47 Transportation Woes: Plan Ahead

08:08 Dis...

Disney World is expensive, but not everything is worth the money. In this video, I share 9 Disney World extras that are always worth the splurge. From fireworks dessert parties and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to Savi’s Workshop and VIP tours, these are the upgrades my family has tried and loved at Walt Disney World.

You’ll learn what each experience costs, what’s included, and why it may (or may not) be right for your trip.

👇 Helpful...

In this episode, Chip and Matt are joined by special guest Hallie Jones to answer your listener questions!

We discuss the pros and cons of Disney resorts like Pop Century vs. Coronado Springs, to offering expert tips on Multi Pass.

We also dive into topics such as the best viewing spots for Magic Kingdom fireworks outside the park, common mistakes to avoid at Magic Kingdom, and much more.

01:50 Discussing Disney's Announcements and...

Animal Kingdom in one day with kids. Exact plan with rope drop strategy, Lightning Lane Multipass picks, must see shows, best character meets, can’t miss food, hidden trails, and how to handle evenings. It’s not just a zoo and not just a place for thrill rides. We show how to balance Flight of Passage or Kilimanjaro Safari at rope drop with a chill, animal forward day that still hits the headliners.

01:00 Skip park or half day deba...

This week we are sharing how to save money and time at Walt Disney World with 10 Disney World things to skip! I sat down with Disney Content Creator, Jay, to discuss some popular dining, parties, add-ons and strategies that we think are NOT worth the time or money.

00:24 Meet Jay: Disney Content Creator

01:28 Resort Reviews: Contemporary vs. Boardwalk

03:13 Dining at Disney: Steakhouse 71 and More

04:11 Jay's Disney Content Journey

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tips for 2025. Learn how to avoid common mistakes at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, beat the crowds, and plan the perfect night at Magic Kingdom with your family.

You paid over $150 for one night at Disney World’s Halloween party. In this episode, I’m sharing 9 practical strategies based on years of experience taking my kids to MNSSHP. From character meets to parade timing, this guide w...

In this episode, we’re joined by AJ Wolfe, the founder of Disney Food Blog and owner of AllEars, to talk about the heart behind her new book Disney Adults. We explore what it really means to be an adult Disney fan, how the term has evolved over time, and why this audience plays such a vital role in Disney’s future.

AJ also shares her perspective on how content creation has shifted, which food trends need to end, and what it’s like ...

Disney World on a budget is possible — and in this episode, financial expert Rachel Cruze shares how her family plans affordable Disney vacations without debt, guilt, or overspending.

Rachel is a New York Times bestselling author, host of The Rachel Cruze Show, and co-host of Smart Money Happy Hour. She joined me on the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast to break down how she saves, budgets, and balances family expectations when pl...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad Podcast, we’re sharing 10 fun and relaxing activities to do at Walt Disney World without a park ticket. Whether you're planning a rest day, trying to save money, or looking for unique Disney experiences, these non-park day tips are perfect for families, first-timers, and Disney veterans.

We also break down the latest updates to Test Track, EPCOT’s new Multipass strategy, and a Dis...

In this episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip dive into some of Disney's most pressing questions, discussing ride closures, the criteria for keeping attractions, and why some outdated rides remain open. They also analyze whether  travel insurance for Disney Cruises is worth it and share insights on the current free Disney gift card offer.

Additionally, we explore Multipass and Single Pass Lightning Lanes ...

In this episode of Adventures of a Disney Dad, Matt delves into the essentials of navigating Lightning Lane Multipass at Walt Disney World.

He shares 7 of his top tips to maximize the use of Multipass, covering the basics of the service and beyond. Matt also discusses strategies for booking rides, the importance of timing, and how to effectively combine Multipass with park hopping and standby strategies.

00:58 Understanding the Bas...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, hosts Matt and Chip dive into a plethora of updates from Walt Disney World, including a new discount for Disney Cruise Line and upcoming changes in the parks.

They discuss a range of topics like the new Starlight Parade at Magic Kingdom, construction updates for Cars Land in Frontierland, and the closure of Muppet Courtyard and Rivers of America.

They also share insights on...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip delve into updates at Walt Disney World and discuss strategies for visiting 4 parks in 2 days.

They cover upcoming events including the Halloween and Christmas parties, ticket sales for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and the 70th-anniversary celebration at Disneyland. They also address listener questions about navigating four parks in two days and disc...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, hosts Matt and Chip welcome a special guest, Danielle Kelly (@thedapperdanielle), to discuss her new book 'I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom,' which just released nationwide!

They delve into Danielle’s background, her journey as a content creator, and her firsthand Disney knowledge accrued from her time as a cast member.

Listeners get a taste of the book's unique approach t...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, hosts Matt and Chip discuss Matt’s experience at the Epic Universe preview thanks to Universal Orlando. Matt provides a detailed and honest review, touching on various aspects of the new park, including attractions, food, and logistics.

They also compare Epic Universe to Disney parks, pondering the potential impact on Disney and whether the new park is a one-day or multi-...

In this episode of The Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip dive into their favorite aspects of Walt Disney World, including their preferred parks, resorts, table service, and quick service dining options.

They discuss frequently asked questions from listeners and share their thoughts on splurges worth making during a Disney vacation. Additionally, Matt teases his upcoming preview visit to Universal's Epic Universe a...