Disney Hour Express

Episode 106: Top Disney Resort Hotels of 2025

In this episode of the Disney Hour Express Podcast, Abbie and Rob discuss the top Disney resorts for 2025, including current discounts, refurbishments, and their personal recommendations. They explore the pros and cons of Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts, providing insights for families planning their Disney vacations. The episode also highlights exciting updates from Disney and Universal Parks, including new attractions and experiences.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Disney Resorts and Planning for 202505:43 Twerkin' Oscars08:30 Current Discounts and Offers for Disney Resorts12:46 Exploring Value Resorts: Options and Refurbishments24:09 Moderate Resorts: Are They Worth It?35:11 Exploring Deluxe Villas and Resorts37:54 Understanding Animal Kingdom Lodge and Its Complexities39:52 Construction Updates on Popular Resorts42:43 Choosing the Best Deluxe Resort for 202547:47 Dining Experiences at Animal Kingdom Lodge50:41 Final Resort Recommendations and Personal Preferences54:42 Exciting Announcements from Disney Parks01:01:43 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Highlights
Disney, Disney resorts, travel tips, family vacation, Disney discounts, resort reviews, Disney planning, 2025 travel, Disney parks, travel agency
 

Episode 105: Essential Tips for Breaking Spring at Disney

In this episode of the Disney Hour Express, hosts Abbie and Rob discuss essential tips for planning a Disney trip during the busy Spring Break season. They share insights on crowd management, dining reservations, and the importance of planning ahead to maximize the magical experience. The episode also covers recent Disney news and updates, including changes in character meet-and-greets and upcoming attractions.
To reach Abbie and Rob, please head to their website, which has links to all of their socials. https://familytravelplanner.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Spring Break Overview02:08 Oscar Buzz08:39 Planning Tips for Spring Break at Disney15:57 Navigating Crowds and Lightning Lanes21:53 Ride Recommendations and Strategies25:19 Planning Your Disney Park Day29:24 Ride Recommendations for Hollywood Studios32:06 Dining and Itinerary Planning38:22 Crowd Management and Special Events41:31 Latest Disney and Universal News and Updates50:05 Interactive Experiences at Universal50:37 Outro w Button.mp3

Episode 104: Disney Villains Should Be Seen and Heard

In this episode of Disney Hour Express, hosts Abbie and Rob dive into the world of underrated Disney villains, discussing their unique characteristics and the reasons they deserve more recognition. They also explore the upcoming Villains Land at Disney parks, share exciting Disney news, and provide updates on Universal Studios and the highly anticipated Epic Universe. The conversation highlights the charm of Disney villains and the excitement surrounding new attractions and experiences in the parks.Follow us on our socials!https://www.instagram.com/disneyfamilytravelplannerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@familytravelplannerhttps://www.youtube.com/@FamilyTravelPlannerhttps://www.facebook.com/103630324497066https://www.linkedin.com/company/familytravelplanner
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Underrated Disney Villains11:28 Exploring Dr. Facilier from Princess and the Frog16:26 Madam Mim: The Chaotic Villain19:40 Shere Khan: The Complex Antagonist22:21 The Joy of Villains24:19 The Allure of the Dark Side28:11 Villains in Disney Parks32:01 New Disney Resort Developments34:25 Disney Ticketing Trends40:55 Upcoming Attractions and Refurbishments42:18 Toy Story Rides: A Comparison43:54 Disneyland Paris Updates46:50 Universal's Pterodon Flyers: A Unique Experience50:52 Epic Universe Ticketing and Promotions53:35 Air Quality Concerns at Epic Universe56:20 Wicked Attractions: Future Plans59:18 Universal Kids Resort: What to Expect01:04:03 Outro w Button.mp3

Episode 103: The Hidden Events of Disney

In this episode of Disney Hour Express, hosts Abbie and Rob explore various lesser-known annual events at Disney parks, including Dapper Day, Red Shirt Pride Day, and National Polka Dot Day. They discuss the significance of these events, their history, and how they celebrate different communities and cultures. The conversation also touches on the Department of Defense Warrior Games, World Princess Week, and the birthday celebrations of Magic Kingdom. Additionally, they provide updates on Disney Cruise Line and Universal Studios, including food reviews and the legacy of the E.T. ride.
If you'd like to save a few bucks on the amazing scents at Magic Candle Company (https://magiccandlecompany.com/) use code FTPMAGIC to save 15%To reach Abbie and Rob, please head to their website. https://familytravelplanner.com/

Episode 102: The Debut of Strega Nona

Summary
In this episode, the Abbie and Rob discuss the latest updates from Universal Studios, focusing on the newly opened Stella Nova Resort and the upcoming Epic Universe. They provide insights into the resort's design, amenities, and dining options, while also comparing it to Disney resorts. The conversation includes details about room features, technology, and transportation options to the parks. Additionally, they explore annual pass holder benefits and ticketing for Epic Universe, along with some Disney news and updates.
To reach Abbie and Rob, please head to their website. https://familytravelplanner.com/

Episode 101: Travel Q's with Agents

This week, Abbie and Rob share what questions they get asked the most as owners of a travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations. Plus, we go over a bit of January news around the parks. We're talking hopper passes, best discounts, multipasses and more on this week's ep. Thanks for listening!If you have any Q's for Abbie and Rob, please reach out to them on their socials or website. https://familytravelplanner.com/

Episode 100: Hundreds and Hundreds and Hundreds

IT'S OUR 100TH EPISODE!!!! We made it! We're taking a look back into the history that is the Disney Hour Express and going over some of fave (and not fave) episodes. There's also a round of "We Listen and We Don't Judge"- Disney Edition. We can't only talk about our little podcast, so we're going around the parks and looking at all the theme parks news. Plus, we reveal the 3rd and final Secret Word for our $100 Disney Gift Card Giveaway. Thanks for listening! To enter the Giveaway, go to https://familytravelplanner.com/100th-episode-contest and fill out the form. 

Episode 99: New Year...No DeLorean Necessary

We're back from our holiday break! It's time for our year in review of all things Disney! But we can't just look back! We're also looking into what 2025 will bring for not just Disneyland and Disney World, but also Universal Studios. Plus, we give out the much anticipated Secret Word #2 for our 100th Episode Giveaway! Thanks for listening!To enter the contest, please go to our website (https://familytravelplanner.com/) and click on the 100th Episode Contest tab. 

The Happiest Merriest To All Of You

A quick audio holiday good tidings to you all from Abbie and Rob. https://familytravelplanner.com

Episode 98: Babes in Car Land With Gift Cards

This week, we've got cars (and Cars) on the mind, so we've decided to put the pedal to the metal and crank out an auto centric episode. Abbie and Rob share their experience about shopping for a new car and take a ride to California Adventure to breakdown Radiator Springs Racers. Plus, they share their reviews on Wicked and Make sure you listen to the full episode because Rob reveals the first of 3 secret words that give you a chance to win a $100 Disney Gift Card. Thanks for listening!Did you get the first secret word? Head over to the Family Travel Planner website to enter the contest. https://familytravelplanner.com