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 planning trips to Walt Disney World.

🎢 From $15,000 Disney vacation headlines to real travel agent numbers 💰 How to avoid debt and plan smarter over time 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Navigating money and marriage while planning Disney 🍦 When to say “yes” to bubble wands and treats — and when to pass 🏰 Why Rachel skips some character meals (and the one she’ll always book)

Whether you’re a first-time Disney planner or trying to make the most of your next trip, this episode is packed with practical strategies and honest advice that will help you plan a magical Disney vacation without the financial stress.

👇 Need help planning your trip? I’m a Disney-focused travel agent — and my services are 100% free: 🔗 https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofadisneydad/ 🌐 Blog & planning tools: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com

#RachelCruze #DisneyWorldOnABudget #DisneyVacationPlanning #DebtFreeDisney #FamilyTravelTips #DisneyDad #DisneyPlanning #BudgetDisney #WaltDisneyWorld

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 Disney Cruise Line safety incident you need to hear about (don’t worry—everyone’s okay).

🧳 Planning your Disney vacation? Get a free quote 👉 https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

📒 Show Notes & Resources 📒

🚀 Free Disney Planning Tools

➤ Vacation Quote Form: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

➤ Dining Plan Calculator: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/disney-dining-plan-calculator

➤ Key Dates Calculator: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/disney-vacation-date-calculator

🧠 What We Cover in This Episode:

01:58 – Test Track 3.0 & Multipass Strategy Updates

05:15 – Overboard Incident on the Disney Dream (Everyone is Safe)

10:00 – 10 Best Things to Do at Disney Outside the Parks

12:00 – Resort-Only Day: What Chip Learned

14:00 – Disney Springs Dining, Shopping & Entertainment Tips

17:00 – Free Water Park Day Hack at Disney Resorts

20:30 – Blizzard Beach vs Typhoon Lagoon: Which Is Better?

22:00 – Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Experience

26:00 – Campfires, S’mores & Character Meet-and-Greets at Resorts

28:00 – Monorail & Skyliner Resort Hopping Tips

30:30 – Is Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Right for You?

✨ Need help planning your Disney World or Disney Cruise Line trip? Matt offers free expert vacation planning as a travel agent with The Magic for Less Travel.

🎟️ Get your free quote now: https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

#DisneyWorldPlanning #ThingsToDoAtDisney #DisneyWithoutParkTickets #DisneyVacationTips #Multipass #DisneyCruise #DisneyResorts #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyDadPodcast

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 and provides updates on this summer's crowd expectations at Walt Disney World. Tune in to learn how to plan a smarter Disney vacation and make the most out of your visit.

01:11 Debating Attraction Closures

01:38 The Criteria for Keeping Attractions Open

04:25 Nostalgia vs. Practicality in Disney Parks

11:10 Travel Insurance for Disney Cruises

18:39 Disney's $200 Gift Card Offer

21:01 Summer Crowds at Disney Parks

27:51 Booking Multipass and Lightning Lanes Looking for a free Travel Agent to plan your next trip? Want to plan with us? Fill our a quote form at https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

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 Basics of Multipass

01:56 Is Multipass Worth It?

03:04 How to Use Multipass Effectively

04:35 Individual Lightning Lanes and Premier Pass

06:43 Seven Tips for Using Multipass

16:46 Advanced Tips and Strategies

23:37 Conclusion and Additional Resources Looking for a free Travel Agent to plan your next trip? Want to plan with us? Fill our a quote form at https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

🎢 Don't miss our in-depth guides and magical adventures around Walt Disney World and Universal Studios!

🎢 Subscribe for more theme park tips, family fun, and insider secrets! ➡️ www.adventuresofadisneydad.com

🏰 Ready to make the most of your next Disney trip? Check out our Disney travel essentials here: ➡️ AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/shop/adventuresofadisneydad/list/5T6YDRM8JVFB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfadventuresofadisneydad_MFJFEAAM9F990Y0RVG0N

🛠 Our favorite Disney Hats • Park Adventures Apparel: ➡️ www.parkadventuresapparel.com

📱 Connect with Adventures of a Disney Dad! • Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofadisneydad/

#AdventuresofaDisneyDad #DisneyWorld #FamilyTravel

Our mission is to bring the magic of Disney into every home and help families create unforgettable memories through expert advice and fun-filled adventures.

✨ Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

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 the park's new relaxation lounge Geo 82 at Epcot and the current trends in crowd levels at Epic Universe.

Additionally, Matt offers travel planning tips and highlights the importance of not over-planning your Disney vacation.

01:24 Disney Cruise Line Deals and Offers

05:23 Universal's Rumored Cruise Line

06:32 Galveston and Fort Lauderdale Ports

08:49 New Nighttime Parade: Starlight

14:47 Cars Land Construction Begins

17:19 Discussing Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion Changes

17:50 Villains Land and Concept Art Insights

20:28 Geo 82: The New Lounge at Epcot

22:37 Comparing Theme Park and Event Prices

25:45 Planning Your First Walt Disney World Trip

32:16 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up Looking for a free Travel Agent to plan your next trip? Want to plan with us? Fill our a quote form at https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

🎢 Don't miss our in-depth guides and magical adventures around Walt Disney World and Universal Studios!

🎢 Subscribe for more theme park tips, family fun, and insider secrets! ➡️ www.adventuresofadisneydad.com

🏰 Ready to make the most of your next Disney trip? Check out our Disney travel essentials here: ➡️ AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/shop/adventuresofadisneydad/list/5T6YDRM8JVFB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfadventuresofadisneydad_MFJFEAAM9F990Y0RVG0N

🛠 Our favorite Disney Hats • Park Adventures Apparel: ➡️ www.parkadventuresapparel.com

📱 Connect with Adventures of a Disney Dad! • Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofadisneydad/

#AdventuresofaDisneyDad #DisneyWorld #FamilyTravel

Our mission is to bring the magic of Disney into every home and help families create unforgettable memories through expert advice and fun-filled adventures.

✨ Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

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 discuss realistic expectations. Additionally, they highlight the grand opening of Epic Universe, discuss new shows at Hollywood Studios, and mention current deal offerings at Walt Disney World resorts.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:17 Halloween and Christmas Party Updates

00:40 Back to School and Summer Plans

01:44 Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration

03:13 Lilo and Stitch Movie Excitement

04:11 Epic Universe Grand Opening

04:52 Harry Potter Theming and Ride Discussion

12:33 Epic Universe vs. Walt Disney World

14:50 New Shows at Walt Disney World

15:34 Discussing Disneyland's Nighttime Parades

16:59 Hollywood Studios: New Shows and Attractions

20:07 Planning a Two-Day Disney World Trip

24:22 Strategies for Maximizing Park Visits

30:32 Budget-Friendly Disney World Tips

31:19 Podcast Wrap-Up and Upcoming Guests

Looking for a free Travel Agent to plan your next trip? Want to plan with us? Fill our a quote form at https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

🎢 Don't miss our in-depth guides and magical adventures around Walt Disney World and Universal Studios!

🎢 Subscribe for more theme park tips, family fun, and insider secrets! ➡️ www.adventuresofadisneydad.com

🏰 Ready to make the most of your next Disney trip? Check out our Disney travel essentials here: ➡️ AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/shop/adventuresofadisneydad/list/5T6YDRM8JVFB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfadventuresofadisneydad_MFJFEAAM9F990Y0RVG0N

🛠 Our favorite Disney Hats • Park Adventures Apparel: ➡️ www.parkadventuresapparel.com

📱 Connect with Adventures of a Disney Dad! • Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofadisneydad/

#AdventuresofaDisneyDad #DisneyWorld #FamilyTravel

Our mission is to bring the magic of Disney into every home and help families create unforgettable memories through expert advice and fun-filled adventures.

✨ Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

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 that combines fun tidbits and historical insights, making it a great travel companion for your next Walt Disney World vacation to Magic Kingdom.

The episode also highlights her transformation from a Disney enthusiast to a published author and what to expect from the book. Danielle shares her favorite Disney facts, insights on Magic Kingdom, and tips for making the most of a Disney trip. This episode is perfect for Disney fans and families planning their next adventure to Magic Kingdom!

00:20 Danielle's New Book: I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom

00:55 The Writing Process and Book Details

04:37 Danielle's Disney Background and Family

09:33 Becoming a Content Creator During COVID

18:04 Challenges and Successes in Content Creation

20:09 From Content Creator to Author

21:36 The Origin of Dapper Danielle

22:05 Vintage Disney Collection

22:43 The Dapper Danielle Persona

23:59 Churro Talk and Spirit Jerseys

26:44 Magic Kingdom Tips for Families

28:49 Disney Food Opinions

33:50 Favorite Disney Facts and Lore

34:31 Mount Rushmore of Magic Kingdom

37:47 Country Bear Jamboree Trivia

Connect with Danielle: https://linktr.ee/thedapperdanielle Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/3S89p9j

Looking for a free Travel Agent to plan your next trip? Want to plan with us? Fill our a quote form at https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

🎢 Don't miss our in-depth guides and magical adventures around Walt Disney World and Universal Studios!

🎢 Subscribe for more theme park tips, family fun, and insider secrets! ➡️ www.adventuresofadisneydad.com

🏰 Ready to make the most of your next Disney trip? Check out our Disney travel essentials here: ➡️ AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/shop/adventuresofadisneydad/list/5T6YDRM8JVFB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfadventuresofadisneydad_MFJFEAAM9F990Y0RVG0N

🛠 Our favorite Disney Hats • Park Adventures Apparel: ➡️ www.parkadventuresapparel.com

📱 Connect with Adventures of a Disney Dad! • Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofadisneydad/

#AdventuresofaDisneyDad #DisneyWorld #FamilyTravel

Our mission is to bring the magic of Disney into every home and help families create unforgettable memories through expert advice and fun-filled adventures.

✨ Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

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-day experience.

Key highlights include the Harry Potter 'Battle at the Ministry' ride, Super Nintendo Land, and the challenges with accessibility and shade. Additionally, there's a discussion on strategies for park hopping and maximizing family vacations at Universal.

01:23 Epic Universe Experience and Highlights

03:35 Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines: A Game Changer

05:58 Accessibility and Design Observations

13:33 Harry Potter and Other Attractions

21:00 Shortcomings of the Ride

21:39 Stardust Racers: A Rollercoaster Review

22:09 Family Preferences and Ride Restrictions

22:46 Exploring Celestial Park

23:05 Epic Universe: A One-Day Experience?

23:35 Comparing Disney and Universal Attractions

24:21 Dark Universe: A Surprising Favorite

27:38 Logistics and Rope Drop Strategy

30:19 Universal's Locker System and Ride Efficiency

31:53 Planning Your Universal Vacation

33:40 Dining at Epic Universe

39:30 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Looking for a free Travel Agent to plan your next trip? Want to plan with us? Fill our a quote form at https://www.adventuresofadisneydad.com/get-a-quote

🎢 Don't miss our in-depth guides and magical adventures around Walt Disney World and Universal Studios!

🎢 Subscribe for more theme park tips, family fun, and insider secrets! ➡️ www.adventuresofadisneydad.com

🏰 Ready to make the most of your next Disney trip? Check out our Disney travel essentials here: ➡️ AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/shop/adventuresofadisneydad/list/5T6YDRM8JVFB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfadventuresofadisneydad_MFJFEAAM9F990Y0RVG0N

🛠 Our favorite Disney Hats • Park Adventures Apparel: ➡️ www.parkadventuresapparel.com

📱 Connect with Adventures of a Disney Dad! • Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofadisneydad/

#AdventuresofaDisneyDad #DisneyWorld #FamilyTravel

Our mission is to bring the magic of Disney into every home and help families create unforgettable memories through expert advice and fun-filled adventures.

✨ Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.