Mouse Ears and Messy Buns

Disney Dining Plan Re-Explained: 2027 Updates and Exactly What You Get

The Disney dining plan is episode back and this time we are going deeper. This is our most popular episode fully updated for 2027, complete with listener questions answered, new plan options broken down, and every change Disney is making that affects your family's budget and vacation planning. We walk you through exactly what you get with each plan, quick service credits, table service credits, snack credits, and the resort refillable drink mug, in plain language that actually makes sense. We cover all three dining plan options including the brand new Deluxe Table Service Dining Plan, break down the two credit rule for signature restaurants like Be Our Guest and Cinderella's Royal Table, and talk through how character dining fits into your day at Disney World. We also get into the biggest 2027 change families need to know: kids dining is no longer free. Children ages three to nine are now at 20 percent off instead, and we break down exactly what that means for your family depending on the ages of your kids. Plus we cover the rookie mistakes that cost families money, how to know which plan is actually worth it for your travel style, and whether the Disney dining plan makes sense for your upcoming trip. Topics covered: Disney dining plan 2027, what you get with the Disney dining plan, quick service credits, table service credits, snack credits, resort refillable drink mug, Deluxe Table Service Dining Plan, character dining Disney World, signature restaurants Disney World, Be Our Guest dining plan, Cinderella's Royal Table, kids dining plan 2027, Disney dining plan worth it, Disney World trip planning for families, Disney dining plan listener questions. If you haven't yet hit that follow button on your favorite podcast platform, what are you waiting for? Your follows and ratings help other Messy Bun Moms add a little more magic to their life without the chaos. And don't forget, if you are looking for some help planning your magical vacation and want someone to take it off your to-do list, reach out and we are here to help. This is exactly what we do. ⁠⁠Follow along, submit a question or send a quote request here. [https://linktr.ee/mouseearsandmessybuns]

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Disney just dropped Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2026 details, and we are breaking it all down. In this episode, we cover party dates, the Boo to You Halloween Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, the brand new Stitch dance party in Tomorrowland, trick or treating tips, rare character meet and greets, and whether the party is worth the cost for families with young kids. Whether you are planning your first Halloween party at Magic Kingdom or looking to level up your strategy, we are sharing the practical tips and real talk you need to make the most of your night. If you haven't yet hit that follow button on your favorite podcast platform, what are you waiting for? Your follows and ratings help other Messy Bun Moms add a little more magic to their life without the chaos. And don't forget, if you are looking for some help planning your magical vacation and want someone to take it off your to-do list, reach out and we are here to help. This is exactly what we do. ⁠Follow along, submit a question or send a quote request here. [https://linktr.ee/mouseearsandmessybuns]

Disney World Split Stay Guide: Two Resorts, One Trip, Maximum Magic

Ever thought about staying at TWO Disney World resorts on one trip? It's called a split stay and once you know how to do it right, it's an absolute game changer for your Disney vacation. We're breaking down everything: how split stays actually work, why we love them, and the real strategy behind choosing which two resorts make sense for YOUR family. We're talking transportation, dining plans, luggage transfer on switch day, and the honest cons nobody warns you about (toddler moms, this one's for you). PLUS: we do a live split stay resort draft for three very different Disney families. A dad who didn't even want to come, a first-timer family in full princess era, and a party of four kids AND grandparents. We made our picks, now we want yours. What we cover: * What a Disney World split stay is and how reservations work * Choosing resorts based on transportation and park access * How to attach the dining plan to one or both reservations * Club level perks and how to maximize switch day * The luggage transfer process explained * Who a split stay is actually right for * Live resort draft for three real-life Disney family scenarios Tell us your split stay picks over on Instagram and Facebook @MouseEarsAndMessyBuns! And don't forget, if you are looking for some help planning your magical vacation and want someone to take it off your to-do list, reach out and we are here to help. This is exactly what we do. Follow along, submit a question or send a quote request here. [https://linktr.ee/mouseearsandmessybuns]

Disney's Deluxe Resorts: When Location Isn't Everything

Not every Disney deluxe resort needs to be steps from a park to be worth it and in this episode, we're breaking down four that prove exactly that. We're diving into Animal Kingdom Lodge, Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness; covering everything from transportation trade-offs and dining to pool vibes, room sizes, and who each resort is actually the right fit for. If you've ever wanted your Disney vacation to feel like a real vacation, more space, a slower pace, and a home base you actually want to come back to, this episode is for you. We cover: * Why Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most immersive resorts on all of Disney property * The honest truth about Saratoga Springs and when it actually makes sense to book it * Why Old Key West might have the best room sizes on property * What makes the Fort Wilderness Cabins feel like two vacations in one * The real transportation trade-offs no one warns you about at these resorts Plus we play a chill resort edition of This or That: savannah views vs. Magic Kingdom rope drop, anyone? And as always, make sure you are following us over on Facebook or Instagram and if you have any listener questions you would like answered or work with either Kathleen or Meagan on your next magical vacation, you can find all the links here. [https://linktr.ee/mouseearsandmessybuns] Don't forget to leave us a review!

Epcot Area Resorts Explained: Boardwalk vs Beach Club vs Yacht Club vs Riviera

Trying to figure out which Epcot area resort is right for YOUR family? We're breaking down all four Epcot area deluxe resorts: Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and the Riviera Resort, so you can pick the right resort for you. We're talking Storm Along Bay (and the slide situation nobody warns you about), the BoardWalk's nighttime entertainment, our (okay Meagan's) honest thoughts on Yacht Club hallways, and why one of us calls the Riviera her favorite resort on all of Disney property. We cover: * BoardWalk Inn pros, cons & that quick service problem * Yacht Club vs Beach Club — what's actually different? * Storm Along Bay: everything you need to know before you go * Riviera Resort & why the Skyliner changes everything * Walking distance to Epcot & Hollywood Studios explained * The International Gateway entrance advantage for resort guests Whether you're planning a girls' trip, a family vacation, or finally treating yourself to a Disney deluxe stay, this episode will help you find your perfect fit. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly. Follow Mouse Ears & Messy Buns so you never miss a magical minute. Submit your listener questions or send in your quote form if you want help building your next magical vacation. [https://linktr.ee/mouseearsandmessybuns]