Disney’s 2026 Plans Reveal a BIG Shift…

Does Galaxy's Edge Need Han Solo?

This week on the Big Thunder Podcast, we break down the latest Disney Parks news, including ☀️ Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World, 🐶 Bluey heading to Disney's Animal Kingdom, 🎸 the upcoming Muppets takeover of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and 🚀 new adventures featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Then we tackle a big question: How can 🌌 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge appeal to more casual Disney World guests? We share ideas for making Batuu more welcoming, more nostalgic, and more fun for fans who aren't deep into Star Wars lore. And finally, we put on our conspiracy hats 🕵️‍♂️🕵️‍♀️ to investigate one of the strangest Disney internet theories yet: Is there a hidden connection between 🧸 Toy Story 5 and 🐸 Taylor Swift? We follow the clues, connect the dots, and see if this viral theory holds up. Whether you're planning your next Disney vacation ✈️🏰, keeping up with the latest park news, or just love a good Disney debate, this episode has something for you. #DisneyWorld #DisneyParks #GalaxysEdge #ToyStory5 #TaylorSwift Timecodes (00:00:00) Welcome (00:00:40) Cool Kids Summer (00:01:29) Jessie's Roundup (00:03:32) Bluey at Animal Kingdom (00:08:15) Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (00:10:04) Mandalorian | Smuggler's Run (00:13:55) Soarin' Across America (00:16:22) Carousel of Progress (00:20:42) Minnie Vacay (00:21:55) Fixing Galaxy's Edge (00:32:20) Taylor Swift / Toy Story Conspiracy (00:37:11) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod 🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios. 🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride! 🖥️ Check us out on YouTube! [https://youtube.com/@bigthunderpod?si=ToNCFu3_wx0gy3AS&sub_confirmation=1] 📲 Follow us on Instagram! * Big Thunder Pod [https://www.instagram.com/bigthunderpod/] * Beau [https://www.instagram.com/beaujbatterson/] * Abby [https://www.instagram.com/abbybatterson/] * Minnie Vacay [https://www.instagram.com/minnievacay/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why Leaving Disney Feels Weirdly Devastating

Why does coming home from Disney World feel so emotional? In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, Beau and Abby dive into the very real phenomenon known as "The Disney Blues," a post-Disney depression of strange sadness, emotional crash, and longing for the parks after vacation ends. We’re talking about: ✨ Why Disney vacations feel different from normal trips ✨ The psychology behind Disney magic and nostalgia ✨ Why real life feels “off” after Disney World ✨ How Disney Imagineering creates emotional immersion ✨ Tips for coping with the post-Disney blues ✨ Ways to keep the Disney magic alive at home If you’ve ever cried leaving Magic Kingdom, watched ride POV videos after your trip, immediately started planning your next Disney vacation, or felt emotionally wrecked after leaving Walt Disney World… this episode is for you. If you’re a Disney adult, a millennial Disney parent, a Disney World fan, or planning your next Disney trip, we're your people. 🏰 Subscribe for Disney discussions, trip planning tips, Disney nostalgia, park history, and conversations for Disney fans who wish they lived closer to the magic. If you worry about having an anxiety or panic attack at the Disney Parks, you're not alone. Here's what we do to manage them: https://shows.acast.com/big-thunder-podcast/episodes/managing-my-anxiety-disorder-at-disney-world [https://shows.acast.com/big-thunder-podcast/episodes/managing-my-anxiety-disorder-at-disney-world] Wish Upon Magic - we're not affiliated with them, but they make great Disney stuff that'll help combat the Disney Blues: https://www.wishuponmagic.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopu4vnKqTo2-0F5MbbFqu4TqnFTHzauqmgNhZDLq81zjGx0Uwb1 [https://www.wishuponmagic.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopu4vnKqTo2-0F5MbbFqu4TqnFTHzauqmgNhZDLq81zjGx0Uwb1] Timecodes (00:00:00) Welcome! (00:01:39) Post-Disney Depression (00:03:26) What are The Disney Blues? (00:07:19) Thriveworks Article (00:10:24) Minnie Vacay (00:13:26) Tips for Battling the Disney Blues (00:26:23) When We Start Feeling the Disney Blues (00:31:35) Next Time on the Big Thunder Pod... 🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios. 🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride! 🖥️ Check us out on YouTube! [https://youtube.com/@bigthunderpod?si=ToNCFu3_wx0gy3AS&sub_confirmation=1] 📲 Follow us on Instagram! * Big Thunder Pod [https://www.instagram.com/bigthunderpod/] * Beau [https://www.instagram.com/beaujbatterson/] * Abby [https://www.instagram.com/abbybatterson/] * Minnie Vacay [https://www.instagram.com/minnievacay/] 🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast [https://www.etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

10 Disney World Bucket List Items We FINALLY Tried… Worth It?

🎢 Disney World FIRST IMPRESSIONS — Bucket List Experiences We FINALLY Tried! We just checked a TON of items off our Disney bucket list at Walt Disney World — and we’re sharing our honest first impressions of every single one! From iconic rides to hidden gems, snacks, and immersive experiences, this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast covers everything we experienced for the very first time — including TRON Lightcycle / Run, Alien Swirling Saucers, and even the new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away! ✨✨ If you’re planning a Disney trip, building your own bucket list, or just love Disney content — this video is packed with insights, opinions, and a few surprises you won’t want to miss. Timecodes (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:54) Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away (00:05:33) Christopher Robin’s Room (00:07:43) Belle in France (00:08:36) Potatoland (00:10:17) The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant (00:12:22) Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs (00:13:44) Pardon the Interruption (00:14:54) Back to the Corn Dogs (00:17:06) Pretzel Bread Pudding / Sommerfest (00:19:15) 50's Prime Time Café (00:22:25) Minnie Vacay (00:23:44) Alien Swirling Saucers (00:25:07) TRON Lightcycle / Run (00:28:28) Remaining Disney Bucket List Items ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: * First impressions of Disney rides, food, and experiences * Hidden gems you might be missing at Disney World * Honest reviews (no Disney influencer sugarcoating 👀) * Our updated Disney bucket list 🎯 PERFECT FOR: * Disney World trip planning * Disney food reviews * Ride reviews & first reactions * Disney fans & park lovers ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Review | Is It Worth It? (Finding Nemo Suite)

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation and wondering if Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is worth it? 🎨✨ We’re breaking down our full stay in a Finding Nemo Family Suite and giving honest grades on everything from food to vibes! In this episode, we share our real experience staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort - including what surprised us, what we loved, and what we think could be better. 🐠 We stayed in the Finding Nemo Family Suite How spacious is it really? Is it worth the price for families? We walk you through the layout, comfort, theming, and who we think this room is perfect for. 🌊 Big Blue Pool Review We spent time at the Big Blue Pool (the largest pool at Walt Disney World!) and talk atmosphere, crowd levels, theming, and whether it lives up to the hype. 🍔 Food & Dining at Art of Animation We break down Landscape of Flavors — quality, variety, value, and convenience for park days. 🎶 Vibes & Theming From Finding Nemo to Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid — does this resort feel immersive or overwhelming? Is it relaxing… or sensory overload? 📍 Location & Transportation We talk Skyliner access 🚠, bus transportation, and how easy it is to get to the parks. 🙌 Cast Member & Staff Experience Did the service match Disney standards? At the end, we give each category a letter grade so you can quickly decide if Art of Animation is the right fit for your Disney trip. If you’re researching: * Best Disney World Value Resorts * Disney Art of Animation Review 2026 * Finding Nemo Family Suite Review * Is Art of Animation worth it? * Best Disney Resort for Families …this episode is for you! Don’t forget to follow along for more Walt Disney World reviews, tips, and honest takes to help you plan the most magical vacation possible! ✨🏰 Timecodes (00:00:00) Introduction (00:04:18) First Impressions (00:16:30) Minnie Vacay (00:17:43) Cool Kids Summer (00:24:50) Did it Meet Expectations? (00:41:31) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod... 🏴‍☠️ Did you catch our First Impressions of The Beak & Barrel? You can watch it on YouTube! ➡️ https://youtu.be/-TUW0vOcd78 👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link) 🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios. 🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride! 🖥️ Check us out on YouTube! [https://youtube.com/@bigthunderpod?si=ToNCFu3_wx0gy3AS&sub_confirmation=1] 📲 Follow us on Instagram! * Big Thunder Pod [https://www.instagram.com/bigthunderpod/] * Beau [https://www.instagram.com/beaujbatterson/] * Abby [https://www.instagram.com/abbybatterson/] * Minnie Vacay [https://www.instagram.com/minnievacay/] 🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast [https://www.etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Disney’s 2026 Plans Reveal a BIG Shift…

Disney just revealed a slate of plans tied to 2026 — and taken together, they tell a much bigger story about where the parks are headed. In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, we break down 10 major Disney Parks announcements and grade each one on a tier list, looking beyond the hype to talk about what actually matters for guests. We discuss: * What Disney is clearly prioritizing heading into 2026 * Which announcements excite us — and which concern us * How these changes could impact crowd levels and planning * What this shift means for people planning Disney trips in 2026 and beyond * Who Disney’s future plans really seem to be designed for If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip, debating Disney vs. Universal, or just trying to make sense of Disney’s long-term direction, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually affects your experience. 🎢 Let us know which announcement you’d rank in S-tier — and which one deserves an F. Timecodes (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:10) Disney World in 2026 (00:21:58) Minnie Vacay (00:23:09) Podcast Exclusive! (00:26:21) Themes of 2026 (00:30:44) Next time on Big Thunder Pod... 🐉 Did you catch our First Impressions on Epic Universe? You can watch it on YouTube! ➡️ https://youtu.be/PfyK9gx-Q-U?si=ZMi1dcaTYbh_Bdqa 👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link) 🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios. 🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride! 🖥️ Check us out on YouTube! [https://youtube.com/@bigthunderpod?si=ToNCFu3_wx0gy3AS&sub_confirmation=1] 📲 Follow us on Instagram! * Big Thunder Pod [https://www.instagram.com/bigthunderpod/] * Beau [https://www.instagram.com/beaujbatterson/] * Abby [https://www.instagram.com/abbybatterson/] * Minnie Vacay [https://www.instagram.com/minnievacay/] 🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast [https://www.etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.