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!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All we want for Christmas… is Disney to actually fix some things. 👀

In this holiday-themed episode, we’re sharing our ultimate Disney World 2026 Christmas wish list — from bold hot takes that might ruffle some feathers to practical updates that would make planning a Walt Disney World trip easier than ever. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or starting to think about a Disney vacation in 2026, these are the changes we think Disney needs to make.

🎁 In this episode, we talk about:

• Big Disney World changes we want to see in 2026

• Travel and planning updates that would make park days less stressful

• Ride, hotel, and guest experience improvements Disney should prioritize

• A few spicy hot takes Disney fans might not agree on 👀

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, following Disney news, or just love debating the future of the parks, this one’s for you.

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:02) Disney Parks Wish List

(00:05:37) Magical Express

(00:08:03) Christmas & Hollyowd Studios

(00:09:42) Resort Perks

(00:13:42) Olaf

(00:15:29) U.S. Parks

(00:17:08) Animal Kingdom

(00:21:46) Affordability

(00:25:35) Tomorrowland

(00:29:42) Abby's Hottest Take

(00:32:39) Beau's Hottest Take

(00:35:41) Bonus Entries

(00:38:58) Minnie Vacay

(00:40:06) Final Thoughts

(00:41:14) Next Time on Big Thunder Pod...

(00:43:20) Close

🐉 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!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or gearing up for the opening of Epic Universe? 🌌 In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, we break down our first-ever stay at Universal’s brand-new Stella Nova Resort — and whether it truly is the best new value hotel option at Universal.

We give Stella Nova an overall grade and score the individual categories that matter most to families and theme-park travelers:

• Location & transportation to Epic Universe and the Universal parks 🚍
• Room quality & comfort 🛏️
• Dining and food options 🍔🍕
• Themed design & atmosphere ✨
• Pool area & amenities 🏊‍♂️
• Price vs. value 💰

If you’re trying to decide where to stay for your next Universal Orlando vacation, or you want to know how Stella Nova compares to Cabana Bay, Terra Luna, or the Universal Helios Grand Hotel inside Epic Universe, this episode gives you everything you need. 🎢

Whether you're planning your first visit or looking for the perfect hotel for your family, this review will help you figure out if Universal’s Stella Nova Resort should be your home base for Epic Universe 2025. 🌍✨

Tune in for honest opinions, helpful tips, and all the insight you need before booking your stay! 🎧

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:08) A Resort's Importance

(00:03:33) Cost & Disney Comparison

(00:04:44) Stella Nova Review

(00:16:11) Minnie Vacay

(00:17:29) Grade Expectations - Pool, Food, & More

(00:35:30) Would You Return?

(00:38:12) Viewer Comments

(00:40:43) 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!

📲 Follow us on Instagram!

• Big Thunder Pod
• Beau
• Abby
• Minnie Vacay

🛒 Merch Store: etsy.com/shop/BigThunderPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.