Disney World’s 2026 holiday parties are almost here. We’re breaking down Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—including 2026 dates, ticket prices, entertainment, attraction overlays and what’s new this year.

In Episode 145 of Disney Hour Express, we explain what each separately ticketed event includes and share our experience attending all three parties. You’ll hear our best strategies for early entry, lower ride waits, trick-or-treat trails, complimentary cookies, rare characters and finding a good parade-viewing spot.

We also compare the three Disney World holiday parties and discuss whether the experience justifies tickets that can cost more than $200 per person. If you could only attend one—or needed to eliminate one—which party should you choose?

Whether you’re planning a Halloween trip or visiting Walt Disney World during Christmas, this guide will help you decide which 2026 Disney holiday party is best for your family.

Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal.

🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner

Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 00:54 Disney World’s 2026 Holiday Party Season 03:27 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026 07:11 Ticket Prices and Halloween Ride Overlays 14:14 Characters, Candy and Early-Entry Strategy 22:10 Boo-to-You Parade Tips and Best Viewing Spots 29:09 Treat Trails and New Halloween Experiences 41:35 Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 47:39 Jollywood Entertainment and Attractions 55:43 Is Jollywood Nights Worth It? 58:09 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 1:02:25 Christmas Parade, Fireworks and Entertainment 1:07:09 Cookie Stops and Holiday Ride Overlays 1:12:04 Are Disney’s Holiday Parties Worth the Price?

Halloween Horror Nights 2026 is celebrating 35 years of fear at Universal Orlando. With 10 haunted houses, several ticket options, an expanded Stay & Scream experience and major changes to Express Pass options, planning a night at HHN 35 can quickly become confusing.

In this episode, Abbie and Rob break down what first-time visitors should know before entering Universal Studios Florida after dark. We explore the history of Halloween Horror Nights and preview the announced HHN 35 houses, including Sinners, Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser and Evil Dead Burn. We also discuss the scare zones, live entertainment, attractions and food confirmed so far.

Then, we compare single-night tickets, Rush of Fear, Frequent Fear, Frequent Fear Plus and Ultimate Frequent Fear passes. We examine Universal’s decision to discontinue its separate multi-night Fear Pass + Express products, why longtime HHN fans are frustrated and how the change could affect the way repeat visitors experience the event.

We also look back at complaints surrounding the 2025 Premium Scream Night and what Universal is changing for 2026. You’ll learn the difference between Scream Early and Stay & Scream, what to expect from the scareactors, whether HHN is appropriate for your family and where to stay when Halloween Horror Nights is the focus of your trip.

Whether you’re attending for one night or considering a multi-night pass, this first-timer guide will help you understand the costs, compare your ticket options and prepare for Halloween Horror Nights 2026.

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event. Universal warns that the event may be too intense for young children and does not recommend it for children under 13.

Planning your next magical getaway? Connect with Family Travel Planner for expert tips, booking help, and all things Disney and Universal.

🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner

Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 00:00 Welcome to the Disney Hour Express 00:54 Is HHN the world’s biggest Halloween event? 04:10 Date night and 10,000 podcast downloads 09:15 HHN 35 dates and what to expect 13:00 The history of Halloween Horror Nights 19:05 Premium Scream Night and the 2025 complaints 23:34 The HHN 35 haunted houses 30:26 Scare zones and live entertainment 37:12 Rides and food available during HHN 44:33 Single-night tickets and Frequent Fear passes 49:02 Express Pass, Premium Scream Night and R.I.P. Tours 51:19 Frequent Fear rules and the Express controversy 56:20 Scream Early and the new Stay & Scream experience 59:16 Scare actors and advice for first-time visitors 01:05:39 Final thoughts and upcoming Disney episodes

Abbie and Rob wrap up their Disney Destiny series with an honest family review of their first Disney Cruise Line vacation — and answer the big question: was it worth it? After several episodes covering embarkation day, dining, entertainment, kids clubs, Castaway Cay, and Cozumel, this finale looks back at the full trip: what they loved, what disappointed them, and what they would do differently next time.

They talk about the stateroom, the veranda, Disney cruise food, room service, the Oceaneer Club, onboard lounges, Castaway Cay, Cozumel, and the challenge of trying to do everything on a first cruise. They also share practical advice for families planning their first Disney cruise, including how to approach the app, character experiences, seasickness prep, embarkation day, and finding the right pace once you’re onboard.

The episode also compares Disney Cruise Line to a Walt Disney World vacation and asks whether a Disney cruise feels like a replacement for the parks or a completely different kind of Disney trip.

If you’re considering the Disney Destiny, planning a Disney cruise with kids, or wondering whether Disney Cruise Line is worth it for families, this episode gives you the good, the bad, and the lessons learned from a real family sailing.

🌐 Website: www.familytravelplanner.com 📸 Instagram: @disneyfamilytravelplanner 🎥 TikTok: @familytravelplanner ▶️ YouTube: Family Travel Planner Channel 👍 Facebook: Disney Family Travel Planner

Whether you’re dreaming of a Disney World vacation, Universal thrills, or need help with dining plans, we’ve got the tools and tips to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. 00:00 Opening 00:54 Welcome to Episode 144 01:38 Toy Story 5, parenting, and Disney movies 07:38 Back to the Disney Destiny cruise recap 09:10 Favorite parts of our first Disney cruise 10:49 Castaway Cay and the beach day experience 11:54 Dining service, cast members, and traveling with kids 14:15 What felt different from a Disney World trip 18:09 Haunted Mansion Parlor and themed lounges 19:33 What did not work as well onboard 22:13 Oceaneer Club and kids’ programming 26:54 Cozumel and port day thoughts 30:15 Castaway Cay food and room service 32:34 What we would do differently next time 44:03 Advice for families taking a first Disney cruise 50:13 Is a Disney cruise worth it? 59:01 Wrap-up and sign-off