Welcome Home: A Disney Parks & DVC Podcast

On This Episode Tom gives all the details from his brief WDW vacation including a recap of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party, a review of the 3-bedroom Grand Villa at Bay Lake Tower, and his experience at 1900 Park Fare. DVC quietly added a new administrative fee for all resale contracts starting in 2026. Walt Disney Imagineering released a first look at an advanced next-generation robot Olaf coming to select parks. Disney provided a comprehensive review of what is coming to Walt Disney World next year including the recently announced Bluey & Bingo experiences. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Olaf RobotBluey ExperiencesNew WDW Experiences in 2026Contact the show

On This Episode In this episode of the Waitlist, Trevor gives Tom tips for enjoying Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, covering must-do attractions and strategies for navigating the holiday festivities at Disney. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home Patreon

On This Episode Holiday Food Time takes over the show (again) and the guys go over all the holiday food for the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays MenusContact the show

On This Episode The guys discuss their vacation plans for 2026. DVC Members can get access to a preferred viewing area for A Christmas Fantasy Parade in Disneyland. Animal Kingdom is now offering a Scar Popcorn Bucket and Ed Hyena Sipper. Disney announced dates and details for the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. The guys review holiday themed Disney plushes including an oddly creepy talking Stitch. The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular is debuting on December 1st and Disney revealed the musical acts featured in the show. The holiday season kicks off at Disney Springs with returning holiday experiences like the Christmas Tree Stroll. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Scar Popcorn BucketEPCOT International Festival of the HolidaysHoliday PlushesDisney Holiday SpecialContact the show

On This Episode Holiday Food Time takes over the show and the guys go over all the holiday food at Walt Disney World, Disney Springs, Disneyland and Festival of the Holidays at Disneyland. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Theme Parks and Disney Springs Holiday Foodie GuideResorts at WDW Holiday Foodie GuideDisneyland Resort Holiday Foodie GuideDisneyland Festival of the Holidays Foodie GuideContact the show

On this Episode The holidays are here (by Disney standards), so that means one thing, Holiday Food Time! The guys discuss all the delicious food and drinks coming to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. Episode Links Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party MenusDisney Eats: Jollywood Nights Foodie Guide

On This Episode The guys talk about their Halloween nights. The Cool Ship in Tomorrowland is gone and in its place is a new kiosk called AstroFizz. A new popcorn bucket featuring Mickey and a Christmas tree will be coming to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Destiny will be available as a themed wedding venue. The guys talk about wearing matching PJs at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Deadpool is back at Disneyland for “The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special”, sometimes featuring Wolverine. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Haunted Mansion Parlor Wedding VenueMatching Disney PJsHoliday Characters at DisneylandContact the show

On This Episode The guys debut a new holiday themed Food Time song. Recent overhead images of the construction of Disney Lakeshore Lodge seem to confirm there will be a lazy river at the resort. Disney has revealed the dates and details of the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. The voice of Mickey Mouse created a merch collection called “Expedition Mickey Mouse”. Disney announced Soarin’ Across America, a new Soarin’ film that will debut for a limited time next year. The holidays are just around the corner and Disney has released some new advent calendars. The guys recklessly speculate on whether Tron: Ares was only made to promote the rides in the parks and on the reports that Disney is quietly testing a drone show. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the ArtsExpedition Mickey MouseSoarin' Across AmericaAdvent CalendarsContact the show

On This Episode Tom provides another small update on his upcoming trip. D23 members were invited to an overnight filming of the Disneyland Holiday Special. Toy Story Land is reportedly getting a new food kiosk. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT is changing to 2D, much like its Disneyland Paris counterpart. The Artisan Club at Cotino is opening soon and it looks way too expensive for Tom and Trevor. Macy’s and Disney released a “holiday” merchandise collection that doesn’t seem to have much to do with the holidays. Disney filed a new trademark that may confirm the name of the upcoming Monsters, Inc. themed land at Hollywood Studios. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Artisan Club at Cotino"Holiday" MerchContact the show

On This Episode The guys interview Ry & Skyla Castles about their new book, “I Love Disneyland: 100+ Surprising Facts, Fun Quizzes, Fan-Favorite Trivia, and More about Disneyland!”. They geek out about Disneyland's history and trivia, like the surprising truth about the forced perspective on Main Street and the historical significance of the monorail. They debate the differences between Disney World and Disneyland and which one they prefer. Ryan and Skyla also reveal some fun tidbits, including a ride that didn't make it into the book, what a "weenie" is, and their favorite changes to the park. They discuss their love for attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Rise of the Resistance, and what they think is the park's greatest addition. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links I Love Disneyland BookSometimes Castles

On This Episode The guys interview Ry & Skyla Castles about their new book, “I Love Disneyland: 100+ Surprising Facts, Fun Quizzes, Fan-Favorite Trivia, and More about Disneyland!”. They geek out about Disneyland's history and trivia, like the surprising truth about the forced perspective on Main Street and the historical significance of the monorail. They debate the differences between Disney World and Disneyland and which one they prefer. Ryan and Skyla also reveal some fun tidbits, including a ride that didn't make it into the book, what a "weenie" is, and their favorite changes to the park. They discuss their love for attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Rise of the Resistance, and what they think is the park's greatest addition. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links I Love Disneyland BookSometimes Castles

On This Episode Tom provides a surprising update about his upcoming trip in November. Sleigh rides return to Fort Wilderness this holiday season after a long absence. Disney provided a preview of the Benjamin Clawhauser animatronic that will be part of the new show “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”. The current animatronics in “Frozen Ever After” at EPCOT will be upgraded to the newest versions, providing realistic facial expressions instead of projections. Disney announced the opening season for “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets”, released a new attraction poster, and previewed the animatronics that will be featured in the attraction. The guys review Hocus Pocus and Halloween themed merch. Disneyland announced a new discounted ticket package and a new addition to Storybook Land Canal Boats, Rapunzel’s Tower. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Animatronics UpdateHocus Pocus MerchStorybook Land Canal Boats UpdateContact the show

On This Episode Listener Jill provides some interesting information about Soaring Over the Horizon in a follow up from the last episode. Listener Jason shares his dream Disney trip and the guys discuss what their dream trips would be. 2025 property assessments have been released for DVC resorts and one resort has exceeded one billion dollars in valuation for the first time. DVC announced that Membership Magic Beyond is returning in 2026 with a new character meet and greet. Hollywood Studios debuts some new streetmosphere acts including a jazz band and juggler. Josh Gad continues his quest to be a full time cast member, this time working at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland. Disney unveiled some new hotel discounts for 2026. New, exclusive entertainment options have been announced for the upcoming Disney Destiny. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Disney Destiny UpdateJosh Gad Haunted MansionContact the show

On This Episode The guys answer a listener's question about the worst quick service restaurants at WDW. The DVC Member Exclusive holiday themed ‘Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue’, called 'Hoop Dee Holidays', is returning for 2025. DVC Members can receive free keepsakes and treats at WDW holiday parties. Disney After Hours events return for 2026. The guys discuss Disney’s top holiday toy picks and reminisce about the toys of their childhood. Shanghai Disney announces ‘Soaring Over the Horizon’ expansion and a new finale. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Disney After Hours 2026Top Toys for the 2025 HolidaysContact the show

On This Episode DVC announced Moonlight Magic dates for 2026. Disney announced that the Muppet Show is getting a 50th Anniversary special on Disney+ that could lead to a full series reboot. The Disney Treasure is celebrating its first Halloween by debuting a new character, Ginger the Pumpkin Tree. Disney announced the line-up of celebrity narrators for the 2025 Candlelight Processional. Walt Disney Imagineering gave a behind the scenes look at the new Haunted Mansion Oogie Boogie animatronic. The guys discuss a strange crime that recently occurred at Disney Springs. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Ginger the Pumpkin TreeCandlelight Processional NarratorsOogie Boogie AnimatronicContact the show

On This Episode Trevor provides a follow up about the Disney Cruise Line discussion from the last episode. The guys answer listener questions on which resort they would swap their current DVC points for and what character they would like to be in the parks. Home Depot is selling a 7.5 Foot Talking Chewbacca animatronic for the holidays as well as a Darth Vader and Storm Trooper version. Imagineering filed a patent for advanced animatronic projections potentially utilizing AI. The latest episode of ‘We Call it Imagineering’ has been released with a behind the scenes look at the design of the castles. Hong Kong Disneyland gave a first look at its new Moana themed restaurant, a new stage show, and concept art for a new Marvel ride. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Hong Kong Disneyland Moana RestaurantContact the show

On This Episode DVC is offering special point rates on select Disney Cruise Line trips. The Fairy Godmother is coming to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Cinderella Castle will be getting a new color palette. Disney Cruise Line released new details about the Disney Destiny’s bars including a preview of new drinks and merch. The guys review upcoming holiday merch including a strange Kermit the Frog ornament. According to reports, the City of Anaheim is considering an aerial gondola system that would connect to Disneyland. The guys discuss a rumor that the Muppet Show is being rebooted by Seth Rogen. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Cinderella Castle ColorsCask & Cannon on Disney DestinyDisney Destiny DrinksHoliday Merch PreviewContact the show

On This Episode The guys give an update on the future state of the show. Tom details a recent trip to the Philadelphia Zoo and a Descendants/Zombies concert with his daughter. Disneyland will discontinue early entry in 2026 and replace it with a free Lightning Lane Pass for resort guests. At D23, Disney revealed that a Walt Disney animatronic will be added to the Carousel of Progress, along with other updates. Disney also announced a Tron: Ares overlay for the TRON attraction, new villain experiences coming to the Disney Destiny, and new concept art for the Napa Rose restaurant. An opening date for ‘Zootopia: Better Zoogether!’ was announced. Disney gave a first look at the new Buzz Lightyear ride vehicles. New concept art has been revealed for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad updates and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. Tokyo DisneySea announced 25th Anniversary dates and details. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonEpisode Links Carousel of Progress UpdatesTRON OverlayBig Thunder Mountain PreviewRock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The MuppetsContact the show

On This Episode Trevor is joined by listener Chris to share a unique Disney trip report. Chris kicks off with a London Escape through Adventures by Disney, highlighting the seamless booking process, private tours of the Tower of London and Crown Jewels, and special touches like a James Bond–themed speedboat ride on the River Thames. The group enjoyed immersive experiences including a Sherlock Holmes mystery dinner, afternoon tea, and thoughtful assistance from their Disney guides. After wrapping up in London, Chris and his family boarded the Disney Fantasy for an eight-night cruise across Europe. From a private walking tour in Belgium with an unforgettable guide, to scenic fjords in Norway, to behind-the-scenes moments aboard the ship, Chris details the magic of combining Adventures by Disney with Disney Cruise Line. Podcast Sponsors DVC Resale MarketDVC Rental StoreMonera FinancialWelcome Home PatreonContact the show

On this Episode On Episode 3 of Food Time, brought to you by Welcome Home Podcast, the guys talk about all the food from the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. From August 28- November 22, 2025, the festival will feature more than 35 marketplaces with food from all over the world. Episode Links 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival