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Big leadership news is shaking up the Disney universe — and we're diving straight in. Steph and Ed break down Josh D'Amaro's appointment as CEO, Dana Walden's new role, and what this means for Disney's future.

How well will the two work together?

Are Josh and Dana better suited to take over Disney than Bob Chapek?

Is Disney a content company or an experiences powerhouse? (Spoiler: it's complicated.)

Plus, we say goodbye to Anaheim's ART bus system and unpack what that means for your next Disneyland trip. It's corporate strategy, park philosophy, and transportation drama — all with pixie dust and a side of nostalgia.

⏱ Episode Timestamps

0:00 – CEO succession news breaks: Josh D'Amaro announced

3:30 – Why fans aren't surprised (and why they're excited)

6:40 – Dana Walden's new role & why it matters

10:30 – Is Disney a content company or an experiences company?

13:15 – The IP debate: Do movies have to drive the parks?

17:45 – Avatar, Avengers Campus & what makes an attraction "must-do"

20:00 – What defines a franchise? Nostalgia vs. box office

27:10 – ART bus system shutting down at Disneyland

30:45 – Why ART may really be going away (and what replaces it?)

35:50 – Tease: Our biggest Disney park mistakes (coming next episode!)

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🎄 Episode Summary It's the most magical time of the year at Walt Disney World! Steph and Ed unwrap everything you need to know about Disney's holiday season — from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights to the free festive fun at the resorts, Epcot, and Disney Springs. They share their favorite strategies for avoiding long lines, saving a little pixie dust (and cash), and soaking up all the holiday cheer — hot cocoa, snow on Main Street, Santa Jack, and all!

🕒 Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

• 00:00 – Kicking off the holiday season at Disney World
• 01:15 – Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party overview and ticket tips
• 04:10 – What's included: treats, fireworks, parade, snow, and character meet & greets
• 06:10 – Steph's experience (and why she's still chasing that cookie-and-hot-chocolate moment!)
• 07:15 – Ride strategies for party nights, including Jingle Cruise and short standby waits
• 09:00 – How to prioritize: characters, parades, fireworks, or rides?
• 10:25 – Why late-night ride runs can make your ticket totally worth it
• 12:35 – The ideal Christmas party plan (Ed's and Steph's versions!)
• 14:50 – Parade-watching hacks and the best viewing spots beyond Main Street
• 17:00 – Surviving the end-of-night crowds and creative exit strategies
• 20:25 – Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios: fun idea or festive flop?
• 22:20 – What worked, what didn't, and whether Jollywood's worth the cost
• 23:45 – Free holiday fun: Epcot's Candlelight Processional and seasonal treats
• 25:10 – Disney Springs tree stroll, Santa meetups, and festive extras
• 26:55 – Resort hopping for holiday decorations (and where to grab a snack!)
• 28:20 – The legendary Grand Floridian gingerbread house — and its 2025 fate
• 31:10 – Steph and Ed's closing thoughts: how to plan a merry trip without overspending

✨ Key Takeaways Very Merry Christmas Party is pricey but magical — plan ahead, skip long treat lines, and hit rides during parades or fireworks. Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios is improving, but may not be must-do yet. Epcot's Candlelight Processional and resort-hopping make for festive (and free!) alternatives. Disney Springs offers great décor, the Christmas Tree Stroll, and easier Santa meetups.

Pro tip: Visit Magic Kingdom on a party day without a party ticket — you'll enjoy lower daytime crowds and can spend your evening resort-hopping for holiday magic.