Episode SummaryIn this festive episode, Scott and Candice take you on a full tour of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, exploring entertainment, food, drinks, seasonal overlays, and all the cozy extras that make EPCOT sparkle even brighter during Christmas. From Santa meet-and-greets to musical performances, from savory bites to cookie stroll sugar highs, the hosts break down everything you can expect when visiting EPCOT during the season.They also share their own stories from attending last year—crowds, weather, the iconic Living with the Land holiday overlay, and navigating EPCOT during a bout of the Disney crud. And yes…they definitely have opinions about roasted chestnuts, festival beer flights, and which cookies are worth your precious stomach space.This episode also marks the final show of the year before the Hangar Bar team takes their annual holiday break—so listen for some updates on what’s coming in Season 6.What We Cover✨ Opening Thoughts: Why EPCOT at Christmas Just Hits DifferentThe “glowiness” of the parks after darkHoliday ambiance, cooler temps, and elevated energyEPCOT décor differences across pavilionsReflections on their 2024 December trip🎅 Holiday Entertainment at EPCOTMeet & GreetsSanta Claus at CommuniCore HallSanta Goofy at The OdysseyLive PerformancesJOYFUL! A Celebration of the SeasonGospel, R&B, and soulful Christmas & Kwanzaa musicHoliday StorytellersCultural holiday traditions reenacted in every World Showcase pavilionHighlights include Mexico’s Feliz Navidad festivities and Norway’s mischievous holiday legendsA must-do next time for the hostsCandlelight Processional. One of EPCOT’s signature holiday experiences🍽️ Festival Booths & Food HighlightsScott & Candice walk through literally every booth in detail. 🎄 Extra Seasonal MagicLiving With the Land Holiday OverlaySpaceship Earth nightly Christmas light showReindeer chow, Dole Whip specials, holiday eggnog, gingerbread drinksCommuniCore experimental holiday cookiesSavory festival booths that are easy to miss but worth prioritizing🎧 Tips from Your HostsFocus on savory first, then choose sweets intentionallyShare plates—the portions are generousConsider skipping table-service meals to prioritize boothsUse dining packages for the Candlelight ProcessionalCheck Storyteller schedules early if you want to see severalEPCOT during the holidays = crowds + cooler nights + pure magic✨ End-of-Year AnnouncementsThis is the final episode of 2025The show will return in early January with the launch of Season 6During the break, Scott & Candice will be active on social media—engaging, posting, and planningThey invite listeners to share:Favorite parts of this episodeWhich festival food sounded bestWhat topics they want to hear in 2026And whether the podcast should do more “for science” research trips🎁 ClosingWishing all Hangar Bar listeners a warm, joyful, magical holiday season.Thank you for an incredible year—and remember…There’s always a great big beautiful tomorrow.We’ll see you real soon.Happy Holidays!

🎙️ Holiday Whiplash: A Disney Adult’s Coping GuideEpisode Summary:Scott flies solo this week as Disney does what Disney does best — moving from pumpkins to poinsettias at record speed. With Halloween candy barely gone, the parks are already twinkling for Christmas, and Scott explores what that means for Disney adults trying to keep up with the most magical seasonal whiplash on earth.From the overnight transformation of Main Street, U.S.A. to the logistics of flipping a whole resort’s décor in one night, this episode dives into the magic (and the madness) of Disney’s holiday season. Scott breaks down the major events coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 — including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Frozen Holiday Surprise, Jollywood Nights, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, gingerbread displays at the resorts, and the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll — and offers a practical, heartwarming guide to surviving it all without losing your joy or your budget.He reflects on the balance between doing it all and just being in the moment, finding your personal “start line” for Christmas, and letting the magic be a little messy — because sometimes the best Disney memories aren’t captured on your phone, they just live in your heart (and maybe in your bag of prepackaged cookies).✨ Key TopicsWhen it’s socially acceptable to start watching Muppet Christmas Carol and Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band ChristmasThe insane logistics behind Disney’s overnight transformation from Halloween to ChristmasAll the major 2025 Disney World holiday happenings:Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Nov 7–Dec 21)Frozen Holiday Surprise nightly at Magic KingdomJingle Cruise overlay in AdventurelandDisney Jollywood Nights (Nov 8–Dec 22) at Hollywood StudiosEPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Nov 28–Dec 30)Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators and choirsResort gingerbread displays at Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Beach ClubDisney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll and seasonal diningSanta meet-and-greets across parks and resortsNavigating overlapping festivals, ticketed events, and the fear of missing outSetting your Disney holiday budget — because magic isn’t freeWhy “living in the moment” beats documenting every one of themScott’s heartfelt take on when it finally felt like Christmas for him — standing in Magic Kingdom last year💭 Favorite Quotes“If it feels like Disney flips faster than you can put away your pumpkin Mickey mug, it’s because they literally do.”“There’s something very Disney about watching the seasons change in a single night.”“Disney might be running on turbo speed into Christmas, but your holiday joy doesn’t have to.”“Let the magic be a little messy — because no photo ever captures it quite like your memory does.”🧭 Episode MoodTone: Warm, witty, and reflectivePerfect for: Disney adults trying to plan a holiday trip, fight FOMO, or just decide when it’s acceptable to cue up “It Feels Like Christmas.”📣 Call to ActionWhen does your Disney Christmas season officially begin?Tell us your favorite Disney Christmas movie or song on our socials:🎧 Instagram — @hanginatthehangarbar🎧 Facebook — Hangin’ at the Hangar Bar

🎙 Episode Show NotesEpisode Title: Sparkle, Spas & Sea Days: What We’ve Learned CruisingPodcast: Hangin’ at the Hangar Bar – A Disney Adults PodcastHosts: Scott & CandiceTopic: Cruising Lessons Learned – The Good, the Bad, and the Spa Upsells🛳️ OverviewScott and Candice take listeners on a deep dive through their decade-plus of cruise experiences, from their very first trip with Carnival to concierge-level Disney sailings and Virgin Voyages’ stylish balconies. This episode blends storytelling, travel tips, a few spicy opinions, and a healthy dose of humor as the pair share the real lessons they’ve learned on the high seas.From Alaska’s stunning scenery to questionable “deals” on diamonds, they pull back the curtain on what makes a cruise memorable — and what can turn into a floating cash grab if you’re not careful.🧭 Main Segments1. Favorite Cruise MemoriesAlaska takes the crown for Candice, defying expectations and leaving a lasting impression.Virgin Voyages wins points for vibes, luxury balcony space, and that nightly champagne.Family cruises hold a special place for Scott — minus any Peter Griffin antics.2. The First Cruise & Foundational LessonsCarnival taught them they love cruising… but also how much the right ship matters.“Shop for what you want, not just where the ship goes.”Itinerary vs. comfort: striking the balance between ports of call and onboard experience.3. Spa Treatments: The Hidden CostsCruise ship spas = beautiful ambiance + sneaky upsells.From unclear add-on pricing to surprise gratuities, Scott and Candice break down why their “$250 treatment” became a $700+ surprise.Pro tips:Tour the spa before you buy.Ask direct questions about pricing and gratuities.Remember: relaxation shouldn’t feel like a hostage negotiation.4. Duty-Free Jewelry: Sparkly or Scammy?Onboard “deals” aren’t always deals — thanks to inflated pricing and pressure sales tactics.Scott confesses his eternal underestimation of jewelry costs.Candice reminds listeners: “Never fall in love with something you can’t walk away from.”Why the $3,800 Mickey pendant didn’t come home with them.How finding a local shop in Alaska led to a better price, better service, and an unforgettable memory.5. Picking the Right CruiseExperience over “thrill rides”: they prefer vibes over chaos.Smaller ships, live music, tasting classes, and sea days make their dream cruise.They weigh loyalty perks against trying different lines to match the vacation they want.📝 Lessons Learned (a.k.a. “The Captain’s Log”)Don’t underestimate how much the right stateroom can shape your cruise.Itinerary matters, but so does your comfort on the ship.Spa experiences are a luxury — not a necessity. Know your budget and stick to it.Duty-free doesn’t mean “actual deal.” Do your homework, and don’t get dazzled by the sparkle.Pick cruises based on the vibe you want, not just the marketing promises.🥂 Fun Quotes“What floats our boat doesn’t have to float yours.”“Relaxation shouldn’t come with a sales pitch.”“Never fall in love with something you can’t walk away from — even if it’s shaped like Mickey.”“Spa day or hostage negotiation? Sometimes it’s hard to tell.”📲 Connect with UsInstagram: @hanginatthehangarbarFacebook: Hangin’ at the Hangar BarGot a question or cruising story? DM us or leave a comment — your story could be featured in a future episode!

✨ Episode OverviewIn this sequel to “After Dark, Part 1,” Scott and Candice continue their vacation recap—this time taking listeners aboard the Disney Magic for the sea portion of their Land & Sea adventure. Over five unforgettable nights, they share candid reflections, humor, and heartfelt appreciation for Disney’s new island Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, their experiences as concierge guests, and the growing list of “hangar-worthy” cocktails discovered along the way.Listeners get a mix of luxury travel insight, Disney cruise tips, and relatable laughter, including stories of serendipitous friendships, epic meals, and lessons learned about sunscreen, umbrellas, and the dangers of mixing champagne tastings with motion at sea.💡 Highlights & ThemesAuthenticity Restored: The cruise redeemed itself in the last two days, reminding Scott and Candice why they fell in love with Disney travel in the first place.Pro Tips Galore: Bring umbrellas to the islands, don’t skip the soufflé, and always chase the good live music.Concierge Perspective: Honest insights on whether the extra cost is worth it—and when service doesn’t quite meet expectations.Disney’s Evolution: Lookout Cay demonstrates Disney’s forward-thinking environmental practices and design learnings from Castaway Cay.Music Magic: From The Murphy Sisters to Best of Both, live entertainment elevated the cruise and left lasting impressions.🍹 Featured DrinksJazz 75 – Moët + citrus-infused gin (Soul Cat Lounge)Filthy Dirty Martini – Candice’s highlight from Night 1Pirates Something – sugary “Drink of the Day” discoverySparkling Wine from Palo – sweet, grape-juicy delight chosen by the sommelierPort & Parm Pairing – unlikely but perfect🎧 Closing Reflection“This cruise has redeemed itself in the last two days. It feels like the Disney cruise we know and love again.”– ScottListeners are left inspired to chase the same blend of laughter, discovery, and comfort that defines Hangin’ at the Hangar Bar’s signature storytelling style.

Scott and Candice kick off the After Dark two-parter with the “land” half of their trip: decompressing at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, an “epic (™)” Magic Kingdom day without rope drop, and a relaxed Epcot morning that turns into a revelation at GEO-82—the retro-futurist, 21+ lounge tucked behind Spaceship Earth.

Highlights & takeaways:

• Poly perks: unbeatable location, laid-back vibe, and why celebration buttons quietly pay dividends.

• Day 1 bites & sips: Waialua Grill apps, Trader Sam’s patio, Homecomin’ (moonshine surprise), and why the Stack Burger at Steakhouse 71 still reigns.

• MK without the grind: Pirates, Country Bears (revamped & genuinely funny), double-loop on PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress comfort, Haunted Mansion nightcap, and why umbrellas > ponchos.

• Snacks with opinions: Cheeseburger spring rolls = must; crème brûlée croissant redeems Gaston’s Tavern.

• Epcot flow: Ale & Compass breakfast strategy, Living with the Land, Journey of Water’s improved audio, a quick hello to Walt, and the star of the show—GEO-82 (elevated cocktails, thoughtful tasting experiences, and a charcuterie board that lives rent-free in our heads).

• Service stories: a shipping fiasco that turned into a master-class in recovery at Creations Shop, plus a quick PSA on lost-child protocol (find a Cast Member—fast).

• Pro tips: pace your day, rotate transportation (resort launch can beat the monorail crush), wear your buttons, bring reusable straws, and don’t be afraid to leave and come back.

✈️ Show Notes

Episode Summary
Scott and Candice are only days away from their next big Disney adventure—two park days followed by a Disney Cruise! In this episode, they revisit the menus for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, narrowing down their “must-do” snacks, drinks, and desserts before they set sail. From pickle milkshakes (no thank you!) to the irresistible Schinken Nudel, and from sparkling pineapple wine to blueberry crème brûlée, they sort through what’s worth the calories and what’s better left behind.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• 🌦️ Pre-trip excitement and a little Florida weather dread

• 🥒 The great pickle milkshake debate

• 🍖 Flavors from Fire vs. Earth Eats: where the short ribs and corned beef land

• 🍹 Margarita picks in Mexico and why mezcal divides the room

• 🧀 Alps, Germany, and Greece: the cheese trio showdown

• 🍺 Heavy drinks vs. refreshing sips: pumpkin stout, berry lime hefeweizen, pineapple wine

• 🥐 France’s cheesy brioche and a risky blueberry lime crème brûlée

• 🛳️ How their park snacking strategy fits around big meals, long walks, and the upcoming cruise feast

• 📱 A reminder to follow along on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates from the parks and ship

Links & Socials
Follow along with the trip on Instagram: @hanginatthehangarbar
Facebook: Hangin’ at the Hangar Bar

Programming Note
The show is taking a one-week vacation break while Scott and Candice are at sea! Look for the next new episode on September 29—followed by Disney After Dark specials on the parks and the cruise.