This week we discuss the films Disney screened at CinemaCon (including Avatar: The Way of Water), the current status of the war for Walt Disney World's Reedy Creek Improvement District, the renovation of Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland, the return of the Finding Nemo show at Animal Kingdom, #HalfwaytoHalloween and the return of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the status of MagicBand+, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind updates.  In fatherhood and parenting news, we get discuss Moderna's recent application for FDA authorization of its pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for younger children, and then we get really real as we discuss President Biden's recent, disappointing hints about student debt forgiveness--or lack thereof. Lastly, we offer quick, easy tips on how to save money IN Walt Disney World.  Remain seated with your hands, arms, and feet inside the vehicle for this one, folks! How You Can Help the Podcast: -Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred streaming platform so you can be instantly notified of each weekly episode. -Rate the podcast, especially if you enjoy it! -Follow Justin on instagram at @defactodad. -Follow Victoria on Instagram @oliviamaevemama. -Follow the podcast on twitter at @defactodad. -Check out the blog: defactodad.com See ya real soon!

This week we discuss how parents are navigating public spaces after a judge struck down the CDC's mask mandate, the increasing costs of Netflix and other streaming services for parents, a Stress in America report showing the mental toll the pandemic has had on parents, how Disney responded to the removal of the mask mandate, the chaotic return of character hugs at the Disney parks, the playlist to the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction, the opening of Connections Cafe and Eatery at EPCOT, and of course, Florida's all out war against Disney and the Reedy Creek Improvement District. We close out the episode with tips on how to save money BEFORE your Disney World vacation. Remain seated with your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the vehicle for this one, folks! How You Can Help the Podcast:  -Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred streaming platform so you can be instantly notified of each weekly episode. -Rate the podcast, especially if you enjoy it! -Follow Justin on instagram at @defactodad.  -Follow Victoria on Instagram @oliviamaevemama. -Follow the podcast on twitter at @defactodad. -Check out the blog: defactodad.com See ya real soon! 

Welcome to the second episode of the Defacto Dad podcast! Victoria joins me again to talk about this week's Walt Disney World News before we talk about our views on the Easter holiday, and the lack of emotional support for fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic.   In Disney Parks News, I start with Disneyland Paris and talk about a special livestream event featuring Disney Imagineers (including a Disney Legend) that celebrated Disneyland Paris' 30th anniversary. I talk about highlights from the event, share a funny story about our wild experience on Disneyland Paris' version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and give an update about the new Avengers Deployment Vehicle. I then  talk about Hong Kong Disneyland's reopening date, and the new popcorn bucket and sipper coming to Disneyland to coincide with the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.  Regarding Walt Disney World, I give an update on Expedition Everest's operation, explain what the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is all about, and talk about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride previews, and HOW WE GOT A TICKET TO A RIDE PREVIEW! Learn about how we secured the bag, and how we are planning for our next Walt Disney world trip.   In our Pandemic Parenting and Fatherhood segment, we first talk about holidays--specifically Easter--and how we grew up with different traditions to celebrate, and how we often battle over what traditions we want to establish for our children. (Spoiler: the Easter Bunny performed very different tasks when he visited our respective houses each year.)   On a serious note, we talk about a Stress in America report published by the American Psychological Association, and how it revealed that parents, and especially fathers, suffered from a lack of support during the ongoing pandemic. We explain what that report found regarding mental health struggles and emotional support, discuss the report's recommendations, and tell you all about how we learned to cope with isolation and the lack of support during our own pandemic journey.   Follow Defacto Dad on social media:   Instagram: @defactodad & @oliviamaevemama  Twitter: @jjusthchavez & @defactodad  Facebook: defactodad   Subscribe to the Defacto Dad blog at: defactodad.com   How to Support the Show:   Rate, review, and subscribe on:   Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defacto-dad/id1618600847  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2kR0JbeNaSzcCJsnhr0Jq8?si=51b67762bb7c4c5e  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ace9874b-6076-4ac3-a9e7-32e592bb8f01/defacto-dad  Share the podcast with your friends and family!  Until next time...see you real soon!

In this inaugural episode I introduce myself, talk about parenting during a pandemic (and how COVID vaccines ripped my family apart), fatherhood, and Walt Disney World news. Specifically, this episode will cover the following:  About Me. I tell you about myself, the reason I started the podcast, and I share a few laughs with my wife, Victoria, along the way--including how we met auditioning for college marching band.  Walt Disney World. I talk about this week's Disney parks news, including a little attraction called Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! I also talk about Frozen Land over at Disneyland Paris.   Parenting in a Pandemic. Here is where things get real: we discuss our unique journey as new parents during a pandemic, before Victoria asks me about how my family was ripped apart by fights over COVID vaccines. If you like what you hear, please:  Follow me on Instagram @defactodad.  Follow the pod on Twitter @defactodad.  Check out my website: https://defactodad.com Follow Victoria on Instagram @oliviamaevemama.  Subscribe for weekly podcasts. See you real soon!

Defacto Dad is a podcast for dads (and others) who are going through (or interested in) the dad life--including fatherhood, parenting during the pandemic, surviving with student loan debt, and more. I am also a Disney Dad--so, if you are looking for Walt Disney World news, Walt Disney World tips, advice about traveling to theme parks with kids, or interested in my takes on all-things Disney Plus, you've come to the right place.