Geekin' On WDW | Trip Reports From A Community of Disney World Fans

We spend this episode with Scott and Karen from the Mickey Files podcast, talking about recent Disney World visits, park favorites, and their day together at Epcot.

Jen shares a relaxing Disney Fantasy cruise filled with spa days, Lookout Cay, and unforgettable mother-daughter memories.

After 20 years away, Curtis returns to Universal Orlando to experience Epic Universe for the first time and shares what surprised him most, how it compares to Walt Disney World, and why Disney still feels like home.

Hey Disney Geeks!

This week, Curtis is joined once again by one of our favorite members of the Geekin’ family — Kayleen — as she shares a Walt Disney World trip report from a rare just-the-two-of-them Disney vacation with her husband Scott.

This trip had a little bit of everything we love around here…

Rope drop strategy
Split-stay resort talk
Disney food and drinks
Animal Kingdom stories
Magic Kingdom nostalgia
Lounge reviews
And that classic Disney Geek energy where “relaxing” somehow still means walking 10 miles a day.

Kayleen and Scott stayed at both Old Key West and Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, tried several new experiences, and packed a TON into this couples getaway.

If you’re thinking about planning your next magical vacation…

Our wonderful Travelin’ Tiaras — Margita and Auntie Judy — would love to help!

Whether you’re planning:

…they can help you plan smarter, stress less, and make the most of your trip.

Already booked?

You may even be able to transfer your reservation to the Travelin’ Tiaras and still receive their planning help and support.

And when you book or transfer through them…

You’re also supporting the podcast — and we truly appreciate that so much.

[email protected]

Or message us on Facebook!

Kayleen shares thoughts on both resorts and why she and Scott wanted to try somewhere new this trip.

Highlights include:

And yes…

The debate continues:

How do you even PICK a favorite Disney resort anymore?

This episode includes a really fun Animal Kingdom conversation featuring:

Kayleen also shares a fantastic first visit to Nomad Lounge, including:

Kayleen and Scott are NOT the “sleep in and relax” Disney couple.

These two are:

First bus people
Rope drop people
Lightning Lane people
“Let’s cross the park four times today” people

Their Magic Kingdom strategy includes:

That’s elite Disney Geek behavior right there.

As always… we geek out HARD over food.

This episode includes discussion about:

What makes this episode especially fun is hearing how Disney changes during a couples-only trip.

It’s slower in some ways…

Faster in others…

And full of those little moments where longtime Disney fans realize:

“Yep… this is OUR kind of Disney trip.”

There’s also a lot of nostalgia here…

From Main Street feelings…

To memories of early Disney vacations…

To conversations about classic attractions and reimagined favorites.

A huge thank-you to everyone who supports the podcast through:

You all are what make this community so special.

If you’d like to support the show on Patreon, visit:

patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Are you a hardcore rope-drop Disney Geek?

Or are you actually wise enough to relax at the pool?

Have you stayed at Old Key West or Animal Kingdom Lodge?

And where do YOU land on Disney attraction re-themes?

Come join the conversation in the Geekin’ family Facebook group!

And if you’d ever like to come on the show and share your own Disney trip report or magical memory…

Reach out to Curtis.

We’d love to have you geek out with us!

The post “We Never Had Time for the Pool” — Full Stink Disney World Couples Trip with Kayleen – Ep. 669 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, we’re lacing up the running shoes, grabbing a beignet, and heading into a Disney trip that started with runDisney Springtime Surprise weekend — but quickly became about so much more than miles and medals.

Curtis is joined by three Geekin’ family favorites — Holly, Laura, and Heidi — for a fun, relaxed, and very Disney Geek-style trip report filled with race stories, resort time, lounges, surprise meetups, food talk, cruise talk, and one unforgettable green wig.

Because when Holly shows up dressed as Disgust from Inside Out for a runDisney race, you know we’re off to a good start.

If you’re thinking about planning your next Disney vacation and some Epic Universe…

My wife Margita and our good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras — your trusted Disney travel planners.

Whether you’re booking Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, or beyond…

They’ll help you plan a smart, stress-free vacation from start to finish.

Already booked?

You can transfer your reservation to us and still get expert tips, strategy, and support — and it’s a great way to support the show.

[email protected]

Or reach out on Facebook Messenger.

And right now… there are great opportunities for upcoming travel, so it’s a perfect time to start planning.

This episode includes:

The episode kicks off with Holly wearing the green wig she used for her Disgust costume during the Springtime Surprise 10-Miler — which pretty much sets the tone for the whole conversation.

Holly shares that she went into the race under-trained because of a shoulder injury and made it all the way to mile nine before being swept. But what stands out is her perspective. She knew it might happen, she pushed as far as she could, and she still came away with pride, humor, and yes… the medal.

Laura brings the solo-trip energy with a stay at Port Orleans French Quarter, where she enjoyed a slower pace, pool time, peaceful resort moments, and plenty of beignets. She also shares one of the funniest race moments: dressing as a bee for the Winnie the Pooh-themed 10K and trying to drink yellow Gatorade from a hard plastic honey bear bottle mid-race.

That’s runDisney dedication right there.

Heidi took a more relaxed race approach — stopping for characters, enjoying the course, and making memories along the way. Her character stops included Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Boba Fett, Woody and Bo Peep, and Bing Bong.

Some people chase personal records.

Some people chase character photos.

Both are absolutely valid.

One of the best parts of this episode is how the Geekin’ family keeps popping into the trip.

Holly and Corey meet up with Tori and Joe at Yeehaw Bob over at Port Orleans Riverside — and then get surprised when Samantha and Selena walk in.

Later, Heidi gets her own surprise.

And Laura talks about that feeling of traveling solo, making it through the expo chaos, and then suddenly seeing “her people” at Nomad Lounge.

That’s the heart of this episode.

Yes, it’s a trip report.

But underneath the races, snacks, lounges, and Disney details is that bigger feeling we talk about all the time:

Disney is better when you’ve found your people.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Geekin’ trip report without food.

Holly and Corey enjoyed Le Cellier, including cheddar cheese soup, pretzel bread, filet, and an ice wine flight.

Laura sampled tanghulu at the China booth, maple popcorn in Canada, jambalaya at French Quarter, and the crème brûlée croissant at Gaston’s.

Heidi had several Flower and Garden Festival hits, including duck in France, Caribbean-style chicken, flan, and a fish slider.

The lounge talk is strong in this one too. Nomad Lounge remains a Geek favorite for its cozy seating, small plates, drinks, and Animal Kingdom atmosphere. GEO-82 gets praise for cocktails and mushroom flatbread. And Beak and Barrel sparks a fun comparison to Oga’s Cantina and Trader Sam’s — lots to look at, some cool effects, and maybe one of those places that grows on you over time.

The group also shares thoughts on a few newer Disney experiences.

Heidi talks about the new Zootopia show at Animal Kingdom and whether it really fits the deeper theme of the park. Laura gives her take on the updated Buzz Lightyear, including the new removable blasters and the joy of feeling like a Space Ranger… even when the score says otherwise.

And after the Disney portion of the trip, Holly, Corey, Heidi, and Missy headed out on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas for a four-night cruise — complete with big-ship entertainment, shows, skating, surfing, ziplining, and a water show set to ’80s music.

The best part of this conversation is not just the race.

It’s not just the snacks.

It’s not just the lounges.

It’s the people.

It’s the surprise visits.

It’s the inside jokes.

It’s the ride photos.

It’s that feeling of seeing friends you may only get to see a few times a year — but when you do, it feels like a reunion.

That’s the Geekin’ family.

And that’s why these trip reports always mean a little more than just “here’s what we did.”

They’re stories about connection.

Episode 668 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast is available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Come for the runDisney stories.

Stay for the beignets, lounges, Flower and Garden snacks, surprise Geek meetups, and one very committed green-haired Disgust costume.

A huge thank you to our Patreon family.

Your support helps keep the podcast going and helps cover the costs of producing the show each week.

If you’d like to support the show and be part of the Patreon community, visit:

patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Thank you for listening, sharing, supporting, and being part of this wonderful Disney Geek family.

The post What Really Makes a RunDisney Weekend Special? It’s the People. Holly, Heidi and Laura – Ep. 668 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

What happens when you mix…

A surprise resort upgrade…

A once-in-a-lifetime concert at Epcot…

Spring break crowds…

Rainstorms…

And a six-year-old who just gets Disney magic?

You get one unforgettable story.

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis catches up with Lindsay Velecina—

A longtime member of the Geekin’ family—

Who brings not one…

But two completely different Disney trips to the table.

And somehow…

They both end up pointing to the same thing.

Before we jump in—if you’re thinking about planning your next Disney trip…

Curtis’ wife Margita and Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras—your trusted Disney travel planners.

They’ll help you plan a smart, stress-free vacation tailored to your family.

Already booked?

You can transfer your reservation and still get their expert support—and it’s a great way to support the show.

[email protected]
Or reach out on Facebook Messenger

And right now… there are great opportunities for upcoming travel, so it’s a perfect time to start planning.

Lindsay shares two trips:

A November getaway with family, built around seeing the Beach Boys at Epcot
A spring break trip with her husband Ryan and son Henry—right in the middle of peak crowds

Two very different experiences…

But both packed with moments you’ll recognize if you’ve ever done Disney.

The November trip started with what felt like a little Disney magic…

A surprise upgrade to Port Orleans Riverside

A last-minute dining reservation score

And a plan to celebrate family milestones with a Beach Boys concert

But once they got to Epcot?

Absolute chaos.

Crowds so intense they had to form a human chain just to move.

Cast Members saying it felt worse than New Year’s Eve.

And yet…

The energy… the excitement… the shared experience…

Still made it worth it.

Because sometimes Disney is messy.

And still magical.

Then came the spring break trip.

And this one?

Packed parks
Long waits
Unexpected cold weather
And multiple nights of heavy rain

Not exactly the “perfect” Disney conditions.

But here’s what stood out…

They adjusted.

They slowed down.

They picked their moments.

And instead of chasing everything…

They focused on what mattered.

This episode is loaded with food talk—and some surprises.

Standouts included:

And then…

Not everything hit.

Ohana didn’t live up to expectations this time.

Which is a great reminder—

Even Disney favorites can be hit or miss.

And then… the stories.

Because this episode is FULL of them:

A squirrel breaking into their backpack and stealing a cookie
Spotting Jimmy Fallon casually grabbing food in the park
Riding out storms and pivoting plans on the fly
Finding ways to make the best of unpredictable days

But the best one?

A glow stick party in the hotel room.

Simple.

Unplanned.

And one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip.

Here’s what makes this episode special.

It wasn’t the rides.

It wasn’t the reservations.

It wasn’t even the big moments.

It was Henry.

Six years old…

Fully immersed…

Happy the entire trip.

No meltdowns.

No burnout.

Just pure joy.

And for Lindsay and her family?

That made this their best trip yet.

Even with crowds.

Even with rain.

Even with everything that didn’t go perfectly.

If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this:

Disney doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing.

In fact…

Sometimes the trips that don’t go according to plan—

End up being the ones you remember most.

Because when you stop chasing the “perfect” trip…

You make room for:

Want to share your own Disney stories?

Join the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook Group—one of the most welcoming Disney communities out there.

Ask questions, share experiences, and connect with fellow Disney fans who truly get it.

If you enjoy episodes like this…

Consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.

It helps keep the show going and brings you even more great content from the Geekin’ family.

You can listen to this episode of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast on:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
And all major podcast platforms

The post From Beach Boys Chaos to Glow Stick Magic: A Tale of Two Disney Trips With Lindsay Velecina – Ep. 667 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

If you’ve ever thought about planning a trip to Walt Disney World and immediately felt overwhelmed…

You’re not alone.

And honestly—that’s exactly why this episode exists.

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis sits down with his longtime friend Joe…

A self-proclaimed Disney novice.

He’s been once.

He’s got questions.

And he’s asking the same things so many people are thinking:

What unfolds is more than just a Q&A…

It’s the start of something bigger.

A brand new Geekin’ Family Masterclass Series designed to help anyone—from total beginners to seasoned Disney fans—plan smarter, stress less, and enjoy more.

If this episode gets you thinking about planning your own Disney trip…

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Curtis’ wife Margita and their good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras—trusted Disney travel planners who help take the stress out of the process.

Whether you’re heading to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, or beyond…

They’ll help you build a smart, personalized plan from start to finish.

Already booked?

You can transfer your reservation to them and still get expert support—and it’s a great way to support the podcast.

[email protected]
Or connect on Facebook Messenger

And right now… there are some great opportunities for upcoming travel, making it a perfect time to start planning.

This episode is all about going back to basics—but in the best way possible.

What is Disney World, really?
Why do so many people get overwhelmed before they even go?
And what actually matters when you’re planning your first trip?

Joe brings the curiosity…

Curt brings the experience…

And together, they break it all down in a way that’s simple, practical, and honestly… kind of eye-opening.

One of the biggest takeaways?

Disney World isn’t what most people think it is.

It’s not just Magic Kingdom.

It’s not just rides.

It’s not even just a vacation destination.

It’s an entire 40-square-mile world—more like a city than a theme park .

With:

No wonder people feel overwhelmed.

There are two extremes that show up again and again:

No plan at all
Way too much plan (hello, 3-ring binder)

And both can lead to disappointment.

The sweet spot?

A plan… with flexibility.

Curt calls it having the “bones of a plan”—

Knowing where you’re staying, which parks you’re visiting, and a few must-do priorities…

But leaving room for the moments that can’t be scheduled.

If you’re starting from scratch, focus here first:

When to go
Where to stay
What to eat

Get these three things right…

And you’re already ahead of most people.

From choosing the right time of year…

To understanding why staying “in the Disney bubble” changes everything…

To realizing that Disney is actually a foodie paradise…

This episode lays the groundwork in a way that makes planning feel doable.

Here’s the part that really hits.

Because it’s easy to think success means:

But that’s not it.

Not even close.

The best Disney trips?

They’re the ones where you slow down enough to experience them.

The moments people remember most aren’t the rides.

They’re:

Or even just…

Being present.

This episode keeps coming back to one idea:

The best moments at Disney are the ones you didn’t plan.

And that’s the shift.

Not just planning a trip…

But allowing space for:

Because you don’t have to go find it.

Sometimes… it finds you.

If you’re planning a trip—or even just thinking about it—

Come join the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook Group.

It’s one of the most welcoming, helpful Disney communities out there.

Ask questions, share experiences, and connect with people who truly get it.

If you enjoy episodes like this and want to support the podcast…

Check out the Patreon community.

It’s a great way to connect more deeply, get bonus content, and be part of what makes this show possible.

You can find this episode of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast on:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
And all major podcast platforms

If Disney has ever felt overwhelming…

This episode is your starting point.

Not to figure everything out…

But to finally feel like you can.

The post From Confused to Confident: How to Start Planning Your First Disney Trip – Ep. 666 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.