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

Episode 655: Auntie Judy shares her 8-night Disney Treasure cruise and Beach Club stay at Walt Disney World — cruise highlights, dining, fireworks, and unforgettable Geek moments.

Some Disney trips are about packing in as much as possible.
Others are about slowing down, choosing the right moments, and letting the magic come to you.

In Episode 654 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, the microphone gets turned around as our good friend Wendy interviews me about a recent January birthday trip to Walt Disney World — a trip that ended up being one of the most relaxed, meaningful, and genuinely enjoyable vacations I’ve had in a long time.

From great weather and walkable resorts to unforgettable meals, fireworks from the table, and reconnecting with Geeks all over property, this was a Disney trip built on connection, comfort, and flexibility.

This trip featured a short split stay, which worked out beautifully:

Being able to walk to EPCOT, enjoy BoardWalk evenings, and head straight back to the room after fireworks made a huge difference in the pace and feel of the trip.

Although the trip started as a surprise (that I accidentally overheard months earlier ), it turned into a full-week birthday celebration.

Highlights included:

It was one of those birthdays that quietly stretches across multiple days — the best kind.

Food was a major part of this trip, and Wendy helped me break it all down:

We also talked about grab-and-go surprises, lighter meals, and why quick service deserves more love.

This trip wasn’t about doing everything — it was about doing the right things:

I also shared my Top 10 moments from the trip — from a singing bus driver at park close to fireworks from a table in EPCOT.

We wrapped up the episode with some practical lessons:

Sometimes the best Disney trips come from easing off the gas.

If you’re thinking about planning your next Disney vacation, we’d love to help.

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

Whether you’re heading to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Universal, or beyond, we help you plan a stress-free, magical vacation from start to finish.

Already booked? You can even transfer your reservation to us and still get expert tips, strategy, and support.

[email protected]
(That email is always waiting for you in the show notes.)

A huge thank-you to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon.

Your support helps keep these conversations going and keeps this amazing community thriving.

If you’d like to join us for bonus content, live recordings, and behind-the-scenes fun, visit:

Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Have a Disney trip coming up? Just got back from one?
I’d love to hear about it.

[email protected]
or reach out via Facebook Messenger.

And don’t forget to join the Geekin’ on WDW Family Facebook Group — one of the most welcoming Disney communities anywhere.

Thanks so much for reading and for going Geekin’ on Walt Disney World with us.
We love this community, and we love YOU, Geeks.

The post My January Birthday at Disney World — Fireworks, Food, and Friendship – Ep. 654 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

In Episode 654, the microphone gets turned around as Wendy interviews me about a January Disney birthday trip focused on great food, walkable resorts, fireworks from the table, and reconnecting with friends across Walt Disney World.

This week, Curtis is joined once again by Amy Rhodes, a longtime Geek who knows Disney World inside and out. Amy recently returned from a December trip just before Christmas — a sweet spot on the calendar that delivered lighter crowds, festive energy, and some truly unforgettable family moments.

This wasn’t a “do everything” trip. Instead, it was thoughtful, intentional, and full of heart — the kind of Disney vacation that reminds us why we keep going back.

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was Amy’s daughter experiencing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for the very first time — made even more magical thanks to a surprise Santa letter waiting at their hotel.

Amy breaks down exactly how they approached the party:

The result? A late-night walk to the bus and a quiet moment that made every dollar spent completely worth it.

This episode is packed with great food talk — especially when it comes to holiday-only offerings.

Amy shares:

If you love practical Disney food tips that actually work, this episode delivers.

The family stayed at Old Key West, leaning into quiet mornings and relaxed pacing.

Amy talks about:

It’s a great reminder that where — and how — you stay can shape the entire vacation.

Beyond the food and parties, this trip leaned heavily into Disney’s live entertainment:

Amy shares why these moments continue to matter — and how sometimes the most powerful Disney memories come from simply sitting still and listening.

More than rides or reservations, this episode is about the moments you can’t schedule.

A child holding a hand.
A quiet walk after midnight.
A sentence whispered at just the right time.

Those are the moments that define a Disney trip — and Episode 653 is full of them.

If you’re thinking about planning a Disney vacation — whether it’s for the holidays or any time of year — Curtis’ wife Margita and their good friend Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras.

They specialize in:

Already booked? You can transfer your reservation and still get expert planning and support — at no extra cost.

[email protected]
(You’ll also find the email in the show notes of your podcast app.)

A huge thank-you to everyone supporting the podcast on Patreon.

Your support helps keep these conversations going and keeps the Geekin’ on WDW community thriving.

To join us for bonus content, live recordings, and behind-the-scenes fun, visit:
Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Episode 653 is a reminder that Disney magic doesn’t always come from doing more.

Sometimes it comes from slowing down, choosing wisely, and letting the moments find you.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

The post A Christmas Party First, Holiday Food Wins, and the Disney Moments That Matter Most With Amy Rhodes- Ep. 653 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

One of the very best parts of hosting the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast is reconnecting with longtime listeners and friends — and this week’s episode is a perfect example of why.

In Episode 652, I’m joined by one of our favorite returning Geeks and longtime friend of the show, Bill Carmichael, for a thoughtful, honest, and refreshingly old-school Disney trip report.

Bill recently took a short Thanksgiving getaway to Walt Disney World with his family, and what makes this conversation special isn’t just what they did — it’s how they approached the trip. Fewer park days, more intention, and a real focus on enjoying the moments instead of rushing through a checklist.

This episode is a great reminder that Disney magic doesn’t always come from doing more — sometimes it comes from slowing down.

Bill kicks things off by sharing a surprise highlight of the trip: taking advantage of the free arrival-day water park perk offered to Disney resort guests.

Despite cooler weather, a relaxed afternoon at Typhoon Lagoon turned into one of the most memorable moments of the trip — especially time spent together in the wave pool. It’s a perfect example of how Disney’s “extra” perks can sometimes become your favorite memories.

This trip marked Bill’s first stay at Port Orleans French Quarter, and it left a strong impression.

From the resort’s smaller footprint and relaxed atmosphere to the jazz music, boat access to Disney Springs, and — of course — the famous beignets, French Quarter delivered charm and comfort in all the right ways.

It’s easy to see why this resort continues to be a longtime Geek favorite.

Food played a big role in this trip — and Bill brings his usual honesty.

Some meals were hits, others were misses, but a few moments truly stood out:

Bill’s breakfast at Steakhouse 71 — specifically Walt’s Prime Hash — ended up being the best bite of the entire trip. Sometimes it’s not the fancy dinners, but the perfectly done comfort food that steals the show.

One of the biggest highlights of the episode is Bill’s long-awaited first experience with Yehaa Bob at Port Orleans Riverside.

From the energy and audience participation to watching his family fully embrace the moment, this night turned into one of those classic Disney memories that sticks with you long after the trip ends.

If you’ve never seen Yehaa Bob, this conversation might finally push you to add it to your must-do list.

Bill also shares a deep dive into Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios — and why this party worked so well for them.

With shorter waits, rare characters, and a relaxed pace, the event delivered a fun mix of rides and atmosphere. One of the most relatable moments? Hitting a wall late at night… and being completely revived by a Mickey Premium Bar and a Diet Coke in line for Slinky Dog Dash.

It’s those little Disney moments that often become the most meaningful.

At its heart, this episode is about something many longtime Disney fans eventually discover:

Whether it’s a wave pool on arrival day, dancing at Yehaa Bob, or just being present with the people you love — this conversation is a reminder of why Disney continues to feel like home for so many of us.

If you enjoy thoughtful trip reports, honest opinions, and Disney conversations that feel like catching up with an old friend, this episode is for you.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts

If this episode has you dreaming about your next Disney vacation, we’d love to help.

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

Whether you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Universal, or beyond — we’ll help you plan a stress-free, magical vacation from start to finish.

[email protected]
(You’ll find that email in the show notes, too!)

A huge thank-you to everyone who supports the podcast on Patreon. Your support keeps the show going and helps us continue building this amazing community.

If you’d like bonus content, live recordings, and behind-the-scenes fun, visit:

Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

As always, thank you for being part of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World family. We appreciate you more than you know — and we’ll see you real soon.

Have a magical day, Geeks!

The post Why Short Disney Trips Sometimes Work Best — A Thanksgiving Trip Report with Bill Carmichael – Ep. 652 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

Bill shares a short Thanksgiving Disney trip focused on fewer park days, more intention, and enjoying the moments that matter most.

One of the best parts of hosting the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast is reconnecting with longtime friends who feel like family — and Episode 651 is a perfect example of that.

This week, Curtis is joined once again by Holly and Dan Austin, who return to the show after a Thanksgiving-time Walt Disney World trip that turned into a full-on holiday kickoff adventure with their family of six.

From smart arrival strategy and first-time water park fun to marathon park days, brand-new Fort Wilderness cabins, and honest takes on holiday parties — this episode is packed with real-world Disney insight you can actually use.

Holly and Dan made an early decision that paid off big: flying in the night before their Disney stay. Not only did this save money on airfare for a family of six, but it also unlocked a free water park day thanks to their deluxe resort stay.

They spent their arrival night at Homewood Suites in Flamingo Crossings, an off‑site option that checked all the boxes — large rooms, free breakfast, proximity to Disney, and even Mickey‑shaped waffles to start the magic early.

That one strategic choice set the tone for a smooth, flexible trip.

The family’s first-ever visit to Typhoon Lagoon turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the trip.

Arriving at rope drop, they found near‑empty crowds, walk‑on slides, and a stress‑free pace that allowed them to experience nearly everything before lunch. Highlights included:

For the kids, the water park ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the entire vacation — a reminder that sometimes the “extras” become the highlights.

After the water park, the Austins checked into the brand‑new DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness — and quickly became converts.

With plenty of space, Murphy beds for everyone, and the ability to keep noise contained (a big win for families), the cabins offered comfort and value without the massive point cost of a two‑bedroom villa.

The real game‑changer? The golf cart.

From zipping to Hoop‑Dee‑Doo Revue to spontaneous Chip & Dale Campfire Sing‑Along fun, the golf cart turned Fort Wilderness into its own little adventure — complete with decorated loops, holiday stockings, and campground charm.

Hoop‑Dee‑Doo Revue once again delivered laughs, energy, and a hearty meal — earning its spot as a must‑do tradition for the Austin family.

Later that night, an impromptu decision led to the Chip & Dale Campfire Sing‑Along, complete with s’mores, music, and low‑key magic that felt refreshingly old‑school Disney.

These moments reminded everyone that not every great Disney experience involves a Lightning Lane.

Hollywood Studios became a 13‑hour marathon day — and the family handled it with zero strollers and full commitment.

Key wins included:

They also shared honest thoughts on attractions like Little Mermaid, highlighting what felt worth repeating — and what didn’t.

EPCOT brought challenges early, including delayed openings and shifting wait times, but smart pivots saved the day.

Highlights included:

During deluxe evening hours, patience paid off with short waits for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track, wrapping up a massive 15‑hour park day.

One of the most candid parts of the episode comes from Holly and Dan’s review of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

While they enjoyed:

They also shared frustrations with:

Their takeaway? For some families, a regular Magic Kingdom day on a party date might deliver a better experience.

Food lovers will appreciate the Austins’ unofficial fried chicken showdown:

Olivia’s Café — the surprise winner Homecomin’ — massive portions, classic flavors Hoop‑Dee‑Doo Revue — still great, especially on refills

Each brought something different to the table, but Olivia’s edged out the competition with consistency and flavor.

On departure day, the family slowed things down at Disney Springs, enjoying:

The verdict? A respectful tie — with strong opinions on freshness, portion size, and reheat value.

If you enjoy episodes like this and want to help keep Geekin’ on Walt Disney World going strong, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.

Your support helps us continue sharing trip reports, strategy discussions, and conversations that make this community so special.

As a Patron, you’ll get access to:

You can learn more and join us at Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW.

Every bit of support truly means the world — thank you for being part of the Geekin’ family.

Episode 651 is a reminder that the best Disney trips aren’t about perfection — they’re about flexibility, family rhythm, and choosing what matters most.

From water parks and cabins to marathon park days and honest party reviews, Holly and Dan’s trip offers valuable insight for anyone planning a holiday Disney vacation — especially families.

Listen to Episode 651 now and hear the full story, laughs, and lessons from this unforgettable Thanksgiving trip.

If you’re ready to plan your own adventure, reach out to Travelin’ Tiaras at [email protected] and let us help make your next trip magical.

The post No Strollers, No Diapers, All the Magic: A Thanksgiving Disney World Trip Report With The Austins – Ep. 651 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

This week, Curtis is joined once again by Holly and Dan Austin, who return to the show after a Thanksgiving-time Walt Disney World trip that turned into a full-on holiday kickoff adventure with their family of six.

One of the very best parts of hosting the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast is reconnecting with longtime listeners and friends — and this week’s episode is a perfect example of why.

In Episode 650, I’m joined by Amanda Filippone, a longtime Geek, great friend of the show, and one of our favorite trip reporters. Amanda recently returned from a girls’ getaway to Walt Disney World with her sister, and what started as a short trip quickly turned into a full-on Disney holiday adventure.

From Annual Pass strategy and Food & Wine favorites to Christmas parties, Jollywood Nights, and those unexpected Disney moments that only seem to happen on property — this episode is packed with warmth, laughs, and great takeaways.

Amanda and her sister took advantage of a timely Annual Pass promotion, giving them the flexibility to add days, shift plans, and lean into spontaneity — something that became a theme throughout the trip.

With multiple future trips already on the calendar, the Annual Pass wasn’t just a ticket — it was permission to slow down, explore more, and enjoy Disney without pressure.

The trip kicked off at Animal Kingdom, where Amanda experienced:

It was a great example of how early November crowds can still deliver excellent touring days with the right expectations.

Hollywood Studios delivered one of the strongest days of the trip.

Amanda used classic rope-drop strategy to knock out Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Rise of the Resistance before most guests even hit their first coffee.

Highlights included:

This day really underscored how much live entertainment can elevate a Disney experience.

Amanda and her sister attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, complete with:

While the holiday atmosphere was magical, Amanda noted that the party felt more crowded and chaotic than expected — especially compared to other after-hours events.

With EPCOT playing a starring role across multiple days, Amanda delivered a thorough Food & Wine Festival review.

Standout bites included:

Not everything was a hit — some items were overly salty or dry — but overall, EPCOT delivered exactly what this trip was about: tasting, wandering, and enjoying without rushing.

Amanda also shared thoughts on:

If there was one unanimous takeaway from this trip, it was this:

Jollywood Nights is outstanding.

Amanda described it as:

From the Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along to a Muppets-hosted variety show, themed skating, characters like Bing Bong, and a strong finale show — Jollywood Nights stood out as one of Disney’s best ticketed events.

Beyond rides and food, Amanda shared two deeply meaningful moments:

These moments reminded us why Disney trips stay with us long after we return home.

This episode is a reminder that Disney doesn’t always have to be about doing everything.

Sometimes, the best trips are about:

Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, considering Jollywood Nights, or just love a thoughtful Disney trip report — Episode 650 is one you won’t want to miss.

A huge thank-you to everyone who supports the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast on Patreon.

Your support helps keep this show going, allows us to continue sharing great trip reports and conversations, and helps grow the incredible Geekin’ community.

Patreon members get access to bonus content, behind-the-scenes fun, and exclusive live recordings throughout the year.

If you’d like to support the show, visit Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW — we’d love to have you join us.

Listen to Episode 650 now wherever you get your podcasts.

Thinking about your own Disney trip? Reach out anytime — and when you’re ready to plan, email [email protected] and let us help you create your next magical adventure.

As always — thanks for being part of the Geekin’ family

The post Sister Girls’ Trip Goals: Food, Festivals & Christmas Magic at Disney World With Amanda Filippone – Ep. 650 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

Episode 650 welcomes longtime Geek Amanda Filippone as she shares highlights from a festive Walt Disney World girls' trip, including Annual Pass tips, holiday events, and unexpected Disney magic.