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

This week, I’m joined again by our good friend and fellow Disney Geek Amanda Filippone, who somehow managed to pack enough adventures into one vacation for about three separate trip reports!

Amanda and her family spent 19 days in Florida, combining Universal Orlando with an extended Walt Disney World stay filled with resort hopping, birthdays, special events, great meals, a few disappointments, and some wonderfully unexpected Disney moments.

They started at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort, where Unlimited Express Pass made it easy to hit favorites again and again. Amanda shares her thoughts on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — including whether it might actually compete with Guardians of the Galaxy for one of her favorite rides.

Then it’s over to Disney, where the family stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level, Pop Century and the Contemporary Resort.

We talk about:

• Why Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level earned a 10 out of 10
• An unexpected Cast Member interaction on Expedition Everest
• Using the Wait Magic app with a larger family group
• Why Amanda loved Hollywood Studios After Hours
• Having an almost empty Oga’s Cantina and their own Star Tours vehicle!
• Little Eli’s first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop and the family tradition behind it
• Favorite meals at ‘Ohana, Garden Grill and Sebastian’s Bistro
• A couple of dining experiences that didn’t quite live up to expectations
• Not one, but two Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties
• A deluxe setup at Typhoon Lagoon
• The viral Animal Kingdom ice cream sandwich
• Celebrating a 15th birthday with a private Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise
• Resort hopping and discovering a fantastic fireworks viewing spot at the Contemporary

But one of my favorite parts of our conversation comes when Amanda talks about something bigger than attractions, resorts and dining.

As a grandmother, she now gets to watch her grandson experience some of the same Disney moments she remembers sharing with her own children when they were little. We talk about how Disney has this incredible ability to create new memories while bringing old ones rushing back at the same time.

As a grandfather myself, that one really hit home.

If you’re thinking about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal or another great vacation, reach out to Margita and Auntie Judy — the Travelin’ Tiaras!

They can help with everything from choosing your resort to navigating the details and putting together a vacation that works for your family.

Already booked? You may be able to transfer your reservation and still get their planning help, tips and support — while also supporting the podcast.

📧 [email protected]

Or reach out to us through Facebook Messenger.

And a big thank-you to Amanda for trusting the Travelin’ Tiaras with her adventures — even if she occasionally gives Margita a workout with a few changes along the way! 😂

Come join us in the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook group and tell us:

Could you do 19 days at Disney and Universal — and what would be the ONE special experience you’d add to a trip that long?

And if you enjoy the podcast and want to help support what we’re doing, check out our Super Geeks on Patreon. Your support helps keep this podcast going and, even more importantly, helps us continue building this incredible Disney Geek community.

Thanks for listening, Geeks — and enjoy Episode 690!

What happens when you bring 10 family members together for a Walt Disney World vacation, throw in some clever Disney math, a little pixie dust, and an incredible VIP tour?

You get one unforgettable Disney adventure!

This week, my good friend and longtime Disney Geek Kristy Houston returns to share an amazing extended-family vacation filled with special experiences, unexpected surprises, and some really touching family moments.

Kristy took on the challenge of planning a trip for 10 people, including grandparents, young children, and family members who hadn't experienced much Disney magic before.

And wow… did she deliver!

From renting an eight-bedroom vacation home to enjoying an EPCOT fireworks cruise, staying Club Level at the Contemporary, and experiencing a Disney VIP tour, this trip had a little bit of everything.

But some of the most memorable moments had nothing to do with expensive experiences.

They were about family, friendships, accessibility, and making memories together.

• Planning Disney for 10: The challenges and rewards of bringing multiple generations together for a family vacation.
• Staying Off Property: Christy's first experience renting a large vacation home, complete with a private pool, movie theater, and plenty of room for everyone.
• Adventures Beyond Disney: Exploring the Crayola Experience, WonderWorks, and a pirate dinner show.
• A Special Disney Connection: An unexpected meeting with another family from Australia who shared a remarkable connection with Christy's daughter Charlotte.
• An EPCOT Fireworks Cruise: Why this experience became one of the family's favorite memories.
• Returning to Give Kids the World: Charlotte shares a very special place and a meaningful family moment.
• Disney Math at Its Finest: How a Contemporary Club Level stay, a VIP tour discount, and dining promotions created an unexpected opportunity.
• Inside a Disney VIP Tour: Backstage entrances, private character experiences, special treats, and a remarkable tour guide named Kelly.
• VIP Surprises: Secret ice cream freezers, backstage transportation, exclusive merchandise, and some unforgettable Disney service.
• The Magic of Happily Ever After: How a rainy day ended with fireworks, Tinker Bell, and a family memory Christy will never forget.

One of my favorite stories from this episode comes when Kristy describes standing with her husband Stephen during the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

After months of planning and coordinating this big family vacation, she finally had a chance to stand back, enjoy a Dole Whip, and watch everyone she loves enjoying the magic together.

Sometimes the greatest Disney moments aren't about the attractions, restaurants, or special experiences.

They're about the people you're sharing them with.

And that's what makes this trip report so special.

Thinking about your next Disney vacation, Disney Cruise, Universal adventure, or another amazing destination?

My wife Margita and our good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin' Tiaras, and they'd love to help you plan your next adventure!

Christy worked with Margita on part of this vacation, and it's a great example of how an experienced travel planner can help you explore options and opportunities you might not have considered.

Already booked? You may be able to transfer your reservation and still benefit from their planning expertise.

Supporting the Travelin' Tiaras also helps support the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast!

📧 [email protected]

Or reach out through Facebook Messenger.

Love talking Disney with other people who understand your obsession?

Come join our Geekin' on Walt Disney World Facebook group, where we share trip reports, planning tips, favorite memories, and plenty of Disney fun.

Have a Disney vacation story you'd love to share? Reach out! Some of our favorite episodes feature listeners sharing their own magical adventures.

A huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks!

Your support helps cover the costs of producing the podcast and keeps our Disney Geek community going strong.

Join our Patreon family:

https://www.patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Love hearing travel stories beyond Disney?

Check out our other podcast, Geekin' on Travel, featuring incredible vacations, cruises, destinations, and adventures from our friends and listeners.

Find Geekin' on Travel wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you for being part of our Disney Geek family!

Keep taking care of each other, have a magical day, and may all your dreams come true! ✨

Nick and Carlin share what they’ve learned taking one-year-old twins to Disney World—from first haircuts and birthday celebrations to Polynesian fireworks, resort time, dining, naps and why slowing down created some of their most magical family memories.

This week, Curtis welcomes his good friend Kate back to the podcast to share her family’s unforgettable seven-night Alaskan cruise aboard the Disney Wonder.

The trip was originally planned for Kate and her husband, Pete—but when their 16-year-old daughter, Allie, asked to join them, they realized there might not be many more years when she would want to vacation with Mom and Dad.

Together, they sailed from Vancouver to Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan for an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife and plenty of Disney magic.

We geek out about:

🏔️ Taking a helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier—and walking across the ice

🐻 Watching bears catch salmon from the river

🦅 Seeing bald eagles everywhere they looked

🚂 Riding the historic White Pass train through Alaska

🦀 Fresh king crab, Dungeness crab and one very unusual salmon donut

🚢 Whether a balcony is worth the extra cost on an Alaskan cruise

🎭 Broadway-style shows, dueling pianos and entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Allie stepping outside her comfort zone and making friends at Vibe

🍦 Why unlimited ice cream ranked alongside the glacier as a trip highlight

🥤 The special Cast Member touch that put a Shirley Temple at Allie’s seat every night

Kate also shares helpful advice about arriving in Vancouver early, packing for unpredictable Alaskan weather and saving room in your budget for excursions that can turn a great cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But the heart of this episode is about taking one more family adventure together, meeting wonderful people along the way and making memories before the kids are all grown up.

If you’re planning Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal or another magical vacation, contact Margita and Judy of the Travelin’ Tiaras at [email protected].

Booking or transferring your vacation through the Travelin’ Tiaras gives you their experienced planning support—and it’s also a wonderful way to support the podcast.

A huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks! Your support helps cover the costs of producing the show and keeps the podcast going each week.

Join our Patreon family at patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW.

And don’t forget to search for our other podcast, Geekin’ on Travel, wherever you listen to podcasts!

This week, Curtis welcomes longtime listener Meredith and her 13-year-old son, Declan, for a fun and heartfelt look back at their incredible two-week Walt Disney World vacation.

This wasn’t an ordinary family trip. Meredith brought together her family and the families of her three college roommates—eight adults, seven kids and more than 20 years of friendship!

We geek out about:

🏨 Split stays at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Riviera and Beach Club

🦒 Waking up to giraffes and spotting a new baby on the safari

🐭 Declan’s hilarious dance-off with Mickey

🍖 Searching for the best ribs at Disney World

🎢 The new Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

🌙 Magic Kingdom After Hours and getting their money’s worth in Mickey bars

🚀 Declan’s secret to scoring four million points on Buzz Lightyear

🎆 A Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise and Fourth of July at EPCOT

👑 Four little princesses, one teenage security guard and some unexpected pixie dust

🐀 Getting evacuated from Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

But the heart of this episode is about longtime friends bringing their families together, watching children experience Disney for the first time and taking one more special vacation while the kids are still kids.

If you’re planning a Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal or other magical vacation, contact Margita and Judy of the Travelin’ Tiaras at [email protected]. Booking or transferring your trip through them is also a wonderful way to support the podcast.

A huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks! Your support helps cover the costs of producing the show and keeps the podcast going each week.

Join our Patreon family at patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW.

And don’t forget to search for our other podcast, Geekin’ on Travel, featuring Auntie Judy’s latest cruise and Glen and Rebecca’s adventure through Portugal!

Planning your first Walt Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming. How far ahead should you plan? How much should you budget? Do you really need to schedule every minute?

And what about all those Disney extras you may not even know exist?

This week, I’m continuing our Disney World for Beginners series with two great friends and Disney experts — Toni-Ann Zarcone, co-host of the Disney Crush Podcast, and MandieRae Malinoski, travel advisor and owner of Royal Escapes.

We start with the basics and quickly discover one of the most important Disney planning lessons:

Have a plan…but don’t plan the magic right out of your vacation.

We geek out about:

👉 Why trying to “do it all” can actually hurt your Disney vacation

👉 When you should start planning and which dates really matter

👉 What a good Disney travel advisor should do for you

👉 Realistic ways to think about the cost of a Disney World vacation

👉 Resorts, dining, Lightning Lanes and finding value for your family

👉 Private fireworks cruises — and why we think they can be an incredible value

👉 Capture Your Moment photo sessions

👉 Cabanas and relaxing pool days

👉 Savi’s Workshop and Droid Depot

👉 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and makeover alternatives

👉 Fishing, golf and other overlooked Disney activities

👉 Savor the Savanna and other Animal Kingdom experiences

👉 Celebration at the Top and special fireworks dining experiences

👉 Some of our favorite dining recommendations for first-time families

But one of my favorite ideas from this conversation has nothing to do with reservations or itineraries.

Sometimes the thing you thought would be the highlight of the trip isn’t the thing everyone remembers.

It might be your child dancing with performers in Harambe. It might be an afternoon at the pool, building a droid, catching a fish, meeting a favorite character or sitting together on a boat watching the fireworks.

Those unexpected moments can become the memories your family talks about for years.

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.

Come join us in the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook group and tell us:

If you could choose ONE Disney extra for your next vacation, what would it be?

And a huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks for helping support the podcast and this amazing Disney community. Join at Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode of Geekin’ on Walt Disney World.

This week, Curt welcomes longtime Geek Christina Marriott to the podcast for a summer Walt Disney World trip report packed with planning strategies, family memories, great food—and a few hot takes!

Christina describes herself as “the binder lady without the binder,” and she definitely did her homework. She researched historical crowd patterns, planned around the July heat, used Lightning Lanes and Weight Magic, and even scheduled daily sit-down meals and afternoon breaks to keep everyone going.

The surprise?

July crowds were incredibly low, leading Christina to declare that maybe “July is the new February!”

Curt and Christina geek out about:

• Why Pop Century was the right choice for this trip
• Using the Skyliner, Lightning Lanes and Weight Magic
• Starting the vacation with a relaxing day at Typhoon Lagoon
• Managing the Florida heat with meals, shows and afternoon breaks
• Why they stopped “rope dropping the rope drop”
• Disneyland vs. Disney World attraction comparisons
• Cosmic Rewind, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Test Track
• Cinderella’s Royal Table, Yak & Yeti, Via Napoli and Satu’li Canteen breakfast
• The infamous six juice boxes at Roundup Rodeo 😂
• And how slowing down actually helped this hardcore Disney family have a better vacation

By the end of the trip, Christina, Ben and Camille felt like they had done everything they wanted to do without completely wearing themselves out—a Disney vacation that left them feeling “full in the best possible way.”

Curt’s wife Margita and Auntie Judy—the Travelin’ Tiaras—can help you plan Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal and other magical vacations.

Booking or transferring your vacation through the Travelin’ Tiaras is also a great way to support the podcast.

📧 [email protected]

A huge thank-you to our Patreon Geeks whose support helps cover the costs of producing the show and keeps us Geekin’ every week. www.patreon.com/geekinonwdw

patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

And come join the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook community to share your Disney stories, trip reports, tips and favorite memories!

This week, Curtis welcomes Lisa to the podcast for the first time!

Lisa shares the emotional story of where her love for Disney began, why walking into the Magic Kingdom still reminds her of her dad and mother-in-law, and how her Disney vacations have changed over the years.

We also geek out about her trip to Disneyland Paris, including why she thinks Phantom Manor might actually be better than Haunted Mansion, an amazing Big Thunder Mountain, the value of upgrading your resort experience, and the fun of meeting Disney fans from all over the world.

Then we get into the heart of this week’s show:

Where are the best places to slow down at Walt Disney World?

We talk about:

👉 Relaxing upstairs at Columbia Harbour House

👉 Riding the PeopleMover when you need a break

👉 Exploring the quiet corners of World Showcase

👉 The gardens and koi ponds in the Japan Pavilion

👉 Baseline Tap House at Hollywood Studios

👉 Slowing down on Animal Kingdom’s trails

👉 Resort hopping for a midday break

👉 Taking a boat to Wilderness Lodge and relaxing at Geyser Point

👉 Enjoying EPCOT after the crowds have disappeared

👉 And learning that you don’t always have to race to the next attraction

Lisa also shares some of her Disney favorites, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Liberty Tree Tavern, Fantasmic, Peter Pan’s Flight, EPCOT festivals, character meets and Mickey Bars.

But underneath all of it is a great reminder:

Sometimes the best Disney memories happen when we stop worrying about how much we can accomplish and give ourselves permission to simply enjoy being there.

Thinking about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Epic Universe, or another magical vacation?

Margita and Judy — the Travelin’ Tiaras — would love to help!

Already booked? In many cases, you can transfer your reservation and still get their planning help, tips and support.

Booking through the Travelin’ Tiaras is also a wonderful way to support the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast.

📧 [email protected]

Come join the conversation in our Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook group and tell us:

Where is YOUR favorite place at Walt Disney World to slow down and escape the crowds?

And if you have a Disney trip report, a great Disney story, or a topic you’d love to geek out about, reach out to Curt. We’d love to have you on the show!

A huge thank-you to our Patreon Geeks who help keep the show going every week.

Join our Patreon family at:

patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Thanks for listening, Geeks — and remember, sometimes the best thing you can do at Walt Disney World is slow down and enjoy the magic happening all around you.

This week, Cousin Heather Stone Capelle is back, and we’re having one of those conversations that feels like hanging out with friends and geeking out about Disney for an hour.

We start by designing our dream Disney weekends with friends.

Heather builds the ultimate Golden Girls getaway with her daughter and her Disney friends, complete with a Beach Club stay, an EPCOT fireworks cruise, a VIP tour, pool time, Victoria & Albert’s, wine pairings, and plenty of time to slow down and enjoy being together.

Then I start building my own guys weekend with lounge crawls, burger challenges, bourbon, live music, and a possible four-park VIP challenge.

And after that…things get competitive.

We jump into a big round of Disney This or That, debating everything from resorts and attractions to food, lounges, and Disney traditions.

• Beach Club vs. Polynesian
• BoardWalk area vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Contemporary vs. Grand Floridian
• Skyliner vs. Monorail
• Rope Drop vs. Magic Kingdom at night
• Haunted Mansion vs. Pirates of the Caribbean
• Soarin’ vs. Spaceship Earth
• Runaway Railway vs. Ratatouille
• Festival of the Lion King vs. Fantasmic
• Character breakfasts vs. signature dinners
• Nomad Lounge vs. Trader Sam’s
• Dole Whip vs. Mickey Premium Bars
• Big group trips vs. traveling with one close friend

But some of the best parts of this episode aren’t really about choosing one Disney thing over another.

Heather and I talk about how much the people you travel with shape the entire trip, why the best plans still need room for spontaneity, and how special it is to spend time at Disney with people who understand why this place means so much to you.

Sometimes the best Disney moments aren’t the rides or the reservations.

They’re the laughter, the strange little moments, the pictures you didn’t plan, and the friends who make you say:

“We’ve got to do this again.”

Thinking about your next Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Epic Universe, or other magical vacation?

My wife Margita and our good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras and would love to help you plan it.

You can also transfer an existing reservation and still get their planning help, strategy, and support.

Booking through the Travelin’ Tiaras is also a wonderful way to support the podcast.

📧 [email protected]

Or reach out through Facebook Messenger.

Come hang out with us in the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook group and tell us:

Who would be on your dream Disney weekend, and what is the one thing your group absolutely has to do?

And if you have a recent trip report, a great Disney story, or a topic you’d love to geek out about, reach out to me and come on the show.

A huge thank-you to our Patreon family for helping support the costs of producing the podcast and keeping the show going every week.

patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Thank you for being part of this amazing Disney Geek community!

In this episode of the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast, host Curtis Stone sits down with local correspondent Jason to get a fresh 'boots on the ground' perspective of the parks. Jason has been living in the Orlando area for three years and has some incredible tips on how to navigate the summer heat, find hidden dining gems, and experience unique character interactions.

From the newly revamped Muppet coaster pre-show to the retro arcade gaming at Disney Springs' Level 99, we cover all the latest changes you need to know before your next trip.

**In this episode, we talk about:**

* **Spontaneous Magic:** Playing Duck, Duck, Goose with Stitch and Donald Duck at the Animation Courtyard.

* **The Muppets Return:** Experiencing the revamped pre-show and finding new Muppet merchandise.

* **Animal Kingdom Construction:** How the Dinosaur area closure impacts a park day.

* **Hidden Food Gems:** Italian affogatos at Vivoli Gelato and the incredible Adega Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse.

* **EPCOT Wait Times:** Which lines are consistently inflated and why.

* **Underrated Attractions:** Why Star Tours remains a must-ride on every trip.

* **Millennium Falcon Fixes:** How we would redesign Smugglers Run to improve the engineer and gunner roles.

* **Best Value Snacks:** Main Street’s customizable popcorn tubs and the Pineapple Scrunch Sundae.

**The Heart of the Episode**

This conversation shines a spotlight on the return of 'plus magic' to the Disney parks. While big E-ticket rides are amazing, it's often the small, unexpected moments—like a cast member showing you a secret shortcut or Goofy joining in on a game of jump rope—that leave the most lasting impressions.

**Planning Your Next Adventure?**

Ready to find your own hidden gems? Let Margita and Judy at the Travelin' Tiaras handle all the details! From resort bookings to cruise coordination, they’ve got you covered. Support the podcast by emailing them at [email protected].

**Support the Show on Patreon**

Want to help keep the weekly episodes coming? Join our Patreon community and become a Super Geek! Sign up today at patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW.

**Join the Geekin' Community**

Connect with fellow Disney Geeks, share your favorite vacation tips, or apply to share your own trip report by joining our Geekin' on Walt Disney World Facebook community!

Email [email protected] to be a guest on the show