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.

This week on Geekin’ on Walt Disney World, I’m joined by two good friends from the Disney podcasting world — Scott and Karen from the Mickeyphile Podcast — for one of those conversations that feels like hanging out in the parks with your Disney pals.

We start with a fun day we shared together at Epcot, including time relaxing in the DVC lounge above Figment, catching some live music, and getting a special early look at Soarin’ Over America. And yes… there were gasps. Big ones.

Scott and Karen bring a ton of Disney experience to the table. They’re in the parks often, Scott is a cast member, Karen is deep into the travel planning world, and together they have that perfect mix of Disney knowledge, food opinions, cruise love, and geeky little details that make these conversations so much fun.

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.

We talk about:

One of my favorite parts of the episode is hearing Scott talk about cast member pixie dust — those little surprise moments that can turn a guest’s day completely around. We also get into what cast members appreciate from guests, and it’s a really sweet reminder that kindness goes both ways in Disney World.

Then the conversation shifts into Disney Cruise Line, and you can hear how much Scott and Karen love that experience. From Palo brunch to fireworks at sea to the moment your family name is announced when you board the ship, they explain why cruising with Disney hits people emotionally in a way that’s hard to describe until you’ve done it.

But the heart of the episode comes near the end.

Karen shares that Disney is the place that helps her forget about everything else for a while — the place that brings her true happiness. And I think a lot of us Disney Geeks understand that feeling.

It’s not always about riding every ride or having the perfect plan.

Sometimes it’s sitting on a balcony at BoardWalk while it rains.

Sometimes it’s hearing the Disney Cruise Line horn.

Sometimes it’s walking under the Disney World sign and feeling your shoulders drop.

And sometimes it’s just spending time with friends who get it.

What Disney experience keeps calling you back?

Is it a resort, a restaurant, a ride, a cruise, or a simple little moment that just feels like home?

Come share it with us in the Geekin’ on WDW Facebook group — we’d love to hear your story.

And if you’ve got a Disney trip report, cruise story, or special Disney memory to share, I’d love to have you come on the show.

A huge thank-you to everyone who supports the podcast through Travelin’ Tiaras and through Patreon.

If you’d like to help support the costs of producing the show, you can find us at:

patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Your support means so much and helps keep this Disney Geek community going strong.

You can listen to Episode 672 now on your favorite podcast app.

Thanks for going Geekin’ on Walt Disney World with us!

The post Soarin’ Over America, Disney Cruise Magic, and Why We Keep Coming Back With Scott and Karen – Ep 672 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

Sometimes the best Disney vacations aren’t about doing more.

They’re about slowing down.

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, I’m joined by longtime Disney Geek and friend Jen Batchelder as she shares her recent mother-daughter sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy.

What started as a Disney Cruise Line vacation quickly became the perfect opportunity to unplug from work, recharge, and spend meaningful time together.

If you’re thinking about a Disney Cruise, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal, or another amazing vacation…

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

Already booked?

You can transfer your reservation and still receive expert planning help while supporting the podcast.

[email protected]

Jen Batchelder

As always, this conversation goes beyond destinations and dining.

It’s about taking a break from the stress of everyday life.

It’s about reconnecting with family.

And it’s about those simple moments—sharing coffee on a balcony, watching the sunrise over the ocean, and laughing together—that become the memories we treasure most.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a Disney Cruise is worth it, or if you’ve been looking for a vacation that truly helps you recharge, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

A huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters and everyone who supports the podcast through the Travelin’ Tiaras.

Your support helps keep the Geekin’ community going strong and helps cover the costs of producing the show each and every week.

If you’d like to help support the podcast and become part of our amazing Patreon family, visit:

patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

And of course, booking or transferring your Disney, Universal, cruise, or other vacation through the Travelin’ Tiaras is another wonderful way to support the show.

A huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters and everyone who supports the podcast through the Travelin’ Tiaras.

Your support helps keep the Geekin’ community going strong.

Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Geekin’ on Walt Disney World – Episode 671

The post We Came for the Cruise—But Left With So Much More With Jen Batchelder – Ep. 671 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

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.

After more than 20 years away from Universal Orlando, I finally returned to experience the much-talked-about Epic Universe—and wow, what a trip it was.

This week, I’m sharing a special crossover episode with my friends Dave and Toni-Ann from the Disney Crush Podcast as we talk through my first impressions of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando, and the Disney portion of our anniversary trip.

If you’re thinking about planning your next Disney vacation, Universal trip, cruise, or other adventure, my wife Margita and our good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras.

Whether you’re booking a brand-new trip or transferring an existing reservation, they’d love to help.

[email protected]

Supporting the Travelin’ Tiaras helps support the podcast, and we truly appreciate it!

Highlights include:

Epic Universe is absolutely impressive and raises the bar in many ways.

But after spending time at both destinations on the same trip, I was reminded why Walt Disney World continues to hold a special place in my heart.

Sometimes the biggest takeaway from a vacation isn’t a ride or attraction—it’s sharing new experiences with people you love and spending time with friends who enjoy the same geeky passions we do.

A huge thank-you to our Patreon family for helping support the show each week.

Join us at:

patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

Thanks for being part of this amazing community, and I hope you enjoy this week’s episode!

The post My Trip Report – Epic Universe Is Amazing… But Disney Still Feels Like Home – Ep. 670 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

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.