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

By Curtis StoneSociety & Culture Places & Travel

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

May 11From Beach Boys Chaos to Glow Stick Magic: A Tale of Two Disney Trips With Lindsay Velecina – Ep. 667
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.
Travelin’ Tiaras — Your Planning Advantage
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.
Featuring This Week’s Episode
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.
When Disney Turns Into Total Pandemonium
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.
Spring Break, Rainstorms… and Real-Life Disney
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.
The Food Hits (and Misses)
This episode is loaded with food talk—and some surprises.
Standouts included:
Nine Dragons (yes… really )
Beaches & Cream classics
Festival food favorites like frushi and poke bowls
And a must-try brownie + cookie dough ice cream sandwich

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.
The Unexpected Moments
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.
The Real Magic of This 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.
What This Episode Teaches Us
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:
Flexibility
Connection
Laughter
And those unexpected moments that just happen

Join the Geekin’ Community
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.
Support the Show
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.
Where to Listen
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.
1 hr 23 min
May 11 From Beach Boys Chaos to Glow Stick Magic: A Tale of Two Disney Trips With Lindsay Velecina - Ep. 667
Two very different Disney trips—one packed with chaos, one full of surprises—show how flexibility, family moments, and unexpected magic can turn any trip into your best one yet.
1 hr 23 min
May 04From Confused to Confident: How to Start Planning Your First Disney Trip – Ep. 666
We Started With One Question… What Is Disney World Really?
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:
Is Disney just for kids?
How big is it really?
How much does this actually cost?
And how do I even begin planning something like this?

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.
Travelin’ Tiaras — Your Planning Partner
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.
Featuring This Week’s Conversation
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.
It’s Not a Theme Park… It’s a Whole Different World
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:
Four major theme parks
Two water parks
25+ resorts
Hundreds of dining options
Transportation systems, entertainment districts, and more

No wonder people feel overwhelmed.
The Biggest Mistake First-Timers Make
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.
The “Geekin’ Big Three”
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.
What Success Actually Looks Like
Here’s the part that really hits.
Because it’s easy to think success means:
Doing every ride
Seeing every show
Maximizing every dollar

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:
Walking into Magic Kingdom for the first time
Watching your kids meet a character
Sitting together during fireworks
Laughing at something totally unexpected

Or even just…
Being present.
The Magic You Can’t Plan
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:
Spontaneity
Connection
Joy
And a little bit of that Disney magic

Because you don’t have to go find it.
Sometimes… it finds you.
Want to Be Part of the Community?
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.
Support the Show
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.
Where to Listen
You can find this episode of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast on:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
And all major podcast platforms
Final Thought
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.
1 hr 8 min
May 04 From Confused to Confident: How to Start Planning Your First Disney Trip - Ep. 666
A Disney beginner asks the big questions—and we break down how to plan your first Walt Disney World trip without overwhelm, focusing on what really matters in episode 1 of our Geekin' on WDW Master Class Planning a Disney World Vacation.
1 hr 8 min
April 2717 Resorts, No Rush, and One Magical Moment We’ll Never Forget With Bubba Mack – Ep 665
Sometimes the best Disney trips aren’t the ones where you do the most…
They’re the ones where you finally slow down enough to feel it.
This week on the podcast, I sat down with my longtime buddy Bubba—a true Geekin’ family member—who came back to Walt Disney World after stepping away for a while… and had a trip that completely changed his perspective.
And honestly… this one stuck with me.
Planning a Trip?
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.
Featuring Bubba
Bubba has been part of this community for years—but this trip? This one was different.
After going to Disney constantly for a stretch, he stepped away for a bit. And when he came back… everything felt new again.
Not because the parks changed—
But because he did.
A Different Kind of Disney Trip
This wasn’t about rope dropping rides or stacking Lightning Lanes.
This was about:
Resort hopping at a relaxed pace
Sitting in Adirondack chairs for 45 minutes doing absolutely nothing
Trying new experiences like boating on Seven Seas Lagoon
Enjoying quiet moments at places like Port Orleans French Quarter

And that’s where things started to shift.
French Quarter—something he never expected to love—ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Small. Peaceful. Walkable.
Sometimes… that’s all you need.
Doing Less… and Getting More
Here’s the wild part:
Bubba didn’t even ride Guardians.
Didn’t ride Tron.
Didn’t chase every big attraction.
And you know what?
He didn’t miss it.
Instead, he leaned into:
After Hours events to ride what mattered
Unique experiences like Keys to the Kingdom
Incredible food moments (yes… including that legendary cookie dough ice cream sandwich)
And simply being present

The Moment That Changed Everything
But like always… the heart of the trip wasn’t the rides.
It was something deeper.
During the trip, Bubba shared the story of losing his brother—the person who first introduced him to Disney through Beauty and the Beast.
And then… one night…
On a quiet carriage ride…
They crested a hill just as Beauty and the Beast was ending across the water.
Perfect timing. No planning.
Just one of those moments.
The kind that makes you stop and feel like…
Maybe there’s something more going on here.
Why This Trip Meant More
That moment set the tone for everything that followed.
This trip became about:
Connection
Reflection
Slowing down
And appreciating where your Disney story began

Because sometimes…
Disney isn’t about what you do.
It’s about what you feel while you’re there.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a reminder that there’s no “right way” to do Disney.
You can go hard…
Or you can slow it down…
But if you’re open to it—
The magic will meet you where you are.
Patreon Love
To our Patreon family—thank you for being such an incredible part of this community. Your support keeps this show going and helps us continue sharing these stories.
Listen Now
You can find this episode wherever you listen to podcasts:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
And all major platforms

The post 17 Resorts, No Rush, and One Magical Moment We’ll Never Forget With Bubba Mack – Ep 665 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.
1 hr 28 min
April 27 17 Resorts, No Rush, and One Magical Moment We'll Never Forget With Bubba Mack - Ep 665
A powerful Disney trip about slowing down, meaningful moments, and why sometimes the magic finds you when you least expect it with Bubba Mack.
1 hr 28 min
April 20Disney Meets Universal With Sam and Deirdre – Ep 664
Hey Disney Geeks!
Curtis Stone here, host of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast.
This week’s episode is one of those conversations that perfectly captures what this community is all about…
Friends
Laughter
Disney magic
And a little bit of… EPIC adventure
I’m joined by Samantha and Deirdre to recap an incredible trip that started with a Geek meetup at Walt Disney World…
…and then turned into something even bigger—
A deep dive into Universal’s brand-new Epic Universe
From scavenger hunts and pin trading “nerd events”…
To unforgettable meals, hilarious moments, and surprising favorites…
This episode is packed with stories, laughs, and insights you’re going to love.
Travelin’ Tiaras Promo
Thinking about planning your next Disney or Universal adventure?
Let Margita and the Travelin’ Tiaras team help you create a truly magical trip—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Disney pro.
Reach out at: [email protected]
Already booked your trip? You can still transfer your reservation and get expert help at no extra cost!
Featuring in This Episode
Resorts & Stay Highlights
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort (2-Bedroom Villa – The Paddock)
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort (Epic Universe)

Dining & Food Highlights
Topolino’s Terrace (including that amazing sole dish)
Hollywood Brown Derby (last-minute group lunch win!)
Four Seasons Orlando (Lobby Bar + Epilogue night vibes)
Animal Kingdom’s viral Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich
Epic Universe:
Bar Helios (incredible views + light show)
Atlantic Restaurant (fountain dining experience)
Burning Blade Tavern (and lots of “improvement ideas” )

Experiences & Highlights
Dan Robinson’s EPIC scavenger hunt
Pin trading “nerd event” at Coronado Springs
Game night with Michigan Rummy (played with M&Ms!)
Community moments with friends (and meeting the twins )

Epic Universe Deep Dive
Wizarding World (Ministry of Magic + insane queue detail)
How to Train Your Dragon land (unexpected favorite!)
Toothless meet-and-greet
Dark Universe monsters + Burning Blade Tavern
Super Nintendo World (Mario Kart + Donkey Kong coaster)

Memorable Moments
“I don’t like gambling… I just gamble with Disney pins.”
The 50’s Prime Time Café green bean incident (yes… it happened twice )
Late-night champagne after Epilogue
Sitting in a bar at Epic Universe…
“We just spent two hours criticizing everything—and it was the highlight of our day.”

Key Takeaways
Epic Universe is next-level immersive, especially in theming and scale
Express Pass is almost a must if you want to maximize your time
Disney still has that intangible magic that’s hard to replicate
The real highlight?
Time spent with friends and this amazing Geekin’ community

Shout Out & Wrap Up
Huge thanks to Samantha and Deirdre for coming on and sharing their trip!
These are the kinds of episodes that remind me why I love doing this podcast…
It’s not just about rides, food, or even the parks—
It’s about the people.
Support the Show
If you love the podcast and want to support what we do:
Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW
Listen Anywhere
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you listen.
The post Disney Meets Universal With Sam and Deirdre – Ep 664 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.
1 hr 31 min
April 20 Disney Meets Universal With Sam and Deirdre - Ep 664
A fun-filled trip report featuring Disney World memories, Epic Universe highlights, incredible food, and unforgettable Geek community moments with Sam and Deirdre
1 hr 31 min
April 13🎙️ Fireworks Cruises, Rope Drop Wins & Smart Disney Strategy With Kevin Curtis Allen – Ep. 663
Some Disney trips are about doing everything…
And some trips?
They’re about learning how to do Disney better.
In Episode 663 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, we wrap up Part 2 of my conversation with longtime Geek Kevin Curtis-Allen — as he finishes breaking down his incredible 3-week Walt Disney World adventure.
And this episode?
It’s packed with real strategies, honest takes, and some seriously fun moments that every Disney fan can learn from.
Travelin’ Tiaras Tip
If you’re thinking about planning your next Disney vacation…
Let Margita and Auntie Judy help you plan a trip that fits your style — whether that’s go-go-go… or slow and relaxed like Kevin’s approach.
[email protected]
Featuring in This Episode (Part 2)
One of the BEST Values at Disney?
Kevin makes a bold claim in this episode:
The Epcot fireworks cruise might be one of the best values at Walt Disney World
Relaxed, seated viewing of fireworks
Drinks and snacks with friends
No crowds, no stress
A completely different way to experience the show

And honestly… it’s hard to argue with him.
Smart Strategies That Save Time (and Stress)
This episode is full of practical tips like:
Using Beach Club as an exit strategy after Epcot fireworks
Heading to Disney Springs instead of fighting park crowds
Thinking differently about transportation and flow

These are the kinds of insights you only get from experienced Disney travelers.
Rope Drop Reality (Even on a 3-Week Trip )
Even with 21 days… things don’t always go as planned:
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train down on Day 1
Pivoting to other rides with long waits
Starting the trip with… It’s a Small World

And honestly—that’s part of the fun.
Ride Highlights & Strategy
Kevin shares how he approaches rides on a longer trip:
Guardians of the Galaxy with a smart early entry strategy
Riding Expedition Everest multiple times, including at night
Prioritizing rides early… then relaxing later

A great reminder: you don’t need to rush if you plan smart
Slowing Down & Enjoying the Experience
One of the biggest themes of this episode:
Disney doesn’t have to feel rushed
Kevin and Deborah:
Took time for long walks around resorts and nature areas
Explored places like Fort Wilderness and Saratoga Springs
Even used tools like a bird-identifying app to enjoy the environment

This is Disney at a completely different pace — and it works.
Community Moments That Make the Trip
Just like Part 1…
The best moments weren’t rides.
They were people.
Time with friends across the parks
The Geek meet cruise experience
Random conversations and shared laughs

That’s what sticks with you
The Biggest Surprise?
Even with smart planning…
The cost still adds up
Kevin shares how surprising the total spend was — even without Lightning Lanes or tons of sit-down meals.
A great reminder that Disney trips today require intentional planning and strategy.
Shout-Out & Wrap-Up
Kevin —
This was such a fun two-part conversation.
And what really stands out from your trip is this:
You’ve figured out how to make Disney work for you
Not rushed…
Not stressful…
Just enjoyable.
And that’s something I think a lot of people can learn from.
Join the Community
Have you ever changed how you “do” Disney over time?
Do you still go hard in the parks… or have you learned to slow it down?
[email protected]
And be sure to join our Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Family Facebook group — one of the best Disney communities anywhere.
Support the Show
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what we’re building:
Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW
The Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen.
The post 🎙️ Fireworks Cruises, Rope Drop Wins & Smart Disney Strategy With Kevin Curtis Allen – Ep. 663 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.
59 min
April 13 Fireworks Cruises, Rope Drop Wins & Smart Disney Strategy With Kevin Curtis Allen - Ep. 663
In this episode, we delve into part two of Kevin Curtis Allen's recent Walt Disney World trip where he shares fireworks cruises, rope drop wins, and Kevin's best strategies from a 3-week Disney trip.
59 min