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

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.

Some Disney trips are planned down to the minute… and some turn out magical because they aren’t.

In Episode 649 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis is joined by longtime Super Geek and close friend Andy Hoffman, who surprised the Geekin’ community with a last-minute, solo Disney World trip right before Christmas.

No dining reservations.
No early planning.
No rigid agenda.

Just a renewed Annual Pass, light crowds, holiday décor, and the freedom to do Disney completely on his own terms.

Finishing the show, Curtis and Andy also take time to look back at Disney World in 2025, reviewing the year-end polls submitted by the Geekin’ community — making this episode part trip recap, part strategy discussion, and part Disney year-in-review as we head into a brand-new year.

Andy’s story is a great example of how Disney can feel completely different — and incredibly refreshing — when you slow down and let the trip unfold naturally.

As the trip winds down, Curtis and Andy shift gears and take a thoughtful (and fun) look back at Disney World in 2025, reviewing the year-end polls shared with the Geekin’ community.

From “planning for months and winging it by day two” to “spending more time on food and drinks than rides,” the poll responses perfectly captured how our Geeks really experience the parks.

The discussion becomes a warm, reflective conversation about how Disney continues to evolve — and how our relationship with it changes over time.

This episode is for you if:

It’s a reminder that Disney magic isn’t just about new attractions — it’s about moments, flexibility, and the people you share it with.

You can listen to Episode 649 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast on:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Or wherever you get your podcasts

(Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!)

Thinking about heading to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, or Universal?

Curtis’s wife Margita and their good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras — trusted Disney travel planners who help listeners create stress-free, magical vacations.

Already booked? You can even transfer your reservation for expert help and advice.

[email protected]
Or reach out via Facebook Messenger

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

Your support keeps the show going and helps us continue sharing Disney stories from this amazing community.

Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

The post A Solo Christmas Trip, Light Crowds & A Look Back at Disney World in 2025 with Andy Hoffman – Ep. 649 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

In Episode 649 of the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis is joined by longtime Super Geek and close friend Andy Hoffman, who surprised the Geekin' community with a last-minute, solo Disney World trip right before Christmas.

Sometimes a Disney trip hits every note — strategy, emotion, surprises, and unforgettable family moments. Episode 648 is one of those trips.

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis welcomes back longtime Super Geek Dana, who returns to the show after six years with a detailed, honest, and joy-filled 10-day Walt Disney World vacation report.

This trip marked a major milestone for Dana and her family:
Their first visit as Annual Passholders
A stay during the holiday season
A family vacation packed with firsts, special events, and Disney bucket-list moments

From Food & Wine favorites to holiday strategy, from surprise magic to behind-the-scenes experiences, this episode is loaded with practical advice and heartfelt storytelling.

This episode is a perfect mix of planning insight, honest opinions, and emotional Disney magic.

Dana shares a thoughtful breakdown of staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, including:

It’s a great reminder that Coronado Springs continues to be one of Disney’s most versatile and underrated moderate resorts.

This trip lined up perfectly with seasonal offerings, including:

Dana also shares why dining packages can be a game-changer for popular concert nights — especially when crowds spike.

You’ll hear candid opinions on:

If you love balanced, real-world food reviews, this episode delivers.

One of the most powerful moments of the trip came at Animal Kingdom, where Dana’s daughter participated in Up Close with Rhinos — a behind-the-scenes experience that left a lasting impression.

The family also discusses:

This episode is for you if:

It’s a reminder that even after decades of visits, Disney still finds new ways to surprise us.

You can listen to Episode 648 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast on:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Or wherever you get your podcasts

(Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!)

Thinking about planning a Disney vacation?

Curtis’s wife Margita and their good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras — Disney travel planners who help listeners create stress-free, magical vacations.

Already booked? You can even transfer your reservation for expert help and advice.

[email protected]
Or reach out via Facebook Messenger

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

Your support helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue sharing incredible Disney stories from our community.

Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

The post Annual Pass Magic, Holiday Crowds & Once-in-a-Lifetime Disney Moments with Dana – Ep. 648 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome back a longtime Super Geek — Dana — who is returning to the podcast after six years away… and wow, a lot has changed since then.

This week on the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast, I'm is joined by longtime Super Geek Chris Futrell, who returns to share a guys-only Disney World trip that turned into one of his most memorable vacations yet.

Sometimes the best Disney trips are the ones that break your normal routine — and Episode 647 is a perfect example of that.

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, I’m is joined by longtime Super Geek Chris Futrell, who returns to share a guys-only Disney World trip that turned into one of his most memorable vacations yet.

What started as a relaxed getaway quickly evolved into a rope-dropping, park-crushing, resort-hopping adventure, complete with incredible dining, unforgettable lounges, and a full-on mission to rank Disney’s best Old Fashioned cocktails — all while navigating the parks in a walking boot.

If you love hearing about Disney trips that mix smart strategy, great food and drinks, and honest reactions to new attractions, this episode is right up your alley.

This episode blends trip report storytelling, food and lounge reviews, and practical Disney advice, all wrapped in the fun, conversational style the Geekin’ community loves.

Chris and Justin hit an impressive list of Disney locations, including:

Whether you’re a foodie, a lounge-lover, or just enjoy resort hopping, there’s plenty of inspiration here for your next trip.

Chris also shares thoughtful comparisons to past versions and what worked — and didn’t — for him this time around.

This episode is a great reminder that Disney doesn’t have to look the same every trip.

Whether you’re:

…there’s always a new way to experience the magic.

You can listen to Episode 647 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast on:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Wherever you get your podcasts

(Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!)

Thinking about planning a Disney vacation?

Curtis’s wife Margita and their good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras — trusted Disney travel planners who help listeners plan stress-free, magical vacations.

If you’ve already booked, you can even transfer your reservation to them for expert advice and support.

[email protected]
Or reach out via Facebook Messenger

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

Your support helps keep the show going and allows us to continue sharing Disney stories from our amazing Geekin’ community.

Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

The post Guys Trip, Great Lounges & An Old Fashioned Ranking With Chris Futrell – Ep. 647 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

From pre-race jitters to finish-line tears, this episode takes you through every moment of Wine & Dine Weekend with honesty, humor, and heart. Holly and Laura completed their first Half Marathons, Kate returned triumphantly after beating cancer, and Samantha paced and cheered her crew every step of the way.

Along the journey, the group explored Disney dining favorites old and new, had hilarious expo moments, conquered early-morning wake-ups (and one late one!), celebrated Laura’s birthday in style, and shared the kind of emotional and uplifting stories that remind us exactly why we love this Disney running community.

Whether you’re a seasoned runDisney veteran or thinking about your first race, you’ll find inspiration, laughter, and plenty of Disney foodie goodness in this one.

This episode is a celebration of friendship, perseverance, joy, and the Geekin’ family spirit. You’ll be smiling the whole way through.

Are you ready to plan your next Disney adventure?

My wife Margita, our good friend Auntie Judy, and I would love to help you plan a magical Disney World, Disneyland, Universal, or Disney Cruise Line vacation.

And if you’ve already booked your trip, we truly appreciate when listeners choose to transfer their reservation to us as a thank-you for the show.

Contact us here:
[email protected]
Or reach out through our private Facebook group

We love talking Disney trips and tips with you, and we’d love to help you create your next magical adventure!

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

Your support helps keep the Geekin’ magic alive and allows us to share more heartfelt Disney stories every week.

Join the fun at:
Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW

You’ll receive bonus content, behind-the-scenes clips, and recordings from our own Disney adventures.

The post runDisney Triumphs, Friendship, First Halfs & Foodie Fun — The Wine & Dine Crew Returns! – Ep. 646 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.