It’s March Madness season, and the tournament fun continues on this episode of the Main Street Magic Podcast—but this time, we’re heading into the delicious world of table service dining at Walt Disney World. We are back to break down a bracket challenge featuring some of the most popular, iconic, and flavorful dining locations across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs to find out which restaurant will be crowned the ultimate champion.

This culinary showdown spans four themed regions: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom, and Resorts & Disney Springs. Each division is stacked with beloved restaurants, from character dining favorites to signature fine dining experiences. Matchups are judged across five key categories that define what makes a dining experience truly magical at Walt Disney World: food quality and flavor, theming and atmosphere, value for the price, service and overall experience, and popularity among guests.

We discuss each restaurant head-to-head, diving into what sets them apart—from unique menus and immersive design to guest satisfaction and whether the overall experience justifies the cost. As always, we bring our personal experiences, insights, and a few fun stories along the way, making each matchup a tough and entertaining call.

Will a high-end signature restaurant win it all, or will a fan-favorite character meal pull off the upset? Can nostalgia or theming outshine culinary innovation? And which restaurant has the broadest appeal to guests of all ages and tastes? It’s a bracket built for foodies, Disney fans, and anyone who loves talking about great meals and magical memories.

Tune in and play along as we narrow the field of 32 down to one ultimate table service champion. This is one dining tournament you won’t want to miss.

Download the Bracket!

Print it out, fill it out, and share your results with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

It’s time for some March Madness—with a Disney twist. We are diving into a bracket challenge that pits Walt Disney World’s most beloved rides and attractions against each other to determine the ultimate champion.

Inspired by the format of the NCAA tournament, this bracket showdown is broken into four regions: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each region features eight attractions, seeded and matched up for a series of head-to-head battles. But this isn’t just about personal favorites—it’s a competition grounded in five key categories that help define what makes a Walt Disney World experience truly magical.

The first category is popularity, taking into account average wait times, Lightning Lane demand, and general hype among guests. Next is theming and immersion, which looks at the storytelling, design details, and how transported guests feel once they step into the attraction. Innovation and ride technology plays a major role as well, factoring in the use of cutting-edge systems, ride mechanics, and visual effects. Then there’s broad appeal—how accessible and enjoyable the attraction is for guests of all ages and thrill levels. And finally, guest satisfaction, which covers overall enjoyment, re-ride value, and consistently high guest ratings.

Throughout the episode, we'll debate each matchup, make tough calls, and share some personal memories tied to the rides. Whether you’re team thrills, team nostalgia, or just here for the magic, this bracket challenge is the perfect way to celebrate the best of what Walt Disney World has to offer.

Will a classic attraction come out on top, or will cutting-edge technology and big thrills steal the crown? Tune in to find out, and see if your favorite makes it all the way to the championship.

Download the Bracket!

Print it out, fill it out, and share your results with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re staring straight at Cinderella Castle with a Theme Park View at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and diving into an unforgettable stay filled with iconic eats, stunning sights, and plenty of Disney magic.

We kick things off with a full breakdown of Chef Mickey’s breakfast buffet, sharing our thoughts on the food quality, character interactions, and whether the experience is worth the price tag. From smoked salmon and carved ham to omelets, croissant beignets, and Mickey himself, we cover it all.

Then, we head to the top floor of the Contemporary for a bar-side experience at the California Grill, sampling small plates like the Blue Crab California Roll and Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons, all with a perfect view of Magic Kingdom.

We also sneak in a visit to Steakhouse 71’s bar, take a dip in the pool, explore the resort’s PhotoPass and shopping options, and cap off the night with fireworks and the hot tub.

Whether you’re planning your first stay at the Contemporary or just want a taste of what makes it so magical, this episode has everything you need to know—plus our final thoughts, favorite moments, and whether we’d do it all again.

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re recapping an unforgettable weekend filled with great food, live music, and plenty of Disney magic! We stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, giving our thoughts on the resort’s location, amenities, transportation, and how it stacks up against other Value Resorts.

Then, we dive into our EPCOT dining experiences, including reviews of Nine Dragons in the China Pavilion and Spice Road Table in Morocco, both paired with Garden Rocks Concert Series dining packages. Was the cost worth it for guaranteed seating? And what were our standout dishes? We break it all down, from Sichuan Shui Zhu Beef and Smoked Duck Fried Rice to Spicy Shrimp and Pomegranate-Chili Crispy Cauliflower.

Next, we take a break at Bar Riva at Disney’s Riviera Resort, a perfect midday or post-park spot. We’ll talk about the Signature Burger, Pepperoni Pizza, and Mediterranean Mint Lemonade, plus why we think this might be a hidden gem.

Finally, we wrap up with our experience seeing Blue October live at EPCOT, sharing tips on getting the best Garden Rocks seats, and reflecting on our favorite moments from the trip. What was our best meal? Would we do anything differently? Tune in to find out!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

Quick update on this week’s episodes. Don’t worry—you’re still getting two, just not in the usual Tuesday and Friday order.

We just got back from four days at Disney, where we saw Blue October at the Garden Rocks Series, ate a ton of amazing food, and stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the Main Tower for the first time. Plus, I had the chance to see my brother speak over at the Dolphin. We got back late Monday night, so we didn’t have time to record for Tuesday’s episode.

Instead, we’ll be recording both episodes on Thursday and releasing one Thursday evening and the next Friday morning as usual. So be sure to tune in and subscribe so you don’t miss them!

You’ll get to hear our thoughts on Nine Dragons, Spice Road Table, updates at Bar Riva, breakfast at Chef Mickey’s, sitting at the bar at California Grill, and dinner at Steakhouse 71’s bar. And of course, we’ll be sharing our first-ever experience staying in the Contemporary’s Main Tower with a Theme Park View—did it live up to the hype?

Tune in Thursday and Friday, and be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss our usual Tuesday and Friday episodes. Thanks, and we’ll see you guys real soon!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re recapping the second half of our recent Disney trip, including our stay at All-Star Sports, nighttime fun at Hollywood Studios, and a full breakdown of our EPCOT rope drop strategy. 

We’ll share our experience staying at All-Star Sports, what worked, what didn’t, and how it compares to other value resorts. Plus, we’ll talk about updates at the resort, including the removal of AI ordering machines and how it affected the overall experience as well as what it is like to stay at the value resorts during national team competitions.

Then we head to EPCOT to track every step of our morning to give you the best strategy for early entry. We’ll break down how to maximize your morning. We’ll also discuss Lightning Lanes, pricing options, and whether paying for Cosmic Rewind is worth it.

Whether you’re planning a stay at All-Star Sports or looking for the best way to tackle EPCOT rope drop, this episode is packed with helpful tips and real-time strategies.

Spring is in full bloom at Walt Disney World, and we’re diving into everything EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival has to offer this year! From March 5 to June 2, 2025, the park transforms into a vibrant celebration of nature, food, and entertainment, and we’re here to break it all down.

In this episode, we’ll share our top festival tips, including the best places to stay, how to plan your visit, and how to make the most of your time (and budget). We’ll also highlight must-try dishes, stunning topiaries—including an all-new Moana display—plus fun activities like Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration and the Egg-Stravaganza Hunt. And of course, we can’t forget the Garden Rocks concert lineup, featuring performances from Blue October, Air Supply, Simple Plan, 98 Degrees, and more!

Whether you’re a first-time festivalgoer or a seasoned pro, we’ve got everything you need to know to make this year’s Flower & Garden Festival an unforgettable experience. So grab your festival passport, get ready to explore the 25+ Global Gardens, incredible topiaries, and let’s dig into all the magic (and food) EPCOT has to offer!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

In this heartfelt episode, I am honored to share the inspiring story of Liz Hatton, a talented young photographer whose passion for Disney, love for photography, and unwavering strength left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

We’ll take a look at how Liz’s love for Disney first began, how her family fell in love with Disney Cruise Line, and the special connections they made along the way, including meeting Jessica and Landon (former Disney Cast Members and owners of Vacation Grocery Delivery), who are friends that became like family. Liz’s story is one of courage, creativity, and unforgettable experiences, including the incredible moment when she had the opportunity to photograph and meet the Prince and Princess of Wales at Windsor Castle.

Liz’s journey was shaped by her battle with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT), a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Through her diagnosis, she continued to chase her dreams, inspire others, and use her passion for photography to bring joy to those around her. We’ll also discuss Capture, a charity being created in her honor to support young people and their families facing cancer and to raise awareness for DSRCT research.

Join us as we celebrate Liz’s remarkable life, her love for Disney, and her incredible achievements, and learn how you can help continue her legacy by supporting the fight against DSRCT.

Tune in now to hear Liz’s inspiring story and find out how you can help make a difference.

Donate to Support Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor Research

Teen with Cancer Who Shared Special Moment with Kate Middleton Dies: 'She Flew High Until the End'

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re diving deep into the most immersive rides at Walt Disney World, breaking down what makes these attractions feel like more than just a ride—they’re fully realized worlds that transport guests into adventure, fantasy, and storytelling like never before.

From the eerie halls of the Haunted Mansion to the high-speed thrills of Cosmic Rewind, we’re ranking the top 10 most immersive rides based on theme, queue experience, ride elements, and Cast Member interactions. We’ll discuss how each attraction uses technology, storytelling, and Disney magic to create unforgettable experiences, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie, fantasy land, or galaxy far, far away.

We also give a shout-out to some honorable mentions, including Soarin’, Star Tours, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Expedition Everest, which came close but didn’t quite make the list.

Topping our countdown are beloved attractions like Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean, but there can only be one ultimate #1 most immersive ride—what will it be? Did your favorite attraction make the list? Tune in to find out!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re putting some of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic foods to the test. We’ll break down taste, value, portion size, and uniqueness to determine whether these fan-favorite Disney eats are truly worth your time and money—or if you should skip them.

We’re diving into the most legendary snacks and meals, including the Nutella & Fresh Fruit Waffle from Sleepy Hollow, the cheeseburger spring rolls from the Adventureland cart, and the always-debated turkey leg. We’ll also take a look at sweet treats like the Cheshire Cat Tail, Gaston Tavern’s cinnamon roll, and of course, the world-famous Dole Whip.

But this isn’t just a simple food review—we’re digging into the history and fun facts behind these items. Did you know that the Mickey Ice Cream Bar has been a Disney Parks staple since 1985 but wasn’t shaped like Mickey until the 1990s? Or that Casey’s Corner was originally called the Refreshment Center when Magic Kingdom first opened in 1971?

Along the way, we’ll share our verdict: Is each item a must-try (“Eat It”) or an overrated snack (“Beat It”)? With so many food options available at Disney, we’re here to help you decide what’s truly worth the splurge.

So, grab your appetite and join us, will your favorite Disney snack make the cut?

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song