Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) talk about Ashleigh’s adventures at the 2020 WDW Marathon Weekend. They discuss which runDisney races she ran, her first ride on the gondolas, new culinary encounters, the wacky weather that always seems to accompany this weekend, and then, Ashleigh gets personal about an imperfect race and resort experience and what she learned from both.

0:44 - Race overview

2:10 - Driving to Orlando and having a car at WDW, getting to the expo

8:15 - Taking ALL the transportation to the parks. ALL OF IT!

16:20 - Why does this race weekend always have wacky weather?

20:33 - The runDisney flag system, the road closures, and how the marathon was affected

23:56 - Ashleigh’s 5K

26:05 - Hot tip for getting the best race photos

27:34 - Ashleigh’s (emotional) Half Marathon and the “Sea of Green”

44:38 - Eating at Sebastian’s Bistro, Beaches & Cream, California Grill, the EPCOT Forever Rose & Crown Dining package

49:00 - Staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort

55:00 - Tips for reaching out to Disney if there is an issue with your stay

We found the magical foot roller! (not an ad): rollrecovery.com/product/r3/

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) discuss Jessica’s recent trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain for Holiday in The Park and Taste of Holiday in The Park.

1:18 - About “Taste of Holiday in The Park”

5:45 - The answer to a previous mystery!

7:50 - Holiday in The Park specs - times and dates, lights, “snowpe,” crafts, S’mores Stations, the light shows, entertainment, stilt walker toy soldiers, walkthroughs, photo ops, holiday merch, charity

21:40 - Taste of Holiday in The Park tasting passports

23:05 - Allergy and dietary considerations and options

24:55 - Meeting and interviewing Neal Thurman, the President of Six Flags Magic Mountain!

30:21 - Other Taste of Holiday in The Park food options

31:40 - Overall thoughts on Holiday in The Park

For those who don’t remember the S’mores scene from “The Sandlot” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlddDZkkxCc

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) tell you about all the magic that happens on both coasts at Disney during the Holiday Season. Is it worth it to brave the insane crowds? What's it like on Christmas Day? The Theme Parkettes discuss the seasonal food, lights, events, special entertainment, the ride overlays, the scavenger hunts, and, of course, the “snowpe.” As usual, they give their best travel tips and advice on how to make sure your holiday vacation is as magical as possible.

1:40 - When do the “Holidays” start at Disneyland and Walt Disney World?

3:40 - A brief discussion of Thanksgiving at Disney

7:15 - Magic Kingdom, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

14:36 - EPCOT

20:12 - Animal Kingdom

22:13 - Hollywood Studios

25:40 - Disney Springs

27:55 - Grand Californian Hotel (and other Disney resorts)

29:28 - Disney’s California Adventure, including Festival of the Holidays

32:03 - Disneyland

35:57 - An explanation of the “phases” of park closure - What you need to know so you can make sure you get in, even on the busiest days

38:46 - Tips for braving Disney during the Holidays

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) continue the second half of their discussion on all the Walt Disney World Resorts by delving into the luxurious Deluxe resort options.

What are each of the hotels like? What size rooms do they offer? How’s the pool? What are the transportation options for getting to the parks? Any restaurants or entertainment on property? Which ones are dog friendly? The Theme Parkettes answer all these questions!

At the end of this episode, the Theme Parkettes play a game where Ashleigh shares her resort recommendations for all different types of trips.

(0:28 - 34:48) The Deluxe Resorts

2:50 - Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

6:02 - Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

8:54 - Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

12:06 - Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

14:56 - Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

18:25 - Disney’s Contemporary Resort

22:38 - Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

34:49 - Briefly regarding the Swan, Dolphin, and other resorts that aren’t wholly Disney resorts

36:13 - Quiz time! Ashleigh helps you pick the best Disney resort for your trip

*Please note: Disney Vacation Club Resorts will be discussed in a future episode! Stay tuned.

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) know there are a LOT of Walt Disney World Resorts and want to help you choose the right one for your next trip! They go in depth on each property — from Value to Moderate to Deluxe options.

What are the hotels like? What size rooms do they offer? How’s each pool? What are the transportation options for getting to the parks? Any restaurants or entertainment on property? Which ones are dog friendly?

The Theme Parkettes answer all these questions!

In Part 1, they discuss the WDW resorts considered Value, Value Plus, and Moderate.

(3:23 - 27:31) The Value and Value Plus Resorts

4:10 - The three “All-Star Resorts” - Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

12:06 - Disney’s Pop Century Resort

16:37 - Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

21:32 - The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

23:38 - Quick discussion about The Electric Water Pageant, which somehow Jessica had never heard of

26:33 - Which Value/Value Plus Resort does Ashleigh recommend to clients the most?

(27:32- 51:38) The Moderate Resorts

27:40 - The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

31:30 - Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

38:44 - Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

45:05 - Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

48:56 - Results of our Instagram poll! @mainstreetinspirations

49:10 - Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

In Part 2, Episode 13, the Theme Parkettes discuss the Deluxe Resorts and play a game where Ashleigh shares her resort recommendations for different types of trips.

*Please note: Disney Vacation Club Resorts will be discussed in a future episode! Stay tuned.

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) go through major US theme parks, discuss if they have themed resorts, and what their themed resorts have to offer. What are you paying for? Is it worth your money? Should you stay at a nearby hotel for less?

The Theme Parkettes explore the pros and cons (although there’s really only one con!) of staying at a theme park resort and what you should look for - and look out for - when choosing an off-property hotel.

1:05 - The one “con” of staying at a Theme Park Resort. There’s really only one!

2:13 - Six Flags

4:44 - Sesame Place

6:29 - Busch Gardens

8:50 - Knott's Berry Farm

13:04 - Cedar Point

17:48 - Dollywood

20:55 - Legoland Florida

22:35 - Legoland California

23:44 - Hersheypark

26:23 - Universal Orlando

34:52 - Universal Hollywood

40:32 - Disneyland (California)

50:26 - Walt Disney World (Orlando)*

*Look for an upcoming episode where The Theme Parkettes discuss all of the (more than 25!) different resorts at WDW.

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) along with special guest Brian Cavallaro

review Jessica and Brian’s trip to Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights.

1:09 - Meet writer/director Brian Cavallaro!

3:23 - About HHN early entry

6:20 - How the event is set up

7:10 - Our favorite part of the event - partying on the Backlot!

7:56 - Hot tip! Regarding HHN restrooms

9:10 - Toxic Tunnel Scare Zone

9:38 - Top secret (not really) HHN parking tip

10:45 - Merch!

12:00 - Event drinks!

12:45 - Bag suggestion for HHN

14:05 - Tip for ordering drinks before mazes

15:10 - The surprising area that was closed

17:57 - Jordan Peele’s Us Maze

24:25 - The Curse of Pandora’s Box Maze

27:24 - Ghostbusters Maze

33:01 - Brian’s college job at Universal Orlando

35:47 - All Hallows Evil Scare Zone

37:15 - Jabbawockeez Show

40:45 - Holidayz in Hell Maze

45:17 - Thoughts on creating HHN from a production standpoint

47:10 - Tickets!

50:52 - Final Thoughts on HHN 2019 and Universal Hollywood in general

53:39 - The Theme Parkettes’ Five Questions for Brian Cavallaro

1:01:18 - Where to find Brian Cavallaro @briancavallaro

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) discuss Jessica’s recent trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain for Fright Fest.

1:15 - Six Flags Fright Fest 30-Hour Coffin Challenge

5:45 - Arriving at the park, parking, security, bag check, lockers

8:20 - Jessica’s bag recommendations for this type of event

11:07 - Hot tip about the maps!

13:00 - “Don’t forget, it’s called Magic MOUNTAIN for a reason.”

14:20 - The amazing makeup on the monsters (shout out to Scott Ramp and The Scream Team)

16:02 - All about all the Haunted Mazes

28:08 - The Voodoo Dolls and Voodoo Nights entertainment

30:20 - Comedy Hypnotist Suzy Haner

33:50 - Food!

36:24 - Merch!

38:00 - Overall thoughts on Fright Fest and Ashleigh’s crippling fear.

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) discuss what each of the major theme parks allow in terms of bags, lockers, and what are the “forbidden items.” They make recommendations about what items are crucial for park survival, they have a hot tip for something parents can pack to create a truly magical (and affordable) moment, and they have (maybe) their biggest debate yet on the BEST bag to carry at a theme park.

01:40 - What’s allowed in terms of bag size and stroller size at some of the major theme parks.

08:42 - Bag check/security check - what to expect, what’s never allowed.

15:09 - Parks that do and do not allow you to bring food and beverages in

23:30 - Lockers - different types, locations, pricing, and considerations

30:32 - Suggestions and considerations for major roller coaster parks

34:19 - What do Jessica and Ashleigh pack in their theme park day bags?

49:07 - Other suggestions from listeners

50:10 - Hot tip for parents!

52:17 - The fashionable bag The Theme Parkettes do not recommend for your day bag

54:00 - The debate begins! Ashleigh’s bag recommendation

55:35 - Jessica’s bag recommendation

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song and bonus end song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com

Jessica and Ashleigh (The Theme Parkettes) discuss special ticketed events and theme park parties. They weigh in on whether these events are worth the extra $$$, how the experience differs from going to a park on a regular day, and they recommend their favorites. Party on!

1:25 - Halloween Horror Nights at Universal

6:33 - Are Halloween-themed ticketed park events worth it? Six Flags Fright Fest, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream, Knotts Scary Farm

10:40 - Other Busch Gardens events

11:58 - Disney crowds for events vs. Other Parks

15:00 - Disney's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

16:30 - Read the fine print! Get in early!

18:00 - Disneyland After Dark 90s Nite Review

21:35 - Disney After Hours

26:55 - Disney at Christmas

29:35 - Universal Grinchmas, Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Legoland Brickmas, Knotts Merry Farm

31:45 - Oogie Boogie Bash

33:07 - Pros of Special Ticketed Events

35:37 - Cons

40:50 - Our most recommended event on both coasts, Candlelight Processional

43:00 - Jessica's NPH Story

www.themeparkettes.com

Instagram - @thethemeparkettes

Jessica - @actorjessicagardner

Ashleigh - @happygoashleigh

Art by Billie Denise McGhee billiedenise.com

Theme song by Thomas Gardner Jr. thomasgardnerjr.com