Wizards and Pixie Dust

The creators at Walt Disney World have designed a system that will replace the old FastPass system, called Genie +. This innovative app is designed to take Walt Disney world’s visitor’s wait times down. Visitors will be able to plan their days by reviewing wait times in real-time. This will allow guests to spend more time doing what they really want. Overall improving guest experiences leading to the most magical vacation.

Mary Yohannan and Melissa Snyder along with our special guest Emily Nugent from Life is Better Traveling are going to talk about navigating Genie +.  We get into the in’s and out’s of the app. Where to find historical wait time to plan your day. How to find dining times that work for you. Plan your day around parades and shows by knowing the exact times they start. If you are heading to Walt Disney World anytime soon, you will want to listen in as we navigate Genie + for you.

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Join your podcast hosts, Mary Yohannan and Melissa Snyder as they talk about the recent updates on Walt Disney World’s characters meet and greets. Disney released new information that they are bringing back meet and greets. Some of the most iconic characters are coming back to the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Guests can enjoy meeting EARidescent Mickey Mouse on Main Street at Town Square Theater. A nice touch for the 50th anniversary celebration. Do you love the princesses? Princess meet and greets are coming back to Princess Fairytale Hall. Head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to meet up with the beloved Disney Junior characters and Minnie Mouse in Animation Courtyard.

Even with meet and greets coming back, you will want to listen in to find out what Mary and Melissa believe will be the protocols. How close will you be allowed to the characters? How long will you have with them? Will cast members take your phone to take pictures for you? We will be answering these questions and more.

Thinking of planning a Disney or Universal Orlando vacation but not sure where to start? Let one of our travel agents at Life is Better Traveling help take the stress, time, and energy of planning a vacation away. Simply fill out the form below and one of our agents will get back with you shortly.

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Scare zones at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) are scare areas that you don’t want to miss. Listen in as your podcast host, Mary Yohannan talks about the various scare zones throughout HHN. Mary recaps the 5 scare zones. She talks about the theme of each zone, the characters, and intensity of the zone. One of her favorite scare zones, Crypt TV had scary but unique characters. This zone is sure to be enjoyable for any age over 13.

Mary also talks about the two shows during HHN. Her favorite show Halloween Nightmare Fuel was so good that she is going to see again when she goes back in a few weeks. This show included magic, fire, and acrobatics. The music was paired perfectly with each scene, and she left wanting more. The other show, Marathon of Mayhem: Carnage Factory was a little less desirable. Listen in to find out why Mary thought this show fell flat.

Thinking of planning a Disney or Universal Orlando vacation but not sure where to start? Let one of the travel agents at Life is Better Traveling take the stress out of planning. They have helped thousands of people plan stress-free vacations. Simply fill out the form below and one of the agents will get with you shortly.

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Mary Yohannan, your podcast host, just spent four days at Universal Studios in Orlando to take in their Halloween activities. Mary talks about this year’s trick-or-treating taking place all over Universal Orlando Resorts. It is called Scarecrow Stalk, and you collect stamps and treats at each location as you STALK around the resort. You simply visit the stores on the list, check out the festive scarecrows, and collect your candy. Fun for all ages.

In this episode, Mary also talks about the 10 haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights (HHN). She talks how to get into one of the corrals so you can be one of the first people in a your house of choice. Mary takes a few seconds to break down each house. She explains why her favorite house is one of the lesser known houses. She also talks about which houses would be good for those under 13 years of age, and over 13 years of age. Listen in for some really good information.

Thinking of going to Universal’s HHN or Universal Orlando in general? Simply fill out the form below and one of our Life is Better Traveling travel agents will get back with you shortly.

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Coronado Springs is one of the largest resorts on Walt Disney World properties. Riveria resort is one of the smallest properties. Your podcast hosts Mary Yohannan and Melissa Snyder dive deep into their impression of Coronado Springs after having just stayed there for a few nights. They also talk about their experience of the Riveria resort. They quickly visited the resort but found that a few things might be missing, especially for die-hard Disney fans. Listen in to find out their reviews on these two resort.

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Don’t delay! Spring break planning time is NOW. Rooms are going quickly so make sure to get with one of our travel agents over at Life is Better Traveling to get you started planning today.

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Walt Disney World (WDW) has various modes of transportation. Buses, boats, the monorail, Segways, bikes, and newly added the Skyliner. Even though the Skyliner is their most recent addition to WDW transportation, it is probably the best mode of transportation on property. Your podcast hosts, Melissa Snyder and Mary Yohannan talk about their recent experience on the Skyliner. Prior to riding, both ladies were extremely nervous. Some of their concerns included things like hot pods, getting stuck, being small inside, and moving slowly. Listen in to find out which concerns ended up happening to them!

Thinking of planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Want to stay at one of the resorts attached to the Skyliner? Simply fill out the form below. One of the Authorized Vacation Planning travel agents at Life is Better Traveling will contact you soon.

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Mary just took her family to Universal Orlando for an entire week during the height of covid cases in Florida. Join your podcast hosts, Mary Yohannan and Melissa Snyder as Melissa asks Mary questions about what is going on down at the parks. We get to the bottom of mask wearing, social distancing, crowds, mobile ordering, and beating the heat. Make sure to listen in on this podcast for the one thing that Mary and her family did to ensure they remained safe.

Thinking of taking the family to Universal Orlando but not sure where to start planning? One of the Life is Better Traveling travel agents can help answer all your questions and plan an amazing Universal vacation that will fit your family’s needs. Simply fill out the form below and one of our agents will get back with you shortly.

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Best Bites: Halloween 2021 at Walt Disney World Resort were announced! Our loyal listeners know that this is Mary’s favorite time of year, Halloween. Join your podcast hosts Mary Yohannan and Melissa Snyder as they talk about these amazing treats that are being offered at which resorts and parks.

Announcing the spooktacular treats:

Resorts 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Sanaa and Sanaa Lounge Sea Witch’s Brew – Vodka, raspberry liqueur, blue Curaçao beverage syrup, muddled berries, and edible glitter served in a Collins glass with a blue glow cube (Available 10/24-10/31)Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Food Courts Spooky Apple Spiced Spider Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with apple filling and spiced buttercream caramel drizzle (Available 10/25-10/31)Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Contempo Café Mini Halloween Cake – Halloween sprinkle cake with candy bar custard and chocolate glaze (Available 10/1-10/31)Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Gasparilla Island Grill Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes – Rich devil’s food cake with “peanut boo-tter” filling decorated to resemble all three Sanderson Sisters (Available 9/1-11/1)Jack Skellington Pumpkin Pie Pop – Pumpkin pie colossal pop covered in white chocolate decorated as the iconic Pumpkin King (Available 9/1-11/1)Sally’s Stitched Up Whoopie Pie Heart – Vanilla heart-shaped whoopie pie adorned with Sally’s signature patchwork (Available 9/1-11/1)Be-Witching Minnie Mouse Cupcake – Cookies & cream-filled chocolate cupcake enrobed in chocolate ganache and topped with Minnie Mouse chocolate witch hat (Available 9/1-11/1) Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits and Olivia’s CaféHarvest Refresher – Vodka with cranberry juice and muddled oranges (Available 9/26-11/25)Apple Cider Old Fashioned – Bourbon with fresh apple cider, bitters, muddled oranges, and brown sugar cinnamon (Available 9/26-11/25) Caramel Apple Martini – Vanilla vodka, butterscotch flavor liqueur, and fresh apple cider with a brown sugar cinnamon rim (Available 9/26-11/25)Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Good’s Food to go, Conch Flatts General Store, and Turtle Shack Poolside SnacksPoisoned Delight – Violet white chocolate mousse dome with an apple insert and fresh apple cake covered in a white chocolate glaçage (Available 10/1-10/31)Disney’s Riviera Resort – Le Petit CaféMilk Chocolate and Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake – Caramel milk chocolate mousse, chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake, roasted white chocolate shell, and graham cracker sable-inspired acorn (Available 9/25-11/27)Milk Chocolate and Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake – Caramel milk chocolate mousse, chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake, dark chocolate glaçage, and graham cracker sable inspired bat (Available 10/24-10/31)Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Geyser PointBlood Orange – Tequila, blood orange, and simple syrup with lime juice (Available 10/3-11/7)Black Magic Margarita –Tequila, blue Curaçao beverage syrup, green apple syrup, grenadine, sour mix, and a glow cube (Available 10/3-11/7)A

Your podcast hosts Mary Yohannan and Melissa Snyder were just at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival! The Food and Wine Festival this year runs from July 15 – November 20, 2021, and showcases 34 different Global Marketplaces to sample various food and beverage delights. This is also the year of Remy, the tiny rat from the movie Ratatouille. His new ride opens in the France pavilion on October 1, 2021, and with his culinary gifts it is very fitting that he is the face of this year’s festival. Make sure to listen in on this episode to hear which treats Mary and Melissa tried as well as the fun activity Mary enjoyed while going around the World Showcase.

Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival

Thinking of going to the 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, even if it is just for a weekend? Simply fill out the form below and one of the Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at Life is Better Traveling will get back with you quickly.

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Wizards and Pixie Dust is paired with Life is Better Traveling, and a team of their travel agents were just down in Walt Disney World getting updates on what was happening. Your hosts and agents Melissa Snyder and Mary Yohannan were there with them. In this episode they talk about the updates to the mask policy that went into effect July 30, the length of the ride lines, and new security measures when entering the parks.

While we were down in Walt Disney World in Orlando a new update came out saying that everyone would be required to wear masks while indoors. The original mask mandate was lifted in early June of this year, but with the number of covid cases on the rise in Florida, the mayor recommend wearing masks while indoors. Disney went one step further and made it a requirement to wear masks indoors and start social distancing again.

Disney Mask Updates

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