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

Curtis Stone
  • 4.7 (397)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

You're vacation is Important! Dream it. Plan it. Take it. Tell us about it.

  1. 6d ago

    A Disney Cruise to Alaska: Glaciers, Bears and Unlimited Ice Cream With Kate Merrow - Ep. 687

    This week, Curtis welcomes his good friend Kate back to the podcast to share her family’s unforgettable seven-night Alaskan cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. The trip was originally planned for Kate and her husband, Pete—but when their 16-year-old daughter, Allie, asked to join them, they realized there might not be many more years when she would want to vacation with Mom and Dad. Together, they sailed from Vancouver to Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan for an adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife and plenty of Disney magic. We geek out about: 🏔️ Taking a helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier—and walking across the ice 🐻 Watching bears catch salmon from the river 🦅 Seeing bald eagles everywhere they looked 🚂 Riding the historic White Pass train through Alaska 🦀 Fresh king crab, Dungeness crab and one very unusual salmon donut 🚢 Whether a balcony is worth the extra cost on an Alaskan cruise 🎭 Broadway-style shows, dueling pianos and entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Allie stepping outside her comfort zone and making friends at Vibe 🍦 Why unlimited ice cream ranked alongside the glacier as a trip highlight 🥤 The special Cast Member touch that put a Shirley Temple at Allie’s seat every night Kate also shares helpful advice about arriving in Vancouver early, packing for unpredictable Alaskan weather and saving room in your budget for excursions that can turn a great cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But the heart of this episode is about taking one more family adventure together, meeting wonderful people along the way and making memories before the kids are all grown up. If you’re planning Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal or another magical vacation, contact Margita and Judy of the Travelin’ Tiaras at TravelinTiaras@gmail.com. Booking or transferring your vacation through the Travelin’ Tiaras gives you their experienced planning support—and it’s also a wonderful way to support the podcast. A huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks! Your support helps cover the costs of producing the show and keeps the podcast going each week. Join our Patreon family at patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW. And don’t forget to search for our other podcast, Geekin’ on Travel, wherever you listen to podcasts!

  2. Sep 21

    Four Families, Two Weeks and One Unforgettable Disney Adventure With Merideth and Declan - Ep. 686

    This week, Curtis welcomes longtime listener Meredith and her 13-year-old son, Declan, for a fun and heartfelt look back at their incredible two-week Walt Disney World vacation. This wasn’t an ordinary family trip. Meredith brought together her family and the families of her three college roommates—eight adults, seven kids and more than 20 years of friendship! We geek out about: 🏨 Split stays at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Riviera and Beach Club 🦒 Waking up to giraffes and spotting a new baby on the safari 🐭 Declan’s hilarious dance-off with Mickey 🍖 Searching for the best ribs at Disney World 🎢 The new Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster 🌙 Magic Kingdom After Hours and getting their money’s worth in Mickey bars 🚀 Declan’s secret to scoring four million points on Buzz Lightyear 🎆 A Magic Kingdom fireworks cruise and Fourth of July at EPCOT 👑 Four little princesses, one teenage security guard and some unexpected pixie dust 🐀 Getting evacuated from Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure But the heart of this episode is about longtime friends bringing their families together, watching children experience Disney for the first time and taking one more special vacation while the kids are still kids. If you’re planning a Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal or other magical vacation, contact Margita and Judy of the Travelin’ Tiaras at TravelinTiaras@gmail.com. Booking or transferring your trip through them is also a wonderful way to support the podcast. A huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks! Your support helps cover the costs of producing the show and keeps the podcast going each week. Join our Patreon family at patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW. And don’t forget to search for our other podcast, Geekin’ on Travel, featuring Auntie Judy’s latest cruise and Glen and Rebecca’s adventure through Portugal!

  3. Sep 14

    Beyond the Rides: Disney World Extras & Magical Memories | Beginner’s Guide Part 2 - Ep. 685

    Planning your first Walt Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming. How far ahead should you plan? How much should you budget? Do you really need to schedule every minute? And what about all those Disney extras you may not even know exist? This week, I’m continuing our Disney World for Beginners series with two great friends and Disney experts — Toni-Ann Zarcone, co-host of the Disney Crush Podcast, and MandieRae Malinoski, travel advisor and owner of Royal Escapes. We start with the basics and quickly discover one of the most important Disney planning lessons: Have a plan…but don’t plan the magic right out of your vacation. We geek out about: 👉 Why trying to “do it all” can actually hurt your Disney vacation 👉 When you should start planning and which dates really matter 👉 What a good Disney travel advisor should do for you 👉 Realistic ways to think about the cost of a Disney World vacation 👉 Resorts, dining, Lightning Lanes and finding value for your family 👉 Private fireworks cruises — and why we think they can be an incredible value 👉 Capture Your Moment photo sessions 👉 Cabanas and relaxing pool days 👉 Savi’s Workshop and Droid Depot 👉 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and makeover alternatives 👉 Fishing, golf and other overlooked Disney activities 👉 Savor the Savanna and other Animal Kingdom experiences 👉 Celebration at the Top and special fireworks dining experiences 👉 Some of our favorite dining recommendations for first-time families But one of my favorite ideas from this conversation has nothing to do with reservations or itineraries. Sometimes the thing you thought would be the highlight of the trip isn’t the thing everyone remembers. It might be your child dancing with performers in Harambe. It might be an afternoon at the pool, building a droid, catching a fish, meeting a favorite character or sitting together on a boat watching the fireworks. Those unexpected moments can become the memories your family talks about for years. 👑 Planning a Disney Vacation?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. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com 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. ❤️ Join the Geekin’ FamilyCome join us in the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook group and tell us: If you could choose ONE Disney extra for your next vacation, what would it be? And a huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks for helping support the podcast and this amazing Disney community. Join at Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW 🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode of Geekin’ on Walt Disney World.

  4. Sep 7

    July Is the New February?! Beating the Heat & Crowds at Disney World – Ep. 684

    This week, Curt welcomes longtime Geek Christina Marriott to the podcast for a summer Walt Disney World trip report packed with planning strategies, family memories, great food—and a few hot takes! Christina describes herself as “the binder lady without the binder,” and she definitely did her homework. She researched historical crowd patterns, planned around the July heat, used Lightning Lanes and Weight Magic, and even scheduled daily sit-down meals and afternoon breaks to keep everyone going. The surprise? July crowds were incredibly low, leading Christina to declare that maybe “July is the new February!” Curt and Christina geek out about: Why Pop Century was the right choice for this tripUsing the Skyliner, Lightning Lanes and Weight MagicStarting the vacation with a relaxing day at Typhoon LagoonManaging the Florida heat with meals, shows and afternoon breaksWhy they stopped “rope dropping the rope drop”Disneyland vs. Disney World attraction comparisonsCosmic Rewind, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Test TrackCinderella’s Royal Table, Yak & Yeti, Via Napoli and Satu’li Canteen breakfastThe infamous six juice boxes at Roundup Rodeo 😂And how slowing down actually helped this hardcore Disney family have a better vacation By the end of the trip, Christina, Ben and Camille felt like they had done everything they wanted to do without completely wearing themselves out—a Disney vacation that left them feeling “full in the best possible way.” 👑 Planning a Disney Vacation?Curt’s wife Margita and Auntie Judy—the Travelin’ Tiaras—can help you plan Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal and other magical vacations. Booking or transferring your vacation through the Travelin’ Tiaras is also a great way to support the podcast. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com ❤️ Support the PodcastA huge thank-you to our Patreon Geeks whose support helps cover the costs of producing the show and keeps us Geekin’ every week. www.patreon.com/geekinonwdw patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW And come join the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook community to share your Disney stories, trip reports, tips and favorite memories!

  5. Aug 31

    Places to Escape the Crowds & Slow Down at Disney World With Lisa Lawcock - Ep. 683

    This week, Curtis welcomes Lisa to the podcast for the first time! Lisa shares the emotional story of where her love for Disney began, why walking into the Magic Kingdom still reminds her of her dad and mother-in-law, and how her Disney vacations have changed over the years. We also geek out about her trip to Disneyland Paris, including why she thinks Phantom Manor might actually be better than Haunted Mansion, an amazing Big Thunder Mountain, the value of upgrading your resort experience, and the fun of meeting Disney fans from all over the world. Then we get into the heart of this week’s show: Where are the best places to slow down at Walt Disney World? We talk about: 👉 Relaxing upstairs at Columbia Harbour House 👉 Riding the PeopleMover when you need a break 👉 Exploring the quiet corners of World Showcase 👉 The gardens and koi ponds in the Japan Pavilion 👉 Baseline Tap House at Hollywood Studios 👉 Slowing down on Animal Kingdom’s trails 👉 Resort hopping for a midday break 👉 Taking a boat to Wilderness Lodge and relaxing at Geyser Point 👉 Enjoying EPCOT after the crowds have disappeared 👉 And learning that you don’t always have to race to the next attraction Lisa also shares some of her Disney favorites, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Liberty Tree Tavern, Fantasmic, Peter Pan’s Flight, EPCOT festivals, character meets and Mickey Bars. But underneath all of it is a great reminder: Sometimes the best Disney memories happen when we stop worrying about how much we can accomplish and give ourselves permission to simply enjoy being there. 👑 Plan Your Next Vacation with the Travelin’ TiarasThinking about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Epic Universe, or another magical vacation? Margita and Judy — the Travelin’ Tiaras — would love to help! Already booked? In many cases, you can transfer your reservation and still get their planning help, tips and support. Booking through the Travelin’ Tiaras is also a wonderful way to support the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com 💙 Join Our Geekin’ FamilyCome join the conversation in our Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook group and tell us: Where is YOUR favorite place at Walt Disney World to slow down and escape the crowds? And if you have a Disney trip report, a great Disney story, or a topic you’d love to geek out about, reach out to Curt. We’d love to have you on the show! ❤️ Support the PodcastA huge thank-you to our Patreon Geeks who help keep the show going every week. Join our Patreon family at: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Thanks for listening, Geeks — and remember, sometimes the best thing you can do at Walt Disney World is slow down and enjoy the magic happening all around you.

  6. Aug 24

    A Dream Golden Girls Weekend & Ultimate Disney This or That With Cousin Heather - Ep. 682

    Episode 682 — Dream Disney Weekends, Golden Girls & Disney This or ThatThis week, Cousin Heather Stone Capelle is back, and we’re having one of those conversations that feels like hanging out with friends and geeking out about Disney for an hour. We start by designing our dream Disney weekends with friends. Heather builds the ultimate Golden Girls getaway with her daughter and her Disney friends, complete with a Beach Club stay, an EPCOT fireworks cruise, a VIP tour, pool time, Victoria & Albert’s, wine pairings, and plenty of time to slow down and enjoy being together. Then I start building my own guys weekend with lounge crawls, burger challenges, bourbon, live music, and a possible four-park VIP challenge. And after that…things get competitive. We jump into a big round of Disney This or That, debating everything from resorts and attractions to food, lounges, and Disney traditions. We geek out about:Beach Club vs. PolynesianBoardWalk area vs. Animal Kingdom LodgeContemporary vs. Grand FloridianSkyliner vs. MonorailRope Drop vs. Magic Kingdom at nightHaunted Mansion vs. Pirates of the CaribbeanSoarin’ vs. Spaceship EarthRunaway Railway vs. RatatouilleFestival of the Lion King vs. FantasmicCharacter breakfasts vs. signature dinnersNomad Lounge vs. Trader Sam’sDole Whip vs. Mickey Premium BarsBig group trips vs. traveling with one close friend But some of the best parts of this episode aren’t really about choosing one Disney thing over another. Heather and I talk about how much the people you travel with shape the entire trip, why the best plans still need room for spontaneity, and how special it is to spend time at Disney with people who understand why this place means so much to you. Sometimes the best Disney moments aren’t the rides or the reservations. They’re the laughter, the strange little moments, the pictures you didn’t plan, and the friends who make you say: “We’ve got to do this again.” 👑 Travelin’ TiarasThinking about your next Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Epic Universe, or other magical vacation? My wife Margita and our good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras and would love to help you plan it. You can also transfer an existing reservation and still get their planning help, strategy, and support. Booking through the Travelin’ Tiaras is also a wonderful way to support the podcast. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com Or reach out through Facebook Messenger. 💙 Join the Geekin’ FamilyCome hang out with us in the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook group and tell us: Who would be on your dream Disney weekend, and what is the one thing your group absolutely has to do? And if you have a recent trip report, a great Disney story, or a topic you’d love to geek out about, reach out to me and come on the show. 🌟 Support the ShowA huge thank-you to our Patreon family for helping support the costs of producing the podcast and keeping the show going every week. patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Thank you for being part of this amazing Disney Geek community!

  7. Aug 17

    Our Man on the Ground Jason: Duck, Duck, Goose with Donald & What’s New at Disney World - Ep. 681

    In this episode of the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast, host Curtis Stone sits down with local correspondent Jason to get a fresh 'boots on the ground' perspective of the parks. Jason has been living in the Orlando area for three years and has some incredible tips on how to navigate the summer heat, find hidden dining gems, and experience unique character interactions. From the newly revamped Muppet coaster pre-show to the retro arcade gaming at Disney Springs' Level 99, we cover all the latest changes you need to know before your next trip. **In this episode, we talk about:** * **Spontaneous Magic:** Playing Duck, Duck, Goose with Stitch and Donald Duck at the Animation Courtyard. * **The Muppets Return:** Experiencing the revamped pre-show and finding new Muppet merchandise. * **Animal Kingdom Construction:** How the Dinosaur area closure impacts a park day. * **Hidden Food Gems:** Italian affogatos at Vivoli Gelato and the incredible Adega Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse. * **EPCOT Wait Times:** Which lines are consistently inflated and why. * **Underrated Attractions:** Why Star Tours remains a must-ride on every trip. * **Millennium Falcon Fixes:** How we would redesign Smugglers Run to improve the engineer and gunner roles. * **Best Value Snacks:** Main Street’s customizable popcorn tubs and the Pineapple Scrunch Sundae. **The Heart of the Episode** This conversation shines a spotlight on the return of 'plus magic' to the Disney parks. While big E-ticket rides are amazing, it's often the small, unexpected moments—like a cast member showing you a secret shortcut or Goofy joining in on a game of jump rope—that leave the most lasting impressions. **Planning Your Next Adventure?** Ready to find your own hidden gems? Let Margita and Judy at the Travelin' Tiaras handle all the details! From resort bookings to cruise coordination, they’ve got you covered. Support the podcast by emailing them at TravelinTiaras@gmail.com. **Support the Show on Patreon** Want to help keep the weekly episodes coming? Join our Patreon community and become a Super Geek! Sign up today at patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW. **Join the Geekin' Community** Connect with fellow Disney Geeks, share your favorite vacation tips, or apply to share your own trip report by joining our Geekin' on Walt Disney World Facebook community! Email curt.stone@geekinonwdw.com to be a guest on the show

  8. Aug 10

    Five Nights, Three Resorts at Disney World...and Only THREE Rides?! with Sam and Wendy - Ep. 680

    Wendy and Samantha share a Disney World trip packed with resort hopping, great food, pin trading, Geekin’ friends, champagne—and only three rides!

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You're vacation is Important! Dream it. Plan it. Take it. Tell us about it.

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