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

    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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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

  5. 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!

  6. Aug 3

    Our Top 10 Disney Restaurants Outside the Parks With Andy Hoffman - Ep 679

    What happens when you’re wrapping up a long Disney day, riding the bus back to your resort, and suddenly realize one of your Disney Geek friends is sitting just a few seats away—even though you had no idea he was in Florida? This week, Curtis is joined by his good friend Andy Hoffman for a fun conversation that begins with an unexpected reunion on a Port Orleans Riverside bus. Andy shares stories from his surprise Walt Disney World trip, including the joy of introducing friends to classic attractions, helping them discover overlooked experiences, and seeing Disney through the eyes of people who haven’t done everything before. Then Curtis and Andy dive into a delicious countdown of their Top 10 Walt Disney World restaurants outside the parks. In this episode, we geek out about:Andy’s completely unexpected appearance during Curtis and Margita’s anniversary tripExperiencing attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and PhilharMagic with Disney newcomersWhy resort dining can become an entire Disney experienceThe best restaurants at Disney resorts and Disney SpringsBurgers, steaks, barbecue, buffets, seafood, noodles, pork dumplings, and dessertsGeyser Point, Three Bridges, Flying Fish, Boma, Beaches & Cream, Wine Bar George, Topolino’s, ‘Ohana, and moreWhether the Hall of Presidents is educational, boring—or bothWhy the people around the table often matter more than the food Curtis and Andy compare favorites, share some strong opinions, remember great meals with Disney friends, and prove that you don’t need a park ticket to have an incredible Disney day. Because sometimes the meal becomes special not only because of what you ordered—but because of who was sitting beside you. 👑 Plan Your Next Vacation with the Travelin’ TiarasThinking about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Epic Universe, or another magical destination? Curtis’s wife Margita and their good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras, and they can help you plan a smart, stress-free vacation from start to finish. Already booked? You may be able to transfer your reservation and still receive expert planning, strategy, and support. Booking or transferring through the Travelin’ Tiaras is also a wonderful way to support the podcast. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com 💙 Support the Show on PatreonA huge thank-you to our Patreon family for helping make the podcast possible each week. Your support helps cover the costs of producing the show and keeps this Disney Geek community growing. Join us at: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Join the ConversationWhat is your favorite Walt Disney World restaurant outside the parks? Come share your pick in the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook community. And if you have a Disney trip report, a favorite topic, or a story you’d love to share, reach out to Curtis about coming on the show. The best Disney memories are even better when Geeks share them together.

  7. Jul 27

    A Guys’ Trip, a Birthday Celebration, and a Vacation That Almost Never Happened With Matt Robinson - Ep 678

    This week, I’m joined by Matt Robinson, the son of my good friend and longtime Disney Geek Dan Robinson, to recap a very special father-and-sons trip to Walt Disney World. Matt traveled with Dan and his brother Ben for a birthday celebration filled with great food, new attractions, Disney lounges, and a split stay at Old Key West and the new Polynesian Island Tower. But before the trip could even begin, their flight was delayed repeatedly and eventually canceled, forcing them to spend the night in the airport and lose an entire day of their vacation. Thankfully, some great planning, flexibility, and outstanding help from Disney Guest Services allowed them to recover nearly everything they thought they had lost. In this episode, we talk about:How Disney Guest Services helped rescue their vacationCelebrating Ben’s birthday with Premier Lightning Lane passesFirst-time dining experiences at Le Cellier, Olivia’s, and San Angel InnChurro Mickey waffles and the perfect Crystal Palace brunch strategyStaying at Old Key West and the Polynesian Island TowerRanking Disney lounges, including Beak & Barrel, Wailulu, GEO-82, Nomad Lounge, and Steakhouse 71Comparing the Wayfinder Burger and the Steakhouse 71 Stack BurgerNew and refreshed attractions, including Buzz Lightyear, Big Thunder Mountain, Soarin’, Smugglers Run, and the Muppets coasterWhy there are always new Disney experiences waiting, even after many trips More than anything, this episode is about the value of slowing down and enjoying Walt Disney World in a different way. Instead of racing from attraction to attraction, Matt, Dan, and Ben made time for lounges, great meals, new resorts, and spontaneous experiences. And in the end, the most meaningful part of the trip was simply celebrating Ben’s birthday together as a father and two sons. 👑 Travelin’ TiarasPlanning a 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 they would love to help you plan a smart, stress-free trip. Already booked? You may be able to transfer your reservation and still receive their planning tips, strategy, and personal support. Booking or transferring your trip through the Travelin’ Tiaras is also a wonderful way to support the podcast. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com Join Our Patreon FamilyA huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters who help cover the costs of producing the show and keep our Disney Geek community growing. To join us, visit: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Come connect with us in the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook community, share your own trip stories, and let us know which Disney experience surprised you most on your latest vacation.

  8. Jul 20

    10 Amazing Disney World Experiences That Don't Require a Park Ticket With Chris Futrell - Ep. 677

    Can you have an unforgettable Walt Disney World vacation without ever stepping inside a theme park? This week, Curtis is joined by fellow Disney Geek Chris Futrell to answer that very question. Together they each share their favorite Disney experiences beyond the park gates—from relaxing resort days and incredible dining to hidden lounges, fireworks cruises, Disney Springs, and some of Walt Disney World's best-kept secrets. Whether you're planning a rest day, looking to save money on your next trip, or simply want to experience a different side of Disney, this episode is packed with ideas that prove the magic doesn't stop at the park entrance. In this episode:Why a no-parks Disney day can be surprisingly magicalThe best resorts to explore for first-time visitors, couples, and familiesFavorite restaurants, lounges, and hidden gems around Walt Disney WorldFree experiences that every Disney fan should tryFireworks cruises, resort hopping, Disney Springs, and moreChris's "perfect" Disney day without a park ticketIdeas for making your next Disney vacation more relaxing—and just as memorable 👑 Planning Your Next Disney Vacation?Curtis' wife Margita and Auntie Judy, the Travelin' Tiaras, would love to help you plan your next adventure! Whether you're visiting Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Epic Universe, or another incredible destination, they'll provide personalized planning to help make your vacation truly magical. Already booked? In many cases, you can transfer your reservation to the Travelin' Tiaras and still receive their expert planning and support—while helping support the podcast at the same time. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com ❤️ Support Geekin' on Walt Disney WorldIf you enjoy the podcast and would like to help keep the magic going, consider joining our Patreon family! Your support helps cover the costs of producing the show each week and allows us to continue building this amazing Disney Geek community. Become a Patreon supporter at: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW As always… Thank you so much for listening and going Geekin' on Walt Disney World with us!

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

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