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

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

  1. 4d ago

    We’ve Been to Disney World HOW Many Times… and Never Did This?! - Ep. 691

    Episode 691 — We’ve Been to Disney HOW Many Times… and Never Did This?!This week, my good friend and longtime Disney Geek Dana Brogneri is back on the podcast to share a 10-night Walt Disney World trip with her husband and daughter — including a split stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Beach Club. Dana and her family have been to Disney plenty of times, but that’s what makes this trip so much fun. They kept discovering experiences that made them wonder, “How have we never done this before?” At Animal Kingdom Lodge, Dana shares a fantastic FREE activity called the String of Memories, where her daughter collected beads while learning about African culture, animals, conservation and even helping prepare enrichment activities for the animals. Then they took things to another level with the Starlight Safari — heading onto the savanna at night with night vision goggles and getting incredibly close to giraffes, zebras and other animals. We also get into: 👉 Why Dana would choose Beach Club over Animal Kingdom Lodge 👉 The convenience of walking to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios 👉 A nighttime safari most Disney guests may not even know exists 👉 Dana's surprisingly good EPCOT fireworks viewing spot 👉 Food & Wine Festival favorites, including a pistachio cookie, liquid nitrogen chocolate and cast-iron trout 👉 Princess breakfast at Akershus — including a little Viking Coffee! 👉 A surprise appearance by some rarely seen Disney characters at EPCOT 👉 Experiencing Disney's new animation area at Hollywood Studios 👉 The emotional Mickey and Walt moment in Once Upon a Studio 👉 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — rain, the Headless Horseman and one very happy little Cruella de Vil 👉 Gideon's vs. Summer House cookies — Dana picks a side! 👉 A great Ale & Compass takeout tip for Beach Club and Yacht Club guests And Dana already has another Disney adventure on the books — including a future stay at Lakeshore Lodge! What I really enjoyed about this conversation is the reminder that you can visit Walt Disney World over and over again and still find something you've never experienced before. Sometimes it's a big experience like heading onto the savanna after dark. Sometimes it's discovering a new place to watch the fireworks. And sometimes it's simply slowing down enough to notice something you've walked past a hundred times. That's one of the things that keeps us Disney Geeks coming back. 👑 Planning Your Next Vacation?My wife Margita and our good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin' Tiaras, and they'd love to help you plan your next adventure! Whether you're thinking about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, or another great vacation, they can help make the planning easier from start to finish. Already booked? You may be able to transfer your reservation and still get their planning help, tips, strategy and support. And when you book or transfer your vacation through the Travelin' Tiaras, you're also helping support the podcast. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com Or reach out to us through Facebook Messenger. Thank you to everyone in our Geekin' family who has supported Margita and Judy! ❤️ Join Our Disney Geek CommunityCome hang out with us in the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Facebook group and answer this week's question: What's something you discovered at Disney after multiple trips that made you say, “How did I never know about this?” And if you've got a recent Disney trip, a great family story, or an experience you'd love to share with the Geekin' family, reach out to me. Come on the show and tell us your Disney story! 🌟 Support the PodcastA huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks who help make this podcast possible. Your support helps cover the costs of producing the show and allows me to continue bringing these Disney conversations to our community every week. patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Thanks for listening, Geeks! Let's keep discovering the Disney magic together. ✨

  2. Oct 19

    19 Days at Disney & Universal — And the Moments We’ll Remember Forever With Amanda Filappone - Ep. 690

    This week, I’m joined again by our good friend and fellow Disney Geek Amanda Filippone, who somehow managed to pack enough adventures into one vacation for about three separate trip reports! Amanda and her family spent 19 days in Florida, combining Universal Orlando with an extended Walt Disney World stay filled with resort hopping, birthdays, special events, great meals, a few disappointments, and some wonderfully unexpected Disney moments. They started at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort, where Unlimited Express Pass made it easy to hit favorites again and again. Amanda shares her thoughts on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure — including whether it might actually compete with Guardians of the Galaxy for one of her favorite rides. Then it’s over to Disney, where the family stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level, Pop Century and the Contemporary Resort. We talk about: Why Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Level earned a 10 out of 10An unexpected Cast Member interaction on Expedition EverestUsing the Wait Magic app with a larger family groupWhy Amanda loved Hollywood Studios After HoursHaving an almost empty Oga’s Cantina and their own Star Tours vehicle!Little Eli’s first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop and the family tradition behind itFavorite meals at ‘Ohana, Garden Grill and Sebastian’s BistroA couple of dining experiences that didn’t quite live up to expectationsNot one, but two Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween PartiesA deluxe setup at Typhoon LagoonThe viral Animal Kingdom ice cream sandwichCelebrating a 15th birthday with a private Magic Kingdom fireworks cruiseResort hopping and discovering a fantastic fireworks viewing spot at the Contemporary But one of my favorite parts of our conversation comes when Amanda talks about something bigger than attractions, resorts and dining. As a grandmother, she now gets to watch her grandson experience some of the same Disney moments she remembers sharing with her own children when they were little. We talk about how Disney has this incredible ability to create new memories while bringing old ones rushing back at the same time. As a grandfather myself, that one really hit home. ✨ Planning Your Own Disney Adventure?If you’re thinking about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal or another great vacation, reach out to Margita and Auntie Judy — the Travelin’ Tiaras! They can help with everything from choosing your resort to navigating the details and putting together a vacation that works for your family. Already booked? You may be able to transfer your reservation and still get their planning help, tips and support — while also supporting the podcast. 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com Or reach out to us through Facebook Messenger. And a big thank-you to Amanda for trusting the Travelin’ Tiaras with her adventures — even if she occasionally gives Margita a workout with a few changes along the way! 😂 ❤️ Join Our Disney Geek CommunityCome join us in the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Facebook group and tell us: Could you do 19 days at Disney and Universal — and what would be the ONE special experience you’d add to a trip that long? And if you enjoy the podcast and want to help support what we’re doing, check out our Super Geeks on Patreon. Your support helps keep this podcast going and, even more importantly, helps us continue building this incredible Disney Geek community. Thanks for listening, Geeks — and enjoy Episode 690!

  3. Oct 12

    Secret Disney Magic: VIP Tours, Backstage Surprises & a Family Trip to Remember With Kristy Houston - Ep. 689

    What happens when you bring 10 family members together for a Walt Disney World vacation, throw in some clever Disney math, a little pixie dust, and an incredible VIP tour? You get one unforgettable Disney adventure! This week, my good friend and longtime Disney Geek Kristy Houston returns to share an amazing extended-family vacation filled with special experiences, unexpected surprises, and some really touching family moments. Kristy took on the challenge of planning a trip for 10 people, including grandparents, young children, and family members who hadn't experienced much Disney magic before. And wow… did she deliver! From renting an eight-bedroom vacation home to enjoying an EPCOT fireworks cruise, staying Club Level at the Contemporary, and experiencing a Disney VIP tour, this trip had a little bit of everything. But some of the most memorable moments had nothing to do with expensive experiences. They were about family, friendships, accessibility, and making memories together. ✨ In This EpisodePlanning Disney for 10: The challenges and rewards of bringing multiple generations together for a family vacation.Staying Off Property: Christy's first experience renting a large vacation home, complete with a private pool, movie theater, and plenty of room for everyone.Adventures Beyond Disney: Exploring the Crayola Experience, WonderWorks, and a pirate dinner show.A Special Disney Connection: An unexpected meeting with another family from Australia who shared a remarkable connection with Christy's daughter Charlotte.An EPCOT Fireworks Cruise: Why this experience became one of the family's favorite memories.Returning to Give Kids the World: Charlotte shares a very special place and a meaningful family moment.Disney Math at Its Finest: How a Contemporary Club Level stay, a VIP tour discount, and dining promotions created an unexpected opportunity.Inside a Disney VIP Tour: Backstage entrances, private character experiences, special treats, and a remarkable tour guide named Kelly.VIP Surprises: Secret ice cream freezers, backstage transportation, exclusive merchandise, and some unforgettable Disney service.The Magic of Happily Ever After: How a rainy day ended with fireworks, Tinker Bell, and a family memory Christy will never forget. ❤️ More Than Just a Disney VacationOne of my favorite stories from this episode comes when Kristy describes standing with her husband Stephen during the Magic Kingdom fireworks. After months of planning and coordinating this big family vacation, she finally had a chance to stand back, enjoy a Dole Whip, and watch everyone she loves enjoying the magic together. Sometimes the greatest Disney moments aren't about the attractions, restaurants, or special experiences. They're about the people you're sharing them with. And that's what makes this trip report so special. 👑 Plan Your Next Vacation with the Travelin' TiarasThinking about your next Disney vacation, Disney Cruise, Universal adventure, or another amazing destination? My wife Margita and our good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin' Tiaras, and they'd love to help you plan your next adventure! Christy worked with Margita on part of this vacation, and it's a great example of how an experienced travel planner can help you explore options and opportunities you might not have considered. Already booked? You may be able to transfer your reservation and still benefit from their planning expertise. Supporting the Travelin' Tiaras also helps support the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast! 📧 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com Or reach out through Facebook Messenger. 🎧 Join Our Disney Geek FamilyLove talking Disney with other people who understand your obsession? Come join our Geekin' on Walt Disney World Facebook group, where we share trip reports, planning tips, favorite memories, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a Disney vacation story you'd love to share? Reach out! Some of our favorite episodes feature listeners sharing their own magical adventures. ❤️ Support the Podcast on PatreonA huge thank-you to our Patreon Super Geeks! Your support helps cover the costs of producing the podcast and keeps our Disney Geek community going strong. Join our Patreon family: https://www.patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW 🌎 More Adventures on Geekin' on TravelLove hearing travel stories beyond Disney? Check out our other podcast, Geekin' on Travel, featuring incredible vacations, cruises, destinations, and adventures from our friends and listeners. Find Geekin' on Travel wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you for being part of our Disney Geek family! Keep taking care of each other, have a magical day, and may all your dreams come true! ✨

  4. Oct 5

    Disney World With Twins Changed Everything — And That’s What Made It Special With Nick and Carlin - Ep. 688

    Nick and Carlin share what they’ve learned taking one-year-old twins to Disney World—from first haircuts and birthday celebrations to Polynesian fireworks, resort time, dining, naps and why slowing down created some of their most magical family memories.

  5. Sep 28

    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!

  6. 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!

  7. 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.

  8. 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!

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

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