Geekin' On WDW

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 attractionLisa 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.📧 [email protected]💙 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/GeekinOnWDWThanks 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.

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 tripsMore 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.📧 [email protected] 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/GeekinOnWDWCome 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.

Jessica Oden shares her family's spring break Disney World trip, with smart planning tips, character dining wins, Wait Magic strategy, All-Star Music, sweet kid moments, and Disney magic through fresh eyes.

We spend this episode with Scott and Karen from the Mickey Files podcast, talking about recent Disney World visits, park favorites, and their day together at Epcot.

Jen shares a relaxing Disney Fantasy cruise filled with spa days, Lookout Cay, and unforgettable mother-daughter memories.

After 20 years away, Curtis returns to Universal Orlando to experience Epic Universe for the first time and shares what surprised him most, how it compares to Walt Disney World, and why Disney still feels like home.

We talk with Kayleen about a just-the-two-of-them Walt Disney World trip with her husband, Scott. This stay was a split stay between Old Key West and Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village that goes Geekin' full stink.

In this episode we talk about a Disney World trip built around RunDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, but we also cover resort stays, festival food, lounges, and a cruise afterward with Holly, Heidi and Laura.

Two very different Disney trips—one packed with chaos, one full of surprises—show how flexibility, family moments, and unexpected magic can turn any trip into your best one yet.

A Disney beginner asks the big questions—and we break down how to plan your first Walt Disney World trip without overwhelm, focusing on what really matters in episode 1 of our Geekin' on WDW Master Class Planning a Disney World Vacation.