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

Bill and I review our favorite top 10 rides and attractions at Disney World.

This week, Wendy Fox steps in as special guest host to interview Margita about our May trip that started with one very Disney Geek reason — expiring Southwest airfare credits — and turned into a fun split stay between Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World.Margita shares what it was like staying at Universal’s brand-new Stella Nova Resort, walking into Epic Universe for the first time, and comparing Universal’s easy-flowing park experience with the planning-heavy world of Disney. From Dark Universe and How to Train Your Dragon to Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic and Celestial Park, this episode has plenty of fresh reactions from a Disney travel planner seeing Universal’s newest park up close.Then we head back “home” to Disney with a stay at Port Orleans Riverside in one of the newly refreshed royal rooms, some Flower and Garden Festival time, Magic Kingdom favorites, Big Thunder fun, and a little experimenting with Wait Magic to grab hard-to-find Lightning Lane times.In this episode, we talk about:How a short-notice trip came together from expiring airfare creditsMargita’s first impressions of Stella Nova ResortThe excitement of walking into Epic Universe for the first timeUniversal Express Pass vs. Disney Lightning LaneDark Universe, Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, and Celestial ParkWhat Universal is doing really well — and where Disney still shinesPort Orleans Riverside and the refreshed royal roomsFlower and Garden Festival topiaries and a slower Disney paceUsing Wait Magic to help modify Lightning Lane timesLooking ahead to future Disney and Universal tripsAt the heart of this episode is that fun Disney Geek question we all wrestle with now: how does Universal’s newest park change the way we think about Orlando vacations? Margita still loves the Disney bubble, the cast members, the nostalgia, and the feeling of coming home — but Epic Universe definitely made an impression.Travelin’ TiarasIf 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.They can help with Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal, Epic Universe, and beyond.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.📧 [email protected] reach out on Facebook Messenger.Support the Show on PatreonA huge thank-you to our Patreon family for helping keep the podcast going and supporting the costs of producing the show each week.You can support us at:patreon.com/GeekinOnWDWThanks for listening, Geeks — and thanks for going Geekin’ on Walt Disney World with us!

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

After more than 20 years away from Universal Orlando, I finally returned to experience the much-talked-about Epic Universe—and wow, what a trip it was. This week, I’m sharing a special crossover episode with my friends Dave and Toni-Ann from the Disney Crush Podcast as we talk through my first impressions of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando, and the Disney portion of our anniversary trip. Travelin’ Tiaras If you’re thinking about planning your next Disney vacation, Universal trip, cruise, or other adventure, my wife Margita and our good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras. Whether you’re booking a brand-new trip or transferring an existing reservation, they’d love to help. [email protected] Supporting the Travelin’ Tiaras helps support the podcast, and we truly appreciate it! In This Episode Highlights include: My first visit to Epic Universe Staying at Universal’s Stella Nova Resort Why the immersive lands at Epic are getting so much attention Honest comparisons between Universal and Disney Returning to Port Orleans Riverside Flower & Garden Festival food and entertainment Using Lightning Lane and the Wait Magic service A preview ride of the new Soarin’ Over America Why Disney still feels like home The Big Takeaway Epic Universe is absolutely impressive and raises the bar in many ways. But after spending time at both destinations on the same trip, I was reminded why Walt Disney World continues to hold a special place in my heart. Sometimes the biggest takeaway from a vacation isn’t a ride or attraction—it’s sharing new experiences with people you love and spending time with friends who enjoy the same geeky passions we do. Patreon A huge thank-you to our Patreon family for helping support the show each week. Join us at: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Thanks for being part of this amazing community, and I hope you enjoy this week’s episode!The post My Trip Report – Epic Universe Is Amazing… But Disney Still Feels Like Home – Ep. 670 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.

Hey Disney Geeks! This week, Curtis is joined once again by one of our favorite members of the Geekin’ family — Kayleen — as she shares a Walt Disney World trip report from a rare just-the-two-of-them Disney vacation with her husband Scott. This trip had a little bit of everything we love around here… Rope drop strategy Split-stay resort talk Disney food and drinks Animal Kingdom stories Magic Kingdom nostalgia Lounge reviews And that classic Disney Geek energy where “relaxing” somehow still means walking 10 miles a day. Kayleen and Scott stayed at both Old Key West and Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, tried several new experiences, and packed a TON into this couples getaway. Travelin’ Tiaras — Let Us Help You Plan Your Next Vacation If you’re thinking about planning your next magical vacation… Our wonderful Travelin’ Tiaras — Margita and Auntie Judy — would love to help! Whether you’re planning: Walt Disney World Disneyland Disney Cruise Line Universal Or another amazing vacation destination …they can help you plan smarter, stress less, and make the most of your trip. Already booked? You may even be able to transfer your reservation to the Travelin’ Tiaras and still receive their planning help and support. And when you book or transfer through them… You’re also supporting the podcast — and we truly appreciate that so much. [email protected] Or message us on Facebook! In This Episode Split Stay at Old Key West & Animal Kingdom Lodge Kayleen shares thoughts on both resorts and why she and Scott wanted to try somewhere new this trip. Highlights include: The laid-back Old Key West vibe Boat access to Disney Springs Exploring both Kidani Village and Jambo House Savannah-view room experiences Why Animal Kingdom Lodge continues to impress Disney fans And yes… The debate continues: How do you even PICK a favorite Disney resort anymore? Animal Kingdom Adventures This episode includes a really fun Animal Kingdom conversation featuring: Active animals during a late-afternoon safari Lions out on the rocks Giraffes walking directly down the safari path First impressions of Zootopia Together Thoughts on Disney attraction re-themes and updates Nomad Lounge hype finally becoming reality Kayleen also shares a fantastic first visit to Nomad Lounge, including: Churros Wings Great drinks Excellent Cast Member interactions And why the wait was absolutely worth it Hardcore Magic Kingdom Strategy Kayleen and Scott are NOT the “sleep in and relax” Disney couple. These two are: First bus people Rope drop people Lightning Lane people “Let’s cross the park four times today” people Their Magic Kingdom strategy includes: Rope dropping Space Mountain Pirates multiple times Haunted Mansion multiple times Tron via Lightning Lane Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Seven Dwarfs Mine Train And averaging roughly TEN MILES of walking per day That’s elite Disney Geek behavior right there. Disney Food & Drinks Talk As always… we geek out HARD over food. This episode includes discussion about: Summer House on the Lake Lavender Haze cocktails Tilefish specials Boma Wailulu Pecos Bill Columbia Harbor House lobster rolls Flower & Garden snacks And planning your meals around future meals because… yes… that’s what Disney Geeks do. The Heart of the Episode What makes this episode especially fun is hearing how Disney changes during a couples-only trip. It’s slower in some ways… Faster in others… And full of those little moments where longtime Disney fans realize: “Yep… this is OUR kind of Disney trip.” There’s also a lot of nostalgia here… From Main Street feelings… To memories of early Disney vacations… To conversations about classic attractions and reimagined favorites. Thank You for Supporting the Show A huge thank-you to everyone who supports the podcast through: The Travelin’ Tiaras Patreon Sharing episodes Posting in the Facebook group And simply listening each week You all are what make this community so special. If you’d like to support the show on Patreon, visit: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Join the Conversation Are you a hardcore rope-drop Disney Geek? Or are you actually wise enough to relax at the pool? Have you stayed at Old Key West or Animal Kingdom Lodge? And where do YOU land on Disney attraction re-themes? Come join the conversation in the Geekin’ family Facebook group!

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, we’re lacing up the running shoes, grabbing a beignet, and heading into a Disney trip that started with runDisney Springtime Surprise weekend — but quickly became about so much more than miles and medals. Curtis is joined by three Geekin’ family favorites — Holly, Laura, and Heidi — for a fun, relaxed, and very Disney Geek-style trip report filled with race stories, resort time, lounges, surprise meetups, food talk, cruise talk, and one unforgettable green wig. Because when Holly shows up dressed as Disgust from Inside Out for a runDisney race, you know we’re off to a good start. Planning Your Next Disney Adventure? 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. [email protected] 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. Featuring This Week This episode includes: Holly, Laura, and Heidi sharing their runDisney Springtime Surprise weekend A stay at Coronado Springs and a solo stay at Port Orleans French Quarter A 10-miler, a 10K, costumes, character stops, and race-day nerves Surprise Geek meetups with Samantha, Selena, Tori, Joe, and more Food and drink stops at Le Cellier, Nomad Lounge, GEO-82, Beak and Barrel, Homecoming, and Sangria University Flower and Garden Festival bites, beignets, maple popcorn, and more Thoughts on newer Disney experiences like the Zootopia show, updated Buzz Lightyear, and Beak and Barrel A bonus cruise recap aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas RunDisney, Beignets, and Green Hair The episode kicks off with Holly wearing the green wig she used for her Disgust costume during the Springtime Surprise 10-Miler — which pretty much sets the tone for the whole conversation. Holly shares that she went into the race under-trained because of a shoulder injury and made it all the way to mile nine before being swept. But what stands out is her perspective. She knew it might happen, she pushed as far as she could, and she still came away with pride, humor, and yes… the medal. Laura brings the solo-trip energy with a stay at Port Orleans French Quarter, where she enjoyed a slower pace, pool time, peaceful resort moments, and plenty of beignets. She also shares one of the funniest race moments: dressing as a bee for the Winnie the Pooh-themed 10K and trying to drink yellow Gatorade from a hard plastic honey bear bottle mid-race. That’s runDisney dedication right there. Heidi took a more relaxed race approach — stopping for characters, enjoying the course, and making memories along the way. Her character stops included Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Boba Fett, Woody and Bo Peep, and Bing Bong. Some people chase personal records. Some people chase character photos. Both are absolutely valid. The Geekin’ Family Shows Up One of the best parts of this episode is how the Geekin’ family keeps popping into the trip. Holly and Corey meet up with Tori and Joe at Yeehaw Bob over at Port Orleans Riverside — and then get surprised when Samantha and Selena walk in. Later, Heidi gets her own surprise. And Laura talks about that feeling of traveling solo, making it through the expo chaos, and then suddenly seeing “her people” at Nomad Lounge. That’s the heart of this episode. Yes, it’s a trip report. But underneath the races, snacks, lounges, and Disney details is that bigger feeling we talk about all the time: Disney is better when you’ve found your people. Food, Lounges, and Disney Geek Favorites Of course, this wouldn’t be a Geekin’ trip report without food. Holly and Corey enjoyed Le Cellier, including cheddar cheese soup, pretzel bread, filet, and an ice wine flight. Laura sampled tanghulu at the China booth, maple popcorn in Canada, jambalaya at French Quarter, and the crème brûlée croissant at Gaston’s. Heidi had several Flower and Garden Festival hits, including duck in France, Caribbean-style chicken, flan, and a fish slider. The lounge talk is strong in this one too. Nomad Lounge remains a Geek favorite for its cozy seating, small plates, drinks, and Animal Kingdom atmosphere. GEO-82 gets praise for cocktails and mushroom flatbread. And Beak and Barrel sparks a fun comparison to Oga’s Cantina and Trader Sam’s — lots to look at, some cool effects, and maybe one of those places that grows on you over time. New Disney Experiences and a Cruise Bonus The group also shares thoughts on a few newer Disney experiences. Heidi talks about the new Zootopia show at Animal Kingdom and whether it really fits the deeper theme of the park. Laura gives her take on the updated Buzz Lightyear, including the new removable blasters and the joy of feeling like a Space Ranger… even when the score says otherwise. And after the Disney portion of the trip, Holly, Corey, Heidi, and Missy headed out on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas for a four-night cruise — complete with big-ship entertainment, shows, skating, surfing, ziplining, and a water show set to ’80s music. The Real Heart of the Episode The best part of this conversation is not just the race. It’s not just the snacks. It’s not just the lounges. It’s the people. It’s the surprise visits. It’s the inside jokes. It’s the ride photos. It’s that feeling of seeing friends you may only get to see a few times a year — but when you do, it feels like a reunion. That’s the Geekin’ family. And that’s why these trip reports always mean a little more than just “here’s what we did.” They’re stories about connection. Listen to Episode 668 Episode 668 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast is available now wherever you listen to podcasts. Come for the runDisney stories. Stay for the beignets, lounges, Flower and Garden snacks, surprise Geek meetups, and one very committed green-haired Disgust costume. Support the Show on Patreon A huge thank you to our Patreon family. Your support helps keep the podcast going and helps cover the costs of producing the show each week. If you’d like to support the show and be part of the Patreon community, visit: patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW Thank you for listening, sharing, supporting, and being part of this wonderful Disney Geek family.The post What Really Makes a RunDisney Weekend Special? It’s the People. Holly, Heidi and Laura – Ep. 668 first appeared on Geekin' On WDW Podcast.