Unlocking The Magic: Talking all things Disney Parks, Universal and Cruising

We’re ranking everything from Disney and Universal resorts to cruise lines, restaurants, theme park food and travel destinations.Courtney gets three choices in each category and has to rank them first, second and third. Some are easy. Others lead to plenty of debate.How would you rank them? Play along and let us know where we got it completely wrong.

Today, we are doing a special episode. We are Unlocking Dollywood! We will discuss our experience at the Smoky Mountain theme park and determine if it’s really as good as everyone says, from the attractions to the food, and more food, plus, of course, all things Dolly Parton.We are Unlocking Dollywood for you to see if there’s magic.

Today  we’re taking you on a magical stroll right down Main Street, U.S.A. and beyond to explore Walt Disney and YOUR Disneyland sharing secrets of this special place along the way..Remember Walts infamous words, Disneyland is YOUR land..Btw if  you know these secrets and want to share more , send us a dm on instagram!

Announcements and updates from the weekend #D23:

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What was your favorite part of Spider-Man: Homecoming?

We hope you like it.

Today we're talking about something I think every traveler or Disney fan experiences, especially if you've been visiting the parks for years. The more trips you take, the more your opinions evolve. Things you swore you'd never do... suddenly become your favorite part of the vacation. And things you couldn't live without? Well... maybe not so much anymore.

This week we're talking Disney and Universal news, including the Carousel of Progress refurbishment, Walt Disney's airplane, Disneyland's 1 billionth guest, Halloween announcements, Epic Universe after-hours events, and more.

Answering more of your questions.

Merch: www.unlockingthemagic.com/merch

The travel industry continues to evolve, and several major announcements could impact vacation planning for theme park enthusiasts. From new Universal destinations to Disney attraction updates, there is plenty happening across the travel world.

We’ve done a central florida version of this but we know many of you also travel or hope to travel to the west coast! So this episode is all about 10 things to do in Southern California…wait for it…. Besides Disneyland!

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Today is another honest and we hope fun for you episode: we are playing our Finish the sentence “Never Would I Ever…” Covering: Disney Parks, Universal Parks, Movies and General travel habits. There's not too much overthinking- And Hot takes are always welcome

After our latest trip to California, we came home with a list of things we learned about Disneyland… some good, some surprising, and a couple where we’re still not totally convinced.

Join Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/unlockingthemagicIn this episode we are sharing our GEO82 experience, the history of the location, the drinks, food and of course, some classic UTM awkward moments..We did god's work and ordered a bunch of stuff off the menu so we could report back to. It’s tough but someone’s gotta do it.

Join Patreon: In this fun and fast-paced episode of Unlocking The Magic, we dive into hilarious and thought-provoking Disney “Would You Rather” questions mixed with spicy hot takes from listeners. From choosing between unlimited Lightning Lanes or giving up Tonga Toast forever, to debating whether park hopping is overrated, this episode is packed with laughs, strong opinions, and real Disney strategy talk.We also get into Disney Cruise ship debates, snack showdowns like Dole Whip vs Mickey Bar, resort hot takes, and whether free Disney food for a day beats skipping every line.If you’re planning a Disney trip, love Disney food, or just enjoy honest Disney fan conversations, this episode is for you.

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What does it really take to build a creative career inside Disney?In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, we sit down with Charlie Price — writer of Me & Mickey, author of Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks, and contributor to multiple Disney Publishing projects — to talk about persistence, pitching ideas, working behind the scenes at the parks, and what it’s actually like navigating Disney’s creative machine.From working security during the opening of Disney California Adventure to writing 130+ episodes of Mickey content, Charlie shares the real story behind building a creative career inside one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world.

Have you ever had a meal at Disney that completely surprised you? Not just “that was good for theme park food” but wow, I didn’t expect that good.Today, we’re unlocking one of Walt Disney World’s most unique dining experiences  a place where you can try flavors from across Africa and maybe even spot a giraffe after dinner.We’re talking about Boma – Flavors of Africa  and whether this buffet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a hidden gem… or just another overhyped Disney dining reservation.Let’s dig in.

In this last-minute but wildly honest episode of Unlocking the Magic, Connie and Bruce jump into a full-on Crush It or Flush It marathon. From Disney CEO news and nostalgic attractions to cruise lengths, fireworks, Universal food, and iconic Disney restaurants, nothing is safe.

Welcome back to the podcast! Hope you are all staying warm. We are going to take you along with us on this episode to the warm island of the Bahamas as we discuss our recent experience sailing the high seas with mama magic and family.Close your eyes and pretend it’s a balmy 80 degrees, light winds and a buffet so long you have to go back for at least seconds and thirds. That’s what cruising is like. If you’re like me, on the ship its now 10pm you’re snuggled up in THE most cozy bedding and cabin, after an amazing spa shower at senses spa,  pirates of the Caribbean the curse of the black pearl is playing on the background and your room service is about to arrive with your late night snack- Mickey bars.

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce and Connie are back after a short break with a hilarious, unscripted game of “Finish the Sentence”—covering everything from Disney attractions they’ll defend forever to Universal rides that scare them way more than they should. Whether you're planning your next theme park trip or just love listening to theme park banter, this episode is packed with laughs, bold takes, and relatable moments.

Happy New Year from Unlocking the Magic! In this episode, Bruce and Connie are BACK with a special “In or Out?” for all the big 2026 Disney and Universal movie releases and theme park updates. From Muppets on a roller coaster to Sadie Sink joining Spider-Man, they share their honest, hilarious takes—and yes, they go deep on Tonga Toast rules, Detroit-style pizza, and the ONLY way to do Star Wars rides right.

Join Bruce and Connie in this hilariously emotional episode of Unlocking the Magic as they dive deep into the infamous “UTM Curse” – where everything they hype mysteriously disappears from Disney and Universal parks! This isn’t your usual trip planning episode. It's therapy, memories, rants, laughs, and even a couple tears.

Crush it or flush it– everything we ate at Jollywood, mini review on the night and more.

Hey everyone, welcome back to Unlocking the Magic — thanks for tuning in! Today, we’re diving into the Universal Orlando Resort hotels — the pros, the cons, and which one might be the best fit for your next vacation.And fun fact to kick us off: Most people don’t realize Universal hotels are actually owned and operated by Loews Hotels — not Universal.

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We’re unlocking a little Halloween magic with a fun round of Would You Rather but halloween style in honor of –the best season–spooky season. We’re talking Movies, Disney, Universal, and everything in between. But don't worry,  we– well I promise not to frighten you prematurely…not sure about Bruce…??

Get your snack ready for this episode .. we’re diving fork-first into Universal’s brand-new Epic Universe to find out which dishes are worth the hype… and which ones belong in the trash compactor!From Crêpes oozing with sweet, magical goodness in the Wizarding World, to the Mac & Cheese Cone at Isle of Berk that’s equal parts comfort food and chaos, we’re tasted it all — and telling you what’s a Crush and what’s a Flush.So grab your napkins, loosen your lanyard, and join us as we begin unlocking the flavors, the fun, and maybe share a few food fails along the way.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/unlockingthemagicIn today’s episode  we are  going back to October 1, 1971 — the day the dream came true in Florida.”  We are also going to have some fun with opening day trivia and sharing your first visit memories.

Patreon: http://patreon.com/unlockingthemagicWe just stepped off the Halloween on the High Seas cruise and also had another Royal Caribbean experience back to back, so in this episode we’re spilling it all about sailing. Stay tuned towards the end of the show bc : We’ll also be answering some of your cruise questions at the end!

Get ready for a golden-age adventure as we finally step into the iconic Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios. From its glamorous old-Hollywood roots to our surprisingly satisfying Cobb salad experience, this episode covers it all — the good, the expensive, and even a few awkward moments.Whether you’ve walked past this restaurant a hundred times or you’re just hearing about it now, we’ll share everything you need to know before you drop serious cash here. From the rich history of this LA-inspired landmark to the bread rolls Taylor Lautner loved, this episode is packed with fun facts, honest food reviews, and some real talk about value.

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Welcome back to Unlocking the Magic! In episode 516, we're unlocking the inbox and answering all your burning Disney questions — from cast member magic to solo resort-hopping strategies, what park we’d choose if we could only visit one, and even our favorite snacks and secret experiences.Whether you're planning your first Disney vacation or you're a seasoned park-goer, this is a fun, heartfelt, and info-packed episode you're going to love.📧 Got a question? Send it in to: [email protected]📷 Follow us on Instagram: @unlockingthemagicpodcast

Food and wine menu: https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/disney-eats-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival-foodie-guide-2025/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/unlockingthemagicAnd today we’re talking about that sweet middle spot in Walt Disney World hotels , the moderate resorts.  They’re not as pricey as the deluxes, but they give you more amenities and theming than the values.

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce and Konstantina dive into your burning Disney questions—from Space 220 dining reviews to the Tonga Toast recipe change. Hear insider tips on resorts, hidden gems for breakfast, party night decisions, and even a hilarious social media “kidnap” scenario. Whether you're a Club UTM member or just a Disney lover, this episode delivers the goods.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/unlockingthemagic

Join us: https://www.patreon.com/c/unlockingthemagicWelcome back to Unlocking the Magic! Today we’re stepping away from the parks and heading to a place that’s just as magical in a quieter, more personal way. We’re talking about the Walt Disney Family Museum, a hidden gem that every true Disney fan needs to experience at least once.In this episode, we are going on an inspiring journey through the museum,.  a place that goes far beyond memorabilia and instead unlocking the man behind the magic.This museum isn’t just a timeline of Walt’s life it’s his daughter Diane’s love letter to her father. It’s designed to show us the person Walt was before the suits and the success. And it does exactly that.The museum walks you through Walt’s life in a way that feels almost like flipping through a family scrapbook from his childhood  to his days as a struggling animator, to the moment Mickey Mouse changed everything.  It’s filled with the voice of Walt himself, rare family photos, hand-drawn sketches, and heartfelt letters that give you an unfiltered view into who he really was: a dreamer, a doer, and someone who never stopped pushing boundaries.

Don't forget to use promo code UTM at ⁠reliefband.com⁠ for 20% off + free shipping!Today we dive into one of Magic Kingdom's most overlooked dining spots: The Plaza Restaurant. Is it a hidden gem, or just forgettable? Connie and Bruce break it all down — from the location confusion to surprising food quality, hilarious Patreon comments, portion sizes, and what dessert you absolutely should (or shouldn't) order.We also shout out our sponsor, Relief Band, and explore why you might not need it if you're eating here — but definitely will for Space Mountain.

Today's Sponsor: 👇 Use code UTM at ⁠reliefband.com⁠ for 20% off and free shipping!Join us on a deeply personal and emotional journey into Walt Disney’s actual office, a place rarely open to the public. From hidden mid-century treasures to Walt’s favorite snacks, this behind-the-scenes tour will make any Disney fan's heart skip a beat. We break down the difference between Walt's apartment and his office, share our personal reactions, and uncover the emotional impact of standing where Disney history was made.Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan or just curious about the man behind the magic, this episode is packed with rare insights, heartfelt moments, and a glimpse into the creative environment of one of the greatest visionaries of all time.🔔 Subscribe for more Disney history, behind-the-scenes tours, and park magic!

Join us: https://www.patreon.com/c/unlockingthemagicJoin Connie and Bruce on this packed episode of Unlocking the Magic, where they uncover the biggest Disney and Universal updates. From the brand-new Test Track 3.0 to a $179 adult-only lounge in Epcot, and their behind-the-scenes look at Epic Universe and the Walt Disney Family Museum — it's a ride you don’t want to miss. Plus, hear their honest thoughts on Marvel's Thunderbolts and the expansion of Disneyland and Universal.

Join us: https://www.patreon.com/c/unlockingthemagicWelcome back to Unlocking the Magic! In episode 508, Connie and Bruce dive deep into Disney's ever-evolving food scene, uncovering what's truly worth the price in 2025. From nostalgic bites to new favorites, and even a few duds, they spill the beans on meals, snacks, and experiences across Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of churros and fireworks, this one's for you!Chapters:00:00 - Intro & Today's Theme01:02 - Shaved Ice & Family Favorites at Epcot04:10 - The Great Waffle Comeback at Magic Kingdom07:51 - Garden Grill Review & Shoutout to Lewis11:22 - Is The Plaza Restaurant Underrated?17:44 - Cosmic Ray's Controversy: Boats vs. Plates22:08 - Loaded Nachos at La Cantina: Still Worth It?27:34 - Ferrushi at Epcot: Yay or Nay?32:52 - Staying Club Level at Disneyland Hotel41:38 - Fireworks Dessert Party: Worth the Splurge?👍 Like, Subscribe, and leave a review if this helped you plan your Disney trip!🎧 Listen to the full podcast wherever you get your podcasts.📷 Follow us on Instagram @unlockingthemagic

Join us: https://www.patreon.com/c/unlockingthemagicAfter two decades, we finally returned to the Garden Grill at Epcot—and it surprised us in the best ways! From the unforgettable rotating dining experience to unexpectedly incredible cornbread, this review dives deep into the food, character interactions, restaurant history, and what makes this one of Disney’s most unique dining spots.👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more magical reviews!🛍️ Grab the shirt that started it all: UnlockingTheMagic.com/shopChapters:00:00 - Intro & Why We're Reviewing Garden Grill01:08 - Convincing Dad to Do Character Dining Again02:35 - What to Expect: Show Outline03:13 - Disney's Official Description (and Bruce's Reactions)04:47 - Character Dining: Then vs. Now06:36 - Family Dynamics at the Table07:57 - Garden Grill's Name History & Evolution09:38 - The Rotating Restaurant Experience11:01 - Dining Philosophy & Walt's Vision13:22 - Character Interaction Highlights15:14 - Booth Seating vs. Table Seating16:43 - Breakfast Menu & Pricing Breakdown18:05 - Lunch & Dinner Menu Review20:10 - Cornbread Controversy: The Star of the Meal?22:59 - Crush It or Flush It: Full Menu Breakdown26:30 - Dessert Time & Custom Orders28:13 - Plant-Based Menu Offerings29:46 - The Rotating Experience: The Awkward Quarter Turn32:22 - Google Reviews: What Other Guests Say34:25 - Final Verdict: Is Garden Grill Worth It?38:20 - Character Dining Tips for Families40:00 - Important Things to Know Before You Book42:42 - Closing Thoughts & Merch Mention

We’re back in the studio to break down our full experience at Universal’s Epic Universe! From mind-blowing theming to major ride letdowns, we’re ranking every major attraction by whether it’s actually worth the wait. We’re brutally honest about Mario Kart, in awe of the Ministry of Magic, and still laughing over Curse of the Werewolf. Plus, we reveal our must-have accessory to beat motion sickness on thrill rides.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real talk about theme parks, rides, and how to make the most of your next trip!💥 Use code “UTM” for 20% off + free shipping at Reliefband.com – a game-changer for motion sickness on rides and cruises!Chapters:00:00 – Intro & What to Expect01:00 – Comparing Epic Universe Pre-Opening vs Post02:30 – Our Secret Weapon for Motion Sickness: Relief Band05:00 – Stardust Racers: Worth the Wait at 60 Minutes?08:12 – Why Mario Kart Ride Disappointed Us11:13 – Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic – BEST Queue Ever?15:20 – Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness – Worth 90 Minutes?18:00 – Monsters Unchained Review – Thrills & Nostalgia21:40 – Curse of the Werewolf – Fun but Quick24:10 – Why Yoshi's Adventure Feels Like a Prank26:30 – Hiccup’s Wing Glider – A Surprising Favorite30:10 – Fire Drill Water Ride – Best Interactive Surprise32:10 – Dragon Racer Rally – Cute, But Worth It?34:46 – Constellation Carousel – Not What We Expected35:52 – Final Thoughts: Epic Universe Needs THIS37:00 – What We’ll Cover in the Next Episode (FOOD!)38:15 – Outro & Where to Follow Us

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/unlockingthemagicJoin Bruce and Connie for a first-look deep dive into Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. From exclusive VIP access to empty-park rides and all-you-can-eat tastings, they share honest reactions, immersive experiences, food reviews, and what Universal got right—and what needs work. Whether you're a lifelong theme park lover or planning your first trip, this is your ultimate guide to Epic Universe!

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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/unlockingthemagicWelcome to episode 503 of Unlocking the Magic! In this special "Crush It or Flush It" edition, we’re breaking down ALL the eats from our Adventures by Disney trip—what delighted us, what disappointed us, and what made us question everything we knew about Disneyland food. Whether you're a foodie or just planning your next Disney vacation, this episode is packed with laughs, honest reviews, and unexpected twists.

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