Episodes
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Ep. 598 - WDW Fan Zone Show - How Walt Disney World Uses Water To Make Magic
Walt Disney World is filled with magic from parks to attractions to dining to resort hotels and more. This week our hosts talk about just some of the examples of how Disney uses water to help make the magic for its guests.
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Ep. 597 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Walt Disney World Experiences Without Queues
Our hosts get a little creative as we share experiences in the Walt Disney World parks that don’t require waiting in a queue. We all run from ride to ride or take a break in a show. However, there are things to do in the parks that don’t require a queue, whether we don’t want to deal with the…
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Ep. 596 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Aulani and Hawaii (and Disneyland) from Kurt's Trip
We take a side trip from Walt Disney World this week, but it’s still to visit Disney’s second Polynesian resort - Aulani. Kurt shares his experiences of his first trip to Aulani and Hawaii in general. Our co-hosts will have some questions as well. If you’ve never been fortunate to visit Aulani or...
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Ep. 595 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Our Favorite Places for Ice Cream at Walt Disney World
As summer draws to a close, our hosts all share some of their favorite places to get ice cream around Walt Disney World. We might also share some of our favorite creamy concoctions. Fortunately, there are plenty of locations!. Before all that, we get a weekly WDW news update from Jess!
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Ep. 594 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Likes, Dislikes, and Wish List for My Disney Experience App
It’s almost impossible to plan a Walt Disney World trip without using the My Disney Experience app. This week we share our perspectives and experiences with the app including things we like about, dislike about how it works, and things we wish it did for us. We also have our weekly Walt Disney...
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Ep. 593 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Ranking Walt Disney World Resorts by Transportation Options
In this episode, our hosts go through the Walt Disney World resorts and rank them high, medium, and low in relation to the number and quality of transportation options they each offer. If there’s time, they’ll vote on which resort or resorts have the best options.
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Ep. 592 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Ranking Walt Disney World Resorts for Dining Options
In this delicious episode, we discuss the dining offerings available at the numerous resort hotels around Walt Disney World. We inject some of our own experiences and rank the dining for things like value, taste, availability, and other factors we think make the difference in choosing resort…
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Ep. 591 - WDW Fan Zone Show - D23 Reactions
Once again, the D23 Disney Ultimate Event has provided lots of Walt Disney World plans for the next few years and beyond. The news can be read online and the Horizons panel can be watched on Disney+. Tonight, we react to what we heard - our biggest surprises, what’s most exciting, what’s...
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Ep. 590 - WDW Fan Zone Show - 3 Things We Like and Dislike About Lightning Lane
Lightning Lane has been a de factor part of touring Walt Disney World parks for a few years now. Whether you purchase Lightning Lane or use standby, Lightning Lane affects our visits. In this episode, our hosts each share 3 things they like about Lightning Lane and 3 things they don’t like about...
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Ep. 589 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Agree, Disagree, or On the Fence for Recent Walt Disney World Changes
In our show this week, we discuss recent happenings in Walt Disney World and each share whether we agree with the change, disagree, or on the fence. We’ll discuss the nature of the change before we weigh in. Topics on which we’ll take a stance are the Carousel of Progress, Disney Springs buses…
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Ep. 588 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Disney Properties We’d Like To See As Lands (or Hotels)
The Disney Company has a wealth of character-led properties from over 100 years of telling stories in its movies and its parks. Combined with acquisitions including LucasFilm, Pixar, Marvel, and Fox, they’ve expanded that wealth even more. They’ve expanded parks in the past several years around…
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Ep. 587 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Comparing Things To Do at the 4 Walt DIsney World Parks
Although there are 4 different theme parks at Walt Disney World, they don’t necessarily have the same things to offer. This week, we dig into the differences in number and type of rides, shows, character experiences, entertainment, shopping, dining, and more. We will talk about how long we...
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Ep. 586 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Top 3 Picks for 2026 Refurbishments
With all of the activity in 2026 to refurbish and refresh existing attractions, spaces, and other experiences, we wanted to each share our Top 3. There is more to come next year and beyond, but this week we focus on what’s new at Walt Disney World in 2026, whether we experienced it already or...
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Special Episode - WDW Fan Zone Show - Carousel of Progress
We don't have a regular show this week as John is traveling. However, during his trip, he captured the full Carousel of Progress show at the Magic Kingdom prior to its closing for re-imagining in just a couple of weeks. Enjoy!
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Ep. 585 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Wins and Losses for Carousel of Progress Plans
Now that the plans to update the Carousel of Progress have been shared by Disney, our hosts weigh in with their thoughts. We will share what we see as the wins and losses for what promises to be the largest change to this classic Disney attraction in its 60+ year history.
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Ep. 584 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Kurt's June WDW Trip - Catching Up on the Latest
Fresh off his early June trip to Walt Disney World, Kurt lets us know what new/refurbished experiences he tried and what he thought of them (without giving too much away). He shares perceptions on Rock n Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear's Space...
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Special Episode - WDW Fan Zone Show - American Adventure
We don't have a normal podcast this week as we observe Memorial Day and remember and thank those who have served our country and given the ultimate sacrifice for us. This week we share a recording of the American Adventure attraction/show from Epcot recorded some years ago by John.
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Ep. 583 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Dining Outside at Walt Disney World
This week our crew is dining Al fresco as we explore some of the locations where you can enjoy your meal outside. We’ll talk about some of our favorite places to do whether counter service or table service, considerations such as weather or special events, and when we think it makes sense or...
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Ep. 582 - WDW Fan Zone Show - How Smart is AI for Walt Disney World Planning?
With the Advent of AI in more aspects of daily life, we put it to the test this episode for Disney World planning. Our hosts will ask questions that they and other guests might have, and then we will ask some AI sites to answer them. Finally, we’ll compare our advice to what AI offers. Do you use...
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Ep. 582 - WDW Fan Zone Show - How Smart is AI for Walt Disney World Planning?
With the Advent of AI in more aspects of daily life, we put it to the test this episode for Disney World planning. Our hosts will ask questions that they and other guests might have, and then we will ask some AI sites to answer them. Finally, we’ll compare our advice to what AI offers. Do you use...
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Ep. 581 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Misconceptions at Walt Disney World
Dues to its size and level of entertainment can be a complex place, especially to newcomers. This can lead to misconceptions and miscalculations and misunderstandings. In this show, our hosts share where we see these in visiting parks, experiencing attractions and shows, dining, transportation,...
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Ep. 580 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Springtime at Walt Disney World
Spring is in bloom, both literally and figuratively at Walt Disney World with events such as Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival and the runDisney Springtime Surprise event. This week we have various insight to share about traveling to Walt Disney World this time of year, as well as some...
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Ep. 579 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Pros and Cons of Table Service Dining
Walt Disney World is known for lots of food and dining choices, and many guests look forward to table service dining at the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. But is table service always the best choice for enjoying your Disney trips. This week, we discuss our pros and cons for table service...
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Ep. 578 - WDW Fan Zone Show - WDW Re-Imagining Track Record
As Walt Disney World prepares for new theming and re-imagining including Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, and Monstropolis our hosts rate and comment on past re-theming efforts. We look at large re-themes including New Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Toy Storyland, Galaxy’s Edge, and Pandora. We also...
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Ep. 577 - WDW Fan Zone Show - How Disney Uses Time to Tell Stories at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is all about storytelling. In this week’s episode our team explores how time is a major factor in the narrative and theming. From time travel to future or past period settings for lands, attractions, restaurants, hotels, and more we share our perceptions of the stories they tell.
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Ep. 576 - WDW Fan Zone Show - What We Wish We Knew On Our First Walt Disney World Trip
In this week’s episode, our team works through several aspects of a WDW trip and shares what we wish we knew on our first trip. We look at resort hotels, parks, attractions, dining (table service, counter service, lounges, and snacks), entertainment, resort transportation, shopping and…
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Ep. 575 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Likes and Dislikes for Walt Disney World Shopping and Merchandise
In this episode, our hosts share their likes and dislikes for shopping at Walt Disney World. Merchandise is a huge part of the experience at the resort from parks to hotels to Disney Springs. Disney is continually changing the items we wear and use and play with and collect, and we share where…
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Ep. 574 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Experience Frequency at Walt Disney World
In this episode, our panel shares the frequency that they typically engage in experiences at the Walt Disney World resort including attractions, restaurants, shows, park entry, and more. We share whether we almost always, often, sometimes, seldom, or almost never experience, starting with the…
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Ep. 573 - WDW Fan Zone Show - John's February WDW Trip Report
This week, John reports back on our co-host requests for resort updates including The Beak and Barrel, GEO 82, the updated Little Mermaid show, Villains: Unfairly Ever After, the Polynesian Tower, construction at the parks, Starlight parade, Test Track, and more.
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Ep. 572 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Preparing for John's February WDW Trip
In addition to all of the WDW News with Jess, we have some requests for our host. With John preparing to leave for a February trip to Walt Disney World trip, our podcast team will present him with experiences or questions to research while there. The requests could be newly opened attractions,...
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Ep. 571 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Breakfast in Walt Disney World
Exploring and experience Walt Disney World can take a lot of energy, so breakfast can be important to start the day. This week we talk about all the options for getting breakfast including resort counter service and table service, in-room options, Starbucks, park dining, character dining, and…
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Ep. 570 - WDW Fan Zone Show - How We Choose WDW Resort Hotels
Walt Disney World has lots of choices for staying in the magic from value to moderate to deluxe resorts to Disney Vacation Club and even Fort Wilderness. In this episode, our hosts each share the various factors that they use when deciding where to stay on site, or what others might consider when...
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Ep. 569 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Top 10 Losses in 2025
2025 saw a lot of change at Walt Disney World and those and future changes resulted in losses (some of them very personal). Our hosts each share their Top 10 biggest losses from last year and their thoughts on the global and personal impacts.
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Ep. 568 - WDW Fan Zone Show - WDW Dining Locations Quiz
There are almost countless table service restaurants, counter service locations, lounges, and food carts around the Walt Disney World Resort in the parks and at the resort hotels. In fact, there are more than 250 of them, not including Disney Springs. In this episode, we will quiz our hosts to…
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Ep. 567 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Tough Choices at Walt Disney World
In this episode, John poses several choices to our hosts where they have to pick one attraction, experience, resort hotel, food item, or other type of item. Our hosts will have to pick which they’d choose and why. It should be fun as we see how easy or hard the choices are and who chooses what.…
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Ep. 566 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Top 3 WDW Experiences for non-Disney Fans (and Disney Fans)
There is such a wealth of experiences to be had at the Walt Disney World Resort - both in the parks and beyond. However, not everyone is as big of a Disney fan as we are. Today, we each share our Top 3 experiences for guests who aren’t already Disney fans and our Top 3 for those who aren’t big...
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Ep. 565 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Add-on Gifts We Would Give
Now that we are in the holiday season, we will discuss the experience gifts we would give to our family and friends that are add-on experiences at Walt Disney World. These are experiences (not including dining) that incur an additional cost over and above theme park tickets and resort stays.…
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Ep. 564 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Moving Attractions and Experiences to Other Parks
The Walt Disney World parks and resort hotels have expanded and changed for over 50 years. As a result, there are some attractions, restaurants, or other experiences that might make sense to be in another park, land, or possibly resort hotel (or new park?). This week our hosts talk about which of...
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Ep. 563 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Cold (or Cool) Weather in Walt Disney World
Weather in Walt Disney World is often hot and humid. However, even Disney Word can have cool or even cold weather. This week we’ll discuss all the ways we prepare for colder weather trips and how our behavior and experience changes from attractions to dining to pools and more. Bundle up!
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Ep. 562 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Refurbishments at Walt Disney World
While Walt Disney World prepares to make big changes like Piston Peak, Encanto, Indiana Jones, and more, they have been and are refurbishing existing attractions and experiences. This week we discuss these, what we like or possibly don’t like, and how well we think they will bridge the gap until...
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Ep. 561 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Spooky Places in Walt Disney World
As Halloween is almost upon us, we each share our 3 scariest places in each Walt Disney World park. We’ll also share what we think makes them scary - at least far as Disney parks are concerned.
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Ep. 560 - WDW Fan Zone Show. - Guest Questions (and more)
In this episode we diversify somewhat and each of us will ask a few questions of the other hosts we’ve heard Walt Disney World guests or family or friends ask (or that we think others are wondering about). Collectively, we’ll try to provide answers with our first impressions. Questions include...
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Ep. 559 - WDW Fan Zone Show - How Disney World is Still for Adults
Walt Disney started Disneyland in 1955 so parents and children could enjoy experiences together. This week our hosts share their thoughts on how and why we think Walt Disney World is still appealing to adults through specific examples including attractions, dining, events, lodging, experiences…
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Ep. 558 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Non-IP Still in the Parks
Walt Disney World has almost 55 years of history and the parks started from some very original Imagineering ideas. Over time, IP (Intellectual Property) began to take over in the theming of attractions, restaurants and lands. In this episode we find all of the places where those original ideas…
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Ep. 557 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Alternative Activities for Long Queues
With the popularity of Walt Disney World parks, t's no surprise that there can be long lines for the most popular attractions. What would you do if the attractions you most want to ride have long lines, you don't want to wait in line, and you can't get a Lightning Lane? This week our hosts share...
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Ep. 556 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Disney Cruise - British Isles (or not)
This week we review John's latest British Isles Disney Cruise on the Disney Fantasy - although the itinerary was changed last minute to Norway and Belgium! We'll hear about pre-cruise activities in London, onboard activities, excursions, and more. Our hosts will also have an opportunity to ask...
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Ep. 555 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Labor Day - Things That Take Work at WDW
Since we're working on Labor Day to record this podcast, we're going to discuss things that take work at Walt Disney World and possibly what we can do to make them easier. It could be travel, checking into a resort, booking dinner, or getting Lightning Lane passes. Come listen to our hosts and…
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Ep. 554 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Top 3 Sound Experiences per Park at WDW
Walt Disney World has attractions and experiences that involve all of our senses from sight to sound to touch to smell. In this episode, our hosts share their 3 favorite experiences per each of Disney World’s 4 theme parks based on how sound and music are employed. Come listen and enjoy the…
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Ep. 553 - WDW Fan Zone Show - Screens and Projections at WDW
Walt Disney World employs audio-animatronics and many other features to tell its stories. In this episode we visit the ways that Disney uses screens and projections to help tell its stories in attractions and more throughout the resort.
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Ep. 552 - WDW Fan Zone Show - John's Trip to Disneyland
After hearing about new experiences in Walt Disney World last week from Kurt, we talk this week about John's recent Disneyland trip and his observations. We talk about Pain the Night, Walt Disney - A Magical Life, Fantasmic, the 70th Anniversary, The Fantastic Four in the parks, other nighttime...
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The WDW Fan Zone Show is your connection to Walt Disney World.
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