Disney Deciphered: A Podcast To Help You Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacations

If you're looking to book a Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line vacation, considering using Joe as your travel agent by emailing josephcheung@travelmation.net! Episode Description When you plan Disney vacations, sometimes it's good to have the flexibility to change your plans or even cancel at the last minute. In this episode we discuss the best strategies for booking refundable Disney vacations - just in case you need to adjust your plans. If you have questions about anything we discussed, please don't hesitate to e-mail us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes Leslie's guide to booking travel in uncertain times (aka now) 3:05 - Are we planning trips to Disney right now? 6:53 - Booking refundable on site hotels 9:26 - Refund policies of offsite hotels 11:04 - Tickets 14:05 - Flexible airfare (Current airline COVID-19 policies) 17:48 - Airfare tips if the airline cancelled your flight 18:56 - Does travel insurance cover coronavirus related cancellations? If we've helped you to plan you

If you're looking to book a Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line vacation, considering using Joe as your travel agent by emailing josephcheung@travelmation.net! Episode Description Leslie and Joe take a look back at some of their favorite memories from the Disney parks, including first trips, most memorable family moments, biggest fails, and more! We'd love to hear your Disney stories, send them to us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com and we might share them on a future episode! Episode Notes 1:45 - First Disney memory 6:25 - Best family memory 11:35 - Most memorable new experience 15:28 - Biggest FAIL 19:24 - Most magical Disney moments 23:19 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content! You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Under

If you're looking to book a Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line vacation, considering using Joe as your travel agent by emailing josephcheung@travelmation.net! Episode Description We dream big and take a look at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Walt Disney World's flagship hotel. We discuss the amazing theming, the multitude of restaurants, and the different room types available. Have you stayed at the Grand Floridian? We'd love to hear your impressions at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 1:34 - Grand Floridian basics 3:20 - Location and transportation 7:14 - Room types and options 9:04 - Dining options (Disney Tourist Blog's review) 12:45 - Resort amenities, pool, and spa 15:01 - Cost 16:25 - Why you should or should not stay at the Grand Floridian 17:52 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our specia

Episode Description We update you with the latest news on Disney closures, recovery packages that will save you money when Disney opens again, and speculation about when that might be. We also talk about how we've been keeping Disney in our life. Got questions? E-mail us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Or if you're looking to rebook a cancelled trip, please consider using Joe as your travel agent by emailing josephcheung@travelmation.net! Episode Notes 1:32 - Updates on Disney closures 5:21 - Disney World's summer recovery offer 10:04 - Disneyland's offer 11:28 - Aulani and Disney Cruise Line 12:46 - Construction updates 15:00 - When will the parks open? 18:56 - Staying connected to Disney (Disney at Home) 21:27 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content! You can also support the show by buying tic

Note: We recorded this episode before Disneyland closed for COVID-19. But we hope the information will be relevant soon enough! If you're looking to book a Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line vacation, considering using Joe as your travel agent by emailing josephcheung@travelmation.net! Episode Description Joe's thinking about visiting Disneyland Resort sometime soon, so Leslie gives him all the tips first timers need to know before visiting Disneyland. A must listen if you're planning on going to the original Disney resort, even for veterans! What are your best Disneyland tips? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes Disneyland hotel comparisons 2:29 - Tip 1: figure out hotel to park transportation (Walking map of hotels near Disney) 5:19 - Tips for driving 6:48 - Tip 2: download the app 9:04 - Tip 3: decide which order to visit the parks 11:52 - Tip 4: Rope drop! Which rides to rope drop 14:55 - Tip 5: Research attractions and character meets ahead of time 1

Episode Description Note: We recorded this episode before Disney World closed. Hopefully we'll all be able to use the info soon enough! Staying on site in a Disney World hotel always costs a premium, but there are lots of ways to save money on your Disney World hotel rate. We go over some of the easiest to use discounts on Disney World hotels and touch on some of the more complicated ones in this episode. What do you do to save money on your Disney World hotel stay? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 2:13 - What's an on site Disney hotel? 2:49 - What is the "rack rate"? (2020 Rack Rates from Mousesavers) 4:22 - Difference between booking a room only reservation and a package 6:19 - Seasonal discounts 8:37 - Annual Pass and Florida resident discounts 9:58 - Military discounts 11:09 - Renting DVC points (DVC availability tool)  12:42 - Using an online travel agency like Expedia or Orbitz 14:53 - Free dining offers 16:34 - Bounceback offers (Disney Tourist Blog how to)

Episode Description The Disney parks have all closed and the world feels a lot different than it did a week ago. We discuss what's closed, what the parks will look like when they reopen, and how to deal with cancellations. Also, since this is a Disney Deciphered Unfiltered episode (normally only available to Patreon subscribers), we talk about our feelings, too. Everyone loves that, right? How do you feel about the parks closing? What do you look forward to most when you return? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes 1:38 - What's closed? 2:48 - Disney Deciphered going forward 4:49 - What's still open? (Update: everything will be closed soon). 6:04 - Should Disney World have closed? 8:16 - How our upcoming trips have been affected? 12:55 - How Disney is making guests and cast members whole 17:46 - Advice for future trips 23:07 - What will Disney look like when the parks reopen? 27:33 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us

Episode Description While we aren't the biggest fans, the Disney dining plan can make sense for some families and we get questions about it all the time. We break down the numbers and discuss the new Dining Plan Plus option while sharing the situations where we think the dining plan saves money. Are you a Disney dining plan fan? Let us know your thoughts by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 2:17 - Disney Dining Plan basics 4:10 - What are dining credits? 5:38 - Plan types and 2020 pricing 9:05 - Is the Disney dining plan worth it? Crunching the numbers. 11:28 - How to save money with the Disney dining plan 15:05 - Alcohol 16:53 - Kids vs. adult credits 17:48 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content! You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, o

Episode Description We take a look at all the ticket offerings at Walt Disney World and help you choose the best ticket for your family while saving you money and stress. What are your favorite ticket buying strategies for Disney World? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 2:27 - Ticket basics, RFID cards, and magic bands 3:59 - Recent price increases and when you can expect the next one 7:21 - Ticket validity dates 8:26 - The base ticket aka the "Standard Theme Park Ticket" 9:54 - Water Park and Sports option 11:26 - Park Hopper and Park Hopper Pluis options 14:54 - Other add ons and types of tickets 16:26 - How to save money on tickets (our Undercover Tourist link) 19:25 - Is an annual pass worth it? 2:109 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content! You can

Episode Description We give our impressions of both the character breakfast and the signature dining experience dinner at Topolino's Terrace, a brand new restaurant located at Disney's Rivera Resort. Why you should consider putting both on your list and some impressions of the food. Have you been to Topolino's Terrace? Let us know your thoughts by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes Luxe Recess' Rivera Resort Review 2:01 - Overall impressions of Disney's Rivera Resort 3:56 - Overall impressions of Topolino's Terrace 5:28 - Topolino's character breakfast experience 9:46 - Food at Topolino's breakfast 12:58 - Topolino's terrace signature dining experience dinner impressions and fireworks on the terrace 17:53 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content! You can also support the s

Episode Description We continue our Disney Essentials series by discussing must do attractions in every Disney World park, including the attraction that best captures the spirit of the park, best thrill attraction, and best kids ride.  We want to hear your best attraction suggestions in these categories! Contact us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! This episode is sponsored by Orlando Stroller Rentals, our favorite stroller rental company for Walt Disney World. Receive a 10% credit back to your card when you let them know you heard about them from Disney Deciphered! Episode Notes 2:33 - Attraction capturing the spirit of Magic Kingdom 4:33 - Thrill attraction at Magic Kingdom 5:34 - Kids attraction at Magic Kingdom 6:47 - Show/experience not to miss at Magic Kingdom 7:08 - Attraction capturing the spirit of Epcot 8:33 - Thrill attraction at Epcot 9:37 - Kids attraction at Epcot 10:51 - Show/experience not to miss at Epcot 11:13 - Break 11:55 - Attraction capturing the spirit of Hollywood Studios 13:56 - Thri

Episode Description With the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend coming up, Jeremy from Backside of Magic joins the podcast for our runDisney 201 episode discussing week and day of race details, transportation, Expo tips, and much more! Much thanks to Jeremy for dropping by. Questions or comments? Contact us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! This episode is sponsored by Orlando Stroller Rentals, our favorite stroller rental company for Walt Disney World. Receive a 10% credit back to your card when you let them know you heard about them from Disney Deciphered! Episode Notes No Guilt Life's runDisney podcast series 2:27 - Jeremy's runDisney background and running the Dopey 4:10 - Tips for registering for a race 5:48 - How and why to submit proof of time 8:41 - Receiving pre-info, what you should be looking for   10:35 - Tips for visiting the runner's expo   12:54 - Layout of the expo   15:19 - Race morning logistics, transportation options, etc.   19:53 - Post race logistics, taking advantage of "free" stu

Episode Description Between Leslie and Joe, we've now experienced Rise of the Resistance, Disney's hottest attraction, on both coasts. We update with best current strategies for getting on the ride, what's going on with crowds, and our predictions for future touring strategies for Rise. What have your experiences been with Rise of the Resistance queues? Let us know by connecting with us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! This episode is sponsored by Orlando Stroller Rentals, our favorite stroller rental company for Walt Disney World. Receive a 10% credit back to your card when you let them know you heard about them from Disney Deciphered! Episode Notes Touring Plans Rise of the Resistance Data Disboards Thread on Boarding Groups Disney Tourist Blog's Rise of the Resistance Disney World or Disneyland Comparison 1:27 - Leslie's experience at Disneyland 3:07 - Differences between Disneyland and Disney World's Rise of the Resistance 4:24 - Disney World updates 7:40 - Disney World Boarding Group and ride strate

Episode Description Joe shares trips from each of the three theme parks he visited on his extended family trip over marathon weekend. Tips for meeting characters, meals, and more! Let us know your questions and thoughts by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! This episode is sponsored by Orlando Stroller Rentals, our favorite stroller rental company for Walt Disney World. Receive a 10% credit back to your card when you let them know you heard about them from Disney Deciphered! Episode Notes 2:36 - Experience picking up from Orlando Stroller Rentals (our new sponsor) at the airport 4:52 - Lessons learned at Epcot 7:30 - Lessons leaned at Hollywood Studios 12:49 - Lessons learned at the Magic Kingdom 19:31 - Reflecting on traveling with extended family 20:50 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only

Episode Description Joe recently spent a long weekend in a Cars Suite at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, so we take a look at what makes this a "value-plus" resort, how the Skyliner has really made the resort feel more special, and why you should or should not stay at Art of Animation. Have you ever stayed at Art of Animation? We'd love to hear your experiences on our Facebook page or via e-mail at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes 1:49 - Location and Skyliner access 4:05 - Art of Animation theming 5:37 - Room overview (Cars Family Suite) 8:32 - Food court and food options 9:09 - Amenities: pool, arcade, etc. 12:22 - Why you should stay at Art of Animation and why you shouldn't 15:23 - Cost 16:58 - Disney dos and don'ts We'd really appreciate it if you'd check out our Patreon page and consider supporting the show! Or, if we helped you plan your trip and you'd like to thank us with a one time donation you can do so here. You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best d

Disney World First Timers Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing josephcheung@travelmation.net today! Bookings for the Disney Wish are open if you are interested in sailing on Disney Cruise Line's latest ship! Episode Description Is it your first time to Disney World in a long time? Or are you a Disney expert who's friends have asked you for help (very) last minute?  Since today's episode is Episode 100, we thought it'd be a great time to share all about our best tips for people who haven't had time to plan and research Disney World. Give us 20 minutes and we'll ease your stress and save you time and money at Disney World even if you do no other planning! What are your best tips for first timers? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com or connect with us on Facebook! Episode Notes 4:05 - Download and get to know the My Disney Experience app 6:21 - Pick which parks you're

Episode Description We set sail for the seven seas and chat about what makes Disney Cruise Line unique and what you need to know if you're considering a Disney cruise. We cover all the basics of what makes a Disney cruise magical and tell you what you need to think about if you're considering cruising with Disney. Have you sailed Disney cruise or do you want to? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 1:35 - What is Disney Cruise Line? 3:11 - Disney Cruise Line ships 4:48 - Destinations 8:09 - Castaway Cay, Disney's private island 11:52 - Cabins 13:59 - Food and dining options 17:40 - Onboard activities 22:33 - Cost 25:51 - Disney dos and don'ts Want to know more about Disney Cruise Line? Check out the DCL Podcast! We'd really appreciate it if you'd check out our Patreon page and consider supporting the show! Or, if we helped you plan your trip and you'd like to thank us with a one time donation you can do so here. You can also support the show by buying tickets (if the

Episode Description We kick of the new year with a revised entry into our Disney Essentials series. Sometimes, someone in your family might need convincing of the worthiness of Disney World as a travel destination. That someone might even be you! We take a look at six reasons why you should consider a Walt Disney World vacation and we'd also to love to hear your reasons for visiting Walt Disney World. So drop us a comment on our Facebook page or e-mail us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com with reasons you love visiting Disney World! Episode Notes 1:57 - Disney is great for family travel 4:13 - Everyone can be a kid or a kid at heart at Disney World 5:22 - Disney parks are clean and safe 8:03 - Disney pays great attention to little details in its theme parks   10:14 - Disney helps inspire your love for travel   12:29 - Disney's theme parks transport you to new worlds   We'd really appreciate it if you'd check out our Patreon page and consider supporting the show! Or, if we helped you plan your trip and you'd

Episode Description Joe's December trip report including his experience at the Christmas party, getting onto Rise of the Resistance, and the awesomeness that is the Skyliner! Plus, tips and lessons learned. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone, thanks for listening! Have you ridden Rise of the Skyliner yet? Let us know your thoughts disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 2:44 - Caribbean Beach Resort 4:26 - The Skyliner 6:48 - Epcot's Festival of the Holidays 10:20 - Hollywood Studios Star Wars tour 12:34 - Getting to the Christmas party 15:31 - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party impressions 18:36 - Christmas party tips We'd really appreciate it if you'd check out our Patreon page and consider supporting the show! Or, if we helped you plan your trip and you'd like to thank us with a one time donation you can do so here. You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link. If you like what you hear, please share the podcast

Episode Description If you've decided to stay on site, not all Disney hotels are created equal. Sure, they may enjoy the same perks, but which Disney hotels stand out above the rest? In today's episode we break down our favorite on site Disney hotels by category: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas, plus we give a quick review of the different Disney hotel category definitions. We'd love to hear your favorites! Let us know by dropping a comment on our Facebook page or e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 2:09 - Our favorite value resorts 6:05 - Our favorite moderate resorts 10:49 - Our favorite deluxe resorts 15:19 - Our favorite deluxe villas 18:30 - Disney dos and don'ts We'd really appreciate it if you'd check out our Patreon page and consider supporting the show! Or, if we helped you plan your trip and you'd like to thank us with a one time donation you can do so here. You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercov