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

Episode Description Rise of the Resistance is open at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Orlando and it lives up to the hype. We discuss the virtual boarding queue, logistics, Joe's experience, and give a spoiler free review. BUT THEN - Doug McKnight from Rope Drop Radio joins the cause to discuss the ride in depth - SPOILERS IN THIS SECTION. If you haven't ridden yet, please, turn the episode off at minute 17! (There's also a warning). It's an attraction best experienced with as little pre-knowledge as possible. Check out Doug's live opening day review here (also spoilers at the end of that one). Episode Notes 2:02 - What is Rise of the Resistance? 4:24 - Logistics and how to use the virtual queue 6:35 - Joe's queue experiences 9:51 - Operational issues 10:45 - How long will the virtual queue be used for? 12:57 - Virtual queue tips and tricks 15:45 - Is Rise of the Resistance too intense for kids? 17:00 - SPOILER FILLED RIDE OVERVIEW WITH DOUG FROM ROPE DROP RADIO 36:02 - Is Rise of the Resistance the best attract

Episode Description We discuss Coronado Springs Resort, which is quickly moving up the ranks of moderate resorts. Has the new Gran Destino Tower changed things for better or worse? What are the new food options and is the hotel too much of a convention hotel now? All that and more in the latest Disney Deciphered! Have you visited the new Gran Destino Tower? What do you think of Coronado Springs? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 1:25 - Our previous experiences at Coronado Springs Resort 2:14 - Location and transit 4:32 - Prices, pixie dust on Joe's last trip 7:01 - Room, overall setup, etc.   11:56 - Hotel amenities and what to expect   14:50 - Restaurants and places to eat   18:53 - Why you should or should not stay at Coronado Springs   21:39 - 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 he

Episode Description The holidays are here so it's time to look at the calendar to decide the best times to visit Walt Disney World during 2020. We discuss everything you need to know: expected crowds, rides opening and closing, construction, special events, and more! Also - should you wait until 2021 to visit? Let us know whether you plan to visit Disney World in 2020 and/or when in 2020 you plan to go by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 2:19 - Times of year we like to visit Disney World 3:33 - January and early in the year 6:34 - February, March, and how busy is spring break 2020? 9:25 - May and the summer 12:35 - Why to visit Disney World in the fall 15:12 - The busy holidays 16:24 - Should you wait for 2021 and the 50th anniversary to visit? 20:14 - 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 ca

Episode Description If you know your Disney Deciphered hosts, you know that the answer to "should you visit Epcot" is always YES. But the fact of the matter is Epcot is under a ton of construction right now. We relate our experiences visiting Epcot during its construction and share some tips on how to still make the most out of the experience. We also chat about the Epcot Experience "attraction"/advertisement and the new Epcot Forever nighttime spectacular. Have you visited Epcot during construction or are you avoiding it? Let us know your thoughts at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 2:21 - How construction has affected Epcot's International Gateway entrance 4:09 - Epcot's main entrance 5:46 - Spaceship Earth and other attractions are closing or have closed 8:20 - What new things are opening in the next year or so? How does the Space 220 restaurant sound?   10:00 - How construction has affected World Showcase   11:28 - The Epcot Experience - why we loved it   15:20 - Epcot Forever fireworks i

Episode Description We wrap up some odds and ends from our October trip. Not quite a trip report, but some observations and some tips we picked up on our trip. Included: we checked out some new (to us) dining, Main St. streetmosphere, Epcot under construction, some hotel review updates, and...we finally checked out Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. It certainly was something. Plus, some great tips from listeners! Got any questions or tips? Contact us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 1:31 - Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor - what'd we think? 5:28 - Skipper Canteen 7:01 - Pecos Bills and mobile ordering reminder 9:41 - Main St. USA Streetmosphere 11:52 - Epcot under construction  12:42 - Beach and Yacht Club updates and Port Orleans French Quarter listener tip (thanks Melanie M!) 15:50 - Animal Kingdom updates - ice cream, birds, and more 18:23 - Tiffins 20:42 - Food and Wine Festival listener tip (thanks Michael T!) 21:17 - Disney dos and don'ts We'd really appreciate it if you'd check out our Patreon page a

Sorry we originally uploaded the wrong audio. If you downloaded the wrong one, delete and redownload. Thanks! Episode Description We complete our Disney World on a Budget series by going all out - Disney World on a luxury budget! Where would we stay, what extras would we shell out for, and why can't we overcome our money saving ways even with a theoretical boatload of cash? All that and more in this week's Disney Deciphered! What would you most like to splurge on at Disney World? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com.  And in case you missed it, here are our low and moderate budget episodes Episode Notes 3:14 - Hotel ideas (including some outside of the box thinking) 8:48 - Off property options 10:35 - Ticket options 13:23 - Food and souvenirs 19:23 - Miscellaneous splurges 22:38 - Final cost breakdown 24:06 - 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

Episode Description Leslie and Joe both got to check out the 2019 Food and Wine Festival, one of Epcot's three special festivals featuring unique events and food booths. We break down the basics of Food and Wine Festival before sharing our impressions and tips to savor every moment! Have you been to Food and Wine? Have a tip or trick to share? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 1:15 - What is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? 4:17 - Basic Overview 6:07 - Special Events 10:35 - Special Merchandise 11:23 - Ratatouille Hide and Squeak 12:27 - Our impressions 17:03 - Three tips 19:51 - 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 Undercover Tourist link. If you like what you hear, please share the p

Episode Description Joe finally makes it to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Walt Disney World and Leslie checks out the eastern version of Batuu as well. Impressions, thoughts, comparisons between the coasts, how to maximize your time in Galaxy's Edge, and much more! Have you been to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, yet? Let us know what you thought by e-mailing us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 1:28 - Comparing Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge between the two coasts 5:18 - Crowds in Disney World's version 7:55 - Why Joe enjoyed the Disney Parks Play app more than he expected 11:25 - All about Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run 14:36 - Smuggler's Run line tips and tricks 16:28 - Oga's Cantina  20:50 - What's next at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge 22:40 - Tips to help you get the most out of your visit 25:20 - 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

Episode Description We both got a chance to finally try out Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World! We share our impressions, successes, and failures while discussing tips and what you need to know before you go. Also be sure to check out our Halloween Party 101 episode! Have you been to the Halloween party and do you have anything you'd like to share? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes Disney Tourist Blog's article on Halloween party crowds 1:42 - Our first impressions of the party 2:54 - Getting into the party and getting started 4:23 - Overall themeing, decor, and vibe 7:40 - Grabbing a quick dinner 8:47 - Character meet and greets 10:33 - Special attraction overlays 15:17 - Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and trick or treating 16:12 - Prioritize! 17:05 - Tips for watching the special entertainment (show, parade, fireworks) 20:30 - How to close down the party right 22:40 - Now that we've tried it: do we think it's worth it? Would we bring our kids? 26:11

Episode Description We continue our Disney World on a Budget series and discuss sample itineraries for Disney World on a moderate budget. We discuss on site hotels we'd recommend, park tickets, add ons, places we'd eat, and much more! What are your moderate splurges at Disney World? Let us know at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 0:46 - Parameters for our moderate budget 2:26 - Hotels and ticket types 6:04 - An alternate luxury adjacent itinerary (within budget!) 8:03 - Food and souvenirs 11:52 - Transportation  14:00 - Fun add-ons 16:00 - Summing our itineraries up 18:16 - Disney Dos and Don'ts (thanks to listener Joe H.!) 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 podcas

Episode Description We start a new three part series on Disney Deciphered, planning sample itineraries for families on different sized budgets. In Part 1, we discuss what's worth keeping and cutting for families on a tight budget at Disney World. Does staying off site save a significant amount of money? Can you still afford some of the more premium dining experiences? What about souvenirs? We debate all these things and more in the episode. Where do you like to save if you're trying to do the most inexpensive Disney World vacation possible? Let us know your thoughts and ideas at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes Special announcement: Leslie and Joe will be at Disney World (overlapping trips) from 10/7-10/12. Let us know if you'll be in the parks! 2:25 - Parameters and criteria for our itineraries 4:19 - Hotel choices 6:58 - Hotel pricing discussion 8:59 - Ticket choices 10:39 - Food options and decisions 14:51 - Misc. budget items (souvenirs, etc.) 16:15 - Saving (or getting) an extra 5% 18:27

Episode Description We close things out in the Magic Kingdom with the land where everything begins and ends: Main Street, U.S.A. A slice of American filled with entertainment, food, and even a few attractions, we give you the lowdown on what to see and what to skip! What are your favorite parts of Main Street, U.S.A.? Have you been to Tony's Town Square and do we need to go? Let us know by e-mailing us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 0:50 - Housekeeping and corrections 2:39 - Walt Disney World Train 4:41 - Main St. Vehicles 5:58 - Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom 7:12 - Characters 10:08 - Entertainment 13:10 - Parades and shows 17:56 - Baby Center  19:46 - Shops and merchandise 22:54 - 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. If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy

Episode Description We tackle listener Sarah H's question - What do we put in our Disney day bag? Essentials, semi-essentials, and nice to haves: we cover it all in this episode. Plus we talk pros and cons of first aid and how you can get yourself into the no bags security line! What do you put in your Disney day bag? What are your must pack items? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes Leslie's Disney day bag list 1:57 - Should you bring a wallet? 2:35 - How many and what types of bags should you bring to the parks? 5:07 - Essentials (what we'd turn around for) 7:32 - Semi-essentials (we always pack, but won't go back to the hotel for) 9:46 - First aid options? 12:38 - How our daypack evolves as our family grows 16:36 - Fun stuff to pack 18:22 - Is it possible to get away without a bag? 19:40 - 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 u

Episode Description Disney World offers a lot of time for guests to visit the parks outside of regular operating hours, but the names of these different offerings can get pretty confusing! We're here to break down when you can stay in the parks late or go early, which offerings are free and which cost extra money, and everything you need to know about enjoying the Disney magic outside of regular park hours! Did we miss any "extra" time in the parks? Do you have a favorite special event at Disney? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Thanks for listening! Episode Notes 2:18 - Extra Magic Hours, the basics 3:55 - How Extra Magic Hours work logsitically 5:12 - Extra Magic Hour strategies 7:33 - Extra EXTRA Magic Hours (offered until 11/2/19 as of now) 9:02 - Extra Extra Magic Hours strategies (Disney Tourist Blog Extra Extra Magic Hours at Hollywood Studios Plan) 12:54 - The new Midday Magic ticket (offered for Fall 2019 only as of now) 16:03 - Early Morning Magic (temporarily on hiatus

Episode Description We say goodbye to summer by answering some of the listener questions that have built up over the year. We talk reconnaissance missions, Undercover Tourist ticket discounts, stroller strategies, Flight of Passage line and Fastpass+ strategies, and much more! Got any questions for us? Please e-mail us anytime at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Thanks for listening! Episode Notes 1:46 - Taking a reconnaissance mission to Walt Disney World, what to scope out 6:23 - How does Disney know who has bought a ticket to special events? 7:14 - Is Undercover Tourist legit? 11:16 - Stroller strategies for toddlers 15:56 - Flight of Passage strategies, can you use someone else's magic band? 17:13 - How does Fastpass+ work without a magic band? 17:54 - What's the best strategy for Flight of Passage Fastpass+ for a family of five (with a child too young to ride)? 21:39 - 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 he

Episode Description The D23 Expo happened in Anaheim this past weekend and Disney dropped a bunch of new parks news and clarified some old parks news. We've got a summary of all the news coming out with a focus on what's coming in 2020! Epcot Forever. What Disney parks news has you most excited? Did you find some of the announcements underwhelming? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes 2:29 - Disneyland news: New parade, Avengers Campus 5:31 - Hong Kong and Shanghai Disneyland news: Frozen Land, new castle, Zootopia Land   6:26 - Disney Cruise Line: new ship announced   8:38 - New Circque du Soleil show at Disney Springs   9:13 - Star Wars Galactic Star Cruiser Halcyon (the new Star Wars hotel)   11:11 - The Epcot of the future   12:02 - World Showcase new offerings: Mary Poppins, Canada, China   14:21 - World celebration: Spaceship Earth changes, new pavilion   16:08 - World nature: new Moana attractions and Awesome Planet show   18:12 - World Discovery: Guardians of th

Episode Description Saddle on up to our Frontierland Guide, where we discuss some of our favorite rides in the Magic Kingdom, a show whose rumored demise has been greatly exaggerated, and the best toppings bar west of the Mississippi! What are your favorite parts of Frontierland? Did you ever play Oregon Trail? Let us know by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Thanks for listening! Episode Notes 1:44 - Do we like to visit Frontierland at night or during the day? 3:25 - Big Thunder Mountain   7:02 - Country Bear Jamboree   9:21 - Splash Mountain   12:24 - Tom Sawyer Island   14:05 - Food options   16:42 - Miscellaneous Frontierland tips   18:40 - 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. If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy it. Also, we'd appreciate if you subscribed

Episode Description Have you heard of club level rooms at Disney resorts? We talk to Christy Pudyk of Pack Your Pixie Dust and the DCL Podcast about what club level at Disney means, what perks and benefits you receive, what the best club level experiences are at Disney World, and how much it's going to cost you. Have you ever stayed club level? Is the experience worth the cost? E-mail us your thoughts at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com.   Episode Notes 2:18 - What does staying club level at a Disney hotel mean? what does it entail? 3:13 - What hotels has Christy stayed club level at? 4:40 - Short aside on Coronado Spring's new Gran Destino tower 5:12 - Perks and benefits of club level. The club level lounge 9:10 - Do you still have time to see lots of attractions if you use the lounge a lot? 11:57 - Club level Fastpasses (extra surcharge) 17:35 - Why you should consider staying club level 18:36 - How club level affects dining plans 20:00 - How much more does club level cost than other rooms at the same hote

Episode Description On our last trip report of the summer, Joe checks in about his recent trip to Aulani: a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii. Why Disney playing second fiddle at the resort makes Aulani one of the best experiences ever, plus some tips and tricks about how to make the most of your vacation when visiting Aulani. Have you been to Aulani? Do you consider it "Disney" enough for a Disney resort? E-mail us your thoughts at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes 1:27 - Renting DVC points, the process, pros and cons  4:26 - First impressions and check in   6:50 - Thoughts on the two bedroom villa at Aulani   10:19 - Activities and what Joe's family did at the resort   14:03 - Leaving property, including whether we saved money on meals eating off site   16:31 - On site food options and thoughts   18:32 - Aunty's Beach House and children's activities   21:35 - 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

Episode Description We've got a trip report from Paris, as Joe took his daughter to Disneyland Paris last month. Why does Parc Disneyland feel so great and Parc Studios feel so...not? What can the US parks learn from Disneyland Paris? How can you save money if you're visiting? All this and more in the latest episode of Disney Deciphered! Have you been to Disneyland Paris? Let us know your thoughts by e-mailing us disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes  1:59 - Disneyland Paris location and logistics 3:26 - Parc Studios - half a park   8:30 - Parc Disneyland - that's more like it!   10:58 - Touring strategies for Disneyland Paris   13:52 - Food   15:43 - Disneyland Paris on site hotels   17:40 - How to save money on Disneyland Paris hotels    18:47 - Special features in the park   20:19 - 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 d