To The Mouse And Back

Bonus episode! Quick interview with my 5 year old to get her thoughts on the trip.

Hear all about Jess's trip to Walt Disney World, staying at Port Orleans French Quarter! Links to info mentioned in this episode: * The rumor is that Spaceship Earth will be closing for 2+ (https://wdwnt.com/2018/10/sse2yearclosure/) years for a major refurb * The bakery in France that Jess mentioned is Les Halles (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/les-halles-boulangerie-patisserie/) * World of Disney at Disney Sprints just went through a major refurb (https://attractionsmagazine.com/world-of-disney-reopens-disney-springs/) and reopened this summer * More info about the Float Flight (http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2016/07/08/review-the-coca-cola-rooftop-beverage-bar-in-disney-springs/) that Jess got the Coca-Cola rooftop bar at Disney Springs

Danny from Average Dis Nerd joins me for a discussion about how to do Disney without constantly being surrounded by kids. Links to info mentioned in this episode: * Check out Danny's podcast and blog Average Dis Nerd (https://www.averagedisnerd.com) * Take a look at WDW Prep School's Crowd Calendar (https://wdwprepschool.com/disney-world-crowd-calendar/) to see more about busy days and big events at Disney World * Nomad Lounge (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/nomad-lounge/) that is one of Danny's go to spots at Animal Kingdom * The delightfully misspelled lanyard (https://twitter.com/auntiejessieb/status/1067604713086959616?s=12) Danny mentioned Tours and special experiences that we mentioned: * Keys to the Kingdom (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/keys-to-the-kingdom-tour/) (I did this on my trip in May and it was awesome!) * Marceline to Magic Kingdom (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/marceline-to-magic-kingdom/) (here's a revie

Hear all about Lauren's Halloween family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at the Polynesian! Links to info mentioned in this episode: * There are 2 main services that keep an eye on available dining reservations: Touring Plans DIning Reservation Finder (http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/reservation-finder) and Mouse Dining (http://mousedining.com/) * Gasparilla's (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/gasparilla-island-grill/) was their go to dining spot, even though it was at another hotel * The portable crib (http://guavafamily.com/) that Lauren mentioned they use * The Light Lab (http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/light-lab-2018-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/) was part of Food and Wine at Epcot * It's not available anymore, but the Candy Corn Milkshake (https://wdwnt.com/2018/08/review-candy-corn-milkshake-at-auntie-gravitys-galactic-goodies-at-magic-kingdom/) sounded pretty crazy * The Baby Care Centers (https://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/baby-care-centers.htm) located i

Hear all about Liza's family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at Port Orleans Riverside! Links to info mentioned in this episode: * Conservation Station (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/conservation-station/) is closed for now, but will reopen in Spring 2019 (https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/walt-disney-world-confirms-rafikis-planet-watch-and-conservation-station-to-reopen-spring-2019/)! * You can meet Gaston (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/character-meet-gaston-fantasyland/) near his tavern in Fantasyland * Here are some tips (https://wdwprepschool.com/tips-for-the-pirates-league-at-magic-kingdom/) for doing Pirates League (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/magic-kingdom/pirates-league/) at Magic Kingdom * Sunset Ranch Market (https://www.dadsguidetowdw.com/sunset-ranch-market.html) is where they ate in Hollywood Studios Things I Like: Check out Serial Season 3 (https://serialpodcast.org) in your podcast app! The full season is availabl

Hear all about Laura's first time visiting Disneyland Paris! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Details about the Hotel Santa Fe (https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/hotels/disneys-hotel-santa-fe/) * Prestige Van (http://www.prestige-transfer.com/), the company that drove them from the airport to Disney and back * Some interesting information (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice%27s_Curious_Labyrinth) about the Alice in Wonderland hedge maze (https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/attractions/disneyland-park/alices-curious-labyrinth/) (called Alice's Curious Labrinth) at Disneyland Paris, including a POV video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mubhNHgyqPs) * More info about the brunch at Inventions (http://www.dlpguide.com/planning/dining/restaurant-menus/inventions/), a restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel * How to book the Magical Day Tour of Paris (https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/tours/magical-day-tour-of-paris/) excursion through Disney Things I Like: Check out Penzeys Spices (https://www.penzeys

Hear all about Monica's family trip to Walt Disney World, staying off-property at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek! Links to info mentioned this episode: * See more about the Halloween overlays (https://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney-world/attraction-overlays-halloween-edition/) at Space Mountain and other attractions * If someone in your party has special needs, the DAS pass (https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/) can be a lifesaver. * A full review of the special mac and cheese dishes at Eight Spoon Cafe (http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2017/03/20/news-and-review-three-baked-mac-and-cheeses-at-eight-spoon-cafe/) (be sure to check their menu because I've heard it changes often) * Info about the Citrus Swirl (http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2018/03/15/i-cant-believe-it-more-citrus-swirl-news-from-magic-kingdom/) at Sunshine Tree Terrace (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/sunshine-tree-terrace/) at Magic Kingdom (if you're like me and don't love pi

Hear all about April's first time planning a family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at Art of Animation! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Columbia Harbour House (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/columbia-harbour-house/) is my favorite quick service at Magic Kingdom! * Some info about understanding the food allergy menus (https://www.travelingmom.com/walt-disney-world/food-allergies-at-disney-allergy-menu/) at Disney * A resource that April recommends (https://www.allergyeats.com/disney/) when dealing with food allergies at WDW * A list of height restrictions (https://wdwprepschool.com/rides-at-disney-world-height-requirements/) on attractions at Disney Things I Like: Be sure to check out Sleepy Hollow (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/sleepy-hollow/) at the Magic Kingdom if you're looking for some unique filling snacks!

Hear all about Justin and Natalie's anniversary trip to Walt Disney World, staying at the Polynesian! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Magical Express (https://wdwprepschool.com/how-magical-express-works/) is Disney's free transportation service to and from the airport * Some people really really love the Peoplemover (http://www.wdwinfo.com/walt-disney-world/magic-kingdom/the-peoplemover-why-it-is-the-single-greatest-attraction-in-disney-history/) * List of restaurants that are open during the Halloween party (https://wdwprepschool.com/guide-to-mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/#Dining_options) * Justin was right - the lions' rocks are air conditioned (https://www.themeparktrader.com/theme-park-guides/walt-disney-world/disneys-animal-kingdom/9-awesome-facts-and-secrets-about-kilimanjaro-safaris/) (apparently the lions are from Oregon, and they don't love the heat) * How to rent DVC points for a WDW stay (https://wdwprepschool.com/how-to-stay-in-a-deluxe-hotel-for-moderate-prices/) * Justin's spectac

Hear all about Avery's princess-heavy trip to Walt Disney World, staying at Art of Animation! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Hoop de Doo Musical Revue (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/cabins-at-fort-wilderness-resort/hoop-dee-doo-musical-revue/), the dinner at Fort Wilderness that Avery and her family loved * A few (http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/disney-princesses-at-disney-world/) resources on finding princesses (https://www.dadsguidetowdw.com/where-can-we-find-all-the-princesses.html) at WDW if that's your thing (https://www.kennythepirate.com/2014/08/14/how-to-meet-every-princess-in-walt-disney-world-with-no-stress/) * More info on Landscape of Flavors (http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/landscape-of-flavors/), the food court at Art of Animation (that really is surprisingly good) * Castle Couture (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/magic-kingdom/castle-couture/) is the shop behind the castle where you can buy princess dresses and pose for Photopass pictures * Sleepy Hollow is the pl

Hear all about Ashley's 3 generation family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at the Dolphin! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Read more about the family suites (https://www.swandolphin.com/accommodations/dolphin_deluxe_family_room.html) that Ashley and her mom used while staying at The Dolphin * A summary of the benefits guests get while staying at the Swan and Dolphin (https://www.swandolphin.com/leisureinfo/benefits.html) (note that while guests do get transporation between parks, they do not get to use the Magical Express) * A bunch of info about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/events/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party) * Was anyone else super distracted by hearing about the Pumpkin Waffle Sundae (http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2017/08/18/news-mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-eats-and-treats/#more-174336)? Oh, yeah, me neither. * Creature Comforts (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/creature-comforts/) was where they ate

Hear all about Laina's family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at Port Orleans French Quarter! Links to info mentioned in this episode: * Read more about the Pomegranate beer (https://ziggyknowsdisney.com/pomegranate-beer-review-brewers-collection-2017-epcot-food-and-wine-festival/) she was so excited about! * The bar she mentions by Backlot Express is called BaseLine Tap House (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/baseline-tap-house/) * More information about the Wilderness Explorers (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/wilderness-explorers/) program at Animal Kingdom * Mexican place in Disney springs: Frontera Cusina (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/disney-springs/frontera-cocina/) * The Schoolbread in Norway (http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/02/13/review-school-bread-in-epcots-norway/) is a very popular treat * The Candy Corn soft serve (https://www.delish.com/food-news/news/a55428/candy-corn-soft-serve-disney/) available various places through Ma

Hear all about Lauren's magical Disney wedding at the Disney Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Lauren and Mike's adorable wedding video (https://vimeo.com/140451334/description) - watch this video!! Their wedding was so beautiful and the 2 of them are adorable together * Cake projections video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgvInMA-Kd4) - demonstrating what they can do with the projections on the tiered wedding "cake" * Some information about Richard Gerth (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-et-disney-grand-floridian-richard-gerth-20180607-story.html), the greeter at Grand Floridian who was known for helping brides on their wedding day * Franck's Studio (https://www.disneyweddings.com/ever-after-blog/inspiration-franck-s-studio-at-walt-disney-world/) - the location the couples visit to review all their wedding details before the big day Things I like: If you need an ADR that you weren't able to secure, going to Mouse D

Hear all about Ashley's family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at All Star Music! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Fantasia Gardens & Mini Golf (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/fantasia-gardens-fairways-miniature-golf/) - the miniature golf course Ashley's family considered doing, but ended up being too exhausted to do! * Lines (https://touringplans.com/disney-world-app) - the app run by TouringPlans.com that supports custom touring plans and displays estimated wait times * Up: A Great Bird Adventure (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/animal-kingdom/up-great-bird-adventure/) - the new bird show at Animal Kingdom * Rivers of Light Dining Package (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/rivers-of-light-dining-package/) - the package you can purchase to get reserved seating for Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom * Some info about how Resort Airline Check-In works: official info from Disney (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/resort-airline-check-i

Hear all about Chelsie's 10th anniversary trip to Walt Disney World! Links to info mentioned this episode: Parade Dining Package at Tony's (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/festival-of-fantasy-parade-dining-package/) - the meal with reserved viewing area for the Festival of Fantasy parade (that they ended up not using) Art Smith's Homecomin' (http://www.homecominkitchen.com) - the dinner they had at Disney Springs Rivers of Light Dining package from Tiffins (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/rivers-of-light-dining-package/) - keep in mind Tiffins is a signature restaurant and will require 2 table service credits if using the dining plan Paradiso 37 (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/disney-springs/paradiso-37-taste-of-the-americas/) - the restaurant we mistakenly called Paradiso 57, with the amazing $16 drink Some info about how Resort Airline Check-In works: official info from Disney (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/resort-airline-check-in/)

This week's episode is a crossover episode with my friend Danny from the Average Dis Nerd podcast. We talk about the differences between being a local, and planning trips from far away. He also tells us about a special event held for Annual Passholders this year, as well as why Danny thinks we should keep my kids up WAAAAY past their bedtime to see the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party fireworks show (spoiler alert: it's not gonna happen). Check him out on Twitter @averagedisnerd (https://twitter.com/Averagedisnerd), or his blog/podcast at averagedisnerd.com (https://www.averagedisnerd.com)

Hear all about Elizabeth's family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at the Cabins at Fort Wilderness! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/contemporary-resort/pirates-and-pals-fireworks-voyage/) - the fireworks boat ride from the Contemporary to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks * Early Morning Magic (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/early-morning-magic/) - the ticketed event that allowed early access to a few select rides in Fantasyland * Kitchen Sink (http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015/08/17/onthelist-the-kitchen-sink-sundae-and-chocolate-lovers-kitchen-sink-at-beaches-and-cream/) - the crazy ice cream sundae available at Beaches and Cream (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/beach-club-resort/beaches-and-cream-soda-shop/) * Chip 'n' Dale's Campfire Sing-a-Long (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/chip-n-dale-campfire-sing-a-long/) - singalong at Fort Wildernerness, featuring a movie and s'mores roastin

Hear all about Sarah's family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at All Star and Pop Century! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Geyser Point (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/wilderness-lodge-resort/geyser-point/) - the restaurant at Wilderness Lodge * Pizzafari (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/pizzafari/) - the name of the pizza restaurant at Animal Kingdom that neither of us could remember the name of :) * Early Morning Magic (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/early-morning-magic/) - the special ticketed event that made Sarah rearrange their Magic Kingdom days Things I Like: WDW Prep School (https://wdwprepschool.com/) - great Disney planning site! Be sure to check out her crowd calendar (https://wdwprepschool.com/disney-world-crowd-calendar/) for help planning your dates.