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

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

Episode Description We chat about all the dining options, characters, merchandise, and fun things to do in Adventureland besides attractions. Did you know that there's a Pirates Adventure? Our favorite quick service snack? We discuss all this and more on today's episode! What did we miss in Adventureland? E-mail us your thoughts at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes 1:16 - Pirates Adventure 3:54 - Skipper Canteent 6:03 - Aloha Isle and Quick Service options 8:06 - Merchandise and shopping 12:55 - Character meet and greets 16:44 - 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 on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Play (please leave a positive review if you're

Episode Description We continue our land by land guide with a look at the rides and attractions in Adventureland. It's almost as jam packed as Fantasyland, but do the attractions hold up? Plus, some thoughts on how Adventureland is a bit of a missed opportunity. Do you have a favorite attraction in Adventureland? What are your must rides? E-mail us your thoughts at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes 1:43 - Theming of the land and general thoughts 4:02 - Enchanted Tiki Room 6:32 - Jungle Cruise 9:23 - Flying Carpets of Aladdin 12:11 - Pirates of the Caribbean 15:37 - Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse 19:30 - 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. If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy it. Also, we'd appreciate if you subscribed on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pla

Episode Description   Walt Disney World may have so many on-property hotels that you've lost count, but on-site hotels at the Disneyland Resort are a much rarer commodity. There are only three hotels owned by Disney in Anaheim: the Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, and Paradise Pier. Leslie has stayed in all three and shares her thoughts on the prices, locations, and amenities of each.    Have a Disneyland hotel tip to share? E-mail us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com!   Episode Notes Leslie's Disneyland Hotel vs. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel Comparison Guide 2:23 - Major benefit of on-property hotels at Disneyland: Extra Major Hour 6:09 - Ancillary on-property hotel benefits 7:00 - Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel 10:41 - Disneyland Hotel 15:26 - Monorail 16:06 - Disney's Grand Californian 19:19 - Grand Californian price 20:39 - Ranking the 3 on-property Disneyland on-property hotels 21:32 - Disney dos and don'ts   We'd really appreciate it if you'd check out our Patreon page and con

Episode Description Star Wars Galaxy's Edge crowds have surprised at Disneyland. What does that mean for Fall 2019 at Disney World? When should you plan for upcoming 2019-2020 Disney vacations? We tackle that and news and notes from around Disney in this episode of Disney Deciphered. Let us help you as you decide when to next visit! Any news we missed? E-mail us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com! Episode Notes Annual Pass Calculator 2:23 - Disney World Annual Pass price increase and how that has changed the math 4:48 - Disneyland Annual Flex Pass ($599) 6:37 - Country Bear Jamboree and Enchanted Tiki Room - no changes! 7:28 - New Magicband upgrade system for on site guests 9:30 - Disney Skyliner, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Riviera Resort, and Gran Destino at Coronado Springs updates and opening predictions 12:01 - Extra Extra Magic Hours 12:31 - Star Wars Galaxy's Edge crowds at Disneyland and how we think that might inform what will happen at Disney World this fall 15:34 - Suggestions for when t

Episode Description Leslie and Joe talk about their favorite ways to maximize off site stays when visiting Walt Disney World. Just because you're not at a Disney hotel doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the magic! How to save money, avoid lines, and more!   Got off site tips for us? Let us know at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com.   Episode Notes Disney Annual Pass Calculator 1:20 - Rent a car to save time    2:59 - Take a  day off from the theme parks to rest   5:33 - Consider buying an annual pass (Note: we recorded this before Disney announced their large annual price increase - the math makes a lot less sense now, though it still works in some cases)   7:48 - Buy souvenirs, food, and supplies off site    10:56 - Rope drop!   13:19 - Practice the Fastpass+ refresh technique to score difficult Fastpass+ reservations   14:26 - 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 a

Episode Description We visit Liberty Square as we continue our land by land guides. Join us as we discuss the details we love in the land, the attractions, and the history show that we didn't even realize existed and that we've put into our next touring plan. What are your favorite parts of Liberty Square? Any tips or things you enjoy that we missed? Let us know by e-mailing us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes 1:21 - Hall of Presidents 3:55 - Liberty Square Riverboat 5:37 - Haunted Mansion 8:36 - Characters and photo ops 9:45 - Great Moments in American History 11:07 - Shops and merchandise 13:19 - Quick service food options 16:00 - Table Service: Liberty Tree Tavern 17:52 - Disney dos and don'ts We'd really appreciate if you'd check out our new Patreon page and consider supporting the show! Or, if we've 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.

Episode Description Leslie recently went back to Aulani, Disney's Hawaiian resort, so we talk about her trip and her best tips for people who plan to visit. Is Aulani still an amazing resort or has it lost its shine? It can get pretty expensive so Leslie gives her honest opinion about how the resort feels these days. Have you been to Aulani? Let us know your thoughts by e-mailing us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes Aulani Review Aulani Splurges 1:49 - How Leslie booked her Aulani stay (Studio) 4:18 - Pricing 6:08 - Crowds during spring break and how Leslie dealt with them 7:59 - Beach impressions 9:22 - Other on site activities 11:55 - Character meet and greets and meals 12:59 - Venturing outside of Aulani on a day trip 15:12 - Food and dining 16:53 - What's new and what you need to know about Aunty's Beach House (child care) 21:34 - Charlie's taxi transfer to Aulani 22:07 - Disney dos and don'ts We'd really appreciate if you'd check out our new Patreon page and consider supporting

Episode Description Leslie got to check out Star Wars Galaxy's Edge on opening day! We're releasing our episode with her impressions and overall rating of the land a little bit early since I'm sure a lot of you want to hear how it feels to be on the edge of the galaxy. We talk the surprisingly mild crowds on opening day, merchandise, the height of droids, blue milk, and of course what it feels like to pilot the Millenium Falcon! Have you been to Batuu yet? Or are you excited and planning to visit? We'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts, let us know by e-mailing us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes Star Wars Galaxy's Edge video tour and first look Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Tips and Touring Strategies 2:31 - Star Wars Galaxy's Edge basics and connections to Disney World's version 6:12 - The biggest choke point in the land, Oga's Cantina (Note: After we recorded, Disney implemented a text based virtual waiting system. Nice!) 8:59 - Is the Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run line a choke

Episode Description Staying at Disney World hotels has benefits, but did you know there are a lot of great reasons to stay off-site at Disney World, too? In today's episode we look at some of our favorite benefits to staying off-site and chat about how different off-site offerings might be the best option for you and your family. Do you and your family enjoy staying off-site? We'd love to hear your experiences and ideas, let us know by e-mailing us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Episode Notes 0:00 - Our previous off-site experiences 4:17 - How staying off-site saves money 5:00 - Benefiting from having more space 7:36 - Finding higher quality rooms for your money 10:43 - Getting a break from the Disney bubble 12:39 - Multi-generational travel advantages 15:01 - Saving money on your dining 16:57 - Disney dos and don'ts We'd really appreciate if you'd check out our new Patreon page and consider supporting the show! Or, if we've helped you plan your trip and you'd like to thank us with a one time dona