Mountains of Magic - A Walt Disney World Tips Podcast for Newbies

Heading to Walt Disney World? Here are 10 Disney World packing essentials that always come with me on every Disney vacation! From my favorite portable charger and must-have coffee supplies to items that help me stay healthy and feel my best, these Disney packing list essentials can make your trip smoother, more comfortable, and a whole lot more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning your first visit o...

Can’t get the Walt Disney World dining reservation you wanted? Don’t panic! In this episode, I’m sharing my best Disney World dining reservation tips for those hard-to-book restaurants, including what to do if you can’t snag Cinderella’s Royal Table or ‘Ohana 60 days before your trip. I’ll walk you through strategies you can use in the My Disney Experience app , last-minute options, and what you c...

Got a rainy day at Walt Disney World ? Don’t let the weather ruin your vacation! In this episode, I’m sharing my best Disney World rain tips to help you make the most of a wet day in the parks. We’ll cover what to pack in your Disney World park bag , which park you may want to visit when rain is in the forecast, where to find great food, and the one thing you absolutely cannot go without if you’re...

New to Disney Cruise Line ? Before you set sail, listen to these 10 Disney cruise tips that can make your first sailing easier, smoother, and more fun! I’m sharing things first-time Disney cruisers may not know, including tips for dining times, kids clubs, saving time in long lines, what to pack for a Disney cruise, and plenty of other helpful details. Whether you’re planning your first Disney cru...

Planning to park hop at Walt Disney World and visit multiple parks in one day? In this episode, I’m sharing practical Disney World park hopping tips to help you save time, plan your transportation, and make the most of your park days. We’ll cover how to plan around Disney World transportation, park hours, nighttime fireworks, and shows , plus the timing and strategy you need to know when visiting...

Looking for the best quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World ? In this episode, I’m sharing my top 10 favorite quick-service dining spots in the Disney World parks and Disney Springs, perfect for when you want a great meal without spending hours at a table. We’ll talk about mobile ordering, must-try dishes, and some of the best Disney World food options, from BBQ at The Polite Pig and fried...

Are the extras at Walt Disney World really worth the money? In this episode, I’m breaking down some of the most popular Disney World extras and upgrades , including MagicBands, After Hours parties, table-service dining, Deluxe Resorts, and Genie+. I’ll share the pros and cons of each, what you actually get for your money, and which extras may be worth adding to your Disney World vacation. If you’r...

Every Disney World trip is better with a few insider tips ! In this episode, I’m expanding on my daily Walt Disney World tips from Instagram and sharing even more details, helpful advice , and fun Disney facts you may not know. From Disney World trip planning to l ittle-known details that can make your vacation easier and more enjoyable , these tips will help you feel prepared before you arrive. W...

Thinking about sailing on the brand-new Disney Destiny ? In this episode, fellow Disney travel agent Danielle joins me to share her firsthand experience from one of the ship's first sailings on Disney Cruise Line's newest vessel . We're covering insider tips for the AquaMouse water coaster, the can't-miss villain-themed adults-only spaces , exclusive entertainment, dining, and...

Wondering if a Disney Deluxe Resort is worth the splurge? In this episode, I'm breaking down the real experience of staying at three unique Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts: Saratoga Springs, Old Key West , and Animal Kingdom Lodge . We'll cover the honest pros and cons of each resort, what makes them different, which resorts are surprisingly massive, the best buildings and room location...

Want to know if you should really stay at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Area Resorts ? In this episode, I’m sharing the REAL truth about Disney’s Deluxe Resorts near EPCOT . We’re talking about the good, the bad, and the things the guidebooks won’t tell you about the Beach Club , Yacht Club , BoardWalk Resort , and Riviera Resort . I’m sharing the pros and cons , what makes each resort unique, the thi...

Wondering if a Disney Deluxe Resort is really worth the price? In this episode, I'm breaking down everything you need to know about Disney's Monorail Resorts including the Polynesian , Grand Floridian , and Contemporary, as well as Wilderness Lodge . I'm sharing the honest pros and cons of each Disney Deluxe Resort, from rooms and dining to transportation, theming, and overall value...

Wondering what it’s really like to stay at a Disney World Moderate Resort ? In this episode, I’m sharing the honest truth about Disney’s mid-priced hotels , including the good, the bad, and the things guidebooks don’t always tell you. We’ll cover the real pros and cons of Disney Moderate Resorts , including rooms, transportation, dining, pools, theming, and overall value. If you’re trying to decid...

Think Disney World Value Resorts are “just the cheap option”? Think again. In this episode, I’m breaking down what it’s really like staying at Disney’s lowest-priced resorts—the good, the bad, and the things nobody tells you before you book. I’m sharing honest pros and cons of Disney Value Resorts , what the rooms are actually like, how transportation and dining really work, and whether saving mon...

Today I'm joined by my mom and sister to discuss the attractions, restaurants, experiences, and Disney World extras we choose to skip at Walt Disney World - and why. Some of these may be your absolute favorites, but we're sharing our honest Disney World opinions , what we do instead, and how these choices help shape our ideal Disney vacation . Whether you're planning your first Walt...

You've booked your Disney resort and purchased your park tickets, but what does a Walt Disney World vacation really cost beyond the basics? In this episode, I'm breaking down the often-overlooked expenses that can impact your Disney World budget , including airport transportation, getting around Walt Disney World, food and snack costs, souvenirs, Memory Maker photos, Lightning Lane purch...

Are you planning a Walt Disney World vacation and wondering what to do on your non-park days? In this episode, I'm sharing the 20 best things to do at Walt Disney World outside the theme parks , including activities at Disney Springs , Disney Resort hotels, golf courses, recreation areas, and more. Whether you're looking for free things to do at Disney World , family-friendly activities,...

Well friends, today is a milestone. 350 episodes. I can't believe I've come into my closet recording studio this many times, and have had this much to share with you. What a blessing it has been. Thank you for trusting me to be in your ear and plan your trips, and I can't wait to see what kind of Adventures this next season brings. Stick around this summer for some fun encore episod...

Universal's Epic Universe is officially a year old, and lots of things have changed in that short time. Today I've got 10 Epic Universe tips for you from ticket types, what to rope drop, how to spend Early Park Admission and what snacks to try or skip. Whether you are doing a full week at Universal Orlando or adding on a day to a Walt Disney World trip, you don't want to miss this e...

If you are heading to Walt Disney World for Cool Kids Summer in 2026, this is a must listen. To meet Bluey at Animal Kingdom, you will need to join a virtual queue. I have all my best tips for you on how to do it successfully, and you can use this for other rides and attraction virtual queues that Disney may release in the future!  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect wit...

If you are planning to take advantage of the free water park day this summer at Walt Disney World, you'll want all my tips for Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach! These Disney Water parks are packed with fun, but you'll want to know some logistics first. I'm sharing how to plan your day, where to snag a pool chair, busing to the parks, and more! I hope you enjoyed today's show....

Heading to Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios? Here are my Walt Disney World must do's for a day of snacking, totchos, lunch box tarts, lighting lanes, Star Wars fun, Slinky Dogs, and more. I share some of my favorite spots to a grab a non traditional theme park meal, share my unpopular opinion, and even give a little behind the scenes of the Jollywood Nights holiday event. Let's...

Planning a perfect day in Animal Kingdom? Here are my Walt Disney World must do's for a day of Safari's, Boma buffets, Sanaa bread service and even some fun at Disney Springs. I'm sharing what deluxe hotel I would have to stay at, where I'm eating and snacking, what Lightning Lanes I'm snagging and how I'm ending my night. Let me know your ideal AK day, and listen in...

Planning a perfect day in Epcot? Here are my Walt Disney World must do's for a day eating and drinking around the world. I'm sharing what deluxe hotel I would have to stay at, where I'm eating and snacking, what Lightning Lanes I'm snagging and how I'm ending my night. Let me know your ideal EPCOT day, and listen in for lots of tips! I hope you enjoyed today's show. I...

Planning a perfect day in Magic Kingdom? Here are my Walt Disney World must do's for a day at MK. I'm sharing what deluxe hotel I would have to stay at, where I'm eating and snacking, what Lightning Lanes I'm snagging and how I'm ending my night. Let me know your ideal Magic Kingdom day, and listen in for lots of tips! I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to...