Disney Deciphered: a Disney World planning podcast

Episode Description Leslie and Joe give their impressions of the Polynesian Resort. They're on record saying it's one of their favorite resorts, but does it live up to its big price tag? What are the resorts strengths and weaknesses, what special features does it offer, and how useful is it to be on the monorail loop? As we do with all hotels, we end with why you  should and why you  should not st...

Episode Description Joe just spend four nights on the Disney Dream cruise ship and two nights at the Polynesian Resort in August. We chat about the differences between Disney land and sea cast members, tips for cruising with Disney, and how Joe's family enjoyed hanging out at Walt Disney World without visiting the parks (for the most part). We also update what's going on at Whispering Canyon, chat...

Episode Description Leslie and Joe bring in special guest (and fan of all things Disney and Halloween) Karyn Locke to share her expert tips for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This special ticket event is highly popular every fall, with many guests returning year after year for the unique character meet-and-greets and the chance to dress up in the Magic Kingdom. Find how to dodge long lines...

Episode Description Leslie and Joe give their impressions and best tips for Pandora: The World of Avatar in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Leslie, a newbie to Pandora on her most recent visit, discusses what wowed her and whether the land changes her overall impression of Animal Kingdom as a park. Find how to to beat the still-present crowds for the very popular Flight of Passage attraction, whether you...

Episode Description We've referenced the website Touring Plans many times, so who better to bring on for our 25th episode than Len Testa, the man behind the Plan(s). We discuss the best ways to utilize Touring Plans to enhance your Walt Disney World vacation, both with and without a subscription. We tried to keep it to the best information for beginners using the site, but Len managed to sneak in...

Episode Description Leslie and Joe give their impressions of Animal Kingdom Lodge. Is it a hotel worth staying in? What makes it unique? Plus information on the best rooms, restaurants, and more. As we will with all hotels, we discuss reasons TO stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge and reasons NOT to stay there and end with another edition of Disney dos and don'ts! If you like what you hear, please share...

Episode Description What's the difference between the three different levels of Walt Disney World hotels? What do you need to know when choosing hotels on Disney property? Leslie and Joe have you covered with information on different hotel categories, amenities, room sizes, and more in this episode! If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy it. Also, we'...

Episode Description Leslie and Joe discuss all the magical things you can do at Walt Disney World without a park ticket. From Disney Springs, to the water parks, to even (gasp) getting outside of the bubble - there's plenty to do near Disney World if you need a break from the parks. Plus, in Disney dos and don'ts we tell you what  not to do so you can reduce stress and enjoy your vacation! If you...

Episode Description Ed Pizzarello from the Miles to go podcast joins to chat about all things Blizzard Beach - impressions, tips, tricks, best sections for kids of various ages, and more! Plus, we drop a Disney do AND a Disney don't and chat about how Blizzard Beach handles the rain. If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy it. Also, we'd appreciate if...

Episode Description Walt Disney World gets  hot in the summer, so check out Leslie and Joe's best tips to beat the heat and stay cool. Where to find A/C, how to stay hydrated, and what to pack in your day bag to stay cool. Also, how the heat might affect your time in the parks and where you decide to stay. If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy it. Al...

Episode Description In Part 2 of our Toy Story Land impressions, Leslie and Joe have had a few days to digest the land and react to its opening to the public. We discuss if (and how) our opinions have changed, some stuff we missed, the nighttime experience and the food. We also touch on Fastpass+ strategy and end with our Disney dos and don'ts segment. If you like what you hear, please share the p...

Episode Description Disney invited Traveling Mom and Traveling Dad, and thus Leslie and Joe, to the media preview of Toy Story Land. Toy Story Land is the newest section of Disney's Hollywood Studios, featuring two new rides and a brand new restaurant. Leslie and Joe recorded their initial impressions LIVE in the parks. Be sure to check out Part 2 where Leslie and Joe reflect on Toy Story Land aft...

Episode Description Wondering what to pack for your Disney World vacation? We've got you covered in today's episode, where Leslie and Joe discuss their must pack items for Walt Disney World. Our list is aimed to make your overall Disney experience more enjoyable - and you probably will save money in the process! Be sure to stay tuned until the end for our new segment - Disney dos and don'ts! If yo...

Episode Description In today's episode, Kevin Gillooly, co-host of the  Don't Make Me Pull This Flying Elephant Over  podcast, joins Leslie and Joe to discuss his best tips for scoring those hard to get Disney dining reservations. We discuss our favorite hard to get restaurants, how to get them, and best practices for securing those reservations you want. Also, some notes about dining reservation...

Episode Description Dining at Disney World has become a hot ticket item, so Leslie and Joe break down the basics of dining at Disney World and offer tips on how to save money, why it's worth eating on property, and our love for character meals. We also chat a bit about making reservations and discuss whether you actual save money using the Disney dining plan. If you like what you hear, please shar...

Episode Description In this episode, we discuss how to enjoy Disney fun without paying for theme park tickets by visiting Disney Springs. We cover good times to visit Disney Springs as well as what to see and eat there. Disney Springs also has tons of entertainment so we take a look at some of the best options. If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy i...

Episode Description A lot of visitors fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) as part of their Disney vacation. The airport can be stressful due to the combination of infrequent flyers and the layout of the airport. In today's episode, Leslie and Joe talk about the ins and outs of getting from MCO to Disney and back, with tips about making your transit to and from Walt Disney World efficient...

Episode Description Leslie and Joe chat about what Disneyland regulars need to know if they are planning to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando. What are the major differences between the parks and what do you need to know to plan your best vacation? Leslie's tips, as it turns out, are equally good for both Disneyland regulars and Disney World beginners. If you like what you hear, please share the...

Episode Description Leslie and Joe discuss the basics of Walt Disney World ticket options, which can be pretty confusing! What is the Park Hopper Plus option and is it worth it? How can you save money on tickets? When do tickets expire? All this and more on this week's episode of Disney Deciphered! If you like what you hear, please share the podcast with others you think might enjoy it. Also, we'd...

Leslie and Joe discuss the benefits of staying at an on site Disney hotel at Disney World. What are you paying extra for when you stay at Disney? We tackle each benefit and give our take on how valuable each is, while sharing tips and ideas of how to maximize some of these benefits while staying on site. Also, what family situation benefits the most from staying on site? If you like what you hear,...

Leslie and Joe take a look at Disney provided transportation to and around Walt Disney World. We discuss Magical Express, Minnie Vans, the beauty of Uber Car Seat, the upcoming Disney Skyliner, and more! Plus, some discussion of the new parking fees at Disney hotels. 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...

Leslie and Joe close out their Parks 101 series with Hollywood Studios, which is a work in progress as it gears up for the opening of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. We discuss whether the park even warrants a visit in its current state, favorite rides, why it's great for young children, and why it's the best park for thrill seekers. Also - a mea culpa for something we said about Anim...

Leslie and Joe discuss the basic of Animal Kingdom and what's worth seeing. Since Animal Kingdom is Leslie's least favorite park, Joe convinces her that Animal Kingdom is GREAT. Also, we discuss child swap/rider switch and how to use it to save time waiting in line.  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...

Leslie and Joe discuss the best times to visit Walt Disney World to avoid big crowds. We also talk about why lines were longer in the traditional "slow" month of January in 2018, discuss some of the special events at Disney World to plan around (or for!), and debate whether it's better to take shorter or longer trips for your Disney vacations. If you like what you hear, please share the podcast wi...

Leslie and Joe go over the basics of EPCOT, the second park built in Walt Disney World in Orlando. We start by catching up on some of the things we missed in the Magic Kingdom 101 episode, and then go through Epcot 101. What's the difference between Future World and World Showcase? What rides are Tier 1 Fastpass rides, and which ones would we rope drop, Fastpass, or kill? That, how to make the mos...