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

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...

Welcome to Disney Cruise line 101. Looking to sail Disney Cruise line but don't know where to start? On this episode I'll take you through all 8 of the DCL ships and tell you where they sail from, how long the sailings are, and what time of year you'll find each ship in each port. If you are looking to get started planning your Disney Cruise, this is the episode for you! I hope you...

If you are taking a toddler or young kid to Walt Disney World, I've got my top resort hotel recommendations for you. Whether you want to walk to Magic Kingdom, take a skyliner to Epcot, or find the safest pool on property I have value, moderate, and deluxe options for you as well as plenty of other must have toddler tips! I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you...

Universal Orlando just dropped their HHN tickets (Halloween Horror Nights) for 2026. You can get tickets, scream early passes, RIP Tours, Express Pass and more. If you have never been to HHN, I've got ten tips for you to make it a horrifically good time at Universal Studios for this after hours event.  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @...

Do you love Disney snacks but start feeling like crud after 3 or 4 days of theme park eating? Today I'm sharing my favorite quick service restaurants in the parks to get healthier food options. Whether you are gluten free, have dietary restrictions, or just need a vegetable after too many Mickey Waffles, this episode has all my favorite Disney food spots.  I hope you enjoyed today's show...

 Wondering if the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your family? Today I tackle the 3 questions to ask if you are considering the dining plan to get the most out of it. I'll share restaurants that will cost you 2 dining plan credits, how to get the most for your money, and when I would definitely skip the dining plan.  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you o...

If you have a rest day on your Walt Disney World vacation and don't want to head to the pool or Disney Springs, what should you do? Why not visit some of Disney's deluxe resort hotels via the monorail or skyliner. Today I'm sharing the pros and cons of the Polynesian, Contemporary and Grand Floridian on the Monorail loop and what you can do during a 3-4 visit, as well as the Beach a...

Trying to reserve a hard to get Walt Disney World dining reservation 60 days out? This episode is packed full of tips to give you a back up plan in case you aren't able to reserve Cinderella's Royal Table or O'hana like you want. I'm sharing what you can do on the My Disney Experience app, and once you get to a restaurant to make your dining dreams come true.  I hope you enjoye...

Planning to cruise from Fort Lauderdale Florida on Disney Cruise line? Then this is the episode for you. I'll share my experience with the Brightline train from Orlando, how you can use Disney Cruise line transportation to get from local hotels to the port, and my top 3 picks for hotel accommodations nearby. Save this episode for your future Disney Cruise line vacation! I hope you enjoyed tod...

I had a short trip to Walt Disney World last week and I have new experiences and Disney tips to share with you. I had my first flight on Southwest Airlines with the new open seating policy and share the MAJOR potential problem. I also took Mears Connect transportation to WDW, toured some Disney resorts, explored EPCOT, saw the new Disney Starlight Parade in Magic Kingdom and tried out the new Pira...

If I am headed on a Disney Vacation, here are the 10 things that are always coming with me. From my favorite portable charger, coffee, and ways to stay healthy, these must have items will make your Disney trip go smoother and keep you happy and well why you enjoy the magic. Add these items to your Ultimate Disney Packing List.  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with yo...

Here are my 10 big skips for Walt Disney World vacations in 2026 and the things I won't be doing. Everything from money saving Disney tips, vacation planning tips, and park strategy is packed into this episode. Take a listen, and reach out today for help planning your next magical vacation.  Get A Quote   I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagra...

I'm gearing up for a solo work trip to Walt Disney World in a few weeks staying at Coronado Springs Resort. It will be filled with training and Disney parks fun, but afterwards I'm hitting the Brightline train and heading to Fort Lauderdale for some Disney Cruise line research. Come get ready with me to prep for this trip and find out what I'll be researching in the process. Feel fr...