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

Is it cheaper to stay at an off property hotel while at Disney World? Today I'm crunching the numbers and sharing a sample quote for a week long vacation in the summer. What does a value, moderate or deluxe resort cost at Disney vs staying at an off property hotel? I'll share some hidden cost you may not have thought about when staying at a good neighbor hotel or other off property spot,...

Heading in to your Disney trip with one of these 10 could really derail it. Today, I'm sharing 10 things I've seen others complain about that can make Disney World a little difficult. But have no fear, I've got options and shifts in perspective to offer to help you make the most and some great magical memories. So listen in, and avoid these 10, unless of course you are a family of 5...

I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @ mountains_of_magic or Facebook at Fantastical Vacations by Daniele . If you would like help in planning an upcoming Disney or Universal vacation, email me at danielerobbins@fantasticalvacations.com or fill out a quote form to get started planning the magic Get A Quote I recently took my first trip to Disney...

Do you know the rules for Rope Dropping in Magic Kingdom? Do you know what side of the park is open first and how to get a double rope drop in if you are staying on property? Today I'm sharing all my secrets on where to start your morning in Magic Kingdom. Regardless of what you choose, I hope you can use this episode to get the most out of your early morning time and enjoy your walk down Mai...

If there is one Disney World theme park you want to have a strategy for, I think it's Hollywood Studios. What ride should you rope drop? Should you use Genie +? Will Rise of the Resistance break down? (likely) But I'm chatting about all these questions today and helping you create a strategy to get the best use of the early morning hours and early theme park entry (if you have it) at Hol...

Heading to EPCOT to start your day? You will want to make sure you know what entrance you'll be starting at, because this will greatly change your rope drop strategy! Today I'm sharing where I would head first thing if I'm entering the front of the park, or coming in the International Gateway entrance. We'll talk crowds and where you may want to head to avoid them, and the ride...

How can you get the most out of your time at Animal Kingdom even if you don't purchase Genie plus? Today I'm sharing my strategy for an early morning at Animal Kingdom whether you are staying at a Disney Hotel with early entry, or are coming in off property. I'll share what rides to head to first, attractions you may want to skip first thing in the morning, and the importance of usi...

I had done a lot of research and watched a lot of videos on Disneyland, but here are 10 things I didn't know. Today I'm sharing how quick service works at Disneyland hotel, what mode of transportation you don't want to ride, what part of the parks shut down early, and just how tiny Sleep Beauty Castle really is. Listen in for tips for your Disneyland trip! I hope you enjoyed today&a...

Today I'm sharing all about our recent 3 day Disneyland Adventure! We stayed at the Disneyland hotel, visited both Disneyland and California Adventure, and went to our first Oogie Boogie Bash. Hear about our California experience from a first timers point of view, and I've got lots of tips for you if you are normally a Disney World goer. Listen in and follow along for lots of ride, snack...

Today I'm recapping the first half of our Southern California vacation last week. I've got tips on flying into LAX, sharing where we stayed in Los Angeles and Del Mar California as well as our visits to the San Diego Zoo, local beaches, and more. If you are planning a trip to California, or may have one on the horizon listen in. Or just come along today for a little getaway! Come back ne...

Come along with me and the family as we explore southern California and cities around San Diego. We hit the San Diego Zoo, beaches, La Jolla, Del Mar and more, and then finish out the week at Disneyland. Listen in to some trip highlights, and come back for Episode 122 where I'll start a full trip recap! I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram...

A quick meal is my jam in Disney World and being able to mobile order and get back to the fun is a must! Today, I'm sharing my top 10 favorite quick service locations in the parks and Disney Springs. Don't settle for run of the mill theme park food when these great options may be just a few more steps away. We're eating BBQ at Polite Pig, fried chicken in Magic Kingdom, Mexican at P...

Epcot has food to offer from all around the world, but what dining reservation should you go for? Today, I'm sharing my experience with Space 220, Coral Reef Restaurant and more while also filling you in on all the table service restaurants that are available around the World Showcase. Listen in to get an idea of which ones may be right for you! I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd...

Looking for some great food and good atmosphere and Disney's Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios? Today I'm ranking the table service restaurants at both parks and telling you which ones are at the top of my list. Whether you want a great burger and shake while watching a movie, or an upscale experience that's far from theme park food, there is something at these parks for everyone....

Want to know what reservation to snag on your Magic Kingdom day? Today, I'm ranking the 8 sit down restaurants at Magic Kingdom and sharing what you can expect, price points, location, types of food, and where I've been and had a not so great experience. I hope you learn more about each of these restaurants so you can decide which will be best for your travel party. Be on the lookout for...

It's mouse minutes part 4 where I share my must have Disney tips and fun facts to make your vacation a bit more magical. In today's episode, I'm sharing about some fun out of the box experiences you might want to try like floating down a lake in a car and getting a pedicure in the middle of a busy Magic Kingdom day. There are lots of tips in this episode for snagging dining reservat...

Welcome to the third episode in the mouse minutes series that highlights the tips I share daily on Instagram about the Walt Disney Resort.  Today I'm sharing what hotels your pets can stay at in Disney World, my favorite Magic Kingdom snack, how to save some time and money in the parks, and some fun bonus activities you can do on your trip. Be sure to listen in for a lot of tips packed in a l...

Taking your younger kiddos to Universal and want tips for how to navigate the theme parks? Check out today's episode where I chat with fellow TA Cassie about her recent trip with her young daughters. She shares what rides her girls enjoyed, how rider swap works at Universal, their Marvel character meal and meeting Spiderman, and the unfortunate letdown of not meeting a favorite character. She...

Heading to Walt Disney World in the next year? There are lots of dates coming up that you will want to know about. When does Moana Journey of Water Open? When can I stop making park pass reservations? When can you meet Figment? I'm sharing all these dates and more in today's episode. I also share about some upcoming resort refurbishments, and a quick recap of all the new Disney news that...

Taking your teen to Disney for the first time, or maybe it's been awhile? Today I'm sharing the attractions your teen won't want to miss, and well as some technical things you can do to give them a little more freedom in the parks. I also share about the pros of doing a split stay over at Universal Orlando for this age group if they are looking for more thrills! I hope you enjoyed t...

Looking to head to Disney for the first time with kids? Today I'm sharing tips for the five to twelve age group. There is so much for kids this age at Walt Disney World and so much wonder to see through their eyes. I'm sharing what you want to make sure you know about your kid's favorite character, why you DO need a stroller, and what to do when that meltdown happens.  I hope you en...

Taking an infant or toddler to Disney? This episode is packed with tips you will want to know. I'm sharing what you can and can't bring into the parks, how to avoid folding up your stroller, resorts you might want to consider and how to do a trial run of characters to make sure your kid isn't terrified. You will get lots of useful nuggets in this episode, so listen in or share with...

I'm about a month out from my Disneyland trip and today I'm talking about all the planning that has gone down so far, and how it differs from planning a Disney World trip. We'll talk park tickets, genie plus, Oogie Boogie Bash, and dining reservations as well as what's still on my to do list before the trip. Grab a warm fall beverage, kick back, and let's plan! I hope you...

Curious what that brown sidewalk is running through  Liberty Square or how to get 2 meals in one at Disney World? Today I'm sharing multiple secrets about Walt Disney World that will both help you on your next trip and give you some fun facts to share with family and friends. Listen in for a fun episode and to expand your Disney knowledge a bit.  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd...

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure both offer guest the option of early entry to the theme parks and Express Pass to skip the lines, but how does it work? Today I'm sharing the ins and outs of who early entry is available to, when you can use it, and the different types of Express Pass that Universal has available, as well as a great way to get it included free in your vacation! Liste...