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

Walt Disney World hotels are some of my favorite stops on a Disney Vacation, but each of them has a downside. Today I'm talking through each value, moderate, and deluxe resort at Walt Disney World and sharing the negatives to consider before you stay there. Let me know your favorite Disney resort hotel and what you want to hear on the podcast this year by reaching out on social media.  I hope...

Walt Disney World has lots of new things (like Bluey and Bingo, Muppets rethemes, LEVEL 99, new Frozen faces) lots of reopenings (Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger spin) and plenty of deals like Free Dining Plans for kids coming in 2026. If you have a Disney World vacation planned, or are looking for dates for your next one, check out what's coming to the parks and Disney Spri...

My friend and fellow travel agent Danielle joins me today to talk about one of the first sailings of the brand new Disney Destiny. She has some great insider tips for the Aqua Mouse Water Coaster, the villain themed adult only spaces you can't miss, and highlights of this ship that you can't find on any others in the fleet. If you are looking for a laid back vacation with all the Disney...

 Today I have 9 criteria and I'm breaking down Walt Disney World vs Universal Orlando. Which theme park is right for you? I'll compare cost, hotel accommodations, ease of booking, transportation, rides, Lightning Lane vs Express Pass and more! If you are on the fence about where your 2026 vacation should be, listen in! I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with y...

Planning a quick 2–3 day getaway to Walt Disney World (WDW)? In this episode, I walk you through 10 must-do Walt Disney World weekend tips to help you make the most of a short trip—without the stress and without missing out on the magic. We’ll cover which Disney theme parks to prioritize, the must-do ride you have to experience at night, the best Disney restaurants and snacks to fit into a short v...

Do you have a solid strategy for Lightning Lanes, Rope Drop, Dining Plans, and navigating the parks on your next Walt Disney World trip? Whether you are a Disney newbie or have been to the parks before, I'm sharing how I'm changing my park strategy for 2026 based on new things coming and going from WDW. We are talking Animal Kingdom, Dining Plans, Lightning Lane Premiere Pass and more! I...

Do you want unlimited photo downloads of all your Walt Disney World vacation photos? I've got all the tips for Memory Maker photos like where the best spots are to take them, how to cut down on photo wait times, pricing, who should and shouldn't buy it and where to find those photo pass photographers.  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instag...

 If you are a Disney World first timer or new to the Disney Parks, these Disney facts may catch you off guard. The Carousel of Progress is in fact not a carousel, free Disney busses still can't take you here, and you can catch the fun at the end of some rides without riding at all. Find out what rides, restaurants and things on property are not as they seem! I hope you enjoyed today's sh...

 Are you looking for some quieter spots in Walt Disney World to help with overstimulation, or just a nice spot to hang with your family and find something a little off the beaten path? Then this is the episode for you. From a mix of sentimental favorites to new spots to explore make sure you visit at least one of these spots on your next trip. Reach out today for help planning your magical vacatio...

If you love a Walt Disney World vacation, I'm going to encourage you today to try your first Disney Cruise. From included meals, free childcare, fun activities for literally everyone and free money to spend on the cruise, these are 10 reasons to add a cruise vacation to your 2026 plans. Reach out today for my free planning services.  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to conn...

Planning a magical Walt Disney World vacation and wondering where to stay? In this episode, I’m breaking down my top hotel picks for different types of Disney trips — whether you're visiting with toddlers, traveling with teens, planning a romantic couples-only getaway, or heading to Disney for a fun-filled girls trip.  ✨ I share expert tips and real experiences to help you choose the best Di...

Whether you are driving or flying to Walt Disney World, I've got tips for you today. Where to stop on the way, what time to arrive, transportation from the airport, save time in security lines at MCO and more. If this is your first time at Disney World, you don't want to miss this episode.  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @ mounta...

If you are a Disney World newbie, don't make these mistakes! Today I'll share 10 problems new Walt Disney World guests tend to have, and how you can avoid them. Follow along for my favorite Walt Disney World tips, and don't miss future episodes for those new to Walt Disney World.  I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @ mountains_o...

I've got the TOP 5 hard to get reservations at Walt Disney World for you and some great alternatives if you can't snag those reservations. No Beak and Barrel, try Citricos instead. If you can't get Bibbidi Bobbidi Botique what can you do? And what are some tried and true reservations that tend to have great last minute availability? This episode has all your tips for getting those h...

Looking to skip the lines at Disney World with Lightning Lane Multi Pass, but also want to visit multiple Disney parks per day? I've got the rules for park hopping and Lightning Lanes at Disney World, along with some strategy and sample scenarios for making the most of your park days, and getting on as many rides as possible. Listen in for all my best Lightning Lane tips! Ep 203 - 5 tips for...

I had my first visit to HHN in 2025 and I'm sharing all my thoughts as a scaredy cat and someone who didn't expect to like the event. I'm sharing top foods, haunted houses, and other event extras that you won't want to miss. I've also go tips for first timers, how to cut down on your time in line, and all the ways to make the most of your time at Halloween Horror Nights. L...

Looking to park hop and visit multiple parks a day on your Disney vacations? Here are some tips you'll want to consider when it comes to transportation, nighttime fireworks and shows, and park hours. Use this episode to make the best plan for your Disney park days! I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @ mountains_of_magic or Facebook at Fan...

After you get tickets and a hotel, how much does it cost to go to Walt Disney World? Today I'm sharing all the hidden charges you might not think about from the airport to the food court. I'll share cost for memory maker photos, transportation, a reasonable budget for food, and so much more. Let this episode be part of you Walt Disney World trip planning! I hope you enjoyed today's...

If you are headed on a short Walt Disney World trip and you need to pick only a few theme parks to visit, this episode is your short and sweet guide to all 4 theme parks and the 2 water parks to help you make the best choice for your Disney vacation. So which parks will you choose? I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @ mountains_of_magic or Fac...

 Which Walt Disney World Resort Hotel is right for you? Today I give a quick breakdown of the value, moderate, and deluxe category hotels at Walt Disney World, and share a bit about each one so you can make the best choice for your family. We are talking value rooms and family suites and the All Stars and Art of Animation, massive properties with so much to offer at Caribbean Beach and Coronado Sp...

How long should your Disney trip be? This Walt Disney World question gets asked a lot, and depends on your ideal trip. I'll share ideas for a short and long trip, how many park days I would do, and questions to ask yourself when deciding which park to skip if you can't do a week long trip. Come back next week for more beginner's guides for Walt Disney World. Get A Quote   Follow my...

When should you visit Walt Disney World in 2026? Find out when RunDisney races take place, when there is a huge cheer and dance competition, and when locals come to the parks. If you are looking for a great deal or fewer crowds, find out what times of year are best to visit. Whether you are a Disney newbie, or veteran park goer, you'll find out about what's happening at WDW all year long...

What can you do in Magic Kingdom while waiting for your Lightning Lanes or to beat the heat? This Walt Disney World park has so many shows, character meet and greets, scavenger hunts, and fun things to see that you'll want to know about. If you want to make the most of your time at Magic Kingdom, don't miss it all it has to offer on  your next trip.  Get A Quote   Follow my TIKTOK all ab...

What can you do in Animal Kingdom while waiting for your Lightning Lanes? This Walt Disney World park has so many wildlife trails to explore as well as animal encounters, top notch stage shows, roaming characters, and a whole Conservation Station to explore. If you want to make the most of your time at Animal Kingdom, don't miss it all it has to offer on  your next trip.  Get A Quote   Follow...

What can you do in Hollywood Studios while waiting for your Lightning Lanes? Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World has tons of places to play, explore, catch a show or meet a character. There are also interactive games on the Play Disney app, and lots of air conditioned theatres to escape the heat in the hot Florida summers. Find out all the hidden gems throughout the park that you won't wan...