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

I just got back from an amazing trip to Walt Disney World and I brought you along with me. Come listen in as I ride lots of Disney transportation and favorite attractions, park hop, visit resort hotels, watch fireworks and more! 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 wou...

Disney dropped huge news this week that Genie Plus and Individual Lightning Lanes are going away and being replaced with Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. These new systems will allow you to select rides with shorter wait times in advance of your trip, but still with a cost. I'm diving into what the new systems will look like, what rides you can select, and when all th...

If you are ready to rock during your visit to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, look no further than the Hard Rock Hotel. This luxury hotel experience features all the rock paraphernalia you love, underwater music at the massive resort pool, Taylor Swift themed rooms, and multiple casual and upscale dining locations. Find out about all the different room types, and here a samp...

Looking to cool off in the Florida heat and hit up a water park? Today I'm sharing all the tips for visiting Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World. This water park features attractions for kids and adults big and small, and all the Disney snacks, service, and theming that you love. Find out how you can get tickets to add this park to your visit, and my must have tips for your water park day! Ch...

Let's head to Italy and check out one of Universal Orlando's top hotels Portofino Bay. This resort is nestled around a beautiful bay and boardwalk area with a water taxi to the parks, and numerous dining and entertainment options. Come find out about all the amenities and different room types, as well as get a sample quote and learn more about the biggest perk of staying premiere at Univ...

My mom and sister are back with an episode all about our must do's in Disney's Animal Kingdom and some opinions that are sure to ruffle some feathers. Take a listen for our must try snacks and attractions, find our where we are spending some down time, and get some unpopular opinions about what should go in Animal Kingdom. Check out this episode for all my tips on Genie Plus Ep 177 - Eve...

Today we're taking a look at Universal Orlando's one and only preferred hotel, Sapphire falls. This beautiful Caribbean paradise features amazing scenery, waterfalls, and the largest pool on Universal property. Come find out about this top notch property and all the added perks that make it an upgraded moderate level hotel. I'll share all the different amenities, food options, and f...

I've got my first ever solo trip to Walt Disney World coming up later this month, and I'm bringing you along for the trip planning process. From a 4 parks in one day challenge to some casual strolling around Magic Kingdom, I'm hoping for this to be a trip with a lot of firsts. So come hotel hop, meet with travel agents, and have a lot of Disney parks fun! Check out this episode for...

Today we're taking a look at Universal Studios PRIME VALUE on property hotels, Cabana Bay Beach Resort and the Aventura Hotel. These moderately priced properties are a great option for big and small families and a short walk to Universal's water park Volcano Bay. I'll share all the different amenities, food options, and fun you can find at these hotels, as well as room types, kids s...

Want to know the perfect Walt Disney World hotel for you and your family? With so many to choose from, you'll definitely want to narrow it down! Today, I'm going through 10 categories that your perfect hotel may fall under. Looking for a great value, relaxing atmosphere, great transportation, adults only or best theming? I'll share my winner for each category, and you can decide whi...

Today I'm doing a deep dive into Universal Studios value on property hotels in a new series. I'm sharing all about Dockside and Surfside Inn and Suites and all the properties have to offer. From resort size, food options, amenities, to transportation I'm sharing what to expect at these great value properties, and well as giving a sample quote for a week long vacation when staying he...

Looking for a perfect, magical vacation when you head to Disney World? You may get close, but things are going to happen. Today, I'm sharing 10 problems you might have in Disney World, and how you can pivot to still make it a great day if they occur. I talk missing reservations, rain, loss of power, ride closures and more. Be sure to listen in, and make a plan for your upcoming trip! Check ou...

Looking to get on the newest ride in Walt Disney World this summer? Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens on June 28th, and will be using the Virtual Queue system and be a part of Genie Plus for Magic Kingdom. Today I'm going in depth about how to use your My Disney Experience app to be able to get on the ride, and the strategy I would use at the parks this summer. There is NO STANDBY LINE for t...

With quite a few trips under my belt, there are still countless things I haven't checked off my to do list at Disney World. Today, I'm sharing 10 common things to do in Disney, that I just haven't gotten to yet. I'm talking thrill rides, places to eat, and some behind the scenes experiences that are definitely on my bucket list. Let me know which of these things I MUST TRY on m...

Today, I'm sharing a list of activities you can book onboard a Disney Cruise ship! While these a specific to my cruise on the Wish, there are comparable things to do on each Disney ship. I share about photo packages, special experiences for kids, beverage tastings and mixology classes, signature dining experiences and more. I also give a quick rundown of excursions I was able to book in Nassa...

Looking to just chill out for a second in the middle of your Disney vacation? Today I'm sharing where in Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios you can stop and get some shut eye, without anyone noticing. Whether its a chill ride, a dark show, or an indoor theater, I've got you covered. And don't worry, we won't tell anyone about your little cat nap! I hope...

What changes to Genie plus have been made for 2024? Even though we are well into the year, it's been a while since I've done an update. Today, I am sharing ALL the Genie plus tips I have up my sleeve, and how you can save time and get on more rides during your time in the parks.  I'm talking Virtual Queues and Individual Lightning Lanes too and how these play into your strategy! I&a...

Considering a trip out to Disneyland and want to know what they knock out of the park? Today I'm sharing 5 things that Disneyland rocks at that Walt Disney World needs to take some notes on. We talk Genie +, early entry, Starbucks, some ride queues, and spots for kids. Listen in, and let me know on social medias what you think Disneyland is doing well these days! **Be sure to leave a review o...

I've reached the final resort in my resort series and we are ending with the OG Contemporary! This resort was around back when Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 and is truly an icon of Walt Disney World. Today I'll share about the 3 separate areas or building that you can stay in, types of rooms offered, a sample quote, awesome restaurants like California Grille and Chef Mickeys and more fun...

Get ready for a good time! My mom and sister join me today with our top Disney tips or do's and don'ts for that new Disney World traveler or someone who hasn't been in a while. We share tips for the parks, favorite restaurants, talk rides and genie plus, as well as share lots of differing opinions. Whether you know the parks or they are brand new to you, you'll get some good ti...

Welcome Island Vibes! If you are looking for a luxury hotel stay, that's just minutes from the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, this Polynesian paradise is the place for you.  With multiple island themed restaurants, Trader Sam's tiki bar, pools, fireworks views, Dole Whip and more this resort is a must see on your next trip. I'll share more about the amenities, food, pros and co...

Today I dive in to my 5 (actually 6) least favorite restaurants at Disney World. I've got a mix of quick service and table service, and some inside and outside the parks. Some may not be horrible, but they aren't worth you spending your money on. (looking at you knock off Panda Express). Listen in to hear what you might want to avoid, and let me know which restaurants make your bottom 5!...

If you are looking for elegance, amenities, and a top notch location at Walt Disney World, the Grand Floridian is the spot for you. This resort is just a short walk or monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, and features multiple restaurants and lounges, shopping, spa services, outdoor activities and views of Magic Kingdom fireworks. This deluxe resort will not disappoint, so be sure to listen in for...

Join me on a relaxing journey to Disney's Riviera Resort in this episode filled with enchantment and elegance. Explore the exquisite amenities that await, from luxurious accommodations to indulgent dining experiences. I delve into the variety of room types available, offering a glimpse into the magic of each option. Listen in as I paint a vivid picture of the resort's ambiance and charm,...

If you are looking for a Disney resort that offers, shopping, dining, and entertainment options right outside your door, look no further than Disney's Boardwalk Resort. This waterside resort will give you all the Coney Island feels while being a short walk to EPCOT, and just minutes from all the Disney theme park fun. I'm sharing about the numerous amenities offered at this resort, as we...