Wands and Wishes

Join Tony Desiere and Lauren Mallard as they dive into the culinary delights of Walt Disney World, sharing their top picks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across the four parks. The duo highlights the evolving dining experiences at Disney, emphasizing how food has become a focal point of their visits. They explore must-try locations, from the crepes at Epcot's Le Creperie to the iconic Tonga toas...

This episode of the Wands and Wishes podcast dives deep into the new premier lightning lane system at Disney World and its implications for park-goers. Hosts Tony Desiere and Lauren Mallard discuss the recent changes to the lightning lane offerings, including the potential pricing of up to $400 per person per day. They explore whether this premium option truly adds value for families looking to ma...

Universal Studios' announcement of the opening of Epic Universe in May 2025 has sparked great excitement, and Tony Desiere shares his enthusiasm for the new theme park experience that will bring an array of beloved franchises, including Nintendo and an extension of the Harry Potter universe, to Central Florida. This marks the first new theme park in the area in 25 years, and Tony dives into why th...

Planning a Disney vacation during hurricane season can be daunting, but Tony and Lauren are here to provide essential tips and information to help you navigate these weather challenges. They discuss what to do if a hurricane approaches while you're on vacation, including how to cancel or modify your trip without penalties. Staying at Disney resorts during a storm has its perks, as Disney prioritiz...

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with toddlers can be both exciting and challenging, and this episode offers essential tips to ensure a memorable experience for the whole family. Tony Desiere and Lauren Mallard discuss the importance of managing expectations, especially when your young child may not fully grasp the magic of Disney. They emphasize the value of creating memories for parents, eve...

Join Tony and Lauren as they delve into the dining experiences at Walt Disney World, sharing their reviews of six standout restaurants. They highlight the importance of theming and ambiance in enhancing the overall dining experience, with a particular focus on the delicious food offerings. Among the featured locations are the enchanting Be Our Guest, the vibrant Ohana, and the innovative Space 220...

Join Tony Desiere and Lauren Mallard as they explore the joys and challenges of a recent four-day trip to Disney World, filled with valuable insights and tips for fellow travelers. The episode kicks off with Tony sharing his personal experiences navigating the parks, emphasizing the importance of planning and staying on property for the best convenience. They discuss the thrill of attending the Ha...

This episode of the Wands and Wishes podcast delves into the various benefits of staying at Disney resorts compared to off-property hotels. Tony and Lauren explore the three tiers of Disney accommodations—value, moderate, and deluxe—highlighting the unique amenities and experiences each offers. They emphasize the importance of location, transportation options, and the immersive Disney experience t...

Tony Desiere and Lauren Mallard dive into the enchanting yet spooky world of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. As the holiday season approaches, they share essential tips for navigating these beloved events, ensuring that attendees maximize their experience. From arrival strategies to food recommendations, the duo emphasizes the importance of p...

Join us for an insightful conversation about navigating the parks at Walt Disney World, especially with the new Lightning Lane system. Lauren shares her recent trip experiences with her son Graham, highlighting the importance of planning and flexibility in making the most out of each park visit. From choosing resorts to maximizing ride experiences, Lauren emphasizes a laid-back approach that ensur...

As excitement builds following the latest D23 announcements, Tony Desiere and Lauren Mallard take a reflective journey through the many changes that have shaped Disney World over the years. They explore the balance between nostalgia and innovation, discussing how recent attractions like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind have invigorated the parks while stirrin...

The latest episode of the Wands and Wishes podcast dives into the exciting announcements from D23, particularly focusing on the much-anticipated Villains Land coming to Disney World. Hosts Tony Desiere and Lauren Mallard discuss the implications of this new area, as well as the competitive landscape Disney faces against Universal's Epic Universe. They also explore the updated Lightning Lane proced...

Lauren Mallard and Tony Desiere love theme parks. And they want to help you get out and enjoy the parks too. Each week, they'll have all the latest news, tips and inside information on Walt Disney World and Univeral Studios. Plus, they'll give you the best information on planning your theme park vacation. Wands and Wishes – coming soon!