448: Worth The Price? (DIning, Resorts, Merch and more)

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce Irving takes over the podcast to discuss overrated attractions in Walt Disney World. He goes through a list of 20 attractions and shares whether he thinks they are overrated or underrated. Some of the attractions discussed include Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Dinosaur, Carousel of Progress, Mad Tea Party, and Mission Space. Bruce and Konstantina share their opinions on each attraction and provide insights into their experiences.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 05:30 Debating the Overrated Status of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin 07:49 Exploring the Underrated Aspects of Dinosaur 10:10 The Timelessness of Carousel of Progress 13:21 The Controversy Surrounding Mad Tea Party 14:12 The Enchantment of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room 22:48 The Disappointing Navi River Journey 24:14 Opinions and Personal Experiences 25:43 Impact of Cast Members and Queue Experience 29:03 Prioritizing Attractions Based on Time Constraints 30:24 Astro Orbiter: Not to be Skipped 32:39 Jungle Cruise: Love for Cast Members 34:54 Peter Pan's Flight: Divided Opinions 37:16 It's a Small World: Overrated or Whimsical? 40:35 Millennium Falcon, Smuggler's Run: Mixed Feelings Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​ https://www.clubutm.co

In this episode, Bruce and Constantina answer listener questions and discuss various topics related to Disney World. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unlocking the Magic Podcast 02:11 Answering Basic Questions About Disney World 03:34 Explaining Tonga Toast 07:44 Parking Fees and Rope Drop 11:00 Understanding Audio Animatronic 23:10 Port Orleans French Quarter as a Halloween-Themed Resort 24:03 Is One Night Enough for Mickey's Halloween Party? 30:41 Choosing Between the Boardwalk Hotel and Art of Animation 35:22 Are Dessert Parties Worth It? 38:39 Implementing a Veto Rule for Family Trips 41:54 The Excitement of the Indiana Jones Stunt Show 45:47 Finding Weekly Stress Relief in the Unlocking the Magic Podcast Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ https://www.clubutm.coDream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode, Bruce Irving celebrates Star Wars Day by sharing 10 essential Star Wars experiences at Disney parks. He discusses the immersive nature of Disney parks and how each visit can be a new and unique experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Celebrating Star Wars Day 05:20 Chapter 1: Immersive Adventures in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge 08:40 Chapter 2: Building Your Own Lightsaber: A Unique Experience 13:26 Chapter 4: Indulging in Star Wars-Themed Treats at Disney Parks 21:50 Chapter 8: Experiencing the Thrills of Star Tours 25:36 Conclusion: Celebrating Star Wars Day at Disney Parks 23:40 Meeting Darth Vader and Chewbacca at Star Wars Launch Bay 25:36 Overcoming Awkwardness and Enjoying Character Interactions 26:26 Exploring Star Wars Launch Bay and Taking Memorable Photos 27:25 Experiencing the Star Wars Adventure of Star Tours 29:14 Motion Sickness and the Ever-Changing Scenes of Star Tours 30:27 Creating Star Wars-Themed Memories at Home 35:40 George Lucas's Vision for Star Wars 36:38 Low Expectations and the Success of Star Wars 37:35 Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Budget Constraints 38:25 George Lucas's Favorite Moment in Star Wars 39:22 The Impact of Star Wars on 20th Century Fox 39:48 Goofs and Funny Moments in Star Wars www.unlockingthemagic.com/abd Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ https://www.clubutm.coDream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode, Bruce and Constantina discuss their experience at Club 33 in Disneyland. They talk about the history of Club 33, the exclusivity of membership, and their expectations before visiting. They describe the ambiance, decor, and service at Club 33, as well as the dress code and the guest book.   Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss the significance of the 1964 New York World's Fair for the Walt Disney Company. They share clips of Walt Disney himself talking about the audio animatronics and attractions that were showcased at the fair. They also highlight the impact of the fair on the development of Disneyland and the inspiration it provided for future projects. The episode concludes with shout-outs to listeners who left reviews and a reminder to check out their Adventures by Disney trip to Southern California. Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​  

Bruce and Connie share their experience on an Adventures by Disney trip to Southern California. They talk about their initial hesitations about group travel and how it turned out to be a positive and enjoyable experience. They express their gratitude for the people they met on the trip and the intimate connections they made. They discuss the key takeaways from the adventure, including the importance of being present, the abundance of food, the VIP treatment, and the appreciation for the people behind the magic. They also highlight specific activities such as the Walt Disney's apartment tour, the Walt Disney Studio tour, and the tour of Walt Disney Imagineering.   Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss the do's and don'ts of visiting Disney's water parks. They share their personal experiences and offer tips on familiarizing yourself with the park, arriving early, packing snacks, checking height requirements, and more. They also mention the option of renting a beachcomber shack or polar patio for a more comfortable experience. The episode concludes with a review of tips from a 2019 Disney article on visiting the water parks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience with Water Parks 01:15 The Importance of Sharing the Disney Experience with Loved Ones 13:00 Pack Snacks and Personal Towels 15:23 Check Height Requirements 22:04 Learn How to Surf 27:01 Don't Overdo It 29:53 Tips from Disney's 2019 Article   Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co   This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss various aspects of Walt Disney World and whether they are worth the price. They cover topics such as renting a car, Disney Genie Plus, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Columbia Harbor House, and the fruit waffle at Sleepy Hollow.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Worth the Price in Walt Disney World 05:48 Renting a Car in 2024 09:34 Disney Genie Plus 13:49 Be Our Guest Restaurant 22:21 Fruit Waffle at Sleepy Hollow 22:50 Sleepy Hollow Dining 24:33 Disney Souvenirs 25:22 Treats and Snacks in Japan Pavilion 28:13 Ice Cream at the Boardwalk 37:16 Universal's Unlimited Express Pass   Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co   This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In episode 447 of 'Unlocking the Magic,' hosts Konstantina and Bruce take listeners to the 'Be Our Guest' restaurant at Magic Kingdom to share their dining experience. Despite initial hesitations associated with princesses and formality, Bruce hints that there may be a pleasantly surprising take on this Disney dining experience as they share their story. 00:00 Opinions on restaurant experience and value offered. 05:43 Cursed prince seeks true love to break curse. 08:03 Epcot's opening was long, but has changed. 12:00 Be Our Guest: Immersive Beauty and the Beast experience. 13:22 Disney brings French-inspired cuisine to Magic Kingdom. 19:24 Castle visit unveils hidden enchanting details. 20:14 Disney staff provides exceptional, warm hospitality. 26:36 Impressive theming, three-course menu. 29:43 Curious about large group dining affordability. 32:44 Appreciated adventurous eating and the hot soup. 35:52 Enjoyed varied dessert trio, asked for substitution. 36:33 Requested alternative, accomodated, slightly disappointed. 41:46 Introverts value the quiet, picture-free experience. 43:16 Consider restaurant visit for memorable Magic Kingdom experience. 47:21 Grateful for lovely staff, enjoyed the visit. 49:07 "Thanks for listening. See you next week." Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​  

Bruce and Connie play a game of Disney trivia, covering topics such as the Carousel of Progress, Tree of Life, Haunted Mansion, and more. They also share shoutouts and cast member compliments from their recent park visit. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Taking a Break and Going to the Parks 02:16 Not Releasing Old Episodes 03:09 Trivia: True or False 04:08 Shout Outs and Cast Member Compliments 05:34 Listener Reviews 07:50 Carousel of Progress Trivia 08:45 Tree of Life Trivia 09:27 Chandeliers in Beauty and the Beast Castle 10:23 Barbossa's Ship in Pirates of the Caribbean 11:39 Big Thunder Mountain Trivia 12:35 Walt Disney's Windows on Main Street 13:32 Haunted Mansion Tombstone Trivia 14:28 Be Our Guest Restaurant Trivia 15:25 Carousel of Progress Oven Temperature Trivia 16:23 Mickey Mouse's First Appearance Trivia 18:12 Big Thunder Mountain Restaurant Trivia 19:39 Beauty and the Beast Castle Trivia 20:33 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Stain Solution Trivia 21:30 Disney Princess Trivia 25:47 Carousel of Progress Trivia 26:59 Haunted Mansion Trivia 29:19 Sleeping Beauty Trivia 30:10 Moana Trivia 31:36 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Trivia 39:16 Closing Remarks   Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​