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

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​

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss the best attractions and lands to experience at Disney parks at night. They highlight the immersive experiences and stunning visuals that come alive after dark.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Disney at Night 07:44 Pandora - The World of Avatar 10:08 Haunted Mansion 12:17 Tower of Terror and Sunset Boulevard 16:33 Toy Story Land 21:15 Tron 24:34 Magic Carpets of Aladdin 25:01 Being a Kid Again 25:28 Awkwardness of the Queue 25:55 The Joy of Riding 26:23 Riding at Night 27:17 Inner Child Comes Out 27:43 Fireworks and Height 28:12 Colors and Camels 28:41 Jungle Cruise at Night 29:39 Morocco at Night 30:07 Journey of Water inspired by Moana 31:32 Swiss Family Treehouse 33:29 Electrical Water Pageant 38:26 Coronado Springs Resort 46:03 French Quarter   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 Konstantina discuss underrated restaurants in Walt Disney World. They highlight restaurants that are often overlooked but offer great food and ambiance. The hosts emphasize the importance of low expectations and doing research before choosing a restaurant.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Underrated Restaurants 04:01 The Fun of Eating in Walt Disney World 06:47 Underrated Restaurant: Nine Dragons Restaurant 09:08 Underrated Restaurant: Chefs de France 12:19 Underrated Restaurant: Mama Melrose 13:42 Underrated Restaurant: Ragland Road  18:40 Underrated Restaurant: Spice Road Table 22:20 Underrated Restaurant: Yak & Yeti Restaurant 23:12 Underrated Restaurants in Animal Kingdom 25:31 Beirgarten Restaurant in Epcot 29:39 Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom 32:54 Jungle Navigation Company Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom 39:37 Sanaa in Animal Kingdom Lodge   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 their recent Disney Cruise Line adventure. They share their excitement about Disney cruising and dispel the misconception that it's only for kids. They talk about the process of boarding the ship and their experiences in the staterooms. They also discuss the dining options and the abundance of food on the cruise. They highlight the importance of family time and the magical entertainment provided on the ship.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Surprise Topic 01:14 Excitement about Disney Cruising 04:29 Disney Cruise is Not Just for Kids 07:42 Arriving at the Cruise Terminal 09:31 Staterooms and Accommodations 13:36 Dining and Food Experiences 20:00 Family Time and Entertainment 37:06 Castaway Key - Disney's Private Island 41:25 Ice Cream Adventures 43:18 Biking on Castaway Key 44:08 Cabanas and Empty Chairs 45:07 Fireworks and Tipping 47:03 Extra Tips and Shoutouts 48:28 Buffet Dining Strategy 50:43 Longer Itineraries and Bike Excursions 52:08 Hot Tub Tips and Seasickness 53:25 Wrapping Up and Show Support 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​