Some Disney trips are planned down to the minute… and some turn out magical because they aren’t.



In Episode 649 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis is joined by longtime Super Geek and close friend Andy Hoffman, who surprised the Geekin’ community with a last-minute, solo Disney World trip right before Christmas.



No dining reservations.No early planning.No rigid agenda.



Just a renewed Annual Pass, light crowds, holiday décor, and the freedom to do Disney completely on his own terms.



Finishing the show, Curtis and Andy also take time to look back at Disney World in 2025, reviewing the year-end polls submitted by the Geekin’ community — making this episode part trip recap, part strategy discussion, and part Disney year-in-review as we head into a brand-new year.







🌟 Episode Highlights




* 🎄 A last-minute solo holiday trip — why Andy went and why it worked so well



* 🏨 All-Star Movies stay — a preferred room surprise and great value location



* 🎟️ Renewing an Annual Pass — how quick and easy it was to do on arrival



* 🎉 Party-day Magic Kingdom strategy — riding Haunted Mansion, Tiana’s, Pirates, and more with minimal waits



* 🚝 The PeopleMover paradox — when a “quiet” ride becomes the longest wait



* 🍔 Geyser Point’s bison burger — still one of Disney’s best burgers



* 🎄 Wilderness Lodge Christmas décor — finally seeing the iconic tree in person



* 🎬 Hollywood Studios at Christmas — vintage décor, Echo Lake vibes, and crowd swings



* 🍻 Geek meetups — Bar Riva with Rob, quick visits with Wendy Fox and Amy Rhodes



* 🐾 Animal Kingdom highlights — Zootopia show, active Safaris, and holiday pacing



* 🍽️ Satu’li Canteen wins — chimichurri beef & garlic shrimp bowls (so good he went back twice)



* 🎢 Single-rider success — Smugglers Run, Test Track, and Remy



* 🐻 First-ever Country Bear Jamboree — yes… after all these years



* 🦖 One last Dinosaur ride — and grabbing a final souvenir tee




Andy’s story is a great example of how Disney can feel completely different — and incredibly refreshing — when you slow down and let the trip unfold naturally.







📊 Looking Back: The Geekin’ on WDW Year-End Poll Review



As the trip winds down, Curtis and Andy shift gears and take a thoughtful (and fun) look back at Disney World in 2025, reviewing the year-end polls shared with the Geekin’ community.



🏆 Favorite New Attraction or Show




* Villains Live emerged as the clear favorite



* Test Track Reimagined and the refreshed Little Mermaid show followed closely



* Zootopia earned praise as a fun, family-friendly update




🍽️ Best New Lounge or Restaurant




* Geo-82 dominated the poll results



* Cake Bake Shop, Barrel, and Wailulu Bar & Grill also received strong support




😂 The Moment That Best Summed Up Disney in 2025



From “planning for months and winging it by day two” to “spending more time on food and drinks than rides,” the poll responses perfectly captured how our Geeks really experience the parks.



The discussion becomes a warm, reflective conversation about how Disney continues to evolve — and how our relat...

Sometimes a Disney trip hits every note — strategy, emotion, surprises, and unforgettable family moments. Episode 648 is one of those trips.



This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis welcomes back longtime Super Geek Dana, who returns to the show after six years with a detailed, honest, and joy-filled 10-day Walt Disney World vacation report.



This trip marked a major milestone for Dana and her family:✨ Their first visit as Annual Passholders🎄 A stay during the holiday season👨‍👩‍👧 A family vacation packed with firsts, special events, and Disney bucket-list moments



From Food & Wine favorites to holiday strategy, from surprise magic to behind-the-scenes experiences, this episode is loaded with practical advice and heartfelt storytelling.







🌟 Episode Highlights




* 🎟️ Becoming Annual Passholders — when the Disney math finally made sense



* 🏨 Coronado Springs Resort review — tower vs. cabanas and why it’s such a hidden gem



* 🍽️ EPCOT Food & Wine Festival — favorite booths, repeat must-tries, and budgeting tips



* 🎄 Holiday décor timing — why Christmas doesn’t appear all at once



* 🎭 New character meet-and-greets — Mary Poppins, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Bert & Mr. Penguin



* 🗡️ Sword in the Stone surprise — a true Disney bucket-list moment



* 🚨 Living with the Land evacuation — an unexpected behind-the-scenes greenhouse exit



* 🎶 Eat to the Beat Concert Series — seeing the Beach Boys with a dining package



* 🎬 Jollywood Nights — first impressions and how it compares to other Disney parties



* 🍽️ Dining reviews — Cítricos, Whispering Canyon Café, Sanaa, Tusker House, and more



* 🦏 Up Close with Rhinos — a powerful Animal Kingdom experience for an animal-loving kid



* 💎 Unique souvenirs — Pick-a-Pearl and glass art creations



* 🧠 Smart park strategy — party days, rope drop, mobile checkout, and end-of-night rides



* ✨ A timeless Disney moment — why Tinker Bell flying still brings tears after decades




This episode is a perfect mix of planning insight, honest opinions, and emotional Disney magic.







🏨 Resort Stay: Coronado Springs



Dana shares a thoughtful breakdown of staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, including:




* Differences between the Gran Destino Tower and the outer buildings



* Why the tower is especially clutch during rainy season



* Favorite resort dining and lounge spots



* Pool access, walkability, and overall vibe




It’s a great reminder that Coronado Springs continues to be one of Disney’s most versatile and underrated moderate resorts.







🎄 Holiday Events & Entertainment



This trip lined up perfectly with seasonal offerings, including:




* 🎶 Eat to the Beat Concert Series with the Beach Boys



* 🎬 Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios



* 🎭 Seasonal character costumes and meet-and-greets



* 🎆 Holiday overlays and festive entertainment




Dana also shares why dining packages can be a game-changer for popular concert nights — especially when crowds spike.

Sometimes the best Disney trips are the ones that break your normal routine — and Episode 647 is a perfect example of that.



This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, I’m is joined by longtime Super Geek Chris Futrell, who returns to share a guys-only Disney World trip that turned into one of his most memorable vacations yet.



What started as a relaxed getaway quickly evolved into a rope-dropping, park-crushing, resort-hopping adventure, complete with incredible dining, unforgettable lounges, and a full-on mission to rank Disney’s best Old Fashioned cocktails — all while navigating the parks in a walking boot.



If you love hearing about Disney trips that mix smart strategy, great food and drinks, and honest reactions to new attractions, this episode is right up your alley.







🌟 Episode Highlights




* 🧳 A Guys Trip to Disney World — how Chris and his friend Justin planned a different kind of vacation



* 🏨 Port Orleans French Quarter stay — why the compact layout and vibe made it a huge win



* 🎢 First-time reactions — Justin’s experiences on TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind



* 👢 Doing Disney with a walking boot — smart planning, lockers, and adapting on the fly



* 🍽️ Resort dining favorites — Sebastian’s Bistro, Homecomin’, Summer House, and more



* 🥃 Ranking Disney’s Old Fashioneds — 15 drinks judged on balance, presentation, value, and drinkability



* 🏆 Top lounge standouts — Geo-82, Wine Bar George, Topolino’s Terrace, Enchanted Rose, and Dahlia Lounge



* 🎂 Birthday chaos at EPCOT — massive crowds thanks to a surprise celebrity concert appearance with the Beach Boys



* 🧠 Park strategy tips — rope drop success, party-day Magic Kingdom planning, and low wait-time wins



* 🤝 A great travel takeaway — why bringing an extrovert on your Disney trip might be the ultimate hack




This episode blends trip report storytelling, food and lounge reviews, and practical Disney advice, all wrapped in the fun, conversational style the Geekin’ community loves.







🍽️ Lounges, Dining & Drinks Discussed



Chris and Justin hit an impressive list of Disney locations, including:




* Port Orleans French Quarter lounges



* Wine Bar George



* Geo-82 at EPCOT



* Topolino’s Terrace Lounge



* Enchanted Rose



* Dahlia Lounge



* Sebastian’s Bistro



* Homecomin’



* Festival of the Arts & EPCOT festival booths




Whether you’re a foodie, a lounge-lover, or just enjoy resort hopping, there’s plenty of inspiration here for your next trip.







🎢 Attractions & Entertainment Talked About




* Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind



* TRON Lightcycle / Run



* Tiana’s Bayou Adventure



* Flight of Passage



* New Zootopia show



* The Little Mermaid (refreshed stage show)



* Villains Live




Chris also shares thoughtful comparisons to past versions and what worked — and didn’t — for him this time around.

From pre-race jitters to finish-line tears, this episode takes you through every moment of Wine & Dine Weekend with honesty, humor, and heart. Holly and Laura completed their first Half Marathons, Kate returned triumphantly after beating cancer, and Samantha paced and cheered her crew every step of the way.



Along the journey, the group explored Disney dining favorites old and new, had hilarious expo moments, conquered early-morning wake-ups (and one late one!), celebrated Laura’s birthday in style, and shared the kind of emotional and uplifting stories that remind us exactly why we love this Disney running community.



Whether you’re a seasoned runDisney veteran or thinking about your first race, you’ll find inspiration, laughter, and plenty of Disney foodie goodness in this one.







🌟 Highlights from Episode 646




* 🏃‍♀️ Wine & Dine race weekend recap — from chaotic expo lines to the best moments out on the courses



* 🥇 First half marathon victories — Holly and Laura’s emotional and triumphant journeys



* 💪 Kate’s comeback story — completing the 5K and 10K after cancer recovery



* 💕 Friendship on the course — linked-arm finishes, steady pacing, cheerleading, and shared strength



* 🎂 Laura’s magical birthday — Skyliner adventures, Dapper Dans, room surprises, and community love



* 🍨 Kitchen Sink fun at Beaches & Cream — and a few heated takes on tomato soup



* 🥘 Delicious discoveries — Olivia’s fish entrée, the Cuban from Goods Food to Go, Food & Wine booth hits, and more



* 🎭 Costumes and character stops — Frozen themes, Mickey Waffle ladies, and surprise meetups



* 😱 Balloon Lady sighting — and the panic that followed



* 🧀 Plastic cheese as post-race recovery fuel — including the new Fritos twist



* 🎶 Favorite sensory moments — from choir music to the sounds of each land as you move through the parks




This episode is a celebration of friendship, perseverance, joy, and the Geekin’ family spirit. You’ll be smiling the whole way through.







👑 Plan Your Next Magical Vacation with the Travelin’ Tiaras



Are you ready to plan your next Disney adventure?



My wife Margita, our good friend Auntie Judy, and I would love to help you plan a magical Disney World, Disneyland, Universal, or Disney Cruise Line vacation.



And if you’ve already booked your trip, we truly appreciate when listeners choose to transfer their reservation to us as a thank-you for the show.



Contact us here:📩 TravelinTiaras@gmail.com📱 Or reach out through our private Facebook group



We love talking Disney trips and tips with you, and we’d love to help you create your next magical adventure! ✨👑







💖 Support the Show on Patreon



A huge thank-you to everyone supporting the podcast on Patreon!



Your support helps keep the Geekin’ magic alive and allows us to share more heartfelt Disney stories every week.



Join the fun at:👉 Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW



You’ll receive bonus content, behind-the-scenes clips, and recordings from our own Disney adventures.

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, I’m excited to welcome back someone incredibly special to the show — Lisa Green, my very first podcast guest from all the way back when we started this magical journey!



Lisa returns with a beautifully balanced couples-style Disney trip filled with relaxation, foodie discoveries, runDisney achievements, and joyful moments that will make every Geek smile. If you love hearing from our original Super Geeks, you’re in for a treat.



👉 Episode 645 is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast apps!Just search “Geekin’ on WDW Podcast.”







✨ Episode Summary



For this adventure, Lisa and Ray stayed at the stunning Disney’s Riviera Resort, where they soaked in the quiet beauty of a one-bedroom villa just steps from the Skyliner — complete with fireworks views from the patio.



Lisa also completed both the 10K and Half Marathon during runDisney weekend, sharing inspirational stories from the course, the mental challenges, the mile-by-mile journey, and the moments of humor only a seasoned runner can tell.



And then… the dining. Oh, the dining.This trip was packed with firsts: new table-service meals, charcuterie discoveries, character breakfasts, resort lounges, and even a dish recommended by a brand-new Cast Member from Japan because it “tastes just like my mom made.”



Lisa brings warmth, wisdom, her infectious laugh, and that unbeatable Super Geek spirit we all love.







🌟 Highlights from Episode 645




* 🏨 Riviera Resort magic — quiet room, perfect views, and being steps from the Skyliner



* 🌅 Lisa’s bottled “sensory memory” — the joy of simply riding the Skyliner on a perfect weather day



* 🏃‍♀️ runDisney race weekend — humid mornings, Galaxy’s Edge grumpiness, a big Mile 7 comeback, and finishing with pride



* 🇯🇵 First-time dining at Takumi-Tei — and a heartwarming Cast Member moment that led Lisa to order a “mom-made” chicken & rice dish



* 🧀 The BEST charcuterie board at Disney World — according to Lisa, a charcuterie queen



* 🥘 Topolino’s, crepes, Tiffins & more — amazing meals, wonderful servers, and why cheese is Lisa’s love language



* 🍔 The “terrible” bison burger at Geyser Point — which of course means it’s wonderful and no one else should go



* 🐦 A perfect moment of happiness — found while waiting for Animal Kingdom’s bird show to begin



* 🛍️ Overwhelmed at Disney Springs — why they walked out empty-handed



* 🧾 Spreadsheet dining strategy — planning, revising, refining, and making every bite count



* ⭐ runDisney encouragement — Lisa’s message: “If I can do it, you can do it.”




This episode is packed with food talk, heartfelt moments, laughter, running motivation, and classic Super Geek charm.







👑 Plan Your Magical Vacation with the Travelin’ Tiaras



Are you ready to plan your next Disney adventure?



My wife Margita, our good friend Auntie Judy, and I would love to help you plan a magical Disney World, Disneyland, Universal, or Disney Cruise Line vacation.



And if you’ve already booked your trip, we deeply appreciate listeners who transfer their reservation to us as a thank-you for the podcast.



Contact us at:📩 TravelinTiaras@gmail.

This week on the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, we welcome back one of our longest-running Super Geeks and great friends — Glen Kessler! Glen joins us with not just one, but two completely different Disney World trips taken just one week apart.



From a high-energy boys-only adventure packed with early rope drops, waterpark fun, and Fort Wilderness hijinks…



to a relaxing, heartfelt half marathon weekend with Rebecca and friends…



this episode is full of great stories, park hacks, food recommendations, and emotional moments that remind us why we love Disney so much.



👉 Listen to Episode 644:



We’re on Apple, Spotify and our Libsyn link is: https://geekinonwdw.libsyn.com/two-trips-two-weekends-and-twice-the-magic-two-glen-kessler-trip-reports-ep-644







✨ Episode Summary



Glen first takes us through a long weekend with his three boys — a perfectly planned trip filled with strategy, spontaneity, and those little magical moments you can’t script.



Then it’s back to Disney just four days later for a runDisney half marathon weekend. Between France Pavilion brunch, surprise meet-ups with friends, Beacon Barrel fun, and a powerful finish-line moment, Glen brings heart and humor to every part of this episode.



Whether you love Geekin’-style park hacks, family trip stories, runDisney energy, or Disney dining adventures, this episode has it all.







🌟 Highlights from Episode 644




* 🌊 Typhoon Lagoon arrival day with the boys — wave pool, Crush ’n’ Gusher, lazy river naps, and the perfect use of the new waterpark perk



* 🍽️ Boma buffet battle — carving-station domination and zebra dome challenges



* 🦒 One-night stay at Kidani Village before the big Fort Wilderness surprise



* 🏕️ Fort Wilderness cabins — Halloween decorations, VIP cabin placement, and the runaway favorite activity: golf-cart cruising



* 🎢 Two flawless rope-drop mornings — Glen explains exactly how they were FIRST at the tapstiles at both HS and MK



* 🥐 All-you-can-eat French brunch at Chefs de France — a foodie dream with unlimited mimosas



* 🏃‍♂️ Half Marathon Weekend — injury recovery, group support, and Glen’s hilarious mid-race sandwich detour



* 🍹 Beacon Barrel review — great food, great cocktails, and a standout cast member who made the experience



* 💛 Emotional monorail moment — Glen’s boys offering their seats and receiving pixie dust



* ❤️ Why Disney friends make every trip special




Glen is one of our best storytellers — heartfelt, funny, and always thoughtful. You’re going to love this episode.







👑 Plan Your Next Disney Vacation with the Travelin’ Tiaras



Are you ready to plan your next magical vacation?



My wife Margita, our good friend Auntie Judy, and I would love to help you create your next Disney adventure. Whether it’s Disney World, Disneyland, Universal, a Disney Cruise, or even Disneyland Paris — we’ve got you covered.



And if you’ve already booked a trip, it always warms our hearts when listeners transfer their bookings to us as a thank-you for the show.



Reach out via Facebook Messenger or email me at Show more...