Happy New Year from Unlocking the Magic! In this episode, Bruce and Connie are BACK with a special “In or Out?” for all the big 2026 Disney and Universal movie releases and theme park updates. From Muppets on a roller coaster to Sadie Sink joining Spider-Man, they share their honest, hilarious takes—and yes, they go deep on Tonga Toast rules, Detroit-style pizza, and the ONLY way to do Star Wars rides right.
Join Bruce and Connie in this hilariously emotional episode of Unlocking the Magic as they dive deep into the infamous “UTM Curse” – where everything they hype mysteriously disappears from Disney and Universal parks! This isn’t your usual trip planning episode. It's therapy, memories, rants, laughs, and even a couple tears.
Crush it or flush it– everything we ate at Jollywood, mini review on the night and more.
Hey everyone, welcome back to Unlocking the Magic — thanks for tuning in! Today, we’re diving into the Universal Orlando Resort hotels — the pros, the cons, and which one might be the best fit for your next vacation.
And fun fact to kick us off: Most people don’t realize Universal hotels are actually owned and operated by Loews Hotels — not Universal.
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We’re unlocking a little Halloween magic with a fun round of Would You Rather but halloween style in honor of –the best season–spooky season. We’re talking Movies, Disney, Universal, and everything in between. But don't worry, we– well I promise not to frighten you prematurely…not sure about Bruce…??
Get your snack ready for this episode .. we’re diving fork-first into Universal’s brand-new Epic Universe to find out which dishes are worth the hype… and which ones belong in the trash compactor!From Crêpes oozing with sweet, magical goodness in the Wizarding World, to the Mac & Cheese Cone at Isle of Berk that’s equal parts comfort food and chaos, we’re tasted it all — and telling you what’s a Crush and what’s a Flush.
So grab your napkins, loosen your lanyard, and join us as we begin unlocking the flavors, the fun, and maybe share a few food fails along the way.
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In today’s episode we are going back to October 1, 1971 — the day the dream came true in Florida.” We are also going to have some fun with opening day trivia and sharing your first visit memories.
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We just stepped off the Halloween on the High Seas cruise and also had another Royal Caribbean experience back to back, so in this episode we’re spilling it all about sailing.
Stay tuned towards the end of the show bc : We’ll also be answering some of your cruise questions at the end!
Get ready for a golden-age adventure as we finally step into the iconic Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios. From its glamorous old-Hollywood roots to our surprisingly satisfying Cobb salad experience, this episode covers it all — the good, the expensive, and even a few awkward moments.
Whether you’ve walked past this restaurant a hundred times or you’re just hearing about it now, we’ll share everything you need to know before you drop serious cash here. From the rich history of this LA-inspired landmark to the bread rolls Taylor Lautner loved, this episode is packed with fun facts, honest food reviews, and some real talk about value.
Welcome back to Unlocking the Magic! In episode 516, we're unlocking the inbox and answering all your burning Disney questions — from cast member magic to solo resort-hopping strategies, what park we’d choose if we could only visit one, and even our favorite snacks and secret experiences.
Whether you're planning your first Disney vacation or you're a seasoned park-goer, this is a fun, heartfelt, and info-packed episode you're going to love.
📧 Got a question? Send it in to: info@unlockingthemagic.com
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Food and wine menu:
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And today we’re talking about that sweet middle spot in Walt Disney World hotels , the moderate resorts. They’re not as pricey as the deluxes, but they give you more amenities and theming than the values.
In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce and Konstantina dive into your burning Disney questions—from Space 220 dining reviews to the Tonga Toast recipe change. Hear insider tips on resorts, hidden gems for breakfast, party night decisions, and even a hilarious social media “kidnap” scenario.
Whether you're a Club UTM member or just a Disney lover, this episode delivers the goods.
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Welcome back to Unlocking the Magic! Today we’re stepping away from the parks and heading to a place that’s just as magical in a quieter, more personal way. We’re talking about the Walt Disney Family Museum, a hidden gem that every true Disney fan needs to experience at least once.
In this episode, we are going on an inspiring journey through the museum,. a place that goes far beyond memorabilia and instead unlocking the man behind the magic.
This museum isn’t just a timeline of Walt’s life it’s his daughter Diane’s love letter to her father. It’s designed to show us the person Walt was before the suits and the success. And it does exactly that.
The museum walks you through Walt’s life in a way that feels almost like flipping through a family scrapbook from his childhood to his days as a struggling animator, to the moment Mickey Mouse changed everything. It’s filled with the voice of Walt himself, rare family photos, hand-drawn sketches, and heartfelt letters that give you an unfiltered view into who he really was: a dreamer, a doer, and someone who never stopped pushing boundaries.
Don't forget to use promo code UTM at reliefband.com for 20% off + free shipping!
Today we dive into one of Magic Kingdom's most overlooked dining spots: The Plaza Restaurant. Is it a hidden gem, or just forgettable? Connie and Bruce break it all down — from the location confusion to surprising food quality, hilarious Patreon comments, portion sizes, and what dessert you absolutely should (or shouldn't) order.
We also shout out our sponsor, Relief Band, and explore why you might not need it if you're eating here — but definitely will for Space Mountain.
Today's Sponsor: 👇 Use code UTM at reliefband.com for 20% off and free shipping!
Join us on a deeply personal and emotional journey into Walt Disney’s actual office, a place rarely open to the public. From hidden mid-century treasures to Walt’s favorite snacks, this behind-the-scenes tour will make any Disney fan's heart skip a beat. We break down the difference between Walt's apartment and his office, share our personal reactions, and uncover the emotional impact of standing where Disney history was made.
Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan or just curious about the man behind the magic, this episode is packed with rare insights, heartfelt moments, and a glimpse into the creative environment of one of the greatest visionaries of all time.
🔔 Subscribe for more Disney history, behind-the-scenes tours, and park magic!
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Join Connie and Bruce on this packed episode of Unlocking the Magic, where they uncover the biggest Disney and Universal updates. From the brand-new Test Track 3.0 to a $179 adult-only lounge in Epcot, and their behind-the-scenes look at Epic Universe and the Walt Disney Family Museum — it's a ride you don’t want to miss. Plus, hear their honest thoughts on Marvel's Thunderbolts and the expansion of Disneyland and Universal.
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Welcome back to Unlocking the Magic! In episode 508, Connie and Bruce dive deep into Disney's ever-evolving food scene, uncovering what's truly worth the price in 2025. From nostalgic bites to new favorites, and even a few duds, they spill the beans on meals, snacks, and experiences across Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of churros and fireworks, this one's for you!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro & Today's Theme
01:02 - Shaved Ice & Family Favorites at Epcot
04:10 - The Great Waffle Comeback at Magic Kingdom
07:51 - Garden Grill Review & Shoutout to Lewis
11:22 - Is The Plaza Restaurant Underrated?
17:44 - Cosmic Ray's Controversy: Boats vs. Plates
22:08 - Loaded Nachos at La Cantina: Still Worth It?
27:34 - Ferrushi at Epcot: Yay or Nay?
32:52 - Staying Club Level at Disneyland Hotel
41:38 - Fireworks Dessert Party: Worth the Splurge?
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