Mountains of Magic - A Walt Disney World Tips Podcast for Newbies

Got a rainy day at Walt Disney World? Don’t let the weather ruin your vacation! In this episode, I’m sharing my best Disney World rain tips to help you make the most of a wet day in the parks. We’ll cover what to pack in your Disney World park bag, which park you may want to visit when rain is in the forecast, where to find great food, and the one thing you absolutely cannot go without if you’re traveling wi...

New to Disney Cruise Line? Before you set sail, listen to these 10 Disney cruise tips that can make your first sailing easier, smoother, and more fun! I’m sharing things first-time Disney cruisers may not know, including tips for dining times, kids clubs, saving time in long lines, what to pack for a Disney cruise, and plenty of other helpful details. Whether you’re planning your first Disney cruise or just want to be b...

Planning to park hop at Walt Disney World and visit multiple parks in one day? In this episode, I’m sharing practical Disney World park hopping tips to help you save time, plan your transportation, and make the most of your park days. We’ll cover how to plan around Disney World transportation, park hours, nighttime fireworks, and shows, plus the timing and strategy you need to know when visiting multiple Disney parks in...

Looking for the best quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World? In this episode, I’m sharing my top 10 favorite quick-service dining spots in the Disney World parks and Disney Springs, perfect for when you want a great meal without spending hours at a table. We’ll talk about mobile ordering, must-try dishes, and some of the best Disney World food options, from BBQ at The Polite Pig and fried chicken in Magic Kingdo...

Are the extras at Walt Disney World really worth the money? In this episode, I’m breaking down some of the most popular Disney World extras and upgrades, including MagicBands, After Hours parties, table-service dining, Deluxe Resorts, and Genie+. I’ll share the pros and cons of each, what you actually get for your money, and which extras may be worth adding to your Disney World vacation. If you’re trying to build ...

Every Disney World trip is better with a few insider tips! In this episode, I’m expanding on my daily Walt Disney World tips from Instagram and sharing even more details, helpful advice, and fun Disney facts you may not know. From Disney World trip planning to little-known details that can make your vacation easier and more enjoyable, these tips will help you feel prepared before you arrive. Whether it’s your first Walt...

Thinking about sailing on the brand-new Disney Destiny? In this episode, fellow Disney travel agent Danielle joins me to share her firsthand experience from one of the ship's first sailings on Disney Cruise Line's newest vessel. We're covering insider tips for the AquaMouse water coaster, the can't-miss villain-themed adults-only spaces, exclusive entertainment, dining, and the unique experiences that make the Disney Destiny differ...

Wondering if a Disney Deluxe Resort is worth the splurge? In this episode, I'm breaking down the real experience of staying at three unique Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts: Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. We'll cover the honest pros and cons of each resort, what makes them different, which resorts are surprisingly massive, the best buildings and room locations to request (including my top tip for Animal K...

Want to know if you should really stay at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Area Resorts? In this episode, I’m sharing the REAL truth about Disney’s Deluxe Resorts near EPCOT. We’re talking about the good, the bad, and the things the guidebooks won’t tell you about the Beach Club, Yacht Club, BoardWalk Resort, and Riviera Resort. I’m sharing the pros and cons, what makes each resort unique, the things yo...

Wondering if a Disney Deluxe Resort is really worth the price? In this episode, I'm breaking down everything you need to know about Disney's Monorail Resorts including the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary, as well as Wilderness Lodge. I'm sharing the honest pros and cons of each Disney Deluxe Resort, from rooms and dining to transportation, theming, and overall value, along with the insider details you won't find in mo...

Wondering what it’s really like to stay at a Disney World Moderate Resort? In this episode, I’m sharing the honest truth about Disney’s mid-priced hotels, including the good, the bad, and the things guidebooks don’t always tell you. We’ll cover the real pros and cons of Disney Moderate Resorts, including rooms, transportation, dining, pools, theming, and overall value. If you’re trying to decide ...

Think Disney World Value Resorts are “just the cheap option”? Think again. In this episode, I’m breaking down what it’s really like staying at Disney’s lowest-priced resorts—the good, the bad, and the things nobody tells you before you book. I’m sharing honest pros and cons of Disney Value Resorts, what the rooms are actually like, how transportation and dining really work, and whether savi...

Today I'm joined by my mom and sister to discuss the attractions, restaurants, experiences, and Disney World extras we choose to skip at Walt Disney World - and why. Some of these may be your absolute favorites, but we're sharing our honest Disney World opinions, what we do instead, and how these choices help shape our ideal Disney vacation. Whether you're planning your first Walt Disney World trip or looking for new Disney World p...

You've booked your Disney resort and purchased your park tickets, but what does a Walt Disney World vacation really cost beyond the basics? In this episode, I'm breaking down the often-overlooked expenses that can impact your Disney World budget, including airport transportation, getting around Walt Disney World, food and snack costs, souvenirs, Memory Maker photos, Lightning Lane purchases, and more. 

Whether you're planning y...

Are you planning a Walt Disney World vacation and wondering what to do on your non-park days? In this episode, I'm sharing the 20 best things to do at Walt Disney World outside the theme parks, including activities at Disney Springs, Disney Resort hotels, golf courses, recreation areas, and more.

Whether you're looking for free things to do at Disney World, family-friendly activities, unique dining experiences, entertainment, shoppi...

Well friends, today is a milestone. 350 episodes. I can't believe I've come into my closet recording studio this many times, and have had this much to share with you. What a blessing it has been. Thank you for trusting me to be in your ear and plan your trips, and I can't wait to see what kind of Adventures this next season brings. Stick around this summer for some fun encore episodes, and I'll see ya real soon with whatever is nex...

Universal's Epic Universe is officially a year old, and lots of things have changed in that short time. Today I've got 10 Epic Universe tips for you from ticket types, what to rope drop, how to spend Early Park Admission and what snacks to try or skip. Whether you are doing a full week at Universal Orlando or adding on a day to a Walt Disney World trip, you don't want to miss this episode. 

I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd ...

If you are heading to Walt Disney World for Cool Kids Summer in 2026, this is a must listen. To meet Bluey at Animal Kingdom, you will need to join a virtual queue. I have all my best tips for you on how to do it successfully, and you can use this for other rides and attraction virtual queues that Disney may release in the future! 

I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @mountains_of_mag...

If you are planning to take advantage of the free water park day this summer at Walt Disney World, you'll want all my tips for Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach! These Disney Water parks are packed with fun, but you'll want to know some logistics first. I'm sharing how to plan your day, where to snag a pool chair, busing to the parks, and more!

I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @mountain...