Episode 31 – Tips for traveling to Disney World with a baby or toddler


Thinking of traveling to Disney World with a baby? Unsurprisingly, Disney theme parks are very baby friendly. In this week’s episode of Disney Deciphered, Leslie and Joe take a look at what makes Disney parks baby friendly and features such as baby centers, rider switch, and more that will help you minimize stress when visiting Disney with a baby. We also include tips and strategies for dealing with naps, strollers, and much more!

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Episode 30 – Unique Interactive Dining Experiences at Walt Disney World

Many Disney restaurants offer unique meals, but some of them offer truly interactive dining experiences. Whether it be wise-cracking waiters, music or dancing, some of these iconic experiences can make (or break) a Disney trip for many families. In this week’s episode, Leslie and Joe take a look at five interactive restaurants at Walt Disney World: Skipper Canteen, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Whispering Canyon, 50’s Prime Time Café, and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Find out whether the jokes and wackiness will be up your alley and whether the food is worth of the increased prices that many of these dining experiences entail.

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Episode 29 – Polynesian Resort 101: Tips & Impressions

Disney’s Polynesian Resort stands as one of the first two on site hotels ever built at Walt Disney World. With its great location on the monorail, a tropical theme that makes you feel like you’re in paradise, and plenty of unique dining options, the Polynesian Resort often is viewed as one of the gold standards of Disney hotels. But having been around so long, has this resort started showing its age? Does it justify its high price point? We give our impressions of the Polynesian in 2018 and share our pros and cons for staying there.

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Episode 28 – Disney Dream and Polynesian Resort Trip Report

Episode Description

Joe just spend four nights on the Disney Dream cruise ship and two nights at the Polynesian Resort in August. We chat about the differences between Disney land and sea cast members, tips for cruising with Disney, and how Joe’s family enjoyed hanging out at Walt Disney World without visiting the parks (for the most part). We also update what’s going on at Whispering Canyon, chat about the wonder of Trader Sam’s, and more!

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You can also e-mail us at disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com. Connect with Leslie @TripswithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

Episode Notes

2:07 – Whispering Canyon Cafe impressions

4:18 – Getting from Orlando to Port Canaveral

6:18 – Quick thoughts on cruising on the Disney Dream

9:17 – Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge) impressions

13:19 – Staying at the Polynesian Resort

16:02 – Fun adventures on the monorail loop

18:22 – Crowds at Toy Story Land and Hollywood Studios construction

23:26 – Trader Sam’s

26:55 – Disney dos and don’ts

 

Episode 27 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 101: First Timer Tips


Yes, it might still be August, but it’s already Halloween at Walt Disney World. The spooky season starts a couple of months early, with the launch of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the middle of the month. Since Joe and Leslie have yet to make it to Disney World for a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party themselves, they brought in someone they know to be a true party expert as a special guest on this week’s podcast. Karyn Locke of Sand and Snow… And Everywhere In Between has been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World nearly every year for the better part of a decade with her family. She shares her very best tips for making the most of this special ticketed event, from how to find the most sought after characters, dodge the lines, and take home the most candy.

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Episode 26 – Leslie’s First Time in Pandora (& First-Timer Tips)


Pandora – The World of Avatar has been open for over a year in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but it’s still a new land for many Disney guests. Attraction lines, particularly for the very popular Flight of Passage, remain long. Leslie finally paid Pandora a visit earlier this summer, and returns with her first-timer impressions with additional expert tips from Joe who has now seen the land several times.

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Episode 25 – Talking to Len Testa about how to use Touring Plans to maximize your Disney vacation


Touring Plans is a website that helps tens of thousands of Walt Disney World visitors save time and stress on their Disney vacations every year. Leslie and I love the website so we brought Len Testa, the founder and president of Touring Plans, onto the podcast to discuss the how to use Touring Plans to enhance their Disney vacation and some hidden features some users might not even know about.

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Episode 24 – Animal Kingdom Lodge 101: Tips & Impressions


Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney’s most unique on-property hotels. With a backyard savannah where animals roam and several of Disney World’s most highly touted restaurants, it is high on the Disney bucket list for many visitors. But is its more remote location too far for your family? Are the transportation choices sufficient? Leslie and Joe just returned from a Disney vacation where both of them stayed in Animal Kingdom Lodge. Learn the pros and the cons of AKL from their experiences.

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Episode 23 – Disney Hotels 101: Differences Between Value, Moderate & Deluxe Resorts

On-property hotels at Walt Disney World come in all shapes and sizes. Budget-minded travelers flock to value resorts like the All-Stars. The more luxury focused call the deluxe resorts like the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian home. And those looking for a happy medium that balances budget and amenities may choose a Disney moderate resort. In this episode, Leslie and Joe break down the differences in pricing and amenities between these Disney hotel tiers. If you’ve already decided you want to stay on-site for the Disney perks, find out which types of on-property hotels will have the options you need at the prices you can afford.

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Episode 22 – How to enjoy Disney World without a park ticket

Did you know it’s possible to enjoy Disney World without a park ticket? It’s a great idea to build in some time outside of the parks when you’re at Walt Disney World. Or, if you’re a regular visitor, sometimes it’s nice to visit without going to the parks at all! In this week’s episode, Leslie and Joe discuss seven ways you can have a magical time at Walt Disney World without a park ticket! We include tips that will cater to all sorts of interests and age groups, perfect for families – especially extended ones.

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