Tag Archives: Geekin’ on WDW Podcast

Geekin’ on Disney Trip Planning

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Meeting TiggerPlease join me in welcoming back another one of my favorite Disney podcast hosts, Curtis Stone.  Curt and his daughter, Lindsay, (and a bunch of special guests) can be found (I should really say heard) weekly on the Geekin’ on WDW Podcast.  If you haven’t yet listened to an episode of this show, you really need to give it a try – it’s another great podcast to keep you going between Disney vacations.  You can also follow the Geekin’ on WDW on Facebook and you can follow Curt on Twitter.

Geekin’ On Disney Trip Planning – By Curtis Stone

I’m excited again to make a trip down to Disney World. I think I’m on number 20. I’ll have to get back to you on that. When I tell people at work that I’ll be “Out of Office” next week, they say, “What are you going to Disney?” I excitingly say “Yes” and proceed to tell them a small pre-trip report. For you guys, I’m giving you a full pre-trip and I hope you can sense my excitement once again for my trip “Home”.

Purpose

This trip has a bit of a purpose to start. My wife and I will be flying with my youngest (19) to Ft. Lauderdale. He’s attending a college level baseball training program for the next two months. I’ve never been to either coast of Florida. It will be fun to check out the baseball facilities and see the Atlantic Ocean from the deep South. We’ll just stay one night there, rent a car and drive up on Monday morning to Disney World.

Curtis on Splash MountainSecond, purpose of trip is to spend some time with our daughter Lindsay who’s been participating in the Disney College Program since February. The three of us are the total Disney Geeks of the family and we always have a great time. Smiles never leave our faces as we enjoy all aspects of the resorts and parks.

Must Do’s

I like to build a list of Must Do’s for every trip I take to the World. One of the great things about hosting a Disney World Podcast is that I get lots of great ideas from my guests and friends I’ve made. It’s amazing to me that I continually get new suggestions of things to try. Plus, Disney World has been creating new things on such a rapid pace, there will be new things since my last trip in February of this year.

The List In No Particular Order

Polynesian DVC

We bought DVC at Bay Lake Tower about 5 years ago. Love it!

RM-Polynesian-SignLove it so much, I seem to always be in a deficit when it comes to points. Our use year is June and our 2016 points become available on June 1st this year. We love the Polynesian and it was the first deluxe resort our family ever stayed at when the kids were young. We always dreamed of the day they would expand to include DVC rooms. I can’t wait for our 3 night stay in one of the new deluxe studios. I promise to do some live trip recordings for the podcast describing the entire resort. We could only get 3 nights so we’ll spend one night at Bay Lake Tower.

Hoop De Doo

Hoop-Dee-Doo-Musical-ReviewI can’t believe we’ve never attended the Hoop De Doo Revue. I’ve begged my wife and she’s never caved until this trip. We’ve had so many friends talk about this dinner show over the years. I can’t wait to check this out.

German ChallengeGermany-Pavilion-Beer

This one comes from a podcast episode where Erika Murphy suggested to me but didn’t tell me what it was. I still don’t know what it is but I have to believe it has something to do with beer. My intention is to walk up to the Beer attendant in the German Epcot pavilion and ask them to surprise me.

Scotch Flight

RM-Rose&Crown-Scotch-Flight2This one is inspired by our host blogger, Lisa. I’ve had every intention of trying this out on my last trip but was denied. It’s a big priority for my next World Showcase adventure.

After Hours at Epcot

I listed this one because we did it last year in Italy and really enjoyed it. It was a drink flight and cheese platter after Illuminations. It now appears they won’t be doing this again this year. In it’s place, we’ve booked a dessert party with drinks during Illuminations. They rope off a prime spot for viewing Illuminations and we can have a little relaxing party. Cool!

Splitsville

I keep hearing great things about the food at Splitsville. I’d like to check it out as well as take a long walk to see all the things happening at Downtown Disney.

Tonga Toast

My wife had Tonga Toast at the Kona Cafe back in the day. I wished I’d tried it then. I’m thinking I can get one or two over at Captain Cooks on one of my early morning strolls through the resort for my coffee. This is one of my favorite times of the day. It will be fun and relaxing to sip my coffee and enjoy my first Tonga Toast outside on the Captain Cooks patio with all the beautiful surroundings.

Lava Pool

We received a letter from Disney explaining some of the continued construction at the resort which includes the “quiet” pool still under construction during our stay. The good news is that the main Lava pool is complete. I can’t wait to check out the new pool. I’m hoping I get some down time on this trip.

Pork Nachos

A recent guest on our podcast, David Castro, raved about the Pork Nachos at Capt Cooks at the Polynesian. Nachos and Pork separated are two of my main food groups. Putting them together intrigues me. David assures me I won’t be disappointed. He describes the spice and deliciousness so intently. Yum…

American Music Machine

The American Adventure / Epcot / Walt Disney WorldI’m a little disappointed I’ll be too late for the Flower and Garden Festival and too early for the Summer Concert Series music acts. I really love the music shows over at the American Pavilion in Epcot. Luckily, Epcot has added this new music group. I’ll get a fresh American beer and relax to the Summer breeze and cool music.

Star Wars Lounge

My daughter Lindsay recently tried out the Star Wars lounge at Hollywood Studios that is there for Star Wars weekends. It’s one of the main goals for me while I’m over there. I heard our friend Nick Maglio had some fun with friends, drinks and characters.

Mickey Pants Sundae

My wife and I were really disappointed when we were last in Disney World and the entire resort ran out of the Mickey Pants Sundae. We love ice cream and we both need to score this treat this time.

Avocado Margarita

Anyone who’s listened to a few of our podcast shows knows how much we love the Margarita stand in the Mexican pavilion of World Showcase. Simply the best in all the World and always an 11am must do for us. It’s just our thing, baby. We also like to get retrained on how to drink tequila shots in the bar inside of Mexico. It’s fun to interact with the bartenders there. I’ve had samples of the Avocado Margaritas but never a full drink. I must rectify this issue.

Yak and Yeti Quick Serve

RM-Yak-&-Yeti-Menu-BlueAlthough I’m a huge BBQ guy and the Flame Tree BBQ restaurant should be reopened, I’m excited to finally try the quick service at Yak and Yeti. I was on my way there for lunch on my last trip when we were interrupted by Lindsay to have lunch somewhere else. Denied again. I must try this one out this trip.

Trader Sam’s Grotto

Let me finish with my biggest one. We are really excited to check out this new lounge at the Polynesian. It sounds like fun with great drinks and atmosphere. Our kind of place. My intention is to copy a trick from Lisa, Dave and Nick’s recent podcast on resort loop hopping. We’ll start at Trader Sam’s for food and drinks and then do the same at Grand Floridian and Contemporary with a finish at the Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian. I’ll add a cheese plate or two also.

I may come up with more but this is a pretty good start of fun stuff to explore on this upcoming trip. We’ve not booked too many restaurants or fast passes. We do have Boma one night and Hoop De Doo. I’m hoping this is a bit relaxing instead of the usual commando style we’re accustomed too. It’s a bit shorter than a full week and it’s sure to go fast. Check out our podcast in June if you’d like to hear my live trip reporting where I’ll describe my trip everyday as it happens.

If you have more suggestions, please leave them in the comments. I’m always ready to hear more advice to add more fun to my trip.

 

Being Goofy: 10 Ways To Goof Around At Walt Disney World

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Please welcome back guest blogger Curtis Stone.  Curtis is one of the cohosts (with his daughter, Lindsay) of the Geekin’ on WDW Podcast.  If you haven’t checked out this show, you need to give it a listen – Curt and Lindsay have a lot of fun and share great stories and tips.  Follow Geekin’ on WDW on Facebook here and follow Curt on Twitter here.

Gaston's Fountain at Walt Disney WorldBeing Goofy:  10 Ways To Goof Around At Walt Disney World

I’m mostly a serious, shy and quiet guy. I often was annoyed in college when kids were always goofing around.

On the other hand,

  • I like to have a good time
  • I like to be different
  • Awkward silence/idleness bothers me
  • When someone asks for volunteers, I raise my hand

I purposely sit in front in meetings or events.  I step out of my comfort zone all the time in crowds of people either for work, training or on vacation.

I think you should too if you’d like to enhance your Disney World experience.  My friends often comment that they want to go with us on vacation because our pictures prove we have a good time.

Here’s my 10 ways and opportunities for you to goof around at Disney World:

Goofing …

Goofin' around with the Tooth FairyWith other guests

People let their guard down on vacation.  It can be much easier to get into a conversation with other guests.  On our last vacation, we had some fun with guests.  One time was when we all wore our new Malestrom t-shirts.  First, we got lots of comments from guests on our shirts.  Second, one young man was wearing the same shirt, we took a picture together and rode the ride together.  We also ran into him again the next day and we plan on having him on the podcast.

Another fun time was at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Many guests dress up for the special event which is fun in of itself.  One group of five guests really caught my attention as they were dressed as the Flintstones and one guy was the Tooth Fairy.  I just had to interact with them and I did get my picture with the Tooth Fairy.  <Insert Picture>

With cast members

I enjoy chatting with the cast members.  One of my favorites was the doorman that used to work at the Beach Club.  My wife and I took our picture with him.  He was such an nice man. One of my favorite new things to do with cast members is to pin trade.  No matter where you encounter a cast member with pins, it an opportunity to chat and have some fun trading.

Hanging out with Walt Disney World Street PerformersWith street players

There are so many opportunities to join in the show.  Over the years, I believe my family and I have participated in just about them all.  I like the time my wife was picked in EPCOT as an old witch who casts a spell with the World Showcase Players. The Ziti Sisters had swooned over me in Italy.  My son’s girlfriend, on her first visit, played with the clown/juggler in Italy. We always look to be picked for all the shows.

With photo pass photographers

The big tip with the Disney photographers is to remember to ask them if they have a “magic” shot.  On our last trip, we purchased the Memory Maker package and we took advantage.  They had a ton of new magic shots that put the characters in your pictures.  You get a chance to act Goofy and then see what character they put in your picture after you get home and check the shots out online.

With hats and toys in the gift shops

When I was a child, my parents were strict.  For one thing, I was not allowed to touch items in a store.  I was always amazed that nobody bothers you as you get Goofy with trying on hats and taking pictures.  Put on a viking hat and put your finger up a trolls nose in Norway pavillion in EPCOT.  You can put on a pirate hat and have a sword fight after riding the Pirates of the Caribbean.  This last trip, I finally bought the hat and dreadlocks.  It was fun walking through Magic Kingdom as Jack Sparrow.  I got lots of looks and comments.

With charactersMeeting Tigger

Even though our kids are all grown up, we still take time to get pictures with characters.  On the past trip, Tigger grabbed my pirate hat and put it on.  My wife and 21 year old daughter got hugs from Pooh and Eeyore.  Baloo is my favorite from my childhood.  I have a favorite picture with him.  I really like a picture my wife and I got with Mickey and Minnie in Magic Kingdom.  It was actually a very private moment and they were a lot of fun.

With attractions

If you jump up and down or get to some attractions early, you can participate in the show.  I’ve been picked to be Captain of the PT boat in the backlot tour, an extra on the Indiana Jones Stunt Show and I was just picked on our last trip to get on stage at the Flights of Wonder.  My only regret is that I one day want to be “That Guy” in the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor show.

In the queues

Disney World has improved waiting in line for attractions by adding things to do or see.  The Haunted Mansion on one of my favorites.  While posing for a picture in front of the Sea Captain, I was sneezed on by the Captain.  We got a lot of laughs in that queue.  Another of my favorite new queues is for the Little Mermaid in New FantasyLand.  There’s a lot of cool places to take pictures.  Try to wave to the little crabs in some of the caves.  The crab will see you and steal an object from the scene. It’s a lot of fun.

Curtis on Splash MountainMake a face in ride picture

I’m usually caught smiling or screaming on the rides that capture a picture.  One fun thing you can do is plan a face or pose to show the camera as you go by.  The more you ride the more likely you’ll know where the picture is taken.  Splash Mountain is an easy one because it’s going to be where you take the plunge into the brier patch.  On our last trip, we decided to put our hands to our face.  Funny part of the picture was that Lindsay and I did it and Mom was taking a picture.  Now with Memory Maker, you get all the ride pictures included in your package.  The pictures often show some really funny moments you don’t want to miss.

Get your face painted or wear a costume

One great time we had this year was at the new Harambe Nights at Animal Kingdom.  Lindsay and I took advantage of the exclusive ticketed event.  It was a street party and a special Lion King theatrical show.  Before the show, we had some fun getting in the spirit by with face Face Painting at Walt Disney Worldpainting.  I forgot I had the paint on and wiped it off accidentally while wiping sweat off my face.  We had some laughs and luckily was able to get it touched up before the show.  I think it would be fun as a family for all to get their face painted while in the parks.  It would make for a great picture and you’d get lots of attention from guests and cast members.  I was surprised how much fun and reaction I had when I just wore my Captain Jack hat on our last trip.

There you have it. Ten ways to goof around at Disney World.

Disney World not only allows goofing around in the parks and “On Stage” but they encourage it. I say let your guard down, get in the mood and let loose.  You’ll have even more fun at Disney World.