Unlocking The Magic: Talking all things Disney Parks, Universal and Cruising

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss whether various restaurants in Epcot are worth the price. They cover Space 220, Garden Grill Restaurant, La Cellier Steakhouse, Coral Reef Restaurant, Chefs de France, Via Napoli, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 06:27 Chapter 1: Space 220 13:03 Chapter 2: Garden Grill Restaurant 21:34 Chapter 4: Coral Reef Restaurant 25:46 Chapter 5: Chefs de France 30:01 Chapter 6: Via Napoli 31:29 Chapter 7: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall 31:58 Epcot Restaurants 48:24 Animal Kingdom Restaurants 55:57 Rainforest Cafe Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ https://www.clubutm.coDream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode, Bruce and Konstantina discuss various restaurants in Disney World, evaluating whether they are worth the price. They cover Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella's Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, and The Crystal Palace. The conversation also touches on character dining and the ambiance of the restaurants.  Chapters 00:00 Evaluating Disney World Restaurants 03:33 The Research and Discovery Process 08:17 Character Dining and Ambiance 24:12 Dining Experience at Skipper Canteen 28:00 Nostalgic Ambiance at 50's Primetime Cafe 35:24 The Hollywood Brown Derby: A Culinary Journey Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ https://www.clubutm.co

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss their experiences at Universal Studios, focusing on attractions that Disney fans will enjoy. They cover five attractions, including Men in Black Alien Attack, Revenge of the Mummy, Universal Orlando presents Horror Makeup Show, and ET Adventure.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Universal Studios Experience 03:30 Attraction 1: Men in Black Alien Attack 09:12 Attraction 2: Revenge of the Mummy 12:21 Attraction 3: Universal Orlando presents Horror Makeup Show 22:28 Immersive Attractions at Universal Studios 27:16 Magical Experiences: Harry Potter, ET, and Hogwarts Express 33:35 Exploring Food Options at Universal Studios 40:09 The Importance of Open-Mindedness and Family Memories at Universal Studios Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ https://www.clubutm.co

Bruce takes over the podcast and plays a game called 'Are You In or Are You Out?' where he asks Connie if she's in or out on various attractions at Disney and Universal.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Game Announcement 06:24 In or Out: Jungle Cruise 08:44 In or Out: The Incredible Hulk Coaster 11:02 In or Out: Ratatouille in Epcot 15:16 In or Out: Soarin' Around the World 21:52 In or Out: Hogwarts Express 23:45 Exploring Silent Experiences and Introverted-Friendly Options in Theme Parks 24:42 Decoding Restaurant Signage and Marketing in Theme Parks 25:12 The Importance of Story and Theming in Theme Park Attractions 29:30 Personal Preferences and Enjoyment in Theme Park Experiences 32:01 Unveiling the Backstory and Details of Theme Park Attractions Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ https://www.clubutm.coDream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce Irving takes over the podcast to discuss overrated attractions in Walt Disney World. He goes through a list of 20 attractions and shares whether he thinks they are overrated or underrated. Some of the attractions discussed include Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Dinosaur, Carousel of Progress, Mad Tea Party, and Mission Space. Bruce and Konstantina share their opinions on each attraction and provide insights into their experiences.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 05:30 Debating the Overrated Status of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin 07:49 Exploring the Underrated Aspects of Dinosaur 10:10 The Timelessness of Carousel of Progress 13:21 The Controversy Surrounding Mad Tea Party 14:12 The Enchantment of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room 22:48 The Disappointing Navi River Journey 24:14 Opinions and Personal Experiences 25:43 Impact of Cast Members and Queue Experience 29:03 Prioritizing Attractions Based on Time Constraints 30:24 Astro Orbiter: Not to be Skipped 32:39 Jungle Cruise: Love for Cast Members 34:54 Peter Pan's Flight: Divided Opinions 37:16 It's a Small World: Overrated or Whimsical? 40:35 Millennium Falcon, Smuggler's Run: Mixed Feelings Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​ https://www.clubutm.co

In this episode, Bruce and Constantina answer listener questions and discuss various topics related to Disney World. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unlocking the Magic Podcast 02:11 Answering Basic Questions About Disney World 03:34 Explaining Tonga Toast 07:44 Parking Fees and Rope Drop 11:00 Understanding Audio Animatronic 23:10 Port Orleans French Quarter as a Halloween-Themed Resort 24:03 Is One Night Enough for Mickey's Halloween Party? 30:41 Choosing Between the Boardwalk Hotel and Art of Animation 35:22 Are Dessert Parties Worth It? 38:39 Implementing a Veto Rule for Family Trips 41:54 The Excitement of the Indiana Jones Stunt Show 45:47 Finding Weekly Stress Relief in the Unlocking the Magic Podcast Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ https://www.clubutm.coDream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode, Bruce Irving celebrates Star Wars Day by sharing 10 essential Star Wars experiences at Disney parks. He discusses the immersive nature of Disney parks and how each visit can be a new and unique experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Celebrating Star Wars Day 05:20 Chapter 1: Immersive Adventures in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge 08:40 Chapter 2: Building Your Own Lightsaber: A Unique Experience 13:26 Chapter 4: Indulging in Star Wars-Themed Treats at Disney Parks 21:50 Chapter 8: Experiencing the Thrills of Star Tours 25:36 Conclusion: Celebrating Star Wars Day at Disney Parks 23:40 Meeting Darth Vader and Chewbacca at Star Wars Launch Bay 25:36 Overcoming Awkwardness and Enjoying Character Interactions 26:26 Exploring Star Wars Launch Bay and Taking Memorable Photos 27:25 Experiencing the Star Wars Adventure of Star Tours 29:14 Motion Sickness and the Ever-Changing Scenes of Star Tours 30:27 Creating Star Wars-Themed Memories at Home 35:40 George Lucas's Vision for Star Wars 36:38 Low Expectations and the Success of Star Wars 37:35 Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Budget Constraints 38:25 George Lucas's Favorite Moment in Star Wars 39:22 The Impact of Star Wars on 20th Century Fox 39:48 Goofs and Funny Moments in Star Wars www.unlockingthemagic.com/abd Join Club UTM :  This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ https://www.clubutm.coDream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode, Bruce and Constantina discuss their experience at Club 33 in Disneyland. They talk about the history of Club 33, the exclusivity of membership, and their expectations before visiting. They describe the ambiance, decor, and service at Club 33, as well as the dress code and the guest book.   Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss the significance of the 1964 New York World's Fair for the Walt Disney Company. They share clips of Walt Disney himself talking about the audio animatronics and attractions that were showcased at the fair. They also highlight the impact of the fair on the development of Disneyland and the inspiration it provided for future projects. The episode concludes with shout-outs to listeners who left reviews and a reminder to check out their Adventures by Disney trip to Southern California. Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​  

Bruce and Connie share their experience on an Adventures by Disney trip to Southern California. They talk about their initial hesitations about group travel and how it turned out to be a positive and enjoyable experience. They express their gratitude for the people they met on the trip and the intimate connections they made. They discuss the key takeaways from the adventure, including the importance of being present, the abundance of food, the VIP treatment, and the appreciation for the people behind the magic. They also highlight specific activities such as the Walt Disney's apartment tour, the Walt Disney Studio tour, and the tour of Walt Disney Imagineering.   Join Club UTM :  https://www.clubutm.co This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel.  https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com   Join Team Tonga:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​   Join Team Talks:  https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​   Check out our latest design:  https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Our Favorite Books  How to be like Walt: https://amzn.to/31qyFxx​ Walt Disney An American Original: https://amzn.to/31r2XjD​ One Little Spark : https://amzn.to/3jfVASr​ Dream It Do It: https://amzn.to/31qs5Hd​