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I have the extreme honor of chatting with Julie and Andrew who are Disney bloggers, they blog at The Disney Dinks, and we thought it would be really fun to tell you everything we know about Aulani. So Aulani, if you are not familiar, is Disney's resort in Hawaii on Oahu. And this is so special to me because my husband and I actually were married just feet away from Aulani. So needless to say, I absolutely loved talking about this special, special place. Disney Vacation Club Aulani Resort Julie and Andrew's blog posts with photos from their Hawaiian vacation: Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii: a Trip Review with 10 First Time Tips for Enjoying the Magic in Paradise A Perfect Week in Oahu Itinerary: Aulani Travel Journal Part 1 of 3 A Perfect Week in Oahu Itinerary: Aulani Travel Journal Part 2 of 3 Disney Aulani Dining Review: Makahiki Hawaiian Character Breakfast A Perfect Week in Oahu Itinerary: Aulani Travel Journal Part 3 of 3 Disney Aulani Dining Review: VIP Ka Wa'a Luau Dinner Show Follow The Disney Dinks on Instagram Follow The Disney Dinks on Facebook Follow Report the Magic on Instagram Kirsten's Hawaiian recommendations: Ted's Bakery Haleiwa Joes Green World Coffee Farm Matsumoto's Shave Ice Ululani's Shave Ice I would love to hear about your Disney vacation. If you have returned in the last 60 days (I say that because generally 60 days is the best for your memories. And we want to make sure to keep the trip report really fresh and accurate.) It doesn't matter the Disney destination: Did you go to Aulani in Hawaii, Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, wherever it may be, send me an email to Hello @ report the magic.com - let me know your trip dates and your destination and I'll reach out to you.

Today's interview is with Michele who had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World the days before the parks closed. Questions/Topics we answer in this episode: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway plus boarding group tips for Rise of the Resistance What does a diehard Disney fan think about staying at a Universal resort for the first time? Which Disney moderate resort is more like a deluxe? What should you never use a FastPass for? And then of course, because she was there in March, we do talk about her favorite item at the Flower and Garden Festival. I hope this brings you some of that Disney magic into your home and your day. Follow Michele on Instagram Follow Report the Magic on Instagram Would you like Michele to plan your next vacation?  Michele can’t remember when she first fell in love with the magic of Disney. She has special memories as a child of trips to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland with family. At the age of 12 she decided one day she would be a Cast Member. The dream never died. She had the chance to participate in the Disney College Program and was a part of the Opening Crew of Disney’s Hollywood Studio. Following the completion of a degree in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin, she packed her car drove back to Orlando and become a full-time Cast Member working in the Resorts Division at the Grand Floridian hotel. Despite a distaste for roller coasters and a fear of heights, she is proud to say she has been on every single ride at Walt Disney World. She is an Annual Pass Holder who goes regularly to be able to make sure it stays true. She lives to talk about Disney vacations, Disney food and Magic Photos. She can help you plan your Dream Disney Vacation or Universal Studios trip through her brand new travel agency Makin’ Memories Travel. You can contact her at michele@makinmemoriestravel.co. I would love to hear about your Disney vacation. If you have returned in the last 60 days (I say that because generally 60 days is the best for your memories. And we want to make sure to keep the trip report really fresh and accurate.) It doesn't matter the Disney destination: Did you go to Aulani in Hawaii, Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, wherever it may be, send me an email to Hello @ report the magic.com - let me know your trip dates and your destination and I'll reach out to you.

Wayne from We Heart Disney visits Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida with his family. This is a resort that is just about an hour and a half to two hours away from Orlando, Florida. And you’ll hear it has a little touch of Disney…but it's on the ocean. We answer questions like: What's the difference between a standard room versus a villa? What activities can you do at the resort? How is Disney actually incorporated into the resort? Can you see characters? What I really loved is at the end we talked about if Wayne would go back for one, and two, what is his number one recommendation as to how you could add this to a Disney vacation or, or when you should consider a Vero Beach vacation. So good. For more details about this vacation (and to see incredible photos from the trip!) visit Wayne's blog: Days 0 and 1: Boston, travel, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Day 2: Topolino and Vero Beach arrival Day 3: Character breakfast, and golfing Day 4: A dolphin cruise and a waterslide race Day 5: Resort activities and Dole Whips Day 6: A Sunset dolphin cruise and a Disney birthday Follow We Heart Disney on Instagram Follow Report the Magic on Instagram I would love to hear about your Disney vacation. If you have returned in the last 60 days (I say that because generally 60 days is the best for your memories. And we want to make sure to keep the trip report really fresh and accurate.) It doesn't matter the Disney destination: Did you go to Aulani in Hawaii, Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, wherever it may be, send me an email to Hello @ report the magic.com - let me know your trip dates and your destination and I'll reach out to you. Recommendation mentioned (affiliate link): Shipt grocery delivery! One of my most favorite time-savers!

Hey there Dispreneurs today I have a special episode for you with the one and only Michael Arnold. Now if the name sounds familiar, hopefully you listened to episode number 17 where I interviewed Michael and we talked about a trip he took with his son, it was a typical trip report. So fun. The title is how to ride every ride in Hollywood Studios without waiting in line. Today we do talk about blogging and whether or not you're considering a blog with a Disney focus or really just kind of have that blogging bug in the back of your mind, then you will definitely love this interview. The the two topics we really chat about most are Facebook groups, and then also blogging about Disney when you actually don't live in Florida or California. Now even if you're not considering a blog, Disney or otherwise, I invite you to stay and spend this half an hour with us. The conversation is so fun - Michael really great to talk to. And he even ends with a tip on how to ride flight of passage with a little bit shorter line and no, it does not involve waking up at five o'clock in the morning. So I think that you will really enjoy this conversation. Where to find Michael Michael’s blog: A Castle a Dream and a Mouse Michael’s Facebook group: Mouse Guests Follow Michael on Instagram! Michael's trip report: Episode 17 The course I took to learn how to blog (affiliate link) Follow Dispreneur on Instagram Are you a Disney entrepreneur? Learn more about The Photo Reserve here Join the Dispreneur Facebook Group

Today's trip report was super fun because I had the opportunity to interview Anna, who's from Scotland, and she just returned from a vacation to Disneyland Paris. It was just so magical and fun and different to hear about a park that is so out of reach for me at this point and to hear firsthand about Anna's vacation. Now, if you're a bit more logical than me I still encourage you to join us during this episode because there are areas and aspects of her vacation that transcend the destination. So whether it's Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris...any of the parks, we discuss multi generational trips, how to have an extra special character interaction, and Cast Member Pixie Dust. And then also just the parallels between California and Paris - the size of the two parks and planning a vacation with that dynamic, and how many days should you go? These are the questions we answer in this episode. Besides the fact if you've never been to Disneyland Paris, you will have so much fun hearing about what's the same, what's different, it's just really great to hear all about another Disney culture in another country.  If you are traveling to a Disney destination and would like to be featured, send me an email with your trip dates and destination to hello@reportthemagic.com

Today I’m joined by Missy Khamvongsa, the co-founder of the Facebook group, Disney Planning for Disney Friends (almost 50k members!) She joined me in episode 5 and shared ALL the details of bringing a one-year-old to WDW and Universal Orlando. This episode highlight the Universal Studios portion of their vacation. Here are just a few items we discuss: Hard Rock Hotel Express Pass  Diagon Alley interactive wand  The Cowfish  CityWalk Annual Passes  Despicable Me character breakfast  Three Broomsticks  Hot Butterbeer  Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Favorite Vacation memories “There were a few times where Emma’s reactions were just amazing. The first time that she saw the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. It was just Me and her, everyone else was on either Star Tours or Rock’n’Roller coaster and so I took her to see the Frozen Sing-Along for the first time. We sat in the second row and the curtain comes up and she recognizes the music and then Anna comes on stage and she just starts yelling, ‘Anna’ and reaching out for her. And it was just, it was incredible. I was worried that maybe she would get antsy because it's a 30 minute show. She was mesmerized the whole time. It was a great experience. And then her reaction to Vampirina that we talked about earlier when we did the Hollywood & Vine breakfast was amazing. Oh, and at Royal Sommerhus at Epcot for her to meet Anna and Elsa. We were the first in our group to go into the room. And so there was one family meeting with Elsa and Anna was waiting on the other side and Emma saw that they were in the room and her eyes got wide and she's just yelling, ‘Anna, Elsa’ and Anna was waving at her and she was waving back. We learned we could just put her down next to the character and they would sit on the floor and the interaction that she would have with just her and them was just incredible. And just watching that, I started crying. My sister made fun of me because I just had tears streaming down my face because it was so lovely to see.” Learn more about Missy: Episode 5: Vacation like a Disney Expert www.magicofmainstreet.com Disney Planning for Disney Friends Missy's Facebook page Follow Missy on Instagram Follow Report the Magic on Instagram

Today I discuss a Walt Disney World vacation Biz and her husband planned...in 10 weeks! We chat about the Disney Dining Plan, bringing kids ranging 7 months to 17 years, and answer the question, "Can you run a Dopey challenge and still tour the parks with your family?" What is the Dopey Challenge? Episode 7: An Introduction to runDisney for Beginners Follow Report the Magic on Instagram

Wayne from We Heart Disney shares about his many years of Disney blogging experience. We answer questions like, Can you blog as a hobby? How can your entire family get involved in a Disney blog? Wayne's blog: We Heart Disney California Grill California Grill Part 2 Geyser Point Geyser Point Part 2 Polite Pig Polite Pig Part 2 Steakhouse 55 Napa Rose Follow We Heart Disney on Instagram Follow Report the Magic on Instagram

So often we see the question, 'what should we do on our non-park day?'...this is for you! Shawna shares so many ideas including resort-hopping, watching fireworks, and more! Follow Shawna on Instagram Follow Report the Magic on Instagram

We are BACK! For personal reasons, I had to take a break from the podcast...and man did I miss hearing about your Disney vacations! This interview is with Andres Gonzalez. You can find him on YouTube and Instagram by searching Thrills & Magic. My advice is to start with the 'Ask a Disney Princess' videos...they are my favorite! Learn more about The Photo Reserve here. Follow Report the Magic on Instagram! 

I’m going to tell you everything I know about Give Kids the World Village. If you have not heard of Give Kids the World before, it’s an 84 acre resort. It’s actually its own separate resort in Orlando, where kids from Make a Wish and other wish granting organizations stay. So they actually don’t stay on Disney property when they come to Orlando for their wish. They stay at Give Kids the World Village. I had the opportunity to volunteer there with my daughter last summer, and the experience was a game changer, life changer, all the things. The experience will have an impact on us for the rest of our lives. And so, as a Disney fan, I just wanted to make sure that you know about this incredible opportunity.

I had the opportunity to chat with Junell Dubois who launched a Disney inspired blog, Miss Adventures in Adulting just six months before recording this interview. Junell went from the corporate world to the blogging world…and she shares exactly how that transition went. Some of the questions we answer in this interview: How long did it take to start her blog? Can you learn how to blog if you do not have a technical background? How many posts did Junell have on her blog when she announced her blog? How did Junell launch her new blog? How does Junell make money from her blog? Show Notes Junell and I both took this course to learn how to start a blog! If you use Pinterest, which I HIGHLY recommend, Tailwind is a lifesaver!

I had the opportunity to chat with Jackie who opened a Disney inspired Etsy shop, So Minnie Ears, last year while homeschooling her son. Some of the questions we answer in this interview: How much time does Jackie spend on her business? What is the hardest part of her running her Etsy shop? What are Instagram Pods? What is DisneyBounding? Jackie’s favorite Table Service and Quick Service restaurants Table Service: Sci-Fi Dine In Theater Restaurant Quick Service:  Be Our Guest Where to find Jackie Jackie’s Etsy shop Follow Jackie on Instagram

I had the opportunity to chat with Janine Guerra who opened a Disney inspired Etsy shop, Craft Designs by J9, in 2017 with only two decals! Now, two years later, she has 476 5-star reviews and 2,302 sales. Some of the questions we answer in this interview: How Janine got started from hobby to Etsy shop What was the hardest part of starting her Disney business? How much inventory does Janine keep on hand? Can you run a Disney business just for fun? Can you own a Disney inspired business if you don’t live near the parks? What would Janine do differently? How spending $1 per day has brought Janine sales Janine’s favorite Table Service and Quick Service restaurants Table Service: Via Napoli Quick Service:  Lotus Blossom Cafe and Sleepy Hollow Where to find Janine Janine’s Etsy shop Follow Janine on Instagram

I had the opportunity to chat with Conor Brown from WDW Opinion about a really great solo trip he took to Disney World. Some of the questions we answer in this interview: What is an Unpopular Disney Opinion? Why should you take a solo trip to Disney World? How can you eat at the most popular Disney restaurants as a solo traveler - WITHOUT an Advanced Dining Reservation? What rides in Disney World have a Single Rider Line? What would Conor do differently on his next solo trip? Trip Dates: April 3 - 8 Travel Party: Most of this trip was a solo trip Resort: AirBnB (Save $55 on your first stay!) & All Star Movies Budget tip: You can rent a room at an AirBnb instead of the entire home. This is very budget-friendly, but it may push you outside your comfort zone! (Not recommended for your first solo trip.) Pro Tip: Take the earliest flight possible! If you can get to the parks by noon, and you will almost be able to fit in a full extra day. (Note - this may work best for Annual Passholders.) Show Notes Disney College Program Restaurants Mentioned The Polite Pig Tune-In Lounge Jiko - The Cooking Place Favorite Quick Service: Satu'li Canteen  Favorite Table Service: Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' and Sanaa Review of Sanaa on WDW Opinion Where to find Conor WDW Opinion Blog/Podcast/Live Show Become an Opinioneer and join Conor's Facebook Group! Follow WDW Opinion on Instagram

Hey there Dispreneurs! Today is the first of a very special series just for you. What is a Dispreneur? A Disney Entrepreneur - bloggers, makers, podcasters, social influencers...If this is you we invite you to join our brand new Facebook Group for Disney Entrepreneurs. If you join in July, you will be entered to win a year's subscription of The Photo Reserve! Today Julienne, owner of a digital marketing agency, discusses her experience taking a class with the Disney Institute. If you are a business owner looking to learn from the best, then Disney Institute could be right for you. We discuss the perks of taking a course with the Disney Institute, who are these classes for, what types of courses are offered and more. Since Julienne is also an Annual Passholder and Disney travel planner, we get into those details as well. Show Notes Dispreneurs Facebook Group – Where raving Disney fans become thriving entrepreneurs Detour to Neverland episode Disney Institute Disney’s Approach to Quality Service Women’s Leadership Summit Disney Annual Pass math – is it worth it? Related: Episode 5: Vacation like a Disney Expert How to save 5% on your Disney vacation Purchase Target gift cards with a REDcard Julienne’s Favorite Table Service and Quick Service Restaurants Table Service: Chef Mickey’s Quick Service: Electric Umbrella Where to find Julienne Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Facebook group for entrepreneurs and mompreneurs juliennedesjardins.com Planning a Disney vacation? Book with Julienne Email Julienne for a no pressure and no obligation quote Follow Julienne on Instagram

Today’s interview is with Shawna, who shares every detail about her family’s first cruise. And not just first DISNEY cruise, but their first cruise of any kind! Now this family is no stranger to Disney vacations…they have been to Disneyland several times (because they live in Oregon and when you’re so close it’s too hard to pass up) and they vacationed in WDW once. So…after this day-by-day review of their cruise on the Disney Dream…would they do it again? How does embarking on a cruise go as a first-timer? What was their experience on Nassau like? Or what about Castaway Cay? We will answer all of these questions and more. PLUS, Shawna and her family experience Walt Disney World in a fantastically unique way. By taking a STAYCATION in a Disney resort, complete with the Disney Dining Plan! She tells us all about it. Trip Dates: February 24 – March 5 (Cruise February 25 – March 1) Travel Party: Shawna, her husband, and her three kids (ages 10, 8, and 4) Planning tools: Melissa @ timetogethervacations (travel agent), Pinterest, podcasts, Facebook Group (specific for their same cruise dates), YouTube Stateroom: Deluxe Family Cabin with porthole Itinerary Day 1: Arrival – land in Orlando and drive to Port Canaveral Day 2:  Embark on the Disney Dream Day 3: Nassau Day 4: Castaway Cay Day 5: Sea day Day 6: Disembarkation from the ship, drove to Walt Disney World, Disney Springs Day 7: Pool day at Port Orleans Riverside Day 8: Pool day at Port Orleans French Quarter Day 9: Resort day and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Day 10: Travel home What should I pack for my Disney Vacation? Kindles for the kiddos Inflatable booster seats (Bubble Bum) A cardigan for the air conditioning! Sunscreen and aloe Show Notes Pro Tip – after you board, if you would like to sit down and relax for lunch, head to Cabanas. Leave your bag at a table before you go through the buffet! Dining options on the ship Second seating for dinner – shows were at 6:00 pm or 6:15 pm, dinner is at 8:15 pm Nassau – Pro tip: stay on the ship! Related: Episode 1: Insider Tips to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, & Disney Cruise Line from Travel Agent and Podcaster, Phil Gramlich AquaDuck What’s included in a Disney Cruise Youth Clubs Castaway Cay Castaway Cay 5k Pirate Night How to take a Walt Disney World Staycation – NO park days! Port Orleans Riverside Disney Dining Plan Maria and Enzo’s Boma – Flavors of Africa BoardWalk Villas Ample Hills Creamery Disney’s Beach Club Resort Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Pro tip: If you are planning a Land and Sea Disney vacation, plan the ‘Land’ portion first! It will take you time to get your land legs back. Follow Shawna’s Disney adventures on Instagram

I had the opportunity to chat with Michael Arnold from A Castle A Dream and A Mouse (DIZCDM) about a really great trip he took to Disney World one-on-one with his nine-year-old son. Some of the questions we answer in this interview: Should you skip Epcot with young kids? Is Disney After Hours worth it? How to ride every ride in Hollywood Studios without waiting in any lines Trip Dates: April 5 – 9 Travel Party: Michael and his nine-year-old son Resort:  All Star Music Itinerary Day 1: Epcot and Hollywood Studios Day 2: Animal Kingdom and Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios Day 3: Magic Kingdom Show Notes Parking rates at the Disney theme parks – $25/day for standard parking [5/27/2019] Minnie Van (Lyft) or Uber 

Calling all boy Moms (okay, all Moms really, but if you are a boy Mom this report will be extra special!) Lyndsey, who blogs at Boymoms Unite, walks us through her Disneyland vacation and shares genius Disneyland tips for Moms along the way. If you don't have kids, you will still find such great tips for planning your Disneyland vacation, but we do focus a lot of those kiddos. You will hear specifically about staying at the Disneyland Hotel, how to manage three kids with a large age gap, and the benefits of a multigenerational Disney vacation. Trip Dates: February 27 - March 1 Travel Party: Lyndsey, her husband, her Mom, and her three boys (ages 8, 5, and 2) Resort: Disneyland Hotel (we also mentioned Paradise Pier and Disney's Grand Californian) Attractions Mentioned Indiana Jones Adventure (height requirement 46") Disneyland Railroad Autopia (height requirement 32") Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island Radiator Springs Racers (height requirement 40") Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Animation Academy Turtle Talk with Crush Incredicoaster (height requirement 48") Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (height requirement 40") Fantasmic Show Notes Good neighbor hotels Baby Care Center Mobile Order Disneyland makes it so easy to take your baby. So if you’re feeling hesitant about that, don’t be! Restaurants Mentioned Red Rose Taverne Carnation Cafe Blue Bayou Galactic Grill In’N’Out Burger Resources Mentioned Episode 10: Tips for a Disneyland Vacation (Plus Five Days in San Diego) Where to find Lyndsey Lyndsey's passion for all things boys and Disneyland is felt throughout this episode. You can find her blog at Boymoms Unite and specifically the Disneyland Guides we mentioned.  If you are thinking of planning a Disneyland vacation, you can learn more here or reach out to Lyndsey directly at lwells@conciears.com. Make sure you follow Lyndsey on Instagram...especially if you are a Boymom looking to connect.  

Calling all boy Moms! Disney World is not just princesses and dresses – see how this Mom had a special Disney vacation with her two boys (ages 8 and 10). You’ll learn things like a great place to let out extra energy, Festival of the Arts with boys, and if boys should wear costumes too. If you are not a boy Mom – you should still listen for great Disney World planning tips, like when to ride Flight of Passage WITHOUT a FastPass! Trip Dates: January 29 – February 5 Travel Party: Hanna, her husband, and their two sons (age 10 and 8) Resort: All Star Movies and All Star Music (for one night!) Tickets: Hanna and her husband have Annual Passes, the boys had one park per day tickets Show Notes Hanna’s favorite Disney resort: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort The best part of their Magic Kingdom day – let your kids wear costumes! Hub grass in the Magic Kingdom (super fun Instagram feed) How to Mobile Order in Disney World Festival of the Arts Avatar Flight of Passage FastPass+ Strategy (and when to ride stand-by!) Expedition Everest Kilmanjaro Safaris Na’vi River Journey Restaurants Mentioned Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Via Napoli Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar Flame Tree Barbecue – Hanna’s favorites: Fries with cheese and pulled pork! And Baked Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork Satu’li Canteen Chicken Guy! Ohana – Hanna prefers dinner! Resources Mentioned: Episode 9 (Kids love value resorts!) Where to find Hanna Hanna’s love and knowledge of Disney is felt throughout this entire interview. If you are looking to plan a Disney vacation, you can reach out to Hanna at Hanna@momentsofmagictravel.com. (Even if you are not planning on vacation, you should follow Hanna on Instagram! She has such a fun profile.)