Unlocking Disney Magic: An Insider Guide with Leslie Harvey

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Show Notes

#149: Disney expert Leslie Harvey shares insider tips for a magical Disney vacation with strategies designed to save time, money, and stress. She offers insights on the best times to visit the Disney parks, top accommodation, best dining spots, and must-see attractions. Leslie also shares tactics to optimize the in-park experience through services like Genie+ and Skyliner, and so much more.

Leslie Harvey is the co-host of the Disney Deciphered Podcast and the founder of Trips With Tykes, a family travel blog dedicated to streamlining the intricacies of journeys with children of all ages. She is also a freelance travel writer whose work has appeared in numerous digital travel publications, including The Points Guy and Lonely Planet.

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Resources Mentioned

Leslie Harvey: Podcast | Blog | YouTube | Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group

Disney Deciphered Episode #256 - Genie+ 101: How to Use Genie+ at Walt Disney World
Discount Disney Gift Cards: Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Deals

Transportation:

Park Hopper Tickets

Disney Genie+

Historical Information: Disney Crowd Calendar | Thrill Data

Restaurant Reservations: Mouse Dining

Places to Stay:

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin | Walt Disney World Swan Reserve (Marriot)
Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels
Polynesian Village Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort
Pop Century Resort
Art of Animation Resort (Family Suites)

Restaurants with the Best Meals:

Jungle Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom Park)
Ohana (Polynesian Village Resort)
Chef Mickey's | Cinderella's Royal Table (Disney World)
Sanaa | Boma Flavors of Africa (Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Restaurants for Adults without Kids:

Napa Rose (Grand Californian Hotel)
Lamplight Lounge At Pixar Pier (California Adventure)
The Dining Room at Victoria & Albert's (Grand Floridian)
Blue Bayou (Disneyland)

Full Show Notes

(02:18) Overview: Disney Parks & Resorts

(06:53) The Pre-Planning Process & Things To Consider

(12:30) Selecting The Best Times To Visit

(15:17) Major Planning Milestones

(19:14) How To Budget For Disney

(23:20) Where to Stay: On Property or Off Property

(29:30) Picking A Disney Park

(36:21) Disney Genie+

(42:26) Ways To Optimize The Disney Experience

(50:39) Under Appreciated & Overhyped Rides

(55:06) Food At Disney

(1:02:29) The VIP Experiences At Disney

(1:07:01) The Epcot Experience

(1:08:27) Disney With Kids

(1:11:27) Things To Pack and Not To Pack For Disney

(1:12:29) Tips For Traveling With Large Groups

(1:15:43) Saving on Disney Souvenirs

(1:19:44) International Disney Parks

(1:21:36) Big Changes Coming To Disney

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