Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast - podcast cover

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Main Street Magic Podcastwww.mainstmagic.com
Main Street Magic is an informative, realistic, unbiased and entertaining podcast to help serve the Disney and Universal community for both veterans and rookies.

Episodes

766: From Flights to Downtown Delights: Kicking Off Our Disneyland Adventure

We’re kicking off our multi-day Disneyland trip report with everything that went down on Day 1—from coast-to-coast travel logistics to indulging in incredible food and drink around Downtown Disney. We start with trip planning details, including why we chose this time of year, how far in advance we booked, total costs, and what it took to get from Florida to Anaheim. We break down our travel day experience, our choice of transportation, and what it’s like navigating the journey from the airport t...

Apr 25, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 781

765: Disney Prep: Packing For Your Resort Room

We’re breaking down the ultimate packing list to help you transform your Disney resort room into a cozy and efficient home base for your trip. We cover must-have Hotel Room Essentials like a USB hub for charging multiple devices, MagicBand+ chargers, a white noise machine for better sleep, and a collapsible laundry hamper to keep your space tidy. We’ll talk about how a travel laundry kit, complete with detergent and fabric softener, can make a big difference during longer stays—especially if you...

Apr 22, 202528 minEp. 780

764: The Happiest Challenge That Ever Sailed: 10 Hours on “it’s a small world”

We take you behind the scenes of one of the most unique — and heartwarming — challenges we’ve ever taken on: riding “it’s a small world” at Magic Kingdom for 10 straight hours to raise money for the Dream Team Project, which supports Make-A-Wish. That’s right — boat after boat, loop after loop, song after song — all for a cause that’s close to our hearts. We share what inspired us to take on this seemingly never-ending voyage, how the idea came to life, and why giving back through the Main Stree...

Apr 18, 202537 minEp. 779

763: Disney Treasure Trip Report with DCL Cruising Dad: Ports, Pirate Night & Final Thoughts

Jeremy welcomes back Chris from DCL Cruising Dad to continue their deep dive into his 7-night Disney Treasure sailing, this time covering each port of call, onboard themed nights, and the magical final days of the cruise. In Part 2, Chris shares his honest thoughts and tips from excursions in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth, including the Alebrije painting workshop, the Mayan Chocolate tour, and the Grand Cayman Highlights adventure. You’ll also hear about onboard favorites like Pirate Night...

Apr 15, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 778

762: Disney Treasure Trip Report with DCL Cruising Dad: Pre-Cruise, Embarkation & At Sea

In this episode, Jeremy is joined by Disney Cruise Line expert Chris from DCL Cruising Dad to kick off a two-part trip report from his recent 7-night Western Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Treasure. Part 1 dives into the early stages of the journey—from pre-cruise planning and travel tips to embarkation day and the first full sea day aboard Disney’s newest ship. Chris shares his experience flying into Orlando, staying at the Hyatt in MCO, and using Disney Cruise Line’s ground transfers to P...

Apr 11, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 777

761: First Time Magic: 8 Things We’re Most Excited to Experience at Disneyland

We’re trading coasts and heading west for our very first trip to Disneyland! That’s right—after years of covering Walt Disney World, we’re finally getting the chance to experience the park that started it all. So today, we’re counting down the eight things we’re most excited to see, do, eat, and feel when we set foot in the Happiest Place on Earth. We kick things off with what might be one of the biggest draws for Walt Disney World veterans—simpler planning. From more day-of dining options to Li...

Apr 08, 202541 minEp. 776

760: Say Cheese! Where to Find Every Ride Photo at Walt Disney World

We dive into Disney’s Memory Maker, the ultimate way to capture and relive every magical moment of your Walt Disney World vacation. We’ll break down what Memory Maker is, how much it costs, and what’s included—from attraction photos and Magic Shots to character meet-and-greets and dining experiences. Whether you're striking a pose, caught in a scream, or making a silly face with your travel crew, ride photos are a snapshot in time that bring the magic home with you. But not all ride photos are c...

Apr 04, 202549 minEp. 775

759: Eat It or Beat It: Epcot Edition

We’re heading to EPCOT for a snack-filled adventure around World Showcase and beyond, where we put some of the park’s most popular bites to the test in our ongoing series: Eat It or Beat It. This time, we’re diving fork-first into ten of EPCOT’s most talked-about treats—judging each one based on taste, value, portion size, and overall experience to help you decide if they’re worth your time (and money) or if you should skip them altogether. We’re talking about long-standing staples like School B...

Apr 01, 202547 minEp. 774

758: March Magic: Disney Dining Table Service Showdown

It’s March Madness season, and the tournament fun continues on this episode of the Main Street Magic Podcast—but this time, we’re heading into the delicious world of table service dining at Walt Disney World. We are back to break down a bracket challenge featuring some of the most popular, iconic, and flavorful dining locations across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs to find out which restaurant will be crowned the ultimate champion. This culinary showdown spans four themed regions: Magic ...

Mar 28, 202545 minEp. 773

757: March Magic: Walt Disney World Attraction Bracket Showdown

It’s time for some March Madness—with a Disney twist. We are diving into a bracket challenge that pits Walt Disney World’s most beloved rides and attractions against each other to determine the ultimate champion. Inspired by the format of the NCAA tournament, this bracket showdown is broken into four regions: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each region features eight attractions, seeded and matched up for a series of head-to-head battles. But this isn’t just about pe...

Mar 25, 20251 hrEp. 772

756: Magic Kingdom Views & Memorable Meals: Our Contemporary Stay & Must Do Disney Dining

We’re staring straight at Cinderella Castle with a Theme Park View at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and diving into an unforgettable stay filled with iconic eats, stunning sights, and plenty of Disney magic. We kick things off with a full breakdown of Chef Mickey’s breakfast buffet, sharing our thoughts on the food quality, character interactions, and whether the experience is worth the price tag. From smoked salmon and carved ham to omelets, croissant beignets, and Mickey himself, we cover it al...

Mar 21, 20251 hr 15 minEp. 771

755: Music, Meals & Magic: Our EPCOT Dining Reviews & Garden Rocks Trip Recap

We’re recapping an unforgettable weekend filled with great food, live music, and plenty of Disney magic! We stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, giving our thoughts on the resort’s location, amenities, transportation, and how it stacks up against other Value Resorts. Then, we dive into our EPCOT dining experiences, including reviews of Nine Dragons in the China Pavilion and Spice Road Table in Morocco, both paired with Garden Rocks Concert Series dining packages. Was the cost worth it for guar...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 770

Week of March 17th Episode Updates

Quick update on this week’s episodes. Don’t worry—you’re still getting two, just not in the usual Tuesday and Friday order. We just got back from four days at Disney, where we saw Blue October at the Garden Rocks Series, ate a ton of amazing food, and stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the Main Tower for the first time. Plus, I had the chance to see my brother speak over at the Dolphin. We got back late Monday night, so we didn’t have time to record for Tuesday’s episode. Instead, we’ll b...

Mar 18, 20251 min

754: All-Star Sports, Disney Team Competitions & EPCOT Rope Drop: Our Trip Recap

We’re recapping the second half of our recent Disney trip, including our stay at All-Star Sports, nighttime fun at Hollywood Studios, and a full breakdown of our EPCOT rope drop strategy. We’ll share our experience staying at All-Star Sports, what worked, what didn’t, and how it compares to other value resorts. Plus, we’ll talk about updates at the resort, including the removal of AI ordering machines and how it affected the overall experience as well as what it is like to stay at the value reso...

Mar 14, 202551 minEp. 769

753: Blooms, Bites, and Magic: Your Guide to EPCOT’s 2025 Flower & Garden Festival

Spring is in full bloom at Walt Disney World, and we’re diving into everything EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival has to offer this year! From March 5 to June 2, 2025, the park transforms into a vibrant celebration of nature, food, and entertainment, and we’re here to break it all down. In this episode, we’ll share our top festival tips, including the best places to stay, how to plan your visit, and how to make the most of your time (and budget). We’ll also highlight must-try dishes,...

Mar 11, 20252 hr 53 minEp. 768

752: Liz Hatton’s Legacy: A Story of Strength, Disney, and Fulfilling Dreams

In this heartfelt episode, I am honored to share the inspiring story of Liz Hatton, a talented young photographer whose passion for Disney, love for photography, and unwavering strength left a lasting impact on everyone she met. We’ll take a look at how Liz’s love for Disney first began, how her family fell in love with Disney Cruise Line, and the special connections they made along the way, including meeting Jessica and Landon (former Disney Cast Members and owners of Vacation Grocery Delivery)...

Mar 07, 202547 minEp. 767

751: Step Into the Story: The 10 Most Immersive Rides at Walt Disney World

We’re diving deep into the most immersive rides at Walt Disney World, breaking down what makes these attractions feel like more than just a ride—they’re fully realized worlds that transport guests into adventure, fantasy, and storytelling like never before. From the eerie halls of the Haunted Mansion to the high-speed thrills of Cosmic Rewind, we’re ranking the top 10 most immersive rides based on theme, queue experience, ride elements, and Cast Member interactions. We’ll discuss how each attrac...

Mar 04, 202549 minEp. 766

750: Eat It or Beat It: Magic Kingdom Edition

We’re putting some of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic foods to the test. We’ll break down taste, value, portion size, and uniqueness to determine whether these fan-favorite Disney eats are truly worth your time and money—or if you should skip them. We’re diving into the most legendary snacks and meals, including the Nutella & Fresh Fruit Waffle from Sleepy Hollow, the cheeseburger spring rolls from the Adventureland cart, and the always-debated turkey leg. We’ll also take a look at sweet treats like...

Feb 28, 202549 minEp. 765

749: Four For Forty For Four: Animal Kingdom

We’re back with another installment of our Four for Forty for Four series, and this time, we’re taking on Disney’s Animal Kingdom! If you haven’t listened to our previous episodes covering Magic Kingdom (Ep. 720), EPCOT (Ep. 734), and Hollywood Studios (Ep. 743), be sure to check those out first. In this episode, we break down the best budget-friendly meals for a family of four under $40 at Animal Kingdom, exploring some of the park’s top quick-service spots. From Pizzafari’s shareable pizzas to...

Feb 25, 202540 minEp. 764

748: Sips, Stays, and Stellar Experiences: Wailulu, Stella Nova, Mardi Gras & Space 220 (Part 2)

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our Universal Orlando trip recap, be sure to go back and check it out first! We covered our stay at the Stella Nova Resort and our first time back in the Universal parks in quite some time. Now, in Part 2, we’re diving into one of the best parts of the trip—the food! Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is one of the best seasonal events, and this year’s Food and Beverage Booths did not disappoint! We’re breaking down some of our favorite dishes—all pac...

Feb 21, 202558 minEp. 763

747: Sips, Stays, and Stellar Experiences: Wailulu, Stella Nova, Mardi Gras & Space 220 (Part 1)

We made our way back to Disney and for the first time in a long time, also visited Universal Orlando, and in this two-part series, we’re sharing every detail of our adventure! In Part 1, we kick things off with our stay at the brand-new Stella Nova Resort, breaking down everything from the rooms and amenities to dining and overall value compared to Universal’s other hotels. Then, we step back into the Universal parks, revisiting some of our favorite attractions. From the intense thrills of Veloc...

Feb 18, 20251 hrEp. 762

746: Love & Magic: The Best Disney Date Ideas & Listener Stories

Love is in the air, and what better place to celebrate romance than Walt Disney World? In this special Valentine’s Day episode, we’re sharing the most magical date ideas for couples—from romantic dining and unique experiences to fun and playful Disney date nights. Plus, we’re featuring heartwarming listener love stories, proving that Disney truly is the most magical place to fall in love. You’ll hear incredible real-life Disney love stories, including first dates at Magic Kingdom, surprise propo...

Feb 14, 202550 minEp. 761

745: Tiny Travelers, Big Magic: The Ultimate Disney Guide for Young Kids

Taking young kids to Walt Disney World can be magical, but let’s be real—it can also be overwhelming without the right plan! In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest questions parents ask: When is too young to take kids to Disney? Plus, we’re sharing our top tips, dining recommendations, and park strategies to make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. We’ll cover the best resorts for families, must-know stroller hacks, how to navigate Lightning Lanes with little ones, an...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 760

744: Picky Eater’s Guide to Disney: Best Dining Spots & Tips with Jon Self

Dining at Walt Disney World is a magical experience, but for picky eaters, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m joined by food blogger Jon Self to uncover the best dining spots, clever hacks, and must-know tips to make every meal a success for selective eaters! We’ll explore quick-service and table-service options across all four parks, as well as resort dining locations. From customizing orders with mobile ordering to navigating bufets, family dining and festivals, we’ll help you ...

Feb 07, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 759

743: Four For Forty For Four: Hollywood Studios

We’re back with another installment of our “Four Meals for Four People for $40” series, and this time, we’re heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! From Woody’s Lunchbox to Docking Bay 7, we’ve mapped out delicious and budget-friendly meals that prove you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy great food at Disney. Along the way, we’re sharing cost-saving dining tips, fun facts about Hollywood Studios dining locations, and even a bonus table-service meal for four under $80! Plus, did you know you...

Feb 04, 202536 minEp. 758

742: Main Street Magic Mailbag: Listener Q&A Part 27

We’re diving back into our Listener Q&A series for Part 27 of our Mailbag! We’re tackling some fantastic questions from our listeners, covering everything from dream ride rethemes and World Showcase expansion ideas to building the ultimate Disney meal with dishes from different restaurants. We also break down Disney’s Memory Maker and PhotoPass, sharing insights on how to get the most out of it for your family trip. Plus, we brainstorm new character dining experiences, dream up Club 33 lounges f...

Jan 31, 202552 minEp. 757

741: Friends, Feasts, and Disney Springs: A Quick Holiday Inn Getaway

We’re diving into all the highlights, and lowlights, from a quick, fun-filled trip where we spent time with friends and had a questionable stay at the Holiday Inn at Disney Springs, which for some may be a convenient and affordable resort right in the heart of all the action. From there, we’ll take you on a culinary journey, with stops at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ where we FINALLY try Art's Famous Fried Chicken, and Wailulu Bar & Grill, where we explored more of their unique and delicious menu...

Jan 28, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 756

740: Eats, Treats, and Retreats: Disney Dining and Delta Orlando Review

We’re diving into a trip filled with delicious dining, unique accommodations, and unforgettable experiences! We kick things off with a review of the Delta Orlando Celebration Resort, where we explore everything from its location and amenities to the comfort, cleanliness, and overall value of the rooms. Whether you’re considering this resort for your next stay or just curious about its offerings, we’ll provide all the details you need. Next, we turn our attention to the food! From dining at Yak &...

Jan 24, 202548 minEp. 755

739: Art, Food, and Magic: EPCOT Festival of the Arts Review

We dive into the vibrant world of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! From jaw-dropping culinary creations to breathtaking artistic displays and captivating performances, we share our favorite moments, top food picks, and can’t-miss experiences. Whether it’s indulging in a deconstructed dish, marveling at chalk art masterpieces, or singing along to the Disney on Broadway concert series, there’s magic around every corner. We also discuss how this festival blends creativity, culture, and...

Jan 21, 20252 hr 51 minEp. 754

738: Main Street Magic Mailbag: Listener Q&A Part 26

We’re diving into our Listener Q&A series for the 26th time! We’ll explore what Disney voice actor we’d love to interview and why, plus any interesting Disney facts we’ve recently learned. You’ll hear what we’d do if we hit the lottery and had $100,000 to spend on Disney Parks & Experiences, as well as our realistic picks for bands or artists to perform at Garden Rocks or Eat to the Beat. We’re also discussing our favorite Disney/Pixar animation styles, our top park, land, ride, resort, and rest...

Jan 17, 202552 minEp. 753