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502 - "Where should we eat at Disney?" It's the question Rob & Kerri Stuart get asked more than any other, from clients, agents, and friends at dinner. In episode #502 of Disney Travel Secrets, they finally answer it. There are no sponsored picks and no internet "top 10" lists. These are just the restaurants the Orlando-local Disney travel experts actually go back to again and again, in the parks, at the resorts, and off property. Let's Plan your Disney Vacation! START HERE 🏰 IN THE PARKS: Animal Kingdom: Yak & Yeti's legendary ahi tuna nachos. The price has nearly doubled, but the portion hasn't shrunk! Hollywood Studios: The Hollywood Brown Derby for the famous Cobb salad or filet mignon, plus the walk-up reservation tip for parties of two EPCOT: Shiki-Sai in the Japan Pavilion for tuna with ponzu and sushi rolls, and Le Cellier for special occasions Magic Kingdom: Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen for its great menu and even better theming 🏨 AT THE DISNEY RESORTS: Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary for the best French onion soup on property (and the "$100 lunch" rule) Wailulu Bar & Grill at the Polynesian's Island Tower, for one of the best burgers on or off property The Turf Club at Saratoga Springs is reopening this week. Is it next on the list? 🍕 OFF DISNEY PROPERTY (Save Money!): Gator's Dockside for 2-for-1 drinks, wings, smash burgers, and the best place to watch the game Piesano's for pizza, calzones, and chicken marsala Pizzeria Uno for the best lunch special around 🎉 ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: Celebrating 17 years of marriage (sharing an anniversary with Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, October 1st!) Why their anniversary trip isn't to Disney, and Baby's first vacation A brand-new segment, RK Fun Facts: meet the real Rob & Kerri behind the scenes (hint: it involves an 8:30 bedtime 😴) Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it? When it makes sense for budgeting and character meals Perfect for: Families planning a Walt Disney World vacation Disney foodies looking for the best restaurants First-time Disney visitors wondering where to eat Annual Passholders and locals Anyone trying to save money on Disney dining 📱 Subscribe for weekly Disney tips, hacks, dining reviews, and vacation planning secrets from Orlando locals in Disney's backyard, every Monday since 2017! #DisneyWorld #DisneyDining #DisneyFood #BestDisneyRestaurants #DisneyWorldFood #DisneyTips #DisneyVacation #WDW #DisneyPlanning #AnimalKingdom #HollywoodStudios #EPCOT #MagicKingdom #DisneyHacks #OrlandoFood #DisneyTravel

501 - Disney just quietly rolled out an AI-powered trip planner built with Google Cloud — and Rob & Kerri break down 10 reasons why letting AI plan your Walt Disney World vacation could actually ruin it. From ride closures and Lightning Lane strategy to reading your family's real needs, discover why a real Disney travel agent still beats a chatbot every time. Work with a human to plan your Disney Vacation - start here Plus in this episode: Epcot's Festival of the Arts gets its longest run ever (Jan 15 – Mar 1), new Flower & Garden Festival dates (Mar 10 – May 31), the full Candlelight Processional presenter lineup with Neil Patrick Harris, 2027 after-hours event news, a shoutout to the Coach store team in Disney Springs, and an "Are You Serious" tour of a Bay Lake Tower Grand Villa. Whether you're planning your first trip or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with insider insight you won't get from an algorithm. #DisneyWorld #DisneyAI #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyTravelAgent #EpcotFestivals #CandlelightProcessional #DisneyPlanning #DisneyTips #DisneyVacation #WDW

500 - After 500 consecutive Mondays (yes, we've never missed one — not even during a hurricane), Rob & Kerri Stuart are pulling back the curtain on how Disney Travel Secrets actually started — and how it turned into Creating Magic Vacations, the travel agency they run today. Let us help you plan your Disney Vacation - START HERE If you're here for Disney vacation planning tips, you'll get plenty — how their "top 3 rides" strategy beats stressful rope-drop plans, why flexibility (not a rigid schedule) makes for a better Walt Disney World trip, and how going live at Disney Parks years ago shaped everything they teach today about Disney World vacations and Disney travel planning. But this episode is also for anyone wondering how to start a podcast — because Rob & Kerri didn't start with a plan. No studio, no equipment budget, no business strategy. Just a microphone, a dining room table in St. Petersburg, Florida, and a meeting with podcasting mentor Pat Flynn that changed the direction of their entire career. In this episode you'll hear: The three moments (2012–2016) that led to starting a Disney podcast in the first place Why going from TV hosts to podcasters felt like a "downgrade" — until it wasn't The Pat Flynn conversation that convinced them to buy a podcasting course on the spot How going live at Disney Parks on Periscope proved there was an audience hungry for Disney content Why 500 episodes later, they still believe "the show had a plan for us," not the other way around The real answer to: does a podcast actually help you start a business? (Spoiler: Creating Magic Vacations wouldn't exist without it.) Whether you're planning your next Disney World or Disneyland vacation, thinking about becoming a travel agent, or you've ever thought about starting your own podcast, this milestone episode has something for you. 🎧 3,200,000+ downloads. 675 episodes across two shows. Almost 10 years of consecutive Mondays. Thank you for being part of this journey. Connect with us: Join the Disney Travel Secrets Superfans group | Follow us on Instagram | Ready to plan your Disney vacation or explore becoming a travel agent? Reach out to our team at Creating Magic Vacations.

499 - There's a suite tucked into the turret corner of Yacht Club that most Disney veterans don't even know exists, and a three-bedroom Grand Villa at Grand Floridian big enough to sleep a small army. This week, Rob and Kerri pull back the curtain on the secret suites of Walt Disney World — the ones that never show up in a normal room search, from the Yosemite Suite at Wilderness Lodge to the two-story Royal Asante Suite at Animal Kingdom Lodge to the overwater Bora Bora Bungalows at Polynesian. CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR NEXT DISNEY ADVENTURE Plus: Disney Cruise Line opens 2027/2028 bookings to everyone starting September 8th (and why the Wish's transatlantic barely made it to Platinum), why Rob and Kerri are finally heading back to the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic after a few years away, and what it really takes to 5X your travel agency with Creating Magic Vacations.

498 - Big news, Disney cruisers — the fall 2027 and spring 2028 itineraries just dropped, and Rob & Kerri are breaking down everything you need to know before you book. BOOK YOUR DISNEY CRUISE HERE In this episode, they cover the exact booking dates by Castaway Club tier (Pearl members, you're up first!), which ships are sailing from which of the seven ports — including standout options like a 12-night transatlantic crossing on the Disney Wish from Southampton to New York, a 14-night Panama Canal repositioning cruise, and a can't-miss Halloween sailing on the new Disney Destiny out of Fort Lauderdale. They also dish on Disneyland 2027 bookings now being open, share a fun fan encounter from their Walt Disney World trip, and offer their prediction on where the brand-new Disney Believe will make her debut. Whether you're chasing Alaska, the Southern Caribbean, or a Panama Canal bucket-list sailing, this episode will help you know exactly when and where to book.

497 - D23 Expo just wrapped, and while Disney fans got plenty of updates, Rob & Kerri break down why most of it was old news dressed up as "new" — from Villains Land's Maleficent coaster to Avengers Campus expansions to the new Disney Cruise Line ship. They cover what's actually changing at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disneyland, and beyond, plus a first look at upcoming movies like Frozen 3, Zootopia 3, and Lilo & Stitch 2. START PLANNING YOUR DISNEY ADVENTURE HERE Then, the real highlight of the episode: Rob & Kerri go behind the scenes of the Adventures by Disney trip to Portugal — a 9-day, 8-night land itinerary through Porto, the Douro Valley, Sintra, Cascais, Lisbon, and the Algarve. They share firsthand highlights from their own trip, including a private after-hours tour of Pena Palace, port wine tasting in the Douro Valley, kayaking, cheese-making and tile-painting workshops, and more — plus the hotels, flights, and meal inclusions you need to know before booking. If you've been eyeing Portugal but weren't sure how to experience it at a Disney level of detail, this episode is your guide.

496 - Are you a Disneyland annual passholder wondering if Walt Disney World is really worth the trip? In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, travel agents and bestselling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart break down exactly what Disneyland regulars need to know before visiting Walt Disney World for the first time. Let's help you plan your Disney vacation - CLICK HERE to get started Rob and Kerri compare park size, security screening, hotel options, transportation (including the Disney World monorail system), and the key differences between Disneyland's Magic Kingdom, Disney California Adventure, and Walt Disney World's four theme parks — including Epcot and Animal Kingdom, which have no California equivalent. They also share tips on planning your trip length, the best times to visit, and rides you can only experience in Florida, like Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avatar Flight of Passage. Whether you're planning your first Walt Disney World vacation or helping clients do the same, this episode will help you set the right expectations and make the most of your trip.

495 - We wrap up our three-part "Minnie Series" on luxury Disney travel with the option people ask about least — and maybe the most luxurious of all: Adventures by Disney. Rob and Kerri explain how ABD applies the same "everything is handled for you" philosophy from Club Level and Cruise Concierge to guided trips anywhere in the world, led by Disney-trained Adventure Guides. Book your Adventures by Disney trip - start here We cover new 2026 itineraries to Greece and Switzerland, Adult Exclusive departures for travelers 18+, shorter multi-day "Escapes" trips, and ABD river cruises with AmaWaterways. Plus, a deep dive into the brand-new Adventures by Disney Rhône River sailing from Lyon to Arles, including exclusive excursions like the steam train through Tournon and options to kayak or climb the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct — with a current $400-per-person savings offer (plus an extra $100 for D23 Gold Members) on select 2027 departures. We also share a travel agent success story and close out the series comparing Club Level, Concierge, and Adventures by Disney side by side. Join our Disney Travel Secrets Superfans Facebook group

494 - In Part 2 of our "Minnie Series," Rob and Kerri dive into Concierge on Disney Cruise Line — often double the price of a regular verandah stateroom, but is it worth it? Let us help you plan your Disney Cruise Drawing from their own concierge sailings on the Disney Wonder in Alaska and the Disney Wish out of Port Canaveral, they break down the full concierge experience: dedicated pre-cruise planning support, priority check-in and boarding, the private Embarkation Day Welcome Reception, exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge and private sundeck, and personalized onboard service throughout your cruise. They also share an important Disney travel secret about the 135-day window for booking Port Adventures and onboard experiences, so you don't miss out on the best reservations. Plus a fun luggage story about Solgaard's sustainable, ocean-recycled-plastic travel gear, and this week's Disney Travel Secrets Superfans giveaway. Join our Disney Travel Secrets Superfans Facebook group

493 - Is Club Level at Walt Disney World worth the extra money? In Part 1 of our "Minnie Series" on luxury Disney travel, Rob and Kerri break down everything you need to know about Club Level at Disney World Deluxe resorts (plus Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs).   Let us help you plan your Disney Vacation We cover the check-in experience, room locations, and a full rundown of what's actually served at breakfast, lunch, snack time, and dessert at every club — from Poly's Mickey pancakes to Animal Kingdom Lodge's African-inspired menu. Learn the names of all 10 Club Level lounges at Walt Disney World, what makes each one unique, and how to decide if Club Level fits your next Disney vacation. Plus, Disney news on the return of the Chef de France breakfast buffet during Epcot Food and Wine, and a Disney Travel Secrets Superfans giveaway. Join our Disney Travel Secrets Superfans Facebook group

492 - Walt Disney World is in the middle of its biggest construction wave in years — and if you have a trip coming up, you need to know what to expect. In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, hosts and best-selling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart break down every major Walt Disney World refurbishment and construction project happening right now, park by park and resort by resort. PLAN A VACATION STRESS FREE - START HERE You'll learn why Magic Kingdom's Frontierland is now the largest construction site in Disney history as it transforms into Cars Land's "Piston Peak," what's happening with the long-awaited Villains Land, and why Carousel of Progress just closed for a major overhaul. Rob & Kerri also cover Hollywood Studios' Monstropolis construction, the new Walt Disney Studios Lot and Muppets Rock n Roller Coaster, plus Animal Kingdom's Tropical Americas project replacing DinoLand. On the resort side, get the details on Disney's Polynesian Resort renovations (including the Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace closure), the Grand Floridian Cafe closure through October, Yachtsman Steakhouse's summer closure, the Turf Club Lounge closure at Saratoga Springs, and the annual Skyliner maintenance shutdown scheduled for January 24–30, 2027. Plus, don't miss the launch of Disney Travel Secrets' new Superfans giveaway series — starting with a pair of Mickey Mouse ears up for grabs in the Facebook group! Whether you're planning a Disney World vacation for this fall, Christmas, or beyond, this episode gives you the insider construction and refurbishment updates you won't find anywhere else. 🎧 New episodes every week. Subscribe for more Walt Disney World planning tips, insider hacks, and vacation-planning advice. Want help planning your next Disney vacation? Visit Creating Magic Vacations and click "Plan a Vacation" — and join us in the Disney Travel Secrets Superfans Facebook group for your chance to win!

491 - Thinking of a Disney World vacation for the 4th of July? In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, hosts and best-selling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart share their firsthand experience staying Club Level at Disney's Polynesian Resort over America's 250th Independence Day weekend — and explain why now is the time to book your own trip for July 4th, 2027. Let's plan your vacation today! CLICK HERE You'll learn: Why Club Level at the Polynesian (and other Disney deluxe resorts) is worth the splurge for holiday weekends A little-known Disney travel secret about drinking on the resort boats to Magic Kingdom The real cost of Club Level rooms at Polynesian (resort view vs. water view vs. theme park view) Why booking your Disney World trip as a package — even as an annual pass holder — can unlock dining plans and other perks Insider room request tips (which floors have balconies vs. patios, and how requests are prioritized) Rope-dropping Magic Kingdom from Polynesian, the new TRON-era Buzz Lightyear ride, and the meaning behind the 4th of July flyover aircraft What food and drinks are actually included with Club Level access, and how to make the most of it A special shoutout to the team at Best Friends Pet Hotel on Disney property for dog boarding during your trip Whether you're planning your first Disney World vacation or you're a seasoned annual pass holder looking for insider Disney hacks, this episode is packed with practical vacation planning advice, family-friendly travel tips, and real insight from travel agents who've stayed at every Disney deluxe resort. 🎥 Watching on YouTube? Don't miss Rob's show-and-tell of the limited-edition "Happy 250th" Mickey hat from Magic Kingdom's Emporium. 📩 Ready to plan your own magical vacation? Reach out to Rob & Kerri Stuart for expert, no-stress Disney trip planning. Keywords: Disney World tips, Disney Polynesian Resort, Club Level Disney, Disney 4th of July, Disney vacation planning, Disney insider secrets, Disney World hacks, Magic Kingdom fireworks, Disney annual pass tips, Disney package booking, Disney family travel, Walt Disney World Club Level rooms

490 - Disney Springs is one of the best-kept secrets in Walt Disney World planning — and it doesn't even require a park ticket. In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, hosts Rob & Kerri Stuart break down everything you need to know about Disney Springs before you go, from its history as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village and Pleasure Island to the modern four-neighborhood layout it has today. START HERE TO PLAN YOUR DISNEY VACATION You'll learn the difference between the Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side, plus get insider restaurant recommendations for Disney Springs dining — including Splitsville, Jaleo, The Boathouse, Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, and the new Wolfgang Puck pizza bar. Rob & Kerri also share their favorite Disney Springs shopping tips (hello, World of Disney), quick-service options for families on a budget, and how to plan a Disney Springs progressive dinner or bar crawl for your next date night. Whether you're planning your first Walt Disney World vacation or you're a seasoned Disney World foodie looking for new spots to try, this episode is packed with Disney vacation planning tips, Disney Springs restaurant guides, and family-friendly Disney World hacks you won't find in the guidebooks. 🎧 New episodes every week. Subscribe for more Disney World tips, Disney vacation planning advice, and insider Disney Springs and Walt Disney World secrets. Want help planning your next Disney vacation? Visit Creating Magic Vacations and click "Plan a Vacation" — and follow us on Facebook for this month's giveaway!

489 - Who says Disney World is just for kids? In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, hosts Rob & Kerri Stuart — Disney travel agents and bestselling authors — team up with former Disney Imagineer Hugh Darley to break down exactly how to do Disney World as adults. Let us help you plan your Disney Vacation From signature dining experiences (Victoria & Albert's, Le Cellier, the Hollywood Brown Derby) to sipping your way around Epcot's Food & Wine and Flower & Garden Festivals, this episode is packed with insider Disney World tips for couples who want more than the typical theme park itinerary. Rob & Kerri also dive into deluxe resort splurges — Club Level lounges, lagoon-view fireworks, and luxury touring options — plus how to turn an anniversary or milestone celebration into an unforgettable Disney getaway. Also in this episode: Disney World's 4th of July 2027 travel planning tips (and why you need to book now) Breaking Disney news: the Grand Floridian gingerbread house is on hold this year Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 dates and booking windows Disney+ Perks and Florida resident discounts on Disney Resorts Collection hotels Whether you're planning a romantic Disney World vacation, a couples' anniversary trip, or just want to experience the parks without the family-trip pace, this episode is your guide to doing Disney World like an adult — full of vacation planning hacks, Disney World secrets, and real insider knowledge from full-time Disney travel experts. 🎧 New episodes every week — subscribe to Disney Travel Secrets for more Disney World tips, Disneyland planning advice, and insider Disney vacation hacks. 📩 Plan your own Disney trip: CreatingMagicVacations.com

488 - Did you know Disney offers THREE completely different ways to experience Alaska — and most travelers only know about one of them? Let us help YOU plan your Disney Alaska Adventures START HERE In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, veteran Disney travel agents and bestselling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart break down every option for visiting "America's Last Frontier" with Disney, plus a major Disney World transportation change you need to know before your next trip. In this episode: 🚨 Disney World news: Disney Springs-to-resort transportation is changing on June 28th — here's who's affected and why 📅 A fun piece of Disney summer trivia: why this year's Memorial Day-to-Labor Day stretch is the longest possible (and when it'll happen again) 🚢 Disney Cruise Line to Alaska: why Vancouver's Pan Pacific Hotel is a hidden gem, the new Disney Magic Alaska sailings, and which itineraries include Skagway's famous train 🏔️ Adventures by Disney's 8-day Alaska land tour: Denali, sled dog kennels, glass-domed railcars, and gold panning — with zero ship involved 📸 The Disney-owned secret: how National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions ties into Disney Vacation Club, and why this small-ship option is built for wildlife lovers and photographers 🐻 The "Big Five" Alaska animals you're most likely to see on land vs. by sea ✈️ Why booking with a Disney-focused travel advisor beats big-box stores and part-time agents — every time Whether you're dreaming of a family-friendly Disney Cruise, an active land adventure with Adventures by Disney, or an expedition-style trip with NatGeo Lindblad, this episode breaks down exactly which Alaska trip fits your travel style. Perfect for: Disney World vacation planning, Disneyland trip tips, Disney Cruise Line Alaska itineraries, Adventures by Disney reviews, family travel planning, and anyone searching for Disney insider hacks and travel agent secrets. 🔗 Links to Alaska itineraries mentioned in this episode are in the show notes. 📍 Recorded at Creating Magic Vacations Studio in Windermere, FL. 🎧 New episodes of Disney Travel Secrets drop weekly — subscribe so you never miss an insider tip for Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond.