Episode #148: Our Favorite Places to Hang Out in Walt Disney World

Have you ever found a hidden nook in Disney World that felt like it was made just for you? That's what we're unpacking in today's episode—a treasure map to the most serene spots in the most magical place on earth. Join us as we embark on a soothing ride aboard the People Mover in Tomorrowland, revealing our cherished oases away from the throngs, like the tranquil World Celebration Gardens at Dreamers Point and the meditative ambience of The Seas with Nemo and Friends queue. It's a conversation that meanders through the lush tranquility of Epcot's Japan Pavilion and the educational calm of Living with the Land, inviting you to indulge in the quieter side of the hustle and bustle.

Who says theme parks are just for thrills and characters? We're taking relaxation to a whole new level, sharing secrets of the bioluminescent wonders in Pandora at night and the rustic, festive charm of Wilderness Lodge during the holiday season. Imagine the peacefulness of a train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch, where learning about animal care becomes an unexpected retreat. We also delve into the hidden relaxation havens within Disney's resorts and dining experiences, like a hearty breakfast at Captain Cook's or the enchanting African-themed backdrop at Animal Kingdom Lodge. And let’s not forget the vivacious yet serene boardwalk area, offering a more laid-back alternative to the buzz of Disney Springs.

Wrapping up our magical journey, we stroll down the memory lanes of Hollywood Studios, paying homage to the nostalgia surrounding Gertie the Dinosaur and the timeless Star Wars Launch Bay. As the day wanes, we find serenity near the iconic Tree of Life, proving that the best Disney moments can come from simply sitting and savoring the sights and sounds. Whether you're a Disney veteran or planning your first visit, this episode is your guide to finding your very own favorite hideaway amidst the wonder of Walt Disney World.

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:21

Hello and welcome to Circular Parks Podcast episode number 148. Today we are discussing our favorite places to hang out in Walt Disney World. There is far too much to see and do. We are here to help guide you through, but before we do that we must talk Disney merch. So this week on Disney merch at the time of the recording this is Monday, may 6th 2024. Just released today, there's new Disney Munchlings Mystery Plush Carnival Confections priced at $14.99.

Speaker 1: 1:04

If you have a taste for seeing some of your favorite Disney characters reimagined as delicious looking little plush treats, then you'll love these Disney Munchlings. Each blind box includes one of seven soft stuffed characters in the Disney Munchlings Carnival Confection Series. So super cute, fuzzy texture. Not sure which one you're going to get. You might get Pluto, jalapeno cheese fries, pua fried cookie dough, genie cotton candy, cusco corn dog, goofy fried pickle, mini cookies and cream funnel cake and one mystery plush. So again just released today. Go check that out at disneystorecom, priced at $14.99, and that is this week's disney merch. And we also have merch. So if you go to our website, circleofparkscom, click on merch takes you directly to t public. You can get things such as stickers, coffee mugs, sweatshirts, t-shirts and more.

Speaker 2: 2:09

So go check that out thank you, everybody for joining us. Episode number 148 we're talking about our favorite places to hang out in walt disney world. I'm going to rename the title to part one oh my, my goodness, really. Cause there's so many great places right.

Speaker 1: 2:26

All right, yeah, I mean there are, but I don't know if we can wait. Multiple parts, yeah, okay.

Speaker 2: 2:31

Because this isn't even scratching the surface of places we like to hang out, I think in order to keep this under in a reasonable amount of time for the podcast right. Yeah, oh and oh and I wanted you to say the Disney Munchling thing 10 times fast.

Speaker 1: 2:43

No because I was already getting a little tongue-tied.

Speaker 2: 2:46

How do you say it one more time? What is it again?

Speaker 1: 2:48

Disney Munchling's Mystery Plush Carnival Confection 10 times fast. Just try it. No, you just set a time frame with this, okay, oops, sorry All right.

Speaker 2: 3:01

So we hope everybody's having a great week. We had a great weekend, yes, and we do this show every single week. We just hope to bring you to Walt Disney World, and today we're going to take you to our favorite hangout places in Walt Disney World. Regardless, if you're out jogging, working out in the car, whatever you're doing, we're going to take you there and put you in these places this week. I'm so excited for this show. I'm just, I'm really pumped about this one. Yes, I think it's going to be just a fun show.

Speaker 1: 3:29

Yeah, of course, but then now we're giving away where we like to be and then they're going to get crowded.

Speaker 2: 3:35

Well, I mean, they're crowded anyway. We're not giving any secrets out here. These aren't like secret spots where nobody are. No, okay, all no, okay, all right, all right. So and when you think of like this isn't places to go and like relax and chill, this is just places to go and walk around and stroll and kind of take things in a little bit, you're not really doing much, but you're not just sitting still either. Right, that make sense. Yeah, so you're still doing stuff, but you're not really Just kind of hanging out taking everything in.

Speaker 2: 4:08

You're but you're not really just kind of hanging out taking everything in.

Speaker 1: 4:10

You're not going from attraction to attraction.

Speaker 2: 4:11

You're slowing down, whatnot? Yeah, all right, you ready to get into it? I am. So what's the first one?

Speaker 1: 4:14

so the first one is so clear of the door. People mover. Sorry guys, that was a little louder than expected. So, yes, the people mover. Now it is a ride, but it's a relaxing ride in tomorrowland gives you a chance to just kind of chill and take in all that tomorrowland has to offer it does.

Speaker 2: 4:29

And you know, our first time we went we did not do the people mover again. We were complete novices, had no idea what we were doing right and I remember walking through tomorrowland, so I'm trying to keep it in that I remember going asking my brother. I was like what is that? He goes? Oh, it's the people mover. I was like, okay, what does that do? He goes. Oh, it just goes around tomorrowland like we'd want to do that. Yeah, that seems ridiculous but we love it man, was I wrong?

Speaker 2: 4:59

this is one. This is one of the best attractions in Walt Disney World Nice, peaceful, relaxing, and I think what should happen is you get one pass, you ride it once and you just say to the cast member no, no, no, this is my one, stay on.

Speaker 1: 5:17

Right.

Speaker 2: 5:17

And you just get to stay on.

Speaker 1: 5:18

Yeah, I wouldn't mind doing that too, and it doesn't matter whether it's warmer weather, cooler weather, it's just.

Speaker 2: 5:25

It gives you a chance to just really take it in, and you get even different views of the castle while you're on it, too definitely so I'm going to test that theory this summer when we're at the extra magic hours at night, so they won't be as crowded, right and me and ryan go on it, because I know you and you and nolan's not staying after you know how, nolan is so we're going to go around it.

Speaker 2: 5:46

I'm going to go. Can we stay on, please, and see if the cast member lets us do it, or?

Speaker 1: 5:51

not, especially if it's not busy. If it's not busy, because if it's busy they've got to get you off.

Speaker 2: 5:55

Yeah, but it's a great tour of Tomorrowland. The narration and everything is just great. You get to see a piece of what Epcot was modeled to be and I think that's just really cool. You get to go through right now on the attraction. It's going through Space Mountain, so sometimes you will get to see it with the lights on through there. It is just a really cool attraction.

Speaker 1: 6:18

No, I agree, I didn't know what to expect from it. I even the first time was kind of like, okay, well, this will be a one and done kind of ride, and now we have to ride it every time and the boys love it too yeah, I think, because it does give you that chance to just yeah, yeah, yes, all right.

Speaker 2: 6:36

What's next on the list?

Speaker 1: 6:37

next on the list. So there's an area behind the christmas store in magic kingdom and it's just a Kind of out of the way seating area. There's some tables and chairs back there and it just gives you a chance to take a step back and kind of take everything in from that part of the park.

Speaker 2: 6:56

Yeah, and it's in Liberty Square, so you have the nice music you can hear and you're in a busy spot, but you're not.

Speaker 1: 7:06

Right.

Speaker 2: 7:06

And it is a good. This is also a relaxing place you can go because it doesn't get overly crowded unless there's a character in that little gazebo right thing then it can get kind of crowded or people don't know about the character being back there and you maybe will get if you're into that I'm not, but if you are get to see a character there yeah, but you know, there's been several times where we've kind of just chilled back there Like, okay, let's step aside for a minute and chill.

Speaker 1: 7:31

I think we've even eaten some snacks over there before.

Speaker 2: 7:33

I think we've taken some snacks from Sleepy Hollow back there.

Speaker 1: 7:35

Yeah, yeah, so, and you know. But while you're over in that area, that Christmas store, I love walking in it, even if it's July, like it is just I in July. Christmas in July. You know tons of ornaments of all kinds and I just love walking through it, yeah.

Speaker 2: 7:57

I agree, all right. What's?

Speaker 1: 7:59

next. Next is again we're keeping Magic Kingdom upstairs in Columbia Harbor House.

Speaker 2: 8:06

Peaceful, yes, so peaceful. Yes, because the downstairs is not no, and it's themed amazing in here.

Speaker 1: 8:13

Mm-hmm.

Speaker 2: 8:14

So when I was there a few weeks ago, I sat on the thing that looks over the walkway between Liberty Square and what am I thinking, Fantasyland.

Speaker 1: 8:27

Oh yeah.

Speaker 2: 8:27

So I could see it was pouring down rain, so I could see people running like fantasy land. Oh yeah, so I could see it was pouring down rain so I could see people like running and all that Very peaceful. I remember I had gone downstairs to get something. I forgot.

Speaker 1: 8:38

Like ketchup or something or something.

Speaker 2: 8:40

And I saw like this elderly couple and they were just like looking for a table downstairs. And I'm like go upstairs. And they're like, oh okay. And then they kind of saw me and they're like thank you.

Speaker 1: 8:50

Oh yeah, it's just it's now.

Speaker 2: 8:52

It will get crowded up there, especially when it's raining, like when I was there, but it's nowhere near as chaotic as it is downstairs. In mobile order here yes, mobile order For sure, mobile order and the food is delicious.

Speaker 1: 9:06

I haven't been there personally in a couple of years, but it is delicious. I think I definitely want to try it again next time we are there. But yes, the upstairs area much, much quieter. I don't know if it's because a lot of people don't realize it's there or they're just trying to find the closest table.

Speaker 2: 9:22

I think it's a mixture of they don't know what's up there and they're just looking for a table, because when we went the first time our first time we went we ate here.

Speaker 1: 9:30

Yeah, and it was downstairs.

Speaker 2: 9:31

And remember how, like we didn't know, there was an upstairs Right and we just found the first table we could downstairs with. How many of us was there Eight?

Speaker 1: 9:38

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 9:39

And it was chaos.

Speaker 1: 9:40

Right.

Speaker 2: 9:41

Not relaxing at all.

Speaker 1: 9:43

No, it was more like hurry up and eat and let's go, let's get out of here.

Speaker 2: 9:46

This is nuts. But back to the mobile ordering. I actually did a reel about that, uh, last week and there was probably 30 people in line to order like the regular the regular line and there was people on their phone like what are you? What are you doing? Yeah in the mobile order line there was one person waiting for food, and when I mobile order, I didn't wait, I just went right up and I had it ready for right, yeah, so, yeah, so definitely take advantage of that.

Speaker 1: 10:12

Um, but yes, upstairs recommended, good views, a lot quieter great chance to chill and actually enjoy your meal yes, what's next on the list?

Speaker 1: 10:20

next is the hub grass in magic kingdom. If it's a slower day, which you don't see many of those anymore, but when it is not packed, the hub grass is just an area close to the castle, in front of the castle, where you can sit and chill, have some snacks. People watch, take it all in. When I did this and saw so many proposals or families surprising each other because they didn't know that other family members were going to be meeting them on the trip and so it was just you know, it was just great being there in front of the castle and being able to see all that.

Speaker 2: 11:01

I want to add another thing Now Main Street USA. I guess you can stroll down Main Street USA and I guess it is kind of a hangout place, especially with the Emporium and the glass shop across the way from the Emporium and the other shops that they have.

Speaker 1: 11:18

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 11:18

But I want to highlight a place to go sit and chill. Sorry, this is my favorite song and it's Put On your Sunday Clothes. I just said Put On your Clothes last time.

Speaker 1: 11:28

Oh yeah.

Speaker 2: 11:29

It's Put On your Sunday. Sunday clothes is the name of the song.

Speaker 1: 11:32

So like your best clothes.

Speaker 2: 11:33

Yes, yeah, sit out, get the rocking chairs out in front of Town Square Theater and just chill and watch the people come in for the first time.

Speaker 1: 11:43

Right.

Speaker 2: 11:44

Like it's amazing to watch.

Speaker 1: 11:46

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 11:46

And just hang out and chill. Listen to this music. It's so to watch, yes, and just hang out and chill listen to this music. It's so great.

Speaker 1: 11:53

So so good. Yeah, so from one end to the other end of what I was talking about yes, in that area.

Speaker 2: 11:58

Yeah, it's just amazing. And I still, every time, as much as we've gone, as much as I've gone, you still don't. I'm like, is it going to affect me this time? No, it does. Yeah, you get a little weepy-eyed every time you see it. It still does.

Speaker 1: 12:14

Oh, good, yeah, Good good, all right where are we going to next? All right, so we're leaving Magic Kingdom now.

Speaker 2: 12:19

Bye Magic Kingdom.

Speaker 1: 12:20

And heading into Epcot. Ooh, I'm about to mention it's a little bit newer it is World Celebration Gardens in Dreamers Point. So Dreamers Point is where the Walt statue is, yes, and the World Celebration Gardens. There's, like it's, a garden area, lots of seating, lighting effects in the walkways and pillars. You can get a good view of Spaceship Earth.

Speaker 2: 12:47

Beautiful view of Spaceship.

Speaker 1: 12:49

Earth. Just very relaxing. You can get a good view of spaceship earth, beautiful view of spaceship, um, just very relaxing now. At times the music does get a little louder but it goes along with the show that happens on spaceship earth when it's getting dark yeah, and this is not one.

Speaker 2: 13:04

You want to walk or sit after you go meet walt. Get your picture with w Walt right sit, grab you some popcorn, grab you a drink and just sit and chill.

Speaker 1: 13:14

They have very comfortable chair, well some of them are some of them are like Adirondack chairs yeah, they have different types of seating, from Adirondack chairs to table and chairs and everything, so it's even a good place to take some food and eat go to Connections Cafe, not or Connections Eatery, not the cafe.

Speaker 2: 13:31

Get you some pizza or a burger Take it out there, or salad. They have a very good selection there, and just listen to this very inspiring music. I think they nailed it.

Speaker 1: 13:41

So I know a lot of people have been critical of the Epcot overhaul, but I think the music they nailed it, yeah, and then, like I said, when it's that twilight time, I guess you could say it's a good time too, because you get to see whatever show they're showing on Spaceship Earth and Spaceship Earth changing colors to go along with the song, and then that whole area kind of does it as well.

Speaker 2: 14:04

Speaking of Epcot, I'm really looking forward to going to Epcot with no festival.

Speaker 1: 14:09

It'll be different.

Speaker 2: 14:10

Yes, but I feel like we'll be able to enjoy the World Showcase much more because we're not distracted with oh, we've got to get this food booth in this country, instead of eating what's really in that country. Right, does that make sense? I was thinking about that today. I'm like man. I'm so excited for that.

Speaker 1: 14:30

I am excited, although I know at least Nolan's going to miss one of the boosts really bad. But for whatever reason, in October he loved the one that I forgot which one. It was close to Morocco that had that chicken tikka masala like it was chicken and rice and we can get chicken tikka masala elsewhere. I think I'm sure we can get chicken tikka masala elsewhere.

Speaker 2: 14:50

I think I'm sure we can.

Speaker 1: 14:51

But for whatever reason, I bring it up and like, oh, there won't be a festival, what do you mean? I won't be able to get that.

Speaker 2: 14:59

I'm just excited we can enjoy it and not like, oh, we got to go to this booth, we got to go to that booth, no, no, okay, what are the actual snacks in the countries that we have to try? We haven't done any of that.

Speaker 1: 15:12

Yeah, and I agree because the last couple of times it has just been following the food booth trails.

Speaker 2: 15:19

I'm done with this, Even when we go back and there's a festival don't care, unless there's like one one thing we have to eat. Yeah yeah, I know that griddle cheese from the grease thing was so good. All right, where are we off to next?

Speaker 1: 15:31

So staying in Epcot, heading to the Seas with Nemo and Friends and the aquarium there.

Speaker 2: 15:38

I'm going to go just with the queue.

Speaker 1: 15:42

Oh for the ride, for the Nemo ride, because the ride itself is like eh, you know, but the queue is very relaxing. Usually you just walk right through it, though.

Speaker 2: 15:50

I want to hang out. They put you underwater and you can see the boat. Did you know that in the ceiling oh, I don't think I looked up. The boat where they get Nemo. You're underwater, you're looking up at the boat.

Speaker 1: 16:03

Okay, I don't think I've ever looked up and they have the motor and like yeah. Oh, I haven't looked up but there's so many other things even on the walls and stuff, like like the school of fish, the school of fish making different shapes and yes, and you do feel like you're underwater just with the lighting and the coral and all that stuff and it's just, it's really relaxing. But then when you're off the ride, stay in that building and go to the different areas in the aquarium. I love going upstairs and watching the dolphins.

Speaker 2: 16:33

Yes.

Speaker 1: 16:33

And the sea turtles and quite a few other animals in there, and it's just I don't know like that's my time, to just kind of chill. Yeah, you know, I could spend 30, 40 minutes just watching them swim around.

Speaker 2: 16:48

Yeah, I agree. And the show Turtle Talk with Crush is there, so funny.

Speaker 1: 16:53

Yeah, because you never know what's going to be talked about, because they take questions from the audience and kids, so you really don't know what the kids are going to say.

Speaker 2: 17:01

You never know what the kids are going to ask and the reactions from Crush are genuine. The technology, how they do that is so cool, but it's an awesome interaction between Crush and the kids and you just never know. We don't do it every time, but when we do I'm like man. It's just so pure.

Speaker 1: 17:21

Right, you know. Yeah, it's been a little bit since we've been, so maybe that's something we do next time.

Speaker 2: 17:26

Maybe All right. Where are we off to next?

Speaker 1: 17:29

So staying in Epcot.

Speaker 2: 17:30

We love.

Speaker 1: 17:30

Epcot Going to the Japan Pavilion.

Speaker 2: 17:33

Yes, this is a relaxing place too.

Speaker 1: 17:36

Very relaxing. I feel like the whole Japan Pavilion is a lot quieter than others. But then you go a little further back.

Speaker 2: 17:43

You got to go back there's some like tranquil gardens. You go up.

Speaker 1: 17:50

Yes, back and up Katsura Grill, but there's some gardens and like water. That like makes different things shift.

Speaker 2: 17:55

Yes, you know what I'm talking about. Yes, the bamboo stuff.

Speaker 1: 17:59

Yes, and it's just, it's really pretty, really quiet back there and just a chance to endure.

Speaker 2: 18:07

Endure, endure, you're enduring your day in Epcot, especially in the. Japan Pavilion because it's so stressful.

Speaker 1: 18:15

Enjoying the outdoors in a nice, quiet, shady area. Yes, yes.

Speaker 2: 18:22

This is a relaxing place to, and when you're up top you have one of the most spectacular views of Spaceship Earth across the lake.

Speaker 1: 18:33

Yes.

Speaker 2: 18:33

It is framed perfectly.

Speaker 1: 18:35

Yeah, and even when you Katsura Grill is where you got your tempura shrimp.

Speaker 2: 18:40

They have tempura shrimp and then they have udon noodles and stuff.

Speaker 1: 18:44

But even like that restaurant is quieter and stuff too At times.

Speaker 2: 18:48

I've been up there and it was nuts before. Oh, okay, Well the time I went in there it was, but more often than not it's going to be because not people know about it. And if you're listening to this shh, don't tell anybody.

Speaker 1: 18:57

Well, and I think, because it is so far back, there too, People don't want to go back in there.

Speaker 2: 19:01

Yeah, yeah, and usually there, and people want to get the frushi or whatever. Right, that beef bun was good. Yes, that was the you are going to miss some booths, no, but I want to enjoy it because they have some legit, really good restaurants in the Japanese people that we haven't even looked at. Right, and the boys might like them.

Speaker 1: 19:23

Yeah, who knows? I think, they will.

Speaker 2: 19:27

There's just so much more to Epcot that we haven't even scratched the surface on yet.

Speaker 1: 19:31

Right, it's amazing. We just need to go one year for the whole week just to Epcot.

Speaker 2: 19:36

We can spend a day in each country.

Speaker 1: 19:38

There you go and enjoy all the food.

Speaker 2: 19:40

Yes, and the store here that I forgot the name of the store, but it's like the oldest department store in the world. Like the store, not the store in Epcot. But it's based off of it. Yes, and they have some go exploring in there. Hang out in there. There's some really unique stuff you can get, like pearls from oysters in there.

Speaker 1: 20:02

Yeah, all kinds of things and different food and Snacks and toys.

Speaker 2: 20:07

The boys like going in there and just looking at the snacks and we can spend 30 45 minutes just in that store. Yeah, it's a really cool place. So, yes, you can hang out in all of the pavilions, but I think the japanese pavilion may be one of the most unique ones. Yeah, as far as items you can get and different, they have everything from the quick service restaurant to a six hour $800 a person dinner.

Speaker 1: 20:35

Right.

Speaker 2: 20:35

Or whatever, however much it is, whatever, like one of those like 20 course tasting meals. That is probably one of the best meals you'll ever have.

Speaker 1: 20:44

That we won't be doing.

Speaker 2: 20:44

We won't be doing that. But they just have such a wide range of stuff in there that you don't realize. You just see the pagoda and you see this door and that's really all. If you just on the surface, that's all you see.

Speaker 1: 20:55

Right.

Speaker 2: 20:55

There's more to it, a lot more to it than just that.

Speaker 1: 20:58

Yeah, and I mean I know we're talking about Japan, but there's a couple other pavilions that are kind of like that too.

Speaker 2: 21:03

That's why we're going to do a little further into yeah, or maybe we just do it hanging out in World Showcase. Maybe that's the show, I don't know.

Speaker 1: 21:11

So moving on still in.

Speaker 2: 21:13

Epcot, but Everybody's dad's favorite ride.

Speaker 1: 21:15

Living with the land.

Speaker 2: 21:16

Yes, what do you? What do you?

Speaker 1: 21:19

I mean there's nothing to do but relax on the ride.

Speaker 2: 21:22

Relax, take it in. I've just, I just, I didn't know anything about this until we wrote it and I was like, oh my gosh, yeah, this, this is amazing. The music is just peaceful. You, this is the oldest form of edutainment in the park right now because you're learning you, but they do such a great job of it. The behind the seeds tour we did was amazing. I loved every second of that. Yeah, you were skeptical about it at first.

Speaker 1: 21:48

I was, but I enjoyed it more than I thought and there was a little more to it than I thought too, because they let us sample cucumbers that they grow there, feed the fish and all that stuff.

Speaker 2: 22:01

Yeah, it's just a great relaxing 10-minute attraction.

Speaker 1: 22:07

I'm around that, yeah.

Speaker 2: 22:08

And it's just so peaceful and relaxing and this is just a good place to just. I'm going to try it too. When we're doing the extra magic what not magic? But late night, do it like hey, can we just stay on and just do it, ryan.

Speaker 2: 22:23

He wants to do other things too, though he likes living with him, he likes relaxing back to back. Well, we'll see all right. We'll see all right. So if you want to listen to this beautiful music and chill and relax and know what we're talking about, you know to reach out to is that our sponsor? Our sponsor mainstay travel company is the official sponsors podcast and we use them for all of our disney and non-disney vacations needs.

Speaker 1: 22:47

I'm just gonna let the music play, because it's so good, that's fine but yes, we use them for all our needs, even for planning that behind the scenes tour.

Speaker 2: 22:55

Yes, they did all of that. They can plan your walt disney world, disneyland disney cruise line adventures by disney alani disneyland paris vacations. And they can plan your hilton head and vero beach resorts. Yes, well, we're going at the end of the month to Vero Beach, can't wait.

Speaker 1: 23:11

Yes looking forward to it.

Speaker 2: 23:13

We have to do a full-on trip report and everything from that.

Speaker 1: 23:15

And I'm trying to talk him into a character dining there too.

Speaker 2: 23:18

I didn't say no, I know, Exclusively for Circle of Parks listeners only. If you book your next cruise on Disney Cruise Line with Main Street Travel Company, you will get up to $1,000 onboard credit. If you book an Adventures by Disney trip, you'll get up to $1,000 cashback, which I want to do the Southern California trip.

Speaker 1: 23:37

At some point.

Speaker 2: 23:38

Because you get to go to the studios, you get to go to the archives and you get like VIP stuff at Disneyland and you stay at the Grand California. Okay.

Speaker 1: 23:47

That's a pretty cool trip Sometime in the next couple of years.

Speaker 2: 23:48

Sometime, yeah, and if you go to Walt Disney World, you'll get a gift card based on the value of your trip. And if you book with our travel planner Travel Planner Erica she's going to throw $20 on top of that gift card.

Speaker 1: 24:02

For Walt Disney World. For.

Speaker 2: 24:02

Walt Disney World. If you book Disneyland with our Travel Planner, Travel Planner Erica, which we're going in July, she's going to throw a $100 gift card on top of that, because it's her favorite home park and she's just so passionate about Disneyland. Yes, so not only are they going to save you time, stress, anxiety, they're going to save you money. I don't know why you wouldn't book your vacation with them. You can check them out wwwmainstreettravelcocom. They're on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube and again, my favorite thing you can do is call them 1-800-593-1262, Monday through Friday, 10 am 5 pm, Central Time. Again, tell them we sent you, Take advantage of special offers. They'll take care of all the dining stuff which we got to do that this week. Erica was texting me this weekend. She's like hey, what's the dining stuff? I'm like we'll get to you.

Speaker 1: 24:53

No, she needs to text me because you might not say the right things.

Speaker 2: 24:58

We'll text her.

Speaker 1: 24:59

All right.

Speaker 2: 25:00

Anyway, so go check them out again. Tell them we sent you. Take advantage of special offers. I don't know this is so much better using them. I'm so glad we're partners with them.

Speaker 1: 25:09

Yes.

Speaker 2: 25:10

And we're friends with them.

Speaker 1: 25:11

Yes, they're just amazing. We are, yeah, and I mean I think you would know more as far as the dining in Disneyland, but Magic Kingdom I don't know. We need to talk about it together.

Speaker 2: 25:21

We've already talked about it.

Speaker 1: 25:22

Well, a little more.

Speaker 2: 25:23

All right, fair enough.

Speaker 1: 25:29

All. So where are we going next? Well, we need to turn this music off because we're heading to another park. Where are we going? We are going to Animal Kingdom Nomad.

Speaker 2: 25:32

Lounge, another very peaceful place. Just listen to this.

Speaker 1: 25:39

So Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom is located right there on the river.

Speaker 2: 25:45

Yes, right next to Tiffin's.

Speaker 1: 25:46

Yes, right next to Tiffin's on the river, you can walk up, put your name on the list. They get back to you. You know, sometimes you might.

Speaker 2: 25:55

You can do it virtually too.

Speaker 1: 25:55

Yes, and sometimes you might wait a couple hours, sometimes it may just be 30 minutes, it just depends on the day and they have a lot of small plates with really good food and then some great beverages and then some great beverages, the best churros.

Speaker 2: 26:08

better than Disneyland.

Speaker 1: 26:09

Churros are amazing and even some of the other stuff we've had, like the chicken and things like that.

Speaker 2: 26:15

Yes, very good, very good cocktails, very good mocktails as well.

Speaker 1: 26:19

The cocktails are going to be very strong. Keep that in mind.

Speaker 2: 26:22

Very good.

Speaker 1: 26:24

And it's just. The whole environment is relaxing inside and outside. But outside, when you're there on the river, it's just something about it.

Speaker 2: 26:32

When you get to flotillas going by and you can see Pandora. It's just such, just the way the decor is. It's just such a peaceful, relaxing place to hang out. Our boys loved it. Now they may not want to stay as long as we did when we were by ourselves. Yes, but they enjoyed the food, they just enjoyed the atmosphere and it's just such a great relaxing. They invite like the decor and the furniture is just so inviting to just hang out.

Speaker 1: 27:02

It is. It's like they don't want you to leave. Yeah, like outside, you know, it's like the comfortable lounging outdoor furniture. Chase, lounges, chase chairs and stuff that you'd want for your own patio at home. Yes, so yeah.

Speaker 2: 27:16

So you know how? At Oga's Cantina you've got 45 minutes and they're kicking you out. Yeah, here they're not letting you leave for at least an hour.

Speaker 1: 27:27

Right.

Speaker 2: 27:27

They want you to stay and just chill and relax.

Speaker 1: 27:30

And order another thing at your house. Yes, definitely yes.

Speaker 2: 27:34

All right, so staying with Animal Kingdom Brittany. Where are we going to next?

Speaker 1: 27:38

So you already mentioned the area, so now you're heading into Pandora.

Speaker 2: 27:42

Ah, this is just. This is one place. Yes, I want to do Flight of Passage and I want to go eat at Satouli Canteen. But grab you a grog's ale, specific only to Pandora. You can get it at what's the name of the place Pongu.

Speaker 1: 28:02

Pongu, Pongu, yeah and stroll relax, especially if it's later in the evening. Yes, yes.

Speaker 2: 28:10

You will see so many's later in the evening. Yes, you will see so many people relaxing and just enjoying this place. Take it in.

Speaker 1: 28:17

Yeah, middle of the day it might be a little harder to take it in, it's hot, it's crowded. But if you can catch it closer, especially closer to park closing, and take it all in, that's the time to do it and, depending on the time of year, you see the bioluminescent lighting, not in the summertime, but yeah, just wish they would yeah, hey, we're gonna close the rest of the park, but we're gonna keep pandora open till like 10, right, just so you can just hang out in there.

Speaker 2: 28:42

Yeah, I would be fine with that yes, but it is.

Speaker 1: 28:46

it is very, very nice and relaxing and you know, the music you hear is relaxing and it's just really really well done. Well, the whole park is extremely well done.

Speaker 2: 28:59

They nailed it with Pandora. It is so well done, yes, and you can just relax. There's stuff like drums to bang on and stuff to explore. It's just such a really it is one of the top themed lands I've ever done.

Speaker 1: 29:16

Right, and something about the ride to Flight of Passage. So even though it's exhilarating, it's thrilling. In a way it's also relaxing all at the same time Peaceful and just.

Speaker 2: 29:26

It's so great. Yes, alright, moving on.

Speaker 1: 29:29

So still in Animal Kingdom, but you're taking a train to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

Speaker 2: 29:35

This is more about y'all like this more than I do.

Speaker 1: 29:37

Well, I think it's just, you know, if it's feeling a little hustle bustle kind of day, it just gives you a chance to take a train. You're still in Animal Kingdom, but you're going about five minutes out of the main park, I guess you could say. And it's just a lot more chill. You get to see things that they prepare for the animals to eat as well, as you know how they take care of the animals. See a little bit of backstage stuff along the way too.

Speaker 2: 30:07

Yes.

Speaker 1: 30:07

Where animals stay, and then you have a chance to draw with an animator.

Speaker 2: 30:13

Yep.

Speaker 1: 30:14

And the boys enjoy doing that, especially Nolan. And you never know what character you're going to be drawing until you're there. And so you know we've done things from scar, from lion king to I can't even think right now simba, and then what was the one from raya?

Speaker 2: 30:33

that was a tuk-tuk the tuk-tuk that was the first thing. The little like hedgehog thing, yes, and then roly-poly looking thing yes, and we've done.

Speaker 1: 30:41

You know quite a few others as well. So it just gives you a chance to kind of, you know, relax, chill, for you know a good 30 minutes or so, and then you know they also have a petting zoo back there and everything, and then, of course, the train ride back so I'm not so big on the animation thing but I do enjoy doing it.

Speaker 2: 30:59

But you and no one are really into it yes I enjoy taking the wildlife express train because the theming around there is again, because it's Animal Kingdom is amazing. All the details on the train itself, all the details on the train itself as well and the backstage area. You can see where they keep the elephants and the tigers and all the other animals when they're not on stage. Yes, I think that's really cool and I do like to go in the conservation station at Rafiki's Planet Watch and see like the veterinarian area.

Speaker 1: 31:29

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 31:29

And they do have like some reptiles and stuff back there.

Speaker 1: 31:32

I know you don't like that, but I do Well, and then, like I said, they also show you, like what foods they fix for them. Yeah, so that I do enjoy doing.

Speaker 2: 31:39

I can take a pass on the petting zoo.

Speaker 1: 31:50

But yeah, pass on the the petting zoo. But yeah, it is, it is a good, I enjoy doing it. Yeah, yeah, I think you know, just to kind of break up the day a little bit. It's, it's a good, good thing to do and if it's hot out, you know it gets you out of that sun for a while. When you're doing the, you know the drawing because animal kingdom gets very hot, especially when you go in July.

Speaker 2: 32:03

Yes, speaking of humidity, it's back here in Tennessee. I'm loving it, yep. If you hear we're not as coffee and sinus-y anymore.

Speaker 1: 32:12

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 32:12

Yes, loving it. Yeah, all right, we're changing places now. Yeah, changing course a little bit too A little bit so, oh so.

Speaker 1: 32:25

Disney's Wilderness Lodge, so we stayed here at Christmas and it is up there in my top favorite resorts.

Speaker 2: 32:36

It's top five, it's top three for me.

Speaker 1: 32:45

Escape to like you're escaping to the great northwest. Think of national parks and just being outdoors. It's beauty, wilderness. There's trails, rocking chairs everywhere, creeks, waterfalls, geysers, roaring fireplaces. It's just ah.

Speaker 2: 33:07

It's a great place to hang out.

Speaker 1: 33:08

Yes.

Speaker 2: 33:09

The mercantile shop is really cool the lobby. You can just go in there and literally just hang out.

Speaker 1: 33:14

Yes.

Speaker 2: 33:15

Great dining options there, except for the quick service place.

Speaker 1: 33:18

Yeah, but I mean just amazing, like so many areas to relax and chill the pool, if you get. Get there, especially like that first hour from 10 to 11 is so chill, especially at christmas. You hear like the wilderness christmas music that they play um when you hear like bugs chirping and all that stuff yeah, it's just amazing.

Speaker 1: 33:38

the reason why I say the first hour, because then after that you know they get the louder music going for the kids and the fun activities and stuff, which is great too, but for the relaxing that first hour was just ah.

Speaker 2: 33:49

Also, the trails around here are great. It's just a great resort to explore.

Speaker 1: 33:54

It is.

Speaker 2: 33:55

And has probably my favorite place in all Walt Disney World.

Speaker 1: 34:00

You say that a lot.

Speaker 2: 34:02

Walt's Room. Yes, this is in the boulder ridge villa. So if you're going to go check it out, when you enter the main lobby you'll turn right at the mercantile store. Go outside and you'll follow the pathway down and you'll see signs that say boulder ridge villas. Walk into there.

Speaker 2: 34:18

That's the dvc part of this resort yes and go to the right and you'll see a bunch of trains. This is called the carolwood pacific room and big fireplace. It's not a lot of people in there. It's got, uh, parts of walt's old train from when he lived in homebly hills in california. He had a train like a you could ride. Yeah, that's there and I've matched up the train in there with pictures of him riding that train in old photos.

Speaker 1: 34:49

So it is that and there's so many old photos of them in there too. Great yeah great.

Speaker 2: 34:54

Ryan likes that room. Our oldest, yes. And he said if you go to the one of the other side rooms from there, there's a table with like an ipad kind of thing on there with games so you can play games in there for the kids. But I took a scotch, went down there late at night and just sat with walt.

Speaker 1: 35:12

Yeah, so great, it's so great yeah, because I did some of the games with the boys. So yeah, but it is, it is nice and, you know, even if you're not into history of disney as much as zach like I think everyone, at least even for a couple of minutes, can get mesmerized by that room.

Speaker 2: 35:28

It's just so, yeah, yeah, but people would walk in and they would just see me sitting there and they would just kind of nod at me, right?

Speaker 1: 35:37

They get it.

Speaker 2: 35:37

Yeah, it's just like yeah, this is what you do here, all right, where are we going now? Going what you do here, all right, where are we going now?

Speaker 1: 35:42

Going to another resort. Staying with the resorts, and this one is Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

Speaker 2: 35:49

This is a great one to hang out in.

Speaker 1: 35:51

It is and it was like way, way up there. And then now with Wilderness Lodge, I just I don't know where it falls exactly, but think of, like the South Pacific, you know, the islands, like Hawaii, the Philippines, like that kind of thing Lush vegetation everywhere, like in the lobby around the resort, just the. It's like an island ambiance and great, great restaurants, great food.

Speaker 2: 36:22

Even the quick service is really one of the best quick services on property.

Speaker 1: 36:27

Yeah, and not just certain times of the day like all day long. With what?

Speaker 2: 36:30

they have to offer Breakfast and dinner.

Speaker 1: 36:31

Yes, and you have quick service. You have a couple of sit-down restaurants, both really good. You have a lounge, tambu Lounge, that serves a lot of the favorites from Ohana, but you don't get the price tag. The Ohana experience, yes, yeah the whole Ohana experience with the price tag, but it is still a great experience and it's just. It is really relaxing. It can get a little crowded at times, especially if it's a rainy day.

Speaker 2: 36:57

Yes.

Speaker 1: 36:57

But it is. I mean, just listen to the music. I mean it definitely has that island vibe and we love, love, love, or at least I love, love, love. The store here.

Speaker 2: 37:06

The store is great. This is a destination resort. What I mean by that is people go here to go check it out and eat at Ohana and go to Pineapple Lanai and get a Dole Whip, and people go here. They make a whole evening of it, right.

Speaker 1: 37:19

Yes, oh, and that bar.

Speaker 2: 37:27

I bar um.

Speaker 1: 37:27

I didn't go to it. You and nolan went. Oh, why am I going? Traitor jose, traitor jose, traitor sam's. Oh yeah, traitor jose is a restaurant. Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry it's.

Speaker 2: 37:33

There is so much here at the polynesian resort. Just the lobby is amazing. Walking around the grounds, grab you a drink and just walk around the grounds. It's so peaceful, lush, beautiful. I loved staying here when we did. The pool is amazing. Go to the beach. You don't have to go there to watch fireworks, just go there and just watch the happenings on seven seas lagoon. Yes, do we need to pause?

Speaker 1: 38:01

no, it's fine. Yes, I mean, yes, I mean, and there's so much. And then there's great memories for me in our oldest Ryan, like during the fireworks. You can see Magic Kingdom fireworks from there and they pump that music in so you can see it from the beach, but then also even at the pool. I always get teary-eyed, but it's just a great experience.

Speaker 1: 38:22

It was your birthday, it Um but it's just, it was your birthday. It was your birthday, it was my birthday and he took time out from the pool and came and watched the fireworks with me. And Ryan's usually not super like sentimental in any way, so I think that's why I, like my voice still cracks and I get teary eyed thinking about it. But it's just. You know, a great relaxing resort in the fact that you can see those fireworks and you know, the beach itself might not be too relaxing when the fireworks are happening, because that's where a lot of people go now to watch it.

Speaker 2: 38:51

but it's just you don't have to watch fireworks, just go there and hang out and watch the magic on. For some reason, for me, the seven seas lagoon has become magical like the noises I don't know why, but the noises of the ferry boats. But it's iconic though. Right, right, and during the fire you mentioned, ryan was with you. Nolan grabbed one of the life vests for the kids and was just floating with his legs up.

Speaker 1: 39:13

Oh, yeah, watching the fire just chilling, just chilling, just chilling.

Speaker 2: 39:16

Yeah, we mentioned Captain Cook's For breakfast. You got to talk about the target toast Iconic here, target toast iconic here. And then for lunch and dinner, the pulled pork nachos amazing. The pulled pork sandwich amazing. Like everything here is so good and unique. And what's the other uh sit down restaurant we ate at?

Speaker 1: 39:35

uh kona kona cafe great food there yeah, a lot of like easy to get a reservation, but very yeah, very good. There's just so, just so many good drink and food options here. But even like the pool bar Pool bar is great yeah.

Speaker 2: 39:52

And you have, that store is a really cool store, yes, and it's just a great place. It really is, and you can go and spend hours here and just relax. Yes, all right. Where are we going to next?

Speaker 1: 40:05

next we are going to animal kingdom lodge and we especially love jumbo house because it's two separate areas I'll get the right music here in a second but animal kingdom lodge more specifically, we love jumbo house and it's just. I mean listen to the music, it's like Animal Kingdom music, you know.

Speaker 2: 40:27

And of course, it's Animal Kingdom music.

Speaker 1: 40:29

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 40:30

Yeah, I get it Like the theme park. Animal Kingdom yes, yes, yes.

Speaker 1: 40:33

You know, you hear a lot of similar music and everything you know. It's like you're stepping into an African resort hotel. You know, not only with the music but the decor. They have a lot of things like exhibits in cases and stuff as well, and so these are real African artifacts. Yes.

Speaker 2: 40:52

And I could be wrong on this, but I've read that Animal Kingdom Lodge has more African artifacts outside of Africa than any other museum in the country.

Speaker 1: 41:02

Right Am I.

Speaker 2: 41:03

I could be wrong on that, yeah.

Speaker 1: 41:05

But it's just, you know, and you've got savannas, lots of animals and birds that you can see, not only if you have a savanna view room, but just they have viewing areas throughout the resort that you can go out and see and they have like rocking chairs for you to sit in and watch until the pool areas are super nice and relaxing and again, just the music, especially at Christmas time the music here.

Speaker 2: 41:31

Don't get me started on that.

Speaker 1: 41:33

And then we haven't experienced all the restaurants yet, but it's another resort that's known for the food.

Speaker 2: 41:41

Sanaa Boma, jiko. We've eaten at Boma. We've eaten at Boma.

Speaker 1: 41:46

We ate breakfast at Boma, very good.

Speaker 2: 41:47

Very cool. I really enjoyed it.

Speaker 1: 41:50

And the different dishes, because they keep the traditional breakfast dishes that we expect to find on buffets, but then also a few African dishes as well.

Speaker 2: 41:58

Not only can you just explore the Savannah, but this lobby has so many comfortable chairs and couches. Yes, and this music.

Speaker 1: 42:07

Oh my gosh. And then, like I said, even outside for the viewing areas. You know there's rocking chairs around out there as well, and you know they do have a quick service, the Mara.

Speaker 2: 42:18

It's your typical quick service. It is, but you can get the zebra domes there in the refrigerated case and that's super good.

Speaker 1: 42:26

And yes, we want to experience Jiko. You know, I think it's more of like it's a fine dining place. And bolder African spiced flavors to it, but I want to experience it.

Speaker 2: 42:36

Do you know what they use for palate cleansers before dishes Between?

Speaker 1: 42:40

Sorbet, sorbet which you love.

Speaker 2: 42:42

Lemon sorbet.

Speaker 1: 42:43

Yes, and then you know I do want to go back at some point and do Boma for dinner and then Sanal, like that bread service. We need to try it.

Speaker 2: 42:53

We, we were there for seven nights and we did not eat there. We're idiots.

Speaker 1: 42:59

It's all right.

Speaker 2: 43:00

The pool is very relaxing. I just, I could probably sit in this lobby for hours. Oh, for sure and just listen to this music and just drift away. Yeah, you really feel like you are miles away from anything, like you still get that Disney experience, but you're miles away from the craziness of the parks.

Speaker 1: 43:24

Right.

Speaker 2: 43:27

And this just takes you somewhere else. I just love everything about it, love. I cannot wait to stay here again.

Speaker 1: 43:33

Maybe christmas we're still going back and forth on that maybe it's just you know, because it would just the days we would be there.

Speaker 2: 43:38

We just got to figure it out, yeah yeah, all right, we could probably talk about this forever and listen to the music and listen to the music forever and listen to the music. I didn't even get to Christmas music that takes you. When we walked in and that's one song that I love was playing, you were like come here check this out.

Speaker 1: 43:53

I'm like no no yeah, it took me a minute to realize what was playing and I was like, oh yep, just let him be, just leave me alone. But yes, so keeping it with resorts, the boardwalk Now, not so much the resort itself. We're talking about the boardwalk area where the restaurants and stuff.

Speaker 2: 44:10

Yeah, you'll get nightmares from the chairs inside the boardwalk.

Speaker 1: 44:13

Yeah, so on your way to the boardwalk you have, you know, like an ice cream place and a pizza window.

Speaker 2: 44:21

Deli yeah, yes, it's Disney Springs. Without the disney springs, does that make sense, especially at night?

Speaker 1: 44:29

yeah, and during the day, like it's, it's real chill, not a whole lot of people yeah you know, and at night.

Speaker 2: 44:37

It's beautiful, though. You got flying fish, you got jelly rolls, you got abracadabra, you got the dance hall and they're getting. They remember the blue ribbon corn dog from disneyland? Oh yeah, it's opening there, okay, so they're getting a blue ribbon corn dog. You can get yourself a margarita and get your drink and walk around crescent lake. It is beautiful at night with all the lights, great place to go hang out and get like a nightlife experience without the craziness of Disney Springs.

Speaker 1: 45:08

Right, because Disney Springs is beautiful too, but it is so busy it's nuts.

Speaker 2: 45:12

Yeah, so we went back and forth about putting Disney Springs on the list, but we were like when can you really relax?

Speaker 1: 45:19

Yeah, I mean now food. I mean there's wonderful food galore, but as far as just chilling In the now food. I mean there's wonderful food galore, but as far as just chilling.

Speaker 2: 45:25

In the pizza window. I know Disney's not known for its pizza and now this isn't great pizza, but it's good. It's pretty good though For Disney. It's not bad and you can feed the whole family or get it by the slice. The little quick service place, the little deli in there, has some good little to-go sandwiches and they got an ice cream shop in there. Has some good little to-go sandwiches and they get an ice cream shop in there too. Yes, so you can get some ice cream. Just walk around beautiful crescent lake there. Not a bad time, yeah, all right for sure where are we going to next?

Speaker 1: 45:55

and we've done ice cream and pizza yes, it's very good so, um, we're not going here again, but we did forget to mention, when we were in Animal Kingdom, just really any seating areas along the river. Oh, you found some music, okay, so I mean.

Speaker 2: 46:10

Moreover, like the Rivers of Light area, where the Rivers of Light show, used to be like the stadium seating area.

Speaker 1: 46:17

So that's an area I mean, but it's just broad seating there. But I mean Right, you could. But there's a lot of other tucked in areas along the river, like in.

Speaker 2: 46:25

Asia Nomad Lounge.

Speaker 1: 46:28

Nomad Lounge that we mentioned earlier. But, like in Asia, there's like a little area off to the side that you kind of go down a little bit and it's right there on the river. That's so relaxing and then like around Flame Tree, barbecue.

Speaker 2: 46:39

The seating area is amazing.

Speaker 1: 46:39

The seating area and you can still see the flotillas go by and so, and there's a few other areas along along the river and uh, so yeah, um, I just wanted to make sure we did mention that. You know, be looking for those areas. If you're wanting somewhere quiet in animal kingdom or quieter, there are plenty of places or go when there's nobody there.

Speaker 2: 47:00

It is extremely quiet yes, uh.

Speaker 1: 47:02

So moving on now to hollywood studios. So echo lake at hollywood studios. So it's kind of like a, a promenade area, so to speak. Um, you know, it's got some seating and kind of tucked away, you've got got, you know, some little restaurants and like shaved ice, icy kind of places where you can sit and chill on a bench and enjoy that and you're not in the midst of everyone. That's like in front of the Chinese theater area.

Speaker 2: 47:37

Yeah. Yeah, I'm going to kind of broaden this out a little bit, but I do like this little area here. There's some cool stuff for Indiana Jones like actual props they use in the movie by the show, and you got Gertie the Dinosaur.

Speaker 1: 47:49

Yes.

Speaker 2: 47:50

And I love above the what's that restaurant with the character dining?

Speaker 1: 47:54

Vine, hollywood, hollywood and Vine yeah.

Speaker 2: 47:57

I love the Roger Rabbit references above in the windows above the restaurant. It is a cool place and you got. I'm not a fan of the Frozen Coke place but there's some really cool Easter eggs In and around there, in and around there that are referenced Disney and the Rocketeer and other things, and I'm going to broaden it out to Sunset and Hollywood Boulevard.

Speaker 1: 48:19

Yes, that's a great area. You can just grab a bench at night.

Speaker 2: 48:22

We did this one night. Yes, we did this one night. Yes, we just got snacks Me and you got a couple of drinks, yeah, and we just like hung out there for like an hour.

Speaker 1: 48:31

Yeah, hour and a half, it was great.

Speaker 2: 48:33

And just enjoyed the music, the lights and just oh, we were killing time before Fantasmic that we didn't get to see.

Speaker 1: 48:40

We didn't get to see that, we didn't get to see the whole thing, but it's okay, it's okay.

Speaker 2: 48:44

So it was just a very relaxing place, and we've talked about this before. At night, hollywood Studios really comes alive, yes, and it is just a great park to stroll through and walk around and hang out. You don't have to do any attractions in here. I don't think. No, you want?

Speaker 1: 49:02

to.

Speaker 2: 49:06

But when I was there a few weeks ago, I just strolled around. I didn't do any attractions, I just walked around yeah enjoyed the music and went in some of the shops and just hung out.

Speaker 1: 49:13

Yeah, the key word, I think, is more at night. I've this, this part for some reason for for our family. During the day, I just feel like we're like go, go, go, go go we're overwhelmed yes, because we feel like we can't get everything in, and then we do and like we're like go, go, go, go go. We're overwhelmed. Yes, because we feel like we can't get everything in, and then we do, and then we're like well, now what?

Speaker 2: 49:26

You hang out, you hang out.

Speaker 1: 49:30

But there are other areas like indoor that you can chill. That I really didn't think of until I guess it was October. Nolan and I hung out a lot in Star Wars Launch Bay Cool place yes, that's where you get to meet several characters from Star Wars, Darth Vader, Chewie and. Bb-8. You know how you greet BB-8?. Thumbs up. Oh really. Yeah, Because he gives you yeah, okay, all right, so yeah, but there's so many other things to see in here besides waiting to meet these characters. Like what other?

Speaker 1: 50:04

things to see in here besides waiting to meet these characters, there's a lot of Star Wars memorabilia and stuff.

Speaker 2: 50:07

Screen used props yes, like speeder bikes and stuff like that. Yes, so cool.

Speaker 1: 50:14

When you think you've seen it all, you turn another corner. There's another little hallway and there's more props and there's a lot of benches and if you're hot, this is a good area to sit and cool down great place.

Speaker 2: 50:26

I love the star wars history here. This is so cool. And speaking of star wars, the other day was may the 4th right, yes, we were watching some youtube about people being the may, being the galaxy's edge. On may the 4th packed yes, still looked more relaxing than toy story land oh, I love toy story land not during but um, but yes, start, but again.

Speaker 1: 50:50

Star wars launch bay good area, especially if you have kids that are maybe feeling a little overwhelmed and you just want somewhere a little quieter and in the cool to to chill and calm them down, this would be a good place so we weren't ranking these, but we do have a number one favorite place yes, so of course, back to our favorite park, animal kingdom, the whole tree of life area, all the trails around it. You know the around the waterfall the otter grotto the uh.

Speaker 1: 51:19

The otters are so cute. Like that whole area from the otters to the kangaroos to just underneath the tree of life, looking at all the carvings. Again, the waterfall, like this music you're hearing at times when I was working on getting my master's degree and I needed to tune everything out that was going on in the house to focus, like I would play this loop of music.

Speaker 2: 51:43

Just so peaceful. Many times with the boys we're like, hey, you want to go do something? Like no, we just want to sit here, right. So we were sitting outside like Discovery Island Trading Company or one of the shops, like let's just get some ice cream and snacks and just sit here and we do, and it's just so peaceful and love it. They absolutely love it. You're in the shadows, not shadows, but you're looking at the tree of life. You can go explore those trails or just sit and relax. It's just so beautiful, peaceful. Every time we walk and make that corner and see the Tree of Life, I'm like yes, To me it's even better than seeing the castle.

Speaker 1: 52:29

Yeah, in a way For me. I mean, I love seeing it from a distance, but just being around that waterfall area especially Like just let me be there for like an hour, I'm good. It's just I love it, every bit of it, yes.

Speaker 2: 52:43

And it's just. I love it every bit of it, yes, and it's just so peaceful and with your sting, at the animal kingdom lodge, they play this music on the bus yes what better way to end your night? No matter what park you're coming from, they play this music. Then it's late at night, the lights are on the bus and you hear this music you halfway fall asleep.

Speaker 1: 53:01

It's so relaxing so great.

Speaker 2: 53:04

Yes, I think that's what made me fall in love with this, this tree of life music not just being at the tree of life, but hearing it on the bus on the way back. On the way back, it's just like one of those memories that just sticks with you you know, yes, yeah yeah, no, for sure, I mean again, we all love it.

Speaker 1: 53:21

There's so many other little animals to see yeah I didn't know that until like a year ago.

Speaker 1: 53:26

You know, and it's just again very relaxing. But you know, throughout Animal Kingdom, like, go on those trails, see where it takes you, because you don't really realize how many animals are in this park until you do that. You know, besides the main Gorilla Falls and the Marajajaja Trail, marajajaja, that you know, besides the main gorilla falls and the marajaha trail marajaha, yes, so, but yeah, the tree of life, love it, love it, love it. Great place to relax. There's some kind of hidden seating throughout those trails too, and it's so great yes all right.

Speaker 2: 53:58

so we hope you've enjoyed that and you've gone on this journey with us across w Disney World to our favorite places to hang out Time for Disney trivia, and we knew what we were going to be talking about, with the Tree of Life and Animal Kingdom being our favorite place to hang out. So I'd been doing some research and watching some Joe Rohde interviews this week and I was like I got a good trivia question. And I was like I got a good trivia question. So what animal did Joe Rohde bring to the final pitch board for Animal Kingdom? And what I mean that is he brought an animal to the boardroom at the Walt Disney Company to make a final pitch for Animal Kingdom, because it almost didn't happen. They almost didn't want to build Animal Kingdom. Wow, they almost didn't want to build animal kingdom. Wow. So, britney, do you know what animal joe ruddy brought into a room full of suits and the board of the walt disney company?

Speaker 1: 54:53

well, so my initial guess was wrong, but my second guess would have been right. So my first guess was a lion, but I was thinking wild cats in my mind, and so the correct answer happened to be tiger.

Speaker 2: 55:10

Well, let's just let Joe Rohde talk about it.

Speaker 1: 55:12

Okay, so this is an interview with Joe Rohde talking about whether a park with live animals made sense under the Disney rubric.

Speaker 2: 55:21

It's not an easy pitch. Animal Kingdom was a struggle. I'm Joe Rohde and I was the creative lead in the an easy pitch Animal Kingdom was a struggle. I'm Joe Rohde and I was the creative lead in the development of Disney's Animal Kingdom. What was coming out was a direct challenge of well, what's so exciting about live animals? Anyway?

Speaker 1: 55:37

Joe's. Like I got an idea.

Speaker 2: 55:39

We invite the entire leadership of the company to the big meeting. They were able to get a tiger into the pitch room. And the tiger walks around the room and the executives are just so. They all just kind of inch back while I keep talking.

Speaker 1: 56:01

It's so visceral to be that close.

Speaker 2: 56:04

While the tiger scratches his chin, gets up, walks out of the room, the end.

Speaker 1: 56:13

The room the end.

Speaker 2: 56:17

Could you imagine being a board member of a major company and him to walk this 500-pound live tiger while Joe Rohde is making his final pitch for Animal Kingdom?

Speaker 1: 56:29

I mean I would be mesmerized, and all at the same time.

Speaker 2: 56:36

How can you not think that's an amazing and exciting?

Speaker 1: 56:38

thing yeah.

Speaker 2: 56:40

So the correct answer is he brought a tiger. That's such a Joe Rohde thing to do, though, right? Yeah, it's just awesome. This week's winner from X still on top is Sweeney. So congratulations to Sweeney. I have not forgotten about you. Life has been crazy here. I will be reaching out to you soon, sweeney, so thank you everybody for joining us this week. We hope you enjoyed this episode. I had a lot of fun. Brittany, did you have a lot of fun?

Speaker 1: 57:07

I did and I loved all the extra music.

Speaker 2: 57:10

Yes, it just really I felt like if we're going to talk about it, we got to bring you there right.

Speaker 1: 57:14

Right, because the music really helps you understand. It sets the mood.

Speaker 2: 57:19

Yes, so if you want to support the podcast, the best way to support the team is to book your next vacation to Walt Disney World or Disneyland with Main Street Travel Company. Yes, they are the official sponsor of this podcast and they're not only going to save you time, money, stress, it's just they're so easy to work with. They're amazing.

Speaker 1: 57:37

They are.

Speaker 2: 57:37

So go check them out wwwmainstreettravelcocom Again they're on Instagram, facebook and YouTube. Call TravelCocom. Again they're on Instagram, facebook and YouTube. Call them 1-800-593-1262. Again, tell them we sent you. Take advantage of those special offers Several of y'all have, and thank you so much for doing that. We really appreciate it.

Speaker 2: 57:53

Yes, thank you Let us know that you support this podcast and we just really appreciate it. Yes, so if you want to email us, circleofparks at gmailcom, our website is wwwcircleofparkscom and we're on Facebook, instagram and X all at Circle of Parks and just thank you so much for listening. We really enjoy doing this every week and we'll talk to you next week.

Speaker 1: 58:15

Talk to you next week. Bye.