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Two holiday parties. One short trip. We set out to answer a question every Disney fan asks in December: should you book Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom or Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios? After doing both just days apart, we share what truly feels like Christmas, where the entertainment hits hardest, and how to get the most value for your crew.

If warm nostalgia is your love language, Magic Kingdom delivers: snowfall on Main Street, Santa in the parade, free cookie and cocoa stations, and beloved characters in cozy winter looks. We met princesses with their princes—Cinderella and Prince Charming, Rapunzel and Flynn, Snow White and her Prince—and moved quickly through lines late at night. For collectors, we talk sippers, the red truck popcorn bucket, and the pro tip to keep popcorn out of your bucket so it stays pristine.

Jollywood, meanwhile, shines with modern Hollywood energy. Think live music, a magnetic ice skating show under Florida skies, roaming dance parties with tuxedoed Goofy and Pluto, and a projection spectacular at the Chinese Theater. Character hunters will appreciate surprises like Scrooge McDuck and an easy meet with Miguel if you know where to look. Foodies and cocktail fans will love the specialty small plates and themed drinks, while families focused on value may favor the included treats at Very Merry.

We also break down strategy: how to structure your day so you’re not dragging by fireworks, when to choose driving over buses or Skyliner, and how to pick the right party for kids, grandparents, or an adults-only night. With variable pricing, DVC discounts, and even free ornaments, the details matter—and we’ve got the playbook.

Many people are already booking their room reservations for the holiday. Are you ready to plan your December 2026 trip? Hit play, choose your vibe—nostalgic cookies or glamorous cocktails—and tell us which party you’d pick. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share with a Disney friend, and leave a review to help more fans find us.

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Ever feel like you’re sprinting through Disney and missing the magic right under your nose? We slow the pace and map a different kind of day—one built on curiosity, texture, and sound. From the sly Imagineer tributes on Main Street to the handcrafted mosaics in Morocco, from the koi ponds tucked behind Japan’s pagoda to the choral power of Voices of Liberty, we show how attention turns crowded parks into living stories.

Then we’re joined by Kevin and Amanda, the creators of Where in the Park, a seek-and-find game that turns wandering into wonder. They explain how their image cards, hints, and QR-powered answers guide you to details you’ve walked past a hundred times, without standing in lines or stepping into shops. We talk game design, ground rules, and the satisfying “aha” moments that families turn into competitions or slow, thoughtful loops between meals and shows. They also share updates to their refreshed packs, new digital games for Disney Springs and CityWalk, value-friendly bundles, and practical shipping timelines.

We round things out with an evening stroll: bioluminescent trails in Pandora, Toy Story Land’s glow, and Galaxy’s Edge immersion from blaster marks to authentic droid tracks. Add resort displays, seasonal touches, and a day riding the monorail, boats, and Skyliner, and you’ve got a relaxing, low-cost way to savor more. Ready to trade rope-drop rush for discovery? Press play, grab a seek-and-find, and tell us the best hidden detail you’ve ever spotted. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves the parks as much as you do.

• Order from Where in the Park and use the code dislove10 to save 10% on your order.
• Where in the Park Podcast episode about windows at Disneyland Park.

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Ever walked through Disney certain you’d seen it all—then spotted one tiny detail that changed how the whole land feels? That spark of discovery drives this episode, where we explore the most rewarding Disney tours that add depth and story to your day, then sit down with Stefan from Rabbit Hole Quest Craft to uncover escape-style adventures that turn the parks into interactive playgrounds.

We start with essential picks for curious fans looking to see Walt Disney World in a new light. Keys to the Kingdom at Magic Kingdom dives into park history and those legendary utilidors beneath Main Street. Over at Animal Kingdom, Caring for Giants delivers a meaningful and affordable look at elephant care and conservation. In Epcot, Behind the Seeds takes you behind the Living with the Land boats to explore hydroponics, sustainability, and beneficial insects firsthand—perfect for anyone who loves learning how Disney grows the future.

For more immersive experiences, we compare the adventurous Wild Africa Trek with the relaxed, food-forward Savor the Savannah, two premium Animal Kingdom offerings worth the splurge. Short on time? Up Close with Rhinos gives guests a rare, intimate view of one of the park’s most inspiring species. And for a nighttime twist, Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge lets you explore the savannas with night-vision goggles—no park ticket required.

Throughout the discussion, we share practical tips: when to book, how to handle mobility needs, where discounts might apply, and what to expect in terms of pacing and accessibility. You’ll also hear a few fun extras—like trivia about The Land pavilion’s early sponsors and the original Soarin’ concept—plus a few classic Walt quotes that still resonate with how guests learn and explore today.

Then we welcome Stefan from Rabbit Hole Quest Craft, a lifelong Disneyland local reimagining the parks as story-driven scavenger experiences. His team’s handcrafted “quests” combine analog and digital gameplay—think ciphers, clue cards, and location-based puzzles—leading to a final story payoff sealed in a locked envelope. It’s National Treasure meets The Goonies, with a sprinkle of Disney storytelling magic. You’ll

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Every Disney vacation creates memories, but what if you could bring home something truly one-of-a-kind? Forget the standard t-shirts and magnets – we're diving deep into the world of personalized Disney souvenirs and the artisans who create them.

Vanessa and Kris explore Disney's lesser-known treasures, from personalized glass ornaments hand-crafted at Arribas Brothers to custom parasols painted in Liberty Square. These aren't just souvenirs; they're heirlooms that capture moments in time. We discuss how to design your own glass keepsake at Epcot's Germany Pavilion, create a personalized leather bracelet in Animal Kingdom, or build a lightsaber that's uniquely yours at Galaxy's Edge. Whether your budget allows for pressed pennies or custom droids, we cover unique options across every price point.

The highlight of our journey is our conversation with Miss Beth from Miss Beth's Silhouettes, who began creating silhouettes at Magic Kingdom in 1989 and now offers this classic art form through her own business. She shares heartwarming stories of generations returning to find her, silhouettes from decades past carefully preserved in family albums. There's something magical about these simple black profiles that capture not just a likeness, but a moment in time – a child's first Disney trip, a family reunion, or a special celebration. As Miss Beth explains, these aren't just souvenirs; they're connections between generations of Disney lovers.

We wrap up with fascinating Disney collectible trivia – would you believe a hand-drawn Disneyland map once sold for over $700,000? While most of us won't be bidding on original attraction vehicles, the value of thoughtfully chosen, personalized souvenirs goes far beyond their price tag. They become touchstones to magical memories, reminding us that the most precious thing we bring home from Disney isn't what we buy – it's how those treasures make us feel long after the vacation ends.

• Miss Beth on Facebook
• Miss Beth on Instagram @bethpray2

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The Disney Wonder may be one of Disney's oldest ships, but you'd never know it from the pristine condition and timeless Art Deco styling that greets you upon boarding. Sailing from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera, this four-night adventure proves why Disney Cruise Line maintains their reputation for exceptional service and magical experiences.

What makes a Disney cruise stand out? It starts with the remarkable 1:3 crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring personalized attention that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Our room attendant June went above and beyond, surprising our daughter with Minnie Mouse sheets and creating special birthday decorations for my mom. These thoughtful touches exemplify why Disney cruises command premium prices—and why they're worth every penny.

Catalina Island emerged as the unexpected highlight of our journey, earning the nickname "the Mackinac Island of California" with its no-cars policy and charming golf cart transportation. Despite some rain, our tour guides came prepared with blankets and ponchos, revealing stunning island views and sharing fascinating history about the bison population that remains from 1920s film productions. Meanwhile, Ensenada offered a glimpse of authentic Mexican culture, proving both safe and interesting to explore.

Onboard, Disney's legendary entertainment shines with Broadway-caliber shows like Frozen: A Musical Spectacular and Disney Dreams—an award-winning production that captivates audiences of all ages. The rotational dining system allowed us to experience Triton's, Animator's Palette, and Tiana's Place, each offering unique themes and culinary delights. Beyond scheduled dining, included room service and quick-service options like Pinocchio's pizza and Pete's Boiler Bites kept us satisfied between adventures.

For families, the Royal Court Royal Tea provides an unforgettable princess experience with Ariel, Belle, and Cinderella, complete with premium gifts and special memories. Meanwhile, the kids club offers safe, engaging activities when parents want adult time, though our daughter preferred staying with us for most of the journey.

Whether you're exploring port destinations, participating in trivia contests, enjoying character meet-and-greets, or simply relaxing in the heated pools (yes, even in 50-degree weather!), the Disney Wonder delivers magic at every turn. Ready to experience it yourself? Book while onboard your next Disney cruise for a 10% discount and $250 deposit that's fully refundable if your plans change.

What's your dream Disney cruise destination? We'd love to hear about it in a review—which also helps others discover our podcast!

Check out our other Disney cruise reviews in these past episodes:

• DisLove E138 Special Episode Disney Wish Review of Halloween on the High Seas

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We review our experience at Disneyland's sold-out After Hours 90s Night event, sharing all the nostalgic goodness from character meet-and-greets to special entertainment offerings that made this $149 ticket worthwhile.

• Received a 90s-style fanny pack as the complimentary gift upon entry
• Character meet-and-greets included DuckTales characters, Rescue Rangers, Indiana Jones, and characters from 90s animated films
• Special photo backdrops featuring Inspector Gadget, Gummy Bears, and other 90s Disney shows
• Excellent themed food including a Dunkaroo-inspired churro with buttercream dip
• 90s sing-along featuring surprise guest Susan Egan from Hercules
• Special parade featuring Lion King, Hercules, Pocahontas and Mulan with an incredibly catchy theme song
• Unique Disney California culture with many influencers and photo opportunities
• Merchandise included a popular Powerline Max popcorn bucket that sold out quickly

Use code DISLOVE10 to save 10% off your next order with Kevin and Amanda's park scavenger hunts, which help you discover hidden details throughout Disney parks.

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We discuss the various options for bringing pets to Walt Disney World and interview Abby, owner of Polka Dot Paws, about her Disney-themed pet products and how she creates magic for our furry friends.

Use the promo code DISLOVE25 to receive free shipping from Abbey's Etsy shop.

• Four pet-friendly resorts at Disney World: Port Orleans Riverside, Art of Animation, Yacht Club, and Fort Wilderness cabins
• Each pet gets Pluto's Welcome Kit with bowls, ID tag, and maps to pet relief areas
• Additional pet fee ranges from $50-$75 per night depending on resort and season
• Dogs cannot be left alone for more than seven hours and must be crated when alone
• Best Friends Pet Care near Disney Springs offers day care and overnight boarding with VIP options
• Disney Tales Collection at Disney Springs Co-op area specializes in Disney pet merchandise
• Abby from Polka Dot Paws creates custom pet bandanas, mouse ears for service dogs, and Disney-inspired home items
• She can create custom items matching cast member costumes for service dogs
• Find Polka Dot Paws on Etsy and Instagram with ready-to-ship and custom options

Hear Abbey's first episode with us from 2018 through this link.

Use code dislove10 to save 10% off your next Where in the Park Scavenger Hunt Game Packs order.

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Discover the magic and artistry of Disney's Epcot festivals as we share our favorite memories from each of the festivals. Later in the show, we are joined by Betty from Kingdom and Cruise Travel, a Disney travel expert who sprinkles her planning magic to ensure each Disney adventure is nothing short of extraordinary.

Epcot hosts a series of vibrant festivals throughout the year, each celebrating unique themes focused on art, food, and culture. We discuss the highlights of these festivals, including interactive experiences, culinary delights, and insightful entertainment that create unforgettable memories for all visitors.
• Overview of Epcot's annual festivals
• Details on the International Festival of the Arts
• Highlights of the Flower and Garden Festival
• Culinary experiences at the Food and Wine Festival
• Festive traditions at the International Festival of Holidays

To wrap up the show, Betty from Kingdom and Cruise Travel shares her secrets to crafting unforgettable Disney vacations. With her keen eye for detail and a treasure trove of tips, she helps families unlock special experiences and hidden gems within Disney’s vast offerings. Whether it’s snagging that coveted dining reservation or planning a seamless itinerary, Betty’s dedication ensures your Disney journey is filled with magic and lasting memories. Get ready to transform your next Disney adventure into a truly enchanting experience.

• Facebook Page for Betty
• Facebook Group with Betty from Kingdom and Cruise Travel
• Betty Plans Vacations TikTok
• Disney Festival breakdown by the Disney Food Blog

For all the latest news about our episodes follow us on Instagram @dislovewithvanessaandkris or on YouTube.