Disney Deciphered: a Disney World planning podcast

Leslie Harvey and Joe Cheung

Join Leslie from Trips with Tykes and Joe from asthejoeflies as we discuss how to save you money, time, and stress as you plan your Walt Disney World vacation

  • 40 minutes 41 seconds
    Ep. 321 - Tokyo Disney Tips and Must Dos

    Tokyo Disney Tips

    Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    We close out our miniseries on Tokyo Disneyland Resort with Leslie’s top tips! What attractions do you need to prioritize? How do you make sense of all the different line skipping systems? Does rope drop work the same way? We look at all this and more on an episode that will have you looking at flights to Japan.

    Are we tempting you to visit Tokyo Disney? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    3:58 - Line skipping strategies and services

    9:51 - Deciphering the different pay to skip the line options

    15:43 - What to do after you enter the park

    19:06 - Tokyo DisneySea must see attractions

    25:24 - Tokyo DisneySea strategy

    29:06 - Tokyo Disneyland must see attractions and strategy

    36:41 - Crowds

    38:03 -  Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

     

    8 May 2024, 1:12 pm
  • 37 minutes 22 seconds
    Ep. 320 - Is the Disney Wish Better than the Classic Disney Cruise Line Ships

    Disney Wish

    Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    Joe finally sailed the Disney Wish! We discuss Disney Cruise Line’s soon to be second newest ship, with some tips about sailing Disney Cruise Line and some things that Joe thinks are better on the Disney Wish than on the classic ships. Plus - is it really that much more expensive to take a cruise than to visit Walt Disney World?

    Have you sailed the Disney Wish? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    5:52 - First impressions of the Disney Wish

    7:21 - Driving to Port Canaveral

    11:18 - Does the internet work now?

    13:09 - Castaway Cay strategy

    16:57 - Disney Wish pools

    19:23 - The Wish’s different layout and design

    22:05 - Quick service food

    23:11 - The Grand Hall

    24:03 - The Wish’s top notch entertainment

    27:11 - A beautiful ship

    29:28 - Is it worth it to sail on the Disney Wish for a three night cruise?

    33:35 -  Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

    1 May 2024, 7:30 am
  • 34 minutes 17 seconds
    Ep. 319 - How to Book a Trip to Tokyo Disney

    Planning Tokyo Disney

    Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    Thinking about visiting Tokyo Disneyland Resort? Leslie and her family just visited over spring break and in this first Tokyo Disney focused episode Leslie shares everything she learned about booking a trip to Tokyo Disneyland. Where to stay, where to buy tickets, and most importantly - how to get those difficult dining reservations. Even if you’re not planning on going, the price might tempt you!

    Have any tips for planning a trip to Tokyo Disneyland Resort? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    1:41 - Tokyo Disneyland Resort resources

    3:13 - Tokyo Disneyland basics

    9:34 - Booking tickets and hotels

    24:53 - Booking dining

    30:51 -  Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

     

    24 April 2024, 7:30 am
  • 32 minutes 33 seconds
    Ep. 318 - 9 Tips to Help You Maximize the Disney Dining Plan

    Disney Dining Plan

    Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    The Disney Dining Plan is back! Famously, we are not the biggest fans at Disney Deciphered, but Joe recently bought the dining plan on his spring break trip to Disney World. He shares nine tips to help you maximize the dining plan and to make sure you are getting the most value (and not losing money) when purchasing the dining plan. 

    Have you been buying the dining plan and getting value out of it? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    2:23 - Disney dining plan basics

    7:29 - Come up with a plan

    10:23 - The value of character meals

    12:29 - Using the dining plan for a larger group

    17:25 - Alcohol is included

    18:40 - Make sure to use ALL of your allotments

    19:31 - Avoid using the dining plan for Signature Dining or at least do the math

    21:45 - Using kids’ quick service meals to pay for adult meals

    22:47 - Eat your snacks!

    24:13 - Don’t ignore out of pocket costs

    27:56 -  Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

     

    17 April 2024, 7:30 am
  • 32 minutes 35 seconds
    Ep. 317 - Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa Review

    Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

    Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    We tried a new Walt Disney World resort (for us) - Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa! We’ve never prioritized this resort just because it seems too far from the parks and we don’t love Disney Springs. Were we wrong? Is Saratoga Springs a great value for people looking for deluxe benefits? We talk about it all and discuss why you should or should not consider Saratoga Springs for your next Disney stay!

    Have you stayed at Saratoga Springs? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    2:49 - Saratoga Springs location and theming

    9:27 - Transportation options

    18:02 - Restaurants and food options

    20:31 - Amenities and pools

    21:56 - Pricing

    24:50 - Why you should/should not stay at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

    29:07 -  Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

     

    10 April 2024, 7:30 am
  • 28 minutes 26 seconds
    Ep. 316 - Ride Guide: Classic Fantasyland Attractions

    Ride Guide: Fantasyland

    Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    We’re back with a ride guide! It’s been awhile, but today we’re discussing two classic rides - Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World! Is Peter Pan worth the wait/Genie+ difficulties? Is It’s a Small World worth the earworm? We discuss all that and more!

    Do you have to ride Peter Pan or It’s a Small World when you visit? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    2:18 - Peter Pan background 

    3:51 - Queue and ride walkthrough

    9:18 - Who is Peter Pan for/not for?

    10:03 - Genie+ and touring strategies

    12:19 - Peter Pan tier ranking

    14:28 - It’s a Small World background

    16:42 - Queue and ride walkthrough

    20:16 - Who is It’s a Small World for/not for?

    22:26 - Genie+ and touring strategies

    24:52 - It’s a Small World tier ranking

    26:08 - Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

     

    3 April 2024, 7:30 am
  • 31 minutes 58 seconds
    Ep. 315 - Best Places to Eat at Disneyland
    27 March 2024, 7:30 am
  • 33 minutes 11 seconds
    Ep. 314 - Taking Disney Strategies to Regional Theme Parks

    Regional Theme Parks

    Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    How do regional theme parks like Cedar Point, Six Flags, and even Sea World stack up to Disney? What Disney strategies and skills transfer over - and how can you get the best value out of these “amusement parks”? We discuss all that and more for when you wish you were at Disney but end up at a different amusement park instead!

    What’s your favorite park outside of Disney and Universal? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    4:00 - Overview of other theme parks out there

    6:33 - When to visit the other parks

    7:54 - The value of season passes

    12:51 - How to save on those expensive one day tickets

    18:03 - Chaperones?

    21:57 - Ride and touring strategies

    29:59 - Food

    31:28 - Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

     

    20 March 2024, 7:00 am
  • 33 minutes 58 seconds
    Ep. 313 - Should You Go to Disney World in 2024 or 2025?

    2024 or 2025?

    Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    Walt Disney World put 2025 on sale months earlier than usual. What’s going on? What new offers has Disney added to entice people to book for next year. And most importantly - is it better to visit in 2024 or 2025? Spoiler alert, we think it’s a bit of a wash, but we discuss the pros and cons of this year or next, including price breakdowns, Genie+ rumors, and more!

    Are you thinking of visiting Walt Disney World in 2024 or 2025? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    3:12 - Ticket price increases

    4:55 - Hotel price changes

    9:50 - New waterpark benefit for on site guests

    12:04 - Hotel cancellation policy and dining plan changes

    Would you rather 2024 or 2025 due to…

    17:22 - Price

    20:02 - Features and attractions

    21:13 - Crowds

    23:45 - Genie+

    27:04 - Age of children

    30:04 - Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

     

    13 March 2024, 7:30 am
  • 31 minutes 10 seconds
    Ep. 312 - Early Entry and Rope Drop Strategy at Disneyland

    Disneyland Early Entry

    New! Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    We’re back to our regularly scheduled programming with Leslie’s best tips for how to tackle early entry for Disneyland on site hotel guests and rope drop for everyone. What attractions should you start with and which should you avoid? What tough choices are you going to have to make at the start of your day? Leslie’s got the details for you!

    What do you do at early entry in Disneyland? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram now!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    2:56 - What is early entry and when is it?

    7:06 - How to approach early entry generally

    9:25 - Disneyland Park early entry strategy 

    17:25 - California Adventure early entry strategy

    25:30 - Other things to consider

    28:47 - Disney dos and don’ts

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.

     

    6 March 2024, 8:30 am
  • 51 minutes 40 seconds
    Ep. 311 - What Does a Conversation with a Travel Agent Sound Like?

    Travel Agenting

    New! Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe! If you’re planning to visit Disney World in 2024, definitely check out our Genie+ 101 episode!

    Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing [email protected] today! 

    Episode Description

    Leslie was sick and Joe was in Taiwan but luckily Joe had recorded a special crossover episode with the Milenomics podcast! Robert (Bob) Dwyer from Milenomics actually hosts the show - an episode where Joe talks to Disneyland regular Kelly about booking a Disneyland trip. If you’re curious what working with a travel agent looks and sounds like, this is pretty much it! Special thanks again to Bob for coming up with this idea - if we hadn’t recorded this we’d have had to skip a week - so it all worked out. 

    What do you normally tell a Disneyland regular about Disney World? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on Twitter, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram now!

    Episode Notes

    (all timestamps are approximate)

    6:10 - Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland

    9:57 - Kelly’s Disney background

    12:54 - Discussing the split stay

    21:09 - Would concierge be worth it in this case?

    25:23 - Zeroing in on a hotel

    31:43 - Walt Disney World planning timeline

    34:02 - Thoughts about dining in Walt Disney World

    37:13 - Next steps plus some random Disney thoughts

    49:15 - Disney dos and don’ts (and epilogue)

    If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content!

    You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link.

    If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on iTunes,Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

    Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies. BM

     

    28 February 2024, 8:30 am
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