Dole Whips & Double Doubles: Recent Episodes
Disney Experts Ryan & Lauren and Ryan & Lauren - The Double Doubles
This week, Ryan and Lauren share their experience with virtual queues for Tron at Magic Kingdom, and Guardians of the Galaxy in Epcot.
When it comes to cruise lines, what are the pros and cons of a Disney cruise versus the other cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, etc...)?
This week, we take a look at the things that can impact your travel to your destination and what you can do if you're suddenly faced with a delayed or cancelled flight.
This week, Ryan shares his experience taking a trip to Florida and staying off-property, trying different 1-day experiences in and around the Orlando area.
This week, Ryan and Lauren share their thoughts and experiences on a Very Merrytime Cruise.
This week, we're taking a look at Walt Disney World's flagship resort, the Grand Floridian. What are the rooms like? What kind of dining is there? And is it really worth the price?
This week, Ryan and Ryan take a look at the present Epcot, the past Epcot and the future Epcot as the park celebrates it's 40th anniversary!
This week, we're looking at two beautiful Moderate Resorts and comparing all they have to offer. Which is best...Riverside or French Quarter? We do our best to make that decision.
This week, we take a look at the differences between Halloween and Christmas at Walt Disney World. Why would you choose one over the other and how do you plan a party within your vacation week?
This week, Ryan and Lauren share the benefits of booking a trip on Disney Cruise Line without kids in tow.
This week, we're taking a look at the basics of one of the Deluxe Magic Kingdom resorts, Wilderness lodge. From the rooms, to the pools and dining, we give you an overview of the resort
This week, we're discussing the latest announcement for the re-theming of Splash Mountain, soon to become Tiana's Bayou Adventure, opening in 2024.
This week, Ryan and Lauren are taking a look at attraction priorities for using Genie+ at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
This week, the Ryans are discussing the value of Disney Genie+ at Hollywood Studios, including their strategies for making lightning lane selections.
This week, Ryan and Lauren share their experience in Epcot both with and without Genie+, weighing the options of whether it's worth it and how Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind plays into the park strategy
This week, the Ryans are chatting about using Genie+ at Animal Kingdom. Who would find value in it and whether the average guest needs it.
Ryan and Lauren share how easy it is to add a trip (or trips) to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon during your stay at WDW and why more people should try it.
We're celebrating a Dole Whips & Double Doubles birthday this week by talking about all the things you can do to celebrate your special day (or week, or month)
Ryan and Ryan talk about the release date of vacation packages for 2023 and when would be a good time to visit WDW. Plus, Genie+ has some updates.
This time, Ryan and Lauren from Hamilton have come back from WDW and they're ready to share their trip highlights
Ryan and Lauren, back from WDW give you their take on which is best, California Grill or Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary.
This week, we take a look at all of the major pros and cons to renting Disney Vacation Club points to stay at a DVC resort.
This week, the Double Doubles talk about Disney's announcement of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opening in Epcot. What does the opening of a new attraction look like and what can we expect from the newest attraction to open at Epcot?
As Character Meet and Greets return with restrictions phasing out, Ryan, Lauren and Ryan look at the impact on crowds, the overall experience and dining!
Ryan and Lauren in London have just come back from their March Break trip to Walt Disney World and they share their experiences of everything new in the parks.
Ryan and Lauren take a look at Disney's latest announcements of new DVC Resort construction and what kind of impact it will have on the guest experience
This week, Ryan and Lauren share their experience at Disney's most prestigious restaurant, Victoria & Albert's.
We're pitting Quick Service Restaurants against one another. Listen in as we take a list of 32 of the best Quick Service Restaurants in the Walt Disney World parks and crown a champion.
This week, Ryan and Lauren share their tips for seeing the Festival of Fantasy parade, now that it's making its return to the Magic Kingdom.
This week, the double doubles look at the pros and cons of booking a VRBO. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
This week, Ryan and Lauren take a look at what goes into a good proposal at Walt Disney World. Location. Location Location!
This week, all four Double Doubles weigh in on their picks for which Adventures By Disney itinerary they would most like to experience.
This week, we're taking a look at all the things we have missed while we've been unable to travel. Now that there are trips on the horizon, we talk about what we're excited to experience that we have missed out on over the past 2 years.
With special guest Laura Moull from Click The Mouse, Ryan and Ryan ask her all about her experience in Disney's Cultural Representative Program. Working as a Canadian in Epcot, the people she met and the experiences she had, Laura shares it all, leaving Ryan and Ryan to wish that they had experienced the program too.
Ryan and Ryan are looking at the first Epcot festival of the year, full of visual, performance and culinary art forms.
In 2022, Disney's Magical Express was retired, but there are still plenty of options to get you and your family from MCO (Orlando International Airport) to Walt Disney World. This week, Ryan, Lauren and Ryan weigh the options, the pros and cons and give you the insight you need to make an informed decision about traveling to and from the airport.
In celebration of the new year, Lauren and Ryan take a look back at 2021 and review the highlights at Disney, followed by a look ahead to 2022 and what's in store for Walt Disney World.
This week, all four of the Double Doubles are coming together to hammer out their ideal plan for a week at Walt Disney World. How long should you stay? How many park tickets? Would you have a rest day?
This week, Ryan, Lauren and Ryan are diving into the must-watch Disney+ movies and shows heading into Christmas (and which ones you can avoid)
This week, Ryan and Ryan have a debrief from D23, Disney's bi-annual conference where they share news about the parks and sneak peaks about upcoming tech from Disney Imagineering.
This week, Ryan and Lauren are joined by Gene from the Magical Lifestyle and the FPE network to share his experience of being in the Magic Kingdom on the 50th Anniversary and his thoughts on Disney Enchantment and HarmoniUs.
This week, Ryan and Ryan debate the pros and cons of attending Mickey's Very Merriest After Hours event and compare it to the previous Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party from years past.
So you have found yourself in a park at Walt Disney World and you can't find a reservation for something in the park that strikes your fancy. Did you know there's a world of Disney Resort restaurants just a short trip outside? This week, Ryan and Lauren offer a few quick suggestions for the quickest resort restaurants to visit right outside the park gates.
This week, Ryan and Ryan take a look at which performers are returning to Walt Disney World and then attempt to answer some controversial questions about Disney's announcement of Hey Disney, in partnership with Amazon Echo.
This week, the Double Doubles are taking a look at Walt Disney World's upcoming launch of the Galactic Starcruiser. Diving into the experiences, and most importantly the price, we all share our opinions on whether this experience is worth the price
This week, Ryan and Ryan take a look at more gems on Disney+ and share what they're excited for on Disney+ Day
This week, the Double Doubles are taking a look at some of the most delectable treats made available for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary celebration.
This week, Ryan and Ryan take a look at a few things you should be watching on Disney+ that you may not know about!
This week, the Double Doubles look back at what took place on Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary as well as an update to Disney Genie. Was it worth it to be in the park on October 1st, and what's the latest info about the paid lightning lane attractions? Find out in this weeks episode!
This week, Ryan and Ryan are looking at the re-opening of the Main Street Confectionery as well as the grand opening for Creations Shop (formerly Mouse Gear). On top of that, they share some Double Double updates as well as some thoughts about WDW's newest nighttime spectaculars.
This week, we're taking a look at what visiting WDW on the 50th (Oct 1st) would actually look like. Which parks would we visit and why? What would the day look like from start to finish and would it be worth it?
With our very special guest, Laura Moull from Click The Mouse, the Double Doubles dive into what it takes to plan a Disney Wedding. Laura (as a bonafide Disney Bride) shares all of the details of her own Disney Wedding and what the planning process is like! Ever dreamed of having a Disney Wedding? Laura explains how attainable it really is.
This week, the Double Doubles are taking a look at Disney's Fab50 character statues in honour of Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary. With the full list still unknown, everyone makes the case for their own list of characters and why they should be included in the mix.
Do you agree? Who would be in your Fab50?
With breaking news about the Disney Genie coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, both Ryan's tackle the difficult task of trying to understand how it works. Disney Genie replaces FastPass and MaxPass, but there are two paid features that need to be explained, Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane individual attractions. Ryan and Ryan try their best to make sense of it all and give you their opinions on whether it will be worth the upgrade or if the "free" features are enough.
Whether you go right through or wait a few hours, queues are everywhere at Walt Disney World. This week, we're making our case for the Top 5 attraction queues at WDW, taking into consideration the theming, how interactive it is and whether it helps pass the time. Did your favourite queue make the list?
This week, we're heading Into The Unknown once again as we speculate what the future of FastPass will be at Walt Disney World. A recent announcement out of Disneyland Paris leads us to ask the question, would you pay for FastPass?
With a new addition to the Double Doubles family, the question has come up about how to bring a baby to Disney. We take a look at the pros and cons, as well as tackling some of our burning questions regarding what to pack, how to manage expectations and more!
The replacement for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in 2021, Disney's After Hours Boo Bash brings some new experiences and a new price point. We take a look at what Disney has to offer during this event and share our opinions on whether it's worth the money.
With the Avengers Campus officially opening in Disney's California Adventure, we look at all that Walt Disney World is missing out on. Covering the new Spiderman attraction as well as the characters and dining options, we pose the question of whether the Avengers are enough to make East coast Disney fans travel across the continent to experience it.
As restrictions begin to lift around the most magical place on earth, we discuss the latest policy updates and our opinions on their impact to travel.
This week we're taking a look at Disney's Park Reservation System. Introduced during the pandemic, we speculate as to how long the system will be in place and how it will affect the rest of the Disney experience.
Walt Disney World is turning 50 in October and we're celebrating our 50th episode by diving into details about the 50th anniversary celebration at WDW. We're also tackling some Disney World trivia and we'll wrap up our celebration with some Dole Whips and Double Doubles trivia. Here's to the next 50 episodes!
This week, we're taking a look at the unsung heroes of the Value Resort category. The All-Stars have great theming and are a little more budget-friendly when it comes to planning a trip to Walt Disney World. What makes them special? That's what we're here to talk about!
Happy Easter everyone! This week, we have each hidden three eggs at the parks in Walt Disney World and it's up to the other Double Doubles to figure out where they are hidden. Can you guess faster than we can?
There are 16 attractions remaining! We're taking on the March Madness challenge of deciding the best Walt Disney World attraction this year. Our bracket started with 64 attractions in part 1 and we're taking it all the way to the finals. Will your favourite attraction be crowned champion?
The first in a 2-Part series, we're having our own March Madness. This week, we are pitting 64 Walt Disney World attractions against each other, and paring them down to a top 16. In traditional bracket-style, each attraction has been seeded and is up against the very best that Walt Disney World has to offer. Will your favourite attraction make the cut?
This week, we're tackling the conundrum of whether or not to stay at a non-Disney resort, hotel or condo. Weighing the pros and cons, we give you the basics that will help you decide which option is best for you.
After a few weeks of big announcements from Disney, we break down some of the surprising changes coming and give you our reactions to the latest news.
This week, we're taking a closer look at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. What makes this deluxe resort such a great destination, even for guests who aren't staying there? We give you our take on the rooms, the dining and the overall atmosphere at one of Disney's oldest and most popular resorts.
Whether you just need a break from the noise, or you'd like somewhere your kids can find some calm, we take a look at the quietest places in the parks and resorts at Walt Disney World.
As 2020 comes to a close, we take a look back at the year in Disney. While it was a tough year, we also look forward to what's coming in 2021.
This week, we tackle the difficult question of what Disney merchandise we would like to see under the Christmas tree this year.
Take a listen to our suggestions and you may just find yourself asking Santa for something Disney.
With a vaccine in sight, there's light at the end of the tunnel. This week, taking a positive spin and looking at the experiences we'd like to have when we can safely return to Walt Disney World.
This week, we're taking a stroll around the World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot. Stopping in each of the pavilions, we highlight the attractions and the dining options that make the World Showcase so amazingly unique.
This week, we're looking at all of the factors that go into deciding whether a trip to Disney is worth it, in the midst of a global pandemic. We weigh the pros and cons as well as highlighting how different the Disney experience may be. We'll also share our personal opinions on what safe travel would look like for us.
It's the week of Halloween, so we have decided to share some of our favourite Disney villains...the ones we love, the ones we hate and the ones we love to hate. We talk about why these villains are our favourites and if/where you can meet them in the parks.
Happy Halloween!
This week, we're looking at how to tackle the Walt Disney World parks & resorts while it rains. Depending on the time of year and the type of rain you're expecting, preparation can look very different. We offer a packing list and our park strategies for dealing with rain in Florida.
Close your eyes. Can you hear the sounds of your favourite Walt Disney World attraction? This week, we're narrowing the list of attractions down to the Top 10 attraction soundtracks. Will your favourite make the list?
Buses, Boats, Monorails and the Disney Skyliner... We're talking about all of the transportation around Walt Disney World. If it takes you from the airport to your resort or from your resort to the parks, we're going to talk about it. It may not always be flashy, but your Walt Disney World experience wouldn't be complete without a ride on one or all of these modes of transportation.
In today's episode, we're taking a look at all of the Table Service Restaurants available to guests visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom. We give our reasons why you should (or shouldn't) make reservations for these restaurants and also chat about the dining available at nearby Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Whether you have had to cancel a vacation or you have finished your latest Disney vacation and are heading home, missing Disney causes a bad case of the Disney Blues.
This week, we're looking at ways to combat those blues and bring some more Disney magic into your lives at home.
While the parks at Walt Disney World have plenty to offer, there is just as much to do outside of the parks. This week, we're looking at all the things you can experience outside of the Disney Parks.
In the midst of the summer heat, we're taking a look at our picks for the best pools at Walt Disney World Resorts. While you may not pick your resort based on the pool alone, there's a lot to be said for having a fun, relaxing resort pool with theming that is on point.
As the parks in Walt Disney World reopen, we thought it would be a good idea to talk about the things we would look forward to doing first if we were able to visit. Which resort would we like to stay in? What park would we visit first? What rides, attractions and dining would be on our list of priorities when we are finally able to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth?
We tackle the tough (but fun) questions and share our thoughts on Disney's reopening plans.
This week, we're weighing the pros and cons of traveling in each month to Walt Disney World. What are the value seasons, what holidays should you avoid and when are the major festivals run?
We break down traveling to Walt Disney World, month by month to give you our opinions on each month and season.
The sky is the limit this week as we set about brainstorming what our dream Disney attractions would be. We're looking for underrepresented characters and stories to turn into Disney theme park attractions. Whether it's a brand new concept or a reimagining of an existing attraction, we're pitching some truly unique ideas.
This week, we are whittling down the list of attractions to our picks for the top 10 family friendly attractions at Walt Disney World. Taking into account any attraction that has no height restriction, yet is still fun for guests of all ages. Did your favourites make our list?
*Please note, this episode was recorded prior to the Covid-19 pandemic
This week, we're taking a look at our picks for the best shops to visit at Walt Disney World. Whether it's in the parks or Disney Springs, we're basing our picks on the theming of the store and the uniqueness of the merchandise.
With Disney's recent announcement about their first phase of reopening at Walt Disney World, we figured it would be a good opportunity to dive into the details (that we know). We share our reactions to what the guest experience will be like during this reopening phase and talk about whether it's still worth it to visit during this period.
This week, we're taking a stroll down memory lane as the Double Doubles each come up with picks for our favourite Disney memories. Whether it's a single moment or an entire trip, we're sharing the most magical moments we've experienced. Be prepared for plenty of Disney anecdotes!
Everyone has a different tolerance for spooky things. Very few attractions at Walt Disney World are meant to be scary, but there are certainly some elements of the rides that may be scarier to a younger audience.
We're taking a look at all of the Walt Disney World attractions that might have any scary element and giving you the heads up before you take your kids to Disney.
We take a look at the best ways to beat the Florida heat, including our own packing lists and strategies for cooling off once you get to Disney.
*Please note, this podcast was recorded prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
This week, each member of the Double Doubles has curated their own list of the best dishes at Walt Disney World. Everyone has selected their favourite snack, alcoholic beverage, quick service entrée and table service meal.
In this episode, we're ranking what we believe to be the 5 best Table Service Restaurants in the Magic Kingdom. Taking into account the food, service, atmosphere and the value for money, we weigh the pros and cons for each restaurant and explain the reasons behind our rankings.
*Please note, this podcast was recorded prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Being isolated at home can become a little mundane. So we decided to dream what it would be like if we had to spend an entire month only in one land at a Walt Disney World park. Cast Members are there to keep things running, but you have to eat, sleep and be entertained only by the attractions and restaurants in the land you have chosen. Where would you spend your 30 days?
As we continue to practice social distancing, this week we're looking at Disney movies we would recommend watching before a trip to the parks. Whether you have a collection on DVD, Blu-ray, VHS (why not?) or you subscribe to Disney+, we're making recommendations to pass the time and to get you excited about the Disney Parks.
This week, we're talking about what it takes to plan a trip where you drive all the way down to Walt Disney World. How long should you drive? What should you pack? How do you entertain the kids? How do you entertain the adults? We'll weigh the pros and cons for making the trek by car instead of by plane.
*Please note, this podcast was recorded prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Way back in Disney history there were once talks of creating a Disney park in Niagara Falls, Canada. That idea was quickly replaced by Walt Disney World in Florida. This week, we thought it would be fun to pitch what a Canadian Disneyland park would look like. Including the layout, attractions, dining, merchandise and even entertainment, we brainstorm a Disneyland that could have been here in Canada.
This week, each member of the Double Doubles has come up with what their dream character dining experience would be at Disney. Whether it replaces an existing restaurant or is an entirely new creation, we look at what characters we would like to meet and what kind of dining we would encounter in a restaurant themed after them.
It's a tough time, as much of the world tries to self-isolate and practice social distancing. In this bonus episode, we're looking at the impact of the Coronavirus on Disney, the parks, resorts and Disney Cruise Line.
Updated March 25, 2020
This week, we're looking at 5 of the best reasons to try a Disney Cruise. From the destinations to the Disney magic onboard, we discuss what makes Disney Cruise Line stand out.
In a special bonus episode, we look at the latest addition to the roster of Disney Dining Plans - the Disney Dining Plan Plus. We talk about what you get for the price and whether it's worth adding to your Disney vacation package.
This week, we're looking at one of Epcot's largest annual festivals, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. From the food and music to the topiaries and, of course, the flowers, we talk about why we think this festival has a special place in the hearts of Disney fans.
We're taking an in-depth look at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. We'll discuss the rooms, the layout, dining options and the most important... the Disney Skyliner.
This week, we're taking a look at an overview of Disney Springs. Disney's shopping, dining and entertainment district has been one of its unsung heroes ever since it rebranded in 2015. Since then, it has grown to be a fan favourite for everyone from the Florida locals, to guests travelling from afar. We discuss what makes Disney Springs special in the eyes of Disney guests.
We're taking an in-depth look at the first resort in our Resort 101 series - Pop Century. We'll discuss the rooms, the dining, the Disney Skyliner (of course) and what it is that makes this resort so special.
Kicking off 2020, we're taking a look a the Top 10 Thrill Rides at Walt Disney World. We're looking for attractions that not only provide the biggest thrill in terms of ride motion, but also story immersion as well. Did your favourite thrill ride make the list?
Today we take a look at the major additions to Walt Disney World that arrived in 2019. New resorts, new attractions and a new land (just to name a few). What did 2019 bring us and what does Disney have in store for 2020 and beyond?
There's so much to do in Walt Disney World once the sun goes down. Whether you're visiting the parks, heading to Disney Springs or just spending time at a Disney Resort, we look at all of the best experiences available to you during the Disney nightlife.
This week, we're giving you the list of our top 10 signature snacks from around Walt Disney World. Which treats we recommend and which ones are must-haves each time the Double Doubles visit the parks (and resorts...spoiler alert!).
In this special bonus episode, we take a look at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and give you the need-to-know information for how to navigate Walt Disney World's newest land. From the attractions and theming to the experiences and dining, we discuss it all and give you our impressions from Batuu in the Black Spire Outpost.
This week, we're taking a look at the best ways to fly to Walt Disney World. Should you cross the border? Should you fly a discount airline? How do you get from the airport to Walt Disney World? (Answer: It's Disney's Magical Express).
Join us as we talk about our best practices for flying and some challenges you can avoid along the way!
According to the Disney calendar, the Holiday season has officially begun. With it, the parks come alive with festive decorations and unique holiday offerings. This week, we look at all that Christmas has to offer at Walt Disney World!
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options at Epcot. The entirety of the World Showcase is a culinary cabaret, taking your palate around the globe. Even Future World has great dining options! So, when it comes to Quick Service Restaurants, how do you choose? Simple! We're listing what we believe are the Top 5 Quick Service Restaurants in Epcot that you should visit. The location, the atmosphere and, of course, the cuisine all have a role to play when we curated this list. Warning! You might not want to listen on an empty stomach...you may get hungry!
This week, we dive into how we would tackle a 1-day itinerary at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Looking at the perspectives of travelling with kids and without, we break down the attractions, dining and entertainment we think are the must-dos for a single day at Animal Kingdom.
This week, we take a look at the unsung heroes of Disney attractions. These are the top 10 attractions that don't get enough credit for how marvellous they truly are. Whether they give you a break during the day, a sense of nostalgia, or are full of hidden Disney magic, we want to recognize these attractions for all that they mean to us!
Who wouldn't want to dine with some of the all-time, fan-favourite Disney characters? We take a look at the Top 5 Character Meals at Walt Disney World, because we want you to get the most for your money! From the food, to the atmosphere and the characters themselves, we dive into not only which character meals are best, but why!
We know there are so many ways to enjoy a vacation at Walt Disney World. But if the best things in life are free, what are the free things at Disney? We take a look at the best Free Magical Extras that come with a visit to the most Magical Place on Earth.
In just 10 days, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida. We take a look at what we know about the land, including the dining, the attraction(s), the experiences and so much more.
This week marks the first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party of the 2019 season. We take a look at all of the ins and outs of the party, including all of the must-dos.
If you were to spend only one day visiting Epcot, what would you do? What cuisine would be on your must-do list? What attractions would you ride? Do you arrive early for rope drop, or take it easy and wander in at 11am. We take a look at how you should spend your time in the park, from 2 perspectives - with kids and without!
Picking a resort to visit at Walt Disney World can be a real challenge with so many great options. We debate all the pros and cons in our attempt to crown the best Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Which resorts come out on top? Tune in to find out!
In celebration of Canada Day (July 1st), we're taking a look at the most Canadian part of Walt Disney World - the Canadian Pavilion in Epcot. From the dining and decor to all the wonderful sights across the country (courtesy of Circlevision), we dive into all the incredible elements that the Canadian Pavilion has to offer. Happy Canada Day 2019!
If you only had 1 day to spend at Magic Kingdom, what would you do? What attractions would you ride? What food would you eat? Would you go early for Rope Drop, stay late for Happily Ever After, or do both? We take a look at how you should spend your time in the park, from 2 perspectives - with kids and without!
It can be tough for Canadians to pack up and make the trek South to Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California. When should you go? How do you deal with the exchange rate? Will Disney have special offers for Canadians? We tackle all of these issues and more, offering ways to save and still make the most of your trip to the Most Magical/Happiest Place On Earth!
Booking FastPass+ selections can be downright challenging without some sort of guidance. Whether it's navigating Tiers or choosing the right time of day to book your FastPasses, there are some selections that no Disney guest should make. We take a look at all of the Walt Disney World attractions for which you shouldn't use a FastPass.
All Podcasts must start somewhere and we kick off the inaugural episode of Dole Whips & Double Doubles with a doozy. Listen in for our introductions of the Double Doubles (Ryan & Lauren and Ryan & Lauren) followed by our Top 5 Restaurants within the Walt Disney World Parks.