Pixie Dust Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Set aside the everyday madness and step into the magic with the Pixie Dust Podcast. Annie Frey is a wife, mother of three, and millennial with a relatively newfound love of all things Disney. You'll benefit from Annie's researching and sharing of all the tips and tricks to maximize your stay at Walt Disney World along with the expertise of travel agent, Erika Murphy. From the novice traveler to the expert tourist, we've got you covered. Also, enjoy conversations with film critic, Carl Middleman, on the best way to spend a spare two hours--at the theater or streaming at home. If you love all things Disney as we do, you can put your faith and trust in the Pixie Dust Podcast!
You've done your research. You've planned for months, maybe even a year. You've been dreaming about the picture perfect Walt Disney World trip for so long, and then--something goes awry.
Annie and Erika discuss the various things that inevitably may go "wrong" on your trip. They will help you anticipate how to zig when the plans zag. And most of all, they'll help you make it through better after all is said and done.
Quick-service? Table-service? Signature dining? Annie Frey and Erika Murphy walk you through everything you need to know about eating and dining at Walt Disney World Resort.
Budgeting time and money for food at WDW is important and we've got the lowdown you need to make the best plan for your vacation.
Traveling to Walt Disney World takes a lot of planning. Sometimes, families require special accommodations due to physical, developmental, or other disabilities.
Walt Disney World takes great care to ensure ALL people can enjoy the magic. Annie Frey and Erika Murphy go through the many ways that accommodations are made available and accessibility is prioritized at WDW.
One of the biggest unknown quantities when planning a Walt Disney World trip is--how do you get from A to B at such a large resort?
Annie Frey and Erika Murphy have you covered. Monorails, boats, buses, Minnie vans, gondolas and more! Learn the different modes of transportation and how to maneuver your upcoming magical vacation!
There are many reasons why Annie Frey and co-host Erika Murphy recommend taking in a non-park day on your next Walt Disney World trip.
Enjoy a relaxing conversation highlighting the many different ways to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort without stepping foot into one of the main parks.
When you're traveling to Walt Disney World, how do you prioritize what you do and what gets left undone? Annie Frey and Erika Murphy discuss their absolute must-dos for a trip to the most magical place on Earth. This quick discussion will highlight some of the crossovers Annie and Erika have, but also some places where they differ. What are your absolute can't-miss experiences?
While Walt Disney World is located in Central Florida, the timing of your vacation may present surprising packing challenges. We've traveled to WDW at all different times of year and we have the tips and tricks you need to be a confident packer for your upcoming magical trip.
Listen as Annie and Erika discuss the various times of year and how to tackle filling your suitcase with the necessities. Yes, it's mostly warm in Florida, but it can get downright cold as well. We've got your back covered - literally.
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World world, certain times of year feature some of the coolest parties you can attend! Listen to hosts Annie and Erika walkthrough the announcement for the 2024 Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World in Magic Kingdom!
What is new at Walt Disney World Resort? If you haven't been in awhile, maybe decades or maybe not since the pandemic, there's quite a lot waiting for you to explore. Hosts Annie Frey and Erika Murphy walk you through some of the new and exciting rides and attractions that just might have you looking to book your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World.
THREE PART SERIES--KIDS: You have been thinking about it! What would it be like to take the whole family to the most magical place in earth? But, we know you have some reservations, and we're not talking accommodations.
Join broadcaster Annie Frey and travel agent Erika Murphy as they discuss what goes into having the absolute BEST generational Walt Disney World trip--focusing on the children of the travel party. Keeping the right place, avoiding the hangry, riding all the rides (or maybe not!), we've got you covered.
Whether we are talking attractions, shows, accessibility, food, lodging, or cost--we've got the conversation starter you need and the answers to the questions you have.
THREE PART SERIES--GRANDPARENTS: You have been thinking about it! What would it be like to take the whole family to the most magical place in earth? But, we know you have some reservations, and we're not talking accommodations.
Join broadcaster Annie Frey and travel agent Erika Murphy as they discuss what goes into having the absolute BEST generational Walt Disney World trip--focusing on the grandparents or seniors of the travel party.
Whether we are talking attractions, shows, accessibility, food, lodging, or cost--we've got the conversation starter you need and the answers to the questions you have.
THREE PART SERIES--PARENTS: You have been thinking about it! What would it be like to take the whole family to the most magical place in earth? But, we know you have some reservations, and we're not talking accommodations.
Join broadcaster Annie Frey and travel agent Erika Murphy as they discuss what goes into having the absolute BEST generational Walt Disney World trip--focusing on the parents or middle generation of the travel party.
Whether we are talking attractions, shows, accessibility, food, lodging, or cost--we've got the conversation starter you need and the answers to the questions you have. You may be the planners of the group, trying to keep both kiddos and grandparents happy at the same time. Is it possible? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Without a doubt.
Traveling to Walt Disney World with a multi-generational party can be an incredible way to make memories with loved ones of all ages. Granted, there is important planning to consider when bringing along grandma and grandpa.
Annie Frey and Erika Murphy walk through the details accommodating the dynamic circumstances you will face. They walk through suggestions on how to ensure that travelers of all ages get the most out of their WDW trip. Transportation, room accommodations, Disability Access Services (DAS), scooter usage--these are just a few of the topics covered in this edition of the Pixie Dust Podcast.
Staying on-property at Walt Disney World is a wonderful way to grow the magical experience leaps and bounds. Walt Disney World has a very wide variety of hotels and accommodations to meet your needs and style and budget. Value, Moderate, and Deluxe accommodations offer guests budget-conscious pristine reservations through high-end elegant rooms and villas.
Not sure where the right location might be for your next Walt Disney World vacation? Annie Frey and Erika Murphy walk you through the different options, benefits, and drawbacks to staying in each of Disney's locations. Where will you stay in the magic next?
Any Walt Disney World vacation is going to be a great vacation, but sometimes you want to go the extra mile. Annie Frey and travel agent Erika Murphy go over the many different ways you can access unique ways to unlock even more magic on your next WDW vacation.
VIP Tours, princess makeovers, Star Wars experiences, photo sessions, and more. What will make YOUR next vacation the most magical? Listen to this episode to see.
Annie Frey and Erika Murphy walk you through the calendar year at Walt Disney World to highlight some of the biggest events that may draw you to vacation at a specific time at WDW, as well as some of those events that you may want to avoid.
Going month by month, Annie and Erika discuss high and lower traffic times, festivals, race weekends, holidays, and more. If you're trying to pick a time to go, or are curious about the time you've already chosen, enjoy this conversation that gives you a high level view of the calendar.
And, while it likely goes without saying, any day at Walt Disney World is a great day. Let's get planning!
Planning a Disney World vacation can almost be as much fun as the vacation itself. But if you're just embarking on the process, sometimes it is hard to even understand all the words associated with planning out the vacation!
Park hopping, virtual queues, lightning lanes, magic bands, advanced dining reservations, and a whole alphabet soup of acronyms--all the unchartered lingo can make you scratch your head and wonder if all the learning is even worth it.
Annie Frey and Erika Murphy are back to tell you it is ABSOLUTELY worth it! And they are ready to get you fully up to speed on all the terms, acronyms, and vocabulary you need to know to plan the absolutely most magical time at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World implemented a concierge service for guests called Genie. As a part of the My Disney Experience app, the Genie service is intended to be your guide through your Walt Disney World trip. Even more, Disney Genie is free!
But did you know there is a way to plus up your Genie experience, and ultimately, your Walt Disney World experience? Genie+ is a somewhat controversial option for parkgoers, but in the right scenario and with the right tips, we think Genie+ can be the asset you need to really improve your overall satisfaction with your Walt Disney World vacation.
Annie has used Genie+ many times in the WDW parks and has all of the advice you need to become a Genie+ master for your trip. Erika is an expert level vacation planner and can help you map out exactly how to maximize your usage of Genie+ for your next vacation.
Enjoy the episode, and be sure to drop by the Pixie Dust Podcast Facebook page to highlight your thoughts, trips, and tricks on how to best implement Genie+ into your Walt Disney World trip. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it and subscribe!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be cumbersome. But once you get into the swing of things, it can be almost as fun and exciting as the trip itself. Annie Frey and Erika Murphy are here to help you navigate some of those first-timer questions you may have to get the ball rolling on a magical vacation. How long should we vacation? Can I do it on a budget? Should we visit all four parks? Should we stay on property? We answer these questions and more! Start dreaming that Walt Disney World vacation into existence with the Pixie Dust Podcast. Contact Erika Murphy at Erika@magicexpeditions.com with questions on booking your trip.
Annie Frey and Erika Murphy are back! Let the Walt Disney World planning begin. 2023 will be an exciting year for Walt Disney World vacationers, but we know very well that starting the planning process can be a bit overwhelming. If you're looking to plan your very first trip, or just the first trip in quite a while, Annie and Erika are excited to help you navigate this exciting and albeit it confusing process.
What's new in 2023 in Walt Disney World? What's gone? What's a Lightening Lane? Where's Fast Pass? What about the Dining Plan? And more. We've got answers! Thanks for listening.
Have you heard the latest news updates from Walt Disney World? We'll break down the latest stories, updates, and openings/closures which include NEW PROMOS for bookings through December 25! And Tony Colombo joins us LIVE from the Polynesian Resort AT Walt Disney World!
Annie returned Monday from an 11-day trip to Walt Disney World! What was it like? Did she feel safe? Did her kids wear masks? Was the magic still there? We answer these and all of your questions with co-host Erika Murphy and special guest, Tony Colombo!
How might WDW be better now?
Annie, Erika, and Tony discuss the reopening of Walt Disney World, what they think may be improved now that we have more information about new procedures, and future plans to travel.
Park reservations, new bookings, dining changes, oh my! Annie and Erika go over all of the latest developments as WDW continues to release more news updates regarding the opening of the parks. Plus, 2021 bookings are now open. Ask your questions! We'll answer them in show!
Park reservations, dining reservations, resort reservations, oh my! We got a ton of news about Walt Disney World opening for 2020 into 2021. Annie and Erika go through all of the updates, answer your questions, and look to the future.
Annie Frey and Tony Colombo discuss their upcoming Walt Disney World vacations. While WDW has announced some precautions that will be in place, as well as modifications and cancellations, many families are trying to decide if it is worth it to still go.
BREAKING NEWS Walt Disney World presents a phased reopening plan for approval. Tune in today at 3:00 as we discuss this morning’s presentation, including information on reopening dates and protocols we know so far!
Disney World is the most magical place on earth! What concerns might you have when booking a Walt Disney World Vacation? We are here to help! In this episode, we discuss the biggest hesitations people often have when booking a WDW vacation. Concerns can span best and worst times of year, seasonality of the weather, crowd sizes and more. Some believe WDW is just for kids or looks too stressful for an enjoyable vacation. We wrap up the conversation with pending and possible restrictions moving forward as parks look to reopen based on Universal Studios open date, measures, and restrictions and how they may translate to WDW. Relax and enjoy the conversation, we look forward to seeing you in the parks real soon!
In this episode, we discuss some of the updates Disney has released on reopening the Shanghai park, and how we may see those protocols implemented here. We also discuss the reopening of Disney Springs on May 20, and what that may look like moving forward.
Annie welcomes her husband, Jarrod, onto the podcast to discuss how they came to be what some may call "Disney People." What is it like traveling to Walt Disney World for the first time with three small kids? How does one go about planning a trip when they don't speak the WDW language?
They share some of the Magic Moment stories, the happiness, some of the times things went wrong at WDW, and how they came to be so in love with their newfound happy place.
May the fourth be with you! It’s only fitting that on May 4th we feature Star Wars on this episode! Whether you are an expert level fan or have never seen the franchise, we talk about all things Star Wars at Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios, and discuss what attractions may suit you based on your level of Star Wars knowledge! Enjoy this episode you will.
What are YOUR go-to pieces of advice for someone embarking on their very first Walt Disney World vacation?
Annie is the relative newbie. Erika is the lifer. Hear not only the adult must-dos but stick around to the end for all three of the kids' perspectives! (You DO NOT want to miss the three-year-olds picks!)
In this episode, we explore three different scenarios for booking a trip to Walt Disney World for a family of four. Just because the parks are closed right now, doesn’t mean that you have to stop planning! Disney is still taking reservations for June first and beyond. With just a $200, fully refundable deposit, you can secure your reservation, and begin planning your fast passes and dining reservations for arrivals this summer. The final balance is due thirty days before departure and you can make as many payments as needed without penalty.
In all three scenarios, we look at pricing for a family of four, two adults and two children ages eight and twelve. All packages include a four-night, five-day stay, four-day base park tickets, Disney Dining Plan, and memory maker. In this case, we are looking at a Disney Value Resort, All-Star Music.
Our first official in-pandemic episode. The seriousness of the virus and its effect on the world somehow has us missing Walt Disney World even more. How have you been coping?
We discuss the current WDW closures, some of Erika's experiences of having to cancel vacations that had been booked for months and months. And how we're managing to get through.
NEW EPISODE: When is the best time to GO to Walt Disney World?
Of course, there are about a million factors that can go into a proper answer to this question. But it's one that is frequently asked be first time travelers. And truthfully, the answer will be different for every vacationer!
We go over some of the most opportune times to travel to the most magical place on earth and some are sure to surprise! What's your favorite time to go?
She walks you through the thought process behind laying it out the way she does. Also, she shares some lessons she's learned on previous trips that may also apply to your trip! Dining reservations, FastPasses, resort stays--enjoy walking through the anticipation of an upcoming trip!
Not your grandma's WDW, or is it? What has changed over the years and what remains the same?
While some Disney lovers try to find themselves in the parks as frequently as humanly (and financially) possible, others may have the feeling that a visit to Walt Disney World is something they did, they've experienced, and that not much has changed. Boy! Not so fast!
Here we discuss some of the many major and a few of the subtle changes, evolutions, and developments that Walt Disney World has experienced over the years and decades. What did we miss?
When is it the right time to start actually planning a WDW trip? Is their a time too early? Too late?
Annie and Erika discuss all the things that go into actually planning a trip. Also, how much do you need to have saved upfront? When is the balance owed? How do you save the most money? We discuss it all!
Be... Our... Guest! Let's talk about dining credits!
Who doesn't like to talk about food? Disney has some of the best chefs in the world on property and in this episode we talk about how to get the most out of your dining credits! Did you know that some signature dining restaurants cost two credits per person? How about that you can bank credits and don't have to use a certain amount each day?
And now we invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair as the Pixie Dust Podcast proudly discusses.. your dining credits.
What's a FastPass and why is it so important?
When planning your first WDW vacation, or if you haven't been recently, you might wonder about this FP+ thing you keep seeing. What is it? What does it do? Is it worth using (omg, yes)? And what are some good strategies to maximizing your FastPasses for your family? We discuss it all!
What's your favorite FastPass tip?
Going to WDW? What in the world do you pack?
Shirts, shorts, swimsuit, french horn, check. Whether you're an over-packer (like myself) or a minimalist this episode will help you with your packing checklist. Tips and tricks on how to stay organized with your family, or just packing solo. Most importantly, don't forget your comfortable shoes, you don't want to miss this episode to find out why, and maybe giggle with us.
You booked a trip, now what? Dates and deadlines for making the most out of your trip
How far in advance can you book your trip? When do you book dining or FastPasses? All things that we discuss in this episode. Making sure you plan ahead, and are prepared can really make your trip more magical. Making sure you note when final payment is due, and when to book your Magical Express tickets, listen in and start creating your timeline today!
Want to save money on your WDW Vacation? This is the episode for you
We always hear the number one reservation when planning a vacation is how much it's going to cost. The good news, is we have tips and tricks to get you the most bang for your buck. Want to avoid melt downs from your kiddos in the gift shops? Buy your souvenirs at your home stores and pack them before you leave, or give your kids a gift card as their spending money so they know exactly how much they have to spend on their trip. We talk about things like having groceries delivered or stroller rentals. Working with a travel agent who could apply promotions if available, or guide you in booking during off season, if you like to save money, you do not want to miss this episode!
Alllll abbooard! Let's talk Disney transportation!
We start with the Magical Express, Disney's white-glove transportation service from MCO to your resort, and then go through how you get to the parks. Disney has you covered, from a bus or boat system to the classic monorail and even the new Skyliner Gondola system, in this episode we show you how hopping from place to place is a breeze!
You've decided you want to plan a Walt Disney World Vacation, now how do you budget for this vacation?
In this episode, we talk about some of the best ways to plan and budget financially for your Walt Disney World Vacation. Disney regularly releases promotions, some that could save your family a lot of money! Make sure to bookmark this episode and listen when you have a chance, we talk about promotions and different scenarios for vacation options. Time of year, and seasonality, as well as festivals on property can impact the price of your trip. Who doesn't love saving money?! That could be used for souvenirs or even a room upgrade!
Where to lay your head? What are the options on-property at Disney World Resorts?
Walt Disney World Resort has over 25 different resorts with three different tiers to meet different family needs. In this episode, we discuss the options, the differences between the Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts and all the themes associated with each property. Each location, of course, will have the extra Disney magic, no matter where you stay. Always dreamed of staying in a Hawaiian bungalow complete with a lanai? How about a room with a larger than life Simba outside your door? Listen and find out which options may be the best for you and your family!
Animal Kingdom, a park full of discovery, nature, animals, and entertainment!
Did you know that one attraction at Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safari, is bigger than the entire Magic Kingdom! That's just a small peek into this episode. The newest of the four parks, Animal Kingdom will have you riding a safari through Africa, then searching for dinosaurs and a Yeti on Everest, and then riding a banshee. This park has it all!
Hollwood Studios, the Hollywood that never was and will always be
In this episode we discuss the glitz and glam of Hollwood Studios. Whether you're a lifer like Erika who will forever call this park MGM Studios or a newbie who has only experienced the park as Hollwood studios, we can all appreciate the lights and sounds that make up this wonderful park. The third park to open on property, Hollwood Studios has seen the most transformation. We discuss the shows and attractions and the newest addition to the park Galaxy's Edge!
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Better known as EPCOT, the Utopian community dreamed up by Walt Disney himself. In this episode, we take a stroll through Future World, to the World Showcase, and everything in between. Full of history, culture, festivals, and arts, it's no wonder it is a favorite of so many! Where can you have brunch in France, catch a cool boat ride in Mexico and then end up at a romantic dinner in Italy? Epcot!
There's more than just a big castle and Mickey Mouse, did you know that Walt Disney World is actually made up of four unique theme parks, two water parks, a shopping district, sports complex, golf courses AND over 25 different resorts? If not, this episode is for you. Even if you did know, you should listen too, you might catch something new!
In this episode, we talk about the different pieces that make up the WDW Resort and do an overview of the Magic Kingdom park and all the magic within.
Cast Members, Fast Passes, Magic Band, My Disney Experience, oh my!
Not sure what these mean? This is the episode for you! In this episode, we discuss the little pieces of Pixie Dust that help make up the magic in a WDW vacation, and discuss how Disney does things "just a little differently."
Annie, along with friend and Erika Murphy - Magic Expeditions, have created a brand new podcast all about Disney World.
Have you ever been curious why everyone loves Walt Disney World so much? Or why the standards at the world-famous park are so high compared to other theme parks?
Erika and Annie will answer all of those questions and give you tips and tricks on how you can do your first trip!