Karen Stoner, Author at My Mickey Podcast

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – 2018 Review

August 21, 2018 00:48:21

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has returned for another great season, and this year’s event tops all the other seasons according to Danny and Stacey.

In this week’s episode, Danny and Stacey give their review from the first night of the 2018 party season.

Take a walk around the party as they discuss the characters, new food offerings, new merchandise, and our favorite shows. You’ll be surprised by which attraction has been “amped up”. We’ll even share our favorite tips for managing your merchandise and meet & greet opportunities.

2018’s version of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a “can’t miss” event.

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Disney Park Tours – Beyond the Attractions

August 14, 2018 0:25:06

Disney Park tours are an amazing way to experience even more while on your family vacation. Whether you are a Walt Disney history buff, enjoy behind the scenes access, or just want to experience something new, tours are a fun way to bring these to life.

In this week’s episode, I chat with my dad, Tom Wunder, about our 5 favorite tours….

Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Walt Disney World
Walk in Walt’s Footsteps at Disneyland Park
Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour at Walt Disney World
Grand Circle Tour learning about Walt’s love of trains at Disneyland.
VIP Tours at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park

While Disney offers these and many other tours, there are over 100 other Enchanting Extras available to make your vacation experience even more magical.

I’ve added as many pics as I could, but please keep in mind that backstage and Walt’s apartment are off limits for general public pics.

Please enjoy my conversation with my dad.

: Flowers inside the Lilly Belle

: Our guide in the Lilly Belle

: We saw archive videos on this large tablet

: Exhibit of Walt’s love of trains

: Picture of Walt and Lillian on the LIlly Belle

: My name tag for Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour

: My dad learning from the tour guide

: Inside Walt’s apartment.

: Lilly Belle sign

: Our breakfast and “bling” before the tour

: Inside the LIlly Belle

: The beautiful Lilly Belle furniture

: Our guide outside the train station

: The wireless ear monitor we used to hear the guide as well as Walt’s voice

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Pixar Pier and PixarFest Trip Report to Disneyland

August 4, 2018 00:55:19

Pixar Pier opened recently at Disneyland Resort in the California Adventure theme park. We were excited to be invited by Disney for a special media event to celebrate and explore the opening of the Pier.

We also explored Disneyland park as well as the summer-long event Pixar Fest is in full swing.

Karen, Danny, Stacey, and Jeff take you on a virtual tour of the pier including the attractions, shopping, and of course, the food.

Enjoy and be sure to share this episode with your friends.

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

Learn more about Doctor Disney: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

Toy Story Land Is Now Open

July 17, 2018 00:36:52

Toy Story Land is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we had a sneak peak at the recent media event.

Karen, Danny, and Stacey give their first impressions to this new land that is home to Andy’s newest playland.

Join us as we chat about the unique theme of this new area. We also chat about our first thoughts on the 2 newest attractions: Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Mania even has a new entrance and queue line.

It wouldn’t be a My Mickey Podcast if we didn’t mention the food offerings as well.

Join us as we discover all the fun at Toy Story Land.

Be sure to visit the great Dream Designers at My Mickey Vacation Travel to plan your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Episode 10 – Closed Attractions at Walt Disney World We Miss the Most

June 18, 2018 00:50:31

Walt Disney once said, “Progress is impossible without change”.

Walt had a gift of vision, and that vision often involved change. Over the years, we’ve seen many changes at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

In this episode, we talk about many of the attractions that were once beloved by guests that no longer exist.

Some attractions had to make way for new “lands”. Some just wore out their welcome. Others…..well…..we just don’t understand why they’re gone.

But one thing is for sure, these retired attractions have left great memories for all of us.

Join us as we share our favorite memories, and be sure to add yours to the comment section below

: Figment figurine

: Spectromagic

: American Idol Experience

: The Magic of Disney Animation

: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

: Lights, Motors, Action

: Backlot Tour

: Universe of Energy

: Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

: Spectromagic

: Push

: Camp Minnie Mickey

: Spectromagic

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Episode 9 – Adults and Disney Cruise Line

June 12, 2018 00:40:09

It’s quiet. Peaceful. A soft breeze through your hair. A cold drink in your hand. A good book.

Would you believe you can have this on a Disney Cruise? Well….believe it, because you can.

In this episode, Karen, Danny, Stacey, and Jeff talk about how adults can have fun on a Disney Cruise Line sailing.

Now, we aren’t saying that you have to leave the kids at home. But, with the amazing kids clubs on the ships, there is plenty of opportunity for the adults to have fun, too.

Imagine a fun day at the spa with some special pampering. A couples massage, pedicure, sauna, or workout are all available to you.

Looking for some quiet adult time on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island? Serenity Bay is the place for you. Yup, the kids have their own place, and so do you.

Night time entertainment is available for adults only on the ship as well.

Enjoy our discussion on how to enjoy some adult-only time, in addition to family time on your next Disney Cruise.

: Adult beverages on the pool deck

: Palo brunch with a view on Disney Wonder

: Palo Brunch

: Palo on the Disney Wonder

: Bingo time !

: Evening adult entertainment

: Mixology Class set up at Skyline Lounge

: Mixology Class ready to be shaken

: Mixology Class served over ice

: Evolution night club on Disney Dream

: 678 Sports Bar

: Massage room at Senses Spa

: Heated lounge chairs at the Rainforest Room

: Senses Spa

: Couples massage at Senses Spa

: Violin music at Pink

: Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay

: Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay

: Jack Sparrow on Castaway Cay

: Cookies meal preparation

: Cookies lunch at Castaway Cay

: Adults only deck

: Live entertainment in The District Lounge

: The Rainforest Room

: After Hours lounge area on Disney Wonder

: Cadillac Lounge on Disney Wonder

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Episode 8 – Adventures by Disney

June 6, 2018 00:48:17

Adventures by Disney is a unique vacation experience with a guided tour where you and your family become part of the story. Become immersed in the cultures, the places, and the people of wherever your Adventure takes you.

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dream Designer Lauralee Hartz as we chat about how amazing an Adventures by Disney vacation truly is. From the specially trained – and local – Adventure Guides, to the “Disney Difference”, listen in as we describe the benefits of this type of vacation travel.

Karen and Lauralee will share their story of their recent Costa Rica adventure. Their experience included amazing Adventure Guides, ziplining, a river float, and great memories.

Jeff and Karen also describe some amazing experiences during their Disneyland and Southern California Adventure including a visit to the Walt Disney Studios and the Walt Disney Imagineering studios.

Adventures by Disney will take you across the U.S., and around the world to destinations such as New York City, San Francisco, Southern California, Italy, Japan, Greece, Viet Nam, China, and so much more.

Contact the Dream Designers at My Mickey Vacation Travel to learn more about an Adventures by Disney vacation experience.

: Costa Rica Volcano

: Costa Rica Sloths

: Adventures by Disney – Costa Rica

: Ziplining with Lauralee

: Costa Rica Hotel

: Costa Rica

: Transportation

: Costa Rica Wildlife

: AbD Arrival in Costa Rica

: Adventures by Disney – Costa Rica

: River Float

: Karen and Lauralee in Costa Rica

: Paddle of Power on the AbD bus

: Walt Disney Studios Water Tower

: Walt Disney Studios – Frank Wells Building

: Walt Disney Studios – Legends Handprint

: Walt Disney Studios – Headquarters

: Walt Disney Studios – Archives

: Karen with the Walt Disney’s Academy Award

: Walt Disney Studios – Archives Animators Desk

: Walt Disney Studios – Archives memorabilia

: Jeff with Imagineer Tony Baxter

: Walt Disney Studios – Walt’s Office

: Walt Disney Studios Courtyard

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Episode 7 – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Season Announced and Incredible Summer Opened This Weekend

May 30, 2018 00:44:04

In today’s episode, we discuss 2 major happenings at Walt Disney World Resort.

First, it was recently announced that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open at Disneyland in the summer of 2019, while its counterpart will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in late fall of 2019. We discuss our expectations of the parks, as well as some strategies for getting to see Galaxy’s Edge in 2019.

Also beginning this Memorial Day weekend was Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort. We describe all the new and fun surprises in store for the summer at all 4 parks (and a water park, too). Yes, we talk about the special food as well.

So join us as we dig into these 2 fun announcements and events.

: Star Lord and Gamora Appearing at Epcot in Awesome Mix Tape Live

: The Incredibles Photo Opportunity Set in Magic Kingdom

: Launchpad McQuack at Dino-Bash (photo courtesy of Doctor Disney)

: Chip and Dale at Dino-Bash (photo courtesy of Doctor Disney)

: Edna’s “Crepes, not capes” dessert option (photo courtesy of Doctor Disney)

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Episode 6 – Port Orleans Riverside

May 22, 2018 00:38:56

Port Orleans Riverside is one of the most popular of the Moderate Resort category at Walt Disney World® Resort.

In this episode, we will take you on a virtual tour of the resort. We’ll discover the various room types, dining options, and amenities at Port Orleans Riverside.

Built as an homage to the quaint and quiet riverside towns of days gone by, you’ll learn how the the buildings were designed in keeping with the historical accuracy of supply trails on the old river routes.

Discover Port Orleans Riverside as one of your new favorite resorts when chatting with one of the Dream Designers at My Mickey Vacation Travel.

: Resort Lobby

: Mill Wheel

: Sassagoula with Alligator Bayou building

: Royal Room bedding

: Standard queen size beds

: Getting Around Port Orleans Riverside

: Surrey Biking

: Beautiful archways

: Mill Wheel

: Sassagoula River

: Boatwright Restaurant

: Alligator Bayou Exterior

: Beautiful landscaping

: Fountain

: Manion Exterior

: 5th person Murphy bed

: Playround

: Main Swimming pool

: Swimming pool

: Royal Room

Learn more about My Mickey Vacation Travel: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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Episode 5 – VIP Tours at Walt Disney World and Disneyland

May 14, 2018 00:35:30

VIP Tours are an amazing way to have a personalized experience at the Disney parks.

Imagine having your own guide taking you through the parks. Unlimited access to your favorite FastPass rides and attractions and special seating for performances highlight the benefits of a VIP tour.

In this episode, Bridget Morgan, a Dream Designer travel agent with My Mickey Vacation Travel joins us to share her expertise and experience on the VIP services offered by Disney.