Feel overwhelmed about the planning of your Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or Disney Cruise Line vacation? Host Conor Brown is a former Walt Disney World Cast Member and current Travel Advisor who knows the pain points and overwhelm that come with planning Disney and Universal trips. He helps you understand everything you need to know when it comes to planning your trip, and what to not worry about. Sharing the best trips, strategies and advice for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line or Universal Orlando vacations. Visit our website for more information: www.vacationkingdoms.com Walt Disney World | Disney Cruise Line | Universal Orlando | Disney World Podcast | Vacation Planning Podcast
In episode 134 of the Vacation Kingdoms Podcast, we explore Disney's VIP tours with special guest Chris Oakes. We dive into the details of our VIP tour experience, discussing everything from exclusive Lightning Lane access to backstage privileges. Listen in as we share tips for maximizing your time on a VIP tour, including the importance of prioritizing must-do attractions and using the VIP guide's insights. We'll also break down the costs, booking process, and why this premium service is perfect for special celebrations or groups looking to split the expense. Don't miss our firsthand tales of navigating Magic Kingdom and enjoying the ultimate Disney experience!Follow Us On SocialInstagramFacebookWant to Watch the Video Version? Check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here.Ready to Book Your Next Vacation? Reach out to me (conor@vacationkingdoms.com) and I can help you book. Get my expertise and help for FREE when it comes to booking your trip.
8/27/24 • 56:35
In this episode I give an overview of the theme parks, water park, entertainment district and resort hotels that make up the Universal Orlando Resort. I also discuss how to navaiagte the property, where it is located in proximity to other Orlando destinations and what special events Universal hosts throughout the year.Follow us on socialInstagramFacebookTwitterReach out to me and say whatsup - conor@vacationkingdoms.com
8/17/24 • 54:09
In episode 133 of the Vacation Kingdoms podcast, we share all the Disney parks news from D23 - the ultimate Disney fan event. There's plenty of new attraction, and land, announcements for Disneyland, Walt Disney World and even Disney Cruise Line. We sharing what we know and what we don't know about the announcements.Follow Us On SocialInstagramFacebookWant to Watch the Video Version? Check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here.Ready to Book Your Next Vacation? Reach out to me (conor@vacationkingdoms.com) and I can help you book. Get my expertise and help for FREE when it comes to booking your trip.
8/13/24 • 59:37
In episode 132 of the Vacation Kingdoms podcast, the focus is on the newly launched Lightning Lane system at Walt Disney World. We give you an in-depth guide on purchasing and using the new Lightning Lane system, comparing it to previous systems like FastPass+ and Genie+. The episode also covers essential steps for booking, the advantages for on-site guests, pricing details, and practical tips for maximizing the new system's benefits. Follow Us On SocialInstagramFacebookWant to Watch the Video Version? Check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here.Ready to Book Your Next Vacation? Reach out to me (conor@vacationkingdoms.com) and I can help you book. Get my expertise and help for FREE when it comes to booking your trip.
7/30/24 • 63:10
In this episode, we dive deep into Disney Cruise Line, highlighting its 26-year history, fleet classes, and unique offerings. During the episode we discuss rotational dining, adult-only dining options, and the entertainment available on board. We touch on the different ships' amenities, from pool areas and sports courts to renowned kids' clubs and movie theaters. We also note Disney's smaller, boutique fleet compared to industry giants like Royal Caribbean. And we show how Disney puts the emphasis on unparalleled service and a family-friendly atmosphere. Follow Us On Social MediaInstagramFacebook Interested in the Video Version of the show? Watch it here.
7/26/24 • 65:45
In this episode, I'll be sharing the attractions, shows, experiences and processes that are new in Walt Disney World. Some of these items are brand new, while others are in their infancy. So if you haven't been in a year or two, this overview is for you. Plus, I'll be sharing tips on how to experience all the newness in Walt Disney World. Follow Us On SocialInstagramFacebookWant to Watch the Video Version? Check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here.Ready to Book Your Next Vacation? Reach out to me (conor@vacationkingdoms.com) and I can help you book. Get my expertise and help for FREE when it comes to booking your trip.
7/23/24 • 53:00
Walt Disney World's newest attraction is now open. Here's what I think of Tiana's Bayou Adventure and some tips to help you ride it.Follow us on socialInstagramFacebookTwitterReach out to me and say whatsup - conor@vacationkingdoms.com
7/10/24 • 37:02
Here are the things I love about the Universal Orlando Resort.Follow us on socialInstagramFacebookTwitterReach out to me and say whatsup - conor@vacationkingdoms.com
6/14/24 • 31:56
I just sailed on the first cruise to Disney Cruise Line's newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. On this episode I share my first impressions of this new destination. Follow us on socialInstagramFacebookTwitterReach out to me and say whatsup - conor@vacationkingdoms.com
6/11/24 • 35:11
Here are the things I love about Disney Cruise Line.Follow us on socialInstagramFacebookTwitterReach out to me and say whatsup - conor@vacationkingdoms.com
5/30/24 • 25:20
Here are the things I'm loving about Walt Disney World right now.Follow us on socialInstagramFacebookTwitterReach out to me and say whatsup - conor@vacationkingdoms.com
5/28/24 • 26:16
Out with WDW Opinion. In with Vacation Kingdoms. I'm very excited for this new endeavor. If you've been listening since WDW Opinion, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and patience. Follow us on socialInstagramFacebookTwitterReach out to me and say whatsup - conor@vacationkingdoms.com
5/15/24 • 05:39
5 Lands That Need Major Updates in Walt Disney World - WDW Opinion Ep. 128 There’s been a lot of news in the theme park world lately and I thought I would share my thoughts on all of it. Let's get into it. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
1/25/23 • 45:11
5 Lands That Need Major Updates in Walt Disney World - WDW Opinion Ep. 127 During D23 there was some discussion around lands being revamped or replaced in Walt Disney World. In this episode I share 5 Walt Disney Worldlands I think are in need of major updates. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/127 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
10/11/22 • 40:21
There were plenty of Disney Parks announcements and updates during the D23 Expo. But what are the most important ones? I'll share my thoughts on that and why I think Disney is in a tough spot when it comes to announcements. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/126 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
9/13/22 • 71:46
Big life update for Conor on this very special episode of WDW Opinion. Learn More About WDW Opinion Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
1/12/22 • 20:44
Mike Brassell has worked in production at the Walt Disney Animation Studio, is the narrator of the PeopleMover and Living With the Land and is even the composer of the on ride soundtrack for Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. On this episode Mike shares stories from his awesome Disney journey and he discusses the life lessons he has learned as he has pursued his dreams. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/125 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
12/7/21 • 52:22
I was able to attend the Disney Very Merriest After Hours Event at Magic Kingdom. On this episode I break down this unique 2021 event and give my review on the entertainment during the party as well as the overall value of it. Plus, I share my top tips to get the most out of this hard ticketed event. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/124 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
11/30/21 • 49:44
Trader Brandon is a former Imagineer who worked on such projects as Trader Sam's, Pandora: The World of Avatar, the Hat Box Ghost and many more attractions. He is also a former Disneyland Jungle Cruise Skipper and even spent time creating attractions for Universal Creative. This is part 2 of a 2 part interview with him. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/123 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
11/16/21 • 51:13
Trader Brandon is a former Imagineer who worked on such projects as Trader Sam's, Pandora: The World of Avatar, the Hat Box Ghost and many more attractions. He is also a former Disneyland Jungle Cruise Skipper and even spent time creating attractions for Universal Creative. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with him. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/122 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
11/9/21 • 55:07
On this week's News to Opinion, I share all the details on Epcot's International Festival of the Arts and why I think it is the best yearly Epcot festival. I also share the best, and worst, food items Disney has come up with to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/news102821 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
10/28/21 • 46:05
The newest tool for your Walt Disney World vacation, Disney Genie, is now live. I tested out the paid Genie+ service on the first day it was released and I am sharing my experience on this episode. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/121 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
10/26/21 • 73:40
Epcot's newest attraction, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, has been open to the general public for a few weeks now. On this episode I share my review of the attraction, what I like and don't like about it and I explain why this attraction is so important to the current state and the future of Epcot. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/120 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
10/19/21 • 63:23
On this week's News to Opinion, the attractions being offered with Disney Genie+ have been announced. I break down which of the theme parks look like a great deal and which are missing the mark with their offerings. Plus, I also talk about the sample pricing given out for the attractions participating in the Lightning lane a la carte tier. And I share my thoughts on what this means for future attractions and how Disney is very carefully handling their messaging around this. Enter Our "Buying Disney's World" Giveaway Here! https://www.wdwopinion.com/119 Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/news101421 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
10/14/21 • 72:37
In the late 1960s, the Disney corporation was able to purchase over 27,000 acres of Central Florida Swampland to build their "Florida Project". In "Buying Disney's World", Aaron Goldberg chronicles how the company was able to pull this off. This is a story complete with fake companies, CIA operatives, backroom deals and more twist than you can keep track of. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/119 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
10/12/21 • 63:39
On this week's News to Opinion we talk about how Character Meet and Greets are returning to the Walt Disney World parks. I also discuss the other entertainment offerings that are coming back to the parks and how that will impact your upcoming vacations. Plus, I share my breakdown and expectations on what the MagicBand+ will offer. And we getting an opening date for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and an opening year for Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/news10721 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
10/7/21 • 45:29
I was lucky enough to be in the Magic Kingdom on October 1 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. I spent 13 hours in the park (!!!) and I had an absolute blast. On this episode I share a recap of my day and express how happy I was that I got to be there. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/118 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
10/5/21 • 59:32
On this week's News to Opinion we talk about how Boarding Groups will be going away for Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios. I share how this will impact your trip planning going forward; how I find it interesting that Boarding Groups are still in place at other attractions; and why Disney selected this moment in time to get rid of Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance. Plus, Expedition Everest is going down for a refurb and I discuss what upgrades might be happening and how I find it unusual that Disney decided to do this refurb during the 50th anniversary. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/news92321 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
9/23/21 • 50:19
On this episode we are talking about what to pack for your Walt Disney World vacation. We discuss things to consider like what time of year you are going and what activities you plan on doing. Plus, we share some of our recent favorite products that have been game changers when it comes to helping us in the parks and on our trips. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/117 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
9/21/21 • 67:56
We have a brand new offering from WDW Opinion. News to Opinion will be a weekly show covering all the important news stories from Walt Disney World. News stories for the week of September 16 2021 include a breakdown of the new Annual Pass offerings for Walt Disney World as well as the menus being revealed form the Steakhouse 71 and Space 220 Restaurants. Learn More About This Episode Via The Show Notes Page Here: https://www.wdwopinion.com/news91621 Follow Us On Social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDWOpinion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdwopinion/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WDWopinion Opinioneers Community: https://www.wdwopinion.com/Opinioneers
9/16/21 • 66:31
