In this rewind episode of the Main Street Magic Podcast, we’re going back to one of our Disney Prep Series favorites—Disney’s water parks!

We originally recorded this episode when only one park was open, so you may hear us mention that throughout the show. But don’t worry—both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are now open and ready for you to splash into some serious fun!

We’re sharing the history, theming, fun facts, pricing, and our best tips and tricks to help you make the most of your water park day. And here’s some even better news—if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you now get a complimentary water park day on your check-in day through the end of 2025, with that offer continuing into the summer of 2026. Pretty awesome, right?

So while the episode is presented exactly as it was when first released, everything still holds up—and now you have even more ways to enjoy both parks! Whether you’re chilling in the lazy rivers or braving the big slides, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive in!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

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• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We're taking you along on a whirlwind couple of days at Walt Disney World—complete with friends, food, drinks, and a few unexpected twists (including a surprise snake sighting near the Skyliner… yep, that happened).

We kicked things off with snacks and sips at Bar Riva to see some Cast Member friends alongside our good friends Lucie and Caleb, and the fun just kept rolling from there. We did a little shopping in Pandora (yes, we bought rings), used an Individual Lightning Lane for Cosmic Rewind, and bounced around resorts chasing dinner plans from California Grill to Steakhouse 71 to Three Bridges—where we finally found our perfect Plan C, great food, and some awesome cast member interactions.

We also squeezed in some magic at Magic Kingdom to ride Haunted Mansion, placed a special hat embroidery order, and spent a rainy afternoon at Disney Springs catching up, indulging in Salt & Straw, and hiding out at Jock Lindsey’s. The trip wrapped up with poolside snacks at Siestas, an evening at Dahlia Lounge, and a final stop at Jeff’s Bagels on the way home—because you know we weren’t leaving without breakfast handled.

It was a trip full of laughs, detours, and Disney magic, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

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• Facebook: @MainStMagic
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• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re stepping outside the Disney bubble and heading deep into the heart of Texas for an unforgettable trip to Austin. That’s right—we swapped MagicBands for cowboy boots and spent the weekend soaking up everything Austin has to offer, from mouthwatering food to meaningful moments.

We’re talking Michelin-starred barbecue brisket that melts in your mouth, spicy chicken from a food truck named Spicy Boys, an incredible cowgirl hat experience at Kendra Scott’s Yellow Rose boutique, and a dive bar that turned out to be surprisingly sober-friendly. Plus, opening up about a powerful personal milestone—reaching 475 days of sobriety—and how a three-hour Blue October concert helped finally deliver the clarity.

Whether it’s floating in freezing cold Barton Springs, indulging in gourmet ice cream, or spotting a puppy in an Uber, this was a weekend filled with unexpected joy, emotional growth, and plenty of laughter. So if you’re looking for an inspiring, delicious, and downright weird adventure beyond the theme parks, grab your hat (and maybe a churro for comfort) and come along for the ride!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re coming to you from Austin, Texas — recording right from our besties Lucie and Caleb’s living room — for an unforgettable Disney draft day! This time, it’s not just Jeremy and Rhonda going head-to-head… Lucie and Caleb join in on the fun, making this a full four-person, NBA-style draft to build the ultimate Walt Disney World “team.”

We’re drafting across 11 unique categories that go far beyond just rides — from thrill rides and classic attractions to table service dining, snacks, live shows, character experiences, nighttime spectaculars, and more. Each pick is off the board once it’s claimed, so strategy, timing, and maybe even a little sabotage come into play.

With four Disney-loving voices and plenty of laughter, debates, and fun moments, this episode is full of surprises and theme park passion. Whether you’re team nostalgia, team thrills, or just here for the snacks, there’s something for every Disney fan.

Tune in to hear who picked what, how each ultimate park lineup shaped up, and decide for yourself: who built the best Disney park? Let the magic — and the competition — begin!

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re taking a delicious deep dive into the snack scene at Disney Springs to determine which treats are truly worth your time, money, and appetite. With so many tempting options, we’re breaking them down by taste, value, portion size, and uniqueness to see which ones deserve a resounding “Eat it!” and which you may want to “Beat it!”

We kick things off at Swirls on the Water with the DOLE Whip Flight—a $7.99 trio that serves up a sampler-sized portion of Disney’s most iconic soft-serve in playful, unique swirls like banana and salted caramel or mint chocolate, all with fun toppings. Then we hit the heavyweight champion of cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse, where the limited-time White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookie clocks in at nearly half a pound and over 24 hours of prep time, offering rich flavor and chewy-crispy contrast.

From there, it’s on to Sprinkles for a fresh cupcake delivered from their famous ATM, and then we hop over to The Daily Poutine, where $10.49 gets you a hot, hearty portion of Canadian-style comfort food—fries, gravy, and cheddar curds that are perfect for sharing. Summer House offers up a gooey cookie bar that’s just as pretty as it is tasty, while Chicken Guy delivers classic tenders with a sauce-sampling twist that brings the flavor (and a bit of Food Network flair).

We wrap with Homecomin’s beloved Momma’s Mac and Cheese, Morimoto Asia’s sticky-sweet spare ribs, Everglazed’s pillowy doughnuts, and the wildly inventive small-batch ice creams from Salt & Straw—think strawberry balsamic or honey lavender atop a crisp waffle cone.

Whether you’re strolling the Springs for a quick bite or plotting a full-on snack crawl, this episode is your go-to guide for the tastiest (and most interesting) stops along the way.

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re diving into an important and often overlooked topic—phobias and sensory sensitivities in the parks.

With as many as 12.5% of adults and nearly 1 in 5 adolescents experiencing specific phobias in their lifetime, it’s essential to help all guests feel confident and informed when planning their Disney experience. From fear of heights and darkness to anxiety in enclosed spaces or sensory-heavy environments, we’re breaking down the rides and experiences that could be overwhelming—and what to do about it.

We’ll walk you through the attractions most likely to trigger phobias like claustrophobia, nyctophobia, and automatonophobia, and provide practical tools for navigating those challenges.

We also include tips for using DAS (Disability Access Service), rider switch, and identifying quiet spaces throughout the parks when needed. Plus, we share a list of sensory-friendly alternatives so everyone in your party can find their magic, no matter their comfort level. Whether you’re planning your first trip or helping someone else prepare, this episode is here to help you create a trip full of joy, confidence, and understanding.

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re diving headfirst into the season with a special guide that brings the sunshine, smiles, and sparkle of the parks straight to you. This is your official Disney-inspired S.U.M.M.E.R. plan—six fun-filled categories, each one packed with tips, tricks, and ideas to make your summer the most magical yet.

We kick things off with Splash into the Parks, sharing our favorite water rides like Kali River Rapids and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, plus the top spots in each park (and Disney Springs!) to find glorious, chilled air conditioning—because Florida heat waits for no one. Don’t miss our favorite summer snacks, from Dole Whip to Night Blossom, and the best pools for mid-day dips across value, moderate, and deluxe resorts.

Next up, Unforgettable Summer Soundtrack brings the music that defines the season—from “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” to “Happily Ever After,” and even “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.” This playlist will take you from the beach to Main Street in just one song. Listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7JYlcXtVkQ19P30f3yvROV?si=f269a267fef543bd

In Magic at Home, the fun continues with chalk art, Mickey-shaped frozen treats, park-scented candles, and recipes inspired by Disney snacks. Then we dive into Movie Marathon: Summer Edition with a curated watchlist including Moana, Luca, Camp Rock, and more—plus themed snacks to match each film.

We also Explore the World, EPCOT-style, with a global challenge that includes food, language, music, and movie pairings. Finally, in Reimagine, it’s all about creativity—design your own attraction, sketch your queue, and even build a model.

Tune in and make this summer your most magical one yet.

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

We’re back with another delicious installment of our Eat It or Beat It series—this time from the wild and wonderfully themed lands of Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We’re breaking down some of the most popular snacks in the park, from savory street cart surprises to sweet Instagram-worthy favorites, to determine if they’re truly worth your time and money.

We’ll cover each item based on taste, value, portion size, and overall experience, sprinkling in fun facts, tips, and trivia along the way. Whether it’s the iconic Night Blossom from Pandora, Mr. Kamal’s legendary seasoned fries, or a pair of fresh-baked cookie ice cream sandwiches from Dino-Bite Snacks, we’re deciding which treats roar with flavor—and which might not be worth the trek.

This episode follows up our previous snack adventures:

• Episode 750: Eat It or Beat It – Magic Kingdom
• Episode 759: Eat It or Beat It – EPCOT
• Episode 775: Eat It or Beat It – Hollywood Studios

And don’t forget to check out our brand-new food reviews and Disney news site at https://www.mainstmagic.com/msm-news/

Will the cheeseburger pods hold up to the hype? Are Nomad Lounge churros really worth the $10 price tag? And is the iconic Simba Pretzel more than just a cute face? Tune in as we eat our way through Animal Kingdom to find out.

• No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!

• Facebook Group
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Twitter: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• Instagram: @MainStMagic

• www.MainStMagic.com
• www.MainStreetShirts.com

• Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!

• www.MSMFriends.com

Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song