Orlando ANTI-Bucket List: What We Wouldn’t Do Again (Disney + Universal + Orlando Tips) | Orlando Accomplice Podcast

Hello you glorious people - welcome back to the Orlando Accomplice Podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, we’re diving into our Orlando ANTI-Bucket List — the things we personally wouldn’t do again (or wouldn’t rush to do) on future trips to Disney World, Universal Orlando, and beyond.
This is not a moaning episode — it’s a real, honest chat about what’s overhyped for us, what’s still amazing for first-timers, and the alternatives that can make your trip easier, cheaper, and way more enjoyable.

We also share your bucket list submissions from Instagram and do a little “smash or pass” at the end 👀

✅ What we cover in this episode

🎆 Disney Fireworks: Main Street camping
- Why we’re not doing the 90-minute Main Street stakeout anymore
- Better fireworks vibes from outside the park (Polynesian beach, resorts, etc.)
- The post-fireworks exit chaos (and how to avoid it)

🍽️ “Bucket list” restaurants & reservation panic
- Why we don’t chase the hard-to-get restaurants just because they’re popular
- The pressure culture around dining reservations
- When character dining is totally worth it (especially with kids)

🛍️ First-day merch impulse buys
- “I’ll see it again" - until you don’t 😅
- The luggage weight struggle
- Outlet wins vs park pricing
- When you should just buy the thing

🌆 Universal: CityWalk
- Why CityWalk can be a vibe… and also a nightmare when you’re overstimulated
- Our “order to the hotel” trick
- The places we’ll never eat again (and the ones we still want to try)

🧈 Butterbeer in peak heat
Why it’s too sickly when it’s scorching
Frozen vs regular
When it’s best (and how not to feel awful after)

🎢 Rope dropping the wrong ride
- Hagrid’s strategy (and what to do if you miss the early rush)
- Our favorite alternative rope drop plays (hello VelociCoaster walk-ons 👋)

🤢 Screen-based rides back-to-back
- Motion sickness chat
- Why breaking them up makes the day way better
- The one ride Becky refuses to do again…

🧡 Your bucket list submissions we react to
- Universal & Disney annual passes
- The dream of 15-minute Hagrid’s
- Deluxe stays (Beach Club, Portofino Bay, Polynesian bungalows…)
- Keys to the Kingdom tour
- RIP Tour + Unmasking the Horror
- Staying at Helios Grand Hotel
- A full squad Drinking Around the World
Plus loads more!

🥂 Our current bucket list (for the next trips)
- Tequila experience in Epcot
- Orlando Magic game 🏀
- Swimming with manatees
- Volcano Bay “chill day” (cocktails + cabana vibes)
- Helios stay + Epic Universe views
- Polynesian bungalow fireworks night 🌺

—
🔗 Follow Orlando Accomplice
📸 Instagram: @orlandoaccomplice
🎵 TikTok: @orlandoaccomplice
▶️ YouTube: @orlandoaccomplice
🎧 Podcast: search “Orlando Accomplice” on your favourite app
🕸️ Website: www.orlandoaccomplice.com
—
⏱️ Who is Orlando Accomplice?

We’re Jake & Becky - your Orlando accomplice! We create cinematic travel films, vlogs, shortform videos, photos, and podcasts all about Orlando. From Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando to hidden gems both inside and outside the parks, we’re here to help you plan smarter, laugh harder, and experience Orlando in the best ways possible. 🎢☕️🎙️

If you’re looking for:
✨ Honest Orlando travel vlogs
🎢 Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando tips
🍩 Food reviews and hidden gems
🎧 Chaotic travel stories on our podcast
🎥 Cinematic shortform and park days
💡 Real, and relatable Orlando adventures

Then you’re in the right place — welcome to Orlando Accomplice. 💚