392 Disneyland and Universal Orlando with Seth Kubersky

 

Welcome to the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 392 for Sunday 16th January 2022. If you want to listen right now via this page - just click on the audio player below. However, to ensure you never miss a show make sure you subscribe to us in your favourite podcast catching app.

On this week's show, we welcome back our friend Seth Kubersky from the Unofficial Guide Series books. 

Seth began sharing hints and tips about accomodation in Anaheim. As there are an array of off-site options you are not as tied into staying in a Disney Resort.

During the discussion, we cover food, attractions, experiences that have returned (or are returning) to the resort. 

On the show, Seth talks about the revamp the Snow White attraction has undergone. Here is a link to a blog post by The Unofficial Guide giving all the details Snow White's Enchanted Wish.

Moving coasts, Seth then gave us his top reasons as to why he recommends everyone should hop over to Universal Orlando and check out their amazing offerings. 

We highly recommend - if you are planning a trip to Disneyland, Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando - that you buy a copy of the book either from their website or any good bookstore (physical or online). 

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318 Seth Kubersky's Guide to Universal Orlando Re-opening

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 318, for Sunday 7th June 2020. If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio, or via any good podcast catching apps.
On this week's show, we celebrate BBC television coming back on the air - after World War 2 and share the Disney connection to this, remember the birthdate of a Disney Legend and welcome back to the show Seth Kubersky to talk about the next level of theme park openings in Orlando.  

Mickey's Gala Performance
On 7th June 1946, British Broadcasting Company came back on air following World War 2 and on this day in history, this cartoon was shown. 

It was directed by Burt Gillett, produced by Walt Disney and the music was by Frank Churchill. It was originally released on 1st July 1933 and runs for seven minutes, twenty-one seconds. What makes this special is that this feature was the final item shown on the BBC on 1st September 1939 as it then stopped broadcasting.  

Milt Albright
Born on this day in 1916, Milt went on to be the first Disneyland employee.

Hear us on the show share his legacy was much more than that. We detail some of his achievements on the show but invite you to visit the Disney Parks Blog and read this fascinating piece about his life - Milt Albright.

Seth Kubersky

We are joined once more by the travel writer - Seth Kubersky. He joins us to review opening day at Disney Springs and then in detail share his experiences of visiting Universal Orlando on their re-opening day. We end our discussion looking ahead to what we can anticipate when Walt Disney World starts to re-open from the 15th July 2020. 

Photo Credit Seth Kubersky Unofficial Guides

On show 315, Seth spoke about the parking and it appears to be running just as smoothly now the main theme parks are open. 

Photo Credit Seth Kubersky Unofficial Guides

As he walked in, there were no park maps. He urges everyone to ensure they have the Universal Orlando app downloaded and ready to go prior to visiting. 

Photo Credit Seth Kubersky Unofficial Guides

He details the ride reservation system and shared the ease he found in obtaining on the day passes to ride his favourite attractions. 

Photo Credit Seth Kubersky Unofficial Guides

Mask compliance was good: all staff wore them however, he did see guests with lowered masks during his visits. Characters were able to be seen in the park but there were no photo opportunities and they wore themed/co-ordinating masks.

Top Tips:
Consider the ages of your family grouping - there isn't very much for younger children to do as they play areas are not currently opening. 
Travel light - lockers have been seeing a delay as much as 30 minutes to store and then to retrieve items. 
Arrive early and once in the are you should be able to obtain your first ride reservation 15 minutes prior to park opening. 

We urge you to keep up to date with the theme park news by visiting https://theunofficialguides.com/also, follow them on Facebook. Seth can be found on Twitter @Skubersky 

That's about it for this week. You can find us @DisDreamGirls on Instagram and Twitter. We have the Disney Dream Girls page on Facebook as well as the Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family. If you wish to support us financially and keep the show advert free, visit us at https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls and there you can find out the benefits of doing so.

315 Seth Kubersky's Unofficial Guide to Disney and Universal Re-opening

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 315, for Sunday 17th May 2020. If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio, or via any other good podcast catching places.
On this week's show, we welcome Seth Kubersky as our guest.

Seth attended City Walk Orlando on its re-opening date (14th May 2020) and he joins us to describe what he saw. Then, he shares what information he has on the planned Disney Springs opening.

Throughout this blog, we use a range of photos that Seth took, which build upon the discussion we had on the show. All photo credits go to Seth Kubersky The Unofficial Guides.

Parking was free, and vehicles were parked at one vehicle spacings. Signs immediately reminded people of the expectations. 

Staff all wore protective equipment; this altered depending on their role. Cleaning was quite visibly taking place.

For those without masks, kiosks had them for sale - as yet these are unthemed. Entry to City Walk depended on guests wearing a mask. 

On his visit, Seth could not resist a trip to Voodoo Doughnuts. He was impressed by the measures taken by them to ensure social distancing. 

Of course, there is always time for a quick survey!

To reach out to our guest, please find Seth on Twitter @skubersky and he frequently writes for Touringplans.com and theunofficialguides.com

If you are wanting to daydream about your happy place or use a guide to plan your trip, we highly recommend purchasing The Unofficial Guide books to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line amongst the many other places that they produce.

We will be back next week with some more Disney escapism. 
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If you would like additional podcast content, you may wish to consider supporting us via our Patreon page where there are lots of exclusives awaiting you, so visit https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls 

297 World of Color and Seth Kubersky

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 297 for 26th January 2020.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.
On this week's show, we have shared a story about Disneyland security, we review the World of Color Dessert Party and then end with a fabulous chat with the author of the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando -  Seth Kubersky. World of Color Dessert Party It currently is bookable 60 days in advance and costs $84 per person and this includes tax and gratuity. They request you arrive 60 minutes prior to showtime however we did that and there already was a long line. 

Once in line, you are asked whether you want a high table (sitting on a high directors style chair) or a lower standard height table. We chose the higher option and was not disappointed with the view or comfort level.

For this price, you receive a pre-plated dessert plate, which consists of: grapes, cheese, biscuits, cheesecake, mini cake and a macaron (offerings are changed out and modified seasonally). Additionally, there is a basket of bread and crackers. Then there is a menu to select hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from. 

The food offered was plentiful and something for all palates. If anything, we struggled to eat it all and took some of the items back to our room (the will offer to-go boxes). A downside was I did find the food a little cold but that is the only complaint. 

I tried both alcoholic drinks and I felt the mixed cocktail was much nicer than the sparkling wine. As it was a cold night, I also had a hot chocolate. Wait staff came past frequently to ask if we needed further drinks prior to the show starting. After that, the show they were busy clearing the area to set up for the second show but did not feel overly rushed to leave immediately.

The view was amazing and it was a fun night shared with friends. I would do it again if I was celebrating an event or to see the World of Color show without obstacles in front of me.

Unofficial Guide Author - Seth Kubersky

Well, he said he was going to the dark side but not this dark side! He actually is on the show to talk about the Universal side, which sometimes die-hard Disney fans 'lovingly' call Universal Orlando. 

Seth joins us to give an overview of what you can and should do if you are considering a trip to The Universal Resort in Orlando. He starts by giving an overview of the hotels and the main benefits of staying at one of them. 

He then moves on to talk about the two existing theme parks. Yes, some of you will shout - they have three (as the third is Volcano Bay) but we did not talk about the waterpark on the show. 

Obviously, we discuss some of the must-try foods and drinks available.

Photo Credit https://blog.universalorlando.com/extras/6-butterbeer-treats-wwohp/

If you are planning a trip, more information is available in the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2020 which is available from all good places that sell books!

The Disney Dreams Girls is a weekly podcast, where the hosts - Michelle and Jayne - are your guides to the places where dreams begin. If you want to find out more about the show or would like to contact them, their social media links are below.

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Finally, if you want additional content over and above our weekly show,  why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. They receive extra shows as well as many other benefits.  To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page. 

Should I revisit Universal Studios Orlando?

My last trip to Universal Studios was a few years ago now. For one reason or another, I just haven't been able to squeeze in a trip back. I'm now literally two weeks away from my trip and I am still undecided - should I go? Well I thought I would take a look into what their latest offering whether that would tempt me.

Photo Credit Universal Orlando Website

Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

From what I have read, this alone should tempt me back! It looks phenominal and everyone I have spoken to, who has ridden it even confirms that fact! It is now the longest coaster in the whole of Florida at a staggering 5053 feet!

Photo Credit Universal Orlando Website

What interests me the most is the attention to detail that this attraction claims to have and I'm curious about how this addition has matured the land of Potter. 

Have you been? What should I do?