This month is full of celebrations! Our Host with the Most celebrated his birthday with a club level stay at Wilderness Lodge and our favorite podcast celebrated 600 Episodes. Plus lots of news coming out of Destination D23, the reveal of the new DCL ship; Disney Treasure, and so much more! Thanks for following along here, and for even more content and behind the scenes peak, join us over in Wonderland Crew!
A Note From Jeremy
Seems like just yesterday we released episode 1 and now we are at 600? Holy moly! As always, we do not last this long as a podcast without our amazing listeners, so a sincere thank you to each and every one of you.
We have a very busy few weeks coming up and look forward to sharing on the podcasts and social media. If you want to join us live in the parks, resorts and at home, we would love if you check out our Patreon group at WonderlandCrew.com where every dollar goes back into the show and bringing you content.
Thank you all, we appreciate you.
- Trip Review: Boulder Ridge Villas, 2023 Food and Wine, and Akershus
- Trip Review: Flavors of Florida Chef Series, Yak and Yeti, Geyser Point Meet-Up, and Cape May Cafe (Breakfast)
- Walt Disney World Versus Disneyland
- Trip Review: Fort Wilderness Resort with Camper Rental Adventures, Trail’s End, and Crockett’s Tavern
- Guest Dining Review: Victoria & Albert’s
- Trip Review: Fort Wilderness Resort, Grand Floridian Cafe (Brunch), and More Food and Wine Festival
- Bringing Disney Magic Home
- Disney Prep: The Ultimate Theme Park Packing Guide
- Legoland Florida Review with Logan Zawacki
- What is the name of Wendy’s dog in Peter Pan?
- What is the name of the castle in Shanghai Disneyland?
- What is the name of Walt Disney’s first cartoon?
- Which Disney Princess attended Elsa’s Coronation Day?
- How many happy haunts reside in The Haunted Mansion?
August Answers!
- Donald Duck
- Skeleton Dance
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Seven Seas Lagoon
- Lady & the Tramp
This Month in Disney History
- September 1955: Disneyland welcomed its One Millionth Guest just two months after opening!
- September 1984: Morroco becomes the 10th World Showcase Pavilion, and the only pavilion sponsored by a foreign government.
- September 1999: Hurricane Floyd caused the first ever hurricane related closure of Walt Disney World.
- September 2008: The much beloved and mourned Tables in Wonderland program debuted from what was formerly known as Walt Disney World’s Dining Experience.
- September 2014: The Studio Backlot Tour closed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Upcoming Events
- Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Continues (MSM attending October 26th)
- First Ever Jollywood Nights Christmas Party at Hollywood Studios (MSM is there opening night!)
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- MS16 Challenge Weekend April 25 – 28, 2024
WONDERLAND CREW EXCLUSIVES
October 1 – Anyone Can Cook
October 8 – Mocktail and a Movie (2023 Haunted Mansion)
October 15 – Anyone Can Cook
October 20 – 22 Outside the Bubble in Charleston, SC
Want to learn more? Maybe Join? Check this out!
DEALS, DISCOUNTS, AND PROMOS
Save Up to 25% on Rooms Select Nights October 2 – December 25, 2023
Disney+ Subscribers Save Up to 35% on Rooms Select Nights October 22 – November 2, and November 26 – December 25, 2023
Annual Passholders Save Up to 35% on Rooms this Holiday Season, Oct 2 – Dec 25, 2023
Stay, Play, and Dine! Receive up to $200 per night dining credit on select stays October – March. (minimum 4 night/4 day park ticket)
As Always, visit MainStMagicTravel.com to book your next Disney or Universal Vacation (or anywhere else you’d like to travel!)
Is Disney Cruise Line Worth the Premium Price?
Cruising in general is a really great option for couples and families alike. A cruise is a “one stop shop” with room, food, entertainment, activities, and fabulous locations all included for one single fare. However, for anyone who has ever thought of taking a Disney Cruise, this HAS to be the number one question. With the recent announcements surrounding the newest DCL ship, the Disney Treasure, it seemed like a good time to examine this issue. From the moment you step on the ship and your family name is announced throughout the Grand Plaza (yes! They really do greet you with a welcome proclamation worthy of royalty), you are completely immersed in the kind of magic only Disney can create. This magic is not only the presence of beloved Disney characters onboard, stunning Broadway quality stage shows, amazingly fun activities, and unbelievable meals; just like in the parks, it’s the cast members who truly bring the magic to life. In fact, the level of service guests receive on DCL is far and above what you would find at Walt Disney World Resort.
Also, just like in the parks, Disney Cruise Line is not just for kids. Of course the Disney ships have the best children’s programming in the industry, but there are all kinds of adult only spaces and activities onboard as well. The one thing you won’t find on a DCL ship that is a staple on other lines is a casino (at least on the existing ships as of publication date, September 2023). However you won’t even miss it! While the kiddos are having a blast in the Oceaneer Club and Lab, the adults can find their own fun at the Quiet Cove Pool or Senses Spa. Perhaps one of the adult lounges or dining venues would be more preferable. In any event, it is very clear that DCL isn’t only for kids. Something that is included on Disney Cruise Line that you won’t find elsewhere is complimentary room service and soft drinks. That’s right, other lines have a service fee for room service and will sell you a beverage package, but on DCL, it’s all included. Disney Cruise Line is also the only cruise line to have fireworks at sea. Typically as part of Pirate Night or other themed party, guests can enjoy the beautiful sight of pyrotechnics in the sky and reflected in the open waters.
Now for the heart of the issue: the price. Disney Cruise Line does have a higher price than most other cruise lines. On paper, DCL doesn’t really set itself apart and it is hard to see why there is such a big difference in price. However, after sailing with the other guys, it is clear that the gap in quality and service does in fact make DCL worth every penny. As the saying goes — you get what you pay for.
Cast Member Spotlight
Name: Carole B
Location: Three Bridges Bar & Grill / Server
Cast Member Since: 2012
I Love Disney Because
There isn’t a job quite like this; Being a cast member. My job is to “make magic”. This magic isn’t uniform and comes out differently to each guest.
For me that magic might be serving my guests a nourishing meal after a long day at the parks. Some days the magic is knowing helpful tips for a family on their very first visit, explaining where all the best treats are, or assessing which rides are best for each kid. A few times it has been gifting a child their very first Mickey or Minnie plush.
Many times I find the magic is listening. Asking about someone’s day. Finding out what brought them here for both happy reasons, and sad. Celebrating, laughing, crying, and sympathizing.
Giving them a moment to rest, relax, and feel like they are on vacation..that they aren’t just a number to me, they are MY guest.
Then there’s always the magic of when they return. When you remember each other. So many visitors that were once strangers have returned and you now call them a friend. Seeing their growth over the years.
The magic of connection.
This connection magic is also felt with my fellow cast. The people I lovingly call “mi familia”. So many amazing humans working together every night, all doing their very best to take care of each other and the guests. This job isn’t just a job.. it’s our home and my heart.
I love Disney because it’s shown me that magic can be kindness in disguise.
One of My Favorite Disney Memories:
It’s from a few years back when I was a hostess at The Crystal Palace. I absolutely adored my 6 am opening shifts. For me it was the art of “setting the stage”. The beauty of getting such a magical place ready for all the guests. The very last step would be to wipe all the dew off of the benches of the porch that faced the castle. I can see it so clearly; The glow of the castle when it was lit up with the icicle string lights in December, the music ever so softly playing in the background, the entire space spotless for everyone to see its beauty & all the overnight cast members finishing the last touches before a well deserved rest as the sun just started to light the sky.
Each morning I opened I would sit in awe for a few moments. Allowing myself to bask in the stillness of this secret moment. I would often muse that this view would’ve been loved by Walt himself.
Afterwards I would always watch the rope drop. Seeing the guests fill the space, watching the kinetic magic explode down Main Street and across the Hub.
I love working at resorts because it tends to be more laid back, but there will always be memories of the electric energy of opening up a park like the Magic Kingdom that I will forever hold dear.
