If you'd like Melanie to plan your amazing vacation - or just for a good social media follow, check her out here:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MVPbyMelanieRouthieaux
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginzburggetaways/
Everything Else: https://linktr.ee/ginzburggetaways

Nerding Out with Melanie Ginzburg
Join the Park Hopper Show for an out-of-this-world episode with special guest Melanie Ginzburg, travel agent and Star Wars fan. Dive into Melanie's love for Disney, her role as a Disney travel agent, and her experiences as an annual pass holder. Reminisce about memorable Disney moments, including her first visit at age five, the birthday cake castle, and thoughts on Splash Mountain's transformation. Learn about the new Country Bears show, Dapper Day, Jollywood Nights, and her COVID-era Disney wedding. We chat about her Star Wars enthusiasm, and Paul gets help getting back into the franchise. Melanie also offers an honest hot take on Buc-ee's. Whether you are a Disney aficionado, a Star Wars devotee, or a travel enthusiast seeking insider tips, this episode has something for everyone!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:34 Melanie's Disney Journey
01:37 First Disney Experiences
03:13 Social Media and Travel Agent Insights
04:07 Tiana's Bayou Adventure Review
07:34 Country Bear Jamboree Update
13:47 Dapper Day and Disney Wedding
20:58 Star Wars Fandom and Recommendations
34:44 A Child's Reaction to Rise of the Resistance
35:37 Navigating Disney's Single Rider Lines
36:41 The Cost of Disney's Lightning Lane
38:36 Virtual Queues and Tron Experience
40:42 Tower of Terror Memories
43:40 Marvel and Star Wars Fandom
49:21 Indiana Jones and Movie Franchises
57:33 Back to the Future Musical
01:00:42 The Buc-ee's Debate
01:07:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

To have Courtney plan your amazing vacation - or just for a good social media follow, check her out here:

A Crazy Amazing Adventure with Expert Travel Agent Courtney Miller

In this episode of the Park Hopper Show, host Paul interviews Courtney Miller, a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. The discussion covers the advantages of using a travel agent, the newly updated Disney ride services, and the difference between Disneyland and Disney World. Courtney shares insights from her recent back-to-back visits to both parks, detailing everything from ride comparisons to snack recommendations. She also touches on her favorite vacation destination outside of Disney, Punta Cana, and offers travel tips for both Disney novices and seasoned visitors.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:05 The Role of a Disney Travel Agent

01:50 Updates on Genie Plus and Lightning Lane

03:44 Booking Strategies and Tips

08:19 Discovering Disneyland

11:42 Disneyland vs. Disney World

16:25 Personal Disney Experiences

22:37 Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

26:18 The Art of Planning: From Spreadsheets to Travel Agency

26:57 The Role of a Travel Agent: Gatekeeper to Disney Magic

28:00 The Cost of Disney Planning: It's Free!

28:35 Maximizing Your Disney Experience: Tips and Tricks

29:48 Fireworks Strategy: Enjoying the Night Shows

33:01 The Magic of Cast Members: Creating Unforgettable Experiences

38:05 All-Inclusive Resorts: Punta Cana Paradise

41:31 Travel Preferences: Flying vs. Driving

42:29 Buc-ee's: The Disney of Truck Stops

48:56 Fitness and Disney: Preparing for the Adventure

51:44 Conclusion: How to Reach Out and Plan Your Best Vacation

This is the happy second half of Episode 37. I recently went to Disney Springs and the Magic Kingdom and had a whole day of Disneying Alone - and wow, is that a different experience than going with kids.

Normally, I try to stay positive so here's the deal...

This is the first half of episode 37 - just the long rant about Spirit Airlines should never be trusted with a dime of your money.

If you would rather just skip that nonsense and listen to the Magic Kingdom recap, check out episode 37b

Paul is back from his recent work trip that took him to sunny Kissimee...and when in Rome. After work hours - a trip to Disney Springs and the Magic Kingdom was a must. But a disastrous choice to choose price over professionalism almost caused the trip to be cancelled. Spirit Airlines is hot garbage and you're being warned by a friend :)

If you want to skip the negative first half of this podcast, I'm also releasing each half broken up so feel free to choose how you want to listen.

2023 is almost over, 2024 is almost here. I'm joined by Tricia Scott of VisitMickey.com to discuss things happening in both of those years.

We're talking the dining plan returning, our love of EPCOT, the magic of a buffet on Disney Cruises, Moana Journey of Water and so much more!

If you are interested in having the best vacation of your life planned for free, check out VisitMickey.com and get started today!

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend Penny who just returned home from Universal Studios. She's got all the info on their Halloween Horror Nights as well as Universal's special Military Freedom Passes.

We're talking rides and food and frights and especially vacationing without our children.

Welcome to The Park Hopper Show - the great big beautiful podcast.

Paul is back this week with his friend and fellow Disney Dad, Rusty. They're discussing his recent family trip, some hot takes, some unethical Disney tips, some things completely cut out :) and a discussion of the underrated classic A Goofy Movie