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What do you do when you wish you were at Disney World and you’re not? It’s a real problem, folks. I usually hit Pinterest and spend some time perusing what’s new, or thinking about future trip plans. My husband, who is a major gigantic ‘Dis-nerd’ does far more.
He listens to theme park music and podcasts, reads trip reports and watches videos of people we don’t know on their Disney trips (they’re actually travel vloggers, but my way of describing it is way funnier). Whether you’re like me and just want a few good review sites to check out, or want to jump in with both feet like Greg, we’ve gotcha covered.
Disney Sites
The Frugal South … I love Leah’s Disney posts. She reviews resorts, compares options, gives dining tips and more. She offers some helpful ways to save money and get the most value for your trip.
The Delightful Life … I am really taken by how thorough Jennifer is. (A personal pet peeve of mine is to go to a site looking for real information and getting a generic list that makes me say, “duh”. You won’t find that here). Jennifer is also a part of a Disney ‘Blogorail’ group, so you will find lots of links to other Disney articles here.
Disney Food Blog … All things Disney food. Restaurants, Food & Wine Festival, the dining plan, snacks, drinks, what’s new. Yum.
When I asked Greg to share his favorite sites with me, here’s what I got:
These are my three go to sites for news. The last one, MiceChat (used to be called MiceAge), is one of the earliest Disney websites, and has lots of opinion pieces, as well as insider scoops on what is coming or happening behind the scenes. It is more Disneyland focused, while the first two are more WDW focused.
This next one covers both parks, and has really good forums to answer all your Disney parks questions, and has a lot of good Trip Reports.
Mouse Planet
This one has really good forums.
All Ears
All Ears was a great resource, too, when we were homeschooling Disney, especially when looking at the countries in Epcot’s World Showcase.
Oh, one last one. This is the one with the really good photographer that just has excellent overall trip planning info.
Disney Tourist Blog
I have to agree with Greg’s assessment of this site. I’ve visited this one a lot to read reviews of resorts and really like his perspective.
Podcasts & Vlogs
This podcast features a very plugged in guy (Jim Hill), who has fantastic stories of attractions that were never built and why, decisions that went into existing attractions, and rumors of upcoming projects, which he is usually right on.
The Unofficial Guide’s Disney Dish with Jim Hill.
This podcast has become one of our standby favorites for road trips. Love the history and behind the scenes info.
This podcast started as just walking through Disneyland primarily to give a feel of the sounds of the parks. It has evolved to be a lot more now.
A Window to the Magic.
These are the British ladies who visit parks. They have guests on as well to talk about all things Disney.
The Disney Dream Girls
(OK, it has to be said here: we love a British accent around our house. It might even be true that once at Epcot my husband recorded the cast members in the UK Pavilion just talking to each other in the store. Maybe.)
Vlogs
The first vlog I like is called Gillian at Home, starring Gillian (and her sister usually). It isn’t just Disney, as they travel to other places as well, but it is often Disney. They are both Canadian, and very funny.
Gillian at Home
My all time fave is See Ya Reel Soon, starring Joe and Ashley. Right now, they are on either temporary or permanent hiatus due to baby on board (they haven’t made up their minds yet). They have dozens of videos that they released weekly for the last 2 years or so. They just take you along during their adventures in the park, and clearly love all things Disney and have a ball at the parks.
See Ya Reel Soon
Theme Park Soundtracks
If you want to feel like you’re in the park, there may be no better way than surrounding yourself with the sounds of Disney.
Funny story, in looking for the above link, I just asked my husband “Where do you listen to the Disney parks music?” My son, from the other room called out, “Alone”. 🙂 It’s true that while we’re all big Disney fans, Greg is kind of a super fan.
Whether you’re a super fan, an aspiring super fan, or just want to add a touch of Disney to your day…I hope you’ve found something valuable here.
And if you’re planning a trip anytime soon, especially if it’s with someone who is on the fence, be sure to check out these tips!
Do you have a favorite Disney site?
I must admit I never thought of hanging out at Disney online! It’s an excellent idea especially since there is zero chance I will visit in person in the near future. Love the variety of links, thanks.
My husband does all kinds of Disney related things I had never thought of before! Some, like checking out sites like these, have now become commonplace for me. It really is a good way to get a ‘feel’ for the parks whether you’re planning a trip or not.
You’ve reminded me of the first time I went to Disneyland. I was visiting my boyfriend in California and he took me there one Friday night. I wasn’t really thrilled about going. I thought it was for children. But I have to admit it was one of the best dates I’d had in ages. It really is the happiest place on earth!!
What a fun story! We harbor a small amount of envy for those who live near the parks. To be able to just pop over for a visit would be amazing! Alas, we don’t want to live in CA or Orlando, so it’ll never be. 🙂
Fun! We just took the kids to Disney for the first time, and now I’m a little obsessed. I can’t wait to check these out.
Yay! It always makes me happy to hear of people really getting the magical feeling when they visit. We’ve been fortunate to take a few friends and family members for their first visit…it’s the best!
I’ll have to share this with my brother- he’s a much bigger Disney lover than I could ever be. But boy do I want to go back. Great post, by the way. x
Chrissy recently posted…Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas: How to Wear Pajama Pants for your Next OOTD
Thanks, Chrissy. And please do share with your brother, I’d love to know if he has any sites he particularly loves. I’m glad you stopped by – –
Wow, thank you so much for mentioning my site! I’m glad you enjoy my Disney posts. I’ll keep at it as long as y’ll keep reading! 🙂
Leah @ The Frugal South recently posted…How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract {Photo Tutorial & Tips}
Well I definitely will! I’ve learned some new things, and just really love your writing style. So yes, keep it up! 🙂
We’re not at the Disney phase yet, but at my office, we have a few people in upper management who are obsessed with the Disney business model. There is a business book called The Disney Way that talks about how Disney is obsessed with making magical moments for its customers and it’s just a really great background to why they do the things they do to create an experience. #globalblogging
How fascinating! I can really see them being a great model for businesses. There have definitely been things in Disney’s ideology that we’ve disagreed with, but we’ve said time and again that they “do” business right. They really have some unique ways to serve customers that you don’t see anywhere else. Thank you for the referral, I’ll be checking that book out.
This is genuinely an amazing post… I never knew about any of this! I LOVE Disney! <3 Cant wait to take my little man as he is a massive Disney advocate too #globalblogging
Thank you! You’ve genuinely made my day. 🙂
I’m a huge Disney fan & Disney nerd. I love following Disney sites. I think my favorite has to be wdwinfo.com – they also have the DISBoards. Not only do I love the site, but I’m obsessed with their podcast The Dis Unplugged. You have to check them out. I have been listening for so long I feel like they are my friends.
Also, I like Lou Mongello from WDW Radio. He also has a podcast – the WDW Radio Show.
Oooo and I can’t forget to mention my fav Instagram/ Youtube Disney fans – Oh Yeah Disney. They are a husband and wife duo and their photos are amazing. They also sell Disney t-shirts.
Wow, totally bringing out my inner Disney love. I never really get to share about all that on my blog 🙂 YAY for loving Disney! Thanks for sharing with us on the Family Joy Blog Link Party!
>> Christene
Keys to Inspiration
‘YAY for loving Disney’–that made my night. 🙂 I will be passing your list on to Greg ASAP. I’ve been to wdwinfo before…they are good. Going to check out Oh Yeah Disney right now. Thanks for the heads up!
We have never been to Disney so this was a treat to read! Hopefully we will get the family there soon! Thanks for sharing with #globalblogging 🙂
Thanks for the links. We are in the middle of planning a trip now. I love the Disney Food blog mentioned. They have some great YouTube videos too. (Although, don’t watch the food ones when you’re hungry!)
I also recommend http://www.touringplans.com. There is a subscription fee of $14.95. We were fortunate that our travel agent gave us one for free. Touring planets a lot of information on the parks, rides, crowd control, etc. They help with planning you literary of rides to help determine best order to minimize wait, and get the most out of your day. They also have a section to help get dining reservations. I wasn’t able to get all the times I wanted when the ADR opened up. I plugged in my request on the Touring Plans site, and when the reservation opened up, I received a text and email informing me of the new availability. A couple of times the reservation was already gone, but you can easily renew your request. It has been very useful in our planning this magical (most likely only)Disney, vacation.
Totally agree about the Disney Food Blog videos…they are addictive and tempting!
And great recommendation on Touring Plans. Good stuff there. I was just reading reviews on there about resorts. I didn’t know they had a subscription fee, that sounds cool!
Hope your trip is utterly magical!!