The Mickeyphile Podcast: Disney World News, Tips & Disney Cruise Line Reviews – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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The Mickeyphile Podcast – Episode 244
Disney Fantasy Concierge Review | Lighthouse Point Cabana | Disney Cruise Line Cruise Report

In Episode 244 of The Mickeyphile Podcast, we recap our 4-night Disney Cruise Line sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy— this time experiencing Concierge level.

We break down our Concierge Suite with Verandah, access to the exclusive Concierge Lounge, priority boarding, reserved front-of-the-bus transportation seating, and whether Disney Cruise Line Concierge is worth the upgrade.

We review the Broadway-style entertainment onboard the Disney Fantasy, including Disney’s Believe and Frozen: A Musical Spectacular, and share how Disney Cruise Line stage shows compare to Walt Disney World productions.

Our cruise also included a stop at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in The Bahamas. We reserved a Serenity Bay cabana and cover everything included — complimentary beverages and snacks, indoor furniture, shaded private deck with table and lounge chairs, private beach access, and why Serenity Bay is one of the best adult-only experiences on Disney Cruise Line.

We also share highlights from a beer tasting and mixology class, tips for maximizing your Disney Cruise vacation, and the latest Disney news and updates.

If you’re planning a Disney Cruise, considering Concierge on the Disney Fantasy, or researching Lighthouse Point cabanas, this episode has everything you need.

Luxury, lounges, Lighthouse Point, Broadway magic, and Disney Cruise Line insights — it’s all aboard Episode 244.

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Music: “Cân thema (Mickeyphile Podcast Theme)” copyright Scott Daves 2024

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🎙️ The Mickeyphile Podcast — Disney Destiny Cruise Highlights

We recently returned from a 4-night sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny, and this episode is packed with highlights from a cruise that delivered big on entertainment, atmosphere, and a little indulgence.

We break down our experience sailing in a Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, sharing what makes Concierge cruising so appealing and why it’s hard to downgrade once you’ve tried it.

🚢 In this episode, we discuss:

• First impressions of the Disney Destiny and her overall design and vibe
• Storytellers in the Grand Hall and how it brings the ship to life
• A private photoshoot on Castaway Cay and why it’s such a memorable experience
• A beer tasting on our second sea day—because research is important
• The Broadway-style production of Disney’s Hercules and why it’s a standout show
• Exploring the spooky fun of the Haunted Mansion Parlor
• Immersive entertainment including:
  • Under Her Spell: A Maleficent Encounter
  • Wretched Runway: A Cruella Fashion Show
• Dining at Pridelands: Feast of the Lion King and how it compares to other Disney Cruise Line restaurants

Whether you’re planning a Disney Destiny sailing, curious about Concierge accommodations, or just want to cruise vicariously, this episode is full of helpful details, honest impressions, and plenty of Disney cruise magic.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Mickeyphile Podcast.

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The Mickeyphile Podcast Episode 234 -

 This week is the Fifth Anniversary of The Mickeyphile Podcast, and we spent the weekend at Destination D23 at Coronado Springs Resort.  There was news about upcoming movies, an update to Carousel of Progress, upcoming treats for Christmas and the Festival of the Holidays, and some information about Cinderella Castle and the upcoming Villains Land, and much more.  All this and more on the Fifth Anniversary edition of The Mickeyphile Podcast, episode 234.

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Music: “Cân thema (Mickeyphile Podcast Theme)” copyright Scott Daves 2024

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Mickeyphile Podcast Episode 145 - 

This week, we are talking about DVC resorts.  We will share our takeaways from our recent stays at Animal Kingdom’s Kidani Village and the Grandstand at Saratoga Springs Resort.  Plus some news, tweets, and more on Episode 145 of the Mickeyphile Podcast.  Next.  

1. The special Tapstile jingle was added for cast members visiting Walt Disney World Parks
2. Disney early entry benefit at some Non-Disney hotels are possibly ending after the end of 2023
   1. B Resort & Spa, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and Drury Plaza Hotel
3. What Disney World floral and gifts are being discontinued and will transition to a third-party vendor beginning on 8/27
4. Call guests are now being encouraged to place orders through Florida Fresh Floral 
5. Release Date of 8/23 for ‘Ahsoka’ on Disney+
6. Announced at the Apple worldwide developers conference today, June 5 that a new mixed reality headset will be compatible with Disney+ from day one - Apple Vision Pro
7. Disney Parks teases 2023 holiday announcements coming next week. Disney Parks is celebrating their #halfwaytotheholidays celebration with holiday offerings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
8. Indiana Jones Den of Destiny beverage outpost is coming to Disney’s Hollywood studios beginning June 9 for a limited time
9. Drinks will include a non-alcoholic L’Atlantique Green Tea (pomegranate, green tea, blood orange, lemon juice, and agave nectar), The Adventuress Margarita (tequila, passion fruit, papaya, green tea, cucumber, lime, and agave), and The Weathered Fedora (bourbon, sweet vermouth, vanilla, cinnamon, star anise, ginger, bitters, and nutmeg)
    
   1. Additionally, Jock Lindsey‘s Hanger Bar is going to have Indiana Jones-related items available from June 30 to August 15
       Those items will include: Giant Bacon for all Mankind (which comes with a Trusty Revolver for 2 (Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Tipplers Orange Liqueur, and Luxardo Cherries), Marche Stuffed Dates and Figs, and the Charter Flight which includes Reggie’s Revenge, the Cool-Headed Monkey, and The Mayor’s Reserve effective June 30 will be a flight

10.  Guest evacuation platform added to Disney Skyliner between Riviera Resort and Epcot at the turn station in the Boardwalk parking lot
11.  Disney has announced that the 2023 Magic HAP-Pins pin trading event will be taking place at Coronado Springs Resort on 8/25 & 8/26. Registration for the Event will begin on 6/13 at 1 pm ET 

DVC NEWS

1. Owner's Locker to Increase Prices July 1
    
   1. Value Plan: $10.50 per month or $105 per year; round-trip transportation of the locker is an additional $30 per visit ($8.50 Monthly / $85 annual & $27.50 trip)M
   2. oderate Plan: $12.50 per month or $125 per year; includes round-trip transportation for one visit per year with additional visits at $30 each ($10.50 Monthly / $105 annual & $27.50 trip {1 Free})
   3. Deluxe Plan: $22.50 per month or $225 per year; includes unlimited visits ($19.00 Monthly & $190 annually & Unltd)
2.  2023 DVC Member Cruise Shirt Available via ShopDisney

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Mickeyphile Podcast Episode 144 - 

We went to the Top of the World twice this week, with 2 very different experiences.    Plus there’s news and more, on Episode 144 of the Mickeyphile Podcast.

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Music:  “Mickeyphile Podcast Theme” copyright Scott Daves 2023

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Mickeyphile Podcast Episode 143 - 

More information comes about VIPassholder Days at Disney World.  A new version of the MagicBand comes to the Disney Wish.  And we left the Most Magical Place on Earth to go check out the Food and Wine Festival at another Central Florida theme park.  All of this on episode 143 of the Mickeyphile Podcast 

1.        MDE is now asking for Seating Preferences Options on check-in for dining reservations

1.        It does state that Seating Preferences are not guaranteed and may affect the wait time 

2.        WDW will be hosting first ever ‘Once Upon A Wish Party’ during World Princess Week in August for Make-A-Wish kids and their families 

3.        Tina Turner passed away on 5/24 in Switzerland at 83 after a long illness 

4.        More V.I.Pasholder Days information in June:

1.        Wall-E and Eve magic shot will be available at Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom

2.        An additional 10% discount will be available on select dining (20%) and merchandise purchases (30%) from May 31 to June 30

20% off on food and nonalcoholic beverages at the Outdoor Kitchens

3.        New Figment AP Magnet available 5/31 to 6/30 at Creations Shop in Epcot

5.        MagicBand+ to be known as DisneyBand+ now available for select Disney Cruise Line guests to purchase online before their upcoming sailings. This will be available for Disney Wish sailings beginning June 12th.

6.        Reedy Creek Fire Department approves new employment contract for cases, more staffing, and new equipment to include 4 extra ambulances and a ladder truck 

1.        DVC NEWS

2.        The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will ultimately contain up to 344 separate villas, not all of those rooms are initially available for booking using Disney Vacation Club points

The initial declaration for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel includes a total of 61 rooms of the following types:

Duo Studio: 8

Dedicated Studio: 48

Dedicated One Bedroom: 1

Lock-off Two Bedroom: 1

Dedicated Two Bedroom: 2

Grand Villa: 1

3.        Steamboat Willie-themed splash pad coming to The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. 

4.        Beach Club Guest room renovations at Disney's Beach Club Villas are set to resume later this summer with a fall 2023 estimated completion date. 
 

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Music:  “Mickeyphile Podcast Theme” copyright Scott Daves 2023

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Big news broke today about one of our beloved Star Wars experiences.  Disney World will be celebrating Annual Passholders in June, and there are room and ticket discounts announced for the summer months.  Our topic this week?  We don’t really have one.  We’re winging it on episode 142 of the Mickeyphile Podcast.  

1.          SWGS closing permanently this September - Final Voyage will be 9/28

2.          Disney cancels the plans to build a large campus at Lake Nona with plans to move over 2,000 employees due to ‘changing business conditions’

3.          New Seasonal Summer Menu announced for Hollywood Brown Derby at HS

4.          WDW announces V.I.Pasholder Days in June 2023 - more details to follow but includes:

5.          Shockingly the new AP Magnet will feature Figment

6.          Fire-Breathing effect on Maleficent has been restarted in the Festival of the Fantasy Parade

7.          The final HarmonioUS barge has been removed from the World Showcase Lagoon

1.          Disney+. All the “Indiana Jones’ films will be available May 31st before the release of ‘Dial of Destiny’ on June 30th

8.          Season 2 of Loki premiers Oct 6th and the new Marvel series Echo premiers Nov 29th

9.          Avatar: The Way of Water streaming on June 7th

10.       Disney100 designed Coca-Cola Bottles available at DS Coca-Cola

11.       New Cast Member name tags debut at WDW on May 15th

12.       Limited Time Cinderella Castle Watercolor Magic Shot at MK - across from the Partners statue from 9:00 - 2:30 pm

13.       DS Resort Area Hotels offering Teachers and Educators Special Room Rates starting at $91.20 for dates between 5/29 to 9/4

14.       WDW switches to Simplified Hotel Room Categories

15.       4-Park Magic Ticket coming to WDW.  Tickets valid June 1st - Sept 29th (Blockout dates 7/1-7/4 & 9/1-9/4)

16.       Florida Resident “Disney Summer Magic” 4-Day ticket

1.          DVC NEWS

2.          DVC members can call Member Services beginning May 31st to add one of two Disney Dining Plans to upcoming reservations for stay on or after Jan 9th

3.          Beginning May 24, 2023, Disney Vacation Club members will be required to enter a code sent via email or text message in order to access certain information in their account. 

This level of authentication will be required only when accessing loan information on the members-only site. 

4.          Disney Vacation Club Direct Sales Flat in April 2023

April 2023 saw a slight increase over the previous month in the number of Disney Vacation Club points sold for the 11 DVC resorts at Walt Disney World.  A total of 120,411 points were sold, only 1.2% more than in March 2023. 

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Mickeyphile Podcast Episode 141 - 

Dining plans return! Kind of.  Park Pass Reservations start to go away!  Sort of.   There are updates on Disney Cruise Line, Disney Plus, and the schedule is out for the Eat to the Beat concert series.  We’ re talking Disney news this week, on Episode 141 of the Mickeyphile Podcast.

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Mickeyphile Podcast Episode 140 - 

We finally found a reason to stay at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.  And it was everything we hoped it would be, and more.  We are skipping the news this week to share a review of our stay and party with 50 of our closest weird internet friends.  On Episode 140 of the Mickeyphile Podcast.  

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Mickeyphile Podcast Episode 139 - 

Animal Kingdom turned 25 this past Saturday, and we actually rope-dropped a park to be there for it!  We tried a new restaurant, an old favorite watering hole, and more.  Around the Disney-verse, there are pyrotechnic marvels, new recreational activities, and some cool new things at DVC.   This is episode 139 of the Mickeyphile Podcast.

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Music:  “Mickeyphile Podcast Theme” copyright Scott Daves 2023