476 - We're celebrating NINE YEARS of the Disney Travel Secrets Podcast — and we're not stopping now! Join your favorite Disney travel agents and best-selling authors, Rob & Kerri Stuart, as they take you behind the scenes of one of the longest-running Disney vacation planning podcasts in the world.

Let us help your Disney Vacation GO HERE

In this special 9th anniversary episode, Rob & Kerri reflect on the milestones, memories, and magic moments that shaped their journey — from a spark of inspiration at EPCOT's 30th anniversary in 2012, to launching the show in March 2017, to building Creating Magic Vacations into a thriving travel agency with 150+ agents nationwide. Plus, hear rare "blast from the past" intros from some familiar voices you may remember!

✨ In This Episode:

• How a Disney bench in Hollywood Studios gave birth to the "Disney Travel Secrets" name
• The story behind Creating Magic Vacations — and why they burned the boats (no backup plan!)
• How they survived the COVID travel shutdown and came out stronger
• Why moving to Windermere, FL (right next to Walt Disney World!) changed everything
• Real talk on building a podcast for 9 years without missing a single Monday episode
• River cruising in Europe — from Ama Waterways in 2014 to Uniworld's Rhône River in 2026

🎯 Perfect for: Disney World first-timers, Disney vacation planners, families dreaming of the ultimate Disney trip, aspiring travel agents, and longtime DTS fans!

Whether you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation, dreaming of a Disney cruise, or just love the magic of Disney storytelling — this is the episode for you.

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🎙️ Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow Disney fan. And if you're heading to Walt Disney World soon — reach out! Rob & Kerri would love to meet you in the parks. 🏰

Original Air Date: March 30, 2026 | Recorded at the CMV Studio, Windermere, FL

475 - Just Booked Your Disney World Vacation? Here's Everything You Need to Do Next

You've booked your Disney World vacation — now what? In this episode, Disney travel experts and best-selling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart walk you through every essential step to take after you hit confirm on your reservation. From setting up your My Disney Experience account to snagging the most coveted dining reservations before they disappear, this is the Disney trip planning checklist you didn't know you needed.

Avoid missing the important tips - let us help you plan your Disney vacation - START HERE

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to set up My Disney Experience and link your reservation the right way (avoid the most common mistake families make!)
• The critical 60-day booking window for Disney dining reservations, character dining, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and VIP tours — and exactly how to prioritize them
• Why the 7-day Lightning Lane planning window can make or break your park days
• The Memory Maker photo package trick that saves you $25 (don't miss the 4-day deadline!)
• Online check-in vs. front desk — which one actually gets you a better room
• How to lock in the Disney bounce-back offer before you even leave the resort
• The 30-day Memory Maker photo download reminder most guests completely forget
• Why Rob & Kerri say skip the expensive 200-page Disney planning guides — and what to do instead

Whether you're planning a Disney World vacation with toddlers, teens, or as adults only, this episode breaks down the planning timeline so you never miss a booking window again. Plus, don't forget to celebrate National Wear Your Ears Day on March 31st — a holiday Rob & Kerri founded in 2020!

✨ Working with a Disney-specialist travel agent is free and saves you hours of research — reach out to Creating Magic Vacations at the link in the bio.

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Is staying OFF Disney property actually a smart move? 🏨✨

In this episode of the Disney Travel Secrets Show, travel agent hosts and bestselling authors Rob & Kerri Stuart break down one of the most debated questions in Disney vacation planning: should you ever skip the Disney resorts and stay off-site?

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Whether you're a budget-conscious family, a points-chaser, or a luxury traveler, the answer might surprise you — and the where matters just as much as the why.

In this episode, Rob & Kerri cover:

• The two best areas to stay off-site near Walt Disney World: Flamingo Crossings and Bonnet Creek
• What your map app won't tell you about travel times and transportation to the Disney parks
• The hidden pros and cons of Flamingo Crossings hotels (Spring Hill Suites, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, Homewood Suites & Home2 Suites) — including why that free parking may be gone
• Why Bonnet Creek sits inside Disney property — and what that means for your vacation
• The luxury case for the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, including the best restaurant near Disney World
• JW Marriott for Marriott points travelers
• The Wyndham Grand: 5 pools, 2 lazy rivers, a 10-acre lake — and why it's perfect for a mixed-interest group
• Vacation home rentals, the Four Corners/Davenport area, and why Margaritaville beats most VRBO options for consistency
• How to book off-site hotels as part of a Walt Disney World package with just a $200 deposit

🎙️ Perfect for: Families planning a Walt Disney World vacation, Disney World first-timers, Disney budget travelers, Disney resort alternatives, Orlando vacation planning, WDW off-site hotel tips

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