Grim Grinning Guys: Disney World (WDW) & Other Travel Planning

Ep. 86: Your First 2 Hours in Hollywood Studios

Today the "Carousel of Process" returns!  In this episode we tackle how we think you should spend your first two hours in a park in the midst of transition.  Listen in as we share some listener feedback and share our thoughts on how you can make the most of your morning in Disney's Hollywood Studios.  As always, the three of us each have a different family demographic to work with, which will hopefully help you in your own situation.  Come take a morning stroll with us through the streets of "Hollywood!"

Help us help YOU!  Do you have a show idea?  A question about your upcoming trip?  Need help planning?  Whatever it is contact us and we'll do our best to help you have the very best Disney vacation!

 

 

Ep. 85: Hollywood Studios Quick Service BATTLE ROYALE!

It's that time again, foolish mortals!  Who's ready for a Triple G BATTLE ROYALE??? Today we tackle quick service dining at Hollywood Studios!  In a theme park filled with lackluster dining options, which will walk away as champion?  What will be Derek's "alternative" battle idea?  Listen in to find out!

85 episodes down, many more to go!  Thanks be to you, the listeners, who keep us going!  Let us know what you thought of today's episode on any of our social media outlets.

Ep. 84: Boo to YOU 2!

Hello again "happy haunts!"  Today we invite you into the graveyard for one of our spookiest episodes yet, Boo to You 2!  In our second Halloween "special," we discuss some things currently happening in the Disney parks that frighten us.  Topics of discussion include price increases (obviously), transportation, crowds, rides going down, Hollywood Studios in 2020, and much more.  We also take some time to ponder what it would take for us to stop going to Walt Disney World.  Be sure to bring your courage along with you when listening to this episode!

Planning a trip to WDW?  Have specific planning questions?  Let us know--we'd love to hear from you!

Ep. 83: A Fall Break, "Kids-Free" RTR

Today we welcome another guest into the graveyard, loyal listener Mandy (aka MamaHAYJOLA)!  She's here to recap with us her most recent trip to Walt Disney World, as she and her husband Michael went on their first "kids-free" trip to the most magical place on earth!  Listen in as she shares her thoughts on Pop Century, going to four parks in one day, enjoying the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and (Derek's favorite) seeking out Instagram-famous WDW walls!  It's a fun Recent-Trip-Rundown, and we thank YOU for listening in and downloading today's episode!

We're so thankful for Mandy "classing up" the studio, and we enjoyed having her on the show.  As always, if you have a recent trip to WDW that you'd like to discuss with us, let us know through email or social media!

Ep. 82: A Disneyland Halloween Update

It's been a while, but today we welcome our good friend Leah (@consumerprincess on Instagram) back into the graveyard!  Today she shares with us the latest Halloween happenings out in California at Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure.  Enjoy as she shares great, detailed information regarding decorations, special dining, Mickey's Halloween Party, and so much more!  If you're looking for great information regarding the West Coast version of Disney (for now or the future), then we know you'll enjoy today's episode!

Planning questions?  Been to Disney recently?  Let us know and we can help you or have you on the air!  Hurry ba-aaaaack!

Ep. 81: Matt's RTR, Pop Century Planned in 24 Hours!

Hey there, foolish mortals!  Today's episode was totally unplanned as of a week ago, but life has a way of changing plans.  Matt and family recently travelled to Panama City Beach, only to find themselves at Walt Disney World!  Listen in as he shares what they did with only 24 hours to plan and how you can still have success planning a "last minute" vacation to WDW.  He shares tips for hotels, FastPasses, dining and more.  Enjoy this unique take on the Disney vacation experience!

Want us to help you plan YOUR last minute trip?  Contact us via email or on social media for more information!

Ep. 80: 80 FREE Things at Walt Disney World!

We all know a Walt Disney World vacation can be on the pricey side, but there are things there you can enjoy for FREE!  In a true *milestone* episode, the Grim Grinning Guys name 80(!) things at WDW that don't require you shelling out loads of cash.  And yes, these are 80 things outside of the parks that don't require a theme park ticket.  Hopefully you find some helpful tips and tricks to enjoying WDW with a smaller price tag!

80 episodes in and we're still having a blast!  Let us know if you have a show idea or some questions you need answered before your next trip to "the world."

Ep. 79: Like, Love, and Loathe...Tomorrowland

After celebrating our "birthday" all week, it's time to get back to business.  By listener request, today we travel to Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom for one of our favorite new segments, "Like, Love, and Loathe."  Listen in to find out what we thoroughly enjoy about Tomorrowland and what we'd like to see improved.  Be warned: Craig is going to lament the loss of the cream cheese pretzel so many times you'll lose count!

What "land" in a Disney park would you like to hear us discuss next?  Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! Thanks to all of our happy haunts for downloading or streaming!

Ep. 78: Happy Birthday to Us!

Can you believe it?  The Grim Grinning Guys have been around exactly ONE year today!  We are proud to share a "birthday" with Walt Disney World, and in today's anniversary show we look back on the past year to share some highs and lows of our podcasting adventure.  We also discuss some future plans for the podcast and share some of our favorite episodes from the past twelve months.  It's our hope that you enjoy this stroll down "memory lane."  ***And be sure to stick around to the very end of the episode for a special bonus!  

Thank you so much for supporting GGG for the past year--it's been a blast for each of us!  If you're new to the show, we encourage to to go back and download our other 77 episodes to catch up on any info you may have missed.  Hurry ba-aaack!

Ep. 77: Derek's RTR, A September Family Getaway

In today's "Recent-Trip-Rundown," our co-host Derek shares with us some thoughts from his very recent journey down to Walt Disney World.  He was there last week and is here to share with you all of the highs and lows from.  Listen in as he talks to us about the newest "Early Morning Magic" event at Hollywood Studios, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and much more about how to help a two-year-old enjoy the parks to the fullest.  

A special thanks to Derek for taking this family trip in the name of "research" for the show--how selfless he is to do such a thing!  Have you been to WDW recently? Come join us on the show for your very own RTR!

Ep. 76: An In-Studio Planning Party (Part II)

That's right, foolish mortals! In today's episode we finish helping our good friend Andrew plan his upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.  We share advice for touring Animal Kingdom, a second day at Magic Kingdom, and other tips and tricks for a family vacation to the most magical place on earth! 

We appreciate listeners like Andrew who support the show and are willing to join us on the air.  If you'd like to be on the show, send us an email!

Ep. 75: An In-Studio Planning Party! (Part I)

Another milestone has arrived! Episode 75 brings with it a first for the Grim Grinning Guys, as listener Andrew enters the graveyard to help us plan his upcoming November trip in real time!  He and his family will be at WDW over Thanksgiving weekend and he hasn't been there in over 16 years. Since he is such a great friend of the show, we tried to help him plan out his mornings in the park, dining, FastPasses, and more for all of you to hear. This is Part I of a two-parter, so be sure to come back on Thursday as we finish helping him plan the perfect Walt Disney World vacation!

Any advice for Andrew or others listeners we may have forgotten?  Let us know via email or social media.  We hope to help as many as we can through this podcast, and we always appreciate our listeners sharing their love for GGG with others!

Ep. 74: All Things Sports at WDW (A Live Recording!)

For this MILESTONE episode the Grim Grinning Guys visit Hickman County High School (Centerville, TN) for an on-location recording under the "Friday Night Lights!"  By request from the student body, Craig, Derek and Matt show up at the HCHS Homecoming tailgate party for a live recording.  Listen in to this fun-filled, light-hearted episode as the guys share tips for enjoying sports at Walt Disney World.  They'll also interview a World Series Champion, a superfan, and some king and queen candidates.  Small-town life takes center stage in this podcast--we hope you will enjoy it half as much as we did!

Want the GGG to come record at your school/business/birthday party?  Contact us and let us know how we can entertain YOU at your next big event!  As always, thanks for listening "happy haunts!"

Ep. 73: Attraction or Movie?

As you know, many of WDW theme park attractions are based on some great (and not-so-great) Disney films.  In today's Thursday BONUS episode we ask the question, "Which do you prefer: the attraction or the movie?"  We think you'll enjoy our banter and we discuss whether we'd like to watch the movie or experience the ride/show/restaurant based on the film.

Play along with us at home!  Let us know on social media which one you prefer and why.  We LOVE listener feedback!  Thanks for listening, and hurry ba-aaack, foolish mortals!

Ep. 72: Planning for Party Season at WDW (with Josh!)

Today's episode is a true milestone as we complete the Josh Humphrey TRILOGY!  The "top dog" from EasyWDW joins us on this Labor Day to talk about all the new offerings at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, how to get the most out of your party experience, and other great advice for the upcoming "party season" at the Magic Kingdom!  If you're traveling to WDW any time during the next 4 months, you'll find this episode full of great information you can use on your upcoming trip.

Another big thanks to Josh for joining us and sharing his wealth of knowledge about Walt Disney World.  Check out all of his content at www.easywdw.com and start planning your next Disney vacation!

Have specific planning questions?  Contact the Grim Grinning Guys at grimgrinningguys@gmail.com.  We'd love to help you prepare for your next trip!

Ep. 71: Ranking Disney Character Dining (with Josh!)

That's right...somehow we convinced Mr. EasyWDW himself, Josh, to return for a second consecutive episode!  Today he gets thrown into our "controversial" and "logic-defying" ranking system, as we attempt to rank 13 character dining restaurants at Walt Disney World.  Hopefully it will help you as you try to pick out the best character dining experience for your family.

You can find all of Josh's content at easywdw.com, and follow him on Twitter @easywdw (as well as Facebook).  We appreciate him joining us to share his insight and wealth of knowledge on all things Disney.

Be sure to follow us on social media to share your disagreements (or perhaps agreements?) and offer your feedback!  Thanks for listening, and hurry ba-aaack!

Ep. 70: "Enchanted Extras" with Josh from easyWDW!

CELEBRITY ALERT! That's right GGG fans, for MILESTON EPISODE 70 our good friend Josh Humphrey is back in the graveyard!  In today's episode the author/proprietor/CEO of easywdw.com is with us to discuss Walt Disney World "Enchanted Extras."  Listen in as he, Craig, and Derek discuss their experiences at both Disney After Hours and Early Morning Magic, sharing tips and tricks and weighing the value of each.  We also share some "upcharge" events we'd like to see added to the happiest place on earth.

New to the show? Go back and download the previous 69 episodes--we think you'll enjoy our planning advice and fun take on the WDW theme parks!  Thank you for listening, and hurry ba-aaaaaaaack!

Ep. 69: Like, Love, and Loathe...DinoLand U.S.A.

Welcome back "happy haunts" for a brand new segment we like to call "Like, Love, and Loathe."  In this segment we'll be looking at a particular "land" in one of the Walt Disney World theme parks and choosing something we like about it, love about it, and absolutely loathe about it.  We think you'll enjoy this in-depth look at some of the places within the parks, pointing out things that may often go overlooked.  Today we focus on DinoLand U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom, a land which gets quite a bit of online "hate."  Is is that bad?  Listen in to find out!

What do you like, love, or loathe about DinoLand U.S.A.?  Let us know on social media, and let us know which land you'd like us to discuss next!  As always, thanks for listening!

Ep. 68: Your First 2 Hours in Magic Kingdom

It's been a while, but we are getting back on the "Carousel of Process!"  You've done the work and arrived at Magic Kingdom for "rope drop," but what do you do with your precious touring time in the morning?  Today we take some time to walk you through your first two hours of the morning at the most-visited theme park on earth (with different family demographics, as usual).  Like we always say, we are here to help you have the best WDW vacation possible, and we think our advice on today's episode will help you navigate Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom.

Have suggestions/ideas for touring the Magic Kingdom that we left out?  Feel free to share your thoughts with us through email or on our social media outlets.  Hurry ba-aaack!

Ep. 67: Listener Idea...Getting PUMPED for WDW!

Foolish Mortals--we are ready to PUMP YOU UP!  Today's show idea comes to us from listerner Kurtis on Twitter, and he wanted to know what the Grim Grinning Guys did to get excited for their upcoming Disney vacations.  As we all know, planning your trip to WDW can be almost as fun as actually going.  In this episode we share our thoughts on ways to get "fired up," countdown the days, and enjoy the planning process with your friends and family.  We hope you enjoy it, and hopefully it will help get you excited about your upcoming trip to Orlando!

We appreciate listeners like Kurtis who give us feedback and show ideas.  If you have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover, email us at grimgrinningguys@gmail.com or through our social media outlets!