Best Universal Destinations And Experiences Podcasts (2025)

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Post-Trip Report: Molly’s Universal Epic Experience (August 2025) 1:46:36

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8h ago1:46:36

1:46:36

Molly is back to walk us through all the fun she and her family had on their recent trip to Universal Studios Florida. Spoiler alert: they absolutely loved their stay at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel! Trip Dates: August 10-17, 2025 Post Trip Interview: recorded 8/19/25 Episode Specific Links: Molly would love to help you plan your vacation! Chec…

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Pre-Trip Report: Molly’s Universal Epic Experience (August 2025) 43:07

8h ago43:07

43:07

Molly and her family are headed to Universal Studios Florida! They are planning a weeklong stay at the Universal Helios Grand Hotel with 6 day tickets. Obviously, since they are staying right outside of Epic Universe, experiencing Epic for the first time is a big part of this trip, so they will be splurging for two days in that park (yes, you have …

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Episode 37: Halloween on the High Seas- Disney Dream! 11:44

5h ago11:44

11:44

Episode 37 of Trip Tales by Nicole Marie: Join me as I share all about my upcoming trip on the Disney Dream for Halloween on the High Seas, including our visit to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point! Wanting to make your own vacation dreams a reality? I would love to help get you all set! There is no additional cost to have me book your trip because Di…

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“Our Goriest House EVER” – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood 26:11

2d ago26:11

26:11

Get the scoop on what’s coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood. This episode includes deep-dives on Terrifier, Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America, Scarecrow: Music by Slash and Chainsaw Man: The Chaos. Hosted by John Murdy, Creative Director and Executive Producer of HHN, this podcast features special guests who…

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Disney Cruise Lines vs Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Which is Better for Families? 31:55

4h ago31:55

31:55

Travel experts Julie and Ryan compare Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean's family offerings after experiencing both cruise lines with their families. This comprehensive head-to-head analysis covers everything parents need to know when choosing between these popular family cruise options. Entertainment Comparison Royal Caribbean: More adult-only…

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Post-Trip Report: Amy’s VIP Disneyland Trip (August 2025) 1:03:32

1d ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Amy and her family had their VIP Disneyland experience and let’s just say, it did not go as planned. Thankfully, the trip was overall a success and the family would be happy to go back, but the VIP tour left a lot to be desired. Trip Dates: August 4-8, 2025 Post Trip Interview: recorded 8/14/25 Episode Specific Links: Follow Amy on Instagram (@amyb…

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Pre-Trip Report: Amy’s VIP Disneyland Trip (August 2025) 35:36

4d ago35:36

35:36

Travel agent extraordinaire Amy Belfi is back on the show to share all the plans she and her family have for their upcoming trip to Disneyland! They will be staying at the Disneyland Hotel in a three bedroom suite since Amy’s mom and dad will be joining them. Mom and dad have generously offered to pay for a VIP tour and a cabana, making the trip al…

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Episode 36: Why a Disney Cruise?! 11:13

3d ago11:13

11:13

Episode 36 of Trip Tales by Nicole Marie: Join me as I share 10 reasons why you may want to choose a Disney cruise! Disney Cruise Line truly is the most magical! Check out the link to my blog below so you can see pictures and hyperlinks with additional information to go along with this episode! Wanting to make your own vacation dreams a reality? I …

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Jason’s Universe: A New Era at Camp Crystal Lake! 26:17

4d ago26:17

26:17

Send us a text This week we grab our machetes and dive headfirst into the brand-new Jason Universe! We’re breaking down what this means for the future of Friday the 13th, the new look for Jason Voorhees, and all the bloody possibilities ahead. Plus, we slash into the brand-new short film Sweet Revenge with a full review. Camp Crystal Lake is open f…

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“We Built REAL Animatronics” – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood 21:10

10d ago21:10

21:10

Get the scoop on what’s coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood. This episode includes deep-dives on Five Nights at Freddy’s, WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks, Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse and The Purge: Dangerous Waters. Hosted by John Murdy, Creative Director and Executive Producer of HHN, this podcas…

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Off the Beaten Path Caribbean Destinations 16:35

7d ago16:35

16:35

Discover five stunning Caribbean destinations beyond the typical Jamaica and Bahamas vacation spots. Travel advisors Ryan and Julie explore hidden gems that offer authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and incredible natural beauty in this final episode of their Off the Beaten Path series. Featured Caribbean Destinations 1. Grenada - The Spice Island…

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“Our BIGGEST Sets This Year” – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood 26:34

16d ago26:34

26:34

Get the scoop on what’s coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood. This episode includes deep-dives on Fallout, Poltergeist, and Jason Universe, along with four scare zones. Hosted by John Murdy, Creative Director and Executive Producer of HHN, this podcast features special guests who helped create this year’s event. Wat…

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Episode 35: Disneyland Resort Hotels 12:00

10d ago12:00

12:00

Episode 35 of Trip Tales by Nicole Marie: Join me as I share all about the Disneyland Resort Hotels. We will explore the 3 magical on-property options! I also talk about a couple Good Neighbor hotel recommendations as well. Check out the link to my blog below so you can see pictures to go along with this episode! Wanting to make your own vacation d…

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All the Exclusive 2025 Details – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort 1:02:16

17d ago1:02:16

1:02:16

HOSTS: Brian Cassie GUESTS: Lora Sauls – Assistant Director, Entertainment Matt Flood – Sr. Show Director, Entertainment Ramon Paradoa – Show Director, Entertainment Charles Gray – Sr. Show Director, Entertainment Kelly Malik – Show Director, Entertainment Jason Horne – Assistant Director, Entertainment EPISODE OVERVIEW: Join hosts Cassie and Brian…

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The Story of Mutations: Toxic Twenties | Echoes from the Fog 14:44

18d ago14:44

14:44

NARRATED BY: Tom Murphy Kelly Malik EPISODE OVERVIEW: Echoes from the Fog is finally here to spill all the lore behind 2025’s most anticipated haunted houses and scare zones! Listen as the team behind Halloween Horror Nights shares the terrifying tale of Mutations: Toxic Twenties. WARNING what you are about to hear may be disturbing for some listen…

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The Story of Grave of Flesh at Halloween Horror Nights | Echoes from the Fog 19:26

19d ago19:26

19:26

NARRATED BY: Tom Murphy Art Pipok Kelly Malik Ramon Paradoa EPISODE OVERVIEW: Echoes from the Fog is finally here to spill all the lore behind 2025’s most anticipated haunted houses and scare zones! Listen as the team behind Halloween Horror Nights shares the terrifying tale of Grave of Flesh. WARNING what you are about to hear may be disturbing fo…

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Walt Disney World in Summer: Essential Heat Survival Tips 18:02

14d ago18:02

18:02

Travel experts Ryan and Julie share hard-earned lessons from their recent Walt Disney World summer trip, revealing practical strategies for beating Florida's intense heat while maximizing park time. Fresh off their Utopia of the Seas cruise, both hosts experienced Disney's summer challenges firsthand and provide actionable advice for families plann…

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From Silicon Valley to Minnesota: A Journey of Reinvention 21:20

13d ago21:20

21:20

Steve Grove is a leader whose career journey has spanned Silicon Valley, state government, and now the publishing world. Steve is the CEO and Publisher of the Star Tribune, Minnesota’s largest news organization. Before that, he served as Commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development, and earlier, he spent more than a…

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The Story of The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane at Halloween Horror Nights | Echoes from the Fog 2:21

20d ago2:21

2:21

NARRATED BY: Rick Tetu EPISODE OVERVIEW: Echoes from the Fog is finally here to spill all the lore behind 2025’s most anticipated haunted houses and scare zones! Listen as the team behind Halloween Horror Nights shares the terrifying tale of The Cat Lacy of Crooked Lane. Travel down a spooky, winding path to a mysterious home, where trick-or-treate…

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The Story of El Artista: A Spanish Haunting at Halloween Horror Nights | Echoes from the Fog 28:38

21d ago28:38

28:38

NARRATED BY: Angie Sardina Edwin Rosario Ramon Paradoa EPISODE OVERVIEW: Echoes from the Fog is finally here to spill all the lore behind 2025’s most anticipated haunted houses and scare zones! Listen as the team behind Halloween Horror Nights shares the terrifying tale of El Artista: A Spanish Haunting. WARNING what you are about to hear may be di…

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Post-Trip Report: Hailey and Her Team Pop To Disney (July 2025) 1:06:19

21d ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Hailey’s girls’ trip has sadly come to an end. But lucky for us, that means she is joining us to tell us all about it! Hailey, along with Jordan, Alyssa, and Emily, stayed at Pop Century Resort and got to spend time in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT together. Trip Dates: July 28 - August 1, 2025 Post Trip Interview: recorded 8/9/25 Epi…

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Pre-Trip Report: Hailey and Her Team Pop To Disney (July 2025) 36:57

21d ago36:57

36:57

Hailey, who you may remember on the show before, is back to share all the fun that she is planning on her upcoming girls’ trip with her travel agency team. Hailey gets down to Walt Disney World very frequently, but this will be the first time that this group of ladies has traveled together as a foursome. They are looking forward to some Disney boun…

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Episode 34: Walt Disney World Enchanting Extras & Minnie Vans 23:48

17d ago23:48

23:48

Episode 34 of Trip Tales by Nicole Marie: Join me as I explain many of the options from the Walt Disney World Enchanting Extras Collection that can add some extra magic to your vacation! Plus, how cool are Minnie Vans?! Check out the link to my blog below for pictures and links to go along with this episode! Wanting to make your own vacation dreams…

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Your Favorite Horror Movie Sucks (And Other Unpopular Opinions) 55:57

18d ago55:57

55:57

Send us a text Grab your pitchforks, horror fans—this episode is gonna get messy. We’re airing out our unpopular horror opinions, taking swings at some of the genre’s sacred cows and blockbuster favorites. From “beloved classics” that actually make zero sense, to fan-favorites we think are painfully overrated, to straight-up garbage that somehow go…

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Leading with Insights: Amir Eylon on the Power of Tourism Research 22:08

18d ago22:08

22:08

This episode dives into the world of tourism research, strategy, and storytelling with one of the industry’s most recognized voices. Amir Eylon is the President and CEO, and Partner, at Longwoods International, a leading market research and consulting firm that helps destinations understand their visitors, shape their strategies, and tell their sto…

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Europe's Hidden Gems - 4 "Second Cities" Worth Visiting 16:25

24d ago16:25

16:25

Discover Europe's best-kept secrets! Travel advisors Ryan and Julie explore four incredible European "second cities" that offer authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and better value than popular tourist destinations. Learn why these underrated gems should be on your travel bucket list. Featured Destinations Split, Croatia 🇭🇷 Why Visit: Ancient Roma…

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Post-Trip Report: Alex’s “Jambo” Family Animal Kingdom Lodge Trip (July 2025) 1:18:28

28d ago1:18:28

1:18:28

Alex’s multi-family trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge is complete and she’s ready to share all the details with Virginia, including when she plans to head back! This trip was a big one that included 14 people total, spread out between Jambo House and Kidani Village. Alex had not been to WDW in more than 20 years, so she was looking forward to re-experie…

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Pre-Trip Report: Alex’s “Jambo” Family Animal Kingdom Lodge Trip (July 2025) 34:40

28d ago34:40

34:40

Alex D. is sharing all the plans for her upcoming multi-family trip to Walt Disney World with Virginia. Multi-family means lots of moving parts and it’s been about 20 years since Alex has been to the most magical place on earth! With the help of their travel agent, Amy Belfi, they have planned to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, split between Jambo Ho…

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Episode 33: Lisa’s Walt Disney World Trip Tale 40:53

24d ago40:53

40:53

Episode 33 of Trip Tales by Nicole Marie: Join me as I talk with Lisa about her recent trip to Walt Disney World with her family group. What a joy it was to hear all about their vacation, including lots of park time, dining experiences, and resort time at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! Many priceless memories made for sure! Wanting to make …

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Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas Review 48:23

27d ago48:23

48:23

Travel advisors Ryan and Julie share their honest first impressions of Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship, Utopia of the Seas. Fresh off their 3-night Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, they dive into everything from boarding chaos to Perfect Day at CocoCay bliss. Despite sailing together, their vastly different experiences prove this ship truly…

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Post-Trip Report: Elizabeth’s See Disney/Sea World Trip (July 2025) 1:31:46

1M ago1:31:46

1:31:46

Elizabeth’s July trip has come to a close and she’s ready to relive it one day at a time with a trip report! On this family trip, which included Elizabeth’s two kids and her mother, their resort of choice was Caribbean Beach. They had lots of park time, good food, and some magical surprises along the way. Trip Dates: July 15-22, 2025 Post Trip Inte…

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Pre-Trip Report: Elizabeth’s See Disney/Sea World Trip (July 2025) 37:31

1M ago37:31

37:31

Elizabeth joins Virginia to chat about an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World and Sea World Orlando! Elizabeth, along with the assistance of her favorite travel agent (Amy Belfi), is planning this trip for her two kiddos and her mom. Along with spending a day in each of the four parks, they are also planning some resort time, reservations at some ne…

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Episode 32: Jennifer’s Walt Disney World Trip Tale 21:37

1M ago21:37

21:37

Episode 32 of Trip Tales by Nicole Marie: Join me as I talk with Jennifer about her recent trip to Walt Disney World. She is a Disneyland regular, and it was so fun to chat about the highlights of her Walt Disney World experience! Wanting to make your own vacation dreams a reality? I would love to help get you all set! There is no additional cost t…

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Jurassic Park Franchise Ranking! 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

Send us a text Hold on to your butts… because we’re leaving horror behind (temporarily) and venturing into the dino-infested world of Jurassic Park. From Spielberg’s near-perfect original to this years, Rebirth, we’re ranking every movie in the franchise. Expect chaos (theory), hot takes, and the occasional T-rex roar of disagreement. Welcome to Ju…

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No Lease? No Problem. How Slingshot Real Estate is Rethinking Workspaces 17:41

1M ago17:41

17:41

Andrew Robinson is the founder of Slingshot Real Estate and the visionary of The Hub on 3rd in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, a flexible office space concept being called the "Airbnb of offices." Andrew is building something new for Rochester's evolving business and entrepreneurial scene, a space that bridges the gap between co-working and traditio…

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Off the Beaten Path - Hidden Travel Gems in North America 18:14

1M ago18:14

18:14

Travel advisors Ryan and Julie kick off an exciting new series highlighting lesser-known destinations that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. This episode focuses on hidden gems across North America - from charming small towns to pristine beaches that offer unique experiences away from crowded tourist hotspots. Featured Destinations Ashebor…

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Post-Trip Report: Alex’s Masterful Graduation Girls’ Trip (June/July 2025) 1:03:43

1M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Alex is back from her girls’ trip! When all was said and done, it turned out to be the perfect way to celebrate her new Master’s degree and begin to plan for the next big adventure. Nothing can stop her now! Trip Dates: June 26 - July 6, 2025 Post Trip Interview: recorded 7/17 & 19/25 Episode Specific Links: Follow Alex: @mainstreetalex (Instagram)…

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Pre-Trip Report: Alex’s Masterful Graduation Girls’ Trip (June/July 2025) 49:51

1M ago49:51

49:51

Alex, a fellow New Yorker, is joining the podcast for the first time! She sits down to talk to Virginia about her upcoming girls’ trip in celebration of graduating with her masters degree. The ladies will be doing a split stay between Pop Century Resort and the Polynesian between June 26 - July 2. They are looking forward to using the quick service…

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Episode 303 Dr. Stewart Tribute Part 2: Dave Lindell and Mike Yee 32:23

1M ago32:23

32:23

In Part 2 of this special tribute episode with Dave Lindell and Mike Yee, we honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Ron Stewart a visionary physician, the former City of Pittsburgh EMS Medical Director, and a true pioneer in emergency medical services. Dr. Stewart helped shape EMS as we know it, bringing medical oversight, high training stan…

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Episode 31: Walt Disney World Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts: Disney Springs Area & Animal Kingdom Area 11:12

1M ago11:12

11:12

Episode 31 of Trip Tales by Nicole Marie: Join me for Part 3 of 3, all about the Walt Disney World Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts. In this episode we explore the resorts in the Disney Springs Area and the Animal Kingdom Area. Wanting to make your own vacation dreams a reality? I would love to help get you all set! There is no additional cost to have…

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Leading with Insights with Leslie Willis of DIRECTV 31:16

1M ago31:16

31:16

We sit down with Leslie Willis, Senior Lead of Insights and Competitive Intelligence at DIRECTV. Even as the fundamentals stay the same in an industry and a category that is rapidly shifting, Leslie’s experience on the supplier-side and in client-side roles has shaped her path and led her to where she is today. Join us in welcoming Leslie Willis! D…

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St. Lucia Adults-Only Paradise at Sandals Grand St. Lucian 44:05

1M ago44:05

44:05

Travel advisors Julie and Ryan welcome Julie's husband Steven to discuss their incredible 5-night couples getaway to St. Lucia's Sandals Grand St. Lucian Resort. After seven years without an adults-only vacation, this Eastern Caribbean adventure offered the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury service. Getting There: Unique helicopter…

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Post-Trip Report: Olivia’s Soarin’ Over California (June 2025) 1:23:24

2M ago1:23:24

1:23:24

Olivia is back from California where she and her family got to visit Monterey, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite, all before heading to the Disneyland Resort for a couple days of fun in the parks before heading home. If you are looking for a way to get the most out of a California adventure, this is the episode for you! Trip Dates: June 14-28, 2025 Post Tri…

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Pre-Trip Report: Olivia’s Soarin’ Over California (June 2025) 45:36

2M ago45:36

45:36

On today’s pre-trip report, Virginia welcomes Olivia, one half of the team from the Soarin’ Around WDW Podcast. They chat about all the plans Olivia and her husband Madi have made for their upcoming trip to California with their little ones, which in part includes some time with extended family. Not only will they be enjoying some much anticipated …

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Episode 30: Walt Disney World Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts: EPCOT/Skyliner Area 13:50

2M ago13:50

13:50

Episode 30 of Trip Tales by Nicole Marie: Join me for Part 2 of 3, all about the Walt Disney World Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts. In this episode we explore the resorts in the EPCOT/Skyliner Area. Wanting to make your own vacation dreams a reality? I would love to help get you all set! There is no additional cost to have me book your trip because D…

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Corn Syrup & Carnage: Reviewing Clown in a Cornfield 23:28

2M ago23:28

23:28

Send us a text Step right up—if you dare! This week we’re heading into the cornfield to face off against killer clowns, small-town secrets, and enough slasher mayhem to make a scarecrow cry. We’re breaking down the 2025 adaptation of Clown in a Cornfield—what works, what doesn’t, and whether this carnival of chaos sticks the landing or goes full co…

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Michael Mick Meilahn: Artist in the Cornfield 15:11

2M ago15:11

15:11

Michael (Mick) Meilahn is a third-generation farmer and nationally recognized glass artist whose immersive installation, Primordial Shift, is now on view at the Rochester Art Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Mick’s work is visually stunning: towering glass ears of corn, cast bronze leaves, surrounded by a video backdrop of fields, but it also asks d…

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Disney Magic Through the Years - When Nostalgia Meets Vacation 20:54

2M ago20:54

20:54

Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they take a magical trip back in time to explore the nostalgic side of Walt Disney World. Perfect for Disney adults and families planning their next vacation, this episode dives deep into what makes Disney World so special across generations. Magic Kingdom Nostalgia It's a Small World: Connection to the 1960s …

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Everything You Need to Know About Universal Horror Unleashed 54:06

2M ago54:06

54:06

Universal heard your screams through the fog and is bringing a year-round horror destination, Universal Horror Unleashed. Watch or listen in to hear from Cassie and Brian about the new thrills and iconic scares that will be coming soon to the entertainment capital of the world—Las Vegas. You will find Universal Horror Unleashed within the electric …

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Post-Trip Report: Virginia’s California Conference Adventure (June 2025) 1:20:21

2M ago1:20:21

1:20:21

Virginia’s son Alex interviews her about her recent trip to Anaheim for a work conference. They discuss all the rides and attractions she got to see, how she balanced it all with the many meetings she was in, and as usual, went off on some mother/son tangents! Trip Dates: June 23-28, 2025 Post Trip Interview: recorded 7/19/25 Episode Specific Links…