You, Me & Mike – Ep. 208: The One Where They Go to Disney

Host: Thirteen Media
Date: October 29, 2025
Guests: Jenn & Mike Todryk

Episode Overview

This lively installment of "You, Me & Mike" is a Disney World deep dive, answering listener questions on everything from childhood nostalgia to tactical tips for family vacations. Jenn and Mike Todryk swap stories and advice spanning their own Disney experiences—first childhood trips, all-adult getaways, hacks for surviving the parks with kids, and their favorite (and least favorite) snacks, hotels, and rides. True to form, the pair mix playful banter, honest confessions, and a trove of practical travel gems, infusing the conversation with wit and warmth that will resonate for Disney die-hards and casual vacationers alike.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Opening Banter & Setting the Stage

• Fun banter: The couple joking about Jenn's post-tennis "stankiness" and Mike's new haircut from a Vegas hotel barbershop.
• Meta humor: They acknowledge their fast talking and joke about inserting fake tabloid rumors into the podcast for fun.
  • “We should put one sentence in each podcast...They can be picked up as junk.” — Jenn (03:32)

Growing Up Disney (09:24–13:00)

• Jenn's Disney vs. Mike's Action Figures:
  Jenn recounts her family’s first Disney trip at 14 and her childhood love of classic Disney animation—"Lion King," "Aladdin," and "Snow White." Mike contrasts this with his G.I. Joe and He-Man obsessions.

  • “I would never say I have an average life, but I never once tried sports. I have a mindset, I feel like, of an athlete, ... but the skill just doesn't match it.” — Jenn (01:11)
  • “All those are better than Disney when I was a kid.” — Mike (11:38)

• Parenting in the '80s/'90s:
  Discussion of bizarre childhood rumors about toys (Cabbage Patch Dolls, He-Man) and how each decade brings new fads and moral panics. Jenn pokes fun at “satanic” stuffed animals.

Why Go Back to Disney? (17:27–23:00)

• Emotional draws & transparency:
  Jenn is upfront—Disney is their most expensive vacation, but offers unique nostalgia, quality, and fun for the whole family, impressing even her practical mom.

  • “Disney is our most expensive vacation...for me, seeing my parents like it too.” — Jenn (17:38)

• Comparisons to Universal:
  Disney's attention to detail and immersive atmosphere outshine Universal, according to Jenn.

  • “Nothing is done half done—like Universal, shots fired.” — Jenn (18:13)

• Guided tours:
  A one-day private guide (costly but efficient with groups) lets the family blitz rides, enjoy food, and experience overlooked attractions at a less frantic pace.

  • “That guided tour broke me to, like, I know, like, how do we not do Disney that way?” — Mike (20:12)

Disney Logistics, Budgets, Planning & the App (25:14–50:12)

• Tour strategy:
  The Todryks use a guide for only one day per trip, maximizing rides up front and then taking it slow.

• Hotels:
  They’ve stayed at most Disney resort tiers. Jenn craves constant theming ("If it’s not blowing Disney theme up my butt, I don’t want it." — Jenn, 29:53); Mike values comfort and admits he got used to business travel perks.

• Family budgeting philosophy:
  Splurges are for memorable experiences, not things—"where we do spend money is on vacations."

  • “It's maybe partially I didn't have as many opportunities as a kid, so it's like I want that to be with my children...” — Mike (32:11)

• Tips for planners:

  • Book restaurants early via the app.
  • Consider travel agents for first-timers; many are paid by Disney, not the customer (49:46).
  • Learn Lightning Lane and the evolving FastPass system.
  • Stay on-property (ideally with monorail access) for naptimes with young kids.
  • Don’t take very young/toddler kids if they can’t handle strollers or crowds (45:13).

• Lightning Lane & Passes:

  • “I wouldn't do Disney if you're not up for, like, spending...to get the lightning lane passes. With kids, the lines are just so long, and it really does put a damper...” — Jenn (61:03)

Disney Pin Trading & Collectibles (23:29–40:21)

• Jenn’s system:

  • Buy starter packs in the park (only at Disney, as she values the experience).
  • Use inexpensive pins for trades with cast members (ensure authentic branding).
  • Only trade for pins with real personal meaning; avoid hoarding for the sake of it.

• On collectibles:

  • Nostalgia, not resale value, is the main appeal (her dad was a DVD and pin collector).
    • “Why would I buy it online? I could do that any given Tuesday. But, like, I have to buy pins on the property.” — Jenn (35:52)

• Pin trading culture:

  • Swapping at pop-up tables; staff have to trade if asked.
  • Funny: The couple jokes about sneaky "pin dealing" like a black market operation with their kids and friends (32:54).

Disney Food: Hits & Misses (25:43–33:27, 40:21–44:14)

Favorite Sit-downs (Epcot dominates)

• Mike: San Angel Inn (Mexico, Epcot) — for post-park exhaustion, coolness, and ambiance.
  • “Smells like chlorine…and you can get a margarita.” — Mike (26:05)
• Jenn: Biergarten (Germany, Epcot) — variety, family vibe, Oktoberfest-like atmosphere.

Quick Service & Sweets

• Dole Whip: Both agree it’s overhyped; “it’s like pineapple frozen yogurt,” just OK (41:00).
• Funnel cakes: Big yes, especially at Epcot/America Pavilion.
• Jenn’s favorite treat: Caramel apples (Germany, Epcot); always takes one back to the room (41:49).

Rides: Must-Do’s, Overrated, and Advice (50:55–59:46)

Unanimous Favorites for Families:

• Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind (Epcot): Enormous hit.
  • “Guardians Galaxy may be the best roller coaster I've ever been on.” — Mike (51:19)
• Tron (Magic Kingdom): Only complaint—too short.
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios): Must for Star Wars fans.
• Tower of Terror: Jenn says it's love/hate for her; Vivian skips this one.
• Pirates of the Caribbean: Family favorite, classic appeal.
• Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios): Great for kids.

Strong Opinions:

• DISLIKES:

  • “Tiki Room...Horrible.” — Jenn (53:02)
  • “Peter Pan. Avoid it. It's dumb. It's a waste of time.” — Mike (63:52)

• On Waiting in Line:
  If not using Lightning Lane, arrive early and try to avoid peak times; “Waiting in lines...I actually would agree with you on that one.” — Mike (61:38)

Animal Kingdom:

• Least favorite park; not enough thrill rides.
  “It's the weakest park.” — Jenn (57:11)
• But they recommend Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari (go early), Avatar Flight of Passage (Mike: immersive and detailed, Jenn: “overrated”).

Surviving Disney with Kids (44:42–47:46)

• Stroller is a must for young kids; double stroller preferred if you have more than one child.

• Take breaks for naps and pool time; consider monorail-access hotels for hop-back ease.

• Don’t push overtired kids; prioritize family mood over “doing everything.”

  • “There are so many places to create so many memories there. It is fun, and, yeah, it's expensive. But if you have a budget and you go in there…go in there with the expectations of it. It depends on your budget, like, your time, what you're going to spend, how much it is. If you're going in there thinking you're going to hit every single ride every single day, and the lines are going to be short—you’re not going to be happy.” — Mike (43:45)

• If your child can’t tolerate large crowds or being in a stroller, consider waiting until they’re older.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Disney’s Magic:

  • “I told him, you better buckle up and get freaking used to shelling out the cash for this because we're going and I want to go a lot.” — Jenn (18:54)

• On being “Disney Mom”:

  • Jenn admits she rarely buys toys for her kids except at Disney, turning pin trading into a “dark alley” operation to delight their friends. (32:54)

• On collectibles:

  • “It's amazing how often they want something. Like, cool. Yeah. You got 40 bucks. You can use that. And then it's. I don't want to buy that.” — Mike (35:18)

• On expectation management:

  • “If you're going to go for your kids and you want them to experience it, wait...wait until they're going to really actually, like, get into it. It's probably about five, six (years old).” — Mike (46:18)

• On slow rides/nostalgia:

  • “If your kids are leaving a little bit older and they're past that age of Disney nostalgia, I actually would recommend Universal Studios for the rides get off my podcast.” — Mike (64:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Banter: 00:00–03:55
• Toy & Animation Nostalgia: 09:24–13:00
• Why Disney? / First Trips: 17:27–23:00
• Tours, Budgeting & Hotels: 23:26–32:11
• Pin Trading & Disney Collectibles: 35:28–40:21
• Favorite Foods/Drinks: 25:43–33:27; 40:21–44:14
• Planning/Apps/Reservations: 47:46–50:12
• Lightning Lane, FastPass, Booking: 48:47–51:08
• Must-Do Rides: 51:08–57:42
• Animal Kingdom & Minor Parks: 57:11–58:03
• Handling Meltdowns, Strollers: 45:13–47:46
• Advice for Avoiding Crowds / Worst Rides: 61:03–63:46
• Funniest Disney Fails: Stuck on "It's a Small World" 58:23–59:53
• Silly Character Jar Question: 66:23–69:41

Pro Tips & Hacks (Scattered Throughout)

• Use a Disney travel planner for first-timers (49:54).
• Book restaurants and rides through the app at earliest windows (48:13).
• Do one day with a guided tour to maximize rides if you can swing the cost (20:12).
• Buy starter pins in multi-packs at Disney for trading (35:51).
• Carry a small belt bag for valuables, leave the rest in the stroller.
• Pixie dust secret: At Sir Mickey’s (behind Cinderella’s castle), ask for pixie dust for a little “magical moment” for your kids (70:00).

Tone & Style

The episode is casual, irreverent, and full of gentle ribbing; Jenn’s enthusiasm is infectious, and Mike plays the devil’s advocate with side-eyed jokes. The couple’s dynamic is open and honest, and they move fluidly between heartfelt nostalgia, practical travel tips, and comedic asides.

In Summary

Whether you're a first-timer or a Disney veteran, “The One Where They Go to Disney” blends expert tips with personal storytelling, always prioritizing connection over perfection. Jenn and Mike remind us: it’s not about doing everything, but making memories with the people you love.

"You have to go with what speaks to you. You can’t get it because…If the pin is not instantly like, I can't live without this pin because I love this character, this movie so much, or it means something to me or it's nostalgic…don’t get it."
— Jenn (37:16)