Polka Dot Podcast

Are you planning a Disney wedding, vow renewal, anniversary party or another special life event? In this episode, Leslie interviews Fairytale Weddings Guide author Carrie Hayward, host of The Disney Wedding Podcast. Carrie breaks down what you need to know to plan a Walt Disney World wedding in 2021 - 2022, money-saving tips, and recommendations for choosing a WDW venue for your big day.  Also included are tips by Disney bride Vanessa Ferguson, who planned both an Epcot wedding and vow renewal. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Andrew welcome back Jim and Dan for a family Disney trivia night! Do you know these 12 Walt Disney World fun facts? Play along with the group and follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter.

How do you prioritize which Disney attractions to tackle if you're visiting the Magic Kingdom with children under six-years-old? Leslie and Andrew review survey results polling Disney fans' picks for the top 10 must-ride Magic Kingdom attractions, and they share their "Ride it" and "Skip it" lists of Magic Kingdom attractions for young kids. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.  

In the seventh edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews Rob Lott about his 20-year career as a stage performer and puppeteer at Walt Disney World and Tokyo DisneySea. Currently a Dapper Dan at the Magic Kingdom, Rob shares memories about his experiences performing in numerous stage shows and tips for aspiring Disney cast members and park travelers.  Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes her husband, Andrew, and brothers, Jim and Dan, for a fun "Disney Dads" trivia game in celebration of Father's Day. Do you know these 12 Disney fun facts? Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/

Hello Disney fans! We are exploring new platforms and new ways to add value to our listeners, and so Polka Dot Podcast will temporarily be moving to a biweekly format. We look forward to taking more time between episodes to research new topics and to find new ways to deliver helpful Walt Disney World vacation planning tips for listeners. We also will be working to broaden the scope of guest insights on the show, so if you are interested in being a guest or if you'd like to request an episode topic, email Leslie at polkadotpodcast@gmail.com or follow and message her on Instagram and Twitter @PolkaDotPodcast. Join us here on Saturday, June 19 for a special “Disney Dads Trivia” episode in celebration of Father's Day. Thank you for subscribing and listening to Polka Dot Podcast! We'll see you next week.

In the sixth edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews former Disney cast member and Imagineer Podcast host Matthew Krul. Matt shares stories from his college internship working at Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari and lessons learned from his professional internship with Disney Vacation Club's marketing team. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes back cousin Jennifer to discuss Disney's news and park updates for May, including COVID-19 safety rules changes, construction delays, the benefits of baby care centers, and Magic Kingdom's 2021 Disney After Hours Boo Bash. Plus a round of "Would You Rather?" featuring select menu items from Taste of Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival, running through July 5, 2021. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter.  

Leslie and Andrew discuss six considerations for planning a Walt Disney World vacation and share three sample itineraries for spending one week at the Orlando resort.  Before planning your week's stay at WDW, consider: 1) The ages of people in your party 2) How you prioritize Disney's four theme parks 3) How active or relaxing you'd like your vacation to be 4) Rank what’s most important to you: Eating good / ethnic food Seeing animals Thrill rides Visiting as many places / parks as possible Relaxing at a resort Meeting characters 5) Your family’s favorite Disney characters / movies  6) Prioritize destinations outside Disney theme parks, including: Disney Springs Disney water parks Resort hopping SeaWorld Orlando Universal Studios Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

In the fifth edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews former Disney cast member Ron Fox on his experience in more than a dozen roles at the company, including working as a stunt performer in Hollywood Studios' "Lights, Motors, Action!" show. For more information about Ron Fox, visit www.RonFoxMedia.com. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

In a special Disney moms episode, Leslie is joined by her mother, Nancy; sister, Denise; and sister-in-law, Mary, for a Mother's Day game of Disney trivia. Fun facts cover Disney moms, Disney movies, Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. 

Cousin Jennifer joins Leslie to talk about Disney's April news and park updates. They cover the reopening of Disneyland and California Adventure, Walt Disney World's safety protocols and ride construction updates, cast member news, and WDW ride mishaps. The Disney moms also talk about ways to entertain young kids while waiting in long lines at the Magic Kingdom. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

In another edition of "Keep it. Plus it. Toss it.," Leslie and Dan talk about what they would do with 12 attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Pandora's Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey; Dinoland USA's Dinosaur, TriceraTop Spin and The Boneyard; Wildlife Express Train and Affection Section; Kali River Rapids; Kilimanjaro Safaris; three exploration trails; It's Tough to Be a Bug!; and Expedition Everest. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Andrew share tips for navigating Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom while traveling with children under six in 2021. They address listener questions: Should I spend one or two days at Magic Kingdom? Should I rent a stroller? Where should I eat at the park? How do I efficiently plan my day at the park while FastPass+ is suspended? Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

In honor of Autism Awareness Day, Leslie welcomes back Caitlin to talk about her early experiences visiting Walt Disney World as a child with autism. Caitlin shares her advice for planning and preparing for Disney family vacations, and her top picks for Disney rides, resorts and restaurants. Check out episode 44 to hear Caitlin's "Steps to the Castle" interview where she talks about her experience as a Disney cast member. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and cousin Jennifer discuss Disney's news and updates for March, and Leslie welcomes guest Christina (IG: @QueenOfAllMickeyThings), who shares tips on how to make the most of your trip to California Adventure's A Touch of Disney event. Plus Jennifer and Leslie play a round of "Would You Rather" focusing on A Touch of Disney's specialty menu items. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. 

In celebration of Women's History Month, Leslie welcomes longtime friend and Disney fan Hollis, founder of the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival, to discuss 12 women who influenced Disney animation and attractions. From star performers in Walt Disney's animation studios in the 1920s to imagineers of the 1960s World's Fair rides to today's women leaders of the Walt Disney Animation Studios and company. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.   

In another round of "Keep it. Plus it. Toss it.," Leslie, Andrew and Dan talk about 10 more Epcot attractions. Would you keep them as they are, plus them or toss them?: Test Track; Soarin' Around the World; Reflections of China; The American Adventure; Coral Reef/The Seas with Nemo & Friends; Bruce's Shark World; Turtle Talk with Crush; Gran Fiesta Tour; and Spaceship Earth. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. 

In the fourth edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews former Disney cast member Sarah Odien about her experience working at Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise, Disney's Reservations Center and Disney Cruise Line. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes back cousin Jennifer to discuss Disney's news and park updates for February, including California Adventure's upcoming food and wine "experience," WDW resort openings, and new details about Magic Kingdom's 50th anniversary celebration. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes back Andrew, Dan, Jimmy and Mary for a family game of Disney Couples Trivia in celebration of Valentine's Day. The teams compete to answer "Disney couples" inspired trivia questions, while winners and losers choose between food, drink and dessert items from Epcot's International Festival of the Arts specialty menu. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.    

Leslie and Andrew share tips for couples celebrating Valentine's Day, honeymoons, anniversaries or a romantic getaway at Disney, and list 10 romantic things to do at Walt Disney World. Plus, they discuss survey results for Disney fans' 12 "Most Romantic Restaurants" at WDW. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes back Disney enthusiast Dustin Engels, author of the book, "Around the Worlds in 80 Days," for a deep dive into the Disneyland Paris resort. They discuss the history of the resort under the leadership of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, and Dustin shares the best and worst aspects of the parks, as well as tips for traveling there for a romantic couple's getaway. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Jennifer talk about Walt Disney World and Disneyland's news and updates from January. Plus, "Would You Rather" questions about Epcot's International Festival of the Arts and more. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast  

What's the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World? Should I visit WDW in 2021? Leslie, Andrew and Dan break down the pros and cons of visiting Walt Disney World in each month of the year and discuss why you should or should not visit Disney in 2021. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast  

Leslie interviews Disney YouTuber Jeff Bates aka Dole Whip Dad. Jeff shares his insights on being a Disney content creator as well as his take on classic Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions, movies and more. Check him out on YouTube and follow him on Instagram (@dolewhippeddad), Twitter and Facebook (@dolewhipdad). Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Andrew are joined by Dan to discuss their Disney resolutions -- things they'd like to try for the first time at Walt Disney World in 2021. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast    

Leslie and Andrew review key highlights from the first 50 episodes of Polka Dot Podcast and give special thanks to all our guests who appeared on the show during its first year. They recap topics, planning tips and fun moments in talking about Walt Disney World and other Disney parks. Happy holidays! Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast  

Leslie and Andrew review key highlights from the first 50 episodes of Polka Dot Podcast and give special thanks to all our guests who appeared on the show during its first year. They recap topics, planning tips and fun moments in talking about Walt Disney World and other Disney parks. Happy holidays! Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast    

In the fourth edition of "Keep it. Plus it. Toss it.," Leslie, Andrew and Dan talk about what they would do with 11 Epcot attractions. Follow @PolkaDot Podcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. Attractions: Frozen Ever After; Awesome Planet; Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360; Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival; Mission: Space; Impressions de France; Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along; Journey Into Imagination with Figment; ImageWorks - The "What If" Labs; Kidcot Fun Stops; Living with the Land IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast  

Leslie interviews Dustin Engels, author of the book, "Around the Worlds in 80 Days," recounting his journey to all 14 Disney theme parks. Dustin shares travel tips and his thoughts on the best parks, rides, restaurants and service Disney has to offer around the world. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast  

Leslie welcomes back cousin Jennifer to talk about Disney's company news and park updates for November. They discuss Tom Sawyer's Island and other ride refurbishments, new construction, Hong Kong Disneyland's new Castle of Magical Dreams and more. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast    

Leslie and Andrew discuss seven common complaints about Walt Disney World and the reasons why they're grateful for Disney and keep going to the parks anyway. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie, Andrew and Dan talk about 11 Magic Kingdom attractions in the third edition of "Keep it. Plus it. Toss it."  Walt Disney World Railroad; Tom Sawyer's Island; Tomorrowland Speedway; Under the Sea -- Journey of the Little Mermaid; Magic Carpets of Aladdin; Casey Jr. Splash 'N Soak Station; Swiss Family Robinson's Treehouse; The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; PeopleMover; Enchanted Tales with Belle; Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

In the third edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews former Disney Springs cast member Caitlin about her internship in Disney's College Program, as well as her experience working at Walt Disney World as a person living with autism, ADHD and hearing loss. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes Andrew T. to discuss the pros and cons of visiting Walt Disney World during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares details about his October trip and tips for Disney guests and families who are considering whether to visit the parks during the pandemic. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes back cousin Jennifer to discuss Disney's news and park updates for October. In episode 42, they talk about COVID-19 safety updates, the Swan and Dolphin resorts, Planet Hollywood, Halloween movie favorites on Disney+ and more. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Dan get in the Halloween spirit by talking about 12 spooky (and some not so scary) Disneyland and Walt Disney World urban legends. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Andrew share their top five picks for table service restaurants when dining with kids at the four Walt Disney World parks, Disney Springs and WDW resorts. Plus, they share ideas for new table service restaurants they would add to each park in "If You Were an Imagineer: Table Service Edition." Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes back to the show Jim and Mary to compete in an Epcot trivia game and a virtual food tour around the World Showcase in celebration of the 2020 Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for trivia quizzes and other related content.

In the second edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews YouTuber Dizney Dan about his internship on the Contemporary Resort's custodial and guest relations teams and as a character attendant at Walt Disney World. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. 

Leslie welcomes cousin Jennifer to the show to discuss Disney's news and updates for September. Also talk about Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, resorts and other WDW topics. Plus, Jennifer shares her "favorite Disney things." Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Andrew answer listener questions and share quick tips for taking children under 5 to Walt Disney World. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

What would you do with these 10 Magic Kingdom Attractions? In the second edition of, "Keep It, Plus It, Toss It?" Leslie, Andrew and Dan discuss their ideal visions for: Space Mountain; Prince Charming Regal Carrousel; the Hall of Presidents; the Haunted Mansion; Frontierland Shootin' Arcade; Carousel of Progress; Enchanted Tiki Room; Dumbo the Flying Elephant; Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor; Pirates of the Caribbean. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Polka Dot Podcast introduces "Steps to the Castle," a Q&A series with former Disney cast members. In this episode, Leslie interviews Natalie about her experience applying for and learning from Disney's college internship program in the costume department at the Magic Kingdom. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Andrew announce a new series for Polka Dot Podcast, calling for guests to participate in the show! And they discuss Disney's news and park updates from August. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

"Keep it. Plus it. Toss it." Leslie, Andrew and Dan weigh in on what they would do with 11 Magic Kingdom attractions. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Andrew interview Denise and her daughter, Madison, about going to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios with teenagers. They share tips and insight on what worked best for getting the most out of their vacation. Leslie and Denise reminisce about visiting Disney in the 1980s and 90s and share memories about the Riverside resort, Fort Wilderness' petting farm and Denise's role in the Hoop Dee-Doo Revue. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie and Andrew review eight magical backstage experiences for the ultimate Disney fan, plus Disney's VIP tour currently offered at Walt Disney World. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter. 

In the first of a monthly segment, Leslie and Andrew discuss Disney news for July, podcast updates and other Disney topics (Hamilton, Disney World opening, and more). Plus Andrew shares his "10 Favorite Disney Things." Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.

Leslie welcomes back Jim and Mary for a Disney "Would You Rather" game. Plus, they banter about adding India to Epcot's World Showcase, Disney's live action movies and other Disney topics. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.