A Christmas Party First, Holiday Food Wins, and the Disney Moments That Matter Most With Amy Rhodes- Ep. 653

This week, Curtis is joined once again by Amy Rhodes, a longtime Geek who knows Disney World inside and out. Amy recently returned from a December trip just before Christmas — a sweet spot on the calendar that delivered lighter crowds, festive energy, and some truly unforgettable family moments.

This wasn’t a “do everything” trip. Instead, it was thoughtful, intentional, and full of heart — the kind of Disney vacation that reminds us why we keep going back.

A First-Ever Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was Amy’s daughter experiencing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for the very first time — made even more magical thanks to a surprise Santa letter waiting at their hotel.

Amy breaks down exactly how they approached the party:

• Prioritizing exclusive characters
• Choosing shows and parades over ride marathons
• Sampling holiday treats without overdoing it
• And pacing the night so it stayed magical instead of exhausting

The result? A late-night walk to the bus and a quiet moment that made every dollar spent completely worth it.

Holiday Food, Party Treats & Festival Favorites

This episode is packed with great food talk — especially when it comes to holiday-only offerings.

Amy shares:

• Standout party snacks (including a lasagna flatbread that stole the show)
• Why party food can sometimes outshine regular menus
• Smart strategies like splitting meals, ordering kids’ meals, and yes… bringing Tupperware and Ziplocs
• Festival of the Holidays favorites at EPCOT, including the Cookie Stroll and comfort-food booth wins

If you love practical Disney food tips that actually work, this episode delivers.

Old Key West, Slow Mornings & Brunch at Olivia’s

The family stayed at Old Key West, leaning into quiet mornings and relaxed pacing.

Amy talks about:

• Why Old Key West remains a favorite despite its quirks
• A slow, satisfying brunch at Olivia’s
• How choosing calm over chaos completely changed the feel of the trip

It’s a great reminder that where — and how — you stay can shape the entire vacation.

Shows, Live Entertainment & Candlelight Magic

Beyond the food and parties, this trip leaned heavily into Disney’s live entertainment:

• Holiday shows and performers
• New and returning stage productions
• And a deeply moving Candlelight Processional experience that stopped everyone in their tracks

Amy shares why these moments continue to matter — and how sometimes the most powerful Disney memories come from simply sitting still and listening.

The Moments You Can’t Plan

More than rides or reservations, this episode is about the moments you can’t schedule.

A child holding a hand.
A quiet walk after midnight.
A sentence whispered at just the right time.

Those are the moments that define a Disney trip — and Episode 653 is full of them.

Ready to Plan Your Own Magical Trip?

If you’re thinking about planning a Disney vacation — whether it’s for the holidays or any time of year — Curtis’ wife Margita and their good friend Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras.

They specialize in:

• Walt Disney World
• Disney Cruise Line
• Disneyland
• Universal and more

Already booked? You can transfer your reservation and still get expert planning and support — at no extra cost.

TravelinTiaras@gmail.com
(You’ll also find the email in the show notes of your podcast app.)

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