A Solo Christmas Trip, Light Crowds & A Look Back at Disney World in 2025 with Andy Hoffman – Ep. 649

Some Disney trips are planned down to the minute… and some turn out magical because they aren’t.

In Episode 649 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis is joined by longtime Super Geek and close friend Andy Hoffman, who surprised the Geekin’ community with a last-minute, solo Disney World trip right before Christmas.

No dining reservations.
No early planning.
No rigid agenda.

Just a renewed Annual Pass, light crowds, holiday décor, and the freedom to do Disney completely on his own terms.

Finishing the show, Curtis and Andy also take time to look back at Disney World in 2025, reviewing the year-end polls submitted by the Geekin’ community — making this episode part trip recap, part strategy discussion, and part Disney year-in-review as we head into a brand-new year.

Episode Highlights

• A last-minute solo holiday trip — why Andy went and why it worked so well
• All-Star Movies stay — a preferred room surprise and great value location
• Renewing an Annual Pass — how quick and easy it was to do on arrival
• Party-day Magic Kingdom strategy — riding Haunted Mansion, Tiana’s, Pirates, and more with minimal waits
• The PeopleMover paradox — when a “quiet” ride becomes the longest wait
• Geyser Point’s bison burger — still one of Disney’s best burgers
• Wilderness Lodge Christmas décor — finally seeing the iconic tree in person
• Hollywood Studios at Christmas — vintage décor, Echo Lake vibes, and crowd swings
• Geek meetups — Bar Riva with Rob, quick visits with Wendy Fox and Amy Rhodes
• Animal Kingdom highlights — Zootopia show, active Safaris, and holiday pacing
• Satu’li Canteen wins — chimichurri beef & garlic shrimp bowls (so good he went back twice)
• Single-rider success — Smugglers Run, Test Track, and Remy
• First-ever Country Bear Jamboree — yes… after all these years
• One last Dinosaur ride — and grabbing a final souvenir tee

Andy’s story is a great example of how Disney can feel completely different — and incredibly refreshing — when you slow down and let the trip unfold naturally.

Looking Back: The Geekin’ on WDW Year-End Poll Review

As the trip winds down, Curtis and Andy shift gears and take a thoughtful (and fun) look back at Disney World in 2025, reviewing the year-end polls shared with the Geekin’ community.

Favorite New Attraction or Show

• Villains Live emerged as the clear favorite
• Test Track Reimagined and the refreshed Little Mermaid show followed closely
• Zootopia earned praise as a fun, family-friendly update

Best New Lounge or Restaurant

• Geo-82 dominated the poll results
• Cake Bake Shop, Barrel, and Wailulu Bar & Grill also received strong support</l