Today we’re heading to paradise—Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawai‘i! It’s one of only three standalone Disney resorts in the world and a masterclass in immersive theming and storytelling.

We’ll explore the fascinating history behind Aulani, from its cultural inspiration to how Imagineers infused Hawaiian traditions with Disney magic. Then we’re joined by Becky from Disney in Your Day, who shares first-hand details from her recent stay.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Becky’s first impressions of Aulani 🏝️
• Whether the resort is just for Disney fans or for anyone who loves Hawai‘i
• How Aulani compares to the theme-park experience
• Why it might deserve a spot on your Disney bucket list ✨

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Aulani—or just want a virtual escape to paradise—this episode will take you there.

Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.

Don’t forget to check us out on:

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Looking to book a Disney trip with Becky? Reach out to Beckyg@castledreamstravel.com for a free quote.

Timestamps

Welcome 00:00

History of Aulani

Welcome Back Becky! 07:43

First Impressions of Aulani 10:05

Is the Resort TOO Disney? 11:55

Things to Do Around the Resort 12:37

Why Planning is More Difficult 17:32

Off Property Activities 21:24

Becky’s Aulani Food Review 23:30

How Does Aulani Compare to the Theme Parks? 29:12

What Would You Do Differently? 30:56

Should Aulani Be on Your Bucket List? 33:14

Race in Every State 34:26

Final Planning Tips 36:21

Let Us Know if You’ve Been to Aulani? 38:28

⚡️ Lightning Lane, Standby, or Skip? It’s the ultimate Disney attraction showdown!

In this episode, we play a brand-new game where we take groups of three Disney rides and decide which one deserves a Lightning Lane, which we’d wait in standby, and which we’d skip altogether (sorry, not everything’s a must-do!).

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Our picks for the must-ride attractions worth a Lightning Lane 💥
• Which rides are fine to wait for in standby 🎢
• The controversial skips that might shock Disney fans 😬
• Heated debates and surprising choices from all four parks

So grab your park map and play along—tell us your Lightning Lane, Standby, or Skip lineup!

Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.

Don’t forget to check us out on:

-Instagram

-Facebook

-Youtube

Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code ENCHANTED at checkout to save 15% off your next order.

Timestamps

Welcome 00:00

Classic Dark Rides 01:41

EPCOT 06:47

Become an Enchanted Ears Insiders for Bonus Episodes 14:20

Toy Story Land 14:44

Rides That Could Use an Update 20:03

Animal Kingdom 26:43

Tell Us Your Picks 32:06

From dishwasher at Disneyland to legendary Disney Imagineer. In this episode, Kevin Rafferty shares how a last-minute choice launched his Imagineering career and the storytelling secrets behind some of Disney’s most iconic attractions.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How a spur-of-the-moment decision kick-started Kevin’s Imagineering journey
• The original concept for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• What it was like collaborating with Aerosmith on Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
• The step-by-step process of developing Cars Land—from blue-sky to grand opening

If you love Imagineering history, creative process deep dives, and behind-the-scenes Disney stories, this one’s pure pixie dust.

Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.

Don’t forget to check us out on:

-Instagram

-Facebook

-Youtube

Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code ENCHANTED at checkout to save 15% off your next order.

Check out Kevin's book here

Timestamps

Welcome 00:00

Kevin’s Go To Karaoke Song 02:12

The Start of an Incredible Career 04:19

Learning from the Original Imagineers 15:00

Becoming a Show Writer 17:44

Kevin’s Potential Second Career 22:30

Bringing Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway to Life 23:26

How Do Story and Ride Mechanics Work Together? 33:07

Kevin’s Favorite Easter Egg 37:59

Kevin’s Disney Favorites 40:42

A Disneyland Love Story 44:30

Working with Jim Henson on MuppetVision 3D 47:22

Celebrity Stories from Imagineering 50:22

Creating Cars Land 56:58

Looking to the Movies for Inspiration 1:07:07

Was There an Attraction Kevin Wanted to Build? 1:11:32

Adding Walt to Carousel of Progress 1:13:48

Kevin’s Favorite Attraction He Worked On 1:16:49

Kevin’s Advice to Future Imagineers 1:23:02