Ep. 8: Disney Plus! Baby Yoda is Everything

Disney Plus: Baby Yoda is Everything

Disney Plus is now streaming and we are obsessed. We have both been binging, um, researching? to find the best, must-watch shows and movies available right now!

The Mandalorian

First of all Baby Yoda… Baby Not Yoda… whatever you want to call him, is everything. He coos, we sigh. He blinks, we swoon. Basically, it’s Baby Yoda’s galaxy and we are just living in it.

Sure there is a TON of amazing content on Disney+ but we had to spend time gushing over The Child and the overall awesomeness that is “The Mandalorian.” Episodes 3 & 4 might be our favorites.

The writing, direction, characters, “The Mandalorian” has it all. And it has done something that seemed impossible a year ago–it has united the Star Wars fandom. Everyone agrees this show is epic. So whether you like the original trilogy, prequels, or new school Star Wars, we can all agree “The Mandalorian” is boss.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

This show combines the quirky, inquisitive Jeff with the educational powerhouse of National Geographic. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I watched episode one about shoes, but wow. Who knew there were sneaker cons where people are dropping 30 GRAND on a pair of shoes.

Each episode Jeff tackles a topic that seems pretty simple- shoes, jeans, tattoos, etc. But the viewer gets to learn the history behind these things and how they have affected our world. Surprisingly enough, it is super entertaining. If you haven’t watched yet, try it out.

High School Musical The Musical The Series

That is a mouthful but the show is awesome. It doesn’t matter if you are a Senior Wildcat or freshman, this is the show for you.

Disney + Original Movies

Noelle and Lady and The Tramp debuted with the service as the first of many to come original movies.

Lady and The Tramp is a beautiful reimagining of the classic animated film. The dogs were rescues and all were adopted by the end of filming. A happy ending within a happy ending? Ah, Disney magic.

Noelle is a Christmas film starring Anna Kendrick. She brings her usual brand of pep and kindness. This is sure to become a favorite holiday film and the message it brings is a much-needed one.

Disney Plus Throwbacks

Ok yes, Disney+ has great content for the whole family but we are here to say Disney Plus was made for us. I’m talking the 80s, 90s Disney kids. The moms, dads, grownups that are paying for this service. Why? Did you check the throwback section?

They have got all the great Disney Channel shows and movies plus old school cartoons like “X-Men,” “Tail Spin,” and “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.” My kids like those shows, but they don’t love them. They don’t appreciate the fact that they are included with Disney+ as I do. You understand.

What’s Next On Disney+?

A new season of “The Mandalorian,” as well as new episodes of “The World According to Jeff Goldblum,” “Disney Imagineering,” and more. If you know us geeks though then you know we can barely deal with the anticipation of the upcoming Marvel series.

LOKI. That’s the sentence. *Sigh* Moving on, Marvel’s What If, Ms. Marvel, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, WandaVision, and so many more.

There are also new Pixar shorts, shows, and films to look forward to as well. We are also hoping for more old school releases, like The House of Mouse. Keep sending in those suggestions via the app to Disney+!

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Is there anything missing on Disney+ that you are looking for? Let us know!

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December 9, 2019February 10, 2021

Ep. 7: Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Freebies!

Hey friends! Last week we shared our favorite Disney Eats plus tips on how to secure those sometimes elusive dining reservations. This time, we are sharing Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line freebies.

Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Freebies

When it comes to planning a Disney Vacation, you spend a lot of time figuring out where you want to eat and what rides to ride–and you might even think it can be a bit pricey. If you take into account what you get for your dollars, though, we agree that it is totally worth it.

But did you know that both Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line also offer free items to guests? They have activities, collectibles, and more for free. You just have to know where to look and who to ask.

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Favorite Disney Freebies

There are a lot of freebies to choose from, but we both have our favorites. Ashley loves collecting buttons for special occasions or just because she is celebrating spending time at one of her favorite places on the planet. Her family also enjoys pin trading with Cast Members, playing Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, and getting birthday cards during character dining.

If you are looking for buttons, the Citizens of Main Street U.S.A. may be handing them out in the morning when you visit Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Resort. You can also get them at the Guest Services desk at your Disney Resort or in Town Hall right inside the gates.

Sign up for Sorcerers’ of the Magic Kingdom at the Fire House inside Magic Kingdom. If you attend any of the special parties for Halloween or the Holidays, you will receive a special Sorcerers Card during the event by stopping into the Fire House.

Jana is currently loving the Spira Gift Card available at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Now this one isn’t totally free (free with a caveat). In order to pick up one of these unique metal cards, you need to load it with $100. But if you’re anything like us, spending a $100 at Disney would be no problem. You can use the Spira Gift Card anywhere that takes a traditional Disney Gift Card, such as dining, retail, snacks, etc.

We both love collecting autographs from the characters you meet at Disney. Some may not sign but they give out autograph cards, which are a fun collectible. Characters will sign almost anything from hats to books to picture frame mats.

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Disney Parks Freebies

There are some great Disney Parks freebies to be had if you know where to look and who to ask! When exiting your boat at Jungle Cruise, look for a Skipper standing on the docks. Ask them if they have an extra Jungle Cruise Map lying around. You might not always get one but sometimes you may get lucky. ( You can also download one from Disney’s website).

Also at both parks, as Cast Member’s manning the transportation areas for transportation cards. At Walt Disney World, Epcot offers a way for kids to explore the World Showcase in a unique way. Start in Mexico or Canada and get your free Duffy the Bear cutout that you can get stamped, like a passport, in each country. Or you can buy a “Real” passport at one of the gift shops.

At Disneyland, ask for the Indiana Jones Decoder to unlock secrets within the ride. And no matter which coast you are on, Pixie Dust is always free!

We know how hot it can get in the parks and water is always free. Just stop into a Quick Serve location and ask for a cup of water. On really hot days, they usually have them ready to go.

Another fun collectible is Park Maps. The design on the maps change with every season, so most likely each visit (unless you’re local) will mean you can get a new, awesome map! In Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, pick up a Traveler’s Guide, which is like a park map but a little fancier and just for Star Wars.

Other freebies include coasters, the character animation experience in Animal Kingdom, free lei at the Polynesian Resort, and (one of Jana’s favorite’s) the Wilderness Explorer Badges.

Join the Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom. They are located on your right as you walk towards the Tree of Life. Once you have taken the pledge, grab your nice booklet and explore all areas of the park learning about the people, animals, and plants that call it home. Earn a badge for each stop!

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Disney Cruise Line Freebies

Ashley is headed out on a Disney Cruise soon and she had to share about the free things you can find on the ships.

Like Disney Parks, the Disney Cruise Line also offers celebration buttons. They are slightly different from the parks’ versions, so don’t think, “Oh I already have one of these.” Also onboard, you can pin trade with Cast Members inside the retail shop and with the officers of the ship on a special Disney pin trading night. Check your onboard navigator for all the details.

Disney-Cruise-Line-Tips — Photo from WithAshleyandCo.com

Day at sea and tired of the pool? Try out the Midship Detective Agency on the Disney Dream and Fantasy. Use your clues and your brains to figure out whodunit in this shipwide mystery game.

It’s no secret the kid only areas on the ships are ah-mazing! Inside the various clubs for kids, they have the opportunity to interact with characters, create crafts, do cooking lessons, and more. Kids’ clubs are free for children ages 3 and up.

Jana’s family participated in the free Castaway Cay 5K! If you are a runDisney fan, the only way to get this medal is to take a Disney Cruise. Oh, darn right?

This is an easy run that takes place early in the morning after the ship docks in Castaway Cay. Signup for free but spots are limited. Be sure to do this when you board the ship first thing on debarking day.

Disney Store Freebies

The Disney Store also offers free buttons when it is your birthday plus they will put your name on the screen in the back and the whole store will sing you happy birthday! If you open the store for the day, you receive a special key.

Sign up for Disney Store emails to see when all their free and special events are taking place. Sometimes you make a craft to take home, others you might receive a cool collectible, you never know!

Follow this link to find a Disney Store and events near you.

For more Disney Vacation Tips

7 Best Castaway Cay Activities

5 Reasons To Book a Disney Cruise

Must Haves For Your Disney World Day Bag

How to Use Disney MaxPass at Disneyland

101 Things to Do at Walt Disney World!

Disney Pin Trading 101

7 Tips To Get The Most From Your Disneyland Vacation

Beginner’s Guide to Disneyland MaxPass

Tips for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Geek Girls Universe Podcast. Join us next time as we talk Disney Parks secrets. Whether you are a newbie to planning a Disney Vacation or a veteran like us, we got all the info you need to make your next trip to the house of mouse magical.

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October 24, 2019February 10, 2021

Ep. 6: Disney Eats and Tips For Booking Advanced Dining Reservations!

This week we are discussing one of our favorite subjects- Disney Eats. We all have our favorites at each park and we can’t wait to share our top picks as well as tips for booking advanced dining reservations!

Disney Eats and Tips For Booking Advanced Dining Reservations!

From Walt Disney World to Disneyland and the infamous Disney Cruise Line, enjoying all the tasty offerings Disney has to offer is a must.

It’s definitely hard to pick a favorite Disney snack, but we tried. We agreed that the Dole Whip Float is a must- each trip, beginning, and end. Also, Jana shared her theory on why the churros at Disneyland are superior to the ones at Disney World.

Walt Disney World Dining Tips

There are a ton of options when it comes to dining at Walt Disney World. Epcot alone has some of the best restaurants in both parks, with something for everyone. For example those nachos at La Cantina de San Angel, yum.

Quick question: When you go to the World Showcase, do you go left to Mexico like us? Or do you turn right and head to Canada? And if you do go right, why? Seriously, these two Disney geeks need to know.

Some of our other top picks are Tusker House, Sanaa, Tiffins, Nomad Lounge, Be Our Guest, and Woody’s Lunchbox.

Geek Tip: If you are trying to get reservations for any restaurant at Disney World, booking in advance is key! If you’re staying on property, reservations up at 180 days from the start of your vacation beginning at 6am EST online or 7am EST via the phone.

Disneyland Dining Tips

We both love our character dining. Goofy’s Kitchen, at the Disneyland Hotel, was one of Ashley’s favorites. While both Geeks loved on Bengal BBQ, Cafe Orleans, Carnation Cafe, and Lamplight Lounge.

Did you know? WDW has beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter, but Disneyland offers beignets at Cafe Orleans and at the Mint Julep Bar inside Disneyland. We need you to start offering them in the park, too, WDW!

Geek Tip: Booking advanced dining reservations at Disneyland is different from Disney World. Instead of 180 days in advance, you can book beginning 60 days out from your vacation. However you cannot book for your entire stay, it’s one reservation a day as each 60-day mark is hit. However, it’s not as competitive as Disney World, so you’re likely to get your first choices when you want them.

Oga’s Cantina at Disneyland only offers reservations 14 days in advance.

swge-ogas-cantina-2 — Photo from WhiskynSunshine

Disney Cruise Line Dining

The nice thing about the Disney Cruise Line dining options is that they are all delicious. Neither of us has had a bad experience eating onboard.

Be sure to listen to the podcast to hear about our favorite meals and some other need to know info about the Disney Cruise Line…can you say FREE room service?

Related: Disney Cruise Line Tips

For more Disney Vacation Tips

7 Best Castaway Cay Activities

5 Reasons To Book a Disney Cruise

Must-Haves For Your Disney World Day Bag

How to Use Disney MaxPass at Disneyland

101 Things to Do at Walt Disney World!

7 Tips To Get The Most From Your Disneyland Vacation

Beginner’s Guide to Disneyland MaxPass

Tips for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

What to Drink at Oga’s Cantina

Thanks for joining us on this episode of the Geek Girls Universe Podcast. We hope we didn’t make you too hungry! Join us next week as we share all the freebies you can get at Disney Parks and on the Disney Cruise Line.

Find the Geek Girls Universe Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. Subscribe today!

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October 7, 2019February 10, 2021

Ep. 5: All The runDisney Tips You Need

Hey everyone!! On this show we are talking all about runDisney! Jana has participated in a race before, but Ashley has not. So what are two geeks to do when they need to know more about runDisney and all the tricks and tips to make it the best race ever? They call on a friend who happens to be a queen in that world.

Patty Holliday is the head fangirl in charge behind the No-Guilt Fangirls Podcast.

Are you ready to get all the runDisney tips you need before race weekend? Let’s do this.

runDisney Basics

Patty shares what makes runDisney special, why you would choose to run Disney (um hello it’s Disney), and of course, how to get registered.

Where should runDisney beginners start?

There are a lot of options when it comes to runDisney, from 5K to half marathons and Dopey Challenges. It really depends on your fitness level and determination for all those shiny medals.

Doing a basic run training program is a good idea if you are new to running. There are a lot of apps out there to help you get started and you can even download the runDisney training schedule from Jeff Galloway.

What is it like on race day at runDisney?

Picking up your bib is an adventure at runDisney. There are photo opps, character meet-n-greets, and lots of exclusive merchandise. Patty is rocking her Avengers Dooney & Bourke from her race while Jana and Ashley sit there jealous.

There are different corrals, balloon ladies, and sweepers for the course. Along the race course, there are character stops and lots of opportunities to see how beautiful the Disney Parks are when the sun is coming up. Speaking of the sun, be prepared to get up EARLY.

runDisney 2020 Race Schedule

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: October 31st–November 3rd, 2019 (Registration opens March 19th, 2019)

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Presented by Cigna: January 8th–12th, 2020 (Registration opens April 16th, 2019)

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – Presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: February 20th–23rd, 2020 (Registration opens June 4th, 2019)

Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon: January 3rd–March 31st, 2020 (Registration opens July 16th, 2019)

Star Wars Rival Run Weekend – Presented by OtterBox: April 16th–19th, 2020 (Registration opens July 16th, 2019)

More runDisney Info:

Be sure to listen to the episode for a complete rundown of tips and tricks to make your runDisney experience magical.

Patty also has a lot to say about the races. For more runDisney info from the queen, check out her posts here:

Bursting the runDisney Balloon Lady Bubble

Answers to your runDisney FAQs

So You Bought Your Bibs Through a Travel Agent

Don’t forget to find No-Guilt Fangirls Podcast on your favorite podcast provider and subscribe!

Need a Travel Agent? Patty Holliday can fulfill all your Disney travel needs as well as other travel needs! Contact her at No-Guilt Travel!

Next time join us as we talk about the best eats at Disney World and Disneyland! Don’t forget to Subscribe today!

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September 30, 2019February 10, 2021

Ep. 4 Fall TV Lineup: What To Watch

On this episode of the Geek Girls Universe podcast, we are discussing the Fall TV Lineup, from returning favorites to new shows. Plus we have exclusive coverage of Mixed-ish, Emergence, and Stumptown. Did you know Crank Yankers is making a comeback? Don’t worry we have all the info you need to get your DVR ready.

Monday Nights

ABC:

The Good Doctor (season 3)

CBS:

The Neighborhood (season 2)

Bob <3 Abishola (new comedy)

All Rise (new drama)

Bull (season 4)

NBC:

Bluff City Law (new drama)

FOX:

9-1-1 (season 3)

Prodigal Son (new drama)

Tuesday Nights

ABC:

The Conners (season 2)

Bless This Mess (season 2)

Mixed-ish (premiere). Read what Ashley had to say about mixed-ish:

Black-ish (season 6)

Emergence (premiere/drama). Ashley screened this pilot and now she is hooked. Read her spoiler-free review:

CBS

NCIS (season 17)

NCIS: New Orleans (season 6)

NBC

This Is Us (season 4)

New Amsterdam (season 2)

FOX

The Resident (season 3)

Empire (season 6/final season)

Wednesday Nights

ABC

The Goldbergs (season 7)

Schooled (season 2)

Modern Family (season 11, final season)

Single Parents (season 2). Visit the set of Single Parents with Ashley:

Stumptown (premiere/drama). Jana has screened the first two episodes of this new drama based on a graphic novel. She also had the opportunity to interview the cast at the recent Rose City Comic Con and previously interviewed Cobie Smulders.

CBS

Survivor (season 39)

NBC

Chicago Med (season 5)

Chicago Fire (season 8)

Chicago PD (season 7)

FOX

The Masked Singer (season 2)

Thursday Nights

ABC

Grey’s Anatomy (season 16)

A Million Little Things (season 2)

How to Get Away With Murder (season 6)

CBS

Young Sheldon (season 3)

The Unicorn (new comedy)

Mom (season 7)

Carol’s Second Act (new comedy)

Evil (new drama)

NBC

Superstore (season 5)

Perfect Harmony (new comedy)

The Good Place (season 4/final season). Before you watch the new season, catch the miniseries called The Selection, all about the bad place and the humans they chose for the new season.

Sunnyside (new comedy)

Friday Nights

ABC

American Housewife (season 4). Jana had the opportunity to sit down with everyone’s favorite TV mom, Katy Mixon. Check out that interview: Exclusive Interview with Katy Mixon

Fresh off the Boat (season 6)

CBS

Hawaii Five-o (season 10)

Magnum PI (season 2)

Blue Bloods (season 10)

And more!

Crank Yankers is making a comeback on Comedy Central. Ashley wonders how they will pull these off because who actually answers their phones for unknown numbers?

Brooklyn 99 Season 7 will be back mid-season, which will be in January at some point. No official date has been shared though.

Join us next time as we talk all things RunDisney with our friend Patty Holliday of the No Guilt Fangirls Podcast.

Subscribe today!

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September 23, 2019February 28, 2021

Ep. 3: Tips For Spending The Holidays at Disney Parks

Jana and Ashley are sharing all about the Holiday offerings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort! Including their favorite tips and tricks for making the most out of the holidays at Disney.

First, we dive into fall at Walt Disney World including guest-favorite Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. As an allergy mom, Ashley shares what to expect when you opt for the allergy-friendly treats at the park. Also, there is a new fireworks show and lots of fun to be had in the parks.

Then travel to Disneyland Resort where Oogie Boogie Bash is taking place for 2019. More spooky fun to be had and hands down the Halloween parties are our favorite.

After Halloween, the parks transform for the holidays. Walt Disney World is offering several new experiences in the Animal Kingdom while welcoming back favorites like The Candlelight Processional, Jingle Bell Jingle JAM and more! Follow our tips for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to ensure you have the most magical time.

Over at Disneyland enjoy festive ride overlays, Disney Festival of Holidays, and more. We got all the opening day info for you.

Join us next time as we talk about the Fall TV Lineup from new shows to returning favorites.

Subscribe today!

For More Disney Parks Travel Tips:

How to Have Allergy-Friendly Treats at MNSSHP

New Holiday Magic at Walt Disney World Resort for the 2019 Season

Beginner’s Guide to Disneyland MaxPass

Beginner’s Guide to Pin Trading at WDW

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September 16, 2019February 28, 2021

Ep. 2: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

In this episode, Ashley and Jana talk about all the latest Star Wars news from The Rise of Skywalker and Disney+ Shows to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at both Disney parks.

First up, is Star Wars Episode 9, The Rise Of Skywalker. There is a lot to unpack about the final Star Wars movie of the original saga.

What exactly does the title mean? We have some theories. Everyone is excited to see the Knights of Ren are finally getting their big-screen debut. Emperor Palpatine is back but does that mean as a Darth Maul kind of hybrid or as a force ghost?

We can’t talk Rise of Skywalker without discussing Rey. There are a lot of theories floating around about Rey and her parentage. Is Rey a Kenobi, descendant of Qi’Ra, or is there something else going on with her? Will Rey ultimately be fighting for the Lightside or the Darkside? And if you’re a Kylo Rey Stan you might not like what we have to say about that.

Disney Plus is getting The Mandalorian as well as The Clone Wars and an Obi-Wan show starring Ewan McGregor himself. The rumors have been proven true and we couldn’t be more thrilled. More casting news includes Ming-Na Wen joining The Mandalorian and Ahsoka Lives!

Blast off to Galaxy’s Edge with us and learn what Batuu is like on both coasts. Jana shares her tips for making the most of your trip while Ashley tries not to be super jealous.

Have you visited Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge yet? Got a theory about Rey? Let us know!

Next time on the Geek Girls Universe Podcast we are discussing all the fun holiday offerings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.

Subscribe today on iTunes and Google Play!

For more Star Wars news:

14 Phrases to Know Before Visiting Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Tips For Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

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September 9, 2019February 28, 2021

Ep. 1: D23 Expo Marvel News!

Join Jana and Ashley for the first full episode of the Geek Girls Universe. In this week’s episode, we’ll talk about the Marvel news coming out of the D23 Expo in Anaheim.

From the new Black Widow trailer that previewed during the Walt Disney Studios panel to theories about Black Panther 2, and details about the new Marvel “What If” series on Disney + and lamenting over the latest Spiderman news, learn what’s new with Marvel.

Next time on Geek Girls Universe Podcast we are discussing all the newest info from a galaxy far, far away: Star Wars!

Do you have a show suggestion? Let us know! Subscribe today!

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September 3, 2019February 28, 2021

Ep. 0 – Welcome to the Podcast

Welcome to the Geek Girls Universe Podcast, hosted by Jana Seitzer and Ashley Saunders.

This podcast is for geeks, nerds, fan girls and boys to come together and celebrate all things geek. Whether you’re into comic books, movies, tv shows, video games, etc we’ve got you covered.

In this episode of the Geek Girls Universe Podcast, we introduce ourselves and share about the geeky things we enjoy.

Next time on Geek Girls Universe Podcast we are discussing all the latest and greatest Marvel news. Do you have a show suggestion? Let us know. Subscribe today!

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