Hey, friends! Welcome to this week’s The Weekly Bugle Vol 6. This week we discuss The Mandalorian Chapter 13, Batuu, Blue Milk, The Child, and more!
The Weekly Bugle Vol. 6
Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen The Mandalorian Season 2 Episode Five The Jedi.
Photo: Disney+
The Mandalorian Season 2 The Jedi
Dave Filoni BROUGHT IT in this week’s episode. We meet Ahsoka Tano, where Mando finds her in the forest of Corvis. He tells her that Bo-Katan sent him. She meets The Child and is able to communicate with him through The Force.
She learns he was raised and trained at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. After the fall of the Republic, he was evacuated from the Temple and has been suppressing his powers to survive all these years.
Photo: Disney+
This week’s big reveal: we learn The Child’s name–Grogu. The internet is definitely at odds as to how they feel about his name. We believe most people will probably still refer to him as Baby Yoda. WIll you? Leave a comment or tweet us @whiskynsunshine and @thatashleyerin.
Mando and Ahsoka team up to free the prisoners in Calodan.
“A Mandalorian and a Jedi? They’ll never see it coming.” -Mando
The other big points we discussed were regarding Ahsoka mentioning she is on the hunt for Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Beskar weapon that was won from Imperial Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth of Calodan.
During the fight between Ahsoka and the Imperial Magistrate, the Beskar staff could not be defeated by Ahsoka’s TWO lightsabers. Our theory? The Beskar staff will be needed to defeat the Darksaber. When Ahsoka wins against the magistrate, she is forced to divulge the location of her master, Thrawn. If Thrawn is also alive, which of our other favorite Rebels will we see as live-action characters?
Photo: Disney+
Manda-LORE – The Beskar Staff
About the Beskar staff…something we didn’t talk about on the podcast but you get here because it’s worth talking about. One theory? It is possible the Beskar staff is actually a bevii’ragir, a traditional Mandalorian hunting spear.
The bevii’ragir features a removable weighted counterbalance on the flat end of the staff that serves as a weapon in combat or as walking stick. While not canon, the bevii’ragir was introduced in the 2008 Star Wars: Republic Commando novel Order 66–and when has universe material vs. canon ever stopped Filoni? I mean, just look at Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Photo: Whisky + Sunshine
Batuu, Blue Milk, and the Gungan
This week, Ashley joined us from a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Okay, I guess it wasn’t *that* far, but far enough. On location in Batuu (East Coast), Ashley called in for our Weekly Bugle recording, complete in her Ahsoka Tano Disneybound.
Ashley also thanked me for recommending the Blue Milk with Rum. I’ve been touting how it’s my favorite of all the versions, alcoholic and non in Disney Parks, and now she can confirm she feels the same.
I also cursed her once again with the Gungan. You’ll have to listen to the episode to know how!
We are back with another meeting the Magic Makers episode. These episodes are dedicated to showcasing the amazing talents of Disney Cast Members. This time we chatted with Ashlee Santmyers, a cast member from Walt Disney World.
Interview With Disney Cast Member Ashlee Santmyers
Ashlee is a pastry chef in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She enjoys being able to create the various treats you can find throughout the park. Cakes are her favorite thing to make!
She is also a geek just like us! So you know we had to ask her to pick her favorites and yes we know that can be as hard as picking a favorite child. Ashlee told us how she and her husband are a house divided: Batman vs. Superman and Sailor Moon vs. Dragonball Z. We had to share our own picks out of those two!
Ashlee owns Storybook Delights, where she makes sweet treats for various fandoms and occasions. Every order is custom, Ashlee will work with you to figure out the perfect flavor and decoration combinations to make your next special event shine.
Getting custom made cakes or cupcakes would be a perfect way to have some Disney Magic at home. Going into the winter months, we definitely recommend an extra dose of magic.
This Batman Wedding Cake is phenomenal! We know a few Batman fans who would love this at their wedding.
Do you even like Disney if you don’t have a Mickey-themed birthday party at least once? Look at this adorable Mickey Mouse cake complete with the ears on top!
Obviously, we love Star Wars around here so this cake is a definite favorite. And we bet she can put one together themed after The Mandalorian too if you ask! Just saying!!
Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles! These Wizard House Cookies look amazing. You need them for your next Yule Ball.
Order your custom pastries, cakes, cupcakes, and more from Storybook Delights today!
It is no secret we are big Disney fans. When the news of the furloughs and lay-offs came down our hearts broke. We wanted to help in any way we could. Part of our plan is to showcase the amazing Magic Makers, the people who are behind all the magic you experience when heading to the park. From PhotoPass photographers and character attendants to chefs and artists, it takes a lot of special people to make Disney what it is.
Interview with Disney Cast Member Felicia Wisniewski
We got a chance to talk with Felicia Wisniewski, a magic-making cast member from Walt Disney World.Felicia works in costuming primarily at Magic Kingdom. One of her favorite events to work is Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire stage show. The colors, the seasonal changes, it is all so fun.
She is also a geek just like us! So you know we had to ask her to pick her favorites and yes we know that can be as hard as picking a favorite child. Felicia loves Tiana, Daisy, and Star Wars. You know we had to talk some Star Wars with her because we Geek Girls are all about it.
As a big fan of Star Wars, she tells us what it was like to be one of the first CM’s to see what The Rise of the Resistance costumes would look like. We aren’t jealous at all…not at all…
Felicia owns Fandom Sophisticates, an Etsy shop where she makes and sells items for various fandoms, including hard to find pieces for Disney favorites! Lucky for us, and you, Felicia’s shop is also open for CUSTOM orders. So if you’re prepping for a runDisney event, a day at the parks, or just feel like showing off your fandom loving side, she is your girl.
You can’t help but love the Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party! The costumes are colorful, the music is lively, and it is a great time to interact with some of your favorite characters. These ears bring that joy to life and are sure to get you a ton of compliments at the park.
This one is available in English or Aurebesh. It would look great on your laptop, car window, water bottle, basically wherever you can stick a sticker.
Who said Frozen is only for kids? Warm-up your vocal cords and get ready to go Into The Unknown with this poodle skirt. Elsa not your girl? No worries, Felicia can make one custom for your favorite Disney Princess.
On this episode of the Geek Girls Universe Podcast, we are talking Disney, but you know sad Disney because none of the parks are open. We know it is for the best, but that doesn’t make missing the magic any easier. To help with the Disney blues, these are ways to have Disney magic at home.
*affiliate links may be used below
Disney Magic At Home When You Can’t Go To The Parks
Disney Videos & Playlists
Do you find yourself wandering around your house singing “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirate’s Life For Me?” Or “It’s a small world after all!” No matter your favorite Disney ride, parade, or fireworks show, there are tons of YouTube videos for you to choose from.
Cast it to the TV and sit up close to feel like you are really there on the Incredicoaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Splash Mountain. Or you know tear up watching Happily Ever After or the now-retired Wishes show. No one will judge you…I’m a total crier during fireworks. Anyone else?
Maybe you just need to feel like you’re walking down Main Street. Disney Parks playlist on Apple Music as well as Sorcerer Radio on Google Play, Alexa, and in iTunes App Store plays Disney music 24/7. Close your eyes use that great big beautiful imagination of yours and pretend you’re right there on the corner by the Confectionary.
Thank the maker for Disney Plus, Disney Now, and Movies Anywhere. Between those three you have access to almost everything Disney has ever made. From classics like Cinderella to new films like Onward.
Disney+ is our lifesaver at the moment. With so many shows and films to watch it is definitely helping pass the time. If you are wondering where to start, don’t worry. We have our lists of what we think are the best things to binge right now on Disney Plus.
Even if you can’t go to Disney you can bring a little pixie dust into your home with some Disney Home Decor. We like to use our Refillable Mugs from the resorts as well as other Disney mugs when we drink our tea and coffee. Science says it tastes better that way.
I also have various art pieces from our trips and collectibles hanging around that make me smile when I see them. If your home is lacking Disney magic, head over to ShopDisney to find everything you need to decorate your home Disney style.
Can someone please make me a Dole Whip float? I guess I need to make it myself right now, ugh fine!! At least there are a plethora of Disney copy-cat and Disney inspired recipes on Pinterest. We have several on our websites as well.
It can be something as simple as these Toy Story inspired snacks or you can go all out and create an entire meal designed after your favorite attraction or character. Read all about Ashley’s Disney party ideas here.
If baking or creating recipes is not your thing you can also look for Mickey Ice Cream Bars, Star Wars Ice Cream Sandwiches, Toy Story Themed Ice Cream, and other various snack foods at your local grocery store.
Adults, this one is for you. If you are looking for adult Disney beverages check out Jana’s extensive cocktail list here. I could go for this Captain Marvel Cocktail right now.
Grab your Minnie Mouse ears and Magic Bands. Being stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous. Not to mention this gives you a great excuse to get out of your pajamas into some real clothes!
We know you have plenty of “Disney Parks” clothes and if you have children they probably do too. Put on a fashion show, strut your stuff like you’re Daisy Duck, and see who can be the most Disneyfied person in your house.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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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.
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.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
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.
