Polka Dot Podcast
89 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 14 ratingsWelcome to Polka Dot Podcast, a show by a mom for moms and lovers of all things Disney. On this show, Leslie, a lifelong Disney fan and mother of three, will join with guests to discuss tips and lessons learned from traveling to Walt Disney World, Disneyland and other Disney parks with kids and groups of family and friends. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for show updates and related content.
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Episodes
All About Planning Walt Disney World Weddings
August 15, 2021 12:00 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBAre you planning a Disney wedding, vow renewal, anniversary party or another special life event? In this episode, Leslie interviews Fairytale Weddings Guide author Carrie Hayward, host of The Disney Wedding Podcast. Carrie breaks down what you need to know to plan a Walt Disney World wedding in 2021 - 2022, money-saving tips, and recommendations for choosing a WDW venue for your big day. Also included are tips by Disney bride Vanessa Ferguson, who planned both an Epcot wedding and vow r...
Disney Trivia Night
July 30, 2021 16:30 - 21 minutes - 31 MBLeslie and Andrew welcome back Jim and Dan for a family Disney trivia night! Do you know these 12 Walt Disney World fun facts? Play along with the group and follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter.
Best / Worst Magic Kingdom Attractions for Kids Under 6
July 18, 2021 14:09 - 30 minutes - 43.6 MBHow do you prioritize which Disney attractions to tackle if you're visiting the Magic Kingdom with children under six-years-old? Leslie and Andrew review survey results polling Disney fans' picks for the top 10 must-ride Magic Kingdom attractions, and they share their "Ride it" and "Skip it" lists of Magic Kingdom attractions for young kids. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Q&A with a Disney Dapper Dan, Stage Performer
July 03, 2021 22:21 - 54 minutes - 75.7 MBIn the seventh edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews Rob Lott about his 20-year career as a stage performer and puppeteer at Walt Disney World and Tokyo DisneySea. Currently a Dapper Dan at the Magic Kingdom, Rob shares memories about his experiences performing in numerous stage shows and tips for aspiring Disney cast members and park travelers. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney Dads Trivia
June 18, 2021 16:00 - 21 minutes - 31 MBLeslie welcomes her husband, Andrew, and brothers, Jim and Dan, for a fun "Disney Dads" trivia game in celebration of Father's Day. Do you know these 12 Disney fun facts? Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/
Special Announcement From Polka Dot Podcast
June 11, 2021 19:39 - 1 minute - 3.7 MBHello Disney fans! We are exploring new platforms and new ways to add value to our listeners, and so Polka Dot Podcast will temporarily be moving to a biweekly format. We look forward to taking more time between episodes to research new topics and to find new ways to deliver helpful Walt Disney World vacation planning tips for listeners. We also will be working to broaden the scope of guest insights on the show, so if you are interested in being a guest or if you’d like to request an epi...
Steps to the Castle: Q&A with Former Disney Cast Member Matthew Krul
June 05, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 88 MBIn the sixth edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews former Disney cast member and Imagineer Podcast host Matthew Krul. Matt shares stories from his college internship working at Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari and lessons learned from his professional internship with Disney Vacation Club's marketing team. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney's May News and Park Updates
May 30, 2021 12:35 - 27 minutes - 38.7 MBLeslie welcomes back cousin Jennifer to discuss Disney's news and park updates for May, including COVID-19 safety rules changes, construction delays, the benefits of baby care centers, and Magic Kingdom's 2021 Disney After Hours Boo Bash. Plus a round of "Would You Rather?" featuring select menu items from Taste of Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival, running through July 5, 2021. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter.
3 Itineraries for 1 Week at Walt Disney World
May 22, 2021 12:33 - 31 minutes - 44.9 MBLeslie and Andrew discuss six considerations for planning a Walt Disney World vacation and share three sample itineraries for spending one week at the Orlando resort. Before planning your week's stay at WDW, consider: 1) The ages of people in your party 2) How you prioritize Disney's four theme parks 3) How active or relaxing you'd like your vacation to be 4) Rank what’s most important to you: Eating good / ethnic food Seeing animals Thrill rides Visiting as many places / p...
Steps to the Castle: Q&A with Former Disney Cast Member Ron Fox
May 14, 2021 16:00 - 47 minutes - 66.2 MBIn the fifth edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews former Disney cast member Ron Fox on his experience in more than a dozen roles at the company, including working as a stunt performer in Hollywood Studios' "Lights, Motors, Action!" show. For more information about Ron Fox, visit www.RonFoxMedia.com. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney Moms Trivia Game
May 08, 2021 20:24 - 29 minutes - 41 MBIn a special Disney moms episode, Leslie is joined by her mother, Nancy; sister, Denise; and sister-in-law, Mary, for a Mother's Day game of Disney trivia. Fun facts cover Disney moms, Disney movies, Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney's April News and Park Updates
April 30, 2021 03:08 - 30 minutes - 43.1 MBCousin Jennifer joins Leslie to talk about Disney's April news and park updates. They cover the reopening of Disneyland and California Adventure, Walt Disney World's safety protocols and ride construction updates, cast member news, and WDW ride mishaps. The Disney moms also talk about ways to entertain young kids while waiting in long lines at the Magic Kingdom. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
12 Disney's Animal Kingdom Attractions
April 17, 2021 02:24 - 47 minutes - 66 MBIn another edition of "Keep it. Plus it. Toss it.," Leslie and Dan talk about what they would do with 12 attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Pandora's Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey; Dinoland USA's Dinosaur, TriceraTop Spin and The Boneyard; Wildlife Express Train and Affection Section; Kali River Rapids; Kilimanjaro Safaris; three exploration trails; It's Tough to Be a Bug!; and Expedition Everest. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Navigating Magic Kingdom with Kids Under 6 in 2021
April 10, 2021 21:38 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBLeslie and Andrew share tips for navigating Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom while traveling with children under six in 2021. They address listener questions: Should I spend one or two days at Magic Kingdom? Should I rent a stroller? Where should I eat at the park? How do I efficiently plan my day at the park while FastPass+ is suspended? Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Autism Awareness: Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Tips
April 02, 2021 11:30 - 29 minutes - 41.5 MBIn honor of Autism Awareness Day, Leslie welcomes back Caitlin to talk about her early experiences visiting Walt Disney World as a child with autism. Caitlin shares her advice for planning and preparing for Disney family vacations, and her top picks for Disney rides, resorts and restaurants. Check out episode 44 to hear Caitlin's "Steps to the Castle" interview where she talks about her experience as a Disney cast member. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Autism Awareness: Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Tips
April 02, 2021 11:30 - 29 minutes - 41.5 MBIn honor of Autism Awareness Day, Leslie welcomes back Caitlin to talk about her early experiences visiting Walt Disney World as a child with autism. Caitlin shares her advice for planning and preparing for Disney family vacations, and her top picks for Disney rides, resorts and restaurants. Check out episode 44 to hear Caitlin's "Steps to the Castle" interview where she talks about her experience as a Disney cast member. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
California Adventure's A Touch of Disney Event
March 28, 2021 01:18 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBLeslie and cousin Jennifer discuss Disney's news and updates for March, and Leslie welcomes guest Christina (IG: @QueenOfAllMickeyThings), who shares tips on how to make the most of your trip to California Adventure's A Touch of Disney event. Plus Jennifer and Leslie play a round of "Would You Rather" focusing on A Touch of Disney's specialty menu items. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
12 Women Who Influenced Disney Animation and Attractions
March 20, 2021 03:16 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBIn celebration of Women's History Month, Leslie welcomes longtime friend and Disney fan Hollis, founder of the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival, to discuss 12 women who influenced Disney animation and attractions. From star performers in Walt Disney's animation studios in the 1920s to imagineers of the 1960s World's Fair rides to today's women leaders of the Walt Disney Animation Studios and company. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
What To Do With These 10 Epcot Attractions
March 13, 2021 03:12 - 46 minutes - 65.1 MBIn another round of "Keep it. Plus it. Toss it.," Leslie, Andrew and Dan talk about 10 more Epcot attractions. Would you keep them as they are, plus them or toss them?: Test Track; Soarin' Around the World; Reflections of China; The American Adventure; Coral Reef/The Seas with Nemo & Friends; Bruce's Shark World; Turtle Talk with Crush; Gran Fiesta Tour; and Spaceship Earth. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Steps to the Castle: Q&A with Former Disney Cast Member Sarah
March 05, 2021 20:01 - 33 minutes - 47 MBIn the fourth edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews former Disney cast member Sarah Odien about her experience working at Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise, Disney's Reservations Center and Disney Cruise Line. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney's February News and Updates
February 26, 2021 23:48 - 29 minutes - 41.6 MBLeslie welcomes back cousin Jennifer to discuss Disney's news and park updates for February, including California Adventure's upcoming food and wine "experience," WDW resort openings, and new details about Magic Kingdom's 50th anniversary celebration. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney Couples Trivia
February 20, 2021 02:01 - 33 minutes - 47.7 MBLeslie welcomes back Andrew, Dan, Jimmy and Mary for a family game of Disney Couples Trivia in celebration of Valentine's Day. The teams compete to answer "Disney couples" inspired trivia questions, while winners and losers choose between food, drink and dessert items from Epcot's International Festival of the Arts specialty menu. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
10 Romantic Things To Do at Disney; Top 12 Most Romantic WDW Restaurants
February 12, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutes - 59.6 MBLeslie and Andrew share tips for couples celebrating Valentine's Day, honeymoons, anniversaries or a romantic getaway at Disney, and list 10 romantic things to do at Walt Disney World. Plus, they discuss survey results for Disney fans' 12 "Most Romantic Restaurants" at WDW. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
All About Disneyland Paris: Q&A with Author Dustin Engels
February 06, 2021 18:43 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBLeslie welcomes back Disney enthusiast Dustin Engels, author of the book, "Around the Worlds in 80 Days," for a deep dive into the Disneyland Paris resort. They discuss the history of the resort under the leadership of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, and Dustin shares the best and worst aspects of the parks, as well as tips for traveling there for a romantic couple's getaway. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
All About Disneyland Paris: Q&A with Author Dustin Engels
February 06, 2021 18:43Leslie welcomes back Disney enthusiast Dustin Engels, author of the book, "Around the Worlds in 80 Days," for a deep dive into the Disneyland Paris resort. They discuss the history of the resort under the leadership of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, and Dustin shares the best and worst aspects of the parks, as well as tips for traveling there for a romantic couple's getaway. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney's January News and Updates
January 30, 2021 18:13 - 45 minutes - 63.4 MBLeslie and Jennifer talk about Walt Disney World and Disneyland's news and updates from January. Plus, "Would You Rather" questions about Epcot's International Festival of the Arts and more. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast
Best/Worst Times to Visit Walt Disney World
January 23, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 55.3 MBWhat's the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World? Should I visit WDW in 2021? Leslie, Andrew and Dan break down the pros and cons of visiting Walt Disney World in each month of the year and discuss why you should or should not visit Disney in 2021. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast
Q&A with Disney YouTuber Jeff Bates, Dole Whip Dad
January 16, 2021 13:00 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MBLeslie interviews Disney YouTuber Jeff Bates aka Dole Whip Dad. Jeff shares his insights on being a Disney content creator as well as his take on classic Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions, movies and more. Check him out on YouTube and follow him on Instagram (@dolewhippeddad), Twitter and Facebook (@dolewhipdad). Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Our Disney Resolutions
January 09, 2021 13:00 - 39 minutes - 55.3 MBLeslie and Andrew are joined by Dan to discuss their Disney resolutions -- things they'd like to try for the first time at Walt Disney World in 2021. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast
2020 Review: Special Thanks to Our Guests
December 19, 2020 16:41 - 42 minutes - 59 MBLeslie and Andrew review key highlights from the first 50 episodes of Polka Dot Podcast and give special thanks to all our guests who appeared on the show during its first year. They recap topics, planning tips and fun moments in talking about Walt Disney World and other Disney parks. Happy holidays! Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast
What To Do with These 11 Epcot Attractions
December 12, 2020 13:00 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBIn the fourth edition of "Keep it. Plus it. Toss it.," Leslie, Andrew and Dan talk about what they would do with 11 Epcot attractions. Follow @PolkaDot Podcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. Attractions: Frozen Ever After; Awesome Planet; Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360; Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival; Mission: Space; Impressions de France; Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along; Journey Into Imagination with Figment; ImageWorks - The "What If" Labs; Kidcot Fun Stops...
Q&A with Dustin Engels, Author of "Around the Worlds in 80 Days"
December 05, 2020 13:00 - 50 minutes - 70.1 MBLeslie interviews Dustin Engels, author of the book, "Around the Worlds in 80 Days," recounting his journey to all 14 Disney theme parks. Dustin shares travel tips and his thoughts on the best parks, rides, restaurants and service Disney has to offer around the world. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast
Disney's November News and Park Updates
December 04, 2020 03:30 - 36 minutes - 51.1 MBLeslie welcomes back cousin Jennifer to talk about Disney's company news and park updates for November. They discuss Tom Sawyer's Island and other ride refurbishments, new construction, Hong Kong Disneyland's new Castle of Magical Dreams and more. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content. IG: https://www.instagram.com/polkadotpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PolkaDotPodcast
7 Complaints About WDW and Why We Keep Going Anyway
November 27, 2020 13:00 - 31 minutes - 44.8 MBLeslie and Andrew discuss seven common complaints about Walt Disney World and the reasons why they're grateful for Disney and keep going to the parks anyway. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
7 Complaints About WDW and Why We Keep Going Anyway
November 27, 2020 13:00Leslie and Andrew discuss seven common complaints about Walt Disney World and the reasons why they're grateful for Disney and keep going to the parks anyway. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
7 Complaints About WDW and Why We Keep Going Anyway
November 27, 2020 13:00Leslie and Andrew discuss seven common complaints about Walt Disney World and the reasons why they're grateful for Disney and keep going to the parks anyway. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Q&A With Former Disney Springs Cast Member Caitlin
November 14, 2020 13:00 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBIn the third edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews former Disney Springs cast member Caitlin about her internship in Disney's College Program, as well as her experience working at Walt Disney World as a person living with autism, ADHD and hearing loss. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
What to Do With 11 More Magic Kingdom Attractions
November 14, 2020 13:00 - 45 minutes - 63.8 MBLeslie, Andrew and Dan talk about 11 Magic Kingdom attractions in the third edition of "Keep it. Plus it. Toss it." Walt Disney World Railroad; Tom Sawyer's Island; Tomorrowland Speedway; Under the Sea -- Journey of the Little Mermaid; Magic Carpets of Aladdin; Casey Jr. Splash 'N Soak Station; Swiss Family Robinson's Treehouse; The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; PeopleMover; Enchanted Tales with Belle; Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for re...
Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World During COVID-19
November 07, 2020 13:30 - 28 minutes - 40.8 MBLeslie welcomes Andrew T. to discuss the pros and cons of visiting Walt Disney World during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares details about his October trip and tips for Disney guests and families who are considering whether to visit the parks during the pandemic. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney October News and Updates
October 31, 2020 12:00 - 46 minutes - 64.6 MBLeslie welcomes back cousin Jennifer to discuss Disney's news and park updates for October. In episode 42, they talk about COVID-19 safety updates, the Swan and Dolphin resorts, Planet Hollywood, Halloween movie favorites on Disney+ and more. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
12 Spooky (and Not So Scary) Disney Urban Legends
October 24, 2020 12:00 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MBLeslie and Dan get in the Halloween spirit by talking about 12 spooky (and some not so scary) Disneyland and Walt Disney World urban legends. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Top WDW Table Service Restaurants for Kids
October 17, 2020 12:00 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MBLeslie and Andrew share their top five picks for table service restaurants when dining with kids at the four Walt Disney World parks, Disney Springs and WDW resorts. Plus, they share ideas for new table service restaurants they would add to each park in "If You Were an Imagineer: Table Service Edition." Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Epcot Trivia and 2020 International Food & Wine Festival
October 10, 2020 12:00 - 40 minutes - 57 MBLeslie welcomes back to the show Jim and Mary to compete in an Epcot trivia game and a virtual food tour around the World Showcase in celebration of the 2020 Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for trivia quizzes and other related content.
Steps to the Castle: Stories From a Former Disney Cast Member
October 03, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutes - 74.9 MBIn the second edition of "Steps to the Castle," Leslie interviews YouTuber Dizney Dan about his internship on the Contemporary Resort's custodial and guest relations teams and as a character attendant at Walt Disney World. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Disney September News and Disney+ Talk
September 27, 2020 12:00 - 52 minutes - 73.4 MBLeslie welcomes cousin Jennifer to the show to discuss Disney's news and updates for September. Also talk about Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, resorts and other WDW topics. Plus, Jennifer shares her "favorite Disney things." Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
12 Tips for Taking Kids Under 5 to Walt Disney World
September 19, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 44.7 MBLeslie and Andrew answer listener questions and share quick tips for taking children under 5 to Walt Disney World. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
12 Tips for Taking Kids Under 5 to Walt Disney World
September 19, 2020 12:00Leslie and Andrew answer listener questions and share quick tips for taking children under 5 to Walt Disney World. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
10 More Magic Kingdom Attractions
September 12, 2020 12:00 - 49 minutes - 69.1 MBWhat would you do with these 10 Magic Kingdom Attractions? In the second edition of, "Keep It, Plus It, Toss It?" Leslie, Andrew and Dan discuss their ideal visions for: Space Mountain; Prince Charming Regal Carrousel; the Hall of Presidents; the Haunted Mansion; Frontierland Shootin' Arcade; Carousel of Progress; Enchanted Tiki Room; Dumbo the Flying Elephant; Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor; Pirates of the Caribbean. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Steps to the Castle: Q&A with a Former Disney College Intern
September 05, 2020 12:00 - 41 minutes - 58.6 MBPolka Dot Podcast introduces "Steps to the Castle," a Q&A series with former Disney cast members. In this episode, Leslie interviews Natalie about her experience applying for and learning from Disney's college internship program in the costume department at the Magic Kingdom. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.
Our Take on Disney's August News
August 29, 2020 12:00 - 45 minutes - 63.3 MBLeslie and Andrew announce a new series for Polka Dot Podcast, calling for guests to participate in the show! And they discuss Disney's news and park updates from August. Follow @PolkaDotPodcast on Instagram and Twitter for related content.