Nathan: 0:03

Please stand clear of the doors. With us. Please stand clear of the doors. Because this year's the wildest ride in the wilderness.

Alicea: 0:23

Hello everyone. I'm Alicia.

Nathan: 0:25

I'm Nathan.

Alicea: 0:26

I'm Michaela. Welcome to episode 215 of Adventures and Mouse Capades. It's been a year and a half since we have had today's guest on our podcast, but that's not because she's been taking a break from Disney, quite the opposite. In fact, Michaela spent 2025 as a Plann Disney panelist answering questions from fellow Disney fans as a volunteer representative of the big cheese himself.

Nathan: 0:52

Yeah. So we wanted to reconnect with Michaela and hear all about her Planned Disney experience and maybe get a couple of pro tips for others who may be interested in becoming a panelist. So with that, welcome back, Michaela.

SPEAKER_01: 1:06

Thank you so much, you guys. This is so exciting to be back.

Nathan: 1:09

Yeah, it's great. It's great to have you. We we are probably uh a half hour or more into our uh prep yeah, exactly. Uh exactly so good.

SPEAKER_01: 1:24

Of mic. Um but yeah, it's so great to be back. And I was remembering that it was, I think, our last chat, or maybe two chats before that, because we've chatted a couple of times, right? Yeah. Um, that you guys were the ones who encouraged me to apply to be a Planned Disney panelist. I don't know if that actually was on one of the episodes or if that was offline, that conversation.

Nathan: 1:50

But yeah, I we don't have conversations that aren't recorded, Michaela. I don't understand what you're saying. Everything is coming down.

SPEAKER_01: 1:59

Every everything is being recorded. Yeah, but I was thinking back on that and just feeling so grateful that you guys mentioned that. And because I I think it I think it was you, Alicia, like, have you heard of Plan Disney? And um, and I was like, Oh yeah, I guess I have, but I had never thought of it in a context of like me, like that I could do that, or that's something that I could do. So then, like, I think it was literally a few months later, I applied for the first time. And even though I ended up making it to the final round, which was very exciting, I didn't end up making the panel that year, but I did end up making the panel the year after that. So it really like you guys, you guys changed my life.

Nathan: 2:47

Or it's our fault. It's our fault.

SPEAKER_01: 2:51

Or thanks a lot. Because now this is my new life now, my new identity.

Nathan: 2:58

I guess we'll we'll have to listen to the rest of this episode to figure out how that really, you know, which side of that coin falls on. Well, can you remind our listeners a little bit about your your overall Disney background and experience? Like what is other than being kind of officially affiliated with with Disney for a year as a planned Disney panelist, like what's your C V? What's your Disney credentials?

SPEAKER_01: 3:24

What qualifies you to be on this podcast in the first place? Um, I think it's it's a story that I think a lot of people share where they take their kids to Disneyland for the first time. Um, and mine were three and two when we took our kids um to Disneyland for the first time, and just that was the start of a complete enchantment of this magical place. And I had been to Disneyland before and been to Disney World, and I love I loved it. It wasn't that I didn't like it, but there was something about taking my kids that felt like next level of magic and especially that age, just so magical. And I I came back like really like it was kind of annoying. Really, any time that I could talk about Disneyland or if somebody was going and I overheard it, I was like, oh, oh, um, yeah, what are you talking about? Um, and like just wanting to learn about it and and I'd starting to plan, you know, the next trip that we would go. Um, so it just it really, yeah, it really just became something as a family that we really loved. Um and so then that kind of turned into like one day having like one moment of like bravery and courage to like create my own Instagram account, which like honestly, I don't know why I did that because that was really scary. Um, I mean, as you guys know, putting yourself out there with like your podcast and with you know your own social media stuff, it's like it's kind of like here you go. Do you wanna, do you like, do you wanna listen? Do you care about what I have to say? So it felt really vulnerable. And so been doing that for a couple years, and it's been really fun to get to know people and connect with people and just share more about Disneyland and then talking with you guys about you know Disney cruise, um, going on that for the first time with my family. That was like nuts, my kids still, still, still, and this was like a year and a half ago was our first cruise, and it's like their number one vacation, and they can't wait to go back. So we're awesome. We're a Disney family. Oh, we went to um Japan last April, and that like blew my mind. Like it was incredible, it was incredible, and I remember being kind of sad almost the whole time because I was like, we might never come back, and it's just so beautiful and it's so sparkly and it's so amazing. And we're already talking about like when we might go back, so those once in a lifetime sometimes aren't once in a lifetime, right? But um, that was really special too. So, so yeah, that's those are my Disney credentials.

SPEAKER_03: 6:19

I love it, I love it.

Alicea: 6:21

In your own words, how how do you describe Plan Disney to somebody who's not familiar with the program?

SPEAKER_01: 6:28

Yeah. So how I would describe it is the Plan Disney panel is an official resource of Disney. So it's it's completely under Disney's umbrella. Um, and it is a resource that's made up of regular guests. So we're not cast members, we're not um paid by Disney. Um we actually have to do all our own research like any other guest um would to find answers to questions. Um, but we have knowledge or extensive knowledge. We're sort of brought in on the panel as a specialist in um four different areas, and some people can kind of be specialists in more than one area, or some can just be specialists in one. So there's the Disneyland Resort, which was me, um, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, andor Disney Vacation Club. And then so we answer questions for that specialty, but panelists also answer guest questions um about Disneyland Paris and beach resorts like Alani and Hilton Head, which is in South Carolina, and Vero Beach, which is in Florida. So, so we answer questions basically on the on the Disney website and provide tips and advice. And I think what's really special about Planned Disney panelists is that we're sharing our experience as a real guest, and we're trying to just help other guests um have that magical visit um at Disney.

Nathan: 8:02

So you're doing a lot of your own research, but you do have a little bit of access to some internal tools that it's not like the knowledge isn't public, but maybe you have some some uh better knowledge bases or different avenues to get some answers, right?

SPEAKER_01: 8:19

I mean I'm so glad you asked, or you I don't know if yeah, this is a question. I'm so glad you asked this question. Um it didn't wasn't really phrases a question, but I'm gonna answer it because um Question mark there.

SPEAKER_03: 8:32

Go ahead.

SPEAKER_01: 8:34

Because um we actually don't. Um we have um um we can't we how we get our information is pretty much how any other guest would get their information for the most part. So we're calling Disneyland Hotel to ask about how many bathrooms are in the suite, and we're um looking on the website, scouring all you know, the website, because something that's really important about being a panelist is that we give correct information and we um we're answering guest questions and giving them the right information, um, which can be tricky sometimes with a place that's always changing and with policies that are always changing. So that can be really tricky sometimes, um, but we do our best. Um, I think the other thing too, not only with just like the official, you know, websites and just calling cast members, is my colleagues, like my the other panelists. Like I have learned so much, like they're probably the biggest resource because we, I mean, we have chats going all the time, you know, questions going all the time. Is anybody at, you know, the beach club this weekend and can check and see, you know, what coffee maker is there? And like it's like we're we're kind of like scattered all around and just kind of like getting information for each other and asking cast members there in the park and things like that. So that's really where I've learned the most is from um my my fellow panelists. Um but we because we're not cast members, we don't have we don't have access to what most cast members have access to.

SPEAKER_03: 10:21

Got it.

SPEAKER_01: 10:22

So yeah, and you you asked a question. Thank you for your question, Nathaniel. Um, Nathaniel N from Washington. Um yeah, it was a great question, and I think it was about either when Napa Rose was going to close or when it was going to open, or something about the closure of Napa Rose, which we got a lot of questions about. And that made me it made me very anxious because I I didn't know. And actually the cast members that I talked to, not most of them didn't even know, you know, because it's so because they don't things are changing all the time, right?

SPEAKER_03: 11:02

Right.

SPEAKER_01: 11:03

So I it it's hard to give an answer that's like not really like I can't say it's gonna be opening on February 6th, which we can say that now, right? Um, which by the way, that took a long time.

Nathan: 11:16

Yeah, it did. I was expecting it to be back up last fall.

SPEAKER_01: 11:20

I know, I know, if that was the question, I can't really remember, but I think it was when will it open?

SPEAKER_03: 11:25

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 11:25

Um, and I think we're speculating maybe like by this summer, yeah, like fall. But yeah, here we are in February 2026. That's the way things go. Yeah. Um, being we have to be flexible. Um, because sometimes magic takes a little longer. Um, so so anyway, but answering that in a way that I could give you some something, some information, but also not really knowing the answer, it's really hard. Yeah. And I didn't want you to like, and I knew it was you who was asking it, but really for any guest who's asking a question, I want them to go away feeling like, oh, that was helpful, not like a non-answer. Like, I don't know, check the website. Bye, you know, like that doesn't feel very like helpful. So that can be really tricky sometimes if you don't have like a solid answer to try to give some other information, or I think I threw in like a when you can make a reservation, there was like a special extra like chef's experience that I thought that you would really love. And I was like, you I think that you would love that little extra experience.

Nathan: 12:35

You're not wrong. You're you're not wrong at all. Yeah, I think it was and and to be clear, you knew it was me asking the question, not just because like there's not very many Nathaniel N's around in Washington, but also because I pinged you on the side and said, hey, I just asked you a question. Because you all choose like a specific panelist to ask a question of. And I had done that. That's right. I actually think it was when when it was going down, because they hadn't they had said, hey, it was going down in April, but they didn't say when in April, and we were traveling in April. And it was like, hey, is it gonna be down April?

Alicea: 13:10

And you were wondering. I think it closed like literally the week before we got there.

Nathan: 13:14

It was before it was right before. Um but thankfully we're going back again in this April and it'll be open.

SPEAKER_01: 13:20

So yeah, we are and you can book that fun special chef experience, perhaps.

Alicea: 13:25

I have a note on my calendar to do that on a specific day.

SPEAKER_01: 13:29

Yes.

Alicea: 13:30

We have we have plans. Sure you do. 60 days out, and that one goes fast, I think. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Most everything goes fast.

SPEAKER_01: 13:44

Yeah, and especially those like selected. There's they're very, you know, selective group. It's not a big group, it's a very small group that gets to do that. So I hope you have a great time.

Nathan: 13:55

Uh me too. So what you know, we talked about obviously it's it's kind of our fault a little bit, but what you know, I don't think it was just us uh that that inspired you to want to become a Planned Disney panelist. Like, why did you why did you want to to join? Like what was your motivation?

SPEAKER_01: 14:15

Yeah. It it can't just be you guys told me to, and so I just do what you guys that can't be the end. Okay.

Nathan: 14:23

It could be. I would have many more questions to follow.

SPEAKER_01: 14:26

But yeah. Um, no, fair. That's very fair. Um, yeah, you guys put that spark sort of in, or that's that spark of an idea. And as like, you know, the weeks and months go went by, I think what got me excited is that um sort of being a part of this community of people who are, and we sort of talked about this before, where you find people who have like that common passion, the common um interests. That was really exciting to me to just be a part of this really special community. And I really, really love talking about my favorite place. So it was kind of a selfish thing, too, that this was a place that I love so much that I was excited to share that with others and to help them with their Disneyland vacation because I love it so much. I want them to experience some of that magic too. Um, and I really, really do love writing. It's something that I'm I've especially in the last few years, have come to, it's been a very like it's just something that I really, really love. Um and so that it just kind of like multiple things kind of coming together of like this feels like something that would be right up my alley. Um so those are the main things. But also, I'm very competitive, and I also just wanted to see if I could do it because it is a very competitive process, and I learned more about that as I got involved. But the more I learned about it, the more I was like, could I do this? Like, is this so it kind of became exciting, and I think that's something too that like you know, the Plan Disney hopefuls, those who are, you know, applying to be Plan Disney panelists, and some who are applying year after year, there is this magic of like, will it be my year this year? Or like, is this my year? And you know, could I be on the panel? And I think that there's not a lot of things in our life where there's like that magic, you know, of like, I don't know, who knows? Um, we'll see. Um, and it's almost all out of your control. Like you can, with your application, obviously that's under your control of like how you're, you know, but really once you do everything that you can do, you're kind of putting it out into the, you know, into the world and being like, will they pick me or not? That is completely out of my control. So it feels very magical and that is exciting. Um, so I I I love that part of it too, of just like, will it or won't it? And isn't that exciting, you know? So I I kind of liked, I mean, the question was like, why did you do it? It wasn't all about like let's prove people wrong that I can do it. Um, that is that wasn't obviously not it, but um, but I think that there was some excitement around like, could it be?

Nathan: 17:38

Yeah, well, you're proving to yourself.

SPEAKER_01: 17:40

Yeah, yeah. It was, it was very, and and in that process, in the like the application process, like constantly like thinking to myself, like, it could be me. Like it could, like reminding myself, if it's happening for other people, it could happen for me. Yeah, like this is something, why not me? You know, like why not me? And that's very exciting to have that sort of spark of like who knows? Like it can happen to them, it can happen to me. It's a very, very special process for sure.

Alicea: 18:15

Can can you walk us through your application experience? It took a it took a couple tries, right?

SPEAKER_01: 18:21

It did take a couple tries. I didn't make it the first year I applied, but I did the second year, like I mentioned. Um, and so many others apply for years and years until they make it onto the panel. I think this year there were a couple of handful of people who had been applying for like a decade who made it. So it's very cool how it's like um, you know, you you make it onto the panel when it's your year. And a lot of people say that, and it is really true. Like I felt like the the group that I was a part of, um, my class of 2025, they were my people. Like it is so so special. It's really, really cool. But that the application process um it happens um every year, and it's usually around the end of summer, but it it can change the you know, the date, the exact dates change, but it's usually the end of summer once a year, and it's a short amount of time, and it's three rounds, um, and it's narrowing seemingly, but we don't know, thousands of applicants um down to a handful. So the first round is um uh written questions, and then the second round is a video, um, a 60-second video and some more written questions, and then the third round is a is a is an interview with um a group of people from Disney. So that was fun and exciting and nerve-wracking, but very fun. So yeah, three rounds, and then you make it or you don't. And so you can be so you know, you make it to each round or you're you're it's a thank you, but maybe next year of each round. And it gets goes from like thousands to maybe like a hundred, maybe to then like a dozen, like who knows the numbers that they're not they're not um advert, you know, told to anyone, but yeah, that it's it's a very, very exciting process. There's a I mean, there's a lot of there's some Facebook groups where it's like the hopefuls and they're talking about, you know, I'm applying and we're it is like I think maybe from and I've experienced a lot of like amazing community in a lot of different places, but it there's something about like everybody working towards this like that feels like unattainable goal, and you're you're all a part of this like very unique process, but also and and really competing against each other, like really there's only these like few spots, and we're all trying to like get these few spots, but I've never experienced support like that before. Like people are so encouraging and so supportive and so like so happy, like genuinely happy for each other. It's a really, really, really, really cool thing.

Alicea: 21:26

That's awesome.

SPEAKER_01: 21:27

Um so yeah, that's the best part, I think, is the people.

Alicea: 21:31

It makes a difference having a community like that. Like everybody that's trying for trying for the same thing, but but supportive in everybody else that is trying for the same thing.

SPEAKER_01: 21:42

Yeah, yeah. Because you know how special it is if you get to make it to another round. Like, and you get to know these people even though a lot of them, most of them, you've never actually met before, but you're getting to know them in in in such a unique Way through like Instagram, I became friends with somebody through Instagram, and we just were messaging back and forth, and just we became Instagram friends.

SPEAKER_03: 22:11

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 22:11

And then like months go by, and I actually saw either her post in like a Facebook group or something that she was also applying to be a panelist. So that we're both in this thing together, and that was really exciting. And that was the first year, and she was so excited for me when I like made it to the final round, and then was really bum for me when I when I didn't make it. And then the next year we both made it onto the panel. And it was like one of those things where it was just like it was blowing our minds. Like, how did we both like and she had been applying for years more than I had? So like it was just like, how did this one year we both get to be on the panel at the same time? It's just so special. And um, I don't know where I was going with that story, but um I think the point being like it really is like the people is just it's such a huge gift, like a huge gift because like I could honestly throw a dart at the map of the United States and the UK, um bec and like be close enough to like go like bring my family to go stay at somebody's house, like because it's so we're you know, we're all so spread out, we have like different um backgrounds and different places that we live. It's just it's so cool to just get to know people from all over and um become really, really close to them, even you know, family from strangers really. So it's just a really cool, it's a really cool experience.

Nathan: 23:45

How did you hear you'd been selected? Like what what went through your mind when when you you got that message that hey, we want to invite you onto the panel?

SPEAKER_01: 23:54

Yeah. Uh out of body. It was wild. And I I I think getting the no the year the year before was so so hard, especially because I was well, a no at any time is obviously difficult. I just felt like I was so close. I was like, oh man, I was like dreaming about it, you know, it was like right there. And so then the next year, um, I tried really hard not to get my hopes up. I was just like, let's just, you know, who knows what's gonna happen. And I really tried not to get my hopes up, but it was really hard to not be like, maybe this year. So it's and it's a roller coaster ride, like that whole all those rounds and all those, you know, people you hear that you love that gotta know, and and it's just a roller coaster ride, and so it's a lot of emotion. So then when it comes then to the end of the process and getting the yes, it was a it was a for me, it was a phone call, and I blacked out. Like I was just like, I don't know what I said, I don't know, like I was just it was so overwhelming because I did it, like it happened, and um it was it was really, really exciting. I think I rode on that high for a long time. Like I did it, like I can't believe that this is happening, like this is so exciting. And then, and then of course the nerves come and the what did I am getting myself into, and the imposter syndrome of like how was I picked? Like, I don't I only go to Disneyland once a year. Like, I don't feel like I don't feel like I'm in the company of like I don't belong here really, like definite imposter syndrome. So all that happened and always happens because we're humans, but it was a really thrilling experience. And then after getting so then the classes picked. So each each class, um, it's like the newbie class, but then that newbie class goes on a training together, just the just the newbies, and learning about um Plan Disney and you know the process of answering questions and like the like the logistics of that, right? And then bonding is a big part too. Um, but then that class joins a bigger class of alumni, of you know, people who are returning back or who were chosen to come back to the panel. So then there's there were for class of 2025, there were 15 of us, and then the bigger class, which is still called class of 2025, was about 50.

SPEAKER_03: 26:41

Okay.

SPEAKER_01: 26:42

Um so so then through the the training and then starting the year and then having the whole year, it's just like it's just incredible experience.

SPEAKER_03: 26:52

Like yeah, yeah, everybody's so great.

Nathan: 26:57

What did that what did that year look like for uh for you? So you know it sounds like you probably find out in what in the fall, and then there's some training. It's a calendar year cycle, right? So there's some training ahead of that. Like, what does the year look like?

SPEAKER_01: 27:13

Yeah, so our train our training was um in November, um, and our training was in Walt Disney World and on the Disney Wish, which was very exciting. Um, this last class for the class of 2026, their training was in Disneyland, which is so magical. Um, so sweet. And but then after so training was in November, and then the the contract is January 1st through December 31st. So it is exactly a calendar year, is our contract. So then, you know, day one, we're answering questions and for for the year, and it's it starts out very overwhelming. Well, it was for me of like, oh, this is a lot. I'm like it, it took a it took a probably a good couple of months for me to feel like confident that I'm okay, I'm meant to be here, I'm I deserve to be here, I can do this.

Nathan: 28:16

Um I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me.

SPEAKER_01: 28:22

We assume, we assume. Um, so it it took a while, but to to really and it I and to like answer the questions in a way that didn't take like three hours each question. You know, like I got into a better rhythm of like um being able to answer the questions um a little easier as the time went on, got more comfortable. But yeah, each week we're given a quota. So we're given a certain number of depending on how many questions are coming in.

Nathan: 28:54

Okay.

SPEAKER_01: 28:54

We're given an amount that we get done for the week. Okay. So so each week can look different or or look the same for a while. It just sort of depends. But yeah, we get to answer all sorts of different types of questions and we don't we don't get to just pick our favorite topics, like sometimes we just have to pick the one that's you know right there at the top, and even if it takes some research or having to look into it um more, or you know, because I a lot of the questions I didn't know the answer to, so I had to do research. So it it could be a lot of work sometimes, depending on the question, um, and wanting to give each guest a like I said before, like a good answer, like an answer that was helpful and not just like a non-answer, and kind of and giving sort of my own personal, you know, tips or experiences in there too. So Yeah.

Alicea: 29:56

How much of your time is involved in answering questions?

SPEAKER_01: 30:01

Mm-hmm. It really depends on the week and the questions. Um, if they're if the question is about phantasmic, I'm shooting that one out real quick because I love talking about phantasmic or like a dining package or really any food recommendations of any sort. I'm like, um, I'm like the little kitty cat on the on the computer with my paws just like going. But then some of the others just take a lot longer. So it really just depends on the the questions um and and and how many there are. But I would say it's like a part-time job. Like it is like a part a volunteer part-time job, yeah. Which which um which we aren't paid, and I should say we aren't paid, but we are compensated with a reward trip, which is awesome. And our family gets to go on our reward trip in April. We're going to Walt Disney World. My boys have never been to Walt Disney World before. So it's um very exciting. We are very excited, so we get compensated with the reward trip, and there's also other magical perks that come along with being a Plan Disney panelist.

Nathan: 31:17

Um, but you got pulled into to doing some like special events. I think you did like some some like video for the the Planned Disney podcast and like some other stuff. Can you talk about some of those other things that you got to do? I mean, it wasn't just sitting behind a uh a computer and answering your questions.

SPEAKER_01: 31:35

Yeah, so the um the main part of the it's a writing job. So it that is the main thing is writing, and that's really the only thing that's quote unquote promised. Like that's what you're it's a writing job.

SPEAKER_03: 31:51

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 31:52

All the other things that you could or might be able to get invited into are called extras, like and because they're extra, and it's not guaranteed, and um but I did have the opportunity for the Disneyland 70th celebration. All the Disneyland specialists were invited to go to the media event for the 70th. That's awesome. It was so fun, and so fun, and not only just because I got to go, but that we all got to go, all the Disney and got to experience that together was and got multiple like once-in-a-lifetime, like I can't believe this is happening type experiences where it's like this wouldn't happen if I could, if I just like like this is just very, very cool.

unknown: 32:43

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 32:43

And then within that, my panelist pal Melinda and I got to do a video for Disney Parks about the the new map that they had just created for the 70th for like young kids. It was like a a very like interactive, very kid-friendly map. It was it's called the family map, but it's like it shows you know height requirements and kid-friendly foods, and it's it's a very, very cute map. And so we were presenting that and kind of um going through the map, but we and we were also talking about the new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Junior show that had just um started in California Adventure. It was very fun to do that video, and Melinda and I could just have fun and talk as you know, as as just we're just buddies talking about these, you know, cool things at Disneyland, and it was very informal and fun, and um, and it was really, really cool. There, um, the people that we got to work with, like filming the video, I've seen their names pop up and their faces pop up on like the Disney Parks blog and like different articles that they've written or like videos they've been in. I'm like, I got to work with them, they're really nice. Like it was it just was really cool to just be a part of the Disney the Disney family in that way, even though it was like that small way, it still felt like I got to be a part of it, which was really cool. So, so yeah, that was my extra for the year, and I felt very, very lucky that I got to participate in that.

Nathan: 34:29

Well, I remember seeing that on I think it was Instagram or wherever the first time I saw it, I was like, I know her.

unknown: 34:35

Yep.

SPEAKER_01: 34:36

I mean, I still have like a screenshot of like where it says Disney Parks, and then like my face. I was like, we're like just met up for a second. Um, it's like that's me, Disney Parks, you know, YouTube. Um, so so special, so incredible, and like, yeah, this this these experiences that I'm like, I'm so lucky. Like, that's so cool that I got to do that and yeah, and do it with my friends. Like, that's so fun.

Alicea: 35:06

That's awesome. So obviously, we don't want to break you into jail, but do you have any break me into jail? Do you have any memorable questions that came across your path?

SPEAKER_01: 35:18

When's Napa Rose gonna close?

SPEAKER_03: 35:21

Boom.

SPEAKER_01: 35:24

Anytime you want, you can go on the Plan Disney website and scroll through the questions. Um, there's all sorts of different questions, like ticketing questions, um, which can be nerve-wracking sometimes because talk about things changing all the time, and uh recommendations. The opinion ones are my favorite. Like, I can give you my opinion or my like, oh, we've gotten like itinerary, like I'm going with this age and this age, you know, how would you plan the day? Those are fun to do. A lot of character, like, where can I where can I meet Jack Skellington? And though, and some of those can be tricky too if it's like a character that's really um it's not around a lot. Yeah um, stitch that I feel like people ask about stitch a lot.

Alicea: 36:17

Go to Alani.

SPEAKER_01: 36:19

Yeah. Oh, guess what? Um, tangent. Um, we just booked Alani for our first time going to Alani for Christmas. This year. Yeah, 20. Yes, this year. Um, are you guys going?

SPEAKER_03: 36:36

Yes.

SPEAKER_01: 36:37

We'll be there over Christmas for um like the 23rd to the 26th.

Alicea: 36:42

Ah, we're getting in on the 26th.

SPEAKER_01: 36:45

Oh, you are. Well, maybe we'll overlap for a second. Maybe we should plan to we can hang out for a while. That would be so fun. Yay. We're we did DVC rental, which um we're gonna be in the DVC rooms, but never been. So I am so excited. You're gonna love it. Yeah, yes, yes. I can't.

Nathan: 37:09

This is the closest thing to being on a Disney cruise, but being on land. It's fantastic.

SPEAKER_01: 37:15

Yeah, like the paradise, the relaxing, leisurely. I I'm so excited.

Nathan: 37:22

Yeah, I think it's the character experiences are second to none.

SPEAKER_01: 37:26

Like really, yeah.

Nathan: 37:28

We had like uh when we were there what last year, we had seven or eight minutes alone with Mickey because nobody else was around. It was just us, just hanging out on the lawn and like I FaceTime my mom and then turned around and was like, hey, I've got a friend here who wants to say hi, and it's Mickey Mouse. Yeah, it was it was pretty fantastic.

SPEAKER_01: 37:50

Yeah, it feels it's not it doesn't the vibe doesn't feel as like, you know, parks can be kind of chaotic and rushed, and it feels like the vibe would be just so chill and so like I can't, but still Disney, you know, which sort of like a cruise, like you said, like that um the the Disney touches, like yeah.

Alicea: 38:10

Oh you guys are a blast.

Nathan: 38:13

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 38:14

I'm so excited.

Nathan: 38:15

All right, we will we'll have to do some planning offline and we will definitely get together on the 26th.

SPEAKER_01: 38:19

Yeah, that will be really fun. But I don't remember what the question oh the question oh the question was what questions do we get?

Nathan: 38:27

Um well uh if if there's any like memorable questions, like something that like you you're the top question, obviously, you know, when does Naparo is gonna close? But um like was there like uh the most magical question, or somebody had like a circumstance or something that like sticks out in your mind that you were really um grateful for being able to help out with, or something, you know, something like that.

SPEAKER_01: 38:49

Yeah. Um there was a family that was bringing, it was like a multi-generational family, so bringing grandma and bringing little kids and and just asking about like can grandma wait in line or because somebody needs to be with grandma. It was sort of like a writer switch type question. Yeah. So it was, you know, there's you know, the tech technicality part of the question, but then there was also just like this is so special. You're like a grandma with like little kids, and like the the special time of that even just waiting in, you know, if it's a writer switch situation, if grandma has to wait back, it's like the one-on-one time that somebody's gonna get to get with grandma while they wait and then they switch. So it it kind of was I sort of approached it as like a technical question, like here's how writer switch works. But then I was like, guess what? You get some like special time with grandma, and it actually it really made me, yeah. It was a really sweet question.

SPEAKER_02: 39:52

I'm not explaining it, just I'm not giving it justice of the of the type of question it was, but it just just so sweet.

SPEAKER_01: 40:00

Like, because that I really do feel like is what it's all about. It's like time together, no matter how old, how young, like everybody can have a magical time, and then experiencing it together is the magic. Like, I think I saw like um a reel recently or something where it was talking about like it's not you know, you might think that Disneyland is my favorite place, but it's my favorite place because my favorite people are there. And like that really, that really hits um home for me for like really what it's all about. It's be it's the people that make it so magical and getting to experience together. So anywho, that was the question that uh came to mind of just like what was really special, and it kind of just like brought it home of like this is the whole point. This is the whole point. This is why we're doing all of this. Um because it's a place where we can spend time together.

Alicea: 40:59

Yeah, yeah. What's the most often asked question?

SPEAKER_01: 41:04

Oh, or why I mean, yeah, I don't have the data, um, but I can just uh make a guess that um get a lot of questions about lightning lanes um and just how they work, how to maximize them, get a lot of like I would say like technical questions about like how do I link my ticket to the app? You can really tell when like something has been announced, or you know, like a magic key or something like that, because then we'll get a flood of questions about when is magic key gonna come, you know, is gonna be for sale, or so it's interesting how like the waves sort of come on different topics based on like sort of what's going on in like announcements, and then it's like having to find a different way to answer the same question. And like, you know, if I have like there was I remember there was a week where there was like every single question that I answered that entire week for my quota was like the same question, and I was like, Hi, but like I they're a different guest, so I had to make it you know a different tip or a different something to you know round out the pretty much the same answer. So that's tough too.

Nathan: 42:24

Yeah. What were your expectations like going into your planned Disney year? And then how did that compare with your actual experience? Like what surprised you the most?

SPEAKER_01: 42:37

I think I actually a couple of things. I was surprised in a good way and a surprise in sort of a not as good way, but it's still positive. Anyway, my point is I went in thinking I don't know anything. Like I felt very like imposter, very like we've talked about before, very like, how am I gonna answer these questions? I don't a lot of them I I don't even know. So how am I gonna figure it out? Um, and felt very overwhelmed. But what surprised me is how much I learned through the year and how much I became more confident and being like, oh yeah, I do know about this, and how supportive my like we mentioned before, like my the the other panelists were like we are all on the same team, and it was maybe it shouldn't have been surprising, but it was it I was just so grateful to have a team of people that were answering the questions really together. Um, if if anybody needed help and could just reach out and um we weren't answering them together, but we were you know we were helping each other or supporting each other however we could. Um so that surprised me in a positive way when I felt like maybe it was gonna be too overwhelming. But I think we talked about this already, but I think the one of the biggest surprises was that I made like best. Friends, which is so wild. Like people that I really have only met in person a couple of times are like people that I probably talk to more texting or you know, FaceTimes or calls, and we just have a connection that can never ever ever be taken away. Like it is this such a unique experience, and it is so I'm just so so grateful for the people that I've gotten to meet. And and maybe that shouldn't have been a surprise, like that there were gonna be good people that I met, but it was a surprise nonetheless of like wow, they're actually like family. Like I like there were some people who went through some really difficult times this year and felt like we were able to show up for each other in ways that you would think your neighborhood would, you know, just just but online, you know, or just from a distance, or but it's it's really amazing how community can happen in a way. That's awesome in a way like that.

Nathan: 45:02

Was that your favorite part about being a planned Disney panelist this year?

SPEAKER_01: 45:06

Yeah, I mean I I think what I think I'm supposed to say, it's helping the guests. And that is true. Yeah, that is true, that is true. That is a very unique and special thing. And like I said before, I love sharing Disneyland with people and talking about it and writing was very was a very cool experience. But connecting with people over like writing through, you know, I didn't get to see their face, I didn't really get to have a conversation with them or have a follow-up questi, you know, follow-up question or hear how it went. It kind of didn't feel at real.

Nathan: 45:48

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 45:49

Um, it was, of course it was.

Nathan: 45:51

It's disconnected.

SPEAKER_01: 45:52

Yeah, but it's a it's it's through a computer, uh, yeah, it's a one-way, you give me a question, I give you an answer, and I try to imagine what this family might be like and what, you know, but my Planned Disney panelist friends are humans that I get to interact with and and be a part of each other's lives and hear about their trips and hear, you know, ask them questions about what they've learned and learn about, you know, and it's just like this it's a hu that human-to-human connection that is um really is what made it my favorite part is the is those those friendships.

Nathan: 46:31

Uh kind of a question about the the logistics of of how asking a question to the panel works. It's kind of like I have a question and I need to put as much context and everything around it as possible because it's not a it doesn't seem like it's a forum for a back and forth conversation. It's you will ask a question, you will get an answer that's almost trying to imagine some of the context that you may not have provided, and that's kind of and it's done, right?

SPEAKER_01: 46:59

Yeah, yeah. That is such a great point. There's a lot of nuance to a question. And I think that there has to be from from the panelist perspective, a lot of sort of context. You know, you kind of have to make do your best to read under the, and we do this sometimes too, as like um um as fellow panelists, where we'll see a question and we'll ask actually ask each other, like, what do you think that they're trying to ask? I think that they're trying to ask something about this. And I think they're trying to get at so it's like pulling out con it's it's a very um socio, I mean, it's like a sociology experiment. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And um so that was really interesting. But yeah, it is I'm I'm I'm doing my best to get at what they're the heart at what they're trying to ask, if it's not super clear. And then there's all there's the and then there's the the sweethearts who are like, and we have this sage and this sage, and we're going at this time of year, and and giving like a lot of information, which is very helpful, because then I can be like, got it. Um got it. I'm right there. We can I and there's then then more tips that I can throw in. If I know how old the kids are, or I know like what time of like those are big things that I can be like, oh, you might want to think about this and that.

Nathan: 48:20

So if you're if you're going to ask a question for the the Plan Disney panel, I think my biggest tip would be to fill in some of those blanks so that people aren't having to guess or assume because I think you'll get a better answer as a result of providing a little bit more context. And don't just go like, hey, Plan Disney, why? Well, uh that may not be the best question to ask, you know?

SPEAKER_01: 48:46

Is there a character limit in the asking the question? I'm pretty sure. Okay that that's a great that is a great question. I wish I knew the answer to right off the bat, but I'm pretty sure there is because we didn't get big, big, big long questions. Um and actually there were there must be because there were times when it like cut off. It was like in the middle of a word and it was just like, and they're done. That's it. Um but and I do and I do think sometimes people think it's a search tool. Like they'll just put in tickets or they'll just put in, you know, they'll just put in lightning lanes and which um it's okay. It's okay, we can work with that. But I think on the flip side, you also don't want to give too much information because if you're giving like, like I know certain things are moderated out, you know, like because we can't if it's private or if it's you know, like an address or a um uh full name or things like that, sure. Um those we are not able to answer them. So don't give too much information, but give right give good context. Yeah, you'll get for sure get um, I don't know if I'd say a better answer because all of the answers are great. But um it will it will help us um answer it to help you more, you know? Like it'll just give you more tips um sp that are specific to you and your family. So that's a great point, Nathan. I actually hadn't thought about that, like thinking about the way you're asking something to get a certain type of answer. Yeah, it's interesting.

Alicea: 50:24

Well, knowing what you know now, would you do it again?

SPEAKER_01: 50:28

Oh uh no regrets, no regrets ever. Of I yeah, I I would do it again. It is like I said, just a an experience like none other that I've experienced um and just so unique and so it is really fun. And it even though it is a lot of work, it is a lot of work. You know, the the saying of like it's not work if you love it, or something like that, like find something that you love and you oh that's right, find something you love and you won't work a day in your life, or I mean, and it and at times it did feel like work, like oh gosh, I have three more questions I have to do, and it's a busy day, and you know, but that's how I mean that's life. Um, but for the most part, it was like I I love the content, I love being able to talk about Disneyland and I love being able to help people. Um, and I love the community. I feel like I'm a broken record, like these are all just like, yeah. Um, I would do it again. Yeah.

Nathan: 51:26

I think for clarity, you chose not to.

SPEAKER_01: 51:30

So you panelists are allowed to be on the panel two years in a row if they if they are asked back. So everybody at every end of the year has to do an intent to return. So it's like a modified application. Um, and it's not multiple rounds, it's just a basically like I'm intending to return and some questions. And so everybody will have to do that. But you you're allowed, you're basically like to be even considered, you can do two years in a row, but then you have to take a year off to take a break. So that's really the only stipulation. Other than that, you can apply or you know, intend to return every year if you want to, or you can, you know, as far as I know, not be on the panel for like 10 years and then intend, you know, put your name back in the hat, is how I kind of see it. Like put your name in the hat. If they have a need for you to be on the panel that year, you know, maybe they'll welcome you back, or maybe they won't. So it really is.

Nathan: 52:34

So you're getting that intent to intern thing every year. Every year, once you're an alumni.

SPEAKER_01: 52:39

Once you're an alumni, you're in a pool of you're now in kind of this different pool of hopeful, really. Right. You're you once a panelist, you're like always, you're kind of always a panelist in my You're in the reserves. In in my in my it's just really what what year will they take you from the bench to the to a starter, basically. Um, so you still are applying because they only have a limited amount of space. And it really, and they're wanting to pr provide, you know, guests with a diverse team of you know, different experiences, different types of people. So um, so that yeah, they're just creating this. I'm I'm making all this up. I'm I don't know, you know, I'm I I don't really know. This is what we've just been, it's just you know, that they're creating this team of people. So, so yeah, every year, even your f first year, you're doing intend to return for the next year. So, to answer your question, um that that happened around in the fall where they they they pretty much put the the broad ass to every single alumni, okay, anybody want to come back, um, including current people. And I went back and forth for a because you have then like a few weeks to like think about it.

SPEAKER_03: 54:01

Right.

SPEAKER_01: 54:01

So I went back and forth because I all signs pointed to take a break because of just other things that were going on in my life. I was, I had like almost no margin in various areas, you know, it was just I was maxed. Yeah. And I all signs pointed to just take a break.

SPEAKER_03: 54:20

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 54:20

Um, but I had FOMO. I was like, I want to just, you know, like put I sort of saw it as like, I want to put my name in the hat, yeah, see what happens. If I don't get asked back, I was supposed to take a year off. If I do get asked back, I'll make it work. I'll figure it out. Something else will have to give, which is sort of what I told myself. I was like, okay, if I do get asked back, I'm gonna have to stop doing something else. I had already decided. So I did put my name in the hat to come back a set the second year in a row. And um, I I didn't get asked back for the next year. Um, so I sort of took that as a sign of like, that's probably what I was supposed to do anyway, because I was sort of feeling that my gut was sort of telling me take a break.

SPEAKER_03: 55:09

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 55:10

So I'm I'm actually really genuinely like I'm thankful for the break. Yeah. Um, and can kind of refresh my, you know, just my own personal love of Disney and doing my own trips and um doing my own writing on on my Instagram and kind of just doing my own thing, feeling a little bit like I have a break, and then and then who knows? Like I might put my name back in the hat. I probably will because I get FOMO. But um, but but who knows? I'll sort of think about that as as it gets closer. And but that's hard, I mean, it it really is interesting because again, there's not very many times in your life where you're you're pretty much like the control is I don't have any control. It's like if they want me, they'll or they you know need need this white middle-aged lady from Washington. Um uh if they if they have that need, then they'll you know, it'll happen. And if if not, it won't. And I think it it it takes to be, I'm just gonna say it, to be a Plannedisney panelist, your mental health has to be in in tip top shape, really. Because it you're like putting yourself out there. And then if you don't get asked back, that's really I mean it's like that's hard. Um because then you're thinking, did I do a good job? And it, you know, and you I just have to trust, I did the best that I could do, and it's just a it's just a business thing. And and then maybe they'll need me for another year. Um, so so yeah, but it's tough because then it's like, yeah. Does that have to do with me?

Nathan: 56:57

I don't know. Um why can't we get out of our own brains and out of our own ways? That would be so interesting.

SPEAKER_01: 57:03

That'd be nice. Oh my gosh. And just be able to just be like, if it happens, it h yeah, I am I wish I could be like that. It's really, it's really tough for me to just be like, oh well.

Nathan: 57:14

Yeah. Um I I know what you're talking about. Like this the you're talking about kind of like the the the interview experience in the multiple rounds and everything, and and the the image that I just have it kept having in my in my mind, and Alicia will understand this too. Like, it sounds like the audition process for a musician or a performing artist. And it's just like you can you can put everything out there and have like the best like audition and the best execution that you've ever had in your life. But like if your nose is too big, you're not getting cast as that part because you don't have the right look, and that's nothing to do with you. It's just a thing.

Alicea: 57:56

That's what they're looking for specifically. It's the puzzle piece. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02: 57:59

It's sort of our yeah. Yeah.

Nathan: 58:01

And I'm not saying that Disney Plan Disney is judging people based on their nose, but like Right.

SPEAKER_01: 58:06

Well, that wasn't a very good example, but I but I hear what you're saying. It's a fit. It's a it's a puzzle piece that you're not fitting that year.

Nathan: 58:16

It's not just about you, it's about the whole group of several dozen people, and they're trying to put the best team together. And and sometimes that means that some people need to stay on the bench and relax and recharge. And to your point, have that space away so that you know, maybe the next year, the year after that, or whenever, that they're then available and willing and able and in a better place to help out again.

SPEAKER_01: 58:41

So yeah, that's a very healthy way of looking at it. Yeah.

Nathan: 58:45

If only I'd had that kind of mental health when I was auditioning as a kid, that would have been so much easier.

SPEAKER_01: 58:50

I mean, you're you're totally right. And I, you know, I I hadn't I hadn't made that connection before, but also having been a part of like auditions in my life, and how you really, really are putting yourself out there, and that's so vulnerable. And, you know, for me, like it's really the rejection is really hard because it's hard not to take it personally, um, even though a lot of times it has nothing to do with you. And and I heard that from a lot of different um hopefuls, and I felt that too, where I was like, I felt like that was the best application. I I mean, I poured over it, and every word I was like, and the video I, you know, did a billion takes. It's like you did the absolute best that you could, and that's why I think at the end of the day, it really is um you're this is me. This is the best that I can do. I hope it's what they need, and if it's not, it's not a reflection of me personally. It's just the it's just the the business need and the puzzle that's being put together. And I think um we've talked about this as a class, and I've heard other panelists talk about this too. And I'm talking about like your year, and I know it's really easy to say that, but experiencing it, it is so so real and true that I'm so glad that I got a no that first year. Like I I'm actually grateful every day that like I got a no because my class was waiting for me, and the the the unique ways that we came together, um, and we are all so different. Like that was something else, too. There was really no like type of person that you're supposed to be to be a panelist. It's like there are more, you know, shy and more introverted and more like extroverted and like bubbly and really confident on camera and really not confident on camera, and and just types and and writing types. Like if you go on the Plan Disney website, it's like all sorts of different types of you know, voice and how people are writing, and that was just so comforting to me that it's like there is not a you're it's not like a square peg going into a like a round, it's like we're all so so different, and that's what is so cool about it. Yeah um that we're all just being ourselves, and if it fits, it fits for a certain year, yeah. It's it is really, really a big mystery. So, and that and I think that's what's part of the magic, like not knowing is just kind of like this mystery that just feels like hmm, I wonder, I wonder what's going on behind those doors and the decisions that are made. Um be interesting to know, but I'm probably really glad I don't know because then you know that's yeah.

Alicea: 1:01:54

So, what it what advice would you give to folks who are interested in applying?

SPEAKER_01: 1:01:58

Yeah. Um, I think just to like piggyback on what I was just saying is like just being yourself. And I know that that is really hard, an easy thing to say, um, and maybe doesn't sound very helpful. It's like, well, what does that mean? But like in my writing style, like I I'm a it's sort of I'm sort of more informal, I think, writer, and and do a lot of fragmented, you know, sentences, and I don't, it's it doesn't always not like proper English, but I wrote that way in my application. I just wrote how I would write, and I just tried to be as concise as I could because you only you have a word limit, and just tried to represent myself as best as I could in that, you know, and really pare it down. But yeah, I mean that's probably my my biggest advice is like if if you love, if you love talking about Disneyland, if you love writing, like just do what you do, right? Like just pretend like you're talking to a friend or you're sending a text over to a friend who's asking this question. What would you say to that friend? Um, and watching everybody's like round two videos, like I got to see every round two video of my class, and we're all over the board of just like personalities, lighting, like some of them are really like nicely lit, and some of them are just like a selfie, you know, like so different. And so it's just so evident that it's like just do your thing. Um, what feels right for you, and and and try to offer like what unique qualities you would bring to the panel. Like for me, there are just certain things that have happened in my life or certain like perspectives that I have that I'm like, I feel like this is unique to me. This is what makes me me. And I feel like putting that into my answers because yeah, I don't want to sound like somebody else. This is me.

SPEAKER_03: 1:03:53

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 1:03:54

And keep trying. That's probably my biggest advice is keep trying. And that's what's so, and I think really that can be applied to so many different things in our life, is that like sometimes if we get a no on certain one thing or whatever it is, it can feel like it's a no forever. Yeah, but rarely are no's forever. Rarely. It's like if you keep trying and just keep learning, um, keep adjusting, keep growing, um, just keep trying. Then like the dream that you wish will come true. Like it really is true. And maybe the dream changes, like maybe you don't end up getting what you initially thought that you wanted, and maybe it changes, or maybe you get what you want, but at least you keep trying. Um, so I think that that's that's my biggest advice. Yeah, don't stop.

Nathan: 1:04:47

Is there anything kind of recapping everything we've talked about, thinking about your your your experience on Plan Disney? Anything that we haven't really touched on that that you want to call out?

SPEAKER_01: 1:04:59

A shout out to your Plan Disney Overlords or shout out if you're listening. I love you. I want to come back. Um if you want me, yeah, that's a that's a great question. I I'm just really, really grateful. I'm grateful I'm and proud. I'm really proud of myself for putting myself out there and trying and you know getting rejected because it's yeah, so I'm proud of myself. I'm grateful for the experience. I don't have any hot goss that I have here to say. Um that I mean, there wasn't really any hot goss to share. Like our class was like, I know it sounds I know people are gonna hear this and be like, it's not true. But there was like no drama within our class. Like we didn't have any drama um within our class. We I like that I know of, or maybe I'm the drama, but um but like just so supportive and loving um and just a really great group of people. So um yeah, I wish I had some hot gas, but I really don't. I mean, like with anything, I mean, like with anything, we're humans and there's miscommunications happen, and like and and Disney's a business, and like all of that is true. And um, and like with anything, like sometimes the um the honeymoon, you know, it's not always a honeymoon, it's not always like, oh, this is the best thing that ever happened, like every second of every day, but that's life, like it can be both at the same time. It can be hard, it can be um exhausting, but it can also be the best thing ever, like all at the same time. Um, so that's yeah, yeah. Thank you. Yeah, that it all is happening all at once. All those feelings. So, yeah, I mean, like, yeah, a lot of big feelings saying good goodbye to what was a real I mean that can never be duplicated that first year of all of us as a class together, and it won't ever be like that again. And so that's tough, but I'm really just grateful, really, really grateful and really grateful for you both to listen, to let me yammer on and on and on, um, and you know, and letting me share about it, and honestly, thank you so much for encouraging me and for putting that spark out there of an idea. I'm really, really grateful for you too, um, and how you've um you've really lifted me up, like for you know, years um in my personal life because we're friends, yeah, but also um just in encouraging me in this venture. So thank you so much for being such good friends and being so supportive.

Nathan: 1:08:02

You said you were proud of yourself and we're we're proud of you too. We have been your your biggest behind the scenes cheerleaders through this this whole process. Uh I remember um when you heard the yes and you shot us a message uh uh privately.

Alicea: 1:08:20

I we flipped out. It was so I was I was at work and I did a little scream, I'm like, oh my gosh! Yeah. Oh, sorry for the editing there, Nathan.

Nathan: 1:08:29

No, it it's been it's just been magical to kind of live by proxy uh a little bit and and watching this magical journey for you. And uh we're we're so ecstatic that that you um put yourself out there and you were the the right person for this experience and and in this moment and yeah we are grateful for you sharing that uh a little with uh a little bit with us today. So thanks, Mikhail.

SPEAKER_01: 1:08:56

Thank you guys. Thank you. Um can we do we have like another hour? Another hour or another two hours? Okay, oh okay.

Alicea: 1:09:06

I do have one more thing. Well, kind of ish. It's been so great to catch up with you and hearing all of your adventures with Clan Disney. I I do love hearing all this stuff. Um, but we also want to to put you out there too. How can people find you and get all of your amazing Disney tips?

SPEAKER_01: 1:09:26

Oh, thanks so much for the um plug. The plug. Plug yourself. Um yeah, I would love anybody to come join the Mick and Mouse Club on Instagram. Um it's just mc dot and dot mo-us e dot club. Um that was my audition. I hope that I nailed it.

SPEAKER_03: 1:09:50

Did I nail it? Okay, good. Nailed it.

SPEAKER_01: 1:09:52

Um yeah, no, it's just a fun little happy corner of the internet. Just just like tips and um dreaming about Disneyland, really. It's just a space for people who like are planning a trip to Disneyland, either haven't been ever or haven't been in a long time, or just waiting for their trip, you know, and wanting to dream about this place, or just coming back from Disneyland like I was and just want a place where I just like can be reminded about Disneyland. Um, so yeah, it'd be great to have anybody join.

Nathan: 1:10:25

Or for people who get asked a question and and can't remember the answer, and you can just go ping Michaela and go, like, wait, it's dining reservations are 60 days at 6 a.m., right? Yes, that's that's it, Nathan. Okay, thank you.

SPEAKER_01: 1:10:37

Yeah, yeah. It always is funny getting any sort of question from you guys because I'm like, what, you know.

Alicea: 1:10:45

We cannot keep, we cannot keep West Coast and East Coast straight. I don't know what it is.

SPEAKER_01: 1:10:51

No, you're totally right because there's just little nuances that are like they're the same, there's like they're the same family, but it's like they're living in different worlds. Yeah, and they're just like it's yeah, it's so interesting. Yeah, that's a whole nother topic of like it feels the same, but you're not in the same at all.

Nathan: 1:11:11

Yeah, well, social search is way better than using Google or or or something else. Like, I I'd much rather talk to a Michaela.

SPEAKER_01: 1:11:18

Yeah. Social searches, I like that. Did you make that up? Or is that a thing?

Nathan: 1:11:23

I don't know. It's a thing-ish. I don't know. Just saying yes, I made it up.

SPEAKER_01: 1:11:31

Yeah, I like that. Yeah. And I feel like I that's something else too that I feel like just taking the stigma out of like feeling you don't have to know everything. Like, gosh, we live in a culture where it's like, I got it figured out, I know what I'm doing. Like, and even people who go to, you know, Disneyland a lot, like, it's okay to still ask a question. Like, you know, it doesn't mean you don't know anything, or like, I I mean, I still have so much to learn, and I'm I guess supposed to be an expert.

Nathan: 1:12:03

So um the people who know us and listen to this podcast know that we can never remember the right name for a ride or a meal or a party or something like that. We're always just winging it.

SPEAKER_01: 1:12:13

Well, that's I mean, sometimes the names are hard to remember if it's like 12 words.

Nathan: 1:12:20

Right.

SPEAKER_01: 1:12:22

Yeah, just get the gist. I it's adventure land.

Nathan: 1:12:25

What does that even mean? Hey. Hey, we're we're finally getting a chance to go see uh experience that because it didn't. Oh, that's true.

SPEAKER_01: 1:12:34

Have you not been to the 70th yet?

Nathan: 1:12:36

Not yet, because it opened after we were there last year.

SPEAKER_01: 1:12:39

So oh, it's so sparkly. It's so and have did you guys see Paint the Night before?

Alicea: 1:12:45

No. Have you seen I you've we saw like the original, I think.

SPEAKER_01: 1:12:49

Well, that's what I mean. That's what I mean. Like, so you've seen Paint the Night, but just not yet. That will be so that'll be so cool. I'm so excited for you guys.

Nathan: 1:12:57

Looking forward to it. Looking forward to it.

SPEAKER_01: 1:13:00

Celebrate happy.

Nathan: 1:13:02

Yes, thank you so much, Michaela. We will now that you're not uh under contract and and worried about saying the wrong things, we'll have to have you on more often.

SPEAKER_01: 1:13:10

Yes. I yeah, I mean, you know, I'm a loose canon. It's it's hard for me to keep it too too reined in, but you know, do my best.

Nathan: 1:13:21

We'll have to see if any of this is salvageable. So all over the city.

SPEAKER_01: 1:13:27

Yeah, you'll boil it down to like, well, I got we got some good eight solid minutes of usable content.

Alicea: 1:13:36

I love you guys. Well, and we'll definitely have to have you back on after um your kids get their very first Disney World trip.

SPEAKER_01: 1:13:44

I would love to talk about that. I would love to talk about that. Yeah. 100%. That would be so great. Yeah. It's a date. Yay!

Nathan: 1:13:53

Awesome. Thanks, Mikhail.

SPEAKER_01: 1:13:54

Okay, we'll see you later.

Nathan: 1:13:56

Bye. Bye.

Alicea: 1:13:59

Please remember we are not affiliated with Disney or their subsidiaries. These are personal opinions and suggestions based on our own experiences and our guest experiences. But we are affiliated with fun and snacks and good vibes.

Nathan: 1:14:15

Absolutely. And we recommend working with a travel agent or contacting Disney directly to plan your uh perfect vacation. In fact, you can talk to Plan Disney if you want to. If you have questions about what you might want to get up to, they would love to answer those questions.

Alicea: 1:14:32

Yes. And if you have any questions for us or suggestions, or you'd like to chat with us on our show to share your own experiences, please send an email to podcast at our mousecapades.com.

Nathan: 1:14:45

If you love this episode, and come on, you love this episode, go ahead and give us a like and a thumbs up and a ding and all that stuff. Give us a rating and review in your podcast app. That really helps Disney fans find us.

Alicea: 1:15:01

You can follow us at Our Mouse Capades on Instagram, Facebook, threads, and YouTube. And please do share us with your friends, your family, and that one coworker who still thinks FastPass is a thing.

Nathan: 1:15:14

Thanks for listening. We'll be in your ears next week. Thank you for flying Star Tours. Bye bye.