A Solo Christmas Trip, Light Crowds & A Look Back at Disney World in 2025 with Andy Hoffman – Ep. 649
Episode Description
Some Disney trips are planned down to the minute… and some turn out magical because they aren’t.
In Episode 649 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Curtis is joined by longtime Super Geek and close friend Andy Hoffman, who surprised the Geekin’ community with a last-minute, solo Disney World trip right before Christmas.
No dining reservations.
No early planning.
No rigid agenda.
Just a renewed Annual Pass, light crowds, holiday décor, and the freedom to do Disney completely on his own terms.
Finishing the show, Curtis and Andy also take time to look back at Disney World in 2025, reviewing the year-end polls submitted by the Geekin’ community — making this episode part trip recap, part strategy discussion, and part Disney year-in-review as we head into a brand-new year.
Episode Highlights
A last-minute solo holiday trip — why Andy went and why it worked so well
All-Star Movies stay — a preferred room surprise and great value location
Renewing an Annual Pass — how quick and easy it was to do on arrival
Party-day Magic Kingdom strategy — riding Haunted Mansion, Tiana’s, Pirates, and more with minimal waits
The PeopleMover paradox — when a “quiet” ride becomes the longest wait
Geyser Point’s bison burger — still one of Disney’s best burgers- Wilderness Lodge Christmas décor — finally seeing the iconic tree in person
Hollywood Studios at Christmas — vintage décor, Echo Lake vibes, and crowd swings
Geek meetups — Bar Riva with Rob, quick visits with Wendy Fox and Amy Rhodes
Animal Kingdom highlights — Zootopia show, active Safaris, and holiday pacing
Satu’li Canteen wins — chimichurri beef & garlic shrimp bowls (so good he went back twice)
Single-rider success — Smugglers Run, Test Track, and Remy
First-ever Country Bear Jamboree — yes… after all these years
One last Dinosaur ride — and grabbing a final souvenir tee
Andy’s story is a great example of how Disney can feel completely different — and incredibly refreshing — when you slow down and let the trip unfold naturally.
Looking Back: The Geekin’ on WDW Year-End Poll Review
As the trip winds down, Curtis and Andy shift gears and take a thoughtful (and fun) look back at Disney World in 2025, reviewing the year-end polls shared with the Geekin’ community.
Favorite New Attraction or Show
- Villains Live emerged as the clear favorite
- Test Track Reimagined and the refreshed Little Mermaid show followed closely
- Zootopia earned praise as a fun, family-friendly update
Best New Lounge or Restaurant
- Geo-82 dominated the poll results
- Cake Bake Shop, Barrel, and Wailulu Bar & Grill also received strong support
The Moment That Best Summed Up Disney in 2025
From “planning for months and winging it by day two” to “spending more time on food and drinks than rides,” the poll responses perfectly captured how our Geeks really experience the parks.
The discussion becomes a warm, reflective conversation about how Disney continues to evolve — and how our relationship with it changes over time.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
This episode is for you if:
- You’ve ever thought about taking a solo Disney trip
- You want holiday crowd strategy without the stress
- You love hearing real-world, unscripted trip reports
- You enjoy looking back at Disney’s year as a whole
- You appreciate the friendships and community that Disney creates
It’s a reminder that Disney magic isn’t just about new attractions — it’s about moments, flexibility, and the people you share it with.
Listen to Episode 649
You can listen to Episode 649 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast on:
Apple Podcasts Spotify Or wherever you get your podcasts
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Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Trip?
Thinking about heading to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, or Universal?
Curtis’s wife Margita and their good friend Auntie Judy are the Travelin’ Tiaras — trusted Disney travel planners who help listeners create stress-free, magical vacations.
Already booked? You can even transfer your reservation for expert help and advice.
TravelinTiaras@gmail.com
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