Episode Details

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Dreaming of your next Disney trip but not sure where to start? In this episode, I’m joined by Disney content creator and author Becky Gandillon, who blends her love of the parks with her background in data analytics to help travelers plan smarter, save money, and skip the overwhelm.

Becky is the co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney World and shares insider tips on:

• Budget-friendly strategies for resorts and tickets
• Why the Disney Dining Plan isn’t worth it (and what to do instead)
• What’s new at the parks in 2025, from refreshed rides to new lands
• How to enjoy Disney as a family, with friends, or even solo
• Must-read Disney books for fans of all ages

📚 Books Mentioned (Disney Edition) 

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2026 by Becky Gandillon with Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa

The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger — Leadership lessons & behind-the-scenes at Disney

Women of Walt Disney Imagineering by the Imagineers — Stories of 12 groundbreaking women

Dream It! Do It! and Travels with Figment by Marty Sklar — Insights from a Disney legend

⏰ Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & introduction to Becky Gandillon

[02:00] How Becky got started with Disney + data

[05:00] Disney trip planning made simple (budget + strategies)

[08:30] Saving on resorts: Priceline, Airbnb, and DVC rentals

[13:00] Dining at Disney: Why the Dining Plan doesn’t add up

[16:00] Food & Wine Festival + new restaurant & parade updates

[20:00] Beacon Barrel lounge opening at Magic Kingdom

[21:00] Becky’s Disney book recommendations

[24:00] Why Disney content creators make the parks more fun

[25:00] Where to follow Becky online

✨ Follow Becky:

Instagram → @raisingminniemes 

 Blog → Touring Plans: Disney Data Dump

Join the Conversation

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read Next

Subscribe & leave a review!

Mentioned in this episode:

Advertise with Us

Do you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.

Advertise With Us