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Journey to the Magic Podcast

Journey to the Magic

Welcome back to Journey to the Magic, the official Walt Disney Travel Company Podcast by Giovanna Fletcher. Filled with stars, it's about all the things that make Disneyland® Paris, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney Cruise Line® oh so magical.

Tune in to series three and you'll hear (and now see) Amy Hart, Kate Garraway, Ruth Madeley, Frankie Bridge, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Romesh Ranganathan sharing their most magical memories, funny stories and family traditions from their Disney holidays. Once again, Gi will ask each guest to use the power of Blink Travel to plan their Dream Disney Day. And our resident Disney expert, Jamie, will share magical tips on how to make your Disney holiday wishes come true. And yes, you read this correctly; For the first time ever you'll be able to watch every episode on the Disney UK YouTube channel.

D100 Anniversary Special featuring Disney Fans

Series 3, Special Episode 1

D100 Anniversary Special featuring Disney Fans

14th June 2023

In the final episode of the series, our attention turns to celebrating Disney’s 100th Anniversary. And what better way to do this than by featuring some of our amazing Disney fans and podcast listeners?

Nine fans have joined us on this special bumper episode, alongside Gi and both of our Disney Insiders to share their magical memories and top tips from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland® Paris and Disney Cruise Line. You’re going to want to grab a cuppa, as this is our longest episode yet and quite the magical extravaganza.

You’ll hear from our recently crowned UK’s Biggest Disney Fan – and all about her once-in-a-lifetime stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite! There are heart-warming stories of first words, marriages and moving to a new country with the help of a Disney cruise. And, of course, amazing hints and tips that our fans wished they could have kept to themselves.

Make sure you stay tuned until the very end, as Disney Insiders Elkie and Jamie share what Disney means to them in a special version of Lightning McQueen’s Quick-Fire Round.

Watch the Disney 100 Anniversary Special episode now on the Disney UK YouTube Channel

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Series 3 Previous Episodes


Best Bits from Series 3

Series 3, Bonus Episode 1

Best Bits from Series 3

19th April 2023

Being the Disney podcast Gi-nie that she is, Giovanna thought you'd love a bonus episode packed full of the most magical moments from series 3.

So sit back, relax and prepare to be whisked away to a world of magical memories, top tips and lots of LOLs with Amy Hart, Kate Garraway, Ruth Madeley, Frankie Bridge, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Romesh Ranganathan.

You never know, with each guest conjuring up their Dream Disney Day, you may even feel inspired to start planning your next big Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland® Paris or Disney Cruise Line holiday.

Watch the Best Bits from Series 3 now on the Disney UK YouTube Channel.


Romesh Ranganathan

Series 3, Episode 6

Romesh Ranganathan

12th April 2023

This episode Gi is joined by actor, comedian and all-round legend Romesh Ranganathan.

Romesh admits he's a natural cynic who often looks unimpressed with, well, pretty much everything. Yet he does recall once cracking a smile after riding Ratatouille: The Adventure and being surprisingly thrilled by The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disneyland® Paris. The magic gets us all, eventually!

Later this year, Romesh and his family are jetting off to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. And as he’s not a planner. At all. Gi has decided to put together his Dream Disney Day for him. So, tune in to hear about some Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge must-dos, a new MARVEL attraction Gi says is the best experience of her life, and because Romesh is vegan, lots and lots of tasty vegan food.

We can’t wait to see photos of Romesh living his best Jedi life. May the Force be with him.

Watch Romesh’s episode now on the Disney UK YouTube Channel.


Carrie Hope Fletcher

Series 3, Episode 5

Carrie Hope Fletcher

5th April 2023

Actor, author, singer-songwriter and Gi's sister-in-law (Tom's sister) Carrie Hope Fletcher is our first guest to have completed the Disney holiday hattrick of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland® Paris and Disney Cruise Line®.

Gi thinks Carrie is the biggest Disney fan she knows – hey, we thought that was Tom?! As it turns out, Carrie has chocolate scented Mickey ears, a wall covered in Loungefly bags and over 25 Disney holidays to look back on, so who are we to disagree?

Tune in for an episode bursting with magical memories, dreams of Disney honeymoons and an appreciation of how it's the little gestures, the sprinklings of pixie dust, that have made a big difference to every one of Carrie's Disney trips. Oh, and look forward to our first ever Dream Disney Day at sea and, wait for it... more of that mouth-watering funnel cake.

Watch Carrie’s episode now on the Disney UK YouTube Channel.


Frankie Bridge

Series 3, Episode 4

Frankie Bridge

29th March 2023

TV presenter, author and Saturday's singer Frankie Bridge is a Disney on Ice citizen of Arendelle so she really knows her magic.

She visited Walt Disney World Resort in Florida ‘for the first time in forever' when she was nine and went back a few years ago with one of her best buds, our very own Gi!

Prepare to hear all about Frankie's Disney dreams – spoiler alert, she LOVES princesses and Christmas – a Dream Disney Day that features, yes, you guessed it, more funnel cake (Frankie just can't get enough) and an embarrassing holiday story of Goofy proportions.

Watch Frankie’s episode now on the Disney UK YouTube Channel.


Ruth Madeley

Series 3, Episode 3

Ruth Madeley

22nd March 2023

Actor Ruth 'Merryweather' Madeley's first holiday abroad was to Disneyland® Paris. And since that magical family trip many moons ago, she's flown a little further to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida over and over again.

Tune in and you'll hear all about Ruth's out-of-control Disney Pin collection, where to get the most indulgent of coffees in the Disney Parks – it sounds dreamy – and why Disney calories don't count, which is handy during the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.

As a wheelchair user, Ruth discusses the added stresses she faces when travelling and how the Guest Services at Walt Disney World take all these stresses away. It's the perfect destination for wheelchair users. Her top tip – make the most of the Disability Access Service Pass!

Watch Ruth’s episode now on the Disney UK YouTube Channel.


Kate Garraway

Series 3, Episode 2

Kate Garraway

15th March 2023

This episode Gi is joined by journalist, broadcaster and soon-to-be-MBE Kate Garraway. Congratulations, Kate!

At the time of recording, Kate was patiently waiting for her invite to Buckingham Palace. But that's not the only royal residence she will have visited this year – as she recently returned from seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle, and its scary dragon, at Disneyland® Paris.

Kate cherishes the magical escapism Disneyland Paris has blessed her and her family with over the years, with Peter Pan's Flight being a particularly happy thought. Yet there's something new and super from their most recent visit that she can't stop thinking about. Tune in to find out what it is!

Kate's top tip – never go anywhere without a cagoule. And get someone else to plan your holiday for you. We can't disagree with that!

Watch Kate’s episode now on the Disney UK YouTube Channel.


Amy Hart

Series 3, Episode 1

Amy Hart

8th March 2023

Giovanna kicks off series three chatting all things Disney with TV personality, vlogger and Tower of Terror-lover Amy Hart.

Has there ever been a podcast guest who almost knows more about Walt Disney World Resort in Florida than Gi does? Amy certainly comes close, having been eight times with her family plus oodles of flying visits whenever she used to stop over in Orlando while working as cabin crew.

As ex cabin crew, Amy has plenty of handy tips for long haul flights with kids. But it's her Disney Park smarts that are really worth tuning in for, like how to get priority seating for her favourite show, Fantasmic, where to stand for all the parades and why the Disney Genie service really is a game-changer.

As for Amy's Dream Disney Day – she's been planning it for 15 years! And she's invited Gi along too. Lucky Gi!

Watch Amy’s episode now on the Disney UK YouTube Channel.


Series 2


Special Episode - Disney Wish

Series 2, Special Episode 1

Special Episode - Disney Wish

7th September 2022

Ahoy there, sailors! Giovanna Fletcher is back for a very special episode recorded on our newest cruise ship - the Disney Wish. She even took her husband, Tom Fletcher, and sister-in-law, Carrie Hope Fletcher, along for the ride!

Now as you all know, the Fletchers are huge Disney fans, but they've never been on a cruise, let alone a Disney Cruise! So tune in and you'll hear all about how they made magical memories at sea for the first time. How lucky are they that it was all on board the Disney Wish!

As this is a very special episode, we thought you'd love to see the magic as well as hear about it, therefore we've filmed it too. So prepare to catch Tom and Gi longing to be young enough to play in the youth spaces at Disney's Oceaneer Club, enjoying our private island in the Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay, and running our famous 5K. You'll even witness the wonder of them being two of the first people to ride AquaMouse - our first attraction at sea.

Make sure you stay tuned in until the very end for the ultimate Lightning McQueen quick-fire round with our resident Disney expert, Elkie, and the chance to win your very own dream Disney Cruise Line® holiday.


Best Bits from Series 2

Series 2, Bonus Episode 1

Best Bits from Series 2

29th June 2022

Wishing for an episode filled with the most magical moments from series 2? Well, you're in luck, because Giovanna the podcast genie has made this wish come true.

Buckle up and brace yourself for a dazzling journey powered on heartfelt stories, magical memories and lots and lots of laughs with Vogue Williams, Janette Manrara, Stephanie Beatriz, Alesha Dixon, Ronan Keating and Rob Beckett.

Who knows, with each guest conjuring up their Dream Disney Day and sharing their top tips, you may even feel inspired to start planning your next big Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris or Disney Cruise Line® adventure.


Rob Beckett

Series 2, Episode 6

Rob Beckett

22nd June 2022

Comedian, TV host, actor and podcaster Rob Beckett has been lucky enough to travel all around the world with his mate Romesh. Yet his most cherished holiday moments have been with his wife and two little girls at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris. Sorry, Romesh.

Tune in and you'll hear all about how Rob, who doesn't like big drops, and his fellow Walt Disney World 'Boardwalkies' took things slowly until they hopped on a Toy Story attraction he'd happily ride 15 times. Find out how a long-awaited appearance by the 'fab five' provided a magical Disneyland Paris moment for his girls. And discover a Dream Disney Day with our first ever teleportation request to see some drones.

Oh, and his top tips give our very own Elkie a run for her money – wait until you hear how he managed to watch both Walt Disney World nighttime spectaculars at the same time!


Ronan Keating

Series 2, Episode 5

Ronan Keating

15th June 2022

Superstar singer and TV and radio presenter Ronan Keating's first visit to a Disney Park was something special - he and his Boyzone bandmates opened Space Mountain at Disneyland Paris in 1995!

Since then, he's travelled all over the world and seen all sorts of wonderful things. But his most magical moment was seeing his son first meet Goofy at Tokyo Disney Resort. Tune in to hear where MARVEL-mad Ronan can't wait to stay next and his top tip for travelling with children.


Alesha Dixon

Series 2, Episode 4

Alesha Dixon

8th June 2022

She knows how to sing, she knows how to dance and she knows when something has talent, so when Alesha Dixon says she loves the shows and parades at the Disney Parks, they must be good. But which ones are her favourites?

For Alesha, the faster the rollercoaster the better. She's tried many during her trips to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Paris and Disneyland Resort in California. Yet she's still to fly a banshee in Avatar Flight of Passage, despite Avatar being her favourite film. Come on Alesha, sort it out!

Lofi Minnie: Focus - Listen here to 10 iconic Disney songs in Lofi style to study, work or unwind.


Stephanie Beatriz

Series 2, Episode 3

Stephanie Beatriz

1st June 2022

Actor and singer Stephanie Beatriz's dream job came true when she was asked to voice Mirabel for Disney's Encanto. Yes, we have Mirabel on the podcast!

A fan of the magic since the golden age of Disney animation, Stephanie has set foot in Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort - and has a plethora of Disney ornaments to prove it.

In this episode, you'll hear all about Stephanie's Disney adventures, including a recent visit to Disneyland Paris where she and her husband introduced their baby girl to many of its attractions and Stephanie even conjured up a little bit of magic for one lucky family.

Lofi Minnie: Focus - Listen here to 10 iconic Disney songs in Lofi style to study, work or unwind.


Janette Manrara

Series 2, Episode 2

Janette Manrara

25th May 2022

Professional dancer, choreographer and TV presenter Janette Manrara is a mahoosive Disney fan. Yep, even bigger than Tom!

How can this be? Well, Janette grew up a mere 253 miles (ish) from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (lucky!) and thinks she's been there a whopping 42 times. This also means she really knows her magic. So much so, she once whizzed her husband around all four Theme Parks and both Water Parks in just three days - without a map.

So prepare for a true Disney superfan's insight into the magic and what is probably this podcast's most ambitious and in-depth Dream Disney Day yet.


Vogue Williams

Series 2, Episode 1

Vogue Williams

18th May 2022

Giovanna kicks off series two chatting magic with television presenter, podcaster, Disney thrill-seeker, and planning and packing expert Vogue Williams.

Vogue grew up totally obsessed with Beauty and the Beast. So much so, she ended up marrying a real-life Gaston (sorry, Spencer, Vogue's words, not ours!). Their first 'holidate' was to Disneyland Paris. And they can't wait to go back this year for the 30th Anniversary, as many goes as possible on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and the look on their kids' faces when they first set eyes on Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Make sure you're all ears, because Vogue has a genius tip for long flights with little ones.


Series 1


Bonus Episode - Elkie's Top Tips

Series 1, Bonus Episode 2

Bonus Episode - Elkie's Top Tips

27th October 2021

More magic to your ears! Giovanna Fletcher is back with another round-up of best bits from series 1, featuring our resident expert and Disney Insider!

Elkie is on hand to share her top tips and expert advice for your Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney Cruise Line® holidays, all inspired by our celebrity guests' dream Disney days.

So whether you're looking for restaurant recommendations, handy apps and services, or how to get a high score on Toy Story Mania, this episode is packed full of helpful ideas on how to get the most out of your Disney holiday!

That's a wrap for series 1! Series 2, coming in 2022.


Bonus Episode - Series 1 Best Bits

Series 1, Bonus Episode 1

Bonus Episode - Series 1 Best Bits

20th October 2021

All ears for more magic? Giovanna Fletcher is giving you an extra sprinkling of pixie dust with a round-up of some best bits from series 1!

It's a rollercoaster of laughter, tears and magical memories as Tom Fletcher, Emma Willis, Aston Merrygold, Davina McCall and Alison Hammond share their dream Disney days.

From Gi and Tom's trips with the in-laws, to Davina's longest-ever hug with Chewbacca and Alison's hilarious TV memories, you're sure to start reminiscing about (and planning!) your own Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise Line® holiday.

Make sure you stay tuned 'til the end for the ultimate Lightning McQueen quick-fire round!

That's a wrap for series 1! Series 2, coming in 2022.


50th Anniversary Special

Series 1, Episode 6

50th Anniversary Special

13th October 2021

In the final episode of the series, our attention turns to The World's Most Magical Celebration - the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

And who better to wow Giovanna with all the exciting things planned for this 18-month extravaganza than our resident Disney insider Elkie and star guest Dave Coombs, who is Director of Public Relations for Walt Disney World Resort.

Oh, and as they're all massive Star Wars fans, you'll learn about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser - an out-of-this-world two-night immersive adventure touching down in Walt Disney World Resort in Spring 2022.


Alison Hammond

Series 1, Episode 5

Alison Hammond

6th October 2021

Lovable TV presenter Alison Hammond is the only one of our podcast guests to have visited Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line®.

She therefore has a whole host of magical memories to share, from being an honorary princess at Disneyland Paris, to sailing in the Med and the Caribbean aboard Disney Cruise Line® and squeezing almost every last drop of orange juice out of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!

Alison definitely knows her magic more than most, but our very own Disney expert, Elkie, thinks she might still like to learn about the amazing new features coming to the My Disney Experience App. Stay tuned until the end to find out more...


Davina McCall

Series 1, Episode 4

Davina McCall

29th September 2021

TV legend Davina McCall didn't watch her first Disney film until she was 35. Now she has a Disney-themed Christmas tree every year and a lanyard filled with Disney pins to remind her of her many Walt Disney World Resort in Florida adventures.

In this episode, Davina touches on how a Disney holiday can mean so much to so many people, and reveals which Star Wars Character gave her the best hug ever.

While on holiday, Davina always makes time for a 5k run in the morning. So with this in mind, resident Disney expert Elkie shows us how easy it is to keep fit and eat healthily at Walt Disney World.


Aston Merrygold

Series 1, Episode 3

Aston Merrygold

22nd September 2021

A true triple threat, musician, actor and dancer Aston Merrygold got his first taste of stardom as a seven-year-old Guest at, yes, you guessed it, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Since that unforgettable day on stage during Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Aston has been back many times -especially at Halloween and to eat as many turkey legs as possible.

Yet despite his many visits, Aston hasn't had the chance to take his two little boys to any of the Disney Parks. So to help make sure their first Disney adventure goes as smoothly as one of Aston's dance moves, resident Disney expert Elkie has some top tips for trips with young children.


Emma Willis

Series 1, Episode 2

Emma Willis

15th September 2021

You may know Emma Willis as the face of The Voice, but to Giovanna, she's her Walt Disney World travel buddy.

Their families have shared many a magical moment exploring the Parks together and they can't wait to go back, all squeeze into a photo in front of Cinderella Castle and eat funnel cake for lunch every day!

Emma's a bit of a thrill-seeker who likes to take the day as it comes. Which isn't for everyone, including Giovanna! So if you love to plan your day ahead, stay tuned for Elkie's top tips at the end.


Tom Fletcher

Series 1, Episode 1

Tom Fletcher

8th September 2021

You'll struggle to meet a bigger Disney fan than Giovanna's husband, musician, singer, songwriter, composer, author and Disney pin collector Tom Fletcher.

Tom visited Walt Disney World Resort in Florida when he was 5 years old and has returned to the magic many, many times since - a lot of them with Giovanna!

So he has loads of magical stories and tips to share, including how he finally managed to earn a Galactic Hero sticker on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom Park.