Summary In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce shares a detailed trip report from his recent visit to Walt Disney World, discussing various dining experiences, park highlights, and the challenges of vlogging in the parks. He reflects on the food quality at Disney, particularly the pizza, and shares insights on the attractions visited across …

In this episode, Bruce interviews Camilo, the owner of La Rosa Pizzeria. They dive into the challenges of opening and running a pizzeria, especially during the pandemic. Camilo shares his experiences in building two locations from scratch, the realities of restaurant construction, and how delivery has become a significant part of his business. MY O…

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, hosts Bruce and Konstantina dive into the culinary delights of Disneyland, inspired by Joshua Wiseman's YouTube video where he rates various foods at the park. They discuss their personal favorites, the significance of food in the Disneyland experience, and engage in a fun 'in or out' game regarding different…

In this episode, we catch up with Bill Hoon, who shares his incredible journey of growing his pizza business from a single night operation in a local bar to opening two successful brick-and-mortar locations in Northeast Ohio. Bill dives into the challenges he faced during the build-out process, the lessons learned along the way, and how he implemen…

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce and Connie discuss their favorite places to eat at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. They highlight the improved food options at Universal Studios and share their top picks for dining. The restaurants they mention include Florian Fortescue Ice Cream, The Leaky Cauldron, Mel's Drive-In, Today Cafe, …

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, hosts Bruce and Connie dive into a variety of Disney-related topics, answering questions submitted by their listeners. They discuss their personal experiences at Disney parks, share insights on attractions, and reflect on memorable moments from their podcast journey. Join Club UTM : This episode is brought to…

Summary In this episode, Bruce Irving interviews the team behind Amadoris Pizzeria, a Detroit style pizza restaurant in Miami, Florida. They discuss the journey of starting the pizzeria during the pandemic, the unique appeal of Detroit style pizza, and the challenges faced in the pizza business, particularly regarding cheese prices and seasonal flu…

Join our next ABD: https://www.unlockingthemagic.com/abd Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Disney and Universal Escapes 02:14 The End of Virtual Queues at Tron Lightcycle Run 09:52 Villains Land: A New Addition to Magic Kingdom 15:10 Upcoming Villain Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios 18:55 Beetlejuice 2: A Mixed Reception 27:53 Disney's New Cruise Sh…

In this podcast episode, Bruce Irving interviews Carlos from Vice City Pizza in Miami. They discuss how Vice City Pizza got started, the mistakes they made along the way, and the unique style of pizza they offer. Carlos shares his background in fine dining and how the pandemic influenced his decision to open a pizzeria. Chapters 00:00 Starting a Pi…

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, the hosts discuss their top picks for attractions, meals, and snacks at Disneyland and California Adventure. They each choose three attractions, one meal, and one snack that they would prioritize if they only had a few hours in the park. Join Club UTM : www.ClubUTM.co Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview …

Jamie McMahon, owner of Hickory Station Pizzeria, shares his experience in the pizza business and how he has adapted to modern marketing strategies. He discusses the shift from traditional marketing methods to text marketing and the success he has seen in increasing sales. Get on Slice: http://slicelife.com/smartpizzaWork this us: https://smartpizz…

In this episode, we're diving into a fun and spontaneous Q&A session where we answer your burning questions straight from Instagram! We’re chatting about everything from Disney and Universal to cruises and pizza, with a lot of laughs along the way. 🍕 Join Club UTM: https://www.patreon.com/unlockingthemagic Chapters: 0:00 - Welcome to Unlocking the …

In this episode, I chat with Darius Aram from Slice Street Pizza about the real challenges of running a pizzeria. We cover everything from managing delivery drivers to handling customer expectations and using third-party services. If you're a pizza operator looking for practical advice, this conversation is packed with insights to help your busines…

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce and his co-host discuss the rides at Universal's Islands of Adventure and whether they are in or out on each one. They talk about the competition between Universal and Disney, the immersive experiences at Universal, and the importance of staying on property. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:2…

Hey, Unlocking the Magic family! Today, we’re diving into some juicy updates from the Disneyverse that you absolutely need to know before planning your next magical adventure. 🎢 From Deadpool crashing Disney Cruises to the latest on the Halloween party that has everyone talking, we’ve got all the insider info you won’t hear anywhere else!Chapters: …

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, the hosts discuss the recent announcements from the D23 Expo and whether they are in or out on each one. They cover topics such as the new audio animatronic of Walt Disney, themed lounges in Disneyland Resort, a new nighttime parade, the reimagining of Test Track, and the addition of a Cars-themed attraction …

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, the hosts discuss the life and legacy of Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets. They share their thoughts on a documentary about Jim Henson and his creative process, as well as a television special that pays tribute to him. They talk about his early days, his love for puppetry and technology, and his determi…

In this episode, Bruce welcomes back Ilir Sela, CEO of a leading platform dedicated to helping independent pizza shops thrive. Discover how Ilir and his team are revolutionizing the industry with innovative solutions for online ordering, point-of-sale systems, and discounted supplies. Get exclusive insights into the challenges and successes of mode…

In this episode of the podcast, Bruce sits down with Andres Maldonado Fuertes, the innovative mind behind Nona Street Pizza. They delve into the journey of launching a unique pizza concept in Orlando, from building a custom food truck to creating a menu that blends Neapolitan and New York styles with inventive twists. Andres shares the challenges a…

In this episode, the we discuss places that every Walt Disney fan should try to visit. They start by talking about Walt Disney's birthplace in Chicago and the emotional experience of seeing the house where he was born. Mentioned: https://www.waltdisneymuseum.org/ https://www.ClubUTM.co https://www.thewaltdisneybirthplace.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introdu…

Layla Ruffino, owner of Blue Highway Pizza in Florida, shares her experience running two successful pizzerias. The original location, in a small town, has been thriving for 20 years, while the newer location in a growing area has seen rapid growth. Leila emphasizes the importance of taking care of her team, offering generous benefits and creating a…

Giovanni Chez, part owner and general manager of King Umberto's pizzeria, joins the podcast to discuss his experience in the pizza industry. He talks about the history of the restaurant, their expansion during COVID, and their plans for revamping their indoor dining room and expanding their bakery production. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Backgro…

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a family-friendly Halloween celebration held at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. It features exclusive entertainment, trick-or-treating, character meet and greets, themed attractions, parades, shows, and special merchandise. The highlights include the Mickey's Boo to You Halloween Parade, Disney's Not-So-…

Chris Black shares his journey of starting Red Rocket Pizza Company during COVID-19. He transitioned from being a nightclub DJ to a pizza maker and began by making pizzas in his garage. He eventually upgraded to a larger brick oven and started inviting friends and acquaintances to try his pizzas. Chapters 00:00 Starting a Pizza Business During COVI…

In this episode, Bruce and Connie answer listener questions and discuss various topics related to Disney World. They talk about leaving reviews, answering questions of the show, and watching Disney movies to get into the Fourth of July spirit. They also discuss the best ambient music in the parks, must-do activities at the Polynesian resort, and th…

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss the best cruising tips for introverts. They share their experiences and strategies for making the most of a cruise while still enjoying some solitude and relaxation. They cover topics such as choosing the right ship and cabin, requesting a table alone, taking advantage of spa services, and exploring the shi…

Pizza Champ STL is a pizza joint in St. Louis that specializes in big 18-inch, 72-hour fermented sourdough pizzas. They share a space with Side Project Brewing, a brewery, in a small 900 square foot building. The seating area is a covered patio, and they also have a drive-through window for pickup orders. The owner, Chris, pivoted to pizza during t…

Bruce Irving is a guest on Alex's podcast, Pie to Pie, where they discuss marketing strategies for pizzerias. They cover topics such as magazines, YouTube, Pizza Expo, and Dave Portnoy. Bruce emphasizes the importance of consistency in marketing and recommends focusing on one social media platform to start. He also suggests leveraging YouTube for l…

Ultimate may be a streatch but here's a few free things to check out. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:46 Disney's Expensive 04:01 Resort Hopping and the Boardwalk 09:13 The Boardwalk 11:35 The Electrical Water Pageant 14:25 Disney Springs 20:40 Finding Hidden Mickey's 21:09 Scavenger Hunt for Hidden Mickeys 23:09 Watching Movies on the Beach 27:48 P…

Join Club UTM : This episode is brought to you by Unlocking The Magic Travel. https://www.UnlockingTheMagicTravel.com Join Team Tonga: https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ Join Team Talks: https://www.bit.ly/3dxyUvC​ Check out our latest design: https://bit.ly/2YVC0nV​ https://www.clubutm.co

Mike Friedman, owner of Pizza Delicious in New Orleans, shares the journey of starting a pizzeria and the challenges of building a successful brick-and-mortar business. From pop-up beginnings to the development of a New York-style pizza recipe, Mike's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the value of community support. Chapters 00:00 …

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss whether various restaurants in Epcot are worth the price. They cover Space 220, Garden Grill Restaurant, La Cellier Steakhouse, Coral Reef Restaurant, Chefs de France, Via Napoli, and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 06:27 Chapter 1: Space 220 13:03 Chapter 2: Garden Gri…

In this conversation, Bruce interviews Christian from Ooni, a company that produces portable pizza ovens. They discuss how Ooni revolutionized the pizza-making industry by creating affordable and efficient ovens for home use. Christian shares his background and how his passion for making better pizza at home led to the development of Ooni ovens. Ch…

In this episode, Bruce and Konstantina discuss various restaurants in Disney World, evaluating whether they are worth the price. They cover Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella's Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, and The Crystal Palace. The conversation also touches on character dining and the ambiance of the restaurants. Chapters 00:00 Evaluating D…

Bruce Irving shares his experience at the National Restaurant Expo in Chicago, discussing the pros and cons, the tech he found, and the pizzerias he visited. He also highlights the challenges faced by independent pizzeria owners at the expo and provides insights into various products and technologies showcased at the event. Chapters 00:00 Exploring…