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…

Summary In this conversation, Bruce Irving interviews Charlie Anderson, a YouTuber with a focus on making pizza at home. They discuss the challenges and rewards of creating content for YouTube, the impact of YouTube on discoverability, the role of sponsors and advertisers, the process of making pizza videos, and the potential of opening a pizzeria.…

In this episode, Bruce and Connie discuss their experiences at Universal Studios, focusing on attractions that Disney fans will enjoy. They cover five attractions, including Men in Black Alien Attack, Revenge of the Mummy, Universal Orlando presents Horror Makeup Show, and ET Adventure. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Universal Studios Experience 03…

Bruce takes over the podcast and plays a game called 'Are You In or Are You Out?' where he asks Connie if she's in or out on various attractions at Disney and Universal. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Game Announcement 06:24 In or Out: Jungle Cruise 08:44 In or Out: The Incredible Hulk Coaster 11:02 In or Out: Ratatouille in Epcot 15:16 In or Out:…

In this episode of Unlocking the Magic, Bruce Irving takes over the podcast to discuss overrated attractions in Walt Disney World. He goes through a list of 20 attractions and shares whether he thinks they are overrated or underrated. Some of the attractions discussed include Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Dinosaur, Carousel of Progress, Mad Tea…

Myke Olsen, owner of Mike's Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, shares his experience running a wood-fired pizzeria inside a bar called Cider Core. He discusses his Neapolitan-inspired pizza style and the symbiotic relationship between his business and the bar. Myke emphasizes the importance of focusing on the financial side of the business and the benefits of…

Andrew Miller, owner of Flower Child Pizza, Merriman Social, and Third Coast Provisions in Milwaukee, discusses his journey in the restaurant industry and the development of his pizza business. He shares how they expanded their frozen pizza line and the challenges of shipping nationwide. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 Crafting a U…

In this episode, Bruce and Constantina answer listener questions and discuss various topics related to Disney World. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unlocking the Magic Podcast 02:11 Answering Basic Questions About Disney World 03:34 Explaining Tonga Toast 07:44 Parking Fees and Rope Drop 11:00 Understanding Audio Animatronic 23:10 Port Orleans Fren…

In this podcast episode, Bruce Irving interviews Troy from Blue Square Pizza, a pizza dough expert. They discuss Troy's journey in the pizza industry, his passion for dough, and the evolution of his pizza-making process. Troy shares how he creates three different styles of pizza using one dough recipe and the importance of studying bread making in …

In this conversation, Bruce and Shane discuss the evolution of text message marketing for restaurants and the importance of personalized and tailored messaging. They highlight the benefits of using text messages to engage customers and increase purchase frequency. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Location 04:14 The Power of Personalized Messaging 08…

In this episode, Bruce Irving celebrates Star Wars Day by sharing 10 essential Star Wars experiences at Disney parks. He discusses the immersive nature of Disney parks and how each visit can be a new and unique experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Celebrating Star Wars Day 05:20 Chapter 1: Immersive Adventures in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge 08:40 C…