Sister Girls’ Trip Goals: Food, Festivals & Christmas Magic at Disney World With Amanda Filippone – Ep. 650

One of the very best parts of hosting the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast is reconnecting with longtime listeners and friends — and this week’s episode is a perfect example of why.
In Episode 650, I’m joined by Amanda Filippone, a longtime Geek, great friend of the show, and one of our favorite trip reporters. Amanda recently returned from a girls’ getaway to Walt Disney World with her sister, and what started as a short trip quickly turned into a full-on Disney holiday adventure.
From Annual Pass strategy and Food & Wine favorites to Christmas parties, Jollywood Nights, and those unexpected Disney moments that only seem to happen on property — this episode is packed with warmth, laughs, and great takeaways.
A Sisters’ Trip with Annual Pass Freedom
Amanda and her sister took advantage of a timely Annual Pass promotion, giving them the flexibility to add days, shift plans, and lean into spontaneity — something that became a theme throughout the trip.
With multiple future trips already on the calendar, the Annual Pass wasn’t just a ticket — it was permission to slow down, explore more, and enjoy Disney without pressure.
Animal Kingdom: Rope Drop, Rides & Rum Blossoms
The trip kicked off at Animal Kingdom, where Amanda experienced:
An unusually busy Dinosaur rope-drop (thanks to its upcoming closure)
Everest single-rider success and a surprisingly smooth Safari
A much-anticipated visit to Zootopia: Better Zoogether, which earned high marks
And of course… the all-important Rum Blossom — Amanda’s official “I’m in Disney” drink
It was a great example of how early November crowds can still deliver excellent touring days with the right expectations.
Hollywood Studios: Rope Drop Wins & Live Entertainment
Hollywood Studios delivered one of the strongest days of the trip.
Amanda used classic rope-drop strategy to knock out Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Rise of the Resistance before most guests even hit their first coffee.
Highlights included:
The Villains Show (with a surprise winner)
Mixed feelings on Sci-Fi Dine-In and Baseline Tap House
A deep appreciation for Disney’s live performers and stage shows
This day really underscored how much live entertainment can elevate a Disney experience.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Festive… and Chaotic
Amanda and her sister attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, complete with:
Party-day touring strategy
A dessert party with themed treats and fireworks viewing
Cookie crawls (not always scooter-friendly)
While the holiday atmosphere was magical, Amanda noted that the party felt more crowded and chaotic than expected — especially compared to other after-hours events.
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival: Hits, Misses & Lots of Cheese
With EPCOT playing a starring role across multiple days, Amanda delivered a thorough Food & Wine Festival review.
Standout bites included:
Impossible Montreal slider
Warm Swiss cheese
Stone bread in Morocco
Fried curry paneer
Pretzel bread pudding
American pudding cake (a surprise favorite)
Not everything was a hit — some items were overly salty or dry — but overall, EPCOT delivered exactly what this trip was about: tasting, wandering, and enjoying without rushing.
Amanda also shared thoughts on:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (song draw included)
DuckTales World Showcase Adventure
Lounge stops like GEO-82
Jollywood Nights: The Surprise Star of the Trip
If there was one unanimous takeaway from this trip, it was this:
Jollywood Nights is outstanding.
Amanda described it as:
More adult-focused
Less chaotic than other parties
Packed with high-quality entertainment
From the Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along to a Muppets-hosted variety show, themed skating, characters like Bing Bong, and a strong finale show — Jollywood Nights stood out as one of Disney’s best ticketed events.
The Disney Moments That Matter Most
Beyond rides and food, Amanda shared two deeply meaningful moments:
Connecting with a family during a dessert party, forming an ...