Have you heard of the Top 3 Pop Culture Museum in the US, located in NY, but not New York City?  In Rochester, NY, you can find a museum that encourages you to touch and play with the exhibits—and it’s not just for kids.  In this episode, I share our recent trip to The Strong National Museum of Play and National Toy Hall of Fame.  By the time you finish listening, you will have learned about:  Highlights of the museum's extensive collection of historical play materials and interactive exhibits on video games, toys, and pop culture.Exhibits on Sesame Street, pinball, comic books, video games, and more.The Toy Hall of Fame history,  selection process, and inductees If you are visiting the Rochester, NY, area or the nearby Finger Lakes, this museum should be on your must-visit list.  Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

Have you wanted to visit Walt Disney World but are not sure you want to be fully immersed in the Disney bubble but still have the benefits?  If you answered yes, maybe staying off-property at a Disney Hotel Partner is exactly what you need.  In this episode, I share our experience of staying at a Walt Disney World Official Hotel and give you the good and the bad, as well as what surprised me the most.  BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL FIND OUT:  The breakdown of the pricing and perks of staying off-property at a Walt Disney World Official Hotel.How transportation to the parks work, and why is it better than on-property resorts?Our first-hand review and experience at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort. Are you an on-property or off-property fan?  Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

Who are some of the most treasured and nostalgic characters from your childhood? If you answered anyone from Jim Henson, Sesame Street, or The Muppets, you’re in for a fantastic trip down memory lane today! In this episode of the podcast, I share insights from my visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, and help you decide if this unique destination should be on your travel list. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: What the Center for Puppetry Arts is and its role in entertainment and educationMy experience seeing all of the nostalgic characters in the Jim Henson exhibitDetails about how the museum works and my tips for making the most of your time there Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

Have you ever taken a road trip where you considered the gas station a main attraction? If not, you probably haven’t visited Buc-ee’s, a wildly popular convenience store known for its catchy billboards, clean bathrooms, and mouthwatering food options.  In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing my first-hand experience with this roadside marvel and giving you the inside scoop on traveling there yourself. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: The history of Buc-ee’s and its evolution from a meer convenience store to a travel destinationMy personal experiences at Buc-ee’s — including my thoughts on their customer service, food, cleanliness, and merchHow to know if Buc-ee’s is the place you want to stop on your next road trip Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

What’s your favorite part about visiting Walt Disney World? While there’s so much love about these magical theme parks, there’s also a lot you can do outside the park gates.  In this episode of the podcast, I introduce you to the monorail crawl and encourage you to find the hidden fun inside the Disney resorts along the monorail line. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: What a monorail crawl is and the reasons for doing one at Walt Disney WorldAbout various dining and lounge options outside the theme parksSuggestions for customizing your monorail crawl and alternative routes you can take Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

Are thrill rides something you look for when choosing your theme park destinations? Whether you’re seeking thrills or prefer a more chill park experience, Universal's Islands of Adventure has it all. In this episode of the podcast, I take you inside our December 2023 trip to Islands of Adventure and help you discover if this theme park is the best fit for you! BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: About the theme park’s history and its major milestones, including the addition of the Wizarding World of Harry PotterWhy there are Marvel characters at Universal's Islands of Adventure, even though Marvel is now owned by DisneyMy personal recommendations for dining, rides, and navigating the park Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show?Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next.

What’s the biggest rookie mistake you’ve ever made at a theme park? From navigating long lines to choosing theme park dining to knowing which thrill rides are for you, planning a trip can have a steep learning curve. In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing my biggest rookie mistakes, best tips, and everything else you need to know when visiting Universal Studios Orlando. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: Why you need to plan your theme park dining ahead of time — a lesson I learned the hard way!About the ticket pricing structure and how to know if an Express Pass is worth your whileHow to navigate the park with ease so you can ride everything from the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket to Harry Potter’s Escape from Gringotts Connect with me on social: Facebook or Instagram. Like this episode? Share it in your stories and tag me @the_roaming_yeti Love the show? Leave a 5-star review, and let me know where you'd like us to roam next. Ready for more from The Roaming Yeti now? Visit our website.

Do you dream of theme parks, quirky roadside finds, and hidden gems beyond the guidebooks? Now, don’t get me wrong, a guidebook or Google search is a great place to start when researching a trip. Believe me I have the tabs open and the stack of books to prove this.  But changes are you aren’t finding anything that really interests you or want more information before putting in your vacation request.  In each episode, I share interesting locations, insider tips and expert interviews, to equip you with the knowledge to plan your own personalized adventure. Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure Books? We are sort of doing that, but with vacation. In some episodes you will be introduced to Addi the Yeti who goes out and explores a location when I am not able to do it. These Addi files gives us insights and stories about new places to check out. If you like pop-culture destinations, theme parks, roadside attractions, and nostalgic locations as well as uncovering their secrets and backstories, be sure to hit follow and join me each week.  Are you ready? Let's roam!

In this very short episode, I am providing an update and some information about the relaunch. I do hope that you will help me get the word out in the beginning of April. If you are interested in being part of the relaunch flurry (it will only take you about 15 minutes), please message me on Facebook, Instagram or reach me through my contact form. I'm really excited about the changes and I hope you love them too. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_roaming_yeti/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroamingyeti Contact Form: https://theroamingyeti.com/get-in-touch/

In this episode, Beth provides some insight into upcoming trips and taking an hiatus on new episodes until the new year. The new year will bring new adventures, stories, and nostalgia of your favorite places. During hiatus, there will be a new website and a few other surprises. So stay tuned and let us know on social media if there are any topics you would like covered next year. Happy Holidays and New Year! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroamingyeti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_roaming_yeti/ Transcript Here is a transcript of the podcast. Please remember this was done via AI, so there are typos and mistakes. Beth 0:05 Welcome to the roaming Yeti podcast where we share travel stories full of nostalgia, interesting locations and the tales behind those locations. I am your host and head Yeti Beth Schillaci. Today, I want to talk about an upcoming trip. And a short break I will be taking from new episodes. So if you've been listening the past couple of weeks, you know that we have a trip to universal and Disney coming up to kick off winter break. We are actually making a road trip, making it a road trip from Cincinnati to Orlando, we have about two two and a half days to make the 1213 hour drive. So we're still working on a route and trying to figure out where we want to stop where we want to spend the night. But we know one place we want to stop and it's just a little bit off. One of the routes is that there's apparently the largest buggies or it's maybe it's the largest convenience store gas station in the world. I'm not really sure which which largest it is. But yes, in Cedarville, Tennessee is this buches we have not yet been to a buches. We saw many billboards driving down to Disney a few years ago, but never stopped. Since then, I have been educated on what exactly a buches is. And therefore now I need to check it out. Yes, it's a gas station and convenience store. And I'm very excited about it. And if you have been, and you know what I should like what should I be buying? What do we need to stock up on? Put it into my social media account? Hit the website, the Roman yeti.com Hit the contact form. Please let me know what what what's your favorite product and also if you're new in the Knoxville area, anything else we should be doing while there. We will not be stopping at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. I really want to stop especially as the holidays to see the Christmas decorations. But that's not going to happen. It's going to stay on the bucket list for now. Another stuff we've talked about is Atlanta. Thank you, Shawn. This is this is because of your excellent episode giving us insider information on Atlanta. It's a man of my top to visit in the US list. And if you have not heard that episode, it's probably not available on any of the podcast episodes. Apps anymore. It is on our website, the roaming yeti.com Check out Shawn's Atlanta episode. It's excellent. She gives us so many places to check out. And but I don't know how much time we'll have. So probably won't be able to check most of them out. I do have a few TV movie locations I'd like to visit. Stay tuned. I'll let you know if that happens and what those are. And then you know, we get back. We have the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing family and spending time with them. And I really thought like, Okay, we'll get done with winter break. We'll get back on schedule, we'll sort of slow down. And what did I do? I signed up for a podcast conference in Orlando near the end of January. And I hadn't been to a conference in a long time. You know, I really want to be in this podcast game for a long haul and I just thought it'd be fun to go learn network get to you know, see who else is out there. Plus, I mean Orlando in January Yes, please. This Marylander needs some more. And also ended January Orlando same time as the art festival in Epcot, Epcot, which is my favorite festival. So we are going to add a few days on and check that out and let you know we've been in the festival of the arts in several years. So we'll give you an update on what's going on there. And go from there. So that's a lot of theme park action in my future given we live in Maryland and not Orlando, but I'm really looking forward to it. If there's something you would like me to check out or talk about on a few future episode please reach out on social media and let me know I really want to make roaming Yeti this community and I want to cover topics that you're interested in so again, reach out let me know what you're thinking and I also in that want to share that this will be the last episode of roaming Yeti until next year just a hiatus Don't worry with the traveling and holidays. I'm also want to make updates to the Roman Yeti website and there's Some other changes that I'm going to be making to the podcast, nothing drastic. Probably just some cover art and website and so forth. So don't worry, I will be back. Same kind of content, for better or for worse. And like I said, I'm heading to that. That conference, I'm going to be building out the episode schedule. So I just really want to thank you guys all for, for listening as I'm figuring this thing out as I'm growing. And I know I've said it a million times in, you know, the past five minutes, but I really want this to be sort of our community, our oasis in the chaos of the world. So please reach out with any ideas. You can get me on social media, you can get me on the websites contact form, at least for now. I'll be putting a backup but if the site is under construction, just don't, don't be alarmed. But I really hope that these episodes inspire you to get out and roam even in your own neighborhood. So please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes. And if you like what we're doing here, please leave a review and a rating. I'll talk to you soon. Have an amazing Holidays. Happy New Year and we'll talk to you soon. Keep roaming

In this episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, you join host Beth Schillaci as she shares her excitement for her upcoming trip to Walt Disney World during the holiday season. Beth discusses the festive atmosphere and magical experiences that await visitors in each park, from the Jingle Cruise in Magic Kingdom to the holiday storytellers in Epcot and the Mary Menagerie in Animal Kingdom. She also highlights the unique decorations and entertainment at the resort hotels and Disney Springs, providing options for experiencing the holiday magic without park admission. Beth's genuine enthusiasm and insider knowledge make this episode a must-listen for Disney enthusiasts planning a holiday trip to Walt Disney World. So grab your Mickey ears and get ready to be enchanted by the joy and wonder of Disney's holiday festivities.

Beth, the host of The Roaming Yeti podcast, excitedly shares her upcoming trip planning for Universal Studios Orlando. As she reminisces about her last visit 24 years ago, she dives into the park’s history, tracing its origins back to the early 1980s when Universal Studios Florida was conceived to expand the brand outside of Hollywood. Beth's research reveals the park's opening attractions and how it has evolved over the years, including the significant addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She also discusses the various themed areas and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, providing insights into what she and her family look forward to experiencing.

Unlock the magic of animatronics - Lee Romaire's adventures in the space of animatronics reveal the enchanting possibilities this technology holds in theme parks and entertainment. Revolving around realistic creations and interactive characters, animatronics extend the scope of immersive visuals and tangible experiences, thus invoking awe and fascination in audiences. With artificial intelligence and untethered animatronics, a new era of dynamic, seamless, and intelligent animatronics is imminent, revolutionizing how we experience entertainment. Lee Romaire is the CEO of Romaire Studios and a true animatronics master. With a lifelong fascination for realistic creations, Lee's journey into the world of animatronics began in his small hometown in Louisiana. From taxidermy to special effects makeup, Lee's diverse background and passion for animatronics have shaped his career. As the leader of Romaire Studios, Lee works with a team to bring animatronic characters to life in theme parks and on screen. With a focus on attention to detail and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences, Lee's expertise in the field is unmatched. Website: https://www.romairestudios.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romairestudios Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RomaireStudios

Join me as we embark on a mouthwatering journey through time, exploring the fascinating history of road trip food. From hardtack and canned fruits to drive-in diners and social media discoveries, discover the evolution of flavors that have shaped our road trip experiences. In this episode, we will: Discover the fascinating history behind your favorite road trip foods and how they have evolved over time.Explore the impact of technology on road trip food and uncover innovative ways to enhance your dining experience on the go.Learn how food documentaries have influenced the way we approach road trip dining, inspiring us to seek out diverse and authentic culinary experiences.Uncover the role of social media in changing the landscape of road trip food, from finding hidden gems to discovering trending foodie destinations.Gain insights into the regional delicacies and must-try dishes that will take your road trip adventures to the next level

Beth Schillaci, the host of The Roaming Yeti podcast, is back with another spooky episode. In this installment, she delves into the haunted histories of hotels and ships in the United States. Beth's passion for adventure and history led her to uncover some chilling tales that will send shivers down your spine. From the famous Stanley Hotel in Colorado, known for its association with Stephen King's "The Shining," to the eerie Crescent Hotel in Arkansas, once a controversial cancer hospital, these locations are filled with ghostly encounters. Beth also takes us to the Jerome Grand Hotel in Arizona, where former patients and even a ghost cat make their presence known. And don't forget the USS Hornet, a museum ship in California, which has earned the nickname "The Great Ghost" due to its haunted reputation. Join Beth as she shares these spine-tingling stories and invites you to explore the dark side of history. Get ready for a hauntingly good time on The Roaming Yeti podcast. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the dark history and paranormal encounters at the iconic Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining."Explore the haunted secrets of the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and uncover the unsettling experiences reported by guests and staff.Dive into the chilling tales of paranormal activity on the USS Hornet museum ship, where visitors have encountered ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena.Uncover the ghostly encounters and eerie mysteries surrounding the legendary Queen Mary ocean liner, a ship with a rich history and a haunting reputation.Immerse yourself in the haunted stories and spine-tingling adventures that await in these haunted hotels and ships across the United States.

In this episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, I send my fearless Yeti, Addi, to explore some of the most haunted locations in the United States. Join me as I as I share Addi's bone-chilling experiences and findings at haunted places like the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, the Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana, the Winchester Mystery House in California, the Bell Witch Cave in Tennessee, and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia. Discover the eerie legends, paranormal phenomena, and ghostly encounters that make these locations a must-visit for any paranormal enthusiast or ghost hunter. So, grab your headphones and get ready for a hauntingly good time with The Roaming Yeti podcast. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the chilling history and paranormal activity of Eastern State Penitentiary, a haunted prison in Philadelphia, that will send shivers down your spine.Uncover the mysteries and encounters at Myrtles Plantation, a haunted plantation in Louisiana, including the eerie presence of a ghost named Chloe.Explore the haunting secrets of the Winchester Mystery House, a bizarre mansion in California designed to trap spirits, that will leave you questioning reality.Dive into the dark legends and spine-tingling tales of Bell Witch Cave, a haunted cave in Tennessee, where the notorious witch's presence still lingers.

In this episode, join me as I take you on our exciting journey of attending Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. I share our experience and insights, providing valuable tips and recommendations for making the most of this spooktacular event. We cover it all, from character meet and greets to exclusive food options, parades, fireworks, trick-or-treating, and shorter ride wait times. I even drop a pro tip about starting your night out at the Contemporary Resort and offer advice on prioritizing activities to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're a Disney enthusiast or a Halloween lover, this episode is a must-listen. Grab your favorite Halloween costume, tune in, and get ready for a frightfully fun adventure at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! In this episode, we will: Discover the exclusive and spooktacular food options available only at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!Meet your favorite Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes and create magical memories.Immerse yourself in the enchanting experience of trick-or-treating and collect treats throughout the park.Get insider tips on attending and prioritizing activities at the party to make the most of your time.Explore the unique and limited-time entertainment offerings, shows, and parades that will leave you in awe.

During my episode with Steve about his road trip adventures, my intrigue for roadside attractions skyrocketed. These kitschy landmarks, found sprinkled along America's highways, had always been curiosities to me. I realized that these attractions were not just random oddities - they were pieces of history, each with a unique story of creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural significance. My fascination for these attractions turned into an appreciation for the local artistry and the spirit of adventure they embodied. From the colossal Paul Bunyan to the world's largest ketchup bottle, each attraction seemed to symbolize America's cultural tapestry in its distinctive way. I discovered how roadside attractions not just added a sense of whimsy to a road trip but also served as a testament to American optimism - a belief that anything was possible., In this episode, we will: We'll take a thrilling trip back to the early 20th century and uncover the spirit of adventure that sparked the creation of these roadside wonders.Discover how the rise of the automobile transformed the American landscape, leading to the emergence of eye-catching attractions along the highways.Immerse yourself in the golden age of roadside attractions, where we'll showcase beloved classics like the Wigwam Motels and nostalgic diners that continue to enchant travelers.Learn about the resurgence of roadside attractions, inspired by counterculture movements and artistic expressions like the famous Muffler Men statues.Finally, we'll explore how roadside attractions have adapted to the digital age, blending nostalgia with modern cultural influences and embracing the impact of social media.

In this week's episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, I dive into our recent visit to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. I share my personal experiences, recommendations, and tips for attendees. Don't miss out on this episode if you're a food and wine enthusiast planning to attend the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Subscribe to the podcast now and be a part of the conversation! In this episode, we will: Navigate the food paradise that is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, learning about its culinary highlights.Delve into the history of the festival.Get the scoop on the most sought-after food booths, plus recommendations on dishes worth your taste buds' attention.Embark on the adventure of the festival's scavenger hunt and exotic cheese crawl, capturing the heart and soul of the event.Receive smart advice and insider thoughts on how to make the most of your festival experience, prioritizing fun and flavor.

Welcome to the Roaming Yeti Podcast, where we share travel stories full of nostalgia, interesting locations, and the tales behind those locations. I am your Host and Head Yeti, Beth Schillaci. In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of cross-country road trips with my guest, Steve McCready. Steve shares his personal experience of a baseball-themed road trip that he took with his father back in 1992. Steve's journey taught him valuable lessons about planning, independence, and the appreciation of diverse parts of the country. Building on his past experience as a psychotherapist and his extensive study of the human brain, personal growth, and personal performance, Steve McCready is a coach who helps solo and small-business owners make a bigger impact in the world. Learn more about him at stevemccready.com. Are you ready to hit the road? Let’s Roam.