There are lots of apps to choose from and today, I've got a list of some good ones that cover everything from weather to finances to dining at Disney World.

This show also includes my very first guest on the podcast - Stephanie of CapturingMagic.meand the Capturing Magic podcast.

At the end, I've also got a quick tip on helping your kids prep for your trip.

These are notes from this episode. There's much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.

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FAVORITE APPS

The apps mentioned on this episode:

• RainAware - keep track of real-time weather conditions, iOS, $3.99
• Rain Alarm - silent alarm when rain is predicted, iOS and Android, free
• MyRadar - app showing current radar, iOS/Android/Windows, free
• Transportation Wizard - helps navigate around Disney World, iOS/Android, $2.99
• iCheckBal - keep track of expenses during your trip, iOS, $0.99
• Coin Presses - helps find coin press machines at Disney World, iOS, $0.99
• Capturing Magic - plan and capture photos during your trip, iOS, $3.99
• My Disney Experience - provides lots of info and functionality, including the ability to book dining and FastPass+ reservations, iOS/Android, free
• Disney World Magic Guide - lots of features, including a snack finder, iOS, $4.99

RECOMMENDED BATTERY CHARGER

Amazon's powerful, affordable external battery charger

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

To help your kids prep for a trip, watch videos of Disney World attractions on YouTube. I've included them in all of my park guides and you can also search YouTube for whatever ride you're interested in.

Another option is to get the Birnbaum's for Kids book which has pics and ratings for things like how scary the rides are.

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Trying to decide if you want to book your trip on your own or use an agent?

I've got a list of pros/cons of using an agent + some tips to help you find a good one.

I've also got a quick tip for families who want multiple beds so the kids don't have to share a bed in their Disney resort room.

These are notes from this episode. There's much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.

BECOME A WDW PREP TO GO PATRON

WDW Prep To Go Patrons pay a little to unlock even more content than what’s on the main podcast feed, such as a private FB Group and exclusive audio that’s released on a private podcast feed.
 
Become a Patron Now

PROS AND CONS OF USING AN AGENT

People interested in using a Disney travel agent should look at agencies that are authorized Disney Vacation Planner designated. The logo below will appear on the websites of those agencies.

Pros of using a Disney travel agent

• Knowledge. Disney agents have to complete training and most have been on many trips.
• Free to use. Agents are paid a commission by Disney at no additional cost to you.
• Can save you money. Agents know about current promotions and can apply them to your reservation, reducing the cost of your package.
• Agents book dining and special event reservations. Don't want to wake up early 180 days in advance to make reservations? You can let the agents do that for you.

Cons of using a Disney travel agent

• Giving up control. Trusting somebody else with your travel arrangements can be hard for some people.
• Changes go through the agent. You can't make changes to your package by going through Disney. You have to go through your agent.
• Agents have to use Disney systems. Agents can book packages through Disney's systems but can't help you to rent DVC points or get many types of reduced-priced tickets.

SOME TIPS

• Don't use a general agent. General agents almost never know enough about Disney World. If you're a AAA member, use AAA for discounts and not as a source of Disney World knowledge.
• My recommended agent. The agent I recommend is named Cheryl and you can fill out the request a quote form which will be sent right to her or one of her trusted associates.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

Families who want to book a room that will allow their kids to sleep in separate beds at Disney World have these options:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge rooms with bunk beds. You'll need to request this on your reservation.
• Art of Animation and All-Star Music suites have 3 sleeping areas including a Master bedroom, pull-out couch and Murphy-style bed.
• Ft. Wilderness Cabins accommodate up to 6 people and have a double bed, bunk beds and a Murphy bed.
• Port Orleans Riverside rooms in the Alligator Bayou section have a trundle that can fit a child up to 10 years old or so.
• Most Deluxe rooms have a daybed in addition to the 2 Queen beds.

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep To Go.

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Lots of people plan their Disney World trips around celebrating a special event.

Today, I've got tips for extra things you can do for those special occasions, including some free options and some that are expensive but highly customizable.

I've also got a quick tip on how I suggest booking those hard-to-get reservations so that you have the best chance of getting them.

These are notes from this episode. There's much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for more information.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE AT DISNEY WORLD

Here are some ideas for ways to acknowledge your special occasion:

• Get free buttons. There are free buttons available for many occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, 1st visit, etc.) available at Disney resorts and guest services in the theme parks. You can also make your own using my templatesfor special occasions that aren't covered with the buttons Disney provides.
• Note your occasion on all dining reservations. Make sure your special event is noted on every dining reservation and tell the Cast Member when you check in as well. Many restaurants do special things like give you autographed cards and/or special birthday desserts, though it's not guaranteed.
• Order a cake. For a more predictable dessert, you can have a custom cake prepared. This is available at most Table Service restaurants. You have the choice of lots of flavors, sizes, themes and occasions. Please see the DisneyFoodBlog.com cake ordering FAQ for all of the details.
• Order something from DisneyFlorist.com. This is the only company that can deliver to your resort room. They can do everything from gift baskets to decorating the whole room.
• Plan a special event with GiftsofaLifetime.com. You can have something special delivered to someone at an attraction, have them plan a scavenger hunt, etc. Anything you can imagine, they can help you pull off.
• Buy Mickey ears. You can buy Mickey ears themed for birthdays, bride/groom, special characters, etc. Getting them at The Chapeau at Magic Kingdom is usually the best option. Monogramming is available.
• Get a child's first haircut. At Harmony Barbershop in Magic Kingdom, there's a package for a child getting their first haircut. The package is $18 and includes a certificate, pouch of your child's hair and Mickey ears. You can book that by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
• Book a cruise. Illuminations and Wishes cruises are pontoon boats for up to 10 people that take you on a boat ride and then you watch the fireworks show from the boat. These cruises cost $346 and you can add birthday decorations for an additional $25. I recommend booking these 180 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
• Book the Her Royal Highness Package. This package is available at Cinderella's Royal Table and includes a princess balloon, tiara, birthday cake (Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Tiana or Cinderella). It costs $112 on top of your meal and the contents of the package can be revised if needed. Book by calling 407-824-4477 or email wdw.crt.special.events@disney.com. You'll need to book at least 7 days before you will be there.
• Have a birthday party. Goofy's Candy Company in Downtown Disney has 1.5 hour parties you can book for up to 12 people ages 3-12. You can choose between princess and science themes and the cost is $367 ($25 extra per person over 12, up to 15 people total). The party includes a treat, build-a-cup, glow accessories, autographed pics, games, balloon, invitations, thank you notes, and a gumball machine or glass slipper. You can book by calling 407-WDW-BDAY.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

I recommend booking your reservations online 180 days before your trip begins because the website is available 1 hour earlier than the phone lines (the website is available at 6 a.m. vs. 7 a.m. for the phones).

I recommend having your DisneyWorld.com account setup before this day and have your credit card handy for those reservations that require it. I would also suggest having the phone number on hand (407-WDW-DINE) in case the website is having technical issues.

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Disney World provides free transportation to get between the theme parks, resorts and Downtown Disney but...

...how do you put it all together and figure out the best way to get between places during your trip?

I've got tips on how to do that plus a quick tip that will help you keep your pants dry.

These are notes from this episode. There's much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.

BECOME A WDW PREP TO GO PATRON

WDW Prep To Go Patrons pay a little to unlock even more content than what’s on the main podcast feed, such as a private FB Group and exclusive audio that’s released on a private podcast feed.
 
Become a Patron Now

DISNEY WORLD TRANSPORTATION

One of my biggest mistakes on our first Disney World trip was not understanding how to navigate with Disney World transportation.

• There are 3 main forms of Disney World transportation - buses, monorail and ferries
• People staying in a Value Resort, Moderate Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge and a couple of DVC resorts will be using buses to get anywhere from their resort (Port Orleans resorts can take a boat to Downtown Disney)
• Pop Century, Art of Animation and Animal Kingdom Lodge have their own buses and don't share with other resorts
• People staying at Deluxe Resorts use a combo of buses, ferries, monorail and walking
• Downtown Disney does not have buses directly to the theme parks (although there's currently a test until the end of October 2013 for a bus that goes directly between Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney starting at 3 p.m. daily)
• Downtown Disney and all theme parks have buses to all resorts
• To get between resorts, you need to figure out the connection point that you'll use (theme parks and Downtown Disney serve as connection points). The map below (click to make it bigger) can help you figure out the best connection point.

Special transportation situations:

• When traveling to Ft. Wilderness, you will need to take the internal buses there to get where you're going so plan for that added layer of transportation that doesn't exist at other resorts.
• For early character dining reservations, character dining buses begin running around 6:30 or 7 a.m., even though Disney says that their buses begin 1 hour before the parks open.

OTHER FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION

There are a couple of ways to travel that are an additional cost for your trip but can be really convenient.

• Rental cars - can get these at the Orlando airport or at the WDW Car Care Center on-site.
• Taxis - recommended for early reservations (especially when traveling between resorts) and after nighttime shows. Use the taxi fare estimator to estimate the cost.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

Take a towel from your hotel room and pack it in your backpack. Use it to wipe off wet seats, save a spot for a parade, provide shade to a little one in a stroller or whatever other reason you find.

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep To Go.

• Subscribe in iTunes (and please leave a review!)
• Subscribe to the feed
• Listen on Stitcher