There are several special things you can be chosen for at Disney World like parades, shows and park openings.

Today, I've got an interview with somebody whose family has been chosen for all of those things. She shares her experiences and tips on getting picked for these special things that can bring a little extra magic to your trip.

I also have a quick tip that will let you know a shortcut to exiting one of the nighttime shows.

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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INTERVIEW WITH JODY WILLIAMS

Jody has a blog at http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com where she details the various experiences they've been chosen for.

In this episode, she discussed being part of the Animal Kingdom parade, opening 3 of the parks and being part of the Indiana Jones show at Hollywood Studios.

Jody also shared some of her tips for increasing your odds of being chosen which include wearing matching shirts, being willing to say yes to what Cast Member's ask (and without hesitation), arriving early and sometimes just a stroke of luck.

Here's a video showing the Cast Member named Barbara who Jody mentioned. She makes me happy to watch.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

When you enter the theater for the Fantasmic! show at Hollywood Studios, you come in from the top left part of the theater. When you exit, go out the top right of the theater which will take you right to the front of the park.

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Have you been picked for something special at Disney World? Or are you hoping to be chosen? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

After months of planning your Disney World trip, what should you be doing in the final days before you leave?

I get asked that question a lot so I have some tips on doing that which will allow you to kick off your trip as relaxed as possible.

I also have a quick tip about an easy way to make sure you always have cold water while you're at Disney World.

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.
 
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WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR TRIP

I think your goal should be to start your trip off as relaxed and unanxious as possible. Try to move into vacation mode so you're ready to have a fun trip.

Here are some suggestions for doing that:

• Pack a week ahead of time, using the Ultimate Disney World Packing List to help you remember everything you want to take with you
• Although most info is available digitally, print off all hotel, dining and FastPass+ reservation info
• Figure out if you want to buy snacks to take along or have them delivered through a service like GardenGrocer.com
• Finalize your touring plans so you're not worried about that during your trip
• Make a final To Do List of little things that still need to be done and don't wait until the last minute to do them
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. You never know if there will be busy traffic or long airport security lines. Consider using vacation travel bagsfor kids which can keep them busy once you arrive at the airport gate.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

Just about anywhere at Disney World (including small kiosks) will give you cups of ice for free. I like doing this as an alternative to carrying water bottles which can be heavy, especially if you need several bottles of water for your family.

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

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Do you have a pre-trip ritual or tips? I'd love to hear them in the comments.

Although I like most things at Disney World, there are a few things I don't like very much.

Today, I tell you about those 5 things which include resorts, rides and a restaurant.

I also have a quick tip of the day about something you should look for at Hollywood Studios. 

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

THE 5 THINGS I DON'T LIKE AT DISNEY WORLD

1. The All-Star Resorts (Music, Sports and Movies). If the goal is to stay at the most affordable location on-site, Pop Century is usually a better option since it has its own buses to the parks that don't share with other resorts.
2. Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom. This ride is just not fun to us and with the relatively high height requirement of 48" and the often long lines, it is just not worth it to me.
3. Animal Kingdom's afternoon Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. Compared to the parades at Magic Kingdom, this one is just boring, long, repetitive and usually uncomfortably hot.
4. Stitch's Great Escape at Magic Kingdom. This attraction which involves strapping you down and then burping on you is the most disliked attraction at Disney World (just read the Yelp reviews to see for yourself).
5. Dinner at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. Although lunch at Be Our Guest is my favorite Quick Service meal, I don't like dinner at Be Our Guest. It is the most difficult reservation to get and with inconsistent service and food plus the lack of character interaction at your table, I just don't think it's worth it.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

Look for the Singing in the Rain umbrella near the Lights, Motors, Action show at Hollywood Studios. If you stand on the pad underneath, it will usually make rain start to fall which makes for a fun photo op.

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

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So, what are you least favorite things at Disney World? Or are you heading out for your first trip and were surprised at some of the things I said?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

I recently had a chat with Kenny of KennythePirate.com and he shared lots of great info.

Kenny talks about how he became the character expert, his thoughts on FastPass+ and his top 5 favorite character experiences at Disney World.

I also have a quick tip about online check-in at Disney World resorts.