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April 2014
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Syndication

Sat, 26 April 2014
HOW THE NEW FASTPASS+ CHANGES AFFECT YOU – PREP036
 

Disney has done it again: they've changed the rules on the FastPass+ system.

Today, I have info for you on how they will affect your plans, which FastPass+ reservations I suggest prioritizing and advice for people who want to park hop.

I also have a quick tip of the day about how to make it easier to make FastPass+ reservations when you're traveling with a group.

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

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FASTPASS+ CHANGES

  • New changes include being able to get more than 3 FastPass+ reservations per day (extras must be obtained at kiosks, though it will eventually be incorporated into My Disney Experience), the option to park hop and have FastPass+ reservations in both parks and being able to use your bonus FastPass+ reservations at the same ride
  • Issues that could come up with these changes: you must use 3 FastPass+ reservations before getting any extras (and since some FastPass+ reservations are for nighttime fireworks and parades, you won't be using them until the end of the night), FastPass+ reservations will run out for some attractions
  • For people wanting to park hop, I'd suggest that Hollywood Studios is a good park to begin your day without any FastPass+ reservations, Animal Kingdom is a great park to do later in the day with pre-selected FastPass+ reservations, Epcot can be fairly easy as long as you get a FastPass+ for Soarin' and ride Test Track in the single rider line

ABOUT SEVEN DWARFS MINE TRAIN

  • Dedication for the media is April 28-May 2
  • Soft openings could begin over the next couple of weeks
  • Will have a height requirement of 38" and last for about 2 minutes
  • Unique features includes the animatronics (see video below) and the side-to-side swaying of the ride cars
     

  • There are many FastPass+ options at Magic Kingdom and I would use FastPass+ reservations for things that will take longer such as Enchanted Tales with Belle and Jungle Cruise

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

For people traveling to Disney World with others, I suggest connecting as friends within My Disney Experience so that things like FastPass+ reservations can be booked all at once.

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

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Questions about the FastPass+ changes or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Direct download: episode36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT
Fri, 18 April 2014
Q & A WITH A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT – PREP035
 

What's it like to work with a travel agent? Who do they think should use the Disney Dining Plan?

I have an interview today with my favorite agent, Cheryl Koren, where she gives her thoughts on that.

I also have a quick tip for on-site guests to make sure they get to make all of their dining reservations 180 days before their trip begins.

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

Q & A WITH CHERYL KOREN

Some things mentioned in this episode:

People who are looking for an agent can submit use the Request a Quote page on this site to fill out the form and the info is delivered right to Cheryl or one of her trusted associates.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

For people staying on-site who want to make dining reservations 180 days ahead of time for their whole trip, I recommend logging completely out of the Disney website and then logging back in to make sure the dates for your whole trip are available to you.

loggedintip

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

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

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Are you using an agent or planning it all yourself? Have questions about it? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

 
 
Direct download: episode35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT
Sat, 12 April 2014
HOW TO HAVE A LAID-BACK DISNEY WORLD TRIP – PREP034
 

Want to plan a trip that is partially or entirely laid back? It is possible and I have tips today on how to manage touring, dining and more with a laid-back approach.

I also have a quick tip on the right order to make dining reservations in.

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

A LAID-BACK DISNEY WORLD TRIP

  • When to go - avoid peak times surrounding U.S. holidays, lower crowd times are always going to make it easier to be laid back
  • Where to stay - choosing an Epcot-area resort or Magic Kingdom-area resort will make it easier to get to and from 1 or 2 of the parks
  • Make a daily plan - if you don't want to choose parks ahead of time, at least be sure to avoid parks with morning Extra Magic Hours and special events taking place
  • Making dining choices - to avoid having to make reservations ahead of time, rely on Quick Service restaurants and same-day Table Service reservations (many people cancel 24 hours ahead of time so new options will become available last minute)
  • Park touring
    • At Animal Kingdom, make FastPass+ reservations for Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris and 1 other ride (such as Kali River Rapids or DINOSAUR). You can ride Expedition Everest multiple times by making use of the single rider line.
    • At Epcot, be sure to get a FastPass+ reservation for Soarin' and ride Test Track in the single rider line
    • For Hollywood Studios, I'd suggest getting FastPass+ for Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terror and Star Tours, and then riding Rock 'n' Roller Coaster in the single rider line
    • Magic Kingdom is the toughest one so I'd suggest spending at least 2 days there, making use of evening Extra Magic Hours and/or attending the Halloween or Christmas parties (some parties will be busy but most won't) to enjoy the shortest lines

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

If you're getting online or calling 180 days in advance to make Advance Dining Reservations, make them in order of difficulty, not chronological order.

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

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

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Are you hoping for a laid-back trip? Do you have questions about how to implement some of these ideas? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Direct download: episode34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT
Sat, 5 April 2014
ANSWERS TO 5 QUESTIONS I GET ASKED A LOT – PREP033
 

There are some questions that seem to come up over and over again and today I'm discussing my answers to questions about things like when to book Disney World trips, how to get discounts, what things are worth it for most people + other questions that frequently come up.

I also have a quick tip of the day about how to get a good spot in a line that grows as soon as the parks open.

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. When should I book my trip? My advice is usually to book ASAP. Discounts can be applied later if/when they are released and you can make payments after making an initial deposit on your vacation package.
  2. How can I get Free Dining? Usually just offered in the fall. If/when it's announced, you should call ASAP to get the promotion. You might want to use a good Disney agent to make sure you get the discounts as soon as they are released.
  3. Is _____ worth it? Things that are worth it for most people: Preferred Rooms at Value and Moderate Resorts, Memory Maker, the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party and taking taxis.
  4. What age should I take my child to Disney World? For people that want to take 1 trip with their child, 8-years-old is my favorite age.
  5. When should I go to Disney World? - I have a chart of the best times to go that's a good reference.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

People who want to try to get in the line to sign up for Jedi Training Academy can get a jump start on the line by having an 8:00 a.m. breakfast reservation at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios.

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

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

*************************

Do you have questions about anything else that you'd like to ask? Feel free to post them in the comments.

Direct download: episode33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT
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