WDW Prep To Go - a Disney World planning podcast
 

The time it takes to plan a Disney World trip is often a surprise to many first-timers. It is a more than a little strange to have to think about what you're going to eat 6+ months ahead of time.

Today, I have an ideal Disney World planning timeline and what to do if you're short on time.

I also have a quick tip to increase your chances of getting a FastPass+ to meet Anna and Elsa.

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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IDEAL TRIP PLANNING TIMELINE

SHORT-ON-TIME PLANNING TIMELINE

GRAPHIC AS A REFERENCE

Feel free to save or pin this graphic to use as a reference.

idealtimelinepinterestimage

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

People who are staying on-site and trying to get a FastPass+ to meet Anna and Elsa should log on at midnight eastern time (Updated May 19, 2016: it's now 7 a.m. eastern time) 60 days before their trip begins and book a FastPass+ for Anna and Elsa first, before booking the other days of your trip.

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Any thoughts or questions about the trip planning timeline? Feel free to leave those in the comments.

Direct download: episode49.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

 

Anytime a mainstream media source tries to give advice on how to plan a Disney World trip, I cringe because I know they are going to mess it up.

Today, I have 5 bits of bad advice that I've heard a lot and some good advice that you can use instead.

I also have a quick tip on choosing FastPass+ reservations based on how fun the line is.

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

5 PIECES OF BAD ADVICE

There's a lot of bad advice floating around but here are 5 things I often hear that aren't good:

  1. Choose the park you'll visit each day based on some arbitrary factor like which bus arrives first or the weather. I would suggest being more strategic about it and using the PDF of best/worst parks per day that are posted on the monthly dashboards.
  2. Save money on park tickets by purchasing from a ticket broker. Deep discounts on park tickets are hard to find so be leery of these operations which are selling used tickets which may not work and could get you in trouble.
  3. Park at Downtown Disney to avoid parking fees. There are not direct buses between Downtown Disney and the parks so park in the parking lot where you'll be spending the day instead of spending 90 minutes getting to and from to save a few dollars.
  4. Wing it in the parks. Not a good idea to go into the parks without a plan. I suggest being structured from park opening through lunch and then being spontaneous the rest of the day. My touring plans are set up with that in mind.
  5. Yell "Andy is coming" to make the Toy Story characters drop. No, this is too dangerous for the characters and won't actually work.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

Many people ask me if they should avoid choosing FastPass+ for rides that have good queues. I don't generally suggest that as a good strategy but you might consider doing that for Haunted Mansion (which has a separate line you can enter to explore the interactive elements) or Dumbo (which has an indoor play area for kids to enjoy while they wait).

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

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

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What other bad advice have you heard? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Direct download: episode48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

 

Disney World varies a lot by month in terms of crowds, temperatures and special events so today, I've got info about every month of the year to help you decide when to go.

I also have a quick tip on the best source for accurate info from Disney.

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

MONTHLY DASHBOARDS

The info I discussed in this episode is included on the monthly dashboards. Click on the link for the month that you're interested in to get more info and sign up for the email alerts.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

Not all sources of Disney info are fantastic. The online Disney World chat gives incorrect info frequently, the Cast Members on the phone are hit or miss but the best source is the Disney Parks Moms Panel which usually gets it right.

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

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

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Do you have any questions or additional thoughts on traveling each month? Feel free to leave it in the comments.

Direct download: episode47-1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

 

Today is another interview with a first-time Disney World visitor named Jen who just returned from a 10 day trip to Disney World that was full of firsts for her family.

Hear what she planned, how she fit in a trip to the beach, what her husband said when he realized how much planning she'd done and see if her plans had to change once she got there.

I also have a quick tip of the day about choosing restaurants during 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.

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

INTERVIEW WITH JEN

Jen discusses her post-Memorial Day trip with her family where they stayed at Port Orleans Riverside in a Preferred Room.

Jen mentioned planning to watch a movie at her resort. Check the recreation schedule at your resort if you'd like to do that on your trip.

QUICK TIP OF THE DAY

When choosing where to eat, definitely consider eating at your Disney resort, especially if you're staying at a Deluxe or Moderate Resort.

SUBSCRIBE TO GET NEW EPISODES

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

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

Do you have any questions or additional thoughts on Jen's trip or planning your own trip? Feel free to leave it in the comments.

Direct download: episode46.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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