You've got most everything paid for on your Disney World trip, but who will you need to tip? And what things will you need to pay with cash?

I've got info on that today, plus lots of news and a quick tip of the day.

Want even more information on tipping? You can find that in our When to Tip at Disney World blog post.

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.

Call in your quick tip of the day

To prepare for the 100th episode, I'd love to have you call in your own quick tip of the day at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

Things that require tipping or cash

Luggage
Almost anytime somebody handles your luggage, you should tip $1-2/bag for their help. That includes curbside check-in at the airport, Magical Express Cast Members who load your bags on and off the bus, and when bell services helps you at your resort.

If you do not pick up your own bags at the airport and allow Disney to deliver them to your resort, tipping isn't required because you likely won't see the people delivering your bags.

Dining
It's customary to tip 18-20% at all Table Service restaurants (if you're on the Disney Dining Plan, be sure to tip based on the amount you would've paid). For parties of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity will automatically be included. Gratuity is also included with the price at Cinderella's Royal Table, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, Spirit of Aloha Luau, and Mickey's Backyard BBQ.

Tipping can be paid with cash, credit card, or by charging to your MagicBand. That includes people on the Disney Dining Plan who can pay for their food with credits but use another payment method for handling tips.

Other services
You can also expect to tip for salon services, $1/person per day for Mousekeeping (use my cute envelopes if you'd like), valet ($2-5), and boat drivers. Most other Cast Members can't accept tips, but you can feel free to give them thank-you notes and stop by guest relations to leave a compliment there.

I didn't mention this in the podcast, but you can choose to tip at places that provide salon-style services such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Harmony Barber Shop, and Pirate's League as well if you'd like.

News

• 2016 packages were released and some changes were made to the offers. Check out this overview for a complete list of the changes. For people traveling in 2015, check out this list of everything that's included.
• 2016 Disney Dining Plan prices have changed. See the list of prices here.
• Many restaurants aren't shown as being on the list for 2016 Disney Dining Plan, but they should be added by the end of the year.
• Mears has an app for calling taxis at Disney World (available for iOS and Android).
• Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach refurbishments have been announced and are on the monthly dashboards.
• Selfie sticks have been completely banned at both Disney World and Disneyland.
• Military discounts have been extended through December.
• Captain EO will return to Epcot on July 19.

Quick tip of the day

Disney now has a GIF app to allow you to include Disney GIFs in your messages.

Have a quick tip of your own? Call it in at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo

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While Disney World trips aren't very cheap, there are some good deals to be had and I have 5 of my favorite best-bang-for-the-buck ideas today.

I also have recent news and a quick tip to help you find a parade viewing spot that will allow you to easily navigate after the parade.

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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5 best deals at Disney World

• Fantasmic Dinner package for lunch at Hollywood and Vine (get more Fantasmic tips and tricks)
• Be Our Guest breakfast (especially before park opening)
• Memory Maker (get more Memory Maker info)
• Preferred Rooms at All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century, Port Orleans Riverside, and Coronado Springs Resort
• Ubers or taxis (use code "shannona9" in the Uber app to get a free ride worth up to $20)

News

• Be Our Guest breakfast reservations are now open through October 3. Sign up for monthly dashboard email alerts to be notified when this gets extended again.
• Watch faces for MagicBands can now be purchased at Disney World for $18 (here's a pic). You may consider using this DIY tutorial to create your own.
• Hold times for Disney World rooms (available when you use a travel agent or book by calling Disney World) have been decreased from 7 days to 3 days.
• The Frozen Sing-Along at Hollywood Studios has moved into a new theater (the location where American Idol Experience used to be) and now features projections on the walls, much like the Disneyland show has had. See the full show here.
• We are fast approaching the 100th episode which I want to be full of your tips. To leave your own, go here and use your computer or the SpeakPipe app on your phone to leave a message (please include first name and location).

Quick tip of the day

If you're interested in watching the Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom, I suggest watching from the train station at the front of the park to give yourself the best view, coverage from the sun, and the option to either leave the park or take a train to another part of the park afterward.

Have a quick tip of your own? Call it in at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo

Subscribe to get new episodes

There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep To Go (if you're used to listening on the website, subscribe so you can take new episodes with you on your phone)

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

As you're planning your Disney World trip, it can be difficult to figure out what to do on your arrival and departure days.

Today, I have some ideas for you on that.

I also have a quick tip that you might be able to put to use on your next flight.

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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Arrival and departure day ideas

• I usually suggest starting and ending trips with a bang, but I don't want you to stress yourself out in the process
• For people w/longer trips, you might choose to do very little on arrival and departure days. Consider swimming and exploring your resort. Check out the scavenger hunt books my sister-in-law made on 1 of our trips.
  

• For shorter trips, you might want to squeeze in some park time on arrival or departure days. Just keep in mind that Magical Express won't take you to the parks from the airport, many people who booked packages will need to check in at the resort before going to the parks, and that you can try to reschedule any FastPass+ reservations that you miss
• Character meals are 1 of our favorite ways to begin and end a trip, but I'd suggest that you try to do ones that are convenient to you and/or explore non-Disney transportation options such as taxis or Uber to reduce the amount of time it takes
• Downtown Disney might be a good fit on departure day, particularly for souvenir shopping
• Hear more about my departure day routine in episode 80

News

• 2016 Disney World packages will be available to book on June 22
• Details about the "Frozen Ever After" ride that's coming to Epcot in spring 2016 were released in a Wall Street Journal article
• The monthly dashboards now include a "save as PDF" option for the calendars.
• The 100th episode of the podcast is coming up. Submit your very own quick tip here (be sure to include your name and location).

Quick tip of the day

Use a Ziploc to prop up your phone on flights by using the tray clasp to hold it up. See this Instagram pic for how it works.

A photo posted by Shannon Albert (@wdwprepschool) on May 18, 2015 at 11:23am PDT

Have a quick tip of your own? Call it in at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo

Subscribe to get new episodes

There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep To Go (if you're used to listening on the website, subscribe so you can take new episodes with you on your phone)

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

Our family just returned from a 5-day trip to California where we enjoyed a couple of days at Disneyland and visits to nearby cities.

I have info on how to do that, plus some recent news and a quick tip on navigating easily.

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

Our California trip

We loved our time in California visiting both Disneyland and nearby cities. Some notes about visiting Disneyland:

• The DLRPrepSchool.com site is the best place to research and plan
• Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days ahead (though the park hours are often not available then)
• 1 day in each park is probably enough for Disney World veterans
• Easy to combine Disneyland with nearby locations. Our family liked doing a park day, followed by visiting a nearby location (such as Hollywood and San Diego) to balance sleep and driving time
• Staying off-site is much easier at Disneyland since there are so many locations that are affordable and within walking distance
• The weather is so, so mild compared to Florida and a sweater/jacket is often required for mornings and evenings
• There are very few FastPass opportunities at Disneyland but many more single rider options
• Unique things like Cars Land, World of Color (watch my video of the last few minutes), and the new Paint the Night parade and Disneyland fireworks are worth a visit by themselves
• Disneyland isn't as immersive as Disney World so you aren't in the "bubble" as much but there are many great things about it that make it fun but in a different way

News

• Starbucks is opening at Animal Kingdom on June 18
• The "Frozen Fever" movie short will be showing at Hollywood Studios from June 17 - September 7
• Disney Dining Plan credits can now be used in more ways
• I'm hosting a private breakfast at Epcot on November 6. Email events@keytotheworldtravel.com to reserve your spot.

Quick tip of the day

I've used Uber about 10 times in the last month at both Disney World and Disneyland. Use my code ("shannona9") to get a free ride of up to $20.

Have a quick tip of your own? Call it in at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo

Subscribe to get new episodes

There are a few ways to get new episodes of WDW Prep To Go (if you're used to listening on the website, subscribe so you can take new episodes with you on your phone)

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