This is the 100th episode of the WDW Prep To Go podcast, and we're celebrating it with a whole episode full of quick tips about dining, touring, traveling with young children, and more.

I also have recent news to share with you, including some recently announced promotions and new things coming.

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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Dining quick tips

• Purchase snacks ahead of time and group them in Ziploc bags for each day of your trip. Each night, put a new bag into your park bag. -Kacie from Indiana
• Split Quick Service meals so you won't be lethargic after meals, to allow yourself a break in the air conditioning, and to give yourself a chance to try more restaurants. -Lynsey from Tennessee
• Use snack credits for Starbucks drinks. Adding extra syrups and espresso shots is included and can make a snack credit worth $8-9. -Walker from Alabama
• Bring rubber bands or Ziplocs to store/close unfinished bags of snacks. -Selena from Ohio
• Bring cereal supplies from home and grab a milk from the food court or gift shop for a quick breakfast. You might also pack sandwich thins and sandwich toppings for an inexpensive meal. -Colleen from Illinois
• Make separate dining reservations if you can't find one for your entire group. -Tim from Pennsylvania
• Call The Boathouse directly (407-939-2628) if you're having trouble finding reservations in the Disney Dining system or on OpenTable. -Tarryn
• If you need to cancel a dining reservation, you can reschedule it for 2 days later so you can cancel it without a penalty. -Emily
• Consider going to Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort on your Magic Kingdom day for good food and atmosphere that's only a monorail stop away. -Nathan

Touring quick tips

• When making bonus FastPass+ reservations, book whatever is available and then you can go into your My Disney Experience app to modify it later. -Kelly from Ohio
• The third row of Soarin' does not have extra motion like the first two rows, making it a good option for people prone to motion sickness. -Brittany
• Don't be nervous when meeting characters. Just relax and have fun. -Dustin, The Character Queen

Quick tips for families with young children

• Make sure to identify your stroller in a unique way since so many strollers look the same. Also, Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic Dinner Package lunch allows young kids to interact with some of their favorite characters, eat lunch, and get good Fantasmic seating. -Rachel
• Always leave mid-day from around 1-5 to give everyone a break and be sure not to overdue it on activities like swimming. -Casey from DLRPrepSchool.com
• Since there are two stroller-rental locations at Epcot, you could use one of them mid-day after your child gets tired of walking. -Stephanie from North Carolina
• Baby wearing infants during your trip can be convenient, but consider alternating between carriers, using moleskin, applying anti-chafing gel, sharing baby wearing duties with somebody else, taking advantage of your resort's hot tub, using Bengay for sore muscles, and make sure you're physically prepared. Check your local baby wearing group where you might be able to borrow or rent a carrier. Make sure your baby is protected from the sun while baby wearing. -Kacie from Indiana
• Little ones who are under 3-years-old can't have appointments at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique but you can ask the Fairy Godmother for magic dust to sprinkle on their hair. -Rachel
• Have snacks ready to help prevent meltdowns. -Christy from Mom Approved Costumes
• Renting strollers from a company like Kingdom Strollers can be really convenient. -Cara from Georgia (Check out my stroller rental comparison for more info on the companies that offer rentals.)

Miscellaneous quick tips

• People traveling from Canada might consider flying from a U.S. city, or getting a U.S. credit card to save money. -Amy from Canada
• Purchasing Disney gift cards from Sam's Club can save money since they sell for less than their value. You can also purchase them with a Disney Visa for additional Disney Rewards. -Kim from Louisiana
• If it's raining while you're in the parks, don't be afraid to still get pics taken. -Buffi from Michigan
• When driving to a park mid-day, have the driver drop off passengers at the front and they may be able to spot a parking spot near the front that was previously taken by somebody who's already left for the day. -Clare from Australia
• If you have trading pins at home after your trip, you could display them on a blank canvas that you've painted. -Marcy from New Mexico
• Visit the shops during the first hour the parks are open for lighter crowds or use the shops as a nice air-conditioned break in the afternoon. -Bryan from Tennessee
• Pack a few Shout Color Catchers to combine laundry into one load. -Bronwyn

Final quick tips

• Use your local library for books and CDs to help your family get acquainted with the movies and music from the parks. -Adrianna from Washington
• Watch See Ya Reel Soon on YouTube for family-friendly Disney videos. -Sharon
• Before leaving for a trip, freeze some meals, buy some groceries, and put clean sheets on the beds to make it easier to return home. -Heather, WDW Prep assistant
• Planning is important, but the things you will likely remember most are the things you didn't plan, so allow time for the unexpected. -Cheryl, Key to the World Travel

News

• Appetizers are now part of Fantasmic Dinner Packages. Get my Fantasmic tips and tricks for more info.
• Fall promotions have been released. Get the details on that.
• Colortopia is coming to Innoventions East at Epcot in late fall.
• Osborne Lights are returning to Hollywood Studios November 6-January 3.
• To have breakfast with me at Epcot, email events@keytotheworldtravel.com for info and to reserve your spot.
• My Disney Experience updates were made recently, including Touch ID for iOS devices and the ability to decline new MagicBands. Check out the complete list of recent MDE changes for more info.

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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)

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Today I have info on my ideal Epcot day, including how to tour and where to eat.

I also have a quick tip on the best way to book one type of dining reservation and recent news.

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

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.

My ideal Epcot day

• Start by arriving about 40 minutes before the park opens. Epcot often opens 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Spend the first hour going to Test Track, Sum of All Thrills, and Mission: Space. Then spend the next hour touring The Seas (including Turtle Talk with Crush) and then The Land. See my Epcot touring plans for details.
• Use a FastPass+ for Soarin' and have lunch at Sunshine Season (located in The Land) or a good Quick Service in the World Showcase like the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. See the pros and cons of all Epcot restaurants for more info.
• After lunch, I like to do Figment, Club Cool, Ellen's Energy Adventure, and use FP+ for Spaceship Earth.
• I like to do the World Showcase in the evening since it's so hot in the afternoon, but people who want to visit the characters and see the World Showcase entertainment will need to visit in the afternoon. Check wdwent.com for times.
• There are lots of great Table Service restaurants in the World Showcase that make good dinner spots. My personal favorites are Biergarten, Le Cellier, Marrakesh, and Rose & Crown Pub.
• End the day with Illuminations. See my viewing tips for the best place to position yourself for these.

News

• A new Frozen-themed Boutique is coming to Hollywood Studios. See this Disney Parks Blog post for more (be sure to check the comment section for info on the Olaf option).
• There appears to be a new holiday dining option coming to Hollywood and Vine. It hasn't been announced by Disney but has randomly appeared in the My Disney Experience app at times. It will apparently be called Minnie's Holiday & Dine Dinner and will have a Fantasmic Dinner Package option as well. According to a couple of sources I've consulted, this meal will be available from November 7 - January 3 and feature Minnie, Mickey, Donald and Santa Goofy. The official announcement should come soon and reservations will open up shortly after.

Quick tip of the day

If you are planning to book a meal that requires pre-payment (Cinderella's Royal Table, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, Mickey's Backyard BBQ, and Spirit of Aloha), use the website to book online. If you use the app, you'll likely be prompted to call instead.

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

I always tend to do days at Magic Kingdom pretty much the same way to avoid lines and make sure to fit in all of the attractions there.

Today, I have tips on how to do that for your trip.

I also have news and a tip for parents of little ones.

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

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.

My ideal Magic Kingdom day

• Start with an early breakfast reservation before the park opens or by arriving about 40 minutes before the park opens to see the opening show
• Start touring in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland, and then move on to Frontierland or Adventureland. See my Magic Kingdom touring plans for details.
• Lunch at Columbia Harbour House (Quick Service) and Liberty Tree Tavern (Table Service) are the most enjoyable to me. See the pros and cons of all Magic Kingdom restaurants for more info.
• After lunch, I like to use FastPass+ reservations and see shows.
• For an afternoon snack, I'd recommend a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle or an ice cream treat at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.
• Watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade from the train station at the front of the park, and then exit the park or take the train to another part of the park.
• End the day with the Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes fireworks. See my viewing tips for the best place to position yourself for these.

News

• Wilderness Lodge is going to have construction from October 26, 2015 through the end of 2017. The Hidden Springs leisure pool, resort beach, playground, fire pit, nature trail, boat and bike rentals, and spa treatments will be unavailable during that time. The main feature pool will remain open.
• Candlelight Processional packages are now available to book. See my holiday information for details on that.
• Check out Disney Food Blog's overview of the Disney Dining Plan changes for more info on that.
• February 2016 park hours are now on the February dashboard and updates to the August park hours are on the August dashboard.
• Check out the Humans of Disney Facebook Page.
• First-timer interviews will be back on the podcast this fall.

Quick tip of the day

The auto-flush toilets often scare little ones at Disney World, so use the manual flush ones in the Baby Care Centers, or plan to cover the sensors on the toilets with your hand, a Post-it Note, or a sticker.

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

Did you know that 70% of people drive to Disney World? Today I have road trip tips to make the drive go more smoothly.

I also have recent news and a quick tip to allow you to enjoy a piece of Disney World at home.

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

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.

Road trip tips

Some ideas to make road trips go more smoothly:

• Play games - take trivia cards, book of questions (or 1 of many question apps), play the alphabet game, do Mad Libs
• Make a road trip playlist and take turns being in charge of the auxiliary cord
• Plan stops along the way using apps/websites like Roadside America (available for iOS) or Roadtrippers (available for iOS and Android)
• Make the car homey by bringing trash bags, pillows, and snacks
• Use the Waze app (available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone) to check for traffic issues (and passengers can stay entertained by recording things in the app along the way to accrue points)
• Plan for the nighttime hours with book lights, glow sticks, etc.
• Bring DVDs of old sitcoms younger people may have recently started watching
• Encourage good behavior for kids by using clips that can lead to treats at rest stops or gifts that you've brought with you

News

• DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney is closing in early 2016.
• July 30 is rumored to be the date that premium events for Food and Wine Festival will be open to book.
• Magic of Animation building at Hollywood Studios is closing on July 12.
• A temporary Frozen boutique is coming to Hollywood Studios in mid-July and will be there through September 7.

Quick tip of the day

Although Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios is closing, you can learn to draw characters at home using YouTube videos that are hosted by Animation Academy artists.

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