All about my recent Disney World trip, including my stay at All-Star Movies and visits to all 4 parks.

I also have a quick tip to help keep things safe in your hotel room, a fun company you might want to purchase things from before your trip, 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.

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Call in your non-Disney World questions

If you have a non-Disney World question about websites, podcasts, business, personal stuff, etc., please leave me a SpeakPipe message and I'll put them together for a show at the end of the year. You can do that by downloading the SpeakPipe app or using your computer at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

My recent trip report

In this episode, I share my thoughts on my recent stay at All-Star Movies, Magical Express, and all 4 parks. Check out Disney Food Blog's Food and Wine Festival info to help plan your time there.

News

• February Fantasmic Dining Packages are now available.
• Jedi Training at Hollywood Studios is closing after October 4 and will reopen later this year.
• Kali River Rapids won't be an Extra Magic Hour attraction as of October 2 but will return as an EMH attraction seasonally.
• Downtown Disney is officially being called Disney Springs as of September 29.

Featured company

Today's featured company is Parkbound Buttons who sells buttons in the same style as Disney but with cute/funny sayings on them.

Quick tip of the day

Use the "privacy please" sign on your door throughout your stay if you're worried about having things taken and the safe in the room isn't large enough to accommodate your items.

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!)
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How do you solve a problem like Hollywood Studios? While the changes taking place there will be exciting in a few years, it's hard to know what to do in the meantime.

I have advice on how you might want to handle it. I also have news, a featured company that will help you save money on Deluxe Resorts, and a quick tip on which Deluxe Resorts you might pick.

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 non-Disney World questions

If you have a non-Disney World question about websites, podcasts, business, personal stuff, etc., please leave me a SpeakPipe message and I'll put them together for a show at the end of the year. You can do that by downloading the SpeakPipe app or using your computer at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

Planning for Hollywood Studios

• Recent closures (or closure announcements) include: Backlot Tour, American Idol, Magic of Disney Animation Building, Mulch Sweat & Shears, Osborne Lights, and Frozen Summer Fun has ended
• Rumored upcoming closures: Voyage of the Little Mermaid, One Man's Dream, Fantasmic (could just be temporary as none are scheduled after January), Lights Motors Action, and Star Wars Weekends
• New things coming: Great Movie Ride updates, 3rd track coming soon to Toy Story Mania, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars show, Season of the Force
• People that will be most happy with Hollywood Studios are those who are fans of Star Wars, Frozen (especially if Frozen Fun returns in some form), Disney Jr characters, and the main attractions at Hollywood Studios
• FastPass+ is very important since there are so few attractions to hold everybody
• Since so many of the filler attractions have closed (or are rumored to be closing), I really think Hollywood Studios is a half-day park. Might make sense to rope drop another park without any FP+ and then hop to Hollywood Studios later in the day.

News

• The Food and Wine Festival map is available. You can find that (plus overview info) in my F&W guide.
• April 2016 park hours are still not available.
• The 3rd track for Toy Story Mania was thought to be opening in 2016, but it might actually be opening in late 2015.
• Narcoossee's (located at The Grand Floridian) is now offering a waterfront brunch.
• Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar is opening in Downtown Disney/Disney Springs on September 22.

Featured company

Today's featured company is DVC Request, a site that allows you to rent points to stay in Disney World villas. To read about how that works, check out my DVC point rental info.

Quick tip of the day

If you want to stay in a Deluxe Resort that is completely enclosed (lobby, restaurants, rooms, etc.), there are 3 great resorts for that - Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and The Beach Club.

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

There are lots of things that everybody seems to do at Disney World, but if you're looking for something unique to do, I have 5 ideas for you today.

I also have lot of recent news, a company to help you with dining reservations, and a quick tip of the day.

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 non-Disney World questions

If you have a non-Disney World question about websites, podcasts, business, personal stuff, etc., please leave me a SpeakPipe message and I'll put them together for a show at the end of the year. You can do that by downloading the SpeakPipe app or using your computer at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

5 unique things to do at Disney World

• Mail a coconut (available in the gift shops at Pirates of the Caribbean, Polynesian, Caribbean Beach Resort)
• Pick-a-pearl at the Japan store in Epcot
• Decorate a Christmas tree at Ye Old Christmas Shoppe at Magic Kingdom
• Have a campfire with Chip and Dale at Ft. Wilderness
• Get a Haunted portrait at the Memento Mori gift shop at Magic Kingdom

News

• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party map came out. You can find it and my touring advice in my Halloween party post.
• Chief Operating Officer Tom Staggs announced that Star Wars Land would break ground in 2016.
• The Merry & Bright Dessert Party (Nov. 6-Dec. 30) and the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception (Jan. 1- 3) are available this holiday season, both overlooking The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With the dessert party, guests will enjoy holiday-themed desserts while surrounded by the amazing light display. New for 2015 is a dinner reception Jan. 1 – 3, featuring a selection of small bites including beef, shrimp and turkey, plus wine, beer and specialty beverages. You’ll be able to book these experiences beginning Sept. 16.
• Osborne Lights are going away after this year. Episode 67 features music from this show.
• Beginning October 5, 2015, on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, "Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise" will be offered and cost $99 for adults, and $69 for ages 3-9 (including tax and gratuity). Capacity will be limited to 150 guests per cruise. You can make reservations now on the Disney website or via 407-WDW-DINE.
• Mulch Sweat and Shears at Hollywood Studios is going away after October 10.
• Beginning September 15 through November 1 (or while supplies last), the Halloween Minnie Mouse transformation package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be available and includes your choice of boutique hairstyling, shimmering makeup, face gems, nail polish, a Princess sash and cinch sack, plus the Halloween Minnie Mouse costume and matching headband. Call 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895) for reservations.

Featured company

Today's featured company is WDW Table Finder, a service for alerting you when dining reservations open up for your dates.

Quick tip of the day

You may want to watch Disney movies to prepare for your Disney World trip. Consider using Roku or apps like FlixFindr to search all of the services you subscribe to for movies.

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

(Info last updated: October 4, 2015)

It's not a vacation if you have to wake up early, right?

Well, at Disney World, that's often not the case. I've got 5 reasons why you might want to consider waking up early during your trip.

I also have recent news, a featured company that will help decorate your MagicBands, and a quick tip of the day regarding parking near one of the theme parks.

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 non-Disney World questions

If you have a non-Disney World question about websites, podcasts, business, personal stuff, etc., please leave me a SpeakPipe message and I'll put them together for a show at the end of the year. You can do that by downloading the SpeakPipe app or using your computer at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

First-timer interviews

The first-timer interviews are coming back! People who are interested should leave me a SpeakPipe message with your name, trip dates, resort, and a general trip overview. I'm specifically interested in a few topics but will consider others as well.

These are the topics I'd love to hear about:

• People who had a bad 1st trip, but are going back with a plan
• Three generations traveling together
• People camping at Ft. Wilderness
• Offsite resort stays
• People planning a split resort stay

You can leave a message by downloading the SpeakPipe app or using your computer at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

5 reasons to wake up early at Disney World

1. Early breakfast reservations, especially ones that take place in the parks. Episode 102 covered everything about how those work.
2. All parks have something going on before park opening. Magic Kingdom has an opening show, and the other parks are allowing people into a portion of the park 30 minutes early.
3. Mornings are less crowded and make touring easier.
4. Easier to take pics with fewer people in them.
5. Temps are much cooler in the morning that in the mid-day heat.

News

• Sci-Fi has breakfast November 1-January 23 - http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/09/new-out-of-this-world-breakfast-debuts-nov-1-at-sci-fi-dine-in-theater-restaurant-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/
• Disney Parks Talent casting posted openings for "dynamic Female Dancers, Male Comedic/Improv Actors, and Male Actors Who Sing for a new Disney Villains inspired entertainment" which will take place at Hollywood Studios.
• Morimoto Asia (a new restaurant in Downtown Disney) will open September 30 and begin to accept reservations on Sept. 16 through Open Table. Or beginning Sept. 30, you can make reservations through the restaurant at 407-560-6686. Reservations through 407-WDW-DINE begin Nov. 1. Hours are daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
• People planning to stay at Caribbean Beach Resort in the near future should know that the bridge which takes people from the Jamaica/Aruba villages over to the food court and main pool area is closed. I'd suggest requesting a village on the same side as the food court to avoid this issue.

Featured company

Today's featured company is Magic Your Band, my favorite MagicBand skin company. They offer lots of great styles and the ability to upload your own designs as well.

Quick tip of the day

Valet parking at Disney resorts is $25/day (price updated on October 3, 2015, to reflect valet price increase) and can come in really handy if you have a breakfast reservation at a resort near 1 of the parks. You can park at the resort for your breakfast reservation, walk to a nearby park, and return to your car at the end of day which will allow you to avoid the bulk of the crowds at the parks.

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