The dessert party options at Disney World are often expensive or have better alternatives for about the same price. I've got ideas on that for you today.

I also have a quick photography tip, and recent news to share.

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.

Dessert party alternatives

Magic Kingdom
Instead of the Ferrytale Wishes Dessert Party ($99/adult) or the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party ($49/adult), consider dining at California Grill or booking the Pirate and Pals Fireworks Voyage ($69/adult).

Epcot
Rather than booking the Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party, find a good spot to view the show or book a dining reservation at a restaurant with a view.

Hollywood Studios
There are sometimes dessert parties offered at Hollywood Studios and you should be able to do the various components of those packages a la carte pretty easily, including getting the specialty cupcakes at most of the Quick Service restaurants.

News

• Soarin’ will be closed January 4-summer 2016
• Minnie’s dinner at Hollywood & Vine will now be available as a long-term option
• Same-day Amazon delivery is now available in Orlando (check out these other ways to get groceries during your trip)
• The musical act in Morocco has left and a new musical act is there through January 2
• The miniature railroad in the Germany section of the World Showcase has reopened
• Design-your-own MagicBands will be coming soon to the Space Mountain gift shop
• Skipper Canteen appears to be opening just before Christmas

Featured company

My eBook is a quick way to learn all about how to plan Disney World trips. It comes with a worksheet, touring plans, and maps for each park.

Quick tip of the day

Turn the flash on your camera off, especially during your trip where it rarely is useful.

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Info on dining with kids at Disney World, including suggested places to eat and things to consider with the Disney Dining Plan.

I also have recent news, and a quick tip of the day to help save your phone battery.

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.

Dining with kids at Disney World

Kids don't have to be restricted to burgers and nuggets. Here are some interesting places to eat in the parks:

MAGIC KINGDOM

• Columbia Harbour House (QS) - my personal favorite Quick Service at MK, they have a tuna sandwich on the kids menu, but I'd actually recommend ordering from the adult menu here and splitting it
• Be Our Guest (QS) - I like breakfast and lunch here a lot. Just don't make the same mistake a woman behind me in line did one day when she said "what is there for kids here? Kids don't like Maui Maui!" < ---- The menu has mahi mahi, but she didn't know how to pronounce it. And my kids would love it.
• Liberty Tree Tavern (TS) - kids menu includes turkey and barbecue chicken

EPCOT

• Sunshine Seasons (QS) - one of the best QS locations at Epcot with lots of unique options like Asian food, sandwiches, etc.
• Katsura Grill (QS) - kids menu includes teriyaki chicken but they also have sushi
• Yorkshire County Fish Shop (QS) - great place to grab fish and chips
• Biergarten (TS) - German buffet with live entertainment. Fun to sample different kinds of German food. Everybody will find at least a few things they like.
• Garden Grill (TS) - home cookin' type of food served family-style (and this is a character meal)

ANIMAL KINGDOM

• The new Harambe Market area (QS) - several different windows to visit for interesting food options. I had a gyro during my last visit which was delicious.
• Flame Tree Barbecue (QS) - good BBQ, kids menu isn't that interesting so I'd suggest ordering from the adult menu and splitting
• Tusker House (TS) - buffet with American and African foods and it's delicious. This is a character meal as well.
• Yak and Yeti (TS) - Asian food. My son and I split a dim sum appetizer and an entree which was just the right amount of food for us.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

• Starring Rolls Cafe (QS) - sandwiches, sushi, and cupcakes available. Closes mid-afternoon around 3.
• Brown Derby (TS) - higher end restaurant, but you can visit the Brown Derby Lounge for a slightly more casual vibe (though they don't accept the dining plan at the lounge)
• 50s Prime Time Cafe (TS) - home cooked food in huge portions. Very easy to split entrees here.

For more ideas on where to eat, check out all of my dining guide posts.

Things to keep in mind when using the Disney Dining Plan with kids:

• Quick Service credits aren't split between child and adult so kids can order off of the adult menu.
• Kids at the lower end of the age range might not get the full value out of it.
• Kids 3-9 who are adventurous eaters might be disappointed at Table Service restaurants where they will be restricted to the kids' menu.

News

• Christmas parade taping at Magic Kingdom will take place November 10-13.
• 1900 Park Fare brunch appears to be available during Thanksgiving week.
• Candlelight Processional lineup finalized. You can find the full list in my holiday post.
• People riding Pirates of the Caribbean in the first 1-2 rows often get very wet now.
• New park hours came out recently. See what changed and find the full park hours on the monthly dashboards.

Quick tip of the day

A listener named Jami suggested putting all plans into a note on your phone, taking a screenshot, and then making that the lock screen to make it easier to find the info and save some battery life.

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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A lot of Disney World visitors never consider a trip to Disneyland because it's so much smaller, but I have lots of good reasons why you might want to think about planning a trip there.

I also have recent news, a featured company, 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.

Reasons WDW fans should consider Disneyland

Disneyland has lots of perks that Disney World doesn't, such as:

• Better weather (no ponchos needed!)
• Can be less expensive, especially if staying offsite at a budget chain
• More laid back planning process
• History (Walt touched everything)
• Ability to add other things to your trip, such as a trip to the beach or nearby cities
• Better versions of attractions (especially Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain)
• Unique things that Disney World doesn't have - Cars Land, Paint the Night parade, the new fireworks, etc.

For more info on planning, see my info on how to do Disneyland if you're a Disney World veteran and also check out DLRPrepSchool.com.

News

• 1-day Memory Maker is available at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party now. The cost is $40 and it can be purchased at Guest Relations.
• Purple MagicBands might be coming.
• Park ticket prices likely going up soon.
• Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine, an Art Smith restaurant, opens at Disney Springs in summer 2016.

Featured company

Today's featured company is NerdBoy Apps, my son's app development company. He created the WDW Prep Countdown app to help people count down to their trips and have calendar reminders set as well.

Quick tip of the day

Disney-related subscription boxes make a fun gift idea or a way to countdown time until your next trip. Check this subscription box list for options and reviews.

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
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Disney World recently raised prices on several things so I have details on that, as well as my time spent at Universal.

I also have a quick tip on avoiding fees for heavy luggage, a featured company to help you save money on park tickets, 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 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 DCL cruise ship tour and time at Universal

In this episode, I discuss the tour I took of a Disney Cruise Line ship, touring all of the Universal hotels, and the Raptor Encounter experience.

Price increases

Disney just raised the prices on these things:

• Annual Passes have changed in price, name, and benefits. Here's a chart to summarize the changes.
  
• Parking is now $20/day instead of $17/day (though it remains free for people staying onsite and Annual Passholders).
• Valet parking is now $25/day.
• The Tables in Wonderland card is now $175 for Florida residents and $150 for Annual Passholders and DVC owners. See the full list of dining locations where this can be used.

News

• Previews of The Good Dinosaur are beginning on October 16 at One Man’s Dream through December 4. The movie opens at Thanksgiving.
• Dining alert systems (such as WDW Table Finder) have been shut down at Disney's request.
• Duffy is now gone at Epcot.
• Rafiki begins meeting people today, October 4, at MK near Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom.
• Downtown Disney is now Disney Springs as of September 29.
• Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs is now open.
• Pecos Bills has reopened with a new menu.

Featured company

Today's featured company is Park Savers who sells discounted tickets at prices that are exclusive to WDW Prep readers.

Quick tip of the day

If you're checking multiple bags for your flight, check the heaviest bag first. If it happens to be over the weight limit, that'll give you a chance to reallocate the weight to a lighter bag to avoid extra fees.

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