WDW Prep To Go - a Disney World planning podcast

A lot of people underestimate Animal Kingdom, but I want to chat today about why you should strongly consider it for your trip.

I also have lots of recent news, 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.

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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.

Why you shouldn't skip Animal Kingdom

  • Fantastic theming, 2 great shows, good restaurants, and the headliner attractions are two of the best at WDW
  • New things coming, including Rivers of Light and Tiffins restaurant in spring 2016 and Pandora in 2017

News

  • Park hours for many days in December have been extended, and more FastPass+ have opened up as a result
  • Liberty Tree Tavern reservations for November and December available
  • Mission: Space becoming a tier 1 FP+ option at Epcot in January
  • Flower and Garden Festival will be 90 days in 2016, and take place March 2-May 30
  • Disney has today officially announced Tiffins, a new signature table service restaurant, opening at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Spring 2016
  • Flights of Wonder will offer FastPass+ beginning in late November

Quick tip of the day

Use the Low Power Mode on your iPhone to extend the amount of time your battery lasts on Disney World trips.

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)

Direct download: episode117.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 4:50pm PDT

I've witnessed some pretty bad behavior by parents at Disney World, so I have some tips for you today to help you prevent easily avoidable meltdowns.

I also have lots of recent news, 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.

Avoid making these mistakes with kids on WDW trips

  • Make sure you have water at all times.
  • Plan regular bathroom breaks, and have everybody go each time.
  • Take nap/rest times as needed. Focus on having fun, not doing everything.
  • Stay flexible - re-ride rides, do things you hadn't planned on doing, etc.

News

  • Disney World gift shops and the Shop Disney Parks app have free shipping through November 22.
  • Captain EO's last show will be on December 6. 3D Pixar movie shorts will be arriving in its place.
  • Colortopia is now open in Innoventions and includes interactive exhibits that should be fun for little ones.
  • Star Tours now has a new sequence from The Force Awakens.

Quick tip of the day

Create a shortcut to a handy link by opening the URL in your phone browser, clicking the arrow at the bottom and selecting "add to home screen." This will add the link as an icon.

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)

Direct download: episode116.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 7:40pm PDT

5thingsilearnedonmytripI just got back from a 9 day trip to Disney World where I learned lots of new things. I have 5 of those new things for you today.

I also have lots of Star Wars and Christmas news, 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 things I learned on my trip

  • Wilderness Lodge closures and construction are primarily in the areas near the quiet pool. Closures include the quiet pool, the beach, and the trail to Ft. Wilderness. People who want to do recreation rentals can go to The Contemporary. Viewing of the water pageant can be from the boat dock. The boat dock is still open. You can see pics in this FB post.
  • Studio rooms at the Polynesian have 2 bathrooms, and Studio rooms have the option to be connected. Booking 2 Studio rooms should be much less expensive than booking larger villas at other resorts. You can see pics of the rooms in this FB post.
  • Refillable mugs at Disney World resorts work for 2 weeks, not just the length of your stay.
  • Four Seasons Orlando has their own boutique for princess makeovers. See pics of Four Seasons Orlando (including pricing on their makeovers) in this FB post.
  • You can pick up a times guide at the Disney Store in Orlando International Airport.

News

  • Jedi Training will reopen in early December as Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Along with Darth Vader, kids will also face the new villain from the Star Wars Rebels TV show - Seventh Sister.
  • Star Wars Launch Bay opens December 1. The building will feature behind-the-scenes exhibits, merchandise and character meet and greets, including Darth Vader and Chewbacca.
  • Star Wars Weekends are going away at Hollywood Studios.
  • Christmas party is now going on at WDW, and a new map and schedule info is available.
  • Jingle Cruise at Magic Kingdom is now open.
  • Christmas tree is up at Magic Kingdom.
  • Santa Goofy is now available to meet at Hollywood Studios from 10-5, and 6:30 to close.

Quick tip of the day

The parks stay open later than the published closing time. The published closing time is when restaurants and line queues close, but the shops and photographers will still be out much later.

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)

Direct download: episode115full.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 11:10am PDT

Jay’s Disney World trip redo – PREP114

Jay's first Disney World trip didn't go so well, but he just returned from another trip and he will be telling us how it went.

I also have a quick 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.

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.

Jay's trip

Jay recently traveled to Disney World and got Free Dining, stayed at Caribbean Beach, and attended the Halloween party. He shares what went well and what he'd do better next time.

News

  • Fantasmic Dining Packages available through the end of April
  • Design-your-own MagicBand station now open in the Space Mountain gift shop
  • 1900 Park Fare brunch is available Thanksgiving week and beginning on December 20 for the holidays
  • Google Play Music to offer podcasts soon
  • Club Villain coming to Hollywood Studios for $99/person beginning in January
  • New refillable mugs have started appearing at Disney World resorts

Quick tip of the day

Document your trip daily to remember the details. You might jot things down on paper, in a note on your phone, or on social media.

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)

Direct download: episode114.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 1:08am PDT

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