WDW Prep To Go - a Disney World planning podcast
Things that confuse people – PREP121

I've been making notes about several things that seem to confuse people and will help clarify those for you today.

I also have 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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Notes from this episode

Things that often confuse people about Disney World:

  • Good times to go during the year vs. recommended parks (which are on the monthly dashboards)
  • FastPass+ tiers. You can see the current tiers in the chart at the bottom of this page.
  • FastPass+ return time vs. ride duration. You can arrive at any time during your FastPass+ return time (and also 5 minutes early or 15 minutes late), but rides don't last an hour.
  • Resort Airline Check-in Desk vs. Magical Express. You don't have to be using Magical Express to use the airline check-in desk at your Disney resort. More info in my Magical Express post.
  • Free Dining availability. Free Dining is almost always a fall promotion and has limited availability when it is offered. More info in my Disney Dining Plan post.

News

  • UberFAMILY is coming to Orlando. No date has been announced. Here's how that works.
  • Star Wars Land announcements will be made by Harrison Ford on the Wonderful World of Disney special airing February 21 from 8-10 p.m. EST on ABC.
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed April 4-July 15, likely to install a new ending similar to the Disneyland version of the ride.
  • Joy and Sadness are rumored to begin meeting at Character Spot in Epcot in February.

Quick tip of the day

Refillable mugs can be purchased at Disney resorts. They come in 4 colors, but if you have more than 4 people, it might be handy to mix and match lid colors to create new color combos that will help you tell them apart.

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Direct download: episode121.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 12:15am PDT

I've been talking for awhile about how we've been working on a big project and today I'm telling you all about that.

I also have a quick tip of the day that makes it easier to modify existing dining reservations.


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

Revealing The Big Project

In this episode, I tell you what we've been working on for two years. Make sure you're on the email list to be notified as soon as it's available.

News

Hollywood Studios has been going through a lot of changes recently, including adding new things and removing others, including Lights Motors Action going away as of April 2. More closures are likely coming in order for construction to begin. Hollywood Studios touring plans will be updated as we know more.

Quick tip of the day

You can now modify dining reservations online (such as number of guests and the reservation time) by clicking "Change Reservation" in My Disney Experience.

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: episode120.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 12:15am PDT

There are a lot of exciting changes coming to Disney World in 2016, including a new nighttime show, all new attractions, completely redone popular attractions, and lots of construction.

I have details on all of that, plus 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

Changes coming to Disney World in 2016

  • Magic Kingdom - Skipper Canteen now open (Table Service location, reservations not open yet but can walk up)
  • Epcot - Flower and Garden Festival much longer this year, Soarin’ Around the World opening (long closure, new one will be digital with new movie, new theater), Anna/Elsa meet and greet and new Frozen Ever After ride opening by summer
  • Hollywood Studios - Star Wars Weekends going away, Star Wars Launch Bay now open (character meets, exhibits, short film, merchandise), Jedi Training and Star Tours updated, Symphony in the Stars fireworks scheduled nightly, Osborne Lights going away to make way for Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land construction beginning, third track for Toy Story Mania opening
  • Animal Kingdom - Rivers of Light opening spring 2016, Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris (African wild dogs and hyenas) coming in spring, new Table Service restaurant called Tiffins (indoor/outdoor seating, serving lunch and dinner), Pandora construction continues
  • Disney Springs - construction finally wrapping up in 2016, DisneyQuest is closing (NBA Experience is coming), Pleasure Island area now called The Landing, Town Center area completely new
  • Resorts: Wilderness Lodge having extensive construction until 2017, Poly refurb finally wrapping up, several resort pool refurbishments listed on the monthly dashboards

Quick tip of the day

Not sure which park you'll be in each day of your trip? When your FastPass+ window opens up, snag Magic Kingdom FastPass+ reservations for each day of your trip since they are the most difficult to get. When you figure out where you'll be, you can cancel the FP+ you don't need.

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: episode119.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 2:11pm PDT

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