Today I have a roundtable discussion with 3 seasoned Disney travel agents. We'll discuss our favorite Disney things, what we're looking forward to, and what it takes to be a travel agent.

I also have a quick tip in case you have an emergency medical need in the 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.

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Leave me a message

Want to be considered for a first-timer trip report? Please leave me a SpeakPipe message with your name, trip dates, resort, and who is in your group.

You can do that using your computer or phone at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

Info from this episode

Free dining

• Doesn't always make financial sense since you have to give up other discounts to get it
• Make sure you're ok paying the price without free dining and not counting on getting the dining plan for free
• Dates are much more limited for the promotion now compared to in the past
• Consider not booking flights before free dining is announced
• Getting dining reservations during free dining periods can be a challenge

Disney World faves

• Chad - fall during Halloween and Food and Wine for adults, January/early February for families, Port Orleans Riverside, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Ohana, Splitsville
• Jen F - January (except for holidays), Polynesian, 1900 Park Fare, Ohana, Trail's End
• JVH - end of September, Art of Animation suites (especially Cars section), Cinderella's Royal Table
• Mine - first week of March, Contemporary, Garden Grill, California Grill

Good travel agent qualities
Must love Disney, be knowledgeable about Disney World, be available for clients, ability to plan for others and not just for yourself, and realization that it can be a lot of work.

Interested in becoming a Disney travel planner? Submit your application at http://www.keytotheworldtravel.com/join-our-team.

Agent quick tips

• Chad - drink plenty of water
• Jen F - use clear zippered bag for items in your backpack to make it quicker to get through security
• JVH - put iPhone on low power mode to save battery during your trip

To have your trip handled by Key to the World Travel, submit a quote request on their site.

Quick tip of the day

Natalie emailed with this tip: "The First Aid stations throughout Disney World are fabulous. We made multiple trips to First Aid for complimentary band-aids, Tylenol, and even sinus medicine.There was never a wait and the staff were very friendly and professional.

In addition, our youngest son has some sensory issues specifically related to noise. We didn't anticipate just how loud some rides, including roller coasters, would be for him. Luckily, the fine folks at Disney First Aid were able to provide us with ear plugs for him to use. It made a world of difference and allowed us to participate in rides as a whole family. They really go above and beyond to anticipate their guests needs!"

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Jill's family of 6 just returned from their first budget trip to Disney World and she's going to tell us about it before and after.

I also have a quick tip regarding where to sit for a Disney World show.

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

Leave me a message

Want to be considered for a first-timer trip report? Please leave me a SpeakPipe message with your name, trip dates, resort, and who is in your group.

You can do that using your computer or phone at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

Info from this episode

Jill's family traveled with her husband and 4 kids to Disney World at the end of January. They stayed in a suite at All-Star Music, found ways to save money on food, stayed offsite at the beginning and end of their trip to save a little, and managed to fit it all in.

Jill loved how fun the queues are. See which attractions offer that.

Quick tip of the day

John and Courtney emailed in a tip that suggests sitting in the middle section of the Disney Jr. Live show because that's the best spot to be in to enjoy the snow effect during the show.

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 in Google Play
• Subscribe to the feed
• Listen on Stitcher

My January 2017 trip included a stay at Saratoga Springs Resort, several visits to Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom After Hours event, using express transportation to visit all 4 parks in one day, Star Wars Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios, Epcot's Festival of the Arts, and the new Magic Kingdom welcome show and opening procedure.

Hear how it went in this episode.

I also have a quick tip for families dealing with kids who might be scared of the dark.

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

Leave me a message

Want to be considered for a first-timer trip report? Please leave me a SpeakPipe message with your name, trip dates, resort, and who is in your group.

You can do that using your computer or phone at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

Links and info from this episode

• Disney Dining Plan credit analysis
• Saratoga Springs Resort photos uploaded during this trip
• Magic Kingdom After Hours info (including dates) on the WDW site
• Info on how the new Magic Kingdom welcome show works
• Express transportation info

Quick tip of the day

Kim emailed in a tip that suggests using glow sticks on dark rides for kids who are a little scared but still want to ride. It's just enough light to help them without bothering other guest. Thanks for the tip, Kim!

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 in Google Play
• Subscribe to the feed
• Listen on Stitcher