WDW Prep To Go - a Disney World planning podcast

Dave's family is used to going to Disneyland but decided to head to Disney World for the first time. See how his trip went and how he likes it compared to Disneyland.

I also have a quick tip about how to increase your chances of getting FastPass+ reservations for a group if you find no availability.


While articles on this site are updated frequently as changes occur, podcast audio and show notes are not. The text below is show 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.

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.

Things mentioned in this episode

Quick tip of the day

Listener Julie emailed this tip:
"When trying to book extra fastpasses later in the day, it's often hard to get the same time for a while group. But you can search for less people and often find overlapping reservations. Sometimes even for the same time.

For instance: we were on our way to Animal Kingdom in the afternoon and wanted to do the Kilimanjaro Safaris, there were no FastPasses for four people. But there are plenty for one person all within 10-15 minutes of each other, since there is an hour to get to the fast pass after it starts we all had plenty of time to get there and ride as one group."

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: episode157.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 10:14pm PDT

My October 2017 trip report – PREP156

Listen to the daily updates from my October 2017 trip which included staying in an All-Star Music suite, attending the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, going to Early Morning Magic at Magic Kingdom + lots more.


While articles on this site are updated frequently as changes occur, podcast audio and show notes are not. The text below is show 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.

Leave me a message

Want to be considered for a 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 to things mentioned in this episode

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: episode156.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 8:14am PDT

Let’s talk dogs at Disney World resorts – PREP155

It was recently announced that Disney will allow dogs at Disney World resorts. Let's discuss what to expect at the resorts that are now allowing dogs.

I also have a quick tip to help you keep track of your touring plans during your trip.


While articles on this site are updated frequently as changes occur, podcast audio and show notes are not. The text below is show 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.

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.

Watch on YouTube!

Check out this episode at

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Dogs at Disney World

Previously (and still currently) available for dogs at Disney World

  • Ft. Wilderness pet-friendly campsites
  • Best Friends Pet Care
  • Service animals

Now available

  • Art of Animation Resort
  • Port Orleans Riverside Resort
  • Yacht Club Resort
  • Cabins at Ft. Wilderness
  • Magical Express (must be in a carrier)
  • Minnie Vans (must be in a carrier)
  • Dogs at Disney World are not permitted in Disney Springs, theme parks, monorails, boats, pools, club lounges, dining areas, and fitness centers

Disney World dog policies

  • Max of 2 dogs per room (no breed or weight restrictions)
  • Can’t be left alone for more than 7 hours
  • If dogs make noise, you’ll be called to address it within 30 minutes
  • Must use the “Do Not Disturb” door hanger (housekeeping can only come in when guests are present)
  • Must have up-to-date vaccinations
  • Must be leashed in public areas

What to expect at Disney World resorts

  • Increased price ($50/night at Value and Moderates, $75/night at Deluxe)
  • Will receive Pluto’s Welcome Kit (includes a mat, bowls, a pet ID tag, disposable bags, puppy pads, dog walking maps, and Pluto “Do Not Disturb” door hanger)
  • Pet merchandise coming to resort gift shops
  • Dog-specific floors or sections

Dog relief areas at Disney World resorts

Specific areas of the 4 resorts have been designated as dog relief areas. Check out the maps of where these are located at Yacht Club, Port Orleans Riverside, Ft. Wilderness, and Art of Animation.
Dogs at Disney World Dogs at Disney World Dogs at Disney World

Best Friends Pet Care

Best Friends Pet Care can provide doggie day care, boarding, and grooming. Reservations can be made at BestFriendsPetCare.com.

Things to consider

  • Lots of hotels have been allowing dogs for years - Kimpton, some Four Seasons locations, Fairmont hotels, many Marriotts
  • "Demand is growing year-on-year, with a large proportion of hotels across the globe now not only accommodating for pets, but also advertising this key feature.” - Hotels.com
  • Consider using room requests or booking a resort that doesn’t allow dogs
  • Feedback can be emailed or called in to Disney - wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

Quick tip of the day

Listener Brandyn emailed this tip:

“I was wanting everyone on our trip to have a copy of our daily plans so that I don’t feel like I’m having to direct everyone, but I wanted them off phones for ease.

I printed our daily plans on pocket-sized pieces of paper and then laminated them so they’ll be sweat and water resistant!

You can buy laminators for under $20, and I use it for a lot of other stuff. Or you could have them laminated at an office supply store.”

Laminated Disney World touring plans

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: episode155.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 12:13pm PDT

Disney World discountsIf you want Disney World discounts for your trip, it's important to know when, what, and how those discounts are handled. I have lots of tips in this episode for how discounts work so you can maximize your chances.

I also have a quick tip to help you work around the dreaded errors on the Disney World site.


While articles on this site are updated frequently as changes occur, podcast audio and show notes are not. The text below is show 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.

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.

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXO5QArrXAk and be sure to hit subscribe so you don't miss any videos in the future.

Notes on Disney World discounts from this episode

Read all about the things mentioned in this episode, including the big spreadsheet of when/what discounts have been offered in the past at https://wdwprepschool.com/guide-to-disney-world-discounts/

Quick tip of the day

Cookies cause lots of errors on the Disney World site.

Here are some ways to try to fix it:

  • Clear cookies in your current browser
  • Use your browser in incognito mode
  • Use a different browser

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: episode154.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 12:13pm PDT

Today I have a first-timer trip report from a September trip that included Jessica's three-generation family that stayed in a villa, did lots of character meals, and scheduled several extras that you'll get to hear about. You'll also find out about Jessica's husband (who wasn't quite sure what all the fuss was about beforehand) to hear how he liked the trip.

You'll also get a quick tip about the many uses of Ziploc bags during Disney World trips.


While articles on this site are updated frequently as changes occur, podcast audio and show notes are not. The text below is show 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.

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.

WDW Prep is on YouTube

Although this particular episode isn't on YouTube, many episodes are. Be sure to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss new videos when they're posted - http://youtube.com/wdwprepschool

Prep School Travel is open!

Prep School Travel agents can help you book your trip, make dining and FastPass+ reservations, and keep an eye out for discounts for your trip dates. Submit a quote request and your assigned agent will get back to you shortly - https://wdwprepschool.com/get-quote-now/

Things mentioned in this episode

Pic of their themed Halloween party costumes.

Quick tip of the day

Listener Whitney emailed this tip:
"I have two small sons who love Disney popcorn! However, during our first trip, we learned that purchasing them each a bag of popcorn inevitably led to at least one of them spilling the popcorn, which made a huge mess and, of course, led to a child in tears because they had spilled their bag of popcorn. So, I quickly learned that it was much better to purchase only one bag of popcorn and split it between the two boys using Ziploc bags before giving it to them to eat.

When ordering popcorn, I always ask for an extra cup (which is no charge!) and the cast member will almost always fill that cup with popcorn too. Between the cup of popcorn and the purchased bag of popcorn, there is enough to almost completely fill 2 quart sized bags, which is great for so many reasons. Obviously, the children are much less likely to spill the popcorn and it is easy to just close the bag and save it for later, which is so much easier than dealing with the open paper bags from the popcorn kiosks. But, this also really helps stretch our snack credits since we are able to give each child plenty of popcorn but only use one snack credit."

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: episode153_1.mp3
Category:WDW Prep To Go Podcast -- posted at: 7:13am PDT

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