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. Ther

All about my recent Disney World trip, including my stay at All-Star Movies and visits to all 4 parks.

I also have a quick tip to help keep things safe in your hotel room, a fun company you might want to purchase things from before your trip, 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.

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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.

My recent trip report

In this episode, I share my thoughts on my recent stay at All-Star Movies, Magical Express, and all 4 parks. Check out Disney Food Blog's Food and Wine Festival info to help plan your time there.

News

* February Fantasmic Dining Packages are now available.

* Jedi Training at Hollywood Studios is closing after October 4 and will reopen later this year.

* Kali River Rapids won't be an Extra Magic Hour attraction as of October 2 but will return as an EMH attraction seasonally.

* Downtown Disney is officially being called Disney Springs as of September 29.

Featured company

Today's featured company is Parkbound Buttons who sells buttons in the same style as Disney but with cute/funny sayings on them.

Quick tip of the day

Use the "privacy please" sign on your door throughout your stay if you're worried about having things taken and the safe in the room isn't large enough to accommodate your items.

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

How do you solve a problem like Hollywood Studios? While the changes taking place there will be exciting in a few years, it's hard to know what to do in the meantime.

I have advice on how you might want to handle it. I also have news, a featured company that will help you save money on Deluxe Resorts, and a quick tip on which Deluxe Resorts you might pick.

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.

Planning for Hollywood Studios

* Recent closures (or closure announcements) include: Backlot Tour, American Idol, Magic of Disney Animation Building, Mulch Sweat & Shears, Osborne Lights, and Frozen Summer Fun has ended

* Rumored upcoming closures: Voyage of the Little Mermaid, One Man's Dream, Fantasmic (could just be temporary as none are scheduled after January), Lights Motors Action, and Star Wars Weekends

* New things coming: Great Movie Ride updates, 3rd track coming soon to Toy Story Mania, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars show, Season of the Force

* People that will be most happy with Hollywood Studios are those who are fans of Star Wars, Frozen (especially if Frozen Fun returns in some form), Disney Jr characters, and the main attractions at Hollywood Studios

* FastPass+ is very important since there are so few attractions to hold everybody

* Since so many of the filler attractions have closed (or are rumored to be closing), I really think Hollywood Studios is a half-day park. Might make sense to rope drop another park without any FP+ and then hop to Hollywood Studios later in the day.

News

* The Food and Wine Festival map is available. You can find that (plus overview info) in my F&W guide.

* April 2016 park hours are still not available.

* The 3rd track for Toy Story Mania was thought to be opening in 2016, but it might actually be opening in late 2015.

* Narcoossee's (located at The Grand Floridian) is now offering a waterfront brunch.

* Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar is opening in Downtown Disney/Disney Springs on September 22.

Featured company

Today's featured company is DVC Request, a site that allows you to rent points to stay in Disney World villas. To read about how that works, check out my DVC point rental info.

Quick tip of the day

If you want to stay in a Deluxe Resort that is completely enclosed (lobby, restaurants, rooms, etc.), there are 3 great resorts for that - Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and The Beach Club.

There are lots of things that everybody seems to do at Disney World, but if you're looking for something unique to do, I have 5 ideas for you today.

I also have lot of recent news, a company to help you with dining reservations, 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 unique things to do at Disney World

* Mail a coconut (available in the gift shops at Pirates of the Caribbean, Polynesian, Caribbean Beach Resort)

* Pick-a-pearl at the Japan store in Epcot

* Decorate a Christmas tree at Ye Old Christmas Shoppe at Magic Kingdom

* Have a campfire with Chip and Dale at Ft. Wilderness

* Get a Haunted portrait at the Memento Mori gift shop at Magic Kingdom

News

* Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party map came out. You can find it and my touring advice in my Halloween party post.

* Chief Operating Officer Tom Staggs announced that Star Wars Land would break ground in 2016.

* The Merry & Bright Dessert Party (Nov. 6-Dec. 30) and the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception (Jan. 1- 3) are available this holiday season, both overlooking The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With the dessert party, guests will enjoy holiday-themed desserts while surrounded by the amazing light display. New for 2015 is a dinner reception Jan. 1 – 3, featuring a selection of small bites including beef, shrimp and turkey, plus wine, beer and specialty beverages. You’ll be able to book these experiences beginning Sept. 16.

* Osborne Lights are going away after this year. Episode 67 features music from this show.

* Beginning October 5, 2015, on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, "Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise" will be offered and cost $99 for adults, and $69 for ages 3-9 (including tax and gratuity). Capacity will be limited to 150 guests per cruise. You can make reservations now on the Disney website or via 407-WDW-DINE.

* Mulch Sweat and Shears at Hollywood Studios is going away after October 10.

* Beginning September 15 through November 1 (or while supplies last), the Halloween Minnie Mouse transformation package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be available and includes your choice of boutique hairstyling, shimmering makeup, face gems, nail polish, a Princess sash and cinch sack, plus the Halloween Minnie Mouse costume and matching headband. Call 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895) for reservations.

Featured company

Today's featured company is WDW Table Finder, a service for alerting you when dining reservations open up for your dates.

(Info last updated: October 4, 2015)

It's not a vacation if you have to wake up early, right?

Well, at Disney World, that's often not the case. I've got 5 reasons why you might want to consider waking up early during your trip.

I also have recent news, a featured company that will help decorate your MagicBands, and a quick tip of the day regarding parking near one of the theme 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.

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.

First-timer interviews

The first-timer interviews are coming back! People who are interested should leave me a SpeakPipe message with your name, trip dates, resort, and a general trip overview. I'm specifically interested in a few topics but will consider others as well.

These are the topics I'd love to hear about:

* People who had a bad 1st trip, but are going back with a plan

* Three generations traveling together

* People camping at Ft. Wilderness

* Offsite resort stays

* People planning a split resort stay

You can leave a message by downloading the SpeakPipe app or using your computer at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

5 reasons to wake up early at Disney World

* Early breakfast reservations, especially ones that take place in the parks. Episode 102 covered everything about how those work.

* All parks have something going on before park opening. Magic Kingdom has an opening show, and the other parks are allowing people into a portion of the park 30 minutes early.

* Mornings are less crowded and make touring easier.

* Easier to take pics with fewer people in them.

* Temps are much cooler in the morning that in the mid-day heat.

News

* Sci-Fi has breakfast November 1-January 23 - http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/09/new-out-of-this-world-breakfast-debuts-nov-1-at-sci-fi-dine-in-theater-restaurant-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/

* Disney Parks Talent casting posted openings for "dynamic Female Dancers, Male Comedic/Improv Actors, and Male Actors Who Sing for a new Disney Villains inspired entertainment" which will take place at Hollywood Studios.

* Morimoto Asia (a new restaurant in Downtown Disney) will open September 30 and begin to accept reservations on Sept. 16 through Open Table. Or beginning Sept. 30, you can make reservations through the restaurant at 407-560-6686. Reservations through 407-WDW-DINE begin Nov. 1. Hours are daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. serving lunch,

In this episode, I discuss challenges often faced by groups going to Disney World, including picking when to go, where to stay, places to eat, and touring.

I also have a quick tip about the dining plan, recent news, and a featured company.

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.

Challenges for groups

Groups going to Disney World should consider not doing everything together, assigning 1 person to manage My Disney Experience reservations, sharing responsibilities (such as food or Tinker Bell gifts), and getting Memory Maker.

Some areas where challenges often come up include:

* Trip dates - going when everybody can go often means being at Disney World during busier and more expensive times

* Deciding where to stay - everybody has different budgets, many Disney resorts only allow 4 per room (read my post about rooms that allow 5+), and many people may decide to stay offsite. People who stay onsite and have 2+ rooms should call Disney and ask for a "travel with" number to link the reservations which will allow room requests for the group to be granted before everybody else at the resort.

* Finding places to eat - buffets are good, but also consider places like Ohana, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Garden Grill, and Liberty Tree Tavern which will appeal to a wide range of people. Making reservations for a group online can be a challenge since restaurants have maximums, but you can split it into 2 smaller reservations and just let the restaurant know when you're checking in that you're together. Remember that 18% gratuity will automatically be added for groups of 6 or more.

* Touring as a group - I'd recommend splitting into smaller groups based on individual families, age, or interest to make it easier.

News

* Star Wars Half Marathon - the Dark Side was announced and will feature kids races, a 5K, and a 10K in addition to the half marathon. The race weekend will be April 14-17, 2016, and registration opens on September 22, 2015.

* The My Disney Experience app was updated and now shows PhotoPass pics.

* The Blizzard Beach closure will now begin on October 4 instead of in late October.

* Eat to the Beat concerts, which take place during Food and Wine Festival, now offer a tier 1 FastPass+ option

* People traveling to Disney World September 29 and later will receive luggage tags with their MagicBands. The luggage tag you get will depend on which color MagicBand you choose.

In this episode, I discuss my best planning advice that I hope everyone will use for their trips, including ways to handle dining, FastPass+ reservations, and touring the parks during your trip.

I also have news, a quick tip about parades, and a featured company that I hope you'll work with.

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.

Best planning advice

Some tips I hope everybody will follow for their trips:

* Book your most difficult dining and FastPass+ reservations first. Don't book in chronological order.

* The most difficult FastPass+ reservations to get are Anna/Elsa and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Often, the only people getting these (especially Anna/Elsa) are those staying onsite who jump to the end of their trip first. Everybody else should watch The Dibb for openings.

* Plan dining based on where you'll be (unless you booked with very little time, and then I'd suggest choosing dining based on current availability and forming your daily plan around that).

* If you show up to use a FastPass+ and the standby line is short, jump in the standby line and then open the app on your phone to change it to something else.

* Group touring plans by hour for the first few hours and then leave the rest of the day open. That's how my touring plans are structured, and seems to work the best for most people.

News

* Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package is available on Halloween party nights and gives you parade viewing and a Halloween-themed fireworks dessert party. The price is $69 for adults, $39 for kids and can be booked online or by calling 407-939-3463.

* Some Table Service restaurants are now scheduled to be open on Halloween party nights, giving some people a great opportunity to snag a reservation they weren't previously able to get.

* The current bounceback offer (which anybody staying onsite can get by dialing x8844) is for Free Dining for next year and seems to be available through October 31.

* Some credible rumors indicate that Frozen Fun will likely be extended and One Man's Dream is relocating to another spot at Disney World.

Quick tip of the day

Magic Kingdom parades don't usually require lining up way ahead of time, though Main Street will have lots of people waiting way beforehand most of the time. I suggest watching from the front of the park or in Frontierland and not showing up quite as early. All parades start in Frontierland and end at the front of the park, except Main Street Electrical Parade which goes the opposite direct...

In this special bonus episode, I discuss the most touching moments from the D23 Expo (and try not to cry while doing it!).

You'll hear audio that includes Richard Sherman, an animator, a special medley, and Kristen Bell.

Listen to the audio to hear audio straight from the D23 main stage.

Here's the short video I mentioned that I recorded in the parks.

Couple dancing during "A Kiss Goodnight." ❤️

A video posted by Shannon Albert (@wdwprepschool) on Aug 17, 2015 at 7:45am PDT

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

In this episode, I chat with Casey from DLR Prep School about our experiences at D23, including the big parks announcements.

We also discuss news and a quick tip that involves making "Casey" into a verb.

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

FYI - I say that this is episode 102 in the audio, but it's actually episode 103. I blame D23 fatigue for the error.

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.

All about D23

At D23, we learned that:

* A Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant is coming to Magic Kingdom in late 2015.

* Star Wars lands are coming to both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios and includes Star Tours and Jedi Training getting updated, and a new Season of the Force seasonal event is coming to both parks in early 2016. Disneyland is also getting a new overlay for Space Mountain (Hyperspace Mountain), while Hollywood Studios is getting new fireworks.

* Toy Story Land is also coming to Hollywood Studios and it'll include an attraction based on the green aliens, a family coaster with the slinky dog as the ride vehicle, and an expansion of Toy Story Mania.

* Epcot updates regarding Frozen Ever After (the animatronics look fantastic) and Soarin' Around the World, both coming in 2016.

* Animal Kingdom will be getting a Kilimanjaro Safaris expansion (including adding 2 new animal species) and there were updates on Rivers of Light and the new Avatar-themed land which will officially be called Pandora - World of Avatar.

News

* There is now a Shop Disney Parks app for Android and iOS which will allow you to buy most parks merchandise from home.

* No Fantasmics are scheduled after January, but Fantasmic packages have finally opened up for the month of January.

* More resorts now have bus monitors to allow you to see when the next bus will be coming to each park.

Quick tip of the day

Don't believe the lines. Be sure to ask to make sure you get the right info. Casey is really good at this and it's become a verb, as in "go Casey it!"

Featured company

Today's featured company is Bitbelt which is a product that allows you to secure your MagicBand and/or fitness band. You can order online and use code "wdwprepschool" to save 15%.

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

*

All 4 Disney World parks have restaurants that open at 8 a.m., giving you a fantastic opportunity to eat before the park opens and maybe even position yourself in a prime spot to visit an attraction as soon as the park opens.

I'll get into the details of how that works, and also discuss news and a quick tip regarding Disney gift cards.

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.

Pre-park opening breakfast info

First, some basic things that are true for all pre-park opening breakfast reservations:

* The earliest breakfast reservation time is almost always 8:00, regardless of when the park opens.

* Disney will provide transportation to get you there, even though they often tell people that buses begin an hour before park opening. Magic Kingdom buses usually begin at 6:30, and buses for the other parks usually begin at 7 or 7:15. The resort monorail usually begins operating at 7 a.m.

* At every park, there will be a special line for people with early reservations to enter. They'll check your name on the reservation list and then you'll be allowed into the park.

Magic Kingdom

Some things to know about Magic Kingdom pre-park opening reservations:

* Park hours often change from 9 to 8 a.m. so you may want to make 2 reservations and then cancel later when you know which one you want to keep.

* There will be PhotoPass photographers in the park to take pics.

* The three restaurant options are Crystal Palace, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Be Our Guest. Be Our Guest will be the fastest and give you the best opportunity to position yourself for an attraction.

Epcot

A couple of things to know about Epcot breakfast reservations:

* Akershus and Garden Grill are your two options (Garden Grill begins on November 8).

* People entering through the International Gateway won't have any issues getting in early.

Hollywood Studios

* Hollywood Studios often has park hours changes so I'd recommend making 2 reservations and then canceling the one you don't want.

* The only restaurant option is Hollywood and Vine, which has Disney Jr. characters.

* People interested in Jedi Training Academy might want to finish up eating just before the park opens to go jump in line.

Animal Kingdom

Just 1 option at Animal Kingdom (Tusker House), but it is good food and puts you in a great spot to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris after you're finished eating.

News

* Be Our Guest breakfast is now a permanent option that opens up 180 days beforehand, just like all other restaurants.

* Minnie's Holiday Dine is a dinner option at Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios from November 7-January 3. The Fantasmic dinner package option is available