WDW Prep To Go - a Disney World planning podcast

Mary Lanier’s Spring Break WDW trip - PREP 404

Mary Lanier drove from South Carolina to Central Florida with her husband, 14-year-old son, 11-year-old son, and 8-year-old daughter to spend Spring Break at Walt Disney World. During their split stay at Caribbean Beach and Polynesian Resort Villas, they were pleasantly surprised with good weather and lower than expected crowds.    Post trip begins: 36 minutes   Links: Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar Disney World Touring Strategies 6 Step Disney World Planning Process   ...

Casey’s Disneyland and Universal trip - PREP 403

Casey, her husband, their two young children, and her mom recently returned from a Spring Break trip to Southern California. She shares the details of a crowded, but non unmanageable, few days at Universal Hollywood (including Super Nintendo World!) and Disneyland. Listen for why she said, “Disneyland brings all of us so much joy and happiness, even as exhausting as it is.”   Post trip begins: 21 minutes   Links: Clear backpack Small World Vacations Disneyland Request ...

Tips for Summer 2024 travel - PREP 402

Heading to Disney World this summer? Listen for what is new, what is changing, and tips to help your summer trip go smoothly.   Links: Summer 2024 at Walt Disney World Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 6 Step Disney World Planning Process   Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to leave us a message with your first name, location, and trip info. Be sure to include your exact trip dates, who is in your party, where yo...

Nicole’s group offsite trip to Disney World - PREP 401

Nicole traveled with 15 people in her family to Walt Disney World - that includes nine children ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years old! They stayed for a week in an offsite home they rented so they could all stay together. Their park time was often with their nuclear family, which gave Nicole and her husband plenty of time to navigate the parks with their 6-month-old daughter. She shares about their trip and her new perspectives as a parent.   Post trip begins: 38 minutes   ...

Matt’s runDisney and extended family trip - PREP 400

Matt’s late February trip to Disney World that included Princess weekend for runDisney was “amazing, beautiful weather, mix of family and friends, and a mix of ‘go’ and ‘hold back.’” Listen as he shares about new experiences and seeing familiar attractions through his 4-year-old daughter’s eyes.   Financials: Hotel $4700 (with 40% cast member friend and family discount) Flight: $950 Rental Car: $450 (includes car seat rental) Food: approximate $700   Matt red...

Flower and Garden Festival 2024 - PREP 399

Our favorite festival is back at Epcot and we were there for the opening days! Listen for our favorite food and drink items at the 2024 Flower and Garden Festival as well as how to enjoy the many extra offerings from topiaries to gardens to special merch and musical acts.   Links: Complete Guide to Flower and Garden Festival 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 6 Step Disney World Planning Process   Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use th...

Erin’s DCL cruise out of NOLA - PREP 398

Erin and her husband surprised their two children with a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from New Orleans on the Disney Magic. She said their vacation was, “The best time - the trip I had been dreaming we would have for years.” Listen as she shares tips on how she helped make her first family cruise a fantastic one.   Post trip begins: 33 minutes   Links: DCL Primer for WDW peeps How to do embarkation day How disembarkation works DCL packing list   L...

Maximizing the Disney Dining Plan in 2024 - PREP 397

What is the Disney Dining Plan? Who can purchase it? How do the credits work? What has changed with the Disney Dining Plan? And, most of all, is the Disney Dining Plan worth it? Listen for the answers to all of that and more in-depth analysis.   Links: Disney Dining Plan Small World Vacations Complete Guide to Disney World Dining 6 Step Disney World Planning Process   Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to lea...

12-year-old Annabel’s big family Universal/Disney World trip - PREP 396

Annabel led the planning and execution of an 8-day Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World trip for 12 people - and she is 12 years old! She walks Shannon through each day of the January trip and shares how she and her family navigated touring with a large group of varying ages and interests.   Links: Designer Park Co - Use code “WDWPrep” to save 10% Subscribe to the WDW Prep School weekly newsletter Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 6 Step Disney World Planning Process ...

Ellen’s Disney World trip with her teenager - PREP 395

Amazing and exhausting, that’s how Ellen described her one-on-one trip to Disney World with her teenager. She shares details of this very special trip, including seeing her child grow in bravery and feel safe at Disney.   Post-trip begins: 41 minutes   Links: Clear backpack MCO Reserve Disney World 101: The Ultimate First Timer's Guide Complete Guide to Disney World Dining  Disney World Touring Strategies 6 Step Disney World Planning Process Leave me a messag...

About my least fave DCL cruise - PREP 394

Shannon sailed on the Disney Magic for a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise. This January cruise provided a mixed-bag of positive and negative experiences. She details those plus what she’d do differently to improve her next cruise.   Links: Galveston hotels with shuttles and parking Check out DCL highlights on IG Get a DCL quote Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to leave us a message with your first name, location...

Kellen’s coast-to-coast runDisney trip - PREP 393

Kellen started 2024 off with an ambitious adventure. The first ten days of January she visited Walt Disney World and completed the RunDisney Dopey Challenge (all four races of marathon weekend!). She then spent four days at Disneyland and ran the half-marathon for the first RunDisney race there in seven years. She shares with Shannon all the ups and downs and several tips for anyone who would want to embark on a similar adventure.   Post trip begins: 42 minutes   Links: Walt D...

Doing Festival of the Arts in 2024 - PREP 392

The 2024 Epcot Festival of the Arts is underway. We were there for the first two days and ate and drank every festival item! Listen to hear our favorite items, which food studios top our list of best value for a mini-meal, and what other fun activities are available for guests at this year’s festival.    Click the Guide to Festival of the Arts link for a map outlining all of the food studios and highlighting our favorites - plus pictures and reviews of every item.   Daily updates ...

Sara’s Christmas/New Year’s extended family trip - PREP 391

Sara planned and coordinated a multi-generational trip during the busiest week of the year at Disney World. She shares how she planned so she could pivot, highlights how traveling with teens and young adults opens up more options, and demonstrates how planners can truly go to Disney any time of year and have a successful trip.   Post trip begins: 37 minutes   Get a Quote for: Walt Disney World Aulani Disneyland Universal Adventures by Disney Disney Cruise Li...

How to do WDW on any holiday - PREP 390

If you are planning to travel to Disney World during Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving or Christmas, tune in for important tips that are particular to these major holidays.   Links: Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar Disney World 101: The Ultimate First Timer's Guide Complete Guide to Disney World Dining  Disney World Touring Strategies 6 Step Disney World Planning Process Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below ...

Jackie’s December extended family trip to Disney World - PREP 389

An extended family trip to Disney World to celebrate the winter holidays while pregnant, with a toddler, a split stay, lots of character meals, and navigating Genie+ for the first time all in one trip? That was Jackie’s adventure. She highlights the difference cast members make and shares many firsts for their toddler son, including true magical moments.    Post trip begins: 37 minutes   Links: Guide to traveling to Disney World with a toddler Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar...

Is the California ABD worth it? - PREP 388

Shannon recaps her recent Disneyland Resort and Southern California Adventures by Disney trip. She highlights the booking process, what is included, and who she believes are the ideal people to embark on this particular adventure. Small World Vacations provided this Adventure.   Daily updates begin: 23 minutes   Links: Contact Small World Vacations for an Adventures by Disney quote Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar Disney World 101: The Ultimate First Timer's Guide 6 S...

California ABD, final day - first guests in Disneyland!

California ABD day 4 - going backstage, parade views

California ABD day 3 - Studios, Imagineering, Walt's apt

My first time at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort - PREP 387

Our team spent some rest and relaxation time at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Shannon recaps the trip and shares what she enjoyed, what surprised her, and what she will do differently next time she visits.   Links: Rent points via DVC Request Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 6 Step Disney World Planning Process Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to leave us a message with ...

California ABD day 2 - private Hollywood tours

California ABD day 1 - arrival, Hollywood

Meggan’s Thanksgiving week Disney World trip - PREP 386

Seasoned Walt Disney World travelers, Meggan, her husband, their 8-year-old daughter, and their 4-year-old son, spent the week of Thanksgiving in a split stay between the cabins at Fort Wilderness and a Lion King suite at Art of Animation. She shares with Shannon how they balanced park time with resort activities and navigated using the DAS system during a busy holiday week. Listen for tips Meggan gave for accommodations at Rise of the Resistance and where to find additional seating in the ...

Briana’s large family trip to Disney World - PREP 385

Briana traveled to Walt Disney World with 11 people in her family ranging in age from 5 years old to 70-something. This multi-generational trip was based at Saratoga Springs. They visited each theme park, spent time at Disney Springs, and some in their party played a round of golf. Listen for tidbits about shipping souvenirs, how to use the DAS pass at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and a lesson Briana learned early in the trip.     Post trip begins: 45 minutes   Links: ...

Savannah’s trip to Disney World with her mom - PREP 384

Savannah and her mom traveled from Nashville to Orlando to celebrate her mom’s birthday in the most magical place on Earth. Building on the success of a similar trip two years ago, Savannah and her mom stayed at Pop Century. They visited all of the Disney parks, shopped, made impromptu dining reservations, and enjoyed Pina Coladas poolside. A frequent traveler to Disney World, Savannah loves traveling with different parties and truly enjoys “showing someone a piece of what I love and seei...

2023 holiday options at WDW - PREP 383

Shannon recaps her 2023 holiday trip to Walt Disney World. Listen to hear her review of the new Jollywood Nights and why she thinks Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the best one in years. She includes tips on how to enjoy the holidays at Walt Disney World without paying extra for the parties.   Links: Disney World Christmas 2023 Complete Guide Where to find characters at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Is the 2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth it? (Re...

Chatting with Shantelle of Magical Tour Guide - PREP 382

Shannon talks with Shantelle of Magical Tour Guide (formerly Disneyland Tour Guide) about their shared goal of helping travelers get the most out of their Disney day. Shantelle shares what makes her unique in the Disneyland creator niche, how her family created a love of Disneyland, why she started her Instagram account and what led her to change the name of it. She discusses Disneyland strategy, what to look for in a Disneyland hotel, and what she’s most excited about for future travels....

Missy’s solo Disney Mom-cation - PREP 381

Missy embarked on a whirlwind weekend solo trip to Disney World. Listen as she tells Shannon more about why 10 percent of her original plan actually happened. She includes what crowds were like on a Saturday afternoon in the fall at Epcot, her unintentional 4-park day, and why and how she pivoted. Missy’s trip embodied her statement to the young people she chatted with along the way: “You’re still a person when you are a mom.”   Post trip begins: 17 minutes   Links: Walt Disne...

Planning a group Disneyland trip - PREP 380

Shannon chats about her recent trip to Disneyland. Listen as she highlights the strategies she used to travel with 34 people, what Oogie Boogie Bash was like, where to stay (economically!) near the parks, and what surprised her about Disneyland in October.   Links: Disneyland info The Anaheim Hotel 6 Step Disney World Planning Process Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to leave us a message with your first name, ...

Kelle’s westbound transatlantic cruise on the Disney Dream - PREP 379

Kelle and her husband embarked the Disney Dream in Southhampton, England, and ended their trip in their home port of New York City. Kelle shares details of the journey she said was, “a trip of a lifetime. Pure joy.” She included specifics on pricing, meaningful moments of connection, their time in the Rainforest Room and Satellite Falls, mornings of their veranadah, exploring Vigo, Spain, on their own and a guided tour in Lisbon. Kelle also experienced special offerings like a couples cho...

Jude’s fall 10-day trip to Walt Disney World - PREP 378

“It’s how you frame your mind,” is how Jude reflected on her recent 10-day trip to Walt Disney World with her husband and three children. Jude shares with Shannon about special interactions with a cast member at the Grand Floridian, her extensive plans, what is like to adjust at Disney and what she would do differently. Listen as she tells of special little moments. “The stuff I think about isn’t the rides. It’s twirling my girls in the Grand Floridian lobby. A lot of the things we loved ...

Nicole traveled to Disneyland with her toddler - PREP 377

Nicole visited Disneyland several times in the past. However, this was her first time traveling with a toddler. Listen as she shares with Shannon details about her September trip to Disneyland with her husband and their 2-year-old son. She shines a light on where to find the best cold brew in Disneyland and where are the best places to eat gluten-free and plant-based items.   Post trip begins: 24 minutes   Links: Disneyland Resort Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort ...

What's coming in late 2023 and early 2024 - 376

Shannon shares personal updates and highlights what to expect from Walt Disney World for the rest 2023 and the beginning of 2024.   Links: What is coming to Disney World in 2024 and beyond Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 6 Step Disney World Planning Process Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below to leave us a message with your first name, location, and trip info. You can do that using your computer or phone at htt...

Dishing with Bethany Vinton - PREP 375

Shannon chats with Bethany Vinton, a Disney content creator in the food and beverage realm. Bethany is on a mission to dine at every restaurant at Disney World and share those experiences with others to help people plan the food and beverage part of their Disney World vacation. Her day-job is a marketing consultant in the Pacific Northwest. Listen to hear how her Disney content outlet originated and what is next in her journey. Links: Bethany's Instagram Bethany Vinton's website ...

Aleisha’s England trip and Norwegian Disney cruise - PREP 374

Aleisha, her husband, and their 10-year-old and 7-year-old children, recently experienced their first trip overseas and first cruise. She shares with Shannon details of their two-week adventure including packing in carry-on bags only, navigating London via the Tube, downtime in nearby Weymouth, and a week-long stay on the Disney Dream cruise ship exploring ports in Norway. Listen to hear Aleisha’s thoughts on the cruise food, port adventures, character meets, and her list of pluses and minu...

Alise’s quick mother-daughter trip to Disney World - PREP 373

Alise and her 7-year-old daughter, Rosemary, flew from Virginia to Orlando for a quick mother-daughter trip to Walt Disney World. She shares with Shannon about navigating the parks with celiac disease and all the gluten-free goodies they were able to enjoy. Listen to hear what they thought of All Star Sports, going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on a travel day, and how planning makes it easier to pivot.   Post trip starts at 29 minutes.   Links: Complete Guide to Mic...

Disney World and Enneagram types - PREP 372

We combine two of our favorite topics: Disney World planning and Enneagram types! Listen as Shannon highlights how different personality types approach Disney World planning. Use this knowledge as the planner to incorporate the things important to both you and the rest of your travel party. Links: Access our Food and Wine 2023 Guide Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar Disney World 101: The Ultimate First Timer's Guide 6 Step Disney World Planning Process Leave me a message (...

10th anniversary + 2023 MNSSHP - PREP 371

We are celebrating 10 years of the WDW Prep to Go podcast! (It’s been downloaded more than 4 million times!) Shannon shares about the early days of the podcast including what has changed and what has stayed the same. Plus, the WDW Prep School team has comprehensive coverage of the 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. Shannon breaks down the basics and crafts model touring plans. Links: Complete guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Where to find ...

Our top picks for the 2023 Epcot Food and Wine Festival - PREP 370

Shannon chats with WDW Prep team members Heather, Allyson, and Felicia about the 2023 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. They discuss their experience at the first three (very hot!) days of the festival and share how they each would spend $75 when enjoying a day at the festival. Their picks: Ally’s favorites Brew-Wing: Impossible™ Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Plant-Based Blue Cheese, Plant-Based Ranch and Celery (NEW) (plant-based item) ($7.50) AND Brew Hub French Connection IPA, ...

Interview with the creator of Standby Skipper - PREP 369

Shannon chats with the Captain of Standby Skipper. She shares their Disney family origin story and how that led to optimizing park touring and eventually to the creation of Standby Skipper, the app that lends a hand to planners using Genie+ at Walt Disney World so visitors spend less time on their phone during vacation. The Captain also answers questions about the security and legality of the app and how their family uses the app’s tools.   Links: Standby Skipper Walt Disney World...

Matt. O’s multi-generational trip to Disneyland - PREP 368

Matt, his wife, their five-year old daughter, and his parents recently flew from the east coast to California. They explored San Diego, Los Angeles, and - of course - Disneyland Resort. Matt shares what they thought of the new Element hotel as well as the interactions that set Disneyland apart from Walt Disney World.   Post trip begins: 22 minutes   Links: Complete guide to Disneyland Element by Westin San Diego Zoo Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar   Leave me a mes...

Sarah E.’s family WDW trip at the Swan - PREP 367

Sarah, her husband, and their sons traveled to Walt Disney World for a summer family vacation. Listen as she shares with Shannon about the benefits of staying at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort and how they fared with July heat and crowds. Post trip begins: 23 minutes   Links: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar Complete Guide to Disney World Dining  Disney World Touring Strategies 7 Step Disney World Planning Process Leave me a mess...

5 tools we use to plan trips - PREP 366

Shannon highlights tools we use to plan our trips (find those hard-to-get reservations at Mouse Dining!) as well as things you can practice from home before you go to Disney World so you don’t have as many things to learn while you are on your trip.   Links: Thrill-Data Walt Disney World Live Entertainment Mouse Dining Standby Skipper 8 things you can test or practice at home before visiting Walt Disney World Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 7 Step Disney World P...

Linda's family trip to London and Paris with Adventures by Disney - PREP 365

Linda, her husband, and their young children embarked on a trip to London and Paris. Linda’s mother joined them for their Adventures by Disney portion. Listen as Linda shares details of the trip including flight delays, surprise local spots, a tour of Warner Bros. Studio, scoring tickets last minute for a show in London’s West End, how it was to travel as part of an Adventures by Disney group, what she loved about Disneyland Paris, and what she would (and wouldn’t!) do if she made the sam...

Marin M.'s family celebration trip to Disney World - PREP 364

Marin planned a family trip to Walt Disney World in 2020 to celebrate her retirement. Delayed due to the pandemic shutdowns and life changes, Marin, her husband, their daughter, son-in-law, and son finally made the trip from Kansas City to Orlando and added a couple of other celebrations to the list. Listen as Marin shares with Shannon about their experiences of reconnecting with each other, a 30th anniversary dinner at Victoria & Albert’s, a VIP tour, what they thought of the Disney’s Rivi...

Chatting about recent announcements - PREP 363

Shannon discusses recent announcements from Disney including 2024 packages, the Disney Dining Plan, changes to Genie+, and holiday offerings both new and returning. Check out the links below for more information. Links: Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar 2024 Disney Dining Plan Genie+ changes at Disney World Holidays at Disney World in 2023 7 Step Disney World Planning Process Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the SpeakPipe link below...

Resort only Disney World trip with Alice G. - PREP 362

Alice and her family traveled from Maryland to Orlando for a quick Walt Disney World trip to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. They filled their days with fun and adventure - and no Disney World theme parks! Alice shares with Shannon their experience with Storybook Nannies and date night, Typhoon Lagoon, Port Orleans French Quarter, and why she called this “one of the best Disney trips we’ve ever had”. Post trip begins: 22 minutes Links:  Storybook Nannies Free or Chea...

Courtney and her family explore Japan - PREP 361

Courtney, her husband, and two sons traveled to Japan for an epic two-week adventure. She shares details of their time at Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea - including their stay at the Hotel MiraCosta - and Universal Studios Japan. Courtney also covers the highlights of her family’s exploration of Japan’s Harajuku area, Mt. Nokogiri, temples, spa, Osaka, Torii Gates, a traditional tea ceremony, and a bamboo grove. Listen to also hear how the weather impacted her trip and what she thou...

Cruising to Alaska on the Disney Wonder - PREP 360

Have you added taking an Alaskan cruise to your bucket list? Shannon and Heather, along with their significant others, recently traveled on the Disney Wonder from Vancouver to Alaska. Shannon shares highlights from the voyage - including what port adventure she will remember for the rest of her life and one that was not even close to worth the time and money.   This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/WDWPREPSCHOOL and get on your way ...