WDW Prep To Go - a Disney World planning podcast

Beth celebrated her 40th birthday with a 10-person family trip that included stays in Amsterdam and Rome before boarding a Disney Dream Mediterranean cruise with highlights like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Naples, character experiences, kids clubs, shows, and Remy.   Links: Small World Vacations Disney Cruise Line Request   Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please use the Speak...

Matt shared highlights from his family of six's first Walt Disney World vacation (June 13–21), covering their stay at Disney's Beach Club, transportation, heavy use of Lightning Lanes, and a day-by-day recap of dining, attractions, characters, and resort time.   He also reflected on favorite experiences—including Hollywood Studios, 1900 Park Fare, and their Beach Club cabana day—along with lessons...

Kelly, her husband, and their two daughters spent June 4–12 at Walt Disney World, enjoying multiple resorts, character meals, water parks, and all four Disney parks while using Lightning Lanes daily. Despite a few minor mishaps, they had a memorable trip that cost a little over $8,000.   Links: Our review of Port Orleans Riverside All About Strollers at Disney World WDW Prep Toolkit Walt Disney Wo...

Stacey and Stefanie planned a Disney World trip for 22 relatives from the U.S. and England, using detailed scheduling, apps, and ride-planning tools to keep the large group organized. The week included Disney parks, Universal, golf, family activities, and Cirque du Soleil, with a focus on flexibility, family time, and fun for all ages.   Links: Top Villas WDW Prep Toolkit Walt Disney World Crowd C...

In this episode, I recap my May 26–June 3 trip to Walt Disney World, highlighting new attractions, entertainment, dining experiences, and summer offerings across the parks and resorts. I also review several off-site and Disney-owned hotels, compare their value and amenities, and share tips on crowds, transportation, and standout discoveries from the trip.   Links: Swan and Dolphin Review The Compl...

I spoke with Steven from Dintroverts about how introverts can enjoy Walt Disney World by managing energy, taking breaks, using sensory tools, and finding quiet recharge spots around the parks. He shared his favorite locations to recharge, his favorite resorts and excitement for an upcoming Disney cruise.   Links: Dintroverts Dintroverts Instagram   Leave me a message (including trip report submiss...

I recap my five-night Alaska cruise on the Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic, highlighting Vancouver sightseeing, onboard experiences like Glacier Viewing Day and Frozen-themed activities, and a relaxed food-and-drink crawl in Ketchikan. I also compare the Magic and Wonder ships, praising Magic's shows and waterslide while giving Wonder the edge in service and food.   Links: Ultimate Alaskan cruis...

Hali shared highlights from her family's May Disney World trip, where they stayed at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, visited all four parks, used the Dining Plan and Lightning Lanes, and enjoyed favorites like Guardians, Rise of the Resistance, Fantasmic, and Narcoossee's. The trip featured intense heat, pool breaks, and $6,269.32 in spending excluding tickets.   Links: May in Walt Disne...

Christine shared details from her Apr. 17–25 Disney World trip for 16 relatives, including coordinated park plans, Lightning Lanes, dining, and transportation across multiple parks and resort days.   Despite challenges with heat, timing, and logistics, highlights like Guardians, character meals, and the After Hours event made the $20,000+ family trip a success overall.   Links: All Star Music Revi...

I interviewed Jacki before and after her week-long Disney World trip to talk through her plans vs. how everything actually went. She and her husband built a flexible itinerary with After Hours events, resort time, and even a volunteer shift at Give Kids the World and a runDisney 5K.    We break down what worked, what didn't, and the highlights that made this trip so memorable.   Links: WDW Prep To...

A 4-night Disney Wonder Baja cruise plus Disneyland trip was fun but chilly, with Catalina a highlight and Ensenada skippable. Disneyland was low-key with standby lines and shows, and the recap favors longer cruises while teasing future trips.   Links: WDW Prep Toolkit Small World Vacations Disney Cruise Line Request The Anaheim Hotel   Leave me a message (including trip report submissions) Please...

Monique from Perth took her husband and three sons to Singapore for a Disney Adventure cruise, enjoying top attractions, smooth concierge boarding perks, and onboard highlights like shows, water slides, and themed dining despite some hard-to-book activities.   Before and after the cruise, they explored more of Singapore.   Links: Small World Vacations Disney Cruise Line Request   Leave me a messag...

Cameron and Holly traveled March 25–April 6 with their daughters from Minneapolis to London, Disneyland Paris, and Paris, covering major sights, food experiences, and a women's Arsenal vs. Tottenham match before taking the Eurostar to France.   They balanced theme parks and cultural highlights—Disneyland rides and shows, iconic Paris landmarks, a baking class, and metro travel—while noting heavy c...

Episode 508 of WDW Prep To Go follows Cameron and Jessica's late March Disney World spring break trip with their daughter, featuring a split stay, heavy Lightning Lane use, frequent park hopping, and highlights like character dining and thrill rides.   They faced challenges like ride breakdowns and long character waits, and are already planning a return trip in December.   Links: Small World Vacat...

Jordan's March Disney trip with her daughter, niece, and sister was fast-paced but successful, staying at Pop Century, hitting all four parks with smart planning and minimal waits. Despite crowds, high Lightning Lane costs, and a few hiccups, the strategy made the most of a short stay.   Links: Pop Century Review Review: Wait Magic and Standby Skipper Lightning Lane Calculator Small World Vacation...

Blair Lamb shares her experience visiting Disney World at 23 weeks pregnant, discussing energy limits, pelvic pain, ride choices based on comfort, and how tools like an ECV and a slower park pace helped her manage the trip.   She also offers tips on navigating the parks, staying hydrated and nourished, budgeting with points, and setting realistic expectations while traveling with kids and creating...

Amy visited Disney World the first week of March with her 11-year-old twin sons, sister, and 6-year-old niece, staying at All-Star Movies and using services like luggage transfer, grocery delivery, and a shared Quick Service Dining Plan.    They mixed resort time and four park days, focusing on kid-friendly rides her niece loved.   Links: Airport Luggage Transfer Program Small World Vacations Walt...

Gionni planned a late February multi-generational trip for 13 people to Walt Disney World Resort, coordinating dining, Lightning Lanes, and logistics while the group stayed at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and visited several parks. Despite ride downtime, weather, and transportation challenges, the trip balanced park touring with resort time, with a few favorite meals.   Links: Small World Vacat...

In this episode, I talk with Tony about his family's February trip to Walt Disney World, featuring heavy park hopping, a split stay at Disney's Polynesian and BoardWalk, and efficient planning with Lightning Lanes and extended evening hours.   They enjoyed highlights like frequent Tiana's Bayou Adventure rides and multiple lounge stops, low early-week crowds that rose near Presidents Day, and big...

Episode 502 with Crystal covers using Disability Access Service for the first time at Walt Disney World, dealing with cold weather, traveling with three young children, and staying at Disney's Beach Club Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort.   Post trip begins: 22 minutes   Links: Lightning Lane Calculator Guide to DAS at Disney World Small World Vacations Walt Disney World Request February in...

In this episode, I chat with Krysta about her sisters-only land and sea trip that combined Disney World and a Disney Cruise on the Fantasy. They stayed at the BoardWalk, used Lightning Lanes at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom, and sailed to Lookout Cay and Nassau with plenty of adult-area time and a Remy's brunch. We break down what worked, what surprised them, and what they'd do again...

WDW Prep to Go celebrates its 500th episode, with Shannon reflecting on its growth from a solo closet recording in 2013 to a beloved podcast centered on popular trip reports. The milestone highlights the strong community built over the years, especially during the pandemic, with listeners and Patrons sharing how the show has impacted their lives.   Links: Podcast archive (all episodes) Leave a voi...

The podcast follows Jamison's first-ever Disney World trip, where he coordinated a group of 18 across ages and mobility needs, sharing planning strategies, itineraries, and park experiences at Disney and Universal. Despite a few logistical hiccups, the trip was a success thanks to smart planning, Premier Passes, and lessons Jamison learned from Disney-focused podcasts.   Post trip begins: 50 minut...

Emily shares how a stressful car accident delayed her January Disney World trip, but kindness from strangers helped them push through. Despite the rocky start, her family adjusted plans and enjoyed multiple parks, new experiences, and their stay at Caribbean Beach Resort.   Post trip begins: 24 minutes   Links: Our review of Caribbean Beach Resort Small World Vacations Walt Disney World Request Ja...

In episode 497 of WDW Prep To Go , Amy shares how she celebrated her 50th birthday with her husband and ten friends on a special group trip to Disneyland.   Post trip begins: 20 minutes   Links: Small World Vacations Disneyland Request   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...