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First-timer report with lots of bells and whistles – PREP139

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WDW Prep School → WDW Prep To Go Podcast → Featured → First-timer report with lots of bells and whistles – PREP139
  • Shannon Albert
  • January 18, 2017
  • January 18, 2017
First-timer report for a December trip | WDW Prep School

Today I have a new trip report from a first-time planner which includes lot of extra options that many of us don’t get to do so it’s fun to hear how that worked out on this December trip.

I also have a quick tip for families planning to use a stroller during their trip.

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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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Gina’s trip report

Gina and her family (including her parents, husband, and children) traveled just after Thanksgiving. Their trip plans included staying Club Level at the Boardwalk Inn, a VIP tour guide, Memory Maker, Free Dining, some character meals, dessert parties, Candlelight Processional dining package, Universal, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Gina recommends the Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World For Kids book to help prep children before their trip. They also had a good experience using a car service to get from the airport to their resort.

Quick tip of the day

Another reader named Gina suggests that people using a stroller during their trip who are worried about valuables being stolen consider packing 2 bags – 1 with valuables and 1 with other items. When the stroller is parked, just take the bag with your valuables in it.

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Read this next

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  • My December trip report – PREP197
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  • My December 2017 trip report – PREP163
  • January first-timer report – PREP141
  • About my land and sea trip – PREP136
  • My full March trip report – PREP143
  • Caitlin J.’s September trip – PREP188
  • My May 2019 trip report – PREP213

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7 Comments

  1. Angela March 29, 2017 Reply

    Gina talked about using a stroller for her kids. What type of stroller did she use? Thanks for all of your advice! We are looking forward to our first Disney adventure as a family! Thank you.

  2. Brittany March 7, 2017 Reply

    I very much enjoyed this podcast! I am planning a similar trip for the same week this year- albeit without the bells & whistles. We are also traveling with my parents and staying at the Boardwalk (although we are renting a 2BR villa). No club level or VIP tours unfortunately. After hearing this I am crossing my fingers that Neil Patrick Harris will return for the CP. One thing I was worried about was the weather so I was pleased to hear it was nice.

  3. Giselle Devane January 22, 2017 Reply

    The VIP tour seem sooooo nice! Just searched for it at the WDW website and got the price of $400-$600 per hour, and a minimum of 7 hours like Gina mentioned on her report. Wow, that’s a lot of money. It seems there are a few different VIP tour options, including an Ultimate Thrill Ride one that take you to different parks and all thrill rides for $299/person. All completely over my budget, but I can definitely see the appeal if you can afford it. Thanks for sharing! Here is a link to it:

    https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/vip-tour-services/

  4. Christa January 19, 2017 Reply

    How much is the VIP guide per hour? Also, I’m assuming a 20% tip is customary?
    1x Disney World
    1x Disneyland
    Couldn’t have survived without WDW PREP and DLR PREP!!
    Thanks so much!
    Christa

  5. CC January 19, 2017 Reply

    I love the longer shows! I listen while I’m doing laundry!

  6. Sue Deming January 18, 2017 Reply

    I stream your podcasts from the website. With these long episodes, is there a way to fast-forward to where I left off? I can’t start over every time and will never find an hour and a half to devote to it at once. Help!

    • Shannon Albert January 18, 2017

      You can adjust the little progress bar to the right of the play button. You might also consider using a podcasting app which makes it super convenient to take it with you (which is why the podcast is called WDW Prep To Go – because it’s portable) and to stop/start as you’d like.

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    • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Resorts
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    • Dining Basics
    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
    • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
    • Mask tips for Disney World trips
    • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
    • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
    • Choosing when to visit in 2021
    • How to tour Disney World right now
    • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
    • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
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    • How transportation works now
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