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

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By: Author Shannon Albert

Published: January 18, 2017 Updated: April 22, 2022

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

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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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.

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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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Angela

Wednesday 29th of March 2017

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.

Brittany

Tuesday 7th of March 2017

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.

Giselle Devane

Sunday 22nd of January 2017

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/

Christa

Thursday 19th of January 2017

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

CC

Thursday 19th of January 2017

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