Thinking about booking a VIP tour at Disney or Universal? Doug and Lauren break down the differences, costs, perks, and insider secrets to help you decide which is worth the splurge!

VIP Battle: Disney vs Universal — Which Is Worth the Price?
This week on Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren go full VIP as they compare the Disney vs. Universal VIP experiences. With Lauren fresh off a Universal VIP tour, the duo dives into what each park offers — from pricing, perks, and park access to food, guides, and how far that "front of the line" privilege really gets you.

They'll also share firsthand stories, surprising differences between the two resorts, and who each experience is actually best for. Whether you're thinking about going big on your next Orlando vacation or just curious what it's really like to tour like a celebrity, this episode has you covered.

✨ In This Episode:

• Universal VIP options (shared vs. private) and what you actually get 🎢

• Disney VIP tour cost breakdown and what's not included 👀

• What surprised Lauren most about Universal's VIP experience 🏆

• Honest comparison: which resort delivers the better VIP day 💰

• Bonus: tips for dining and hotel experiences that pair perfectly with a tour 🍽️

💡 Support the show:
Join our Patreon community for unfiltered after shows ("Walk of Shame"), bonus Disney news updates, and a chance to win a $25 Disney gift card — www.patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

⭐ Apple Review of the Week: Lefty Lauren

🏖️ New Patreon Member: Kathryn Jeffery, Angela C. Hampton, Diana Valenti, Rachel Greer (all CBR)

Visit us online: www.ropedroppod.com

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
Follow us on social media for Disney news, tips, and updates
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts!

✈️ We're excited to welcome The Lincoln Airport as the official airport of Rope Drop Radio! With direct flights to Orlando (MCO) on Breeze Airways starting December 10th, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster—just in time for the holidays!

🎉 Thank You to our sponsor, Touring and Cruises Travel!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

Get a no-obligation quote at their website: www.touringandcruises.com

We have a new website! www.RopeDropPod.com

Want more Rope Drop Radio? Support the show today and Join Patreon www.patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Lots of great levels on Patreon, Get access to the After Show, Bonus Audio, News Episodes, Ad Free Shows, or monthly zoom calls. Check out the patreon page to see what fits for you.

Leave a review - we will read your 5 star review on air! This helps to promote the show as well.

Watch us on YouTube!

🧳 Kingdom Strollers – Premium stroller and scooter rentals delivered right to your resort. Travel light and stress-free. Get It HERE!

Follow us on social media - @RopeDropRadio

Check out our spin off cruise show - @RopeDropOnDeck

Thank you to our top Patreons at the Cinderella Suite level - Molly Hemphill, CT Swiech, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac.

Want to do Disney smarter, cheaper, and faster? Doug and Lauren share their 10 favorite Disney hacks that will save you both money and time on your next Walt Disney World vacation!

RDR 493:Top 10 Disney Hacks to Save You Money and Time
This week on Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren reveal their Top 10 Disney Hacks — the time-saving, budget-friendly tips that every Disney traveler should know! From mobile ordering to free water tricks, Genie+ hacks, and the art of rope dropping, these simple strategies can completely change your next trip.

They also share listener shoutouts, new Patreon members, and discuss the best ways to save money without missing the magic.

✨ In This Episode:

• The best way to skip food lines and save park time 🍔

• Hidden freebies you didn't know about 💧

• Hacks for families with teens 🧳

• Genie+ and Lightning Lane tips to maximize your day ⚡️

• Rope Drop strategies that guarantee more rides 🎢

🎟️ Support the show:

Join us on Patreon for unfiltered after shows, Disney news updates, and a chance to win a $25 Disney gift card: patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

⭐ Apple Review of the Week: rebish21

🏖️ New Patreon Member: Kathryn Jeffery, Angela C. Hampton, Diana Valenti, Rachel Greer (all CBR)

Visit us online: www.ropedroppod.com

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
Follow us on social media for Disney news, tips, and updates
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts!

✈️ We're excited to welcome The Lincoln Airport as the official airport of Rope Drop Radio! With direct flights to Orlando (MCO) on Breeze Airways starting December 10th, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster—just in time for the holidays!

🎉 Thank You to our sponsor, Touring and Cruises Travel!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

Get a no-obligation quote at their website: www.touringandcruises.com

We have a new website! www.RopeDropPod.com

Want more Rope Drop Radio? Support the show today and Join Patreon www.patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Lots of great levels on Patreon, Get access to the After Show, Bonus Audio, News Episodes, Ad Free Shows, or monthly zoom calls. Check out the patreon page to see what fits for you.

Leave a review - we will read your 5 star review on air! This helps to promote the show as well.

Watch us on YouTube!

🧳 Kingdom Strollers – Premium stroller and scooter rentals delivered right to your resort. Travel light and stress-free. Get It HERE!

Follow us on social media - @RopeDropRadio

Check out our spin off cruise show - @RopeDropOnDeck

Thank you to our top Patreons at the Cinderella Suite level - Molly Hemphill, CT Swiech, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac.

It's time to play "Keep, Refurbish, or Replace!" Doug and Lauren head to EPCOT and decide which attractions, rides, and restaurants deserve some Disney love—or a full makeover.

Keep, Refurbish, or Replace? Epcot Debate!
EPCOT fans, this one's for you! This week on Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren go pavilion by pavilion deciding which parts of EPCOT should be kept, refurbished, or completely replaced. From Spaceship Earth to Frozen Ever After, we give our honest takes on which experiences still shine and which need a little pixie dust.

We're joined by our Patreon community and listener feedback as we debate fan-favorite attractions like Living with the Land, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends — plus EPCOT dining favorites including Connections Eatery, La Cantina de San Ángel, and Biergarten.

We even tackle EPCOT's live entertainment and films — from Voices of Liberty to Reflections of China and Canada Far and Wide. What stays, what goes, and what gets the refurb treatment? Tune in to find out!

💬 What would you keep, refurbish, or replace at EPCOT? Let us know on social media!

🎟️ Support the show:
Join us on Patreon for unfiltered after shows, Disney news updates, and a chance to win a $25 Disney gift card: patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

⭐ Apple Review of the Week: Krista.L.
🏖️ New Patreon Member: Bronwyn Taylor (Beach Club Level)

Visit us online: www.ropedroppod.com

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
Follow us on social media for Disney news, tips, and updates
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts!

✈️ We're excited to welcome The Lincoln Airport as the official airport of Rope Drop Radio! With direct flights to Orlando (MCO) on Breeze Airways starting December 10th, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster—just in time for the holidays!

🎉 Thank You to our sponsor, Touring and Cruises Travel!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

Get a no-obligation quote at their website: www.touringandcruises.com

We have a new website! www.RopeDropPod.com

Want more Rope Drop Radio? Support the show today and Join Patreon www.patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Lots of great levels on Patreon, Get access to the After Show, Bonus Audio, News Episodes, Ad Free Shows, or monthly zoom calls. Check out the patreon page to see what fits for you.

Leave a review - we will read your 5 star review on air! This helps to promote the show as well.

🧳 Kingdom Strollers – Premium stroller and scooter rentals delivered right to your resort. Travel light and stress-free. Get It HERE!

Follow us on social media - @RopeDropRadio

Check out our spin off cruise show - @RopeDropOnDeck

Thank you to our top Patreons at the Cinderella Suite level - Molly Hemphill, CT Swiech, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac.

You asked, we answered! Doug and Lauren tackle your Walt Disney World listener questions — from dining to resorts, and more!

It's time for another Rope Drop Radio Listener Q&A! Doug and Lauren are diving into your Disney questions about park strategy, Lightning Lanes, dining plans, resorts, transportation, and everything in between.

Whether you're planning your first trip or your 50th, we're answering questions that will help you make the most of your next Disney vacation. We share insider tips, honest opinions, and plenty of laughs along the way.

✨ Plus, we shout out our newest Patreon supporters and Apple Podcast reviews, and tease what's coming up next on Rope Drop Radio!

Support the show on Patreon for unfiltered after shows, weekly Disney news, and a chance to win a $25 gift card: patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Visit us online: www.ropedroppod.com

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
Follow us on social media for Disney news, tips, and updates
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts!

✈️ We're excited to welcome The Lincoln Airport as the official airport of Rope Drop Radio! With direct flights to Orlando (MCO) on Breeze Airways starting December 10th, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster—just in time for the holidays!

🎉 Thank You to our sponsor, Touring and Cruises Travel!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

Get a no-obligation quote at their website: www.touringandcruises.com

We have a new website! www.RopeDropPod.com

Want more Rope Drop Radio? Support the show today and Join Patreon www.patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Lots of great levels on Patreon, Get access to the After Show, Bonus Audio, News Episodes, Ad Free Shows, or monthly zoom calls. Check out the patreon page to see what fits for you.

Leave a review - we will read your 5 star review on air! This helps to promote the show as well.

🧳 Kingdom Strollers – Premium stroller and scooter rentals delivered right to your resort. Travel light and stress-free. Get It HERE!

Follow us on social media - @RopeDropRadio

Check out our spin off cruise show - @RopeDropOnDeck

Thank you to our top Patreons at the Cinderella Suite level - Molly Hemphill, CT Swiech, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac.

This week on Rope Drop Radio, Lauren shares her trip report from a busy work trip to Walt Disney World! From resort stays to EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival to the magic (and chaos) of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we cover it all.

VOTE FOR PLATTSMOUTH in the FN5GL

Highlights include:

• Resort hopping from All-Star Music to Beach Club and more

• EPCOT adventures with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, and Food & Wine favorites

• A full night at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, complete with rare characters, spooky parades, and fireworks

• Professional development at Disney’s Yacht Club and dinners at Ale & Compass, Enchanted Rose, and California Grill with fireworks views

• Rope drop challenges with Doug and Lauren’s very different plans (including Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse vs. 9 attractions before lunch!)

• A VIP tour and agency-wide challenge that hit all 4 parks in one day, ending with dessert and Fantasmic

Join us for all the highlights, laughs, and tips from Lauren’s Disney work adventure!

✨ Support the show on Patreon for unfiltered after shows, weekly Disney news, and your chance to win a $25 gift card: patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
Follow us on social media for Disney news, tips, and updates
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts!

✈️ We’re excited to welcome The Lincoln Airport as the official airport of Rope Drop Radio! With direct flights to Orlando (MCO) on Breeze Airways starting December 10th, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster—just in time for the holidays!

🎉 Thank You to our sponsor, Touring and Cruises Travel!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

Get a no-obligation quote at their website: www.touringandcruises.com

We have a new website! www.RopeDropPod.com

Want more Rope Drop Radio? Support the show today and Join Patreon www.patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Lots of great levels on Patreon, Get access to the After Show, Bonus Audio, News Episodes, Ad Free Shows, or monthly zoom calls. Check out the patreon page to see what fits for you.

Leave a review - we will read your 5 star review on air! This helps to promote the show as well.

🧳 Kingdom Strollers – Premium stroller and scooter rentals delivered right to your resort. Travel light and stress-free. Get It HERE!

Follow us on social media - @RopeDropRadio

Check out our spin off cruise show - @RopeDropOnDeck

Thank you to our top Patreons at the Cinderella Suite level - Molly Hemphill, CT Swiech, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener.

RDR 488: Overrated or Underrated at Walt Disney World? Our Disney Debate With Mindy!

Is Slinky Dog Dash worth the long wait? Is Dole Whip truly the ultimate Disney snack? And is staying at a Deluxe Resort really worth the splurge? This week on Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren are joined by Mindy from Touring and Cruises to tackle one of Disney's most controversial questions: what's overrated and what's underrated at Walt Disney World?

We go attraction by attraction, snack by snack, and even dive into transportation, dining, and resorts to separate the magic from the myths. From Haunted Mansion to character dining to Disney buses, no topic is safe!

Plus, we share listener shoutouts, welcome new Patreons, and wrap up with a lightning round.

✨ Support the show on Patreon for unfiltered after shows, bonus weekly news, and your chance to win a $25 Disney gift card: patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
Follow us on social media for Disney news, tips, and updates
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts!

✈️ We're excited to welcome The Lincoln Airport as the official airport of Rope Drop Radio! With direct flights to Orlando (MCO) on Breeze Airways starting December 10th, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster—just in time for the holidays!

🎉 Thank You to our sponsor, Touring and Cruises Travel!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

Get a no-obligation quote at their website: www.touringandcruises.com

We have a new website! www.RopeDropPod.com

Want more Rope Drop Radio? Support the show today and Join Patreon www.patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Lots of great levels on Patreon, Get access to the After Show, Bonus Audio, News Episodes, Ad Free Shows, or monthly zoom calls. Check out the patreon page to see what fits for you.

Leave a review - we will read your 5 star review on air! This helps to promote the show as well.

🧳 Kingdom Strollers – Premium stroller and scooter rentals delivered right to your resort. Travel light and stress-free. Get It HERE!

Follow us on social media - @RopeDropRadio

Check out our spin off cruise show - @RopeDropOnDeck

Thank you to our top Patreons at the Cinderella Suite level - Molly Hemphill, CT Swiech, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener.

RDR 487: Our 10 Favorite Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World

Lightning Lanes can save you hours of waiting in line at Walt Disney World—but which ones are really worth booking? In this episode of Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren each pick their top 5 Lightning Lanes, giving you a combined list of 10 must-have Lightning Lane reservations for your next Disney trip.

We share our personal favorites, explain why each ride made our list, and give practical tips on how to maximize your time using Lightning Lanes. From thrilling coasters to family-friendly classics, these are the attractions we think every Disney fan should prioritize.

In this episode you'll hear:

• How we define "best" when it comes to Lightning Lanes

• Doug's top 5 LL picks (with strategy tips)

• Lauren's top 5 Lightning Lane must-dos and why she chose them

• Why some attractions are more valuable as Lightning Lanes than others

• Our final combined list of the 10 best Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World

Whether you're heading to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, this episode will help you plan smarter, skip the lines, and ride more of your favorites.

✨ Patreon shout-out to Jamie Stapleton—welcome to the Rope Drop Radio community! Join us at Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio for bonus shows, Disney news updates, and monthly gift card giveaways. Shout-out to Andrea from WI for this week's Apple Podcast review.

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
Follow us on social media for Disney news, tips, and updates
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts!

✈️ We're excited to welcome The Lincoln Airport as the official airport of Rope Drop Radio! With direct flights to Orlando (MCO) on Breeze Airways starting December 10th, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster—just in time for the holidays!

🎉 Thank You to our sponsor, Touring and Cruises Travel!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

Get a no-obligation quote at their website: www.touringandcruises.com

We have a new website! www.RopeDropPod.com

Want more Rope Drop Radio? Support the show today and Join Patreon www.patreon.com/RopeDropRadio

Lots of great levels on Patreon, Get access to the After Show, Bonus Audio, News Episodes, Ad Free Shows, or monthly zoom calls. Check out the patreon page to see what fits for you.

Leave a review - we will read your 5 star review on air! This helps to promote the show as well.

🧳 Kingdom Strollers – Premium stroller and scooter rentals delivered right to your resort. Travel light and stress-free. Get It HERE!

Follow us on social media - @RopeDropRadio

Check out our spin off cruise show - @RopeDropOnDeck

Thank you to our top Patreons at the Cinderella Suite level - Molly Hemphill, CT Swiech, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener.