Great tips and fun too! Lauren is a great addition (and a great travel agent!) and she and Doug have great rapport. Thanks for a good show!

informational podcast! for early entry, can you explain benefits/rope drop tips with the new change at MK? Going in May with a 6 and 4yo, staying at Boulder Ridge, trying to strategize our lightning lanes and rope drops! Thanks for all the tips and tricks! ⭐️

Since they’ve changed hosts the show has gone down hill. As always, they start the show begging for those 5 stars (gag). Try a better Disney podcast.

"To all who come to this happy place, welcome!" Much like the castle at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., RopeDrop Radio stands as a shining beacon of Disney magic. With each episode, it takes listeners on a great journey, proving that "adventure is out there!" Now, with Lauren joining Doug at the helm, the magic continues- insightful, honest, and always entertaining. The original duo, Doug & Derek, created something truly special—like Mickey and Walt, they laid the foundation for a podcast that captured the hearts of Disney fans. Their passion, humor, and expertise guided listeners like Jiminy Cricket leading Pinocchio, always ensuring we stayed on the right path to maximize our Disney experiences. And though their journey has evolved, the spirit they infused into RopeDrop Radio lingers like the warm glow of a Happily Ever After fireworks show. As Walt himself once said, "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." That spirit of discovery fuels RopeDrop Radio as Doug & Lauren bring a perfect balance of experience, humor, and passion. Doug, the lovable curmudgeon, is a lot like Carl from Up- a bit grumpy at times but always full of heart. Lauren, like Moana, is fearless and ready to chart new waters. Together, they help listeners maximize their time at Walt Disney World with advice that isn’t just sprinkled with pixie dust—it’s grounded in years of firsthand experience. "Ohana means family," and the RopeDrop Radio community might not be your typical family…it’s more like Stitch: a little chaotic, fiercely loyal, and always up for an adventure. Doug & Lauren will help maximize your Disney experience; they tell it like it is, making sure listeners are "prepared" (but in a much more positive way than Scar intended). Their deep knowledge of park strategies, resort tips, and Disney news ensures that every listener can plan with confidence and a add little extra magic to every experience. Perhaps the greatest gift of RopeDrop Radio is that, like Rapunzel, it allows listeners to "see the light”. It’s a guiding force for those navigating the often-overwhelming world of Disney planning, offering thoughtful, experienced, and entertaining insight. Doug & Lauren lead us through one "great, big, beautiful tomorrow," after another with each new episode. Quite simply: RopeDrop Radio is an essential companion for every Disney traveler.

I’ve been listening to this podcast for a year and a half now and I’ve enjoyed my Friday commute with each new episode. As a Mountain West dad of teenagers, I love the outlook that Doug and Lauren give on park experiences and advice that seem to align with my family - especially getting on the rope whenever we’re at a park. Bonus - I love their hot take on Cars taking over Rivers of America. Finally! A podcast that I agree with. Yes, Rivers of America is beautiful, but I trust the Imagineers are going to create landscapes and views that will be stunning in their own right, and add a ton of ride capacity at the same time. And yes, Lauren - I’m sure there will be water features!

As a fellow Nebraskan-- I know how it feels to miss WDW from the Midwest when you're away! I love listening to your podcast in between trips. Thanks for the fun topics and magical moments!

Since the change heard around the world rope drop radio has recovered quite well. Derrick is still missed but Lauren is coming up to speed quickly! Disney World only with just a little universal. Disneyland need not apply.

Podcast is fine but was better with the two nerdy Nebraska guys rather than one and an Iowa travel agent. Will listen once in a while but not regularly. It’s fine…

Per your request

Great podcast for planning a Disney trip! I started listening a couple of years ago and just kept listening because I like the updates and trip reports! Thanks!

Absolutely enjoy the podcoast! Welcome Lauren to the show. You have been a natural fit and the banter between you and Doug is on point. Love the way you throw in Universal and other things park related. And yes, on the current episode Disneyland definitely deserves a part of the show. There is something magical about being at the original park that Walt actually had a hand in and spent much time in. Thank you for what yall do and keep up the amazing show!

I’m so glad you focus on what to know about Disney World! Please keep that up - our family loves listening to your podcast!

I have been listening to this show for about a year and half and this is hands down my favorite Disney podcast! I am of mom of 3 (soon to be 4) kids so I truly appreciate the tips and tricks from doug and Derek (I’ll miss you!). I’m looking forward to hearing Disney planning parenting tips from another mom of 4! Welcome Lauren! Thanks for going on walks, runs and drives with me. I appreciate all of your work and tips! Only 16 more months till my next trip (but who’s counting 😉).

Rope Drop Radio is an absolute joy to listen to! Doug and Lauren have such fun and informative banter that makes every episode both entertaining and valuable. They cover great topics with timely information that any Disney fan can appreciate. I only make it to Walt Disney World once a year for my annual birthday trip, but listening to this podcast keeps the magic alive for me all year long. Thanks for keeping the Disney spirit strong—keep up the amazing work!

Love the show! It’s very helpful when planning a Disney trip. And even when I’m not, it’s fun to listen to the travel stories. I’ve heard Lauren on a few episodes before and I like hearing her insights. Welcome, Lauren!

Very informative and helpful for Disney planning. Love the banter. Looking forward to having Lauren on the show.

This podcast has so much helpful information and is full of fun facts. LOVE that Lauren has joined the show!!! I will definitely be sharing this with other Disney fans!

Excited about the change! Welcome Lauren!

I started listening to these guys when I was planning my first family trip over 2 years ago…and after the trip I couldn’t stop! Their mixture of tips, tricks, and banter keep me coming back each week for more! Thanks for all that you do! Updated January 10, 2025: best of luck to Derek, you’ll be missed! Thank you for all the laughs! End of an Era! You guys have been my train ride to work companions every Friday. Lauren, welcome to Fridays with Charles😂

Guys. Horrendous PR move to have Derek leave so abruptly with no goodbye show and no real explanation. Then to pretend like it never happened and try to move a new random host in and carry on? Unfollow, which bums me out. But this is so tone deaf, such a bad reading of your audience, unfollow 100%.

I started listening to Rope Drop Radio before our first trip in February 2024 and haven’t stopped. A lot of great information for planning a trip and I love how Derek & Doug don’t sugar coat anything. Their banter is always entertaining as well!

Just discovered your podcast, and I really enjoy your energy and interaction! As a fellow Disney Dad, I appreciate the family focused topics and tips. Although our home park is Disneyland, I love Walt Disney World content as I visit often as well. I look forward to listening more!

We’re in the middle of planning our first Disney World trip, and Rope Drop Radio has been an incredible resource! The hosts break down everything so clearly, from using Lightning Lanes to picking the best dining and resorts. Their tips have helped us feel so much more confident and excited about our trip. They keep up with all the latest changes, so we know we’re getting up-to-date advice. If you’re planning a Disney vacation, this podcast is a must-listen!

I am planning a big trip for September 2025 with my mom, who has had several hard years. As any eldest child knows, there's the pressure to make things perfect. But I love this show because Derek and Doug are always having fun, even when discussing something critically. They make me feel like I'm on vacation already. Will definitely keep listening even after our trip!

Just finished my review of the Rope Drop on Deck podcast and talked up Michelle quite a bit. But we know where the real strength lies, team Double Ds! Derek and Doug are a treat to listen to, more satisfying than a Mickey bar on a hot summer day. You 2 are relatable and provide so much solid information and tips! Keep it up and I’ll keep listening, thanks for your hard (?) work fellas

As a former Disney child, current Disney adult, and prospective Disney dad, I appreciate how the information they provide can apply to anyone that enters this magical place. Week in and week out, I find myself learning something a bit more to maximize my trips. It’s because of this show, that after nearly 32 years of life, and 20 visits to Walt Disney World, that I finally tried a dole whip and it has become my favorite snack at the parks (yes I know it’s embarrassing that it took this long). I hope they continue to entertain and educate us for years to come and I look forward to the day that I start bringing my own children, and applying more of their knowledge.

This was my first listen to the podcast, and WOW, I can see how you guys have grown to over a million listeners! Fun. Knowledgeable. Obviously experienced. I’m excited to have such a great resource for the next time my family plans a Disney trip!

While I have been an avid WDW traveler with a good amount of Disney knowledge, Derek and Doug has been my attempt to keep me in the Disney bubble when I’m not there. It is safe to say that they have been doing an amazing job. While I’m hoping with all the new additions to the parks, from a movie canon Yzma coaster to a Monster’s Inc Door coaster, it would be my Happily Ever After to sit next to Doug on those rides. And Cosmic Rewind too… Love you guys! Keep up the good work!

This podcast is a must listen if you are headed to WDW! They provide just the right balance of humor and information.

Going on my first self-booked Disney trip with my significant other in the middle of January (13 - 17) of 2025. Oh my lord, Disney can get expensive (my bank account is hurting). Found this podcast when I was looking for information on how to get the most out of my trip. It provides excellent information and is also greatly entertaining. Can’t wait to make the most out of this vacation and make some ever-lasting memories. Thanks guys.

I love this so much this what I feel 😀😃😄😁😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😭😀😃😀😃😀😃😀😃😀😀😄😃😄😏

I have listened to many Disney podcasts over the last year and Rope Drop is the best of them all! It’s the perfect balance of useful tips, interesting content, and entertaining hosts. I like how real they are, very relatable!

Planning a trip to Disney? This is the only podcast you need! Seriously, like so many other reviewers I tried out a lot of other podcasts before finally finding Doug and Derek’s gem of a show. There are a lot of Disney themed podcasts out there that are really just 95% marketing from travel agents with a few tips thrown in. But Doug and Derek - while sponsored by an awesome travel agency - are there providing truly honest reviews, tips, and pros/cons to all things Disney, as well as amplifying their listeners experiences, tips, and questions as well. Add in their witty banter and the result is feeling like you’re hanging out with two friends helping you to make the most of your time at Disney (versus trying to sell you things). What I love most about RDR is that they’re not afraid to critique things that aren’t great or which they view as a potential waste of your time and money (while still giving space to those who might feel differently), and also that as two Dads who have done all types of Disney trips - from family trips with littles and teens, to adult couple trips, to solo work trips - they really meet listeners where they are at and provide a range of guidance pending the type of trip you are planning. This leaves me - a Mom of a 3 yr old and by then 8 yr old - planning our first ever trip for early 2025 feeling armed with the insider info I need to get the most of our experience, avoid time or money traps, but also not feel like we didn’t “do Disney right” if we’re not on Main Street in Magic Kingdom for every parade, firework show, and photo. Disney’s a big investment and I’m grateful to have stumbled across this pod to help me feel more excited and empowered vs. overwhelmed. Kudos to Derek and Doug for keeping it real and fun, keep it up!

Great Disney podcast! — Update: I’m not gonna knock you down a star or do you wrong like that, but please hear me out: The Caballero mispronunciation is not cute anymore, I never found it funny but the fact it’s still happening really bugs me. Please learn how to properly pronounce “caballero.” It’s actually getting offensive, this is the US and basic Spanish language skills are the norm for most people, so please cut it out. It’s not funny. It’s wrong. You know how to say it, so please just do. (Giving you the benefit of the doubt: “Kah-bye-air-oh”)

These two goofy fellas deserve all the stars! Love the banter these two have between them. Clearly see and feel the friendship they share. Oh and they know Disney World! Listen and learn all the tips, tricks, and feel confident going, “to a now slightly less stressful trip” to the most magical place on earth. Favorite podcast!

Love this podcast! My wife and I just started listening to it about a month ago and we think it’s great! We go to Disney every year and always looking for new tips and tricks on how to do Disney! Keep up the great work guys! P.s. release the rope drop radio run club merch!

Really enjoyed listening to this show leading up to our Labor Day Disney trip - particularly the “low key” tips!

Love the show guys but you have to get the volume level up. Every episode is almost a whisper.

I have an hour-long commute, and this is one of my go-to podcasts. Doug & Derek are full of information and banter. I find myself laughing out loud in my car. I don’t get to Disney as often as I wish, and they help me cope in between trips. Thanks double-D’s.

Do you guys actually like Disney? I want to like this show so bad but the negativity is grating.

This pod is great. Informative, honest and fun. When I went to Disney in April of 2024 with the kids for the first time I started to listen to all the Disney podcasts. Months later and I am still Listening to Derek and Doug weekly. PS. Being honest about Disney doesn’t mean Doug hates it

I wanted to give a review to you guys since I listen to your podcast in my way home at night from work. I have a 48 minute commute and learned so many tips and tricks for my next Disney vacation next year. I have been four times in my life and live in Upstate NY. Anyone that wants to learn about the ins and outs of the parks and entertaining at the same time, this is your podcast Thank you so much for bringing us your knowledge and banter to make our Disney planning a lot easier. Don’t fret about the reviews that aren’t 5 stars. Take care

Wow - wish I had this information during our last Disney trip 😭

I love to listen to this podcast every week. I love to clean while listening to Derek and Doug talk Disney. I thank you and my husband thanks you for a clean house. The only thing that would make it better if there were more episodes per week or the episodes were longer so my house could be even cleaner. Other podcasts I listen to are very hit and miss, but this one I can always count on! Thanks you so much! We have our first trip as a family scheduled this September.

Been listening to your podcast for a while and you guys are great all kinds of excellent tips and the camaraderie back-and-forth is excellent. Keep up the good work.

I love this podcast! I have gotten so many tips from you and the guests you have. We are going this week and loved the top Epcot tips from you and Alyssa! Hope we run into her at the gift shop! Thank you for always keeping it fun and entertaining.

I stumbled upon this podcast about a year ago - just after my family’s first Disney trip. I have been many times and fell in love all over again after experiencing it with them for the first time. Doug and Derek are down to earth and fun to listen to. I really enjoy their listener question episodes and how well they get along when chatting all things Disney. We just wrapped our 2nd family trip and have a 3rd one on the horizon. Listening to this podcasts in between vacations helps keep the Disney magic alive! 😊

Doug and Derek make my drive to work so much more fun! I love to listen about Disney and even though we go frequently I still learn more about Disney from them! My favorite episodes are when they discuss the TPS reports or updates about the parks and future!

I know alot about WDW and love WDW so much, but these guys add a little bit more. I always learn something new. They are fun to listen to and are always at the top of my listen list.

These guys have so many great tips that I haven’t heard on other podcasts! They almost always bring something new to the table