Rope Drop Radio: A Disney Travel Podcast

Rope Drop Entertainment

We are two midwesterners who love Disney. Our goal is help you navigate all things Disney from the parks to the cruise. We want to share tips and tricks, travel plans, and must see's to help you have an amazing Disney trip!

  1. 2h ago

    Disney World's WORST 2-Day Vacation! Doug & Lauren Play Villains

    🎃 What happens when you give two Disney fans two days at Walt Disney World—and tell them to make the other person's vacation absolutely MISERABLE? Doug and Lauren are putting on their villain capes and planning each other's Disney World nightmare! Welcome back to Rope Drop Radio, the Disney planning podcast hosted by Doug McKnight and Lauren Shields! This week, we're throwing the perfect Disney vacation out the window. Each host gets a two-day Park Hopper and the challenge of creating the WORST possible Walt Disney World trip for the other person. From resort choices and food to rope drops and rides, every decision is designed to make the other host regret agreeing to play! 🎃 THE DISNEY VILLAIN CHALLENGE 🏨 Nightmare Resorts: Where would you stay if your goal was to make the other person's Disney vacation worse? 🍔 Terrible Food Choices: What would you make them eat—or miss out on—during their trip? 🏃 Rope Drop Disasters: How would you start each park day to make sure the morning goes completely wrong? 🎢 Ride Regrets: Which attractions make the itinerary, and which choices will drive the other host crazy? 🎟️ Two Days, Four Parks, Maximum Mischief: With two-day Park Hoppers, every decision matters. Can Doug create a worse vacation for Lauren than she creates for him? It's a Halloween-themed episode packed with Disney opinions, playful sabotage, park-planning choices, and the kind of debate that happens when you know your co-host just a little too well. 💬 YOUR TURN, ROPE DROPPERS! If you had two days at Walt Disney World to plan the worst possible vacation for a Disney fan, what resort, food, rope-drop strategy, and rides would you choose? Tell us what belongs on your nightmare itinerary! ALSO COME CHEER US ON AT THE SPRING TIME SURPRISE In April of 2027 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio OUR MERCH STORE 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, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster! 🎉 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 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, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac, and Mary Place.

    Disney World's WORST 2-Day Vacation! Doug & Lauren Play Villains
  2. Oct 23

    Your Disney World Questions: Honest Answers from Doug & Lauren

    🎙️ You've got Disney questions. We've got answers! Doug and Lauren are opening the Rope Drop Radio mailbag to tackle your listener questions, share honest opinions, and help you plan a better Disney vacation! Welcome back to Rope Drop Radio, your Disney planning podcast hosted by Doug McKnight and Lauren Shields! This week, the show is all about YOU! We're answering listener questions and diving into the Disney topics our amazing Rope Droppers want to talk about. Whether you're planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, looking for helpful Disney World tips, or just love hearing Disney fans debate their favorite topics, this episode is for you. Expect the usual mix of Disney knowledge, honest opinions, practical advice, and plenty of fun as Doug and Lauren tackle your questions. Have a Disney question you'd like us to answer on a future episode? We want to hear from you! Follow Rope Drop Radio on social media and join the conversation. ALSO COME CHEER US ON AT THE SPRING TIME SURPRISE In April of 2027 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio OUR MERCH STORE 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, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster! 🎉 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 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, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac, and Mary Place.

    Your Disney World Questions: Honest Answers from Doug & Lauren
  3. Oct 16

    Disney This or That! A Cast Member Takes on the Tough Choices

    Would you rather rope drop your favorite attraction or stay until the fireworks? Choose your perfect Disney snack, dream resort, and favorite park experiences as we play This or That with a special guest and Disney Cast Member, Zoe! This week on Rope Drop Radio, we're joined by Zoe, a Disney Cast Member, for a fun game of Disney This or That! We're putting Disney favorites head-to-head, making tough choices, and discovering which experiences come out on top. From Walt Disney World attractions and iconic snacks to resorts, dining, and the little details that make a Disney vacation magical, we'll have to pick a side. Some choices are easy, while others might be tougher than deciding which Lightning Lane to book! Plus, Zoe brings her own perspective as a Disney Cast Member to the conversation. Will her Disney favorites match ours, or will we have some surprising disagreements? ALSO COME CHEER US ON AT THE SPRING TIME SURPRISE In April of 2027 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio OUR MERCH STORE 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, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster! 🎉 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 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, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac, and Mary Place.

    Disney This or That! A Cast Member Takes on the Tough Choices
  4. Oct 9

    The Pressure of Disney - 7 Pressure Points

    Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be exciting…but sometimes it can also feel like A LOT of work! Lightning Lanes. Dining reservations. Resort choices. Park strategies. Rope drop. Itineraries. And then there's all the advice online telling you that you're doing Disney "wrong." In this episode of Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren talk about 7 things that can create pressure when planning a Disney World vacation and why you don't need to have the perfect itinerary to have an amazing trip. Disney has plenty of tools to help guests plan ahead, including My Disney Experience, dining reservations and Lightning Lane options—but more planning doesn't always mean more fun. ALSO COME CHEER US ON AT THE SPRING TIME SURPRISE In April of 2027 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio OUR MERCH STORE 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, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster! 🎉 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 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, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac, and Mary Place.

    The Pressure of Disney - 7 Pressure Points
  5. Oct 2

    Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane: Book, Rope Drop It, or Stop It?

    Book, Drop, or Stop: Magic Kingdom Attractions TEASER Should you book a Lightning Lane, rope drop it, or just walk up and ride? We're putting the Magic Kingdom attractions to the test! This week on Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren play Book, Drop, or Stop, breaking down Magic Kingdom attractions and deciding the best strategy for each one. Is it worth using a Lightning Lane? Should you make it part of your rope drop plan? Or is the standby line perfectly fine? We're talking strategy, wait times, park touring, and which attractions deserve your precious Disney vacation time. BOOK, DROP, OR STOP Here's how the game works: ⚡ BOOK — This attraction is worth considering for a Lightning Lane. 🏃 DROP — Get there early and make it part of your rope drop strategy. 🚶 STOP — Don't stress about booking it or rope dropping it. Just fit it into your day when it makes sense. We work our way through the Magic Kingdom and debate the best way to experience the attractions. And there are some interesting decisions along the way! Disney currently offers Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Magic Kingdom, while Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run are available through Lightning Lane Single Pass. Disney notes that Lightning Lane availability and offerings can change, so always check the current options for your specific park day. WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT 🏰 Magic Kingdom attractions ⚡ Lightning Lane strategy 🏃 Rope drop strategy ⏱️ When standby makes more sense 🎢 Which attractions deserve your early-morning time 💰 Where you might want to spend your Lightning Lane budget 🤔 Attractions that may surprise you The goal isn't just to tell you what we would do — it's to help you think about how to build your own Magic Kingdom touring plan. QUESTION OF THE EPISODE Which Magic Kingdom attraction would YOU always rope drop? Now it's your turn: BOOK, DROP, OR STOP? ALSO COME CHEER US ON AT THE SPRING TIME SURPRISE In April of 2027 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio OUR MERCH STORE 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, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster! 🎉 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 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, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac, and Mary Place.

    Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane: Book, Rope Drop It, or Stop It?
  6. Sep 25

    The BEST & WORST Disney World Resort Lobbies!

    The Best & Worst Disney World Resort Lobbies! TEASER Which Walt Disney World resort has the lobby that makes you stop and say, "WOW!" — and which ones just don't live up to the hype? This week on Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren are checking into the resorts and debating the Top 6 Walt Disney World resort lobbies... plus TWO that didn't make the cut! From massive themed spaces and incredible details to lobbies that simply don't have the same Disney wow factor, we're breaking down what makes a resort lobby memorable — and which ones we'd happily visit even if we weren't staying there. 🏨 BEST & WORST DISNEY WORLD RESORT LOBBIES A great Disney resort lobby can be more than just the place where you check in. It can set the tone for your entire vacation. Doug and Lauren talk about the resort lobbies that stand out for their: ✨ Theming 🏰 Disney atmosphere 🌴 Architecture and surroundings 🎵 Entertainment and ambiance 🍽️ Dining and lounges 🎄 Seasonal decorations 📸 Photo opportunities ❤️ Overall Disney magic We'll reveal our six favorite Walt Disney World resort lobbies and then get to the two that we think fall short. And you may not agree with our list! ALSO COME CHEER US ON AT THE SPRING TIME SURPRISE In April of 2027 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio OUR MERCH STORE 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, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster! 🎉 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 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, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac, and Mary Place.

    The BEST & WORST Disney World Resort Lobbies!
  7. Sep 18

    Disney Trip Report Part 2: Magic Kingdom, Halloween & MORE!

    RDR Trip Report: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT & Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - Part 2 TEASER Part 1 was only the beginning! The Rope Drop Radio Walt Disney World trip continues with Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, new attractions, rope drop strategies, and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Doug and Lauren continue their massive Disney trip report—and this time we're picking up right where Part 1 left off: Magic Kingdom rope drop. ABOUT THIS EPISODE If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, go back and check it out first. But now it's time to continue the adventure! We start with our Magic Kingdom rope drop, then make our way through more of Walt Disney World. We talk about the attractions Lauren experienced for the first time, including: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Soarin' We also break down our rope drops at: 🏰 Magic Kingdom 🌐 EPCOT 🎬 Hollywood Studios But the biggest party of the trip was still waiting for us... 🎃 MICKEY'S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY We get into our experience at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, including: 🦆 Getting in line early for Donald 🐭 Meeting Mickey 🎃 Halloween treats and candy 🎭 The parade 🎆 Halloween fireworks 🎢 Riding attractions during the party 👻 Our overall thoughts on the event And, of course, we tackle the eternal Disney debate: Is it better to watch the first parade or the second parade? You'll have to listen to find out where we land! THE ROPE DROP RADIO COMMUNITY One of the biggest highlights of this trip wasn't a ride or a restaurant. It was meeting so many Rope Droppers in person. From drinks and ice cream at Hollywood Studios to meetups at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, this trip reminded us how special the Rope Drop Radio community has become. Whether you're planning your first Disney World vacation or you've visited Walt Disney World dozens of times, this episode might convince you to add something unexpected to your next itinerary — or finally give you permission to skip it. And we're guessing there will be at least a few attractions on this list that you'll strongly disagree with! ALSO COME CHEER US ON AT THE SPRING TIME SURPRISE In April of 2027 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio OUR MERCH STORE 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, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster! 🎉 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 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, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac, and Mary Place.

  8. Sep 11

    We Took Over Disney World! | Rope Drop Radio Trip Report Part 1

    RDR Trip Report: Rope Drop Radio Takes Over Walt Disney World! | Part 1 TEASER What happens when the Rope Drop Radio crew actually takes over Walt Disney World? A whole lot of rope drops, great food, listener meetups, new rides, Disney snacks, and way more fun than we could possibly fit into one episode! In Part 1 of our Rope Drop Radio Walt Disney World Trip Report, Doug and Lauren recap an unforgettable trip filled with meetups with Rope Droppers, new experiences, favorite Disney restaurants, and multiple early-morning rope drops. And this trip was so packed with Disney fun that we had to make it two episodes! ABOUT THIS EPISODE Doug and Lauren are back from a Walt Disney World trip that was all about experiencing the parks together—and meeting the amazing listeners who make Rope Drop Radio such a fun community. We start with where we stayed, how we got around, and some of the listener meetups that made this trip special. Then we dig into the food, including stops at: Satu'li Canteen Rodeo BBQ Regal Eagle Smokehouse Via Napoli Garden Grill Columbia Harbour House And then it's time for the main event: ROPE DROPS! We break down our Animal Kingdom rope drop and share what worked, what surprised us, and what it was like putting our Disney park strategies to the test. Plus, we talk about the special moments that come from meeting Rope Droppers in person throughout the parks. And that's only PART ONE! Part 2 picks up with our Magic Kingdom rope drop and continues through EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and plenty more Disney fun. ALSO IN THIS EPISODE 🏨 Our resort and room 🚌 Disney transportation 🚗 Rental car strategy 👋 Rope Drop Radio listener meetups 🍽️ Our favorite meals of the trip 🎢 Lauren's new-to-her attractions 🌳 Animal Kingdom rope drop Whether you're planning your first Disney World vacation or you've visited Walt Disney World dozens of times, this episode might convince you to add something unexpected to your next itinerary — or finally give you permission to skip it. And we're guessing there will be at least a few attractions on this list that you'll strongly disagree with! ALSO COME CHEER US ON AT THE SPRING TIME SURPRISE In April of 2027 Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio OUR MERCH STORE 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, you can skip the stress and get to the magic faster! 🎉 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 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, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac, and Mary Place.

4.8
out of 5
821 Ratings

About

We are two midwesterners who love Disney. Our goal is help you navigate all things Disney from the parks to the cruise. We want to share tips and tricks, travel plans, and must see's to help you have an amazing Disney trip!

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