Welcome to Rope Drop Radio: A Disney Travel Podcast!

Reviews

Rate Show
Insightful and Helpful
I’ve listened to this podcast for years, and it’s consistently one of the highlights of my week. The conversations are always fun, thoughtful, and unpredictable in the best way — I’m constantly curious what they’ll dream up next. Beyond keeping the magic alive between trips, they’re incredibly helpful and responsive. I’ve sent them multiple questions over the years and they always reply quickly. It’s obvious they love what they do, and it comes through in every episode. Lauren and Doug, thank you for spending your spare time bringing joy — and real guidance — to so many of us! Only request: a trip-planning episode for an adult solo traveler, from hotel to Lightning Lane to rope drop… mostly so I don’t have to keep messaging you and Michelle. 😂 Thank you!
Only just 5 stars!
Ok, so let’s talk about the elephant in the room ….. I have been listening to RDR for 2 years since my last visit to Disney World in 2023 and have found the content very interesting and useful. When deciding how many starts to give you it was always going to be 5…. Until episode 492 when Lauren referred to the food at the UK pavilion in Epcot being ‘too British’ and not normal enough!!! Does that mean American food is ‘normal’ - huge portions of saturated fat given the title Mac and cheese or more sugar and salt in other foods than you know what to do with! Oh, and we do eat more than just fish and chips! Anyway, I have let that slide and I truly enjoy your podcast and now I am back in the world of the magic I can relate to all I have been listening to. My first park day was at Epcot where the world showcase was a treat, I must give a special shout out to the restrooms where they are themed to the country. Uk is reminiscent of the old underground toilets with the tiled walls. Germany I think had nice wood panelling . Not too impressed with the restrooms in the land - all a bit basic! Another thing worth doing is the afternoon tea at the cake and bake shop - very expensive but nice and plenty of food and tea! Once again, thanks for the fun and info you provide and of course I was only having a bit of of a laugh when I mentioned the uk food! Keep up the good work.
So awesome!
Dear Disney - Just put Doug and Lauren in charge please!! Everything they say is gold - they will fix all of your problems! Dear Doug & Lauren - You guys are awesome! Thank you for always talking about different stages of life from managing the little ones to managing the grandparents. I like that you guys are always realistic and never sugar coat things. It was so exciting hearing Doug and Michelle as expert guests on the One More Run Podcast!!
Love this pod!
Like a vacation for my brain! Very informative, but also fun. I love listening to this pod, it makes me smile :-)
DISNEY DENTISTS ROLLCALL
Doug, you will be happy to know that my husband and I are both Disney dentists from SC that listen to the show! Your show gives us that boost of Disney magic in between our trips. Listening to the show is something we can do together and has sparked topics of conversation for our date nights and car rides….It definitely beats talking about the best ways to restore Class IIs or how to hit the IAN more predictably, which normally consumes our week night conversations. Thank you Doug and Lauren for all the tips, tricks, and magic!! Drill on!
Great podcast. Love version 2.0
On a recent episode, Doug lamented about the lack of dentists submitting reviews. Yes, Doug, as a fellow dentist, I understand that dentistry can be lonely. Even the patients we love to see are glad when the procedure is done. But…Not so when you host a Disney podcast! We are sad when the episodes end. I’m also a parent of 3, all college age now. We were lucky enough to do a lot of Disney trips as they grew up, though they are much less frequent now. Your stories spark great memories, especially when your kids give you a hard time and pronounce your name DOUGlas. I love that the new cohost Lauren gives Doug a hard time, too. She may not judge guests when they do Lightning rounds, but she definitely judges you. Keep up the good work. You guys are fun together!
Me and my husband love this podcast!!
Me and my husband have been listening to this podcast nonstop while moving in to our new house. We found it before we left for our honeymoon to Disney in May and have two more trips planned for November for thanksgiving and February for my birthday and this has been so helpful and extremely entertaining (and hilarious) to listen to. Keep up the good work and thank you for all the time you put in.
Review from another Disney Dentist
We typically go to DL since based in Boise but we got an annual pass to WDW this year and binged this podcast and enjoyed all the topics covered and perfect length for my commute.
2nd timer !
Loved listening to this podcast while we were preparing for our 2023 trip for our oldest 5th birthday- we had a magic trip thanks to your tips! And now I’m back listening again for our yougests 5th birthday trip for Halloween 2026. I love the new dynamic duo , such an uplifting , upbeat , informational podcast. Still trying to get a grasp on what’s changed with lightening lines/ tiers etc! Thanks for all you do ! 🏰🙃
From double D’s to D&L
I’ve been a listener of this podcast for several years. Went from listening when it was the dynamic Derrick and Doug to now the dynamic Doug and Lauren. Love it still the same! Since our first family trip in Oct 2022, I haven’t gotten enough of Disney and return several times a year. And Sometimes without the fam! Btw: I heard yall mentioning (maybe Lauren’s friend or a kids friend) listening to the podcast as they go to sleep. And I can say, my middle child is guilty of this. Midnight on a school night heard his Alexa playing this podcast. It’s safe to say, we love yall!! Ps: he does go back and re-listens.
Such chemistry
I have been a listener for a few years and man the change to a Doug and Lauren combination has only made the podcast stronger. They have great chemistry when discussing all things Disney. I love Doug’s humor and honesty as well as Lauren’s tips and tricks. I love that they are not Orlando locals and so give a perspective I can really relate to. Keep up the great work. I also love the Patreon after shows.
So informative
I really love the podcast — it’s super informative and has such a great, upbeat vibe! If I didn’t have to constantly adjust the volume for each speaker, I’d easily give it 5 stars. I really wish the audio levels were more consistent. Running the podcast through software that balances the voices would make a big difference in the listening experience.
I am learning so much!
I love listening to this podcast! I learned about this podcast from friends and family and am excited for future travels!
Love this podcast!!
We are planning a trip to Disney for my daughters’ 10th and 7th birthdays and have thoroughly enjoyed the podcasts!
Still searching for that trumpet squid!
One of my favorite Disney podcasts! Informative and funny. Though I miss Doug & derek’s witty banter, Lauren is fitting into her new role nicely & I appreciate her opinions from a travel agent’s point of view.
Favorite Disney Podcast
Rope Drop has been by my side for many years now — from single Disney adult, to a honeymoon at WDW, to our first trips with our daughter (booked and planned with Lauren!). I look forward to the new episode each week, and love how unique the topics can often be. I consider myself an armchair Disney expert, yet I still learn from and enjoy listening to Lauren and Doug each week.
Incredibly Magical!
From someone who loves traveling to Disney with our kids this is such a great podcast for tips and tricks! Thanks for being so informative and entertaining 💕
Love the podcast
This is one of my favorite Disney podcasts. It’s honest and doesn’t just make Disney out to be a company that does no wrong. We all love Disney or we wouldn’t be listening to a Disney podcast, but I appreciate the info being presented realistically. It’s also relaxing to listen to, no shouting or over emotional delivery of content. Keep up the good work!
Refreshing, Real, & Full of Disney Gold!
I just found this podcast and I’m hooked! It’s such an easy and enjoyable listen, and their tips and tricks are actually useful - no fluff or clickbait. I really appreciate that they don’t take an all or nothing approach to Disney planning. Their advice feels real, balanced, and honest. Definitely a must-listen for anyone planning a trip to Disney or just missing the Magic!
From a mom of many littles, thank you!
Been listening to the podcast for a few years now, it always brings me to a happy place. Thank you for all of the great tips and tricks, 9 months until our next trip with a multigenerational family trip and looking forward continue listening to learning more in the ever evolving world of WDW. Original review: 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 😉).
My Favorite from Day 1
A few years ago when we were planning our first trip as a family of 4, I wanted to do it right. I started scouring podcasts to find all the tips. I stumbled upon Rope Drop Radio and it was an instant favorite. I’ve tried listening to other Disney podcasts and they’re ok, but RDR is my OG and absolute favorite! I even met Doug IRL at Animal Kingdom last year and geeked out about meeting a celebrity - haha!! Keep up the great work Doug & Lauren!
Fun and Informative!
I enjoy listening to Doug, Lauren and their occasional friends/guests. Down to earth and relatable information that anyone who listens will be able to learn from whether your a newbie or a veteran to Disney World. Love the trip reports the most(more, please) 😀
One of the Best Disney Pods Out There!
Our family took our first Disney World trip last month. Being a researcher, I spent months trying to find good resources for the trip-- especially as my daughter is on the spectrum and as I have Ménière's disease and have trouble with rides. Our travel agent was a huge help for navigating DAS, but when I found the episodes with Doug ranking motion sickness on rides, I felt just as big a wave of relief. I scribbled down notes and used Doug's ratings to delegate which rides my husband had to take the girls on. Thanks for all of the info-- I am now a loyal listener and planning to try another trip for the Spring Surprise!
WDW Planning + Perfect Banter
Rope Drop Radio is my go-to for Disney trip planning and my dose of Disney magic between vacations. Doug and Lauren strike the perfect balance of helpful advice and funny banter, with just the right amount of sarcasm. My last trip ran smoother than a Skyliner ride thanks to their tips. Grateful they take time out of their busy lives to share their love of the parks with the rest of us!