Listener Reviews

I was appalled to hear Doug mention none of his college roommates left reviews. Be careful what you wish for, Dougie (his nickname in the dorms our sophomore year). Here it goes: How do you know it’s actually an old roommate of Doug’s? Well, let me tell you. I was there the night Rope Drop Radio was conceptualized. It’s true. I had just returned from band practice. I waked in, and there was Doug, dressed head to toe in a Buzz Lightyear Halloween costume (it was July BTW) playing his trumpet. I don’t remember why he wasn’t at practice that day, but that’s not important. Anyway, I ask him what’s up with the costume. He then gives me a 40 minute update about Disney purchasing Pixar, and how important this is in Disney history, what it means for the parks, etc. he was PUMPED. . I honestly could not have cared less, but I could see how excited he was. That was the start. The Pixar purchase is what turned Doug. He became a Disney lunatic from that day forward. Graduation cap? A mix of Disney and teeth. Honeymoon? You guessed it: Disney World. I could see the absolute joy Disney brought him. It made him come alive! As things go, we eventually fell out of touch, only occasionally seeing each other at the annual Nebraska dental conventions. I’m now a supplier, and Doug raids my table and steals all my free giveaways. Like clockwork, he shows up and steals the floss. Every single time!! I recently listed to my first episode of Rope Drop Radio when I got called out on the alumni Facebook page for not leaving a review like Lauren”s college roommate did. I was pleasantly surprised. The content was great. Informative but fun. Good chemistry with his co host. And while I’m not a Disney guy (more of a Legoland person myself) I could absolutely see how helpful this podcast could be if you were looking to plan a Disney trip. Hope all is well with you and your family, Dougie. We should plan a get together this summer. I’ll bring the saxophone and whipped cream 🤣. That’s a little inside joke that only me, Dougie, and Stevie P know about. Take it easy bro. Keep up the great work. See ya Real Soon!

Started listening when planning a trip to Disney World, now listen because, it is so refreshing and it leaves me with a smile on my face. I listen to current event podcast most of the time, so I need the weekly Rope Drop Radio Podcast to lower my blood pressure, relax and remember there is still a lot of good in the world.

I’ve tried a few different Disney Parks podcasts and this is definitely my favorite. Production quality is good, editing is tight/episodes are succinct without being disappointingly short, and content is unique and useful. I prioritize listening to this pod every week. I only wish that I could enjoy more of the old episodes, but with the constant changes at Disney it’s hard to know when older advice is still valid.Now, a request in exchange for my 5 star review - PLEASE do a “survival guide for Midwesterners going to Disney in the summer for the first time”! I grew up traveling to Disney annually but only in spring, late fall and winter. Now that I’m a parent and addicted to passholder resort discounts, I have weeklong trips planned with my husband and two kids (ages 6 and 4) for Fourth of July and again in early August this year. I’m genuinely concerned we will perish in the heat.Thank you and nice work pals!!

It sucks

I’ve been enjoying Rope Drop Radio since I started planning my family’s token, one-time only (haha) Disney World trip back in 2021. I’m so glad I found you all! We have now gone multiple times, and I find the greatest joy in helping others plan their trips, saving them time and money (though probably not sleep for the rope droppers among us). Doug and Lauren are very knowledgeable about the parks, and their banter always keeps things both interesting and grounded. My thirteen-year-old is now a proud fan of the Trumpet Squid, and it makes his day to get into car # seven or eight on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Thanks for the podcast, thanks for all you do, and most importantly, thanks for who you are!

This podcast is so fun to listen to and is my go to, along with Rope Drop on Deck! As someone with extensive Disney knowledge this podcast is always teaching me new things and wanting to expand my horizon on all things Disney! Thank you for being such a fun atmosphere and community!

Your podcast is so informative, and fun! I love that you guys are honest with the great, and not so great, parts of WDW! I’ve learned so much. We’re gearing up for our 2nd big family trip in June. (Thanks to my friend Lauren!!) Keep spreading the Disney happiness, Lauren and Doug! And Go HAWKEYES! 😉❤️,Lindsay Heisler

I am constantly driving and on the go as a travel nurse and dreaming of my next Disney trip, so listening to Rope Drop Radio helps me escape to the Disney bubble if only for a little while every day. Lauren and Doug keep me laughing and also exquisitely informed on all the Disney need-to-know’s, but their conversations also have helped improve my Disney knowledge significantly as I’ve been exploring a new adventure as a travel agent. (Shout out to the nurses Lauren, woo!) You guys are a breath of fresh air and exceedingly “Disney brilliant”. Keep the episodes coming!

Those of us who keep going back to the Disney Parks, who perk up when we hear someone mention Disney in a conversation, who will always get teary-eyed during fireworks, and wave, unashamedly, at characters in the parade, are the same people who long for childhood joys of innocence and nostalgia. We are the people who look for the magic. And this show gets it. Doug and Lauren are our people.

We love Rope Drop Radio! The helpful tips for making the most of a trip to Walt Disney World are great, however let’s be honest… it’s Doug and Lauren that make this podcast a must-listen-to for any Disney fan. Your authenticity and genuine desire to help listeners navigate the Disney parks comes through in every episode. Y’all rock!!

My name is Nikki, I know my nickname on here is all weird, not sure how to fix and not worried about it. Anyway, wanted to drop a five star review after the one star, as I was appalled at how mean people are. I think Lauren has been a great addition to the show. I love the mix of humor and your love of Disney while also acknowledging flaws, keeping it real. My first trip was in 2024 and my family and I crushed it thanks to tips from this show. Can’t wait to go on a girls trip later this year. Keep it up ♥️

I listen to a lot of Disney content, but this is by far my go to. Every episode brings laughs and Disney magic. I am sure your kids will cringe if I ever see you in the parks because I will absolutely stop and say hi. Thanks for making us all feel like friends that share in a Disney obsession.

Nobody hates Star Wars more than Star Wars fans do.

I’ve been listening to Doug and Lauren the last year, and I’m so glad I did! I’m literally in the airport on our way home from Disney can’t believe how smooth our trip was with the help of this show. This was my first Disney trip in 20 years (and it the only one who’s been before in our group). We had 6 people for a multigenerational trip ranging from ages 2-70. (Shoutout to the multigenerational episode!) I also really appreciate that Lauren and Doug both live in the Midwest (like us!), so they can share realistic travel day experiences. Everything is so positive yet realistic too, and I always look forward to the shows on the drive home from work.This podcast let us be a fully planned as possible without being stressed out about the details because we knew what to expect. For instance, we successfully completed 2 rope drops, 1 early entry day (not a true rope drop though! LOL) and 1 regular entry day. We did so much yet still had time for mid-afternoon nap breaks, which my 2 year old and I need as much as Doug!Thanks for all you do! You really helped make our trip magical! ✨

As a fellow medical professional like Doug and Lauren, I enjoy listening to their tips and tricks to navigate the parks. I’m only a kid, and don’t meet many of the height requirements for the good rides, but the info I get every week helps me understand how to plan my Disney park days. If Lauren ever needs a repair of her Stuffy of the week, give Doc a call. The Doc is always in! Stuffy, Lambie and Hallie are always with me to assist when needed.

I’ve been a listener for several years and. I love escaping into the Disney Bubble for a a half hour or so every week with Doug and Lauren. They give great reviews, tips and tricks, and up to date information on all things Disney World and do it in a light hearted way that never fails to make me smile. If you want to make your Disney visits more fun for your family, this podcast is a great place to start.

This is my favorite Disney podcast.. I want to binge EVERY SINGLE episode but obviously I can’t go too far back (then I’d be getting some outdated info) always looking forward to new episodes as I anxiously await my trip in 2027!

This podcast was recommended to me by a friend that goes to Disney often, and I’m so glad I took the time to listen! We’re headed down to Disney for the first time with our two kids (4 and 8 years old) at the end of January, and this podcast has helped me strategize and gain some understanding as to what to expect. The hosts are lovely and the information is top tier. I will be listening to a couple more episodes before we leave! Thank you!

I enjoy this Pod every week. The hosts are well educated on the topic and do a good job talking about lots of different ways to do Disney rather then just their trips. They get guests who also know more about the parks than just their own trips and experiences. Keep up the great work Lauren and Doug!

This podcast is so entertaining and informative. It makes me feel like I’m at Disney on my commute to work! Thank you!

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!

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.

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!!

Like a vacation for my brain! Very informative, but also fun. I love listening to this pod, it makes me smile :-)