Reviews

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!

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) 😀

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!

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!

Very fun and informative podcast for anyone wanting a Disney world fix. Excellent insight and excited to return to Disney world and try out some of the tips and foods they recommend!

Lauren and Doug a great team that give realistic advice families can actually use on trips. I got tired of other podcasts sugar coating everything in the parks and romanticizing waiting in lines for hours, but not these guys. Team Trumpet Squid.

As an avid Disney fan it’s always nice to have up to date info on what’s happening in the world of Disney when you can’t be there or especially if you are in the planning stages of a trip…this show does just that! I love that they include their listeners in a lot of their discussions too. Keep up the good work, Lauren and Doug!

Rope Drop is my favorite Disney pod for up to date information about navigating the parks. They are the experts on Disney travel - and a lot of fun to listen to.

Great podcast! Love the interactions between the hosts as well.

Informative show. Just trying to win free stuff.

I just went on my first trip to WDW in April 2025 and I loved it! I’m loving listening to these podcasts about what I experienced and what I can plan better for next time! I go to Disneyland more then I do WDW so my favorite podcasts are the comparing the parks (California and Florida). I would love to hear some more of those! Either way, love Rope Drop Radio!

I actually just started listening to this in the last couple of weeks, due to the fact we’re taking our son on his first Disney trip this Christmas. But I found myself going back and listening to old episodes for a couple of reasons: the information on those shows isn’t really outdated, and the shows are still really good. As someone who likes to click “mark as played” if he sees a show that he doesn’t have interest in, I’ve not once clicked your show as “mark as played.” Thanks for a fantastic show filled with great tips, and great fun!

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 they are always having fun, even when discussing something critically. They make me feel like I'm on vacation already. Have loved the perspective and experience Lauren has added!

Doug is funny. Doug can be a curmudgeon. Doug once ate a fork. Doug gets sick on Cosmic Rewind, and Expedition Everest, and Space Mountain, and Tron, etc. Doug takes awkward character photos. Doug dislikes blue milk. Doug once gave me stickers and coasters. Lauren is great and keeps Doug in line. Great podcast. Go be a Patreon.

I have been enjoying this podcast for over a year now and really enjoy it! Lauren has been a great addition and Doug has always been a favorite, his sense of humor and banter reminds me of my younger brother who is also a dentist! The variety of content is much appreciated and helps me to get by between my Disney trips. A great mix of information, experience, humor and topics that hit on the whole Disney spectrum. Keep the great shows coming!!

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! ⭐️

"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.

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!