Want to beat the crowds at Walt Disney World in 2026? We're breaking down exactly how to rope drop every park—with and without Lightning Lane—for families of all ages.

Rope drop is still one of the most powerful strategies at Walt Disney World, and in 2026 it matters more than ever. In this episode of Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren walk park by park through proven rope drop strategies that help you ride more attractions with less waiting—whether you're traveling with little kids, teens, or adults only.

We explain what rope drop really is, how early you need to arrive, how staying on-site changes your strategy, and then give step-by-step plans for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom—with and without Lightning Lane.

👉 All plans assume on-property guests using Early Entry, and we tease an upcoming episode where we'll go all-in on Lightning Lane booking strategies.

⏰ How early to arrive for rope drop in 2026
🏨 On-property vs off-property rope drop differences
🎢 Park-by-park rope drop plans
👨‍👩‍👧 Younger kids vs older kids strategies
⚡ With and without Lightning Lane options
🎧 Patreon after show: biggest rope drop fails

• Patreon shoutouts: Steven Napolitano

• Back to the Mouse upgraded to Grand Floridian level

• Apple Podcast review: CDixon3814

🎧 Join us on Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio for weekly after shows, Disney news, and chances to win a $25 Disney gift card.

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 new 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, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac.

What's it really like to visit Walt Disney World during the holidays? Doug shares a full trip report—from flying Breeze out of Lincoln Airport to ringing in the New Year (Early) in the parks.

The holidays are one of the busiest—and most magical—times at Walt Disney World, and Doug just lived it. In this episode of Rope Drop Radio, Doug breaks down his holiday Disney World trip report, including flights, resorts, dining, rope drops, crowds, and seeing some attractions for the final time.

From flying Breeze Airways out of Lincoln Airport to staying at Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Doug walks through what worked, what surprised him, and what listeners should know if they're planning a holiday or New Year's Disney trip.

If you've ever wondered whether a Christmas or New Year's Disney trip is worth it, this episode gives you the honest, boots-on-the-ground perspective.

✈️ Flying Breeze out of Lincoln Airport
🏨 Staying at Disney's BoardWalk Inn
🍽️ Holiday dining choices and strategy
🎆 New Year's Eve crowds & fireworks
🎢 Rope drop experiences at multiple parks
👋 Saying goodbye to beloved attractions

• Patreon shoutouts: Kathryn Downes, Matt Larson, Sarah Cote

• Apple Podcast review: RLET062814spt

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
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 new 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, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac.

From park changes and big announcements to travel trends and what's coming next — we're looking back at 2025 and ahead to everything Disney fans need to know for 2026.

On this special episode of Rope Drop Radio, Doug and Lauren take a step back to reflect on everything Disney in 2025 — the wins, the surprises, and the moments that shaped Walt Disney World travel this year.

Then, we turn our eyes forward to 2026, breaking down what guests should expect next: new attractions, construction updates, and how to prepare now for future trips.

Whether you traveled this year or are planning your next Disney vacation, this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and practical advice to help you move confidently into the new year.

Support the show on Patreon: Patreon.com/RopeDropRadio
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 new 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, Chris Clark, Mark Vicksinich, Gaylyn Foxworthy, Jill Michener, Alex Cenac.