Friend Like Me: Disney Planning 101

Millennials love Disney, and this episode is your no-stress guide to planning a Disney World trip without blowing your budget. Derek Mazzarella, CFP® and Kelly Turner sit down with Disney travel agent Bethany Stinchin (Boardwalk Travel) to break down what a Disney vacation actually costs, how to avoid the rookie mistakes, and how to skip the three-hour lines.If the words "Lightning Lane" and "60-day dining window" make your head spin, start here. We cover the whole system in plain English, from picking a park to landing a character breakfast.What you'll learn:The best age to take your kids (before the magic is gone) and the ride height requirements that trip families upHow to set a realistic Disney budget (trips range from $1,000 to $25,000+)The four parks explained: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal KingdomValue vs. moderate vs. deluxe resorts, and why the cheap hotels have the best themingGetting around: the Sky liner, monorail, buses, and boatsThe cheapest times of year to go (and why summer isn't as bad as you think)Lightning Lanes decoded: what a single pass, multi-pass, and premier pass actually costThe 2026 and 2027 dining plans, and how to break even on themWhy you still need a stroller (even for an 8-year-old)The reservation timeline: what to book at 60 days vs. 7 days outCharacter meals worth it and the one to skipDo travel agents cost extra? (Spoiler: no)Chapters00:00 Lightning Lanes and Ride Access24:58 Strategic Planning and Ride Booking27:23 Crowd Calendars and Weather Considerations28:46 Special Events and Character Parties30:14 Dining Plans and Considerations37:22 Role of a Disney Travel Agent43:50 Expectations and Mistakes to AvoidConnect with Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmazzarella/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millennialmoneymatterspodcast/reels/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Millennial-Money-Matters-Podcast/61569837731004/?_rdrReach out to Kelly Turner at [email protected] and Derek Mazzarella at [email protected]