Overview: I took a trip to Walt Disney World and used FastPass+, and met up with a friend who used the Disability Assistance Pass. I talk about both, as well as Memory Maker. Plus, because I took a trip to the resort, I have some stories to tell. Notes: My hat is off to parents of kids with special needs. I know what its like to have kids. I now have a (small) taste of what its like to have one who has special needs. I realize its a labor of love in its own way, but I can see its not always easy...
Apr 07, 2019•25 min
Overview: Mainly, the questions I have been getting lately revolve around a single theme: tell me more about the Magic Bands and Fast Pass. So, I decided to cover it all in a super-sized podcast! I cover some of the history, what it is and does, how it works, and give a few tips on how to get the most out of it. I hope you enjoy! Notes: Visit Tourplans for tips and advice on visiting the parks. I neglected to mention that the Magic Bands can also be used to link your Photopass photos....
Apr 07, 2019•40 min
Overview: Today's podcast is a look at Disney happenings. I cover a lot of things that have been happening over the last few months - the Disney no fly zone, new development and environmental mitigation, some new things to see at Disney World including TCM presents the Great Movie Ride and removal of the Sorcerers hat. Plus there is some discussion about new movies. Notes: For the First Time in Forever... I Did Not Enjoy My Vacation to Disney...
Apr 07, 2019•31 min
Overview: Onnie applied to be on the Disney Mom's Panel, and she's here to tell us all about her experience. Plus, we naturally talk about Disney World, trip planning, and some favorite attractions! Take a listen and see how she followed (and continues to follow) her dream. Notes: Visit the Disney Mom's Panel to learn more and ask a question of one of the moms (and dads). Gary Buchanan is the manager of social media for Disney Parks. You can find his blog entries here: http://disneyparks.disney....
Apr 07, 2019•41 min
Overview: Its a podcast so big that it spans two episodes! Today, I am in the Magic Kingdom trying out my MagicBand, FastPass+, and checking out some of the changes that have taken (or are taking!) place. Come and take a listen as I spend my day wandering around and telling stories... Notes: I didn't like the feeling of the MagicBand on my arm, but overall, the system was working well enough. I found the experience enjoyable overall. The two pieces of music you hear are from the MainStreet March...
Apr 07, 2019•46 min
Overview: Near the end of the Food & wine Festival, I finally found a day to enjoy the event. I brought my recorder, and tell you all about my experience! I've got some thoughts about the dishes I tried, the app I created, and some of the fun things to see and do. Come in and take a listen to my day enjoying Epcot's Food & Wine Festival! Notes: I am looking for feedback on the app, if anyone happened to use it. Feel free to send me an email if you think of anything. I know, for example, ...
Apr 07, 2019•28 min
Overview: I took a trip to the Pacific Northwest over the summer, and I found some interesting things that tie back to Disney in some small ways. I also rode the monorail in Seattle, and its a cool trip down memory lane...so I spend some time talking about how it relates to Disney history. Notes: The story of Puddles can be found in Episode #14 ... visit NPS.gov to learn about National Parks....
Apr 07, 2019•26 min
Overview: Mayhem may not be quite the right word, but I do talk about Fastpass+ in general and how it works. And then I move on to some things that are happening around FastPass+. New "limited tests" with Toy Story Midway Mania, and with the Be Our Guest Restaurant. What does it all mean? And I talk about ApplePay and its connection to the MagicBands. Notes: Much of this is speculative, but based on some facts, and I don't claim to have any amazing inside scoop. Its my best guess....
Apr 07, 2019•22 min
Overview: This podcast has some followup thoughts and comments about the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, from some of its original concepts, to one part of the show that left...and then I talk about its closure. Afterward, I talk about the show that replaced it, which is a truly terrible attraction - Stitch's Great Escape. Notes: The movie review is from Jeremy Jahns (http://www.jeremyjahns.com/). I am amazed at how much history there is in this attraction....
Apr 07, 2019•28 min
Overview: This podcast takes a look at what came after Mission to Mars closed in the Magic Kingdom. In short, it was a creative thrill ride that didn't provide physical thrills, but rather psychological ones. Seize the future with XS! Notes: Michael Eisner asked for it to be more terrifying along the way. And the Imagineers had to work with the existing building, and most of the set designs in order to keep costs down. Arguably, this is one of the most non-Disney attractions ever put in to the M...
Apr 07, 2019•33 min
Its a dose of Disney news. DeadMau5 takes on Disney. An update on the legal action with the old Guest Assistance Card. Information about Disney Springs. Frozen. Frozen. And more Frozen. And a few other updates from around the Parks. Enjoy!
Apr 07, 2019•22 min
This episode is an overview - or primer - of the Food and Wine Festival. In it I mention a social app for you to use as you experience the Food & Wine Fest at EPCOT. Its only for the iPhone (sorry other users, but I'm an apple developer).... The basic premise is this: you show up at the F&W Fest and wonder where should I start? What's trending? What do people like? So you open the app, and search for food. Its totally social, so as people try a dish, they can give it a thumbs up (or down...
Apr 07, 2019•24 min
We heard the sad news that Robin Williams has died of an apparent suicide. Robin had a long history with Disney, so I thought I would pay tribute by counting down the top 5 appearances in movies and the theme park. This podcast is over the usual time, but it seemed worthwhile given his wit - and contributions.
Apr 07, 2019•42 min
After Flight to the Moon, Disney closed the attraction and re-opened it as Mission to Mars. Today, we pay tribute to that attraction.
Apr 07, 2019•20 min
I look back to original DisneyLand attraction: Flight to the Moon, which took guests on a rocket to the Moon and back.
Apr 07, 2019•32 min
Its a full dose of .... well, news isn't quite right. I have a load of rumors and random thoughts mixed in with some news items. Star Wars Land, updates on the monorail, Frozen craziness, and loads more. And maybe even a few opinions for good measure.
Apr 07, 2019•33 min
Back on March 31st, after 12 years running, Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade had its last run. Here's a look back at the parade...I decided to put this podcast out now simply because the World Cup is going on now, and there's a connection to the host country Brazil. One thing I wanted to point out is that I mention in the podcast that the music in the parade is a combination of African and Caribbean music. That's true, but doesn't tell the full story. Brazil happens to have a strong African influe...
Apr 07, 2019•35 min
After the World of Motion came the idea to take guests through the "proving grounds" .... and that became Test Track. Guests experienced the testing that a car goes through, culminating with high-speed trip outside of the building. Later, this became more of a branded product with Test Track 2.0. I'll be honest with you: I don't care much for it. Sure, its clever, but its missing some of the hallmarks of a great Disney attraction, and the aesthetics are overlooked, with the "wheel" that was the ...
Apr 07, 2019•24 min
This episode is a look at the Transcenter, which was the exit area of the World of Motion. There were some cool, interactive (and fun) exhibits, and I talk about them and play some audio for you. Enjoy!
Apr 07, 2019•24 min
The World of Motion was a somewhat whimsical look at the history of transportation, Come and take a listen to the ride through, and hear how its Fun To Be Free! I would like to thank Mike at Widen Your World for some of the information I present in the podcast.
Apr 07, 2019•34 min
This is the first in a multi-part series that takes a look back at an EPCOT opening day attraction, The World of Motion. On this episode, I delve into its history, how it came to be, and its general nature
Apr 07, 2019•28 min
Time to catch up on news from around Walt Disney World! There are anniversaries, openings, celebrations, modifications, some construction, and new events happening around the Orlando themepark - and I'm here to talk about a lot of the goings on
Apr 07, 2019•29 min
Today's podcast is a tribute to an attraction that first appeared in 1964, at the NY World's fair, and now holds the distinction of appearing at every Disney park around the world. Of course, I'm talking about the Happiest Cruise on Earth - It's a Small World, after all. Come in and take a listen as I talk about its history.
Apr 07, 2019•32 min
I took a trip up to Disney at the end of March, and here are some thoughts from that trip. I've talk about some of the things we did and saw, some about fast pass, and other observations.
Apr 07, 2019•25 min
I'm joined on today's podcast by Jennifer, who is also a parent. We chat about taking kids (especially little ones) to Walt Disney World. We have some tips and tricks, and provide some ideas to make your trip magical. Jennifer is Director of Partnerships and Marketing at Celebrations Press
Apr 07, 2019•35 min
I took a trip last week up to WDW, and got to experience FastPass+ first-hand. We were staying off-property, so I had to book my choices at a kiosk on the "day of"... What did I think? Overall, I didn't like it - but the cast members really did make the difference in creating an "okay" experience (as opposed to a negative one). And to be fair, it was still an enjoyable trip, and we did get to do nearly everything we wanted to - I just thought it did nothing to enhance my visit...and frankly it w...
Apr 07, 2019•28 min
Joining me on this podcast is the editor of Celebrations Magazine, Tim Foster. We talk about the magazine, some favorite Disney things to do and see, and give a few tips from around the world. And for the first time, I am running a contest! In conjunction with the magazine, we are giving away a free one-year subscription to the magazine. Care to enter? Check out http://disneypodcast.net/giveaway for details, and for how to enter. Good luck! Visit Celebrations Press to get some great Disney World...
Apr 07, 2019•35 min
I welcome Shannon back to the podcast to talk about Disney trvael planning. We talk about some of the ways an authorized Disney travel planner can help you - and some of our favorite things to do and see. Each vacation is unique...so you should make the most of your vacation! You can reach Shannon at the WDW Guru
Apr 07, 2019•36 min
On today's show, I welcome Nick who is a fellow Disney lover, and a local like me. We chat about Disney World, some of our favorite things to do - parks, attractions, restaurants, and more. Plus we simply talk about our shared love of things in the World. Have thoughts you'd like to share? Post below.
Apr 07, 2019•37 min
Today's podcast is a look at where to stay when you are at Walt Disney World. I talk about the categories of hotels, the amenities, and which hotels fall into these categories. And I talk about some of the things that you might look for in each type of hotel. To me, the Art of Animation is probably has the best overall combination of amenities and price point, and is attractive for that reason. While this podcast lays out the basics, I do recommend visiting an authorized Disney travel agent to f...
Apr 07, 2019•29 min
