Overview: The recent changes to the pricing model - particularly for a day pass - got me to thinking about how Disney has become more about the bottom line, and more like many other corporations...so I add my two cents to the discussion. The intent is to provide a point of view, not to be negative about the changes. Notes: I will be curious to see how Disney rolls out the coming changes - and how we'll react as customers. Hopefully they will continue to exceed my expectations!...
Apr 08, 2019•20 min
Overview: Barry and Scotty hosted a few podcasters - me included - to talk about what we love about Disney! Its a fun roundtable discussion with Dapsmagic, D-cast, and the Disney Cruising Mom, about what we love about the parks. I wanted to share with my listeners (note: this podcast is much longer than anything I typically produce) if you want to hear The Whole podcast, it’s available here: https://audioboom.com/posts/4200899-episode-238-disney-podcaster-roundtable...
Apr 08, 2019•41 sec
Overview: Joining me on today's podcast is Kim Pedersen, founder and president of the Monorail Society. Naturally, we're going to talk about the amazing machines that exist at DisneyLand and Disney World. We'll explore their history, and what we hope is their future! Its a fun talk about Disney, and so much more! Notes: What's Disney's first monorail? Its the Peter Pan ride! Visit the Monorail Society Kim's Youtube page Monorails: Trains of the Future-Now Arriving ( ISBN-13: 978-0986249488) The ...
Apr 08, 2019•32 min
Overview: On this podcast, I welcome back my friend Curt to the show. He's here to talk about the Wild Africa Trek, an "extra" experience where you can go out in the Savnnah to see the animals much more personally, and have a little adventure for a few hours. Its sounds like a lot of fun - and makes me want to signup to go on safari myself! Notes: This is one of the special tours offered by DisneyWorld. You can read more about it here - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingd...
Apr 08, 2019•37 min
Overview: Today, I explore some of the changes that are coming to DisneyWorld (and DisneyLand) from security enhancements to Star Wars Land, I have you covered - with my personal style! Notes: on April 2 2016, the following are slated to close at Hollywood Studios: Lights, Camera, Motorcars Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure playground Monsters Inc. character meet and greet Writer's Stop Watto's Grotto Studio Catering Co. Prop Shop The 130ft Earfell Tower, which served as the parks orig...
Apr 08, 2019•17 min
Overview: I went to see the new film, and I wanted to take time to review it, and talk a little Star Wars. There are spoilers in this podcast, but they appear in the second half - and I call out when they're going to start...before that, I talk about the first 6 films, and Star Wars in general. Notes: Here's a nugget for you that I didn't mention in the podcast: after "the first" episode (i.e., IV) was filmed, Harrison Ford thought the film was not to his liking, and asked not to appear in subse...
Apr 08, 2019•34 min
Overview: In October, my son and I took a trip to the Food and Wine Fest. We had a great time touring Epcot, getting passports stamped, playing Remy's Hide and Squeak, being an unpaid intern trying to help catch Doofenshmirtz, touring the festival, and of course trying the food! We talk about the experience and all that we did. Notes: The event is so much fun. I try and make it up there every year to experience the event, and take it all in. Here are a couple of videos I made that you might enjo...
Apr 08, 2019•27 min
Overview: Back in 1990, I tried out to be on Let's Make a Deal, a game show that was being taped at Disney's MGM Studios. I tell the story of that long day. Of course I talk about more than just a simple story, because I love to talk. Notes: If you want to re-hear (and watch a graphic that depicts what the author is saying) about the odds of winning if you change doors, check out this YouTube video
Apr 08, 2019•34 min
Overview: There's a lot of news about Star Wars land in the Hollywood studios, and some other related items. I cover it all and give my thoughts about what's happening. Plus, I've got some stories I've read about, talk about the taping of the Christmas day parade, and a few miscellaneous updates. Notes: The singer is Rhett Wheeler. As it turns out, he isn't an amateur, and this may have been partially intentional on Disney's part. Still, he says this was a “dream come true”...According to his we...
Apr 08, 2019•38 min
Overview: I sat down and watched all 4 hours of the American Experience: Walt Disney, and I provide something that is part review, and part my thoughts about what I saw and heard. I find the man to be complicated and pretty interesting. As I note in the podcast, he was larger than life and that really shines through the production. But he also was very family oriented and considered people who worked for him as such - making his life as the head of a company bearing his name....complicated. Note...
Apr 08, 2019•27 min
Overview: Today's podcast is my look at the ticket price increases. Come in and take a listen to what I have to say on the topic. Plus, I've got a couple of corrections from previous shows. And I've got an interesting take on the Magic Band that might be of interest. Notes: Here's A blog where they break down what's inside the Magic Band. Fortune Magazine wrote an interesting article about the price increases....
Apr 08, 2019•29 min
Overview: Joining me on today's podcast is Carl Trent, the author of Dad's Guide to WDW, and publisher of WDW Magazine. We talk about his new coffee table book The Best of WDW (Volume 1), and chat about lots of things related to Disney World. It's a beautiful book that you should take a peek at. Notes: You can subscribe to the magazine here: WDW Magazine website His book, The Best of WDW is available through his website....
Apr 08, 2019•30 min
Overview: A lot is going on at Disneyworld, particularly with Star Wars land slated to break ground in 2016. Mayne changes will be taking place at the Studios as construction begins. But I cover more ground than that on this podcast. There are a couple of unusual stories, and a couple of other items worth noting. Notes: You can find the Podcast about the Osborne lights in Show #78. Its a Holiday themed episode from a few years ago where I talk about the history of the lights....
Apr 08, 2019•24 min
Overview: Today's podcast is a look at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, held in the fall (September - October) each year in the Magic Kingdom. I tell you what there is to see and do, and try and explain why this is fun and unique....and yes, it is so worth doing. Notes: Party Details, Maps, tips, and more
Apr 08, 2019•20 min
Overview: Today's podcast is a look at Epcot's Food and Wine Festival, which kicks off September 25th. I tell you about how it works, what you can do "for free" (quotes because theme park admission is required), and about other activities you can enjoy. Notes: I mention the Ratatouille Hide and Squeak, and say there are 8 pins....well, there are only 6. Oops. Should still be fun! Tons of info is available at EatingWDW.com Visit iTunes to download a copy of the Food and Wine app (for free!)...
Apr 08, 2019•27 min
Overview: Last week at D23, Disney announced a plethora of new things come to the parks. I pick some of them to talk about and give some details and my thoughts about what's coming. Especially intriguing is the 11 acres that will be Toy Story Land, and the 14 acres that will be Star Wars Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, which for now retains that name. Notes: I am amazed at just how much Disney is investing in these upgrades and enhancements. Its a large sum, but could really make the parks a...
Apr 08, 2019•41 min
Overview: Epcot has a plethora of restaurants. So many that its often hard to decide where to eat, let alone what's best. But don't worry, I have you covered. Here are my top 20 restaurants - in order! Sure the list is somewhat subjective, but I give you a sense of what its like and what there is to eat at that location. Hopefully, it will inspire you to try new places and create your own list! Notes: What's your list? Did I miss something you really like? Let me know!...
Apr 08, 2019•34 min
Overview: This podcast is a tribute to the Germany pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, theming, and talk about the model train. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. And finally I discuss a planned attraction that was planned, but never built. Come take a listen to the tale about this fascinating opening-day Epcot pavilion. Notes: Germany feels almost incomplete as a pavilion. While it is interesting, there isn't as much to do there as one might hope. Sti...
Apr 08, 2019•43 min
Overview: We've been hearing that Disney is planning to spend around $3 billion on its US theme parks, with much of it going to Disney World. Today, I do a little imaginating, and think about what that might mean. Its time to dream and consider the possibilities. That. Is. A lot. of Money. Notes: Who knows what Disney will actually do? But I think some major changes at Hollywood Studios are likely, and perhaps some money will be spent over at Epcot to make some long-considered World Showcase pav...
Apr 08, 2019•24 min
Overview: I'm calling this segment Ask Dave as I take some time to answer questions that you have about a variety of Disney topics (my motto: I talk about all things Disney, but mostly Disney world). On this episode, I talk about riding up front on the monorail, how Disney transportation works, what are some of my favorite places to eat, what to do with used Magic Bands, trip planning advice, and a whole lot more! Notes: Picking 3 places to eat is hard! There are many good dining choices, and th...
Apr 08, 2019•30 min
Overview: I cover some recent Disney news, including: The end of Phineaes and Ferb (hey! Where's Perry?), Social Media Moms, Tiered Ticketing, food offerings, and a whole lot more. Plus I do a review of Tomorrowland (hint: I enjoyed it, Hollywood pbhhhhht) Notes: Here's an article about the Visa program I mention . And here's the podcast (#56) where I discuss it in some detail. How Disney left the Middle Class Behind Social Media moms...
Apr 08, 2019•44 min
Overview: This podcast is a tribute to the Japan pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, theming, and of course the gardens. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. And finally I discuss a planned attraction that was mostly built, but never opened. Come take a listen to the tale about this fascinating opening-day Epcot pavilion. Notes: Japan might very well be the most interesting among the World Showcase pavilions. From dining to shopping, to the zen of it all...
Apr 08, 2019•44 min
Overview: Today, I explore the history of EPCOT in general, and the rationale for the World Showcase portion of the park. Walt Disney had something specific in mind, and we didn't get that, but we did get an entertaining place that has a richness to it. Here's to a little history! Notes: Its difficult to imagine what Walt's vision was, precisely, so we mainly have to guess at it. The view of Progress City that you can see from the PeopleMover is about 1/3 of the full model. The whole thing took ...
Apr 07, 2019•29 min
Overview: On today's podcast, I'm talking about Star Wars Weekend, which is held annually at late May/early June in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Joining me to talk about the event and the awesome parade is Lance Tomkins, Commanding Officer of the Florida Garrison of the 501st Legion. He's got some fun stories to tell, and we talk about dressing up and generally having fun at the event. Enjoy! Notes: Visit the 501st Legion at http://501st.com...
Apr 07, 2019•42 min
Overview: Friend of the Show Gary Miceli is back, and today we're talking about fun experiences at Disney. We all have special memories of our trips to the park, we share ours and what makes them memorable! Notes: I think the changes coming to the studios will mean a lot of history will be lost....oh well, that's progress! The Youtube video will give you a sense of the behind the scenes look you once got from the Backlot Tour. And the picture is of Inspector Gadget's car....
Apr 07, 2019•34 min
Overview: My grandparents had a tremendous influence on me - and are a large part of the reason that I love Disney. Come in and hear the story about them, and how they shaped me. Its a personal story that serves as a tribute to them. Notes: The top picture is in front of the Polynesian; their personalities shine through in the pic - that's really who they were. The other picture of them is at the Golf Resort pool (now Shades of Green). And of course there I am with them at a Mickey's Christmas P...
Apr 07, 2019•36 min
Overview: This podcast is a look at the fascinating article Wired Magazine did about the Magic Bands. You can find the original article here: http://www.wired.com/2015/03/disney-magicband/ They did such a nice job of looking behind the scenes, how could I *not* talk about it? Most of this is not original work by me, so I want to give full credit to the publication, as I read the article. Notes: Wired is from Conde Nast publications, and I highly recommend subscribing, or at least visiting the si...
Apr 07, 2019•24 min
Overview: I present to you my top 10 Quick Service Meals. I tell you what dish I like, and where you can get it. Of course, I sprinkle in a few helpful tips, and make some suggestions on how to get there and where you might eat the food. Notes: There is no place I love in the Magic Kingdom. But, there are spots in both the Polynesian and Contemporary that are nearby. I have favorites in each of the other theme parks, and 4 other resorts. I have a breakfast, two vegetarian dishes, three that come...
Apr 07, 2019•25 min
Overview: Today's podcast is another look at the monorail. Disney is testing some changes to the monorail, so I wonder what's up with that? I look back at the history of the monorail, and suggest what this means as it relates to wait times. And, at the end of the podcast, I have some thoughts about Measles at DisneyLand. Notes: I wanted to point out that no the vaccination part of the podcast, it is not my intention to wade into the minefield that has sprung up around this topic. Rather, I am th...
Apr 07, 2019•36 min
Overview: Its my 200th show! And to celebrate, I am talking about how to celebrate at Walt Disney World. I've got some thoughts, suggestions, and give you some ideas on how you might celebrate on your next Disney vacation! Notes: Just what will you celebrate? This was a lot of fun to think about because there really are so many ways to celebrate at Disney World. my Pin Trading app my Pressed Penny app my Hidden Mickeys app http://disneyworld.disneyfloralandgifts.com Links to other celebration-re...
Apr 07, 2019•33 min
