Overview: Today's podcast is a mashup of a little news, a few questions, and a movie review. The movie is Beauty and the Beast, and I also talk about Pandora, Memory Maker, and how I got my tag line. Enjoy! Notes: The movie was quite enjoyable, If you want to know more about Horizons, check out the podcasts I did about it, starting in DDV #3 - An overview of the pavillion that was "Horizons"...
Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the Morocco pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, and theming. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. It was the first pavilion to come to world showcase after opening day. This pavilion also has the distinction of being personally overseen by the King of Morocco. Notes: The Moroccan pavilion has amazing aesthetics. It’s just beautiful, and makes you feel like you’re actually on the streets of or in a marketplace in ...
Overview: WToday's podcast is a look at a few news items - the loss of a parade in the magic kingdom, a new gondola possibly coming - and I cover the basics of the magic bands. Notes: Visit MouseSavers.com for details on saving at Disney
Overview: World showcase had grand plans and ambitions. There were 21 sites plotted for World Showcase when the original idea was pitched. But, we only got 9 on opening day. Many other countries were oh-so-close to being built, but alas it didn't happen. This is the story about some of the proposed countries. Notes: Its still a remarkable thing that Disney was able to create a permanent worlds fair, that at the time was unprecedented and made the world a little smaller. But we can only speculate...
Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the Italy pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, and theming. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. Its the 9th (and final) Epcot opening-day pavilion I discuss. Come and take a visit to Venice with me. Notes: Italy is unique among the pavilions, in that there is no ride or show in the pavilion. Its shopping, dining, and a couple of performers. Primarily the focus of this pavilion is its architecture and things you c...
Overview: Today's podcast is all about a rather fun book called Disney Tale of the Tape, by Dan Sisneros. Essentially the book "pits" two things head-to-head and has judges compare them on various aspects. And yours truly was a judge in some of the bouts. Come and take a listen as Dan talks about the book and what it's all about. Notes: This is a clever way to look at rides, accommodations, food, and more in a unique way. It was a lot of fun to contribute to it. Disney Tale of the Tape is availa...
Overview: Joining me on today's podcast is Scott Shindeldecker, owner of epcotmanifesto.com. We talk all about Epcot, from its history, to what we loved (and still love) about it, to what's in store for its future ... at least as far as we know. Notes: EPCOT (in all caps) was an intriguing idea from the mind of Walt himself. Whether even he could have pulled off is anyone's guess, but what the Disney company did manage to execute was a pretty good alternative. But the world has changed, and Epco...
Overview: On today's show I welcome a fellow Dave - the founder of MouseMingle.com to talk about the site, the service...and of course we talk a lot about fun things to do at the parks! Notes: It was fun chatting with Dave about all things Disney. And hearing that he worked in the roundhouse and was an engineer on the DisneyLand Railroad was pretty cool. Of course we delve into that for a while and just chat about a shared "passion" for the Disney parks...and that's really what his site is all a...
Overview: I saw Rogue One this past weekend, and I have a movie review of sorts for you! This episode does have spoilers, so I'll wait in your queue for you to watch the movie. Notes: The movie was a lot of fun, and fills in many blanks in the storyline. But (limited spoilers here) it has an unexpected tone, and does a lot of setting up the storyline - perhaps too much to get to the final payoff. Meaning, its good scifi but not good star wars for a period of time....
Overview: Today's podcast is quite simply a ride around the Magic Kingdom on the Walt Disney World Railroad. Come along and imagine you are taking the scenic ride from Main Street, to Frontierland, to Fantasyland, and back to Mainstreet! Notes: The WDW Railroad is comprised of 3 real working steam locomotive that was purchased and refurbished and run around the park.
Overview: On my most recent visit, I got a chance to see the new ride in the Norway pavilion: Frozen Ever After. Come along and hearthe ride audio, my thoughts about the ride, and I toss out a few things about Epcot as well. Notes: I admit that I found the ride quite enjoyable. It was cute and clever and it represented Frozen really well. But, I honestly don't think the fictional world of Arendale fits into the real world of Norway....
Overview: After my food and wine day, I stayed for another day and park hopped. Come along as I talk about what I did, and make some observations. Notes: Yeah, I caught the clarification that the $5 fee applies to packages coming from outside the resort. That was not clear in the original announcement. Also, I don't mention the Cabanas that are for rent at a hefty $700 in the theme parks - but I'll note it here: stupidest. idea. ever. I don't care if someone is willing to pay it. Its just dumb....
Overview: I went up to the last day of the Food and Wine Festival, so naturally, I have to tell a couple of stories about the day. Also, to celebrate good food, I went into the California Grill to grab a bite to eat Notes: Food and Wine is always a great event, and I haven't missed it in many years. The downside is that it is quite a bit more crowded and that crowd can get a little rowdy as more wine is consumed. But there are tricks, like going early and leaving the park around dinner tine as t...
Overview: Joining me on today's podcast is friend of the show Gary Miceli. We are talking all about Disney movies, and share some of our favorites. Come and take a listen as we discuss the history of movies and how Disney continues to churn out memorable films. Notes: If you are lucky enough to one day be able to get a peek behind the shelving over in the shop that sits at the exit of the Mickey & Minnie meet-and-greet, you can see a remarkable mural. This was at the entrance to The Walt Dis...
Overview: Today, I look at emergency preparedness at the Orlando Theme Park, and how ready Disney World was for Hurricane Matthew. I think overall it was well handled, but there are a few tweaks they could make in the future Notes: Global Climate Change seems to be bringing more - and bigger - storms along the coast of Florida, so Disney World has to have good plans in place to be ready. And that's why they started an Emergency Operations Center to run 24/7. If you want to know more about Disney...
Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the United Kingdom pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, theming, and talk about the infamous pub. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. Its another of Epcot's opening-day pavilions, so come and explore a look at British history. Notes: The United Kingdom is a tribute to the island nation, and the area known as Britain, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Naturally, the UK makes perfect sense in an Epcot setting since the...
Overview: Time to catch up on a rather large amount of Disney news. I cover general items, updates at the parks, and some interesting patents that were recently granted. Notes: There is so much going on! Disney has been quite busy. And I suspect I missed a fair number of things, that I'll get to another time.
Overview: It's time to share with you my top 10 things to do in the Magic Kingdom - in order! I have to say that limiting it to just ten was nearly impossible but I give it a shot. Notes: Of course there are many more things to do, but I try and pick my favorites. And while I don't include roller coasters (because I don't do them), I do suggest where you can squeeze them in. What's your top 10? Post it below.
Disney Legend Bob Gurr joins me on today's show. We talk about his new DVD - Turning Dreams into Reality... he's got some great stories to tell. Notes: Bob sets the record straight on a couple of things that get reported on around the interwebs, which I have myself repeated. I appreciate the feedback and candor. Also, he's got a wise suggestion for ensuring accuracy, and it is good advice. Bob is someone I always admired, and I was thrilled to have a few minutes to talk with him. The DVD is avai...
Overview: Today's podcast is all about the host pavilion - the American Adventure. You may note that this is not called the United States or the American Pavilion, rather it bears the same name as the show that resides within. Come and take a listen to what makes this pavilion interesting and unique. Notes: The American Adventure show is quite a remarkable look back into the nation's history. And don't miss the museum that exists to the right of the rotunda, nor the hall of flags as you head up ...
From the time that Walt Disney opened DisneyLand right up through today, US Presidents have been known to visit DisneyLand and Disney World. Starting with Truman, every one of them - except one - has visited a park, and the one still had a connection to Walt himself. A few of the Presidents past had strong ties and shared the love of the parks. I tell you about each one, and mix in some of the Voices of Liberty for you to enjoy. Notes: Just in time for the 4th of July, its a long form piece abou...
Today's podcast celebrates a milestone - its my 250th show. I tell you a little about this podcast and how its created, some of the fun moments, and tell you which are my 25 most-listened to podcasts. Notes: I would like to thank all of you for your support through my five years of doing this. Its a labor of love, but interacting with you is the biggest thing that keeps me going.
Walt Disney and Salvador Dali have an interesting connection, through some time they spent together working on a project called Destino. Its a fascinating story I wanted to share with you after learning more about it at the Dali Museum. Notes: The Dali Museum is located in St Petersbug Florida. Its a really interesting place with a lot of original work by Dali. I include some audio clips from the audio tour that was available at the Walt Disney Family Museum. I use them under the Fair Use Doctri...
Caption: that's the tombstone that reads "Dear Departed Brother Dave, Chased a Bear into a Cave" I took a recent trip to the parks, and made sure to stop into all 4 AND take some time at the newly-unveiled Disney Springs. Come along and here my stories, and the latest updates I saw around the parks. Enjoy!
Overview: Its time to catch up on Disney news - changes to the parks, changes to Fast Pass, enhancements, premium events, parties and a whole lot more. Then, I take a moment to talk about the new documentary about Bob Gurr. Notes: You can read more about, and pre-order Bob Gurr's Turning Dreams Into Reality video at http://www.apependisneyproducts.com/#!disney-media-dvds-disneyland/con8...
Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the China pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, theming, and talk about the Circlevision movie that's shown. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. Its another of Epcot's opening-day pavilions, so come and explore what was once a forbidden land. Notes: China is an interesting pavilion because it represents a communist nation - but through its culture, history and people. Take time to walk through the Lotus garden; it...
Overview: Its the 25th anniversary of DVC, and I have never really given it its due. So today's episode is all about the vacation club - I give you all the information you need - so you can make an informed decision about whether to buy into it or not. Notes: I think the properties are beautiful, and they do a nice job of helping you make an emotional connection. But I am still not a fan, primarily because of the opportunity cost. Of course renting points from another owner is an option that *is...
Overview: Today's show is a look at one of the 1964 Worlds Fair shows: Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Come and take a listen to how this show came to be, and then hear the current audio track from Disneyland. Notes: In this era of political uncertainty, I thought it would be good to remind everyone that we are all part of what makes this an amazing country. Lincoln served during the time when we were most divided as a nation, and his point of view is surely relevant today. I wanted to put a lit...
Overview: Come and take a listen as I explore the history of Walt Disney's Circlevision. There are two remaining daily shows - both at Epcot - but the history is a little surprising. Walt had a greater vision, as he often did. Notes: Much of the discussion about Walt's vision comes from Theme Park Tourist looks at CircleVision...
Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the Canada pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, theming, and talk about the Circlevision movie that's shown. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. Its another of Epcot's opening-day pavilions, so come and explore our neighbors to the north. Notes: I find the fact that Disney created a stereotypical view of Canada a little amusing. And the fact that it took them a fairly long time, and several requests from the Cana...
