Episode #232a - Bonus podcast! More on the Force Awakens.

Overview: I saw the movie again, and had some additional thoughts about it that I want to share. I have a few observations, and some of my own theories that I hope you'll enjoy hearing. **This podcast is spoiler heavy! ***

Notes:Consider this podcast as a bonus! I had no real intention of revising the movie, but I was amazed at the detail and wanted to share. One note: the box that contains the light saber is reported to be the same one that Obi Wan opened in Episode 4.

Episode #232 - Star Wars the Force Awakens

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 subsequent films. After some discussion with Lucas, they agreed to kill him off in Episode V....but he had a change of heart during some of the early reads, and decided to stick it out for the 3 episodes, and was delighted to come back for Episode VII.

Also - BONUS! I put a podcast out early for you to enjoy...

Episode #231 - Epcot Food and Wine 20th recap

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 enjoy:

Episode #230 - Lets Make a Deal

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

Episode #229 - Disney news, December, 2015

Possible area for Star Wars land?

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 website, Wheeler holds a Bachelor of The Arts degree from the New School University in New York City. He’s traveled the world and keeps on performing in hopes of catching his big break that could send him onto super-stardom. Good luck Rhett!

Want to know about the history of the Osborne lights? Check out a previous podcast of mine where I discuss it.

Episodes #227 & #228: History of the Pirates of the Caribbean

Overview: Today, I'm talking about the iconic attraction that made its debut in DisneyLand in 1967...the Pirates of the Caribbean. It truly was groundbreaking when it was created, and really does sum up what the WED designers are all about. Come and take a listen to the history, and learn about the amazing backstory.

Notes: Its the ride that became a movie, that then led to a change to the attraction. There are some subtle differences between the rides at each park:
DisneyLand

Disney World:

Disneyland Paris

Tokyo

Episode #226 - American Experience: Walt Disney.

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.

Notes: You can watch a preview, order a DVD, or learn more about the show by visiting the PBS website.

And if you want to read more, Slate did a nice piece about the show.

Episode #225 - Ticket price increases

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.

Episode #224 - Best of WDW

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.

Episode #223 - expansion, news, and changes at Disney World

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 thePodcast 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.

Visit iTunes to download a copy of the Food and Wine app (for free!)

Episode #222 - Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

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

Episode #221 - Epcot's 20th International Food & Wine Festival

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!)

Episodes #219 & #220- Expansion news and some thoughts...

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 amazing .

On the map at the top, I have oriented it so the entrance is on the top left; Fantasmic will be all the way at the left. The area outlined at the top is where I think Star Wars Land will net out, and at the bottom is how I think they'll orient Toy Story Land.

Episode #218 - Counting down the top 20 restaurants in Epcot

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!

Episodes #216 & 217 - Germany pavillion

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. Still, its great to explore what's there, and the details are remarkable.

A reminder that the general overview of Epcot's World Showcase is in podcast #208

And I explored the Japan pavilion in podcast #209

Episode #215 - What does $3B mean to Disney World?

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 pavilions a reality.

Episode #214 - Ask Dave!

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 the menus are getting better. Planning a trip? I would suggest contacting Shannon for a quote.

Find and track your pennies around Walt Disney World! This app shows you the locations of pennies in Disney World, and allows you to keep track of the ones you have. Happy penny collecting!
WDW Pressed Penny app for iPod/iPad/iPhone ver 3.1

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Find and track Hidden Mickeys in all Disney theme parks. You can look for them, and add new ones you find!
Hidden Mickeys v3.0 for iPod/iPad/iPhone

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Keep tack of all of your pins virtually! Sort and view them with ease!
Pin Trading v2.0 for iPod/iPad/iPhone

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The Food and Wine Festival app will be updated a few weeks before the festival - but its available now (for free) in iTunes.

Episodes #212 & #213 News for June 2015

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

Episode #211 - Star Wars Weekend Recap

Overview: I made it up to the 4th of the Star Wars Weekends, and had a great time. I recount my experience and tell a few stories about my day. Come in and take a listen to a virtual Star Wars Weekend experience.

Notes:The person whose name I couldn't think of was James Arnold Taylor, voice of Obi Wan in the Clone Wars animated TV show. I noted that typically the guests aren't *that* interesting, but I will make an exception for the last weekend (this coming one) as Frank Oz is one of the celebrity guests. Oz, of course, worked with Jim Henson on the muppets, and has a more interesting story. Unfortunately, my schedule didn't work for coming up for weekend #5.

Episodes #209 & #210 - Epcot's Japan pavilion

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, Japan has it pretty well covered. A reminder that the general overview of Epcot's World Showcase is in podcast #208.