Episode #271 - MouseMingle

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 about anyway...

Episode #270 - Rogue One

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.

Episode #269 - Riding the rails (the WDW Railroad)

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.

Episode #268 - Frozen ever after

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.

Comparison of Frozen and the Maelstrom
 

 Detailed ride through
 

Episode #267 - Observations and 4 parks

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.

Episode #266 - Food and Wine

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 the crowds swell.  You can definitely make it suit your personal style.

Now as far as the California Grill, that was a terrific meal, and something I'd love to do again!

Episodes #264 & #265 -Favorite Disney Movies

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 Disney Story, and included drawings of every animated character through the mid 1980s.

Episode #263 - Storm preparation at Disney World

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's Ham Radio Club, check out http://www.wd4wdw.org

Episodes #261 & #262 - Epcot's France pavillion

Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the France pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, theming, and talk about the infamous move that is shown: Impressions de France. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. Its another of Epcot's opening-day pavilions, so take a visit to Paris with me.

Notes: The France Pavilion represents what we think of as the romantic city of Paris in the Springtime.  Its a wonderful tribute to the city of Lights, with its architecture and the Eiffel Tower.

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

I explored the Japan pavilion in podcast #209

the Germany pavilion is in Podcast #216 

Mexico is in Podcast #233

Canada is in Podcast #240

China is in Podcast #245

The American Adventure is in Podcast #254

The UK pavilion is in Podcast #259

Episode #259 & 260 - United Kingdom pavillion

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 British colonized the United States.  Be sure and check out the changes in architecture and historical record of the UK, as well as the sundial in the center of the town.

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

I explored the Japan pavilion in podcast #209

the Germany pavilion is in Podcast #216 

Mexico is in Podcast #233

Canada is in Podcast #240

China is in Podcast #245

The American Adventure is in Podcast #254

Episode #258 - News for August 2016

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.

Episode #257 - Top 10 things to do in the Magic Kingdom

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.

Episode #256 - Bob Gurr

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 available here, and it makes a great gift (ahem!):
http://www.apependisneyproducts.com/#!bob-gurr-turning-dreams-into-reality-doc/b9n7d

Here are some images about the 4 great accomplishments he mentions:

Episodes #254 & #255 - American Adventure

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 toward the show!

Want to know more about the iv or iiii on a clock?  Check out this page

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

I explored the Japan pavilion in podcast #209

Germany is in Podcast #216

Mexico is in Podcast #233 

Canada is in Podcast #240

And China is in  Podcast #245

Episodes #251, #252, & #253 - Presidents at Disney parks

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 about all of the Presidents. When I decided to create this podcast, I was pretty sure most had visited the parks, but it was fun to explore their stories and understand their passion and what they liked about visiting. I wasn't exactly surprised about LBJ, but was glad there was a connection in any case.

The Nixon story was probably the most intriguing because he was friendly with Disney. Reagan is a close second, based on his path crossing Disney's many times. The one that surprised me the most was Carter, and his wanting to know more about EPCOT.

Want to see some of the pics I mention, check them out here -

http://mydisneyworldblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/presidents-at-disney-world.html

And here is the audio and story behind the Hall of Presidents:

Episode #116 - Hall of Presidents history

Episode #117 - Hall of Presidents original show

Episode #125 - Hall of Presidents 1990s changes

Episode #126 - Hall of Presidents Clinton version

DDV #74 - audio from the Hall of Presidents (current show)

 

 

My 250th podcast!

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.

Episode #249 - Dali & Disney

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 Doctrine, and my intent is to hilight the relationship between the men and provide some fundamental pieces to help explain and educate.

I hope you will take some time on your next trip to central Florida to head west and visit the museum - particularly while the exhibit is ongoing. It really is quite good!

Here is Destino, as seen on Youtube: 

Here's a Spanish newreel of Walt visiting Dali in Spain:

Want to see Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land?  Try this Youtube video:


Here are Walt and Dali in Spain:


 
And finally, I love this picture of Dali on the Carolwood-Pacific, with Ward Kimball at the controls.