DDV #60 - Q&A with Dave - and Curt (part 1)

Dave is back to answer your Disney questions, and this time I've brought some help! Curt and I take on some of the questions I've been asked recently. Its a show that's so big, I had to break it into two parts! In this part, We talk about thanksgiving, the weather in late summer, fun things to do with kids in EPCOT, and what's a Disneyland vet to do in WDW?

DDV #59 - Married to the Mouse

This week, I welcome Rick Foglesong to the show. Rick wrote Married to the Mouse about a decade ago. The book is about the relationship between Disney, the state of Florida, and the two counties in which it resides. Its an interesting read, and I recommend it.

We delve into this complex relationship, and talk about some general topics in political science as they relate to Disney. But fear not! This is a fun discussion and there is no final exam.

Among the topics:

Did you know that Walt was *this close* to opening a park in St Louis before he found Florida?

Did you know that Disney has tremendous authority for land use?

Would you believe that Walt understood the issues of having permanent residents in his EPCOT?

Did the company use the concept of EPCOT to its advantage after Walt's death?

And there's so much more. The show is longer than usual (about 37 minutes), but I think you'll agree it is well worth it.

Rick was great to talk with, and I think you'll enjoy the conversation.

Married to the Mouse is available on Amazon. Please consider making a purchase through my Amazon affiliate store. (use the text link above)

You can visit Rick on the web at www.richardfoglesong.com

DDV #58 - Tapestry of Nations

For the millennium celebration, Disney rolled out the Tapestry of Nations parade, or more aptly show. It was a larger-than-life exhibit with giant puppets (made by the same guy who did the puppets for the Lion King on Broadway), and rotating drums.

It went on for about 4 years, before it faded off. The musical score was beautiful, and I share it and a little history with you on this podcast.

I'll be honest and say this was one of my favorite productions ever, and I miss it.

DDV #57 - A few attractions in the studios

In this podcast, I visit the Studios. You can check out the audio from the Toy Story Midway Mania ride, and the Muppet Vision show.

Also, I talk about One Man's Dream, and give some info about the multiplane camera, which is exhibited there. I love how you can learn a little something while you're having fun. That's cool.

Over at Muppetvision, you can check out the old overflow queue, and the attention to detail.

The faces on pipes are amazing.

And of course, you have to read the signs as you go through! There's some funny stuff buried in them.

DDV #56 - Disney news for 6-8-11

Come check out this week's show, as I start with a discussion about Star Tours 2.0, and include some audio from George Lucas. I also talk about the rumored expansion of the Star Wars area in the Studios.

Oh, and I found this clever idea to keep track of your trips through Star Tours: http://startourspassport.com/

I've also present excerpts from an article about how Disney helps shape the law, in this case immigration law (it was excerpted from http://multiamerican.scpr.org/tag/j-visa/.

I've got some other news and notes, like the sale of Universal Studios, and the Tiki Room's return.

And finally, I offer an opportunity for someone to sponsor the podcast and the website (disneypodcast.net). You can read more about it here: http://disneypodcast.net/adspace.htm