Episodes #245 & #246 - China pavillion

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; its quite beautiful and includes indigenous plants from China.

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

And Canada is in Podcast #240

Episode #244 - Disney's Vacation Club

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* appealing and solves for that.

Episode #243 - Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

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 little spin on political discourse, while presenting a classic attraction. The timing just seemed right.

Episode #242 - CircleVision 360

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

Episodes #240 & #241 - Canada pavillion

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 Canadian government, to acknowledge it and tone down the point of view is striking. Still, the overall design is terrific, and the garden is beautiful.

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 

And Mexico is in Podcast #233