Episode #236 - Wild Africa Trek

Overview: On this podcast, I welcome back my friend Curt to the show. He's here to talk about the Wild Africa Trek, an "extra" experience where you can go out in the Savnnah to see the animals much more personally, and have a little adventure for a few hours. Its sounds like a lot of fun - and makes me want to signup to go on safari myself!

Notes: This is one of the special tours offered by DisneyWorld. You can read more about it here - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/wild-africa-trek/

You can subscribe to Disney's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/DisneyParks

Episode #235 - News and notes

Overview: Today, I explore some of the changes that are coming to DisneyWorld (and DisneyLand) from security enhancements to Star Wars Land, I have you covered - with my person style1

Notes:
on April 2 2016, the following are slated to close at Hollywood Studios:

Lights, Camera, Motorcars

Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure playground

Monsters Inc. character meet and greet

Writer's Stop

Watto's Grotto

Studio Catering Co.

Prop Shop

The 130ft Earfell Tower, which served as the parks original icon, will be removed as part of the work on the back of the park.

Streets of America

So far, Muppet Vision 3-D and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt show are not impacted.

Episodes #233 & #234 - Mexico pavillion

Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the Mexico pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, theming, and talk about the ride contained inside. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. And finally I discuss the original attraction, El Rio Del Tiempo. Come take a listen to the tale about this fascinating opening-day Epcot pavilion.

Notes: In the past, I have referred to the pyramid found in Mexico as the Chichinitza. While it does appear similar in style, the pyramid in Epcot's Mexico is not that. Ir is a Mesoamerican pyramid based on an Aztec design. I'll refer to it correctly from now on.

Also, the exhibit I mention that is in the entry way does change from time to time. My understanding is that it recently changed to a different part of Mexican heritage, but it was animales fantasticos when I created this podcast. Also, the Kidcot station has been in the house in the back and at times you can find it in the exhibition area.

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

I explored the Japan pavilion in podcast #209

and the Germany pavilion in Podcast #216

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...