The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

200th Episode Celebration Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #200 for the week of December 12, 2010. This week we’ll celebrate the 200th episode of WDW Radio with a roundtable retrospective on the past 200 shows including our favorite segments, interviews and more. I’ll also share some audio from last week’s Meet of the Month in Walt Disney World including some listener Fact or Fiction, and follow that up with a montage of clips from some memorable guests and segments. I’ll also play many of the voicemails and messages you recorded or called into the show. And most of all, I want to thank you for listening to the show, whether this is your first episode or your 200th, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and post

EPCOT Retrospective - Universe of Energy / Ellen's Energy Adventure Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #199 for the week of December 6, 2010. We’ll turn back the clock and continue our EPCOT Retrospective series as we journey aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine to 1982... and earlier. We’ll look at the design, creation and development of the Universe of Energy. This unique pavilion addressed important issues that remain so to this day, and incorporated technological advances that continue to impress and delight guests as well. We’ll talk not just about its history, changes and upgrades, but the future of the pavilion as well. I’ll have a few announcements and play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwra

Main Street, USA DSI: Disney Scene Investigation Part 2; Interview with Steven Miller from Disney Parks Merchandise Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #198 for the week of November 28, 2010. We’ll continue our journey down Main Street, USA as we take our time and explore the details, hidden treasures and history of the Emporium and Center Street. Jim Korkis and I point out many of the overlooked details that tell the story of this Victorian seaside town. With the holiday season underway, and many fans wishing for Disney presents under the tree, I’ll talk with Steven Miller, Merchandise Manager for the Disney parks about the Disney pin collecting and trading phenomenon, the explosive growth and popularity of Vinylmation, and the introduction (and story) of Duffy the Disney Bear. I’ll also announce a special WDW Radio event for 2011 that may be a nice addition to a Disney trip already in your plans, then have a

Main Street, USA DSI: Disney Scene Investigation Part 1; WDW Radio Running Team Info Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #197 for the week of November 21, 2010. This week, we’ll slow down just a little more as we wander right down the middle of Main Street, USA. Because as I often do on the show, on the blog and in my Audio Guides to Walt Disney World, I want to help introduce you to so many of incredible details, stories and hidden treasures that are the hallmarks of the Disney parks. Jim Korkis joins me as we wander through Town Square and learn more about this wonderfully imagineered town from the turn of the century in Part 1 of our DSI: Disney Scene Investigation of Main Street, USA. With the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend coming up in January, I’ll talk about how you can be a part of the WDWRadio Running Team and help raise money for the Dream Team Project to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Amer

Alan Menken Interview Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #196 for the week of November 14, 2010. This week, I am honored to welcome in a very special guest. In addition to being a Disney Legend, he is the recipient of multiple Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Grammys for his work on Disney animated classics such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted and, of course, Beauty and the Beast. Legendary composer Alan Menken joins me to talk about his early career and helping to usher in the renaissance of Disney animation, as well as his work on Disney’s 50th full-length animated feature, Tangled. It’s a fascinating look into the the life and music of a man who continues to make magic for generations of Disney fans. I’ll announce the details for next month’s special Meet of the Month in Walt Disney World, some other upcoming Disney Meets, a few other announcements and of cour

Listener Email: Walt Disney World vacation planning, history, trivia and more Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #195 for the week of November 7, 2010. I’ll open up the inbox again this week and answer more of your questions on topics including taking an infant to Walt Disney World; caricature artists in the parks; finding old props from Horizons, World of Motion and other extinct attractions; a trivia question about the very first guest to enter the Magic Kingdom; best places to stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort; how to show your appreciation for Cast Members and more! I’ll announce the details for the next WDW Radio Meets of the Month in Walt Disney World, some other upcoming Disney Meets, a few other announcements and of course your voicemails. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-70

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Roundtable Review; New WDW NewsCast announcement & more Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #194 for the week of October 31, 2010. An important part of your Walt Disney World vacation experience depends on when you visit the resort, as throughout the year, there are numerous special events spanning a variety of interests and themes. One of the most popular has been the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, now celebrating it’s 15th year. This week, we’ll recap the event on our roundtable, and discuss and review the event as a whole, as it goes far beyond just sampling foods from around the world in the kiosks in World Showcase. We’ll talk about some of the other experiences available to guests, our 3rd annual WDW Radio Walkabout, as well as recap the first annual Wine & Dine Half Marathon and post-race party in World Showcase. I’ll tell you all about a new weekly o

Interview with Disney Legend Alice Davis Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #193 for the week of October 24, 2010. In the next of my Legends of Disney Imagineering series of interviews, I had the honor of spending the day with a fascinating woman and true Legend, Alice Davis. We’ll discuss her fairy tale story of how she came to work for and with Walt Disney through her marriage to Marc Davis, one of his Nine Old Men. In addition to discussing her relationships with both, we also closely examine her work on classic films such as Sleeping Beauty, and attractions such as it’s a small world and Pirates of the Caribbean. Alice shares her very personal stories and humorous anecdotes about her work and life, from her early beginnings to the World’s Fair, to her ongoing connection to Disney enthusiasts today. I’ll have a few announcements and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, rela

Top Ten Educational Opportunities in Walt Disney World Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #192 for the week of October 17, 2010. There are many layers to the Walt Disney World experience, and part of what I try to do on the show, site and in my books and CDs is help you peel back many of them to help you enjoy the parks and resorts in new and exciting ways. From highlighting the stories, to the details, history trivia and overlooked experiences, visiting the parks is so much more than simply enjoying the attractions on their face. But one way to enjoy and explore the parks is to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available. This week, we’ll explore just one of those ways as we look at the Top Ten Educational Opportunities in Walt Disney World. Not only for kids, there are countless opportunities to not just learn, but enhance your experience, as well as educate others about so many different thin

Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Dream Q&AHello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #191 for the week of October 10, 2010. The Walt Disney World experience goes far beyond the four corners of the theme parks and resorts. In fact, for many people, the magic extends to the open waters and many destinations of the Disney Cruise Line. This week, we’re going to answer many frequently asked questions about cruising in general, the Disney Cruise Line, and specifically the WDW Radio Cruise on the Disney Dream in February, 2011. I received questions about everything from transportation, dining, activities for kids and adults, what you need to know before you go and when you’re on board, special WDW Radio group events and so much more. Whether you’re joining us on the Dream, a first-time cruiser, repeat visitor or just thinking about cruising, there’s something here for everyone. I’ll have a few announcements and then play

"The Vault of Walt" author Jim Korkis interview Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #190 for the week of October 3, 2010. Disney historian, author and former Cast Member Jim Korkis has just released his first book - The Vault of Walt, and he joins me this week to discuss his history with Disney, as well as how the book came to be, and some of the stories about Walt Disney, the films, theme park attractions and more. I’ll have a few announcements and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Get some

Destination D Recap RoundtableHello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #189 for the week of September 26, 2010. I just returned from Destination D, the D23 event celebrating the 55th anniversary of Disneyland. This two day event took guests on a journey through the design, creation, debut and history of the world's first Disney theme park through presentations, panels, screenings, speakers, Disney Legends, a scavenger hunt and even a concert of memorable songs from the Disneyland Resort. On this week’s roundtable, we’ll recap the events, discussing our expectations, surprises, reviews and memories. We’ll then look towards what is coming next for D23 in Walt Disney World and at next year’s Expo. I’ll have a few announcements and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voice

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #188 for the week of September 19, 2010. This week, I’m pleased to welcome to the show a true Disney Legend, and someone whose name is synonymous with Disney history. From founding the Walt Disney Archives in 1970, to authoring numerous books, Dave Smith’s 40 year career with the company has afforded him the opportunity to preserve the magic that began with Walt himself. Dave joins me this week to discuss his career, including not just his role in the creation and legacy of the Archives, but its challenges, personal highlights, changes and his future, as he prepares to retire from this “temporary” job that lasted four decades. It’s a fascinating conversation not just about the Archives, but the person who made it a reality. I’ll have a few announcements and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Ra

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #187 for the week of September 12, 2010. This week’s show is all about you, as I’ll answer more of your listener email. Questions include everything from finding that special souvenir to some Imagineering dreaming, take-out options from Walt Disney World restaurants, traveling to the resort, camping, Song of the South, timing your dinner reservations just right, the mysterious birds in Epcot, choosing some special events and so much more. I’ll have a few announcements about some upcoming Disney meets and events and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on F

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #186 for the week of September 5, 2010. This week, join us as we visit the all new Meatball Bar at Portobello Restaurant in Downtown Disney. Sit alongside us as we do a live review of the 4 varieties of meatball sandwiches available, sample the local, organic beer, and talk with Portobello’s Executive Chef Steven Richard about the concept and flavors of this unique dining experience, which offers one of the best values on property. I’m very excited about an important announcement I’ll make about a new project I’ve been working on for some time now - you’ll definitely want to stay tuned for that entire segment! I’ll then have a few announcements and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #185 for the week of August 29, 2010. This week, we’re going to visit with the first real wizard in to make his home in central Florida, as we step aboard the Walt Disney World Wayback Machine and talk with Merlin, from Disney’s Sword in the Stone. Merlin crowned the Temporary Ruler of the Realm for many years in Fantasyland, and we’ll talk one on one with a truly magical man who played Merlin - Jim Korkis. He’ll tell us about the show, what it was like to play Merlin, and we also get a chance to learn more about the man who is a real magician, Disney historian and true storyteller. I’ll give you the answers to the clues and announce the winner of our last Walt Disney World contest, have a few announcements and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwrad

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #184 for the week of August 22, 2010. This week, I’m pleased to be able to share with you an interview with another Disney Legend. And this one is special because I had the rare opportunity to speak with one of the original Imagineers, and a man who is credited with designing just about anything with wheels for the Disney parks. He is Bob Gurr, whose work on designing the Monorail, OmniMover, Audio-Animatronics, Main Street vehicles and countless others earned him the Disney Legend status in 2004. I had a chance to sit down with Bob and interview him on stage in front of a crowd of Disney enthusiasts at a recent meet, and recorded the audio to share with you. It’s a fascinating look at the life of a man whose work was instrumental in the development of attractions which continue to delight millions of guests to this day. I’ll then have a few announcements and then play more o

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #183 for the week of August 15, 2010. There is so much more to experience in Walt Disney World beyond the attractions, shows, resorts and dining options. In fact, part of what I enjoy doing on this show is introducing you to things to do beyond the parks that might enhance your vacation, or even give you yet another reason to come and visit. So this week, we’re going to take a look at golfing at Walt Disney World for both the seasoned golfer who may not realize the world-class courses available to them, and those amateurs and ever first-timers who may be looking for yet another way to spend some time on their visit. In a new Disney contest this week, I’ll ask you to use your ears to see how well you know Walt Disney World. I’ll then have a few announcements about some upcoming Disney meets and events and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, re

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #182 for the week of August 8, 2010. We’ll start off this week’s show with a visit to what has recently become one of my favorite areas of the Magic Kingdom, as we look at the Top Ten Things We Love About Liberty Square. Beyond the Haunted Mansion, it is a land filled with incredible details, historical importance, and wonderful opportunities. I’ll then take you to the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon and aboard the Grand One, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World, as we explore how this cruising experience is perfect for parties, a romantic evening and special occasions. I’ll announce the winner of our last Walt Disney World Trivia Contest, have a few announcements and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail

Disney's Wedding Specialists have worked with couples from all over the world since 1991 and hosted over 40,000 unique weddings. Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings provides a one-stop shopping experience for couples' every wedding planning need. Join Lou Mongello in Walt Disney World as he tours Franck's and the Disney's Wedding Pavilion and discusses the variety of options with Korri McFann from Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons To learn more about Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons For more great fun, the award-winning Disney podcast, blog, discussion forums, videos and more, visit http://WDWradio.com and http://CelebrationsPress.com Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello