The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #181 for the week of August 1, 2010. I’ll open up the inbox this week and answer more of your questions about everything from the rooms at Bay Lake Tower versus Kidani Village; visiting Pixie Hollow in the Magic Kingdom; Flight to the Moon and Mission to Mars; traveling the resort using the WDW bus system; annual passes for the family; signature restaurants and the best Italian food on property; resort-specific merchandise, going alone, and so much more! Stay tuned for a few announcements and then 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #180 for the week of July 25, 2010. This past month, the streets of Harambe Village in Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom came to life with a brand new, special event - the nightly Taste of Africa Street Party. Celebrating the culinary and cultural traditions of many African nations, guests could sample a variety of different foods, wines and beers, as well as meet artisans practicing their crafts, all within a high-energy, festival-like atmosphere. This week, I’m joined on the roundtable by others who experienced the party as we discuss all that it entailed, our review of the food and party as a whole, and what the future may hold for this, or other events of this type. I’ll test your knowledge of Walt Disney World trivia in this week’s contest, where I’ll give you a chance to play and win some Disney prizes, have a few announcements and then play more of your voicemails at th

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #179 for the week of July 18, 2010. Walt Disney World traces much of its roots to the original Disneyland in California. And with July 17 marking Disneyland’s 55th anniversary, it’s only appropriate that we take a look at how some of Disneyland’s origins have impacted Walt Disney World. Jim Korkis joins me again this week to share some of the true stories behind the stories, as we start in Fantasyland with Cinderella Castle and look back at exactly how and where Disneyland began. And Jim will share with us not just stories that have never been told before, but Walt’s own words that served as the proposal for what would be come Disneyland, and includes many amazing ideas that carried forward to become what we see today in Walt Disney World. I'll play more of your voicemails and have a few announcements at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #178 for the week of July 11, 2010. Walt Disney’s “Florida Project” brought to Orlando the magic of Disneyland, and plans that would expand upon that idea to a working city and so much more. And while we all have heard the tales of the trips to the Florida swampland, you may never have heard the stories of some of Walt’s original plans for his second theme park. This week, we’ll look at The Walt Disney World That Almost Was with author Chad Emerson, and explore some of the untold stories of where in the world Walt Disney World almost came to be. I’ll draw a name and randomly call a listener to play Fact or Fiction, where I’ll ask 10 true or false trivia questions about Walt Disney World to give them a chance to win some prizes. I'll play more of your voicemails and have a few announcements 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 #177 for the week of July 4, 2010. Happy Independence Day to everyone celebrating in the US and those who may be stationed or living overseas. I proudly dedicate this show to everyone who has ever sacrificed to ensure our continuing freedoms. Captain EO, starring Michael Jackson, has returned to its home in Walt Disney World, and I had a chance to see the show just days before it opened to the public. This week, we’ll discuss its return, and talk with Disney executives, Imagineers and Guests and get their reactions as well. We’ll look at how the show compares to its 1986 debut and its possible future in Epcot. I’ll open up the inbox again this week and answer more of your listener emails. Topics include the Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion overlay, some additional Haunted Mansion trivia, dining choices in Walt Disney World, Winter Summerland, Port Orleans, ticket upg

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #176 for the week of June 27, 2010. This week, we’re going to take a very detailed look at one of Walt Disney World’s classic, opening day attractions. One that is significant not just because of it’s rich history, but because of its importance in the history of the Disney parks, personal connection to Walt Disney, and stories behind the stories that play a role in its inclusion at the heart of the Magic Kingdom. And with dramatic changes coming to Fantasyland, and a minor change to this attraction itself, it’s a great time to take a look with Jim Korkis at the attraction that to many will always be known as Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel. I'll play more of your voicemails and have a few announcements 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #175 for the week of June 20, 2010. With this being Father’s Day, I thought about some of the various ways you can experience Walt Disney World with your dad, or your children. So we’ll take a look at the Top Ten Things to do with your Dad in Walt Disney World. Whether you are a parent or child looking to find new, creative ways to make lasting memories, there’s something here for everyone. I'll play more of your voicemails and have a few announcements 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #174 for the week of June 13, 2010. It’s time to fire up my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine, as we travel back through time to visit some of the history of the Disney parks. This week, our time travel has a double meaning, as it is the focus of the attraction we will visit. For more than a decade, The Timekeeper in Tomorrowland took guests on a celebrity-filled, 360 degree journey through history, meeting famous figures and visiting historic landmarks along the way... before, as in true Disney fashion, something goes wrong and hilarity ensues. We will take a detailed look back at the attraction’s history, what almost came to be in Tomorrowland, thoughts on the Circle-Vision technology and much more. I'll play more of your voicemails and have a few announcements 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #173 for the week of June 6, 2010. Recently I was joined by numerous listeners both in person and online “in the box” as we broadcast live from Walt Disney World for more than 24 continuous hours over the May 22nd weekend. During that time, we toured the resort, visited Star Wars Weekends, held a private dessert party, and so much more. Join us as we recap the fun and events and announce the winners of our live contest in this week’s roundtable. Whether you were there for some or all of the event, or think you may want to join us for a future broadcast, it’s a fun look back on a memorable weekend. I'll play more of your voicemails and have a few announcements 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #172 for the week of May 30, 2010. We'll start off this week's show by taking a look at what's coming next to Walt Disney World, as we discuss the many new (and old) offerings as part of Summer Nightastic. We'll also discuss some other Disney news, including improvements to the online dining reservations system, and a curious change taking place in Fantasyland. Star Wars Weekends is in full swing at Disney's Hollywood Studios, as the legendary Star Wars Saga is celebrated, this year including the including the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back and the animated television series, The Clone Wars. I'm joined this week in an exclusive interview with Ashley Eckstein, celebrity host for Star Wars Weekends, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in the Clone Wars series, former Walt Disney World Cast Member and so much more. We'll discuss not only her role in the Star Wars universe and a

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #171 for the week of May 23, 2010. I'll open up the inbox this week and answer many more of your listener emails about everything from honeymoon planning, participating in Magic Kingdom parades, ticket discounts, resort choices, going solo to Walt Disney World, what to do while waiting for your flight, the old Penny Arcade on Main Street, USA, adding pavilions to World Showcase and much 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/loumongel

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #170 for the week of May 16, 2010. I'll start off this week's show with some Walt Disney World News and a few items from the rumor mill, including big news about a new Disney resort, updates on some attraction and dining changes, and some rumors about what or who else you may seem coming to the Disney parks in the future. Next, we all visit Walt Disney World in different ways, and each presents different opportunities, as well as challenges. On our roundtable discussion this week, we'll talk about strategies, benefits, tips and concerns when traveling to Walt Disney World as a single parent. Whether you travel as a single parent or not, chances are you'll find many tips and resources in this segment valuable and ways to enhance your own vacation experience. This week's new Walt Disney World Trivia Contest will test your knowledge of some of the relationships between Disney ch

Fantasyland Construction Progress in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Visit the web site at http://WDWRadio.com Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello

There's more to explore in Walt Disney World, as guests of all ages can enjoy catch-and-release fishing led by expert guides in the waters in front of the Magic Kingdom. Join Lou Mongello from WDW Radio as he spends a day on the water for some magic outside the theme parks Visit the web site at http://WDWRadio.com Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #169 for the week of May 9, 2010. With the recent closing of Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios for an unspecified update, it's a great time to take a look back at the relationship between Disney and the Muppets, including the story of how the Muppets came to Walt Disney World in a variety of ways. We'll tour the park and explore some of the secrets, stories and history of MuppetVision 3D, Muppet-based shows that are no longer here, the Disney-Henson marriage, as well as "The Muppets That Never Were," as Jim Korkis and I wander the Studios and discuss some of the proposed concepts that never made it both in and out of the parks. It's a fascinating live tour of the Muppets in the present, as well as a look back in time, and possibly even into the future of the Muppets in Walt Disney World. I'll have a few announcements, and then play more of your voicem

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #168 for the week of May 2, 2010. We'll take a look at some Walt Disney World news and a few rumors this week, including some old favorites getting ready to return to the parks, and Imagineers continue to test new ways to pass the time in the queue, this time at a classic attraction in the Magic Kindgom. I'll ask you to comment in the show notes and weigh in on some possible changes that may be coming. I often kid about how attractions and shows in Walt Disney World are just things to occupy our time in between meals, but the parks and resorts do offer a wide variety of wonderful dining options - and not all of them require you to make dining reservations in advance. In fact, some of Walt Disney World's best food can be found at the numerous counter service locations. So this week, we'll count down our Top Ten list of Walt Disney World Counter Service Restaurants. If you weren

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #167 for the week of April 25, 2010. Properly planning your Walt Disney World vacation is crucial, and an important part of that planning needs to focus on not just time spent in the parks, but getting to and from the resort. This week, we're going to take a look at Disney's Magical Express, the free bus service to and from the airport. Whether you're a first time visitor or think you know how Magical Express works, we'll talk about not just how the the system works, but its pros and cons, how to get the most out of it, and some very important details you need to know before you go. Next, I'll call a listener and invite her to play Fact or Fiction, where she can answer Walt Disney World trivia questions for a chance to win some prizes. Play along at home, see how you do, and find out how you can enter for a chance to play on the air as well. I'll announce a new product this w

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #166 for the week of April 18, 2010. I'll answer more of your listener email this week, including questions on Pal Mickey, Magic Your Way ticket options, finding specific characters in the parks, attractions for young children, free Disney trading cards, a look back at an extinct character meal, nightlife, restaurants and much more. I love exploring and sharing the wonderful stories created by Disney Imagineers in every attraction, shop, restaurant, resort, and almost everything you see and experience on property. But I especially enjoy having the opportunity to take a closer look at a location whose story may seem obvious on its face, but is full of wonderful details and history. And this week, such is the case with Fantasyland's Pinocchio Village Haus. Jim Korkis joins me once again to tell some of the "Stories Behind the Stories" in this DSI: Disney Scene Investigation. I'

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #165 for the week of April 11, 2010. This week, join us at the dinner table as we sit down to dine at and review Paradiso 37, the high-energy waterfront restaurant located in Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island. We'll review a number of different items from the menu, and discuss the decor, ambiance and overall dining experience to give you a taste of this restaurant which offers cuisine inspired by the Street Foods of the Americas. I'll play more of your voicemails and have some announcements 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 Twitte

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #164 for the week of April 4, 2010. It's time for another Top Ten list, as this week we once again count down the best of the best. This week, it's about something that's an integral part of the ride experience itself as we explore the Top Ten Ride Vehicles in Walt Disney World While the Adventurers Club may be closed, the legacy, stories and cast of characters did not die with it. This week, we'll look and see how the legacy is being preserved, and how you can be a part of it. I'll have some important announcements at the end of the show, including details on another event coming very soon before playing more of 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 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting