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 #163 for the week of March 28, 2010. This week we get to know the Dads from the 2010 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, and discuss some of their tips and recommendations, and things for guys to do on their "mancation." We'll continue our detailed tour through Mickey's Toontown Fair, as Jim Korkis and I do a DSI: Disney Scene Investigation through Minnie and Mickey's Houses as well as Donald's boat, pointing out the details, secrets and history before Toontown makes way for the expansion of Fantasyland. I'll have some announcements about The Dream Team Project charity at the end of the show 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 in 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 #162 for the week of March 21, 2010. I'll open up the inbox and answer more of your listener emails this week on topics such as Walt Disney and the Olympics, "date night" in Walt Disney World without the kids, hidden tributes in the parks, the Utilidors, Port Orleans, unused passes, in-room dining and much more! Walt Disney World is all about making dreams come true, and special moments that remain timeless. And during our visits, parents, grandparents, husbands and wives, and nervous young men about to propose look for ways to makes vacation experiences, or even individual moments or occasions even more magical. And you may not know this, but there is a team of people behind-the-scenes at Walt Disney World whose job it is to do just that - help create those special memories with some very unique gifts and experiences. I'll have some announcements at the end of the show befor

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #161 for the week of March 14, 2010. Last weekend, a number of special events took place in Walt Disney World - one celebrated the first anniversary of D23, the official community for Disney fans with a private party in the Magic Kingdom, and the other brought out thousands of princesses, and a few princes, to take part in the 2nd annual Disney Princess 5k and Half Marathon Weekend. This week, I'm joined on the roundtable by fellow D23 members who attended the event with me to discuss the event, and other news coming from Disney and D23 during the recent shareholders' meeting. We'll also recap the marathon weekend, and talk about some other Walt Disney World News and even a few new rumors as well. I'll have some announcements at the end of the show 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #160 for the week of March 7, 2010. With the Academy Awards having honored the very best in the film-making industry recently, it's appropriate that this week I'm joined by two legends of Disney feature film animation. Don Hahn, animator, director and producer of such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King talks with me about his career at Disney including being trained by Disney's Nine Old Men, creating Roger Rabbit, and his hand in the renaissance of Disney animation that began in the mid-80's. We also talk about his newest project, Waking Sleeping Beauty, a documentary chronicling and celebrating that time, and one that he produced with my next guest, Peter Schneider. The former President of the Walt Disney Studios talks about the rise and fall of animation during Disney's second golden age, as well as working with people like Michael Eisner,

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #159 for the week of February 28, 2010. This past week was an exciting one for Disney fans and sports enthusiasts, as Walt Disney World kicked off the seventh annual ESPN the Weekend with the grand re-launch event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Athletes, celebrities and ESPN personalities were on hand at the event and all weekend long, and we'll recap not only the events, but look at how and why Walt Disney World is truly a sports vacation destination. I'll welcome on our first contestant for Listener Fact or Fiction, as he tests his knowledge of Walt Disney World for a chance to win prizes, and I'll tell you how you can get your chance as well. Listen for 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.

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #158 for the week of February 21, 2010. It's time to answer more of your listener emails, including questions about how and when to find characters in the parks, special dining requirements, Disney transportation for Extra Magic Hours, choosing a moderate resort for a family with kids, arranging surprises for people in your party and more. And with the recent announcement of the unprecedented expansion of Fantasyland in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, while fans rejoiced at what is to come, we need to remember that in the process, some things may go. Case in point, Mickey's Toontown Fair, the last land added to the Magic Kingdom, will be the first to be removed as part of the expansion. And before this whimsical land disappears forever, I wanted to take you on a virtual tour in hopes that you will have a chance to visit one last time, and appreciate so many of its amazing de

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #157 for the week of February 14, 2010. Happy Valentine's Day and thank you for tuning in once again. This week's Walt Disney World News is exciting and special, as something old is new again, and many new surprises are in store for the parks beginning later this year. What's different about this week's coverage is not only that it was recorded live from Walt Disney World, but it includes a roundtable panel with a number of Disney mom bloggers who were in town to cover the event. It's an interesting look at and discussion of what's to come. And in keeping with the theme of Disney social media, I have an interview with Thomas Smith, Social Media Director for Disney Parks, and founder of the official Disney Parks blog. We'll discuss in depth not only the blog itself, but Disney's entrance and presence into the social media world, and how and why they are able to interact with Gue

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #156 for the week of January 31, 2010. This week, we're going to step aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine as we travel back to not look at singular attraction, but instead examine and explore the parks and resorts during a moment in time. Turning the dials to 1986, we'll look at the the expansion and changes that took place, as well as what else Disney had planned for the future. Stay tuned for a new contest, and an opportunity for you to be a part of the show, and win prizes along the way. I'll 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://fa

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #155 for the week of January 24, 2010. In this week's Walt Disney World News, we'll talk about a new corporate sponsor, new construction, and a new name. In the Rumor Mill, we'll take a quick look at a possible new Disney resort of a different kind, and a very interesting look at something that may be coming in the future. The weather in Walt Disney World often plays a factor in not just deciding when to go, but how best to enjoy the parks. And often times, people are looking for the best ways to beat the Florida heat and stay cool. But what happens when the weather turns the holiday snow on Main Street, USA from soap to the real thing? People are then faced with a new challenge - how to best stay warm and still enjoy all that Walt Disney World has to offer. So this week, we're going to look at the Top Ten Things to do When Its Cold in Walt Disney World. I'll play more of your

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #154 for the week of January 17, 2010. Last weekend, more than 55,000 people visited Walt Disney World for what has become one of the most popular events of the year – the half and full marathons. Since 1994, this has grown from a series of endurance events to a weekend to be experienced and enjoyed by athletes, spectators and even entire families, and in which lifelong memories, and often friendships are created. So this week, I'm joined on a roundtable discussion as we recap the recent events and hopefully inspire you to visit in the future, because The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – It's Not Just For Runners Anymore. I'll reveal the answers and winner of last week's trivia contest before playing 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #153 for the week of January 10, 2010. For many people planning their trips to Walt Disney World, there are often two words that play a role in not just the preparation, but the enjoyment of their vacations – kids, and free. As in, what are some of the best ways for kids to enjoy themselves, and what are the best free, or low-cost things to do in the parks. Well this week, we're going to combine the two, as we look at another Best of the Best, as we explore the just one of the Best Free Things to do With Kids – Epcot's Kidcot Fun Stops. I'll pose a new trivia question for this week's contest, 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 visi

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #152 for the week of January 3, 2010. Happy new year and thank you for tuning in once again. We're going to kick off the new year with another Top Ten list, as this week, we look at an important aspect of many attractions and shows, and one that enhances each with multi-sensory experiences. From the simplest illusions from classic attractions to the latest, cutting-edge technologies, we will examine the Top Ten (and more) Special Effects in Walt Disney World. I'll announce some details about next week's special Meet of the Month, 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 Follo

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #151 for the week of December 27, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. I hope that you and your families had a wonderful holiday. With 2009 coming to a close, it's time for us to look back at the year in Disney. From changes and additions to Walt Disney World, to new announcements, events, and so much more, join us on our roundtable discussion of our Memorable Moments from 2009 before we look ahead to 2010. 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 Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #150 for the week of December 20, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again and happy holiday to you and your families. Speaking of the holidays, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year, and arguably the best time to visit Walt Disney World. A completely different experience than visiting during any other season, there are so many added elements and dimensions to your experience both in and out of the parks. So this week, we're going to look at some of our favorite things to do during the season, including some must-dos and even a few overlooked experiences as well. I'll 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #149 for the week of December 13, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. Some of Walt Disney World's “Hidden Treasures” are often found in plain sight, and this week, I'm going to take you to one that I recently was introduced to – The Turf Club restaurant at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. One of just a few Walt Disney World restaurants that offers year-round outdoor dining, it overlooks the Lake Buena Vista golf course and it's casual atmosphere reflects the resort's equestrian theme. This week, my guest and I will take you inside the restaurant for a live review of the ambiance, location and of course, the food. I'll announce the winner of our last Walt Disney World – What's My Line? Contest before playing 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 #148 for the week of December 6, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. Walt Disney World's Space Mountain opened recently after being closed for the summer for a refreshing of this classic attraction. This week, I'm pleased to be joined for an exclusive interview with Disney imagineer Alex Wright - a senior show designer with Walt Disney Imagineering and creative director of the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain update. We'll look at the what goes into updating one of Disney's most popular and beloved attractions, including the process of going from concept to reality. We also discuss the changes, additions, new technologies, nostalgia, as well as some of what you can and can't see as well. I'll 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 vo

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #147 for the week of November 29, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. A quiet week for Disney news and while I'm working on a few items for the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I'll open up the email inbox and answer more of your listener questions this week, including crowd levels, kid-friendly dining locations, ticket promotions and options, the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, finding characters in the parks, Friendship boats, park music and more! Listen to for clues to this week's contest, where you can play for a chance to win a WDW Radio prize package I'll 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #146 for the week of November 22, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. Disney enthusiasts who enjoy the parks and films often look for other ways to continue the experiences as much and as often as possible. They look for ways to continue the stories beyond what they have already seen or heard. In some cases, they are fortunate enough to have the Characters and story lines go beyond the confines of the original, as in the case with what my guests this week have created. They are Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, bestselling authors of the Peter and the Starcatchers series of books, which recount the tales of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and Captain Hook in the days before the original novel and Disney animated film. I had a chance to sit down with them in Walt Disney World and get a close look inside the collaborative efforts these two creative talents brought together to chronicle

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #145 for the week of November 15, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. This week’s show looks at a unique Character Connection in Walt Disney World, as the individual in question may have been one found in Disney films, but was also one that started a cultural phenomenon, and was not really a character at all – but an historical American folk hero. Of course, he is Davy Crockett, and he and his trademark coonskin cap were popularized by Disney on TV in the mid-1950’s. He also has many connections to Walt Disney World as well, and this week I’m joined by one of the foremost experts on Davy Crockett and longtime Walt Disney World fan to explore his connections in and around the parks. Listen for 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. Please vote DAILY starting today for WDW Radio for Best Tra

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host Lou Mongello and this is show #144 for the week of November 8, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. Join me as we journey aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine to a year instead of to a specific attraction. And this week, we're going to set the dials to 1973. We will look at Walt Disney World less than two years after it opened, and visit the Magic Kingdom and many of its now-extinct attractions, take the monorail to the only two resorts on the loop, and look at some things that we thought were on their way, yet never came to be. I'll have some announcements at the end of show, including a few ways you can help before playing 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