The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #109 for the week of March 8, 2009. I am your host Lou Mongello, bringing you the very best ways to enjoy and enhance your Walt Disney World vacation experience in a fun, family-friendly weekly show. We’ll start off this week’s show with news from Walt Disney World, including dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, changes coming to Downtown Disney, and opinion questions for you the listener. I often try and cover topics on the show which are meant to not only inform, educate and entertain you, but really try and help you get the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation, whether you travel alone, as a couple, with friends or family. This week, I am joined by Chuck Lionberger, as we want to explore Disney pin trading, not as the phenomenon that it is but as something you can do with your family, and the experience before, during and even after your trip to Walt Disney Word. Another way I really enj

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #108 for the week of March 1, 2009. News from Walt Disney World starts off this week’s show, as we talk about how you can check in online before you arrive at your Disney resort, fun sporting events taking place this month, and a great way to spend an evening at the Flower Power Concert Series as part of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. I am happy to be joined this week on a roundtable discussion by some of the greatest moms around, for they are some of the members of the 2009 Disney Moms Panel. This group of real-world moms (and a dad) offer advice to Guests traveling to Walt Disney World through an interactive Q&A site at DisneyWorldMoms.com. The moms join me to talk about the experience, some tips, some interesting questions they’ve received and lots more. It’s a fun conversation with some people who share our passion and get to help others with their

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #107 for the week of February 22, 2009. I’ll kick off this week’s show with some news from Walt Disney World, including a new attraction coming to Innoventions, information about ESPN – The Weekend, changes to Disney’s Magical Express service and a new restaurant opening soon. Now is the time, now is the best time for another Top 10 segment, and this week, “if something can't be done with X-S, then it shouldn't be done at all,” so Tim Foster and I will take a look at our Top 10 Things We Love About Tomorrowland. So here’s to the future and you! Last week marked the official grand opening of the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but not before a star-studded world premiere event the night before. I had a chance to visit the blue carpet and meet and speak with many of the celebrities on hand, before viewing the very special show and concert. Glenn Whelan jo

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #106 for the week of February 15, 2009, and as always, I am your host, Lou Mongello. We’ll start off this week’s show by looking at another of Walt Disney World’s Best of the Bests. And this time, it’s about one of the best ways to enjoy and relive your vacation even after you’ve returned home. Chuck Lionberger joins me to talk about Disney’s Photopass, and one of the very best ways to get the most out of it. I’ll answer more of your emails this week from the WDW Radio Inbox with the help of Beci Mahnken. In addition to vacation planning advice and tips, we’ll answer questions about Disney’s Magical Express, military discounts, vegetarian options, strollers and of course, questions about dining. Stay tuned to the end of the show for some announcements before I play back some 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #105 for the week of February 8, 2009, and as always, I am your host, Lou Mongello. We’ll kick off this week’s show with some news from Walt Disney World, before climbing aboard my Wayback Machine for another trip back in time and to the future, as we take a look at “The World Showcase That Never Was.” Ryan Wilson joins me to explore some pavilions in World Showcase that were closer to being built than you might think, other concepts that never made it off the drawing board, and even some additions to current pavilions that we never got to see. We’ll take a look at what might have been, and also peek ahead, and discuss what may be coming to the promenade in the future. At the end, I’ll ask you for your opinion on the future of World Showcase. I’ll open up the Inbox once again and answer many more of your emails this week with the help of Beci Mahnken. We’ll “Walk Around the World,” take a look at birthdays, mu

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #104 for the week of February 1, 2009. It’s time for another Top 10 segment, and Tim Foster joins me once again as we take a look at our list of top ten things in Walt Disney World that are better at night. Experiencing the parks and resorts at night is completely different than during the day, and we’ll look at some things that you might just enjoy even more after the sun goes down. I often try to bring you some unique interviews with individuals whose names or faces you might not know, but whose work you might often enjoy and appreciate. This week, I welcome in just such a guest. He is Ronald Cohee, feature animator, artist, and currently a member of the Disney Design Group in Walt Disney World. A longtime park enthusiast, he shares his story of how he came to work for Disney, films and projects he’s worked on, insight into what his experience has been like, advice for others

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #103 for the week of January 25, 2009. I’ll start off this week with some news from Walt Disney World, including some information about new interactive experiences coming to the parks, as well as the upcoming Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Walt Disney World is a place where anyone and everyone can feel like a kid again, make their dreams come true, and enjoy all of what makes it so truly magical. And when I say everyone, I mean just that, as Disney is one of the best, most accommodating vacation spots for people with special needs. In this week’s very special roundtable, I’m joined by a number of guests, some of whom are authors of books about traveling to and touring around Walt Disney World with special needs, while others have unique needs of their own. And if you think that this segment might not apply to you or someone you know, you might be very surpris

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #102 for the week of January 18, 2009 I’m back from a trip to Walt Disney World with a lot to share with you this week, including some very interesting Walt Disney World News. From openings to closures to changes and updates, there are many exciting things happening now and in the future. I also returned from covering the 16th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, not as a runner, but as a spectator. 6 guests join me this week, all of whom either completed the half or full marathon or cheered from the sidelines alongside me. It’s a fun look back at the weekend from many perspectives, including a lot of good that came out of everyone’s efforts. My inbox has been overflowing with your questions, so I welcome back Beci Mahnken to the show to help me answer your pressing questions, many of which will hopefully involve dining in Walt Disney World. I’ll have the answers to and

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #101 for the week of January 11, 2009 I’m recording this week’s show early, as I’ll be visiting Walt Disney World later in the week to cover the marathon and other events, so there won’t be any news this week, but I do have a segment I think you’ll enjoy. I’ll fire up the Wayback Machine as I continue in my EPCOT Retrospective series and take an in-depth (pardon the pun) look at the Living Seas. Ryan Wilson joins me once again as we dive under the sea and look at the history of this pavilion, its changes before and after its opening, and its many wonderful details and hidden treasures. I’ll have a new contest this week before playing some 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.c

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #100 for the week of January 4, 2009 To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, I thought it would be fun to gather some guests and friends of the show together to look back at the first 100 shows. We’ll talk about some of our favorite guests, memorable and funny moments, and so much more, as Glenn Whelan, Tim Foster, Lori Burke and George Taylor join me around the table to look back and forward on the show. Of course, no anniversary show would be complete without playing back some favorite and memorable clips, so sit back and listen as I tune the dial through some of the memorable moments of the first 100 shows. I’ll update you on out “100% for 100 Shows” fundraising drive with Pat Whitson before announcing the winner of last week’s contest. I’ll play your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's 100th anniversary episode of the WDW Radio

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #99 for the week of December 28, 2008 - The last show of 2008, and the last show in double digits. Thanks for joining me again this week. I’ll start off the show with Walt Disney World News, and kick it off with a sneak peek at Disney’s new web site, a new store that just opened in the Magic Kingdom, of course some news about food, including a new dining location coming to Frontierland as well as important updates to dining reservations, and more. January 8-11, 2009 marks the 26th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, where 40,000 runners will test their endurance during a number of races throughout the weekend, including a half and full marathon. But in addition to the athletes, there is expected to be an additional 40,000 people converging on the Walt Disney World Resort to cheer on family, friends, and even complete strangers. And while I’ve done shows on training and p

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #98 for the week of December 21, 2008. With a quiet week in Walt Disney World News, we’re going to jump right in and take look back at this year’s MouseFest event that too place last week in Walt Disney World. Enthusiasts from around the world and from dozens of online communities gathered to celebrate and share their love of Disney through friendships new and old. Back with me to discuss the events and what MouseFest really means is Glenn Whelan and Greg Grimsby, as we recap the events day by day, and how each of us spent and enjoyed what we all agree was a wonderful few days in Disney. As 2009 approaches, Disney fans have a lot to look forward to, with many new experiences coming to Walt Disney World. One of them is the American Idol Experience, an interactive show and competition like no other, with a new level of excitement coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney Parks

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #97 for the week of December 14, 2008. This week, we’re going to explore in detail not one, but two of Walt Disney World’s most well-themed resorts, as we take an in-depth look at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Resorts. Joining me from merry old England is Andrew Willey, creator of one of the most in-depth online resources about the resorts. Together, we’ll discover and help you learn more about not just the rooms, amenities and ways to get the most out your time there, but the incredibly detailed Imagineered back-story and interesting history of these properties. It’s a fun, informative look at two resorts that offer two unique experiences, and lots of wonderful time outside the parks. I’ll play some 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@wdwradi

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #96 for the week of December 7, 2008. Continuing along with the spirit of the holiday season, we’re going to look at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. But rather than just a simple walkthrough of this quaint little store, we will once again dig deeper into it’s story, long history and the meaning behind some of the things you’ll see next time your browsing through, or even just walking past. Joining me this week on this DSI: Disney Scene Investigation is fellow Disney Geek George Taylor. He will also talk with me about some of Walt Disney World’s other Christmas stores including some very interesting little details and Magical Moments, some extinct shops from days gone by, and we’ll even give you our Walt Disney World Christmas Lists, just in case Santa is listening this week. From one list to another, we’ll next look at another Top 10 list with Ti

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #95 for the week of November 30, 2008. We’ll start off this week’s show by getting into the holiday spirit with a festive look at one of the very best ways to celebrate the seasons at Walt Disney World - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Joining me this week to talk about the party, what it entails and the best ways to enjoy and get the most out of it is my former co-host for the day, Lori Burke, as we both agree that this is one of the best special events in Walt Disney World, and most enjoyable times of year to visit. Some time ago, I began a segment on the show called the 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World. Inspired by the 7 wonders of the modern world, we looked at things in Walt Disney World that were so amazing, impressive or important, that they rose to the level of a true wonder. After getting through 6, we saved the best for last. This week, a roundtable of guests inclu

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #94 for the week of November 23, 2008. In News from Walt Disney World this week, we’ll look at the Christmas Day Parade taping schedule, new dining offerings in the parks, a new way to celebrate your child’s birthday, and the new, ultimate thrill ride at Walt Disney World. December brings us not just the holiday season and a great time to visit Walt Disney World, but the annual gathering of Disney fans from around the world as past of the annual MouseFest event. This week, I enlist the help of a MouseFest veteran and first-timer in Glenn Whelan and Greg Grimsley to join me to talk about the event, planning for it, tips for getting the most out of the experience, my events, and more. Whether you’re attending this year, thinking about joining us in the future, or even if you’re not sure what MouseFest is or if it’s right for you, I think you’ll find this to be both helpful and fu

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #93 for the week of November 16, 2008. In the Walt Disney World News this week, we’ll look at Disney’s latest technological initiative, which will keep Guests connected and informed in amazing new ways starting next year. I’ll also tell you where and when you can go meet Santa, and the reopening of new, old shops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I just returned from Walt Disney World, and brought back some audio segments that I think you’ll enjoy. First, I had a chance to visit and have a personal tour of the new Nine Dragons restaurant in China in Epcot’s World Showcase. Having recently opened after a long refurbishment, we discuss the changes to the restaurant’s décor and menu, as well as explore its cultural heritage and beautiful, rich symbolism located throughout. I also had a wonderful opportunity to sit and chat with a man whose work for the Walt Disney Company I have adm

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #92 for the week of November 9, 2008. There is big news coming out of Walt Disney World this week, as Disney has reacted to the tough economy by giving Guests a pair of vacation deals which could give more families the chance to visit Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line. In my first segment, we’re going to explore Finding Nemo: The Musical, as Glenn Whelan and I look at it’s history, story, music and what it took to bring this Broadway-quality production to a Disney park. I’ll then open up the inbox and answer more of your emails with the help of Beci Mahnken. Topics include romantic spots in Walt Disney World, including where to “pop the question” and vow renewal ceremonies, the best steakhouse on property, questions about how to get chosen to help open the Magic Kingdom, spending New Year’s Eve in Walt Disney World and much more. Before I end the show, I’ll announc

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #91 for the week of November 2, 2008. We’ll start off this week’s show with some news from Walt Disney World, including information on a number of special events going on now and in the coming weeks. From there, we’ll chat with Disney’s Chief Magic Official and all around nice guy Justin Muchoney about what he’s been up to, what’s new and maybe even what’s next. In our next segment, I’ll fire up the old Wayback Machine and take us back to a time before Walt Disney World had even opened. And joining me on my trek through the Florida swamps is fellow Disney geek Craig Wheeler, as he and I take a close look at a Walt Disney World we never knew by exploring the Lost Resorts of the Magic Kingdom. It’s a fun look back at what was supposed to be and might have been, with a little wondering and wishing as well. I’ll answer a few of your emails, announce an impromptu new contest and g

Hello and welcome once again to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #90 for the week of October 26, 2008. Timing is everything, and this week I have two segments for you that I chose just for that reason. With the upcoming Presidential election, I thought it would be a great opportunity to take a detailed look at the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents. It’s an attraction rich in history, unique in concept and is unfortunately often overlooked. Kristen Helmstetter, who wrote her Honors Thesis on this attraction, joins me to discuss its history, story, changes and importance. In my next segment, we’ll celebrate the Halloween season, along with one of our all-time favorite attractions, as Tim Foster and I take a fun look at the Top Ten Things We Love About the Haunted Mansion. With so much to enjoy and appreciate about this timeless classic, Top 10 might be a bit of a misnomer on this one. I’ll have more updates at the end of the show