The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

Hello everybody 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 #85 for the week of September 21, 2008. This week’s show is a special one, as for the very first time, I welcome a single guest, who joins me as the very first Co-Host for the Day. Winner of the Dream Team Project charity auction lot, Lori Burke pulls up a chair and a microphone for a number of segments. We’ll cover the BIG news coming out of Walt Disney World this week, including the new resort offerings, and what the Disney Parks will hold for you in 2009, and why you need to spend some special time there. We’ll also do some fun Walt Disney World trivia in our Fact or Fiction segment, a Best of the Best for you and your children, a coupe of helpful tips for parents taking their kids to the parks, answer your listener email and so much more. As always, stay tuned at the end of the show for more information and announcements, but for now, just sit back, r

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 #84 for the week of September 14, 2008. I’ll kick off this week’s show with some news and rumors from Walt Disney World, and then I’ll take you on a brief trip back to Walt Disney World with me, as I look at some highlights from my recent trip. Not a day by day trip report per se, but more looking at a few experiences I had that you might not have known even exist in and out of the parks. From there, I left the joys of a No Way Jose’ at Beaches and Cream and headed out onto the high seas for a special, 5-day cruise aboard the Disney Magic. In addition to a scheduled 2 days at Castaway Cay, this voyage was even more magical, as it was hosted by Deb Wills and Steve Barrett, and featured great events and one surprise after another. So I invited the hosts to join me this week to recap the cruise and talk about some of the magic on the Magic. And the time has finally com

Welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #83 for the week of September 7, 2008. I literally just stepped off the Disney Magic, so I apologize for not having any news or rumors again this week, but I will give you a few updates I picked up while in Walt Disney World. As if the first weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the inaugural Expedition Everest Challenge, the final Hoopla at the Adventurer’s Club, and just the fact that it’s Walt Disney World isn’t enough to get you down to the parks during the weekend of September 26-28, then my first segment just might be the extra little push you need. Adam Roth, the “boy wonder” behind the Celebrations 25 event, joins me to talk about World Wide Weekend, the weekend-long, signature event that includes backstage tours, group rides, a chance to meet fellow Disney fans and so much more. I’ll be attending as well, and we’ll tell you all about the events, and how yo

Welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #82 for the week of August 31, 2008 . I’m producing the show early this week, so there won’t be any news or rumors, but I do something for you that I think you’ll enjoy. Jim Henson’s MuppetVision 3D is a landmark attraction in Walt Disney World not just for it’s groundbreaking technology, classic characters, and truly hysterical show script. It’s an attraction that begins outside the show itself and carries over into arguably one of the very best queues anywhere in the Disney parks. But beyond that, it represents the work of its creator Jim Henson, and serves as a reminder of the relatively recent marriage between the Disney and Henson companies – and a deal whose negotiations began more than a decade ago. This week, I am pleased to welcome Jim Lewis and Craig Shemin, former staff writers for the Jim Henson Company, who were instrumental in the concept, design and creation of MuppetVisi

Welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #81 for the week of August 24, 2008, and as always I am your host, Lou Mongello We’ll start off with some news from Walt Disney World, including a new, interactive experience for Guests, and in the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, we’ll take a look another add-on, outside-the-park adventure experience that may or may not be coming in the future. One of my favorite segments on the show are the DSI: Disney Scene Investigations, and this week, we take a look at one of my favorite attractions – Peter Pan’s Flight. We’ll look at the history of the attraction, its roots and connection to Disneyland, examine it scene-by-scene, and explore why it remains such a timeless classic. There are so many reasons to go to Walt Disney World – family vacation with the kids, honeymooning with your new spouse, the big family reunion, or even the occasional solo research trip. But what about just a bunch of the guys getting together and going

Welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #80 for the week of August 17, 2008. This week’s show is very special, as I will be devoting an entire episode to a single segment, and more importantly, a single man. He is Richard M. Sherman. You know him as one of the Sherman Brothers, the most successful songwriting team in history, and the name that defines the music and mood of so many Disney feature films and theme park attractions. Mr. Sherman joins me in this one-to-one interview about his career beginnings, time at the Disney Studios, working for and with Walt Disney, and the stories behind the stories of working on timeless classics like Mary Poppins and legendary songs such as “it’s a small world” and hundreds of others. I’ll end the show not with announcements or voicemails, but instead, with my small tribute to the work of the Sherman Brothers in thanks for Mr. Sherman joining me on the show, and for a lifetime of memories

Welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #79 for the week of August 10, 2008, and as always I am your host, Lou Mongello We’ll start off by looking at some news from Walt Disney World, including notable rehabs, closures, exclusive Passholder opportunities and more. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, we may be getting some new updates on Star Tours 2.0, Lucky the Dinosaur might not be as fortunate as his name suggests, and you may get a new opportunity to see just what else goes on at the Laugh Floor coming soon. One of Walt Disney World’s true Hidden Treasures comes to us from listener Sarah Ames, who joins me to show you that no one has more fun than us… except YeHaa Bob Jackson over at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. He and his show are truly the Best of the Best, and we’ll tell you how, when and why you should make a special trip to the River Roost lounge to join Bob for his show. I’ve been promising that I would answer more of your emails, and this week I

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am Lou Mongello happy to back with you again this week, and this is show #78 for the week of August 3, 2008. In this week's breaking Walt Disney World News, I'll have information about a new dining package coming in 2009, as well as some changes to ticket pricing. I'll update you on the new Kidani Village at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and some other changes around the resorts. In the parks, I'll tell you how and when you can audition for a new attraction in Walt Disney World, and in the Rumor Mill, I'll give you a hint at what movie is being rumored for a new attraction in the parks. Disney's Year of a Million Dreams has always extended far beyond the handing out of physical prizes in the parks, truly embracing its namesake. In fact, it has really always been about making dreams come true for people, and often times, dreams they may never have known they even had. Whether it is giving a family a night in a Castle, or crowning o

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. As always, I am your host Lou Mongello, and this is show #77 for the week of July 27, 2008. We'll start off with some Walt Disney World News and Rumors this week, including changes across the resort to the reservations system, resorts, restaurants, hauntings and holidays. We'll also look at some possible new Disney destinations, high-tech touring, and much more. I talk about trying to bring you a little bit of Disney Magic to you each week, but last week, Disney Magic went to Camp Hill, PA in the form of MagicMeets, a yearly gathering of Disney fans from around the nation. Now celebrating its 5th year, I thought it would be fun to recap the weekend's events not just for those listeners that attended, but for those of you that may not know what MagicMeets is, and maybe in the process, help show you why you might want to mark next year's event on your calendar. I am joined by the event's founder, Fred Block, as well as Pat Whitson (Dr

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #76 for the week of July 20, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, bringing you a little bit of Disney magic each week in a fun, family-friendly weekly show. Because of the MagicMeets event this weekend, I am leaving early, so I won't be able to cover any news or rumors this week. Walt Disney World isn't just the world's number one vacation destination it's also one of the most desirable places to work, and for thousands of college students every year, it is home to a classroom unlike any other. The Walt Disney World College Program offers an opportunity for students to work and learn in a program that will forever change their lives. To discuss the program in more detail, I welcome Kristi Breen - Director of Segment College and International Programs Recruitment to answer many of the questions that students and parents may have. Then, to give a perspective from a recent College Program graduate, Katherine Farmer joins me.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #75 for the week of July 13, 2008. 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 begin with News from around Walt Disney World about some enhancements, additions, and closings happening around the parks. This week, we have another Top 10 segment, but one that's just a bit different from some of those we've done in the past. Tim Foster joins me once again, but this time we're going to look at the Top 10 smells of Walt Disney World. And it's not all going to be about food, as there are just some amazing scents that I'm sure you'll agree make you think of or enjoy Walt Disney World. It's been a few weeks since I answered some of your listener emails on the air, so Jeff Pepper will join me to respond to many of your questions, So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #74 for the week of July 6, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and thank you for tuning in once again. Happy Birthday America – At 232 years old, you still look GREAT to me. We'll start off this week's show with another look at some of my favorite Disney books. George Taylor joins me as we focus on three titles that examine the art in architecture of the parks. I'm still very much in an Adventureland mood, with the release of the next Audio Guide CD just days away, so I thought we'd look at some interesting and questionable Hidden Mickeys of Adventureland with Steve Barrett. And speaking of Adventureland and the Guide, I have been telling you about the BIG announcement I have that ties into the release of the Guide. Well, the wait is finally over, and I'll share the news with you before 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

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #73 for the week of June 29, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and thank you for tuning in once again. In this week's Walt Disney World News, I'll let you know the breaking news about big changes and additions that are coming to Pleasure Island. With the Adventureland CD release coming very soon, this week, I'll take a look at my Top 10 Favorite Things in Adventureland with Tim Foster. Not just attractions or food, there is so much to enjoy in this land, and hopefully we'll point out just a few things that you might enjoy. And yes, there is some food included in there as well. Justin Muchoney, Disney's first Chief Magic Official, joins me once again this week to update us on what life has been like as CMO, what he's been doing, and just a bit of the magic he's been making. And he'll even give us a hint of what's next for him. In just a few weeks, The DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project will hold it's third annua

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is show #72 for the week of June 22, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I am admittedly VERY excited about this week's show I won't have any news or rumors this week, but will have an announcement before getting to my first guest. And part of the reason why I'm so excited about this week's show is because of whom my first guest is. Disney Channel fans may remember a series from the mid-90's called Walt Disney World Inside Out, which took you literally behind the scenes of the parks every week. This week, I am joined by the one of the hosts of what was probably my favorite show on television, JD Roth. We'll talk not only about his career and experiences on the show, but what he's been doing ever since. You may now know that he is one of Hollywood's hottest producers, with not only many popular reality and game shows to his credit, but he's also going to be the host of a new show coming to

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is show #71 for the week of June 15, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I am back from covering Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios In this week's Walt Disney World News, I'll respond to your inquiries about Disney's baggage policies when you check in for your flight at your resort, pin events, what's coming to the Wide World of Sports, and how you can watch full length Disney movies for free. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, we'll talk about what's coming to Toy Story Mania, and why next year may be the last for some very popular merchandise. I'll recap my visit to the first Star Wars Weekends events at Disney's Hollywood Studios with Glenn Whelan, as we look back at our experiences, talk to other Guests in attendance, and think about what the future of the event might hold. We talk about the Disney magic that we all know, believe in and appreciate, as it's really what

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is show #70 for the week of June 8, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, coming to you this and every week bringing you the very best ways to enjoy and enhance your Walt Disney World vacation experience. No news this week, as I'm leaving early to cover Star Wars Weekends, but a couple of interesting items in the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill which includes a possible addition to the Magic Kingdom. Tim Foster joins me once again for another Top 10 with Tim, as we explore our Top 10 Refurbishments in the parks. It's an interesting look at some of the welcome changes that have taken place throughout the years, and might even make you take a second look at that attraction you haven't experienced in some time. Listener Tony Mendyk gets in the hot seat for another round of "Walt Disney World – Fact or Fiction?" He'll answer some trivia questions in a fun game where there are no prizes to be won, but

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is show #69 for the week of June 1, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, coming to you this and every week bringing you the very best ways to enjoy and enhance your Walt Disney World vacation experience. In this week's Walt Disney World News, I'll discuss a new marathon coming to Walt Disney World in 2009, another way to bring some Disney magic to your iPod, and a new set of DVDs coming from Imagineering this Fall. My visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill hints at a new way to purchase Disney theme park items right from home, parade changes coming to the Magic Kingdom, and possible confirmation of the Star Tours rumors. Speaking of Star Tours, Star Wars Weekends begins on June 6 and runs through the month, so I wanted to discuss the events, the different elements that make up each weekend, and how to get the most out of them, whether you are a Star Wars superfan or not. So I brought in Geo

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. I am Lou Mongello, coming to you this and every week bringing you the very best ways to enjoy and enhance your Walt Disney World vacation experience. This is show #68 for the week of May 25, 2008. News from Walt Disney World includes some Prince Caspian sightings, a new restaurant opening at one of Disney's Resorts, as well as a welcome new addition to another restaurant, and changes coming to the Wide World of Sports. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I'll have an update to the Space Mountain rumors, a sponsor that may be moving out, and no longer Living with the Land, and a few hints at some other new rumors as well. With Star Wars Weekends rapidly approaching, and some rumors about this attraction resurfacing once again, there is no better time for Jeff and I to don our Jedi robes and do a DSI: Disney Scene Investigation of Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We'll explore the history

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. I am Lou Mongello, coming to you this and every week bringing you the very best ways to enjoy and enhance your Walt Disney World vacation experience. This is show #67 for the week of May 18, 2008. This week's show is going to be just a little bit different from my normal show, as I just returned from Walt Disney World, where I was visiting to cover the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction press event. So this show is going to be focused on the new E-Ticket attraction opening in Disney's Hollywood Studios later this month. I will first take a look at the event and attraction with Glenn Whelan, as we discuss everything from the new Pixar Studios area of the park, to the incredibly detailed queue and interactive ride experience. It's a spoiler-free review and preview of what Guests can look forward to enjoying for many years to come. Meg Crofton, President of the Walt Disney World Resort, also spok

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This is show #66 for the week of May 11, 2008. First things first – Happy Mother's Day to all moms and mothers to be. Now on to the show… There's no news this week, as I produced the show early in anticipation of my Walt Disney World trip, but I have a number of segments I think you'll enjoy. This week, I wanted to address a question that many of you have sent to me via email and voicemail, which involves staying off Disney property and renting a vacation home. Steve Trover, CEO of All Star Vacation Homes joins me to answer many of your frequently asked questions, as well as looks at the pros and cons of renting a vacation home, who is might be right for and who it’s not, addresses some possible concerns, and talks about the process. It's a great primer on renting a vacation home, and you just might be surprised as to some of the reasons why it migh