The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #28 for the week of August 19, 2007. I have just a few items to cover in the News and Views from Walt Disney World, before we take a quick visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill. Join me and Disney artist Jason Zucker as we visit a true Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World. Then, Eric Hollister announces the winner of this week's WDW Half Marathon Challenge Contest and gives you the clues to the next challenge with the help of Mike Scopa, who also provides some marathon training advice. We'll conduct another DSI: Disney Scene Investigation as Jeff Pepper and I take a look at the Echo Lake area of the Disney-MGM Studios, and we discuss the real reasons why the Sorcerer's Hat won’t be going anywhere soon. I will answer a number of your emails and play some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax enjoy this week's episode of The WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call t

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #28 for the week of August 19, 2007. I have just a few items to cover in the News and Views from Walt Disney World, before we take a quick visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill. Join me and Disney artist Jason Zucker as we visit a true Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World. Then, Eric Hollister announces the winner of this week's WDW Half Marathon Challenge Contest and gives you the clues to the next challenge with the help of Mike Scopa, who also provides some marathon training advice. We'll conduct another DSI: Disney Scene Investigation as Jeff Pepper and I take a look at the Echo Lake area of the Disney-MGM Studios, and we discuss the real reasons why the Sorcerer's Hat won’t be going anywhere soon. I will answer a number of your emails and play some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax enjoy this week's episode of The WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call t

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #27 for the week of August 12, 2007. Let's start off as always with News and Views from Walt Disney World, including of course the big change coming to the Studios. Our visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill will include some possible extra extra magic hours and an old favorite in Epcot possibly reopening later this year. I am also going to introduce the first in a recurring series entitled, Legends of Disney Imagineering. My first guest certainly qualifies to bear that title and introduction. He is George McGinnis, who played a large part in the creation of the Mark VI monorail, Space Mountain, Horizons, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and countless other attractions and vehicles in Walt Disney World. In this exclusive, one-on-one interview, Mr. McGinnis shares stories of being personally hired by Walt Disney, the triumphs and challenges in creating such attractions as the WEDWay PeopleMover, Space Mountain, Communicore

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show. This is Show #26 for the week of August 5, 2007. Thank you for tuning in once again. We'll start off this week as always with a ton of News and Views from Walt Disney World, including changes to ticket prices, Food and Wine, holiday special events, closures and rehabs, Haunted Mansion news, new watercraft now available, as well as breaking news on changes to packages coming in 2008. Our trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, includes rumored new events coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Disney-MGM Studios, as well as some rumors about River Country. This week's show also includes something a bit different, and I think a little extra special. I'm going to announce the next of the 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World, but this time, will discuss it with the help of some very special guests. We will have a roundtable discussion about what many of us believe is one of the most important of the 7 Wonders, and that is the music of Walt Disney World. I think this is something you

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show. This is Show #25 for the week of July 29, 2007. Thank you for tuning in once again. We'll start off this week as always with a lot News and Views from Walt Disney World, as well as our trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, which includes some rumored details about the Haunted Mansion refurb and upgrade. Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys series of books joins me on what will be a recurring segment on the show, where we talk about some new and interesting Hidden Mickeys, and ask for your help with some questionable ones as well. It's time to fire up the old Walt Disney World Wayback Machine once again, and this time Jeff and I visit an opening day extinct attraction that so many of us still miss and have fond memories of, and that is Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Eric Hollister from GeoMouse.com will announce the winner to this week's Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge, and Eric and Dan from MouseGuest.com join me as we talk about another of Walt Disney World's Hi

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show Disney podcast. This is Show #24 for the week of July 22, 2007. Thank you for tuning in once again. We'll start off this week with some News and Views from Walt Disney World, as well as a quick trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill. Next, Fred Block, founder of MagicMeets will join me as we recap the MagicMeets 2007 event. Grab your gear, as we’re going to do another Disney Scene Investigation, this time, into the deepest, darkest and dangerous of all of the queues in Walt Disney World - The Jungle Cruise. We'll look at the details, jokes, and wonderful references to characters, films and Imagineers that are subtly hidden throughout. And for this one, you'll need to use your ears as well as your eyes. I'll look at another Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World, and even a "treasure within a treasure", as I’m joined by Jason Zucker, Cast Member and Disney Artist as we introduce you to a true gem at the Disney-MGM Studios. I have been remiss in answering your emails only due

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show. This is Show #23 for the week of July 15, 2007, and thank you for tuning in once again. This week's show will be just a bit different, due to this weekend's MagicMeet, so there won't be any news or email due to when I had to record and get the show up, but I promise to make up for it next week as I already have a whole lot of news to cover, and tons of your emails to get through. My apologies again for the delay in getting them read on the air. But unlike last week's show with one detailed segment, there's a whole bunch of great topics to cover with plenty of special guests, including "Walt Disney World: Fact or Fiction?" with Cody Pepper, who proves the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and Hidden Treasures with Gary Chambers. This week's visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill is full of exciting and interesting rumors about the Disney-MGM Studios, Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain and more. In our Character Connection segment, Jeff Pepper and I talk about the Duck beh

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show. This is Show #22 for the week of July 8, 2007. I'm your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in once again. This week's News and Views from Walt Disney World segment starts off with confirmation of a long-standing rumor about Epcot, Animal Kingdom Villas, July 4th ceremonies, concerts, room rates and more. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill is full of exciting news about Jedis, more character enhancements, new shows and a whole lot more. In honor of America's Independence Day, and the recent update to the pavilion, Jeff Pepper and I will conduct a very detailed Disney Scene Investigation of the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. We will cover the history of the pavilion, the show, story, technology backstage and onstage, the recent updates to the show, and the intangible qualities that make it one of the most moving experiences in any of Disney's theme parks worldwide. This segment will also include exclusive interviews with some of the peopl

Welcome to Show #21 of the WDW Radio Show for the week of July, 2007, and thanks for tuning in once again. I'm your host Lou Mongello, and I have a lot of fun segments planned for you this week. My visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill includes discussion and audio evidencing some possible big changes and improvements to the resort and ADR reservation systems, plenty of rumors from the Disney-MGM Studios, an abandoned venue, as well as a possible new addition to Cinderella Castle, and the Canada pavilion in World Showcase. Eric Hollister and I introduce the first of our Walt Disney World Marathon Contest challenges, and I announce the winner of our first "Where in the World Have You Seen This?" Contest. I announce the next in our 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World series - the Walt Disney World monorail, and discuss with Jeff Pepper its origins, technology, fun facts and intangible qualities that make it a true wonder. Fred Block's Magic Meet event is coming up soon, and once again he was kind enough to a

Welcome back and thanks for tuning in once again to the WDW Radio show. I'm your host Lou Mongello, and this is Show #20 for the week of June 24, 2007. News and Views from Walt Disney World includes additional information about the computers at the Contemporary Resort, the queue for Soarin', and a few updates. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill covers topics such as Disney Dollars, the Wonders of Life pavilion and more. Jeff Pepper and I take a trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine as we continue in our Epcot Retrospective series. This week, we journey back to 1982 and take a detailed look in and around Communicore. Tim Sampson joins me for another Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World, and for this one, we'll stay on Main Street, USA. I announce a new, interactive, and ongoing contest with the help of Eric Hollister that I think you'll enjoy, and one that will benefit the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project. Be sure to stay to the end for your voicemails, so sit back, relax and enjoy this w

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #19 for the week of June 17, 2007. Our News and Views from Walt Disney World segment includes talk about the first change to the Haunted Mansion, and new handheld devices available in the parks. Our visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill includes a rumor about a possible corporate partnership and new retail location in Walt Disney World, and some nearly-news about the Contemporary Resort and BIG changes coming to resorts property-wide. This week's show will include some guests who will join me for some segments. First, Jeff Pepper and I conduct a detailed Disney Scene Investigation in Disney’s Animal Kingdom; and Gary Chambers from the MouseLounge podcast joins me to look at a Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World on Main Street, USA. I'll also take a quick look at the Year of a Million Dreams promotion, and update you on some of the statistics and fun fact

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #18 for the week of June 10, 2007. We'll start off as always with some News and Views from Walt Disney World, where I talk about FASTPASS and Western Way. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill is full of rumors from the Disney-MGM Studios which includes Star Tours, Halloween and more. I also have BREAKING rumors about changes to room rates and policies in 2008, changes at the Contemporary Resort, including more rumors about what the new tower building will be, and news about the Legendary Years at Pop Century. Jonathan Dichter has another Voices Behind the Magic segment, and Jeff Pepper sent in a solo Disney Scene Investigation of some creepy old crypts. Mike Scopa and I cover another Best of the Best at Walt Disney World. Once again, it revolves around food, and this time, it's the best "Bang for the Buck" meal on property, and it might not be where you’re think

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #16 for the week of May 27, 2007. I'm back from Walt Disney World with my trip report and some wonderful information including some attraction and restaurant reviews, Cast Member stories, news and rumors, and some true "insider information" about something new coming to one of Walt Disney World's theme parks early next year. As this trip afforded me the chance to meet Jeff Pepper, whom you've heard on a number of segments with me, he will join me to talk about the trip and some of the experiences we shared along the way. There's a lot more to this report than just a summary of our trip, as we include our review of the Gran Fiesta Tour, a suggestion about how to possibly improve the ADR (Advanced Dining Reservations) system, some dining reviews, and introduce the first of a new "Hidden Treasures" segment, where we discuss the experience of an Illuminations Crui

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #16 for the week of May 27, 2007. I'm back from Walt Disney World with my trip report and some wonderful information including some attraction and restaurant reviews, Cast Member stories, news and rumors, and some true "insider information" about something new coming to one of Walt Disney World's theme parks early next year. As this trip afforded me the chance to meet Jeff Pepper, whom you've heard on a number of segments with me, he will join me to talk about the trip and some of the experiences we shared along the way. There's a lot more to this report than just a summary of our trip, as we include our review of the Gran Fiesta Tour, a suggestion about how to possibly improve the ADR (Advanced Dining Reservations) system, some dining reviews, and introduce the first of a new "Hidden Treasures" segment, where we discuss the experience of an Illuminations Crui

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #15 for the week of May 20, 2007. With the popular Star Wars Weekends events at the Disney-MGM Studios rapidly approaching, I am joined this week by two Disney fans who share a love for Star Wars as well: Matt Hochberg and Jonathan Dichter, who come to to discuss the special events, celebrities, characters and merchandise, as well as planning for the weekend and tips for making the most out of the event. Listener Jarred Matthes was able to obtain an exclusive interview with Don Dorsey, creator of such musical events in Walt Disney World as the Main Street Electrical Parade and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. I received a phone call from Margaret "Tinker Bell" Kerry, who will be on board the Disney Magic with me this November for our Trivia Cruise. She'll join me on the show to invite you to come aboard with us, talk about some of the events she and I ha

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #14 for the week of May 13, 2007. On this week's show, we'll start as always with some News & Views from Walt Disney World where I'll talk about some changes coming to some elements of the WDW transportation system as well as to FASTPASS. We'll also discuss some recent rumors that are now official, and on this week's trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I'll talk about some rumors for an extinct attraction in the Magic Kingdom, the Leave a Legacy sculptures in Epcot, and more. Jeff Pepper joins me once again for a very detailed discussion of our next in the 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World. This time, we explore the history, trivia, architecture, changes and significance of a true iconic wonder - Cinderella Castle. We also discuss why it's a true wonder, as well as it's significance to so many people. At the end of this segment, I will announce the nex

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #13 for the week of May 6, 2007. On this week's show we start with Walt Disney World News & Views where we will talk about some sweeping changes coming from the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, updates on dining locations around Epcot, a new celebration being offered for young girls, and updates on the Year of a Million Dreams. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, we talk about a new themed dining location rumored to be coming to the Magic Kingdom and take a quick look back at the surprising venue it may replace, as well as a few other rumored things going on resort-wide. I discuss Concierge Level accommodations at the Walt Disney World resorts with Pam Forrester. We explore what and where they are, the benefits, pricing, different ones throughout the properties, whether it is worth it, whom it may be most right for and how to get the most out of staying there. Take a stroll d

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #12 for the week of April 29, 2007. A look at Walt Disney World News and Reviews this week is followed by a quick trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill. Lou and Jeff Pepper continue with look at an extinct Epcot pavilion and attraction as part of their Epcot Retrospective series, in their celebration of the upcoming 25th anniversary of Epcot. This week, they take a detailed look at Horizons, one of the most beloved and missed attractions in Walt Disney World's history. This journey will cover the attraction's origins and history, some of the pervasive themes that ran through it, an in-depth trip through the ride itself, fun facts and trivia, rare audio clips, music, when and why it closed and more. Lou welcomes Pam Forrester to the show as they discuss one of Walt Disney World's Best of the Best. This time, it's the best character meal experience outside of the parks. Finally I wi

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #11 for the week of April 22, 2007. In addition to this week's News and Views from Walt Disney World, Lou visits the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill to talk about Princesses and a possible new theme park. Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys book series comes in to talk about some Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys. Jonathan Dichter joins Lou for some fun in the Walt Disney World: Fact or Fiction? segment and Tim Sampson sends in our first listener-submitted segment about R&R at Walt Disney World. Lou answers your emails and plays 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #10 for the week of April 15, 2007. This week's show starts off with some News and Views from Walt Disney World, including the planned Re-Imagineering of Spaceship Earth. Lou will talk not only about the what is to come, but some of the changes through the years. Mike Scopa comes on to talk about another Best of the Best at Walt Disney World, which leads directly into the next special guest and topic. Steve "TikiMan" Seifert joins Lou in talking about the history of Disney's Polynesian Resort, its changes over time, vacationing there now and all that it has to offer, and some of its hidden secrets and treasures that even the most seasoned veteran might overlook. Lou and Jeff Pepper take a trip on the Walt Disney World Wayback Machine to visit The Epcot That Never Was, as they explore pavilions and attractions that were planned for EPCOT Center, yet never came to be, as well as why we