The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

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 facts. Jeff comes back to talk about one of Disney’s forgotten character’s connection to Walt Disney World! The topics in this week's email segment include Cirque du Soleil La Nouba, technology in the theme parks, the Backlot Theater, E-Ride Nights, young children in Walt Disney World and more! Stay tuned for a special announcement from Jonathan Dichter 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 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, 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 thinking! One of Walt Disney World's Hidden Treasures can be found in Liberty Square, and has not only historical significance, but it's own interesting history and story behind it. This week's email segment has questions about the Treehouse Villas, Pop Century’s Legendary Years, medical care at WDW, leaving the kids at home while you play in Disney, a very special tree near Disney’s Animal Kingdom and more. I also introduce a new contest this week, where you have to use your eyes instead of your ears! Be sure to stay to the end for the outro and 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, 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 Cruise. I also came back with an exclusive interview with Mark Seppala, Senior Design Manager for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. If you've ever purchased a souvenir, decoration, seasonal piece, home decorations, art or collectible, chances are he had a hand (literally) in creating it. He shares fascinating stories about his career at Disney, some of the legendary artists and animators he met, the process of creating merchandise and Disney pins, and even offers tips and suggestions for someone looking to join the Disney Design Group. Of course, I will cover this week's Walt Disney World News and Views, as well as take a trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where we look at some rumors about merchandise, FASTPASS, Soarin' and more. Be sure to stay tuned for some listener voicemails at the very end of the show. Thank you again for tuning in, and just 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, 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 Cruise. I also came back with an exclusive interview with Mark Seppala, Senior Design Manager for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. If you've ever purchased a souvenir, decoration, seasonal piece, home decorations, art or collectible, chances are he had a hand (literally) in creating it. He shares fascinating stories about his career at Disney, some of the legendary artists and animators he met, the process of creating merchandise and Disney pins, and even offers tips and suggestions for someone looking to join the Disney Design Group. Of course, I will cover this week's Walt Disney World News and Views, as well as take a trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where we look at some rumors about merchandise, FASTPASS, Soarin' and more. Be sure to stay tuned for some listener voicemails at the very end of the show. Thank you again for tuning in, and just 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, 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 have planned for the cruise and more. Thank you again for tuning in, 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, 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 next entry in the 7 Wonders series, as I want to enlist your help and ask you to share your comments, thoughts and experiences via voicemail for an upcoming show. This will give you the chance to talk about something that I think we all agree is a truly magical part of Walt Disney World. A number of listener emails was the catalyst for this week's Best of the Best at Walt Disney World segment, as Pam Forrester from The Magic For Less Travel and I discuss the best resort strategies for parties of 4 or more when traveling to Walt Disney World. Speaking of your feedback, I'll answer more of your emails and play 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 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 #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 down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards at the Disney-MGM Studios with me and Matt Hochberg as we explore the history, architecture, details, hidden gems and immersive experience in the shops, buildings and facades in an effort to introduce you to some of the wonderful attention paid to detail at the Studios. I have lots of interesting E-Mails to get to, including questions about the Odyssey Restaurant in Epcot, the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station and what it replaced, remaining days on old park tickets, and more. I'll also play some of your voicemails at the very end of a show that I hope you find both fun and informative, 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 #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 will answer more of your email and play 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 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 #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 still don't see them today. The answers are revealed and the winner of the first Where in the World Have You Heard This? contest is announced, 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 #9 for the week of April 8, 2007. Lou's very special guest Michael Broggie gives an exclusive interview and recounts wonderful stories of growing up around Walt Disney, as well as his father Roger Broggie, who was the very first Disney Imagineer. He also shares Walt's "secrets to success", tales of Roy Disney, and Walt's interactions with his Imagineers. Lou and Michael also talk about the extinct Fort Wilderness Railroad, including Michael's work and preservation efforts for its engines and cars. They also discuss the future of the Disney Company led by Bob Iger and John Lasseter, and so much more! Jeff Pepper continues with the railroad theme as he looks at the secrets and stories behind the train bulletins at the Main Street, USA Railroad Station. Lou answers more of your emails, and reports on Walt Disney World News and Views, and Mike Scopa comes on to talk about another Best of the Best at Walt Disney World. 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 #8 for the week of April 1, 2007. This week's show has a little something for everybody - Disney News and Views from Walt Disney World, as well as some vacation planning information about Walt Disney World dining and discounts as Lou welcomes Pam Forrester from The Magic For Less Travel. They discuss the Disney Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Experience Card, and recent rumors of free dining returning in 2007. For those of you interested in WDW trivia and history, Lou and Jeff Pepper take an in-depth look at Disney’s 3D films through history, in the theme parks, as well as the future of where 3D/4D may be heading. Lou and Jeff also answer your emails and voicemails, including Walt Disney World-related console video games, a "secret spot" at the Disney-MGM Studios, the past and future of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and more! 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 WDW information Station. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #7 for the week of March 25, 2007. This week, Lou is joined by Shontell Crawford, former Cast Member and owner of DVCbyResale.com, where they talk about the new DVC suites at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, answer some frequently asked questions about the DVC in general, and how the new announcement affects DVC resales. She also offers some insider information about the rumored DVC resort at the Contemporary and future DVC properties! Cara Goldsbury also chimes in on her opinions of this new property, having been able to visit models of what the new suites will look like. Jonathan Dichter provides another great Voices Behind the Magic segment, and Lou features another Best of the Best at Walt Disney World with Shontell. Stay tuned for the first "Where in the World Have You Heard This?" contest, which should be a lot of fun, and where you can possibly win some great Disney prizes! 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, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #6 for the week of March 18, 2007. This week's show is chock full of fun segments that I think you'll enjoy, as well as some special guests, including the voice of WDWRadio, Jonathan Dichter for News & Views from WDW where we talk about some special events at WDW and we also visit the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where we discuss some more rumored rehabs for a few classic WDW attractions. We'll briefly touch on our training for the 1/2 marathon, and Jonathan’s fundraising efforts for the DreamTeam Project. I promised you more trivia, and this week Jeff Pepper and I take a look at another aspect of the Walt Disney World That Never Was, as we do another Disney Scene Investigation about a long-lost Disney character and his ties to the theme parks, Roger Rabbit. Finally, I get to announce and discuss the second of the 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World, in a segment in which we'll have lots of history and trivia, as well as a discussion of the past, present and future of this true wonder. As always, I want this show to continue to be interactive, so I'll answer a few of your emails before we end the show. I'll end the show with some very exciting updates and information on the Trivia Cruise aboard the Disney Magic in November with me and Margaret "Tinker Bell" Kerry, including a couple of surprise announcements for those of you who may be considering joining us on board. So since we have a lot to cover, sit back, relax, and join me on this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show! You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call our 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, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #5 for the week of March 11, 2007. This week I’m back from WDW with a special treat - an exclusive interview with Disney Legend, author and recipient of his own window on Main Street, Charles Ridgway. I will also have News & Views from WDW and a visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill which includes Pirates & Princesses, the Haunted Mansion and more. For these segments, I welcome my special guest Cara Goldsbury, author of the Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World to discuss some recent announcements from the Disney company that will forever change the landscape of the resort. Mike Scopa joins me as we answer another question about a Best of the Best at Walt Disney World in this somewhat extended show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call our 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!