The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

Fantasyland Construction Progress in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Visit the web site at http://WDWRadio.com Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello

There's more to explore in Walt Disney World, as guests of all ages can enjoy catch-and-release fishing led by expert guides in the waters in front of the Magic Kingdom. Join Lou Mongello from WDW Radio as he spends a day on the water for some magic outside the theme parks Visit the web site at http://WDWRadio.com Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #169 for the week of May 9, 2010. With the recent closing of Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios for an unspecified update, it's a great time to take a look back at the relationship between Disney and the Muppets, including the story of how the Muppets came to Walt Disney World in a variety of ways. We'll tour the park and explore some of the secrets, stories and history of MuppetVision 3D, Muppet-based shows that are no longer here, the Disney-Henson marriage, as well as "The Muppets That Never Were," as Jim Korkis and I wander the Studios and discuss some of the proposed concepts that never made it both in and out of the parks. It's a fascinating live tour of the Muppets in the present, as well as a look back in time, and possibly even into the future of the Muppets in Walt Disney World. I'll have a few announcements, and then play more of your voicem

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #168 for the week of May 2, 2010. We'll take a look at some Walt Disney World news and a few rumors this week, including some old favorites getting ready to return to the parks, and Imagineers continue to test new ways to pass the time in the queue, this time at a classic attraction in the Magic Kindgom. I'll ask you to comment in the show notes and weigh in on some possible changes that may be coming. I often kid about how attractions and shows in Walt Disney World are just things to occupy our time in between meals, but the parks and resorts do offer a wide variety of wonderful dining options - and not all of them require you to make dining reservations in advance. In fact, some of Walt Disney World's best food can be found at the numerous counter service locations. So this week, we'll count down our Top Ten list of Walt Disney World Counter Service Restaurants. If you weren

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #167 for the week of April 25, 2010. Properly planning your Walt Disney World vacation is crucial, and an important part of that planning needs to focus on not just time spent in the parks, but getting to and from the resort. This week, we're going to take a look at Disney's Magical Express, the free bus service to and from the airport. Whether you're a first time visitor or think you know how Magical Express works, we'll talk about not just how the the system works, but its pros and cons, how to get the most out of it, and some very important details you need to know before you go. Next, I'll call a listener and invite her to play Fact or Fiction, where she can answer Walt Disney World trivia questions for a chance to win some prizes. Play along at home, see how you do, and find out how you can enter for a chance to play on the air as well. I'll announce a new product this w

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #166 for the week of April 18, 2010. I'll answer more of your listener email this week, including questions on Pal Mickey, Magic Your Way ticket options, finding specific characters in the parks, attractions for young children, free Disney trading cards, a look back at an extinct character meal, nightlife, restaurants and much more. I love exploring and sharing the wonderful stories created by Disney Imagineers in every attraction, shop, restaurant, resort, and almost everything you see and experience on property. But I especially enjoy having the opportunity to take a closer look at a location whose story may seem obvious on its face, but is full of wonderful details and history. And this week, such is the case with Fantasyland's Pinocchio Village Haus. Jim Korkis joins me once again to tell some of the "Stories Behind the Stories" in this DSI: Disney Scene Investigation. I'

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #165 for the week of April 11, 2010. This week, join us at the dinner table as we sit down to dine at and review Paradiso 37, the high-energy waterfront restaurant located in Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island. We'll review a number of different items from the menu, and discuss the decor, ambiance and overall dining experience to give you a taste of this restaurant which offers cuisine inspired by the Street Foods of the Americas. I'll play more of your voicemails and have some announcements 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://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitte

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #164 for the week of April 4, 2010. It's time for another Top Ten list, as this week we once again count down the best of the best. This week, it's about something that's an integral part of the ride experience itself as we explore the Top Ten Ride Vehicles in Walt Disney World While the Adventurers Club may be closed, the legacy, stories and cast of characters did not die with it. This week, we'll look and see how the legacy is being preserved, and how you can be a part of it. I'll have some important announcements at the end of the show, including details on another event coming very soon 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

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