The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

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

Hello and welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #65 for the week of May 4, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. We'll begin this week as always with our look at the Walt Disney World News, where I talk about a number of news items, including the opening of Toy Story Mania, a welcome change for DVC members, and a number of special events going on in WDW, and one outside the parks where you might get a chance to peek behind the curtain of Imagineering and learn just how they create some of the Disney magic. Disney last week revealed the winner of the first-ever Chief Magic Official contest, and Justin Muchoney from Seven Fields, PA was named the winner out of more than 1300 applicants. Justin joins me, fresh off of the announcement to discuss the application process, rounds of judging, winning the contest, and what the future holds in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There is never a bad time to visit

JAMBO and 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 #64 for the week of April 27, 2008. I spent a number of days last week in Walt Disney World covering Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th Anniversary, and as promised, I brought back some wonderful audio from the event. In addition to a live recording of the opening rededication ceremonies, I was able to get one on one interviews with Val Bunting, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Jackie Ogden, vice president of animal programs and environmental initiatives, world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, and legendary Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. I’ll also discuss the day’s event, the Wild Decade fan gathering, and a look back at the park, its mission and message with fellow attendees Eric Hollister and Glenn Whelan. I’ll also play audio from the presentation of the WDW Celebrations donation to the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Tea

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 #63 for the week of April 20, 2008. I won’t get a chance to cover the Walt Disney World News this week, not just because there wasn’t a lot to report on, but because I had to tape this show early in the week, as I am heading down to Walt Disney World to cover Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th Anniversary celebration on Tuesday, April 22. I’ll be back next week with not just coverage of the event, but live audio from the parks, and a few surprises. This week, I welcome back Cara Goldsbury, author of the Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World to the show, as we talk about her appearance on two new Travel Channel specials as they continue their Season of Disney series. Cara will be appearing on both the Disney Splurge and the Disney Royal Treatment shows, and will discuss each of these, as well as tips on how to splurge on some special events witho

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 #62 for the week of April 13, 2008. In Walt Disney World News this week, I’ll cover Star Wars Weekends, the demise of the Virtual Magic Kingdom, a new restaurant coming to Walt Disney World and more. Another of Walt Disney World’s Hidden Treasures is one that is not just one that’s always in plain sight and often overlooked, but is really a Best of the Best, and to some, even a true wonder of Walt Disney World. It’s all around us, is magnificent to behold, and is an integral part of the magic and storytelling of the parks and resorts. Listener Barry Frechette joins me as we tour the parks to explore the beauty of the gardens and landscapes of Walt Disney World, as we invite you to literally stop and smell the roses on your next visit. I am thrilled to welcome back to the show one of my all-time favorite guests, Samantha Brown from the T

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 #61 for the week of April 6, 2008. In this week’s Walt Disney World News, there is some important information coming from the Walt Disney World Resort about what the future holds for Guests looking to stay on property, as well as more from the resorts and the Magic Kingdom. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill was quiet this week, but stay tuned next week for more rumors from the parks. I want to also bring you what I can best describe as the Ultimate Guide to the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). I am pleased to be joined by Michael Collier, Quality Assurance Manager for Disney’s Vacation Club, who spends some time with me not only answering some frequently asked questions, but explains the process, cost, point system and benefits. He will also help clear up some of the misconceptions and concerns, explains what happens once you step inside one o

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #60 for the week of March 30, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and this week I am coming to you LIVE from Walt Disney World, as I am standing on the promenade of World Showcase in Epcot, enjoying the sights, sounds and scents of the 15th Annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Thank to the assistance of the Walt Disney World Company and so many wonderful Cast Members, I have a special show for you this week, as I not only have a review of the Festival from right here from the park, but an exclusive interview with someone whose job it is to really make dreams come true, as she is Carrie Schoen, the Manager of the Disney Dream Squad, and she will reveal what it’s like to truly make magic, a day in the life of a Dream Squad member, what’s in store for 2008 and more. As we get ready for Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th Anniversary next month, I will also take you along with me on a ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari unlike any

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #59 for the week of March 23, 2008. As always I am your host Lou Mongello, and thanks for taking time to tune in again this week. I will begin this week with News coming out of Walt Disney World which includes information about some new Mickey ears that you can customize and design yourself, the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, as well as news from the Studios and resorts. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I’ll talk about cars in the Magic Kingdom – and I’m talking about the attraction and not the movie, a new character you just might see walking (or rolling) around Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as some of the cast of characters that you might just see walking around during Star Wars Weekends this summer. Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys series of books will join me this week as we start a new series of themed Hidden Mickey hunts, and we’ll begin under the sea (literally) at the Seas pavilion in E

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #58 for the week of March 16, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week I just returned from Disneyland in California, and wanted to not just take a look back at my trip, but wanted it to be informative and interesting for the listener. I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed my experience at the parks, and realized that there was so much to discuss and introduce people to, that I invited in my friends, travel companions and frequent WDW Radio Show guests Jeff Pepper, George Taylor and Eric Hollister in for a roundtable discussion simply entitled: Why Every Walt Disney World Fan Needs to Visit Disneyland. Because of the length of the segment, I'll save the WDW News and Rumor Mill for next week, as well as your emails, 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