The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

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

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your WDW 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 W

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your WDW 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!

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

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 segme

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

Hello and welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your WDW information Station. This is Show #4 for the week of March 4, 2007. I talk about some news and a restaurant closing rumor, and with the help of some special guests this week, I answer some listener email with Jeff Pepper where we talk about celebrities at the Studios, responses to the possibly of Disney expanding beyond its theme parks in Orlando and Anaheim, and a hidden celebrity cameo at Ellen’s Energy Adventure. Mike Scopa joins Lou in discussing the Walt Disney World Marathon experience, and Jonathan Dichter treats us all to another installment of his Voices Behind the Magic. Thanks to David and Kathy Recchione for the new WDW Radio Show Theme Song, which I introduce this week as well. Thanks for tuning in! Visit the web site at www.WDWRadio.com, or leave a voicemail at 206-202-4WDW.

On this week's show, we talk about this year's "Magic Meets" event in Harrisburg, PA with founder Fred Block, who also joins Lou in the News and Views from WDW segment as well as his visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill. Topics include Little Ones Travel Time, WDW Resort upgrades, Disney weddings, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom at night, the Haunted Mansion and more. Another expert offers her opinion as we discuss the new ships slated for the Disney Cruise Line. Jeff Pepper joins the fun as he and Lou do a "Disney Scene Investigation" of a favorite dining location filled with "hidden treasures" and wonderful details. Thanks for tuning in! Visit the web site at www.WDWRadio.com, or leave a voicemail at 206-202-4WDW.