The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #118 for the week of May 10, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again and Happy Mothers’ Day to all of the moms listening. We’ll start off the show with some news from Walt Disney World, including a new pirates experience in the Magic Kingdom, news from Disney’s Hollywood Studios about new meet and greets, a rumor about a possible major change coming to Star Tours and more. One of the keys to any Walt Disney World vacation is planning ahead – and often times, that part of the fun as well. And planning can and should go beyond just where to stay, when to eat and how to maximize your time in the parks. In fact, there are certain individual aspects of your trip that if planned accordingly, can really enhance your family’s vacation. And for many, finding and obtaining character autographs and pictures is an important part of their trip. Chuck Lionberger joins me this wee

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #117 for the week of May 3, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. This week marks the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and to commemorate this event, I’m going to dedicate this entire show, and in fact just a single segment, to Walt Disney World’s third park. Disney historian and author Jim Korkis joins me at the Studios to take a detailed walk through the park, looking at its history, stories, incredible details and tributes and so much more. It is a fascinating virtual tour filled with things you may not have ever known about the Studios, and just may want to seek out on your next trip. I’ll announce the winner of our last Walt Disney World Trivia Contest before playing some 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 t

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #116 for the week of April 26, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again. With the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios coming up on May 1, I am planning a number of segments looking back on its history, trivia, changes and hidden treasures, and this week, we’re going to start at the very beginning. I am pleased to be joined at the Studios by Disney Legend and former Walt Disney World press agent Charlie Ridgway, who recounts what it was like planning for the opening of a park whose original concept changed dramatically, and showcased the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood that was both real and imaged. He tells us about planning for the opening ceremonies, the many celebrities that visited and worked at the park and so much more. I’ll answer many of your listener emails and questions this week, including vacation planning and Walt Disney World history and tri

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #115 for the week of April 19, 2009. Thank you for tuning in again this week for some fun, family-friendly Disney magic. April showers may bring May flowers, and they also affect the vacations of Guests visiting Walt Disney World. And while many people look at the rain as something that will keep them stuck in their rooms, I look at it as a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the resorts and the parks, and maybe even a way to experience something that they never have before. This week, we’ll look at the Top Ten Things to Do In Walt Disney World When it Rains. I believe that each day, we are all motivated by our dreams, both big and small. For many people, dreaming to be a part of the magic that they enjoy today or even experienced and impacted them as a child fuels their passion. And for many people, that dream has or will come true. And for one of Disney’s most talented

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #114 for the week of April 12, 2009 and I am your host, Lou Mongello. Thank you for tuning in again this week. We’ll start off with News from around Walt Disney World, and much of it involves some changes to as well as new dining opportunities, as well as new Guest experiences in Downtown Disney, and even a few rumors about what might be coming back to the Magic Kingdom. I’m proud this week to bring you an exclusive interview with an author who brings a new perspective to Walt Disney World in his series of books, where he takes you on a fictional adventure through the parks after all the Guests have left. He is New York Times bestselling author of both the Kingdom Keepers and Peter and the Starcatchers series, Ridley Pearson. We’ll discuss the first two books in the Kingdom Keepers series and how they came to be as well as what may be coming next in the series. We also discuss his work with Dave Bar

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host Lou Mongello, and this is show #113 for the week of April 5, 2009. Thank you for tuning in again this week. This week’s show will be the last one I am broadcasting from the WDW Radio headquarters in Scotch Plains, NJ – I’m taking the show on the road to sunny skies and warmer climates in Florida, but this week, I have something that I think you’ll enjoy. This weeks we’re going to don our explorer’s hat and magnifying glass and do another DSI: Disney Scene Investigation of one of EPCOT Center’s original and most important pavilions - The Land. We’ll explore Its beginnings, history and changes through the years, as well as its signature attractions. I’ll play some 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 ALL NEW web site a

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host Lou Mongello, and this is show #112 for the week of March 29, 2009. Thank you for tuning in again this week. We’ll start off with some news from Walt Disney World, including updates on a new attraction opening this week in Downtown Disney, things to do in Walt Disney World during the Easter holiday, and a way to experience a Disney attraction at home. With the recent buzz about D23, Disney’s new community for Disney fans, I thought about the “original” Disney fan club – the Mickey Mouse Club, and thought it would be fun to talk with someone who knew it well, as he was one of the original Mouseketeers. I’m pleased to welcome in Mouseketeer Lonnie Burr, who talks about his time on the Mickey Mouse Club, working with people like Annette Funicello and Walt Disney, and so much more. I’ll announce the winner of out last Walt Disney World Trivia Contest before giving you a few announcements, including a

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #111 for the week of March 22, 2009. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This week, we’re going to take a ride in my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine and look at Disney’s Polynesian Resort through the years, and into the future. Steve Seifert and I will turn back the clock to a time before Walt Disney World was even a vision in Walt’s mind, and look at how his personal interests influenced what would become the model for themed resorts that would follow. We’ll look at the Polynesian Village through the years and explore some of its additions, changes and lost experiences. We’ll also talk about the resort today, and speculate as to what the future may hold. Stay tuned to the end of the show for some more announcements as well as some of your wonderful voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email th

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #110 for the week of March 15, 2009. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This week was one that was filled with some exciting and important news coming from the Disney Company, so we’ll start of by taking a look at some of the notable events, including the naming of the two new ships of the Disney Cruise Line, enhanced environmental efforts Company-wide and in the parks, pirates that are breaking camp, and reports of a rat being spotted in one of Walt Disney World’s premier restaurants… much to the delight of Guests. We’ll take a quick visit to the Rumor Mill, and two possible changes and additions coming to dining and reservations. But the biggest news coming out of the Disney Company this week was the big reveal of the “Are You 23?” campaign, as Disney announced D23, the all-new official community for Disney enthusiasts. With so much to cover and dis

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #109 for the week of March 8, 2009. 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 start off this week’s show with news from Walt Disney World, including dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, changes coming to Downtown Disney, and opinion questions for you the listener. I often try and cover topics on the show which are meant to not only inform, educate and entertain you, but really try and help you get the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation, whether you travel alone, as a couple, with friends or family. This week, I am joined by Chuck Lionberger, as we want to explore Disney pin trading, not as the phenomenon that it is but as something you can do with your family, and the experience before, during and even after your trip to Walt Disney Word. Another way I really enj

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #108 for the week of March 1, 2009. News from Walt Disney World starts off this week’s show, as we talk about how you can check in online before you arrive at your Disney resort, fun sporting events taking place this month, and a great way to spend an evening at the Flower Power Concert Series as part of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. I am happy to be joined this week on a roundtable discussion by some of the greatest moms around, for they are some of the members of the 2009 Disney Moms Panel. This group of real-world moms (and a dad) offer advice to Guests traveling to Walt Disney World through an interactive Q&A site at DisneyWorldMoms.com. The moms join me to talk about the experience, some tips, some interesting questions they’ve received and lots more. It’s a fun conversation with some people who share our passion and get to help others with their

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #107 for the week of February 22, 2009. I’ll kick off this week’s show with some news from Walt Disney World, including a new attraction coming to Innoventions, information about ESPN – The Weekend, changes to Disney’s Magical Express service and a new restaurant opening soon. Now is the time, now is the best time for another Top 10 segment, and this week, “if something can't be done with X-S, then it shouldn't be done at all,” so Tim Foster and I will take a look at our Top 10 Things We Love About Tomorrowland. So here’s to the future and you! Last week marked the official grand opening of the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but not before a star-studded world premiere event the night before. I had a chance to visit the blue carpet and meet and speak with many of the celebrities on hand, before viewing the very special show and concert. Glenn Whelan jo

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #106 for the week of February 15, 2009, and as always, I am your host, Lou Mongello. We’ll start off this week’s show by looking at another of Walt Disney World’s Best of the Bests. And this time, it’s about one of the best ways to enjoy and relive your vacation even after you’ve returned home. Chuck Lionberger joins me to talk about Disney’s Photopass, and one of the very best ways to get the most out of it. I’ll answer more of your emails this week from the WDW Radio Inbox with the help of Beci Mahnken. In addition to vacation planning advice and tips, we’ll answer questions about Disney’s Magical Express, military discounts, vegetarian options, strollers and of course, questions about dining. Stay tuned to the end of the show for some announcements before I play back 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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #105 for the week of February 8, 2009, and as always, I am your host, Lou Mongello. We’ll kick off this week’s show with some news from Walt Disney World, before climbing aboard my Wayback Machine for another trip back in time and to the future, as we take a look at “The World Showcase That Never Was.” Ryan Wilson joins me to explore some pavilions in World Showcase that were closer to being built than you might think, other concepts that never made it off the drawing board, and even some additions to current pavilions that we never got to see. We’ll take a look at what might have been, and also peek ahead, and discuss what may be coming to the promenade in the future. At the end, I’ll ask you for your opinion on the future of World Showcase. I’ll open up the Inbox once again and answer many more of your emails this week with the help of Beci Mahnken. We’ll “Walk Around the World,” take a look at birthdays, mu

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #104 for the week of February 1, 2009. It’s time for another Top 10 segment, and Tim Foster joins me once again as we take a look at our list of top ten things in Walt Disney World that are better at night. Experiencing the parks and resorts at night is completely different than during the day, and we’ll look at some things that you might just enjoy even more after the sun goes down. I often try to bring you some unique interviews with individuals whose names or faces you might not know, but whose work you might often enjoy and appreciate. This week, I welcome in just such a guest. He is Ronald Cohee, feature animator, artist, and currently a member of the Disney Design Group in Walt Disney World. A longtime park enthusiast, he shares his story of how he came to work for Disney, films and projects he’s worked on, insight into what his experience has been like, advice for others

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #103 for the week of January 25, 2009. I’ll start off this week with some news from Walt Disney World, including some information about new interactive experiences coming to the parks, as well as the upcoming Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Walt Disney World is a place where anyone and everyone can feel like a kid again, make their dreams come true, and enjoy all of what makes it so truly magical. And when I say everyone, I mean just that, as Disney is one of the best, most accommodating vacation spots for people with special needs. In this week’s very special roundtable, I’m joined by a number of guests, some of whom are authors of books about traveling to and touring around Walt Disney World with special needs, while others have unique needs of their own. And if you think that this segment might not apply to you or someone you know, you might be very surpris

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #102 for the week of January 18, 2009 I’m back from a trip to Walt Disney World with a lot to share with you this week, including some very interesting Walt Disney World News. From openings to closures to changes and updates, there are many exciting things happening now and in the future. I also returned from covering the 16th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, not as a runner, but as a spectator. 6 guests join me this week, all of whom either completed the half or full marathon or cheered from the sidelines alongside me. It’s a fun look back at the weekend from many perspectives, including a lot of good that came out of everyone’s efforts. My inbox has been overflowing with your questions, so I welcome back Beci Mahnken to the show to help me answer your pressing questions, many of which will hopefully involve dining in Walt Disney World. I’ll have the answers to and

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #101 for the week of January 11, 2009 I’m recording this week’s show early, as I’ll be visiting Walt Disney World later in the week to cover the marathon and other events, so there won’t be any news this week, but I do have a segment I think you’ll enjoy. I’ll fire up the Wayback Machine as I continue in my EPCOT Retrospective series and take an in-depth (pardon the pun) look at the Living Seas. Ryan Wilson joins me once again as we dive under the sea and look at the history of this pavilion, its changes before and after its opening, and its many wonderful details and hidden treasures. I’ll have a new contest this week before playing some 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.c

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #100 for the week of January 4, 2009 To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, I thought it would be fun to gather some guests and friends of the show together to look back at the first 100 shows. We’ll talk about some of our favorite guests, memorable and funny moments, and so much more, as Glenn Whelan, Tim Foster, Lori Burke and George Taylor join me around the table to look back and forward on the show. Of course, no anniversary show would be complete without playing back some favorite and memorable clips, so sit back and listen as I tune the dial through some of the memorable moments of the first 100 shows. I’ll update you on out “100% for 100 Shows” fundraising drive with Pat Whitson before announcing the winner of last week’s contest. I’ll play your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's 100th anniversary episode of the WDW Radio

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #99 for the week of December 28, 2008 - The last show of 2008, and the last show in double digits. Thanks for joining me again this week. I’ll start off the show with Walt Disney World News, and kick it off with a sneak peek at Disney’s new web site, a new store that just opened in the Magic Kingdom, of course some news about food, including a new dining location coming to Frontierland as well as important updates to dining reservations, and more. January 8-11, 2009 marks the 26th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, where 40,000 runners will test their endurance during a number of races throughout the weekend, including a half and full marathon. But in addition to the athletes, there is expected to be an additional 40,000 people converging on the Walt Disney World Resort to cheer on family, friends, and even complete strangers. And while I’ve done shows on training and p