The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #56 for the week of March 2, 2008. I just returned from Walt Disney World, and in addition to getting some work done for the next CD and new features I’m going to be adding to the site, I also came back with some great information for both the Walt Disney World News section, as well as the Rumor Mill. In fact, there is SO much to cover this week that I invite Jeff Pepper to come in and discuss with me the variety of topics this week. In the News, we’ll talk about some changes coming to Extra Magic Hours, The Kingdom Tower, how to enjoy the resorts right at home, a new meet and greet, an exclusive look at the new Disney Parks television specials coming to the Travel Channel, and more. The Rumor Mill is full this week, as we talk about some big changes coming to the Magic Kingdom turnstiles and FASTPASS systems, is Illuminations really leaving, and a super-sneak peek at new Star Wars Weekends merchandise. We’ll also talk

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #55 for the week of February 24, 2008. This week, I once again have to record and produce the show early, so it may be a little shorter and a little different than usual. I’ll start off as always with some Walt Disney World News, where I’ll discuss an exciting new promotion for Annual Passholders. In my trip aboard the Walt Disney World Wayback Machine, I’m going to grab my swimming trunks, pick up Jeff Pepper, and head on over to the Ole Swimmin’ Hole at River Country, Walt Disney World first water park, and a place that conjures up great memories of water slides, sand beaches, picnics and some great times spent with family. Now closed, it’s a fun look back at the history, attractions and demise of this very unique destination. I’ll also have time to answer some more of your emails this week, 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

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #54 for the week of February 17, 2008. In this week’s Walt Disney World News, I’ll look at a dining change in World Showcase, updates on the Backlot Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, new special events coming to Pleasure Island, and a very special event that is the first of its kind at Walt Disney World that will offer a truly unique experience in many ways. For the next in my Legends of Disney Imagineering interview series, I thought that with the recent name change of the Disney-MGM Studios to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and new direction it is taking in its entertainment offerings, I wanted to have someone come on the show who could speak authoritatively as to the genesis and growth of the park. So I decided that who better to come on the show and talk about this than the man who literally put pen to paper and designed the original concept drawing for the Disney-MGM Studios. He is former Walt Disney Imagineering

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #53 for the week of February 10, 2008. I’m your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the WDW Radio Show. Although I’ve been podcasting since 2005, this past week marked the first anniversary of this show, and I want to take a moment to thank all of you for your support and for listening over the past year. It’s been an incredible, amazing journey, and I believe that things will only continue to get bigger and better. In fact, I have to tell you that I am more excited about this week’s show than I may have ever been, in large part due to my very special guest. Joining me this week in an exclusive interview is Samantha Brown, host of a number of popular series on the Travel Channel, including a number of specials all about Walt Disney World. She has explored some of the finest resorts on property, as well as the incredible experiences that Guests

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #52 for the week of February 3, 2008. I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. I visit the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill this week and talk about recent permits filed by Disney about the Imagination pavilion, and a survey about Guest experiences at Walt Disney World with some very interesting questions. In honor of the upcoming Chinese New Year, Jeff and I do another DSI: Disney Scene Investigation, and this week, we explore the beauty, mystery and symbolism of the China pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. I'll answer more of your emails and stay tuned for the end of the show, where I play a number 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 (4939). Visit the web site at wdwradio.com. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTri

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #51 for the week of January 27, 2008. Unexpected circumstances have prevented me from producing a regular show this week with a variety of segments. However, this is a great opportunity to answer many of your listener emails that cover a broad range of topics, so Jeff Pepper will join me as we answer your questions together. Next week’s show will return to its regular format, 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 (4939). Visit the web site at wdwradio.com. 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 to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #50 for the week of January 20, 2008. Thank you for tuning in again this week. With not a lot of Walt Disney World News to report this week, we'll jump right in to a visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where we'll talk about what’s going on (and up) at Disney's Contemporary Resort, more updates on the rumor of handheld devices in the parks, possible changes going on throughout the resort property-wide and more. After that, it's all about the recent Walt Disney World Half Marathon, as I invite Mike Scopa and Bryan Ripper to join me in a roundtable recap of the weekend's events. It’s a fun look back at an exciting weekend for both runners and spectators alike, and offers some great tips for people who may be considering running next year. Afterwards, Eric Hollister joins me as we not only announce the winner of the 13th and final mile marker challenge, but the Grand Prize and winner as well. We also look back at w

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #49 for the week of January 13, 2008. I’m your host Lou Mongello and by the time you hear this episode, I will have run, and hopefully completed my first - and possibly last - Walt Disney World Half Marathon. Since I have to record and produce the show early this week, there won’t be any news or rumors, but I do have a few segments that I think you’re going to enjoy. First, we take a detailed look at, and review one of Walt Disney World’s premier restaurants and prove that food in the parks is more than just burgers and fries, as Glenn Whelan and I take a trip to Canada in Epcot’s World Showcase and visit Le Cellier Steakhouse. Next, young Cody Pepper joins me once again for a fun game of Walt Disney World - Fact or Fiction? Then Steve Barrett and I will talk about new Hidden Mickeys, some other hidden characters, hunting at the resorts, and then he asks for your help in determining whether some questionable ones fit t

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #48 for the week of January 6, 2008. I’m your host Lou Mongello and I want to thank you for tuning in once again, and wish you all a very happy new year. We’re going to start off 2008 just as we did in 2007, with Walt Disney World news, and a wild visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill. In addition to talking about some updated rumors, I’m going to take this opportunity to kick off the New Year with some of the very wild rumors I've been hearing about. Will they all come true? Probably not. But it will be fun to talk about them and speculate as to what the future may hold. In my continuing effort to introduce you to not only some of WDW’s hidden treasures, history, trivia, reviews and vacation planning advice, I also want to open your eyes to some of its overlooked experiences. This week, I have something special for you, as my special guest, Dr. Anne Savage from Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Wildlife Tracking Center joi

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #47 for the week of December 30, the last week of 2007. So it's only appropriate that during my roundtable discussion with Jeff Pepper and Tim Foster, we take this opportunity to look back at 2007, and the news, events, announcements and other noteworthy happenings at Walt Disney World. We'll also look ahead to 2008 - from what we're most looking forward to experiencing, and what rumors just might come true. It’s an interesting retrospective, and fun speculation as to what's ahead. I'll also announce the winner of our last WDW ½ Marathon Challenge Contest, and Eric Hollister will announce the 13th and final challenge to test your Walt Disney World knowledge. So for the last time in 2007 - 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 (4939). Visit the web site at WDWradio.com. Talk about the show by visiting and po

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #46 for the week of December 23, 2007. Thank you for tuning in once again and happy holidays! This week's show will start off as always with some news from Walt Disney World, including a number of changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, new dining venues at the Magic Kingdom, Pirate and Princess Party dates and more. Our trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill talks about Imagination and Space Mountain. Keeping in the holiday spirit, we'll take a detailed look at another of Walt Disney World’s Hidden Treasures, the Winter Summerland Miniature golf courses. Made up of two different experiences, it's an often overlooked gem of the resort that offers hours of inexpensive fun for everyone in the family. Steve Barrett joins me once again to talk about some of Walt Disney World's best, newest and most controversial Hidden Mickeys and we talk about some that come out just for the holiday season. I'll answer more of your emai

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #45 for the week of December 16, 2007. Thank you for tuning in once again. Last week was MouseFest 2007, the annual gathering of Disney fans from around the world in Walt Disney World, and it proved to be the biggest and truly the very best MouseFest ever. So rather than just give my trip report, I thought we would have MouseFest Recap Roundtable with some first time MouseFesters and new members of the Disney community. It’s a fun look back at what for many of us is one of the highlights of the year. Because there was so much to cover, and very little Walt Disney World news this week, we’ll catch up on the news and Rumor Mill on next week’s show. We’ll also announce our latest winner of our Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge Contest, as well as give you the clues for our next contest! 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

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is Show #44 for the week of December 9, 2007. With this week being MouseFest, the annual gathering of Disney fans from around the world in Walt Disney World, I have to record the show early, so there won’t be any news or rumors this week. But to celebrate the holiday season, I welcome back Tim Foster from Guide to the Magic to discuss our Top 10 Favorite Christmas Moments in Walt Disney World, as we explore some of the places and ways to spend the holidays in and around the parks and resorts. This is also a great opportunity to answer a number of your emails, so Jeff Pepper joins me to answer questions about everything from Epcot Vybe, to The Making of Me, the steel drum band in Adventureland, Discovery River Taxi, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and many 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

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is Show #43 for the week of December 2, 2007. News from Walt Disney World this week includes stories on two new quick service dining locations in World Showcase, new developments about the Western Way shopping and hotel district and more. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I have some listener-submitted rumors about the DVC, changes to one of Main Street, USA's original stores, Space Mountain, and are there big changes coming to a pavilion in World Showcase? In the next of my Legends of Disney Imagineering interview series, I have a chance to sit down and talk with a man who has not only worked on the recent updates to Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, but wrote the definite books on those subjects. He is Jason Surrell, and his latest book is all about Imagineering at its Peak, as he covers all of the Disney Mountains. We talk about the book, Imagineering and the Imagineers,

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is Show #42 for the week of November 25, 2007. This week, I will once again look at the news from Walt Disney World, as well as visit the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, with updates on FASTPASS, Spaceship Earth and the Wonders of Life pavilion. In my continuing efforts to help you plan and make the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation, I want to introduce you to a new product and service that can help you do just that. John VanMeter, the owner of OwnersLocker.com, joins me to talk about his new service, and how it can help you and your family on upcoming visits. In honor of Mickey's recent 79th birthday, Jeff Pepper and I take a trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine to visit none other than the appropriately-titled "Mickey’s Birthdayland" in the Magic Kingdom. I'll answer more of your emails, including questions about the Dining Plan, holiday decorations at the resorts, the

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #41 for the week of November 18, 2007. Happy birthday, Mickey Mouse! News from Walt Disney World this week includes information about a new character meal that just opened, as well as a new Princess at the Disney-MGM Studios. Speaking of dining, I'm joined by a listener who was able to experience the opening day of the Yak & Yeti Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom as we get a full, first-hand review of the venue, including discussions of the décor, story, menu, service, shopping and more. Join me as we take another trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine to 1982, where we look at an attraction that had the whole town cookin'. Prepare to start singing "Veggie Veggie, Fruit Fruit", as Jeff and I take a detailed look at The Land’s extinct attraction, Kitchen Kabaret. We announce the winner of contest #9 of the Walt Disney World Marathon Challenge Contest, and Iron Mike Scopa joins Eric Hollister in present

Welcome to The WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #40 for the week of November 11, 2007. I'm back from an abbreviated trip aboard the Disney Magic with not only some news and rumors from Walt Disney World, but some fun, exclusive audio from the trip. I had the chance to interview Captain Tom Forberg, Captain of the Disney Magic, to find out what it’s like to command the flagship of the Disney Cruise Line Fleet, learn more about the two new ships being built for the DCL. The group that I put together was also given a private tour of the bridge with the Captain, where I recorded some of the questions and answers about this fascinating ship. The Captain's assistant also spoke with me about her position at the Captain's side, and what life is like aboard the Magic. Jonathan Dichter is back with another Voices Behind the Magic segment, and of course, I'll answer more of your emails. So as always, sit back, relax and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #39 for the week of November 4, 2007. This week, we have a slightly shorter show, as circumstances have prevented me from being able to cover the news and rumors this week. But that's OK, as this week I have a few segments that I think you'll enjoy: First, Steve Barrett, our resident Hidden Mickeys expert, joins me once again to talk about what's new and notable in the world of Hidden Mickeys, and asks you to vote on some questionable ones. In my Legends of Disney interview series, I am pleased to welcome Bill "Sully" Sullivan to the show, as he and I sit down to talk about his fairy tale beginnings with the Disney Company, to his rise in the organization and various roles in Walt Disney World. He reminisces about working for and with Walt Disney, and shares some memorable stories about his amazing experiences through his 38 year career. Eric Hollister and I also have our 8th winner in the WDW Half Marathon Challenge C

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #38 for the week of October 28, 2007. We're going to have a lot of fun this week with some segments to help celebrate the Halloween season, all backed with some fun Disney sounds effects, audio clips and music. First, well, the news from Walt Disney World may not be spooky, but we'll talk about Disney's efforts to help the victims of the Southern California wildfires, the new look coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, and more. And maybe our trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill isn't all that scary, either, but there are some interesting developments to cover. Things get a little creepier as Tim Foster and I take a fun-filled look at the Top 10 Spookiest Moments in Walt Disney World. And then, just when you thought Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party wouldn't be scary, we look at a character connection to examine a man whose face is legendary - because it isn't there - The Headless Horseman. Jeff and I look at his

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #37 for the week of October 21, 2007. This week's show is going to begin as always with News from around Walt Disney World before we head on over to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where there are a lot of very interesting and major rumors to discuss, including updates on Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain, Imagination, the FASTPASS system, two Future World pavilions, and rumored new attractions based on the Little Mermaid and Cars. We take another trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine, as Jeff and I explore another extinct attraction from the Magic Kingdom. This week, it's all about flying, because we explore the history, trivia, and complete journey aboard If You Had Wings. We'll also look at its replacements, including Delta’s Dreamflight and more. It’s a lot of fun and will likely bring back some old memories. The next Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge contest starts this week, and the questions an