Friday, September 18, 2009

Disney Podcast Updates, Sep 06- Sep 12.86

WOOHOO!!! I think I'm actually starting to get caught up on these! I'll admit that it was a little depressing to publish the updates last week knowing that I was still over a week behind. I plowed through a bunch of them this week, however, and, instead of having a Friday as my usual "end date" (which would have been September 11th), I plowed through and got updates for the 12th as well as most of the shows that released on the 13th. I still have a Be Our Guest show and an Imagineering My Way episode from the 13th to listen to/review, but I wanted to get these out, especially since I'm anticipating an onslaught of D23 shows coming in over the next couple of weeks. I pulled out a page from the Paul Barrie playbook and have this just about to September 13th in the title. He's on vacation, so he wasn't using the playbook anyway. With this update, I'm only about 3 days behind. Granted, that equates to around 20 podcast shows, but I'll take any victory!


I've added a new podcast in here and contemplated having a contest to see who the first person to discover the new podcast would be, but the only thing I had as a prize was an answer key to a Microeconomics exam from 2005. If anyone wants bragging rights and your name in a bigger font in the next update, see if you can find the new podcast in the list below. I'll add the new show to the megalist soon with a description.



There have been a handful of podcasts that have actually made mention of the little contest going on, and the numbers seem to show that they're getting a bump from that. I'm visualizing that, the last week or two before this thing ends, everyone's going to get competitive and start talking smack about each other in efforts to get votes. People are going to log onto every computer in their business to cast votes. There will be demands for recounts, hanging chads, and ultimately, lawyers involved (Lou Mongello and Aaron Wallace will have the distinct advantages there). Okay, maybe not all of that will happen...I will have a contest update early next week. There are still 46 days for listeners to vote, though I'm guessing those who wanted to vote likely already have done so.



If you are interested in listening to any of these episodes, I have links to subscribe for most of these shows in my post HERE. Also, if you're willing, you can help these shows out by posting a review over on iTunes. The more they get, the higher up they appear on searches.


As always, please note that this again is not a comprehensive list of the Disney Podcasts that are out there. Mike Hamilton has created Disneypodcastdirectory.net, which he periodically updates with new podcasts and removes dead casts. He also has the automated RSS (historical) feeds of the podcasts. This is more of a cross-section of what is currently being talked about…perhaps something may sound interesting, and you'll subscribe to listen to that topic.


Any and all comments are welcomed! Also, if you know of another podcast that fits here, let me know.



    • 9/11/09 – Episode 126, They're exhausted with all the All About the Mouseketeer additions over the past several weeks, so Jonathan gives a trip report of his recent experience at Disneyland, including the half-marathon, which gave him the coast-to-coast medal (congrats!) and several meetups. There is a little time to wrap up the show, including a couple of voice mails. They're over 50% of the way to their goal of the Give Kids the World fundraiser. Time: 1:35:34
    • 9/13/09, Video Extra, taken from Disneyland's Blue Bayou, Jonathan meets up with several listeners/friends to talk about the just-completed half-marathon (Happy Birthday, Muriel!). Time: 14:35
    • 9/13/09 – Video Extra, Still at Disneyland, Jonathan presents the new Fireworks spectacular, Magical. Time: 14:something…saw it and forgot it in the 3 seconds it took to delete it and switch windows to type it up.
    • 9/13/09 – Video Extra, Disneyland, Okay…when I first read the description of this, I didn't quite know what to think, but an impromptu game of musical chairs breaking out is exactly what this is! This one actually has some awesome one-liners that will have you rolling ("She didn't say anything"…"Why? Because we have to do a parade!"), some spot-on improv (hats off to the Mad Hatter for this), and a drop-dead gorgeous Alice. This video's a sleeper hit. Download it…you'll like it! Time: 22:47
    • 9/13/09 – Video Extra, Duuuuuuuuddeeeee, it's the last video from Jonathan's Disneyland trip…Turtle Talk with Crush! Time: 15:43
    • 9/06/09 – Episode 157, It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas…everywhere you goooooooo. Listener MaryAnn joins Mike for a discussion on a truly insane yet amazing trip to Disney World at Christmastime. "So what" you might say. Well, she went with 12 other people, with an age range of over 60 years, first-time Disney park folks, a pregnant folk, and a folk in a wheelchair!!! MaryAnn talks about how to keep that many people happy in the busiest place on Earth. And, yes, they did stuff like MVMCP and the Candlelight Processional! Time: 37:54
    • 9/10/09 – Episode 158, Mike, Rikki, Debbie, Pam, and the Disney Dads from the Disney Moms Panel are on the show! Bret Caldwell (DonaldDuckDad) and Doug Ingersoll join the podcast to quiz them on all sorts of items relating to the Disney Moms Panel, which is currently accepting applications for the 2010 panel (I would so put my name in if the training wasn't always during finals week for me!). During/after the quiz Bret and Doug also talk about the application process. A couple of voice mails are played to the panel for the Dads to respond. Time: 54:17
    • 9/07/09 – IYEE # 48, You start at MCO and end up at 6 (yes SIX) Disney parks. Lou provides over 2.5 hours of great in-park audio of several attractions among the parks in WDW and Disneyland, including the openings of most of the parks, Philharmagic, Ellen's Energy Adventure, Playhouse Disney On-Stage, ITTBAB, the REAL Tiki Birds, and a little Broke Hoedown with the Main Street Electrical Parade. Sexy Rexy makes an appearance at the end of the show…for those not familiar with him, you have to listen as words simply don't do him justice. Time: 2:38:26
    • 9/13/09 – BMS # 72, Lou's got a vidcast out, much to the glee of a LOT of folks who were getting a little worried. For the first segment, he talks a bit about the huge recent stories, from the purchase of Marvel to the announcements at D23 (new Fantasyland, Star Tours 2.0, etc). The featured video is the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade from MK (shot from near Exposition Hall). As if right on cue, the summer storm hits about 2/3 of the way through the parade. Some concept art of the new Fantasyland is included at the very end of the show. Time: 28:93
    • 9/06/09 – Show 77, The married folk aren't here for this show (Imagine and Pluto, for those of you not keeping up). Sorcerer, Chris, and Jeff are your hosts for this show, with Jeff starting off with the news. No Monorail and no Dining Experience, but they do talk in-depth with Jeff about his recent WDW birthday trip. Aside from a few snafus (don't listen if you're thinking of planning your first WDW stay on-site). E-mail time and a (gasp) voice mail are next, with a weird (Al) review of a newly-popular song that is gathering a cult following (Judging by all the laughing throughout the song in the background, I think they liked it). They've got lots of new listeners, thanks in part to Chris's interview on Be our Guest. Time: 1:23:44
    • 9/07/09 – Episode 13, Marc's going solo in this short show. He starts off with a monologue on the recent acquisition of Marvel comics and finishes up with the Disney/tech news, including an update on the events at D23, Murphy finally getting over his stage fright at Fantasmic over in Disneyland, Luxo's litigation, a man's dedication to the Disney Cruise Line (he jumped from a Carnival ship and was rescued by DCL), and more. Time: 6:45
    • 9/11/09 – Episode 28, It's Those Darn Disney Dudes as Cat Lisa joins in along with the Dudes' biggest voice mail contributer/stalker (just kidding…it's great to have devoted listeners) Adam. In this show, they provide several scenarios where they put themselves in as CEOs of the Disney corporation and do a little Imagineering Their Way (yeah, yeah, that's already taken, but it was all I could think of as I wrote this up). Topics include the creation/redesign of an attraction (I LOVE Wayne's idea of a Walt Disney attraction that goes well beyond what One Man's Dream does) and creating a new resort on-property (a lot of folks entered Level 5 status with Wayne's suggestion on an attraction-based hotel room). They then take some time to prep Adam for his hopeful first trip to WDW (hint: DING). Adam then makes everyone jealous with is recounting of a visit to Club 33. Time: 1:07:46
    • 9/09/09, Episode 59, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion's debut, Tairy takes a look at the history of the beloved attraction, which dates to long before Disneyland was built. Time: 10:06
    • 9/06/09, Episode 30, Scott and Tracey bring on Matt Cox from the Brunch with the Brits podcast, the Mortis, and Liana to talk/reminisce about their experiences with the Friends of the Magic meet (sounds like a great time was had…anyone have a pic of Liana's hair glowing with all those sticks?). A segment that Scott recorded for another podcast is also included, where they examine the zombie relationship with Disney's Meet the Robinsons (yes, I typed that correctly!). Buzy has a musical interlude, but that's not the only music (don't make noise in the theaters, or the frogs from Meet the Robinsons will get you!). Speaking of theaters, Mortis is back with his update on the new straight-to-his theater show which deals with the Princesses morphing with some Marvel characters (yes, I typed that correctly). The show ends with a final musical piece that words simply can't explain Click here for the song. Time: 1:39:23
    • 9/08/09 – Disney Park Essentials, Volume 1. David is going solo…well, he's got the chat room, but otherwise he's on his own. This is a special podcast that introduces a new audio set, both in CD and downloadable format. Also, this is the first enhanced podcast, and David gives an in-depth explanation on how those work, with artwork, chapters, and more. Lots of in-park audio in this show! Time: 2:07:53
    • 9/11/09 – Episode 47, Greg has a short show today as he is joined my Mr. Mouse Lounge Gary Chambers (temporarily, thanks to tech glitches) and Travelears co-host Ray to give a recap of the first day of the D23 Expo. Time: 11:33
    • 9/06/09 – Episode 231, Marvel's newest superhero, Anonymous Guy, joins Ricky for an in-depth discuss….wha? Ohhhhhhhhhh. Got it! Ricky brings on some anonymous person to talk about…NOW WHAT???!! He's been on before? He's actually a recurring guest? (sigh) Okay…Take 3 After the news, Ricky invites Anonymous Guy, who's a little more in-tune with the Marvel side of the deal to talk a little about the $4 billion deal. Skipper Ben cheers the passing of the 90 day mark for his trip and laments the experience of the online dining reservation system (it hung…and it hung…and it hung). He teases us by giving his eventual reservations for his trip. Ricky then gives the audio of Wishes (video below). Listener Feedback brings up the tail end of the show. Time: 1:16:57
    • 9/06/09 – Video Supplement, Wishes, as seen from the fireworks viewing area of Bay Lake Tower. I'm placing my call to DVC now! Time: 12:59
    • 9/07/09 – With the acquisition of Marvel by the Disney Corporation, Nathan and Jim take on what this means for both entities. And, yes, even Jim was surprised by this announcement. Time: 26:13
    • 9/07/09 – I was listening to this while mowing (I learned my lesson not to have this one cued up when I pick the boys up from school), and the guys had my mind wrapped around volumes of info regarding Space Mountain. Yes, it's an e-mail show, but you know how on-target these guys are. Another great show filled with engineering and architectural gems. Time: 1:41:02
    • 9/13/09 – As I mentioned before, I usually listen to this one while mowing, out of my kids' earshot. Well, I mowed recently, and we haven't had any rain, so I haven't had a chance to listen to this one all the way through it. Mike's sick, so Greg and Shaft take the full duties of hosting the show themselves. It's another e-mail show, which, despite Greg not being here, still means tons of tangents. Time: 2:13:38
    • 9/05/09 – Episode 14, My brothers-in-law absolutely loved the movie played at the Matinee in this episode: Flight of the Navigator. I haven't seen this one, but it has a decent cult following. The Mortis's (and Scott and Tracey and Jessica from Disney, Indiana) give some background on the timeline as well as the plot. The verdict from the kids? Kaity: Thumbs-up!; Athena thousands of thumbs up (she liked the dog); Bridget (Mrs. Mortis): loved recalling forgotten parts; Mortis: still good! After the review, they give some movie "oops" to look for. The last 5-6 minutes gives us a blooper reel of this show. Altogether now…Mortis, Mortis, Mortis, Mortis, Matinee, Matinee, Matinee, Matinee (makes you appreciate the intro all the more) Time: 34:43
    • 9/13/9 – Episode 61, After a talk of the Marvel deal, the best way I could present the remaining segments is to simply give you the lessons learned from the show: Jellyfish have feelings too; Blowfish really must like playing beach ball; Maelstrom may be a Fastpass, but the submarines STILL aren't; and most importantly, Gene Hackman, Sean Connery, Jack Nicholson, and Matthew McConaughey are no longer real actors, but they did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. You'll have to listen to follow THAT one! Time: 53:40
    • 9/12/09 – Episode 216, The first couple of days from the D23 Expo are chronicled in this show by some folks in attendance there (no, not Eric and Cathy…we all remember the near-divorce that occurred over the summer). Before that, however, the discussion revolves around Marshmallows and Margaritas (among other things) in some newly announced meet-ups at the upcoming Mouseguest Experience at WDW. The mailbag is opened, and they take a stab at getting some of the messages whittled down (the Fastpass debate is still going strong…we'll have to agree to disagree). Also included is a detailed voice mail on tips on doing the parks with 7-month old. Celebrations follows the listener feedback, and the last 30 minutes or so is dedicated to some live reactions from D23. Time: 1:29:27
    • 9/11/09 – Episode 62, There was a pileup on Main Street USA, in this show as a trolley accidently runs over something. A Dapper Dan attempts to resuscitate it, but it appears to have all been in vain. Time: 1:46
    • 9/07/09 – Episode 343, Short topics day! After the tip of the week (including a bonus tip), they look at Snow White's Scary Adventure (I'm still trembling) and then turn to review the Boardwalk Villas. The kid is up next with a question on his most memorable character (all fruit should beware of kid-sized fruit bats over Halloween). MousePlanet review is next (Kungaloosh!), and the show finishes without theme park etiquette but does finish with listener feedback. Time: 50:14
    • 9/09/09 – Episode 344, The featured topic is the topic that has been the feature of many a podcast over the past couple of weeks: Disney's purchase of Marvel. Time: 39:46
    • 9/08/09 – Vidcast 32, America's neighbor to the North takes us to its neighbor to the South as we get a ride-through of the Mexico Pavilion's Grand Fiesta Tour. Time: 7:39
    • 9/10/09 – Episode 49, Carlos, Kevin, and Robb blow the dust off of an older segment for this show…Famous Disney Canadians. This segment spotlights architect Frank Gehry. Following this is an interview with Complete Guide author Julie Neal. Time: 37:19
    • 9/08/09, Episode 69, It's mostly just one darn cat this show as the other cat (Jennifer) is over at Disneyland Paris. Lisa interviews Rich O., known around the Twitter Universe. Rich talks about the experiences of sending medication down to the Orlando area as well as what it's like being an organ donor…for his wife (yes, he gave a kidney to his wife, who has subsequently competed in the U.S. Transplant Games). It's a really touching story. After the interview, we get to hear a ride-through of the Phantom Manor attraction over in Paris. The show wraps with a little punk/ska-core Mickey (that's about the best way I could describe it). Time: 39:52
    • 9/08/09 – Episode 7, Katie's Back!!! She relieves Shawn of doing the news and gets right to it at the onset of the show. After that, they welcome special guest, King Louie of the Podcast world…Lou Mongello joins the duo to talk about all the hats that he wears. They start off with a few questions that you would expect and then introduce a "stump Lou" segment where they try to get the trivia master to miss some trivia (and they hit him up with this before he had his caffeine, too…talk about difficult!). Email is up next, followed by some music that just bugs me (rim shot). Before they get to the blooper reel, they announce their next trip down to the world of Mouse and have a little Hanson news (it's tied to Disney at least…they'll be in concert at DTD). And, yes, it's better to read the e-mails out loud as opposed to reading them to yourself on the podcast (nice outtake!). Time: 45:20
    • 9/09/09 – Episode 109, With the Weekend Update, It's Tom Corless (and you're not!). Lots of news in this episode before the introduction of a new segment that was test-run a few weeks prior. In "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly", the crew looks at Mickey's Philharmagic. I think they are cursing the WDWNT forum followers for having this segment lead off with this attraction, for the title of it may as well have been "The Good, The Better, and The Best" (they were having problems coming up with bad items for Philharmagic…it's that good, and I agree!!). Time: 1:05:40
    • 9/06/09 – Episode 135, He's done it again…another mind-blowing interview. This time, Lou brings back Richard Sherman to talk about the newly-released Poppin' Guitars: A Tuneful of Sherman CD, which brings together some of the greatest guitarists of the time to give their own interpretations of famous Sherman Brothers songs, most of which are Disney-related. That's some really soothing music there…great, great interview! Mr. CMO Justin Muchoney then stops by to talk with Lou about each others' ultimate dreams. Listener feedback ends the show. Time: 1:22:21
    • 9/13/09 – Episode 136, It's another Disney Scene Investigation…for you Lodgers who read this, I get a LOT of my trivia questions from these segments! Lou is joined by Craig Wheeler to do a really in-depth look at one of the more loved attractions: The Carousel of Progress. Listener feedback is at the end. Time: 1:10:21
    • 9/07/09 – Episode 614, Len and Scopa (tough quote this week!) join Matt for a topic that will likely generate some good discussion among the listeners (and it has…19 comments already on their web site). The topic? Tips on Tipping at WDW (several different places…not just restaurants). Somebody please tell me that Matt had the webcam on when he did his cat impersonation and got a video capture of that…I was absolutely rolling at that visual!!! Time: 25:03
    • 9/09/09 – Episode 615, the nines are wild in this show. It's Wednesday, which, as the regulars know, is listener question day. Mush's note: yes, I know that that lake in Massachusetts is also called Lake Webster, but that's just not as fun as getting Matt to attempt to pronounce Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg. Go Baby Go! Time: 28:38
    • 9/11/09 – Episode 616, I think the tequila was flowing freely before this show as they were even more wound up than usual. Len and Newell field questions from Matt and Scopa on the Segway tours that you can take at Epcot and Ft. Wilderness. This is definitely on my to-do list! Time: 19:35
    • 9/11/09 – Episode 24, With Nate's Disneyland experience, he serves a Len Testa role for Matt to help Nate tackle doing Disnelyand in one day. Also included at the beginning is the news segment. This a good primer for those WDW touring folks thinking of going to Disneyland for the first time. Time: 42:50
    • 9/06/09 – Episode 204, For those who were left hanging from Episode 203, NEVER FEAR! This is part 2 of the Audio Adventure. Some bonus audio is included (around 20 minutes!). Time: 1:04:53
    • 9/13/09 – Episode 205, Wait…where's Paul? Mouseketeer Greg is filling in for the usual host as he is at the D23 Expo. He transforms the place to a tropical hideaway and attempts a corporate coup (did he actually shoot a tiki bird?). He then gives the first part of an audio experience from the Friends of the Magic meet. Several ride thrus and street performers are included. Time: 58:07
    • 9/07/09 – Episode 43, Aaron takes his critical analysis skills to the recent purchase of Marvel by Disney and looks at it from several different vantage points. Another very well thought-out show, though he gets the earworm award for all the renditions of Spiderman. Time: 47:22

Friday, September 11, 2009

Disney Podcast Updates, August 22nd – September 5th

AHA! I think I found my main problem in getting these out. I get them listened to in the car or walking around or mowing or…but then I'm not near the computer to write it down. The result? I have to scan over the show again so I can have my memory refreshed. I end up missing much of what I wanted to bring out and write about. I think I've got a solution for this, however. If I collect $5 from every podcaster, I'll have enough to purchase one of the new iPod Nanos! You see, I'll quadruple the storage space, so I can quit doing the manual shuffling of shows! I'll also have the embedded mic to record notes as I'm listening!! I (hopefully) will be able to work better with MP4s and enhanced podcasts!!! It's the PERFECT IDEA….WHO'S WITH ME????!!!!!!


Insert sound of chirping crickets



Oh well…I tried.



This set of updates will run the entire range of emotions: excitement, apprehension, joy, etc…I'll admit that I had tears welling while listening to a couple of them, and I found myself shouting at the MP3 in disagreement on more than one occasion. In many of these shows, you'll hear of some amazing philanthropy across different charitable organizations.


Several new shows are included in this one, once again proving that a rational person can be irrational at times (I'm an economist...I should know my marginal limits). Welcome to the update Beyond Main Street, DIS Cast, Disney Brit, and WaltCast!


If you are interested in listening to any of these episodes, I have links to subscribe for most of these shows in my post HERE. Also, if you're willing, you can help these shows out by posting a review over on iTunes. The more they get, the higher up they appear on searches.


As always, please note that this again is not a comprehensive list of the Disney Podcasts that are out there. Mike Hamilton has created Disneypodcastdirectory.net, which he periodically updates with new podcasts and removes dead casts. He also has the automated RSS (historical) feeds of the podcasts. This is more of a cross-section of what is currently being talked about…perhaps something may sound interesting, and you'll subscribe to listen to that topic.


Any and all comments are welcomed! Also, if you know of another podcast that fits here, let me know.




    • 8/31/09 – Episode 61, We start out on a plane, and all is going well…until………..Keegan gets the passenger from Hell sitting next to him on the Dysfunctional Superfamily's recent trip down to Orlando. To top it off, storms keep most of the planes grounded at MCO and at the gates…including the gate that they were supposed to arrive at, which delays them for their first experience with Disney's Magical Express. The audio on DME with the little sister is awesome! Note to LFFG: we should probably ensure that neither of my sons meet Mattie…we will never get a word in edge-wise as they are cut from the same pattern. Mattie helps out a family decide what attractions to ride on the bus ride to the Treehouse Villas and provides some seriously funny one-liners that only a child that age could get away with ("You really ARE a geek"). The next morning, it's an unofficial podmeet as Keegan meets up with Will and Shannon, Matt the Esquire, and Lou Mongello (by chance) within the span of 5 minutes. After meeting Lou (who joins the group), Keegan grabs Matt at the 50s PTC, and the entire crew starts to make its way down Sunset Blvd for TOT FPs (Only Disney Geeks will get this). Before they make it, however, they run into Streetmosphere (no, really…they accidentally walked into the set) and ended up becoming a major role (Mattie again gets the crowd howling with her comments). The show ends with a little on-ride audio from RNR. Be sure to keep your bananas holstered and remember to Rock On! Time: 1:22:47
    • 8/28/09 – Episode 124, Bryan and Jonathan are both here, and that's a good thing because there are approximately 1.2 billion new AllAboutTheMouseketeers requesting a number. They're getting really close to that magic 1,000. I keep listening and hoping that someone says they found AATM from this site, but, who am I kidding…my 15 non-family followers already know about it! After the roll call, they provide an update on the fundraising opportunity for Give Kids the World . The AATM listeners came through in a way that can only be described at amazing. They were looking for $200 to get Bryan to do the pixie dust hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop, and they blew through that total in less than 24 hours. Their new goal is to get to $2,000, and they're already about 1/3 of the way there as of the recording (5 days after the release of the last show). After that, they turn to MNSSHP and bring on Mike Scopa to discuss the party that will start occurring really soon and go on through September and October at MK. Before the out-takes, they give a run-down of the various meet-ups that they have planned on both sides of the coast (Bryan at WDW and Jonathan in Anaheim). Time: 1:50:50
    • 9/04/09 – Episode 125, 2 hours and 20 minutes…my siestas are getting shorter and shorter because all of these podcasts are getting longer and longer! This has got not one, not even two, but THREE large-scale interviews, with all of them having some amazing content. After the Marvelous news and the monumental roll call (they got to 1,000 this week!!!!), they have the first interview with Ted Thomas, son of Disney Legend Frank Thomas. Ted comes on to talk about the release of his upcoming film, Walt and El Grupo, which chronicles Walt's entourage that went down to South America during the Saludos Amigos/Three Cabelleros timeframe. Mush's note: if you haven't heard the Mouse Lounge podcast from August 9th, listen to this AATM show and then dive into more interviews about Saludos over on that show…the complement each other really well! After the Thomas interview, they play a recording of Margaret Kerry's keynote from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet…don't miss this one as you get to witness her humor as well as hear her read some from an unabridged version of Barrie's Peter Pan. Paul Barrie and TJ make up the last segment with a discussion on the new DVD on Disneyland in the 1950's that TJ has produced. During the discussion, Paul announces that for every "rack rate" purchase of the DVD, he will donate $4 to Give Kids the World. Time: 2:20:21
    • 9/02/09 – Episode 20, Greg has a new toy…a Canon 5D Mark II that shoots in 1080 HD. This show is a test of the camera in one of Disneyland's beloved dark rides, Peter Pan. Time: 3:29
    • 8/23/09 – Episode 153, I'm going to have to get my wife to listen to this one…Pam joins Mike and Rikki to talk about the Disney Cruise Line. It's a decent primer for those thinking of possibly taking their first cruise (cough, cough, wifey). Time: 35:02
    • 8/27/09 – Episode 154, It's Friday, and Mike is joined by Rikki, Debbie, and Pam to talk about Character Dining. Yep…I was shouting at one of their reviews (they absolutely loved the Garden Grill, and we had a (to put it mildly) less-than-desirable experience there). Still, they had me laughing about the relationship between the Garden Grill and Mission Space. Hey, shouting at the iPod is a necessary and good thing to do on occasion! That's one reason why I like listening to these…hearing the differing views across the spectrum. FYI: best way to get in the Magic Kingdom is to try for an 8:05 ressie at the Crystal Palace…we do that every time. Time: 42:34
    • 8/30/09 – Episode 155, BOG heads to MM with ML (HUH?). Be Our Guest listener Marc Lorenzo joins the crew to talk about the recent MagicMeets in Pennsylvania. Marc gives a recap of the event…he also gets us jealous by mentioning that he walked away with one of the larger door prizes (4 night stay at an All-Star Vacation Resort). Time: 37:18
    • 9/03/09 – Episode 156, Put on your glasses…it's time to look at the 3D attractions in the WDW parks! They're 100% back in my favor with this show as I was shouting in agreement (and psychologically scarring my children) at the iPod! Time: 35:24
    • 8/21/09 – IYEE # 47, This is the first posting on here for Beyond Main Street, which is the one of the first podcasts (and the first video podcast in its original format) I subscribed to. This one was actually released during the timeframe of the last update. Lou announces that he's up for a podcast award at WDWDailyNews for best short podcast. There are only a few days left to vote over there! The main portion of the show has audio coming from one of the more overlooked attractions in the parks – the Art School at DHS, where Lou learns to draw Jiminy Cricket. Time: 31:57
    • 8/27/09 – Episode 76, Sorcerer, Jeff, Imagine, and Pluto are here for this show, giving Chris a break (he's on vacation). After Jeff's news, Stitch's Great Mistake Escape is reviewed on the Monorail…Pluto is still mad that they took out the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. LOTS of e-mail in this show too! Time: 1:17:30
    • 8/23/09 – Episode # 11, in this first update from DISCast over here, Former CM and DISCast regular Kyle Duffield provides a short report from his most recent trip to WDW in the Castmember Corner. Marc Silverman then gives a look into some of the technology behind the Tower of Terror. Mush's note: I've been following DISCast from its inception and have been impressed with the rapid increases in the quality of the recording as well as the improvements in Marc's work on the podcast. Time: 11:10
    • 8/30/09 – Episode #12, Kyle's here for another Castmember Corner and talks a little about DVC's Bay Lake Tower at WDW. After that, Marc does a review of the Mac's new operating system, Snow Leopard before wrapping up with the latest Disney and Tech news. Time: 15:08
    • 8/28/09 – Episode 26, Tony Caggiano (hopefully you recognize that name by now if you follow my blog) joins the Dudes for a recap of MagicMeets. Considering what he did there, this is a very interesting perspective of what went on. Time: 1:11:53
    • 9/02/09 – Episode 27, Disney Dudes: Behind the Scenes, a True Hollywood Story! Trace plays some of the outtakes from past shows, with some of them being pretty flippin' funny!! Almost halfway through is some amazing audio of WDW outtakes…awesome! After that comes some Dang Tasty voice mail and some Lisa Love. Email finishes off the show. Time: 1:39:10
    • 8/31/09 – Episode 75, Being the 75th show, they want the focus to be on their loyal listeners. Tom and John have a packed show, subtitled "Celebrate You". Included in this episode is the news, pin trading events (both Disney and fan-based), and a ton of new pin releases (8 pins from D23 alone). A special segment is included too, John interviews listener MacKenzie Rayman (IPLS #3), who has an interesting theme in the discussion. A special induction into the Disney Pincast Hall of Fame occurs (the first listener induction). IPLS # 56 is showcased, and that person is MaryAnn Correia. The show ends with a HUGE Random Selection contest (9 winners will be announced). Time: 2:31:30
    • 9/05/09, Episode 76, I'm still amazed at these guys' ability to continually bring out quality shows about pins every week. I'll admit that I'm not a pin collector, so I usually set this one aside until later to listen to. The result is that I often don't get to this show until it's too late to provide my typical review. If you've noticed this, please be assured that it's not a reflection of the quality of the shows…I simply don't get these listened to like I do the others at times. This is another case where I didn't get to really listening to the show. This show follows a similar format as the others with news, releases, and event information. IPLS # 57 is Brian Martsolf. Time: 2:11:38
    • 8/23/09 – Episode 57, This show proves that Tairy is a perfectionist. Over on the Mouse Comedy podcast, she misspoke about Captain EO. To right this apparent wrong (I wonder if anyone caught it), she does a tidbit show on the Coppola/Lucas/Jackson/Disney concoction. Time: 9:59
    • 9/04/09 – Episode 58, Tairy's still feeling guilty about messing up on Mouse Comedy, so she completes the inaccurate information that nobody realized with a tidbit on The Black Hole Star Tours. At the end is a discount code for Paul Barrie's Disneyland in the 50's DVD. Time: 9:19
    • 8/23/09, Episode 29, Ricky Brigante will probably download this one and listen to it every night before he goes to sleep. Scott and Tracey give a tremendous show dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Some of the audio they have here is absolutely classic! You have no idea how many times I was singing the bass part in Grim Grinning Ghosts while driving last week (I think they have nearly every version of that song in here). They give a good background of the attraction as well as similarities/differences among the various mansions in the different Disney parks. They also give a narrative of a recent ride-through from one of their meets in Anaheim. Whiplash occurs as they switch to the next installment of the Holiday Storytellers, with Morocco being showcased here. They switch holidays…sort of…and talk about the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. Mortis scares everyone with his cinema supplement (LOVED it!). The show ends with listener feedback, including new residents moving into Disney, Indiana. Time: 1:19:22
    • 9/01/09 – Vidcast 3, This is the first posting for this show…I've heard the host, Adam Goodger, on several other podcasts recently and started subscribing. One of the things I like about this show is that it does contests…here's an example of one. This vidcast is a contest of 10 photos that you are supposed to identify. All the information on how to submit your answers is in the video. Submissions must be received by Monday the 14th. Time: 3:21
    • 9/01/09 – Episode 23, Hosts Adam, Juz Griffiths, and Craig Duncan start off with a lot of news and some rumors before starting off with a brand new segment (appropriate, since this is the first round of updates for the podcast on here). Starting about fifty minutes in, Adam introduces an audio diary of his most recent trip to WDW. He does Day 1 of his trip now and does Day 2 later on in the show. In between the audio diaries is audio from the first-ever DisneyBrit Meet, including the traditional trivia quiz (I was 6/8 for 2,100 points) and audio from the Monster's Inc Laugh Floor. Time:
    • 8/22/09, Audio extra, Episode 10 of the Spin the Wheel of EAC! This is a little snippet of the newly introduced Extinct Attractions Radio Station. Time: 12:30
    • 8/26/09, There's no Deb, but there is David and Liana in the Tuesday night chat. They're discussing news and rumors in Anaheim as well as talking about changes to the radio station. They love the silly chat room! Time: 1:25:04
    • 9/02/09, This may be the longest intro ever on a Disney podcat LMAO! King David leads the show, and Brian nearly fires his agent for getting this gig. The space-time continuum has blown up mainly because A) they record the show early (much to the joy of the east-coasters); and B)Heidi reports live direct from 1989 (okay, it's Dave's former girlfriend from 1989). There's news and there's impossible trivia, and there's some talk of the new audio CD set created (Adventureland essentials). I love Standing in Motion, and part of it is included in here. The free download of the week is a little-heard Offenbach (I have no idea how that's spelled) piece from the Tiki Birds. Time: 1:01:53
    • 9/05/09 – Audio extra…testing an enhanced version of the feed. You can't say I'm not fully comprehensive in this list! Time: 0:47
    • 8/22/09 – Episode 46, Greg starts off with his report card segment, where he talks about the proposed Asian hotel on Seven Seas Lagoon at MK. Instead of a bulldozer, he pulls out a set of torpedos to take out Ned's Junior Jungle Boats at MK. Next comes the DIY Imagineering…I was looking forward to hearing Greg's take on the proposed Fantasyland Expansion rumor. The main segment is the WEDWay segment, where Greg talks with the current President of the Monorail Society, Kim Pedersen. I learned a TON listening to this one. Time: 58:36
    • 8/23/09 – Episode 229, Before Skipper Ben makes us all envious of what he did as a CM at MGM (he rode the Aerosmith RNR tons of times while they were tweaking it), Ricky gives us the news around the World (quite a bit of D23 Expo material) the weekly tip, and some listener reviews of Cat Cora's new restaurant in Disney, Kouzzina. Also in this show is a look at a new iPhone app on Toy Story Midway Mania. Some listener feedback follows. Time: 1:00:10
    • 8/30/09 – Episode 230, Being out of town for most of the weekend when this was released, I missed Ricky's Facebook request for what background music should be played. I screamed at the iPod when I heard this but was pleasantly surprised to hear the Soarin music during the news segment. After the news, Ricky plays some really soothing music from Tom Ameen. When I first heard that it was going to be a rendition of "It's a Small World", I screamed at the iPod. When I heard it however, I really liked it…nice and relaxing. After that comes a little more Disney music, which came from the recent NFFC…it's a track of an acoustic guitar playing some Sherman Brother's music. Cruising the World is next, with Skipper Ben, who gives a recording from the Animator's Palette over on the Disney Cruise Line ships. An interesting listener request (inverted may be the best word for it) follows, and then comes the listener feedback/questions. I'll admit that I disagreed with one of the answers provided, but I didn't scream at the iPod. Three near-misses in this show. Time: 1:04:47
    • 8/31/09, Special Report: Mikey's at Universal's IOA for an update on the construction of Harry Potter's Wizarding World. He brings together the progress over the past three months with a combo of stills and video. Time: 2:12
    • 9/04/09, a pseudo trip report with the family, including Mom's first experience with the Jungle Cruise and bonus Splash Mountain (Lauren's thrilled). A little Hidden Mickey Hide and Seek in the Emporium follows. Time: 7:07
    • 9/02/09 – Episode 69 (or 68.5). For those who listened to the previous show, you probably noticed that the recording ended rather abruptly on the plane as a result of peanut meltdown and maternal sleepiness. They're back at home and can now sit down to recap the trip in a little more organized way. They also include a review of the new Treehouse Villas (they likes it!). They also talk a little about meeting up with other podcasters (see Episode 61 of Teenage Disney Geek). About 1:25:00 in, however, it sounds like a dying cat (Shannon's words…not mine). An informative review of the Grand Gathering Safari Experience is included near the end. It's a DAPfest (Curse you for making me look that up…never heard that saying before!). Time: 2:11:23
    • 8/30/09 – Nathan and Jim hit on a popular topic in this update…Walt and El Grupo. It's a decent different perspective from the AATM episode and recent Mouse Lounge show. Jim got a sneak peek at the documentary and gives his views of it. They then get into a discussion of the ebb and flow of Disney movies over several years. Time: 39:20
    • 8/23/09 – Mike's gone, so Greg and Shaft are left at the controls (uh oh). Without a script, they go into details on lots of things I never heard of prior to this. I can't comment too much on this (don't know much about Al Lutz, who is mentioned in several instances), but I'll definitely say that it's another really thought-provoking show. Time: 1:56:42
    • 8/30/09 – So looonggg…farewell…auf weidersehen, goodnight! Long-time DPN member Burnt Toast (I recognize that name from all my lurking over there) is changing coasts and changing Disney parks. The west coast crew (Micecast) bid Toast adieu with a tribute show, recorded live from Disneyland. The waterworks are in full swing from the guest of honor as voice mails of congratulatory remarks are played for him from fellow DPNers. Of course, all the east coasters are loving this move as they can now hang out with him. Time: 46:21
    • 9/05/09 – Episode 14, My brothers-in-law absolutely loved the movie played at the Matinee in this episode: Flight of the Navigator. I haven't seen this one, but it has a decent cult following. The Mortis's (and Scott and Tracey and Jessica from Disney, Indiana) give some background on the timeline as well as the plot. The verdict from the kids? Kaity: Thumbs-up!; Athena thousands of thumbs up (she liked the dog); Bridget (Mrs. Mortis): loved recalling forgotten parts; Mortis: still good! After the review, they give some movie "oops" to look for. The last 5-6 minutes gives us a blooper reel of this show. Altogether now…Mortis, Mortis, Mortis, Mortis, Matinee, Matinee, Matinee, Matinee (makes you appreciate the intro all the more) Time: 34:43
    • 8/31/09 – Show 60, Oh boy…this one's really………interesting. Tairy is recording this, and Jonathon is "editing", which means that this is basically the full raw feed. In response to the recent Pet Peeves episode, Tairy brings on a secret guest to rebut (but was there an initial "but" to be rebutted?) the list that Jonathon revealed. The surprise guest? None other than Paul Barrie, who, I think, may have just set the record for being on the most podcasts in one update. Absolute hilarity ensues with Paul's great comebacks! Time: 1:05:41
    • 8/26/09 – Episode 13, We're in Disneyland again during WestFest for this one, with a Dropping (stretching?) in the Haunted Mansion. We find that not all foreign-language voice-overs are as boring as it is at BTMRR. Throughout the ridethrough, Keegan (riding with Matt) discuss differences between the Disneyland and the WDW mansions. Time: 18:41
    • 8/23/09 – Episode 213, Eric and Cathy are down at WDW but have some pre-recorded segments for the show. The main segment is an interview with Julie Neal, author of The Complete Walt Disney World Guide. A contest is announced to win a signed copy of the book (submit best tip/worst mistake at WDW). Then comes the unknown audio (huh?). Eric sets up the final segment, which he hopes is audio from the parks. Luckily, it was…it was their son, Casey, on his first attraction, POTC. Mush's note: LOVED reading your Twitter/Facebook updates. Time: Unknown (I hit delete about 4 seconds too early).
    • 8/29/09 – Episode 214, Scopa beware…Eric and Cathy (sans Dan) give a trip report of their 10-year anniversary trip as well as their first trip with their 7-month old son. Lots of reviews are in here. Time: 54:17
    • 9/05/09 – Episode 215, THIS PODCAST IS TOTALLY WICKED!!!! Thanks, Dan…your intro bit got played no less than 46 times when my sons heard it. After a little Marvelous news (okay, I'm overusing that one), they feel like they've fallen woefully behind on celebrations, so they get caught up with lots of 'em. They wrap the show with a listing of the tip/mistake entries and select two winners to receive autographed copies of Julie Neal's Complete Guide book. I found myself screaming at the iPod at one of the tips, but the hosts tempered my temper somewhat with their responses. Time: 59:22
    • 8/24/09 – Episode 339, Everyone look out…the Kid's going to have a camera on his next trip! In this short subject show, the tip of the week starts off, followed by a review of one of my favorite attractions…Peter Pan's Flight! Continuing the love of Mushrush, they hit one of my favorite restaurants for the review: the Kona Café. I can guarantee the breakfast order for my wife and I: pressed pot of Kona coffee, Tonga Toast for me and the Pineapple Macademia Nut Pancakes for my wife (and I get about 1/3 of it…yes, I'm hurting by this time). We have had hit-or-miss success on the service there, too. Ask the Kid is next…you can probably figure out what the subject of his question is. Andrew does the week in review, and the show ends with quite a bit of listener feedback, mostly revolving around the etiquette episode. Time: 40:02
    • 8/26/09 – Episode 340, Mike brings on his fiancée, Kayla, to discuss some ways of adding Disney Touches to a wedding (which, obviously, they are doing). If you are planning a wedding and are thinking of doing something of a Disney theme, this is a really good show to listen to as several good suggestions are made (for example, a website and specific search criteria for Disney-related invitations). Time: 32:02
    • 8/31/09- Episode 341, It's another show of shorts. They head over to Adventureland to look at the Swiss Family Treehouse before heading over to France to dine with Remy in Chefs de France. On Ask the Kid, the topic is computer games. Listener feedback is also included. Time: 38:30
    • 9/2/09 – Episode 342, Steven Ng gives provides the show with yet another good interview, this one with Mark Silverman, best known for his voiceover of Rod Serling in the Tower of Terror Pre-show. Time: 24:10
    • 9/02/09 – Episode 49 (or 48), After the mousekeeping, Carlos has Alexandra, and Chantal for a chat (no fire yet) to discuss the recent MagicMeets. They talk about the events of the night before as well as many of the breakout sessions that they attended. The fire is started, and a some listener feedback is read. Kim, Chantal, Alexandra, and Kevin join in for the hat pull…the Top 5 Things they tell their friends they HAVE to do on their first trip to WDW. Time: 53:27
    • 9/03/09 – Episode 30, The "Hummus Incident" is coming back to haunt Gordon as concerned listeners call in and wonder if the food processor survived the unfortunate sequence of events. Before that, we get the news, including the notice that the TOT 13K and the 10K Race For the Taste will cease to be run after this year. After that, Gordon recruits his son to introduce the guest on this show (those the bribes to get him to say he loves Dad more than Mom fail miserably). Who is this guest? Well, it's none other than WEDWay Radio's very own Nate Parrish in the premiere of a new series: Disney podcasters who also run. Look for others like Len Testa and Lou Mongello to hopefully appear in future episodes. Nate talks about the running aspect as well as how technology has changed the way people communicate about podcasts. With both of them in the education field, they talk about ed podcasting. Being that I'm also in the education field, I really liked this portion. I'll forgive the "Freak of Nature" comment, guys (and, no, I don't sleep!). The blogs of the week are twitterers trying to raise money for some good causes: Barbie Runs and Run Courtney Run are the names. He then mentions a poll being conducted by some Freak of Nature (it's helped…he's ahead of Mongello and in second position as this is being typed). After the requests for an update on the food processor, he gives a little humorous audio of what all parents have the joy of experiencing. Time: 1:04:04
    • 8/25/09 – Episode 67, The Cats are all anime'ed up in this show. They talk a little about the craze that is the Anime as Jennifer attended the 2009 ConnectiCon. I don't know a whole lot about this, so I was educated. Included is a short interview at the conference with a member of the 501st Connecticut Garrison member PB8673. For those who have been to Star Wars Weekends at DHS, the 501st often makes an appearance there. Time: 35:42
    • 9/01/09 – Episode 68, Teh cats strat off teh shwo wtih a dsicussoin abuot teh D32 specail pacth wtih teh wrod "monorail" misseplled . Yes, folks, Disney can't spell worth a damn, either. After this rant, Trace gives them a little audio of their own (he's such a good dingadangdanghisdingalonglinglong boyfriend (ya gotta listen to get that one)). A new segment on fashion design is introduced, with an attempt to Disneyfy Project Runway (I watch it for Heidi). If you're good at sketcthing, give this one a listen to and see if you can help out. You'll get a complete 20 minuite workout with the ending snog. Time: 36:22
    • 8/26/09 – Episode 49, Video Podcast…yep! It's their first video podcast! This is a preview of what's to come with the show. Included is a montage/slide show of recent trips (there's an awesome pic of Will, PrincessPeanut, and Snow White around 3:40 in). Following the pics is a video direct from Chefs de France, though I smell a rat de kitchen. Time: 9:16
    • 9/05/09 – Episode 50, Video…they've made it to 50 shows! To celebrate, the Travelears go back to where their show started and give some shots from WestFest '09, which included several meets sponsored by hosts of the show. Time: 19:36
    • 8/25/09 – Episode 5, Katie's computer is absolutely giving her fits. Couple that with the move to college and personal issues, and she was unable to help out with the news today. Never fear…Shawn employs the talent of Matt Hochberg to fill in for the news. Matt has a mandate from Katie to keep Shawn from going off on all sorts of tangents (and fails miserably). They actually make mention of the poll over here, to which Hochberg makes some good cracks at Mongello. (Mush's note: WaltCast is making its way up the list!) . In a pre-recorded session, Katie joins Shawn for an update on upcoming performances at the House of Blues at DTD. Time: 33:10
    • 9/01/09 – Episode 6, Katie's out one more show, so Shawn's singing the flying solo blues. After the news, he gets into a short segment on planning for a WDW trip with large families, a couple, and for those flying solo (I'm making it a theme). Time: 23:46
    • 8/24/09 – Episode 107, The Weekend updates starts off the show, with quite a bit of commentary throughout as they discuss the questions. After that, the WDWNT crew gives us another installment of The Golden Age, where they debate the best time frame of The Universe of Energy/Ellen's Energy Adventure. Time: 53:29
    • 8/31/09, Episode 108, Okay, I'm about to take the Longest Podcast award from Lou and give it over to these guys. Clocking in at over THREE HOURS again, there is only one segment. This means only one thing: Back to the Future. I haven't had the opportunity to listen to this one yet (I can't fit anything else on my @$%%@ iPod if this one's loaded in!), but it's in the queue once I get caught up a little. I remember this segment at episode 100 with the Imagination Pavilion and learned a TON from it. This one's focus is exactly what I was hoping they'd do as I never had the opportunity to do this attraction: Horizons. I'm willing to bet that any Epcot fan will absolutely love this one. Time: 3:07:53
    • 8/23/09 – Episode 133, Have a tissue for this one. The show begins with news and rumors and then gets into what I consider to be one of the best roundtables I've heard on a podcast. Lou is joined by Beci Mahnken, Lori Burke of the We Wants the Redhead blog, and Tony Caggiano of the WED Page Blog to talk about the concept of "Making Disney magic outside the parks." This one really got to me for a couple of reasons. First, as they talked about all these community forums, I couldn't help but think about some of the great friends I've met on Lodgeboards, one of those online communities that has a significant Disney influence. While the Lodge is nowhere as popular as it once was (partially due to Facebook's popularity), I have been fortunate to make a number of very good friends from that place. I'm working on a "why I love Disney" blog entry, and, in that eventual post, you'll read that, to the non-Disney lover, it would seem absolutely insane to spend several hundred dollars for 2 days in Florida to meet up with about 70 people (most of whom you have never met in-person). To the Disney fan, however (which includes most of those who are probably reading this), it makes perfect sense. The sense of community and the shared enjoyment of each other in the parks is hard to put into words, and our family always looks for opportunities to meet up with the "imaginary online friends." Yeah, I get exactly what this panel is saying. Wait…I said that there were two reasons that this one got to me, didn't I? Well, they key in on a recent mega-Disney meet, MagicMeets. There are a couple of stories here that will get to you. If not, check your pulse. I did a separate blog post about one of these stories. Time: 1:36:33
    • 8/27/09 – Video Extra, Eating Around the World. Lou talks about what he knows, and that's FOOD! The Japan pavilion is the topic of this short show, with Lou sampling some of the odder snacks that can be purchased in the Mitsukoshi store. Time: 6:55
    • 8/31/09 – Episode 134, With the upcoming D23 Expo, Lou brings on none other than the head of the Expo, Steven Clark, for a little preview of what to expect. Beci's back for another round of listener questions. Also, the winners from the most recent trivia contest is announced. Time: 1:19:59
    • 8/24/09 – Episode 608, The Disney Blog author John Frost joins the show to reflect on the year that was 2009. HUH? Okay, he discusses the top news-stories of WDW so far this year, ranging from the impact of the recession on Disney World to the issue of what the heck is going on in Downtown Disney. Also discussed is the musical chairs game that many of the Vice-Presidents appear to be playing as well as the projected success of the American Idol Experience and what's going on, or more appropriately, what's not potentially going on in terms of projects coming out of WED and construction at WDW. Time: 18:07
    • 8/26/09 – Episode 609, Listener questions are fielded by Matt, Len, and Scopa. One of the answers to the questions (the responses to the "what would you do to reduce wait times to a max of 20 minutes in the queues" question in particular) had me doing a rarity for this show…shouting at the MP3 player. Never fear, the slip-up on a 13-year old alcoholic nearly made me pull the car over from laughing so hard. Time: 32:56
    • 8/28/09 – Episode 610, Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt, and the fabulous Matt are here to discuss the secrets of how to score big in Toy Story Midway Mania. Time: 16:12
    • 8/31/09 – Episode 611, Everyone bailed out on Matt again, so he has an open call for new co-hosts. After posting a request on Facebook, so many listeners applied that they crashed Skype. Matt fields opinions from several listeners on several topics, including the Dining Plan, EMH, and to Fastpass or Not to Fastpass. Time: 19:07
    • 9/02/09 – Episode 612, More listener questions. Fearing for his job, Len makes it back to the show, joined by master statistician and fellow math geek Fred Hazelton (Fred, I'm still trying to get more data for you!). The last question has Len portraying Carnac the Magnificent by answering the questions before it's read, though I want to know what a .3 kid looks like. The last report from Newell was that he was trying not to be the slowest runner in a race with a bear and the rest of the Disney Adventure tourists for dinner (the bear's dinner). This show even wagering! I want to see a pic of Len in the Wookie outfit. Time: 28:22
    • 9/02/09 – Live show posting from the July broadcast on MouseWorldRadio. Time: 1:56:54
    • 9/04/09 – Episode 613, Newell didn't lose the bear dinner race in Jackson Hole and is back for the show! Scopa is also back for this one (Booooooooo). In this show, they group together several questions about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and make a show of it. Time: 23:03
    • 9/02/09 – Episode 23, Two special guests join Matt and Nate in this show after some news from Around the World. With the selection process of the new Disney World Moms Panel coming up (September 10th), Margaret Fries comes on with Clan Parrish to discuss the selection process and what it's like being on the Panel. After this interview, they talk with hidden treasure Greg McNaughten…wait…they bring on podcast king Greg McNaughten to talk about one of the more overlooked attractions in Disneyland – the Main Street vehicles. They also pick Greg's brain a little on the Disney parks in general near the end of the interview. You can expect to hear from WEDWay Radio a little more often now as they are changing to a twice-monthly release schedule! Time: 58:42
    • 8/30/09 – Episode 203, It's another live in-park adventure in Anaheim. Friend Brian Kolm joins Paul for an unplanned stroll around the parks (I love these episodes). About half-way through, Paul talks with WTTM videographer T.J. about his latest creation which takes you on a tour of Disneyland as it would have looked about 50 years ago. Time: 1:01:48
    • 8/31/09 – Video Extra, In the previous entry, Paul talks with T.J. about his new DVD…here's a short promo on that very one! He brings together footage from over 50 families to compile what Disneyland's major attractions would have looked like. Time: 1:05


Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Feeling the Love...

Okay, some of you probably realize that my career is actually NOT doing podcast updates. As I've posted before, I teach economics at Illinois State University and Heartland Community College. Don't believe me? Check out my ratings at ratemyprofessors.com. I've got some good reviews in there...I should - I wrote most of those reviews myself.



One of the things I always joke about in class is the fact that economists always seem to have jokes lobbed at them for being wrong.


This weekend must have marked open season for economists, because the slams were coming in at full speed.


Case in point:


I'm walking back to my office after finishing an exam for my Principles course and notice a new addition near the door to the Economics Department office. This strip was recently featured in Greg Mankiw's blog with the simple yet hilarious title: "The secret is out"...



Prickly City

Link courtesy of comics.com


As I'm reading it, my department chair notices me and awaits my reaction, which was an immediate request to get a copy of it!


But no, it doesn't end there! Cartoonist and Disney enthusiast Chris Eliopoulos nearly had me dying laughing when I clicked on his Misery Loves Sherman strip in my Google Reader on Tuesday:





Link and permissions Courtesy of Chris Eliopoulos





Just when I think I'm ready to post this entry to the blog, Chris comes through yet again and gives me the overhead image for an upcoming Money and Banking class, when I get into the financial crisis:








Oh all right...I'm willing to bet that I've just about lost all my Disney readers by now (at least now you know what my family endures with the podcast updates). Never fear!!! I can link this up to Disney. If you're not familiar with Chris's work, he is the one responsible for the caricatures of the WDW Today crew on their homepage. Also, Chris did an entire series of strips devoted to the family taking a trip to Disney World. Here's the first strip of the series:




Click on the strip to be taken to the archive of this and then click on "Next" for the subsequent strips. Note: Be sure to check out who all is in the background of the April 27th entry...you might be able to recognize 5 of them from somewhere in the podcasting world.


Thanks, guys, for the laughs!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

True Magic at MagicMeets

I was working on getting the podcast updates actually updated when I came to the one that I knew I was going to have trouble writing – Lou Mongello's August 23rd release of the WDW Radio Show (Episode #133). The material that was covered in this episode rang true to me and, if you have already listened to it, likely also rings true with you, the reader. I won't go into the entire show (see the forthcoming podcast updates, to be released sometime before 2011), but I feel that something needs to be set aside for its own post. You see, quite a bit of this show was dedicated to finding that "magic" outside of the Disney parks. Since MagicMeets had just recently occurred, and since everyone on the roundtable discussion attended the event, this was one of the primary items of discussion (and, for those who have no idea what MagicMeets is, just Google it). The experience of this year's MagicMeets can be summed up in one word:



Wow!



Seriously that's all that needs to be said for an event such as this year's MagicMeets.



…and I wasn't even in attendance.



This is one of these events that shows just how much impact people who are brought together for a similar cause can do. This little story has to start out with Lou Mongello, who is well-known around the Disney online community. One of the many things that Lou does is the Dream Team Project, where he raises money to help "grant the wishes of children with serious illnesses to visit Walt Disney World." One of the larger fundraisers is the silent auction at MagicMeets. People from all around Disneyana made up packages for auction, ranging from fantastic framed pictures to lodging for an upcoming WDW trip to time in the parks with Hidden Mickey guru Steve Barrett…all sorts of things!


Several sites were broadcasting the event live, and I hopped on one of these to watch the first hour or so of the event that morning before going to work on the stuff that always gets put off to the weekend. After the keynote address, you could see some of the bidding begin for the auction. Many others stayed and watched the entire series of events online. As the bids were coming in for the auction during the event, many of those watching/listening started donating money to the project. Many online message boards (often supporting podcasts), posted a request to help donate to the cause...and donate they did! Seeing the online Disney community coming together in such a way was amazing. At the end of the day, the total raised from the auction and from pledges was an astounding $16,000 or so.



…or so they thought.



Before Justin Muchoney, known as the CMO (Chief Magic Official) to Disneyana, gave the final amount of all the donations from all the sources, he pulled out an envelope from his pocket that needed to be read to everyone. He handed it to another emcee, who read it to a stunned audience and a thoroughly surprised Lou Mongello, who had no idea what was happening. Although I do have a short piece quoted near the end, I won't post the entire letter here. Instead, I'll give you the link to it here in the hopes that you'll stay on the site, find the "Donate" button, and give a little bit to help. Sufficed to say, all accounts from those attending agree that, with one exception, there was not a dry eye in the room at the announcement of a single donation of $10,000 that accompanied the letter. Who was that one exception, you might ask? It was the person who wrote the check:


Tony Caggiano.


Tony organized a fundraiser with friends to come up with the money. I've been struggling on a "Why I like Disney" post for several months...what Tony did makes it a whole lot easier (expect that post by 2012). Examples like the above story are major reasons why us "Disney freaks" are so freaky…it's the people. I don't know if Tony will ever read this or not, but I'm really glad I accepted that friend request from him on Facebook a few months back, and I truly hope to meet him in person someday to shake his hand for what he did. Tony's actions exemplified much of what Disney is. Those who don't get it may see the parks in Orlando or Anaheim as something like Six Flags, where you go for the rides. This cannot be any further from the truth…it's the overall experience, which includes, among other things, the atmosphere, the theming around the attractions, and, maybe most importantly, the people. Paul Barrie mentioned on a recent podcast that he's gone to the Magic Kingdom and never made it past Main Street the entire day, meaning he didn't ride a single attraction, and he had a fantastic time with the people around him. I dare you to try to do something like that at a place other than a Disney theme park. I bring this up because the event that planted the seed in Tony to organize and do what he did came not from actually riding an attraction – it came from talking with someone, a complete stranger and his son, outside of an attraction.


There simply is no way to wrap up this up after writing about that. While I'm guessing that many who follow the blog (and aren't related to me) know of this, there are probably an equal amount who had no idea that something of this magnitude happened. I'll leave you with some of Tony's words, which has been in my thoughts for over a week now since I first read his note:


"We seem to float through the parks, always talking about the days when our own little ones will be able to join in and enjoy the rides we all know and love...never giving a thought to the fact that, that might not be the case for some. In reality, none of us are promised tomorrow."


Thanks for helping us remember that, Tony.