I just let you borrow my time machine. Where in Walt Disney World’s history would you go back to so you could experience the magic in person? Would it be Opening Day on October 1, 1971? Would you stop by the 25th Anniversary Celebration? Episode 36 is all about the Top Times to Visit WDW in a Time Machine!
Join my guest Herb Leibacher from the World of Walt and I as we talk all about our favorite (and least favorite) times in the history of Walt Disney World. From the Main Street Magic Shop to Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration, you won’t want to miss any of our top picks!
If you like the cut of Herb’s jib, he is also featured on these fun podcast episodes:
Episode 13: Top False Rumors of Walt Disney World
I have to admit, I wasn’t all that excited when the concept of Disney Springs was announced by the Disney Company. Since the closure of Pleasure Island and the announcement of the never-built “Hyperion Wharf,” it seemed like WDW was spinning it’s wheels on what to do with the area. Oh…how wrong I was! We talk all about the new and improved Disney Springs in Episode 40: Top Things About Disney Springs.
This week, my guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I go into a lot of detail (and a lot of stories) about why we love Disney Springs. From the world-class restaurants to the amazing shopping where you could buy almost anything you’d ever need, Disney Springs has almost become that 5th theme park we’ve all been waiting for!
Check out what my friend Johnny is up to here: www.facebook.com/johnnyshortsleeve
If you’ve listened and you’re now a Johnny Shortsleeve fan (and really, who isn’t?!) you can find more of his guest appearances here:
Episode 33: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas Part 2
Episode 32: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas Part 1
Episode 30: Top Splurges in WDW
He is probably the most recognizable character the modern world has ever seen. This week was my easiest ever choice for Word of the Week – Mickey Mouse.
Since his debut in 1928, Mickey Mouse has been a symbol of happiness, playfulness, and laughter throughout the world. This week I wanted to take a quick look into the history of Walt Disney’s legendary character while also giving you, the listener, a look at where Mickey can be found all over Walt Disney World in the year 2016 and beyond.
We always remember the big, huge special effects in Walt Disney World’s theme parks. The Ballroom Scene in the Haunted Mansion, the drop in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, the Yeti in Expedition Everest. That’s why this week, we take a look at the more subtle, sometimes overlooked, special effects. Here’s Episode 39: Top Projection Effects in Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Imagineers are wonderful at adding special effects that transform great attractions, shows, and queues into truly unforgettable experiences. These projection effects are not always at the top of the list when guests talk about their favorite attractions but they are the little things that put a Walt Disney World Vacation over the top!
The smallest land in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is loaded with fantastic attractions, rich detail, and an amazing sense of history. This week, I take a look at one of the original lands in the original Walt Disney World Theme Park in the Word(s) of the Week – Liberty Square.
If you trace the history of the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, you will find yourself all the way back to Disneyland in the 1950’s. Walt Disney himself wanted an area that showcased Colonial America right off Main Street, USA in Disneyland, and Liberty Street was all but built in the Happiest Place on Earth.
What is WDW’s most controversial decision of all time? The removal of Horizons, Maelstrom, or Body Wars? The introduction of the Disney Dining Plans? We explore all of that and much more on Episode 38: Most Controversial WDW Decisions.
Over the years, Walt Disney World’s management have made several decisions that split the Disney fan base right down the middle. From the addition of more thrill rides to the idea that vacations should be planned months in advance, most of these decisions are still debated by Walt Disney World Fans to this day.
I hope you enjoy this week’s episode with my friend Chuck Rodriguez and myself. If you do, check out these other episodes where Chuck is featured:
Did you ever ride the Mike Fink Keel Boats in the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland? This week, I take a look back at a beloved extinct attraction in Disney’s theme parks with the Word of the Week – Keel.
The Mike Fink Keel Boats were attractions in Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for decades, beginning in 1955 in Disneyland and finally closing in the Magic Kingdom in 2001. On this week’s Word of the Week, I talk all about the attraction’s history and it’s ultimate closure in the North American theme parks. I’ll also tell you where you can find pieces of the attractions that still survive today.
Booking a trip to Disneyland is TOTALLY different than booking a trip to Walt Disney World. I’ve known this for quite a while but it really hit home when I started talking to a friend about it after she had booked her trip to the West Coast recently. We’ll talk about just how different the trips can be on Episode 37: Trip Planning: Disneyland vs. WDW.
From dining reservations to FastPasses, from Extra Magic Hours to Magic Mornings, and from The Happiest Place on Earth to the Most Magical Place on Earth, so many things are similar yet really, really different when it comes to the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. On this episode of the podcast, my guest Lauren Gaggioli and I try to sort all of that out for you and explain the differences between planning trips to both North American Disney destinations.
If you want to hear more from Lauren Gaggioli or if you know someone that would benefit from her expertise in college test prep, please stop by higherscorestestprep.com or laurengaggioli.com.
For more episodes featuring Lauren, click on one of these guys:
This week’s Word of the Week was kind of an easy one for me. I’ve been a HUGE fan of The Jungle Cruise since I first rode it as a kid in 1992. Since then, very little has changed on this iconic Walt Disney World attraction. I love all of the little things that make up the complete experience that is The Jungle Cruise. I’m so excited to bring you this wee’s Word of the Week – Jungle.
From Trader Sam to the lions, tigers, and headhunters (oh my?), The Jungle Cruise is one of the most beloved attractions in all of Walt Disney World. Listen this week as I give you a little bit of history on the attraction as well as some fun facts about some of the things you’ll see and hear (and maybe even taste) in this corner of Adventureland.