WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. I am Lou Mongello, coming to you this and every week bringing you the very best ways to enjoy and enhance your Walt Disney World vacation experience. This is show #67 for the week of May 18, 2008. This week's show is going to be just a little bit different from my normal show, as I just returned from Walt Disney World, where I was visiting to cover the new Toy Story Midway Mania attraction press event. So this show is going to be focused on the new E-Ticket attraction opening in Disney's Hollywood Studios later this month. I will first take a look at the event and attraction with Glenn Whelan, as we discuss everything from the new Pixar Studios area of the park, to the incredibly detailed queue and interactive ride experience. It's a spoiler-free review and preview of what Guests can look forward to enjoying for many years to come. Meg Crofton, President of the Walt Disney World Resort, also spoke about what is happening not just at the Studios, but around the Resort, and will share that audio with you as well I met with TC and Kerri, the two Walt Disney World Ambassadors, as they share their thoughts about Disney's newest attraction I had the opportunity to interview a number of Imagineers who worked on the attraction, including Senior Show Producer Chrissie Allen, Senior Concept Writer Kevin Rafferty, Senior Show Producer Laurie Coltrin, and Vice President of Disney's Hollywood Studios Rilous Carter. I'll share audio with their thoughts on the attraction, as well as those of authors Simon and Sharon Veness from a Brit's Guide to Walt Disney World, after experiencing the attraction for the first time. I'll also have an announcement about a new project I've been working on for some time now, so sit back, relax and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. 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. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This is show #66 for the week of May 11, 2008. First things first – Happy Mother's Day to all moms and mothers to be. Now on to the show… There's no news this week, as I produced the show early in anticipation of my Walt Disney World trip, but I have a number of segments I think you'll enjoy. This week, I wanted to address a question that many of you have sent to me via email and voicemail, which involves staying off Disney property and renting a vacation home. Steve Trover, CEO of All Star Vacation Homes joins me to answer many of your frequently asked questions, as well as looks at the pros and cons of renting a vacation home, who is might be right for and who it’s not, addresses some possible concerns, and talks about the process. It's a great primer on renting a vacation home, and you just might be surprised as to some of the reasons why it might be a viable option for you and your family. One of the most important aspects of what I do is that of giving back to others with the help of so many people through my Dream Team Project. Of course, I'm certainly not the only one, and as I’ve done in the past, this week I want to profile someone who is truly making magic, and a very big difference, in the lives of children and families that need it most. He is Bert Weiss, a radio personality at Q100 in Atlanta and founder of Bert's Big Adventure, an all expense paid trip to Walt Disney World for families that have children with life-threatening illnesses. It is an inspirational story that once again demonstrates the incredible generosity and dedication of people in the community as a whole. I also welcome back Jeff Pepper to join me in exploring not just a hidden treasure and character connection, but a fun place to grab a hot dog and a Coke, ride the bleachers and catch a few toons. So we’ll take you out to the ballgame at Casey’s Corner on Main Street, USA. So to all you moms out there, sit back, relax and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. 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!

Hello and welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #65 for the week of May 4, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. We'll begin this week as always with our look at the Walt Disney World News, where I talk about a number of news items, including the opening of Toy Story Mania, a welcome change for DVC members, and a number of special events going on in WDW, and one outside the parks where you might get a chance to peek behind the curtain of Imagineering and learn just how they create some of the Disney magic. Disney last week revealed the winner of the first-ever Chief Magic Official contest, and Justin Muchoney from Seven Fields, PA was named the winner out of more than 1300 applicants. Justin joins me, fresh off of the announcement to discuss the application process, rounds of judging, winning the contest, and what the future holds in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There is never a bad time to visit Walt Disney World, but many Guests, whether it be their first or fiftieth time visiting the Resort, have to decide when is the right time of year to go for them. Often, the question of going on or off-season comes up, as there are both benefits and concerns about traveling to Walt Disney World during both the busy season and less crowded times of year. So to discuss the factors to take into consideration, as well as some of the pros and cons of each, I welcome back Jeff Pepper and George Taylor, fans and family men, to have a roundtable discussion about just that topic. I'll answer a few more of your emails before playing some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail 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!

JAMBO and Welcome to the WDW Radio Show - your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This is show #64 for the week of April 27, 2008. I spent a number of days last week in Walt Disney World covering Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th Anniversary, and as promised, I brought back some wonderful audio from the event. In addition to a live recording of the opening rededication ceremonies, I was able to get one on one interviews with Val Bunting, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Jackie Ogden, vice president of animal programs and environmental initiatives, world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, and legendary Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. I’ll also discuss the day’s event, the Wild Decade fan gathering, and a look back at the park, its mission and message with fellow attendees Eric Hollister and Glenn Whelan. I’ll also play audio from the presentation of the WDW Celebrations donation to the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project. I invite Jeff Pepper back to answer some more of your listener emails, and I’ll play more of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call 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. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This is show #63 for the week of April 20, 2008. I won’t get a chance to cover the Walt Disney World News this week, not just because there wasn’t a lot to report on, but because I had to tape this show early in the week, as I am heading down to Walt Disney World to cover Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th Anniversary celebration on Tuesday, April 22. I’ll be back next week with not just coverage of the event, but live audio from the parks, and a few surprises. This week, I welcome back Cara Goldsbury, author of the Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World to the show, as we talk about her appearance on two new Travel Channel specials as they continue their Season of Disney series. Cara will be appearing on both the Disney Splurge and the Disney Royal Treatment shows, and will discuss each of these, as well as tips on how to splurge on some special events without breaking the bank, some luxurious experiences in Walt Disney World, and we have some fun as we wonder how you could spend a day in Disney if money was no object. As part of my celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th anniversary, this week we will take a practical look at the park, as Jeff Pepper and I talk about A Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – how to get the most out of what the park has to offer by spending a full day there – and more! In response to many of your travel and vacation planning emails, I welcome in Beci Mankhen, owner of Mouse Fan Travel. She’ll tell us a little bit about her company and how they can help plan your Walt Disney World vacation, as well as assist me in answering a number of your emails. They include questions about balloon rides over Walt Disney World, Grand Gatherings, a detailed discussion of the Disney Dining Experience Card versus the Annual Pass discounts, special events and more. Be sure to stay until the end of the show, when I’ll play some of your voicemails. So sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com 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. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This is show #62 for the week of April 13, 2008. In Walt Disney World News this week, I’ll cover Star Wars Weekends, the demise of the Virtual Magic Kingdom, a new restaurant coming to Walt Disney World and more. Another of Walt Disney World’s Hidden Treasures is one that is not just one that’s always in plain sight and often overlooked, but is really a Best of the Best, and to some, even a true wonder of Walt Disney World. It’s all around us, is magnificent to behold, and is an integral part of the magic and storytelling of the parks and resorts. Listener Barry Frechette joins me as we tour the parks to explore the beauty of the gardens and landscapes of Walt Disney World, as we invite you to literally stop and smell the roses on your next visit. I am thrilled to welcome back to the show one of my all-time favorite guests, Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel. She joins me to discuss her new special featuring her top Disney favorites, as she talks about what she loves about Walt Disney World, including her personal favorite attractions, helpful hints, a typical day of shooting in the parks, and so much more, as her new show kicks off a Season Of Disney on the Travel Channel, much to the delight of fans of the parks. Jeff Pepper joins me as we answer some of your listener email, including questions about La Carnivale de Lumiere, hidden treasures of Epcot, Disney Quest rumors, corporate sponsors and more. I’ll play some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail 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. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This is show #61 for the week of April 6, 2008. In this week’s Walt Disney World News, there is some important information coming from the Walt Disney World Resort about what the future holds for Guests looking to stay on property, as well as more from the resorts and the Magic Kingdom. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill was quiet this week, but stay tuned next week for more rumors from the parks. I want to also bring you what I can best describe as the Ultimate Guide to the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). I am pleased to be joined by Michael Collier, Quality Assurance Manager for Disney’s Vacation Club, who spends some time with me not only answering some frequently asked questions, but explains the process, cost, point system and benefits. He will also help clear up some of the misconceptions and concerns, explains what happens once you step inside one of the kiosks located around property, and so much more. It is an in-depth look at all aspects of the DVC, and why the Disney Vacation Club might be right for you and your family. In my continuing tribute to Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th Anniversary, which is being celebrated in the parks this coming Earth Day, April 22, I want to once again welcome one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Cast Members that works backstage to help make the magic happen for us onstage. He is a Zoological Manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Animal Nutrition Center, who gives us a unique look at just how the thousands of animals at the parks and resorts get their share of the exceptional dining options at Walt Disney World. I’ll answer more of your emails about half-day tickets, the International Gateway, Darkwing Duck in Walt Disney World and more. I’ll also play some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail 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 #60 for the week of March 30, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and this week I am coming to you LIVE from Walt Disney World, as I am standing on the promenade of World Showcase in Epcot, enjoying the sights, sounds and scents of the 15th Annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Thank to the assistance of the Walt Disney World Company and so many wonderful Cast Members, I have a special show for you this week, as I not only have a review of the Festival from right here from the park, but an exclusive interview with someone whose job it is to really make dreams come true, as she is Carrie Schoen, the Manager of the Disney Dream Squad, and she will reveal what it’s like to truly make magic, a day in the life of a Dream Squad member, what’s in store for 2008 and more. As we get ready for Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th Anniversary next month, I will also take you along with me on a ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari unlike any that you have taken in the past, as John Lehnhardt, Director of Animal Operations for Disney’s Animal Kingdom gives us a fascinating tour of the Safari that you can’t get anywhere else. Ride along with us on this personal tour that is a fun, informative adventure. There’s much more on this week’s show, so sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show. . You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail 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 #59 for the week of March 23, 2008. As always I am your host Lou Mongello, and thanks for taking time to tune in again this week. I will begin this week with News coming out of Walt Disney World which includes information about some new Mickey ears that you can customize and design yourself, the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, as well as news from the Studios and resorts. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I’ll talk about cars in the Magic Kingdom – and I’m talking about the attraction and not the movie, a new character you just might see walking (or rolling) around Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as some of the cast of characters that you might just see walking around during Star Wars Weekends this summer. Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys series of books will join me this week as we start a new series of themed Hidden Mickey hunts, and we’ll begin under the sea (literally) at the Seas pavilion in Epcot. Listener Sarah Kelleth and I will take a look at yet another one of Walt Disney World’s Hidden Treasures and simple pleasures, as we one of the most unique dining experiences in all of Walt Disney World – afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s Garden View Tea Room. I’m way behind in answering your listener email, so I’ll respond to some of your questions, which include topics such as making reservations for 2009, Grand Gatherings, the clubs of Pleasure Island, DeVine, the Tiki Room and 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 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 #58 for the week of March 16, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week I just returned from Disneyland in California, and wanted to not just take a look back at my trip, but wanted it to be informative and interesting for the listener. I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed my experience at the parks, and realized that there was so much to discuss and introduce people to, that I invited in my friends, travel companions and frequent WDW Radio Show guests Jeff Pepper, George Taylor and Eric Hollister in for a roundtable discussion simply entitled: Why Every Walt Disney World Fan Needs to Visit Disneyland. Because of the length of the segment, I'll save the WDW News and Rumor Mill for next week, as well as your emails, 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!