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

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #106 for the week of February 15, 2009, and as always, I am your host, Lou Mongello. We’ll start off this week’s show by looking at another of Walt Disney World’s Best of the Bests. And this time, it’s about one of the best ways to enjoy and relive your vacation even after you’ve returned home. Chuck Lionberger joins me to talk about Disney’s Photopass, and one of the very best ways to get the most out of it. I’ll answer more of your emails this week from the WDW Radio Inbox with the help of Beci Mahnken. In addition to vacation planning advice and tips, we’ll answer questions about Disney’s Magical Express, military discounts, vegetarian options, strollers and of course, questions about dining. Stay tuned to the end of the show for some announcements before I play back some of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #105 for the week of February 8, 2009, and as always, I am your host, Lou Mongello. We’ll kick off this week’s show with some news from Walt Disney World, before climbing aboard my Wayback Machine for another trip back in time and to the future, as we take a look at “The World Showcase That Never Was.” Ryan Wilson joins me to explore some pavilions in World Showcase that were closer to being built than you might think, other concepts that never made it off the drawing board, and even some additions to current pavilions that we never got to see. We’ll take a look at what might have been, and also peek ahead, and discuss what may be coming to the promenade in the future. At the end, I’ll ask you for your opinion on the future of World Showcase. I’ll open up the Inbox once again and answer many more of your emails this week with the help of Beci Mahnken. We’ll “Walk Around the World,” take a look at birthdays, music, romance, Animatronics, and so much more as we answer your questions and help you with some vacation planning advice and tips. I’ll announce last week’s Walt Disney World trivia contest winner before I give you a new set of challenges for this week’s contest where you can win a prize package and even a bonus prize as well. Stay tuned to the end of the show for some announcements before I play back some of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #104 for the week of February 1, 2009. It’s time for another Top 10 segment, and Tim Foster joins me once again as we take a look at our list of top ten things in Walt Disney World that are better at night. Experiencing the parks and resorts at night is completely different than during the day, and we’ll look at some things that you might just enjoy even more after the sun goes down. I often try to bring you some unique interviews with individuals whose names or faces you might not know, but whose work you might often enjoy and appreciate. This week, I welcome in just such a guest. He is Ronald Cohee, feature animator, artist, and currently a member of the Disney Design Group in Walt Disney World. A longtime park enthusiast, he shares his story of how he came to work for Disney, films and projects he’s worked on, insight into what his experience has been like, advice for others looking to join the Company, and even some hints as to a few things that may be coming next. I’ll answer more of your emails this week including questions about Millennium Village, Dive Quest, refillable mugs, and of course questions about food that cover opposite ends of the dining spectrum including dieting in Walt Disney World to where to find some special ice cream. Last week’s Walt Disney World trivia contest winner will be announced before I give you yet another set of questions and prizes in this week’s new contest. I’ll have some announcements and play back some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #103 for the week of January 25, 2009. I’ll start off this week with some news from Walt Disney World, including some information about new interactive experiences coming to the parks, as well as the upcoming Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Walt Disney World is a place where anyone and everyone can feel like a kid again, make their dreams come true, and enjoy all of what makes it so truly magical. And when I say everyone, I mean just that, as Disney is one of the best, most accommodating vacation spots for people with special needs. In this week’s very special roundtable, I’m joined by a number of guests, some of whom are authors of books about traveling to and touring around Walt Disney World with special needs, while others have unique needs of their own. And if you think that this segment might not apply to you or someone you know, you might be very surprised about what you’ll hear. My next interview is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction. In response to a number of questions I received about this very topic, I’m going to talk about Walt Disney World, and its connection to the breakup of the Beatles. You might not know about how the two are linked, but I’m joined by May Pang, companion to John Lennon, who will talk about what took place at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, as well as John’s visits to Walt Disney World with his son. It’s an interesting look back at some of the private times of a celebrity in Walt Disney World, and the historic event that took place there. I’ll announce the winner of last week’s Walt Disney World trivia contest, and will challenge you once again this week with yet another contest! I’ll have some announcements and then play back some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.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! Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #100 for the week of January 4, 2009 To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, I thought it would be fun to gather some guests and friends of the show together to look back at the first 100 shows. We’ll talk about some of our favorite guests, memorable and funny moments, and so much more, as Glenn Whelan, Tim Foster, Lori Burke and George Taylor join me around the table to look back and forward on the show. Of course, no anniversary show would be complete without playing back some favorite and memorable clips, so sit back and listen as I tune the dial through some of the memorable moments of the first 100 shows. I’ll update you on out “100% for 100 Shows” fundraising drive with Pat Whitson before announcing the winner of last week’s contest. I’ll play your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's 100th anniversary episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 1-888-703-2171. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #102 for the week of January 18, 2009 I’m back from a trip to Walt Disney World with a lot to share with you this week, including some very interesting Walt Disney World News. From openings to closures to changes and updates, there are many exciting things happening now and in the future. I also returned from covering the 16th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, not as a runner, but as a spectator. 6 guests join me this week, all of whom either completed the half or full marathon or cheered from the sidelines alongside me. It’s a fun look back at the weekend from many perspectives, including a lot of good that came out of everyone’s efforts. My inbox has been overflowing with your questions, so I welcome back Beci Mahnken to the show to help me answer your pressing questions, many of which will hopefully involve dining in Walt Disney World. I’ll have the answers to and winner of last week’s Walt Disney World trivia contest, and will challenge you once again this week with new questions and even more prizes! I’ll have some announcements and then play back some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.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! Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #100 for the week of January 4, 2009 To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, I thought it would be fun to gather some guests and friends of the show together to look back at the first 100 shows. We’ll talk about some of our favorite guests, memorable and funny moments, and so much more, as Glenn Whelan, Tim Foster, Lori Burke and George Taylor join me around the table to look back and forward on the show. Of course, no anniversary show would be complete without playing back some favorite and memorable clips, so sit back and listen as I tune the dial through some of the memorable moments of the first 100 shows. I’ll update you on out “100% for 100 Shows” fundraising drive with Pat Whitson before announcing the winner of last week’s contest. I’ll play your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's 100th anniversary episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 1-888-703-2171. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #101 for the week of January 11, 2009 I’m recording this week’s show early, as I’ll be visiting Walt Disney World later in the week to cover the marathon and other events, so there won’t be any news this week, but I do have a segment I think you’ll enjoy. I’ll fire up the Wayback Machine as I continue in my EPCOT Retrospective series and take an in-depth (pardon the pun) look at the Living Seas. Ryan Wilson joins me once again as we dive under the sea and look at the history of this pavilion, its changes before and after its opening, and its many wonderful details and hidden treasures. I’ll have a new contest this week before playing some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.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! Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #100 for the week of January 4, 2009 To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, I thought it would be fun to gather some guests and friends of the show together to look back at the first 100 shows. We’ll talk about some of our favorite guests, memorable and funny moments, and so much more, as Glenn Whelan, Tim Foster, Lori Burke and George Taylor join me around the table to look back and forward on the show. Of course, no anniversary show would be complete without playing back some favorite and memorable clips, so sit back and listen as I tune the dial through some of the memorable moments of the first 100 shows. I’ll update you on out “100% for 100 Shows” fundraising drive with Pat Whitson before announcing the winner of last week’s contest. I’ll play your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's 100th anniversary episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 1-888-703-2171. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #100 for the week of January 4, 2009 To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, I thought it would be fun to gather some guests and friends of the show together to look back at the first 100 shows. We’ll talk about some of our favorite guests, memorable and funny moments, and so much more, as Glenn Whelan, Tim Foster, Lori Burke and George Taylor join me around the table to look back and forward on the show. Of course, no anniversary show would be complete without playing back some favorite and memorable clips, so sit back and listen as I tune the dial through some of the memorable moments of the first 100 shows. I’ll update you on out “100% for 100 Shows” fundraising drive with Pat Whitson before announcing the winner of last week’s contest. I’ll play your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's 100th anniversary episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 1-888-703-2171. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #99 for the week of December 28, 2008 - The last show of 2008, and the last show in double digits. Thanks for joining me again this week. I’ll start off the show with Walt Disney World News, and kick it off with a sneak peek at Disney’s new web site, a new store that just opened in the Magic Kingdom, of course some news about food, including a new dining location coming to Frontierland as well as important updates to dining reservations, and more. January 8-11, 2009 marks the 26th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, where 40,000 runners will test their endurance during a number of races throughout the weekend, including a half and full marathon. But in addition to the athletes, there is expected to be an additional 40,000 people converging on the Walt Disney World Resort to cheer on family, friends, and even complete strangers. And while I’ve done shows on training and preparing for the marathon, as well as a recap from a participant’s perspective, there has been little in the way of tips and strategies for spectators. This week, I’m joined by running and cheering veteran Bill Muldowney to discuss the best ways to get the most out of the experience if you will be going down to cheer, including the best ways to get around, where you should be and when, and how to be sure you not only see your runners, but they get to see you as well. In a new Best of the Best segment, we’ll take a look at the Best Affordable Souvenir, and arguably the most Affordable Collectible in Walt Disney World. Disney dad Chuck Lionberger joins me to talk about searching for and collecting Pressed Pennies in and out of the parks. It’s an inexpensive, fun thing to do with everyone in the family, and we’ll give you different ways to find, collect, display and enjoy these wonderful little souvenirs. I’ll announce the winner of last week’s trivia contest, and I’ll have another contest that looks back at 2008 for you, where you can play to win another prize package. I’ll play some more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 1-888-703-2171. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #98 for the week of December 21, 2008. With a quiet week in Walt Disney World News, we’re going to jump right in and take look back at this year’s MouseFest event that too place last week in Walt Disney World. Enthusiasts from around the world and from dozens of online communities gathered to celebrate and share their love of Disney through friendships new and old. Back with me to discuss the events and what MouseFest really means is Glenn Whelan and Greg Grimsby, as we recap the events day by day, and how each of us spent and enjoyed what we all agree was a wonderful few days in Disney. As 2009 approaches, Disney fans have a lot to look forward to, with many new experiences coming to Walt Disney World. One of them is the American Idol Experience, an interactive show and competition like no other, with a new level of excitement coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney Parks spokesperson Gary Buchanan joins me to get a sneak peek as to what’s to come for participants, Guests and audience members who will be offered a level of participation in the show like never before. In the spirit of the season, I’ll have another fun, holiday-themed trivia contest for you, where you can play to win a prize package. I’ll play some more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 1-888-703-2171. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #97 for the week of December 14, 2008. This week, we’re going to explore in detail not one, but two of Walt Disney World’s most well-themed resorts, as we take an in-depth look at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Resorts. Joining me from merry old England is Andrew Willey, creator of one of the most in-depth online resources about the resorts. Together, we’ll discover and help you learn more about not just the rooms, amenities and ways to get the most out your time there, but the incredibly detailed Imagineered back-story and interesting history of these properties. It’s a fun, informative look at two resorts that offer two unique experiences, and lots of wonderful time outside the parks. I’ll play some more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 1-888-703-2171. 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!