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. 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #96 for the week of December 7, 2008. Continuing along with the spirit of the holiday season, we’re going to look at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. But rather than just a simple walkthrough of this quaint little store, we will once again dig deeper into it’s story, long history and the meaning behind some of the things you’ll see next time your browsing through, or even just walking past. Joining me this week on this DSI: Disney Scene Investigation is fellow Disney Geek George Taylor. He will also talk with me about some of Walt Disney World’s other Christmas stores including some very interesting little details and Magical Moments, some extinct shops from days gone by, and we’ll even give you our Walt Disney World Christmas Lists, just in case Santa is listening this week. From one list to another, we’ll next look at another Top 10 list with Tim Foster. And this week we’ll wear our hearts on our sleeves as we look at the Top 10 Sentimental Moments in Walt Disney World. Yes, we two manly men will look at some of those emotional moments that just get you right here every time you visit. I’ll announce the winner of last week’s Wayback Machine contest before playing some more 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 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 #95 for the week of November 30, 2008. We’ll start off this week’s show by getting into the holiday spirit with a festive look at one of the very best ways to celebrate the seasons at Walt Disney World - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Joining me this week to talk about the party, what it entails and the best ways to enjoy and get the most out of it is my former co-host for the day, Lori Burke, as we both agree that this is one of the best special events in Walt Disney World, and most enjoyable times of year to visit. Some time ago, I began a segment on the show called the 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World. Inspired by the 7 wonders of the modern world, we looked at things in Walt Disney World that were so amazing, impressive or important, that they rose to the level of a true wonder. After getting through 6, we saved the best for last. This week, a roundtable of guests including Glenn Whelan, Tim Foster, George Taylor and Disney’s Chief Magic Official Justin Muchoney join me to try and put into words what it is about the Cast Members that really creates the magic that IS Walt Disney World. I’ll announce the winner of last week’s celebrity contest, and give you another new question for this week’s contest before playing 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 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 #94 for the week of November 23, 2008. In News from Walt Disney World this week, we’ll look at the Christmas Day Parade taping schedule, new dining offerings in the parks, a new way to celebrate your child’s birthday, and the new, ultimate thrill ride at Walt Disney World. December brings us not just the holiday season and a great time to visit Walt Disney World, but the annual gathering of Disney fans from around the world as past of the annual MouseFest event. This week, I enlist the help of a MouseFest veteran and first-timer in Glenn Whelan and Greg Grimsley to join me to talk about the event, planning for it, tips for getting the most out of the experience, my events, and more. Whether you’re attending this year, thinking about joining us in the future, or even if you’re not sure what MouseFest is or if it’s right for you, I think you’ll find this to be both helpful and fun. From future events to Walt Disney World of the past, this week I’ll once again take you aboard my Wayback Machine to Discovery Island, the tropical island paradise on Bay Lake that for years entertained guests with everything from pirate lore to exotic plants, birds and animals. Ryan Wilson is my co-pilot this week as we look at its history, numerous storylines, rumors and possible future. I’ll announce the winner of last week’s World Showcase contest, and give you another new question for this week’s contest, as well as a special Thanksgiving treat before playing 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 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 #93 for the week of November 16, 2008. In the Walt Disney World News this week, we’ll look at Disney’s latest technological initiative, which will keep Guests connected and informed in amazing new ways starting next year. I’ll also tell you where and when you can go meet Santa, and the reopening of new, old shops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I just returned from Walt Disney World, and brought back some audio segments that I think you’ll enjoy. First, I had a chance to visit and have a personal tour of the new Nine Dragons restaurant in China in Epcot’s World Showcase. Having recently opened after a long refurbishment, we discuss the changes to the restaurant’s décor and menu, as well as explore its cultural heritage and beautiful, rich symbolism located throughout. I also had a wonderful opportunity to sit and chat with a man whose work for the Walt Disney Company I have admired for some time, and whose new book afforded me an even greater appreciation of not just the man, but the lessons he is now sharing with others. Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations at the Walt Disney World Resort talk with me in the park about his background, work with and for the Company, and his new book, "Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies From a Life at Disney." It’s a fascinating look at the work, and more importantly the people backstage that make the magic for us as Guests. Mr. Cockerell offers practical, real-world advice, coupled with wonderful stories from his tenure at Disney that people can use in their everyday life. I’ll announce the winner of last week’s Carousel of Progress contest, and give you the question for this week’s contest, where I’ll be giving away 5 prizes instead of just one! I’ll give you a hint at what’s to come in future shows, before playing 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 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!