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 #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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #92 for the week of November 9, 2008. There is big news coming out of Walt Disney World this week, as Disney has reacted to the tough economy by giving Guests a pair of vacation deals which could give more families the chance to visit Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line. In my first segment, we’re going to explore Finding Nemo: The Musical, as Glenn Whelan and I look at it’s history, story, music and what it took to bring this Broadway-quality production to a Disney park. I’ll then open up the inbox and answer more of your emails with the help of Beci Mahnken. Topics include romantic spots in Walt Disney World, including where to “pop the question” and vow renewal ceremonies, the best steakhouse on property, questions about how to get chosen to help open the Magic Kingdom, spending New Year’s Eve in Walt Disney World and much more. Before I end the show, I’ll announce the winner of last week’s Country Bear Jamboree contest, give you this week’s NEW contest question, and give you some updates 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!

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #91 for the week of November 2, 2008. We’ll start off this week’s show with some news from Walt Disney World, including information on a number of special events going on now and in the coming weeks. From there, we’ll chat with Disney’s Chief Magic Official and all around nice guy Justin Muchoney about what he’s been up to, what’s new and maybe even what’s next. In our next segment, I’ll fire up the old Wayback Machine and take us back to a time before Walt Disney World had even opened. And joining me on my trek through the Florida swamps is fellow Disney geek Craig Wheeler, as he and I take a close look at a Walt Disney World we never knew by exploring the Lost Resorts of the Magic Kingdom. It’s a fun look back at what was supposed to be and might have been, with a little wondering and wishing as well. I’ll answer a few of your emails, announce an impromptu new contest and give you some updates before playing your voicemails at the end of the show this week, 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 once again to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #90 for the week of October 26, 2008. Timing is everything, and this week I have two segments for you that I chose just for that reason. With the upcoming Presidential election, I thought it would be a great opportunity to take a detailed look at the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents. It’s an attraction rich in history, unique in concept and is unfortunately often overlooked. Kristen Helmstetter, who wrote her Honors Thesis on this attraction, joins me to discuss its history, story, changes and importance. In my next segment, we’ll celebrate the Halloween season, along with one of our all-time favorite attractions, as Tim Foster and I take a fun look at the Top Ten Things We Love About the Haunted Mansion. With so much to enjoy and appreciate about this timeless classic, Top 10 might be a bit of a misnomer on this one. I’ll have more updates at the end of the show, as well as 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 once again to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #89 for the week of October 19, 2008. I just returned from Walt Disney World, where I was covering a number of special events for the show. I was able to attend and bring you audio from the opening of the new Cast Member Wellness Center and speak with Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton and worldwide parks operations president Al Weiss, as well as the 2009 Walt Disney World Ambassador ceremony and meet the two new Ambassadors. I also attended a sneak peek of the new T-Rex Café in Downtown Disney, and will bring you a little something different from that event this week. I’ll have more News and a quick visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill. I’ll introduce a new segment this week called “How to Be an Imagineer,” in response to the question I’ve received quite often over the past few years. Disney Imagineer Ed Romeo joins me to talk about his story and journey to become an Imagineer, as well as what working at and for Imagineering was like. This interview will be the first of hopefully many that will help prove to you that the road to becoming an Imagineer might not necessarily be the path you think. I’ll have more updates at the end of the show, just 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!

Hello everybody and welcome once again to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #88 for the week of October 12, 2008. We’re going to start off this week with our tribute to the Adventurer’s Club. And rather than just a look at what it was, its rooms and shows, we’re going to explore the Club like never before, because if you think you knew everything there was to know about the Adventurer’s Club, you might be a bit surprised. Joining me this week is world-renowned Disney historian and author Jim Korkis, who is going to share his exhaustive research into the history and details of the Club, and the stories behind the stories. We’ll go way back and examine it from the very beginning, from concept, to drawing board changes, its creators, design and so much more. Moving from one party to another, we’ll next head on over to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, as George Taylor and I tell you all about this special event, what you can do while you’re there, tips to get the most out of the party, and why we think this is one of Walt Disney World’s best events. I’ll play more of your voicemails at the end of the show after some a few announcements, so just 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!

Hello everybody and welcome once again to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this, my friends, is show #87 for the week of October 5, 2008. I’ll start off this week with a brief trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, before Tim Foster joins me for another Top 10 segment. This week, we’ll look at our Top 10 Sounds from Walt Disney World, and we’ll also talk a little bit about the upcoming first issue of Celebrations Magazine. The email inbox has really been filling up, so I’ll answer a number of your emails with Beci Mahnken from MouseFan Travel. Topics include everything from what may happen to the Cinderella Castle Suite in 2009, to the best places outside the parks to watch fireworks, when resort discounts may be announced, the Haunted Mansion’s 999 Happy Haunts Event and more. As always, please stay tuned at the end of the show for more information and announcements, as well as your voicemails, but for now, just 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!

Hello everybody and welcome once again to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #86 for the week of September 28, 2008. I’m back from a busy week in Walt Disney World with a full recap of the week’s events, including News and details about what is coming for 2009, including the Celebration Vacations, changes and new additions to the Wide World of Sports Complex, and a new experience in Fantasyland with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. I’ll talk to some executives with Disney to discuss just what’s coming next. I’ll talk about my trip with a number of other friends and listeners to the show, as we recorded our recap of the week live from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. We’ll talk about everything from our experience at the newly reopened Nine Dragons restaurant in World Showcase, dinner at the Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the last nights of the Adventurer’s Club, and if we didn’t talk about food enough, I’ll play our live reviews from the promenade as we review samples from each Wonderland kiosk at Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival. It’s a first-hand, on-the-spot review of many of the culinary delights being offered at the Festival from now through November 9, 2008. We’ll also talk about other events throughout the week, and the Inaugural Expedition Everest Challenge 5K race that took place this past Saturday. Many of us faced the Yeti and lived to tell about it, so here’s our recap of the race and party. I also have an exclusive interview with Steve Schussler, the creator of the Rainforest Café, Yak & Yeti and Downtown Disney’s newest dining experience, the T-Rex Café. He joins me to talk about his incredible personal journey, and the creation of some of Walt Disney World’s most unique restaurants. Finally, I’ll reveal the Grand Prize Winner of the Adventureland Challenge Contest, and crown the Ultimate Adventurer. Stay tuned at the end of the show for more information and announcements, as well as your voicemails, but for now, just 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!