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. This is Show #43 for the week of December 2, 2007. News from Walt Disney World this week includes stories on two new quick service dining locations in World Showcase, new developments about the Western Way shopping and hotel district and more. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I have some listener-submitted rumors about the DVC, changes to one of Main Street, USA's original stores, Space Mountain, and are there big changes coming to a pavilion in World Showcase? In the next of my Legends of Disney Imagineering interview series, I have a chance to sit down and talk with a man who has not only worked on the recent updates to Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, but wrote the definite books on those subjects. He is Jason Surrell, and his latest book is all about Imagineering at its Peak, as he covers all of the Disney Mountains. We talk about the book, Imagineering and the Imagineers, and Jason gives us the exclusive sneak peek on what major project he's working on next. Hang on to them hats and glasses, ‘cause this here's an interview that I'm sure you're going to enjoy. Walt Disney World is full of Hidden Treasures, and I love being able to introduce you to them on the show. While some may be small and relatively unknown, there are others that are hidden in plain sight. Disney's Boardwalk is just one of those, as it is filled with countless hidden treasures including shops, restaurants, entertainment and unique experiences. Listener Jamie Curci joins me to explore the promenade in detail and familiarize you with all that it has to offer. I talk about why we do what we do, and the efforts of my DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project to give back to the community and help those who are less fortunate and in need of some true Disney Magic. This week, I'll announce another of our efforts, the 25 Days of Disney Giving, again thanks to a listener, where you can help the Make A Wish Foundation of America, and wind up with some great Disney memorabilia for yourself. And speaking of the Dream Team, we'll announce the winner of our Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge Contest, and Matt Hochberg joins Eric Hollister and myself to present the clues to our next challenge. There's a lot of fun and interesting things to cover this week, so as always, 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. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is Show #42 for the week of November 25, 2007. This week, I will once again look at the news from Walt Disney World, as well as visit the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, with updates on FASTPASS, Spaceship Earth and the Wonders of Life pavilion. In my continuing efforts to help you plan and make the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation, I want to introduce you to a new product and service that can help you do just that. John VanMeter, the owner of OwnersLocker.com, joins me to talk about his new service, and how it can help you and your family on upcoming visits. In honor of Mickey's recent 79th birthday, Jeff Pepper and I take a trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine to visit none other than the appropriately-titled "Mickey’s Birthdayland" in the Magic Kingdom. I'll answer more of your emails, including questions about the Dining Plan, holiday decorations at the resorts, the trains of Walt Disney World 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 #41 for the week of November 18, 2007. Happy birthday, Mickey Mouse! News from Walt Disney World this week includes information about a new character meal that just opened, as well as a new Princess at the Disney-MGM Studios. Speaking of dining, I'm joined by a listener who was able to experience the opening day of the Yak & Yeti Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom as we get a full, first-hand review of the venue, including discussions of the décor, story, menu, service, shopping and more. Join me as we take another trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine to 1982, where we look at an attraction that had the whole town cookin'. Prepare to start singing "Veggie Veggie, Fruit Fruit", as Jeff and I take a detailed look at The Land’s extinct attraction, Kitchen Kabaret. We announce the winner of contest #9 of the Walt Disney World Marathon Challenge Contest, and Iron Mike Scopa joins Eric Hollister in presenting the next in this ongoing contest. I have more emails to answer, including questions about the Cinderella Castle Suite, the WDW Marathon, spas at Walt Disney World, going alone, and how much it costs to build a theme park. So as always, 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 #40 for the week of November 11, 2007. I'm back from an abbreviated trip aboard the Disney Magic with not only some news and rumors from Walt Disney World, but some fun, exclusive audio from the trip. I had the chance to interview Captain Tom Forberg, Captain of the Disney Magic, to find out what it’s like to command the flagship of the Disney Cruise Line Fleet, learn more about the two new ships being built for the DCL. The group that I put together was also given a private tour of the bridge with the Captain, where I recorded some of the questions and answers about this fascinating ship. The Captain's assistant also spoke with me about her position at the Captain's side, and what life is like aboard the Magic. Jonathan Dichter is back with another Voices Behind the Magic segment, and of course, I'll answer more of your emails. So as always, 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 #39 for the week of November 4, 2007. This week, we have a slightly shorter show, as circumstances have prevented me from being able to cover the news and rumors this week. But that's OK, as this week I have a few segments that I think you'll enjoy: First, Steve Barrett, our resident Hidden Mickeys expert, joins me once again to talk about what's new and notable in the world of Hidden Mickeys, and asks you to vote on some questionable ones. In my Legends of Disney interview series, I am pleased to welcome Bill "Sully" Sullivan to the show, as he and I sit down to talk about his fairy tale beginnings with the Disney Company, to his rise in the organization and various roles in Walt Disney World. He reminisces about working for and with Walt Disney, and shares some memorable stories about his amazing experiences through his 38 year career. Eric Hollister and I also have our 8th winner in the WDW Half Marathon Challenge Contest, as well as out next contest and announcement of the grand prize! I'll answer some more of your emails so as always, please 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 #38 for the week of October 28, 2007. We're going to have a lot of fun this week with some segments to help celebrate the Halloween season, all backed with some fun Disney sounds effects, audio clips and music. First, well, the news from Walt Disney World may not be spooky, but we'll talk about Disney's efforts to help the victims of the Southern California wildfires, the new look coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, and more. And maybe our trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill isn't all that scary, either, but there are some interesting developments to cover. Things get a little creepier as Tim Foster and I take a fun-filled look at the Top 10 Spookiest Moments in Walt Disney World. And then, just when you thought Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party wouldn't be scary, we look at a character connection to examine a man whose face is legendary - because it isn't there - The Headless Horseman. Jeff and I look at his role in a Disney animated film, and both the film’s and his many connections to the Walt Disney World resort. I'll answer some of your emails that for the most part have nothing to do with Halloween, and play some of your voicemails as always at the end of the show. So as always, sit back, relax and enjoy this not-so-scary 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 #37 for the week of October 21, 2007. This week's show is going to begin as always with News from around Walt Disney World before we head on over to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where there are a lot of very interesting and major rumors to discuss, including updates on Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain, Imagination, the FASTPASS system, two Future World pavilions, and rumored new attractions based on the Little Mermaid and Cars. We take another trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine, as Jeff and I explore another extinct attraction from the Magic Kingdom. This week, it's all about flying, because we explore the history, trivia, and complete journey aboard If You Had Wings. We'll also look at its replacements, including Delta’s Dreamflight and more. It’s a lot of fun and will likely bring back some old memories. The next Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge contest starts this week, and the questions and clues are brought to you by Jonathan Dichter, who asks you to identify the Voices Behind the Magic. In addition to being able to win some great prizes, remember that this contest is to help raise money for the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team project to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation of America to help send a seriously ill child to Walt Disney World. As part of my continuing efforts to help you with your vacation planning, I'll show you how you can save money on tickets to Walt Disney World, as I pose many of your frequently asked questions to an official and authorized Walt Disney World discount ticket provider. I'll have time for just a few of your emails before I play some voicemails at the end of the show, so as always, please sit back, relax 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 #36 for the week of October 14, 2007. I have just a few pieces of news from Walt Disney World before we take a look at the next of the 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World. Once again, it’s something you really can't see or touch, but is something that definitely belongs on this list. We will announce the winner of our latest Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge contest, and then I will answer a number of your vacation planning-related emails, this time with the help of Pam Forrester, our travel expert and co-owner of The Magic For Less Travel. I'll also play more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so as always, please sit back, relax 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). 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 #35 for the week of October 7, 2007. I am back from WDW and what undoubtedly one of my most memorable experiences ever at the resort. The celebration of Epcot’s 25th Anniversary was even better than expected and this week, I’m going to share some of those experiences with you through a recap with Jeff Pepper, as well as through some exclusive, private interviews. Some of my very special guests include Disney Legends Marty Sklar, Dave Smith and Charles Ridgway, as well as Epcot’s Vice President Jim MacPhee, and Michael and Lowell, two of Disney’s official Ambassadors. Other guests will include a former Disney Imagineer who helped build EPCOT Center; Adam Roth and the other co-founders of the Celebration 25 fan event, Deb Wills, and a number of other authors, podcasters and fans who felt it was important to be present on this historic day. Each share their own personal insights and stories about working to help create Epcot, why it is important to them, as well as to so many of the people that felt they needed to be there to celebrate this event. I will also cover some recent Walt Disney World News and visit the WDW Rumor Mill, as there are some interesting developments to speak about. Due to the length of the show, I will unfortunately have to hold off on your emails and voicemails until next week. I know I have so many more to get to, and I promise to address them all on the show as quickly as possible. So sit back, relax 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). 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 #34 for the week of September 30, 2007. This is a very special edition of the WDW Radio Show for a number of reasons. First, the content of this week's show will be a little different, as there won’t be any news or rumors this week, partially 25th anniversary of Epcot, and I am going down to participate in Celebration 25, the two-day event special guest. I am thrilled to be able to share with you my exclusive one-on-one interview with Jim MacPhee, Vice President of Epcot, and person who obviously has played an incredibly important part in the events, as well as recent changes to Epcot. I will announce the winner of the last Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge and give you the clues for the next challenge, which of course, will be all about EPCOT Center. In recent episodes of the show we took a very detailed look at the Journey Into Imagination pavilion and attraction, and former Disney Imagineer Steve Kirk joined me to talk at great lengths about two of his creations, and hosts of the pavilion - Dreamfinder and Figment. Many of you wrote and called in and let me know how much you enjoyed those segments, and how they brought back such fond memories, and in fact, they even sparked the imagination of Ron Schneider, the man who not only gave the Dreamfinder his voice in part of the attraction, but was the very first walk around character in EPCOT Center. He will join me to talk about his memories of Dreamfinder, share stories about his creation, share some secrets and so much more. Of course, I'll have plenty of reports coming to you next week from the NFFC convention, rededication ceremony and Celebration 25, as well as many more of my regular segments, so sit back, relax 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). 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!