Storybook Radio: Recent Episodes
Storybook Radio Productions
This podcast is mostly about Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, including stories and history of the parks, but also delves into Disney Company history.
This week, Mike joins me to have a cathartic conversation about my decision to cancel my Walt Disney World vacation due to Hurricane Dorian.
PSA - Mild language used in this episode.
Scott joins me again on Storybook Radio, and we discuss where you can find baseball at Walt Disney World, and in the wider Disney universe. We also just talk a lot about baseball, revving up for the new baseball season!
On Thursday night, Mike and I attended a speaking engagement by Disney Legend Bob Gurr! It was an awesome event, and we dissect it in this episode.
Back in the saddle again after a long layoff! Thanks for sticking with us. This week, Mike joins me, and we talk about the attractions that we're thinking will still be around 50 years from now! Also, we can't come up with a better title for a fifth gate than Dwayne Johnson Park. Happy Canada Day and Fourth of July!
This week, I'm joined by another of the hosts of Three Sheets to the Mouse, Trenton. We discuss his favourite drinks and watering holes at Walt Disney World... and chat a little hockey, too.
For Episode 92, I'm joined by Scott Fahrney from the Three Sheets to the Mouse Podcast! Scott describes the Marvel Master Licensing Agreement, and how it applies to both Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World – and just how Walt Disney World might be getting a little passive-aggressive about it. We also delve into what the Disney takeover of Fox means for the Disney Parks! Is Dana Scully a Disney Princess? Find out!
Follow me on Twitter @wdwstorybook, YouTube @storybookradio, and at www.storybookradio.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/groups/storybookradio.
For Episode 91, Kevin Kessler joins me and we dive into ride refurbishments and the attractions to which we said goodbye in 2017. We also talk about rides we'd love and hate to be stuck on!
Follow me on Twitter @wdwstorybook, YouTube @storybookradio, and at www.storybookradio.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/groups/storybookradio.
Storybook Radio closes out 2017 with a year-in-review episode, as I'm joined by Mike to talk about Disney, Star Wars (spoiler-free), and the Disney Parks. Happy New Year!
Follow me on Twitter @wdwstorybook, YouTube @storybookradio, and at www.storybookradio.com.
We also have a new Facebook Group! Head over to www.facebook.com/groups/storybookradio to see more content from this week's episode!
This week, I'm joined by Len Testa - the co-author of the Unofficial Guides to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, British Theme Parks and Las Vegas, as well as co-host of the WDW Today Podcast and The Disney Dish with Jim Hill, and President/Lead Researcher of TouringPlans.com. We go in-depth on what is to come at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, and we also talk a little about Walt Disney World's top-rated bars and entertainment options for adults.
Follow me on Twitter @wdwstorybook, YouTube @storybookradio, and at www.storybookradio.com.
We also have a new Facebook Group! Head over to www.facebook.com/groups/storybookradio to see more content from this week's episode!
In Episode 88, I look at the relationship between Pixar and Disney, how Pixar came to have such a strong presence in the theme parks, and where they go from here.
Make sure you check me out on Facebook @storybookradio; Twitter @wdwstorybook, YouTube @storybookradio, and at www.storybookradio.com.
In Episode 87, I go into the history of Epcot to celebrate its 35th birthday, from its original concepts as a futuristic city where people would actually live and work, to its eventual birth as a theme park.
This week, back from the grave after a long hiatus, Mike and I delve into the goofier side of Halloween and Walt Disney World - where to hole up at Walt Disney World in the event of a zombie attack, a ghost attack, and an audio-animatronic attack!
This week, I delve into the history and tour of the Great Movie Ride, on the day that the iconic attraction comes to a close.
Make sure you check me out on Facebook @storybookradio; Twitter @wdwstorybook, YouTube @storybookradio, and at www.storybookradio.com.
For Episode 84, Mike and I are back again, this time looking back at this weekend's D23 Parks and Resorts announcements. Not only do we discuss the announcements, we also discuss what wasn't announced, and what still might come to Walt Disney World!
For Episode 83, Mike and I discuss our favorite representations of the United State of America on Walt Disney World property!
This week, I pivot off of one of Storybook Radio's very first episodes, and go back in-depth on the Canada Pavilion at Epcot, providing much more of Canada's rich history as context for the design of the pavilion - all in honour of Canada's 150th birthday!
This week, I talk about the "fathers" of Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as my own personal thoughts on fatherhood at the Disney Parks.
Mike and I discuss his most recent trip, including a walk-through Pandora: World of Avatar during a soft-open, as well as visiting all four parks in one day.
This week, I'm joined by the author of "The Walt Disney World That Never Was", Christopher E. Smith. We delve into topics like Walt Disney's original vision for Epcot, and the grand plans for Disney's Animal Kingdom that never came to fruition.
Chris can be found on Twitter @disneykidagain
Make sure you check me out on Facebook @storybookradio; Twitter @wdwstorybook, YouTube @storybookradio, and at www.storybookradio.com.
Answers for this week's trivia question should be sent to wdwstorybook@gmail.com (type your answer into the subject line!)
This week, I'm joined by White Dragon Podcast Network Grand Poobah Kevin Kessler (also, host of 2 Men and the Mouse, and author of the "Rosinanti" series), where we discuss his trip into Pandora: World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom! We also play some "Would You Rather?", and Kevin talks about the upcoming release of his second novel!
Make sure you check me out on Facebook @storybookradio; Twitter @wdwstorybook, YouTube @storybookradio, and at www.storybookradio.com.
Kevin's books can be found on amazon.com and amazon.ca:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kevin+kessler
https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kevin+kessler
For want of other things to discuss, Mike and I talk about a bit of everything and anything this week, right up until my computer crashed and cut us off about 60 seconds away from the end of the episode! My apologies for the abrupt final seconds, but that's the way things go sometimes.
For Episode 76, I take a trip through various Walt Disney World and Universal Studios vacations to figure out just how much those vacations have permeated my day-to-day life! From taste and smell associations to being into the Disney spirit, I truly nerd out in this episode.
As a bonus, I also chat about my experiences with the Free Dining promotion.
A year ago, I did 3 episodes on a variety of Animal Kingdom topics - Imagineer Joe Rohde, Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Disney Conservation Fund, and the histories of the fictional lands of Anandapur and Harambe.
For this special "best of" episode, I combine all of those previous recordings into one episode for your enjoyment.
I'm joined this week by Mike Rahlmann of the Be Our Guest Podcast, and together we look at RunDisney (with a bit of hockey and baseball talk naturally, too!)
In Episode 73, I look at the history of Beauty and the Beast, from its origins as a fairy tale designed to prepare French girls for arranged marriages, to its present day incarnation as a mammoth and beloved Disney franchise!
For Episode 72, it's all about the history of the Walt Disney World Railroad - from a dusty train graveyard in the Yucatan, to the train tracks around the Magic Kingdom!
Also, I talk for way too long about the #trypod campaign - podcasts are an awesome medium for entertainment, and should be supported.
This week, we walk the entire park (virtually, of course), and I give a few historic details of the Magic Kingdom.
This week, I talk my Top 64 WDW experiences and Sweet 16 Universal Orlando experiences in anticipation of March Madness!
This week, my friend of 20+ years, Jason, joins me on the podcast to tell me all about his stop last fall in Disneyland Paris as part of a larger trip to the French capital.
This week, inspired by the Superbowl last week which featured one of the greatest comebacks of all time, I talk great Disney comebacks!
This week, I'm joined by Seth Kubersky from Touring Plans, Orlando Weekly, and the Unofficial Guide to Universal Studios. We delve into Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure - what's there, what's coming, and just how awesome these two parks really are! Seth gives out lots of great tips for enjoying the parks too, so you won't want to miss this episode!
This week, Mike and I take a bit of a break from the Disney Parks (our feet were tired), and instead ponder what a far far away galaxy of Star Wars spin-offs might look like. We make some preposterous suggestions obviously, but most could be legit!
This week, I'm joined by Len Testa (co-author of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and host of the Disney Dish Podcast). Len and I chat about Touring Plans surveys and what we can look forward to in 2017. Lots of talk about food in this episode!
Happy New Year, everyone! For the first episode of 2017, I look back on the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney's death, December 15, 2016, and discuss the legacy of Walt Disney and who I believe him to be.
This week, with only 13 days left in 2016, I look ahead to 2017! I couldn't think of a better person to discuss the next year in Orlando theme parks with than my special guest this week, Jim Hill of the Disney Dish Podcast, jimhillmedia.com and the Unofficial Guide series. We go into a variety of topics, including Epcot, Rivers of Light and Avatar, Tomorrowland, Harry Potter and its extended universe, Star Wars, Muppets, Nintendo, and much, MUCH more!
This week, Mike joins me on Storybook Radio and we delve into the lesser known side of the Disney Parks - its hidden gems.
This week, I talk about a bunch of rumours I've heard recently regarding the Disney Parks and Universal Studios, and add a little historical context to them! I also discuss the Master Licensing Agreement that Universal/MCA has with Marvel Comics.
This week, I talk a little news from D23, and discuss all the things for which I'm thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!
This week, Mike and I talk about some "what-ifs" when it comes to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios! We also received a little bit of help from the Storybook Radio listeners.
This week, Mike and I explore the underrated parts of a Walt Disney World vacation, and even delve into the dangerous side of overrated aspects as well...
This week, in anticipation of Halloween, I delve into the spooky side of Walt Disney World (and Disneyland!) I tell some ghost stories, urban legends, and some "strange but true" tales from the Disney Parks!
The second half of the episode is something I am very excited about - a Haunted Mansion short story/dramatic reading, written by me (with some help from the Disney Parks attraction scripts, of course). Lots of music and effects - you won't want to miss it!
Just a quick note - aspects of this week's episode might be a little on the graphic/scary side for kids. Language is still clean of course, but some of the subject matter is a bit on the mature side at times.
This week, we go into the history and legacy of the Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter and Universal Studios Orlando!
This week, we look at how hurricanes have affected Walt Disney World over the years, and how the Reedy Creek Improvement District keeps guests safe. We will also look at some of the other tragedies that have befallen Walt Disney World, including 9/11.
This week, Mike and I riff about Magic Kingdom's past, present and future. (Please note, due to Stitch getting into my computer and creating all kinds of technical mayhem, I was unable to edit this episode, so there is no music and doesn't sound as crisp as other episodes usually do... please accept my apologies on that front. But hey, an episode at 80% quality is better than no episode at all, right?)
This week, we delve into the history of Winnie the Pooh, and this sweet bear came to the Disney Company, and to Walt Disney World.
Today, the long-awaited Part 2 of our favourite Walt Disney World music and soundtracks! Today, it's all about the Magic Kingdom.
In Episode 49, Mike and I take a journey through imagination three of the parks - Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot, to discuss the use of music and soundtracks within the parks as well as the attractions. This episode has LOTS of music! And, we DID talk about Magic Kingdom, but that discussion will come in Part 2 of this episode, to be presented (most likely) as Episode 51, in two weeks time.
In our concluding look at The Disney Decade, we'll look at the "after" part - after the 90s. Eisner's reign as CEO has a messy end, and Bob Iger must take over a brand once again in need of repair. What is the legacy of the Disney Decade?
Summer of 2016 has been the summer of Epcot, with a new attraction (Frozen Ever After), a refurbished attraction (Soarin' Over The World) and rumours of big changes afoot! Therefore, Mike and Julius go in depth on Epcot, to talk about their favourite aspects of Walt's "Florida Project".
This week, Mike and I are talking about keeping the Disney Dreamin' alive in between trips, as I am in my longest stretch without a trip to Walt Disney World.
This week, Kevin Kessler joins me once more. In anticipation of Canada Day on July 1 and Independence Day on July 4, we talk about our home and native lands - Canada and the USA, both in general terms and how they fit into the Walt Disney World landscape.
Mike went to Walt Disney World a couple weeks ago (nearly) on a whim! Hear about all of his adventures on that trip, including what have become the best three words on property for him - "In-Room 'Ohana".
This week, Kevin Kessler joins me as we discuss his debut novel "Rosinanti", as well as the White Dragon Podcast Network, Passholder.Club, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Plus, we talk about poutine for a while.
This week we go WAY in depth on Carousel of Progress, from its start at the 1964 New York World's Fair, to its latest refurb in 1993 and beyond. We'll check out many of the historical references in the show, as well as some fun facts and of course, some great music!
This week, we head back in time once more, to the Disney Decade. The 1990s represented a renaissance for the Disney Company, both in the studios and in the theme parks. A decade that began with promise and great ambition would see a lot of success and victories, but also carried its share of tragedies and failures.
This week, Mike joins me once more for a trip down memory lane, as we discuss our 1994 vacations to Walt Disney World (and Universal Studios). We also celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Storybook Radio!
Founded in 1420 and the subject of colonial rule until its independence in 1961, the coastal town of Harambe, a port of East Africa, has an incredible history. Now, it is a tourist town centred around a wilderness preserve, beckoning travellers and animal lovers. Jambo!
This week, we'll check out the Disney Conservation Fund - finding out what it is, and what they do for animal conservation. We'll also get a guided tour from one of the locals of the Kingdom of Anandapur!
In this episode, it's all about Disney's Animal Kingdom! We'll tour the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and take a look at Imagineer Joe Rohde, the chief creative force behind Animal Kingdom, in Part 1 of a new series called "Adventures in Imagineering". We'll also tour the Animal Kingdom itself, with lots of new content and music! Safari Njema!
Mike and I run down our favourite merchandise and gift shops, as well as the merchandise and gift shops we would love to see in Walt Disney World.
It's a two-fer today! I look at the history of Spaceship Earth, and in anticipation of the 2016 Major League Baseball season kicking off this weekend, I look at the story of baseball and Walt Disney World.
I wasn't satisfied with the Walt Disney World Blog's annual March Magic breakdown, so Mike and I used a spreadsheet and random number generator and made our own Walt Disney World March Madness brackets! We threw 65 Walt Disney World attractions into the mix, talked about nearly every one, and ultimately came down to our favourite.
This week, we'll take a first poke at the Disney Decade... by only talking about the decade before it! Did you know that Disney was almost bought up and sold for parts? Have a listen!
A quick episode this week on the raison-d'etre of Storybook Radio, and a couple of my early essays for the Storybook Radio website.
Mike joins me again in the Storybook Radio Studios, where we talk about his January trip to Walt Disney World. Mike experienced a few new things - Morimoto Asia, the Boathouse, Saratoga Springs and gave Animal Kingdom a second chance.
Today, I kick off what will be a series of looks at closed Walt Disney World attractions. For Part 1 of this ongoing series, we'll look at the recently closed Captain EO, as well as a quick story about nearly twenty-years ago closure of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
This week, Mike and I take a look at vacation preparation, planning and packing ahead of his big trip to Walt Disney World. We'll look at the many different ways in which a vacation can be approached, and it all revolves around one big question - What do you want to get out of your Disney World vacation?
Mike is back in the Storybook Radio Studios with me to take a good, hard look at Star Wars Episode 7, as well as the Star Wars franchise as a whole. We talk about the movies, George Lucas, and what it all means for Star Wars at Walt Disney World.
Warning! The episode contains spoilers for Episode 7: The Force Awakens, as well as some mild language.
For Episode 27, I'm joined in the Storybook Radio Studio by my good friend and fellow Walt Disney World aficionado Mike, as we look at our Disney World wish-lists (it is Christmas, after all!) In addition to Walt Disney World, we touch on Frozen, the Canadian dollar, Jose Bautista bat-flips and more!
Please note that this will be the last new episode of 2015; the podcast will return on January 6.
In honour of the release this week in theatres of Star Wars Episode 7 - The Force Awakens, I take you back to Episode 13, in which I looked at the long and fascinating history of the partnership between Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Lucasfilm CEO George Lucas, and how Star Wars has become quintessential with Disney. I've added some new content as well. Enjoy!
The history of how Christmas has been celebrated at the Disney Parks, from 1955 to the present day. We'll look at Disneyland, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the Candlelight Processional, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and much more!
Walt Disney World News - Week of December 7, 2015
Main Street Minute is the companion news podcast of Storybook Radio
Last week was Thanksgiving in the United States, so I would like to take the opportunity to tell you what I'm thankful for - Walt Disney World style!
In our Haunted Mansion conclusion, we will tour The Haunted Mansion scene by scene, taking a look at all of its residents and secrets. We will also hear some of the myths, legends and stories of the famous attraction, as well as the movies it has inspired.
This week, we're heading BACK to The Haunted Mansion for Part 3 of the history of this chilling attraction! We'll do some globetrotting this week, and we'll check out the different versions of The Haunted Mansion that have opened in Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong, as well as the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay at Disneyland, and the opening of Memento Mori in Walt Disney World in 2014. Don't miss The Haunted Mansion conclusion next week!
Welcome BACK, Foolish Mortals! Our tour continues in 1964, with the New York World's Fair! The opening of The Haunted Mansion is still five years away, but the gears are turning! In this chilling episode, I will recount the evolution of the home of 999 happy haunts from the walk-through illusion factory of Yale Gracey and Rolly Crump, to the ride-through omnimover collection of gags and ghosts brought to us by Marc Davis and Claude Coats. This chapter of The Haunted Mansion takes us to 1971, and the opening of the attraction in Walt Disney World! Part 3 continues next Wednesday!
Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to the Haunted Mansion! Step all the way in please... our tour begins here, in 1951, when the original Imagineer, Harper Goff, was tasked with designing a haunted house for Walt Disney! I follow the history of the Haunted Mansion through the next thirteen years, up until the 1964 New York World's Fair, in Part 1 of this series of the history of The Haunted Mansion.
Make sure to join me on Saturday, October 31, Halloween, for the continuation of this eerie tale. Cue cadaverous pallor!
This week, I look at the history and differences between Walt Disney World's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights.
And, since October 21 is Back to the Future Day, I take you back in time(!) to Back to the Future: The Ride at Universal Studios. Great Scott!
I went to Walt Disney World two weeks ago! Here's a full trip report of my 8 days in Orlando, including thoughts about beer flights, slow times of year, breakfast in Fantasyland, and free funnel cakes! Plus, a sentimental message about those of us lucky enough to get to go to Walt Disney World that you won't want to miss.
It's all about the Muppets this week on Storybook Radio! The story of the Muppets and Disney is nearly 30 years old, and there have been many bumps and much sadness along the way. This week, we'll look at the history of the Muppets and Disney, where their relationship eventually went, and what could have been at Disney's Hollywood Studios. And of course, there will be some cheap 3D tricks!
Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life For Me! This week, in honour of International Talk Like a Pirate Day (arrr...), we're going to look at the history and stories of how Pirates of the Caribbean came to be, at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. So, keep yer arms and legs in the boat at all times please me mateys, as we hop aboard the Wicked Wench and sack the Spanish Main!
This week, we'll help E.T., a lost alien, get back to his home planet to save it from dying. We'll look at the movie, the Universal Studios attraction, and why it means so much to me.
I take you back into the bowels of Gringott's Bank for a fiery adventure, before hopping onto the Hogwarts Express, and into Hogsmead Village!
A lot of people think that Walt Disney World is just for kids. No way! WDW is an amazing vacation destination for adults too, and in this episode, I tell you all the ways in which you can have fun at the Disney Parks, even if your 20-year old mouse ears don't fit you anymore.
Some people think that their Walt Disney World vacation ends the minute they leave the resort aboard the Tragical Express. I'm here to tell you that's not the case! Between your memories, lots of Disney stuff to do at home, and planning the next trip, your vacation - not unlike some certain Hitchhiking Ghouls - can follow you home!
Space tourism may still be a dream for many, but at Walt Disney World's Tomorrowland, it's reality. Let me take you through a gripping ride on Space Mountain, as we explore the attraction, its history and its little-known backstory. Blast off!
This week on Storybook Radio, I pay homage to the United States of America, home of Walt Disney. There are obvious tips of the cap to America in Walt Disney World, and then there are far more subtle ones - those are the ones I delve into here.
Originally airing on July 1, Canada Day, this very special episode of Storybook Radio goes in-depth on both the Canada Pavilion and the nation of Canada, through the eyes someone for whom this land is home.
With Jurassic World hitting theatres this summer, I take a look at Universal Studios' Jurassic Park, as well as the past and future of King Kong at Universal, including its initial replacement, Revenge of the Mummy.
Jambo! Let me take you on a guided walking tour of Disney's Animal Kingdom, a park filled with rich backstory, colourful history and travels through time and space. I am looking to debunk the myth of Animal Kingdom as a half day park. Safari Njema!
Let me take you inside one of the most immersive environments in theme park history - the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley! Located in Universal Studios Florida, the infamous London-based setting sees our heroes getting ready for the school year in the wizarding commerce community - and maybe, battling a fire-breathing dragon.
I take you on a haunting trip through the fifth dimension, into the Twilight Zone, aboard the Tower of Terror. We'll travel back in time to 1939, and back to the present day, in hopes that the ghosts of the past are no longer lurking...
As we kick off Storybook Radio, let me take you through a broad journey of the Disney Parks, where I'll tell you all of my favourite things.