Turkey Leg Talk: Recent Episodes
Phil Gramlich
Turkey Leg Talk (formerly known as the Ear To There Disney Podcast) has been bringing you the magic of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, and the films of Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel since 2016. Listen and subscribe for Disney topics including vacation planning, trivia, celebrity interviews, resort reviews, and reports on Disney attractions, restaurants, and food. Hosted by Disney expert and former WDW cast member Phil Gramlich, this show is fun for all ages and will help fill that theme park void when you can’t be at a Disney destination!
Join Phil, Amy, and family as we review our 4 night cruise on the Disney Wish that we took in early July. We talk food, activities, food, ports of call, food and more food!
Join me and my daughters, Alexa & Zoey, as we talk all about our incredible day in Universal Orlando's Epic Universe Theme Park!
Thank you so much go Chris Malek from the Dub Dee Dub Revue Podcast for having me on as a guest on his fantastic show! I had a blast talking all things Walt Disney, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, books, and a whole lot more! Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy this one!!
Merry Christmas Eve, Everyone! I've read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to my kids each year since they were born, and this year they wanted to share the Christmas love with you. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, and I'll see ya real soon!
Come with me as I go back in time to Walt Disney World in the 1970's and then Disneyland in the 1950's.
In this enchanting episode of "Disney+ Deep Dive," join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the timeless tale of "The Princess Bride." Explore the film's iconic moments, memorable characters, and discover why it continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane with our lively discussion and insightful analysis of this beloved Disney classic.
Buckle up for another epic episode of Turkey Leg Talk as I welcome back the one and only Disney Legend, Bob Gurr! Get ready to dive deep into the enchanting world of Disneyland as Bob shares fascinating stories and delightful laughter in our latest conversation.
If you love all things Disney and are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, then you won't want to miss this episode of Turkey Leg Talk. I (Phil Gramlich) am joined by Karen Alpert, the hilarious and relatable author and blogger behind Baby Sideburns, & we dive into Karen's recent family vacation to both destinations. From the best rides and attractions to insider tips and tricks, this podcast has everything you need to know to make your Disney vacation unforgettable. So grab a drink, grab a snack, and as a famous mouse once said, "On with the show!"
My friend Bob Gurr joins me this week to talk about the Disney 100 Exhibit that is currently being featured at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
Full of storied sound bytes and funny clips, listen in for all the dishy details about why Walt Disney was known for being both demanding and delightful, perfectionistic and progressive, life-changing and life-affirming, all with an uncanny eye for talent. And you’ll hear it straight from the hearts of Julie Andrews, Bob Gurr, Rolly Crump, Floyd Norman… and more!
A tour of Walt Disney's apartment above the firehouse in Disneyland does not go quite as expected
A tour of Walt Disney's apartment above the firehouse in Disneyland does not go quite as expected
Which Value, Moderate, Deluxe, & Deluxe Villas would be the best fit for your family? We'll help you decide!
Adventure. Excitement. A Jedi needs not these things. Unless you're onboard the Starcruiser!
Author and food & wine pro Marcy Carriker Smothers joins me on the show this week to talk all things Disney dining, including some great Walt Disney stories and a whole lot more!
As we once said on our "it's a food world" segments, Walt Disney World is not just burgers and hot dogs. The food options in all of the parks and resorts, both currently and historically, are certainly much finer than the normal fare that you would find in an amusement park or theme park.
In 2021 the Disney Company has given its fans new attractions, restaurants, shows, movies, & much more! Listen into find out what Disney Things We're Thankful for in 2021!
While it's easy to want to put everything we love about Disney on our lists, my guest this week and I really took a good look at the Disney things that really made us happy and thankful this year. Please listen with a family member or a friend and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Our first ever Disney+ Deep Dive focuses on a classic comedy from the 80's that still stands up well into the 21st Century, "Adventures In Babysitting".
This week we will break down this Elisabeth Shue blockbuster and give out our own awards including The Sleeping Beauty Award for the character that does the most with the fewest lines, the Hayden Christiansen Award for Wooden Acting that Almost Ruined a Movie, & the Julie Andrews Award for Acting that's Practically Perfect in Every Way!
We are celebrating Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary with stories, our favorite memories, and more!
We have lots of listener questions to get to including ones about Disney Genie, WDW's 50th Anniversary, family trip traditions and much more!
Claude Coats was an artist, background artist, animator and set designer, known for his work with the Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.
I took a trip to visit those other parks down the road at Universal Orlando on my last trip to Walt Disney World. This is how it went.
Universal Orlando reopened amid the Covid-19 pandemic more than a year ago. It had been more than 9 years since my last visit to Walt Disney World's biggest local rival. I decided that it had been long enough and it was time to pay a visit to the home of Harry Potter, Dr. Seuss, and Marvel's Superheroes (at least east of the Mississippi River).
The 50th Anniversary Celebration for Walt Disney World begins on October 1, 2021. We'll give you the scoop on what new things will be opening in 2021 and beyond!
Disney & Pixar films like Ratatouille, Moana, Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more are coming to the parks in 2021 and 2022! The Star Wars Galactic Star Cruiser Resort is also on the horizon. When can we expect these experiences to open? Listen in and find out!
Who better to tell us stories about the earliest days of Disneyland than original Disneyland Imagineer, Bob Gurr?
Bob Gurr was hired by Walt Disney himself in 1954 to work on the bodies of the Autopia cars for Walt's ambitious theme park, Disneyland. Little did Bob know that he was just beginning a long and storied career with the Disney Company, full of wonderful stories, incredible imaginations, and unrivaled creativity.
The Disneyland & Walt Disney World Monorail Systems are truly one of the seven wonders of the modern world!
Who better to go more in depth into the history of the Disney Monorail Systems than Disney Legend and Imagineer, Bob Gurr? Walt Disney himself asked Bob to design and build the first ever monorail in the Western Hemisphere and Bob's creation premiered in Disneyland in 1959.
There's something very special about taking a trip to Walt Disney World with parents even though we (at least some of us) aren't kids anymore!
It's only right to take our parents on trips to Walt Disney World after they saved and took us when we were children. This week my guest and I talk all about our favorite reasons why it's such a great time visiting the theme parks with our parents.
Did you know that Disney's Animal Kingdom is many things, but it's definitely "Nahtazu"!
Okay, actually, Walt Disney World's fourth and largest theme park actually doubles as a zoo. It's also a world class theme park with amazing attractions, sensational shows, and fantastic food! There are also many things you might not know about the park including history, never built attractions, and tributes hidden in plain sight! I hope you enjoy this week's Word of the Week - Nahtazu!
There is no shortage of heroes in the Disney universe. Princes, Princesses, Kings, Queens, Gods...they're all represented. But who are our favorites?
What is it that makes Epcot's World Showcase so unique and so special among all of the Disney theme parks? Our Top Ten is only the tip of the iceberg!
Epcot's World Showcase is so much more than rides and shows. Originally planned as its own theme park, World Showcase is like taking a trip around the world without ever leaving the friendly confines of Central Florida. With amazing cultural representatives from each host country, amazing culinary experiences, and the magic of Disney around every corner, World Showcase is not just another section in an amusement park!
Did you know that Walt Disney World partially built Phase 2 of Disney's Pop Century Resort? I promise, this episode will be Legendary!
At the end of the 20th Century, the powers that be in Walt Disney World came to the conclusion that another Value Resort needed to be built on Disney property. This new resort, tentatively named Disney's Pop Century Resort, was set to double the number of rooms available to guests at Value Resorts. Due to a number of unforeseen factors, only half of Pop Century was ever finished. What happened to the second, partially built part? You'll have to listen in to find out!
Which things do we wish were still available in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom? We have at least ten to tell you about!
The memories may remain, but over the years many things have been removed from the Magic Kingdom. Beloved attractions, favorite characters, delicious snacks and entertaining shows have all been removed from the Most Magical Place on Earth over the years. Jump in our DeLorean with us as we explore out favorite things that we miss about the Magic Kingdom!
Finally, the news so many Disney fans have been waiting for is here, Disneyland is almost set to reopen! We'll also go into Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World news!
If you're a Disneyland history buff like me, you'll want to check out these lesser known stories from the early days of the park!
I recently downloaded and listened to an audio tour of Disneyland which was narrated by Disney Legend and Imagineer Rolly Crump. I had never heard some of these stories before and since I can no longer find the tour online, I wanted to re-tell some of his stories this week on the Word of the Week. I may not tell the stories as well as Rolly does, but I hope you find them as interesting coming from me as I did hearing them from Rolly!
Have you ever been hit with a smell all of a sudden that instantly transports you back to Disney? This episode is for you!
The Disney theme parks aren't just about the sights. They are a full sensory experience that flood all of your senses with amazing sights, sounds, touches, and especially smells. Our sense of smell is strongly linked to memories, even more so than any of our other senses. So, of course, everyday smells can sometimes return us to the moments that we've last smelled those certain smells.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland are full of restaurants, attractions, shows, and even streets that have their own very distinctive smells. This week we'll explore some of those smells that take you back to WDW as soon as you smell them!
Have you ever been hit with a smell all of a sudden that instantly transports you back to Disney? This episode is for you!
The Disney theme parks aren't just about the sights. They are a full sensory experience that flood all of your senses with amazing sights, sounds, touches, and especially smells. Our sense of smell is strongly linked to memories, even more so than any of our other senses. So, of course, everyday smells can sometimes return us to the moments that we've last smelled those certain smells.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland are full of restaurants, attractions, shows, and even streets that have their own very distinctive smells. This week we'll explore some of those smells that take you back to WDW as soon as you smell them!
Flowers? Check. Gardens? Check. Amazing food, fantastic beverages, and fun for the entire family? Check, check, and check!
Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival is no longer the lesser of the park's two festivals. Find out why you should go to Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival this year!
Did you know that Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom has 15 opening day attractions still in operation?
The Disney company has always understood that nostalgia is a large part of its brand. Guests want to take their children and grandchildren on attractions that they themselves once rode as kids. Guests come back year after year to experience all that is new and all that is old and classic in the parks. These attractions have become nostalgic classics that hopefully will never be removed from the park.
While there are WAY more than ten great things about Pirates, we did our best to narrow it down and give you our favorites!
Pirates of the Caribbean opened in Disneyland on March 18, 1967. It has been a guest favorite since day one. Who doesn't love to sail among the swashbucklers while singing "Yo Ho"? The attraction was so popular that when Magic Kingdom opened without it in 1971, guests complained and demanded that Walt Disney World open a Pirates attraction in the park!
Even confident, professional (hopefully!) Disney travel agents can make mistakes sometimes! I present to you, The Great Snow White Debacle.
Which Walt Disney World audio animatronics are the coolest, according to us? I can almost guarantee there will be no spitting camels on this episode!
The Disney theme parks have given us world class audio animatronic figures since the 1960's. Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and the parks around the word are loaded with robotic characters that range from the wildly simplistic Tiki Birds to the amazingly complicated Shaman from Pandora: The World of Avatar. So which of these figures made our Top Ten List? You'll have to listen in to find out!
Disneyland's first ever Director of Entertainment lived an extremely fascinating life. This week's Disney Word of the Week is all about "Tommy the Toe" Walker!
Tommy Walker is responsible for several of the amazing traditions of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. So why isn't his name up there with the likes of Tony Baxter, Joe Rohde, Marc Davis or Bob Gurr? We'll take a deep dive into his amazing life this week and try to figure it out!
I recently saw an article online where the author ranked all of the attractions in Walt Disney World. She was way off! Here are the real rankings!
On this episode I fly solo and rank all fifty-six attractions (no shows with live performers) in all of Walt Disney World. My goal is to save you time and help you avoid riding attractions that you might've skipped otherwise. The only problem is, I love almost all of them!
We made it. 2020 is over! It's time to start thinking and planning for the future and What We're Looking Forward To in 2021!
The Disney Company has a lot of things on the horizon for the year 2021. New original Disney+ TV shows, movies, resorts, attractions and other additions to the theme parks are in store for us over the next twelve months. This week we will take a look at all of it and let you know what you should be most excited for in the coming year!
Sadly, Disney Legend Ron Dominguez recently passed away. His legacy, however, still stands tall inside Disneyland.
Ron Dominguez was just about twenty years old when Walt Disney purchased his family's land and home in 1954. Little did he know then that he was about to start out on his path of becoming a Disney Legend in the next half century.
Which Walt Disney World parks are the best for babies, toddlers, adults, grandparents and more? We'll break it down for you!
One question I get almost all the time from first time or first time in forever Walt Disney World guests is, "Which park is the best for us?" While each theme park in WDW has something for everyone, some parks are better than others for different age groups. Whether you're traveling with babies, teenagers, princes or princesses, this episode will help you prioritize the parks you'll need to visit on your Disney vacation!
Trying something a little different this time and bringing you my family's Christmas Eve tradition.
Since my wife and I have had kids I've been reading the poem "Twas The Night Before Christmas" to them on each and every Christmas Eve. This year I wanted to bring a little bit of our Christmas Eve tradition to you. So get the fireplace going, get the cookies and milk ready for Santa, grab a drink and a snack for yourself, and relax. It's Christmas!
Where did Buddy the Elf rank on our list of Top Ten Christmas Movie Characters? How about Kevin McCallister? Find out!
We expanded our horizons a little bit this week and came up with our list of not only Disney characters, but our all time, overall favorite characters in Christmas movies. I'm joined by my family on this episode and you can feel the buzz of the Christmas season running through my kids and right out of your speakers or headphones!
Over the years many of our favorite attractions have gone the way of the dodo. On this episode we'll take a virtual ride on three of my favorite extinct attractions.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Horizons, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride are three classic, favorite attractions we can no longer ride in Walt Disney World. That doesn't mean we can't ride them on the podcast just one more time! I'll give you some fun stories behind each of these favorite attractions and we might even virtually ride through one or two!
The Walt Disney Company has been releasing wonderful Christmas specials and films going all the way back to 1958. On this episode we'll talk about our favorites!
From Mickey to The Muppets, from Scott Calvin to Ebenezer Scrooge, Disney has been synonymous with fantastic Christmas entertainment for generations. On this bonus episode that was first released in 2017, my guest and I talk all about our favorite Disney films and specials that make the holidays a little extra special every year.
Trash is almost invisible in the Disney theme parks across North America. How is it removed almost undetected?
Over the years you've probably noticed that Disney & Pixar like to hide little tributes to other movies in their films. We'll tell you where to find them!
The animations wizards at Disney and Pixar have been hiding characters and props from other films in their films for years. Think about it: how many times have you spotted the Pizza Planet truck in other films besides the original Toy Story? This week my very sharp and musical guest host and I will clue you in on all of the Easter eggs we've found!
I don't interview a guest this week. Instead, a couple of guests interview me.
This week two of the members of the Ear To There Travel team prepared questions for me for the show. We talk about everything from my time as a Disney cast member to going back in time to hang out with Walt Disney. It's a wide-ranging show full of fun stories and interesting topics. Enjoy!
From pardoned turkeys to the infamous Turkey Legs, Thanksgiving and turkey has been a big part of the Disney Parks for decades!
This week I'll go into the history of Thanksgiving in the Disney company and talk all about the World Famous Turkey Legs that helped inspire the title for this show! We'll find out how many turkey legs the parks sell each year and even what kind of meat they actually are made of!
The Ear To There Disney Podcast is now Turkey Leg Talk! It's the same fun show with a new name and logo. Find out what we're thankful for in 2020!
Disney has helped get us through a very tough 2020. We're thankful for so many things this year including Disney+, looking forward to future trips, not riding a certain Disneyland attraction and more!
Disney announced that a new Norway pavilion was coming to EPCOT Center's World Showcase in 1985. By 1988 the Norwegians had arrived and with them came an all new attraction within the pavilion that would entertain guests for the next twenty six years. This week's Word of the Week is all about the Maelstrom and its lasting impact on the Disney fan community.
Mythical gods, fantastic trolls, polar bears, and oil rigs...let's talk about Epcot's classic, the Maelstrom!
The food in the Disney theme parks is much more than hot dogs and hamburgers. Amazing appetizers, savory snacks, decadent desserts, and elegant entrees are just a few of the things you can expect on your next culinary adventure through the Disney parks! Join me and the author of "The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook", Ashley Craft, for our chat all about the fantastic food available in Walt Disney World and Disneyland!
Want to make some of your favorite Disney Parks foods in the comfort of your own home? This episode has you covered!
With all of the flashy new Disney attractions so often in the blog headlines, it's nice to take a nice, nostalgic trip to the classic attractions that started it all.
Disney-obsessed people like myself are often obsessed with the next greatest attraction. From Avatar: Flight of Passage to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, we're always waiting to see if the newest attraction is Disney's best ever. We often forget, however, that they are tons of new Disney fans coming to the parks every year who've never ridden the classic attractions we've ridden hundreds of times. That's why this week's episode was so appealing to me when my co-host brought up the topic. I hope you enjoy Episode 216: Rediscovering Classic Attractions.
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There are no shortage of books about the history of the Disney company, the theme parks, and Walt Disney himself. This week I wanted to do my best to bring you my all time favorites. Enjoy Episode 215: Top Ten Disney Books!
With all off the books out there about Disney, how do you choose which ones to buy? Here are my favorites!
Fire up your Disney+ and get your iPhone ready, it's time to watch Mr. Boogedy with me!
I first heard about Mr. Boogedy around last Halloween. The Disney cult classic was first aired in 1985 but somehow I missed it over the years. Maybe it was too scary and my parents kept it off the TV or maybe we just didn't have the right channel back then. Either way, this year I decided to finally watch it and ask you, the listener, to watch it with me!
Disney has brought us some very famous dogs in movies and television over the years. We've been inundated with Goofy, Pluto, 101 Dalmatians, and many more. But what about those dogs that are in the Disney theme parks that no one ever talks about? Those dogs that have been in the background of our favorite attractions for years, just waiting to be thanked! That's why this week's show is all about those under appreciated pups! I hope you enjoy this week's Word of the Week - Dogs!
Goofy & Pluto aren't the only dogs who should be appreciated in Walt Disney World and Disneyland!
Three words: Return. To. Oz. And that nightmare fuel is just the tip of the scary iceberg this week!
Over the years, Disney has given its fans many intentionally scary things. From the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Space Mountain to Mr. Boogedy, Disney's had it's fair share of real scares. Then there are the scary things in the parks, movies, and TV that aren't scary on purpose...they're just, scary! I hope you enjoy Episode 213: Unintentionally Scary Disney!
Back by popular demand this week is a three part podcast series all rolled into one episode. Back to the Speedway the Complete Series is a first person story set in Walt Disney World in both the present and the past. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback on these episodes and combining them into one full show is a great way for new listeners to listen and for listeners who’ve been around for a while to relive the adventure!
What happens when Disney Legend Bob Gurr tells me about time travel technology that not only exists in the world, but was hidden in plain view in a WDW theme park? Listen in and find out!
Walt Disney was a visionary who often would do things that didn’t make a lot of sense to those who worked with him. I’ve read a story where he had workers at Disneyland pave over a beautiful flower garden that guests were walking through instead of putting a fence around it. He told anyone who would listen that obviously there was a reason why the guests were walking through those flowers and that he wanted to make it easier for the guests to get where they were going. This story is a bit like that. I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Spire.
Why is there a 19th century gold spire on top of Sleeping Beauty castle? It all goes back to Walt Disney’s vision.
Disney Legend Bob Gurr was first hired by Walt Disney himself in 1954 to work on the body of the Autopia vehicles. Bob parlayed that job into a long career of design for Walt Disney Imagineering. I hope you enjoy episode 212: An Afternoon with Bob Gurr!
Disney Legend Bob Gurr joins me this week to talk about his favorite attraction, his proudest moment as an Imagineer, and much more!
Walt Disney World has been welcoming guests back since mid-July and I’ve had a chance to talk to quite a few guests who’ve been there with their families. I hope you enjoy Episode 211: Returning to WDW as a Family!
What’s it like for kids in Walt Disney World these days? Is it worth going with all of the precautions and restrictions? Let’s find out!
One thing I have missed tremendously during 2020 is Disneyland. I’ve been to the parks every single year since I started as a travel agent and I don’t see myself slowing down any time soon! If you can’t get to Disneyland, however, a virtual trip in 3D might be the next best thing! I hope you enjoy Episode 210: Disneyland in 3D with Dave Bossert!
Disney animator and author Dave Bossert and I talk about Disney’s golden era of animation and Disneyland in 3D!
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Disneyland’s Adventureland was set to be immersed in a George Lucas-run franchise in the 1980’s. This franchise had much more to do with snakes and whips than lightsabers and blasters. I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Lost.
An entire Indiana Jones-themed mini-land is coming to Disneyland’s Adventureland in the late 1980’s!
Bill Farmer has been the official voice of Goofy and Pluto (and many more characters you know) for over 30 years. More importantly than that, he’s a super nice guy and was a blast to talk to! I hope you enjoy Episode 209: Disney Legend Bill Farmer!
Disney Legend and the voice of Goofy, Pluto, and many more, joins me to talk about his career in voice acting and how he became Goofy’s Official Voice!
You probably already know some fun facts about Walt Disney World’s Seven Seas Lagoon, but maybe I can teach you a thing or two! I hope you enjoy this week’s Walt Disney World Word of the Week – Lagoon!
Want to know the secrets and history of Walt Disney World’s Seven Seas Lagoon. Just. Click. Play.
As I’ve said countless times on the show, I’ve never been to Disneyland Paris, but I’ve always wanted to go. This week I sat down with a friend to talk all about her recent trip and what it was like. I hope you enjoy Episode 208: What’s It Like In Disneyland Paris?
My friend from across the pond, Victoria, and I talk all about her recent trip to Disneyland Paris and what Epcot got right about the UK!
With Walt Disney World’s theme parks and many resorts back up and running, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about when the right time will be for many people to return to the Most Magical Place on Earth. We’ll tackle that question exactly on Episode 207: When Should You Go Back to WDW?
What are the WDW parks like with all of the precautions in place and when should you go back? We’ll help you decide!
What does Walt Disney World offer for entire families to ride together? This week we took a look at exactly that. I hope you enjoy Episode 206: WDW With No Height Requirements!
Walt Disney World has its fair share of thrill rides but what can entire families all ride together? Everything we mention on this episode is perfect for everyone aged 1 to 92!
Walt Disney Animation has had no shortage of brilliant artists and fantastic storytellers over the years. This week I spoke with one individual who is a legend in both areas. I hope you enjoy Episode 205, A Chat with Disney Legend Floyd Norman!
You may not hear a better podcast this month than my recent conversation with legendary Disney cartoonist, the fantastic Floyd Norman!
This week's Word of the Week takes us both back in time and across the country as we head out to Disneyland in the 1950's and check out the old pirate ship restaurant. I hope you enjoy this week's Word of the Week - Chicken (of the Sea)!
Are you in the mood for surly pirates and tasty tuna fish? Then let's jump in the time machine and visit the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant!
Walt Disney World is set to reopen its parks within the next week. Of course, Universal Orlando's theme parks have already been open and operating with new safety and wellness guidelines since June. This week I wanted to take a look and see how Universal Orlando was operating so I sent friend and frequent show guest Chuck Rodriguez to have a look! I hope you enjoy Episode 204: A Day At Universal Orlando.
How is Universal Orlando handling the reopening of their parks and attractions? Friend of the show Chuck Rodriguez visited and will share his experiences this week!
Which character jumps into your mind when someone says the words "Disney villain"? Chances are, the character you just thought of isn't mentioned on this week's show! I hope you enjoy Episode 203: Most Underrated Disney Villains.
This week's show is all about those sneaky but evil Disney Villains who we won't allow to sneak under the radar any longer!
It's often said that Walt Disney came up with the idea for Disneyland while sitting on a park bench in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, watching his daughters on the carousel. While that is true, that carousel wasn't the only inspiration for Disneyland. I hope you enjoy this week's Word of the Week - Carolwood.
Walt Disney's love of trains goes way back to his childhood days riding the rails in middle America. This love inspired him to build a railroad in his backyard!
It's almost time! Walt Disney World's parks and resorts will be opening too guests in less than one month. Find out all you need to know about it on this week's episode, Reopening Walt Disney World!
With Walt Disney World reopening there is a TON of information out there. I'll guide you through at all and we'll have some laughs along the way!
On May 1st, 1989, The Disney MGM Studios opened, and with it, one of the most beloved attractions in the history of theme parks. The Great Movie Ride was a fascinating trip into pure movie-making magic! I hope you enjoy Episode 201: A Tribute to The Great Movie Ride!
Let's take one more ride on The Great Movie Ride and experience all the lights, cameras, and action! Ready when you are, C.B.!
My New Years Resolution for 2016 was to start a podcast. Right after the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, I went onto Amazon and purchased a microphone. A few days later I sat down and started recording. Little did I know that that decision would change my life forever. I hope you enjoy this week's show, Celebrating 200 Episodes!
Let's take a fun look back at the last 200 episodes with favorite co-hosts, guests, and moments of the show! Thank you for listening!
Disneyland's and Walt Disney World's theme parks have no shortage of secrets. On this episode I will let you in on some that you may have never heard before! I hope you enjoy Episode 199: Secrets & Stories of the Disney Parks!
What secrets and stories are in plain sight in the Disney theme parks? Turns out, an awful lot! I'll share many of them with you on this weeks show!
Sometimes it's fun to take on a silly topic and put a lot of thought into it. I am not embarrassed to say that I took a lot of time putting my list together! I hope you enjoy Episode 198: Disney Characters You'd Want To Be Quarantined With!
The last couple of months have been interesting, for sure! They might have been more interesting if you'd had the chance to spend them with some of these Disney characters!
With the world being on pause at the moment, my family and I are missing the Disney theme parks more than ever. This week we will help bring Disney into your home on Episode 197: Put A Little Disney In Your Day!
How can you experience a little bit of the fun and magic of the Disney Parks in your home during this tough time? We have ideas!
One attraction that I wish I had had the opportunity to experience was the Disneyland classic, Adventure Thru Inner Space. Sadly, I never had the opportunity. This week I'm going to ride along virtually with you, though, on the latest Word of the Week - InnerSpace!
Disneyland's Adventure Thru Inner Space was a groundbreaking attraction in the history of theme parks. This week we're going to virtually ride it together!
Before Walt Disney made Mickey Mouse the biggest cartoon character of all time, he had a pretty big hit with a different animal. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was Walt's first true star, and there are tributes to him in Magic Kingdom. I hope you enjoy this Magical Minute: Hidden Oswald the Lucky Rabbit!
Hidden Mickeys? Child's play! Do you know where you can find not one but two Hidden Oswalds in Walt Disney World? I'll help you wow your family this week!
When Pleasure Island opened in 1989, it was impossible to tell just how big of an effect the Adventurer's Club would have on the future of the Disney company's parks and resorts. This week I will tell you how that little club went on to inspire an entire society. I hope you enjoy this Word of the Week - S.E.A.
The Society of Explorers and Adventurers has infiltrated many of our favorite Disney attractions and locales, changing the stories and lore. So, who's behind this secret society?
I take pride in trying to bring new information that you may have never heard before on each episode of the Word of the Week. I hope you enjoy this week's Word of the Week - Lantern!
What do Roy O. Disney, a Japanese Emperor, Mickey Mouse, the Polynesian, and World Showcase have in common? Grab a drink and a snack and I'll tell you!
Kilimanjaro Safaris is the largest attraction Walt Disney World Imagineers have ever created. The attraction itself is larger than the entire Magic Kingdom! The biggest stars on the safari are, of course, the lions. I hope you enjoy this Magical Minute: Lions of Kilimanjaro Safaris.
When Kilimanjaro Safaris first opened in 1998, spotting the lions on a safari was rare. How did Imagineers fix this problem? Listen in to find out!
The reviews started coming in around the first week of December, 2019, and were incredibly positive. Rise of the Resistance was called transportive, exceptional, amazing, and the most immersive attraction Disney had ever created. I finally got to ride in March, 2020, and ahead is my Spoiler Full Review of Rise of the Resistance!
SPOILERS AHEAD! I'm going to break down Disney's Rise of the Resistance attraction scene by scene. Another spoiler: I LOVED it!
Walt Disney World has had a colorful history full of larger than life heroes, villains, and stories. Are the characters in this story heroes or villains? You'll have to listen in and find out on this week's Word of the Week - Skeleton!
What does a skeleton from Pirates of the Caribbean have to do with a time capsule buried inside Cinderella Castle? Listen in & I'll tell you!
When Splash Mountain opened in Disneyland in 1988, Disney knew they had a big success on their hands! I hope you enjoy the latest Word of the Week - Splash!
Did you know that if Michael Eisner had his way, there would be a mermaid somewhere on Splash Mountain? Enjoy that and other facts on this show!
Let's face it, Disney theme parks around the world have some creepy attractions. Some are intentionally creepy, some are unintentionally creepy. This week we will break them all down on Episode 195, Creepy Disney Attractions!
From the Haunted Mansion to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, it's a small world to Pinocchio's Daring Journey, these are the creepiest attractions in the Disney Parks.
Walt Disney knew that Disneyland needed a fine dining restaurant when his theme park opened. Queue The Red Wagon Inn. For the first decade of Disneyland, the location of the future Plaza Inn hosted movie stars, dignitaries, and presidents.
Currently the home of the best fried chicken on Planet Earth, take a ride with me through the history of Disneyland's historic restaurant, the Plaza Inn, on Main Street USA.
Walt Disney's original theme park has endured for more than half a decade as the best family theme park in the world. This week my cohost and I will tell you just what makes it so special for kids on Episode 194: Disneyland For Kids.
Sure, your kids have been to Walt Disney World. But why should you take them to Disneyland? This week my oldest kid joins me to talk about why your kids will love Disneyland!
What is there to do in Walt Disney World for tweens? Today my friend Griffin and I talk all about it on this Stuck Home Show: WDW for Tweens.
WDW isn’t just for little kids these days. There’s plenty for older kids and tweens to do, and my guest on this episode will tell you all about it!
You’re at home, I’m at home. We are all facing unprecedented restrictions in not only the United States of America, but across the world. That’s why I decided to do my best to inject a little bit of Disney into our everyday lives. I hope you enjoy the first episode of Stuck Home, Stuck Home With Lex.
Making the best of being home by bringing you a little bit of Magic into your life each day. Let’s take our minds off of the craziness & have fun!
There was a time when almost every family show on television visited either the Walt Disney World resort or Disneyland. Today we’re going to go back to those fun times on this week’s show, 90s TV Visits Walt Disney World.
Which TV characters had the best ever Disney episode? Roseanne & family? The Tanners? The Pritchetts? Urkel?? Let’s get into it!
Walt Disney World’s four theme parks have no shortage of table service restaurants. This week we’ll give you our Top Ten that we think you should head to on your next WDW vacation. Enjoy the Top Ten In Park Table Service Restaurants.
We’re taking the guess work out of the equation this week and giving you our current Top Ten table service restaurants in the Walt Disney World theme parks!
The idea for the classic Magic Kingdom attraction, The Hall of Presidents, goes all the way back to Walt Disney Himself. Walt imagined it first as a walkthrough wax museum, much like he originally imagined Pirates of the Caribbean. Many years and a few changes later, I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Presidents.
There’s almost as much Disney history as there is American history in the classic Magic Kingdom show, The Hall of Presidents. Let’s explore it!
When Disney+ premiered in November of 2019, there was a ton of content to sift through. In the last four months, a ton of movies, shows, and original programming has debuted. This week we will talk about all of that and more on Episode 192: Top 20 Things To Watch On Disney+.
From Star Wars to Marvel, Disney Classics to Pixar Shorts, these are our top twenty things you need to watch right now on Disney+!
As Fozzie Bear once said, “I do my best to keep it fresh each night.” I agree wholeheartedly with Fozzie. That’s why I went ahead and made an investment in podcasting this week!
This is just a short Word of the Week testing out my new podcast equipment. It was kind of fun so I wanted to share! More episodes are coming this week!
Letters, we get letters, we get sacks and sacks of letters! Well, we don’t really get letters, but we do get questions! I hope you enjoy this week’s show, Listener Questions: 5th Park, Favorite Resorts, & More!
This week, we’ll answer all your tough questions about a new WDW theme park, your first sailing on a Disney Cruise, and many more!
Disney’s Animated movies aren’t all talking cars and toys. The animated classics going back to Walt Disney’s times actually have pretty dark and morbid beginnings. I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week: Legends.
Some of the happiest Disney Animated Classics come from the darkest, most morbid fairy tales of all time. Follow me down the dark rabbit hole as we explore them!
In the last ten years or so, Walt Disney World’s restaurants have become much more than just places to sit and eat. They are experiences that are as immersive as the lands, parks, and resorts that they reside in. This week we will try to come up with our own, new restaurant ideas on Episode 190: Imaginary Imagineering: Restaurant Edition!
Walt Disney World is full of fun and immersive restaurants, but it could always use more! This week we try our best to Imagineer new eateries!
The Disney Decade is an era of the Walt Disney Company that was headed by former CEO Michael Eisner. It’s fondly looked back upon as one of the greatest decades in the company’s history since the passing of Walt Disney. The last decade, however, gives it a run for its money! This week we’ll talk all about the Last Disney Decade!
In the last decade the Walt Disney Company has seen amazing growth all across the board. We do our best to sum up what’s happened in WDW this week!
One question I get from parents all the time is “Will my kids think this attraction is scary?” Honestly, I don’t know! That’s why I brought in one of the experts on this week’s show, The Attractions Kids Find Scary.
Parents are always asking me if certain attractions will be scary for their children. This week my guest and I go through all of WDW to break down those “scary” rides and shows.
In October I was a guest on the Detour To Neverland Podcast with Brendan and Katherine. We talked a bit about my background with Disney and I had a blast answering questions on their show! I hope you enjoy Episode 187: Detour to Neverland!
The origin story is always my favorite part of any character in the movies or on TV. Check out my origin story with Brendan & Katherine from Detour To Neverland!
2019 has been a big year for the Walt Disney Company. With numerous additions to the theme parks, film, television and more, there are so many things to be thankful for. We’ll tell you what our favorites are on this week’s show, What We’re Thankful For: Disney Edition.
We have a lot to be thankful for this year, especially when it comes to Disney! Grab an egg nog, grab a turkey leg, and hit play!
Vision, Communication, People Skills, Character, Competence, Boldness, & A Serving Heart. These are the 7 timeless principles, according to this week’s guest, Basketball Hall of Famer & author Pat Williams, that made Walt Disney the most innovative leader of the 20th century. He’ll talk all about Walt & how he’s inspired his life and work on this week’s show, Pat Williams on How To Lead Like Walt.
What made Walt Disney such a great leader? What can you do in your career and life to Lead Like Walt? Author Pat Williams stops by this week to tell you!
November 12, 2019 has finally come and gone and Disney+ is here. Want to know my thoughts on the all-new streaming platform? I will tell you on this week’s Word of the Week – Disney+ (With Spoilers).
Grab a drink, grab a snack, and get set to join me for my spoiler-filled review of all the new stuff on Disney+.
When Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opened in Disneyland in 1963, it was absolutely groundbreaking. This was the first ever attraction that featured audio-animatronics, the first ever fully air-conditioned attraction (due to all of the computers running to make the attraction work), and it played to full houses every single day. That was the original attraction, however. Not what this week’s episode is about. I hope you enjoy the Word of the Week – Tiki (Room Under New Management).
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is a Disney classic and a true theme park treasure. What was in Magic Kingdom between 1998 & 2011 was, umm, not.
Sometimes, when you’re on vacation, you are in the mood for a specific type of cuisine. It might not be burgers and fries; it could be Italian, Japanese, Mexican, or even good old fashioned German food. This week we’ll help you know where to go to get those foods on Episode 184: Where to Find Your Favorite Cuisines in WDW.
Having a hard time finding good Italian, Japanese, Mexican, or Chinese food in Walt Disney World? We’ll tell you where to go plus much more!
Walt Disney World will never be the same! Last week the Ear To There Podcast Pod People took over a couple of ballrooms in Disney’s Contemporary Resort for food, fun, and friends. We even had a special, cheese-loving guest stop by. Enjoy Episode 183, the Pod People Invasion and Trivia!
Want to know what it’s like to spend some quality time with members of the podcast team, Vacationeers, and podcast listeners? Listen along and play some trivia with us this week!
There might not be a more iconic mode of transportation in the entire world than the Disney Monorail. This week my friend Bob Gurr and I will tell you all about the history of the monorail on the Word of the Week – Monorail.
Everything you always wanted to know about the Disney Monorail systems, but were afraid to ask, starring Disney Legend and monorail designer, Bob Gurr.
I get lots of questions. Like, hundreds each week. So we decided to answer a few of them on this week’s podcast. I hope you enjoy Episode 182: Listener Questions – October 2019.
Origin stories, favorite attractions, the fear of ferris wheels & more! We cover a lot on this week’s Listener Questions!
Where is the best place to really get a laugh in Walt Disney World? We’ll tell you on this week’s show, Episode 181: Funniest Walt Disney World Attractions!
Where do you go for a laugh in Walt Disney World? These attractions will keep you smiling and laughing time and time again!
When Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, one of the original lands that was available to guests on Opening Day was Dinoland USA. The land has changed over the years and the backstory and story of the land has changed as well. This week I will help you keep it all together on the Words of the Week – Chester & Hester.
Have you always wondered how Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama fits into Dinoland USA? There’s a big backstory and I’ll help you make sense of it all!
Weeks ago we recorded an episode that was all about the most overrated restaurants in Walt Disney World. This week, we hope you enjoy the opposite on Episode 180, the Most Underrated Walt Disney World Restaurants.
With so many dining options, it’s not easy choosing where to eat in Walt Disney World. This week we’ll do our best to help you choose!
Star War’s: Galaxy’s Edge is a dream come true for true “Star Wars” fans like me. From the Stormtroopers walking around to the blue milk to the life-sized Millennium Falcon, it’s like waking up in the middle of a fanboy’s dream. But what about those of us who didn’t grow up loving “Star Wars”? Check out Episode 179: Galaxy’s Edge for Non Star Wars Fans!
My wife, Amy, was nervous. I had spent weeks talking about Galaxy’s Edge and she was about to walk inside. The problem was, she isn’t a Star Wars fan.
Sometimes you just need to be in your favorite place in the world! I hope you enjoy the Word of the Week – Disneyland!
Take a little escape from your day today and join me as I walk around Disneyland! If you close your eyes and concentrate on the sounds and music you might even smell the churros!
One thing that my family and I can do really well is talk. Actually, we never stop. And we had a ton to talk about when it came time to sum up our latest family trip! I hope you enjoy Episode 178: our Disneyland Family Trip Review!
My family and I just got home from a week in Disneyland and we want to tell you all about our favorite rides, foods, & experiences!
Disneyland took much of its original inspiration from the movies. From the red carpet concrete below your feet to the credits soon the windows of Main Street USA, you’re stepping into Walt Disney’s imagination. So how do you prepare for a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? Watch movies, of course! I hope you enjoy this week’s episode, Movies To Watch Before Visiting Disneyland.
Many Disney films will bring the magic of Disneyland to life on your TV screen before you even arrive. Here are our favorites!
We’ve lost so many guest favorite attractions over the years, it’s hard to keep track. Maelstrom, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride will never again be experienced in Walt Disney World. This week I want to tell you all about one of WDW’s all time favorite extinct attractions on the Word of the Week – Horizons.
One attraction that WDW fans miss the most is Epcot Center’s classic, Horizons. Join me for a little history & to take a virtual last ride.
Let me preface this episode by saying that I love almost everything there is about Walt Disney World. I love the theme parks, resorts, attractions, and restaurants. But that doesn’t mean I have to LOVE every restaurant! I hope you enjoy Episode 17: Most Overrated WDW Restaurants!
Which popular Walt Disney World restaurants aren’t worth the hype and reservations 180 days out? I’m ready to break some hearts and tell you!
So, you’ve booked your family’s vacation to Walt Disney World. Now what? Well, this episode will help you avoid those rookie mistakes that so many guests make on their Walt Disney World vacations! I hope you enjoy this Bonus Episode: Biggest WDW Rookie Mistakes!
We know the rookie mistakes because we’ve made the rookie mistakes! On this episode we’ll help you avoid them, save money, and maximize your time in the parks!
A while back, my wife Amy and I decided to take our kids to breakfast at Akershus for the first time. We also decided to record it! I hope you enjoy this week’s Bonus Episode: Gramlich Family Review of Akershus!
Bacon & eggs? Check. Amazing princesses? Check. Gjetost Cheese from Norway that everyone was afraid to eat at the table? Check! Did we try it? You’ll have to listen to find out!
Have you ever heard of the Holly Vermont Realty Company? On this Magical Minute, I’ll fill you in on why, if it wasn’t for this random company, Disney might not be what it is today. I hope you enjoy this week’s Magical Minute: Holly Vermont Realty Company.
What does a random Los Angeles realty company have to do with the history of the Disney Company? Listen in and I’ll tell you in a Magical Minute!
In the latest bonus episode of the Ear To There Disney Podcast, I hope you enjoy my chat with the original Disney Podcaster on this Bonus Episode: Chat with WDW Radio’s Lou Mongello.
When you’re talking about Disney and Podcasting, there’s one name that probably comes to mind. I hope you enjoy my chat with the OG of Disney Podcasting, Lou Mongello.
Walt Disney World is made up of a lot of BIG things. Huge theme parks, water parks, restaurants, resorts, and more can make it a very busy vacation. But if you look hard enough, it’s really the little things that make the biggest impacts. This week we’ll tell you all about the Little Things We Love About Magic Kingdom!
You might not even notice them, but these Little Things in Magic Kingdom add up to making a BIG impact on your WDW Vacation!
Walt Disney World is the ultimate family-friendly vacation. With tons of rides with no height requirement at all, fun pools, playgrounds, and Disney characters everywhere, you can’t beat it for a full family vacation. But where do you go when you really want an adult beverage in the parks or resorts? We’ll help you figure it out on Episode 174: Best Spots in WDW for an Adult Beverage.
Because sometimes when it’s hot, humid, and you’ve been on ‘small world’ four times in two days, you need an adult beverage! We’ll tell you where to go!
It’s been said that you can’t do it all on a trip to Walt Disney World and with newer lands like Toy Story Land and Pandora: The World of Avatar, plus Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge coming this summer, that’s never been more true! So which attractions could you afford to miss on your WDW vacation? We’ll tell you on this Bonus Episode: Skip These WDW Attractions!
Have you struggled with choosing which attractions to skip on your WDW vacations? Well, struggle no more! I’m here to help!
A trip to Walt Disney World is not an inexpensive vacation. Between the resort, the park tickets, flights, dining plans, etc., there is an awful lot to pay for. So how do you make your WDW trip the most affordable it can be? Check out Episode 173: How To Make Your WDW Trip Affordable.
All of my best tips to make your Walt Disney World Vacation an affordable one are right here. Click play and I will tell you every single hack I know.
When Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, it opened with three resort hotels: The Contemporary Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and the Polynesian Village Resort. The Polynesian has remained a guest favorite for almost 50 years and there are so many reasons why. I hope you enjoy this week’s Bonus Episode: All About the Polynesian.
Why should you stay at, or at least visit, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on your next WDW trip? We have a ton of reasons!
Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island was a bold move for the entertainment company that always prided themselves on family entertainment. Walt Disney built Disneyland so adults and children would have somewhere to have fun together, but PI was certainly not designed in the same mold! I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Pleasure Island.
Pleasure Island seems like it’s been gone forever, but it wasn’t that long ago that it was New Year’s Eve every night and NSYNC was bringing down the house!
What is WDW’s most controversial decision of all time? The removal of Horizons, Maelstrom, or Body Wars? The introduction of the Disney Dining Plans? We explore all of that and much more on this Bonus Episode: WDW’s Most Controversial Decisions.
The Pink Castle? Removing Maelstrom? Demolishing Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride? What is WDW’s Most Controversial Decision of all time?
With Father’s Day less than a week away, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the things in Walt Disney World that we might want to experience with our fathers or grandfathers. I hope you enjoy Episode 172: Tom Ten Things to do with Your Dad in WDW!
From Dad Jokes to Dad-Sized Steaks, these are ten things we’re sure your dad will love in Walt Disney World!
Have you ever heard of a man named Cornelius Vanderbilt Wood? No? I hadn’t either. Then I did a little bit of research and found out some crazy things about this man and the history of the Walt Disney Company, especially when it comes to the history of Disneyland. I sincerely hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Wood.
Cornelius Vanderbilt Wood (or C.V. Wood) was instrumental in the construction of the world’s first theme park, Disneyland. So why haven’t you heard of him? I’ll explain all of that and more in this week’s Word of the Week.
This episode was originally Episode 20 of the Ear To There Disney Podcast. Stacey J. Aswad has been the host of Walt Disney World Resort TV’s programming for more than a decade! I hope you enjoy this Bonus Episode: Chat With Must Do Disney’s Stacey J. Aswad!
As soon as we get to our WDW hotel room, Stacey is on our TV! Enjoy this week’s bonus episode, my chat with Stacey, the host of Must Do Disney!
Walt Disney World isn’t just hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chicken nuggets. Over the last several years, the counter service meal options available in the parks and resorts have exploded. This week we’ll name some or our top options on Episode 171: Top Ten Counter Service Meals.
Burgers? Hot dogs? Chicken Nuggets? You might be surprised by our Top Ten Counter Service Meals in Walt Disney World!
In this bonus episode I am bringing back my interview from Episode 11 with Disney Legend Rolly Crump. Rolly was hired by Walt Disney in the 1960’s and worked on some of the most influential Disney attractions of all time. Enjoy this Bonus Episode: A Conversation with Disney Legend Rolly Crump!
What was it like working with Walt Disney and designing iconic attractions like “it’s a small world” and The Enchanted Tiki Room? Rolly Crump will tell you himself!
Four years ago at Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA, it was announced that “Star Wars Land” was coming to both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The wait is officially over. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is here! I hope you enjoy Episode 170: Live from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
I spent close to five hours in Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and I want to tell you all about it! A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…
Summer just got here in a hurry! I feel like last week I was putting on a sweatshirt to go outside and this week I can’t be outside for more than 2 minutes without needing to cool off. That got me thinking about what attractions can cool you down in WDW, which eventually led me to this week’s show topic, our Favorite WDW Water Attractions.
Whether on boats or flying over the ocean, Walt Disney World has a ton of water attractions in the parks. This week we’ll share our favorites!
Disney Legend and Imagineer Herb Ryman is the subject of this week’s show. You might remember that I have already done a Word of the Week about him, but these two stories also need to be told! I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Ryman.
Herb Ryman’s influence over Disneyland is much deeper than the weekend he spent with Walt at the studio and his original Disneyland sketch. This week I’ll tell two stories you may have never heard about the late Disney Legend.
Get ready for another bonus (re-released) episode! Walt Disney World’s attractions have no shortage of famous quotes. From “Dead men tell no tales” to “Let It Go,” you’ll always walk away from a Disney attraction with some line stuck in your head. I hope you enjoy this Bonus Episode: Top Ten WDW Attraction Quotes!
This week I welcome back Chuck Rodriguez to talk all about quotes that stay with you LONG after you’re home from your Walt Disney World vacation. We both do our best attempts at imitating the famous Disney voice actors who say these lines on the attractions, sometimes with not so great results!
For someone like me who grew up watching Cheers, was in their 20’s when Pixar exploded, and now watches every new animated film with their kids, John Ratzenberger is one of the biggest names in a generation of entertainment. His brand new Pixar film, Toy Story 4, opens next month. I hope you enjoy Episode 168: A Conversation with John Ratzenberger.
This week, TV & Movie Icon John Ratzenberger drops in to talk Toy Story 4 (in theaters on June 21), the magic of Disney & Pixar, and much more!
By popular demand, I’m going back to older episodes that are hard to find on some podcast providers and re-releasing them each week. This was originally Episode 15 of the Ear To There Disney Podcast. I hope you enjoy this Bonus Episode: A Chat With Yehaa Bob Jackson!
Bob Jackson’s action-packed, family-friendly show plays to a full house four nights each week and if you’ve ever seen him live, you know that no one has more fun than him!
Walt Disney World is synonymous with magic. Once you step inside the theme park gates anything can happen and your wildest dreams can come true. We’ll talk about some our all time most magical experiences on this week’s show, Most Magical Disney World Moments.
Sometimes, moments in Walt Disney World can catch you by surprise and take your breath away. This week’s show is all about those unbelievably magical moments.
One of the most iconic attractions in the history of the Disney theme parks is “it’s a small world.” This week, along with some friends, I’ll talk all about the history of the 1964 World’s Fair original on Word of the Week – Small.
Listen in to hear all about the history of “it’s a small world” from some of the individuals that worked on the original attraction including Rolly Crump & Richard Sherman.
We’ve all been there. Either it’s a travel day or a day planned into the middle of your Walt Disney World vacation with no park tickets. So what is there to do? So much we made an entire episode about it! Listen along on What To Do on Non Park Days!
So what can you do in Walt Disney World on your travel days or on days when you won’t be going to the theme parks? Turns out an awful lot!
Once a podcast episode is on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify for a long time, it gets removed so other, newer episodes can take its place. This episode was removed about a year ago but it’s a good one and I really wanted all listeners to hear it! This is Our Top Ten Walt Disney World Smells.
The Burning of Rome, the smells on Soarin’, Disney Popcorn? What are your all time favorite Disney smells? Our lists feature some favorites and lots of surprises!
What is your all time favorite Walt Disney World memory? Is it taking your children for the first time? Maybe it’s when you got your first glimpse of Cinderella Castle. This week we talk all about our favorite moments on Episode 164: Our Favorite Disney Memories.
This week some of the Vacationeers at Ear To There Travel share their favorite Walt Disney World memories with you!
In order of appearance on the episode, here are the Vacationeers featured on the show (myself not included!):
Francois (Frank) Nobert: frank@eartotheretravel.com
Samantha Hall: sam@eartotheretravel.com
Autumn Owen: autumn@eartotheretravel.com
Sean Cullinane: sean@eartotheretravel.com
Jennie Thomas: jennie@eartotheretravel.com
Jen Allen: jen@eartotheretravel.com
Kim Sexton Daugherty (and kiddos!): kim@eartotheretravel.com
Ashley Johnson: ashley@eartotheretravel.com
Jason Patton: jason@eartotheretravel.com
Heather Tomasek: heather@eartotheretravel.com
When I looked over all of the Word of the Week episodes that I’ve done, I was shocked to find that I’ve never done one about Spaceship Earth. There have been lots of changes and iterations of this attraction over the years that I try to summarize in a 15 minute show! I hope you enjoy the Word of the Week – Spaceship.
Spaceship Earth is one of the most iconic attractions in all of Walt Disney World. This week I’ll talk all about the history, changes, trivia, & fun facts of Epcot’s most popular attraction.
When deciding to put this episode out, I had a lot of difficulty finding the right words to use. There are so many fun and nostalgic things in the parks of Walt Disney World that we all love. Some of them are timeless, some of them are silly, and some of them are cheesy. That’s when it came to me. This week’s show would be all about our Top Ten Favorite Cheesy things about WDW!
So many things in WDW warm our hearts but none probably more than those nostalgic, cheesy jokes and moments that we share with other Disney fans. From bears to birds, these are our favorite cheesy things!
The Disney theme parks are full of attractions that everyone wants to ride. But what about those attractions that we don’t ride?! This episode is about those! Let’s talk all about Disney Attractions We Won’t Ride!
Heights. Darkness. Speed. Drops. What types of things keep us off Disney theme park attractions? We’ll tell you all about those issues and give you some tips this week!
Disney has created some amazing ride vehicles over the years! From submarines to monorails, Doom Buggies to clam mobiles, check out our Top Ten Favorite Disney Attraction Vehicles!
The Doom Buggy? The Monorail? Peter Pan’s Galleon? What is your all time favorite ride vehicle? Join Johnny Shortsleeve and I as we discuss our list!
When Pirates of the Caribbean opened in Disneyland in 1967, it was an instant classic. Things have changed over the years but the feel and magic of the attraction have been a constant through the years. This week, we’re going to talk all about our Top Ten Favorite Things About Pirates of the Caribbean.
There are so many iconic moments on Pirates of the Caribbean in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, it’s almost too tough to pick favorites. We sure did try, though!
How much do you know about the Disney Animated Classic that never was, Kingdom of the Sun? I’ll tell you what I know on this week’s Word of the Week – Kingdom (of the Sun).
After the success of 1994’s Lion King, Disney teamed up again with the film’s director, Roger Allers, and another music legend, Sting, to produce their newest hit, Kingdom of the Sun.So what happened?
Disney Legend Tom Nabbe has one of the most incredible stories I’ve ever heard from anyone associated with the Disney company. I hope you enjoy it, in his own words, on Episode 159: Being Tom Sawyer with Disney Legend Tom Nabbe
Tom Nabbe saw Disneyland open, sold newspapers on Main Street USA, saw Walt Disney World open, & was named a Disney Legend in 2005. His journey is a fascinating one!
Recently a handful of journalists were invited to visit Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. I was not one of them. But I did do a lot of reading and I’ll tell you all about it on the Word of the Week – Preview!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is set to revolutionize how we look at theme park entertainment. Recently a group of journalists were invited to visit the land in Disneyland. I’ll tell you what they saw!
Disneyland is known for an insane attention to detail. It all started when Walt Disney designed his Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, Main Street USA, and Tomorrowland. His lands were immersive, from the attractions to the cast members to the food. Yes, the food. This week’s episode is all about the food in the Disney parks. I hope you enjoy Episode 158: How To Eat Like Walt.
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland, his dream was to transport his guests to a totally different time and place. That included the theming, the attractions, and the food. Yes, the food!
Peter Pan’s Flight is an original Disneyland Opening Day attraction, an original Magic Kingdom Opening Day attraction, and one of the most popular attractions in the parks to this day. Check out the Walt Disney World Word of the Week – Flight, which is all about Peter Pan’s Flight.
How much do you know about the history of Peter Pan’s Flight? I’ll tell you all about it this week!
Walt Disney World is full of rides and shows without height requirements and it’s often hard to figure out what your children will and will not enjoy. That’s where this episode comes in! I hope you enjoy Episode 157: WDW Through Kids’ Eyes.
One question I get all of the time is “Which attractions can my child ride?” While I can answer that as far as height goes, I don’t know how a young child sees these Disney attractions. That’s why I called on the experts!
Walt Disney World is famous around the world for it’s world class entertainment, resorts, shows, and attractions. The one part of that we never have really talked about on this podcast is the shows. That ends this week! Check out Episode 156: Top Ten WDW Shows!
What is your all time favorite WDW show? We talk about our Top Ten and More on this week’s show!
If you’ve listened to this podcast before, you’ve heard me talk about the life of Walt Disney. What I haven’t spoken much about, however, is the life of his wife, Lillian Bounds Disney. That all changes on this week’s Word of the Week – Lillian.
You might’ve heard the story that Walt’s wife, Lillian Disney, came up with the name for Mickey Mouse. But what else do you know about her?
2019 is going to be a HUGE year for movies in the Disney company. With Marvel, Star Wars, sequels, originals, and more, nothing is slowing down the Disney cinema train that is 2019. This week we’ll talk all about what’s coming on Episode 155: The Year in Disney Movies.
With Marvel, mutants, Star Wars and much more, 2019 is going to be a tremendous year for Disney films. We’ll preview everything that’s coming this year!
Walt Disney World’s theme parks are full of tributes to past attractions, Imagineers, those who helped build the company, and Walt Disney himself. I’ll tell you about some of my favorites this week on Word of the Week – Tributes.
Walt Disney World is full of tributes and nods to it’s past including Imagineers, attractions, and Walt Disney himself. This week I’ll tell you about a few to be on the lookout for!
Choosing which Walt Disney World resort hotel for your trip isn’t an easy process. There are so many things you have to think about that I thought it would make for a great podcast episode! Figure out your next WDW resort on Episode 154: How To Choose Your WDW Hotel!
Here it is, our guide to choosing the resort hotel for your next (or first!) vacation to Walt Disney World! We take you through it step by step!
Walt Disney World is one of the most visited tourist destination in all of the world. Would that be the case if the resort had ended up being built somewhere else? I’ll explore that on the Word of the Week – Proposed.
After the success of Disneyland, Walt Disney wanted to build a new theme park. We know where it was built, but where it almost went might surprise you!
2018 was a great year in the Disney theme parks and resorts! So, what are we looking forward to in 2019? We’ll talk all about it on Episode 153: Coming Soon to Disney in 2019!
2019 is going to be a HUGE year in the Disney Parks and Resorts! We’re talking new hotels, new attractions, and one BIG land opening this year!
The Disney theme parks are home to some of the most iconic attractions of all time. Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, & Space Mountain are just a few examples of hit attractions that have been around for generations. But not all Disney attractions are created equal. This week I’ll take a look at those attractions that didn’t stick around on the Word of the Week – Shortest.
What were the shortest-lived attractions in all of the Disney parks? Let’s take a look at some not-so-iconic attractions!
2018 was a big year for the Disney Company. From all new lands, new attractions & new restaurants to big movies and the closure of some old attractions, there’s a lot to discuss on Episode 152: 2018 Ear in Review.
Big movies, lands the size of toys, and big announcements were just a small part of Disney’s 2018. Join us as we take you through a big year!
One thing the Disney Company has always been known for is magic. Whether it’s been in Disney movies, the theme parks, or on the cruise ships, the magic is everywhere. This week we take a look at some of the most magical places on Episode 151: Finding the Magic of Disney.
Whether it’s in the parks, resorts, or on the Disney Cruise Line, there are countless places to go to experience true Disney Magic!
Over the summer I released a three part series of episodes titled “Back to the Speedway.” If you didn’t get a chance to listen to those, this episode puts all three together into one, mega episode. Oh, and I threw a contest just for fun where you can win a Disney Gift Card! Check out this Bonus Episode & Contest!
With the holidays almost here, I wanted to hold a contest while also re-releasing a few favorite episodes. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Disney’s Imagineers have some of the greatest jobs on the planet. They get to design and build all of the newest, latest and greatest Disney attractions. This week we’ll put on our Imaginary Imagineering hats and do our best to design our perfect Disney theme parks! This is Episode 150: More Imaginary Imagineering.
Join us as we put on our Imaginary Imagineering hard hats and make the changes we’d like to see in the theme parks of Walt Disney World!
You may think I’ve done this one before, because I thought I had, but I was wrong! A while back, I had a Word of the Week titled “Carrousel.” The two R’s tipped me off that that show was about the carousels, or merry-go-rounds in WDW and Disneyland. This week’s Word of the Week is all about the Carousel of Progress!
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress has been entertaining Disney fans for more than half a century. How has it changed over the years? I’ll tell you!
In a podcast probably more suited for October than December, this week we take a look at our all time favorite Disney villains on Episode 149: Top Ten Disney Villains!
This week we talk all about our top animated villains and I make an airtight case as to who is the most evil Disney villain of all time!
Walt Disney famously said, “It all started with a mouse.” This week we’ll take a look back at that mouse’s first ninety years on Episode 148: Mickey Mouse at 90.
Let’s take a look back at the life and times of our favorite Mouse! I’ll even try to tell you some things you haven’t heard before!
Walt Disney Imagineering has come up with some fantastic attractions and shows over the last half century. One thing that has always driven those attractions and shows, however, is story…and to tell a story, you need convincing characters. No one has better characters or tells a better story than Disney. That’s why this episode is all about our Top Ten Disney Attraction Characters!
No one tells better stories than Disney. To tell a great story, you need great characters. Check out our Top Ten Disney Attraction Characters!
So, you know how your teachers always used to tell you to save your documents as you went and to back them up? I should’ve listened to them! This week we recorded a fun podcast all about our Top Ten Disney Villains of all time. Somehow, some way, that show was erased and can not be recovered.
My Mac crashed and with it went my latest podcast episode. Instead of the full show, I’m sharing my favorite ever answer from Bob Gurr!
When thinking of Walt Disney World and Disneyland, “scary” isn’t one of the first words that probably comes to mind. Of course, in October, the parks can be full of spooky and scary things that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Let’s get into it on Episode 145: Top Ten Scary Attraction Moments.
The Disney Theme Parks aren’t always full of family-friendly happiness! There are plenty of scares to be had in the parks and this week we’ll share our Top Ten with you!
The Disney Company has had a long, storied past, starting with it’s namesake and founder, Walt Disney. This week I wanted to take a look about some of the lesser known facts about the Disney Company and theme parks in the Word of the Week – Little (Known Facts).
How many of these Little Known Facts about Walt Disney, the Disney Company, and the Disney Theme Parks have you heard? Listen along and then let me know!
A cool chill is starting to appear in the night air, the leaves are falling, and pumpkin spice is everywhere…yes, it’s October in Walt Disney World. What makes Disney’s iconic attraction, the Haunted Mansion, so special? We’ll tell you on Episode 144: Top Ten Things We Love about the Haunted Mansion.
If you can’t hear the words “safety bar” without thinking “I will lower it for you,” then this episode is for you! Join us…if you dare!
Before there was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disneyland’s Frontierland, there was Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. This week I’ll talk all about it and we’ll take a virtual ride on Word of the Week – Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.
Come with me this week for a virtual ride along Disneyland’s extinct Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. We’ll encounter bears, beavers, and bad impressions!
Walt Disney and Bob Gurr had something in common: they were both fascinated by the wonder of human flight from a very early age. This week I’ll take a look at the history of flight within the Disney Company on Episode 143: Disney Airlines with Bob Gurr.
What was it like flying with Walt Disney during his earliest days with his private planes? Hear the stories straight from the guy who lived them, Bob Gurr!
If you’ve thought about taking a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line, you probably have a lot of the same questions I did. This week we’ll get to them and I’ll answer on Episode 142: Your Disney Cruise Questions Answered.
Have you always dreamed of boarding one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? I’m sure you have lots of questions! This week I’ll answer those questions and more!
I pride myself on always doing my research and knowing Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line inside and out. That’s why this week was an important episode for me to do. I done messed up more than once! Check out Episode 141: Two BIG Mistakes I’ve Made.
I’m human. I make mistakes. One place I shouldn’t make mistakes, though, is when planning Disney vacations. Listen in to the 2 BIGGEST mistakes I’ve made!
Most weeks, the Word of the Week is an actual word. This week, well, at least I think it is! Check out this week’s Word of the Week – Instagrammable!
What are the most Instagrammable spots (or even walls) in the Disney theme parks? This week I do my best to give you directions (and hashtags) for each one!
In my time as a cast member at Walt Disney World, I had some fun roles that I was able to play. I was a custodial host, an attractions host, and a front desk concierge. This week we talk all about what we think are the top jobs in WDW on Episode 140: Top Ten Cast Member Roles!
Which cast members do we think have the best jobs in Walt Disney World? Some surprises are in store in our Top Ten this week!
The Disney parks are loaded with tributes to Disney Imagineers, former attractions, shows, and even restaurants. It’s pretty rare for someone who wasn’t officially a “cast member” to get a tribute, but this week’s episode is all about one of those individuals and his tribute. Check out the Word of the Week – Halloween Tree.
Have you heard of the Halloween Tree? Do you know where to find it? I’ll answer those questions and more on this week’s show!
The Disney theme parks normally step up to the plate and hit it out of the park. Most attractions, restaurants, lands and stores are big hits with Disney fans everywhere. But what happens on the rare occasion when Disney gets it wrong? I’ll talk all about that one Episode 139: Biggest Disney Park Flops.
Disney normally hits everything out of the park. But, once in a while, they don’t. For every five Flights of Passage there’s one Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has changed more than any other Disney theme park. It started as a working movie studio, added many properties that weren’t Disney related or owned, and is now about to become something totally different with the additions of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We’ve lost a lot over the years and that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about on Episode 138: Top Ten Things We Miss in Hollywood Studios.
From Lights, Camera, Action, to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, listen in as we talk about all of the things we miss in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
(Part 3 of 3) In this third and final installment of this week’s timeline, I try to fix everything I broke on my travels through the years in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! I hope you enjoy Episode 137: Fixing Walt Disney World!
(Part 3 of 3) It’s the (hopefully) exciting conclusion to the previous two episodes! Will everything go back to normal in Magic Kingdom?!
After finding out that there was, in fact, a time machine hidden in a Tomorrowland Speedway car inside the Magic Kingdom, I am doing my best to get home to my family in 2018. This is Episode 136: Back From the Future!
(Part 2 of 3) Spoilers Ahead!…After finding my way to the year 1972, I’m doing everything I can to get back to my family in 2018!
I love learning about the history of Walt Disney World. That’s why when I had the chance to spend an evening hanging out with Disney Legend Bob Gurr, I jumped at the opportunity. We sat, ate pizza, talked about Walt Disney, then talked about time travel. I can start to fill you in on Episode 135: A Sound of Thunder Mountain, which is the first of a 3 part series this week.
Before you get too far down into this rabbit hole with me, this all happened after a chat with a certain Disney Legend one night. What you’re about to hear is true. (Part 1 of 3)
Disney’s Netflix-like streaming service is going to be up and running in 2019. We already know it will stream Disney’s animated classic films, Disney television shows, and much, much more. This week we talk about what else we’re expecting to be available on Episode 134: What We Want from Disney’s Streaming Service.
The future is almost here! In 2019 we’ll be able to stream tons of Disney content straight from the vault and onto our devices. This week we discuss some favorites we’d like to see on the platform!
You’ve saved and saved and saved. Finally it is time to start thinking about and planning your family’s vacation to Walt Disney World. So what should you expect while you’re in the Most Magical Place on Earth? We’ll tell you on this week’s show, Episode 133: WDW Expectations: Fantasy vs. Reality.
What can you really expect on your trip to Walt Disney World? This week, we’ll help set you on a path for a successful trip around Walt Disney World!
You really can’t explain the sounds of Walt Disney World to anyone who hasn’t spent some time in the parks and resorts. Sure, you can tell people about them. You can quote them. You can even mimic them. But there’s nothing like hearing them in person. I’ll tell you about my top ones on Episode 132: Favorite Walt Disney World Sounds.
Close your eyes. Think of Walt Disney World. What sound can you hear? A train whistle? A vehicle horn? Check out my all time favorite Walt Disney World Sounds!
Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971. Since the World began, many attractions have become iconic and have stuck around for the long haul. Others…have not. This week’s show is all about those others on the Word of the Week – Gone (And Almost Forgotten).
Remember the Plaza Swan Boats in Magic Kingdom? How about the Pocahontas show in Hollywood Studios? Hop in the DeLorean with me for a ride back!
This week my family and I are in Walt Disney World for a weeklong vacation. We’re all getting our first look at the long-awaited Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’re going to give you our opinions on this week’s show, Episode 131: Honest Review of Toy Story Land!
I have to be honest, I went into Toy Story Land skeptically. I didn’t think it looked like much from the photos & videos. So what did I think in person? Just click play!
Walt Disney was a very proud American. It seems only fitting that his theme parks would continue the tradition of honoring America in the decades since he last walked through Disneyland. I’ll talk all about it on Episode 130: A Salute to All Nations, But Mostly America.
Walt Disney World is full of patriotic attractions and displays. This Independence Day, join me as I point out a few and we have some fun along the way!
How can you possibly squeeze a full day of experiencing the history of the Walt Disney Company into a less than 2 hour podcast? We’ll do our best on Episode 129: Imagineering, Disney Studio, the Archives & More!
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking where Walt Disney walked, touching what he touched, and seeing and hearing what he saw and heard, then this episode is meant for you. I hope you enjoy it!
This week I have been lucky enough to spend a few days in Southern California and in Disneyland. I’ve done more in a 3 day span that a lot of Disney fans might get to do in a lifetime, and I’m not taking any of that for granted! One of the cool things I got to do was record this episode live while I was walking around Disneyland park. I hope you enjoy Episode 128: A Walking Tour of Disneyland!
The nostalgia and Walt Disney’s presence in Disneyland are overwhelming. Join me on a walking tour through my favorite theme park!
Over the years there have been many stories to come out of Walt Disney World. This week I wanted to focus on the ones whose authenticity are most debated. This is the Walt Disney World Word of the Week – Falsehoods.
There’s a basketball hoop in the Matterhorn? True. There’s an underground tunnel system beneath Magic Kingdom? True. Walt is frozen under Pirates of the Caribbean? Let’s find out!
Walt Disney World’s attractions are full of fantastic and magical scenes. Where else could you sail with Pirates, become the 1000th Happy Haunt, or search for the mysterious Yeti in the Himalayas? This week is all about our top scenes of all time! Check out Episode 127: Favorite WDW Attraction Scenes!
Join us this week as we travel past wondrous castles and through the Hundred Acre Wood, ending up in our Favorite WDW scenes of all time!
On it’s a food world, we mostly focus on the food, obviously. But some restaurants in Walt Disney World offer so much more than dining options. 50’s Prime Time Cafe mixes a fantastic and fun dining experience along with some great menu options. I hope you enjoy it’s a food world – 50’s Prime Time Cafe.
Fantastic meatloaf & fried chicken? Check! Peanut Butter & Jelly Milkshake? Check! Fun, hilarious service from a relative straight out of the 1950’s? Check! A visit to 50’s Prime Time is a blast!
“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” This is a quote from Walt Disney about his passion project, Disneyland Park. Much like Disneyland (which we do touch on in this show), Walt Disney World too will never be completed. We’ll take a look at all of the latest updates coming to WDW this week on Episode 126: WDW Under Construction.
On Episode 75 of the show, we talked all about what we thought was coming to WDW. On this week’s show, we confirm, deny, & guess!
Epcot has no shortage of restaurants and other places to eat. With a table service restaurant in every country’s pavilion (besides American Adventure), you could eat a different meal in the park every night for months and never have the same thing twice. This week, however, it’s all about American cuisine on it’s a food world – Liberty Inn.
Liberty Inn might be in the perfect location for lunch or dinner. Located directly in the middle of World Showcase, it boasts good food, an updated menu, & a Frozen Coke w/ Bourbon!
I don’t know about you, but when I talk about Walt Disney World with my friends and family I tend to focus on the rides. There are so many fantastic WDW attractions and rides that we often leave the shows and entertainment out. This week is all about the entertainment on Episode 125: WDW Entertainment Cheat Sheet.
When it comes to the shows and entertainment all over WDW, figuring out what to see can be challenging. That’s why I’ve created a cheat sheet for you!
Walt Disney first unveiled his plans for his Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow in 1966. Unfortunately, he passed away that same year. Who knows what Epcot would have become if he had lived to see the city or park built. This week, I’ll talk all about what Epcot did become as a theme park on the Word of the Week – Edutainment.
With all of the changes coming to Epcot, is it moving away from it’s original theme of Edutainment & becoming a more traditional theme park?
As Walt Disney World fans, we all like to think we know everything about the parks we love. From restaurants to attractions to shows to the little things, there’s nothing we don’t already have a handle on. I’m hoping to debunk that thought process on Episode 124: Things You Never Knew About Magic Kingdom.
This week, Johnny Shortsleeve and I go head to head, trying to stump each other on lesser-known facts about WDW’s Magic Kingdom!
The Disney Dining Plan has undergone a lot of changes over the years. This week, my goal is to help you understand exactly what you’d be buying on the Word of the Week – Dining Plans (2018 Edition).
To add a Dining Plan or to not add a Dining Plan. That is the question. Well, hopefully I have the answer this week! I’ll talk all about the Dining Plans and help you decide!
Walt Disney World has become known for having a wide variety of restaurants that will interest almost any appetite. But what happens when you don’t want to take the time to sit inside a restaurant to eat. Snack Day, of course! This one is all about the snacks! Enjoy Episode 123: Snacking Around Walt Disney World!
The challenge: to spend a day in WDW eating only snacks. This week we will tell you how you can conquer it no matter which park you’re in!
Since the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York, Disney has been synonymous with dark rides. From “it’s a small world” to Na’vi River Journey, these attractions have been entertaining guests for generations. This week my guest and I talk about our favorites on Episode 122: Favorite Disney Dark Rides.
How does a Disney super fan choose his or her FAVORITE dark rides? I have to tell you, this was a tough list for me to come up with!
As Disney fans, we’ve all heard the story of Walt Disney, watching his daughters on the Merry Go Round while sitting alone on a Griffith Park bench. What you might not have heard is the history of that carousel and the other carousels in the American Disney theme parks. I’ll tell you all about it on this week’s Word of the Week – Carrousel.
I hope we never lose sight of one thing…that it was all started by a Carousel. Okay, that’s not the right quote, but these stories behind Disney’s carrousels need to be heard!
New York Times Bestselling Author Ridley Pearson stops by this week to talk all things Disney, Kingdom Keepers, Peter and the Starcatchers, and more! I hope you enjoy Episode 121: Kingdom Keepers Author Ridley Pearson!
Bestselling author Ridley Pearson stops by to talk all about his backstage access to the parks, resorts, and cruise ships, Kingdom Keepers, and the new series of books he’s working on!
I’m a lucky guy. I have the amazing opportunity to talk to Disney Legend and retired Imagineer Bob Gurr pretty frequently. Bob is an original WED employee and an original Imagineer. Walt Disney personally hired Bob to design vehicles for Disneyland way back in 1954. I ask Bob questions, both from myself and from listeners to the show, and he answers. On this particular occasion, his answer was so great and contained so many things I’d never heard before, I made it into it’s own podcast episode. I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Bob (And the Magic Skyway).
The Ford Magic Skyway was one of the four attractions built by Disney’s Imagineers for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. I had never really heard many stories about it…until now! Listen as Bob Gurr takes over the Word of the Week with some amazing Magic Skyway stories!
On April 22, 1998, Walt Disney World’s fourth theme park opened to the public. This week it’s all about a theme park gone wild as we discuss the best and worst of it all in Episode 120: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Turns Twenty.
From dragons to droppings, on the park’s 20th birthday, we talk all about the best and the worst of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s first twenty years!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is full of fantastic places to eat like Roaring Fork, Artist Point, and Geyser Point. No restaurant is more fun there though than Whispering Canyon Cafe! Which is why we’re talking about it on this week’s it’s a food world – Whispering Canyon Cafe!
Could this be the perfect WDW restaurant? Fun? Check. Great food? Check. Ketchup? You’ll have to ask for that one on your own!
Walking through Magic Kingdom a couple of weeks ago, it was difficult to move through the crowds. The parks were packed each and every day we were there, but my family and I still had an absolute blast. How? I’ll tell you on Episode 119: How to Avoid Having a Horrible Trip!
I want you to have an amazing trip to WDW! Listen in as I go over my strategic formula that will ensure that you have a magical Walt Disney World Vacation!
Wait, what? Right now you’re saying, “Hey, Phil, you stopped doing Word of the Week shows several weeks ago, didn’t you!?” Well, hold onto your hats and glasses, because it’s time for the Word of the Week – Audio Animatronics!
The return of the Word of the Week show features the history of one of the most beloved parts of the Disney theme parks, the Audio Animatronics!
A Disney Vacation should be a trip that absolutely anyone can take. Sometimes, though, it might take a little bit of extra planning and effort to make sure everyone has the same, magical Disney experience. We try to help with this week’s show, Episode 118: Disney Vacations with Special Needs.
Having just experienced a vacation to WDW & aboard a DCL ship where we needed some extra help, my wife & have new perspectives on this topic!
The Disney Land and Sea Vacation is a phenomenal vacation combination. A few days in Walt Disney World followed by a jaunt on the Disney Cruise Line is an amazing experience. My family and I just returned and I thought I’d share all of the stories from our trip on Episode 117: Disney World & Disney Cruise Recap!
Follow along this week as I tell you all about my family’s trip to Walt Disney World and our cruise on the Disney Wonder!
Once in a while I have the chance to talk to someone who has done some pretty amazing work with the Disney Company. This week was one of those weeks. I was lucky enough to have a chat with Disney Historian Jeff Kurtti!
Jeff Kurtti has done it all, from Imagineering, to writing more than 20 books about Disney, to opening the Walt Disney Family Museum. Get ready for a fascinating guy with a fascinating story!
When thinking about food at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, so many locations come to mind: Chef Mickey’s, California Grill, and The Wave all come to mind. One place that should come to mind, however, is Contempo Cafe!
With the Magic Kingdom within walking distance & the WDW Monorail whizzing by overhead, there aren’t many better locations to grab a meal than the Contempo Cafe!
We’ve all had those moments in the Walt Disney World theme parks: you’re walking through a land or riding an attraction and all of a sudden, BAM, you feel like you’re in the movie! That’s what made us think of Episode 115: WDW Attractions That Make You Feel Like You’re In A Movie!
Have you ever gotten lost in the moment in WDW? You’re on an attraction and forget that you’re not actually there, in the movie? That’s what this show is all about!
Admittedly, it’s slim pickings for pizza in Walt Disney World. The same could be said for authentic Italian food. For years it was nearly impossible to get authentic Italian cuisine anywhere on Walt Disney World property. That all changed a few years ago. It’s time for it’s a food world – Via Napoli.
Authentic Italian ingredients? Check. Water for cooking flown in from a spring with the same chemicals as the water in Naples? Check. Delicious pizza, pasta, & more? Checkity Check Check.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is possibly the most unique resort hotel that Disney has ever built. It’s part resort, part entertainment district, part water park. Let’s take a look at all of those pieces on Episode 114: Resort Roundup – Boardwalk Inn.
The Boardwalk is more than a hotel. It’s an entertainment and dining complex that has something for everyone. Grab your swim suit & flip flops & listen in!
We mention Episode 54, A Live Review of the Belle Vue Lounge, which you can check that out HERE.
We mentioned before that we’d not only be looking at and talking about Walt Disney World’s table service and counter service restaurants on it’s a food world, but at the kiosks and stands throughout the parks as well. This week, we’ll tackle one of those stands on it’s a food world – Canada Popcorn Cart.
When is a Walt Disney World popcorn cart not just a popcorn cart? When it’s the Canada Popcorn Cart in Epcot’s World Showcase!
When preparing for a trip to Walt Disney World, we all do the same things: research, plan, pack, & go. We all get excited for what we are going to do and see. But we might overlook one important part of preparation: watching Disney movies for weeks to get us prepared! This week’s show is all about the Movies to Watch Before Your WDW Vacation!
What movies should you & your family watch to get ready & excited for your next WDW trip? All of them! If you don’t have the time, though, we have a list!
One of Walt Disney World and Disneyland’s most popular snacks has not been around as long as you’d think. This week we take a look at that frozen pineapple dessert on it’s a food world – Dole Whip.
Disney’s North American theme parks serve more than 3,400,000 Dole Whips every single year. So what makes them so popular and where can you find them? We’ll tell you!
Your location is a small spaceport on the edge of the galaxy. This once bustling town is now home to scoundrels, soldiers, and scavengers. This week we’ll take a look at the new civilization that is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Episode 112: A Look Ahead at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Will you choose to be a scoundrel or a Sith? A junk collector or a Jedi? You’ll have your chance to choose your own path at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
It never fails…we find ourselves in Walt Disney World without tickets to one of the Walt Disney World theme parks. So, what do we do? That’s what we’ll answer this week on Episode 111: Best Non-Park WDW Activities.
I know you’ve been to the parks. But have you rented a boat, watched a movie, bowled, golfed, or flown in a hot air balloon?
We’ve done a lot of top ten style shows on on this podcast: Top Disney Smells, Top Disney Music Loops, Burgers, etc., but we’ve never tackled this topic before. Check out Episode 110: Top Ten WDW Stores and Shops.
Even the stores in Walt Disney World are magical! We’ll give you our Top Ten this week, with a few tangents thrown in!
Walt Disney World is full of fantastic restaurants, character meals, snack carts, stands, and much more. The food in Walt Disney World is one of the biggest draws these days, so we figured why not do a show about it?! Welcome to it’s a food world – Be Our Guest!
Join us for our first culinary conversation about one of the toughest reservations to get in WDW, Be Our Guest. We talk ambiance, experience, and most of all, food!
There are some phenomenal attractions and shows in Walt Disney World that you can experience without a FastPass. That’s what this week’s show is all about. This is Episode 109: Attractions You Shouldn’t Get FastPasses For.
I’m asked all the time: “Which attractions should I get FastPasses for?” Consider this episode your FastPass+ cheat sheet!
This episode marks the final Word of the Week episode. After three runs through the alphabet, I think it’s time to move on to something different for the Wednesday shows. Thank you so much for listening and I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Zen.
There’s a feeling you get when you first set foot into a Disney theme park, resort, or onboard a Disney Cruise ship. A weight falls off your shoulders. It’s relaxing, freeing, it’s Zen.
Okay, I don’t mean to brag, but I think I know quite a bit about Walt Disney World. I’m a former cast member, a DVC member, an Annual Pass Holder, and I’ve been to the parks more times than I could possibly count. I’ve read any and every book I’ve been able to find about the Most Magical Place on Earth. That’s why I was pretty confident going into Episode 108: WDW Trivia Challenge.
Gaston vs. The Beast. Malificent vs. Prince Philip. Scar vs. Simba. Those were some of the most epic battles in Disney history. That is, until this week’s show!
Disney Legend Yale Gracey is one of the most unheralded of all of the early Disney Imagineers. Thanks to him, we have some of the greatest effects in the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more. Find out more on this week’s Word of the Week – Yale Gracey.
The Haunted Mansion’s singing busts, ballroom scene, and the fire on Pirates of the Caribbean are a few of his creations. But what don’t you know about Yale Gracey?
Walt Disney World truly has something for everyone and, if you’re a runner or any kind of endurance athlete, Walt Disney World’s Marathon Weekend might be something you want to put on your to do list. This week it’s all about Marathon Weekend, 2018 on Episode 107: Why It’s Smart To Be Dopey.
This episode isn’t about running. It’s about setting a goal, sticking to it, and persevering. It’s a study in the human spirit. It may even get you to sign up for your first race ever!
Not every idea that Disney’s Imagineers come up with gets built somewhere. Some great ideas and concepts that Disney’s legendary design team has come up with over the years have been canceled for one reason or another. I’ll take a look at some of those on the Word of the Week – Never Built Walt Disney World.
Wouldn’t you love to take a bullet train ride across Japan, explore the mystical homes of beautiful unicorns, or cruise down the Rhine River? You were supposed to do all of that in WDW!
Walt Disney World isn’t for everyone. As hard as it is for some of us super fans to believe, some folks just don’t want to be a part of the magic. Hopefully this episode can help get some non-believers to the Most Magical Place on Earth! We will try our best on Episode 106: How To Get Non-Disney Fans To WDW.
Not everyone loves Walt Disney World. I know, I can’t understand it either! This week’s show is all about helping you convince that one person to take a WDW vacation!
Disney’s Streetmosphere characters have been entertaining guests for decades. They offer a sense of realism to the Fantasy Land that Walt Disney created and imagined for his guests. Recently, we lost one of those individuals. I’ll honor His Honor on this week’s Word of the Week – Weaver.
If you’ve been on Main Street USA in the last 20+ years, you’ve probably seen Mayor Weaver. This is a tribute to the man behind the office.
2017 gave us announcements of the Star Wars Hotel, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Ratatouille, Guardians of the Galaxy and much more! So what are we planning on doing more of in 2018? Listen in this week as we talk about it on Episode 105: 2018 Disney World Resolutions!
What is your 2018 Disney World Resolution? What do you plan to do more of in WDW this year? We answer those questions this week!
I get a lot of questions about the VIP Tour Guide cast members that guests see escorting groups around Walt Disney World. Who are they? How can I sign up? How much does it cost? I’ll answer all of that and more on this week’s Word of the Week – VIP.
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the VIP Tours & more is coming your way this week! Also, Bob Gurr stops by to answer a question about a Disney Mystery Man!
2017 was a big year for the Disney Company. Attractions opened…attractions closed. Films opened, films were hosed. Let’s take look at everything on Episode 104: 2017 Ear in Review.
2017 came and went very quickly! From the highs to the lows to the end of the show, join me as I discuss the Ear in Review for 2017.
The United Kingdom Pavilion has been one of the most popular World Showcase Pavilions since October 1, 1982. I’ll tell you why on this episode of the Word of the Week – United Kingdom Pavilion.
Searching for great food, drinks, live music, and sights in World Showcase? Look no further than the United Kingdom Pavilion!
So many things make Walt Disney World a complete and totally immersive experience. The theming is top notch, the attractions and restaurants are better than any other theme park in the world, but the one thing that ties it all together is the music. Let’s take a look at our Top Ten WDW Music Loops.
You might not even notice, but the background music in Disney’s parks & resorts totally transport you to a different time and place. Check out our Top 10 Music Loops!
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is one of the true classic attractions in Disneyland and in Magic Kingdom. This week I’ll look at the history and stories behind it on the Word of the Week – Tiki.
Do you know why Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room is the park’s only attraction with built-in restrooms? Find out why this week!
If you’d like to hear my conversation with Disney Legend Rolly Crump where we go into even more stories about Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and what it was like working with Walt Disney, click HERE.
Disney’s animated movies have stood out over the years for many reasons: endearing characters, amazing storylines, and beautiful animation, just to name a few. But those movies would never be the classics they’ve become without the music. This week I wanted to take a look at that music in Episode 102: Disney’s 102 Best Songs!
A couple of years ago, Buzzfeed put out a list of the Best 102 Songs from Disney’s Animated Films. Let’s go through that list together and see if we agree!
Star Wars: The Last Jedi,the 8th film in the Skywalker family saga, opens this week all across the United States. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Star Wars in the Disney theme parks with the Word of the Week – Star Wars.
With The Last Jedi opening, Star Wars Land being built, & interactive experiences coming soon, Disney is just getting started with this prize franchise!
To listen to the previous podcast episode I did about Star Tours, click HERE.
Walt Disney’s first ever Christmas special aired on NBC on Christmas Day in 1950. Since then, the Disney Company has produced countless holiday films and television shows. Episode 101 is all about the Best Disney Christmas Movies & Specials.
What’s your favorite Disney Christmas movie or TV special? Think of it…remember it…now listen to see if it made our list!
Walt Disney’s brother, Roy, doesn’t often get the attention he deserves when it comes to the history of the Disney company. That’s why I wanted to focus on him on this week’s Word of the Week, Roy.
The Disney company simply wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for Walt’s older brother, Roy O. Disney. I’ll tell you all about him this week!
So much has happened over the first 100 official episodes of the Ear To There Disney Podcast! This week’s show is all about the favorite memories, shows, guests, and much more! I hope you enjoy Episode 100: A Look Back at the Memories with You!
My friend Johnny Shortsleeve and I look back on the first 100 shows with listener calls, favorite interviews, funny moments, and much more!
The music for this week’s intro to the podcast was performed by YouTube user Ems Vids, and can be found HERE.
Is there a better place to take a walk than the Magic Kingdom? This week I took a walk around the park and recorded the sights and sounds in the background. I hope you enjoy Episode 99: A Walking Tour of Magic Kingdom.
If you want to feel like you’r walking all around the Magic Kingdom with me while I rattle off facts and history, then this episode is for you!
This episode of the Walt Disney World Word of the Week is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction. There are some quirky personalities associated with the history of the Disney theme parks. This week, I’ll focus on one of those personalities on the Word of the Week – Quirky.
Big changes are coming to the Ear To There Disney Podcast! I’ll fill you in and talk to a Disney Legend on this week’s quirky show!
It’s the time of the year to give thanks and Walt Disney World has given us tons of things to be thankful for over the years. This week we’ll talk about our favorites on Episode 98: What We’re Thankful for in WDW.
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier? Dole Whips? Trader Sam’s? Listen in to find out what we’re most thankful for in Walt Disney World!
*The Intro Music this week is an original piano translation of “Happily Ever After” by YouTube user EmsVids. You can check it out on YouTube HERE.
One question I get ALL THE TIME is, “Where can we meet the Princesses in Walt Disney World?” Well, look no further. This week’s show is your guide. Check out my Word of the Week – Princesses.
Want to meet Belle, Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White, Cinderella, or any other Disney Princess in WDW? I’ll tell you where, when, and how to make that happen!
Disney sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed Disney World style, in the air there’s a feeling of WDW Christmas! Episode 97 is all about Walt Disney World’s past Christmases. Enjoy Episode 96: WDW’s Christmas Past!
No place does Christmas like Walt Disney World! We take a look at WDW’s Christmas past and talk a bit about the present state of Christmas time in WDW!
For more about Christmas time in Walt Disney World, check out these episodes of the show:
Episode 32: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas, Part 1
Episode 33: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas Part 2
Everyone knows the name Walt Disney. He accomplished incredible things during his time on the planet including Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, and posthumously Walt Disney World. But what do you know about Walt before all of that? I’ll tackle that on this week’s Word of the Week – Origin Story.
Every hero has a great origin story. Not unlike Wolverine who began life as James Howlett from Canada, experiences along the way helped turn a young, poor kid from Chicago into an American icon. Here’s Walt’s Origin Story.
Choosing your Walt Disney World resort hotel can be a difficult decision. Do you want to stay near the theme parks? Are you only in your room to sleep and shower? Or do you want something different and unique that you can’t experience anywhere else? We’ll try to help you narrow it down on this week’s Episode 96: Resort Roundup: Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Imagine being woken up by giraffes at 3 o’clock in the morning, watching zebras run across the savanna, and being bitten by an upset wildebeest. 2 of these 3 things happened to me. Find out which ones on this week’s show!
For years, a fifth gate (or 5th theme park) has been rumored to be coming to Walt Disney World. Whether it’s a magazine article, podcast, or a blog, these rumors come and go and then have come back over the years. On this week’s episode I’m going to talk in depth about one of those rumored parks, on this week’s Word of the Week – Night Kingdom.
Do you want to zip line over hungry crocodiles like Indiana Jones? Hand feed a wild hippo? Maybe take a trip to the Adventurer’s Club? Then Disney’s Night Kingdom is the place for you!
In Walt Disney World, the headliners get all of the attention. Attractions like Space Mountain and restaurants like Be Our Guest are always the first places where people like me will tell you to go while in the park. This week I wanted to focus a little more on the things that have been around for quite a while but are still fantastic on Episode 95: Walt Disney World Oldies But Goodies.
I have a secret: It’s not always the newest attractions and restaurants in WDW that are the most memorable experiences. We’ll clue you in on the places in WDW that are true Disney Classics!
Walt Disney always wanted a haunted house, a graveyard, and a cemetery in his theme park. The problem was, how would a scary attraction fit into his pristine Disneyland? I’ll talk about all of that and more on this week’s Word of the Week – Mansion.
What’s the true backstory of the Haunted Mansion? Who is Captain Gore? Who is Priscilla? You want answers? I’ll give you answers!
Walt Disney World, like Disneyland before it, has always been known as a family-friendly, magical place to visit. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have spooky or even downright scary places scattered throughout it’s massive footprint. It’s all about the scary and Halloween on Episode 94: Top Ten Spooky Places in WDW!
One dark, stormy night long ago, when hinges creaked in doorless chambers, we recorded our Spookiest Places in Walt Disney World.
The first human audio-animatronic figure made its debut at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. From the title of this episode of the show, you’ve probably already realized which person that audio-animatronic represented. I’ll take a look at the 16th President & first fully audio-animatronic human figure on this week’s Word of the Week – Lincoln.
Due to a malfunction, Walt Disney was once blamed by a guest for re-enacting the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. That’s just the first couple of minutes of this show!
Walt Disney World’s Value Resorts are very polarizing. Some guests who have stayed in them love them and will never stay in any Moderate or Deluxe Resort. I’ve heard others say they tried them and will never stay there again. That’s why this week I wanted to talk all about the good, the bad, and the not very ugly of the Values on Episode 93: Pros & Cons of WDW Value Resorts.
Should you stay in a Value Resort on your vacation to Walt Disney World? I’ll give you the honest breakdown of what you can expect.
One of Disney’s “Nine Old Men,” Ward Kimball was already a Disney Legend by the time he was in his late 20’s. He’d worked on classic animated films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland,and many more. But it was his hobby away from work that may have made his biggest contribution to Disney history. Check out the Word of the Week – Kimball.
Disney Legend Ward Kimball’s biggest contribution to the history of the Disney Company just might have been a hobby that he worked on in his backyard.
I talk a big game these days. I’m a former cast member, I’ve been to WDW countless times, and I have done so much research it would make NASA scientists jealous. But there was a day when I was a new, first-time visitor to Walt Disney World and I knew absolutely nothing. That’s who this episode is meant for. Hopefully Episode 92: First WDW Trip Must-Do’s can really help out some first timers!
I’ve heard the question an awful lot: What do I NEED to do on my first trip to Walt Disney World? This week we try to narrow it down for the first-timers with things you can’t miss on your first WDW trip.
The Country Bear Jamboree has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since the opening day of Walt Disney World, October 1, 1971. But how much do you know about this classic show? Find out more on this week’s Word of the Week – Jamboree.
The classic Disney show Country Bear Jamboree was not designed to fit into Magic Kingdom. It wasn’t even designed to fit into Disneyland. Listen in…the origins of the show might surprise you!
Walt Disney Animation’s films have many things that make them memorable: amazing music, captivating villains, brave heroes and many more. One sometimes overlooked character in Disney’s movies can often play the most important role. That’s why this week’s show is all about the Top Ten Disney Sidekicks.
Heroes get all the praise and princesses get all the love, but a perfect sidekick can take a great film and make it unforgettable.
Walt Disney was the original Imagineer. His ideas and inventions literally changed the world. However, one man, not even Walt, could accomplish all of these incredible things on his own. That’s why Walt got a little help from his friends. I’ll talk all about it this week on the Word of the Week – Imagineering.
Walt Disney Imagineering began with 3 artists, handpicked by Walt Disney himself, in an empty warehouse, hidden away on the Disney Studio lot in Burbank, CA.
My guests this week are crazy. They decided to take on an insane challenge where they visited all six domestic Disney theme parks in one day. That includes Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney California Adventure, and Disneyland. All. In. One. Day. Did they make it? Episode 90: Six Parks in One Day will answer that question!
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, California Adventure, & Disneyland all in one day? Is it possible? My guests on this episode gave it a shot!
Did you know that the Harmony Barber Shop has been in operation in Walt Disney World since 1971? This week’s show is all about this hidden Magic Kingdom gem. I hope you enjoy the Word of the Week – Harmony (Barber Shop).
Looking for a great alternative to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or the Pirate’s League? Then an appointment at the Harmony Barber Shop is for you!
A vacation to Walt Disney World is all about having a phenomenal time with your family and friends and enjoying the magic! This week’s show is all about those places that make you laugh every single time in WDW, so onto our Top Ten LOL Locations in WDW!
Whether you’ve heard the jokes once or 1,000 times, there are some phenomenal “laugh out loud” locations in Walt Disney World! Laugh along with us while we talk about them all!
There are 999 Happy Haunts in Disneyland & Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion. This episode isn’t about them. I’ll tell you all about the “real” ghost stories of the Disney theme parks on this week’s Word of the Week – Ghosts.
Does a ghostly Walt Disney still roam Disneyland at night? Have you heard of George, the ghost who haunts WDW’s Pirates of the Caribbean? If you want real Disney ghost stories, here they are.
Link for YouTube video of possible ghost in Disneyland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT-mUZxjdWE
I’ve eaten in almost every restaurant in Walt Disney World. That’s a true statement. I think there are less than 8 that I currently have yet to try. Most are fantastic. Some are not. This week I’ll help you decide which counter service locations to try on Episode 88: Best And Worst Counter Service Restaurants.
There are more than 500 different food and beverage locations to choose from across Walt Disney World. I’ll help make your dining decisions easier!
When Walt Disney first opened Disneyland, 5 lands made up his theme park: Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Frontierland. This week’s show is all about Walt’s Frontierland that featured cowboys, pioneers, riverboats and more! Check out the Word of the Week – Frontierland.
Was Frontierland a concept actually conceived by Walt Disney or did he get his ideas elsewhere? Let me shed some light on Frontierland’s history!
A vacation to Walt Disney World is not an easy one to plan. In 2017, you have to worry about your hotel reservations, dining reservations, FastPass+ reservations, special event tickets, and much, much more. That’s why this week’s episode is all about How To Plan a Great Trip to Walt Disney World!
How should you go about booking your next WDW vacation? This week we talk all about the best and worst ways to plan a Disney trip.
It’s one of Walt Disney World’s oldest continuous performances and you might have never even seen it. This week’s Word of the Week is all about the Electrical Water Pageant!
The Electrical Water Pageant has been entertaining guests since the month Walt Disney World opened to the public. If it ain’t “Baroque”, don’t fix it!
Taking a trip to Walt Disney World can be a complicated vacation to plan. Between booking a resort, dining reservations, FastPasses, navigating four theme parks and two water parks, etc., there is A TON to know before you go. That’s why this week’s episode will focus on my Top Ten Disney World Hacks.
Want to vacation in Walt Disney World like a boss? My Top Ten Hacks will help you have the best WDW trip ever!
Walt Disney once said, “You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make that dream a reality.” That couldn’t be more true. This week I wanted to put the focus on the Disney Cast Members with the Word of the Week – Disney Difference.
What separates Disney’s service from everyone else’s? The cast members. This week I’ll share 4 phenomenal examples of Cast Member Magic!
Karrie’s son, Adam, and the awesome cast member he wasn’t aware of!
Adam being entertained by another fantastic cast member! Thank you, Karrie, for the pictures and your story!
As Walt Disney always had hoped, Disneyland has never been completed. It has changed and evolved over the decades and is a very different park than the one Walt opened in 1955. But much of his park is still there. We’ll talk all about it on Episode 84: Walt’s Disneyland With Jim Denney.
Part 2 – Walk where Walt walked. Touch what Walt touched. Disneyland has Walt Disney’s fingerprints (literally) all over it…if you know where to look.
For Part 1 of my talk with Jim Denney, CLICK HERE
For more from Jim Denny:
Jim Denney’s Walt’s Disneyland Blog: https://waltsdisneyland.wordpress.com/ Jim’s book Walt’s Disneyland at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545195560/
As Walt Disney always had hoped, Disneyland has never been completed. It has changed and evolved over the decades and is a very different park than the one Walt opened in 1955. But much of his park is still there. We’ll talk all about it on Episode 84: Walt’s Disneyland With Jim Denney.
Walk where Walt walked. Touch what Walt touched. Disneyland has Walt Disney’s fingerprints (literally) all over it…if you know where to look.
For Part 2 of my chat with Jim Denney, CLICK HERE.
For more from Jim Denny:
Jim Denney’s Walt’s Disneyland Blog: https://waltsdisneyland.wordpress.com/ Jim’s book Walt’s Disneyland at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545195560/
As the icon of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle rises 183 feet from the ground (or is it 189 feet?) right in the middle of the park. This week, I’ll tell you all about the castle’s history and more on the Word of the Week – Cinderella Castle.
Did you know that (allegedly) a woman once attempted to sue Walt Disney World because a Cinderella Castle brick fell onto her head?
For years, Walt Disney World was billed as the Vacation Capital of the World. WDW is a true place where the young and young at heart could go to enjoy being a kid. This week we wanted to help those who are feeling a little older feel young again with Episode 83: How To Feel Like A Kid Again in WDW.
“That’s the real trouble with the world. Too many people grow up. They forget. They don’t remember what it’s like to be 12 years old.” We’ll help you remember!
Do you remember Mickey’s Birthdayland? I never had the opportunity to check it out in person, but still remember a lot of what was left in Mickey’s Toontown Fair when I finally got there. I’ll tell you all about it on this weeks’ Word of the Week – Birthdayland.
If you don’t remember Mickey’s Birthdayland in Magic Kingdom, you’re not alone! Take a trip back in time with me as I tell you all about it!
I’ve been trying to get Disney Legend Bob Gurr on the show for over a year now. Who knew that the best way to get him on was to just email him and ask?! Check out Episode 82: Disney Legend Bob Gurr.
It’s been said that if it’s on wheels and it’s in Disneyland, Bob Gurr built it. Bob’s sheer brilliance really comes through as we talk all things Disney this week!
Walt Disney World is always in a state of change. Walt Disney wanted his theme parks to never be completed. They were to be living, breathing things that Walt could change around and evolve. But what happens when one of those things closes and is never replaced? The building(s) still stand, but they sit, abandoned for years. I’m tackling some abandoned locations on this week’s Word of the Week – Abandoned.
WDW, like Disneyland, was never meant to be a museum. Things are in a constant state of change. But what about those things that close and sit for decades…Abandoned?
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is finally at the end of a huge refurbishment. With the new waterfront cabins, new restaurants, and new villas, now is a better time than ever to book your WDW vacation at the Lodge. We’ll talk about those reasons and more on Episode 81: WDW Resort Roundup: Wilderness Lodge.
Always wanted to stay at the Wilderness Lodge? We’ll give you at least ten reasons why the newly renovated Lodge is a phenomenal place to stay on your next WDW trip!
Want to hear more Resort Roundups with Johnny Shortsleeve? Click any of the episodes below:
Episode 67: Resort Roundup: Yacht & Beach Club
Episode 47: WDW Resort Roundup: Polynesian
Episode 25: WDW Resort Roundup: Port Orleans Resort
Disney’s entire marketing campaign around their Animal Kingdom theme park in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s was that it was not a zoo, or Nahtazu. See, many guests were skipping WDW’s newest park thinking it was just a zoo, which it certainly is not. It does, however, have all of the top certifications that any zoo in the United States would need. That’s what I want to focus on in this week’s Word of the Week – Zoo (Or Nahtazu).
Walt Disney World commercials throughout the late 90s and early 00s told us that Animal Kingdom was Nahtazu. I’ll tell you what makes the park better than the average zoo!
My family and I recently returned home from a trip out to Disneyland in California. It was the first trip their for our kids and I wanted to get their opinions on the record on Episode 80: Family Review of the Disneyland Resort.
From Main Street to Cars Land, from Dole Whips to Monte Cristos, my family and I talk about all of our favorite things you will find in Disneyland, USA!
The D23 Expo in Anaheim, California is one of the most anticipated events on almost every Disney fan’s calendar. This year one of the most anticipated presentations at that most anticipated event was all about what was coming to our favorite Disney theme parks in the next several years. Check out Episode 79: D23 Expo Parks & Resorts Recap.
By now you’ve probably heard the announcements that came out of the D23 Expo. We’ll analyze the good, the bad, and the ugly on this special D23 episode of the show!
Yesteryear is admittedly a strange word for a Word of the Week show, but I just got home from a trip to Disneyland where my family and I had a private tour of Walt Disney’s apartment. So, it makes perfect sense that this week’s Word of the Week is Yesteryear.
Join me as I take you on a virtual, audio tour of Walt Disney’s private apartment in Disneyland. You can feel Walt’s presence all over the park but being in his apartment is an amazingly emotional experience.
When Walt Disney World’s newest theme park, Epcot Center opened in 1982, there were only two characters present. These characters, the charming and whimsical Dreamfinder and the curious purple dragon, Figment, were both originally portrayed in the park by the same man. This week we talk with that man on Episode 78: A Chat With Epcot’s Original Dreamfinder, Ron Schneider.
Ron Schneider has worked in theme parks for more than 40 years in many different roles. Disney fans will instantly recognize him as the face and voice of the original Dreamfinder.
Francis Xavier Atencio, known simply as X Atencio, is one of the true living legends of the early days of the Disney Company. He’s responsible for such Disneyland greats as Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. I’ll tell you much more on this week’s Word of the Week – X Atencio.
He helped animate Monstro the Whale, created the Auctioneer Scene in Pirates of the Caribbean, and wrote two of the most famous songs in Disney history!
The Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida share many of the same attractions. Many are almost exactly the same, like Soarin’, and some are very different, like Pirates of the Caribbean. We’ll decide which versions are better on Episode 77: Better in Disneyland or WDW?
Is Peter Pan’s Flight better in Disneyland or Walt Disney World? What about Haunted Mansion? We’ll debate them all this week!
If you like the cut of Lauren’s gib, check her out on these other episodes of the show:
Episode 37: Trip Planning: Disneyland vs. WDW
Episode 12: Best On Ride Moments in the Disney Parks
I’m weird. That’s right, I admit it. I’m a weird guy. I don’t know how to fix a car, I’m not really handy around the house, and I’ve never changed a flat tire. I can, however, tell you the dates Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney’s MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, etc., had their opening days. That’s right, I’m weird. That’s the thought process behind this week’s Word of the Week – Weird.
You and I are a lot alike. We both love Disney, Walt Disney World, and listening to Disney podcasts. But have you fully embraced the weird?
I’ve eaten a lot of meals in Walt Disney World. More than a lot, actually…a TON. The majority of my meals in Walt Disney World have been fantastic but of course there are those exceptions. That’s why this week we wanted to talk about restaurants (or stands or kiosks) that we’d recommend trying again, on Episode 76: WDW Restaurants That Deserve A Second Look.
Many WDW restaurants (or stands or kiosks) have changed a lot over the last several years, but too many Disney guests don’t know about those changes. That changes with this episode.
If you enjoyed Johnny Shortsleeve’s appearance on the show, check him out on these episodes:
Episode 43: Best Places To Get Away From It All in WDW
Episode 49: Top Ways to Prepare for a WDW Trip
Episode 14: Best Beer Stops in Walt Disney World
Episode 25: WDW Resort Roundup – Port Orleans Resort
If you are thinking about taking a trip to Walt Disney World over the holiday season, you might want to look into attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. From character meet & greets to special a nighttime parade and fireworks show, here’s what you can expect at the party on this week’s Word of the Week – Very (Merry Christmas Party).
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the ultimate combination of Christmas and Disney that will turn even the biggest Scrooge McDuck into Tiny Tim!
When Walt Disney imagined EPCOT, it was to be his Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow. It was going to be a utopia: a city that would be on the cutting edge of technology, health, transportation, and much more. With his untimely passing, the Disney Company ultimately moved ahead with EPCOT Center, a theme park that for years focused on “edutainment.” That may all be about to change and we’ll talk all about it on Episode 75: Epcot, A Change Is Gonna Come.
Epcot is going to change. That’s happening. We talk all about the news, rumors, and more and want to know what you think this week!
Most Disney fans know the story of the early years of Walt Disney’s life. He grew up on a farm in Marceline, Missouri, joined the Red Cross underage, and moved to Los Angeles in his early 20’s to pursue his passion of animation. But do you know the story of the guy behind Walt Disney who was just as instrumental in the success of the Disney company in many ways? This week I’ll tell you all about that other guy on the Word of the Week – Ub.
Ub Iwerks was Walt Disney’s right hand man for many of his successes and failures. He often gets overlooked, however, when it comes to the praise and accolades that Walt received throughout his adult life. This week, let me tell you all about the guy behind the guy behind the guy, Disney Legend Ub Iwerks and why he was a big part of Walt’s success.
Walt Disney World is the ultimate family vacation destination. With world class theme parks, amazing resorts, phenomenal dining, & so much more, there is no better time to take a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth than right now! If you’ve been putting off that family vacation because you have toddlers or babies, I’ll tell you why you shouldn’t on Episode 74: What Can My Toddler or Baby Do in Disney World?
If you’ve been putting off your WDW vacation because you think there’s nothing there for babies or toddlers, maybe you should think again! Listen in as my wife Amy and I fill you in on each and every attraction your little one can do in Walt Disney World. By the way, we missed a couple! Your little ones can also take part in the Na’Vi River Journey in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Frozen Live on Stage in Hollywood Studios, Frozen Ever After in Epcot, & Enchanted Tales with Belle AND Under the Sea in Magic Kingdom!
It’s no secret that Trader Sam’s is my favorite bar in both Disneyland and in Walt Disney World. When the Disneyland version debuted in 2011, it was so popular that Disney’s higher ups had no choice but to bring a version out to the East Coast. This week I wanted to tell you all about my two favorite watering holes in the Word of the Week – Trader Sam’s.
I LOVE both versions of Trader Sam’s so much that I am building a mini version of the bar in a room in my home. That’s 100% true! I’ll tell you what makes them so special on this show!
I talk about this topic all of the time on this podcast but I feel like I just have to repeat it again: Walt Disney World’s restaurants are not all cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers. Contrary to popular belief, WDW has become a culinary destination over the last decade or two, and some of the best dishes around are the sandwiches that populate the menus all over the theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Let’s take a look at our favorites on Episode 73: Top 10 Walt Disney World Sandwiches.
Name your favorite type of sandwich. Go ahead! I can guarantee Walt Disney World has a place where you can get a fantastic version! Let’s take a look at the Top 10 WDW Sandwiches!
Long before there were any plans for a Star Wars Land in Disneyland or Walt Disney World, an agreement was made between the Walt Disney Company and the leader of the Star Wars Universe, George Lucas. They had first collaborated on the 3D film Captain EO,and now Disney was trying to hop aboard the popularity of the Star Wars franchise and create all new experience. The week I’ll take a look at all of that and more on the Word of the Week – Star Tours.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is one of the best attractions in all of WDW. This week I’ll take you on a tour of the past, present, & future of this all time great!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has held a special place in my heart since 1998. This park marked the first location where I’d ever wear a name tag as a proud cast member in Walt Disney World and to this day I still think of it as my “home park.” I wanted to wait until Pandora: The World of Avatar opened to talk about my official attraction ranking list, and that day has finally arrived. Check out Episode 72: Ultimate Ranking of Animal Kingdom Attractions.
Which attraction is my top attraction in all of Animal Kingdom? Which one could I do without? This week I’ll tackle those and much more with my Ultimate Rankings!
One thing Walt Disney ALWAYS wanted in his theme parks was a train. From his earliest days in Marceline, Missouri, to taking the train from NYC to Los Angeles after Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was taken from him, Walt always had a fascination with railroads. This week I’ll take a closer look at that fascination with the Word of the Week – Railroad.
From the train that brought the Disney family to Marceline, MO to the WDW Railroad, take a trip with me as I explore the history of railroads in the life and times of Walter Elias Disney.
When Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971, things were very different than they are today. The Most Magical Place On Earth opened with 1 theme park and 3 resorts, a far cry from what makes up WDW today. We’ll talk about how far WDW’s come in Episode 71: Walt Disney World Then & Now.
October 1, 1971: WDW opens with 1 theme park and 3 resorts. May, 2017: WDW consists of 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and more than 25 resorts. Let’s talk about it!
Walt Disney World is the most popular family vacation destination in the world. From world class theme parks to amazing resorts and incredible shopping and dining experiences, there is truly something for everyone. But what do you do when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of The Most Magical Place On Earth? You look for a quiet little spot, of course! That’s what I’m focusing on on this week’s Word of the Week – Quiet.
Walt Disney World can be LOUD. It’s always busy, always energetic, & always exciting. But where do you go to get peace & quiet in the parks & resorts? Listen to this show!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom needed something new. The park hadn’t gotten new, big-time attractions since the debut of Expedition Everest and that now goes back more than a decade. So when Pandora: The World of Avatar was announced and called the biggest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, people were skeptical but excited. This week, my friend Johnny Shortsleeve and I take a look at the new land on Episode 70: Live Review of Pandora: The World of Avatar.
Stunning. Beautiful. Unexpected. Thrilling. These are a few of the words you’ll hear me say on this week’s show. Listen in and hear our actual reactions to Pandora: The World of Avatar!
Over the last several years, Walt Disney World has significantly upped their food game. From signature dining locations to fun, interactive restaurants and over the top menus, WDW certainly doesn’t offer only “amusement park food.” This week I wanted to take a closer look at something Walt Disney World has never really gotten right until recently. Take a listen to this week’s Word of the Week – Pizza.
One food that WDW could never quite get right was pizza. But these days both the parks and resorts have some excellent options to choose from. I’ll give you all of my faves in this week’s episode!
Walt Disney World is often referred to as the number one family vacation destination in the world. From infants to retirees and everyone in between, there is something for everyone on Walt Disney World property. But you don’t need a large party or family to have a blast on a WDW vacation. This week, I wanted to take a look at my Top 7 Tips for a Solo Trip to WDW.
A solo trip to Walt Disney World might seem overwhelming or maybe even a little bit lonely. But take it from someone who has taken several of these jaunts, it’s anything but! If I can’t convince you to take a solo trip to WDW with these 7 tips, I’ll buy you a Dole Whip! (Free Dole Whips are not guaranteed!)
Walt Disney Imagineering has come up with some pretty remarkable inventions over the last six decades. Disney Imagineers created the first ever tubular steel roller coaster and the first ever audio-animatronic animals and human figures. But one invention that sometimes goes unnoticed and under appreciated is the creation of the omnimover ride system that changed the theme park industry in the late 1960s. I’ll tell you all about it on this week’s Word of the Week – Omnimover.
Quickly, name the Disney omnimover attractions off the top of your head! How many did you come up with? This week I talk all about Disney’s iconic omnimover ride system, where it came from, and more!
Walt Disney World’s counter service locations aren’t all hamburgers and hot dogs these days! A guest’s dining options are pretty unlimited at locations in the theme parks, Disney Springs, and the resorts. On this week’s episode, we take a look at our favorite dining locations in Episode 68: Favorite WDW Counter Service Restaurants.
Burgers? Chicken Nuggets? Sure, you can still get them in WDW. But these days your dining options at counter service restaurants are pretty much unlimited! From Steak & Shrimp to Sushi & More, here are our Favorite Counter Service Restaurants!
Arguably one of the best attractions Walt Disney World has ever had was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It was a massive submarine attraction that placed guests in the middle of the action and under the sea years before The Little Mermaid ever would. The attraction’s ride vehicle may have even been more popular than the attraction itself. This week we’ll take the submarine for one more spin in Word of the Week – Nautilus.
One thing I promise at the start of the Word of the Week shows is history. This week, let’s take one more ride on the Nautilus through the beloved 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction.
In another episode of the Resort Roundup Series, this week we take a look at exactly why you should stay at two Deluxe Walt Disney World Resorts, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs. From the best pool on property to amazing dining and much more, Episode 67: Resort Roundup – Yacht & Beach Club will make you want to book your WDW stay tomorrow!
Want to walk to Epcot? How about Hollywood Studios? Need immediate access to Disney’s Boardwalk? Then staying at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Clubs might be perfect for you!
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was one of the Opening Day attractions for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The attractions were the same in name, but quite different on the inside. This week, I take a look at one of the most beloved attractions of all time on Word of the Week – Mister (Toad’s Wild Ride).
Jump in my DeLorean with me and let’s go back in time to October of 1971 when Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride first opened in Magic Kingdom! We’ll arrive at a time where the average person made $10,600.00 per year, a movie ticket cost $1.50, and you could buy a Datsun 1200 Sports Coupe for $1,866.00. Ah, that 1970’s!
I mention during the episode that Rolly Crump was the Imagineer in charge of bringing Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride to Walt Disney World. Check out my interview I did with him here:
Episode 11: Interview With Disney Legend Rolly Crump
From Broadway to Hollywood, from England to Los Angeles, is there a bigger showbiz icon than Dame Julie Andrews? She’s won a Tony, a Grammy, and an Academy Award. She and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have written over 30 books together. Now the pair have teamed up with The Jim Henson Company for the new Netflix hit, Julie’s Greenroom.Check out my interview with this amazing mother-daughter team on Episode 66: Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton.
In one of the most surreal moments of my life, I had the amazing opportunity to chat with Julie Andrews & her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton. I had the chance to talk to them about their new Netflix show, Julie’s Greenroom, the books they’ve written together, Mary Poppins(of course!) and more!
Cinderella Castle can be disassembled and packed away during a hurricane. Walt Disney’s face is one one of the singing busts in The Haunted Mansion. Dole Whips are delicious. Two of the previous three statements are lies. This week, I’ll help you separate fact from fiction on the Word of the Week – Lies.
Have you ever heard a stranger reciting facts on a WDW bus and you think to yourself, “That’s not even remotely true”? This week, I try to separate Disney truth from Disney lies!
What is the best attraction in each Disney park in the United States? This week we discuss (well, we nicely argue) about the top attractions and a whole lot more on Episode 65: Top That Disney Attraction.
Hollywood, 1989. A movie was made that was so bad it was an instant classic. This week we channel our inner Teen Witchand play “Top That Disney Attraction.”
This week I take a deeper look at Kilimanjaro Safaris, Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s flagship attraction. I talk animals, conservation, science, and more on this week’s Word of the Week – Kilimanjaro.
How many species of animal can you see on your African safari? Who was Warden Wilson Matua? Whatever happened to Big Red and Little Red? I answer these questions and much, much more this week!
It’s not every day that I have the chance to talk to true Disney voice acting royalty. Recently I had the awesome opportunity to talk to Mr. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too. Check out Episode 64: Interview With Jim Cummings.
What do Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, Hondo Ohnaka, & The Tasmanian Devil all have in common? The same man is behind all of their voices! Jim talks all about how he got started in the voice acting world, his time spent in New Orleans, the strangest character he’s ever voiced and much more!
I do my best to steer clear of any controversy on this podcast. Actually, that’s not true. I will talk about Dole Whips vs. Citrus Swirls sometimes, but that’s about as far as I go. That’s why this week’s Word of the Week is very, very interesting for me! Let’s talk about the Word(s) of the Week – Journey Into Imagination.
You may notice the title isn’t “Journey Into YOUR Imagination” or “Journey Into Your Imagination With Figment.” There is a reason for this. I’ll talk all about the controversies and changes to a beloved attraction this week!
The attractions in the Disney theme parks don’t start once the ride vehicles start to move. Actually, the attraction’s story begins long before any guests set foot anywhere near the load area of any attraction. That is why the queues for the attractions are so important. This week we’ll talk all about the queues on Episode 63: Best Queues in Walt Disney World.
The queues in Disney’s theme parks aren’t only where we, the guests, wait in line. They are the first step in a complete storytelling adventure and the Disney Imagineers are master storytellers. So this week, put the smart phones in your pockets as we take a look at WDW’s best queues!
Epcot’s World Showcase pavilions are loaded with great food, awesome entertainment, and some excellent attractions. This week I wanted to take a closer look at one of those pavilions in the Word of the Week – Italy.
What pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase offers delicious desserts, excellent entertainment, and the best pizza in all of Central Florida? Italy, of course! In ten minutes I’ll have you ready to pack your bags!
You can meet characters all over the place in Walt Disney World. Some experiences are fantastic. Others are, well, not so much. So how will you know where the best meet & greets are for your next WDW trip? Listen to this episode, of course! Check out Episode 62: Best Character Meet & Greets in WDW!
Want to know how to have the best time meeting Princesses, Princes, a certain chatty mouse, an ocean-dwelling turtle and more? My guests and I talk about these and much more on this week’s show!
During this episode I mentioned a couple of fantastic YouTube clips with guests meeting Gaston. Check them out!
Watch as a young man takes on Gaston in a pushup contest HERE.
Watch a little girl put Gaston in his place HERE.
Hoot Gibson is a part of Walt Disney World’s history that the average Disney fan might not know much about. He was a big part of one of Walt Disney World’s most ambitious attractions ever designed. So why haven’t you heard of this Walt Disney World attraction host and narrator? Find out on this episode of the Word of the Week – Hoot.
Hoot Gibson was the host and narrator of the ambitious Magic Kingdom attraction, The Western River Expedition. So where is he now? Listen and find out!
Did you know there is a ton to learn on a vacation to Walt Disney World? Sure, you can experience the amazing attractions, sensational shows, and ridiculously cool resorts, but WDW can also be an amazingly educational vacation destination. That’s what we tackle in this week’s episode, our top Educational Experiences in Walt Disney World.
Do you know what Rome smelled like when it burned to the ground? Do you know what Hydroponics is? Do you know where you can start to hone your skills as a chef on your WDW trip? We answer these questions and more this week!
This week no one is featured on a podcast quite like Gaston! Yes, for this week’s Word of the Week I went with a character who will be prominently featured in the brand new, live action version of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” which hits theaters later this week! I hope you enjoy this week’s episode of the Word of the Week – Gaston.
Gaston is one of the most popular Disney villains of all time, but originally he wasn’t even going to be the villain in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” I’ll tell you all about it on this week’s episode!
Epcot’s World Showcase is literally it’s own little world. With eleven countries represented in pavilions, dozens of dining options, attractions, and much more, it is one of the best places for families to hang out in all of Walt Disney World. This week we wanted to take a look at some of those things you might not know about World Showcase on Episode 60: Secrets & Fun Facts of Epcot’s World Showcase.
What is your favorite fun fact or secret of World Showcase? This week, Herb from the World of Walt and I share some you might not have ever heard before!
Check out Herb Leibacher and his VAST website on Walt Disney World over at www.worldofwalt.com!
Okay, so right off the bat you’re probably wondering what in the world Fritos have to do with Disney. I get that. But there is actually a fun, long story about Fritos and the Frito-Lay company that holds a firm place in the history of the Disney Company. I’ll tell you all about it in this week’s Word of the Week – Fritos.
After listening to this episode of the Word of the Week, I’ll only have one question for you to answer: Which Disney park food would you ultimately like to be buried with?
Do you want some extra room in your Walt Disney World Resort hotel room? Would you like a large refrigerator, a stove, or the ability to cook meals in your room? Then booking a DVC room may be a good choice for you! This week we talk all about how to do it on Episode 59: Can Regular Guests Book DVC Rooms?
Well, this is a surprise. If you’re used to hearing Phil as the host of these episodes, you might be out of luck on this one. Episode 59 is taken over by someone who has lots of questions!
I know what you’re thinking: Why is there a new episode up on a random Thursday? Well, I’ve been telling everyone I know about my family’s Land & Sea Vacation a couple weeks ago and I wanted to share the review with you as soon as possible. Welcome to a special edition of the show, Episode 58: Disney Land & Sea Vacation Review.
Have you been considering taking a trip to WDW or a voyage on the Disney Cruise Line? Why not do both? This week we tell you all about our last vacation, a Land & Sea Vacation to Walt Disney World & a ride on the newly-reimagined Disney Wonder!
Okay, so I’m kind of cheating right off the bat here. eBay is not a Disney company. They actually honestly have no real ties to Disney whatsoever. But to me, they go hand in hand! I have built up almost my entire Disney memorabilia collection thanks to eBay and a few other sites. That’s why this week I carefully chose my Word of the Week – eBay.
Do a simple search for the words “Disney” and “Prop” on eBay and you’ll get hundreds of results. From actual items that were used on attractions to attraction vehicles to signs and so much more, eBay is the place to find everything you’re looking for to build your Disney collection at home. This week I took a look at some authentic Disney items you can find on eBay and discuss how far they might set you back!
Walt Disney World has always, and rightly so, had the reputation that it is a family vacation destination. Families have been flocking to Central Florida since October of 1971 and rightfully so. With four theme parks, two water parks, over 20 resort hotels and much, much more, WDW has something for everyone. But that doesn’t mean you have to have a large family or children to enjoy all that Walt Disney World has to offer. This week I wanted to take a look at everything grown-ups can do on vacation on Episode 57: WDW Adult Must-Do’s.
The Disney Company has had its fair share of dragons over the years: Maleficent, Pete’s Dragon, The Reluctant Dragon(that’s a real thing; look it up) and more, but there might not be a more mysterious dragon in Disney history than the dragon in the logo of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. That’s why this week I chose that guy for my Word of the Week – Dragon.
So why exactly is there a dragon in the official logo for Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Why aren’t there dragons (real or imaginary) in the park? This week I explore the answers behind these questions and a lot more (Spoiler Alert: I go over 10 minutes!) on this week’s Word of the Week show!
I know, I know…Disney’s Hollywood Studios is under major, major construction. As a matter of fact, most guests these days are only allowing a half day of their trip to see the third oldest park in Walt Disney World. That’s exactly why I thought right now would be a perfect time for me to record Episode 56: Ultimate Ranking of Hollywood Studios Attractions.
When you think of a Walt Disney World vacation, maybe the first word that starts with C that you think of isn’t chicken. Maybe it’s Churro, or Cape May Cafe, or Coaster. But I’m here to make the argument today that Chicken is exactly what you should be thinking about on your next trip in this week’s Word of the Week – Chicken.
I’m not talking about Victoria & Albert’s on this episode or even California Grill. This is all about the best chicken dishes on property that the Everyman can enjoy! Sure, there may be a little too many mentions of fried chicken, but calories don’t count in Walt Disney World! You walk it all off anyway!
Brian Hull had a fairly unusual route to celebrity. He recorded a version of the famous Frozen song “Let It Go” and posted it to YouTube. Little did he know that just a couple years later he’d be living in California and working as a voice over artist and actor. You’ve never heard anything quite like my guest on Episode 55: Disney Character Impressions With Brian Hull.
I’m sure you’ve seen his viral video on YouTube, but just in case you haven’t been on the internet much over the last few years, let me tell you why this certain video went viral. As a college student, Brian Hull heard about a contest where all you had to do to enter was record yourself singing “Let It Go” and post it to a website. If your video won, the top prize was a $100 Disney gift card. Brian was a cash-strapped college student in Texas who desperately wanted to buy Frozen and Saving Mr. Banks on DVD, so he recorded the most unique version of “Let It Go” probably ever made, singing the song in the voices of 21 different Disney characters!
I talk with Brian all about having a viral video, instant fame, and how he is now pursuing his dream of being a voiceover artist in Hollywood. Oh, and there are some amazing Disney character impressions in the mix too, of course!
To watch the video that started it all for Brian, his “Let It Go” video featuring 21 different Disney character voices, CLICK HERE.
To see Brian’s equally amazing version of Adele’s “Hello” just CLICK HERE.
And to see anything and everything that Brian Hull has to offer on his YouTube channel, CLICK HERE.
This week I am not talking about either of the Blair Witch Project films or the girl from the old show The Facts of Life. This week’s Walt Disney World Word of the Week is all about a Disney Legend who is responsible for some of the most memorable scenes in the history of the Disney theme parks and resort hotels. This week’s episode focuses on the Word of the Week – Blair.
Mary Blair may not be a name that you instantly think of when you think of the history of the Disney Company, but you should. Her artwork set the tone for films like Alice in Wonderlandand Cinderellaand she is responsible for the look of one of the most iconic attractions in the history of the Disney theme parks, “it’s a small world”.
This week I take a look at the life and work of Disney Legend and artist Mary Blair. From films to attractions to resorts, she truly made her mark in the Disney history books.
Some of the most underrated hangouts in all of Walt Disney World are the lounges at the resort hotels. After a long day in the Disney parks, you might want to sit down on a comfortable chair or couch and relax, listen to some live music, or watch a game. You may even want an adult beverage or two. That’s exactly what my friend Johnny Shortsleeve and I did on my last trip to WDW. Check us out Live From Disney’s Belle Vue Lounge!
The Belle Vue Lounge can be found kind of tucked away in the main building of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, not a very long stroll from the lobby. It’s normally a quiet place to relax and recap your day, but on this night it was a little packed due to the fact that the Walt Disney World Marathon was the next morning and the resorts were quite crowded.
On this episode, my friend Johnny Shortsleeve and I talk about all of the fantastic lounges in Walt Disney World while lounging in one of those lounges ourselves! Stories are told, laughs are had, and tangents are gone off on! This one was a lot of fun!
If you want to check out more episodes featuring Johnny Shortsleeve (and why wouldn’t you?!), you can get them here:
Episode 49: Top Ways To Prepare for a WDW Trip
Episode 47:WDW Resort Roundup – Polynesian
Episode 25: WDW Resort Roundup – Port Orleans Resort
Episode 6: Walt Disney World For Dudes
How much do you know about the Princess that went on to be the inspiration for Disneyland’s castle? This week I tell you all you need to know about one of Walt Disney World’s most popular princesses in the Word of the Week – Aurora.
In 1959, Walt Disney introduced his latest princess, Princess Aurora, to the world. Otherwise known as Briar Rose or Sleeping Beauty, Aurora has gone on to hold some pretty impressive records in the realm of Disney animation. This week I’ll give you a little background on Princess Aurora, I’ll tell you what makes her appearances so different, and I’ll tell you where you can find her in the Walt Disney World theme parks today.
In many ways, this episode of the show is going to go against the advice that I normally give. I want everyone who is going to Walt Disney World to experience as many attractions as possible. But sometimes we just don’t have enough time to do it all. That’s why I came up with Episode 53: Attractions to Skip on Your WDW Trip.
We all want to experience everything Walt Disney World has to offer on each and every trip that we take to the Vacation Capital of the World. But what happens when we simply can’t spend as much time as we’d like to in the parks? Which attractions are okay to skip for children? Which ones are best to skip for adults with no children? This week my guest Chuck Rodriguez and I tell you which attractions it is okay for you to skip on your next trip to Walt Disney World.
If you’d like to hear more episodes featuring Chuck Rodriguez, check these out:
Episode 45: Imaginary Imagineering – Resort Edition
Episode 38: Most Controversial WDW Decisions
Episode 29: Imaginary Imagineering
Episode 9: Best Smells In Walt Disney World
So, I’ll be you thought I would have a really difficult time coming up with something that started with the letter Z, right? This week I dug deep and I decided to bring to you a very fun and very exciting Word of the Week – Zippity.
The Zippity River Run was one of the attractions that was approved to be built in Disneyland in the early 1980’s. It also was approved for Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney in the later 80’s. So why don’t we have the Zippity River Run to ride today? Just listen to this week’s episode to find out!
Running a marathon just might be one of the craziest things you can do on this Earth. You voluntarily sign up to experience pain, bleeding, exhaustion, elation, and an amazing sense of accomplishment all in one day. This week’s show is all about running in WDW on Episode 52: WDW Marathon Weekend 2017 Recap.
This week I brought on some friends from an online running group to talk all about their personal experiences with 2017’s Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Everyone had a different experience but we all agreed that we’d be participating in another run Disney event in the near future! If you’re on the fence about competing in a run Disney event I hope this week’s episode gives you the incentive to sign up and experience the pain!
Here are a few photos from my guests this week:
Okay, so I’m totally cheating right off the bat with this one. Admittedly, X is a very difficult letter when it comes to coming up with Walt Disney World Words. That’s why this week I decided to bend the rules a bit for the latest Word of the Week – (Project) X.
In the 1960s, Walt Disney was an American icon. The man reinvented animation, won several Academy Awards for multiple genres of films, and had created the first ever theme park in the history of the world. He needed something new. After the success of the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair proved that the East Coast of the United States was ready for a new version of Disneyland, Walt made his move and purchased a ton of land in Central Florida.
This week I talk all about Walt Disney’s “Project X” or what would eventually be come to be known as the Walt Disney World Resort.
The Epcot Resort area holds some of the best resorts in all of Walt Disney World: The Swan & Dolphin, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas, and, the subject of this week’s Word of the Week, the Yacht and Beach Clubs. This week I’ll tell you all you need to know about the sister resorts in the Word of the Week – Yacht.
Are you on the fence on where to stay for your next Walt Disney World Trip? Maybe you’re thinking about making the move from a Value or a Moderate to a Deluxe resort? This week’s Word of the Week is perfect for you! I’ll tell you all about the Yacht and Beach Clubs and why you should seriously consider them for your next (or first) vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth!
As a former Walt Disney World cast member and someone who spends a lot of time in the parks each year, I have tried almost all of the character dining experiences. One dining spot I have avoided for years, however, was the Princess Storybook Dining at the Norway Pavilion’s Akershus restaurant. We remedied that recently and even recorded the experience for Episode 51: Live Review of Akershus Princess Dining.
I’m going to save our detailed reviews for the podcast but I want to just mention that this meal did not disappoint! If you have little ones who love the princesses, this character meal has it all: great food, FIVE princesses, music, fun, and more! And you can even try some Norwegian specialties along the way! I hope you enjoy this week’s episode and if you don’t, it was all my wife Amy’s idea!
A Walt Disney World vacation can be very overwhelming, especially if it’s not a trip you take often. You need to book it well in advance, make dining reservations, FastPass+ reservations and more, all while trying to figure out the best strategy for you and your family and friends. That is why on this episode of the podcast we will help take care of all of that for you. Check out Episode 49: Top Ways To Prepare for Your WDW Trip.
It’s best to go into a trip to WDW as prepared as possible. This week my guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I (2 WDW veterans) share our best tips on how to be completely ready for your next WDW trip.
Nathaniel’s Hope can be found my clicking HERE
For more from Johnny Shortsleeve, check out these episodes:
Episode 40: Top Things About Disney Springs
Episode 25: WDW Resort Roundup – Port Orleans Resort
Episode 47: WDW Resort Roundup – Polynesian
Episode 14: Best Beer Stops in WDW
I’ve known Lou Mongello for quite a while now. A couple of years, really. But I wanted to hold off on asking your favorite Disney Expert for an interview until I knew that I could ask him all of the most hard-hitting questions he’d ever get in a podcast interview. Actually, that’s not completely true. I just wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be in over my head on this week’s show, Episode 50: A Conversation With Lou Mongello.
Lou Mongello is a Disney Expert, a public speaker, a podcaster, and one of the most well-known Disney celebrities around today (even though he’s never worked for the Disney Company.) He is a Disney fan first which makes him the real deal when it comes to talking all things Disney. This week I was so excited to get to talk a little bit of WDW with my friend and mentor, Lou Mongello.
You can find Lou and pretty much everything he does over at loumongello.com and wdwradio.com
To donate to Lou’s Dream Team Project that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation, click HERE.
You’ve waited a while for it. Yep, I talk about it all the time and letters and weeks have gone by and I had yet to introduce this one on the Word of the Week. Until now. Get ready…this week’s episode is all about your favorite Walt Disney World treat. The Dole Whip is what I’m talking about here in this week’s Word of the Week – Whip.
The Disney Dole Whip has become as synonymous with Walt Disney World and Disneyland as the Mickey Ice Cream Bar and Mickey Ears themselves, but it wasn’t always this way. In reality, the Dole Whip wasn’t even invented until 1986, 15 years after the Magic Kingdom opened in Walt Disney World and 31 years after Disneyland’s Opening Day.
This week I’ll give you a little bit of history on the Dole Whip and tell you exactly where it can be found in Walt Disney World and in it’s original Disney location, Disneyland.
These Word of the Week shows are supposed to run between eight and ten minutes. Sometimes they stretch out to twelve or fifteen minutes but I’ve never had one that went over twenty five minutes. That ends now! Check out the all new Word of the Week – Villains.
The Disney Villains are some of the best characters in the history of film. This week, I talk all about the villains from the long list of Disney’s feature-length animated films. Some villains you’ll easily recognize like Gaston, Ursula, and Maleficent. Others, like Madam Mim, Mr. Winky, and The Horned King are a little, well, lesser-known!
This was a really fun Word of the Week to get together so I hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Villains!
With the holidays here and the New Year fast approaching, it’s time to take a look back on the year that was, 2016. This week’s show is all about reflecting on what happened in Walt Disney World over the last year and what is to come in 2017. I’m very excited to bring you Episode 48: WDW Ear In Review.
2016 was a HUGE year for Walt Disney World, for my business, Ear To There Travel, and for myself personally as I started this podcast. This week’s episode is all about the last year and looking forward to even bigger and better things in 2017 and beyond.
Join me in reviewing the year that was in Walt Disney World. I’ll cover all of 2016’s big additions and take a look back at some of my favorite moments from the podcast!
When Walt Disney saw a cowboy walking through Tomorrowland in his famous Disneyland Park, he made up his mind. If he were to ever open another theme park, he would figure out a system where costumed cast members would not have to walk through lands that were unrelated to their themes in order to get to their posts. From Walt’s revelation comes this week’s Word of the Week – Utilidors.
Underneath the Magic Kingdom lies a series of tunnels that are crucial to the everyday operation of the theme park. Very few non-cast members get to see these tunnels, but this week I’ll give you a sneak peek into what makes them so special and unique!
When Walt Disney World opened on October 1st, 1971, it opened with 3 resort hotels. The three opening day WDW resorts were The Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, The Contemporary Resort, and The Polynesian Village Resort. Over the years the original WDW resorts have only gotten better and that is why this week I wanted to talk all about one of the originals in Episode 47: WDW Resort Roundup – Polynesian.
This episode is the second of a series of looks at Walt Disney World’s resort hotels. In it my guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I discuss exactly why you need to choose Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Bungalows (yep, that’s a mouthful!) for your next Walt Disney World vacation.
Check out our previous Resort Roundup episode all about the Port Orleans Resorts by clicking HERE.
When Tomorrowland opened in Disneyland in 1955 it, unfortunately, was unfinished. In Walt Disney World, when Tomorrowland opened in 1971, coincidentally, it was also unfinished. Even though it may seem like it’s an under-appreciated land in Walt Disney World, Tomorrowland has had housed some of the greatest attractions in the history of the Disney Parks. Check out this week’s Word of the Week – Tomorrowland.
From the earliest days when he was still animating the characters on the page, Walt Disney was the driving force and creative genius behind the Disney company. It was Walt who took all of the risks and, rightfully so, received all of the accolades. That is why it was such a pivotal time in the company when Walt Disney passed away in 1966. This week I wanted to do something a little different in Episode 46: Disney After Walt.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfswas one of the most successful films of all time. During its production, however, Walt Disney was ridiculed by much of the press and Hollywood insiders of the time. They thought no one would ever watch a full-length animated film. I’ll tell you why they were wrong and more on this week’s Word of the Week – Snow.
Walt Disney was a visionary who didn’t need anyone to believe in what he was doing. He proved this time and time again with his accomplishments; often he risked almost everything to make his dreams a reality. This week I’ll take a look back at the history and production of one of those great risks, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.I’ll also take a look at where Snow White can be found in Walt Disney World today.
During the episode, I mentioned The Great Snow White Debacle of 2015. That article can be found by clicking HERE. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and you’ll see just how Disney-crazy my family is!
Imagine this: I just hired you as the newest Disney Imagineer and it’s your job to come up with an idea for the next great Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. Sound too good to be true? Well, it is! But that doesn’t mean it’s not a lot of fun to dream! This week, my guest Chuck Rodriguez and I talk about the resort hotels we would build in WDW on Episode 45: Imaginary Imagineering – Resort Edition!
If it were totally up to you, what kind of resort would you build in Walt Disney World? Where would you build it? Would it be a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort? We answer these questions and much more and have a ton of fun along the way!
If you’d like to check out more episodes with Chuck Rodriguez, here are a few of our other highlights:
Episode 38: Most Controversial WDW Decisions
Episode 34: Best Desserts in Walt Disney World
Episode 29: Imaginary Imagineering
Episode 22: Best Walt Disney World Attraction Quotes
Did you know that Walt Disney envisioned a Mississippi-style riverboat in the first plans for his “Mickey Mouse” amusement park back in the early 1950’s? Yes, Walt always wanted a working riverboat in his park, no matter where it was going to be located. This week, we take a look at the unique riverboats in the North American Disney Parks, with this week’s Word of the Week – Riverboat.
The Liberty Square Riverboat is a classic Walt Disney World attraction that has been in operation (almost) since the Magic Kingdom’s Opening Day. The ride along the iconic Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island has changed over the years, but it’s still a familiar, pleasant, and fun experience that every Magic Kingdom guest should have!
This week, I’ll give you some history on the riverboats, a little trivia, and tell you what will be happening next along the Rivers of America!
On Episode 43 of the show, my guest Johnny Shortsleeve tand I talked all about our favorite places to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of Walt Disney World.
If you haven’t yet listened to that episode, you can listen by clicking here: Part 1
Of course, we went on WAY too long so we had to break the episode up into two parts. Check out the exciting conclusion in this week’s show, Episode 44: Best Places to Get Away From It All in WDW Part 2!
This week, we wrap up our talk about the best places to get away from it all in Walt Disney World. Johnny Shortsleeve and I talk about little hideaways and lesser-known spots that will help make your WDW vacation a little more relaxed. Oh, by the way, don’t tell anyone about these places, they’re our secret!
If you’re picking up on what Johnny and I are putting down and would like to hear more episodes that we recorded together, check these out:
Episode 32: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas Part 1
Episode 33: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas Part 2
Episode 30: Top Splurges in Walt Disney World
Episode 14: Best Beer Stops in Walt Disney World
For the last 15 weeks, I’ve been coming up with these Word of the Week Podcast ideas by myself. This week I decided that the letter Q offered the perfect opportunity to answer some questions from Disney fans and listeners to the podcast. That’s why settling on the idea for this week’s Word of the Week – Questions, was an easy decision to make.
From the best activities outside the parks to Disney land & sea vacations, this is a quick and informative episode that answers some frequently asked questions!
In the episode I mention an interview that I did with an amazing WDW entertainer, Yehaa Bob Jackson. You can listen to that interview by clicking HERE.
Big shocker here: I LOVE Walt Disney World. It is my favorite vacation destination in the world and that is why I do what I do for a living. But that doesn’t mean I always love the crowds, heat, and overall hustle and bustle of the parks and resorts. Sometimes you just have to step out of the crowds and take a break from it all in Walt Disney World. That is how we came up with Episode 43: Best Places to Get Away from It All in WDW (Part 1).
This week, my good friend Johnny Shortsleeve joins me to talk all about those quiet places we’ve found in the parks and resorts where you can go alone or with the family to take a little break. This episode will be especially helpful if you have little kids or just want to step aside and take some time away from the sensory overload that is Walt Disney World.
Pirates Of The Caribbean has been delighting Walt Disney World guests ever since it premiered in the earlier days of the Magic Kingdom. But, did you know that Pirates wasn’t an original, opening day, Magic Kingdom attraction? This week I’ll tell you all about the history of this iconic attraction in the Word of the Week – Pirates.
Originally, Walt Disney’s Imagineers had no intentions of bringing the popular Pirates of the Caribbean attraction to Walt Disney World. Central Florida was much too close to the real Caribbean for everyday park guests to be interested. Well, guess what? Disney’s Imagineers were wrong!
This week I’ll talk all about the history of Pirates, the changes over the years, and why it is still an iconic and popular attraction after all these years!
Whether it’s your first ever trip to Walt Disney World or your twentieth, let us help you avoid making those mistakes on your vacation that we’ve already made for you! Check out Episode 42: Biggest WDW Rookie Mistakes!
Want to know just how you should handle your Hotel Reservations, FastPasses, Dining Reservations, and more? This week my guest Herb Leibacher and I will tell you exactly how you SHOULD NOT handle all of these when planning your trip to Walt Disney World. We also go into detail about strollers, over-planning, under-planning, and much more! This episode will be very helpful to those who are about to plan or are in the middle of planning their next Walt Disney World vacation.
To hear more from Herb Leibacher or to listen to his podcast, head on over to the World of Walt at worldofwalt.com.
Walt Disney World, just outside Orlando, Florida, is one of the most highly visited tourist destinations in the entire world. It holds 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping and entertainment district, golf courses, more than 20 resort hotels, and much, much more. This week, I take a look at why it’s all there, in the middle of Florida, in the Word of the Week – Orlando.
Many locations were considered before Walt Disney and the Disney company settled on the swamplands of Central Florida. New Orleans, St. Louis, Niagara Falls, and more all had reasons to attract the Disney Company to build a theme park in their area. Why did the Orlando area get Walt Disney World? I’ll fill you in on this and more in this week’s episode!
What do you think is the BEST attraction at Epcot? This week, I do my best to answer that question as I give you my Ultimate Ranking of Epcot Attractions.
It’s a little surprising to read that Epcot currently has 23 attractions for guests to experience. That does not include walking through and experiencing all of the pavilions in World Showcase or taking in the live entertainment that is constantly changing in Walt Disney World’s second theme park.
Do you agree with my ranking of the Epcot attractions? Let me know in the comments section or send me an email to phil@eartotheretravel.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out my ranking of the Magic Kingdom attractions:
Episode 28: Ultimate Ranking of Magic Kingdom Attractions
Even though it wasn’t one of the original pavilions in EPCOT Center’s World Showcase, Norway has had a special place in Disney fans’ hearts for decades. With it’s beautiful architecture, wonderful and friendly Norwegian cast members, and fantastic attractions, the Norway pavilion is one that many guests look forward to immensely on their trips to Epcot. That’s why I’m taking a closer look at the pavilion in this week’s Word of the Week – Norway.
The Norway pavilion has not been without it’s fair share of controversy lately, however. With Frozen Fever taking over a lot of Walt Disney World over the last few years, Norway has been turned into a bit of a Frozen Showcase. Has the pavilion lost it’s way or is it still as charming and quaint as ever? You’ll have to listen to this week’s episode to find out!
I just let you borrow my time machine. Where in Walt Disney World’s history would you go back to so you could experience the magic in person? Would it be Opening Day on October 1, 1971? Would you stop by the 25th Anniversary Celebration? Episode 36 is all about the Top Times to Visit WDW in a Time Machine!
Join my guest Herb Leibacher from the World of Walt and I as we talk all about our favorite (and least favorite) times in the history of Walt Disney World. From the Main Street Magic Shop to Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration, you won’t want to miss any of our top picks!
If you like the cut of Herb’s jib, he is also featured on these fun podcast episodes:
Episode 13: Top False Rumors of Walt Disney World
Episode 8: Magic Kingdom Attractions Draft
Episode 4: The Why Did Disney Get Rid of _____? Show
I have to admit, I wasn’t all that excited when the concept of Disney Springs was announced by the Disney Company. Since the closure of Pleasure Island and the announcement of the never-built “Hyperion Wharf,” it seemed like WDW was spinning it’s wheels on what to do with the area. Oh…how wrong I was! We talk all about the new and improved Disney Springs in Episode 40: Top Things About Disney Springs.
This week, my guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I go into a lot of detail (and a lot of stories) about why we love Disney Springs. From the world-class restaurants to the amazing shopping where you could buy almost anything you’d ever need, Disney Springs has almost become that 5th theme park we’ve all been waiting for!
Check out what my friend Johnny is up to here: www.facebook.com/johnnyshortsleeve
If you’ve listened and you’re now a Johnny Shortsleeve fan (and really, who isn’t?!) you can find more of his guest appearances here:
Episode 33: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas Part 2
Episode 32: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas Part 1
Episode 30: Top Splurges in WDW
Episode 25: WDW Resort Roundup – Port Orleans Resort
Episode 13: Best Beer Stops in Walt Disney World
He is probably the most recognizable character the modern world has ever seen. This week was my easiest ever choice for Word of the Week – Mickey Mouse.
Since his debut in 1928, Mickey Mouse has been a symbol of happiness, playfulness, and laughter throughout the world. This week I wanted to take a quick look into the history of Walt Disney’s legendary character while also giving you, the listener, a look at where Mickey can be found all over Walt Disney World in the year 2016 and beyond.
We always remember the big, huge special effects in Walt Disney World’s theme parks. The Ballroom Scene in the Haunted Mansion, the drop in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, the Yeti in Expedition Everest. That’s why this week, we take a look at the more subtle, sometimes overlooked, special effects. Here’s Episode 39: Top Projection Effects in Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Imagineers are wonderful at adding special effects that transform great attractions, shows, and queues into truly unforgettable experiences. These projection effects are not always at the top of the list when guests talk about their favorite attractions but they are the little things that put a Walt Disney World Vacation over the top!
The smallest land in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is loaded with fantastic attractions, rich detail, and an amazing sense of history. This week, I take a look at one of the original lands in the original Walt Disney World Theme Park in the Word(s) of the Week – Liberty Square.
If you trace the history of the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, you will find yourself all the way back to Disneyland in the 1950’s. Walt Disney himself wanted an area that showcased Colonial America right off Main Street, USA in Disneyland, and Liberty Street was all but built in the Happiest Place on Earth.
What is WDW’s most controversial decision of all time? The removal of Horizons, Maelstrom, or Body Wars? The introduction of the Disney Dining Plans? We explore all of that and much more on Episode 38: Most Controversial WDW Decisions.
Over the years, Walt Disney World’s management have made several decisions that split the Disney fan base right down the middle. From the addition of more thrill rides to the idea that vacations should be planned months in advance, most of these decisions are still debated by Walt Disney World Fans to this day.
I hope you enjoy this week’s episode with my friend Chuck Rodriguez and myself. If you do, check out these other episodes where Chuck is featured:
- Episode 7: Best Disney Movies You’ve Never Seen
- Episode 9: Best Smells in Walt Disney World
- Episode 17: Best WDW Attraction Music
- Episode 22: Best WDW Attraction Quotes
Did you ever ride the Mike Fink Keel Boats in the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland? This week, I take a look back at a beloved extinct attraction in Disney’s theme parks with the Word of the Week – Keel.
The Mike Fink Keel Boats were attractions in Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for decades, beginning in 1955 in Disneyland and finally closing in the Magic Kingdom in 2001. On this week’s Word of the Week, I talk all about the attraction’s history and it’s ultimate closure in the North American theme parks. I’ll also tell you where you can find pieces of the attractions that still survive today.
Booking a trip to Disneyland is TOTALLY different than booking a trip to Walt Disney World. I’ve known this for quite a while but it really hit home when I started talking to a friend about it after she had booked her trip to the West Coast recently. We’ll talk about just how different the trips can be on Episode 37: Trip Planning: Disneyland vs. WDW.
From dining reservations to FastPasses, from Extra Magic Hours to Magic Mornings, and from The Happiest Place on Earth to the Most Magical Place on Earth, so many things are similar yet really, really different when it comes to the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. On this episode of the podcast, my guest Lauren Gaggioli and I try to sort all of that out for you and explain the differences between planning trips to both North American Disney destinations.
If you want to hear more from Lauren Gaggioli or if you know someone that would benefit from her expertise in college test prep, please stop by higherscorestestprep.com or laurengaggioli.com.
For more episodes featuring Lauren, click on one of these guys:
Episode 12: Best On Ride Moments in the Disney Parks
Episode 3: Staying Healthy on a Trip to the Disney Parks
This week’s Word of the Week was kind of an easy one for me. I’ve been a HUGE fan of The Jungle Cruise since I first rode it as a kid in 1992. Since then, very little has changed on this iconic Walt Disney World attraction. I love all of the little things that make up the complete experience that is The Jungle Cruise. I’m so excited to bring you this wee’s Word of the Week – Jungle.
From Trader Sam to the lions, tigers, and headhunters (oh my?), The Jungle Cruise is one of the most beloved attractions in all of Walt Disney World. Listen this week as I give you a little bit of history on the attraction as well as some fun facts about some of the things you’ll see and hear (and maybe even taste) in this corner of Adventureland.
Illuminations has been thrilling Epcot’s guests since the late 1980’s. This week I take a look at everything that makes this show great like the music, fireworks, pyrotechnics, and much more! Check out this week’s Word of the Week – Illuminations.
Even though the show has been in EPCOT Center (or Epcot) for parts of four decades, Illuminations still packs in the crowds each and every night. The sheer size and scope of the nighttime show is not matched anywhere else in Walt Disney World. On this episode of the Word of the Week, I’ll take you backstage, behind the scenes of Illuminations, and I’ll reveal just how certain parts of this amazing show are accomplished!
Lee Cockerell is the former VP of Operations for the entire Walt Disney World Resort. This week I had the chance to catch up with Lee and have a conversation about Disney’s world-class guest service, extinct attractions, his hopes for the future of the company and much more! Check out Episode 35: A Conversation With Lee Cockerell!
In his career with the Disney Company, Lee Cockerell opened EuroDisney (now known as Disneyland Paris), created the Disney Great Leader Strategies (which trained and developed over 7,000 leaders in Walt Disney World), and oversaw more than 40,000 cast members who worked at the Walt Disney World Resort. In the years after his retirement, Lee has written four books, he’s become a prolific public speaker, and he has a weekly podcast dedicated to helping those in the guest service industry.
Lee’s books can be found on Amazon.com by clicking HERE
For his podcast and much more head over to LeeCockerell.com
The name Herb Ryman might not exactly be a household name, but Walt Disney World and Disneyland would be very different places if it weren’t for this Disney Legend’s work. This week, I’ll take you back to one of the most important weekends ever in the history of the Disney company in Word of the Week – Herb.
Famous for his concepts of Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street USA in Disneyland and for Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World, Herb Ryman was as instrumental as any other Disney Imagineer in the design, experience, and feel of the Disney theme parks.
Herb Ryman’s Tribute Window
Since everyone knows that calories do not count while on vacation, especially in Walt Disney World, this week my guest Chuck Rodriguez and I had a fun conversation about where we think you can find the Best Desserts in Walt Disney World!
Whether it’s a Mickey Ice Cream Bar, a Candy Apple, Gelato from the Italy Pavilion in Epcot, or any of the other phenomenal selections in the parks, resorts, or the wildly popular Disney Springs, WDW truly has a fantastic dessert selection. Some are better than others, of course, and this week Chuck and I will point you toward just a few of our favorites!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out more of Chuck’s guests appearances here!
Episode 7: Best Disney Movies You’ve Never Seen
Episode 12: Best On Ride Moments in the Disney Parks
Episode 17: Best WDW Attraction Music
Episode 22: Best WDW Attraction Quotes
Episode 26: Best Ways to Beat the Heat in WDW
Episode 29: Imaginary Imagineering
*Thank you to Suzanne Suer for writing in the comments section and reminding me that you can actually also get Dole Whips at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
While the Walt Disney World Resort is known for it’s world class family entertainment, that’s not all the Most Magical Place on Earth is all about! Walt Disney World has been a serious golf destination for golfers all around the world for decades! This week, I take a closer look at all that WDW has to offer those who enjoy “The Gentleman’s Game.” Check out the Walt Disney World Word of the Week – Golf.
With three World Class 18 hole courses, a beautiful 9 hold family-friendly course, and 4 fantastic miniature golf courses, WDW is THE place for golf in Central Florida!
Part 2 of 2.
There’s nothing quite like visiting Walt Disney World over the holidays, especially around Christmas. The parks and resorts are completely different at this time of year and are totally ready for the amazing festivities that will take place. This week, my guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I dig down deep into Christmas in Walt Disney World in Episode 32: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas.
From the decorations in the resort hotels to the special events happening all over Walt Disney World, you can’t beat visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season. This is the first of a two episode show talking all about what makes Walt Disney World special during the Christmas season.
Listen to Part 1 of the podcast here: Episode 32
I didn’t have to do a whole lot of research for this week’s Walt Disney World Word of the Week – Free. I’m plenty experienced in knowing where to go to experience all of the free things that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer!
When you are paying as much as most people do to take a vacation to Walt Disney World, it is very important to know where all of the free things are. From Club Cool to Campfires, this week I’ll help you find all of the WDW experiences that won’t cost you a cent!
There’s nothing quite like visiting Walt Disney World over the holidays, especially around Christmas. The parks and resorts are completely different at this time of year and are totally ready for the amazing festivities that will take place. This week, my guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I dig down deep into Christmas in Walt Disney World in Episode 32: Top Reasons to Visit WDW at Christmas.
From the decorations in the resort hotels to the special events happening all over Walt Disney World, you can’t beat visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season. This is the first of a two episode show talking all about what makes Walt Disney World special during the Christmas season.
This is just part 1! Listen to part 2 by clicking HERE.
This week’s Walt Disney World Word of the Week is all about one of Disney’s best thrill rides, Expedition Everest. Are your children tall enough to ride? What can you expect on this attraction? Do you really come face to face with the Yeti? All of these questions and more will be answered on this episode of the Word of the Week – Everest.
When Disney’s Animal Kingdom first opened in 1998, the closest thing it had to a true thrill ride was Countdown to Extinction (later renamed Dinosaur). In 2006, Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain took Walt Disney World by storm. On this episode of the Word of the Week, I’ll tell you all about the attraction’s history, a few secrets, and more!
If you’re like me, you’ve probably thought about what it would be like to never have to leave Walt Disney World. While it would be fun to live in one of the resorts, this week I took my craziness a bit further, and started thinking: Which attractions would make the best homes? That’s what this week’s show is all about, Episode 31: Best WDW Attractions to Live In.
Sure, some obvious attractions spring to mind right away, and my guest Chris Yansick and I get discussions about those in, but then things get a little bit more interesting! Who wouldn’t want to live in the middle of a safari or up on a high floor in a haunted Hollywood hotel?!
Check out more from Chris Yansick in the following episodes:
Episode 2: Best Restaurants in the WDW Resort Hotels
Episode 5: Why We Run Disney
One of the questions I get asked the most is “Are the Disney Dining Plans worth it?” The problem is, I can’t answer that with a simple Yes or No. This week I’m going to talk you through the ins and outs of dining in Walt Disney World with the Word(s) of the Week – Dining Plan.
Look for this Logo all over WDW!
Okay, so admittedly I’m already cheating here with giving you two words for this week’s letter! The reason is, I think it’s extremely important to have an understanding of exactly what the Dining Plans are, what they cost, and how they compare to buying food out of pocket on your Walt Disney World vacation. That is exactly what I explain in this episode of the Walt Disney World Word of the Week.
As I say all the time on this podcast, I’m in the business of saving you money on your Walt Disney World trip. I want you to have the best vacation possible while spending the least amount of money possible. However, there are some pretty fantastic “once-in-a-while” or even “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences that you should think about taking part in while on your Walt Disney World vacation. Check out these Top Splurges in Walt Disney World.
From having a meal with a Real Life Imagineer to a once in a lifetime stay in the Bungalows at The Polynesian Resort, these aren’t things you’ll do on every single trip to Walt Disney World. They are, however, splurges that you and your family will never forget.
Thank you to my friend Johnny Shortsleeve for once again joining me and doing an amazing job with his picks for this episode! If you’d like to check out more of what he has to say, head over to johnnyshortsleeve.com. And if you see him in his trademark High Five T Shirt, white hat, and shades, make sure to say hello!
Check Out There Other Episodes Featuring Johnny Shortsleeve:
Episode 25: WDW Resort Roundup – Port Orleans Resort
Episode 19: Best Things About the Fall in WDW
Episode 14: Best Beer Stops in Walt Disney World
Episode 8: Magic Kingdom Attractions Draft
Episode 6: Walt Disney World for Dudes
Episode 4: Why Did Disney Get Rid of _____? Show
Have you ever heard of a man named Cornelius Vanderbilt Wood? No? I hadn’t either. Then I did a little bit of research and found out some crazy things about this man and the history of the Walt Disney Company, especially when it comes to the history of Disneyland. I sincerely hope you enjoy this week’s Word of the Week – Cornelius.
Cornelius Vanderbilt Wood (or C.V. Wood, or Woody) was instrumental in the construction of the world’s first theme park, Disneyland. So why haven’t you heard of him? I’ll explain all of that and more in this week’s Word of the Week podcast.
If you’d rather read about C.V. Wood and his importance in Disney history, please click HERE.
Walt Disney World is constantly changing and evolving. With every attraction or restaurant that is taken away, a new one is added. But Disney never asks us, the Disney fans, what we would like to build in the theme parks and resorts. That’s why this week, my guest Chuck Rodriguez and I give our Imaginary Imagineering opinions on what we would like to see build in Walt Disney World. I hope you enjoy Episode 29: Imaginary Imagineering.
If you liked the cut of Chuck’s jib, he can also be heard on the following episodes of the podcast:
Episode 7: Best Disney Movies You’ve Never Seen
Episode 9: Best Smells in Walt Disney World
Episode 12: Best On-Ride Moments in the Disney Parks
Episode 17:Best WDW Attraction Music
Episode 22: Best Walt Disney World Attraction Quotes
Episode 26: Best Ways to Beat the Heat in WDW
*Also listen to why this will most likely be Chuck’s last guest appearance on the show!
This week’s Walt Disney World Word of the Week is brought to you by the Letter B, for Barbecue! Listen in as I tell you all of the fantastic restaurants where you can try barbecued food items all across the Walt Disney World Resort! I hope you enjoy this week’s episode and the Word of the Week – Barbecue.
Whether it’s in the theme parks, in the resorts, or at Disney Springs, Walt Disney World has no shortage of places to get this American staple. This week I’ll tell you all about my favorites and give you a few tips along the way!
WDW’s Magic Kingdom is the quintessential theme park. From roller coasters to dark rides and everything in between, the park has it all! But which attractions are the absolute best?!
In this episode of the podcast, I run through the attractions (in my opinion, of course!) from Number 37 to Number 1! Check out Episode 28: Ultimate Ranking of Magic Kingdom Attractions!
Do you want to know where to find Ariel in the Walt Disney World theme parks? Then this is the podcast for you! Welcome to the first installment of the Walt Disney World Word of the Week! This week’s Walt Disney World Word of the Week – Ariel
Each week, the Ear To There Podcast will be bringing you a new Walt Disney World Word of the Week episode full of WDW tips, tricks, recommendations, reviews and more! If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World than you won’t want to miss each Wednesday’s episode.
On Episode 6 of the Ear To There Podcast, my guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I talked all about WDW for Dudes. This week, my guests Jen Hoffman, Aly Miller, and I talk all about Walt Disney World for Women!
From participating in run Disney events to relaxing in a spa and everything in between, this episode offers some great insight into what there is for women of all ages to do in Walt Disney World whether there solo, as a couple, or with the family.
Want to hear more from Healthy Moving’s Jen Hoffman? Head over to healthymoving.com for her podcast, blog, FREE classes and much more!
Other Ear To There Podcast Episodes featuring Jen Hoffman:
- Episode 16: Top Tips for Bringing Young Children to WDW
- Episode 3: Staying Healthy on a Trip To Walt Disney World
Aly Miller is the co-owner of Chad Miller Auto Care, one of the top (if not THE top) auto repair shops in San Antonio, Texas. Stop on by cmautocare.com for appointments, to check out the blog, and (coming soon!) the all new podcast!
Other Ear To There Podcast Episodes featuring Aly Miller:
- Episode 21: Confessions of a Disney-holic
- Episode 12: Best On Ride Moments in the Disney Parks
- Episode 8: Magic Kingdom Attractions Draft
While a vacation to Walt Disney World is wonderful no matter the time of year, Summer vacations can get a little bit hot! This week, my guest Chuck Rodriguez and I talk about the Best Ways To Beat the Heat in Walt Disney World!
From taking taking advantage of the pools, to free ice water, to Dole Whips, Walt Disney World gives their guests plenty of ways to cool off during those hot summer months.
Walt Disney World has so many resort hotels, it’s almost impossible to choose one to stay in! To try to help you decide, I’ve decided to put together a series of episodes that will feature WDW Resort Roundups, or reasons why you should stay at certain resorts. On these episodes, Johnny Shortsleeve and I will discuss the pros (and cons) of staying in different resorts on Walt Disney World property. I hope you enjoy our Resort Roundup of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort!
You probably found this podcast because you’re a Walt Disney World fan. You might even be a Walt Disney World veteran. For years, I never thought about visiting the original Disney theme park, the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland. When I finally did, I couldn’t believe what I was missing out on. Disneyland quickly became my absolute favorite theme park on the planet! On this episode of the podcast, I talk all about Why All WDW Veterans Should Visit Disneyland with my guest and author of “Disneyland On Any Budget”, Jessica Sanders.
Find Jessica Sanders’ “Happiest Blog On Earth” here: http://www.thehappiestblogonearth.com
Buy Jessica’s Book, “Disneyland On Any Budget” here: https://www.amazon.com/Disneyland-Any-Budget-Saving-Happiest-ebook/dp/B01BVU80LI
You’re walking through a Disney Park or Resort and you see something that looks an awful lot like Mickey Mouse. Is it a “Hidden Mickey” or just a coincidence? This week, author Steve Barrett stops by to help me figure out what exactly makes a Hidden Mickey and where they can be found all over Walt Disney World, Disneyland, & the Disney Cruise Line. We talk about what sparked his Hidden Mickey obsession, his Hidden Mickey books, and his favorites that are hiding in plain sight all over Disney property.
Visit Steve’s website & buy the Hidden Mickey books here: hiddenmickeyguy.com
You can also buy the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Mickeys-Disney-Worlds-Secrets/dp/1937011461/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467590134&sr=8-1&keywords=hidden+mickey
Walt Disney World’s attractions have no shortage of famous quotes. From “Dead men tell no tales” to “Let It Go,” you’ll always walk away from a Disney attraction with some line stuck in your head.
This week I welcome back Chuck Rodriguez to talk all about quotes that stay with you LONG after you’re home from your Walt Disney World vacation. We both do our best attempts at imitating the famous Disney voice actors who say these lines on the attractions, sometimes with not so great results!
My main goal as a Disney-specialized travel agent and podcaster is to be honest with you, the listener. This week, a friend and client shares her very honest trip report about her recent Walt Disney World vacation. Listen as we talk about the great, the good, and the bad about all of the latest happenings in the Walt Disney World theme parks.
If you’ve ever stayed in a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, you probably feel like you know this week’s guest! Stacey J. Aswad is the host of “Must Do Disney” on Disney’s Resort TV and has been for over a decade!
This week, Stacey and I talk all about her history with the Disney company, how she got her long-running gig as a Disney host, and her show VO Buzz Weekly, which recently celebrated it’s 200th episode!
To see more of Stacey and to check out her show, VO Buzz Weekly, check out vobuzzweekly.com!
To find out what else Stacey has been up to or to get an autographed picture (all proceeds go to several animal charities), visit staceyjaswad.com!
With Summer already in full swing, now is the perfect time to look ahead to the Fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort. Guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I talk about our favorite fall festivities that will be returning to WDW in 2016 including Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival!
To hear more from Johnny Shortsleeve, stop by johnnyshortsleeve.com!
Ron Defore stops by this week to talk all about what it was like “growing up” in Disneyland in the late 1950’s & 1960’s. Ron’s father, Hollywood actor (with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame) Don DeFore was a close friend of Walt Disney’s and to this day is the only “real life” person to ever have a restaurant named after him in Disneyland, Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue!
Ron talks all about his father’s history with Walt Disney & what it was like to be there in the heyday of Disneyland when Walt still roamed the park!
For more on the DeFore family and Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue, stop by defore.net, the Official Fan Club of Don DeFore!
What separates a good Disney attraction from a truly unforgettable one? The music, of course! This week, my guest Chuck Rodriguez and I take a look at the Best Walt Disney World Attraction Music. From Splash Mountain to Spaceship Earth, listen along to see if your favorite music made the list!
Ever wonder why there are so many screaming children and exhausted adults walking around Walt Disney World? WDW can be overwhelming for little ones and for parents who don’t know how to deal with a lot of the surprises that the long days in the parks and resorts will provide. This week, two magnificent moms join me to talk about how to tackle the Disney parks with young kids.
Thanks so much to my guests this week, Jen Hoffman & Amy Gramlich (making her world podcast debut, by the way!)
Jenn Hoffman is a certified personal trainer, yoga teacher, and a mom two three young children. Check out her site at healthymoving.com to get started exercising less, moving more, and feeling better!
Yehaa Bob Jackson has been delighting guests at the River Roost Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort for almost 20 years! His action-packed, family-friendly show plays to a full house four nights each week and if you’ve ever seen him live, you know that no one has more fun than him!
This week, Bob took a little bit of time out of his very busy schedule to talk about his life and career with Disney.
Please stop by yehaabob.com for more information on Yehaa Bob Jackson or to purchase his CDs or t-shirts!
Just like the food in Walt Disney World isn’t all burgers and chicken tenders, the beer selection in the vacation capital of the world isn’t all big breweries served in stands around the theme parks. Believe it or not, Walt Disney World has several fantastic locations where an adult can responsibly drink some pretty amazing Varsity Shirley Temples! This week’s episode of the podcast explores the Best Beer Stops in Walt Disney World!
When you think of the Disney theme parks, you probably think of the amazing sights and sounds that they are famous for. What you might not think of, however, are the amazing smells of the parks and resorts. Yes, Walt Disney World goes after all four senses, and in this episode of the podcast, we talk about the Best Smells In Walt Disney World!
*FYI: In this podcast, there are a few remarks/jokes about alligators at Splash Mountain that were made before the unfortunate accident in June of 2016. While this was made before the incident and in jest, we did want all listeners aware of it before listening to this content. Thanks!
You’re on the clock! You have 10 seconds. You have the first overall pick in the Magic Kingdom Attractions Draft! Which attraction in the MK is the best and would be your first choice? That is the question that I gave my guests on this week’s episode of the podcast.
If you had to build your top four team of Magic Kingdom attractions, what would your strategy be? Listen in as Aly Miller, Johnny Shortsleeve, Herb Leibacher and myself fight for the top attractions in the Magic Kingdom in this NFL-style draft!
Since Walt Disney released his company’s first ever full-length feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, the name “Disney” has become synonymous with high-quality family entertainment. You’ve heard of Aladdin, The Lion King, & Mary Poppins, but what about those Disney movies that weren’t huge hits? On this episode of the podcast, my guest Chuck Rodriguez and I talk about those movies that fell through the cracks and are the Best Disney Movies You’ve Never Seen!
Links:
The Rocketeer Trailer: Click Here
Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Watch It Here
Walt Disney World is known as a place where parents and children can have fun together. It is a magical place where dreams come true, where fairytales are real, and where dudes can go and have an amazing “man-cation.” Yes, you read that last part right! In this episode of the Ear To There Podcast, my guest Johnny Shortsleeve and I talk about the often overlooked experiences that real, manly men (or regular dudes) can experience on a Walt Disney World Vacation.
Guys can experience manly things like steaks, golf, and…spas? There’s a good explanation, I promise!
Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy this week’s episode of the Ear To There Podcast!
*Johnny Shortsleeve can be found over at facebook.com/johnnyshortsleeve
Over the last 22 years, the Walt Disney World and runDisney events have gone from very humble beginnings to some of the best distance races on the entire planet. On this episode of the Ear To There Podcast, I’m joined by fellow runDisney race participants and Disney fans Patty Holliday, Nancy Cullen, Chris Yansick and Alyson Miller. We talk about our race experiences, running through the Disney theme parks, how to prepare for your first ever Disney race, and much more!
If you are thinking about signing up for a runDisney event in the future, whether it’s your first 5k or you’re a Dopey Challenge regular, I think you’ll find something on this podcast that you’ll really enjoy! So tie your running shoes up tight, don’t forget to pack your GU, and enjoy this week’s episode of the Ear To There Podcast!
Patty Holliday’s website and blog can be found at noguiltlife.com
Nancy Cullen’s website and blog can be found at runeatdrinkdisney.com
Walt Disney never intended for Disneyland to become a museum. He knew that the park would keep moving forward, and in order to do that certain things had to be lost along the way.
In this episode of the Ear To There Podcast, guests Herb Leibacher, Johnny Shortsleeve and myself talk about the attractions, shows, & food we still miss in Walt Disney World. (RIP Buffalo Chicken Waffle from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments!)
Thank you so much for listening and I hope you enjoy this episode of the Ear To There Podcast!
A vacation to the Disney theme parks is fun, exciting, and a whole lot of fun! But if you’re not careful, you might feel like you need a vacation from your vacation after your trip!
In this episode of the Ear To There Podcast, guests Aly Miller, Lauren Gaggioli, Jen Hoffman and I talk about how to stay healthy and injury-free on your next trip to the Disney theme parks.
Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Ear To There Podcast!
Walt Disney World is famous for a lot of things, but one thing people don’t always talk about is the food!
In this episode of the Ear To There Podcast, guest Chris Yansick and I talk about our top restaurants in the resort hotels in Walt Disney World. We’ll give you our favorite casual, character, and signature restaurants.
Thank you so much for listening! I hope you enjoy the first “real” episode of the Ear To There Podcast!
In this short introductory podcast episode, I talk a little bit about myself, my history with the Disney Company, my business, Ear To There Travel, and what I plan to talk about in future podcast episodes.
The Ear To There Podcast will offer Disney Travel and planning advice, money-saving tips, restaurant and attraction recommendations, fun stories and much more from Disney experts and fellow Disney fans.
Welcome Aboard the Ear To There Travel Podcast and look for new episodes every Monday morning!
Water and Sports Drinks can do the trick to keep you hydrated during your days in the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts, but what about those days when you need a little something extra? On this episode of the podcast, guest Patty Holliday and I talk about our Best Places to Get an Adult Beverage in Walt Disney World!
Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy this week’s episode of the Ear To There Podcast!
Patty Holliday’s website and blog can be found at noguiltlife.com
A true Legend of the Disney Company, Rolly Crump worked on some of the greatest memories of everyone’s childhood. He was an animator on Peter Pan and other Disney Animated Classics, helped create The Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world (and many other Disneyland and WDW attractions), and has his own window on Main Street U.S.A.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Rolly about some of the things he’s worked on and his relationship with Walt Disney himself. Rolly is one heck of a storyteller, and I hope you enjoy listening to his stories just as much as I did!
Rolly Crump & Jeff Heimbuch’s book, “It’s Kind of a Cute Story” can be found and purchased on Amazon HERE
For more information on Rolly Crump, please head over to rolandcrump.com
The Disney theme parks are full of moments that amaze, astound, and amuse guests 365 days a year. But what particular moments are the best “on ride” moments in the parks? From awe-inspiring beginnings to phenomenal finales, check out the Best On Ride Moments in the Disney Parks!
Find Alyson Miller over at cmautocare.com Lauren Gaggioli’s site can be found at higherscorestestprep.com
Can Cinderella Castle really be taken apart and put into storage if a hurricane is coming? Is Walt Disney’s cryogenically frozen head on ice somewhere under Pirates of the Caribbean? We explore these topics and more in an episode that could have been titled “Things I’ve Heard A Disney Bus Driver Say.”
There are so many false rumors that surround the Disney theme parks and resorts that there’s no way we could have covered them all in this podcast…but we sure did try!