Earful: A Disney World Podcast: Recent Episodes
Earful - A Disney World Podcast
For die-hard Disney World fans, learning about the latest updates, refurbishments, and rumors surrounding the parks and resorts is a serious hobby! Each Tuesday, join Kate, a certified Disney travel agent, and Patrick, her husband, as they sift through the hottest news clips swirling around the “most magical place on Earth.” Need tips for your return trip? Going for the first time and need a plan of attack? Then, this is the podcast for you!
It is time: it's reopening week!
We've got the scoop on what's open, what's modified, and where all the Plexiglass is in the parks. Ride queues seem to currently be on hiatus, while gift shops are getting virtual wait lists. Rise of the Resistance is going back to a virtual queue, and Splash Mountain merchandise is selling out by the bag full.
PLUS: Character cavalcades, 2020 tickets, and more!
All eyes are on Disney World's re-opening on July 9th, but our stomachs are growling for park food! This week, we're sharing links to Whispering Canyon's apple pie recipe, along with Gaston's Cinnamon Rolls, Ohana bread pudding, and blue/green milk from Galaxy's Edge!
A small glitch left Annual Passholders overcharged, transportation options for re-opening were revealed, and Actor's Equity continued to hold out for COVID-19 testing options. But, Cinderella's Castle is nearly repainted, we got more Loungefly x Disney collaborations, and Baby Yoda is getting his own cereal!
PLUS: NBA update, Halloween Horror Nights news, and more!
Just a normal, quiet week in the Disney World universe...right? Right?!?
The announcement of a Princess and the Frog renovation to fan favorite Splash Mountain sent us all reeling, but so did the debut of the Disney Park Pass reservation system on My Disney Experience. Annual Passholders also tried to reserve park days, but 5 hour wait times and system glitches left many frustrated.
Disneyland announced a delay in reopening, leaving many to wonder if Disney World would follow suit. Several NBA players tested positive for COVID-19, but the league is still set to open on July 30th.
PLUS:
- Baby Yoda Loungefly bags
- Disney Bussing Procedures
- A new look at character dining at Topolino's
- And more!
We didn't plan to rap through the Disney restaurants re-opening in July, but that's what happened in Episode 31! We've got a plethora of new details about the re-opening, including restaurant mobile check-in and an end to resort/park hopping. Buffets are going family style, Magic Bands will no longer be complimentary, and characters are going to be appearing in "cavalcades. Disney Springs is getting a sweet new bakery, Homecomin' has a new patio, and Spaceship Earth is here to stay for the time being.
PLUS:
- New Loungefly Wall-E bags
- The return of Mariachi Cobre and the Jammitors
- AP/Cast Member preview days
I miss Disney! Anyone else? Good, because we've got two new segments for you in Episode 30: a segment on keeping the Disney spirit alive at home and another portion dedicated to the reopening of the parks.
Disney wines are now available at home, soccer is coming to the Wide World of Sports, and Cinderella's Castle is getting a new paint job. Splash Mountain finds itself in some hot water, stirring a fan petition to re-theme the ride after "The Princess and the Frog."
PLUS: more Disney Springs reopenings, enhanced cleaning procedures at the resorts, and another Haunted Mansion Funko Pop!
As this episode releases on May 11th, Shanghai Disney Resort will reopen to the public! In Episode 29, we review some of the safety measures the resort is undertaking and analyze when the other parks may reopen as well.
Disney Springs will also embark on a small reopening on May 20th, including such restaurants as STK and Wine Bar George.
Loungefly has released a new Marvel line of bags and wallets, while Build-A-Bear is now offering a Stitch doll for online purchase.
PLUS: A Funko Haunted Mansion board game, Kate's bad Stitch impression, and the status of the Florida Aquarium.
After a three-month hiatus, we're back and discussing potential rumors around the re-opening of Disney properties. Hong Kong & Shanghai resorts have been testing opening procedures, while Florida prepares to enter Phase One out of quarantine. ShopDisney released face masks sets, while Pixar debuted "Cooking with Pixar" on their YouTube channel. José Andres raised money for essential workers, but most importantly: Bob Disney stops by to discuss his own soft opening ideas!
Happy 2020! We're kicking of the new year with two special guests, Emily and TJ! Emily is here to discuss her recent trip to Disney World during "wartime," a.k.a. "the holidays." She shares her experiences at the Wilderness Lodge, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot's Candlelight Processional, boarding/unloading/re-boarding Rise of the Resistance, and what it's like to navigate a scooter at Disney.
PLUS:
- Off-Season changes
- Rise of the Resistance issues
- The quartet gets into a game of Word Association with "white powder alert," "E-Stop," "good night kiss," and "protein spill."
Disney's most anticipated ride opening since Flight of Passage has come and gone: Rise of the Resistance is finally open! Tune in to Episode 26 to hear about the revival of boarding groups, opening day crowd control, ride breakdowns, and more! We'll discuss a few of the ride's tech specs, requirements to board, and how it stacks up against other Orlando attractions. PLUS:
- A report from Cap'n Jim!
- A bizarre onstage incident at Carousel of Progress
- A holiday visit from Bob Disney
This will be our last episode of 2019. We look forward to bringing you new episodes of Earful in 2020! Happy holidays!
The holidays are in full swing at Disney World and Santa Claus has stopped by for an extended stay in the Town Square Courtyard. Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar debuted a new festive overlay, along with several merry beverages and appetizers. We've got new merchandise from the Epcot Festival of the Holidays and there's also a new Cinderella-themed Magic Band that would work great as a stocking stuff. PLUS:
- John Williams gets a Grammy nomination for Galaxy's Edge
- Universal Studios launches their first running event
- Final preparations for Rise of the Resistance opening
Christmas has come to the parks, along with a flurry of Frozen II updates! Catch up on the new additions to Norway, like new outfits for Anna & Elsa and a delicious new buttercream cupcake!
We'll also speculate on the opening of Rise of Resistance, now only two weeks away from its first ride. There are new beignets at French Quarter, a bejeweled spirit jersey, and a brand new wrapped bus. PLUS:
- Stainless steel refillable mugs
- Gaston gets a new costume
- The Christmas Village returns to the Yacht Club
"What's your favorite attraction?" is a popular Disney World question, but let's get down to brass tacks: what's your LEAST favorite attraction? This week's episode deals with some of Kate & Patrick's least beloved rides and experiences, including Test Track and -- GASP -- Illuminations! PLUS: our friends from the Disney Discussions Podcast share their least favorite rides and explain why you need to keep a strong hold on your pants!
Bright suns, traveler! Let's head to the Spire and brush up our Aurabesh, because we're discussing our recent trip to Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios!
In Episode 22, we'll recount our rainy day in Batuu, with stops at the Marketplace, Ronto's Roasters, Docking Bay 7, and Oga's Cantina. We drank blue milk, engineered the Milennium Falcon, and even encountered a First Order commander and a blue-haired Rebel spy!
PLUS:
- Patrick gets a Star Wars character's name VERY wrong
- Kate not-so-discretely speaks her mind
- We follow a scruffy nerfherder around Hollywood Studios
You're getting a bonus episode this week, and there’s been a major theft from Disney World, resulting in $20,000 of missing ride props. Plus, those wonderful little shampoo and conditioner bottles you get at Disney resorts may soon become a thing of the past.
There’s a new Dole Whip slushie, an attraction-based TV series on Disney+, and a brand new stuntshow at Universal Studios…here’s episode 21! We're legal! Woooo!
This month, Coral Reef is set to debut a special menu based on The Little Mermaid, so you can bet Patrick was 100% inappropriate with his ideas for the new cuisine in this episode. We get an official Disney response to the Skyliner incident, Spooky Mickey & Friends plush dolls, an Olaf Dole Whip Slushie, and even an appearance from Bob Disney!
PLUS:
- Question of the Week: What topics should we cover on future episodes?
- Fantasyland Magic Band
- The REAL use of the Mickey Shorts Theatre
The Disney Skyliner faced its first set of issues this week with an incident that halted operation for over three hours. Bob Disney is all atwitter with safety concerns and we're here to address what went wrong and how cast members attended to the incident.
But all is not doom and gloom this week: the Enchanted Rose lounge opened at the Grand Floridian and Frozen 2 merchandise is now available in the parks! PLUS:
- Epcot Forever draws a line in the sand
- The Donut Box opens for business at the Food & Wine Festival
- Bees shut down operations for Hagrid's roller coaster at Universal Studios
It's a new era for Epcot and Disney transportation! This week has seen the final performance of Illuminations, the opening of the Disney Skyliner, and the debut performance of Epcot Forever. Plus, the Epcot Experience opens amidst the Food & Wine Festival, the Rivera Resort offers a big discount, and PhotoPass photographers return to the parks.
PLUS:
- Bob Disney stops by
- Canada gets a new show
- Rise of the Resistance gets a run time
What's that smell in the air? Could it be the scent of embers from Pirates of the Caribbean? An aged musk from Haunted Mansion? Or, is it just Patrick? In this week's episode, we'll discuss a new technology Disney is working on that will allow them to transition more seamlessly between different odors in the parks. And, you'll get the scoop on:
- Disney's Fairytale Weddings Showcase
- Cosmic Rewind ride vehicles
- Cinderella's Castle Moat is refilled
- Testing begins for Epcot Forever
PLUS: we get new details on the Enchanted Rose restaurant at the Grand Floridian and two new coasters are coming to Orlando!
Fall has come to the parks, so we're breaking out the pumpkin spice beignets and apple cider doughnuts to celebrate! In this week's episode:
- A "capturepult" is developed for water rides
- Club Cool closes its doors
- A baby eland is delivered in Animal Kingdom
- A reversal on the TSA Galaxy's Edge ban
PLUS: Patrick learns what a "bombolato" is and where you can find a doughnut happy hour in Disney Springs
Bright suns to you, you nerfherder! Galaxy's Edge is now officially open, and we're taking a look at the first day's reception along with the ensuing news clips throughout the week:
- TSA bans Batuu soft drink containers that resemble "thermal detonators"
- New details on Rise of the Resistance
- A lounge is revealed for the Halcyon hotel
- Disney institutes "boarding groups" for access to the land
PLUS: Hurricane Dorian begins its path up the coast, Ratatouille attraction announces an opening season, a new polka band debuts in Germany, and more!
It's been quite the weekend! Catch up Kate and Patrick as they discuss the biggest park announcements from the D23 Expo in Anaheim. Dive into the numerous changes to Epcot, take a sneak peak at Tron ride vehicles, hear the music from Epcot Forever, and learn about what it might cost to stay in the Star Wars hotel!
You're getting a double dose of Bob Disney this week! Join Kate & Patrick for an extra episode covering stroller lawsuits, Universal Studios blueprints, the Gran Destino Tower opening, and dining reservations for Galaxy's Edge!
PLUS: Jar Jar joins a railway, Fantasmic goes under renovations, and Mexico debuts a garlic margarita? Probably not, but Bob Disney seems to think so!
The Haunted Mansion is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this summer, and what better way to pay tribute to the ride by discussing its history, development, and legacy?
Learn about the original stories that inspired the ride in Disneyland, including that of a sea captain and his bride, and why the ride was delayed for almost 6 years. Hear how the Mansion expanded to to Orlando, Hong Kong, and beyond, and get to know a little more about the voices and Imagineers behind the ride's success.
PLUS: Disney's "Secret Project" reveal at D23, a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and three new dessert options at Disney Springs!
In a summer full of Disney World rumors, it's hard to distinguish fact from fiction. This episode, however, is full of completely made up park rumors from Kate and Patrick. Why is Disney Springs shutting down restaurants? How will guests adjust to live lions roaming around Animal Kingdom? What is Bob Disney planning for D23?!?
News highlights include:
- Magic Kingdom guests wait 2+ hours after scanners break
- The Return of Sonny Eclipse
- Blue/Green milk coming to Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios
- 2019 Food & Wine booths announced
PLUS: What are YOUR best fake park rumors?
You're getting a BONUS episode of Earful this week! We had so many great news clips that they spilled over into a "Minnie-Sode!" Topics covered include:
- Closing Summer Experiences
- Blueberry Grass Band's return to Epcot
- Rock'n Roller Coaster 20th Anniversary Merchandise
- New Dining Experiences & Popularity Predictions
- Cast Members Prepare to Enter Galaxy's Edge
PLUS: A bonus round: 7 Ways to Be Nice to Disney Cast Members!
We're working overtime at Guest Services to bring you this episode full of the zaniest Disney World complaints from park guests! Was Darth Vader unkind to you? Were people moving like insects? Was Mickey unavailable? If so, please take a number and we'll be with you after we tackle these news clips:
- Possible King Triton casting in live action The Little Mermaid
- Disney CM punched in the face at the Tower of Terror
- New Christmas packages for sale
- Special New Year's Eve parties and dining packages
- Snack themed holiday merchandise and Magic Bands
PLUS: Bob Disney finds a new mantra, we get a War Correspondent, and Magic Kingdom gets holiday layovers!
Inspired by a post from our social media accounts, we're playing a rousing game of This or That: Disney World Edition on Episode 8! Join us for tough questions, like:
- Dole Whip Bar? Or Mickey Bar?
- The Festival of The Lion King? Or Finding Nemo: The Musical?
- Ride the Mad Tea Party for 1 hour? Or It's a Small World for 1 hour?
- Be a Jungle Cruise Skipper? Or a Kilimanjaro Safari Driver?
- Be "That Guy!" on Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor? Or the Rebel Spy on Star Tours?
PLUS: Disney drops new holiday discounts, Darth Vadar returns to Hollywood Studios, a possible Illuminations replacement show, and more!
We're concluding our June 2019 trip report with stops at Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and Animal Kingdom. Our highlights include:
- Riding Slinky Dog with amazing views of Galaxy's Edge
- Star Wars: A Galactic Dessert Party
- Lunch at Morimoto Asia
- Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire at the Void
- Dinner at The Polite Pig
- Kevin Meet & Greet
PLUS: Opening date revealed for Rise of the Resistance, a missing sign in the Magic Kingdom, new Hocus Pocus Funko Pops, and more!
We're BAA-AAACK! And we're ready to tell you all about our recent trip to Disney World in a super-sized episode, including such highlights as:
- Lunch at Morimoto Asia
- Storybook Dining at Artist Point
- Patrick became "That Guy!" at Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
- Wreck-It Ralph Meet & Greet
- Star Wars Galactic Dessert Party
- Rivers of Light: We Are One Dining Package at Tiffins
- Plus...much, much more!
We'll also dive into the news clips of the week, spotlighting the upcoming changes at Epcot and runDisney Magic Bands.
We're packing our ears and heading out of town: Earful's hitting the road to Disney! Before we leave, we'll brief you on some of the things we're excited to see, taste, and experience, like Storybook Dining, dinner in Morocco, the Galactic Dessert Party, and more!
PLUS: Disney World prepares for special 4th of July entertainment, Ratatouille merchandise appears in Epcot, Topolino's menu is revealed, and other news bites!
In a week that saw price increases on annual passes, parking rates, and dining plan costs, it's best to focus on all of the free things available at Disney World!
Kate and Patrick will share their list of over twenty experiences and items you can encounter while at the parks and resorts. You can visit the ponies at the Wilderness Lodge, get a driver's license at Tomorrowland Speedway, take a taste of Beverly at Epcot, take a tour of an Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant, and more!
PLUS: we hear "Bob Disney" speak for the first time, sneak into Cruella's Hideaway, and look at the new Dapper Dans Funko Pops!
Belly up to the bar with Kate & Patrick as they sip their way across Disney World and explore the best bars on site. From Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar to the Nomad Lounge, you'll find something to quench your thirst, whether it be a nice Irish draft from Raglan Road or the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
PLUS: The new Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom, the return of Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix, wedding nuptials in front of The Tree of Life, and...BACON!
Rise and shine! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it's no different when you're visiting Disney World! Chow down with Kate and Patrick as they explore the best breakfasts on Disney property. From African buffets to waffle sandwiches, they'll wake up your taste buds with glimpses into Tusker House, Sleepy Hollow, and more breakfast hot spots!
PLUS: giveaway winners, new park tech, 2020 vacation packages, holiday offerings, and more!
On the very first episode of Earful, hosts Kate & Patrick take you through an appetizing sampler of the best snacks through the parks and resorts: how can you best maximize your snack credits? Which snacks are the most expensive? And, which snack clocks in at $9.59?
The episode also covers the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland, rumors about the future of The Land and The Seas at Epcot, a possible Wreck-It Ralph attraction at Magic Kingdom, and more!