Join us after our WDW Radio At the Movies for “Oz The Great and Powerful” event at the AMC Theater in Downtown Disney for our WDW Radio Disney Meet of the Month, a casual gathering of friends and listeners (bring the whole family!) IN Walt Disney World.

- Date: Sunday, March 24, 2013
- Time: 6:00pm
- Location: Wetzel’s Pretzels Outdoor seating area – Downtown Disney (near the Characters in Flight balloon – see the Oz balloon reference?)

Come by to make and meet some new friends, or catch up with old ones! Grab a bite to eat, get your free giveaways (including passport and stamp), and share in the fun! Anyone and EVERYONE is invited!

Please RSVP in the comments below or on our Facebook Event Page if you’re going to join us (not required to attend)

Hope to see you there!

- Lou Mongello

The post WDW Radio Meet of the Month – Sunday, March 24, 2013 – Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Disney Springs will feature boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores, and a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences unlike any other currently available in Central Florida.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront. In addition to a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the destination will feature:

- The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.

- A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.

- The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store.

- A West Side that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.

Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.

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What part of Disney Springs are YOU most excited about?

Leave your answer in the Comments below
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Thanks for watching!

- Lou Mongello

The post Video: Disney Springs at Walt Disney World – Lou Mongello on Fox 35 Orlando appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Downtown Disney Pleasure Island guests can embrace their inner Irish and celebrate the most authentic St. Patrick’s Day festivities in town March 14-17 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. Live Irish music, dance and authentic cuisine by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon headline a spirited long weekend dubbed the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival.

The lineup of Irish band performances begins with a festival kickoff March 8-10 by The Willis Clan (http://TheWillisClan.com), a family of artists and musicians who merge their Irish roots with other music and dance genres to create a unique style.

Festivities at Raglan Road and in surrounding Pleasure Island areas will include face painting, stilt walkers, competitions, giveaways and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day memorabilia. Visit http://RaglanRoad.com

Festivities at Raglan Road and in surrounding Pleasure Island areas will include face painting, stilt walkers, competitions, giveaways and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day memorabilia. Thursday through Saturday, guests can order from Raglan Road’s popular lunch, dinner and bar menus. The dinner menu, which includes loin of bacon and cabbage, the authentic Irish dish of St. Patrick’s Day, is available all day Sunday. Throughout the event, the restaurant’s Cooke’s of Dublin counter-service eatery will offer Irish favorites like fish and chips, battered sausages and deep-fried candy bars; guests will discover additional food offerings across Pleasure Island.
On Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Saturday, the pub and restaurant cover charge of $5 will apply to each guest 18 and older; on Sunday, the cover charge is $10. Reservations can be booked for March 14 and 15 by calling 407/938-0300.
Pubs in Ireland have long been considered a place for families to gather. Following that tradition, Raglan Road is a place to meet friends and family and experience the Irish culture on St Patrick’s Day and everyday. Guests are encouraged to proudly wear a sprig of Shamrock as is the tradition in Ireland and participate in “the wearin’ of the green.”

During any visit to Raglan Road, be it brunch, lunch or dinner, guests can belly up to one of the restaurant’s 130-year-old imported-from-Ireland bars or grab a table for authentic fare. The restaurant, a Diners’ Choice 2012 award winner, is known for its beer-battered fish and chips, as well as its Shepherd’s pie with a contemporary twist and other popular entrees. Raglan Road offers gluten-free items including scallops, fish and chips, calamari, onion rings and pasta dishes.

The post Video: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Walt Disney World at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Wearin’ of the green is encouraged, but not mandatory during the most authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebration in town March 8-10 and 14-17 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant and across Downtown Disney Pleasure Island. More than 10 top Irish bands will perform on select days during the festivities, with amped up entertainment the second weekend.

At Raglan Road, a true Irish pub with Dublin roots, it’s a “Mighty Festival” that will include Irish bands and professional dancers performing on several stages indoors and out.  Also on tap: a mighty selection of beers, food by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day memorabilia.

The spirited week of revelry will gear up March 8-10 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. with performances at Raglan Road by The Willis Clan, a family of artists and musicians who merge their Irish roots with other music genres.  Nova Celtic, with its own twist on popular Irish music, will appear on a nearby outdoor stage.  Beginning March 14 and 15 from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m., and continuing March 16 and 17 from noon until 1 a.m., a few highlights of the celebration across Pleasure Island will include:

• Performances by The Willis Clan, Girsa, Albannach and world-famous U2 tribute band Elevation
• Renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast, leading Irish Dance Workshops Friday through Sunday
• More than 50 musicians and dancers performing, plus face painting, stilt walkers and giveaways

Guests can order from Raglan Road’s popular food and drink menus throughout the event.  The Cooke’s of Dublin counter-service eatery will offer Irish favorites like fish and chips, battered sausages and deep-fried candy bars, and guests will discover additional food offerings across Pleasure Island.

On Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated at Raglan Road on a first-come, first-served basis.  Access to select entertainment on March 16 will include a $5 cover charge for guests 18 and older; on March 17, cover will run up to $10.  Raglan Road reservations can be booked on March 14 and 15 by calling 407/938-0300.  For more information visit Disneyworld.com/StPatricksDay.

 Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The post Wearin’ of the Green at Downtown Disney & POLL on St. Patty’s in WDW appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

So, have you tried snacking at places like BabyCakes NYC, Cookes of Dublin, Earl of Sandwich, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop, Marketplace Snacks, Wonderland Cafe, Forty Thirst Street, Haagen Dazs, or Wetzel’s Pretzels?

What is YOUR favorite snack item or location in Downtown Disney? Leave your comments below!

Thanks for watching!

- Lou Mongello

The post Video: Top 5 Snacks in Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

The first section of West Side to  celebrate the movie was an interactive 3D graveyard to the animals in the movie.  Guests were welcomed to a photo spot where they could post with tombstones to beloved pets named Bubbles, Hammy, and Kitty.  They also were given trading cards that introduced the main characters of the movie.  Young children were presented with masks of the main characters that many were seen happily trying out throughout Downtown Disney.

The second aspect of the Frankenweenie celebration was the food items.  Special hot dogs and “electrifying” iced lemonade were available for sale outside the theater.

The placement of the concession cart was well conceived, as clearly the marqee aspect of the celebration was the ability to greet Jack and Sally from “Nightmare Before Christmas.”  This was the first ever appearance of these Tim Burton characters anywhere on Walt Disney World property, and from the size of the line, you can tell that many were willing to wait (and wait and wait) to meet these sweetly ghoulish characters.

Of course, there also was a great selection of merchandise to celebrate both Frankenweenie and Nightmare Before Christmas.  I especially enjoyed the plush of Sparky as well as the fun hat!  The message “Everyone Deserves a Second Chance” has a nice, optimistic ring to it as well.

Frankenweenie weekend was a fun introduction to the characters of this new Disney film.  Families and young children were clearly having a great time.

Did you see Frankenweenie this weekend?  What did you think? 

What kind of events would you like to see Disney offer for the premiere of Wreck It Ralph in November?

The post Frankenweenie Weekend at WDW a Wickedly Cool Experience appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

This Friday through Sunday is the Frankenweenie Weekend at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World!!

The event consists of screenings of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Alice in Wonderland” each with an 8 minute extended 3D sneak peek of “Frankenweenie”. Tickets are only $6. There is also a meet and greet with Jack & Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, merchandise and special “Frankenweenie” treats.

On Saturday and Sunday, AMC Downtown Disney 24 will also host four screenings of “Frankenweenie” presented in RealD. The movie opens on October 5. Watch the Trailer

Guests can RSVP for the screenings here. Space is limited and each guest must RSVP separately.

And here’s a quick look at the other “Frankenweenie” fun you can expect at Downtown Disney each night from 6 to 11 p.m.:

• New Holland Pet Cemetery picture spot presented by HGTV and inspired by “Frankenweenie”
• First Walt Disney World meet and greet with Jack & Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
• “Frankenweenie”-inspired merchandise at D-Street
• Special treats and beverages including Franken Fusion Lemonade, Frankenweenie hot dogs and more

The post Frankenweenie Weekend in Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

The hooley – Irish slang for a party or celebration -will pack Labor Day weekend at Raglan Road with six top Irish bands playing traditional and rock tunes, Irish Dance Workshops for the whole family, structured set dancing called the Ceili (kay-lee) that’s a precursor to today’s country line dancing, Celtic face painting and authentic food and beverages.  Musicians will perform inside the pub and outside on the patio.

Celebrating their successful debut album, Full Set plays the festival Friday through Monday to begin a U.S. tour that includes the Milwaukee Irish Fest.  Elevation, the popular U2 Tribute band, plays sets on Saturday and Sunday.  Other great bands on tap are The Raglan Rogues, Danny Burns, Johnny “Snaggs” Norton and house band Creel.  The six-member, award-winning Raglan Road Irish Dancers perform throughout the weekend.  And renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast will lead Irish Dance Workshops from Saturday through Monday.

Throughout the hooley, guests can belly up to one of Raglan Road’s 130-year-old imported-from-Ireland bars or grab a table for authentic fare by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon.

The Great Irish Hooley schedule of entertainment and events is at www.raglanroad.com.

The post Raglan Road Irish Pub Labor Day Event and POLL! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

How it works: As many three guests are invited to stand inside the virtual experience set, and out of 20 randomly pre-determined animation segments, Phineas and Ferb, Agent P or even Dr. Doofenshmirtz will magically appear to play and dance alongside them. It all happens in a virtual (on-screen) 30-second experience. But the fun doesn’t end there! Guests may visit a special website to download and share with family and friends a complimentary souvenir photo of their starring role. To complement this limited time engagement, special Phineas and Ferb merchandise will be available at a nearby merchandise stand.

Will your family try this experience?  Which member of your family will be most excited?

The post “Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality” Debuts at Downtown Disney This Fall appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

We all know that Disney is filled with fun and fantasy inside Magic Kingdom, adventure and wildlife inside Animal Kingdom, special effects and storytelling in Hollywood Studios, and exploring and technology in Epcot. But what is there to do besides visit the parks? Here is a list of ideas:

1. Pirates and Pals Cruise
This cruise is unlike any other. After a photo opportunity and chance to have snacks and drinks, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee lead you to a small boat for a voyage that will be hosted by either Patch or Patchy. A child is picked to carry the flag, and when I did this, my brother was chosen! You watch “Wishes” from Seven Seas Lagoon/Bay Lake and sometimes you might even catch the Water Pageant! This might sound a little young for some of you out there, but trust me, it is a very fun addition to anyone’s vacation. Thousands of people can say that they’ve watched the fireworks over Cinderella Castle but you will be able to see them over the Main Street Train Station with the castle in the background! Overall, my favorite part of this adventure was the humor on the boat during the ride to and from the firework viewing spot. Patchy was the host on our boat, and he was amazing! He made jokes that flew over younger kids heads and smacked the rest of us right in the face. He also asked trivia questions and gave out prizes to people with the right answer. It was a lot of fun, and it is one of my fondest Disney memories.

2. Explore the Hotels
Every Disney Hotel is inspired by a different era, place or feeling and they are each unique in their own way. If you have one certain hotel that you stay at every time you visit, take the time to explore other hotels and you might find a new favorite. I usually stay at All Star Movies or Caribbean Beach.  On one of our “hotel hop” days we visited the Wilderness Lodge. Now I am trying to convince my parents to stay there the next time we visit Walt Disney World. During the holidays, my family set up a free day as resort exploration.  Part of the fun before we left home was figuring out the most efficient way to get to each property.  Sometimes it was a stopover at a park or Downtown then jumping onto another mode of transportation.  Other times it was as easy as jumping on the monorail or walking!  It took a full day to visit every hotel to see their holiday decorations.  If you can’t visit every property, I would suggest to set a goal to visit at least visit 2 other hotels to see the decorations at the different resorts. The Grand Floridian has the gingerbread house (this is one not to miss!) and the Contemporary has the huge Mickey wreath. Don’t forget to look for the food displays, too!  Don’t worry if it’s not holiday time, it is fun any time of the year!

3. DisneyQuest
DisneyQuest is a 5-floor “arcade” that is more than just Pacman. I personally don’t like arcades, but this isn’t any normal arcade. It is almost completely interactive. From a Pirates of the Caribbean ride with a Toy Story Mania twist to a roller coaster creator that you actually get to ride, DisneyQuest is a very fun place for a rainy day. The five floors each have a name that describes the area very well- the “Replay Zone” (classic games with a twist) “Explore Zone” (a virtual Adventureland with interactive games) “Create Zone” (a floor featuring completely customizable activities) “Score Zone” (features many multiplayer games) and Ventureport (the main floor that leads to all the other zones). This is one place that I could go to everyday and not get sick of it.

4. Mini Golf
Mini golfing is something that I get very competitive with. If I aim just right and hit the ball – but at that exact moment it seems like an invisible force field appears around where I want it to go and instead it goes in the opposite direction (don’t you hate it when that happens?), – I  get angry and it throws off the rest of my game. I miss shots left and right from then on. But Fantasia Gardens brings the competitive-ness down a notch (and only a notch!) with its whimsical colors and effects. Where else could you golf with dancing hippos and marching buckets, hear stairs that play music and negotiate an ice cave?  Don’t let the whimsical parts fool you because you also have to putt through an unexpected geyser field and navigate through moving snowflakes which isn’t as easy as it sounds!  It’s a lot of fun. Because it is reported to be more challenging than Winter-Summerland, it is the only course I’ve visited.

5. Downtown Disney
This is probably the most obvious selection. Downtown Disney has everything from shopping to a movie theater. The possibilities of what you can do are endless! There are some options  that are free like walking into stores (but you might walk out with less money then you walked in with) and some things that require admission like Characters in Flight (a hot air balloon ride) and Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba (basically an amazing circus show without animals). Of course the restaurant options are up to Disney standards and even higher at places like Wolfgang Puck’s and Planet Hollywood. I would even leave a park to come here and eat. At Downtown Disney you can spend as little or as much time as you want and do it on different days…even after the parks close if that is before 11:00pm.  It’s never too late to shop!

6. Visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch                                                                                                                                      

Did you ever wonder where you could find the horses when they’re not on Main Street USA?  Head over to Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and solve the mystery. At the Tri-Circle-D Ranch you can walk through the stables and get a close up look at the horses.  Carriage rides are available, pony rides for the kids and, for the more daring, even horseback rides (with a guide).

7. Search for Hidden Mickeys and secrets
To some people, Disney is an ordinary theme park. Some may believe that it was created to make money and had no other focus in mind. Of course we know that that is not true AT ALL. Disney and its company put a lot of work into little details to create memories and make people happy and maybe give people experiences they can’t get anywhere else. One way this is proven are the secrets hidden around the World. If the Disney Company only cared about money, why would they put them there? They are scattered around the property in many forms. A famous type is a Hidden Mickey which was originally used to leave as a signature since artists and architects couldn’t put their name on their work but have now evolved into a game for park guests to find (Thanks, Steve Barrett!) You can fill entire days in the pursuit of secrets and hidden mickeys both in the parks elsewhere in the property.  Is that a Mickey on the giraffe’s back at Animal Kingdom Lodge? It sure looks like that could be another Mickey on Tweedle Dee’s apron in the World of Disney!  Should you ask for ketchup at the Whispering Canyon Café in the Wilderness Lodge?  You can even get free Disney Transportation Trading Cards by just asking!

I have written about seven “outside the park” options but there are countless to choose from.  You can watch your parents ride in a race car, rent a watercraft, see the parks from the air while parasailing or shoot a bow and arrow like Merida. Next time you visit the World, make sure you consider some of these activities for things to do when you are not in one of the four best parks on the map.

Side note: Last Thursday I graduated 8th grade. I got a Mickey graduation hat as a gift weeks prior to my graduation, so I took pictures in my gown with the hat on instead of the unoriginal cap and gown picture. Here is one of my favorites.

This Week’s “Where in the World?” is featured in one of my favorite parks and I love the design that the picture is a part of. Good luck to all of you!

See ya REAL soon!
~Makena W.

The post WDW Radio Kids & Teens Day: 7 Fun Things to Do Outside the Walt Disney World Parks appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.