Editor’s Note: Joseph Kolinsky is running 12 marathons in 12 months to raise money and awareness for the Dream Team Project.  At the time of publication, Joe finished his third of twelve marathons yesterday in Cape May, New Jersey.

As I’ve mentioned in my past few blog entries, my goal for 2012 is to run a marathon during each calendar month of the year in order to generate awareness and donations for The Dream Team Project.  Well I am happy to report that I survived marathon number two on Sunday, February 12^th.  I completed the “26.2 With Donna Marathon” run in Jacksonville, Florida in a time of five hours and fourteen minutes.  I’d like to briefly share with you the day’s experience, because it truly was amazing.

As I walked out of the hotel which was wonderfully close to the start/finish line of the race alongside the Mayo Clinic campus, I realized that I may have bitten off a bit more than I could chew this Sunday morning.  As the doors swooshed open, cold air blasted me right in the face. Should have looked at the temperature before getting dressed….it was 28 degrees.  With a strong wind.  Which was currently whacking me in the face.  I ran upstairs to my room and changed into long pants, 3 shirts and a sweatshirt (which represented approximately 85% of the clothes that I actually brought on the trip).  I never ran 26.2 miles in long pants before….but there’s a first time for everything I guess….

This marathon has grown substantially since its inception five years ago, and its growth can be primarily evidenced in the quality of the Runner’s Village.  What a great setup.  I cannot recall another marathon offering oranges, bananas, and freshly-baked chocolate chip muffins that immediately reminded me of the Boardwalk Bakery in Walt Disney World (a personal favorite of mine whenever I’m hanging out in La Casa de Walt).  What a great way to kick off a really cold morning.  The chocolaty goodness took my mind off the freezing temperatures, that’s for sure!

After I dropped off my bag (along with my sweatshirt – hello wind chill) and headed to the starting line, a couple of people asked me about the WDW Radio Running Team.  So I gave them the quick explanation of The Dream Team Project, and why running for the team means so much to me.  They, in turn, shared their own experiences running for another cancer charity…and it was wonderful to listen to the passion in their voices as they were so grateful to get an opportunity to do something to help a cause that was close to their hearts.

Before you knew it, the gun sounded and off we went!

The first mile presented an immediate challenge: a rather long incline.  Fortunately for me I chose to run with the five hour pace group – a bunch of runners slowly plodding along together, following two “pacers” that carefully watch their GPS devices while running with several balloons attached to a three foot stick in their hands (the balloons attached to stick act as a target for runners that begin with the pack that may fall off pace due to a water stop, pot-o-potty break, or simply because the time that they were shooting for did not correlate to their actual pace / training). I had hoped that the chill that ran down my spine from the cold temperature and rather impolite wind (oh trust me – the wind was rude…no manners whatsoever) would dissipate as my morning exercise commenced.  Boy was I wrong.

The five hour pace group ran using The Galloway Method.  Now if any of you reading this have not heard of this distance running method and are interested in possibly attempting a distance event of any sort (from a 5k to a marathon – it doesn’t matter), I highly suggest reading Mr. Galloway’s books on running.  They emphasize taking “walk breaks” throughout your run, in order to allow your body to “rest” for a minute or two between periods of jogging / running.  Sticking with this group from the start was a wise move for me (and I usually only get about 5-8 wise moves a fiscal year, so I have to use them sparingly), because it provided a welcome distraction from the miserable conditions and the 25 miles looming ahead.

Miles two through five carried us in to the Jacksonville Beach area.  This neighborhood seemed quite sleepy at this early hour, although the streets were lined in pink.  The bright decorations on the homes signified that the residents were with us in spirit…but 6:30am was a bit early for them.  We weaved our way through the town’s streets, winding up on Jacksonville Beach at mile six.  The pace group synchronized 2 minutes of running at about a 9:20 pace with 60 seconds of walking.  At this point in the race, a 9:20 pace was just fine with me.  Things were looking good thus far, from a course strategy standpoint.  But this is me we are talking about – it’s just a matter of time before the fit hits the shan.

If it wasn’t so mind-numbingly cold, I would have really soaked in the incredible view that Jacksonville Beach presented from miles six through eight.  The wind was 10-15 miles per hour off of the water, making the group waddle the miles together like a bunch of emperor penguins.  It was between miles seven and eight where The Pain announced his presence with authority.  As the cold really began to work its way through my damp upper layers, I let the growing discomfort distract me from the business at hand.  The little man decided that it was time to engage the enemy.

“Wow.  It’s cold,” the little nuisance muttered in my ear.

“Yeah.  I noticed.  Thanks, Captain Obvious.”

“Well I couldn’t help but notice that we’re only at mile eight.  If my math is correct, that means there are eighteen more miles to go,” he said.

“Well check out the CPA over here.  Glad to see you can do simple math.”

To which, he responded: “….I can see you’re busy.  I’ll check in later.”  …and then he let out a chuckle that sounded something like Dr. Evil from an Austin Powers movie.  Not a good sign.

By mile eight, we turned away from the beach and back on to town streets.  This far into the race, my body had not heated up enough and the cold was becoming a distraction that overpowered by ability to focus on the job at hand.  I resigned myself to the simple fact that this wasn’t going to get any better, and I just need to soldier on.

Unfortunately, the next twelve miles went by in a haze.  Two minutes of running at a 9:20 pace, followed by one minute of walking.  Run.  Then walk.  Run again.  Then walk.  The only way to distract myself from how horrid I was feeling was to focus on the two minutes of running.  Two minutes at a time.  This marathon was going to be run in 120 second increments.  This went against my race strategy…but it was working so far, so why screw up a good thing?  Small yet sturdy groups of fans braved the cold and provided the warmth we all needed to continue waddling onward.

By the time we approached mile twenty two, we transitioned to running along a major roadway – J Turner Butler Blvd.  It was at this moment of the race – with only four miles to go, where the wheels began to come off.  I began to falter.  I slowed down to grab some water and detached from the pace group.  I hustled to catch up, trying to pace at 9:00 while the group clipped off their 9:20.  As I attempted to catch up, I ran right into The Wall, face first. And guess who was right there, waiting for me.  Bingo.  That little 4cm tall man.

“Well good for you.  You at least made it this far.  Too bad you are broken”, uttered the little imp.

“Shut up” was my witty retort.

“Four point two miles is still a bit of a trip to the finish.  Look – you never quit before, so there’s no shame of quitting now.”

I didn’t have the clear head to fire a solid come-back line.

“It’s so hard to motivate yourself to begin running again after you’ve been broken, isn’t it?”

He had a good point.

“Hey look – there’s mile marker twenty-three.  A long way off.  Let’s shut this down for the day and grab a burger & fries.”

A burger and fries.  Man did that sound good.

The next two miles were spent in just this fashion, with The Man whispering nonsense into my ear as I tired again and again to locate some of the momentum I had long lost.

Shortly before reaching mile twenty five, a large hill greeted me.  The mile marker sat atop the rather rough-looking incline, like a twelve foot-tall carrot hanging in front of my overly-pale face.  The final obstacle loomed.  I was still on my feet and somewhat coherent, so I took that as a sign to get my rear-end in gear and finish this.

The last mile is basically a downhill coast to pay dirt: a wonderful finish line and a quick waddle back to the nearby hotel.

I truly recommend this race for someone who is looking to participate in a distance event without the feeling of pressure to reach a specific time goal.  I would rival the friendly atmosphere of this event to that of the Walt Disney World Marathon – only at a much, MUCH smaller scale.

Any of you that have read my prior blog entries know that I have a passion for the ING New York City Marathon and ALL Disney races. However, I can honestly say that I will definitely run this race next year, since the experience was enjoyable, memorable, emotional and very motivational.  It would definitely be a great event to fit into your schedule on your way toward preparing for a Disney event!

Next up for me: marathon number three in my year-long odyssey: The Ocean Drive Marathon in Cape May, New Jersey on March 25^th, 2012.

In my next installment, I’m planning to offer up some tidbits on how to stay focused during your run, regardless of the distance.  Until then, make sure you double-knot your shoe laces, get out there and get moving!  And remember: you can do anything you set your mind to.  There are no limits.

If you’d like some information on The Dream Team Project or would like to make a donation to their amazing cause, please stop by the website:  www.wdwradio.com/the-dream-team-project  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I really believe in what The Dream Team Project stands for.  It raises money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, helping to grant the wishes of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.  Being s former wish-granter for the NYC Chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, I can tell you first-hand just how much of an impact this organization makes in the lives of children.  Please consider donating to this worthy cause.  Thanks!

…and if you’d like a bit more information on the WDW Radio Running Team, please check out the Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WDW-Radio-Running-Team/163606410344409

The post Running Disney: 2 Down, 10 to Go! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

As I’ve mentioned in my past few blog entries, my goal for 2012 is to run a marathon during each calendar month of the year in order to generate awareness and donations for The Dream Team Project.  Well I am happy to report that I survived marathon number two this past Sunday, February 12^th.  I completed the “26.2 With Donna Marathon”, run in Jacksonville, Florida in a time of five hours and fourteen minutes.  I’d like to briefly share with you the day’s experience, because it truly was amazing.

First off: this marathon weekend offers runners the choice of running the full marathon, a half marathon, or participate in a marathon relay.  I chose the full marathon – but I can tell you that the half marathon distance was extremely popular!  So let’s dive right in and talk about the course.  Then I’ll Tarantino this blog and backtrack to the Expo experience.

The course is very flat until the last mile…then you are exposed to Jacksonville’s version of Heartbreak Hill.  Since the hill is right near the end of the course, it truly is manageable.  You get to run along the beach, through the wonderful little towns, and experience small yet boisterous crowds all along the course.  It was an incredible feeling to have total strangers coming up to me as I waddled along the course, thanking ME for RUNNING.  Are you kidding????  It’s me that should be thanking YOU for YOUR SUPPORT!!!

As I walked out of the hotel which was wonderfully close to the start/finish line of the race alongside the Mayo Clinic campus, I realized that I may have bitten off a bit more than I could chew this Sunday morning.  As the doors swooshed open, cold air blasted me right in the face. Should have looked at the temperature before getting dressed….it was 28 degrees.  With a strong wind.  Which was currently whacking me in the face.  I ran upstairs to my room and changed into long pants, 3 shirts and a sweatshirt (which represented approximately 85% of the clothes I brought on the trip).  I never ran 26.2 miles in long pants before….but there’s a first time for everything I guess….

This marathon has grown substantially since it’s inception five years ago, and it’s growth can be primarily evidenced in the quality of the Runner’s Village.  What a great setup.  I cannot recall another marathon offering oranges, bananas, and freshly-baked chocolate chip muffins that immediately reminded me of the Boardwalk Bakery in Walt Disney World (a personal favorite of mine whenever I’m hanging out in La Casa de Walt).  What a great way to kick off a really cold morning.  The chocolaty goodness took my mind off the freezing temperatures, that’s for sure!

After I dropped off my bag (along with my sweatshirt – hello wind chill) and headed to the starting line, a couple of people asked me about the WDW Radio Running Team.  So I gave them the quick explanation of The Dream Team Project, and why running for the team means so much to me.  They, in turn, shared their own experiences running for another cancer charity…and it was wonderful to listen to the passion in their voices as they were so grateful to get an opportunity to do something to help a cause that was close to their hearts.

Before you knew it, the gun sounded and off we went!  The first five miles carried us in to the Jacksonville Beach area, followed by miles six through eight along the beach itself.  If it wasn’t so mind-numbingly cold, I would have really soaked in the incredible view.  By mile eight, we turned away from the beach and back on to town streets.  Miles nine through twenty one gave me a prolonged opportunity to enjoy the small towns along Jacksonville Beach.  Small yet sturdy groups of fans braved the cold and provided the warmth we all needed to continue waddling onward.  By the time we approached mile twenty two, we transitioned to running along a major roadway – J Turner Butler Blvd.  Shortly before reaching mile twenty five, a large hill greets the runners and makes them work extra hard to get to the finish line.  The last mile is basically a downhill coast to pay dirt.

There was plenty of water all along the course, but I would hope to see more Gatorade in future events.  The organization of the race itself was sharp.  Mile markers and directions were clear all along the course.  I truly recommend this race for someone that is looking to participate in a distance event without the feeling of pressure to reach a specific time goal.  I would rival the friendly atmosphere of this event to that of the Walt Disney World Marathon – only at a much, MUCH smaller scale.

OK – now that I’ve described the course, let’s go Tarantino and rewind to the afternoon prior to race day.

On Saturday morning I took a taxi right from Jacksonville International Airport to the marathon expo held in a convention center downtown.  It was a very well organized, thorough event, as speaker such as Bart Yasso and Jeff Galloway graced the stage at different times during the day, spreading their running knowledge base among the masses.  Mr. Galloway was particularly exceptional during his discussion of “how to stay motivated during the run”.  That subject really made an impression on me, as I lose motivation early and often during a race.  I become distracted and, as a result, I lose my rhythm.  Then the wheels come off my tractor-trailer in a hurry, turning me into a sweaty mess in an awful hurry.  After he spoke, I got to chat with him for a few minutes!  That was pretty cool!!  This marathon offers the kind of expo where conversations like this become possible.  I left with a fantastic amount of “swag”, and a huge smile on my face.

Any of you that have read my prior blog entries know that I have a passion for the ING New York City Marathon and ALL Disney races. However, I can honestly say that I will definitely run this race next year, since the experience was enjoyable, memorable, emotional and very motivational.  It would definitely be a great event to fit into your schedule on your way toward preparing for a Disney event!

Next up for me: marathon number three in my year-long odyssey: The Ocean Drive Marathon in Cape May, New Jersey on March 25^th, 2012.

In my next installment, I’m planning to offer up some tidbits on how to stay focused during your run, regardless of the distance.  Until then, make sure you double-knot your shoe laces, get out there and get moving!  And remember: you can do anything you set your mind to.  There are no limits.

If you’d like some information on The Dream Team Project or would like to make a donation to their amazing cause, please stop by the website:  www.wdwradio.com/the-dream-team-project  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I really believe in what The Dream Team Project stands for.  It raises money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, helping to grant the wishes of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.  Being s former wish-granter for the NYC Chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, I can tell you first-hand just how much of an impact this organization makes in the lives of children.  Please consider donating to this worthy cause.  Thanks!

A self-proclaimed Disney nerd, Joe Kolinsky also is a running enthusiast.  He has completed over 10 marathons and run 5 Disney races (including the 2009 Goofy Challenge).  When he is not running or dreaming of his next Disney vacation, Joe spends his spare time being a Dad and writing.  (You can follow his writings in his blog, entitled “Built for Comfort, Not Speed” at http://backofthepacker.wordpress.com/)

The post Running Disney: Two Down, Ten to Go!! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Mike “AV” Beckerman and Steve “The Kitchen Sinkanator” Drew are up for the challenge of POSSIBLY wearing TuTus for the Princess Marathon weekend “Royal Family 5K” Race

How can we make them dress like sissy Girly Men you ask?

( Yes, More Girly than this!!!)

If you, the Box People and Disney online community ban together to raise $500.00 in donations to The Dream Team Project, they will be sporting Pink TuTus.

Wait! There’s more….. If you can take that donation total to the next level, $1000.00 We will have them also sport Tiaras and/or some other type of embarrassing princess type headwear. (Think evil step-sisters)

Could there be even more???? You guessed it! If $2500.00 is raised there is a surprise level that is only identified as “Valerie & Beci’s choice” (insert evil laugh here)

To make your donation, visit our secure fundraising page at the Make-A-Wish Foundation web site . When making your donation, please include in your comments “In support of Princesses Mike & Steve”

Now remember, we have until February 24th to get the donations in.

On race day, our other team members will make sure they get their photos taken will as many princes and princesses as possible.

Help us help them raise donations to send more children to Walt Disney World through the Dream Team Project

The post The Men of WDW Radio Running Team “Royal Family 5K” Challenge appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #223 for the week of May 22, 2011.

From May 12-15, 2011, Disney’s D23, the official community for Disney fans, held a four day event in Walt Disney World that included a 4 park Scavenger Hunt, as well as two days of speakers, presentations, and many surprises. Known as Destination D – The Florida Project, it celebrated Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary and we’ll review the hunt and event on this week’s roundtable.

I’ll also tell you about the brand new Walt Disney World Trivia iPhone app and more before playing some of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

Information and Links from This Week’s Show

• In Memory of Lorie and Glenn Holland – Facebook page. To make a donation in their honor, visit the Dream Team Project page on the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America site
• Visit LouMongello.com to find out more about Lou’s private tours of Walt Disney World
• WDW Radio Disney Book Club – The first WDW Radio Disney Book Club selection is… Kingdom Keepers IV: Power Play – the latest in the wildly popular series by Ridley Pearson. Click here to purchase the book directly from Amazon.com. Future titles include
  • June and July: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom by A.C. Crispin.  Learn the story behind how Jack Sparrow became a pirate in this book which serves as a prequel to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies
  • August and September: Spinning Disney’s World by Charlie Ridgway.  As we prepare to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World, let’s see what it was like 40 years ago with someone who was there on opening day

• Join us every Wednesday at 7:30 pm EST at WDWNewsCast.com. Click HERE to watch past episodes, subscribe to the sho w and comment on the WDWRadio YouTube Channel

• 

  Lou Mongello’s Audio Guides to Walt Disney World -Available NOW as an instant download or on CD! Order all 5 on CD and save! C lick Here to learn more or order!

• DisneyMeets.com – Join us for Disney fan gatherings and WDW Radio Meets of the Month in Walt Disney World and other events around the country! Get dates and locations here!

Explore hundreds of Walt Disney World secrets and fun facts with the Disney World Trivia iPhone app!

This unique collection of nearly 750 multiple-choice questions covers all four theme parks and every Walt Disney World attraction – almost 90 different rides and shows!

Detailed answers provide in-depth historical and background information, secrets, fun facts and wonderful details that will add new dimensions to your enjoyment of your favorite vacation destination

Test your Disney knowledge at home, bring it to the parks to enhance your experience during your visit. Play with family and friends or test yourself anytime! You can even share your score with others online!

If you’re in the parks, the app can use the built-in GPS (if your device supports it) to sort questions by the attractions you are closest to, so you can have fun and learn more about exactly where you are in Walt Disney World! You can also sort by area or lands, or by name to find your favorites easily.

In addition to the trivia questions, the Home Screen features hundreds of fascinating Did You Know facts and figures. You also get easy, one-click access to connect with Lou and the show, the WDW Radio show, discussion forums, online store, free videos, blog, and much more!

It’s a whole new way to enjoy the Disney magic for fans of all ages at home or in the parks!

Download the app from iTunes

Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with iOS 3.1.3 or later

The post Show # 223 – May 22, 2011 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

This week we get to know the Dads from the 2010 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, and discuss some of their tips and recommendations, and things for guys to do on their “mancation.”

We’ll continue our detailed tour through Mickey’s Toontown Fair, as Jim Korkis and I do a DSI: Disney Scene Investigation through Minnie and Mickey’s Houses as well as Donald’s boat, pointing out the details, secrets and history before Toontown makes way for the expansion of Fantasyland.

I’ll have some announcements about The Dream Team Project charity at the end of the show before playing more of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Walt Disney World Mom’s Panel

Part One of our Virtual Tour/DSI of Mickey’s Toontown Fair with Jim Korkis – Show # 158 – February 21, 2010

The Dream Team Project

Donate to the Dream Team Project at the Make-A-Wish web site

The post Show # 163 – March 28, 2010 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

NAPLES, Fla. (March 29, 2010) – To further its efforts to raise money to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to visit the Walt Disney World® Resort, the Dream Team Project, through its founder, Louis Mongello, today announced its sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

This new sponsorship will afford the Dream Team Project the ability to be more involved in the wish-granting process and to sponsor the individual wishes of numerous children throughout the year, fulfilling their dreams of visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort. Through online donations, special events, auctions and various other activities and functions, the Dream Team Project hopes to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it by bringing some much-needed Disney “magic” to children and their families.

Lou Mongello, founder of the Dream Team Project, knows first-hand the pain that life-threatening medical conditions like cancer can inflict on victims and their families, having lost his father and both in-laws to cancer. ”By sponsoring the Make-A-Wish Foundation, more of the donor’s gift will go directly to support the wish, which is important in making every dollar count,” says Mongello. “We are excited about working hand-in-hand with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which, like Disney, knows firsthand about making real dreams come true. Rather than donate money to research, I wanted to help children and their families now, when they may need it most – to make a difference today. Children and families who may be suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually are also often struggling financially to pay for hospital bills and other medical expenses. Not only is it difficult to deal with the illness itself, but often children are confined to a hospital or bed. By granting their wishes to go to a Disney Theme Park, we can help make children’s lives a bit brighter by spending some time away from the hospital, and in one of the happiest places on Earth. These children can, even if just for a few days, forget about the pain and fear of their medical treatment, while parents and siblings can focus on enjoying time together, rather than the stress of the illness. The granting of wishes like these will undoubtedly bring smiles and joy to the children and their families that will likely have been absent from their lives, and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.”

Since its inception in 2004, when Mongello began donating proceeds from the sale of his Walt Disney World® Trivia Book to this cause, the Dream Team Project, through various events, auctions and fundraising initiatives, has raised nearly $90,000 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Illustrating the power and compassion of the Disney community, a single auction in 2009 raised $26,000 in just a few hours.

For more information about the Dream Team Project, contact Lou Mongello at 732-259-7495 or at http://DreamTeamProject.org.

About the Dream Team Project: The Dream Team Project was founded by author, webmaster, and podcaster Lou Mongello for the purpose of support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of all merchandise sold on WDWRadio.com http://wdwradio.com/ , as well as personal donations made by Lou Mongello from sales of the Walt Disney World Trivia Books, donations from WDWRadio.com “Family Members” and friends, and the proceeds of special fundraising events run by the Dream Team Project are all used to help make the life of a child a bit brighter during a difficult time for them and their family. “Because you can’t smile on the outside without feeling better on the inside,” is the slogan chosen by the Dream Team Project, because it sums up the purpose of their mission. There are many fundraisers for medical research, which is in need of funding, but that money may not help a family suffering today. Through the work of Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, we are helping a child and their family now – giving them time away from the grim reality of hospitals and doctors, and a chance to smile and feel better, even if only for a little while. The happy memories the family creates, however, will last a lifetime. For more information about making a donation and becoming a part of the Dream Team Project, visit their website at http://DreamTeamProject.org

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Born in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 188,000 wishes in the United States since inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish^®.

CONTACT: Louis Mongello
Tel: 732-259-7495
Email: lou@wdwradio.com
http://DreamTeamProject.org

To donate to the Dream Team Project, please visit our secure fundraising page at the Make-A-Wish Foundation web site

The post The Dream Team Project Announces Sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® to help Make Disney Wishes Come True appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #129 for the week of July 26, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again.

With the MagicMeets fan gathering approaching in just a few weeks, with it comes something that is very important not just to me, but so many other people – the Dream Team Project charity auction. This year marks the 5th year of the auction, and so this week we’ll talk a little bit about the event and some of the very special lots with some of the volunteers who truly make the magic happen.

I’ll answer more of your emails this week, including questions about fireworks cruises, things for groups of girls and guys to do during their vacation, finding local medical services, places to pop the question, pools, food, kids clubs and so much more.

I’ll introduce a new contest this week, called “Name That Disney World Tune” where I’ll ask you to identify songs from Walt Disney World for a chance to win a prize package.

Listen for more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Click Here to Talk About This Week’s Show in the Forums

Come join the WDW Radio Show Fan Page on Facebook!

Seven Wonders of Walt Disney World:

1. Cast Members – Show 95 – Nov. 30, 2008
2. Spaceship Earth – Show 72 – June 22, 2008
3. Construction of WDW – Show 36 – Oct. 14, 2007
4. Music of WDW – Show 26 – Aug. 5, 2007
5. Monorail – Show 21 – July 1, 2007
6. Audio Animatronics – Show 14 – May 13, 2007
7. Cinderella Castle – Show 6 – March 18, 2007

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From Glenn (Passamaquoddy)Whelan – The Pretty Good Movie Ride

In addition to painstaking recreations of ALL incarnations of the Great Movie Ride finale (scene by scene, frame by frame, from the DVDs), he also created the Pretty Good Movie Ride montage! Following the exact same layout and format as the original finale montage, Glenn does an AMAZING job of putting together “his own” version with classic clips from some “pretty good” movies!

This is a MUST SEE (more than once!) so check it out (and share the link!) Bravo, Glenn!! Impressive… MOST impressive!!!

Be sure to watch the latest WDW Radio Videos from Walt Disney World!

Purchase siged copies of Lou’s Walt Disney World Trivia Books and Audio Guides to Walt Disney World in the WDW Radio Store

Please come and join us for an upcoming

WDW Radio Show Meet of the Month!

TENTATIVE Upcoming Dates:

The post Show #129 – July 26, 2009 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #100 for the week of January 4, 2009

To celebrate the 100th episode of the show, I thought it would be fun to gather some guests and friends of the show together to look back at the first 100 shows. We’ll talk about some of our favorite guests, memorable and funny moments, and so much more, as Glenn Whelan, Tim Foster, Lori Burke and George Taylor join me around the table to look back and forward on the show.

Of course, no anniversary show would be complete without playing back some favorite and memorable clips, so sit back and listen as I tune the dial through some of the memorable moments of the first 100 shows.

I’ll update you on out “100% for 100 Shows” fundraising drive with Pat Whitson before announcing the winner of last week’s contest. I’ll play your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s 100th anniversary episode of the WDW Radio Show.

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

THANK YOU for sharing 100 shows with me!!!!

Lori and Glenn’s 100th anniversary tribute song lyrics

(sung to “Yo Ho Yo Ho A Pirate’s Life for Me”)

Yo Ho Yo Ho A Mongello Life For me

He write, records, researches and interviews,

Listen Up Me Hearties, yo ho

He works all night and never does snooze.

Listen Up Me Hearties, you ho

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Mongello Life For Me

He does best of the best and top tens,

Listen Up Me Hearties, yo ho

A cool co host for the day that’s better than Len

Listen Up Me Hearties, you ho

Yo Ho, Yo Ho A Mongello Life For Me

He has news, rumors, hidden treasures and DSI,

Listen Up Me Hearties, yo ho

He always says “SEE YA” and never goodbye

Listen Up Me Hearties, yo ho

He sings, dances and steps in poo

Listen Up Me Hearties, yo ho

And he’s a lawyers in case you sue

Listen Up Me Hearties, yo ho

Yo Ho, Yo Ho A Mongello Life For Me

He drinks Pepsi and eats M&Ms

Listen Up Me Hearties, yo ho

And we know WDWRadio will never end.

Listen Up Me Hearties, yo ho

Yo Ho, Yo Ho A Mongello Life for Me.

By Lori Burke and Glenn Whelan

Going to be in Walt Disney World in January? Want to meet up?

Join us for the first

WDW Radio Show Meet of the Month!

When: 2:00 PM Saturday afternoon January 10th (Marathon weekend – late enough for 1/2 marathon runners to still join us!

Where: Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station in the Magic Kingdom

No RSVP necessary, and everyone is welcome, but if you’d like to let us know you’re coming, post HERE in the forums. Hope to see you there!!!

Friend me on Facebook!	Follow me on Twitter
Join The WDW Radio Show Group Join the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Group Join the Celebrations Magazine group

Join the Celebrations Magazine group on Facebook

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

If you’re planning on visiting Orlando, Florida take advantage of this special for WDW Radio Show listeneres and Disney World Trivia readers !

Receive a FREE Rental Car and $50.00 Gas Card with your 7 Night Stay in a 3, 4 or 5 Star Vacation Home! Search for the perfect vacation home or call All Star Vacation Homes today to find out how you can save on your Disney World Vacation!

Just mention WDWTRIVIA when you reserve your vacation home!

Note: Not valid during peak/holiday seasons or with any other discount or special.

The post Show #100 – Jan. 4, 2009 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show – your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #73 for the week of June 29, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, and thank you for tuning in once again.

In this week’s Walt Disney World News, I’ll let you know the breaking news about big changes and additions that are coming to Pleasure Island.

With the Adventureland CD release coming very soon, this week, I’ll take a look at my Top 10 Favorite Things in Adventureland with Tim Foster. Not just attractions or food, there is so much to enjoy in this land, and hopefully we’ll point out just a few things that you might enjoy. And yes, there is some food included in there as well.

Justin Muchoney, Disney’s first Chief Magic Official, joins me once again this week to update us on what life has been like as CMO, what he’s been doing, and just a bit of the magic he’s been making. And he’ll even give us a hint of what’s next for him.

In just a few weeks, The DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project will hold it’s third annual auction at MagicMeets, and this week, I spent time with some of the auction volunteers as we prepare for what will be our biggest and best event ever. In addition to giving recognition to those people behind the scenes, we also talk about a few of the exciting lots up for auction this year, and how you can help, even if you can’t attend.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

Chat with the Chief Magic Official (CMO)

ABC-TV IS NOW CASTING OUTGOING FAMILIES WITH KIDS AND TEENAGERS FOR A NEW GAME SHOW, “OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS” !

Are you an outgoing and fun family with teenagers or kids — ages 7 to 21?

Would you love to finally pay off that debt, buy that flat screen TV,
new refrigerator, car or even a new bedroom set for the kids’ rooms?

If so, ABC — the network that brought you “Extreme Makeover: Home
Edition” and “Oprah’s Big Give” has a new family-oriented game show
where families could walk away with a huge cash prize.

Casting is looking for close-knit families with a lot of personality.
“It’s family game night with real stakes and prizes!” said casting
producer Allison Kaz. “We are hoping to bring the neighborhood together
and reinvent family game night altogether.”

This is a fun new trivia based game show where the game is brought to
your house. The entire family will contribute answering questions for a
chance to win money and amazing prizes.

You may submit a photo and bio of your family to the address below:

familygameshowcasting@gmail.com

PLEASE SEND ASAP – Submission deadline is July 3rd 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL

3BALL PRODUCTIONS.

310.727.3337

CODEWORD: GAMESHOW CASTING

Mention you heard about it on the WDWRadio Show!

Our friends at MouseFanTravel are dedicated to giving back to the community and this month they have selected my Dream Team Project!
Just book a vacation package or cruise through June 30, 2008 and they
will make a donation to this wonderful cause! THANK YOU!!!

If you’re planning on visiting Orlando, Florida take advantage of this special for WDW Radio Show listeneres and Disney World Trivia readers !

Receive a FREE Rental Car and $50.00 Gas Card with your 7 Night Stay in a 3, 4 or 5 Star Vacation Home! Search for the perfect vacation home or call All Star Vacation Homes today to find out how you can save on your Disney World Vacation!

Just mention WDWTRIVIA when you reserve your vacation home!

Note: Not valid during peak/holiday seasons or with any other discount or special.

The post Show #73 – June 29, 2008 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thank you for tuning in once again. This is Show #43 for the week of December 2, 2007.

News from Walt Disney World this week includes stories on two new quick service dining locations in World Showcase, new developments about the Western Way shopping and hotel district and more. In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I have some listener-submitted rumors about the DVC, changes to one of Main Street, USA’s original stores, Space Mountain, and are there big changes coming to a pavilion in World Showcase?

In the next of my Legends of Disney Imagineering interview series, I have a chance to sit down and talk with a man who has not only worked on the recent updates to Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, but wrote the definite books on those subjects. He is Jason Surrell, and his latest book is all about Imagineering at its Peak, as he covers all of the Disney Mountains. We talk about the book, Imagineering and the Imagineers, and Jason gives us the exclusive sneak peek on what major project he’s working on next. Hang on to them hats and glasses, ‘cause this here’s an interview that I’m sure you’re going to enjoy.

Walt Disney World is full of Hidden Treasures, and I love being able to introduce you to them on the show. While some may be small and relatively unknown, there are others that are hidden in plain sight. Disney’s Boardwalk is just one of those, as it is filled with countless hidden treasures including shops, restaurants, entertainment and unique experiences. Listener Jamie Curci joins me to explore the promenade in detail and familiarize you with all that it has to offer.

I talk about why we do what we do, and the efforts of my Disney WorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project to give back to the community and help those who are less fortunate and in need of some true Disney Magic. This week, I’ll announce another of our efforts, the 25 Days of Disney Giving, again thanks to a listener, where you can help the Make A Wish Foundation of America, and wind up with some great Disney memorabilia for yourself.

And speaking of the Dream Team, we’ll announce the winner of our Walt Disney World Half Marathon Challenge Contest, and Matt Hochberg joins Eric Hollister and myself to present the clues to our next challenge.

There’s a lot of fun and interesting things to cover this week, so as always, sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

Links and Information from this week’s show:

 

Jason Surrell

Disney Imagineer and author of

The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak

Jason is also the author of:

	The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies
	Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kindgom to the Movies

Did you like this week’s show? If so, please review the show in iTunes!

Disney’s Toy Story Mania web site

http://www.bestfriendspetcare.com

WDW Radio Show # 5, March 11, 2007, where we talk about Western Way with concept art -

The post Show #43 – Dec. 2, 2007 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.