Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #288 for the week of August 19, 2012.

This week, we’re going to explore Epcot and uncover some of the Hidden Treasures of Future World. From overlooked experiences, to story, details, trivia, opportunities and more, we peel back some of the layers of the onion to help enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of the park.

Answer the Walt Disney World Trivia Question of the Week for your chance to win a Disney prize package and be sure to stay for other announcements, 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:

Question for YOU: What is YOUR favorite “hidden treasure” or overlooked experience in Epcot’s Future World? Leave your answer in the comments section below

• Listen to this week’s episode for the Walt Disney World Trivia Question of the Week for a chance to win a Disney prize package!
• Private Tours of Walt Disney World with Lou Mongello
• Disney Meets and WDW Radio Meets of the Month in Walt Disney World – Get dates and locations on our Events page
• Watch & chat during our LIVE WDW NewsCast Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET at WDWRadioLIVE.com
• For more videos, subscribe to our WDW Radio channel on YouTube or the show in iTunes
• Get Celebrations Magazine on your iPad/iPhone in iTunes App Store
• Check out the Disney Food Blog e-book: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining – Use code WDWRADIO to save 20%! Money-back guarantee!

Follow Lou on Twitter and

The post Show # 288 – August 19, 2012 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 #253 for the week of December 18, 2011.

Walt Disney World is full of hidden treasures, including some restaurants that may often be overlooked by guests. This week, we’re going to do a live restaurant review of the Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. I’ll look at the decor, menu, value, location, and of course, review the food live with a recent WDW Radio contest winner.

I’ll have a few announcements, information about WDW Radio events during next month’s Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and then play 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

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

Information and Links from This Week’s Show:

Question for YOU: Have you ever dined at The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street, USA? What did you think?

• Private Tours of Walt Disney World
• Disney Fan Meets and WDW Radio Meets of the Month in Walt Disney World – Get dates and locations at DisneyMeets.com
• WDWNewsCast – Watch & chat during our LIVE NewsCast Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET – Be part of the broadcast & discuss live in the chat room at http://WDWNewsCast.com
• WDW Radio on YouTube – Watch past episodes, subscribe to the show and comment on the WDWRadio YouTube Channel

The post Show # 253 – December 18, 2011 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Some of Walt Disney World’s “Hidden Treasures” are often found in plain sight, and this week, I’m going to take you to one that I recently was introduced to – The Turf Club restaurant at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. One of just a few Walt Disney World restaurants that offers year-round outdoor dining, it overlooks the Lake Buena Vista golf course and it’s casual atmosphere reflects the resort’s equestrian theme. This week, my guest and I will take you inside the restaurant for a live review of the ambiance, location and of course, the food.

I’ll announce the winner of our last Walt Disney World – What’s My Line? Contest before playing 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 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

The Turf Club Bar & Grill official page at DisneyWorld.com

Click here for details and booking form

Disney Dream official web site at DisneyCruiseLine.com

Want to volunteer to be a part of the
WDW Radio Team?

Please fill out the inquiry form here

The Fantasyland Audio Guide to Walt Disney World
is ON SALE -  instant download and on CD!

Visit the WDW Radio Shop for more information or to order!

Come join the WDW Radio Show Fan Page on Facebook!

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

Please come and join us for an upcoming

WDW Radio Show Meet of the Month!

Upcoming Dates

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

The post Show # 149 – December 13, 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. This is show #140 for the week of October 11, 2009. I am your host Lou Mongello, bringing a little bit of Disney magic to you each week in a fun, family-friendly show. Thank you for tuning in once again.

We’ll start off this week’s show with some news and some rumors coming from Walt Disney World, including the introduction of a new ride, a new tour and a new princess.

With the recent opening of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, and some recent reminiscing about the extinct Walt Disney Story on Main Street, USA, the importance of Walt Disney, the man came up, especially in relation to the Disney parks. And while there are many references to him throughout Walt Disney World, many people unfortunately overlook an attraction that is much more than an interactive museum, as Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is a tribute to the man who started it all, and an inspiration to future innovators. This week, friend and Disney historian Jim Korkis joins me from Disney’s Hollywood Studios as we take a tour through and detailed look at this attraction filled with hidden treasures.

I’ll announce the winner of last week’s contest, and give some additional information about upcoming events before playing 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

The Fantasyland Audio Guide to Walt Disney World
is NOW AVAILABLE for instant download and on CD!

Visit the WDW Radio Shop for more information or to order!

————————–

 

Come join the WDW Radio Show Fan Page on Facebook!

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

Please come and join us for an upcoming

WDW Radio Show Meet of the Month!

Upcoming Dates

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

The post Show #140 – October 11, 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. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #83 for the week of September 7, 2008.

I literally just stepped off the Disney Magic, so I apologize for not having any news or rumors again this week, but I will give you a few updates I picked up while in Walt Disney World.

As if the first weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the inaugural Expedition Everest Challenge, the final Hoopla at the Adventurer’s Club, and just the fact that it’s Walt Disney World isn’t enough to get you down to the parks during the weekend of September 26-28, then my first segment just might be the extra little push you need. Adam Roth, the “boy wonder” behind the Celebrations 25 event, joins me to talk about World Wide Weekend, the weekend-long, signature event that includes backstage tours, group rides, a chance to meet fellow Disney fans and so much more. I’ll be attending as well, and we’ll tell you all about the events, and how you can participate.

Since “Top Ten with Tim” sounds better than Top Ten with Samantha, Tim Foster joins me again this week for another Top 10 segment. This week, we look at the Top 10 (or 30) Places to Get Away From It All in Walt Disney World. It’s some of our favorite out of the way places, little hideaways and diversions in and out of the parks.

And finally this week, I’ll announce the names of the 3 contestants that will be moving on to the Final Round of the Adventureland Challenge Contest. Your votes have been cast and tallied, and we are one step closer to crowning the Ultimate Adventurer and the winner of the Grand Prize – the 6 day, VIP vacation for 4 to Walt Disney World.

I’ll once again end the show with more of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

WDW Celebrations World Wide Weekend

Guide to the Magic – Tim Foster

Adventureland Challenge Contest Finalists!

In no particular order, here are the names and their caption entries for the photo they were provided (below)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Stay tuned to hear the finalists on the show, and how YOU can vote for who you think is the Ultimate Adventurer!

Be my Friend on Facebook!

Join The WDW Radio Show Group

Join the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Group

Follow me on Twitter

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 #83 – Sept. 7, 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. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This is show #62 for the week of April 13, 2008.

In Walt Disney World News this week, I’ll cover Star Wars Weekends, the demise of the Virtual Magic Kingdom, a new restaurant coming to Walt Disney World and more.

Another of Walt Disney World’s Hidden Treasures is one that is not just one that’s always in plain sight and often overlooked, but is really a Best of the Best, and to some, even a true wonder of Walt Disney World. It’s all around us, is magnificent to behold, and is an integral part of the magic and storytelling of the parks and resorts. Listener Barry Frechette joins me as we tour the parks to explore the beauty of the gardens and landscapes of Walt Disney World, as we invite you to literally stop and smell the roses on your next visit.

I am thrilled to welcome back to the show one of my all-time favorite guests, Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel. She joins me to discuss her new special featuring her top Disney favorites, as she talks about what she loves about Walt Disney World, including her personal favorite attractions, helpful hints, a typical day of shooting in the parks, and so much more, as her new show kicks off a Season Of Disney on the Travel Channel, much to the delight of fans of the parks.

Jeff Pepper joins me as we answer some of your listener email, including questions about La Carnivale de Lumiere, hidden treasures of Epcot, Disney Quest rumors, corporate sponsors and more.

I’ll play 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.

You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail at 206-202-4WDW (4939). Visit the web site at wdwradio.com.

Learn more about Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel

Disney Quest

Walt Disney World Landscape Fun Facts and Trivia

The post Show #62 – April 13, 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.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show, your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is Show #33 for the week of September 23, 2007.

There isn’t a lot of Walt Disney World News this week, but we’ll talk about the upcoming Epcot Rededication ceremony and what Disney has planned, as well as a new place to meet Captain Jack Sparrow, as well as some dining venue news.

Jeff Pepper will join me as we get ready to celebrate Epcot’s 25th Anniversary and this week, instead of a detailed look at a single attraction or pavilion, we are going to look at some of Epcot’s best – specifically “Epcot’s 25 Best of the Best” showcasing some of the very best Epcot has (and had) to offer.

We’ll look at another of Walt Disney World’s Hidden Treasures this week, which can also be found in Epcot. Gary Chambers from the MouseLounge podcast will come along for this fun freebie for kids and adults alike.

I still have a lot of your emails that I’ll get to and will play more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax enjoy this week’s episode of The WDW Radio Show.

Star Wars Disney Figures – http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/toyfare/005615577.cfm

This is the next of our 13-part WDW ½ Marathon Challenge, where you get to play a new challenge every two weeks for chance to win all kinds of great prizes, as well as get to name the respective mile marker during the WDW ½ marathon in January. Winners will also get a custom certificate suitable for framing to congratulate you for your efforts. Also as part of the contest, Eric, owner of GeoMouse.com is generously donating $100 per mile to the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team project to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. At the end of the contest, we will have a drawing for a yet-to-be announced grand prize!

Stay tuned for the launch of Eric Hollister’s new GeoMouse.com web site coming soon!

The post Show #33 – Sept. 23, 2007 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 #31 for the week of September 9, 2007.

In Walt Disney World News this week, we’ll look at some exciting new things happening with pin trading, some interesting new patent applications filed by Disney that just may be bringing about some changes to the FASTPASS system, some Playhouse Disney concerts and more.

In the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, we’ll see what’s going on over at the Haunted Mansion as more details emerge, stop by Tomorrowland and see what may be coming to Space Mountain and the rumored new E-Ticket attraction, talk about Disney and Apple and lots more.

This week, Jeff Pepper and I are going to do a very different kind of DSI: Disney Scene Investigation, as we take a look at the story and details not behind an attraction or pavilion, but a resort hotel. We will not only review the hotel, its amenities, dining options and rooms, but look at the details and hidden treasures that make it an attraction in and of itself. It’s one of our favorites, and one of the best themed hotels on property – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.

We’ll look at another of Walt Disney World’s Hidden Treasures this week with the help of Dan and Eric from MouseGuest, who share in my love for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and explain why they believe it truly is one of WDW’s overlooked experiences.

I’ll get through some more of your emails and voicemails as well, so sit back, relax enjoy this week’s episode of The WDW Radio Show.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Read some of Jeff Pepper’s posts about the Lodge at 2719 Hyperion

Links to other resources from the show:

Audio-Animatronics: WDW Radio Show and Article on DisneyWorldTrivia.com

Touring Plans.com

Digital FASTPASSes being considered (Orlando Sentinel article)

Religious services at Walt Disney World – The Mouse For Less.com

MouseGuest Weekly

You have from between From Sept. 6 through Oct. 5, 2007, to get your application in to www.disneyworldmoms.com and in 300 words or less in answering three questions, explain why you should be considered for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

2nd Annual NFFC Disneyana Convention, Show and Sale

Official Disney Pin Trading - Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine DETAILS!

View all of the pins HERE

Jeff’s fan club in the forums:

A salute to all Lou’s guests but mostly Jeff Pepper.

More Notes from this week’s Show:

http://ifwecandreamit.blogspot.com/

Disney Pin Celebration 2007 - Where Dream HapPin

Visit the official Celebration 25 Event page

Celebration 25 Updates

Celebration 25 Merchandise

Orlando Sentinel article

Also join us for the NFFC Show & Sale and Convention Sept. 27-30, 2007

See the entire Florida Convention 2007 Schedule of Events

Epcot’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

See where it all got started…

Jeff Pepper’s Acknowledge the Legacy: Restore the Dream Epcot tribute

The post Show #31 – Sept. 9, 2007 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 #28 for the week of August 19, 2007.

I have just a few items to cover in the News and Views from Walt Disney World, before we take a quick visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill.

Join me and Disney artist Jason Zucker as we visit a true Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World. Then, Eric Hollister announces the winner of this week’s WDW Half Marathon Challenge Contest and gives you the clues to the next challenge with the help of Mike Scopa, who also provides some marathon training advice.

We’ll conduct another DSI: Disney Scene Investigation as Jeff Pepper and I take a look at the Echo Lake area of the Disney-MGM Studios, and we discuss the real reasons why the Sorcerer’s Hat won’t be going anywhere soon.

I will answer a number of your emails and play some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax enjoy this week’s episode of The WDW Radio Show.

Join Lou Mongello, author of the Walt Disney World Trivia Books for a book signing and discussion IN Walt Disney World!

I am pleased to announce that my next book signing will be at the Virgin Megastore in Downtown Disney’s West Side on Saturday, August 25th, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

If you are going to be in the area, please join me in the heart of Walt Disney World’s exciting Downtown Disney Shopping and Entertainment District at the largest music and entertainment store in the southeast. Its three floors include more than 300 listening stations and over 20 DVD viewing stations, a 10,000 sq. foot book department, multimedia preview center, café, and so much more!

No theme park or Pleasure Island admission is required

The store is located in Walt Disney World’s DOWNTOWN DISNEY – West Side, across from the Wolfgang Puck Café and Bongo’s Cuban Café, and right next to Disney Quest, on 1494 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. You can call the store directly at (407) 828-0222.

I am VERY excited about this event and hope you can come by and say hi!!

Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon Challenge Contest

This is the next of our 13-part WDW ½ Marathon Challenge, where you get to play a new challenge every two weeks for chance to win all kinds of great prizes, as well as get to name the respective mile marker during the WDW ½ marathon in January. Winners will also get a custom certificate suitable for framing to congratulate you for your efforts. Also as part of the contest, Eric, owner of GeoMouse.com is generously donating $100 per mile to the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team project to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. At the end of the contest, we will have a drawing for a yet-to-be announced grand prize!

Stay tuned for the launch of Eric Hollister’s new GeoMouse.com web site coming soon!

Listen to this week’s show for the clues! Good luck!!!!

Recommended Reading

Here’s a list of a few that I enjoy and recommend

And some other excellent sources:

• Building a Company: Roy O. Disney and the Creation of An Entertainment Empire, by Bob Thomas, 1998.
• Discovering Walt: The Magical Life of Walt Disney by J P Isbouts, Jan 2002.

  Designing Disney’s Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance by Karal Ann Marling, 1997

• Disney: The First 100 Years By Clark, Steven; Smith, Dave; Smith, Dave
• Inside the Mouse: Work and Play at Disney World, The Project On Disney, 1995
• Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney and the American Way of Life by Steven Watt,1997
• Man Behind the Magic: The Story of Walt Disney by Richard & Katherine Greene, 1991
• The Official Encyclopedia, Disney A to Z by Dave Smith, 1996
• Since the World Began: Walt Disney World the First 25 Years by Jeff Kurtti, 1996
• Team Rodent: How Disney Devours the World by Carl Hiaasen, 1998
• Vinyl Leaves: WDW and America by Stephen M. Fjellman, 1992
• Walt Disney and the Quest for Community by Mannheim, Steve: published by Ashgate Publishing; 2002.(VERY tough to find)
• Walt Disney World Trivia Book: Secrets, History & Fun Facts Behind the Magic by Louis A. Mongello, 2004 (sorry, had to) LOL
• Walt Disney’s Disneyland by Marty Sklar (also VERY VERY rare)
• Walt’s Revolution! By the Numbers by Harrison “Buzz” Price, 2003
• Disney’s Florida Project (Zehnder) – also EXTREMELY hard to find, but great history

Check out the new Spectromagic parade faces here

The post Show #28 – Aug. 19, 2007 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.