For the third year in a row, I had the distinct pleasure to meet the dynamic, witty, and affable Ridley Pearson at a book signing to mark the release of a new installment of his popular Kingdom Keepers series.  Just a day after the book’s official release on April 2, Ridley was at the cavernous Barnes and Noble in Paramus, New Jersey.  Joined by approximately 150 other Kingdom Keepers fans (including our very own MakAttack98!), I was excited to hear Ridley speak once again.

At 7pm on the button, the author strode in, quietly and charmingly shaking hands with the guests.  It was a cold April night, but many had waited nearly two hours to pick up the penultimate work in the seven-part series, Kingdom Keepers VI: The Dark Passage.  The books, geared for young adult readers, draw fans of all ages who are eager to read about five teenagers striving to save the Disney Parks from the Overtakers, Disney villains bent on stopping the magical power of dreams and wishes.

Ridley welcomed guests in front of a backdrop of his latest work and explained he had just come straight from a viewing of the new Peter and Starcatchers, the off-Broadway play based on the works he co-authored with Dave Barry.  In an excited and proud tone, he also remarked that the story was being turned into a movie, with Hunger Games’ director Gary Ross aiming for a December 2014 release.

With that, Ridley then turned his attention to the Kingdom Keepers.  On this second night of his national book tour, he regaled the rapt audience with the story of his first trip to Walt Disney World, when he was already in his forties.  Good friend Dave Barry insisted on traveling with Ridley, claiming to be a “Disney expert” who could show Ridley and his family the ropes of a Disney vacation.  In the spirit of “one up-manship,” Ridley called his publisher (then a subsidiary of Disney Books) and asked how he could impress his friend on the trip.  The result was a magical Disney vacation, complete with surprises and extra magic that left the “expert” Dave Barry elated.  “It was the one time in my life I one-upped Dave Barry.”

After returning home from this first trip to Walt Disney World, Ridley called to thank his publisher for the assist, and he was directed to call a representative at Disney Books, Wendy Lefkon.  The conversation he then had would mark a milestone for him, and spark the genesis of the Kingdom Keepers!

During his call with Wendy, Ridley remarked that he was so impressed by the story that was ever-present in Disney attractions.  As an author, Ridley clearly was very sensitive to the skill associated with story-telling, and was impressed by how these attractions featured clear beginnings, middles, and endings.  Wendy spoke to him of Imagineers, and explained how all Disney attractions have a “backstory” that is developed even before the attraction is built.  Ridley made the connection immediately, as he had created lengthy backstories for his popular adult thrillers.  It was then that Wendy asked the question that would change everything: “Have you ever thought about writing for kids?“  She suggested Ridley should write an age appropriate, thriller-type novel set in the Disney theme parks.

Still enthusiastic from his trip and intrigued by the idea, Ridley said he would love to, but explained that he would need full access to parks; as an author, he needed extensive research and access to establish credibility with his reading audience.  He laughed as he recalled the exchange, noting that Wendy gently said that such access would violate Disney policy.  However, against all odds, a month later, Ridley’s phone rang, with the voice at the other end saying, “Okay, you’ve got full access!”  The Kingdom Keepers were born!

Ridley then went on the describe his backstage Disney experiences, which would make any self-respecting Disney fan drool–from the Imagineers who traveled with him to explain the finite details of attractions to the before-dawn tours of attractions.  He tantalized us with tales of his special Disney park pass (oh the envy!) and regaled us with the notebooks of pictures and notes he has on the attractions.  He has been able to examine Blackbeard/Barbosa’s ship in Pirates of the Caribbean first-hand and saw dolls in it’s a small world move even when the power was off (inspiring a Stephen King-level incident in an earlier Kingdom Keepers work).

I was most riveted when he spoke of the two and a half hour walk through of  Expedition Everest, a research trip so important that Disney flew in its lead engineer to do the tour with Ridley.  A dynamic and entertaining speaker, Ridley had the audience in stitches as he gregariously described his solo trip on the ride, screaming the whole way.

Towards the end of his conversation, Ridley began to discuss the end of the seven story arc.  Influenced by his encounters with fans, many of whom have read his books multiple times, Ridley explained he did not want to leave out the community of readers when ending the story.  In an innovative and ground-breaking twist, he has worked with Disney Books to devise a way for his thousands of readers to become part of the story-telling and help the Keepers to defeat the Overtakers once and for all.   Kingdom Keepers Insider, a free, online application, will engage Keepers fans in weekly questions and tasks, which will be used by Ridley in crafting the final book, fittingly called Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider.  The energy and excitement about the creative approach rippled through the room, and I felt myself swept up in wondering how I could contribute!  {{I will post more about this in a future blog next week, but the first chapters of Kingdom Keepers 7 are available online, and the first of twenty-week’s worth of reader input is already being solicited!}}

The night was a wonderful dose of Disney magic for this Disney fan.   Ridley’s admiration for and study of Disney was very apparent in his hour-long talk.  He made the comparison to other theme parks, where, as he put it, “you pay people to make you throw up [on their rides.]“  At Disney, the emphasis on story makes guests want to keep coming back.  Ridley’s spirited and energetic retelling of his Disney experiences made me want to dive into the latest book.  I’ve already registered as an “Insider” and look forward to sharing the challenges here with you!

The evening ended with the opportunity to meet Ridley and have him sign our books.  Upon seeing our WDW Radio gear, Ridley lit up and spoke of his excitement over the WDW Radio Cruise in November, where he will be special guest.  If the evening’s talk was any indication, the cruise will be yet another inviting, funny, and rich Disney experience.

If you’ve never read any of the Kingdom Keepers series, I strongly encourage ANY Disney fan to pick up the books.  They are imaginative and fun works loaded with rich detail that allows us all to escape “backstage” and see in our mind the details behind the magic.  Ridley’s fierce attention to detail and unparalleled imagination help bridge the time between Disney trips with a magical dose of the parks.

And, starting next week, watch for the return of the WDW Radio Disney Book Club, which will feature conversations about Ridley’s latest work, as well as peeks at his Insider Challenges!

Ridley will also be our very special guest on our WDW Radio Cruise on the Disney Fantasy, November 2-9, 2013! Join us for a week of fun, sun, and special events, presentations, quests and more with Ridley! For more information, visit WDWRadioCruise.com

Purchase your copy of Kingdom Keepers VI from Amazon.com (affiliate link)

The post Kingdom Keepers VI Release–and How YOU Can Help Write KK7!! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Topics in this week’s Disney news include:

- New Spice Road Table restaurant in Morocco in Epcot World Showcase
- Ridley Pearson Kingdom Keepers VI book signing in Downtown Disney
- Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort named most iconic Orlando restaurant by Zagat
- And more!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK – Have you ever eaten at Victoria and Albert’s? Tell us about your experience in the Comments!

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Join us every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET at http://WDWRadioLIVE.com for a LIVE interactive video news show covering Walt Disney World. Be a part of the broadcast and discussion and discuss the news real-time in the chat room.

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

- Lou Mongello

The post Video: WDW NewsCast – New Epcot Restaurant, Ridley Pearson and Kingdom Keepers VI, Victoria & Albert’s – April 3, 2013 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Now that you all have (hopefully) been able to finish Kingdom Keepers V, I thought it would be fun for us to discuss the book.  Here are some questions for us to consider.  Please post your answers in the comments below!

Finn – In one part of the book, Finn saw that he was running around a factory with Willa. Soon after, Willa discovered they were behind a stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Later while on the Dream, Finn sees what he thought was a factory, and the thought struck him – did he dream the future? Is he a Fairlie?? What do you think.

Willa – Always looking into the face of danger. Does she have any fears? And if so, what are they? How will she avoid them? What will she do next!?!

Maybeck – While at Castaway Cay, Maybeck saw that the mosquito repellent tubes all around the island were going berserk. How did he figure out what the mosquito problem? What other talents does he have?

Charlene – Although she is athletic, does she have any weaknesses? And if so, what are they? How would she deal with them?

Philby – Philber, the PhilbMeister. Is there anything he can’t do? Yes, he is skilled at computers but what else is he good at? What are his weaknesses? Tell me, because I suspect there’s something he can’t do.

Jonah lives in Virginia, and considers himself the biggest Disney “maniac” in his family.  He has been going to Walt Disney World since he was 8 months old, and he still loves it to this day.  He is 11 years old and in 5^th grade.

The post WDW Radio Kids & Teens Day: Let’s Talk Kingdom Keepers V!! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Ridley answers reader-submitted and live questions about the recently-released Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game, as well as what’s ahead for the Kingdom Keepers series of books.

He also reads from Kingdom Keepers VI, giving viewers a sneak peek in to what’s ahead!

You can order your copy of Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game from Amazon.com

Take our Kingdom Keepers survey and help determine what happens in next books in the series at http://WDWRadio.com/kk5survey/

The post Video: Ridley Pearson Kingdom Chats LIVE with WDW Radio Listeners for Kingdom Keepers Chat and Q&A appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Please remember this is designed to prepare us for the LIVE Ridley Pearson chat with Lou on Monday April 23 at www.wdwradiolive.com  Please come join us for what will undoubtedly be a lively and fun discussion!

And now… for the first questions!  Please feel free to post your thoughts and add questions as well!!

1.If you could have access to an Imagineering building, what attraction’s plans would you love to be able to examine?

2.Finn and Wayne take an interesting ride on the Walt Disney railroad.  How often do YOU ride the railroad–is it a tradition for you?

3. Finn mentions his “upgrade” for 2.0 often in the first chapters.  Which Disney attraction do you wish would receive an “upgrade”?

4. What is your favorite scene in Fantasia?

5. Do you think Maybeck and Charlene make good partners?  How would you “buddy up” the Kingdom Keepers?

We will have a new set of questions for chapters 6-10 posted TOMORROW.  Please be sure to check back here on the blog and keep the discussion going!

The post WDW Radio Disney Book Club: KK 5 Chapters 1-5 Discussion Questions appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

by Makena W.

As we ALL know by now, Kingdom Keepers 5: Shell Game came out April 3rd. In the spirit of posting Kingdom Keepers blogs until our book discussion on April 23, I started thinking, which Kingdom Keeper am I most like? Here are little descriptions of the characters, who they remind me of, and what part of each character I can relate to.

Lawrence Finnegan Whitman (or Finn) is a good leader even though he doesn’t think so himself. His courage and ability to think up plans that actually are plausible proves that he was the ideal person to be the Kingdom Keepers leader. Finn hadn’t told a lie to his parents even when he was entering high school, which is very hard to do. I mean, everyone has lied once in their life! Finn reminds me of both Milo James Thatch from Atlantis because of his knowledge and Tinkerbell due to his honesty. Tinkerbell isn’t afraid to tell you if you smell bad or if she doesn’t like you. Finn’s brown hair and apricot skin color remind me of Prince Ferdinand (otherwise known as Snow White’s prince.) In my opinion, I do have a little bit of Finn in me because I get unsure about myself sometimes.

Wayne Kresky is mysterious. All the Keepers can agree on that. He never gets directly to the point of what he wants to tell Finn and the gang just in case the Overtakers overhear. He always sends Finn, Maybeck, Charlene, Philby and Willa on scavenger hunts to find clues. These clues lead to a message Wayne is trying to tell them. Wayne is also dedicated. Even in times where it was impossible to reach the Kingdom Keepers, Wayne found a way. As Walt said himself, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” Even when he was hiding, he contacted the Kingdom Keepers. Wayne is also smart. He hacked a school computer system to secretly contact Philby and also hacked Mission: SPACE to make it faster and hopeless for people to survive through. Well, unless you are a DHI, of course. Wayne’s cold, blue eyes and hair as white as snow bring images of Geppetto to my mind. His mysterious ways and smart actions bring the image of Scar to my mind. Even though Scar was a villain (and obviously Wayne could be considered a hero), everything he did was planned out, including killing Mufasa.

Terrence Maybeck definitely is the most sarcastic Keeper. Plus, Maybeck seems to be the funniest whether making a good comeback (‘“Do we even know what we’re looking for?” Charlene whined. A Fastpass back to our normal lives,” Maybeck snorted.”’) or just pointing out the obvious (“What’s the point of a college fund if we won’t be alive of college?”). Maybeck is very self-assured and that can hurt him sometimes. Also, he always seems to be preoccupied with something else. He doesn’t put the Kingdom Keepers first, as you can tell by his attitude. “Terry” has the wits, sense of humor and capability to create good comebacks like Aladdin and the eyes and cocky smile of Doctor Facilier from Princess and the Frog. I concluded that I have a piece of Maybeck’s personality in me. My sense of humor is similar to Maybeck’s because I am sarcastic (but not as much as he is) and I can crack jokes (or at least I think so.)

Charlene Turner is a very popular girl. Her blond hair and blue eyes attract boys from all over her school-but her agility and skills probably contribute to that too. She is always the one who volunteers to do energetic activities like becoming DiVine. Charlene is also very dramatic and daring. In my opinion, Charlene has the looks of Cinderella. Her athletic abilities remind me of Tigger and his tail.

Dell Philby is very smart. He works with computers like Lou works with cameras! He hacks into the cruise broadcasting system (shout out to page 188 of KK5! My favorite page!) and once even created new DHIs. Philby is very loyal to his friends. For books 4 and 5, he could have trapped all the other Kingdom Keepers in Sleeping Beauty Syndrome at any time. He was in control of the kid’s crossing over and which means he is also trustworthy. His orange hair and accent, different than everybody else’s, reminds me of Peter Pan (he has an American accent when Wendy, Michael and John all have British accents) and his intelligence reminds me of Pocahontas.

Isabella “Willa” Angelo seemed very shy at the beginning of the book series. But as Kingdom Keepers 3: Disney in Shadow started to unfold; Willa became comfortable with the other Keepers and showed her true colors. She evolved into a brave and confident young woman. She is very honest and also her copper-skin (That was a Pocahontas reference) and brown hair reminds me of Pocahontas while her character traits remind me of Merida from Brave. I believe I have a little bit of Willa in me because I am very shy if I don’t know you, however, as you get to know me better, you find out how insane and crazy I am. With her looks and personality, I believe she is most like me.

Just like I’ve discovered that I am most like some characters but can really find a piece of myself in all of them, I’m sure you can find some of yourself in the Keepers also. Leave a comment below telling me which Kingdom Keeper character you are most like. I am looking forward to reading your responses!

I am VERY excited to tell all of you readers that I found out a few days ago that Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two comes out October 1st, and I will review it eventually. What makes this very exciting for me is…*drum roll please*….for the first time ever, you can play as Oswald The Lucky Rabbit. If you have read my blogs for a while, you know that I love Oswald and the game EpicMickey. I recommend that you try it if you haven’t played it yet.

Just wanted to congratulate  Christy’s sister who married her own “Prince Charming” last Thursday. As King Hurbert said in Sleeping Beauty, “Those children are bound to fall in love with each other!”

Congratulations to Paul C. who got the last “Where in The World?” picture correct! It is in the Once Upon a Toy store in Downtown Disney. This next one is a little bit harder.  Where in the World was this picture taken?

See ya REAL soon!
~Makena

Makena is a 13 year old middle school student who spends much of her free time researching Disney. She enjoys sharing Disney facts and even plans Walt Disney World vacations (including searches for secrets and Hidden Mickeys) for friends and family.

The post WDW Radio Kids & Teens Day: Which Kingdom Keeper Character are YOU??? appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Watch and chat with author Ridley Pearson LIVE Monday, April 23 from starting at 7:30pm ET at WDWRadioLIVE.com

Don’t miss your chance to chat LIVE with acclaimed author Ridley Pearson (@RidleyPearson on Twitter) when he appears at WDW Radio LIVE to celebrate the launch of his newest book, Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game. Ridley Pearson will be with us live to chat with viewers, and answer questions about his latest novel in the Kingdom Keepers series!

You can order your copy of Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game from Amazon.com and have it in your hand during the chat on April 23!

Also, learn about a VERY special surprise that can be found in the book!!

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About Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game

As the five Kingdom Keepers enter high school, everything is about to change. The Maintenance Base that controls all four parks in Disney World is under attack by the a group determined to change Disney forever. Relationships between the Keepers are no longer as simple as they once were. In fact, nothing is as simple as it once was. An after-hours visit to Typhoon Lagoon is a game changer. The Keepers lose one of their most valuable supporters. But there’s work to do.

The Disney Dream leaves Port Canaveral on an historic cruise to Los Angeles with a special treat in store for guests: the Disney Host Interactive teenage guides are on board. Finn, Maybeck, Charlene, Willa, and Philby join celebrity guests as the DHI experience moves to one of the most advanced cruise ships in the world.

But all is not right below decks. Strange things are happening. Unexplained phenomena. Only the Kingdom Keepers know the truth behind their invitation to be in attendance: nearly every Disney villain is aboard the ship, including Maleficent.

The Overtakers have infiltrated the cast and crew. And no one knows what they have planned.

The Dream sets sail filled with enthusiastic guests and crew. But not for long. Maleficent takes over a video screen and warns the guests of trouble to come. With the ship arriving to the beaches of Castaway Cay–its first of many exotic ports of call–the Kingdom Keepers are under attack; back home the Base is threatened and about to fall. The Overtakers have expanded in ways never foreseen, and it’s clear they intend to use this element of surprise to accomplish what has eluded them so far: victory.

But not if Finn Whitman and friends have anything to say about it.

The post Watch and chat with author Ridley Pearson LIVE Monday, April 23 at WDWRadioLIVE.com appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ridley Pearson last Tuesday in Clinton, NJ. I’m told that the bookshop where he was signing was one of the first to put Ridley’s books on the shelves. It is very small and compact, so not many kids could fit inside the building. That means that there were limited spots…only 25 or 30 kids and their parents. I decided to wear my “Eliminate the Overtakers” T-shirt along with my WDW Radio pin to show Ridley that I not only love his books but am a part of Lou’s Crew.

What I appreciate most about Ridley Pearson is his interactivity with his fans. Ridley spoke to the group for about ten minutes then held a Q-and-A session that was about the same amount of time. I learned quite a few interesting things like that Disney On Ice would not give him permission to be written about. Giving us a little hint of what is to come, Ridley explained that since the Kingdom Keeper series is going to end in Disneyland, he had to come up with another way to get the gang to the west coast. Disney Cruise Line offered him a life preserver in the form of an east to west coast relocation cruise through the Panama Canal and this problem was solved! We learned that Kingdom Keepers 6 is going to be dark and that he’s almost at the half way point in its writing. I was super excited to learn that there is a family version of the Kingdom Keeper hunt throughout Magic Kingdom in development (right now it is only available to groups of 10 or more.) Also answered in this session was how Storey, Ridley’s daughter, reacted to finding out she was in Shell Game(Storey Ming in the book) -he said it hasn’t totally sunk in yet since Storey is more of a baker than a reader, and she hasn’t gotten around to reading the series yet. When asked about his favorite Kingdom Keeper-his response was Amanda, who he wishes would call him because he has a little crush on her!

After our very animated conversation, books were signed and we young readers talked to Mr. Pearson one-on-one.  When it was my turn, I thanked Jenn (she was there also) for allowing me to streamline my questions and asking Ridley to answer them for my blog last week. To my surprise, she remembered me! After our chat, I spoke to Ridley. I mentioned how I am a part of the WDW Radio crew and he remembered me also! I gave him an envelope containing a copy of my blog among other things. Right before I left the signing table, I recalled what I had been planning to do since Lou mentioned to “the box” that Ridley loves to hug. I said, “Lou said you are a great hugger. I want to make sure he is telling the truth. Can I get a hug?” Everybody in line laughed and Ridley stood up and walked around the signing table and gave me a huge hug.  Goal accomplished!! That’s one more thing I can check off my “things to do before I grow up” list!

Christy Viszoki was behind me in line. My family was in charge of getting pictures of her experience. She was posing with Ridley and she called me over to get in the picture. The picture of the three of us that was taken in the Clinton Book Shop is one of my favorite pictures that I have ever been in or taken.

On a serious note, Ridley Pearson has inspired me in many ways. He taught me to not be discouraged and to write about whatever I want to write about, even if it ends up in the rejected pile. It’s always worth the try because maybe, just maybe, someone will pick it up to read and not be able to put it down and an editor might just want to take the chance on it and put it on bookshelves.

Once again, nobody guessed my “Where in the World?” picture, so it is being reposted. Here is a hint-it is not in any of the 4 main parks.

See ya REAL soon!
~Makena

Quote of the Week: “What’s the point of college funds if we won’t be alive for college?” ~Maybeck, Kingdom Keepers 3

The post WDW Radio Kids & Teens Day: My Ridley Experience appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

In honor of this celebration, we thought it would be fun to “Imagineer” the Kingdom Keepers into the parks!  And so, while there is no graphic to imagine this week, there IS a challenge:

If you could create a character meal featuring ANY characters from ANY Kingdom Keepers book, what would you do?

In which CURRENT restaurant would this meal take place?

Which Kingdom Keepers or Overtakers (shudder!) would be there?

How would the menu reflect the Kingdom Keepers storyline?

While you are practicing being an Imagineer, be sure to join our WDW Radio Disney Book Club discussions of Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game.  You can find the reading calendar here.  Discussion questions will be posted every several days over the course of the next few weeks.

The post Wanna Be Imagineers: A Kingdom Keeper Twist! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Sunday April 8: Chapters 1-5 (pages 1-66)

Wednesday April 11: Chapters 6-10 (pages 67-121)

Saturday April 14: Chapters 11-15 (pages 122-205)

Tuesday April 17: Chapters 16-20 (pages 206-351)

Friday April 20: Chapters 21-25 (pages 352-544)

Check out Lou’s recent interview with Ridley on-board the Disney Fantasy and Makena’s blog interview with him.

The post WDW Radio Disney Book Club: Kingdom Keepers 5 Reading Calendar! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.