WDW Today

Episode 409 - MST3K: Figment

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:51:56 -0500

Episode 409 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Mike Newell & Annette Owens
Topics:

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Journey into Imagination
Listen as we ride Journey into Imagination and comment on it!

Running Time: 13:09

Episode 408 - Toy Story Midway Mania

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:58:28 -0500

Episode 408 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Mike Newell & Len Testa

Topics:

Toy Story Midway Mania
Mike Scopa thinks Toy Story Midway Mania is what Walt Disney wanted....a ride the entire family can enjoy
Len and Matt rate Toy Story Midway Mania as a D-ticket, 4 star ride
Len thinks it's very easy to play
Mike Newell thinks Toy Story Midway Mania is better than he anticipated and really liked the queue line
Matt is impressed with the queue and think Disney did a great job
Matt explains the premise of the attraction
Mike Scopa mentions the single rider and FASTPASS line bypass much of the queue and has it's own queue area
Len mentioned he had a bad experience with the single rider line
Len makes suggestions to improve the single rider line
Matt and Len discuss what else will be on Pixar Place
Len thinks there could be one more game in the ride
Len gives a tip on how to do better at the game
Mike Scopa discusses his thoughts on Mr. Potato Head
Matt describes how Mr. Potato Works
Len was surprised by the pace of the ride
Mike Newell was surprised by the details in the queue
Mike Scopa wonders about future updates to the attraction
Len talks about the attention to detail in the queue
Matt mentions there is the family friendliness of the ride
Mike Scopa and Matt talk about the ride fatigue
Mike Newell talks about how smooth the ride is
Mike Scopa gives his opinion of the noise issue some have raised
Matt mentions a change he has noticed in the first few weeks of the ride

Running Time: 22:29

Episode 407 - Guest Fleecing

Fri, 09 May 2008 08:22:00 -0500

Episode 407 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell & Van

Topics:

Guest Fleecing
Matt goes over the price incereases for strollers, ECVs and tickets to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Matt mentions an episode where Mary Waring and Matt argued over price increases
Van doesn't understand why the prices are increasing so substantially
Van only thinks the ECV price increase is warranted
Matt complains about the price increase with strollers
Van discusses his stroller strategy
Matt mentions Disney's recent revenue details
Van discusses how the price increase affects his family
Mike Newell doesn't think he will change his hard ticket plans because he goes solo
Matt complains about the price increase with nothing new added
Van thinks the price increases make competitors look more appealing
Mike Newell mentions the price increases outside of Walt Disney World combined with these price increases are making it harder to go on a trip
Matt mentions the price increases in new Disney World restaurants

Running Time: 21:51

Episode 406 - Listener Questions

Wed, 07 May 2008 06:54:00 -0500

Episode 406 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa & Mike Newell
Topics:

Listener Questions
Alex of TX wants to know the difference between an Annual Pass, Premium Annual Pass and a Seasonal Pass
Bobby of VA wants to know a spot to watch Block Party Bash parade
Doug of IN wants to know Christmas stuff in the parks in July
Jeremy of OH wants to know if Extra Magic Hours are the same every week
Brian of LA wants to know what kind of discount Cast Members get for dining
Michael of MA wants to know if off site guests can have merchandise sent to for pickup to the front of the park
William of VA thanks Mike Scopa's recommendation of Trails End
Madison of NJ wants suggestions for getting her classmates to wake up early for park days
Doug of IL wants to know our thoughts on Night Kingdom
Angel of MI wants to know if the Christmas decorations will be up for his trip in mid November
Amanda wants to know the restaurants policy on people who go but don't eat anything
Nick of IN wanted to know about wireless internet in Pop Century
Christina of GA wants to know the best ticket option for her daughter
Lionel of GA wants to know if 5 people in a room is going to be too much
John of WI wants to know if he can get Disney's Magical Express for just one leg of his trip
Taylor of GA wants to know how crowded it is on Christmas in the Magic Kingdom
Joey of TX wants to know if he can see most of the Star Wars Weekend events in one day
Joey also wants to know the best water park for a 5 year old
Joey also wants to know the sort of lines for Disney transportation

Running Time: 29:43

Schedule for WDW Today May trip

Tue, 06 May 2008 11:36:00 -0500

Finally here is the schedule for WDW Today trip to the parks... Saturday (5/10): Meet us around 12:30 at the entrance to Studios Catering Company. We'll also be milling about at the Brown Derby around 5 pm. Sunday (5/11): Meet us before park opening at the rightmost turnstile at the Animal Kingdom We'll also be around Catalina Eddie's at the Studios for lunch, sometime between 12 and 1 pm. We'll be in Epcot sometime between 2 and 5 pm. And we'll be at the MK evening EMHs, too. Meet us in front of Space Mountain around 11 pm. Monday (5/12): We'll be in the Magic Kingdom all day. Meet us at the leftmost *open* turnstile before park opening, at 12:30 at the Crystal Palace, or look for us in our t-shirts throughout the day. Tuesday (5/13): We'll be in Epcot all day. Meet us at the leftmost open turnstile before park opening, at 1 pm outside Coral Reef at The Seas, or around 8 pm at Morocco for some espresso. Len is happy to buy an espresso for everyone who shows up. Wednesday (5/14): We'll be in the Animal Kingdom all day. Meet us before park opening at the *rightmost* open turnstile, at 11:45 am outside Tusker House, or around 4:30 pm in front of the Yak and Yeti sit-down.

Episode 405 - Creating the Studios Touring Plan

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:48:00 -0500

Episode 405 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa & Len Testa

Topics:

Creating a Studios Touring Plan
Len explains the issue with working in Toy Story Midway Mania into the new touring plan
Len mentions the first two steps of the Studios touring plan
Matt describes the pre-Toy Story Midway Mania touring plan
Len describes the next steps in the touring plan to minimize the back tracking
Matt offers a solution that ensures the shortest waits, regardless of back tracking
Len compares the crowd capacity of Toy Story Midway Mania to other attractions
Mike Scopa talks about what families do in the morning at the Studios and how Toy Story Midway Mania will impact families
Matt doesn't think backtracking is an issue with Toy Story Midway Mania versus Great Movie Ride
Len spells out his touring plan for the Studios for the morning
Matt suggests riding Star Tours before the Backlot Tour
Len talks of a FASTPASS strategy for Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Matt and Len discuss where to eat a counter service lunch
Mike Scopa brings up a weather issue with when to work in Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Matt discusses his early afternoon strategy in the Studios
Len discusses the remainded of the touring plan
Len mentions when to see BlocK Party Bash
Matt suggests a spot to see the parade at the last minute
Matt suggests to Len a 2 day touring plan that combine the Studios and Epcot

Running Time: 22:29

Episode 404 - Everything Polynesian

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:50:00 -0500

Episode 404 - Everything Polynesian

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa , Mike Newell & Steve Seifert

Topics:

Everything Polynesian

Running Time: 22:09

Episode 403 - Listener Questions

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:54:00 -0500

Episode 403 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa , Mike Newell & The Fabulous Annette Owens
Topics:

Listener Questions
Nancy of NY wants a Star Wars Weekend touring plan
Matt mentions an article about planning for Star Wars Weekends
Shannon of NJ reports on NYPD Pizza
Kayla of NV wants to know what we think of the incorporation of Disney characters in It's A Small World
Matt of TX wants to know tips for making his trip more magical for first timers
Matt also wants to know opinions of the time of the year he is going
Mark of NC makes some suggestions on bags for bringing cameras and accessories to the parks
Steve of NJ comments on a New York Times article
Heather of WI wants to know when Disney announces free dining dates
Bruce of NY wants to know where the sign in front of Sid Caheunga's is supposed to be in real life
Ellen wants to know how FASTPASS works
Bill of PA comments on his New Years Eve experience
Scott of WI wants to know about the legitimacy of orlandofuntickets.com
Enrique of FL wants to know special events for Mothers Day at Walt Disney World
Nick of IL wants to know how we rank each of the parks
Lois reports on trying to use two park days in one day
Chuck of NY wants to know about the kiosks at Pecos Bill
Chuck also wants to know how easy it is to drive to the parks and back to the resorts
Andy of IN wants to know how the lines during Pirates and Princess party will be for his trip in late May/early June
Andy also wants to know if the Magic Kingdom will be less crowded during a Pirates and Princess Party day

Running Time: 25:56

Episode 402 - The Weekend Getaway

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:39:00 -0500

Episode 402 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa , Mike Newell & The Fabulous Annette Owens

Topics:

The Weekend Getaway
Len shares a story of his daughter's camping trip
Keith writes in to suggest today's show topic and wants tips for quick weekend trips to Walt Disney World
Matt mentions his weekend trips were born from good airfares that he's run across
Len and Annette describe driving down for weekend trips
Mike Scopa describes how a good deal on airfare can make weekend trips
Matt talks about why he prefers weekend trips over longer trips
Mike Scopa talks of how to tackle park touring for a quick weekend trip
Len talks of the fun of spontaniety of weekend trips
Mike Scopa compares dining options versus time in the parks
Matt doesn't like taking up park time by eating a lot of sit down meals
Len mentions a tip for using frequent flier miles

Running Time: 16:21

Episode 401 - The Magic Makers (Timmy Britt)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:53:00 -0500

Episode 401 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg & Timmy Britt
Topics:

The Magic Makers
Apologies for the audio quailty on this episode. This episode was recorded at a cast office at WDW, and we're testing a new portable recorder. But, don't let the audio quality discourage you from listening to a great Cast Member interview.
Timmy Britt, a Disney artist at the Animation Academy attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios, shares some stories from his experiences working at the Animation Academy
Timmy shares a number of stories that show notes can't do justice for. Listen and enjoy

Running Time:27:08

Episode 400 - Listener Questions

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Episode 400 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa & Mike Newell
Topics:

Listener Questions
Steve of FL volunteers to be a golf researcher for the Unofficial Guide
Vicki wants to know the crowd levels for mid-September
JillAnn of IN wants to know if VMK is closing and if so, why is it closing
Shawn comments on eating at Coronado Springs
Jamie of IL wants to know if its worth to buy DVC a year in advance of actually being able to go to Walt Disney World
Jamie also wants to know which resort has the best value for a one bedroom
Jamie also wants to know the disadvantages of buying DVC resale
Ed of OH wants to know of a website that has a list of conventions in Orlando
Len mentions the Orlando visitor and convention bureau web site
PJ of Las Vegas, NV comments on music playing during hard ticket events in the Contemporary for the fireworks
Johnson wants to know of events coming to Walt Disney World in advance
Kevin of IN wants to know how someone should train for a visit to Walt Disney World for all the walking
Chip wants to know where to get the mini donuts from Blizzard Beach elsewhere on property
Dee Dee of IL wants to know about the Shades of Green resort
Tony of CA wants to know if he can park somewhere else to avoid parking fees at the Dolphin resort
Shane of GA wants to know if he should encourage his group to go to Disney World during Mousefest

Running Time: 31:54

Episode 399 - What's Wrong With The World

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Episode 399 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa & Mike Newell

Topics:

What's Wrong With The World
Mike Scopa doesn't like how the operating hours in Epcot are staggered
Matt and Len discuss why the operating hours are staggered in Epcot
Mike Scopa and Len discuss breakfast in World Showcase
Matt thinks Annual Passholder benefits and discounts have been reduced over the years
Mike Scopa talks of the number of Annual Passholders Walt Disney World have
Len talks of some perks he would like to see offered to Annual Passholders
Len thinks Disney resort guests should have a larger window for dining reservations than the general public
Mike Newell talks of how he would change the Top 7 resort tv show
Mike Scopa complains about Grad Nights at the Magic Kingdom

Running Time: 19:03

Episode 398 - Even More Listener Questions

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:30:00 -0500

Episode 398 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, & The Fabulous Annette Owens
Topics:

Even More Listener Questions
Oscar of Madrid, Spain wants to know how to plan a trip 2 years out
Jordan wants to know if he should upgrade to an annual pass
Jordan also wants to know if they can apply an annual pass discount when they arrive at the resort
Brian of TX wants an explanation of the annual pass discount perk
Nicole and Theresa of CT wants to know if they should stay at the Beach Club Villas or Boardwalk villas for the marathon
Lynn of ME wants to know why Pop Century is called Scopa Towers
Lynn also wants to know if she should rent a car or use Disney transportation
An emailer writes in to tell us of her experience learning that Dole Whip is available at the Polynesian Resort as well as the Cheesecake Factory at Downtown Disney
Dan of NC wants to know what we all do in real life

Running Time: 22:04

Episode 397 - Listener Questions

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Episode 397 is now available for download.

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Questions can be emailed to questions@wdwtoday.com or use this form

Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa & Mike Newell
Topics:

Listener Questions
Fred wants to know if he can get annual pass discounts with using a travel agent
Robert of MA thinks he had Mike Scopa as a teacher in Junior High
Jennifer of MA wants advice for Star Wars Weekends
Matt mentions an article he wrote on different "tracks" at Star Wars Weekend
William wants to know how Matt found a place to live in Orlando
Bridget of VA wants to know how Halloween affects crowds
Matthew wants birthday suggestions for his solo trip
Rick wants to know if he should stay at Boardwalk (Boardwalk view) or Beach Club Villas
Matt mentions an episode about a trip Len took
Mario of TX wants to know if he should use the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package
Holly of MO wants to know if the views at the Beach Club villas aren't that good
Holly also wants to know if she should take the bus to the Magic Kingdom with kids and a stroller
Enrique writes in about how well Disney handled a medical emergency
Andy of CT wants to know if there are resorts we recommend for short trips
Andy also wants to know why there are only hard ticket events at the Magic Kingdom
Wayne and Donna wants to know how to get a discount on the deluxe dining plan for his trip
Brian of OH wants a show about Matt's move to Orlando
Craig of OH wants to know if he should do the race at the beginning or end of his trip
Philip of Australia wants to know how the crowds will be for his trip as well as which resort is best for a first time visitor

Running Time: 28:25

Episode 396 - The World In Focus

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:30:00 -0500

Episode 396 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa , Mike Newell, & Barrie Brewer

Topics:

The World In Focus
Today, we talk with Barrie Brewer of AllEars.net about the best tips for taking great photos at WDW.
Barrie's WDW photo gallery can be found here
Barrie describes the blog she writes and what can be found there
Barrie recommends taking photos of the people in your group
Barrie recommends bringing extra memory cards with you rather than lump them all on one card
Barrie also suggests giving your camera to someone else to take photos
Barrie talks about what makes a good photo at Walt Disney World
Barrie shares a tip about a photo at Expedition Everest
Barrie talks about photo tips for when it's not a nice day out
Barrie and Len discuss prices for an entry level digital SLR camera
Barrie discusses parade photo tips
Barrie shares a tip for a good spot for taking photos during the parades
Barrie talks of her favorite place to take photos in the Magic Kingdom for fireworks
Barrie discuses the right settings on her camera for fireworks
Barrie recommends using a tripod for pictures

Running Time: 21:36

Episode 395 - Four Parks, One World, One Day

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Episode 395 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, & Len Testa
Topics:

Four Parks, One World, One Day
Len mentions you have to be selective when riding rides at each park and a willingness to ride the headliner attractions in each park
Matt mentions you have to be on hand for opening at the park
Len talks of the advantage of Extra Magic Hours
Matt mentions going during a time of the year when park hours are longer will help you do all four parks
Matt and Mike Scopa pick Animal Kingdom as their first park
Mike Scopa talks of the attractions he would ride and which day he would prefer to try this
Len talks of the strategy to use for Animal Kingdom attractions to maximize your time
Mike Scopa picks Hollywood Studios as the second park and explains why
Len and Matt discuss FASTPASS strategies at Hollywood Studios
Len thinks lunch at the Studios at a counter service restaurant would work while still at the Studios
Matt and Len discuss attraction options in Epcot
Matt and Len talk about renting a car versus taking Disney transportation
Mike Scopa talks of a strategy of combining Soarin' with dinner at Sunshine Seasons
Mike Scopa says ending the day in the Magic Kingdom can work since you will likely be at the Magic Kingdom in time for SpectroMagic along with the other major attractions in the Magic Kingdom
Matt talks about swapping attractions for more popular attractions

Running Time: 16:53

Episode 394 - Listener Questions

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Episode 394 is now available for download.

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Questions can be emailed to questions@wdwtoday.com or use this form

Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa & Mike Newell
Topics:

Listener Questions
Cory wants to know what to spend $250 on besides just dining in the parks
Cory also wants to know about crowds in June
Matt mentions a private dinner at Star Wars Weekend on June 8
Bob wants an explanation of the Mongello joke is all about
Matt refers Bob to the WDW Today Wiki
Ted of NJ wants to know if he can check how many days are left on an old ticket before he leaves
Ted also wants to know the best ticket options for him on his trip
Brett of OR wants to know how to plan for a trip that is 4 years in advance
Kim of MA wants to know if she should go to the parks on July 4th and if so, what park to go to
Joe of NY wants to know what week between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the best in terms of crowds
Joe also wants to know about the hotel rates for that week
kitts21 wants to know if the crowd calendar predictions are accurate or if they will go up
kitts21 also wants to know if between Pop Warner and Christmas will be a good time of the year
Darren of CT comments on the hand washing tips in the rest rooms
Jenny of MS wants to know of any information about Disneyland Paris
Matt recommends dlrpmagic.com
Mario wants to know our experiences at Coronado Springs resort
Aaron of ME wants to know about Malificent and if you can meet her or see her
Aaron also inquires about a villain shop on Main Street
Brent of CO wants to know when Disney announces Annual Pass discounts

Running Time: 31:32

Live Show 21 Is Now Available

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:00:00 -0500

Live Show #21 is now available for download.

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Audio:

Questions can be emailed to questions@wdwtoday.com or use this form

Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Mike Newell, Len Testa

Topics:

Live Show 21. Originally aired 03/30/08 on MouseWorld Radio 1

Running Time: 1:36:14

Episode 393 - Off Site Dining

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:30:00 -0500

Episode 393 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa, Len Testa , & Mike Newell

Topics:

Off Site Dining
Matt and Len talk about Giordanos (Italian)
Matt likes Vallarta Mexican Grill for food and drinks
Matt and Len discuss chain food
Matt mentions NYPD Pizza being the best pizza option he has run into so far
Mike Newell mentions he's heard a lot about Flippers Pizza
Matt complains about the sushi at Walt Disney World
Len recommends Passage to India for good Indian Food
Len recommends Red Bamboo (Thai food)
Matt had good seafood at Celebration Town Tavern

Running Time: 19:29

Episode 392 - Maximizing Free Dining

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Episode 392 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, & Len Testa
Topics:

Maximizing Free Dining
Len speculates on possible dates for free dining dates in 2008
Len says one way to take advantage of free dining is to order the expensive entrees and going to the popular restaurants
Mike Scopa says free dining package is good for trying out new restaurants or to go to your favorite restaurants and trying new entrees
Matt discusses how the new dining plan with no appetizer and no gratuity affects the deal
Mike Scopa talks of if free dining will entice him to make a trip to WDW
Matt mentions the pitfall of the dining plan
Len lists the best sit down restaurants for use on the dining plan that are one dining credit
Matt suggests how buffets could be a better value with the new dining plan for 2008
Len lists the better character buffet meals
Len mentions the better counter service options
Len talks of the counter service restaurants that rate poorly
Mike Scopa talks about how he plans his dining plans
Matt reitterates the most important thing to do for free dining

Running Time: 20:33