Episode 175 Now Available

Monday, November 06 2006 @ 09:04 AM CST

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 175 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

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

Topics:

Transportation Options
Gregory says Magical Express is a shuttle serve whereas a car service is a private service where you can get all of your luggage and the driver will meet you at baggage claim and drive you directly to your resort/hotel
Gregory says since Magic Express started, many private car service companies went out of business
Gregory says he advertises his business among Disney fans
Gregory says he lost about 40-50% of his business to Magical Express initially
Gregory says the private aspect of the towncar service is the main advantage over Magical Express
Greogy says the rates are comporable to taxi service
Gregory also mentions they offer a free 30 minute grocery stop
Matt says convenience is the key
Gregory says if you are on a tight budget, Magical Express is still an option since it's free
Gregory says also small groups (3 people or less), Magical Express should work although there's some time wasted
Gregory says they recommend picking you up 2.5 hours before your flight but they're flexible with pickup times
Len thinks you could shave some more time off that and be closer to 1.5-2 hours before your flight
Matt would rather spend an hour in the parks than in the airport
Gregory says you want to make sure a car service has new cars, polite drivers with knowledge of the area and a service that will meet you inside the airport
Len says when he did evaluations for car service, he also kept an eye on available luggage service
Gregory says Quicksilver Tours has been in operation for 5 years and specializes in Walt Disney World
Gregory says roundtrip service between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios is about $70
Gregory says a roundtrip service between Walt Disney World and Sea World is about $65

Running Time: 19:46

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Episode 174 Now Available

Friday, November 03 2006 @ 09:12 AM CST

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 174 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Len Testa, Mike Newell & Kim Button

Topics:

Disney Queue Line Survival Guidebook
Matt says Kim's book is very different
Kim wrote the book after standing in the Space Mountain line and other lines that were quite boring
Kim is a former Cast Member at the Great Movie Ride and thought there were lots of things in some lines to point out that would be interesting
Kim enjoys the Maelstrom personally but for the book, she enjoys writing about attractions with rich queue lines such as Test Track
Len picks a "fight" with Kim about guide book idealogies
Len enjoyed the scavenger portion of the guidebook
Len has no clue what the backstory of the Hulk ride in Universal is
Kim thinks Animal Kingdom has the most theming in their queue lines
Len thinks Kali River Rapids has a fantastic queue line
Kim thinks future queue lines will be full of theming
Kim says many guests don't take the time to appreciate what's in the queue line
Matt points out that the questions and trivia in the book are not just for kids
Kim says she purposefully put in questions to entertain many age groups
Kim has information about disabled access because she suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fybromyalgie but she finds Disney very handicap accessible
Len wonders why Kim left Van Halen out of the book
Kim says not all the trivia in the book is just Disney trivia
Matt tests Len's Norwegian knowledge

Running Time: 22:57

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Episode 173 Now Available

Wednesday, November 01 2006 @ 09:16 AM CST

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 173 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa & Mike Newell

Topics:

Listener Questions
Lidia of TN wants to know if there any special events for Valentines Day
Matt says there are some special menus at select restaurants but nothing major
Matt recommends looking around for information about it when we get closer to Valentine's Day
Jeniffer loved the Keys to the Kingdom tour and recommends it
Mike Scopa doesn't do the tour so he doesn't lose the magic
Mike Scopa recommends looking around the town square in Magic Kingdom especially at the flags
Stacy from MI wants to know how to book a stay when you stay at two different resorts
Matt says you have to make two different reservations
Stacy wants a suggestion for a deluxe resort standard room that is still romantic
Mike Newell would go for the Polynesian resort
Mike Scopa recommends staying in the Tahiti building
Madison of NJ wants to know if an old Pal Mickey version still work
Mike Newell says his 1.0 version still works
Matt says the old versions will work, but they can't be updated to do the new features that the new Pal Mickey can do
Matt would recommend buying or renting one from the park
Alex wants a recommendation for a car service that will allow him a complimentry grocery stop
Mike Scopa recommends Happy Limo or Quicksilver
Alex also wants to know if he can make a Magical Express reservation if he has an earlier breakfast
Matt says Magical Express will pick you up 3 hours before your flight
Mike Scopa thinks Alex can swing it
Tim of MA wants to know how bad love bugs are
Mike Scopa says they should be gone when Tim is there
Matt found them to be very annoying in September
Mike Scopa says they dont bite
Kevin-John and Chelsea of PA wants to know if Cinderella's castle will look normal any time soon
Mike Scopa says there was a crane up when he was down last and he's heard they're going to be finished very soon
Kevin also wants to know if the Liberty Belle is running
Matt says it was running in September and Mike Scopa says it was operating when he was down in October
Richard of TX wants to know what are don't-miss foods at World Showcase
Matt likes the frosted pretzels in Norway, the fish & chips in England and the napoleon dessert in the pastry shop in France
Mike Scopa likes the steak and the cheddar cheese soup at Le Cellier
Mike Scopa likes the bakery in Norway
Matt likes the funnel cake in America
Bob of IL says the Adventures by Disney trip to Wyoming is expensive
Matt says the Adventures by Disney cost a premium because you're getting the "Disney touch"

Running Time: 20:39

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Episode 172 Now Available

Monday, October 30 2006 @ 08:18 AM CST

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 172 is now available for download.

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Show Notes

Hosts: Matt Hochberg, Mike Scopa & Mike Newell

Topics:

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
The dates: November 13, 17, 27, 28, and 30; December 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, and 22
Regular Price is $48.94(adults) and $40.42 (ages 3 - 9); advanced purchase price is $42.55 (adults) and $34.03(ages 3 - 9); DVC and Annual Pass holders pay on select nights $38.29(adults) and $29.77(ages 3 - 9)
Mike Scopa says it is a hard ticketed event and explains how the party operates
Mike Scopa says there are several shows, parade and fireworks display that are special for the party
Mike Scopa recommends those going to the party pickup a brochure for the event a day or two before the party which will show all of the events and their times
Matt says Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party has more special events than Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party
Mike Scopa says the premier event is Mickey's 'Twas the Night before Christmas show in Tomorrowland
Mike Scopa says the show is very popular
Mike Scopa recommends seeing the first showing of Mickey's 'Twas the Night before Christmas
Matt says once you get Mickey's 'Twas the Night before Christmas out of the way, the rest of the special events are easier to get through
Mike Scopa says if you want to do attractions, do them during the first parade
Matt says for those trying to avoid the crowds, see the first show of Mickey's 'Twas the Night before Christmas and then begin a counter-clockwise tour which will put you in Fantasyland during the first parade time and by the time you get to Frontierland, you can see the second parade which will be less crowded
Mike Scopa says the second parade is far less crowded and recommends seeing the parade from Frontierland
Matt says the Celebrate the Seaon show is in front of the castle
Matt thinks any show in front of the Castle is cursed because he hasn't found any good shows there in recent years
Mike Scopa says Celebrate the Season has some nice choreography and likes seeing it last
Mike Scopa describes the parade
Mike Scopa says the parade is relatively long
Matt remembers being very cold waiting for the parade last year
Mike Scopa says those without young children should go for the second parade
Matt says they give away hot cocoa and cookies at select locations
Matt thinks the free photo they used to give away at the party is likely gone since it wasn't being offered during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Matt says there alot of characters out in their Christmas outfits
Mike Scopa swoons over Belle
Mike Scopa says there is a special Belle Storytelling in Fantasyland
Mike Scopa says there is a dance event going on for little kids in Fantasyland
Mike Scopa says there is a Christmas show in the Diamond Horseshoe as well
Mike Newell enjoyed the atmosphere of the event
Mike Scopa hears there is a plan not to have the Christmas show at Country Bear Jamboree
Matt mentions there will be a special showing of Wishes
Mike Scopa says there will be a 360 degree firework display for Wishes
Mike Scopa says the fireworks time will be different than the usual time
Matt says you don't want to go to this party assuming you'll be riding many of the regular Magic Kingdom attractions
Matt likes to get all of the special events for the party done first and then if you have time leftover to do the regular attractions
Mike Scopa recommends wearing a watch with a lighted dial
Mike Scopa there have been in years past bands that played holiday music

Running Time: 21:28

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Episode 171 Now Available

Friday, October 27 2006 @ 09:02 AM CDT

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 171 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:

Holidays at Epcot
Christmas Tree Lighting
- Matt says the tree is right at the entrance to World Showcase if you're coming from Future World
- Mike Scopa says the tree is lit every night at 6pm
- Len has noticed quite a crowd for the lighting
- Mike Scopa says Fridays and Saturday tend be more crowded for the lighting ceremony
Lights of Winter
- Len says the lights are a walkway for 120 feet of covered lights that change with the music playing
- Len calls it a small Osborne Lights
- Mike Scopa says the music is Trans Siberian Orchestra
- Matt mentions the lights change colors along with moving to the music
- Mike Scopa says the lights will still be up in early January
Holiday Story Tellers
- Len says they are characters drawn from the folklore of the host country who does a small show a few times per day and tell guests about the holiday customs of their country
- Len mentions China has the Money King
- Len says it's always cold by the time he gets to Norway and recommends bringing a jacket
- Matt says Mike Scopa always wear shorts in the winter on principle
- Len says the weather in December can really be weird
Candlelight Processional
- Matt says there are celebrity narrators for the shows
- Matt says the show takes place in the American Gardens Theater in the American Pavilion
- Matt recommends getting the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package which guarantees seating
- Mike Scopa says the dinner package has 3 tiers for either lunch or dinner and by buying the package, you get a seat for a specific show
- A list of prices for all the tiers can be found here
- Matt says the Dining Plan costs $38 which feeds you for the whole day and some of these packages cost more than that for just one meal
- Matt says it's expensive but worth it for the guaranteed seat
- Mike Scopa says the choir is comprised of many different groups and has a live orchestra
- Mike Scopa says the timing of the performance doesn't matter
- Matt mentions you must eat prior to the showtime for the package
- Matt also says you must pay with a credit card at the time of the booking
- Matt says the package includes a non-alcoholic drink but does not include tax, gratuity or lobster
- Len says Biergarten is the best value
Illuminations
- Len says it's regular Illuminations but has a Peace on Earth finale where they start with Walter Cronkite narrating and then more fireworks
- Mike Scopa says it's about 5 minutes longer than the regular show
- Mike Scopa says the number of shells they fire off in the finale is close to the amount they fire off in the regular Illuminations show
- Len says they also display christmas greetings in different languages in lights onto Spaceship Earth
Mike Newell's favorite part of Christmas at Epcot is being in the park for the holidays
Len's favorite is Illuminations
Mike Scopa's favorite is Illuminations with Lights of Winter a close second
Mike Newell's favorite is Lights of Winter
Matt's favorite is Lights of Winter with Illuminations a close second

Running Time: 19:58

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Episode 170 Now Available

Wednesday, October 25 2006 @ 09:03 AM CDT

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 170 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
Shannon from NJ wants to know how much Pop Warner affects crowds
Len says the Pop Warner effect is negligable due to the amount of activities scheduled during the day
Len says the Performance Racing Industry Convention will bring in 40,000 people but not sure how much of an effect it'll have on the parks
Matt has stayed at All Star Sports during Pop Warner and found breakfast at the resort to be the only time to be really busy
Len thinks that also not every kid can afford to go to the park every day
Jeniffer wants to know when the year of her annual pass begins
Mike Scopa suggests buying all the annual passes at the same time
Mike Scopa thinks perhaps Jeniffer doesn't need an annual pass for all her children
Matt says your year begins the first day you use it
Jason from NV comments about the Year of a Million Dreams rules
Bruce of NY wants to know the rules for videotaping on rides
Mike Newell said years ago you had built in lights to annoy people
Matt observes the personal rule of as long you don't have external lighting (light or flash), then you're free to videotape
Jeremy of OH wants details on waking up Tinkerbell
Matt says you have to be the first family into Tinkerbell's Treasures (Fantasyland) and the child has to ask the Cast Member to wake up Tinkerbell
Jeremy also wants to know where in MGM you can meet Sorcerer Mickey
Matt says you can find him on Mickey Avenue between the entrances to Backlot Tour and the old Who Wants To Be A Millionaire building and he's there nearly all day
Jeremy wants to know which restaurants offer the Fantasmic! Dinner package
Matt has a list here
Beth heard the Main Street Electrical Parade is running in Anaheim, and wants to know if it's true
Mike Scopa says when it left Disney World it went to Disneyland to replace a very unpopular parade
Mike Scopa mentions the Electrical Parade is in Disneyland now
Chris wants to know if Disney's operational updates are definate
Len says the start date is likely set in stone but it may re-open a day or two early sometimes
John of ME wants to know if we've ever planned on doing a show for guests who are larger
Matt recommends reading the Passporter's Guide to Special Needs
Will of FL wants to know any food or adult beverages at Food & Wine Festival he should not pass up
Len says the desserts at Mexico and Norway were good
Matt has heard great things about the wines from Australia
Mike Scopa says there is good beer also in Australia
Mike Scopa also likes the food on the "left side" of World Showcase
Ken in GA wants to know if you're at the Pirate and Princess Party if you can switch paths
Len thinks you've got to be able to change

Running Time: 18:25

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Episode 169 Now Available

Monday, October 23 2006 @ 09:32 AM CDT

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 169 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 & Marissa D'Aurio

Topics:

Vacation Homes
Marissa says a vacation home gives you alot more space and that benefits you greatly on a longer trip
Marissa says many vacations home come with a private pool
Marissa says you need to be careful when renting and to do some research
Matt suggests using the "Ebay rules"
Len says to rent from a reputable dealer like All Star Vacation homes
Matt says you can also rent from individuals
Marissa uses Vacation Rentals By Owner
Marissa has rented through them 5 times and it's been great
Marissa says sometimes if you rent from a big broker you're never sure which house you're getting and prices tend to be higher
Marissa says haggling over price is possible with renting from a individual
Marissa says you can rent nearly anything from a townhouse to houses with up to 8 bedrooms
Len says 4 or more people can get their own bedrooms and for a rate comporable to Disney but for alot more space
Len says a Disney resort ranges from 260 sq feet to 380-490 sq feet but in a vacation home you can get around 3000 sq feet of space
Matt compiled a list of reasons of why Len likes vacation homes
- Len doesn't like Disney transportation and prefers to rent a car anyway
- Len doesn't think the Disney resorts are the best value out there
- Len doesn't use Extra Magic Hours so no need to stay onsite
Marissa says you want to look for if there's a private or community pool
Marissa says you want to also look for how the beds are setup in each bedroom
Marissa says for shorter trips, they will charge you for a cleaning fee so you need to shop around to see what kind of deal you can get
Len says the 2007 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World has a subsection on Vacation Homes from page 205-216 and has a map of the 150 vacation home communities around Walt Disney World
Len says some other good websites to rent from are VacationRentals411.com and villadirect.com
Matt says if you'd like to go to places outside of Walt Disney World or for longer trips (7+ days), it can be a great idea to stay at a vacation home
Mike Scopa says if you have a large age range of kids, it may be a good idea especially for the large space
Len says if someone cleaning up after you is important, then staying at an off-site hotel might be a better option for you
Matt says some vacation homes have Disney themed elements to the vacation home
Marissa says most buildings are non-smoking
Matt was impressed by the amenities of the larger homes

Running Time: 17:10

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Episode 168 Now Available

Friday, October 20 2006 @ 09:14 AM CDT

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 168 is now available for download.

Main Feed

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

Show Notes

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

Topics:

Least Favorite Attractions
Mike Scopa says Stitch's Great Escape
Mike Scopa says it is not kid friendly, the plot doesnt make sense, the kids dont like te 6 foot monster, the spitting isn't fun and he doesn't like the hydraulic fluid
Mike Scopa says he'd love to see Alien Encounter return
Len says the Jungle Cruise needs to go
Len says the africa tour is old and it takes up too much valuable real estate
Len says your experience is too dependent on your skipper
Matt says other attractions suffer from "Jungle Cruise syndrome"
Len would like to see a volcano themed attraction
Matt says with the Jungle Cruise movie coming out soon, he doesn't think it's going away
Mike Newell says Chester & Hester's Dinorama
Len says you can get rid of all of Dinoland while you're at it
Mike Scopa says there's no imagineering
Matt says all the Dumbo clones need to go
Len says Sounds Dangerous, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours and Magic of Disney Animation
Matt says the Backlot Tour can go with Magic of Disney Animation since real production at the Studios is gone
Mike Scopa says Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show needs to go
Mike Scopa would have rather seen restaurants, an expansion of Streets of America and possibly a different attraction
Matt doesn't think the stunt show is bad enough for it to be removed
Matt thinks Circle of Life has to go for it's preachiness
Mike Scopa says Mission:Space needs to go because he prefers attractions that have imagineering and not ones that are purely physical
Matt says there are some not-so-great attractions but thinks many don't need to go
Len thinks with the new change to Mission:Space with the non-spinning makes it better and it's not the worst attraction at Epcot

Running Time: 17:10

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Episode 167 Now Available

Wednesday, October 18 2006 @ 09:08 AM CDT

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 167 is now available for download.

Main Feed

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
Steve of FL confirmed you can store multiple Photopasses on one CD to purchase
Monique of MA wants to know where the song Making Memories came from
Len says it came from Magic Journeys film
Len says a copy can be found on the 1991 Official Album which might be able to be found on Ebay
James wants to know how crowded the Magic Kingdom is on days when they're taping the Christmas parade
Matt and Len said last year it wasn't that crowded there
Len says all the extra people there for the parade are stuck there from opening until 4 or 5 in the afternoon
Len recalls the wait times being not bad at all last year and it tends to be on a Saturday which is a good day to tour the Magic Kingdom
James also wants to know about crowd sizes for the first week of December
Len says Pop Warner will be down there (starting December 4) and there's a Performance Racing Industries outside of Walt Disney World which can all affect crowds
Matt mentions James might want to take a look at the Unofficial Guide crowd calendar for information on what to expect
Joe of IL wants to know about likelihood of him having counterfeit Disney pins
Len says it's possible to counterfeit them as the technology exists but doubts it is a counterfeit
Joe also liked Mike Scopa's article
Don wants driving directions to All Star Resort using the Western Way
Len recommends checking out Google Maps
Ryan of CT wants a touring plan for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party
Mike Scopa recommends seeing the Vilians show in front of the castle
Mike Scopa recommends not trying to do as many attractions as possible because you forfeit your position to see the parade, fireworks and getting candy
Mike Scopa by going on October 31st it will be crowded
Len doesn't think it will be that crowded because it's a Tuesday
Len says start with a clockwise rotation starting in Adventureland and you want to be out of Adventureland by 8pm
Ryan wants to know where to watch the parade
Mike Scopa says the best viewing spot is near the shortcut from Frontierland to Adventureland in Frontierland
Mike Scopa says the Jack Sparrow character at the parade is uncannily real looking
Len is impressed by the headless horseman
Lori wants to know if you can win more than one prize for Year of a Million Dreams
Mike Scopa doesn't recall a rule about not winning twice
Mike Scopa recommends re-reading the rules
Len mentions Christina will be at Mousefest

Running Time: 20:43

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Episode 166 Now Available

Monday, October 16 2006 @ 10:10 AM CDT

Contributed by: Matt

Episode 166 is now available for download.

Main Feed

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

Show Notes

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

Topics:

Jeff Baham
Jeff runs Doombuggies.com and Tellnotales.com
Jeff is a graphic designer and started Doombuggies.com as a means of teaching himself web design
Jeff started Doombuggies.com after a life long love of the Haunted Mansion
Jeff likes the user contributed content he's gotten
Jeff explains the different groups of people who visit Doombuggies.com
Jeff found all of the premier attractions when he was a kid have left an impression on him and Pirates of the Caribbean was very intriguing
Jeff finds the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland to be for the most part the same as the Walt Disney World version
Jeff finds the main difference to be a different feel for each Mansion
Jeff explains some of the minor differences
Jeff says there is a different story for the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Paris
Len thinks Pirates of the Caribbean is his top 3 attractions at Walt Disney World
Len thinks the Haunted Mansion is well detailed and the wait times aren't that bad
Len doesn't like that there is no narrative at Haunted Mansion
Len likes the Pepper's ghost effect
Len loves the pet cemetary
Jeff says the "ring" is not intentional
Jeff says there is a backstory to the Haunted Mansion and one story had to do with a sea captain killing himself
Jeff is working on something involving Walt Disney Records that will be released on October 31 for Doombuggies.com

Running Time: 22:15

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Episode 175 Now Available

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