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Show Notes

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

Topics:

• Magic Meets 2007 Preview
• Fred says there is no way to get tickets to the event at this point (no walkups, last minute tickets, etc)
• Fred tells us the topic of the speeches to be made at Magic Meets
  • Deb Wills is talking about the Disney Cruise Line
  • Dave Marx is talking about dining at Disney
  • Tim Foster is talking about a "virtual tour of Walt Disney World for kids of all ages"
  • Len is talking about touring the parks without a regimented schedule
  • Steve Barrett is talking about hidden mickeys
  • Sharla Whalen is talking about photographing at Walt Disney World
  • Lou Mongello is talking about Walt Disney World trivia as well as another speech about the Seven wonders of Walt Disney World
  • Annette Owens is talking about the benefits of using a travel agent
  • Becky King is talking about being a College Program Cast Member
  • Kevin Fonner is talking about "at home Imagineering"
• Mike Scopa is excited to see many speakers
• Fred explains that there are 11 break out sessions this year which is more than last year
• Fred says Sharla is also doing a post-meet scrapbooking session
• Matt says we will be broadcasting live from 2pm - 4pm Eastern time on July 14, 2007
• Mike Scopa thinks there will be a lot of new faces this year
• Mike Scopa is making a speech to everyone and gives a preview of his speech (We have tentative plans to broadcast Scopa's speech on Mouse World Radio)
• Fred explains about the Friday Night VIP Party
• Fred says you can send an email to fridaynight@magicmeets.com if you're attending the party and staying for 2 nights in the Radisson hotel under the group rate (Provide a reservation number in the email as well as name of two adults and city and state)
• Fred tells us what great giveaways are available to those who go to the VIP party
• Len tells us about Magic Meets in 2005 and his story about flying home

Running Time: 19:50

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Show Notes

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

• Listener Questions
• Jamie of NY wants to know where to go to eat with Mickey for a meal
• Mike Scopa recommends Chef Mickey's
• Jamie also knows how the birthday buttons work
• Matt says Disney doesn't check to actually see if it is your birthday
• Steve of FL wants to know if the mousefest activities are appropriate for kids
• Annette says many meets are simply riding rides as a group and there are some meets being organized for kids
• Matt says at the Mega Mouse meet there was a kids area
• Steve also wants to know what happens at the Mega Mouse Meet
• Mike Scopa says some of the events that goes on during the Mega Mouse Meet
• Roberto thanks us for the podcast
• Holly complains about the Haunted Mansion closing during the summer and thinks it should be closed during the off season and not in the summer
• Mike Scopa thinks there was poor planning and classic attractions shouldn't be closed between June and September
• Mike Newell says summer is the off season because Halloween is the real peak for Haunted Mansion
• Carol wants to know room number recommendations at Wilderness Lodge Concierge level
• Len says rooms 5005-5023; 5147-5165; 5035-5041; 6005-6023; 6147-6165; 6035-6041; 6123-6129
• Jeremy wants to know Easter occurances in the parks
• Matt says Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny appear for meet-n-greets in the Magic Kingdom
• Annette says there have been easter egg hunts at the Boardwalk
• Annette says in the UK Pavilion there was an Easter Bonnett festival
• Jeremy comments we need to make a WDW Today running shirt
• Kevin of CA comments that Mike Newell needs to always record our shows
• Kevin wants to know non-Disney destinations we can recommend
• Mike Newell used to go to the Bellz Outlet
• Matt says the Florida Mall is nice
• Mike Newell mentions there was a fire at Gatorland
• Christa of KY wants to know if there are taxis at Epcot
• Len suggests getting the number for the taxi service just in case there arent
• Matt says he's seen taxis in the bus parking lot
• Christa also wants to know if the Polynesian has gotten any better recently
• Len says he's received more than 4000 reader responses and only one complaint about the service at the Polynesian so it has gotten better
• Tony wants to know if he received a deal on tickets
• Annette says there was a package earlier this year that had a free upgrade to park hopping
• George of AZ wants to know if the AP has to be good for the entire length of stay if you book with an Annual pass discount
• Annette says it doesn't matter as long as it's active when you check in
• George also wants to know if it's ok if his annual pass expires to still use the Disney Dining Experience card
• Len says it's not a problem
• Scott of WI wants to know activities to do around Walt Disney World resorts
• Len says going to the pool is a great option
• Len also mentions getting his daughter's hair braided was fine
• Len suggests the surrey bikes at Boardwalk
• Mike Scopa likes the No Way Jose ice cream at Beaches 'n Cream
• Shaun wants to know about switching off with a baby
• Mike Scopa says Disney will allow it

Running Time: 28:33

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Hosts: Mike Scopa, Matt Hochberg & Mike Newell

Show Notes

• Ranking World Showcase
• Matt's Top 3 pavilions
  • United Kingdom
  • Japan
  • France
• Mike Scopa's Top 3 pavilions
  • America
  • Norway
  • Canada
• Mike Newell's Top 3 pavilions
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • Mexico
• Mike Newell's Worst 3 pavilions
  • France
  • America
  • Italy
• Matt's Worst 3 pavilions
  • China
  • Norway
  • Canada
• Mike Scopa Worst 3 pavilions
  • China
  • Japan
  • Italy

Running Time: 23:27

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Show Notes

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

Topics:

• July Fourth events
• List of July 4th, 2007 events
• Len advises staying toward the water side of Frontierland if you're in the area around noon so you don't get stuck
• Len thinks the first parade at the Magic Kingdom will be the better option
• Mike Scopa explains that Fantasy in the Sky is a mish-mash of Disney music but not as choreographed as Wishes
• Len mentions good spots to watch Spectromagic mentioned in Episode 272
• Len thinks the parks will close by 11am-2pm for crowds
• Len says July 4th isn't as bad as Easter or Christmas
• Len says if he was going on July 4th, he would go to Magic Kingdom then Epcot then back to the Magic Kingdom
• Matt says the Fourth of July fireworks at the Studios can be seen from anywhere in the park
• Len complains about the lack of bus service from the Studios to the Yacht & Beach Club
• Mike Scopa tells a story of July 4th from a few years ago
• Matt woulg to to either the Magic Kingdom for the Studios because those have shows that aren't show any other time of the year
• Mike Scopa says the Studios gets incredibly crowded on July fourth
• Len would take an afternoon break until 6 or 7pm
• Matt doesn't see any reason to go to Animal Kingdom on July fourth
• Mike Newell wonders if there is anything patriotic going on at the American pavillion in Epcot

Running Time: 18:28

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Show Notes

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

• Listener Questions
• Eileen of MA wants to know the best days to attend the water parks
• Len says the best days to attend the water parks are Sarurday and Sunday
• Len says Thursday is the busiest day for water parks
• Jeff of WI wants to know what music is played during Kiliminjaro Safari
• Mike Newell hasn't run across the track or the name of
• Mike Newell recommends the Disney Music Discussion Boards
• Colin of PA wants to know how the crowds are at Evening Extra Magic Hours or if he should avoid them
• Len says the crowds don't clear out until late
• Len advises Colin use a good morning strategy
• Len has found a good spots in Frontierland to watch Spectromagic
  • In front of a candy store with a pole to lean on with air conditioning blowing on you
• Len likes to watch Wishes near the Space Mountain bathrooms
• Matt comments on late FASTPASS's
• Richard of Manitoba, Canada wants to know how to get 4 rooms close together at Pop Century
• Len says Richard should request 4 adjoining rooms
• Chris wants to know about the morning schedule on Mouse World Radio
• Mike Newell says what time the morning loop starts is dependent on what played before it
• A listener wants to know if we think theer will be a DVC resort in Disneyland
• Mike Newell says he can use his DVC points to stay at the Disneyland Hotel right now but wouldn't mind to stay at a Disneyland DVC resort
• Mike Newell doesn't think there's enough land for a DVC resort in Disneyland
• Jen of MD wants to know the best rooms in the Garden View category at the Grand Floridian
• Len says these rooms are best...
  • 72-11, 72-13, 72-15, 72-17, 17-19, 17-21
  • 73-11, 73-13, 73,-15, 73-17, 73-19, 73-21
  • 74-11, 74-13, 74-15, 74-17, 74-19, 74-21
• Kelly of TX wants to know how to go to the Magic Kingdom on an Extra Magic Hour morning if she's staying off site
• Len recommends skipping the first 4 or 5 steps and go back later on to catch up with FASTPASS or during parades
• Brian of IL complains about the on-ride photo quality of the pictures
• Matt doesn't buy the photos
• Len heard a rumor for Photopass
• Joey of TX wants to know the best resort for a child of 5 years old
• Mike Scopa thinks Pop Century
• Matt thinks All Star Movies would be a good option because of the movie icons
• Janice of Ontario, Canada wants to know which restaurant that require two table service meals is worth it
• Matt likes Jiko
• Len would go to Flying Fish or Yachtsman Steakhouse
• Ray Kastner wants to know if Matt was at Walt Disney World during Presidents Week
• Matt says he was at the parks on President's Day
• Ray prefers June over President's Week
• Paula wants to know if there is a problem with bed bugs at Disney resorts
• Len says it's a rumor and hasn't run into any bed bugs
• Sandy of WA wants to know if the Haunted Mansion is closed for her July trip
• Mike Scopa says the Haunted Mansion is closed and wont reopen until October
• Stephanie of MI wants to know where her neice can meet Tinkerbell
• Matt says you can't meet Tinkerbell
• Mike Scopa says you can see Tinkerbell during the parade at Pirate & Princess Party
• Mike Newell mentions you can see Tinkerbell during Wishes
• Matt explains how to wake up Tinkerbell
• Mike Scopa mentions we met Margaret Kerry
• Keith of NY wants to know what the dates are for Mickey's Not So Scarry Halloween Party and if he should dress up
• Mike Scopa says the dates are online
• Len thinks it's too hot to dress up
• Matt dressed up last year and recommends it
• Jeff of WI wants to know what he should expect going during the summer months
• Len recommends arriving at the parks early and taking an afternoon nap
• Mike Scopa recommends avoiding the park between 12-4pm
• Mike Scopa suggests changing the times you eat

Running Time: 29:21

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Hosts: Mike Scopa, Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell & Stacey Aswad

Show Notes

• Stacey
• Video of the Walt Disney World Top 7 show
• Stacey's film she's starring in: "Me & You, Us, Forever"
• No show notes, you gotta listen

Running Time: 35:22

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Show Notes

Hosts: Mike Scopa, Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell & Deb Wills

Topics:

• Cruising on the Mediterranean
• Deb explains how the Mediterranean cruise is different from the Caribbean cruises
• Deb says she really looked forward to Rome
• Deb says Michaelangelo's David was amazing
• Deb learned France is the number 4 supplier of olive oil in the world
• Deb was not expective to love the south of France but really enjoyed her time there
• Deb says some of the tour guides wasn't good at counting folks and says there was some confusion once off the boat
• Deb says there was a new story called "the art of story" and had mixed feelings about the show
• Deb says another new show is fantastic
• Deb says the Disney Dreams show has been upgraded
• Deb says there were families on the cruise but the cruise is great for anyone who is interested in the classical civilizations
• Matt says you can read Deb's blog entries

Running Time: 18:20

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Show Notes

Hosts: Mike Scopa, Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell & Deb Wills
Topics:

• Listener Questions
• Ray Kastner of WI mentions that Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages should be available to book
• Maj. Bill Fox wants to know how to listen to our podcast from somewhere other than iTunes
• Mike Scopa suggests our MySpace page
• Matt suggests Odeo or Podnova
• Eric of CT explains fried dough pizza
• Roger of ME wanst recommendations for books or websites about Walt Disney World backstories
• Matt suggests Doombuggies
• Deb suggests the Imagineering guides
• Mike Scopa suggests Tell no tales
• Henry wants to know if he should get the dining plan or pay as he go
• Deb says Henry has a huge kitchen and could have breakfast in their room
• Deb says it also depends on how they eat and how many whole meals they want
• Mike Scopa thinks perhaps Henry wont use all of his dining credits if he was on the dining plan
• Mike Scopa says it depends on the people
• Matt says if you have a room with a full kitchen, you want to take advantage of it
• Bob Hovorka wants to know if we have any new favorite desserts
• Deb loves the chocolate souflee at Palo on the Disney Cruise Line
• Deb also likes the fried oreos at Boma
• Mike Scopa likes the whiskey cake at Le Cellier
• Martin McIntosh suggests those going down to Disney for the summer invest in an instant ice pack for every day of your trip
• Deb says they also sell gel packs that you can place around your neck
• Laura of NJ wants to know if she should stay at Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside
• Deb would stay at French Quarter because it is the first bus stop and because of the nice pool
• Deb warns there is no sit down restaurant at French Quarter
• Matt recommends building 5 at French Quarter
• Jeff Jobes of NC shares a story of winning a Year of a Million Dreams contest
• Scott explains why the tornado scene in the Great Movie Ride wasn't included
• Christina of NY wants to know if the first week in December is crowded and if she should go to the second week instead
• Mike Scopa says immediatley following Thanksgiving is a good choice and the next week is Mousefest and Mike Scopa says there are also lots of other conventions in town for the first few weeks of December
• Matt recommends coming down for Mousefest
• Matt suggests checking out Len's crowd calendar
• Christina also wants to know if she should go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on a weekday
• Mike Scopa says it will be less crowded and could be cheaper
• Deb says the party is on the expensive side and says it's not worth it to go if you want to just do attractions
• Terry wants to know attractions to do at night
• Deb says the Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain, Test Track
• Mike Scopa suggests Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror or TTA
• Deb also says the Monorail into Epcot is cool at night
• John of MN mentions all of the movies shown in the Great Movie Ride queue are in the attraction
• Mike of IL wants to know if there will be a Halloween Party at the Disney-MGM Studios
• Mike Scopa says if it was going to happen this year, we would have heard about it by now
• Matt says this rumor is quickly becoming an old one
• Jannie of UT wants to know how many days do you need to do all of the holiday stuff around Christmas
• Deb says the resorts have great theming
• Jannie also wants to know the best resort for holiday decorations
• Matt likes the decorations at Boardwalk
• Deb says the Grand Floridian is magnificent
• Deb says the moderate resorts have nice displays and change more often
• Mike Scopa says the tree at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is great
• Matt says the Dolphin had an amazing Christmas Tree that was huge last year
• Mike Scopa says a 5-6 days to see it all for Christmas
• Kathy of KY wants to know about cruising solo on the Disney Cruise line if we have any tips
• Deb says the best price for cruises are when cruises are announced
• Deb talks about cruising solo

Running Time: 31:13

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Hosts: Mike Scopa, Matt Hochberg & Mike Newell

Show Notes

• Dining 101
• Mike Scopa says there are dining options for all types of people
• Mike Scopa says there is table service restaurants, quick service meals, food courts and snacks
• Matt says there are regular table service meals
• Mike Newell explains what a character meal is
• Mike Scopa explains what a family style meal is
• Matt says there is a very formal meal at Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian
• Mike Scopa explains how Victoria and Albert's works
• Mike Scopa talks about what a great deal Trails End is
• Matt explains what an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) is
• Mike Scopa says if you want to make a reservation for a restaurant, you make an ADR for a time, then show up a little before your ADR and once you show up, they will give you the first available table for your party size from that point on
• Mike Scopa recommends getting 15 minutes before your ADR to ensure you are sitting down at your table by the time you made your ADR for
• Matt says there is a 180 day window for making a reservation for most restaurants
• Matt says ADR's are necessary because of how busy the restaurants can get
• Matt says you can make an ADR by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE
• Matt says special events require a credit card hold for dining reservations
• Mike Scopa says when free dining is offered, it's very difficult to eat on the whim and just walk up to a restaurant for that trip so it's important to make ADR's in advance of your trip
• Matt says there are also counter service restaurants, food courts and snacks

Running Time: 18:49

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Show Notes

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

Topics:

• Deciding where to stay
• Len says staying off site is cheaper
• Len says during off season, you can get a hotel room for as little as $35-40 per night
• Matt says restaurants off site are cheaper than at Walt Disney World and staying off site allows easy access to those restaurants
• Mike Scopa mentions some off site hotels offer free breakfast
• Len says for the best deals on hotels, sites like Expedia and Orbitz don't offer the best rates but rather, sites like Mousesavers or AllEars have great deals
• Mike Scopa says the Holiday Inn Family Suites were popular in the 1990's
  • Matt thinks it became the Nickelodean Suites
• Matt says never stay at a Howard Johnson
• Mike Scopa says staying onsite is great for people who don't want to rent a car and can rely on the Disney transportation system
• Matt says proximity to the parks is an advantage of staying on Disney property
• Matt says also staying on property affords you a standard level of great service at the hotels
• Len says the theming is better at Walt Disney World resorts
• Mike Scopa says on site guests receive access to Extra Magic Hours
• Matt mentions on site guests also get Disney's Magical Express for free
• Mike Scopa says eating on site affords guests a variety of better restaurants to eat at
• Mike Scopa says by staying on site you can have packages sent back to your room
• Mike Scopa says staying off site alllows you easy access to non-Disney Orlando attractions
• Len says the Downtown Disney hotels are slightly cheaper than the Disney resorts although they don't have the level of theming or as great a bus service as Disney
• Matt mentions only the Hilton resort at Downtown Disney participates in Extra Magic Hours
• Matt says there are four classes of on site resorts; value, moderate, deluxe and Disney Vacation Club
• Matt thinks cost is the first determination in which class of resort to stay at
• Mike Scopa says proximity to the parks is a factor in deciding on a resort and says the closer you are to the parks, the higher the cost generally
• Mike Scopa says dining options also factor into the decision process
• Matt says we recorded shows about resort recommendations: part 1 | part 2

Running Time: 19:09