On Stranger Tides (though hardly on any tides at all!)

Yes, if you actually are a reader of this blog lately you're saying "what? You haven't even finished your last blogging project!" In fact, you're probably saying "you never finish any of your projects!!!"
I know. I know. Honestly, I swear I do. I just tend to finish the ones that provide food for my children first . . . and the others, well, I get around to them eventually.

But I will post the last installment of The Mongello Project soon. As well as a sort-of "Springer's Final Thought" about that whole week, which is now two weeks gone by! Whoops!
But I wanted to weigh in on Pirates 4 while it's still somewhat fresh in my mind.

A lot of online fanboys and would-be Roger Eberts have been slamming it pretty hard. I don't get it. I suppose there is a simple explanaion: they aren't really fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies anyway.
And if you're not, you probably won't like it. But if you are . . . you're probably going to have a great time watching it! Especially in 3D!

Is it the best of the series? No. But I'd say it is pretty close to tied with At World's End for my second favorite of the series. If I were to list them in order of favorite to least-so, it would probably look like this:

1. Curse of the Black Pearl
2. At World's End
3. On Stranger Tides
4. Dead Man's Chest

Ok, honestly I'd make Dead Man's Chest # 5 and hope the 5th installment is good enough to fill that fourth spot, if not push one of the others even lower. I admit I'm not a big fan of the second flick. If you cut the whole cannibal island sequence out, there's a good chance I'd look more fondly upon it. But it was just too long and that scene did nothing to serve the story, except to maybe explain why a few crewmembers from Black Pearl weren't around any more!
By the time it got to the good stuff . . . Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman. . . I was so exhausted I had a hard time sticking with it. And I still don't understand the rules of that dice game they played! None-the-less, I'm not saying I hate the movie, it's just not one I've watched multiple times.

But back to On Stranger Tides . . . is it a great cinematic epic achievement. No. But it's full of action and excitement. And I laughed out loud numerous times throughout, and for me that's saying something. Johnny Depp has officially morphed into Jack Sparrow, or vice versa. And we as fans have completely bought in. To the point where I find myself laughing as simple facial ticks, because I can almost hear what he's thinking . . . and it's funny!

Now . . . SPOILER ALERT . . . as they say on the interwebs . . .

It has it's weak points. It seemed like a cool idea that Blackbeard zombified his officers to make them more compliant, but they really didn't act like zombies. They were just ugly. They didn't seem to be under any kind of enchantment at all. They still seemed to be doing their own thimking, speaking, etc, so why add that? Not too mention, if you buy into that idea, wouldn't it make more sense to zombifie the crew?
And on the subject of Blackbeard, I will admit as a fan of actual pirate history and lore, this Blackbeard left me wanting. Ian McShane looks great in the part, but the performance just didn't quite hit the notes of bloodthirsty, soul-less monster he was said to be and I wanted to see portrayed. In life, Edward Teach would have made Jack Sparrow quake in his boots even more than Tentacle faced Davy Jones & Skeleton-man Barbosa put together.

However . . . it did occur to me halfway through that this Blackbeard is nearing the end of his life . . . rapidly in fact. So perhaps in his defense he had mellowed, a bit, and wouldn't be quite the monster he was in his prime.

The other little issue that stuck in my craw; on the piece of the map that Jack reveals at the end of At World's end, isn't the location of the Fountain of Youth implied to be in Florida? Which, by the way is where I thought most believe it would have been, were it real? Maybe I'm remembering wrong but I swear the camera zooms in on the map and it's clearly our beloved SouthEastern-most state.

And lastly, the flick is called On Stranger Tides but it seemed like 80% of it took place on land! What tides are we talking about?!?!

Anyway, all that aside, it's little stuff. The movie is a ton of fun and well worth the price of admission. And, while I am skeptical about the current deluge of 3D conversions, I loved seeing it in 3D. Does it really add anything to the movie? Not to the story, but I'll say while you won't miss anything if you see the 2D version, you might get a couple more thrills if you pop for the glasses!

I also really enjoyed Captain Barbossa's story arch. I daresay I'd almost pay to watch an entire movie just about the continuing adventures of Captain Hector Barbossa! He is a great character and I remember the reaction of the entire audience, myself included, when he came clomping down those stairs, ressurected at the end of Dead Man's Chest. I think it is time for a spin-off.

So rest easy, my Pirates (and Disney in general) fans and friends. If you haven't seen it, do! Don't wait for the DVD or Blu-Ray. See it on a big screen as it's meant to be seen. Don't listen to the mundane critics out there. I walked out of the theater feeling excited and entertained and already hungry for the next installment, which I predict there will be. Jerry Bruckheimer is already having a script written. And why not? For those keeping count, there have been 25 James Bond movies and they've been pretty darn successful! I think at least 5 Jack Sparrow flicks would be permissible! The only caution, never recast Capt. Jack as they do 007.
When Johnny finally says no more, that will be the nail in ol' Jack Sparrow's coffin.

Perhaps I am biased of course due to a connection to the source material, but what's wrong with that??? No apologies, just like a pirate.

Day 4: "Lou Spin Me Right Round, Baby Right Round, Like a Record Baby . . .

The WDW Radio Show – Episode 119 – Originally aired May 17, 2009

The radio dial intro is all over the place, but include a couple familiar jingles from the past. Most notably “Little Orange Bird” by hate-monger and former Miss America Anita Bryant. Wait, I’m sorry that’s not fair . . . she never was Miss America. She lost.

I can tell almost immediately that I’m going to love this one because Lou announces there’s to be a Top 10 with Tim Foster. Always entertaining.

News and Rumors: The BIG news comes from D23. They are rolling out a series of events in addition to the coming inaugural D23 convention in Anaheim. Including an event called “Up all Night” at the El Capitan theater which would allow guests to see an advanced screening of PIXAR’s new film Up.

There’s a pin event. Something to do with Mary Poppins, including one in my hometown Chicago since Mary just flew in here too. A number of others I won’t type out here. You can listen.

I have to come clean here. I am not a member of D23. When it was first announced I was really excited. But when the details were unveiled I was greatly disappointed. I know a lot of people are saying “but you get access to buy exclusive merchandise and buy tickets to exclusive events!”

So in other words it’s an opportunity to spend more money for the privilege of spending more money?

And as for the events, I wouldn’t be able to attend most if not all of them. So basically I’d be paying $75 for 4 magazines a year.

I realize some people love being members and I don’t put that down. I understand it. I still often feel that tug at my heart that I’m NOT a member of the officially community. There is a sense of feeling “left out.” But I’ve just decided I can live with that, until they start offering a few more benefits to the club that I can’t live without.

The Disney Store Online is now selling theme park merchandise, including Mickey ears, pins, clothes, etc.

I have noticed that the selection is pretty limited even now two years later. I really want that monorail warning in Spanish shirt!!! And there’s a new one I saw on FB that says “Real Men wear Mickey Ears!” WANT IT!!!

The Virgin Mega-store is closing. Always kinda wondered if they were doing enough business to afford what I imagine was premium rent in DTD.

Let’s get to it . . . The TOP TEN ATTRACTION THEME SONGS!

Although Lou starts with his Top 10 nicknames for Tim Foster. “Bananas, Freckles, Samantha Brown, . . .”

The boys are kind of all over the place on this one, and understandably so. There’s so much to choose from, between four parks. I’ll try to just hit some highlights. I’m not going to bury the lead either, there really is no Top Ten. These two list roughly their top 214 songs from the parks here. Even when Lou tries to give a definitive 10, he is completely derailed. So if you’re reading this hoping for an orderly, even list . . . sorry.

They decide to go park to park, but Lou kicks it off right in the Magic Kingdom and with arguably the best composers, especially of Disney music, The Sherman Brothers.

Lou’s first pick is “TheTiki Room.” The original of course, not the current Iago “Never Had a Friend” version. Although I guess that’s not even current since Iago has since been barbequed!

Tim follows with . . . “It’s a Small World.” I admit, he’s right. It belongs on the list. I could live the rest of my life without ever riding it again (unless they finally add characters like Disneyland did) but the song is a classic. And if you actually delve into the lyrics it is a good song.

Since Lou educates as well as entertains, I learned from this segment that the title of “Grim Grinning Ghosts” was actually lifted from a William Shakespeare poem, Venus and Adonis.

“Hard-favour’d tyrant, ugly, meagre, lean,

Hateful divorce of love,’—thus chides she Death,—

‘Grim-grinning ghost, earth’s worm, what dost thou mean

To stifle beauty and to steal his breath

Lou says one of his favorites is the “Swiss-a-polka!” Man that’s kind of a thin one but ok, it’s original!

Lou also goes with Country Bear Jamboree, which admittedly is full of good ones. And written by Tex Ritter, father of the great John Ritter!

There is some contention between whether “Now is the Time” or “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” should make it in, since they are from the same attraction. Believe it or not, I have never seen the show in the GBBT incarnation. Haven’t seen it since I was a kid and that was during NITT. I still hear that chorus in my head. So I’m a little partial to it. When I was a kid we’d always go straight into Tomorrowland and ride Misison to Mars first, and the over to Carousel of Progress, my dad’s two favorites.

As for Epcot Lou suggests Soarin’, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, Oscar winning composer. Now, don’t know if this should count as it’s more of a score than a song but it is Lou’s podcast, his list, his rules. And it is awesome music! Lou’s bit of trivia: Goldsmith said after actually seeing Soarin’ he would have scored it for free. (Of course I’m assuming he didn’t return the check!)

Again, another conflict, this time in Epcot. “Tomorrow’s Child” vs. “If We Can Dream It.” At least they’re from separate attractions. Do you know which??

Tim picks “We Go On” from Illuminations. Boy am I a pathetic Disney fan! I did not know that was the name of the song!

Lou picks three from Imgination. The theme from Honey I Shrunk the Audience. “Another Part of Me” from Captain EO. And of course, the great Sherman Brother’s creation, “One Little Spark.” That should be at the top of the list for me. As Lou says, they wrote it as a theme song for people. I love it. If I did my own list, it would definitely be up in the top 3, if not #1.

The boys had some difficulty with Hollywood Studios because most of the attractions actually use previously released music. Tower of Terror, uses recycled Twilight Zone and Disney music. Rock & Roller Coaster . . . duh. Lou says Star Tours uses original music. I guess I don’t know enough about Star Wars in general to weigh in. I’m a super hero geek, not a sci-fi geek.

At Animal Kingdom, Lou goes for Big Blue World from Finding Nemo the Musical. I haven’t seen this show, but I do know the song and I can agree. I had a hard time watching Finding Nemo the movie even before I was a father. Now that I have two young kids, forget about it. Don’t know if I could handle the live show either. Lou even bought the CD at a souvenir kiosk right after the show the first time he saw it, which he “never does.”

As the boys say, Animal Kingdom has some of the greatest background music flowing through the park. However, that doesn’t count here.

Tim takes a strange turn and tries to include some music from the Wilderness Lodge, but fortunately Lou immediately vetoes him. This is music IN the parks!!! Nice try Tim “Dancing with Wolves” Foster!

(You’ll have to listen to the show to get that one.)

They more or less wrap it up after that, although Lou is still thinking of more music as the segment fades out . . .

Walt Disney World Trivia time! This week’s trivia prize is very specific and really can only be utilized by a limited number of people, due to geography. Lou has secured tickets to The Little Mermaid and The Lion King on Broadway!

The Questions are as follows:

1. What was the name and proposed location for a magic themed restaurant in a Disney theme park? (If you’ve been following my blog this week, you already know!)

2. On a daily Disney diary video, Lou completed a list of questions at the Italy pavilion as part of the Italian Liberation Day celebration and went to collect a prize, which he thought would be a cruise, but was really what? ( I actually remember this video, but don’t remember the prize.)

3. Name all 3D films that have played in WDW theme parks.

4. When Pecos Bills Tall Tale Inn was refurbed in 98 in took over space from what establishment, and what audio-animatronic characters could once be found inside? (I don’t remember the name, but wasn’t it the three heads from Country Bear Jamboree?)

5. Name a place you can still find reference to Roger Rabbit in a WDW park.

That’s all the time we have . . .

The next Meet of the Month was going to be at the Studios, June 6^th during Star Wars Weekend. I can’t remember if the upcoming Star Tours refurb had already been announced at this point.

It’s funny to note that I don’t even notice the Facebook and Twitter plugs these days but they stand out now that I’ve spent most of this week in past casts. In the first 3 podcasts I’ve blogged about this week, I don’t recall a word about Facebook, Twitter, etc. They both would have been in their very early stages. Heck I think Mark Zuckerberg was still trying to figure out how to rip off those weird twins when Lou first started WDW Radio!

So that’s about it. A number of nice voicemails complimenting Lou and the show but nothing too notable. Although this is the second appearance in my week of Lou that Josh, a highly energetic (and oft out of breath) fan called in. Something tells me this was far from his second call though!

This was kind of a long one but a good one. Sorry it took so long to get it on the blog. Time got away from me, and Blogger was down most of Friday anyway! SOmething tells me nobody noticed anyway! ; )

Day 3: WIth or Without Lou

The WDW Radio Show – Episode 60 – Originally aired March 30, 2008

The intro includes a mix of World Showcase music and audio from Animal Kingdom. I already have a feeling I’m going to like this one!

As Lou begins to speak we hear that he is recording live outside somewhere. Indeed he is in World Showcase and it’s the Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. Kind of ironic since it’s going on right now there as I’m listening.

This is also the year of a Million Dreams and before his first interview, Lou plays audio of Cast Members on the Disney Dream Squad discussing how great their job is, as if we didn’t know! Its interspersed with audio of kids talking about their dreams. Also has a clip of Scoop Sanderson who was just mentioned in last week’s (2011) podcast about Steetmosphere. What’s killing me is the music behind the voices which I remember from that campaign and it’s making the hair on my arms stand up. I love it. Disney knows how to get to us, even with simple background music. Man, I want a recording of this. Still, the adult contemporary Celebrate You music they played on some commercials and the free vacation planning DVD a couple years ago was favorite. Not, however, the Corbin Blue version (I think I spelled his name wrong – he spells it like the cheese right?)

Lou’s first guest is Carrie Schoen, Manager of the Disney Dream Squad. It is mentioned, but really needed not be that she has the greatest job in the world.

I really thought this was a great promotion, and clearly must have been considered a success by Disney standards since they extended it. The interview is really great but it’s lengthy and I’m not going to repost every great little snippet. I’ll just hit a couple highlights and my own thoughts.

I must admit I’m a little sensitive about this subject because we went to Disneyland towards the tail end of this celebration, November 2008, and there was a brief moment where I was certain we were getting a Dream! A Cast Member came over and began talking to us. She saw that my mom uses a cane and we had rented an ECV for her. The CM made sure we knew where the special entrances to attractions were, etc. Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a stack of folded up pieces of papers which she started sorting through. My heart started racing. I was getting the sweats. I was sure this was it! We were getting one! Then, she put the papers back in her pocket, smiled to us and said “have a wonderful time” and walked away. Wa-wa-waaaah!!!

Anyway, I will go into this segment with an unbiased opinion!

The CM’s never knew where they were going or what they were giving away ahead of time. They literally found out minutes before. It was a truly random process. Guess that kept it fair. She does kind of imply that she as the manager got to pick which prize she would give away when she would decide to go out and do a giveaway herself.

Two of her favorite Dreams awarded were giving a young family with two little boys a free membership into the Disney Vacation Club. For the next 48 years they’ve got their resorts covered. That would be like hitting the lottery to me! The other was a younger girl was there with her grandparents because her parents had to work and she was awarded a trip to Europe via Adventures by Disney. Carrie said she got to be involved when they called her mother, a teacher in her classroom, to give her the new. That’s pretty sweet.

Being on the Dream Squad was a temporary gig. Most members only were involved a couple months, in order to rotate more CM’s through and let as many be a part of it as possible. She said it was actually heartbreaking to tell some CM’s they’re time on the Squad was over. I can imagine. As she said, some days she drives home saying to herself “I can’t believe this is my job! I can’t believe I just did that today!”

She receives numerous letters and emails from guests thanking them. They are all filed in what is nicknamed “the feel good” file. Aww . . . that’s a little too sweet! ; )

He ends the segment with the continuation of that audio of the Dream Squad members talking over the music. Gettin’ me again!

Lou’s next segment is not an interview, but it is a special guest. He plays audio of a special journey on Kilimanjaro Safari with Director of Animal Operations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, John Lehnhardt. Instead of the usual tour narration or storyline, John is giving a special tour explaining secrets of the savannah and how they care for the animals. The truck even goes off the tour path to show areas guests usually never see.

I’ve seen enough Travel Channel specials to know about the hidden borders and blockades the Imagineers have hidden throughout the safari. But in this segment there are a lot of great “Did you knows . . . ?” specifically about the animals themselves. They’ll make for sounding like a real know-it-all to your family next time you, and by you I mean me, go!

I must confess I haven’t ridden the safari in a while. The last couple visits we just didn’t for whatever reason. Listening to this I will make certain we do next time.

Did you know they have two pairs of lions, male and female that they rotate? Sometimes they rotate them in the same day. Sometimes it’s every other day. Sometimes a pair will go for days at a time. Guess depends on Simba’s mood.

They have enough land that they actually “lose” elephants from time to time.

The Nile crocodiles were shipped FedEx! Now that would have made the movie Castaway far more interesting!

You’re likely to see ostrich eggs in nests along the tour. But did you know that those eggs are actually replicas created by Imagineers? However, the ostriches do in fact lay eggs constantly. The problem was they’re all female so the eggs never get fertilized, and the Cast Members discovered the rhinos were kicking the eggs around and smashing them all over the place. So the keepers go in and collect the eggs before the rhinos can have their next soccer game. The artificial eggs are to keep the ostriches laying!

Of course, it’s begs the question, if they’re not breeding the ostriches in the park, why do they need them to keep laying? What are they doing with the eggs? Not to be a conspiracy nut, but if you saw Jurassic Park you may remember the dinosaur embryos gestated inside unfertilized ostrich eggs!!! Could it be Disney is trying to take Dinoland to a whole new level . . . ?!?!

Did you know the climate in Orlando is very similar to East Africa, therefore the animals adapt quite well? However they did build “Hurricane Ride Out” areas for the animals just in case. But even in winter the animals don’t really have too much trouble with the temps.

Did you know, at least at the time, the largest elephant at the Animal Kingdom was named Big Willy, and he weighed 13,000 lbs.?

Did you know as of the recording of this segment in the early spring of 2008, Disney’s Animal Kingdom had raised over $11,000,000 for wildlife conservation?

This segment is just really great. It’s like being on the safari. If you’ve done the ride before you can see everything in your head as John’s speaking. I was driving to pick up pizza as I was listening to part of it so I purposely hit a few potholes and drove up over a couple yards, just to really live the experience. Still, not sure how my Honda would hold up on the Kilimanjaro road.

Now back to Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival! The theme that year was Fun in the Sun! Lou describes some of the numerous character topiaries, such as Goofy with a beach ball, Stitch as a lifeguard, the Peter Pan gardens, etc. He then goes into the construction of a topiary . . . zzzzzzz . . . oh sorry . . . I’m up!

The Chinese pavilion decided to ignore the theme (surprise) and did the Chinese Zodiac in topiaries.

France had perfume bottle shaped topiaries.

What I really found interesting was the explanation of Disney’s “Good bug / Bad bug” policy. They release 8 species of “good bugs” throughout the park which are harmless and don’t bother us humans. But they devour the bad bugs which would otherwise have a field day on the horticulture and likely the food in the park. God bless the lady bug!

Interesting tidbit: This is now my 3^rd podcast from the WDW Radio Show archive, and this was the first time I noticed Lou say what has somewhat become his catch phrase: “like I said.” I’ve often mused there could be a Lou Mongello drinking game where every time Lou says “like I said” you take a shot. You better listen right before bed though, or at least a point where you’re done driving or operating heavy machinery for the day, just to be safe.

So no News & Rumors on this one, but two really interesting segments that I would highly recommend you go back and give a listen. It’s pretty amazing how good Lou is at this. I’ve listened to numerous WDW podcasts, but this one is absolutely the best. The production values are the highest. It’s always consistent. And Lou is a smooth professional who was clearly born for a microphone in front of his mouth.

I really recommend doing this same project to all of you. Spend a week in the show, especially if you’re someone like me who can’t get to the world but once every couple years. This is about as good a proxy as you can get!

Well, this and Bill Burke’s Mousejunkies! Look for Mousejunkies 2 coming soon!!! Sorry guys, I always plug Bill's book. It's awesome if you're a fellow "sufferer!"

Well Mousketeers, fire up the DeLorean, because I believe tomorrow we blast ahead into the future again!

Day 2: "Here I am, stuck in the middle with Lou!"

The WDW Radio Show – Episode 9 - Originally aired April 8, 2007

The sliding radio dial intro ends on “The Dreamfinder” singing One Little Spark but then he begins to talk and sing about the WDW Radio Show and Lou. It’s obviously an impersonator. Probably that Dichter guy again, I assume. This is a much better impression, btw.

Lou announces its going to be a train themed show.

It’s funny to hear “from Scotch Plains, NJ” again since Lou relocated last year.

WDW has set attendance records again. Lou says nice to see tourism rebounding since 9/11. Little does he know the country is months from the worst financial meltdown since the Great Depression. I worked in the mortgage industry at this time. April ’07 was a dark month for us, and we were the first ones off the boats and on the beach, so to speak. The good news is there will be lots of free dining plans coming! Gotta find the silver lining!

Lou says Epcot will have themed character meet and greets, Chip & Dale in an energy themed area, Pluto in a Land themed area, Minnie in a Communication area. Really??? Did I miss these? The only character area I saw was that one big one that’s a jumble of background activity painted on a set. Admittedly I have only really glanced while running to Soarin’!

The Hoop De Doo Revue is closed two nights a week for a refurb of the floors. To which I say “whoop de do.” Just kidding. I’ve never even seen it.

Lou mentions changes at Pleasure Island. They removed the west end stage and are widening the walking areas to accommodate more foot traffic. Lou actually says “I’d expect to see a very different Pleasure Island from what you may remember.” He has no idea! Wish I could call 2007 Lou to let him know what was about to happen. R.I.P. Adventurer’s Club. : (

Not to mention R.I.P. to P.I. in 2011.

Plays a voicemail of a listener who got to ride a preview of Gran Fiesta (ironic that this would be my second cast of the week and it mentions Gran Fiesta again!) It’s a favorable one. He feels much the way I do. It’s cute. You wouldn’t wait more than 10 minutes, if that, for it, but it makes for a nice break. And kids love it. Heck, I’d take it over It’s a Small World any day!!! Yes, I heard your gasps!!!

Disney has announced a new Illuminations schedule, adding a second late show during evening EMH. Do they still do this? I don’t recall (as if I’m still in Epcot that late, it means I’m “drinkin’ round the World” and therefore the details are tad hazy! Ask me about the time a whole set of engraved drinking glasses arrived at my door a week after a night in Epcot!)

Disney has added same-sex unions at the wedding pavilion and on the ships. Disney exec said “we’re not in the business of making lifestyle judgments about our guests. We’re about hospitality.” Of course, there also about taking any one’s money that’s willing to give it. Either way it’s fine with me.

Just announced, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13 K nighttime marathon. I’m not a runner, unless chased, but the description sounds awesome. Begins and ends at the Tower, sending runners on a path around “Disney - MGM Studios.” I’d love to have even been a cheering spectator. Does this still happen? Haven’t heard of it since.

After news and rumors, Lou plays a portion of Walt’s dedication speech from Disneyland. Gives me a chill every time. Love that speech. Especially when it’s played at the start of the parade at DL set to the song Welcome from Brother Bear.

Lou’s special interview this week is with Michael Broggie, son of original Imagineer Roger Broggie and author of Walt Disney’s Railroad Story & chairman of Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. As a kid Michael got to spend a lot of time around Walt, working on model trains and at family functions. Michael tells a number of great stories about the man Walt Disney and how fun and down to Earth he was. Mentions Walt was quite a cusser and didn’t really hold his tongue even when kids were around. I love hearing little humanizing details like this. “Walt liked guys and gals who liked trains.” Michael and his brother were the short kids, Walt was the tall kid.

Never talked to kids like kids. As a children’s writer, I love this. It’s something I endeavor to do and sometimes struggle with. Walt talked to kids at “eye-level.”

Walt had a liquor bar and an ice cream bar. He’d make drinks for the adults and sundaes for the kids. Love it. Name a studio head or any corporate multi-millionaire CEO who does this today! They may be out there, but you sure wouldn’t know it.

Walt is known for not giving direct compliments, but when Michael was a little older; Walt was talking to him alone just before the opening of Disneyland and said “you know your dad is a genius. Disneyland would not have happened without him.” Imagine hearing that about your old man!

Michael refers to Disneyland as Walt’s gift to the world, and his train was the ribbon around the gift. I like that analogy.

He also tells of how before Walt died he told Roy he couldn’t retire. He had to finish Disney World. And how it was Roy who said after Walt died it was to be called Walt Disney World. Michael made the comment that he still will not ever refer to it as simply Disney World. It is Walt Disney World. It’s a tribute and legacy to Walt. And he makes a good point that I intend to make sure I follow going forward.

Anyway, it is a great interview and I could just keep pulling nuggets out but that could go on for pages. Look it up and listen to it. And Lou did say before hand that it was a truncated version and he was putting the entire, unedited interview on the site. I definitely want to check it out.

Next up: A DSI: Disney Scene Investigation with Jeff Pepper. This is a big deal to me for a couple reasons. The DSI segments are always a favorite of mine, and especially with Jeff because the first episode I ever listened to was a DSI on Peter Pan’s Flight with Jeff and Lou. This particular one was a little different. You really get a sense of how the segment has evolved. In this early version, it’s just Jeff more or less describing the ride and rattling off facts along with some sound effects from the ride. It’s on the Train Station on Main St., by the way. It’s ok, but lacks something that current DSI’s have when there’s actual discussion between the two of them. It’s more engaging now, but it’s still nice to hear this infant version.

Listener Emails: A writer named Bobby says if you plan on attending Food & Wine the Disney Dining plan is imperative so you can use your snack credits at the festival.

Another email says they prefer to spend less on a resort since they’re barely in the room and last time they stayed at All Star Music. It was fine, but where does Lou recommend staying when you don’t want to splurge on the room. In other words, what’s the best Value resort? I actually say the answer just before Lou does. Pop Century, hands down! I have to admit I haven’t stayed at any of the 3 All Stars and I’m not opposed to it someday if it turns out that way. But we stayed at Pop on our last trip and loved it. We’ve always stayed at Moderate resorts, but now I can’t even see ever paying the extra money for such miniscule benefit. That’s my opinion anyway.

One email asks if Walt’s daughter Sharon has a window on Main Street. It is on the right hand side above the watch shop. There’s an image of a white cat in a red square. But it doesn’t say Sharon Disney. It says William and Sharon Lund.

Lou from New Jersey writes in to Lou from New Jersey (seriously) and asks what ever became of the old parade at Epcot called “Tapestry of Nations?” Also know as the Tapestry of Dreams. My wife & I got to see this one twice on our first trip to WDW together. It really was one of the best parades Disney ever did, that I’ve seen. And I’m not a parade fan. It was just visually amazing. Giant, ornate costumes. Enchanting, hypnotic music (which plays in Epcot still after Illuminations.) It is sad to see it gone.

Lastly someone writes in to remind Lou he forgot about some 3D movie at Epcot that had Aladdin, blah, blah, blah . . . my eyes crossed. Apparently it was the predecessor to the 3D Aladdin virtual ride thing at Disney Quest.

Finally, Lou has a recommendation for a cheap collectible for kids. Instead of the more expensive pins, collect the pressed pennies around the park. I know in the future sometime in late 2008 or early ‘09 there is actually a show that dedicates a whole segment to pressed pennies with Chuck “Disney Daddy” Lionberger. I will look for the date because it’s actually full of great information I know I would’ve never known.

Best of the Best: Holy shnikeys this is a long episode. Lou introduces Mike Scopa (sp?) from Mouse Planet to discuss where the Best Place to Run in WDW is. He says stay at Port Orleans (doesn’t specify which one) and loves to run alongside the Sassagoula River. Later says doesn’t matter if you stay at French Quarter or Riverside because you need to run the entire resort, both sides, to get an effective run. I’ll make note of that while I’m eating my carrot cake cookie.

That does it for this episode. Again, it’s a little bit long, but full of great info. And that interview with Michael Broggie was just awesome. Even if some of the stories he told are now legendary at least among hard core fans like us, they’re still amazing when heard from someone who was there. Especially who was a kid in Walt’s court.

Tomorrow prepare for time travel as we blast ahead a year into 2008! What changes, news, and rumors await to make us now chuckle?!

The WDW Radio Show: Episode 2 (but really the first!)

For those wondering what all these weird posts are regarding this WDW Radio Show, followed by incoherent stream-of-consciousness drivel, it was a little project I did. I'm a big fan of the WDW Radio Show podcast; it's one of my little geeky obsessions. So I decided to take a week and listen to an old show from the archive every day for a week and blog about it. Lou, the host, has a ton of fans and I'm friends with many on Facebook so they were following along. If you're a stranger to our little world, come on along anyway. You might be intrigued. But there is one challenge of course . . . to find a way out!!!

The WDW Radio Show: Episode 2 – Originally aired Feb 19, 2007

Episode 1 was a 6 minute intro by Lou just setting up what was to come. A nice little introduction and "how do you do" but Episode 2 is really the first real podcast, as we know it.

Intro is similar except for bad Mexican parrot from the Tiki room impression explaining what it is.

Lou sounds quieter, more subdued – or sub-Lou’ed.

Disney news: The “Let’s Have a Ball” party is the first casualty of the Year of a Million Dreams – it was apparently a castle show – something to do with Princesses and a Lady Lucinda. They play Simon Says and do a freeze dance with guests, but didn’t last long (Feb. 24^th.) – sounds lame anyway. Must have been bad since it is the first I have ever heard of it. As Lou says, fortunately or unfortunately it’s over. Lou asks “are these interactive shows not as popular as Disney had hoped?” Wait til he learns about the Stitch show coming to Tomorrowland . . . briefly!

El Rio Del Tiempo is now closed for the “three caballeros” overlay. A few other restaurants are closed for refurbs through the spring, including Le Cellier. Lou wonders, “Is this part of a park wide overhaul for a secret celebration of Epcots 25^th?” NOPE!

Describes the new Mexico ride, continually referring to it as 3 Caballeros (Sounds like at this point we didn’t even have the new name, Gran Fiesta Tour) – Lou says love it or hate it more characters coming to Epcot. I now know I love it. Well, love it is probably a strong choice of words, but I really like it. My son who was 3 last time we were there and got to ride it loved it! I felt it was pleasant and relaxing without being aquatic valium like the original version. ZZZZZZZ!

Construction walls have also gone up for refurb of Innoventions character meet and greet, again love it or hate it. Lou reminds us how Epcot was supposed to be a “no character” park originally til Eisner demanded they be brought over. Personally I think that was a good decision, although I think they could incorporate the characters to the attractions/pavilions a little better. Show where some of them came from, for instance Pinocchio in Italy. Make that connection, especially for young guests.

Lou says “Nice segway Lou” . . . into the “Pixarization” of Walt Disney World. If only you knew, Lou . . .

New preshow to Turtle Talk w/ Crush is open. (Was this before The Seas with Nemo ride?) Lou hasn’t seen new Turtle Talk venue yet. I still haven’t.

Niche theme parks and urban hotels. Disney’s “blue sky” concept is to open smaller theme parks and hotels and water parks around the country, such as Chicago, New Orleans, and Niagara Falls. Would you be compelled to go to one of these places if there was a Disney presence, even if not an amusement park? How about an “indoor water park outside the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI?” I lived in Wisconsin. I’ve been to Green Bay in the dead of winter. You could tell me Walt was alive and well in Green Bay and wanted to meet with me personally over dinner to discuss my ideas for the parks . . . and I’m still not sure I’d be compelled to go back to Green Bay, WI.

Also says there’s a rumor of a third Disney Cruise ship . . . hmmm . . . I don’t know. Dare to Dream!!!

According to Lou there are rumors of Disney buying land in Texas, Virginia and other places. People are swearing Disney is coming to Texas. Isn’t DCL going to be departing from Galveston now? Wonder if that was the genesis of those rumors. I guess in a way they weren’t wrong.

Lou says he’s training to run a Disney marathon in 2009, which I believe he actually did.

Plays segment by Jonathon Dichter (?) called Voices behind the Magic. Pays tribute to Paul Fries. Said this will be a weekly segment. It appears not so much, probably better that way too. Paul Fries is great and love to learn about his career, but the narration is . . . well, annoying. Still, the actual info was good and would make a nice semi-regular segment (didn’t know Fries was the voice of Boris Badenov.)

Listener Emails. One asks about where on property his dad can pick up pain killers. Lou did not direct him to the Universal City Walk parking structure after dark. Actually he did say there’s really no where on property but points out a nearby Walgreens. And some local pharmacy that delivers for a charge.

Best segment: Email asking about a Magic themed restaurant announced coming to WDW (this was buy an former cast member who worked on Countdown to Extinction – Dinosaur to you and me!) IT was indeed announced in ’96 between David Copperfield and Michael Eisner. It was called David Copperfield’s Magic Underground and was to open in Disney’s MGM Studios as well as Times Square New York. Never became more than a short lived magic shop for a time. Gone completely now. Would have cost $30 Mil!

Here’s what Wikipedia has to say: "David Copperfield's Magic Underground was planned to be a restaurant based on Copperfield's magic.^[33] There was a sign on Hollywood Boulevard during the late 90s indicating the restaurant was coming soon. Signs were also located around Pleasure Island and signs outside Disney-MGM Studios.^[34] A Magic Underground restaurant was also going to open in New York's Times Square.^[33] Plans also included eventual expansion into Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as well as Paris and Tokyo. The restaurants were to have magic props and other items on the walls of the restaurants while magicians would go around to tables doing sleight of hand tricks. There was also to be a larger stage for larger stunts. The restaurant in Times Square was 85 percent completed, but, amid disputes between the creative team and the financial team, and enormous cost overruns, finances dried up from the investors, so the project was cancelled, and Disney cancelled the lease. Copperfield was not an investor in the project; the investors reportedly lost $34 million on the project, and subcontractors placed $15 million in liens."

BUT . . . and this is my favorite story . . . in 1985 mustachioed magician Doug Henning was hired as a consultant for WDW. He even contributed to effects for the Adventurer’s Club concept. One of my personal favorites. That loss still stings. Henning also wanted his own theme park, which he hoped to partner with Disney to finance and build. VEDA LAND!!! Even the name screams “loss of millions of dollars!” Actually Veda means “Knowing”. It was to be A BILLION dollar park right near WDW. Disney wasn’t into it. Henning instead partnered with the Maharishi and the name became Maharishi Veda Land. Not much better.

38 attractions themed to knowledge, enlightenment, and entertainment. Rides sound both lame and insane. One was described as flying over a rainbow made completely out of mist and colors. Thrilling! The park would of course also have a monorail and would have world pavilions. Hmm. Wonder where he got that idea. Eventually the Veda Land idea moved from Orlando to Niagara Falls, but ultimately never happened at all. Hard to believe. A park meant to teach kids about TM . . .

As a kid, I loved Doug Henning . . . but I did not know he was NUTS!!!

Acc: to Wikipedia: "Maharishi Veda Land was conceived as a magical Himalayan setting where visitors would be wowed with theatrical presentations of ancient Vedic stories and “the deepest secrets of the universe", while ingesting organic vegetarian burgers and snacks. Attractions were to include a building suspended above water and a journey into the heart of a rose. At present the project's status is uncertain.^"

I’d say it is safe to assume the status isn’t that uncertain any more! ; )

Jessica writes in saying she and her sister are going alone for the first time. She is 21 and her sister 17. Lou make’s all the usual suspected suggestions. Prime Time, Bongo’s, House of Blues, and really suggests Biergarten in Germany for great entertainment, good food, and lots of fun. I’ve never been there but should try it. Occurs to me I’ve never gone to Bongo’s either.

At this point while I’m driving I begin to daydream about taking a solo trip to WDW and only doing things I’ve never done, like eating at Bongo’s and yes, Raglan Road. Going to the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Watching Marty Short’s film in Canada.

Lou stresses a few times no alcohol under 21 due, I assume to the underage sister. Probably wise, as Lou is a lawyer and suggesting a “Beer-garden” to a 17 year old could be misconstrued without the proper caveats! I just find it interesting to think that now as I’m listening, even the little sister is old enough to legally drink a beer in the Beirgarten! Wonder if they still listen. Wonder if they'll read this . . . hmm . . .

And Germany has the highest number of shops of any pavilion. And did you notice that every shop is designed to look like a different room in the same house?

Why, no, I actually didn’t. Because the only shop I ever go in is the wine cellar to get a glass of my favorite Gewürztraminer. Most would expect me to go for a ginormous stein of German beer, but nope. A little plastic “glass” of the delicious sweet and slightly tart white wine while sitting in the shadow of St. George and I’m a happy camper . . . err, Mousketeer! I’ll pay better attention to the architecture next time!

The final email asks about a perceived Chinese symbol on Walt’s tie on the Partners statue.

Lou congratulates the writer on being so observant. So do I . . . sheesh! Turns out it is not a Chinese character at all. It is the letters STR, which stand for Smoke Tree Ranch, a resort in Palm Springs where Walt and Lilly owned property and used as a favorite getaway. Funny, Lou says when Walt first wanted to buy there, the board or association or whatever they had then were opposed to him coming and bringing the “Hollywood lifestyle” to their quiet upscale community. I love Walt, he is indeed my hero and inspiration, but aside from the fact he made movies very little about him ever screamed “Hollywood lifestyle” to me. True that term probably meant something far more subdued then compared to now! After learning of Walt's affinity for the area, it’s no wonder I felt an immediate connection on my one and only trip to Palm Springs.

That about wraps up the first (technically second but whatever) episode of the WDW Radio Show! Aside from a Mousemeet in PA and Lou announcing a "Cruise with Margaret 'Tinkerbell' Kerry on the Disney Dream!" Lou must have had a bigger presence prior to the WDW Radio Show than I realized because the man had some juice, pulling in big names from the start!

All in all, the first full episode didn’t sound much different from a current show. Lou is professional, engaging, and there’s no trace of it being a first show at all. I realize he had a podcast presence before this, but this is his first solo mission as far as I know. It was really fun going back and experiencing this show, especially now knowing what became of some of those rumors, plans, etc. Can't wait for the next one!

Hope you enjoyed my rambling as well. Stay tuned!