Dave’s Disney view

 Today's podcast is somewhat of a rant. I have some thoughts about FastPass+ and MyMagic, and the potential for Disney to differentiate service, though not necessarily in a good way.

 I am curious what you think, so please send me an email [email protected], or post a response on blogger, twitter, or Facebook.

And for the record, I was trying really hard to not be overly critical, but I felt the need to say *something* because I see a trend that's emerging, and it bothers me... 

 Dave is back to answer your Disney questions! You can send me your questions by email at [email protected], or on twitter, facebook, or as a comment on the blog.

This round of questions include: What to do at Disney World with a soon-to-be graduating teen, minigolf at Disney, seeing the Hoop De Doo musical (and getting there), FastPass+ and its impact on a trip, and saving money at Disney 

 Back in May, I took a trip to the parks. I drove up from South Florida, arriving at about 9 and started a 4-park adventure. Now, I did spend the night at the All-Star Sports, so I took advantage of that fact to grab a quick nap in the middle of the day.

So come along and listen to my 3-part podcast as I wander through the parks. On this podcast, I head over to the Magic Kingdom and end my day by riding the monorail back to my car.

Of course you will hear some of my stories as I tool around. Enjoy!

Near the end, as I'm waiting for the monorail, I watch the Electrical Water Pageant, which is a fun little show that floats around the 7 seas lagoon and bay lake 

 Back in May, I took a trip to the parks. I drove up from South Florida, arriving at about 9 and started a 4-park adventure. Now, I did spend the night at the All-Star Sports, so I took advantage of that fact to grab a quick nap in the middle of the day.

So come along and listen to my 3-part podcast as I wander through the parks.  On this podcast, you'll hear me head over to the Studios, then head for a quick nap - and then its off to the Animal Kingdom

I tell you all about what;s going on, and have some fun stories and observations. 

 Back in May, I took a trip to the parks. I drove up from South Florida, arriving at about 9 and started a 4-park adventure. Now, I did spend the night at the All-Star Sports, so I took advantage of that fact to grab a quick nap in the middle of the day.

So come along and listen to my 3-part podcast as I wander through the parks.  On this podcast, you'll hear me as I start out at Kouzzina on the Boardwalk, and then I head into Epcot and over to the Studios.

I tell you all about what;s going on, and have some fun stories and observations. 

 Today's podcast focuses in on all the big changes that are now open at Fantasyland. Come listen as a yak about all the new, fun stuff to see and do at the Magic Kingdom's largest expansion!

 On today's podcast, its a look at some Disney news, including some information about Fantasyland, including alcohol in the Magic Kingdom?, Belles Magic Mirror, the acquisition of LucasFilm, Tom Hanks as Walt, a few words about Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Big Thunder Mountain, possible new additions to the parks, and a whole lot more!  

 Today, I present the audio from the Hall of Presidents, as it existed from 1971-1993. It is narrated by Lawrence Dobkin, and provides an interesting - and very Walt like - view back into the history of our great country. If its your first time hearing it, see if you don't learn something. And if you remember it from the past, see if there are moments that seem to be part of our collective consciousness, and our understanding of history. This version is ca 1973, and the last president listed in Nixon.

The only things that changed in the show over the next 20 years were the addition of the next president, and the battle hymn at the end in the 80s. Otherwise, the show remained the same.

Something interesting I noticed as I listened to this audio was that some of my recollections about historical facts were based on this show - rather than something I learned in a school room. I won't comment on whether that's good or bad, but it does show the power of the presentation 

In honor of the Presidential election, today's episode is a retrospective on the Hall of Presidents. I take a look back at the history of the attraction, and how it came to be - and why. Its an interesting look back into Walt's personal history and into the history of Disney World.

Note: My thanks to Widen Your World for some thoughts about the Hall of Presidents. 

Today's show focuses on a live show that holds a unique place in Disney history. The show is Doug Live! and its unique because it was not based on a Disney property - it was based on a Nickelodeon show that was bought out by Disney, and appeared on ABC morning.

Joining me to discuss it is Gary Miceli, a lover of the show and a Doug Live! specialist...you can find Gary on Facebook. Feel free to contact him with any questions you might have about the show...

A promotional item from Disney in 1999 read:

The spring 1999 debut of "Disney's Doug Live!" will be part of the largest expansion in Walt Disney World history.

Disney's Doug -- star of the popular ABC "One Saturday Morning" television show with the same name -- will come to life through a mix of live performances and animation several times each day at Disney-MGM Studios in an original story developed especially for the theme park. "Disney's Doug Live!" replaces the SuperStar TV attraction which closed Sept. 26.

The new story of "Disney's Doug Live!" follows Doug Funnie, his dog Porkchop, best friend Skeeter, secret crush Patti and class bully Roger through the ups and downs of pre-teen life.

Disney-MGM Studios guests can be part of the show as lucky audience members will be chosen to play small parts in each performance of "Disney's Doug Live!"

You can watch the show here.  Its a lot of fun!