Don't Make Me Pull This Flying Elephant Over! - A Disney Podcast

Picture This:  A Theme Park without a theme.  It’s sad, we know.  “Disney Hollywood Studios is BROKEN!”  claims Vader.  “I respectfully disagree, and you sir are a moron!”, retorts Mufasa.  “How Dare You!” shouts Vader as he slaps Mufasa with a white glove across his right cheek.  If you think that dialog like this is excellent, than don’t listen to the podcast, because none of that actually happened.  Kevin (Vader) does believe sincerely that Disney Hollywood Studios is currently broken.  There is hope with all of the changes and additions coming between 2018-2020.  John (Mufasa) thinks that while Vader has some good points, that he’s being too nit-picky and granular with his argument, and that there’s plenty to love about this theme park in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World.  Check out the timeline below to be able to skip to your favorite parts in the podcast.  Click that play button at the top of this article to listen to our points, witticisms, and stock tips guaranteed to make you millions!!! ***

 

***You will not make millions listening to our podcast…

 

Disney Podcast Timeline

0:23  This podcast is dedicated to the Golden Age of Hollywood

1:00  We’re starting a new series called John is right, and Kevin isn’t!  This is the start of John trying to convince Kevin that Disney Hollywood Studios is not a broken park

3:08  Disney Hollywood Studios is broken up into 7 areas and we’ll tell you a little bit about some of them, as Kevin continues to try and make his case for why the park isn’t working in it’s current state

5:05  When you got from one area of Disney Hollywood Studios to the next, there’s no obvious transition like there is in other parks, like Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom.  Does this matter?

6:42  We give an example of an attraction that was originally in Hollywood Studios, and was replaced with something popular, but didn’t make sense thematically in that part of the theme park.

8:20  Mufasa jumps into the argument with how the replaced attraction actually does fit, and Vader is focusing too narrowly, ruining his own experience.

10:33 Where will Disney move the Star Wars experiences once Galaxy’s Edge opens?

Is Disney Hollywood Studios Worth an Entire Day

11:25 The debate continues.  Kevin doesn’t think that DHS is worth an entire day of his time.

12:31 Mufasa lists his personal favorite attractions in Hollywood Studios, and states that these alone justify an entire day in the park.

13:32 Do you want to know what ride each host thinks is the best in DHS?  You’ll have to tune into this part of the podcast to find out

14:34 Mother Nature ruined what should have been a spectacular viewing of Fantasmic, and we reminisce

15:10 Mufasa kicked Kevin’s ass at Toy Story Mania, and rubs his nose in it…just a little

Are there Food Options at Disney Hollywood Studios Worth Your Visit

16:22 We can’t wait to try the Baseline Tap House restaurant that just opened in late 2017.  Craft Beers, and Flights of Beer, and more beer, and more words with beer…sounds good to Mufasa!

17:08 The Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater can be a little divisive on people’s meals, but you simply can’t beat the theming.  That alone makes this worth your time.

18:12 Was it Enough?  Is Kevin convinced that DHS is worth an entire day?  We didn’t even elaborate on the Brown Derby, or the 50’s Prime Time Café!

19:52  Vader tries to argue futilely against Mufasa, who is clearly right, and rebuts all of his points as completely rubbish.

21:50  How much would your teens and tweens enjoy Disney Hollywood Studios?

25:33  You won’t believe Vader’s final argument against DHS.  Seriously, if he were reaching more in this argument, I’d have to nickname him Inspector Gadget

STUMP THE HOST

28:45  Vader is now the one with the win streak that needs to be broken by Mufasa.  Test your knowledge about the Sorcerer’s hat that is no longer in Hollywood Studios.  

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Summit Plummet looks pretty epic!                     Photo courtesy of TravelingDad Tim Jones

It’s almost summer!  Well…it’s almost summer when this article was first published, and in Florida, it’s a bit summery all year long, so let’s not quibble over small details.  What does this podcast have to offer you?  Thrilling stories of near-death experiences by not one, but BOTH podcast hosts.  And, it was the same would-be murderous Blizzard Beach waterslide for each host.  The story is a harrowing tale of wedgies, bruised egos, and recovery time spent in Cross Country Creek.  It’s a Disney tale as old as time, and it’s time to get on with this blog post, so click that play button at the top, or use the timeline below to browse for specifically what you need.  Just know, that when you don’t listen to the entire podcast, 1 less pet is adopted from an SPCA near you.

Disney Podcast Timeline

0:22 This podcast is dedicated to Life Insurance.  It’s important to have your life insurance policy in check before you head to Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

1:39  Kevin gives a break-down on Blizzard Beach and it’s history

3:22 The lazy river at Blizzard Beach in Orlando, Florida goes around the entire 64 acre park, and has some great features, including a well loved one by Kevin’s daughter, which we talk about here.

Blizzard Beach Waterslides

5:10 Slush Gusher tried to kill Vader and Mufasa on separate visits.  The story is worth listening too.  Mufasa still has a dent in his rear end from landing on the slide.

7:37 Summit Plummet was a much more fun experience for John.  Kevin avoided this ride like the plague, but his wife did ride it, and really enjoyed it.  John shares his story, and something he enjoyed even more than the drop itself.

10:55 There’s an order to things at a waterpark that we think makes for a much more enjoyable day for everyone.

11:52 Blizzard Beach has the world’s longest family white water rafting waterslide?!  

13:22 Do you have a competitive streak and enjoy water parks?  Blizzard Beach has exactly what you need.  Listen here to find out about the slide that may fulfill all of your competitive water-sliding dreams.

See if you can find this cutout of Blizzard Beach’s mascot, Ice Gator!               Photo Courtesy of TravelingDad Tim Jones

Blizzard Beach Food Finds

14:55 We’ve never thought about wanting a Turkey Leg while at a waterpark, but if we ever got that itch, Blizzard Beach is ready to scratch that itch by serving them up at Avalunch.

16:08 There’s an Orange Dole Whip, and it sounds like heaven.  Kevin needs to compare it to a Chick-Fil-A offering that sounds similar

17:27 Have you heard about the mini donuts?  These legendary treats can only be gotten at one location in Blizzard Beach, and they come with dippin’ sauces!

18:00  There’s a speciality hot dog stand in the park at Avalunch, and they serve a pretzel cheese dog….pretzel bun + hot dog + cheese = YES PLEASE

18:45  The last food find, but certainly not the least, is called the Sand Pail.  It comes with a forklift operator to take you away when you’re finished eating it.  

Blizzard Beach Wave Pool

19:53 It’s not a waterpark without a wave pool.  Endless hours of fun can be had here. 

20:30 The nearby miniature golf course is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy that sort of thing.  Called Disney’s Winter Summerland.  36 holes of mini golf fun awaits!

21:34 Mufasa’s kids, 12 and 11, give their personal wish lists for this park, on what they can’t wait to enjoy.

22:55 Are you concerned about going to Blizzard Beach in the winter?  You shouldn’t be, because the water is heated!  

24:29 STUMP THE HOST

This multi-part stump the host focuses on Disney’s FIRST EVER water park.  Three opportunities for Mufasa to crush Vader’s hopes and dreams.

 

Stay in Touch with Vader & Mufasa

In addition to playing at Traveling Dad, these podcasts are available at iTunes and Google Play. How magical is that?

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The Scallop Forest at Raglan Road was one of the food highlights of Mufasa’s Pandora trip

In this week’s episode, we’re each retelling our top 5 favorite Disney theme park restaurant experiences.  Hear stories like you’ve never heard before, such as a chicken breast theft at Animal Kingdom, and how Disney managed to turn seafood into a forest.  If that makes no sense to you, then click the play button at the top of this post to listen to the best Disney podcast that we’ve produced since our last Disney podcast!  Alternatively, you can use the timeline below and skip to your favorite parts.  If you do skip parts of the podcast though, Pinocchio turns back into a wooden puppet.  Could you really live with yourself knowing that happened?

Disney Podcast Timeline

0:22s It finally happened!  Vader cheated on Mufasa with other podcasters.  Is Enchanted Tiki Talk trying to steal Vader?!

2:25 We’re talking about food, restaurants, favorite meals, and favorite restaurants.  Walt Disney World gets quite a few nods, and Disneyland Paris actually gets two restaurant selections!

4:32 Signature Dining at Walt Disney theme parks will definitely cut into your budget.  Many of Kevin’s restaurant selections are fine dining and we talk a little about this.

Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom

6:00 Mufasa shares his first memory from Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, where I warn you to guard your food, because a bird just might swoop in and steal if right off your plate.  You’ve got to listen to this hilarious story from Mufasa, which may or may not make you visit this great restaurant.

Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs

9:30 Vader’s first pick is tough to top.  The Iron Chef staple Morimoto’s restaurant at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World does not disappoint.  If the edamame and california roll starters impress you, then you know they’re doing something right.  Even Vader’s kids gushed about this restaurant.  Tune in to this section to hear about the mouth watering entrees.  Be prepared to open your wallet for this restaurant though.

Raglan Road at Disney Springs

15:50 Mufasa sticks with the Disney Springs trend and chooses his Irish favorite.  When you combine fantastic theming with a Scallop Forest, you know you’re in for a treat.  Top it all off with live bands, and authentic Irish touches, and you’ll leave with a booking for your next visit.  

Victoria & Alberts

18:30 Kevin gets into two of his signature dining selections, one of which is the BEST meal he’s ever eaten in his entire life.  Victoria and Alberts not only didn’t disappoint, it actually exceeded all of his expectations.  If you can fit this into your budget just once in your life, you will not be disappointed.  You’ve got to tune into the podcast to hear the adoration in Vader’s voice, as he retells briefly his outstanding experience at this Walt Disney World dining fixture.

Walt’s at Disneyland Paris

20:46 Second in castmember service only to Victoria and Alberts, this is a can’t miss restaurant at Disneyland Paris.  From the views and ambiance, to the snow that happened during his visit, listen here for Kevin’s retelling of his magical experience.  He describes it as an elegant “Disney Nerd’s Dream House”.  

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show at Disneyland Paris

22:55 Mufasa was pretty surprised how much he enjoyed the food at the Wild West Show.  The portion sizes were American, to say the least, and it was a welcome change.  John could not get enough of the ribs on the Texan Skillet.  The show was great, but the food was even better.

Believe it or not, the food was excellent and plentiful at this show. Listen to the podcast for the full rundown.

Rainforest Cafe at Disneyland Paris

26:42 We know, we know!  It’s a chain.  I DON’T CARE.  My kids loved this restaurant, and that’s really why it made the list.  The animal theming at the Disneyland Paris theme park was top notch.  The activity page that they give the kids gave really heightened their fun

Are you too tired to find the Hidden Gems in Animal Kingdom? Lucky for you, we weren’t.

What do you do when your newest Disney Files magazine comes in the mail?  Grab your favorite Stitch mug, sit back, and enjoy the read, I’m sure.  Well, we here at Don’t Make Me Pull This Flying Elephant Over podcast studio and shawarma factory (patent pending) do things a little differently.  Where you saw a leisurely read, we envisioned a whole new podcast series.  A series-within-our-series if you will.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World offers many well known adventures, but there are so many details within and throughout the park that you may be missing.   There’s more than the famous Tree of Life in this Orlando, Florida Disney park.   Click that play button at the top, and let the enlightenment begin.  Everything you didn’t know that you wanted to know, but need to know, might be discussed during this slightly-over-30-minute podcast.  What are you waiting for?  Click play!

Disney Podcast Timeline

0:20 This podcast is dedicated to Emoji Blitz, and Mufasa catching up to Vader’s level.  

1:55 What was the impetus for starting with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for the hidden gem series?  How kind of you to ask.  Listen to the podcast and we’ll tell you all about it.

3:30 Disney sends their imagineers on research trips to exotic locations, just to make sure they can make their parks as authentic as possible

4:35 Vader mentions head-imagineer Joe Rohde, for the first time in this podcast.  We shall call him Vader’s Joe-mance.  Keep reading to see just how often Vader invokes his name

Discovery Island and Africa in Animal Kingdom

6:00 Tiffin’s, a signature dining restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has some beautiful animal carvings.  What’s the hidden gem?  It has to do with the specific animals chosen, and how they relate to the restaurant’s name.

8:32 Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Island has some unique features, including wagon wheel hubs used in various decorative ways.  These were chosen specifically and purposefully.  Tune in to find out why and what they have to do with the animals.

10:55 The landscape throughout Animal Kingdom’s Africa section changes to match over 500 miles of actual African territory.  From Harambe to Kilimanjaro Safaris, we’ve got you covered.  How do these details matter to your experience in the park?  Listen up and give us some feedback.  

12:08 Mufasa goes into details on exactly why he feels that Disney’s immense attention to detail is what separates them from all the other theme parks.

There’s a Hidden Gem in this photo. Can you spot it? Email us if you found it and we’ll give you a shout-out on Twitter!

Disney’s Pandora in Animal Kingdom

13:44 Pandora, Disney’s newest section within Animal Kingdom, exemplifies their attention to detail.   We look beyond the Na’vi River Journey and the Avatar Flight of Passage adventure to reveal what you’ve been missing.

15:15 Vader mentions his Joe-mance, head-imagineer Joe Rohde.  This is time number 2…

16:41 The Truman Show, a Jim Carrey film, is compared to Disney’s concept of immersion.  The 

19:15 Vader mentions his Joe-mance….That’s THREE!

19:46 Even the manhole covers in Disney’s Pandora are disguised to keep you invested in the story of the park.

21:40 Vader mentions his Joe-mance…That’s FOUR!

21:41 There’s a great story in the podcast here where Joe Rohde talks about the design decision to remove weld-marks from an amp suit inside Pandora.  It ties into his childhood memories of bore-guns on Waikiki beach, and how they were welded so that they could never be used for violence again.  

23:45 Do you care that Disney’s imagineers chose to remove weld-marks from an amp suit?  You should, and I’ll tell you exactly why at this part of the podcast.

This beer is a Hidden Gem that Mufasa enjoyed during this last visit to Animal Kingdom

Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

So you want to be a pin trader huh?  Bold move.  It’s a dangerous world out there, with pin backs ready to prick your finger when excitedly placing the 5th and final pin that you’ve waited years to find, onto your favorite lanyard!  BLOODY, is not a word associated with pin trading often, but to be the best at Disney Pin Trading, you’ve got to be willing to get your hands dirty.  What does any of this have to do with our podcast you might be asking?  Absolutely nothing, but at least I’ve got your attention.  The podcast timeline is below, so that you can skip to your favorite parts, before you leave us a well-deserved review on iTunes or Google Play

Podcast Synopsis and Timeline

We woke up yesterday, it seems, and our four collective older kids were all tweens and teens.  Mild panic set in, followed by some hyper-ventilating.  We had so many questions that we were unprepared to answer about our kids at this age.  This podcast topic was going to have such a huge impact on their life (that may be hyperbole).  We here at the Don’t Make Me Pull This Flying Elephant Over podcast, ask only the toughest questions.  We started with the toughest of all:  Will our kids still like Disney parks, now that they’re older?  Followed closely by:  If my kids stop liking the Disney sweets that they did when they were young children, who will we mooch off of when we finish ours too quickly?  SERIOUS QUESTIONS PEOPLE!  Are thrill rides all they crave now?  Did Mufasa’s kids suddenly start liking the Tower of Terror, or are they still haunted by past experiences? Should you book a Disney World vacation if you’ve got older kids? Check out the timeline, and click that play button at the top of the post, or listen to us in your favorite podcast app.  The links are at the bottom for podcast apps.

0:25 This Podcast is dedicated to explosives…Why you might ask?  You’ve gotta listen to find out

1:47 Vader thanks too many people to list for his fantastic Social Media Moms Convention trip to Florida

2:47 The Social Media Mom’s Convention was anything BUT free.

4:20 Mufasa invents a new advertising slogan for WDW.  You’re welcome Disney

How our tweens and teens have changed at  Disney Parks

6:00 OK, we’ll finally get on topic!  Stop YELLING AT US!

6:01 Mufasa shares a story about his 11 year old’s most recent Disney family vacation, the Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain roller coasters, and how it compared to roller coasters in years before

8:47 Vader shares a similar story about his youngest daughter, because he likes to copy Mufasa

10:35 WDW’s Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom provided a great experience for Vader’s youngest daughter

Disney Castmember Saves the Day!

13:09 A castmember whispers to Vader’s panicking young daughter at Walt Disney World, and Disney Magic happens.  No, she didn’t give her an unlimited fastpass (if only!).  You need to listen to this part of the podcast, unless you’re heartless…

Katie enjoyed the Pandora rookery after the Disney castmember saved the day

15:04 Castmember compliments can provide both you, and the castmember, a wonderful memory.  The lengths that Disney went to in this story will impress even the most skeptical of you

Teens and Tweens on Disney Cruise Line

18:33 Vader’s Social Media Mom’s Convention left Orlando, and continued on the Disney Dream.  Did his tween and teen daughters enjoy it as much, now that they’re older?

19:25 Which Disney Cruise Line club did Vader’s daughter go with?  The tween club Edge was expected, but thanks to a waiver, Vader’s 13 year old chose the teen club Vibe instead.  Good decision?

21:44  RULE NUMBER ONE:  If you set a time to meet your parents, MEET YOUR PARENTS.  Don’t make us come to get you! We don’t know if you’re overboard!

23:00 Vader was not pleased to walk halfway across Disney’s largest cruise ship (at present) to make sure his daughter was alive.  But, it’s because she was having such a good time, so there’s that…

27:00 You’re never too old for Mickey Mouse ears

Are tweens too old for Disney Magic?

27:45 Mufasa asks his daughter point-blank, are you getting too old for Disney?  The answer might surprise you

29:50 Disney Park burnout is a real thing, and teens and tweens are not immune

No, our teens and tweens are not too-old for character photos!

STUMP THE HOST

30:50 Mufasa tries yet again, to stump Vader.  Shortly after he tries…he wonders why he bothers trying

Great Reads from other Traveling Dads

AMAZING ACTIVITIES FOR TWEENS ON DISNEY CRUISE LINES

THE THREE MAGIC KINGDOM MOUNTAINS FOR TEENS

 

Stay in Touch with Vader & Mufasa

In addition t

There’s so much to talk about in 2018 at Disney Parks!

What to Expect out of this Podcast

Excuse me while we pick up the brain matter from our heads exploding.  We’ve just finished this podcast, which you should listen to right now, and it’s all about Disney events in 2018.  We’d say there are too many to list, but that’s a lie.  We could list them all, but if we did that, you might not listen to the PODCAST.  Check out the timeline so that you can skip to the pertinent parts.  Remember though, every time you skip part of our podcast, another planet falls under Emperor Zurg’s control.

Podcast Timeline

00:25 This podcast is dedicated to narcotics…tune in to find out why

02:38 Toy Story Land opens this summer, and it’s a really BIG deal

04:02 Kevin is attending the Social Media Mom’s Celebration at Walt Disney World

06:44 What rides are coming to Toy Story Land, and is it different in Walt Disney World than in Shanghai Disney?

Vader snapped this shot while attending the Social Media Moms Convention in 2018

08:33 Shanghai Disney’s Toy Story Land gets three attractions

10:04 Tokyo Disney is celebrating their 35th Anniversary this year!

12:00 Disneyland is getting some Incredibles new attractions.

13:00 Shed a tear for Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure

14:45 Pixar Fest kicks off their inauguration this summer at Disneyland

15:38 This is the one Announcement you don’t want to miss

16:10 Animal Kingdom is celebrating their 20th Anniversary

17:50 Hong Kong Disney is getting some Moana love in 2018

DISNEY 2018 FOOD NEWS

2018 gives you many new oustanding food choices at Disney Springs.  We breakdown almost all of the ones we know about, since we can’t breakdown ones we don’t know about….obviously

19:35 There’s an all new complex in Disney Springs with some steampunk vibes, live entertainment, and much more.  Welcome, to The Edison

20:35 Terralina Crafted Italian takes the place of Portabello Country Italian.  Same Head Chef, who won an award for having the best beard

21:50 Wine Bar George, not themed after George of the Jungle, opens Spring 2018

23:20 Maria & Enzos, giving you 75th Italian dining choice at Disney Springs

25:00 Mufasa shares some doubts about the design of Maria & Enzo’s

26:42 Two last restaurants round out The Edison, including a prohibition era bar, which looks stunning.  Flappers encouraged

28:10 The Jaleo chain of restaurants by José Andrés joins Disney Springs in 2018.  Should you go?

29:46 Disney Springs features more celebrity chefs than you can shake a stick at

STUMP THE HOST

31:20  We’re testing Vader’s Pixar knowledge in this stump the host.  SPOILER:  He needs WAY too many hints.

 

Stay in Touch with Vader & Mufasa

In addition to playing at Traveling Dad, these podcasts are available at iTunes and Google Play. How magical is that?

Follow us on Twitter:

The podcast: @vadermufasa

Kevin: @KevinGillooly

John: @vtvanda

Check out our Facebook page

Click here to see our one upload a month to instagram

Interested in Pinterest? (Pinterested?).  We’re everywhere!

Feel free to email the show with any comments and, especially, any Walt Disney World questions you’d like us to answer during future podcasts, at [email protected]

Vader gets a special greeting from Captain Jack Sparrow

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I think I’ll go for a run where I’ll encounter costumed people with enormous heads?”  Us too!  That’s why Vader registered for a runDisney event at Walt Disney World in 2009, and also why Mufasa and family registered for a family 5K in 2017.  We’ll tell you all about it in this week’s episode of the Don’t Make Me Pull This Flying Elephant Over podcast.  Check out the timeline below if you want a sneak peek at what’s to come. Or,  just sit back and click the play button at the top of the page and listen to all 35 glorious minutes of two out of shape Disney nerds talking about running.

Podcast Timeline

00:23 Longest Podcast Dedication Ever?

01:40 Time to talk runDisney!  What is runDisney you may ask?  Have you been living in a cave!?!

02:49 If you want to find out all of the events at your disposal, then this is where to head in the podcast

03:30 Vader shares his almost-marathon experience from Walt Disney World back in 2009

04:04 This tip is really critical to you enjoying Disney before or after your runDisney event

09:00 It’s at this moment in the podcast where you discover the moment that Vader’s marathon ended (spoiler, it wasn’t at mile 26…)

09:16 Did we just tell you to wear a fanny pack during your run?  Yes, yes we did

11:24 If there’s one takeaway to Vader’s runDisney marathon, it’s…

12:30 Mufasa gives his impressions on his family’s runDisney event in Disneyland Paris

13:30 There are some very special character greetings during runDisney, and we share a few of our favorites

Mufasa and his family stopped during their run because who could pass up a picture with Quasimodo and Frollo?!

15:37 runDisney events take you to special parts of the park, frequently off-limits to guests, does this alone make it worth it?

19:00 Vader shares one of his favorite moments where some characters gave him a personal shout-out!

21:00 Mufasa BREAKS INTO SONG!  You gotta listen to find out why.

21:40 Challenges add an extra dimension of fun and challenge to any event.  Are they worth it?

24:45 If you find yourself in Disneyland Paris, which I’m sure happens often, there’s a special challenge that you can only complete part of while here

26:33 Mufasa is here to tell you all about the virtual half-marathon that runDisney has started, and why you should run…for the hills, and not for Disney

27:54 Sometimes, unplanned moments create the best memories.  Mufasa’s daughter showed him that while his wife was on her half-marathon

29:40 There’s a really big different when registering for a runDisney event at Walt Disney World compared to Disneyland Paris, and it’s a huge hit to your wallet

31:50 STUMP THE HOST!!!

 

Stay in Touch with Vader & Mufasa

In addition to playing at Traveling Dad, these podcasts are available at iTunes and Google Play. How magical is that?

Follow us on Twitter:

The podcast: @vadermufasa

Kevin: @KevinGillooly

John: @vtvanda

Check out our Facebook page

Click here to see our one upload a month to instagram

Interested in Pinterest? (Pinterested?).  We’re everywhere!

Feel free to email the show with any comments and, especially, any Walt Disney World questions you’d like us to answer during future podcasts, at [email protected]

1:13  So why are these posh podcast hosts talking about Disneyland Paris anyway?  Who has that kinda money!?

Spoiler Alert:  Both reasons for our separate trips had to do with the US Military….

3:59  Vader’s children had never been to another country besides Canada, which for an American, absolutely does not count as leaving the country.

What do you need to prepare for when traveling to Europe?

6:01  Mufasa talks about the stress, or lack thereof in his case, for traveling overseas, and how complacency can get you in trouble.  Don’t forget your….(tune in for the answer.  You won’t BELIEVE the response).

8:46   Foreign currency is the topic at hand.  We’re talking about what you need think about with your existing credit card.  Foreign transaction fees are a huge gotcha and can cause you a financial headache if you’re not prepared.

10:53  Vader gives his thoughts on the Disney rewards card that he uses, and how well it worked out for him at Disneyland Paris (Hint: Not well at all).

12:28  Shameless Visa plug, even though they’re not paying us.

14:09  Will being a Disney Vacation Club member help you on your trip to Disneyland Paris?

14:50  We’re talking about how your electronics will, or will not work when you get to Europe.  You need to be thinking ahead about a plug adapter, which just makes your plug type fit into the sockets in France.  You also need to keep in mind voltage.  We discuss all of this in detail in the podcast.

17:56  Are you ready to keep your kids entertained for your plane or train ride into Europe?   We might even mention an idea or two that you haven’t heard before.

20:13  We’re not really sure why Mufasa just mentioned food at the hospital….

Lodging Opinion at Disneyland Paris

20:39  There’s an adjective that both Kevin and I use to discuss the hotels we stayed at on property at Disneyland Paris.  It’s not a description you typically hear when talking about a luxury Disney property….

21:26  It never hurts to ask the hotel staff on check-in if an upgrade is available…It paid off for Mufasa!

22:12 Vader is discussing what he thought of the Newport Bay hotel they stayed at during their Disneyland Paris trip.

The race participants are ready to go in front of the Newport Bay Hotel on the morning of the 5K

26:40 Mufasa gives you the low-down on the dining at the Hotel New York.

27:25 Why can’t Mufasa find prosciutto called prosciutto in England!

Fooooooood, Glorious Foooood

28:06 The secret to understanding the costs of Disney meals is EXPOSED.

29:15 What made Kevin and family want to eat at the nearby McDonalds instead of in the park?

30:00 A quick aside on how runDisney in Disneyland Paris forces early bookers to book a hotel and park tickets if they want a bib.

33:50 Mufasa’s family attended the Buffalo Bills Wild West show, and is discussing the show, and the cowboy-sized portions that are served to you.

34:22 Both Vader and Mufasa took their families to Chez Remy, and both LOVED the atmosphere, but had very different experience with their meals.

38:00 Walt’s restaurant really blew Kevin away, and you neeeeeed to hear him recount his experience.

39:30 Vader got to experience snow at a Disney Park, and you should be as jealous as Mufasa is.

 

Attractions!  It’s Disneyland Paris after all, TALK ABOUT THE RIDES!

43:00 Every Disney castle in their parks is different.  What’s so special about the Disneyland Paris one?

45:38 Les mysteres du nautilus get discussed because Kevin is a U.S. Navy nerd.

47:16 Alice’s Labyrinth was a really pleasant surprise for both families, and you shouldn’t skip it.

48:20 Three attractions changed during the 18 months between our visits.  Tune in to hear what’s changed, and if you should be excited.

54:15 Ratatouille was worth every minute of wait time, which for Mufasa’s family, was five minutes, because we all did single rider!

57:40 Is Disneyland Paris worth a standalone trip?  You’ve got to listen to hear the answer, and it may surprise you!

1:00:45   STUMP THE HO

Summary of General Nonsense

Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, and before that, formerly Disney Village Marketplace, and before that, was originally named Walt Disney World Village.  PHEW!  This place has more name changes than Prince, or John Cougar Mellencamp, or John Mellencamp, or John Cougar.  Who can keep track?!  What used to be a small gem (or tourist trap as Vader once called it) has turned into a major shopping and dining area befitting of Disney’s standards.  This podcast will feature the usual shenanigans, and 30 plus minutes of some of our favorite gems, that are really easy to miss when walking around this stunningly designed part of southeast Disney World.  Feel free to check out the timeline below for a sneak peek on our Disney Springs thoughts, or click that play button at the top of this post and enjoy 45 minutes of occasional wit, bold opinions, and a hint of liquorice.

 

 

Podcast Timeline

1:20 Changes to Disney Springs over the recent years

4:10 Raglan Road is worth the hype!

5:00 Come to Disney and get a cigar? Yes, you can do that at Disney Springs

6:25 The Polite Pig?  Glorious pork-filled restaurant, added WHAT?!? Yes sir, we will try your bourbon flights!

9:20 A View to a Thrill?  We briefly discuss Characters in Flight, the tethered hot air balloon, and how Mufasa tried to surprise his wife with a hot air balloon ride for their anniversary…You gotta listen to the podcast to see what happened!

12:35 CANDY, CANDY, CANDY.  Now that I got your attention, we’ll be talking about vegetables….Just kidding.  Vader gives his impressions of Disney’s Candy Cauldron

14:57 The Art of Shaving.  Mufasa explains why Disney Springs is a great place to get an old time shave.

18:25 Vader talks about his favorite shop, Twenty Eight & Main, “created especially for distinguished gentlemen who love Disney Parks”

25:13 Vader and Flamingos have more in common than you may think.  Listen to find out the story of one of Vader’s favorite Disney characters.

26:38  Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba show is leaving, and Mufasa gets a bit sentimental about it, and shares his story about this moving show.

29:13 Disney Photo Pass Studio.  A professional studio, inside Disney, with no sitting fee, and no reservations required?!?!  Yes, really.

35:05  Shopping overload at the WORLD’S LARGEST DISNEY STORE.  Almost anything you can imagine is in this store, possibly including JFK and Elvis.  It’s that large.

39:46  Only at Disney Springs would you want to get spit on by a Disney character

43:23  STUMP THE HOST!!!  Vader is on a losing streak.  Tune in to find out if he breaks the streak!

Post-Recording Notes, Errors, Omissions, etc…

I swore I said “abe froman” during the broadcast when we referenced Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in a quote, but I did not.  My apologies.

The Disney Photo Pass Service Studio can and does link to your My Disney Experience, and will qualify for unlimited digital downloads if you purchased Memory Maker.  So, get some family pictures done at a professional studio for no additional fee.  Go!  Now!  Why are you still reading this?

Outbound Links, Inspirations, and great reads and watches…

A Taste of Nostalgia at Disney Springs

You need to check out this bourbon flight list from The Polite Pig.  Disney Springs’ official website hasn’t update their menu to show the bourbon flights yet.  This is true as of July 8, 2017.  If you’re reading this after that point, all bets are off