The DisGeek Podcast - Your Guide to the Disneyland Resort

In our very first episode of The Universal Geek Podcast we tackle the latest news reports coming out of Universal Studios Hollywood. Jae has a review of one of Universal's most popular restaurants, Panda Express. We also visit the Upper Lot Newsstand and Tommy has his Tip of the Week!

News

Springfield Opens!

Shrek 4D New Queue

The Flash Flood scene has been updated.

Season Passes Changes

Season Pass Price List

Feature

Restaurant Review

PANDA EXPRESS UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

The best word to describe eating at Panda Express in Universal Studios is WOW! It’s located near the Jurassic Park ride, so it’s easy to find. There are two lines to make the service go quickly. However, this is a popular place, so expect a wait.

Panda Express labels itself as “Gourmet Chinese Food.” So, right off the bat you know you’re going to be served dishes better than what you get at Disneyland. Lucky Fortune Cookery, are you listening?

There are only 4 different entrées available, so it’s super simple to make a choice:

Orange ChickenKung Pao ChickenBroccoli BeefBeijing Beef

First off, they give you generous amounts of Chow Mein and Fried Rice. What better way to fuel your theme park adventure than a Mega Carb Load? Mix the two up and it’s like there’s Starch Party in your mouth!

Their famous Orange Chicken is a sweet and salty sensation. The glaze coating is sweet and sticky, with fruity notes of artificial orange flavor. Those fried chicken parts are crispy on the outside with a chewy texture inside. One of the most enjoyable aspects about this dish is not knowing what you’re eating. Is it white meat, is it dark meat, or how about some other part of the chicken? It’s like a fun guessing game. No wonder it’s their number 1 seller everywhere.

Don’t sleep on the Kung Pao Chicken though. Everyone needs salt in their diet, right?. It’s an essential nutrient for human beings. This dish is just the ticket. At 970mg of sodium per serving, this provides almost half your recommended daily intake. It’s like licking a salt tablet in a good way.

Then there’s the Broccoli Beef. The wonderful thing about this entrée is that when it goes in your mouth, everything pretty much tastes the same. Sure, there are some textural differences. But the sauce makes it challenging to know where the beef begins and the broccoli ends. You get your veggie intake without even knowing it! This is the perfect dish if you’re one of those people who don’t like broccoli.

I must admit, I haven’t tried the Beijing Beef yet. However, based on the fact that Panda Express is Gourmet Chinese Food, I can only imagine the flavors!

The cost for a 2-item plate is $10. Sure, it may sound expensive but you’re getting a premium gourmet meal here. Also, be prepared for to wait. This place is very popular. It takes about about 20-minutes to find a seat and there are no tables indoors.

Oh, and on days when the park closes at 6pm, this place shuts its doors at 4pm. So, plan your day accordingly. You don’t want to miss out on all the Gourmet Chinese Food.

One last thing: Ignore the 1-star overall rating on Yelp. Those people are obviously Disneyland spies who are jealous of Universal Studios having Panda Express on property. That’s it for my review, thanks for listening!

Tip of the WeekHow to cure a headache from 3D movies.

Transformers: The Ride 3DKing Kong 3DDespicable Me 3D AttractionShrek 4Dand the Upcoming Fast and Furious - Supercharged! (in 3D)

Bring Advil and/or Take a plastic bag

Happy April Fools Day :)

Twitter

Daniel @disgeekpodcast Tommy @tommypixChris @dizchrisJae @MagicalFoodTour

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The DisGeek Crew explore the 5 Senses of Fantasyland. Sights, Sounds, Tastes, Smells, and Feelings. We also visit the Main Street Newsstand and have a listener tip.

News

Smokejumpers Grill Now Open

REVIEW - http://blog.touringplans.com/2015/03/20/disney-california-adventure-smokejumpers-grill-review/

Some Bling is starting to show up on the castle

New Menu at Jolly Holiday

Tuna Salad Sandwich -VIDEO REVIEW

White Chocolate Mousse Whoopee Pie

Return of the Mediterranean inspired menu at Paradise Garden Grill in DCA

Old Menu

Disney March Madness Brackets

Disneyland 60th Anniversary 24 Hour Party Announced

Pinocchio Marionette Lego

TOT Lobby Tour

Try on the tower of terror bellhop hat and coat NOW at DCA! pic.twitter.com/EZNHyAcw7z

— Christopher (@dizchris) March 22, 2015

Read notes from hotel guests! pic.twitter.com/VJB3Emgf7K

— Christopher (@dizchris) March 21, 2015

Feature

5 Senses of Fantasyland

Daniel

Sight - The Castle

Sounds - Matterhorn

Smells - Turkey Legs

Taste - Churros

Feelings - Makes me feel like a kid again.

Chris

Sight - Matterhorn (preferably at sunrise)Sounds - the roar of the yeti

Smells - It’s a small world Holland candy at Christmas time

Taste - Apple Strudel at the Troubadour Tavern

Feelings - The apple you touch in the queue for Snow White’s Scary Adventures

Jae

Sight - It’s a Small WorldSounds - Mickey and the Magical Map

Smells - Bacon from BLT Flatbread at Pinocchio’s Village Haus

Taste - Turkey Legs

Feelings - Love

Tips for listeners

Hi Guys,

I really enjoy your podcast and it has been invaluable in helping my husband and I plan our first trip to Disneyland this spring (especially the episode on romantic spots!). This will be our first Disney trip sans kids since our honeymoon at WDW 11 years ago.

We are from Michigan and therefore our internal clocks with be 3 hours off! I found out that the Jolly Holiday Bakery serves lunch at 10:30am (1:30pm our time). Is there a restaurant you can recommend in DCA that serves lunch early or should we just do breakfast for lunch? If so, which one?

Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!~ Jenn

Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta - 10:00 am

Twitter

Daniel @disgeekpodcast Tommy @tommypixChris @dizchrisJae @MagicalFoodTour

Email us at- [email protected]

Call us at 661 450-8290.

If you enjoy the show take a minute and Review us in itunes.

Download Sticher Radio. Use Promo Code: DISGEEK

Check Out Touring Plans.com! Use code DISGEEK for 20% a one year subscription.

Visit our friends at:

In this episode of the DisGeek crew talks about the 20th Anniversary of The Indiana Jones Adventure. We also talk about price increases, the new Smokejumpers restaurant, and the return of Mad T. Party.

News

Tron 3 has been announced

Smokejumpers Grill to Open March 20th - New Grizzly Peak Area at DCA

Does the concept art look familiar?

Innoventions set to close March 31st

Fire breaks out at it’s a small world

Prices Increase at Disneyland Resort

Mad T Party to Return

Neal Patrick Harris Hosts new World of Color

Disney Egg-Stravaganza Returns to Disney Parks

Bob Chapek Names Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Feature

Tommy tells us about the 20th anniversary of Indiana Jones Adventure.

40 Years of Adventures - Video that Jae mentioned

In this episode we talk about Disneyland's 60th Anniversary Plans. We also visit the Main Street Newsstand and Tip of the Week returns!

News

Happy 14th Birthday to DCA!

Tom Staggs named COO of Disney

Lunar New Year Returns to Disney California Adventure

Luigi’s Flying Tires to Become an All New Experience

Vintage Disney Memorabilia on the Auction Block

Catalogue

A special sneak peek of “Cinderella” will be presented in the park’s Bug’s Life Theater for a limited-time, January 30 – March 26.

New Starbucks Mugs

Feature

Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Announcements.

The castle is underwraps with the Herb Ryman’s original concept art for the castle. Nice Touch!

Tip of the Week

Avoid Ticket Booth Lines by Buying Admission In AdvanceThousands of people arrive at Disneyland every morning to start their vacations, and the first thing they do is get in line to buy tickets. Waits of up to 30 minutes are common—that’s half an hour you’re not riding rides. Save time by buying tickets online at Disneyland’s official website. You’ll receive a voucher to print and bring directly to the entrance turnstiles, and you’ll avoid the wait at the ticket booths.

Many local supermarkets, such as Ralph’s and Albertsons, also sell Disneyland tickets in their gift card displays.

FromLosAngeles.com

Written by Guy Salga and Len Testa

Twitter

Daniel @disgeekpodcast Tommy @tommypixChris @dizchrisJae @magicalfoodtour

Email us at- [email protected]

Call us at 661 450-8290.

If you enjoy the show take a minute and Review us in itunes.

Download Sticher Radio. Use Promo Code: DISGEEK

Check Out Touring Plans.com! Use code DISGEEK for 20% a one year subscription.

Visit our friends at:

Our annual prediction episode is here! Enjoy predictions for Disney Parks from fellow podcasters and listeners.

In this episode we present our annual prediction results show for 2014.

News

Condor Flats is no more.. Reopening as Grizzly Peak Airfield.

Rumor - Social Club and Mad T Party stalkers Mouse4Life report that Mad T WILL return and that it is 99.9% confirmed. - They claim it will be made official Jan 30th

M4L also says that DL and DCA will start blocking the outlets to prevent people from using them to charge phones.

Frozen Fun Opens and Special Ticket Offer for So Cal Residents.

New Frozen Fun Commercial

Measles Makes an Unwelcome Visit to Disneyland

Feature - 2014 Prediction Results

Twitter

Daniel @disgeekpodcast Tommy @tommypixChris @dizchrisJae @magicalfoodtour

Email us at- [email protected]

Call us at 661 450-8290.

If you enjoy the show take a minute and Review us in itunes.

Download Sticher Radio. Use Promo Code: DISGEEK

Check Out Touring Plans.com! Use code DISGEEK for 20% a one year subscription.

Visit our friends at:

In this episode Jae reviews his experience with the new Fantasmic! Dining package. We also talk about the new Frozen Fun and Freeze the Night Away dance party that replaced Mad T Party. Plus all of the latest news and rumors.

News

Fantasy in the Sky to Return

Frozen Fun at Disney California Adventure

Frozen Fun Preview

Freeze the Night Preview

Freeze the Night Video -

New Disneyland High End Restaurant. Not true.

World of Color undergoes refurb Jan 7th 2015

Feature

Jae’s Fantasmic! Dinner review

Email / VoicemailSavannah Rodriguez - DAC

;Twitter

Daniel @disgeekpodcast Tommy @tommypixChris @dizchrisJae @magicalfoodtour

Email us at- [email protected]

Call us at 661 450-8290.

If you enjoy the show take a minute and Review us in itunes.

Download Sticher Radio. Use Promo Code: DISGEEK

Check Out Touring Plans.com! Use code DISGEEK for 20% a one year subscription.

Visit our friends at:

Our food budget for the entire day is only $40. What can you possibility get? Find out in this episode as we play $40 a day! We also visit the Main Street Newsstand. Plus we read some emails and listen to some listener voicemails.

News

Great Movie ride to get updated as Disney partners with Turner Classic Movies

Meet Hiro and Baymax at Disneyland

Mad T Party to Close Nov 30th. May return in May

Petition

Consolidated list of food items during the holidays

Feature

$40 a Day

Jae tells us about the Magical Food Tour.

Fist 20 people to use code disgeek30 gets 30% off!

Twitter

Daniel @disgeekpodcast Tommy @tommypixChris @dizchrisJae @sorcerermickeyj

Email us at- [email protected]

Call us at 661 450-8290.

If you enjoy the show take a minute and Review us in itunes.

Download Sticher Radio. Use Promo Code: DISGEEK

Check Out Touring Plans.com! Use code DISGEEK for 20% a one year subscription.

Visit our friends at:

In this episode we visit the Disneyland Graveyard and pay our respects to Remember... Dreams Come True Fireworks show that was first introduced during Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. Jae also gives his thoughts on the new Steakhouse 55 menu and we have the latest news and rumors at the Mainstreet Newsstand.

News

Fire at WDW’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Guest CorridorsThe walls have some down for the the bypass corridors revealing a new facade, themed to a livery stable entrance.

Photos

Some photos of the corridor surfaced.

Candy Cane Dates

Muppet Vision 3D closed for refurbishment with no return date. Frozen is on the way!

FastPass for Fantasmic? and new electronic DAS system

UPDATE: Fastpass is now REQUIRED for Fantasmic! More Info..

Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel Debuts a New Menu

FeatureRemembering Remember...

Remember… Dreams Come True Fireworks Spectacular had it’s final performance last weekend.

Twitter

Daniel @disgeekpodcast Tommy @tommypixChris @dizchrisJae @sorcerermickeyj

Email us at- [email protected]

Call us at 661 450-8290.

If you enjoy the show take a minute and Review us in itunes.

Download Sticher Radio. Use Promo Code: DISGEEK

Check Out Touring Plans.com! Use code DISGEEK for 20% a one year subscription.

Visit our friends at:

This episode we play Keep it, Improve it, or Ditch it. With the recent rumors of Luigi's Flying Tires closing, we discuss if this is a good thing or a bad thing. We also have listener feedback and we visit the Main Street Newsstand.

News

Glow With the Show Evolves Into Made With Magic This Fall at Disney Parks

Disneyland Resort Holiday Season Begins Nov. 13 with Christmas Parade, ‘Holiday Magic’ Fireworks, ‘World of Color – Winter Dreams’ and ‘Disney ¡Viva Navidad!’

New First Aid and Wish Lounge on Main Streethttp://mintcrocodile.blogspot.com/2014/10/this-weeks-disneyland-resort-pictorial.html

Trailer release for Tomorrowland.

Anna & Elsa’s Boutique Opens in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort – Read more about this “cool” new shop in Downtown Disney District, offering an array of “Frozen”-inspired merchandise worth melting for.

Feature Topic

Keep it, improve it, Ditch it - Luigi's Flying Tires

Twitter

Daniel @disgeekpodcast Tommy @tommypixChris @dizchrisJae @sorcerermickeyj

Email us at- [email protected]

Call us at 661 450-8290.

If you enjoy the show take a minute and Review us in itunes.

Download Sticher Radio. Use Promo Code: DISGEEK

Check Out Touring Plans.com! Use code DISGEEK for 20% a one year subscription.

Visit our friends at: