Welcome, Adventurers, to Episode 4 of the Main Entrance Cast. We apologize for going dark for a while, but we took the time to retool and rework some of the things that weren't working quite right. We're back and better than ever! We do have a couple of updates:

The Main Entrance Cast will now be releasing once every three weeks.

In-between episodes, we'll be bringing you the daily Main Entrance Cast Thought of the Day on Amazon Alexa, Facebook, and Instagram. Keep an eye (or ear) open for the Thought of the Day to change its name and eventually find a new home on Apple Podcasts and all major Podcast providers.

We're also working to bring you new Main Entrance Cast Side Doors, which will be smaller segments released between episodes that follow the adventures of you, our listeners.

Thanks for your patience, now on with the show!

News (4:00)

In this segment, Nick and Katie talk about the newly announced Universal's Epic Universe, including thoughts about the rumored themes, offerings, and design approach to be undertaken in this new park. It's time to excited about Universal's 4th (or is it their 3rd) theme park!

Feature Presentation (11:02)

Our Feature Presentation offers up the age-old question, "When does something move from being Nostalgic to being Outdated". In this segment, Nick and Katie talk about several possible answers to this question. Among the examples they discuss are Disney's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan's Flight, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, Space Mountain, and the Carousel of Progress, as well as Universal's ET Adventure.

We also venture into the world of museums, talking about the older styles of bringing information to Guests, such as dioramas. Are these forms of display still relevant in the age of information?

Do attractions become outdated because they are seen as nostalgic, or is it a case of operators being unwilling to open the wallet to keep things relevant. Can comparative or alternative attractions within proximity of an experience have an influence on whether or not some thing is seen as nostalgic versus outdated? Tune in to hear our perspectives, and be sure to let us know yours at [email protected].

Trivia & Wrap Up (1:19:17):

Last Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we talked about hidden details in theme parks. Disney, in particular, uses a very special type of hidden detail to honor individuals who made significant contributions to their theme parks. In what form do these honorariums take?

Last Episode's Trivia Answer: The Main Street Windows

This Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we talked about the possibility of the Carousel of Progress moving to the Smithsonian or other museum. Turns out, there is already a piece of Disneyland prominently featured in the National Museum of American History. What is that artifact?

If you think you know the answer, drop us a line at [email protected].

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to episode three of the Main Entrance Cast. Our co-host Katie is on vacation so Teknikipedia goes solo in the studio. But, we still have amazing content to bring you!

We're starting with an amazing interview, Libby Champion, creator of the Hid In Parks Instagram feed and participant in the NASA Social program! Even though she's not at her regular microphone, direct from her vacation trip, Katie (and her hubby) provide us with a review of the all-new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland in California!

News (1:35):

Nick talks about a circus in Germany that is making waves by using holographic animals in the place of real animal performers. Could this be a step in the right direction toward a higher level of morality for circuses, zoos, and marine parks?

Attraction Review (6:36):

Katie and her husband, Duncan, bring us a review of the new Galaxy's Edge land at Disneyland in California. Hear about their experiences and thoughts on the new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction, the shops and restaurants at the land, and of course, the food!

Interview (33:23):

As part of our commitment to bring listeners into the Main Entrance Cast family, we had the amazing opportunity to speak with Libby Champion, creator of the Hid_In_Parks feed on Instagram. In this feed, Libby shows off the details that make our beloved parks and resorts so great. Head on over to Hid_In_Parks now to learn something new that will blow your mind. Big thanks to Libby for the great interview! Also, as part of this, we hope to create a whole new segment of the show that can bridge the gaps between our regular episodes. Stay tuned to learn more as we get this new endeavor rolling!

Trivia & Wrap Up (1:11:54):

Last Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we mentioned that George Lucas collaborated with Disney on Captain EO, Star Tours, and the Indiana Jones attractions. But there was another attraction that he helped develop that is no longer with us. What was that attraction?

Last Episode's Trivia Answer: The Extra-Terrorestrial Alien Encounter

This Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we talked about hidden details in theme parks. Disney, in particular, uses a very special type of hidden detail to honor individuals who made significant contributions to their theme parks. In what form do these honorariums take?

If you think you know the answer, drop us a line at [email protected]

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest issues facing the themed entertainment industry, franchises!

We start with a quick acknowledgement of the first episodes epic length. While the topic of main entrances is certainly one that can be discussed ad nauseum, it's not really our intention and we'll make every effort to keep future episodes to a more reasonable length. Pinky promise!

News (1:43)

In our news discussion segment, we talk briefly about the removal of the Walk Around the World Bricks at Magic Kingdom and the in-progress moving of the Leave a Legacy installation from inside the gates of Epcot to outside the entry plaza. Were these special projects successful for what Disney had hoped to accomplish? Are we happy, sad, indifferent to the removal of these Guest participation opportunities? Find out today!

Food Review: Dole Whips (9:15)

Katie, due to her jealousy-inducing proximity to the Florida Disney parks, takes one for the team and tries out the plethora of new Dole Whip creations now available in Orlando and beyond! From the Peter Pan Float to the "Adventure is Out There", Katie gives her review of this classic and delightful Disney treat!

Feature Presentation: Franchises in Location-Based Entertainment (17:01)

Franchises have always played a huge part in location-based entertainment. Since the opening days of Disneyland, the public's desire to meet characters they know and experience environments they've seen on TV and in the theater. But, especially since the addition of a certain boy wizard's world, the realm of franchise entertainment has been taken to a whole new level. What are some of the advantages of this new trend, are there any pitfalls to putting all of one's eggs in the franchise basket?

Ultimately, was Harry Potter good for theme parks?

We hope you enjoy our discussion of the topic, but we want to hear from you. Do you agree or disagree with our opinions? Feel free to share your opinion with us through the GOAFerbox at [email protected].

Trivia:

Last Episode's Question: What was the former name of the main entrance plaza of Disney California Adventure?

Last Episode's Answer: Sunshine Plaza

This Episode's Question: In this episode, we mention that George Lucas collaborated with Disney on Captain EO, Star Tours, and the Indiana Jones attractions. But there was another attraction that he helped develop that is no longer with us. What was that attraction?

If you think you know the answer, let us know at [email protected]!

Welcome to Episode I of the Main Entrance Cast! In this episode, we introduce the new format of the podcast, including news, trip reports and, of course, the Feature Presentation, which for this episode is Main Entrances. We know there was a long wait, and we appreciate your patience while we worked out a few details to make the show the best it could be now, and it’s only going to get better from here!

News (6:24)

In our news segment, we’re talking about a couple headlines from the past month that merit further analysis, extrapolation, and other mindless ramblings. We talk about the 4/15 Notre Dame fire, including our thoughts on the efforts to raise money to rebuild. Next, we cover the announcement about the revision of Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Finally, we jump into Meow Wolf Kaleidoscape at Denver’s Elitch Gardens park.

Where in the World is Nick? (23:18)

Our co-host Nick had the opportunity to take an Amtrak train from Denver to San Francisco. In this trip report, Nick briefly covers his thoughts about making an overnight train trip in a sleeper car (along with the craziness that came with it), as well as his marathon visit to the city of San Francisco, including the Walt Disney Family Museum.

Feature Presentation (48:22)

Why is this podcast called the Main Entrance Cast? Why are Main Entrances important, or are they at all. In this segment, Nick and Katie talk about what purpose a Main Entrance can serve, and what are some aspects found in good ones, bad ones, or those in-between. While the conversation expands to include entrance “lands” like Main Street, USA, and Port of Entry at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the topic revolves around the importance of the thresholds to fun and discovery!

Trivia

Last Episode’s Trivia Question: What is the name of the theater that is slated to receive the new Awesome Planet show at the Land Pavilion at Epcot - Walt Disney World, FL?

Last Episode’s Trivia Answer: The Harvest Theater

This Episode’s Trivia Question: What was the former name of the main entrance plaza of Disney California Adventure.

If you know the answer, drop us a line through Facebook or Twitter, or email us through the GOAFerBox at [email protected].

Welcome to the very first episode of the Main Entrance Cast. Well, technically this is the Soft Opening (but not a technical rehearsal Disney fans!).

We start the episode by going over what the podcast is and will be. We are a commentary podcast talking about all things Location-Based Entertainment. This means Theme Parks, Amusement Parks, Museums, Stadiums, Theaters, Theatres, Travel, Food, Aquariums...as you can see, we're planning to cover a lot.

We go into a little more depth with our co-hosts, Katie and Nick. Both are former Disney Cast Members that have a mutual love of all things parks and entertainment. We know there are a LOT of podcasts out there about Disney, and we are certainly going to cover it too, but we want to broaden the podcast horizon, looking at other ways to Go Out and Fun! In fact, that's our motto! What's a motto? Nothing, what's a motto with you? (Gratuitous Disney Joke intended).

We explore the craziness of Katie and Nick a little further with some back and forth questions to round out the episode. Nothing too deep yet, but we invite you to join us again for Episode 1: The Phantom Ticketbooth (Main Entrances), coming soon!