My Disney Podcast Library

There are lots of elements in the water of my Disney fountain of youth. And a big part of the makeup of these nourishing waters is Podcasts. For a guy who was still taking a cassette tape player to work each day with headphones and a box of cassette tapes, being given an iPod nano for my birthday was a little scary, but with the help of my modern Daughter and Son-In-Law, I was able to get it all set up, and start looking for things to load it up with. Of course, some selections from my extensive music library filled a few gigs. The rest is devoted to my favorite Disney podcasts. I look forward to hitting the refresh button at iTunes and seeing the titles of the newest episodes from my line-up of fun and information from these Disney Gurus. I had as many as 16 Disney podcasts lined up for import, but a few shut down, and of those that were still going strong, I found that I just can't listen to them all, so I trimmed my library down to my favorites and that left me with 9 dynamite podcasts. Here's a short review of the 9 podcasts that made the cut:

#9 - WDW FAN BOYS PODCAST:  Tim, Bret and Paul are like a pack of wild disney dogs!  Nothing is sacred with these guys, and anything can happen.  The result is a guaranteed laugh (or at least chuckle) every time out.  This is the podcast that sits in the back of the bus and shoots spit wads at the driver.  These guys get a little out of control every now and then, and that makes me grateful for ear buds (rather than speakers)!

#8 - BETAMOUSE PODCAST: The self proclaimed "Geekiest disney podcast on the planet" is just that.  The technical side of this podcast sometimes goes over this old guys head, but host Henry Work is so cool, and his guest hosts Jeff, Nate, Scott, and Katie add a lot of personality and knowledge to the show.  Even though I don't know what the heck they're talking about 1/3 of the time... it makes me WISH I was a techie!  It's always a fun trip through disney's worlds through the eyes of true techno-geeks.

#7 - THE WDW NEWS TODAY PODCAST:  Tom Corless is the host of this informative podcast and he rules with an iron hand.  His guest hosts better come correct to these proceedings, because "Iron Tom" will call them on anything he doesn't agree with.  It's always fun to hear this group pontificate on the latest agenda.  I see this podcast as "WDW Fan Boys Podcast...all grown up".  All though they get a little rowdy every now and then, it's a lot tamer than the fan boys, but just as much fun and just as informative.

#6 - MAGICAL DEFINITION PODCAST:  Hosts Nathan Rose & Jim Hill really have a good thing going here.  The information contained in this podcast is always fascinating, and Nathan seems to dig down and bring out the knowledge of Jim Hill in a great mix of opinion and info.  It's not just Theme Park & Resort news, but they also hit on the movies as well as the business side of the disney empire.

#5 - WEDWAY RADIO:  These are the "Nice Guys" of the disney podcast universe.  Brothers Nate & Matt Parrish are the main hosts of this down home podcast.  It's what I would call "easy listening" disney podcast style.  Lots of colorful recollections from trips that these guys have made to Walt Disney World.  They often bring on co-hosts Jeff, Lynn, & Reilly who all add lots of Disney World and Disneyland information and stories.  It's a casual and soothing trip down disney lane.  These are the guys that wouldn't make fun of you if you said something dumb on their show.

#4 - INTERCOT INSIDER LIVE: The Levelbest network brings you one of the most professional sounding podcasts around.  John Yaglenski is the lead voice of this group along with panelists Ian, Gary & Melanie.  This is another mellow sounding round table style show which features lots of great opinion and information from all things disney.  Informative, challenging and entertaining are the three components that keep me coming back and have helped this podcast move to the top of my list.

#3 - BE OUR GUEST WDW TRIP PLANNING PODCAST:  Of all of the podcasts I listen to, this one comes the closest to making me feel like I'm on an actual visit to Walt Disney World.  You can feel the excitement and enthusiasm in the voice of host Mike Rahlmann.  His co-hosts Deb, Pam, and Rikki join in and the fun level goes sky high!  Trip Planning, Theme Park info, tips, lots of laughs and more.  This podcast never fails to get me anxious for the next WDW trip.

#2 - THE WDW RADIO SHOW:  Starring "The Lou" Mr. Lou Mongello.  This guy is a one man show.  He's an author, producer of the Disney audio guide series, publisher of Celebrations Magazine, hosts a great youtube channel, and more.  A literal walking encyclopedia of disney knowledge.  This is the most informative show around.  He has lots of great guests and topics, but the best of the best when it comes to special guests is the one and only Jim Korkis - disney historian and author of The Vault of Walt.  When Lou and Jim get together I can't get enough.  There's a new fact or piece of information around every corner of their conversations.  When it comes to disney news, trivia and information, no one person is in the know like "Mr. Lou"!

#1 - WDW TODAY:  These guys are "The A-Team" (I don't know which one of them would be Mr. T) of the disney podcast experience!  I could listen to these guys all day long (and sometimes do).  The perfect balance of wit, sarcasm, playful ribbing, information, opinions, disney news, tips and everything else.  I don't know how it happened, but the perfect team was assembled here.  The leader of the pack is "Mr. Disney Hollywood Studios" Matt Hochberg often playing the role of straight man, and the apparent task master of the bunch.  Len Testa is the technical wizard, and is the co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World touring books.  He's the aparent "go to" guy when questions get tough, and he usually comes through with an answer.  Mike Newell is the man behind Mouseworld Radio, and is the music master (among other things) of the bunch.  "Ol' Man" Scopa (Mike Scopa) is a feature writer for Allears.net and is always good for a laugh or two in every episode.  He's great because he KNOWS what he's talking about... and adds an "R" to the end of everything!  You gotta' love him!  Also featured is "The Fabulous" Annette Owens, who, I don't know why, but is on almost every episode, but isn't listed on the website.  Kinda' like "Shemp" of the Three Stooges... He WAS a "Stooge" but never got the recognition he deserved.   Yeah, kinda' like that!  The 5 of them mix well and make for the most entertaining disney podcast around.  They have a knack for coming up with some very creative and fun topics, and the listener questions episodes can't be beat! I still have trouble telling Mike Scopa and Mike Newell apart by their voices (although I have learned to listen for the "R" at the end of everything from Scopa!) but does it really matter?  These 5 people bring a smile to my face EVERY episode, even if there are only 2 of them on any particular show, it's still quality.  If I could spend a day at WDW with anyone in the disney podcast universe... these would be them!

If you know of any other great WDWor Disneyland podcasts that I may be missing, please let me know.  I need to make it an even 10 on my podcast library list!

Life on Hold (Between WDW Trips)

  I Remember when I was a little kid, and it took FOREVER for Christmas (or my Birthday, or Halloween, etc.) to get here.  It seemed like my life was on "hold" between holidays.  But as a kid, I was easily distracted, so I didn't sit around and think about it so much.  Now, fast forward about 45 years or so...

   We come back from a trip to Walt Disney World, and it's kind of that same feeling.  The memories are fresh and colorful.  Vivid.  Then, as they start to fade, and I go back to the real world, it's like my life is put back on hold for a time.

   As I sail past the days of our last trip and those memories seem to get farther and farther away in the rear view mirror, it starts to hurt just a bit more.  I start to miss the feeling of wonderment and relaxation which takes over my being when we are anywhere at WDW.

   Longing for the time when I'm at a resort, or in one of the parks, on an attraction, or enjoying a snack... heck, even standing in line for a ride.  It doesn't matter, just as long as I'm SOMEWHERE in Walt Disney World.

   It's life on hold.  The days are just obstacles in the way of our next trip to WDW.  I try to fight it off.  I summon enough energy to get on the PC and visit our favorite Disney websites.  I listen to my favorite podcasts each morning at work, read my books and magazines, plan and dream.  I remember, recall, and re-live.  Looking at our pictures helps, and visiting WDW parks and resorts on youtube helps too.  I read blogs.  There is quite an arsenal of weapons at our disposal to fight off the blues of  "Life on Hold".

   I visit my WDW group on yahoo, I read the postings on mouseowners.com and dvcnews.com as well as other forums.  It doesn't last though, and I feel the magical power of my Fountain of Youth starting to wear off.  The rocks of the real world start to crack my shell of Disney invincibility.  But so far, it hasn't broken all the way through.  Because, it seems that just as the good feelings from the last trip are vanishing, I realize that another visit isn't THAT far off in the distance!  I mean, in just a matter of Days (or weeks or months) I'll be checking into one of the many great resorts and planning for another round of visits to the parks, and entertainment!

   I guess it's not really a case of my life being on "Hold" because it's so bad.  It's just that there aren't too many things in the physical world that bring me to life like a good dose of vitamin WDW.

   Hold Please!

Being the "Disney obsessed weirdo" (at work)

   I've taken on a new identity.  I think I'm the only person at work who knows the year that Walt Disney World opened.  I'm probably the only person in the building who knows that Walt Disney's middle name was Elias.  The only person who knows about rope drops and ADR's.  It's a strange feeling to be part of such an exclusive sub-culture.  When we made our return trip to WDW back in 2009, I didn't mind telling everyone where we were going for vacation, and how excited we were.  I was telling everyone that would listen.  It seemed like everyone was curious and wanted to know all about it.  I was studying.  Planning. That trip came and went. 

   When we returned, people at work wanted to hear about it.  That was in Sept. of '09.  Our next trip was April of 2010.  I was asked about where we were going for vacation, and that was the first time I realized how alone I was.  To "regular" people, going to Walt Disney World is great... ONCE, and then you think of something else to do for your vacations.  At least that's how most of the real world sees it.  I really started to feel strange when we planned our Jan. 2011 trip.  I noticed the difference in responses from fellow employees when they heard that we were making our 3rd trip to WDW in just under 2 years.

    I listen to my Disney pod casts at work.  I'm sure that people assume that I'm listening to music, but luckily, no one has ever asked me what I was listening to on my iPod.  And if they looked into my duffel bag what would they say if they were to find a sandwich, iPod, bottle of water, radio, and books titled "The Vault of Walt" or "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World"?  I have become aware of my reputation, so I put those books in my bag  face down. 

    I guess I could just tell everyone that I do it for my Grand Daughter, you know, so that I'll know what I need to do to get the most out of Walt Disney World and Disneyland when she gets older, and wants to go more often.  I guess I could, but I'd feel guilty hiding behind my nearly one and a half year old Grandy.  No, I think it's time to "man up" and stand my ground.  Just come out with it.  Just rip my shirt open and expose the big WDW on my chest! 

   It's funny how people look at you funny when they aren't planning a trip to WDW themselves, but I've already had a few folks come to me with questions about WDW trip planning.  It's a proud moment when one of the regular people come to you for help with a Disney trip.   I stand ready to help anyone who will ask about it.  I'm ready to avalanche them with a landslide of trip planning books and videos.  I can give them url's for Disney websites.

    Maybe it's true that The Best Defense, is a good Offense!  Do I dare tell anyone at work about this blog?  I know that my family still loves me, and will put up with my Disney obsession.  Anyone of my friends and loved ones can always hide behind me when it comes to Disney obsession syndrome.  I'm a tough old bird.  I can take it.

It was a great night of BOXING at Walt Disney World!

   Boxing fans were treated to two good bouts last night and WDW fans had to feel proud as glimpses of the World were shown between bouts and between rounds.  The Wide World of Sports Complex hosted ESPN2's Friday Night Fights telecast and it was a great production.  It's the annual "ESPN: The Weekend" event at WDW, and this year Professional Boxing was part of the festivities.  What a treat to see Boxing Trainer (and analyst)- Teddy Atlas and his assistant Saul wearing Walt Disney World T-Shirts with Epcot's Spaceship Earth in the background while they demonstrated the "keys to victory" before the main event.  The Semi-Main event wasn't a barn burner as far as action goes, but it did feature a former World Champion (who is now 41 years old)- Freddie "Lil' Hagler" Norwood moving up in weight to face a top 20 contender in Ghana's Ray Nahr. It was Nahr's night all the way as he won a 10 round unanimous decision by scores of 99-89, and 100-89 twice.  The Main Event was a good action packed bout as two hot prospects put their undefeated records on the line in a very fan pleasing bout.  It was Ukraine's Ismayl Syllakh improving his record to 25-1 with an impressive victory over Cuba's Yordanis Despaigne who dropped to 8-1, 4 ko's.  Syllakh scored a knockdown on Despaigne at the end of round 2, and even though Despaigne came back strong the next few rounds, it was Syllakh who got back into rhythm to cruise to a big win while defending his North American Boxing Federation Light-Heavyweight title belt by unanimous decision on scores of 99-90 and 98-91 twice.  In my opinion Yordanis Despaigne looked good enough to still be considered a prospect, but Syllakh took a big step up into the world rankings, possibly even a top 10 ranking coming soon off of this skillful effort.  It was a great showcase for Nahr and Syllakh.  It was also a great showcase for Walt Disney World with some beautiful shots of the Giant Sorcerer's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot's Spaceship Earth with the Monorail cruising by, and of course the Castle at The Magic Kingdom just to name a few.  It was also a special pleasure to see my old friend - "Boxin' Bob Alexander" working as the Ring Announcer for this special event.  Many years ago (before I became a Judge, and he became a ring announcer) we used to trade boxing matches and talk boxing.  Now it's so great to see him in his Tux introducing the boxers, and giving the official decisions.  Oh, and yes... I was wrong in my pick of Despaigne to win the decision.  But I was right to expect a great sporting event, a wonderful collision of my two favorite worlds.  And another lift in my spirits from my Disney Fountain of Youth!

My two worlds COLLIDE on Friday Night!

   I'll bet you don't know too many people who have a passion for both Disney and Pro Boxing!  Neither do I.  But "I am that Man!".  And this Friday March 4th is a special night for me.  ESPN's Friday Night Fights will be broadcast from Walt Disney World's Wide World of Sports Complex.  I'm sure they have held boxing events there before, but I guess I just never noticed.  These days though, my inner radar always catches the phrase "Walt Disney World".  The Main Event will feature former Cuban amateur standout - Yordanis Despaigne (8-0, 4 ko's) taking on another unbeaten prospect- Ismael Syllakh (14-0, 12 ko's) for the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Light-Heavyweight Title.  It's a great matchup made even better by the fact IT WILL BE HELD AT WALT DISNEY WORLD!  Oh, how I wish I could be there in person.  The undercard will feature former World Champion- Freddie "Little Hagler" Norwood (43-3-1, 23 ko's) going against Accra, Ghana's Ray "The Emperor" Narh (24-1, 21 ko's).  You can bet I'll be tuned in, and how much sweeter will it be when they show a glimpse of the entrance to the Wide World Complex on Disney Property?  The event will be promoted by none other than former World Champion and future Hall-Of-Famer Roy Jones Jr.

   I can only imagine a day filled with screams on Expedition Everest, Singing along with It's a Small World, Whirling through Rock n' Rollercoaster with Aerosmith blasting in my ears, The wind blowing through my hair on Test Track, Mickey Bars, Popcorn and then topping it all off with a night of Championship Boxing!  I won't be able to do it this time around, I was caught off guard.  But you can bet that I'll be keeping my ear to the ground and my eyes open for the next boxing event held at WDW!  (Oh, and in case you're wondering... I'll take Despaigne to win the title by decision.)

(Pictured: myself with Freddie "Little Hagler" Norwood who will be in action on March 4, 2011 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex)

I forgot a HUGE "First time experience" from our last trip...

I knew I'd forget something, and how could I forget my first ride(s) on... Rock 'n Roller coaster starring Aerosmith!  Our plan for the Disney Hollywood Studios day was to have Mrs. Disney Dan and Daughter/Son-In-Law ride the Hollywood Tower of Terror, while "Grandpa Dan" went with Miss Ava in the stroller and got fast passes for Toy Story Midway Mania.  When we returned with our fast pass sets, the brave trio went on the Rock n' Roller coaster while I waited with Grandy.  We enjoyed waiting, because they blast Aerosmith tunes in the area around the attraction, and Miss Ava was moving to the music... so was I.  When they got off, my Daughter talked her "Chicken Dad" into riding it!  I told her... "I don't like roller coasters that go upside down!", she said "Dad, it's DARK, You CAN'T TELL THAT YOU'RE GOING UPSIDE DOWN!!!!".  Well, I thought about it, and figured 'life is short'... so I went with Daughter & Son-In-Law.  The lines were so short that we practically walked on.  Did I survive it? obviously... since I'm writing this blog entry.  Did I like it?  Wow... I said... "Let's do it again!", so I grabbed Mrs. Disney Dan by the hand and hopped in line again.  Screaming all the way through the ride.  What a great ride.  That first acceleration is exhilarating, and the sights and sounds of this marvel of an indoor coaster are just too much fun!  Now there is only one obstacle left in my Disney arsenal... The Hollywood Tower of Terror.  I'm not ready for that drop, but never say never.  And another first that I nearly forgot, was my first taste of Sake at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot.  I love to visit the store in the pavilion, and pick up some oriental snack crackers, I couldn't resist tasting a little Sake at the Sake tasting bar in the store.  It's good, it's like a champagne.  Another of those Disney fun firsts.  Great memories from my Disney fountain of youth.

New experiences on this last trip

On our last trip which is less than a week old, I got to do some things that I had not yet done at WDW.  Some of the rides that I might not have done by myself or with Mrs. Disney Dan.  I rode Triceratops Spin at The Animal Kingdom's Dinoland... twice!

This looked like one that our Grand Daughter would enjoy, and I was honored to be in the group to take her for a "Dino-spin".  I have to say that I really enjoy this simple carnival style ride.  It's a great view from up there, and everyone seems so happy and in a great mood while riding.  The line was so short, that we hopped right back on and did a 2nd spin.  I also took my first spin on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at The Magic Kingdom.  Again, the wait wasn't too long, and the views were pretty awesome!  We played one of the midway games at Dinoland, I think it was a Wooly Mammoth racing game where you try to put the ball into holes on the board to move your Mammoth faster.  I didn't win, but my Son-In-Law pulled out the victory to win our Grandy a nice little stuffed turtle!  We had our first meal at 'Ohana, not for any other reason except that we were finally able to get in!  It was everything that I have heard.  The skewers of meats kept comin' and were good, but the "sides" were even better (in my opinion).  The Salad and Bread, the chicken wings & pot stickers were fantastic, and that dessert was soooo good!  It's a busy place, but it's so much fun and such a good meal, I look forward to a return visit.  We also had our first lunch at the madhouse that is Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe.  My Angus Chuck Bacon Burger was great.  The place is really busy and I generally gravitate towards a quieter atmosphere, but I'm glad that we stopped in and caught a performance by Sonny Eclipse.  We also made our first visit to an often overlooked little gem at Disney's Hollywood Studios - The Writer's Stop for some goodies including the World Famous Carrot Cake Cookie.  Disney Pod caster Lou Mongello recently named it as his "Best of the Best" Snacks in WDW, and I have to agree.  It's a chewy slice of heaven and it's plenty big enough to share!  We also paid our first visit to Le Patisserie in Epcot's France Pavilion and picked out an assortment of sweets, it was a busy place but we were rewarded for our patience with some delicious snacks, found a table and just took a nice break in a beautiful place.

Now Disney Dan loves a good cigar, and so does my Son-In-Law, so we made our way over to the Sosa Family Cigar Shop at Downtown Disney's West Side.  We picked up a few of the Sosa house cigars after watching the master roll a few cigars in the front part of the shop.  We then took them over to the Sosa Cigar Bar - Fuego, right across from the Harley Davidson Shop between Ragland Road & Pardiso 37.  We stepped in ordered a couple of Yeunglings and just enjoyed a few hours of relaxation.... in Walt Disney World!  Of course another first for us was our resort - The Animal Kingdom Lodge's Kidani Village.  It was our first official stay at a DVC resort, and I must say that the place was amazing.  The room decor and layout was beautiful and comfortable. Once we learned our way around the place, that LONG walk down the hallways to our room didn't seem so bad at all.  Of course while we were there, we had to have dinner at Sanaa, and again, it was everything that I imagined and more.  The flavors are really something that an adventurous eater (like me) would enjoy!  The Indian Style Bread service is a must!  And the animals were roaming around everywhere out our window.  We also had our first meal at La Cantina de San Angel, which is the counter service eatery across from the Mexico Pavilion pyramid.  We all got the same thing Tacos de Pollo (Chicken Tacos).  It was nice to sit out on the deck off of World Showcase Lagoon and just kick back at a slow pace and enjoy our lunch.  Our Grand Daughter was fascinated by the Sea Gulls who were lurking around for a hand out.  On this trip I had my first Dole Whip in adventureland.  Since it was my first, I went with the "original" - the pineapple dole whip, and it was great!  We even took our first bus ride to Downtown Disney  and even though we'd been to Downtown Disney before, we had always arrived via the water taxi from Port Orleans Riverside, or French Quarter.

I'm such a disney fanatic, that even arriving in a new way is memorable to me!  Almost forgot my first visit to La Cava de Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.  We tasted some Tequila and it was unusual for me to have a "salsa chaser".  But, it was really good!  I'm probably forgetting some other firsts from this trip, but each and every one of these were magical moments that are now stored in my computer of great disney memories.  Fresh water from my Fountain of Youth.