Dave's Disney View

 Overview: I made it up to the 4th of the Star Wars Weekends, and had a great time. I recount my experience and tell a few stories about my day. Come in and take a listen to a virtual Star Wars Weekend experience.   Notes:The person whose name I couldn't think of was James Arnold Taylor, voice of Obi Wan in the Clone Wars animated TV show. I noted that typically the guests aren't *that* interesting, but I will make an exception for the last weekend (this coming one) as Frank Oz is one of the celebrity guests. Oz, of course, worked with Jim Henson on the muppets, and has a more interesting story. Unfortunately, my schedule didn't work for coming up for weekend #5.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: This podcast is a tribute to the Japan pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, theming, and of course the gardens. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. And finally I discuss a planned attraction that was mostly built, but never opened. Come take a listen to the tale about this fascinating opening-day Epcot pavilion.   Notes:Japan might very well be the most interesting among the World Showcase pavilions. From dining to shopping, to the zen of it all, Japan has it pretty well covered. A reminder that the general overview of Epcot's World Showcase is in podcast #208.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Today, I explore the history of EPCOT in general, and the rationale for the World Showcase portion of the park. Walt Disney had something specific in mind, and we didn't get that, but we did get an entertaining place that has a richness to it. Here's to a little history!   Notes:Its difficult to imagine what Walt's vision was, precisely, so we mainly have to guess at it. The view of Progress City that you can see from the PeopleMover is about 1/3 of the full model. The whole thing took up about 1,500 square feet - that's close the size of a smaller home!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: On today's podcast, I'm talking about Star Wars Weekend, which is held annually at late May/early June in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Joining me to talk about the event and the awesome parade is Lance Tomkins, Commanding Officer of the Florida Garrison of the 501st Legion. He's got some fun stories to tell, and we talk about dressing up and generally having fun at the event. Enjoy!   Notes: Visit the 501st Legion at http://501st.com  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Friend of the Show Gary Miceli is back, and today we're talking about fun experiences at Disney. We all have special memories of our trips to the park, we share ours and what makes them memorable!   Notes: I think the changes coming to the studios will mean a lot of history will be lost....oh well, that's progress! The Youtube video will give you a sense of the behind the scenes look you once got from the Backlot Tour. And the picture is of Inspector Gadget's car.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: My grandparents had a tremendous influence on me - and are a large part of the reason that I love Disney. Come in and hear the story about them, and how they shaped me. Its a personal story that serves as a tribute to them.   Notes: The top picture is in front of the Polynesian; their personalities shine through in the pic - that's really who they were. The other picture of them is at the Golf Resort pool (now Shades of Green). And of course there I am with them at a Mickey's Christmas Party in 1983.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: This podcast is a look at the fascinating article Wired Magazine did about the Magic Bands. You can find the original article here: http://www.wired.com/2015/03/disney-magicband/ They did such a nice job of looking behind the scenes, how could I *not* talk about it? Most of this is not original work by me, so I want to give full credit to the publication, as I read the article.   Notes: Wired is from Conde Nast publications, and I highly recommend subscribing, or at least visiting the site and poking around. You never know what you might find. Wired article  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: I present to you my top 10 Quick Service Meals. I tell you what dish I like, and where you can get it. Of course, I sprinkle in a few helpful tips, and make some suggestions on how to get there and where you might eat the food.  Notes: There is no place I love in the Magic Kingdom. But, there are spots in both the Polynesian and Contemporary that are nearby. I have favorites in each of the other theme parks, and 4 other resorts. I have a breakfast, two vegetarian dishes, three that come from the sea, some chicken, pork, and lamb. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Today's podcast is another look at the monorail. Disney is testing some changes to the monorail, so I wonder what's up with that? I look back at the history of the monorail, and suggest what this means as it relates to wait times. And, at the end of the podcast, I have some thoughts about Measles at DisneyLand. Notes: I wanted to point out that no the vaccination part of the podcast, it is not my intention to wade into the minefield that has sprung up around this topic. Rather, I am thinking about the greater good and the science of it.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Its my 200th show! And to celebrate, I am talking about how to celebrate at Walt Disney World. I've got some thoughts, suggestions, and give you some ideas on how you might celebrate on your next Disney vacation!   Notes:Just what will you celebrate? This was a lot of fun to think about because there really are so many ways to celebrate at Disney World. my Pin Trading app my Pressed Penny app my Hidden Mickeys app http://disneyworld.disneyfloralandgifts.com Links to other celebration-related things at Disney World --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: I took a trip to Walt Disney World and used FastPass+, and met up with a friend who used the Disability Assistance Pass. I talk about both, as well as Memory Maker. Plus, because I took a trip to the resort, I have some stories to tell.   Notes: My hat is off to parents of kids with special needs. I know what its like to have kids. I now have a (small) taste of what its like to have one who has special needs. I realize its a labor of love in its own way, but I can see its not always easy.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Mainly, the questions I have been getting lately revolve around a single theme: tell me more about the Magic Bands and Fast Pass. So, I decided to cover it all in a super-sized podcast! I cover some of the history, what it is and does, how it works, and give a few tips on how to get the most out of it. I hope you enjoy!   Notes: Visit Tourplans for tips and advice on visiting the parks. I neglected to mention that the Magic Bands can also be used to link your Photopass photos.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Today's podcast is a look at Disney happenings. I cover a lot of things that have been happening over the last few months - the Disney no fly zone, new development and environmental mitigation, some new things to see at Disney World including TCM presents the Great Movie Ride and removal of the Sorcerers hat. Plus there is some discussion about new movies.    Notes: For the First Time in Forever... I Did Not Enjoy My Vacation to Disney  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Onnie applied to be on the Disney Mom's Panel, and she's here to tell us all about her experience. Plus, we naturally talk about Disney World, trip planning, and some favorite attractions! Take a listen and see how she followed (and continues to follow) her dream.   Notes: Visit the Disney Mom's Panel to learn more and ask a question of one of the moms (and dads). Gary Buchanan is the manager of social media for Disney Parks. You can find his blog entries here:http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/author/gbuchanan/  Follow Onnie on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/Onnie5000 http://instagram.com/Onnie5000/  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Its a podcast so big that it spans two episodes! Today, I am in the Magic Kingdom trying out my MagicBand, FastPass+, and checking out some of the changes that have taken (or are taking!) place. Come and take a listen as I spend my day wandering around and telling stories...   Notes: I didn't like the feeling of the MagicBand on my arm, but overall, the system was working well enough. I found the experience enjoyable overall. The two pieces of music you hear are from the MainStreet Marching Band and Jim - the long-time pianist outside of Casey's Corner.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Near the end of the Food & wine Festival, I finally found a day to enjoy the event. I brought my recorder, and tell you all about my experience! I've got some thoughts about the dishes I tried, the app I created, and some of the fun things to see and do. Come in and take a listen to my day enjoying Epcot's Food & Wine Festival!   Notes: I am looking for feedback on the app, if anyone happened to use it. Feel free to send me an email if you think of anything. I know, for example, that having a way to plan things to try would be helpful. The guitarist heard in the podcast is Gerardo Manrique.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: I took a trip to the Pacific Northwest over the summer, and I found some interesting things that tie back to Disney in some small ways. I also rode the monorail in Seattle, and its a cool trip down memory lane...so I spend some time talking about how it relates to Disney history.   Notes: The story of Puddles can be found in Episode #14 ... visit NPS.gov to learn about National Parks.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: Mayhem may not be quite the right word, but I do talk about Fastpass+ in general and how it works. And then I move on to some things that are happening around FastPass+. New "limited tests" with Toy Story Midway Mania, and with the Be Our Guest Restaurant. What does it all mean? And I talk about ApplePay and its connection to the MagicBands.   Notes: Much of this is speculative, but based on some facts, and I don't claim to have any amazing inside scoop. Its my best guess.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: This podcast has some followup thoughts and comments about the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, from some of its original concepts, to one part of the show that left...and then I talk about its closure. Afterward, I talk about the show that replaced it, which is a truly terrible attraction - Stitch's Great Escape.   Notes: The movie review is from Jeremy Jahns (http://www.jeremyjahns.com/). I am amazed at how much history there is in this attraction.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message

 Overview: This podcast takes a look at what came after Mission to Mars closed in the Magic Kingdom. In short, it was a creative thrill ride that didn't provide physical thrills, but rather psychological ones. Seize the future with XS! Notes: Michael Eisner asked for it to be more terrifying along the way. And the Imagineers had to work with the existing building, and most of the set designs in order to keep costs down. Arguably, this is one of the most non-Disney attractions ever put in to the Magic Kingdom.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daves-disney-view/message