Dave's Disney View

  Overview:  Back in 1989, the Disney MGM Studios opened as a real working movie studio. They let us in on some movie making secrets and featured some cool little shows that showed how things work. Soundsation was a booth where you could hear Holophonic sound. I explore the history and play the audio for you. Notes: This was a simple pleasure. So technically simple, yet very powerful in its pre...

  Overview:  Today's episode is a look at my YouTube series Lost and Found at Walt Disney World.  I talk a little about behind the scenes.  I give a sense of what I am doing with the series.  And I tell you about the episodes that are currently available.  I hope you'll check out the series! http://yt.vu/+LostFoundWdW  Notes: As I mention in the podcast, these videos are fun to make.  I'm reall...

  Overview:  I had a chance to visit over the holidays, so I talk about that experience - and mildly rant about the holiday experience at Disney (for me, personally, its too much, but that's just my opinion).  And I provide a review of Ralph Breaks the Internet.   Notes: The audio quality is less than perfect, and I apologize for that up front.  :)  Seems I had an issue with the microphone I wa...

  Overview:  Today, I take a look around to see what's cooking - literally. I'm on a quest to find vegetarian dining at all 4 theme parks, and in some resorts. Here's to hoping you take some time on your next trip to check out some of these terrific options! Notes: Its not all that hard to find really good (and tasty!) vegetarian options around the parks at counter service restaurants.  And eve...

  Overview:  Today’s podcast is a tribute to the Golden Horseshoe which begat the Diamond Horseshoe at WDW which begat the Tokyo Disneyland version of the Golden Horseshoe. I talk about it’s history, what Walt created, and Disney Legends Betty Taylor (aka Slu Foot Sue) and Wally Boag (aka Pecos Bill). Notes: I find it intriguing how much Walt loved the old west and included many elements at Dis...

  Overview:  Today, I have a look at some off-the-beaten path Disney news, sprinkled in among stories that may be a little more familiar.  Tune in and enjoy! Notes: I include thoughts about Club 33, a lawsuit against Disney, a few guest-related issues, and things like that.  I wanted to try something different this week.  Let me know what you think! Checkout my YouTube channel: lost & found in ...

  Overview:  I visited Walt Disney World in late October as part of my annual tradition of enjoying the Food and Wine Festival.  This time, I went at it alone, but made new friends as I went to various booths.  And since I was there, I visited all the parks to check out construction activities, see what was new, and to of course ride a few favorite attractions. Notes: I had some fun hanging aro...

 Overview:  In 1993, Nestle took over as the title sponsor for The Land.  One of the changes they made was to close The Kitchen Kabaret, ending the run of veggie, veggie, fruit, fruit.  In March of 1994, Food Rocks was opened in its place. While it was similar in nature - food singing about good nutrition - it was quite a different show. Notes: Food Rocks was sort of like a rock concert, and fe...

 Overview:  After a renovation, Symbiosis was unfortunately closed.  Opened in its place was The Circle of Life: an Environmental Fable.  This show stretched the nature of The Land to now talk about conservation through the lens of our friends from the Lion King.  Notes: While Symbiosis was a cinematic marvel, The Circle of Life was less so, though it did reuse scenes from the original film   C...

 Overview:  Within the Land pavilion was a remarkable move called Symbiosis that celebrated man's creative partnership with the land. It included marvels of past and present technologies and accomplishments. I talk about this film, and what it was all about.    Notes: The film was directed by Paul Gerber, and he actually brought people to see it as a living resume.  It was shot in 70mm (large f...

 Overview:  The Land is another of Epcot’s opening day pavilions in future world.  The objective was to look at the earth, agriculture, and ecology.  in the original design, the large atrium would have been an arboretum.  It featured a large mosaic, a pretty amazing film, a boat ride, and a show about food.    Notes: The pavilion has been through three general iterations in its history, based o...

 Overview:  On today’s podcast, I tell the tale of Disney’s acquisition of the land in Florida, and how the company managed to get autonomy. It’s a tale that I haven’t heard others talk about much and I wanted share some of the details.    Notes: I’ve got additional information contained in my video series Lost & Found in Walt Disney World which I would encourage you to check out.   Checkout my...

 Overview:  A little news for you - from Disneys environmental consciousness, to new ideas for creating immersive technology, to the nearly final acquisition of 20th century fox, I’ve got you covered.  Plus, I take a look at the Solo Star Wars movie.     Notes: Yeah, I was not a fan of the Star Wars Solo movie.  I wanted to be, I really did.  But it just wasn't good....   Checkout my YouTube ch...

 Overview:  I received so many good questions that I decided to do another podcast that answers them.  This time it’s Fast pass+, Pick a Pearl,  toy story land, sorcerers of the magic kingdom or agent p?  Hope you find it interesting!    Notes: keep those questions coming! Davesdisneyview@gmail.com Agent Ps World Showcase Adventure: https://agentpwsa.com/  Checkout my YouTube channel: lost & fo...

 Overview:  I took my summer vacation, and went on an historical tour.  A tell you a little about that - and then connect it back to Disney and talk about the proposed, but never built, Disney America.    Notes: I have to wonder if Disney America would have been a fun place to visit.  Would they have told a good story?  Been historically accurate?  Or a little of both?   Checkout my YouTube cha...

 Overview:  Today, I'm back to answer your Disney Questions!  From Club 33, to taking a teen to Disney, to renting a car, to solo at the parks, to Food & Wine, I've got you covered.   Notes: Keep those questions coming!  Always happy to help you out! More about Club 33: https://thehappiestblogonearth.com/2016/10/inside-disneylands-club-33.html Epcot Food & Wine: https://disneyworld.disney.go.co...

 Overview:  Today's podcast is a look back at the original ride in the Land Pavilion: Listen to the Land.  Come along and listen to a live guide recording from sometime in the early 1980s.  Its fun.  And the song is great!  Notes: Although there were some terrific things I saw on my first couple of visits, the one that made the most lasting impression was Listen to the Land in the (surprise!) L...

 Overview:  After taking my daughter to the Animal Kingdom - and talking about it - I started thinking about all the trips I took to Disney World as a school group.  I reflect on that, tell you some stories, and reminisce about the experience. Notes: One of the really great benefits of growing up in Florida was having the ability to take annual school trips to the parks, in addition to the regu...

 Overview:  My daughter had an opportunity to go on a school field trip to the Animal Kingdom, and I went along to chaperone.  It was fun, but very different.  I talk about my day.   Notes: My problem with the Navi'i river journey is that there's no story, nothing to grab you.  It looks nice, but is pointless. IMHO that's exactly what Avatar (the movie) was so, I guess mission accomplished!  An...

 verview:  Today, its a dose of Disney news. I've got goings on in the WDW parks, and talk about transportation around WDW.  I've also got some things outside of the Orlando the park - namely some new technology Disney has come up with, and an update on 21st Century Fox.  Notes: The monorail sign at the top of this entry was added to all cars after there was an incident with one monorail where ...

 Overview:  The Universe of Energy closed in 1996, and re-opened as Ellens Energy Adventure later that year.  I take a look back at how that all worked, and share the ride audio.   Also, I talk about what's next for this storied attraction    Notes: Ellen has a theory, and I wanted to share...she has a point because it does look a little like her, and the old animatronic at Ellens energy advent...

 Overview:  I caught the movie Black Panther, and wanted to take a few minutes and talk about it. In short: I enjoyed it. Way to go Disney! Notes:  This is the second movie I've seen in the "superhero" realm (the first being Wonder Woman). As I note in the podcast, I enjoyed both so much, it might be time to catch up on the movies I've missed.  

 Overview: The Universe of Energy was an original Epcot opening day pavilion that (as you might expect) devoted itself to energy, starting with an overview, talking about fossil fuels, and then moved on to renewable resources. It was one of Disney’s longest (time wise) rides, lasting around 45 minutes. I talk you through the history and we go on a ride through the attraction.      Notes: The so...

 Overview: Today's podcast is all about planning for a trip.  My brother was coming in from out of town, and wondered how to get around without a car.  And that’s a good question; I've never given it much thought. Notes:  The name of the public bus service in the area is Lynx.  You can try googling 'taxi cost in orlando' to get an idea of what will cost you.  You can likewise look up shuttle se...

 Overview: I ran across a couple of articles about Disney and their work in the digital content world.  The acquisition of 21st century fox is the proverbial tip of the iceberg as Disney works to move into a whole new world. But I have a couple of other quick fun things to share,  too.  Ad Age article: http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/mouse-s-house/312235/ CNN Money Article: http://money.c...

 Overview: A few podcasts ago, Gary and I talked about our top ten attractions that we missed. I invited listeners to share what you missed - and I consolidated them here.  Its a sort of listener favorite missed attractions!    Notes:  I have talked about a number of these attractions on previous podcasts.  I invite you to use the search at the top to look through the archive and find ones that...

 Overview: Early this month, I took a trip up to Disney with the family.  The temps dipped near freezing, but we were undeterred and had a great time, visiting the parks, meeting princesses, and riding attractions.  I've got stories to tell, and suggest how you can make the most of your vacation.    Notes:  That's the view from the monorail.  Each time I go, I try and find at least one thing I'...

 Overview: More thoughts (and spoilers) about Episode 8: the Last Jedi.  I watched a bunch of reviews, and they got me to thinking about the film.  So I wanted to share that... Notes:  There are a lot of varying views about the movie.  Just take a a peek at youtube, and you can find good, bad an indifferent reviews.  But there's no denying the popularity of the film; its already exceeded $60 bi...

 Overview: I went and saw Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi, and enjoyed it. I present a podcast that's part moview review - and part a look at Disney's acquisition of 20th Cenury Fox. Notes:  Here are the videos from Bad Lip Reading and Weird Al, which I reference in the podcast  https://youtu.be/U9t-slLl30E   https://youtu.be/-IUMCyAR6U0 

  Overview: Just in time for the holiday season, I present a look at what was formerly known as Holidays Around the World - now renamed to International Festival of the Holidays. I talk about what there is to see and do, and present some audio from each of the holiday storytellers. Notes:  Check out videos from each pavilion, and other things to do and see.  Although I say in the podcast that I...

 Overview: I spent a few days up at the world recently, and I'm talking about it.  I did the food and wine festival, checked out progress on Star Wars land, and visited Pandora for the first time.  Of course, I have requisite observations and stories to tell.       Notes:  I had fun riding on Soarin' without shoes, weird as that is. 

 Overview: Gary Miceli joins me on today's podcast to talk about some of the shows, attractions, and experiences we miss in WDW.  Now there's a bit of a generational thing happening here, as Dave has some decidedly "old school" takes.  But it's a lot of fun to think back to things from the past, whether it's recent or if they are long gone... Notes:  If you have some things you miss, post them ...

 verview: Today's podcast covers a few items that I left off my last podcast - miscellanous items that cover a wide range of topics.  From the family of the boy killed by the alligator, to espn-Disney-trump, to dessert parties, and mobile ordered, and a whole lote more!.  Enjoy!  Notes:  Link to articles I discuss on the podcast: http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201709/5748/ 

 Overview: Today's podcast takes a look at Hurricane Irma, some fun stories from around the world, Yogi Berra and Disney (really!) and a good article about the magic bands.  Notes: As I mentioned, I took a little break, and may take another short one soon.  But I'll be back. Links to articles I discuss on the podcast: https://gizmodo.com/how-i-let-disney-track-my-every-move-1792875386 http://ww...

 Overview: Change is in the air! At D23, we heard about a number of new attractions, new experiences, changes, and other assorted announcements about the theme parks, movies, digital content and a whole lot more.  And now that I've had time to think about it, I talk about it!  Notes: There were some announcements made prior to D23, and a few made after - plus there are a few rumors that won't s...

 That's me looking at the Niagara Falls version of the Backside of Water!   Overview:What did Dave do on his Summer Vacation?  He went to Canada! But here's the thing - I was amazed at how much I related Disney to things that I saw, and how various exhibits are influenced by Disney in some way...I also took some time to learn more about Expo67, and I share that with you.    Notes: You should ch...

 Overview: In the third part of the series, I talk about how the attraction changed in the 80s, when they lost the GE sponsorship, and 90s, when they made it more like the original attraction, except for the last scene which became a look at the turn of the 21st century.  But they did restore the original theme song.    Notes: Jean Shepard took over as host in 1993. But the show is mostly the s...

 Overview: On this podcast, I talk about the carousel of progress and it's move to Florida as a part of the expansion of tomorrowland at the magic kingdom. And a new song is introduced: it's the best time of your life, which evokes the idea of carpe diem.   Notes: the kitchen is the focal point in all the scenes because that's where family comes together, and perhaps more importantly, that's wh...

 Overview: On this episode, I start a retrospective of the carousel of progress. I first take a look at the general concept, then talk about its design, music, and it's installation at the worlds fair as Progressland.  Afterward, I talk about the move to Disneyland.    Notes: "There's a great big beautiful tomorrow" is said to be One of Walt Disneys favorites because it considers the possibilit...

 Overview: I took a trip up to the world recently, so naturally I have to tell some stories about my trip.  In particular, I tell you about my adventure on the Behind the Steam Trains tour Notes: Many of the tours offered at Disney World are quite good  You should take some time to check them out on a future trip. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/  

 Overview: I take a look at some news from around Disney World.  Attraction changes - including Ellen's Energy Adventure, The Jungle Cruise, and of course the Hall of Presidents.  Also transportation changes, and a couple of pieces of odd news Notes: As I noted, the HoP was likely to undergo a change, regardless of who sits in the office.  It was time. Be sure and check out the history here- DD...

 Overview: Some friends of mine visited Disney World recently, and were lucky enough to be selected to get a preview of Pandora the World of Avatar.  They were more than happy to share their thoughts about the land (hint: they loved it), so come and hear all about the new land and Disney's Animal Kingdom.  Notes: They also timed it well enough to see the end of Wishes and the start f the new ni...

 Overview: If You Had Wings was a hybrid of dark ride, creative effort, and advertisement.  I took a look back at how it came to be, what it was, and give you the ride audio. I also discuss the Omnimover ride technology.  Remember, you do have wings...   Notes: If You Had Wings was quite memorable in spite of its limited effects, and lack of an immersive storyline.  I suppose it was the music, ...

 Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the Norway pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, and theming. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. This was the last new pavilion added to World Showcase, way back in 1988!   Notes: Norway is intriguing because it represents the area known as Scandinavia generally.  I am not a huge fan of what they did to get the...

  Overview: I welcome back to the show Kristi Petersen Schoonover.  She's here to share a few not-so-well-known urban legends that include some ghost story-type elements.  Put on your headphones and have a listen! Notes: Maybe it is just a trick of the light, but who knows?  The stories are fun, in any case. Kristi Petersen Schoonover has been going to WDW since the 1970s, and her favorite ride...

 Overview: Today's podcast is a mashup of a little news, a few questions, and a movie review.  The movie is Beauty and the Beast, and I also talk about Pandora, Memory Maker, and how I got my tag line.  Enjoy!  Notes: The movie was quite enjoyable,  If you want to know more about Horizons, check out the podcasts I did about it, starting in DDV #3 - An overview of the pavillion that was "Horizon...

 Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the Morocco pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, and theming. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. It was the first pavilion to come to world showcase after opening day. This pavilion also has the distinction of being personally overseen by the King of Morocco.   Notes:The Moroccan pavilion has amazing aesthetic...

 Overview: WToday's podcast is a look at a few news items - the loss of a parade in the magic kingdom, a new gondola possibly coming - and I cover the basics of the magic bands.    Notes: Visit MouseSavers.com for details on saving at Disney 

 Overview: World showcase had grand plans and ambitions.  There were 21 sites plotted for World Showcase when the original idea was pitched.  But, we only got 9 on opening day. Many other countries were oh-so-close to being built, but alas it didn't happen. This is the story about some of the proposed countries.    Notes: Its still a remarkable thing that Disney was able to create a permanent w...

 Overview: Today's podcast is a tribute to the Italy pavilion. I take a thorough look at the design, layout, and theming. Then, I spend some time talking about shopping and dining. Its the 9th (and final) Epcot opening-day pavilion I discuss.  Come and take a visit to Venice with me.   Notes: Italy is unique among the pavilions, in that there is no ride or show in the pavilion.  Its shopping, d...