Show Notes  April 26, 2008

We broke into double digits with episode 10.  A short but not so momentous occasion. W also welcome Anthony Piston who is a guest on this weeks show and is interviewed during Alexâs segment.

Around the World of Disney:  There is a lot of news this week around Disney. In Florida, CHD Meridian was chosen to operate Disneyâs new employee medical clinic. Walt Disney World is now accepting applications for the Race for the Taste 10k run. Star Wars Weekends are coming in June to Disneyâs Hollywood Studios. A Worcester Massachusetts couple lost three rings while at the Wilderness Lodge only to later be found by Cast Members. At Disneyâs California Adventure, the Food and Wine Festival is in full swing. Alaska Airlines is offering the âKids Fly Freeâ promo for flights to Disneyland. We update some new things coming to Disneyland as brought to life from Blue Sky Disney.  The new Mark VII monorail is now in service with another one soon to come online.  There is talk of a third theme park at Tokyo Disney.  eBay is giving away three Disney vacations (link) . Disney is about to bring a new line of Little Einstein dairy products to store shelves.  The Travel Channel will be hosting âSeasons of Disneyâ a seven episode show airing on Friday evenings.  Disney is producing several nature shows as they did in the past. Justin Muchoney was named the first ever Chief Magical Officer.  Disney is looking for people to be filmed on the Toy Story Mania ride for a promotional video (link). Miley Cyrus will receive a $1 million book deal for her autobiography.

Cathyâs Tips and Reviews: Cathy talks about a great shopping treasure at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The World of Disney stores are fabulous places to get those special Disney treasures. Some tips are discussed including how to save time and money.  

The World According to Alex:  Alex interviews Anthony about his last trip to Disneyland. As 12 year olds do, they giggle and act a little goofy, but they have fun which you can share with them.

Walking with Walt: The Disneyland Railroad is a treasure than cannot be missed. Kelly talks about the history of this fabulous attraction and form of transportation inside the park.  Also included is many of the details as well as upgrades when several rides expanded outside the park boundaries.

Show Notes â April 19, 2008

After a break of a few months, we are back. We were off for a short while so Cathy could recover and we could regroup for the podcast. Also, we welcome new ideas for any changes to the format of the show.

Around the World of Disney:  The cheesecake factory at WDWâs Downtown Disney will be closing. Flamingo Crossing is finally breaking ground with more affordable show, restaurants, and hotels. Disneylandâs âItâs a Small Worldâ attraction will be getting Disney Characters added. Reservations for the 2008 Motherâs Day Brunch at the Disneyland Hotel are now being accepted. An Indiana Jones Stunt show will make its way to Adventureland at Disneyland next month. Comic Book legend Stan lee has contracted with Disney for three movie projects. The Chief Magical Officer position has been narrowed down to three contestants. Go online at http://www.dreamcmo.com/ to vote for your favorite. Disney and Pixar announced their 2008 through 2012 animated releases. Disney Legend Ollie Johnston, One of the original âNine Old Menâ, passed away recently from natural causes.

Cathyâs Tips and Reviews: Deep in the heart of New Orleans Square is a quaint little indoor/outdoor restaurant known as âCafà Orleansâ. Cathy talks about our most recent trip to Disney and our experience at Cafà Orleans. The place had mixed reviews, but all in all, it was a nice little retreat from the huge crowds at Disney that day.

The World According to Alex:  Inside Disneyland Park, pirates have taken over. Tom Sawyerâs Island has been re-tooled to become âPirates Lairâ. Alex talks about all the many little details of Pirates Lair to include the Landing, Lafitteâs Tavern, Dead Manâs Grotto, Smugglerâs Cove, Castle Rock, Pirates Den, and the Captainâs Treasure. There is even a remembrance to the original island with Tom and Huckâs Tree House.

Walking with Walt:   In 1959, Disneyâs first mountain opened with the Matterhorn.  The Matterhorn is a 1/100^th scale version of the original mountain in the Swiss Alps. Kelly talks about many of the intricate details of the mountain. There is even a basketball court inside the attraction. One of Waltâs classic rides, still standing for everyone to ride.

 January 13, 2008

After watching National Treasure, Book of Secrets, Kelly and Alex discuss some of their favorite parts of the movie. What was on page 47? Will there be a part 3? Will Disney continue showing animation shorts before their movies from now on? Only time will tell.

Around the World of Disney:  In Florida, guests have been so irate over the changes to the Disney Dining Plan that they have been seen screaming and yelling inside many of the restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort. The 15^th annual Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon is in the books. At Disneyland, an Art of Disney Theme Parks exhibit is on display in the exit area of the Walt Disney Story. Disney has changed the year of the rat into the year of the mouse at Hong King Disneyland with a wide array of celebrations for Chinese New Year. If you would like to be the CMO, Chief Magical Officer of the Disney Theme Parks, here is your chance to apply (link).

Special Segment-Special Disney Treasures: While visiting the Disney parks, we see many treasures around us. Kelly and Alex talk about some of their favorite treasures to include: The Veteran of the Day Flag Lowering Ceremony at WDW, a Haircut at Harmony Barber Shop, Churroâs, Dole Whips, volunteering for shows, and birthday recognitions.

The World According to Alex:  At the new Disneyâs Hollywood Studios, an attraction that has been around for awhile is still fun for the kids. Alex talks about the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set. This interactive play structure is fun for all ages and has a lot of pieces to climb on and crawl through as if you were shrunk to the size of an ant.

Walking with Walt:   When Disneyland opened in 1955, the living desert was an attraction loved by many. It included the Mine Train through Rainbow Caverns, the Conestoga Wagons and the Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules. The attractions are no longer there since they made way for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Kelly talks about the history of this ride which was dear to Waltâs Heart.

Show Notes â January 7, 2008

Happy New Year. We open this weeks show a little late, but talking about our New Year Resolutions. Now that all the holidays are behind us, the Disney parks have opened Attraction Closure Season.

Around the World of Disney:  Disney-MGM Studios is now called the Disney Hollywood Studios and all the signage for the park has been replaced. New Years Eve saw the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World close due to excessive crowds. Beginning January 1^st, Victoria and Alberts at the Grand Floridian will no longer allow or serve children under the age of 10. At the Disneyland Resort a new World Record was set when 627 tuba players converged on Downtown Disney and began playing. Hong Kong Disney will get new attractions and shows with lower ticket prices, while the Disney Studios in Paris will soon see the opening of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Disney has made public the release dates for the new animated films Wall-E and Bolt. Live Nation has reached a deal and announced a 140 city tour for the Jonas Brothers beginning January 31^st. Disney Legend Joyce Carlson who created much of the Itâs a Small World attraction passed away last week. Two stolen pieces of Disney artwork have been returned after a 15 year hiatus.

Special Segment-Hidden Mickeyâs: Alex and Kelly talk about what a real Hidden Mickey is and the best ways to find them in the parks. Each of us talk about some of our favorite Hidden Mickeyâs and ways to locate them while at Disney.

The World According to Alex:  This week, Alex travels to Florida and gives us some insights into Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids. The pros and cons of each of the thrill rides is discussed. Alex mentions some of his favorite reasons why he likes these rides and gives a brief detail of each attraction.  

Walking with Walt:   A Classic attraction which will truly be missed, Adventure Through Inner Space was a simple, yet amazing ride in which each person is simulated to shrink small enough to travel into a snowflake. Along the way, each guest sees water molecules, electrons of the atom with the final destination the nucleus. Kelly brings this attraction back from Yesterland and revisits one of his favorite all time rides.

Show Notes - December 23, 2007

Cathy is M.I.A. once again due to her recent surgery. Douglas Challand and Charlene Marshall join us as guest hosts on this episode. We get some of their likes and dislikes about the Disney parks.

Around the World of Disney:  Walt Disney World was named the leading Theme Park in the World by a vote of 167,000 travel agents. A 44 year old man died of a heart attack on Expedition Everest this week making it the fourth death in three weeks for the resort. At Downtown Disney in Anaheim, Julie Kirk, a well know sidewalk chalk artist will be showing off her talent. The Anaheim Gardenwalk is now seeing some business as individual restaurants are now open. The two Rose Bowl teams will participate in a ceremony at Sleeping beautyâs Castle on December 26^th. Disneyland has a new monorail, the first in 20 years. See pictures of the new monorail here (link). Nicholas Cage, the star of National Treasure, Book of Secrets is publicly hoping Disneyland will make a National Treasure ride.

The World According to Alex:  Alex takes us to Innoventions, the high tech playground for kids of all ages. The Innoventions from Disneyland and Epcot are compared with high and low points from each. Alex talks about some of his many favorite attractions within the attraction.  

Other Things: Kelly talks with Charlene about the High School Musical Pep rally which can currently be seen at Disneyâs California Adventure along with Disneyâs Hollywood Studios. Charlene gives tips and ideas on how to be selected as a volunteer for the show and she talked about the Wildcat moves she learned while watching.

Walking with Walt:   This week, Kelly  talks about an attraction Walt Disney began work on but never came to pass. The Big Rock Candy Mountain was to be a major E Ticket attraction in Disneylandâs Fantasyland. The ride would encompass Casey Jrâs Circus Train along with the Storybook Land Canal Boats. The Mountain would be coverd with candy, cakes, pies, and chocolates. The interior was to be reserved for a Wizard of Oz ride through. The ride never came to pass because the model proved to be unappetizing.

Kelly, Cathy, and Alex finally went to see âEnchantedâ. We discuss the things we liked and disliked about the movie. All in all, we all enjoyed it and think it is a must see for all Disney fans.

Around the World of Disney:  A 63 year old woman was arrested last week after she tried to smuggle a handgun, scissors, and a knife into one of the WDW theme parks. Three Junior football teams were evicted from a WDW hotel and disqualified from the Pop Warner event being held at Disneyâs Wide World of Sports complex. Walt Disney World is building a 15,000 square foot medical facility for use by the cast members on property for their medical needs. Michael Jordan, the manager of the Napa Rode restaurant at Disneyâs Grand California has received the title of Master Sommelier. The Disney Electrical Parade returns to Disneyâs California Adventure during the holidays. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is seeing store shelves by way of a 13 episode DVD which is now available.

Cathyâs Tips and Reviews: Cathy dives into some theme park etiquette. She discusses ways to treat others around you nice while at the theme parks and to follow the Golden Rule. She mentions topics involving couples, singles, teenagers, and even the elderly. Cathy does so in a nice way, but she has plenty of ideas on how to use your manners while at the parks.

The World According to Alex:  Alex gives a brief bun fun look at âCalifornia Screaminâ, the fast paced roller coaster at Disneyâs California Adventure. He mentions the music on the ride, launch sequence and the giant loop around Mickeyâs head. A fun coaster for most ages.

Walking with Walt:  Kelly steps away from the attractions for a week and pays homage to the classic film, âSnow White and the Seven Dwarfsâ. The animated classic is 70 years old this week. There is currently a temporary museum set up in the Art of Animation building at California Adventure with original Cels, props, and drawings from the movie.

Show Notes

Only 4 days until our next trip to Disneyland and the Christmas season is here. All of the parks are not decorated for the season which includes snow on Main Street and the castles are all decked out in the snow and winter lights. The Osborne Lights are back at Walt Disney World along with the Candlelight Processional. Visiting the parks this time of year is truly magical experience.

Around the World of Disney: This week we find that three disabled people have filed a lawsuit against Disney because of the ban on Segways in the parks. Disney has made a policy that commercially purchased Segways will not be allowed in the parks due to the safety issues regarding the speeds of private owned devices. The Pirate and Princess parties will return beginning in January 2008. Contact the Disney web site at                               for dates and pricing of the events. The MiceAge website has pictures and details regarding the major overhaul of California Adventure to include the E-Ticket attraction Radiator Springs Racers. Visit the MiceAge site here. ==Ã.                          A woman was recently seen dumping an unknown powder from one of the boats on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. Disney suspects the woman was leaving ashes of a loved one, however they have a policy that they do not allow people to leave the remains of loved ones on attractions. Tim Burton has signed a two movie deal with Disney to produce Alice in Wonderland and Frankenweenie in Disney 3-D. Alice is scheduled to begin production in early 2008.

Cathyâs Tips and Reviews:  This week, Cathy discusses some extra special experiences at the Disney Parks. These are ideas that are sometimes low cost, but create magical memories of your vacation. At Walt Disney World, Cathy talks about the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street where you can get your hair cut and colored with an extra touch of pixie dust. Each evening a Veteran of the Day is chosen to help in the lowering of the American Flag and she talks about how you can become a part of the ceremony. At Disneyland, the Blue Bayou restaurant is a special detail in which you can have lunch or dinner while dining in the Louisiana swamp land as boats drift by from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Finally, Cathy tells how you can get a special button or sticker from Guest services which keys in Cast members and guests to your special day and how they are made even more special.

The World According to Alex: In the World Showcase at EPCOT is a little known store that kids absolutely love. Alex talks about the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan pavilion. This store has a large amount of Japanese merchandise to include one of the largest collections of anime in the United States. The original Mitsukoshi Department Store in Japan was founded in 1682 and is now the largest department store in the world.

Walking with Walt: Starting on opening day in 1955, Mr. Toads Wild ride is one of the original attractions at Disneyland. Kelly discusses the ins and outs of the ride to include the Walt Disney World version which is now closed. In the ride, guests climb aboard a motorcar for a wild ride through the English countryside and a trip to Hell. In the process, your car nearly runs over a policeman, a goat herder and crashes through a barn full of dynamite.

Show Notes - December 9, 2007

We are all back for the podcast. Cathy is feeling better and joins us for this weeks show. We talk briefly about our recent Disney trip and how a new Princess has made her way to the parks in the way of Jiselle.

Around the World of Disney:  Spaceship Earth may be opening sooner than expected for the Christmas Holiday. One more park guest has died at Disney World, this time of apparent natural causes. Best Friends Pet Care Company will be building a luxury pet care hotel at Disneyworld while taking over the existing kennels. Out west, there is a new website promoting the opening of Toy Story Mania at Disneyâs California Adventure (Link). The rumor of Disney operating two high rise hotels at the Anaheim garden walk may now be more than just a rumor according to the Orange County Register. Finally, the Disney Cruise Lines will be adding St. Croix and Tortola to its Caribbean itinerary next year along with the Mexican Riviera.

Cathyâs Tips and Reviews: Cathy loves Christmas at the Disney parks. Today she talks about some of her favorite things about Christmas at Disneyland to include New Orleans Square, snow in the parks, and a Christmas only tour of Disneyland.

 The World According to Alex:  One of Alexâs favorite attractions is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. He provides some detailed pieces of the ride from the queue line through the ride itself. After his discussion, we take you on an audio ride through of Indiana Jones.

Walking with Walt: Main Street U.S.A. was the first themed land built in a Disney park when it was created at Disneyland. Walt Disney made Main Street around his hometown of Marceline Missouri in the early 1900âs. Kelly gives some history of the area and compares the different Main Streets in other parks. 

Show Notes

We are a week late in our recent episode. We spent a couple of days at Disneyland and California Adventure after Thanksgiving. Cathy ended up having surgery this week and is not able to join us on this edition of the podcast. Kelly and Alex talk a bit about their last trip to the parks and some of their favorite attractions.

Around the World of Disney: Two turkeys have found their way to Walt Disney World after President Bush pardoned them during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Jim Hill  (Link) Media reports a rumor of the possibility of a new âNightmare Before Christmasâ dark ride coming in several years to Disneyâs Hollywood Studios. About 1000 WDW cast members have volunteered for a diabetes studio with the University of Florida. A WDW cast member died recently after being struck by a ride vehicle on Primeval Whirl while a guest of the Magic Kingdom died after leaving a restaurant. In news and rumors from the Disneyland Resort; there is more news about Radiator Springs, coming to California Adventure (Link) . The housing debate in Anaheim has come to an end with the City Council voting in favor of Disney to discontinue an upcoming ballot measure. Finally, Miley Cyrus will begin filming a new movie once her current world tour ends.

The World According to Alex:  The Redwood Creek Challenge is a fun outdoors playground for children of all ages At Disneyâs California Adventure. Alex talks about some of the fun aspects of the play area and gives some details of the area.

Walking with Walt: Opened in 1969,  the Haunted Mansion is one of the classic attractions which remain in the parks today. Kelly talks about the ride and some of the storylines. At Disneyland, the Haunted Mansion Holiday comes to life from October through December. Kelly plays a ride through of the Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Show Notes

Disney: WheneverâForever is a podcast created by a family of Disney fans for Disney fans. Our goal is to provide a quality family friendly podcast with views and information about the Walt Disney Company from a fan based angle.

Around the World of Disney We discuss many of the news and rumors from the theme parks and the Disney company. In this episode we discuss the Hanes brand deal with Walt Disneyâs Wide World of Sports and the upcoming televised Christmas Parade at Walt Disney World. We travel to the west coast and the Disneyland Resort where we find that the Disney Electrical Parade is not on any of the schedules at the resort through the end of November. The Itâs a Small World attraction will soon be down for a major refurbishment after the underside of the boats have been bottoming out on the ride due to excessive weight of todayâs visitors. Disneyland is providing free three day park hoppers and additional discounts to all southern California firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency personnel as a thank you for helping with the recent Southern California fires. We report on Disneyâs profits being up, a new Hannah Montana DVD, an event for the 55^th anniversary of Peter Pan and the Little Mermaid on Broadway.

Cathyâs Tips and Reviews Cathy talks about and compares the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Dining Plans. In Walt Disney World the plan is used through the Keys to the Kingdom Card while at Disneyland, vouchers are issued.  Cathy explains how each of the plans are administered and how to use them to get the best benefit. The pros and cons of the program are discussed along with personal stories about using it.

The World According to Alex This week Alex does a review of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. He discusses some of the attractions at the water parks including Shark Reef and talks about his favorites. Alex goes in to his favorite water ride Crushinâ Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon and one of the worldâs largest wave pools.

Walking With Walt Kelly gives a weekly history into the Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom. The history of the ride began at the 1964 Worldâs Fair in New York. The attraction made itâs way to Disneyland and later to Florida where it remains today. Kelly discusses some details of the classic attraction which many say was Walt Disneyâs all time favorite attraction.