Sunday, June 26, 2016

The Disney Exchange Podcast : Episode 80 - Quick Service Break

By Nick 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Disney Exchange is Lisa, Dave and me.

I apologize in advance for my dial up internet service.

We start off discussing changes coming to the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan. They are adding a second snack per day, yet taking away desserts.

Listener pole: How do you feel about these changes?

Our main topic explores the option to leave a park and visit a resort for a quick service meal.

For example, leave the Magic Kingdom during the heat of the day and head over to the Polynesian to visit Captain Cooks.



We had intended on making this week's show much more professionally executed and researched. Apology #2.

If you have any idea as to what you can get to go at Beaches and Cream at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club, please let us know.


Wheel of Distiny topic: Favorite place to people watch at the parks.

This photo of my favorite spot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was provided by friend Stephanie Demmler. Thank you for the photographic proof that this fountain exists Stephanie!


You can submit a Wheel suggestion or show topic idea to:
TheDisneyExchange.com
twitter.com/disneyexchange
https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange
email: info@thedisneyexchange  

We are also asking for your etiquette questions, as we are in negotiations to bring social graces expert Miss Pixie back on to the show, so, please, if you have anything, please let us know on any of our social media pages!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange Podcast!
 

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Resort Loop Pub Crawl-Mizner's Lounge

RM-Grand-Floridian1 
 
By Lisa Green

Grand Floridian Society Orchestra 

When we find ourselves with a few minutes to spare before a dinner reservation in the Magic Kingdom resort area, we like to choose a spot along the monorail route to enjoy an adult beverage and relax for a while.  Once in a while we hit more than one lounge in a single day, so we call this habit the Resort Loop Pub Crawl (others call it the Monorail Bar Crawl).  Recently we found ourselves with a good 30 minutes we could use for just such an endeavor and chose Mizner’s Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

RM-Monorail

We decided on Mizner’s for three reasons:  Our dinner reservation was at Citricos (also at the Grand Floridian), we’d never been to Mizner’s before, and the awesome Grand Floridian Lobby Society Orchestra (long name, amazing sound) plays literally just outside of Mizner’s doorway.  We’d gone back to our room at Bay Lake Tower to clean up after a busy day that started with rope-drop at the Studios and ended with an afternoon in the Magic Kingdom.  By the time we boarded the monorail in the Contemporary, we were more than ready to sit down and be still for a few minutes.   We arrived to find Mizner’s only about half-full and were able to find a table for two by a window.

RM-Mizner's-Lounge 

Like everything in the Grand Floridian, Mizner’s is open, airy and bright with an upscale, fancy-feeling atmosphere.  Seats are available in well-cushioned chairs at the bar and in big, comfortable club chairs at tables situated throughout the lounge’s interior.  We were starving, but resisted ordering a snack from Mizner’s very tempting menu to save our empty stomachs for the delights at Citricos (review here).  We chose a Cabernet from the impressive (and expensive) beverage menu and settled back to enjoy our glasses of wine and listen to the Orchestra play some of our favorite Disney tunes.

As far as Disney lounges go, Mizner’s was more family friendly than most and had a hushed, subdued crowd.  Like us, the other guests appeared to be there for relaxation and quiet conversation.  Maybe Mizner’s is livelier later in the evening, but for a place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, it was perfect.

What’s your favorite lounge on the resort loop?

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Disney Worldless Wednesday: Truly Rustic Kitchen

By Nick

Where in Walt Disney World would you find this rustic outdoor kitchen?
The answer is below the photo: no peeking!

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Sunday, June 19, 2016

Episode 79 of The Disney Exchange Podcast: Why, I Never!

By Nick 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

The Disney Exchange is David Hodges, Lisa Green, and me, Nicholas Maglio

This weeks show looks at those things at Walt Disney World the 3 of us have NEVER done, and have absolutely no intentions of ever doing, such as riding a crazy spinning ride...


...or even a not so crazy one...


 ...or never playing a carnival game at a park or a resort.


We then go on to list several things we have never done but intend to get around to eventually, such as eating at a certain restaurant or staying at a particular resort.



The Wheel of Distiny topic this week is from Gaylin. Where in a Walt Disney World Park have you taken a nap.


Thank you for the topic Gaylin! You can submit your Wheel suggestion or show topic idea to:
TheDisneyExchange.com
twitter.com/disneyexchange
https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange
email: info@thedisneyexchange  

We are also asking for your etiquette questions, as we are in negotiations to bring social graces expert Miss Pixie back on to the show, so, please, if you have anything, please let us know on any of our social media pages!

Thank you for listening to another tightly produced episode of The Disney Exchange Podcast!

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Five Ways You Must Not Be at Walt Disney World


Balloon Vendor on Main Street U.S.A. 
 
By Lisa Green. 
 
RM-Fantasyland-Crowd 

You know I love a good list.  Most of the time I’m preaching to the choir when I make lists like this.  You’re probably here because you love a Disney vacation as much as I do.  Many of you could teach me a thing or two about Disney travel.  Just in case you’ve stumbled upon this post today and you’ve not yet enjoyed that first trip to Walt Disney World or if your friends and family accuse you of being a grumpy jerk, this post may be for you.

Five Ways You Must Not Be at Disney World

1. Don’t Be In a Hurry – This one’s my biggest downfall. I was born in a hurry. I want to get from points A to B in as little time as possible. Always. Allowing yourself to be rushed is a big problem at Walt Disney World. Crowds will not part for you, lines will not shorten, and running after rope-drop has been banned. There are actually Cast Members in Magic Kingdom who escort the first park guests to rides and attractions after park opening. There is no walking quickly as these Cast Members, by their own admission, specialize in “mosey”. If you’re using Disney transportation, busses seemingly go slower if you’re trying to get somewhere quickly. Over-planning is the biggest cause of this first item on today’s list. Underestimating how long it takes to get somewhere is also common.  Attempting to squeeze just one more ride into the plan often results in being tardy for an important event – I’m guilty!


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2. Don’t Be Unprepared – We all need to make like a good Boy Scout and be prepared for the Florida sun and heat, sudden rain showers, hunger and thirst, and coping with allergies. But we also need to be prepared for unanticipated vacation-happiness-killers like high prices, long waits, major crowds, closed or broken rides, and changes in plans. Flexibility is a virtue anytime, but on a Disney vacation, it’s an invaluable skill! One last thought before I move on – ALL kinds of people vacation at Walt Disney World, including not-so-nice and dishonest ones. There’s no magic bubble of protectiveness around your stuff. Do not leave valuables unattended in a stroller and watch your bags, backpacks, and purses. Being the victim of a crime will never be a fun or happy vacation memory. Oh, and use that in-room safe at your resort when leaving anything important behind in your room.

Walt Disney World Summer Crowd

3. Don’t Be Uncomfortable – There might not be a way to avoid being at least a little uncomfortable some of the time, but there are things you can do before and during your trip that will make a huge difference! Low hanging fruit here: Wear sunscreen, comfortable clothing and shoes, bring pain-relievers and snacks, and drink plenty of water. Food for thought – if you are not used to walking long distances, you might consider using the weeks/months leading up to your vacation to get ready for the major amount of walking required to see and do all the great activities Walt Disney World has to offer. In October, we took it easy during our Disney vacation and still averaged over 8 miles of walking each day. I’ll confess I wore really cute sandals on our first day there. I’ve always subscribed to the old adage “it’s far better to look good than feel good”. Well, I’m an idiot. Don’t do as I do, do as I say. Please – protect your feet with sensible and comfortable shoes!

Nighttime in the Magic Kingdome at WDW

4. Don’t Be Distracted – Sounds silly to mention this one, doesn’t it? There are a million awesome sights and sounds in the World! Distractions are part of the fun, right? I’m actually talking about being so distracted by your cell phone that you miss the amazing Disney details. So distracted working out the logistics of making that next FastPass on time that you don’t realize your child has wandered off (or is touching the bottom of the person in front of them in line. Repeatedly). The kind of distracted that allows you ram people in the backs of their legs with your stroller. For best Disney vacation results – pay attention to your travel party as well as what’s going on around you.

Entrance to DHS


5. Don’t Be THAT Guy (or THOSE people) – If you insist on doing any of the following, expect to be reviled by your fellow Disney guests:
  • Hold your iPad up over your head to film parades and shows so the people behind you cannot see.
  • Use flash photography in dark rides like Pirates of the Caribbean or Spaceship Earth.
  • Walk three or four side-by-side and block anyone who may need to pass you.
  • Leave your trash behind on tables at counter service restaurants.
  • Stop or hang out in the middle of busy, crowded walkways.
  • Cut in line.
  • Stand by and pretend not to notice while your children misbehave.
  • Yell, scream, chant, cheer, or act in any other unnecessarily loud and disruptive manner.
  • Change your baby’s diaper in any dining area – especially on the table.
If there’s a time to be a friendly, patient, polite, prepared, glass-half-full kind of person, it’s at Walt Disney World. The point of going, after all, is to soak up that Disney magic and have some pure, old-fashioned fun.

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!

Friday, June 17, 2016

My Favorite Epcot World Showcase Pavilions

By Nick


I love Epcot. It is one of my favorite parks at Walt Disney World. Right up there with Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
In other words, I love them all.

This week on the Disney Exchange Podcast we picked our top 3 World Showcase pavilions at Epcot. I love them all for different reasons, but unlike the parks, I CAN pick 3 favorites.

Per the brains of the operation, Lisa Green, the choices were made based on three factors: overall appearance, entertainment, and food choices. She also gave us a direction, we can pick a runner up.

The Runner Up:  

France 


Just look at it! It's beautiful. The film Impressions de France is beautiful. The snacks to be had at Le Halles Boulangerie Patisserie and L'artisan des Glaces are some of the best in the world. And they serve one of my favorite beers here, Kronenbourg Blanc.
3rd Place:

Germany


The atmosphere is the lovely. The train is always a treat. The shops are among our favorites to walk through on each and every trip. The Biergarten is one of my favorite restaurants in WDW.

2nd Place:

Mexico


This was my favorite until my experience at La Hacienda de san Angel. It's the best pavilion, in my opinion, to get out of the heat. One of my favorite things to do is visit La Cava del Tequila, have a Tequila flight, and then ride Grand Fiesta Tour. And the food was still very good at La Hacienda de san Angel.

Number 1:

The United Kingdom 


I love the gardens, especially roaming around them with cold beverage from The Rose and Crown Pub or the beer cart. The band The British Revolution is excellent. The shops are always enjoyable. Pooh and Tigger are there! The views of World Showcase are some of the best from this pavilion. And, finally, Yorkshire County Fish Shop.

What are your favorite Pavilions?


Sunday, June 12, 2016

Episode 78 of The Disney Exchange Podcast: Favorite Epcot World Showcase Pavilions

By Nick 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

The Disney Exchange is Lisa, Dave, and me!

We welcome Official Listener #50 this week! Hi Karen!

Lisa has technical issues and drops off, but rejoins us via smartphone. The edit of her returning to the show is smoooooth.

Listener question: is it okay to use someone else's Magic Band / FastPass?

This week we share our favorite Epcot pavilions. Lisa, the brains of the operation, lay down the law ground rules as such:
"We'll discuss our top 3 World Showcase pavilions based on three factors: overall appearance, entertainment, and food choices. Before we go around to reveal our final 3, we'll each name an honorable mention pavilion and say what cost it a top 3 spot."


During the show she springs on us something about not letting emotions dictate our choices, but as an artist (pronounced arteest, please and thank you) I have a hard time doing so! Dave and even Lisa also have a hard time with the rules. Such is the nature of our show. It wouldn't be us if we stayed on topic and obeyed the rules!


Canadian Listeners: How do you feel about the film in the Canada Pavilion?


The new museum exhibit in Japan: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/10/new-bijutsu-kan-gallery-celebrates-cute-culture-at-japan-pavilion-in-epcot/

This weeks Wheel of Distiny topic was submitted by listener Shendl: Best restrooms. Excellent topic. It could probably make a whole show, and maybe we will revisit it.


Thanks for the suggestion Shendl! You can submit your Wheel or show ideas to : info@thedisneyexchange and you can find us on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange  and Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange 

Thank you for listening!

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Disney’s Dinoland U.S.A.


By Lisa Green 

RM-Dinoland-USA-Blue-Dino 

Here’s what happens – you arrive for the first time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you pass through the entrance and immediately become drawn in by the amazing details.  You see the incredible Tree of Life, you step into Africa and explore the savannah on safari.  You meander over to Asia and are completely swept away by the Forbidden Mountain’s breathtaking mystery.  Then you make your way to Dinoland U.S.A. and, after you recover from the shock, you do one of two things – you love it or you hate it.

Dishing on Disney’s Dinoland U.S.A.

It’s garish, tacky, cheap, and ridiculous, but completely in-your-face honest about its identity!  Dinoland U.S.A. is surprisingly different from anyplace else in the World and you may find yourself thinking, “What the heck just happened?”, but there is an undeniable draw.  Who doesn’t love dinosaurs?  The improbable blend of carnival and science, realistic and make-believe, scary and comical – it’s all there!  Like an off-key yet surprisingly catchy tune.  Do not resist its pull – there are many things to love about this particularly quirky side of Animal Kingdom.

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RM-Primeval-Whirl-Sign

There’s Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama!  Cheap carnival rides, midway games, silly snacks – all with a pretty weird and wonderful backstory!  Personally, I’ve never played any of the midway games (they cost extra) but I absolutely LOVE Primeval Whirl.  Once I decided to give the ride a chance (thought it might make me sick with too much spinning, but I was wrong), I fell in love with it.  Mostly, I just want to hear Megan scream during every single spin – which she does in the most hilarious way!  Yes, the rides are very ordinary, basic, pre-fab-county-fair stuff, but still, there’s something lovable and familiar about them.  Step right up, folks!!!

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While I’ve never been there, I hear the Boneyard is a great place for kids to burn off some pent up energy.  Never underestimate the importance of allowing the little ones to run free and let off some steam!  The Boneyard is a pretend dig-site with plenty of things to explore!  Interactive displays, bones to dig, rope ladders to climb, tunnels to explore. 

RM-Dinoland-USA

Dinosaur is an interesting attraction (must be 40″ to ride) – even if you don’t love the ride itself, the Dino Institute is packed with fantastic displays – including a replica of Sue, the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil discovered in 1990.  Dinosaur may be a tad intense for smaller children, but the story – the queue, the pre-ride show, the ride itself – is very creative and immersive.
IMG_6712

 IMG_6709

Oddly enough, Finding Nemo – The Musical (which has absolutely nothing to do with dinosaurs) is located in this area of the park.  Nemo fans (and guests who need a break from the Florida heat in a comfortable air-conditioned theater) will love this 40-minute show (or at least get in a great nap!).

For years I avoided this area of Animal Kingdom except for the occasional visit to ride Dinosaur.  I wasn’t willing to embrace the complete departure from the charmingly detailed Africa and Asia sections of the park.  In the past few visits, though, I’ve come to appreciate all that Dinoland U.S.A. is and isn’t and am finding my own ways to love this odd little corner of the World.

So, what about you?  What do you love about Dinoland?

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Where in Walt Disney World Would You Find These Exotic Artifacts?

By Nick

Where in Walt Disney World would you find this room full of exotic and interesting artifacts?
Answer below the photo. No peeking!

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Sunday, June 5, 2016

Episode 77 of The Disney Exchange Podcast : Sharing is Caring at Walt Disney World

By Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

The Disney Exchange is Lisa, Dave and me, Nick.

All photos this week are courtesy of Dave. Thanks for sharing Dave!


Dave starts us off with a look at his trip to Walt Disney World this past week. He shares (you'll notice a theme here) the highs and lows.

He talks about his Water Park experiences and I ask about PhotoPass which leads to a discussion that apparently bored Lisa to distraction, prompting her to post her thoughts on this boredom on Twitter. Ah, the love.



If you ever meet Dave at Disney Springs, and feel the urge to take him out to eat, I suggest taking him to Raglan Road, he LOVES it there.

Speaking of Disney Springs, there is a whole new section open! And Lion parking? Or Line? Lime?


Dave goes on to talk about sharing a $20 burger and fries with his wife at the newly open D-Luxe Burger at the aforementioned Disney Springs.


Since we are on the topic of sharing, let's talk about our main show topic submitted by listener #48, Sharon. It involves sharing meals at restaurants, and how servers treat guests doing this. We suggest several good restaurants for splitting meals at each of the parks, including good places for appetizers, as well as our experiences with Cast Member's. We manage to stay on topic for the most part!


The Wheel of Distiny subject was submitted by listener #46 - Paul. What is your favorite background music loop?

You can submit your show or Wheel ideas on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange  or email us at: info@thedisneyexchange  

Thank you for listening to the Disney Exchange Podcast!

Saturday, June 4, 2016

My Thoughts on The Country Bear Jamboree

RM-Country-Bear-Jamboree 
 
By Lisa Green 
 
RM-Country-Bears-Sun-Bonnet-Trio 

The jokes are lame, the songs are cheesy and I love every single moment of the Country Bear Jamboree!  From the waiting area in the lobby to the ornate theater to the talking huntin’ trophies, this attraction’s a riot! Even if you’re not a huge fan of the Jamboree’s style, you have to admit its a pretty clever show, especially considering how long the gang’s been around.  If you’re looking for one of the Disney-est Disney World attractions you can find, you can’t beat the Bears.  It does happen to be one of the last attractions Walt Disney himself helped develop.

On one recent visit to the Magic Kingdom, I announced to Raymond in my most cheerful voice, “I really want to see the Country Bears!” What I got in return was a look. This look spoke volumes. Raymond’s a man of few words to begin with and after 25 years of marriage he communicates with me silently much of the time. At that particular moment Raymond’s look said, “I’d rather not, but if you’re that excited about it, we can go…but only because you’re so cute and lovable.” And just like that, off we went to Frontierland’s Grizzly Hall.

RM-Country-Bear-Stage

In my mind I think of the Country Bears as old (the show premiered on October 1, 1971) so while I was waiting to enter the theater, I was picturing worn, mangy-looking fur coats and rusty, out of date animatronics. Boy, was I surprised! Those critters are in excellent shape and their movements are fluid and, well, I’d say “realistic” except they’re bears playing musical instruments and singing songs.  I wouldn’t change a single thing about the entire experience.
RM-Country-Bears-Baby-Oscar 


From my most favorite bears, like Baby Oscar and Henry, the Master of Ceremonies, to the fancy hat-bearing Sun Bonnet Trio (sorry, can’t help myself), I thought the show was grand. If Animal Planet and Hee Haw got married and had a baby, it would be the Country Bear Jamboree.  What a show!  I completely agree that a hoedown might not be an enjoyable hootenanny for everyone, but the charm of the Country Bear Jamboree lies in its perfect theming for Frontierland, its quaint and sometimes irreverent dancehall humor, and the well-paced and surprising variety of acts.  How can anyone not find Liver Lips McGrowl at least a little bit interesting?

RM-Country-Bears-Henry

I adored every hair on the Country Bears’….well, everything, I suppose.  I know there are a lot of haters, but honestly, the Country Bear Jamboree is so iconic, so classically Disney, I hope they’ll be around for many, many years to come.

 It’s your turn – Love ’em?  Hate ’em?  Tell me what it is about the Country Bear Jamboree that makes you feel the way you do about it.

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!


RM-Country-Bear-Guitar
RM-Country-Bears-Melvin
RM-Country-Bear-BuffRM-Country-Bear-Piano