Pandora and Disney's Animal Kingdom - Episode 111 of The Disney Exchange Podcast

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

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The show starts with breaking news from me, live at Walt Disney World. Are you ready for this? Hold onto your hats!

My wife and I requested to change rooms at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. 

Earth shattering I know. 

As promised the area we were in... 

and the bulkhead.

Other photos of the studio at the Boardwalk Villas.

I share some of our experiences from the first day of our vacation, such as some of the wonderful food offerings at Epcot's International Festival of the Arts, such as the Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts. 

We met Heather Brainerd and her husband Rich!

Heather, Barbie, me, Rich

We met listener and long time blog friend Gaylin at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

 Me, Barbie and Gaylin

I preferred the old Star Wars: Symphony in the Stars show to the new Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, but that could be because we didn't have the best view for the fireworks, which are now off to the right of the Theater, and a tree blocked our view. 

We talk a very long time about clothing before Lisa decides to move the show along.

After I leave for Disney Springs, Lisa and Dave carry on the show, discussing our main topic;
How will the opening of Pandora change Disney's Animal Kingdom, such as siphoning crowds away from traditionally popular attractions, and conversely, Tiffin's, which is relatively unknown at the moment will be very popular.

They speculate on the new ride capacities, wait times, gift shop offerings, and dining options.

Please share your opinions on Pandora and Avatar!

The Wheel of Distiny topic: What is your favorite scene from the original Fantasia?

You can send us an email at info@thedisneyexchange and reach out with show suggestions, submit Wheel of Distiny topics, or request a listener number (remember those?) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange

If you would be so kind as to leave us a 5 star review on any of the social media sites or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

Our Epcot Festival of the Arts Food Booths - Episode 110 of The Disney Exchange

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

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

We thank Alabama and share a few news items from Walt Disney World.

I share a couple of my ever evolving Walt Disney World plans (as this show is released, I'm in WDW with my wife and friends). Our plans keep changing because Epcot's International Festival of the Arts as well as the fact that Disney Springs is having a special event called "Rock the Dots" today, 1/22, National Polka Dot Day!

This leads into our main topic. Polka Dots!

Of course I'm kidding! We each design a booth for Epcot's Festival of the Arts food booth!

For instance, my choice was based on the book Van Gogh's Table, and featured entrees, desserts and beverages.

The Wheel of Distiny topic: A rumor is circulating that the Tomorrowland Speedway may be on the chopping block, your thoughts?

You can send us an email at info@thedisneyexchange and reach out with show suggestions, submit Wheel of Distiny topics, or request a listener number (remember those?) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange

If you would be so kind as to leave us a 5 star review on any of the social media sites or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Disney's Animal Kingdom-109 of The Disney Exchange

Lisa, Dave and me, Nick = The Disney Exchange Podcast

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Smooth. Like ESPN? Dave does too.

We talk about Disney "Dine on the Go" which debuts January 12th at the Magic Kingdom, and if we think it is worth it.

It's a windy day at The Disney Exchange.

Dave my be bad luck. Maybe don't visit while he is at Walt Disney World.
He goes on to share his Disney Marathon Weekend experience, including the cancellation of the half marathon, the expense, weather conditions, and characters.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts Merchandise is amazing!

Spring has sprung early at Walt Disney World!

Our main topic: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a snack at Disney's Animal Kingdom!
We each go around and share our choices for each meal of the day!
Most of the venues at DAK are discussed in some capacity, and really, there are so many amazing options!

Pea-can. Pea-kahn. Puh-kahn.

Birdfood. Thems good eats

The Wheel of Distiny topic this week: It seems that food booths will be a part of Epcot year round eventually, how do you feel about that?


You can send us an email at info@thedisneyexchange and reach out with show suggestions, submit Wheel of Distiny topics, or request a listener number (remember those?) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange

If you would be so kind as to leave us a 5 star review on any of the social media sites or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!
 

Lisa's WDW Christmas Week Trip Recap - 108 The Disney Exchange

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

All photos this week are courtesy of Lisa Green.

A smoooooth start to the first episode of 2017 awaits you lucky listeners.

Lisa thanks some very lovely people for wonderful reviews on social media. Thank you all!

We are some people's favorite Disney podcast. Please don't let them know there are other Disney Podcasts. Shhhhhh.

We're charismatic. So there!

We discuss the Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 preview, and talk briefly about Rogue One. Possible spoiler alert!
I mess up all sorts of stuff, such as the Rogue One droid's name, which is K-2SO, and call Baymax from Big Hero Six Betamax. Yes, Betamax. Oops.

Lisa goes on to share highlights and lowlights from her trip to Walt Disney World during Christmas week.

She shares her experience with the new-ish Express Bus service between parks was well worth the price of $24 per day.

 Her Bay Lake view at Bay Lake Tower was spectacular!

Lisa was not overly impressed with the Wild Africa Trek, and talks about her experiences, good and bad.

Lisa got to meet friends, Carmen and Brian aka Peas and Carrots on YouTube.

The Candlelight Processional, with special Cal Ripken Jr. She got a dining package, and that worked out well.

Lisa's review of Flying Fish is not stellar. The food was very good, but her service was lackluster.

She wants her money back for the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam dessert party. We go on to talk about the best way to get your money's worth. Hint, it involves alcoholic beverages.

Lisa and her son had a great time doing the Wilderness Explorer program at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Dave and Lisa share their thoughts on the announcement of the new opening show at the Magic Kingdom starting this month, which leads to a discussion on the new Annual Pass lines at the parks.

Dave is currently (if you are listening Sunday 1/8 in the morning) running the WDW marathon! Go Dave!

The Wheel of Distiny topic this week: What was your favorite Disney movie of 2016?

On a very serious note, the Disney Podcast community suffered the loss of one of it's own when Alan of the Enchanted Tiki Talk Podcast passed away on Christmas Eve. He leaves behind a wife, Blair and baby daughter, Grace. A GoFundMe page has been set up to collect for Grace's college fund. 
https://www.gofundme.com/college-for-normnb8s-daughter

You can send us an email at info@thedisneyexchange and reach out with show suggestions, submit Wheel of Distiny topics, or request a listener number (remember those?) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange

If you would be so kind as to leave us a 5 star review on any of the social media sites or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

And, as always, thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!
 

January 2017 Walt Disney World Trip Plans

By Nick

Our trip is just 2 weeks away from tomorrow, and there is so much to see and do, as well as so many people to see and spend time with, it's going to be a jam packed visit!
What we have planned so far:

Saturday, January 21st: 

Fly out of Philly EARLY. The earliest ever, a 5:55am flight! There are reasons why I booked that flight. Weather. I find the 1st flight of the day is the least likely to be delayed if there are weather issues. And it is non-stop. That is pretty much essential. As an extra bonus, it was the least expensive flight.

Finally, more park time=more better. This is especially true because there is a new special event at Epcot, International Festival of the Arts, which is going to be held Friday-Monday, January 13th-February 20th.

I hope to experience as much as this event as possible early Friday, as we have plans for dinner with long time friend and frequent blog contributor, Gaylin, at Disney's Hollywood Studios in the evening, as well as, hopefully, a meet up with friends Heather and Rich.

Sunday, January 22nd:

As mentioned in a previous trip planning article, our itinerary is an ever evolving thing. On this Sunday, I'd hoped to spend the late morning and early afternoon at Disney Springs, shopping and having lunch. But because of the above mentioned International Festival of the Arts, we've decided we'd just do Epcot for most of the day, and visit Disney Springs Tuesday. That evening Barbie and I have ADRs at Flying Fish on the Boardwalk.

Monday, January 23rd: 

We are doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at the Magic Kingdom at 730am. After this 5 hour experience we're meeting with friends Kandi, John, and their 2 kids at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Sana.

Tuesday, January 24th: 

Morning and early afternoon at Disney Springs.
The Magic Kingdom in the evening and dinner at Skipper Canteen with Kandi, John, Gaylin and the kids.

Wednesday, January 25th:

Our friends Meghan and Todd and our Godson Flynn will be in, so hopefully we'll meet with them at Epcot. That evening we meet up with the gang at Whispering Canyon at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, followed by another evening at the Magic Kingdom.


Thursday, January 26th:  

Animal Kingdom to start the day, with an evening at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and dinner at 50s Prime Time with most of the group.

Friday, January 27th:

Magic Kingdom in the morning for a couple of hours before flying home.

Whew!
So, like I said jam packed, but if you will be there that week, please let me know, we'd love to say hello!

...Happy New Year- Episode 107 of The Disney Exchange Podcast

The Disney Exchange is Lisa, Dave, and me Nick! Happy New Year!
 
Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We discuss new stuff coming to Walt Disney World in 2017, and whether or not Rivers of Light will ever open at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Dave talks about running the Dopey Challenge during the 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

I talk very briefly about plans for my January trip and we talk about meeting up in April.

We go on to talk about Disney Movies coming out this year, and somehow neglect mentioning a movie I am extremely excited about, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2!

Have you seen the preview for Pirates of the Caribbean 5? What did you think?

We talk about our Disney plans for 2017.

Wheel of Distiny: Best piece of advice for listeners headed to WDW in 2017.

You can send us an email at info@thedisneyexchange and reach out with show suggestions, submit Wheel of Distiny topics, or request a listener number (remember those?) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange

If you would be so kind as to leave us a 5 star review on any of the social media sites or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

And, as always, thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!