Saturday, July 29, 2017

Eat Here Not There at Walt Disney World : Episode 137 of The Disney Exchange Podcast

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

This week we take a look at very popular, hard to get into, perhaps even overrated restaurants in Walt Disney World, and offer alternatives.





We also look at table service restaurants and counter service substitutions.

The Wheel of Distiny topic this week: Are you still pin trading at Walt Disney World?


Please reach out with show suggestions, submit Wheel of Distiny topics, or request a listener number 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, such as Facebook or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

Friday, July 28, 2017

Food Court at All Star Music

by Gaylin

The Intermission Food Court at All Star Music, is not as large as the food court I am used to at Pop Century. This means the selection of food is smaller as well. It still has a decent choice of entrees and desserts. I didn't have breakfast there but I did pick up yogurt and boiled eggs at the market section of the food court to add to breakfast in my room.

The food court can be accessed by doors on the exterior of the building or . . .


this large opening in the lobby of the building.


There are three booths where you can pay for your food, each booth can contain 2 cast members, on on each side of the booths.


I had lunch at the resort one day and was happy to be able to get this lovely gluten-free meal. A tasty quinoa salad, topped with a beautifully cooked piece of chicken with a side of freshly made tomato soup. For my drink, I had this bottled Odwalla juice drink, yum! I got all of this for one Quick Service credit.


I enjoyed dinner a couple of times at the food court. I had this lovely turkey dinner, sliced turkey breast, corn and mashed potatoes. Take away the gravy and the dinner roll and voila, a gluten free meal. Again, this was one Quick Service credit.


When I had lunch at the resort, it was beautiful sunny day and I sat at one of these tables and enjoyed my meal outside!


On the exterior wall of the food court is the bar, Singing Spirits. It was never very busy while I was there, I don't drink alcohol so I didn't stop, but I did take a couple photos for you. It appeared that when there was a football game on, the televisions behind the bar had the games playing, loudly . . .


Here is the drink menu, they do have non-alcoholic options but I was happy with my Odwalla drinks from the food court.


All in all, the food court at the resort was not fancy but did have enough options for everyone. I liked all the meals I had there and since I could get allergy safe meals, whew, I was very relieved!

Sunday, July 23, 2017

The Future Looks Fantastic at Disney Parks : Episode 136 of The Disney Exchange Podcast

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

The culmination of our contest is upon us! Nobody chose the right spinner ride, but everyone who guessed wins!

The 3 of us share our thoughts on all the amazing announcements out of D23, including:

The official name of the Star Wars themed lands at Walt Disney World and Disneyland:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/star-wars-galaxys-edge-announced-as-name-for-star-wars-lands-at-disney-parks/

A attraction replacing The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios featuring Mickey and Minnie:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/first-mickey-themed-ride-through-attraction-mickey-and-minnies-runaway-railway-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/

A brand new attraction themed around Ratatouille coming to Epcot's France Pavilion and a Guardian's of the Galaxy atraction replacing Universe of Energy:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/guardians-of-the-galaxy-ratatouille-attractions-coming-to-epcot/


A Star Wars themed resort:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/plans-unveiled-for-star-wars-inspired-themed-resort-at-walt-disney-world/

A new Tron attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom:
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/07/tron-attraction-coming-to-magic-kingdom-park-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Plus much more!

The Wheel of Distiny topic: Have you seen the new Spider-Man movie, and what did you think?

Please reach out with show suggestions, submit Wheel of Distiny topics, or request a listener number 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, such as Facebook or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Do Not Block Driveway- Where in Walt Disney World

By Nick

This is a tough one.

Where in Walt Disney World would you find this "office?"

 Answer below photo.


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Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Under the Sea!

by Gaylin

At the Magic Kingdom, in Fantasyland, you can find the Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid. This is a slow ride, bright and colourful, it tells the story of The Little Mermaid in songs and is loud enough that you can sing along . . . without bothering the other guests in their clamshells.

The theming of the ride starts at the entry and continues through the line-up. While you can fastpass this ride, if the standby line isn't too long, go in that way. I love the attention to detail from the sidewalk on up!





You need a way better camera than mine to get good photos on the ride, remember - no flash photography.


Across from the entry is your only chance to get your photo with King Triton. This statue can be a busy spot, lots of folks want their photo here.

If you look at the back of the Disney Vacation Club booth that is right there, this map is on the wall and it is beautiful.

Have fun!


Sunday, July 16, 2017

Making the Magic Kingdom More Magical - Episode 135 of The Disney Exchange Podcast

The Disney Exchange is Lisa, Dave, and me Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

#confirmed - TRON Lightcycle Power Run coming to the Magic Kingdom. And by #confirmed we mean this has NOT been confirmed by Disney.

Due to having to record earlier in the week than previously planned, the T- shirt giveaway winners will be announced next week. So get in your entry! Simply guess which was the first spinner ride Lisa ever rode, on her recent vacation! Please submit your guess to our email: info@thedisneyexchange 

On this week's show we share our suggestions for making a day at the Magic Kingdom...magical! Well, even more magical!


The Wheel of Distiny topic this week was from listener Mike over on Twitter: Where do you cut back on your budget to compensate for price increases at Disney Parks? 

Please reach out with show suggestions, submit Wheel of Distiny topics, or request a listener number 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, such as Facebook or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Dressing up for Disney

by Gaylin

I love the Animal Kingdom park, I especially enjoy going on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and the Maharajah Jungle Trek. On my second day at the Animal Kingdom, we were enjoying the Gorilla Falls walk, we got to a spot where you can watch the gorillas and a lot of people had stopped and were laughing. Why? Because this guy was wandering around with a bucket on his head. Everyone kept saying it looked like a top hat - glad he dressed up for us!


I don't think this fellow was impressed with the 'man in the hat'.


The little guy was having too much fun to worry about anyone else!




Sunday, July 9, 2017

Progressive Dining at Walt Disney World - Episode 134 of The Disney Exchange Podcast

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

Please excuse the technical difficulties.

Thank you Georgia for being the state with the most downloads last episode.

Back on Episode 55 of the podcast we did progressive dining around Disney Springs. So much has been added since that time we decided to re-visit this location.


 What, you may ask is progressive dining? We visit a different dining location for several courses, including an appetizer, soup and salad course, entree, dessert, and a beverage.


The Wheel of Distiny topic this week was submitted by listener #13, Andy: If you could take one ride, area of the park, or food from Disneyland and bring it to Walt Disney World, what would it be?

What is a Listener #? Back in the early shows we would joke about our low listener numbers, saying we had 12 whole listeners, and that included us and my wife! People started giving themselves numbers and it became a badge of honor for some!

You can request your Listener Number on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange  or email us at: info@thedisneyexchange 

And if you are so inclined, a 5 start review on iTunes would go a long way towards getting our show out to the masses!

We are giving away 3 Disney Exchange Podcast tee shirts! Please choose a size Large, Extra Large, or Double Extra Large.

To win simply answer the following question:

When Lisa was at Walt Disney World recently, she rode her first spinner ride ever. What was it?

Please submit your answers via email : info@thedisneyexchange.com

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Not-So-Hidden Mickey

by Gaylin

I love looking for Hidden Mickeys. I admit, I also love when they are not-so-hidden, like this one at Disney Springs.

In the Marketplace, near the Leftys kiosk, you can find this one!



Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Meet & Greets at the Magic Kingdom

by Gaylin

There are lots of ways to meet characters at Walt Disney World. You can Fastpass a meet and greet, you can have a meal at a character dining restaurant or you can randomly come upon a character. While I was at the Magic Kingdom, one day of my vacation (I visited the Magic Kingdom 4 times on my recent trip), I met a few lovely characters!

I stopped at Pete's Silly Sideshow and the line-ups were quite short so I went in and met with both these lovely ladies.

The lovely Daisy, in all her mind-reading finery.


 Minnie is pretty in pink and oh, so polite!


Then I was over at Fairytale Hall and there was no wait! I went in and talked recipes with Tiana, wearing her gorgeous ball gown.


And Rapunzel, wow - that braid must get heavy after a full day of photos!


I did have a Fast Pass to meet Ariel but wouldn't have needed it, the line was only 10 minutes. I don't know why but any photo I take with Ariel - I always look so awkward. I must be in awe of her beautiful tail.


One short day at the Magic Kingdom and 5 characters meet ups! If you have never done a meet-up and are worried about feeling uncomfortable or silly, don't - the wonderful characters know exactly how to treat a guest!

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Lisa's This Isn't a WDW Trip Report - Episode 133 of The DIsney Exchnage Podcast

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The auction scene featuring the very special red headed lady, is being removed from all Pirates of the Caribbean attractions. Discuss.

This week Lisa talks about her recent trip to Walt Disney World with her daughter Megan and the fact that her life has been changed by Flight of Passage in Pandora: World of Avatar located in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Megan and Lisa



She also shares her thoughts on Saratoga Springs, Paddlefish in Disney Springs, the Quick Service Dining Plan, Whoopi Goldberg singing, Caring for Giants, a not so great breakfast in Pandora, The Na'vi River Journey, plus much more!






The Wheel of Distiny topic this week: Have you or anyone you know ever used a scooter or wheelchair at Walt Disney World, and how was the experience?
Ladies and gentlemen, I present you with My Left Foot.


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 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, such as Facebook or iTunes, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Thank you for listening to
The Disney Exchange!