29: Orange Bird and Figment: The Lesser-Known But Greatly-Beloved Characters of Walt Disney World

April 15, 2015dereklew

This week we do a deep dive into the histories of two original Walt Disney World characters: Adventureland’s Orange Bird and Figment from Epcot’s Journey Into Imagination. We talk about their significance and why they have stood the test of time.

In the latest news, Disney has announced plans for a live-action Pinocchio and a Haunted Mansion film. We chat about those projects, as well as some new announcements for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary. Plus, we swap funny stories in another round of “Did That Just Happen?” A bit of history, a whole lot of fun, and perhaps a little spark of inspiration await you on this episode of The Mad Chatters Podcast.

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Send your comments and questions to comments@madchatters.net.

28: Live-Action Disney Films: Passing Trend or Winning Model?

April 8, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

With Cinderella in theaters and films like The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan on the docket, live-action remakes seem to be Disney’s latest obsession. Is it working? Is it necessary? This week we discuss the live-action remakes, both past and future, and what we think about them. We even do a bit of armchair casting and talk about who we’d like to see in the upcoming Winnie the Pooh movie.

To kick off the episode, we review Be Our Guest Restaurant and talk about a few hidden gems at the parks.

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27: Animated Films in the Parks: The 1950s

April 1, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

As we continue our series on Disney’s animated films and their presence in the parks, this week we focus on the films of the 1950s. From towering castles to spinning teacups to flying ships, we discuss what films like Cinderella and Lady and the Tramp brought to the Disney parks.

In another Mad Chatter game, we put our listening skills to the test as we try to guess the attraction based on a single line of dialogue. Plus, Jeremy and Matt report on their recent visits to Animal Kingdom and the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

For more of the Chatters, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. Do you have a question or an idea for a future show? Send it to comments@madchatters.net

26: Before and After: Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Rituals

March 25, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

Every Disney-park regular knows the excitement that surrounds another trip to Walt Disney World. This week we discuss the little things we like to do when gearing up for a trip, as well as the ways in which we cope after having returned to the real world.

In “The Disney Fix,” we each share one way in which the Disney universe creeped into our lives this week. Plus, in another round of “Take Five” we describe a few Disney categories in just five words.

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25: The Five Best Foods I Ate on Disney Property

March 18, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

We recommend that you eat before listening to this episode of The Mad Chatters Podcast, or at least have a snack on hand. This week we each list five food items from the Disney parks that lingered in our minds and on our hearts long after we finished them. From savory entrées to sweet treats, we talk about the foods we can’t wait to eat again.

In another round of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, we discuss the best and worst character costumes at the parks. Plus, we pen a few Love Letters to Disney and chat about current events going on in the world of Disney. (Hint: More Olaf!)

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24: One and Done – Disney Attractions We Probably Won’t Experience Again

March 11, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

Whether because they made us sick, bored us to tears, or left us asking, “Why?” there are some Disney experiences we are perfectly content to never have again. This week we list the foods, rides, shows, and more that best fit the category “One and Done.”

In a new segment called “You Be the Judge,” we go head to head in Disney debates while the third Chatter chooses a winner. Plus, we unburden ourselves with some 11-Second Rants. It all happens on episode 24 of The Mad Chatters Podcast!

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23: Animated Films in the Parks: 1937-1949

March 4, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

One of the charms of Walt Disney World is its ability to bring the Disney animated films to life right before your eyes. This week we focus on the films of the 1930s and 40s and talk about their representation (or lack thereof) in the four parks. We discuss the surprising number of nods to The Three Caballeros, as well as the disappointing lack of Bambi references.

We also chat about the many exciting changes going on at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, plus the beginning of the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot.

In another Mad Chatter game, Matt and Derek go head to head in “Magic Kingdom By the Numbers.” All this and more can be heard on episode 23 of The Mad Chatters Podcast.

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22: Mad Q Party

February 25, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

What if? That’s the big question as we host another Mad Q Party, in which we pose (and then debate) ten hypothetical questions related to attractions, restaurants, merchandise, movies, and more. Plus, in another Resort Roundup we turn our attention to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. We review the rooms, dining, and overall atmosphere of this Mexican/American Southwest-themed moderate resort.

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21: The Chatters Go to Universal Studios

February 18, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

Wizards, mummies, and beer—Oh my! Butterbeer, that is. This week we report on our recent trip to that other theme park in Orlando: Universal Studios. We talk about the newest expansion, Diagon Alley, as well as the other attractions and offerings. From our Disney World perspectives, we discuss what works and what doesn’t at both Universal parks.

But first, we kick off the episode by dishing on the latest Disney news and reviewing Raglan Road in Downtown Disney. It’s another episode full of laughs, rants, and a touch of magic.

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20: The WDW Honeymoon, With Guests David and Katie

February 11, 2015dereklew Leave a comment

Love is in the air this week on The Mad Chatters Podcast. We talk to newlyweds David and Katie about their recent honeymoon to Walt Disney World. We chat about the highs and lows, the must-dos and must-don’ts, and all the magic a Disney honeymoon has to offer.

Keeping with the theme of Valentine’s Day, Jeremy hosts a game revolving around the greatest Disney love songs. Play along as we try to finish the lyrics. Plus, in the new segment “DIY Disney,” we share our tips for bringing the Disney parks to you.

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The Mad Chatters

Your very important date with the happenings at Walt Disney World and around the Disney universe

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