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42: Countdown to Parkstinction – Disneyland: 1955

The 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration is in full swing at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, so this week we take a break from our regularly scheduled Walt Disney World programming to bring you the latest news from the original Disney park. First we discuss the many exciting things Disneyland has planned for its birthday celebration, including a bedazzled castle, updated attractions, sparkly merchandise, sweepstakes, animated windows on Main Street, U.S.A., and more!

Then, we hop once again into our Time Rovers and journey to the past, this time ending up at Disneyland in its opening year: 1955. Tour the park with us as we check out opening-day attractions like Space Station X-1, Canal Boats of the World, and the pack mules in Frontierland.

Plus, in a Mad Chatter game, we celebrate another Disney anniversary: the opening of Splash Mountain! Play along and test your knowledge of this classic Disney attraction.

To connect with us, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast). Send your emails to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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41: Overrated

Do you have to bite your tongue every time someone tells a first-timer, “You HAVE to eat at [fill in the blank]”? Does your jaw drop when the wait time for a ho-hum attraction reaches 100 minutes? Has the thought of a certain stage show or parade made you roll your eyes and exclaim, “Overrated”? If so, this episode is for you! Hear us list what we think are the most overrated experiences at Walt Disney World.

Also on this week’s show, we host another round of Disney debates, discussing topics like tired attractions, repulsive birds, and unpleasant queues. Plus, in the new segment Munchies and Merch, we talk about the food and merchandise we can’t wait to get our hands on. Then, we respond to a listener’s email by describing our idea of a perfect date night at WDW. There’s lots to discuss, so come join the conversation now!

To connect with us, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast). Send your questions and comments to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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40: “What Used to Be There?” The Gone But Not Forgotten (and Not Totally Gone) Areas of WDW

A deserted island, an overgrown water park, a former showcase of beloved attractions that’s now nothing more than an exhibit hall…

Walt Disney World is home to several buildings and areas that are mere shells of what they used to be. On episode 40, we do a deep dive into these all-but-abandoned parts of the parks, not to mourn what used to be, but to keep guests informed, to celebrate the past, and to talk about the potential future. Areas discussed include the Wonders of Life pavilion, ImageWorks, The Odyssey, and more.

In this week’s round of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, we critique the themed uniforms worn by various Cast Members throughout WDW. Plus, we sound off about our biggest pet peeves in 11-Second Rants.

To join the conversation, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) or send an email to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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39: Animated Films in the Parks: The 1970s

Nowadays it might be easier to spot a disco ball or jumpsuit than it is to find any signs of the Disney films of the 1970s in Walt Disney World. This week we discuss why movies like Robin Hood, The Aristocats, and The Rescuers have such little presence in the parks . . . and why the classic character Winnie the Pooh has stood the test of time.

In our roundup of the latest Disney news, we talk poop-inspired snacks at Animal Kingdom (really!), Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios, the latest live-action announcement, and more. Plus, in another round of “It’s the Small Things After All” we gush about our favorite hidden gems in Walt Disney World.

For more of the Chatters, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) or send us a comment or question (comments@madchatters.net). Thanks for listening!

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38: RunDisney 101 (With Mousetalgia’s Dave and Becky)

Ever wondered how the RunDisney races work, what perks are in store for the runners, or why on earth a person would want to run 13.1 miles while on vacation? If so, you’re not alone! We invited guests Dave and Becky of Mousetalgia to give us a “rundown” of everything RunDisney. We chat about character encounters, training regimens, costumes, and more.

Also on this week’s show, we do another Resort Roundup, this time turning our eyes to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. We discuss the pros and cons of staying on this beach-like property. Plus, Jeremy hosts the Father’s Day-themed game, “Who’s Your Daddy?” Play along and join the conversation now!

For more of The Mad Chatters, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) or contact us at comments@madchatters.net.

Find Mousetalgia on iTunes here.

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37: Park Attendance and Ticket Prices

Disney blogs were all abuzz last week regarding two major headlines. The first involved the 2014 Theme Park Attendance Annual Report, and the second had to do with an official Disney survey that had been sent to select guests, proposing the idea for a tiered ticketing system. This week we dive headfirst into those topics and share our thoughts.

Also on show 37, Jeremy talks about his experience at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Missouri. Hear about what you can find if you visit Walt’s childhood home today. Plus, join us for another round of Take Five. This week we sound off about categories like “Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage” and those pesky birds in Frontierland, using only five words. Tune in to The Mad Chatters Podcast now!

For more of the Chatters, like us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters), and reach out to us via email (comments@madchatters.net).

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36: Top 5 Attractions in Need of Refurbishment

Refurbishment, change, an overhaul, TLC… Whatever you want to call it, some attractions need a bit of love. This week we count down the five attractions at Walt Disney World that need the most attention. We don’t want to see them go; we just want them to reach their potential.

On the subject of refurbishments, we discuss the recent changes that were made to The Great Movie Ride, including a new pre-show and a new finale montage. Also in the news, we talk about Orange Bird’s triumphant return and whether or not Tomorrowland‘s box office is to blame for Tron 3‘s demise.

In “Eating Around the World” we review Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. Plus, we share our latest Disney obsessions in “The Disney Fix.” Come join the conversation!

For more of the Chatters, like us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters), or send an email to comments@madchatters.net.

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35: On the Scene! Magic Kingdom’s 24-Hour Event

Jeremy and Matt attended this year’s 24-hour event in Magic Kingdom, which kicked off the “Coolest Summer Ever.” On episode 35, they share the highs and lows of their late-night adventures in the park, and we talk about how their experience compared to that of guests who attended the same event in Disneyland.

Also on this week’s show, we read our Love Letters to Disney, and we relive funny park moments that made us ask, “Did that just happen?”

For more of the Chatters, like us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters), or send us an email (comments@madchatters.net).

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34: Mad Q Party

Let’s party! It’s time once again for the Mad Chatters to put on our creative caps and get hypothetical. We pose ten “what if” questions related to the Disney parks and films. On this episode we discuss the attraction vehicles we want in our homes, the Cast Member positions we would love to have, the Disney sidekicks we want to see in starring roles, and more!

In the segment “My Disney Experience,” we share some of our most magical memories from the Disney parks. Plus, Jeremy hosts the game “Which Came First?” Play along now!

For more of the Mad Chatters, like us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) and follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters). Send questions and comments to comments@madchatters.net.

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33: Animated Films in the Parks: The 1960s

Puppies and wizards and bears – Oh my! In continuing our series on Disney’s animated films and their presence in the parks, this week we turn our eyes to the three movies of the ’60s: 101 Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, and The Jungle Book. Has Disney World done these films justice? Could they stand to have a bigger presence in the parks?

In another “Eating Around the World” segment, we check out the menu and atmosphere of San Angel Inn Restaurante in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. Plus, in “You Be the Judge” we debate the All-Star resorts, Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ name, and a new Fantasmic! scene. Join the conversation now!

For more of the Chatters, like us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) and follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters). Email us at comments@madchatters.net.

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