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226: Space Travel and The Walt Disney Company

50 years ago a manned space shuttle touched down on the moon for the first time. But 15 years before that giant leap for mankind, Walt Disney was already working with scientists and engineers in order to communicate to the general public that space travel was not just science fiction; it was a possible reality. On this week’s episode we trace The Walt Disney Company’s connections with space travel, beginning with three documentary shorts produced by the company in the 50s, and ending with a closer look at the many space-themed attractions that have made their way to the Disney parks over the years. Plus, in a round of Armchair Imagineering we share our own ideas for how space can play a role at the parks moving forward.

In another edition of The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A., we look at the contributions of John Hench, who designed a lot of opening-day Tomorrowland at Disneyland. We also share a few bizarre stories from our adventures in WDW in the segment “Did That Just Happen?” Tune in now!

If you want to interact with us online, we’d love for you to connect with us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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218: Mad Q Party

It’s our 20th Mad Q Party! Join us and guest Brandon Hawkins for the 20th edition of our favorite hypothetical questionnaire. This week’s questions have us creating challenges for a Walt Disney World edition of “The Amazing Race,” discussing the theme park characters we think should have meet and greets, dreaming up the perfect spot in the parks to have a movie night after park closing, and much more!

Also on this week’s show, we spout off some 11-Second Rants and share some stories from the parks that made us ask, “Did that just happen?” Plus, we share our thoughts on Tim Burton’s Dumbo, review Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, discuss the latest WDW news, and more!

Be sure to find Brandon on Twitter and Instagram (@brandonahawkins) and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show!

If you want to interact with us online, we’d love for you to connect with us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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135: Countdown to Parkstinction – Disney-MGM Studios 1994

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is turning 28 years old this week! While the park might not be its best self right now, the future is bright. And so is the past . . .

In honor of the park’s anniversary, special guest Jeff DePaoli joins us this week as we go back in time and take a virtual tour of Disney-MGM Studios as it existed in 1994, just months after Sunset Boulevard debuted to the public. We look back fondly on extinct attractions like the Backstage Studio Tour and the Magic of Disney Animation, and we discover what the park was like before Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Star Wars made their grand entrances.

Plus, Jeff gives us the scoop on Aulani, Disney’s Hawaiian resort and spa, and shares all about the unforgettable trip he took there. Then, in the segment “Did That Just Happen?” we each share odd, funny stories from the parks.

Be sure to check out Jeff’s podcast Dizney Coast to Coast (iTunes: DCTC) and follow him on Twitter (@JeffDePaoli)!

We’d love for you to connect with us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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100: 100 Shows – Reflect, Play, and Celebrate

This week we’re celebrating 100 episodes with lots of Mad Chatter fun. We reflect on our favorite moments from the past 99 episodes, share funny stories in the segment “Did That Just Happen?” and even hear from special guests who have been on the show in the past.

In a very special Mad Chatter game, four of our listeners play along to see who can “Name That Disney Tune.” Plus, in our own version of The Match Game, we ask the competitors to guess which Chatter said what on a variety of Disney topics. Then, the three of us go back in time to 2007 to give a trip report of our very first visit to Walt Disney World as a trio. All that and much, much more awaits you on our 100th show!

Thanks so much for listening to our little podcast, whether you’ve been tuning in since the beginning or you’re brand new to the show. We’d love for you to connect with us online! Find us on Instagram (@madchatters), Twitter (@MadChatters), and Facebook (@madchatterspodcast). Or you can email us at comments@madchatters.net.

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82: By Land, Sea, or Skyway: Transportation at WDW

Buses, railroads, boats, ferries, monorails… When you want to get from one place to another, Walt Disney World has you covered. This week we discuss the many wonderful forms of transportation the Vacation Kingdom of the World has to offer. We list the pros and cons of each one and share our personal tips for when to take each form of travel.

In current news, we chat about the results of the first “Disney After Hours” event, the new Mickey and Minnie meet-and-greet characters, new food kiosks in Disney Springs, and more. It’s also time for another Resort Roundup, and this time we set our sights on Pop Century Resort. Plus, we share personal stories from the parks that made us ask, “Did that just happen?” Join the conversation now!

If you want to connect with us, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) or send your emails to comments@madchatters.net. Look for Matt and Derek on Periscope (@MadChatters) this Friday evening (April 22) as they broadcast live from Skipper Canteen. Thanks for listening!

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54: Star Wars Land and the Future of Disney Parks

Once again, the Disney Twitterverse has been up in arms as of late. During the past week, two specific news items have gotten our favorite Disney Tweeters talking: an increase in Annual Pass prices and big changes coming to Disneyland’s Rivers of America (thanks to Star Wars Land). On this week’s show, we chat about these announcements and what they mean for the future of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. How much is too much for entrance into Walt Disney World? What parts of the parks are too sacred to be touched by incoming franchises?

In a round of personal stories, we each share about a time in a Disney park that made us ask, “Did that just happen?” Plus, we answer a listener’s question about making the most of FastPass+. All that and more awaits you on episode 54 of The Mad Chatters Podcast!

Be sure to connect with us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast)! We always welcome your feedback at comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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

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.

For more of the Chatters, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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

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18: Top 5 Disney Dark Rides

From opening-day attraction Peter Pan’s Flight to the addition of Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid in 2012, dark rides have always had a significant presence in the Disney parks. This week we count down our five favorite dark rides in Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

We also share more personal stories that left us asking, “Did that just happen?” Plus, in another round of “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” we turn our eyes on the best and worst signs throughout Magic Kingdom.

Join us for another episode full of laughs, honest opinions, and friendly debates! Be sure to weigh in on Twitter or Facebook.

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11: Reimagining The Great Movie Ride

We say, “Hooray for Hollywood” on this week’s episode of The Mad Chatters Podcast as we discuss the iconic movie scenes we would like to see in The Great Movie Ride. In light of the recent announcement that TCM is the ride’s new sponsor, we do some blue-sky thinking and reimagine the attraction from start to finish. Before that, Jeremy and Derek talk about their visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, and the chatters share a few bizarre stories from their time at the parks during another round of “Did That Just Happen?”

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