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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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53: Disneyland Diamond Celebration Trip Report

We’ve been teasing (and boring) you for months about a Mad Chatter trip to Disneyland, and it finally happened. On this week’s show, Jeremy and Derek give the lowdown on their week spent in Anaheim. Tune in as they review Disneyland’s newest nighttime shows, spill the details about Club 33, talk about their experience at Napa Rose’s chef’s counter, and gush about all of the other exciting things happening in celebration of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary.

Also on episode 53, Matt holds nothing back as he reports on Magic Kingdom’s “Night of Joy,” which was held September 11-12 in Walt Disney World. Plus, we discuss the latest park news, including the end of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, the beginning of Food & Wine, Duffy’s farewell, and more.

1:40 — Night of Joy report

13:36 — Disney news

30:33 — Disneyland Diamond Celebration report

For more of the Chatters, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), and send your feedback to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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52: Animated Films in the Parks – The 1990s

On this week’s show we continue our series on the Disney animated films and their presence at Walt Disney World. As we venture into the 90s, we talk about the films that were part of the “renaissance” that The Little Mermaid helped launch in 1989. From hits like Aladdin and The Lion King to smaller successes like Hercules, we discuss where to look to find hints of the 90s.

In “It’s the Small Things After All,” we each share a sort of hidden gem at Walt Disney World that we especially enjoy. Plus, Jeremy hosts the game “Disney Before and After.” All sorts of fun awaits you on episode 52 of The Mad Chatters Podcast!

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

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51: Mad Q Party

Our favorite roundtable hypothetical extravaganza is back! On this week’s Mad Q Party, questions include “What queue would you least want to be trapped in for eight hours?” “If you could create an attraction for Toy Story Land, what would it look like?” and more!

In Disney parks news, we discuss the latest Frozen addition to Disney California Adventure. Then, in the segment “Eating Around the World,” Jeremy reviews The Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Plus, we open up and share a few Disney Confessions. Lots of fun is ahead. Join the party now!

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

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50: The Magic Kingdom Mountains

It’s all about the mountains on this week’s episode of The Mad Chatters Podcast. We dig through the history books and scour the Walt Disney Archives to bring you the stories of how Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain came to be, as well as the never-realized attractions that were scrapped to make way for the three peaks of Magic Kingdom.

Before that, Jeremy shares his observations from the day he spent at Magic Kingdom, and we discuss the latest news from around Walt Disney World. In the new segment Mad Chatter Top 10, we count down the Top 10 Signs You’re at a Knockoff Disney Park. Plus, we announce a special giveaway in honor of our 50th episode.

For more of the Chatters, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), and send your feedback to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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49: Oh Snap! Photography at the Parks, With Mark Willard

There’s a reason Cinderella Castle is one of the ten most photographed structures on earth. The Disney parks are full of picture-perfect moments and settings. This week we speak to photographer Mark Willard (@MarkWillard85 and @MWillardPhotos) about his favorite spots for taking pictures and the techniques he uses to get that perfect snapshot. After grilling him for tips, we see where he stands on certain Disney World attractions, resorts, and more in the game Frame/Touch Up/Delete.

In a special photography-themed round of My Disney Experience, the Chatters share some of our favorite picture-related moments from our Disney vacations. Plus, we spout off a few 11-Second Rants regarding our biggest pet peeves when it comes to cameras at the parks.

There’s no need to wait for this episode to develop. Zoom in (or rather, tune in) right now!

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

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48: Top 5 Musical Moments at Walt Disney World

In another Mad Chatter Top 5, we count down our favorite “musical moments” at Walt Disney World—the dramatic notes, funny songs, and swelling scores that get our hearts pounding, our feet tapping, and our spirits soaring. Come for the lively conversation, and stay for the musical interludes.

In The Disney Fix, Matt talks about the background loop that’s currently on his playlist, Jeremy discusses a tie-in between Disney World and a certain former President, and Derek looks forward to the latest mobile game from Disney Interactive. Plus, the Chatters look to the future in the new segment “In the Year 2071.”

To connect with us, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast). Also, send your feedback to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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47: D23 Expo Extravaganza

Now that the whirlwind known as D23 Expo is over, it’s time to decompress and digest all of the exciting news that came out of Anaheim. On this week’s show we discuss the biggest announcements from the Expo, including upcoming films, attraction refurbishments, and entire park expansions. Get the scoop (and our unedited opinions) on Pixar sequels, a new restaurant in Magic Kingdom, and the HUGE changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, hear from Disneyland regular and Touring Plans blogger Guy Selga (@guyselga), who was on the scene to experience the informative panels and impressive exhibits for himself.

Also this week, in a special round of Munchies and Merch, we share our ideas for the food and merchandise we’d like to see come to Walt Disney World’s three new lands: Pandora, Star Wars Land, and Toy Story Land.

Connect with us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast). Send your feedback to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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46: Previewing the D23 Expo

Disney nerds . . . Assemble! On August 14-16, the fourth D23 Expo will be held in Anaheim, featuring special speakers (John Lasseter!), celebrity guests (Ellen DeGeneres? Chris Evans? George Lucas?), anniversary celebrations (Happy 20th, A Goofy Movie!), and informative panels on everything from Disney films to Disney parks to Disney’s earliest merchandise. On this week’s show, we preview some of the buzziest panels, talk about which ones we wish we could attend, and share our hopes for the big announcements that are bound to come out of the expo.

But first, in the segment The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, we critique the best and worst parade floats at Walt Disney World. Plus, we go another round of 11-Second Rants.

To connect with us, you can follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) or send your feedback to comments@madchatters.net. We have the BEST listeners. Thanks for joining us each week!

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45: Animated Films in the Parks – The 1980s

Although the films of the 1980s are poorly represented in Walt Disney World, this week we discuss what was going on at Walt Disney Animation Studios during this tumultuous decade and how these movies fared at the theater. Join us as we talk about the darker films of the 80s, such as The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron, and The Great Mouse Detective, as well as the film that got Disney back on track: The Little Mermaid.

Also on show 45, Matthew reviews Trattoria al Forno Restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk, and in the game “What’s in a Name?” we test our knowledge on the titles of Disney World attractions, shops, and restaurants.

For more of the Chatters, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast). Send your feedback to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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