260: Dreaming Up Future World Showcase Pavilions by Studying Disney’s Past

May 12, 2021dereklew

In Epcot’s nearly 40 years of existence, there have been countless rumors and speculations about additional nations being introduced to World Showcase. But in reality, we haven’t seen a new country join the loop since Norway was completed in 1988.

Enter the Mad Chatters. On this week’s episode, guest Courtney Guth helps us dig through The Walt Disney Company’s rich past and its deep ties to other nations of the world as we search for candidates for the next World Showcase pavilion. In the end, we present a list of more than ten nations to which Disney already has a connection, whether that’s because Walt himself visited and fell in love with the country, or it’s because more than one Disney film is set in the country, or it’s because that nation was already conceived as an Epcot pavilion before Imagineers scrapped the idea. Tune in to hear us make a case for each of these countries and present our own ideas for what the pavilion could look like and what rides and/or restaurants could go there.

In another edition of Armchair Imagineering, we shine a spotlight on The Muppets and present our own ideas for who should play Jim Henson in the upcoming biopic, as well as what Disney theme park attraction The Muppets should parody next, after this fall’s highly anticipated special “Muppets Haunted Mansion.”

Plus, we bring back the segment “The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A.” in order to showcase the career of Chuck Boyajian, the very first Manager of Custodial Operations at Disneyland.

Be sure to find Courtney online and let her know you enjoyed hearing her on the show!

Podcast: Book of the Mouse Club | Twitter: @Courtney_Guth | Instagram: @greatguthsby

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!

227: The Signs of Epcot

August 7, 2019dereklew

Join us for a virtual stroll around Epcot as we take a closer look at the many signs throughout the park. Attraction signs, restaurant signs, directional signs—they’re all up for grabs as guest Marshal Knight helps us break down the best and worst signage in Future World and World Showcase, from our favorite fonts to the best designs to the most questionable shape choices.

In another Mad Chatter Top Ten, we celebrate the Haunted Mansion’s 50th anniversary by listing ten facts we love about the classic attraction. Plus, we preview the D23 Expo and we share some Disney Confessions. Come join the fun!

Be sure to find Marshal on Twitter and Instagram and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show!

214: EPCOT Center ’82-86 and the Lost Art of Original Songs

February 7, 2019dereklew

Feel the flow, spread your golden wings, and just make believe you’re a tiny little seed, because we’re taking a look back at the original songs that debuted throughout Epcot when the park first opened in 1982. On episode 214, guest Guy Selga joins us for a discussion about songs like “Universe of Energy” and “Listen to the Land,” why these songs are so fondly remembered by fans today, and why the practice of giving attractions original songs seems to have become a lost art. Come along on our musical tour!

Also on this week’s show, we host another wacky edition of Mad Chatter Jeopardy. Plus, we break down some of the new-to-us experiences we tried at Walt Disney World last week, including the Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot and Trivia Night at Port Orleans – Riverside.

Be sure to find Guy on Twitter (@guyselga) and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! Also, check out The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland for your Disneyland travel needs.

192: The Walt Disney World That Never Was – 12 Projects Disney Abandoned

June 6, 2018dereklew

Oh, what could have been! This week we dig through Imagineering history to discover more details about 12 projects that were discussed for Walt Disney World but ultimately were never built. We mourn the loss of Beastly Kingdom, chat about what a thrill Western River Expedition would have been, and look more closely at the other fascinating concepts Disney abandoned.

In another edition of The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A., we highlight the life and achievements of Frank Wells, former COO of The Walt Disney Company. Plus, we create another Mad Chatter Playlist featuring our favorite film scores and instrumentals. Come join the madness!

Are you on social media? 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!

180: Let’s Talk About World Showcase

March 14, 2018dereklew

With few characters, only two rides, and not a single show that requires you to arrive early, World Showcase is unlike any other area in Walt Disney World and remains an enigma to many vacationers. On this week’s show, we take a close look at the 11 pavilions that make up World Showcase and discuss what it is that makes this area worth a visit, from the hidden gems we love to the can’t-miss dining experiences to the smallest details you might have missed. Come with us on a deep dive into one of Walt Disney World’s most beautiful regions.

Also on episode 180: 11-Second Rants, a dinner review of Ale & Compass, the latest Pixar Pier updates, and more! Tune in now!

171: IllumiNations: Reflections on 30 Years

January 9, 2018dereklew

We’ve gathered here tonight around the fire, as people of all lands have gathered for thousands and thousands of years before us, to share the light and to share a story — the story of how one nighttime show is turning 30 years old this month!

Join us as we look back at three decades of IllumiNations, the fireworks/laser/fire spectacular that takes place every night on World Showcase Lagoon. On this week’s episode, we reflect on what this show has meant to Disney fans and why the current show, Reflections of Earth, is significant. Plus, we discuss where nighttime entertainment at Epcot should go from here.

Also on show 171, we answer a few listener emails, share our Disney resolutions for 2018, and review our recent lunch at Restaurant Marrakesh. Come join the fun!

166: The Music of Epcot

November 29, 2017dereklew 1 Comment

Join us for a musical tour of Epcot! On this week’s show we take a virtual walk-through of Future World and World Showcase, stopping along the way to discuss the background music and original songs you’ll hear in each area. From the classically Epcot loops at The Land Pavilion and Innoventions to the soaring patriotic anthems “Golden Dream” and “Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey),” we highlight the sounds that make Epcot the park it is.

Also in the category of music, it’s time for another Mad Chatters Playlist. In this week’s edition, we each provide three Disney-related songs we like to listen to at Christmas, including tunes from The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Plus, we review Coco, chat about the latest Pixar scandal, and much more. Tune in now!

158: Food, Wine, and EPCOTiversaries

October 4, 2017dereklew

Epcot takes center stage once again on this week’s show as we do a deep dive into the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Join us for a tour around World Showcase as we share highlights from the festival, discuss the items that sound the best to us, and list the pros, the cons, and our own helpful tips for this fan-favorite event.

In our latest trip report, Derek provides coverage of Epcot’s 35th anniversary celebration that took place on October 1, including a special presentation, long lines for merchandise, and more. Plus, we have some fun submitting our ideas for the hashtag #RuinADisneyRestaurant. Tune in now!

If you are on social media, 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!

157: Epcot 35 – From Walt’s “Community of Tomorrow” to EPCOT Center and Beyond

September 27, 2017dereklew

This week we’re celebrating Epcot’s 35th birthday by looking back at how this unique park came to be. From Walt’s original concept for the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” to 1982’s “EPCOT Center” and even into the future, we’re doing a deep dive into Epcot’s legacy and what there is to love about it.

Also on this week’s show, we discuss the “Munchies and Merch” at Walt Disney World that have caught our eye. Plus, we look back at three years of The Mad Chatters Podcast. Join us!

147: D23 Expo’s Biggest Disney Announcements

July 19, 2017dereklew

An official name for Star Wars Land! A Mickey Mouse attraction! A restaurant set in space! We wanted big news, and the D23 Expo delivered! On this week’s show we break down the biggest announcements that were made at the 2017 D23 Expo in Anaheim, including big changes for Epcot, a TRON coaster in Magic Kingdom, and much more.

In another round of Chatter Jeopardy, we put a Disney spin on the classic game show by responding to off-the-wall answers in the form of questions. Plus, Matt and Derek review their recent dinner at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Kitchen in Disney Springs. Come join the conversation now!

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

The Mad Chatters

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

Menu

Widgets

Search

World Showcase