186: Magic Kingdom’s Steam Trains and Animal Kingdom’s 20th – On the Scene!

April 25, 2018dereklew

Animal Kingdom’s 20th anniversary featured lively celebrations, fan events, a special presentation, and even the debut of a new attraction. On this week’s show, guest Aaron Wallace helps us break down everything we experienced on the park’s big day. Plus, we report on one of Magic Kingdom’s tours, “The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains.” We take you behind the scenes and discuss what we saw and heard on our guided tour of the Walt Disney World Railroad.

In the segment “You Be the Judge,” we conduct a few friendly debates about park hoppers, themed lands in Magic Kingdom, and Star Wars spinoffs. Also, we play the 20 Questions-style game “Where in WDW Am I?” Come join the party!

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!

163: The Art of the Queue

November 8, 2017dereklew

Two things for which Walt Disney World is known worldwide are (A) long lines and (B) excellent storytelling. On this week’s show we highlight the one area in which these two elements come together: themed queues. Even while you’re waiting in line at Disney theme parks, you are seeing a story unfold. On this episode we list the qualities that we think all of the best queues share, from immersiveness to simply looking sharp.

In another round of Disney debates, we go head-to-head in heated discussions about opening-day attractions, Disney stars of the 90s, and the best World Showcase pavilion. Plus, we discuss the latest Disney news and reveal some Disney confessions. Tune in now!

139: 5 WDW Add-Ons: Worth It or Not?

May 24, 2017dereklew

While planning for a WDW vacation is exciting and magical, it also can be stressful and burdensome, especially for first-timers who aren’t sure which added expenses are worth the cost and which are unnecessary. While there is no “right” answer when it comes to money and Disney, on this week’s episode we discuss five optional add-ons and give our two cents on whether or not they are worth the cost:

Park Hopper
Disney Resorts
Food (Dining plan, table service, etc.)
Dessert Parties and Dining Packages
Memory Maker

Also on this week’s show, we share some of our favorite hidden gems in the segment “It’s the Small Things, After All.” Plus, we have some friendly debates on topics such as sweet treats, theming at quick service restaurants, and WDW’s best mountains. Come join the fun!

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!

126: Top 5 Cast Member Uniforms

February 22, 2017dereklew

Whether it’s a pair of striped socks, a flashy Hawaiian shirt, or a fashionable plaid vest, sometimes even the smallest aspects of a cast member’s uniform at Walt Disney World can immerse you in a theme. On our latest episode, special guest Marshal Knight helps us count down our five favorite cast member costumes at the Walt Disney World Resort.

In the segment “Munchies and Merch,” we chat about the food and merchandise items we have our eyes on. Plus, we go head to head in another round of Disney debates, pitting water features, restaurant experiences, and bad attractions against each other. All that and more goes down on episode 126 of The Mad Chatters Podcast!

Special thanks to Marshal Knight for joining us this week. Go find Marshal online on Twitter (@Marshal_Knight) and Instagram (@marshalknight). To connect with us, find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

108: Hotels 101

October 19, 2016dereklew

What makes a deluxe resort deluxe? How do I possibly choose the right hotel for my family when there are so many options? What does beehive hair have to do with Walt Disney World? These are some of the questions we (attempt to) answer as we chat about all things hotels. We break down the three levels of WDW resort hotels, talk about our personal preferences, and weigh the benefits of staying either on property or off.

In the news this week, we share more details about Hollywood Studios’ brand new nighttime show for the holidays, the return of the Muppet Mobile Lab in Epcot, and more. Plus, we review dinner at Boma in Animal Kingdom Lodge and get into some friendly Disney debates.

We’d love for you to connect with us online. Come find us on Instagram (@madchatters), Twitter (@MadChatters), and Facebook (@madchatterspodcast). Or you can email us at comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

98: Opening Day Attractions – How Untouchable?

August 10, 2016dereklew

Now that Maelstrom has been gone for over a year, Tower of Terror is down to its final few months at Disney California Adventure, and rumors are swirling that Great Movie Ride will be no more by 2018, the question becomes: Is anything safe?

On this week’s show, we list the 16 opening day attractions that are still part of Magic Kingdom, and we rank them on a scale of 1-5 based on how crucial they are to Walt Disney World at large. Which ones are expendable, and which ones, if removed, would completely change the tone of Magic Kingdom?

In another round of Disney Debates, we argue about topics like princess medleys, undesirable jobs at WDW, and restrooms. Plus, we talk with listener Brian, who had the unique opportunity of treating both of his grandmas to a day at Disneyland. Come join the fun now!

Have you reviewed us on iTunes? If not, we’d love if you would rate us and let others know about our show. It’s an easy way you can help out. To connect with us online, come find us on Instagram (@madchatters), Twitter (@MadChatters), and Facebook (@madchatterspodcast). Or you can email us at comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

88: Disney News and Rumors

June 1, 2016dereklew

Frozen Ever After, the return of Mary Poppins, a new Star Wars fireworks spectacular, Aristocrepes . . .

With so much happening at Walt Disney World and around the Disney universe, we thought we’d take some time to focus on the biggest Disney news and process our thoughts on what’s new and what’s coming. We catch up on the latest announcements regarding live-action films, eateries at Disney Springs, nighttime entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and more.

In this week’s lineup of recurring segments, we do some Disney debating, share our ideas for the hashtag #SadDisneyAttractions, and try to stump one another in the 20 Questions-style game “Where in WDW Am I?” Come join the fun now!

We really appreciate those iTunes reviews, so keep them coming! Join us on Twitter (@MadChatters), Instagram (@madchatters), and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast). Send your emails to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

79: Second Impressions and Beyond

March 30, 2016dereklew

What Disney rides, shows, and other experiences have grown on you over time? That’s the topic up for discussion on this week’s episode. We talk about not only the attractions we’ve come to love, but also the ones we’ve “cooled on” as we’ve come to realize nothing will ever match that first impression.

Also on this week’s show, we turn our attention to attraction facades and share our picks for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Plus, Disney debates return in the segment “You Be the Judge.” Topics include iconic Disney snacks, the return of extinct attractions, and Liberty Square versus New Orleans Square. All that and more awaits you on the latest episode!

Have you connected with us online? Find us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) or send your questions, comments, and more to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

73: Top 5 Favorite Views at WDW

February 17, 2016dereklew

What scenes from Walt Disney World make you gasp? What landscapes, facades, or interiors give you that “wow” moment? On this week’s show, we attempt to do the impossible and narrow down our favorite views at Walt Disney World to just five. Our lists take us to everywhere from Animal Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge to World Showcase as we gush about the Vacation Kingdom’s most picture-perfect spots.

In “You Be the Judge,” we debate topics like Disney Afternoon meet-and-greets, annoying park guests, and Magic Kingdom transportation. Plus, Matt reviews Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Come argue, laugh, and ooh and aah along with us on another episode of The Mad Chatters Podcast!

Have you connected with us online? Find us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast). Send your thoughts, comments, and questions to comments@madchatters.net. You also can help out the show by leaving a review on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

58: Animated Films in the Parks – The 2000s

November 4, 2015dereklew

Our search for signs of Disney films at Walt Disney World gets a bit harder this week as we venture into the 2000s. On this week’s show, we chat about films like Atlantis, Chicken Little, and The Emperor’s New Groove, discussing why they’ve been all but forgotten by Disney executives and fans alike. We also speculate about why movies like Lilo & Stitch and The Princess and the Frog have had such lasting power.

In “You Be the Judge,” we go head to head in a few friendly debates regarding topics such as nighttime spectaculars, disposable opening-day attractions, and shoddy audio-animatronics. Plus, we play a few rounds of “Take 5,” in which we use just five words to express our feelings about gourmet hot dogs, the PeopleMover, and more. Episode 58 of The Mad Chatters Podcast is now available for your listening pleasure!

Want to connect with us online? Follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) or send an email to comments@madchatters.net. Thanks for listening!

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

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