The Mad Chatters Podcast | Walt Disney World and Around the Disney Universe - Winamp (2024)

Don't call it a comeback. Just call it a party! This week our extended hiatus comes to an end as we host another edition of our wacky and pointless questionnaire, a Mad Q Party. For this week's series of ten questions, we dream up new Muppet films, look back at embarrassing mistakes we made during our first Disney trip, reimagine menus on Walt Disney World property, and much more! Plus, we play what might be the most absurd round ever of Mad Chatter Jeopardy. Just in time for the holidays, come join the sometimes festive, always ridiculous fun on a brand new episode of The Mad Chatters! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

12/19/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 7 seconds

As awards season gets underway in Hollywood, we roll out the red carpet for special guest Aaron Wallace, who joins us on this episode to look back at the many times The Walt Disney Company has been celebrated or honored at the Academy Awards during the ceremony’s 95-year history. First, we discuss our favorite Disney moments from the televised ceremonies, including song performances, acceptance speeches, wacky shticks, and more (0:42:00). Then, we take a closer look at the categories in which Disney has performed the best in the past, and we talk about our favorite winners and nominees, plus any Disney projects we think were snubbed (1:23:56). Also on this episode, Jeremy and Derek report on the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend—the highs and lows of running a Disney marathon, their favorite memories on the course, and more (0:01:20). Here's where you can find more content from Aaron: Website: aaronwallaceonline.com| Latest Book:The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom 2020 |Twitter: @aaronwallace|Instagram: @aaronhwallace If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/30/2023 • 2 hours, 25 minutes, 3 seconds

Twenty-five years ago, over a span of just two months, Disney and ABC gave us original films such as Tower of Terror, Toothless, and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. On this week's episode, we take a closer look at these films, as well as the Elijah Wood-starring version of Oliver Twist, and we break down what we love about them, what elements do and do not hold up in 2022, our biggest nitpicks and grievances, our memories of tuning in to The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights, and much more! Plus, in another edition of "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," we share our picks for the best and worst Halloween costumes donned by characters at the Disney Parks. Come join the fun! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/27/2022 • 2 hours, 41 minutes, 17 seconds

Come sail away with us on the brand new Disney Wish, on which we spent four days dining with Elsa and the Avengers, sipping co*cktails in a galaxy far, far away, celebrating Halloween with Mickey and the gang, and rediscovering the joys of a relaxing and worry-free vacation. Join us for this special trip report as we discuss everything the newest Disney ship has to offer, as well as reminisce about our favorite memories from our first ever cruise. Plus, we touch on some of the new (and new-to-us) experiences at Walt Disney World, including the newly revamped Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/4/2022 • 2 hours, 1 minute, 53 seconds

Now that the most recent class of Disney Legends has been named and inducted, we're taking this opportunity to discuss the Disney Legends whose projects and contributions to The Walt Disney Company have meant the most to us personally. Guest Guy Selga joins us for a Disney Legends Draft, in which we each compile a team of ten Disney Legends we want to pay special tribute to. Help us celebrate these outstanding men and women as we discuss the impact they've had on the Disney community and Disney history. Also on this episode, we go "Behind the Magic" of one of our favorite characters, Sonny Eclipse, whose voice actor sadly passed away last month. Plus, we bring back Disney Taglines with a special Hocus Pocus edition, in which we must assign classic quotes from the film to something in the Disney universe. Be sure to find our guests and their Disney projects online. Let them know you enjoyed hearing them on the show! Hocus Pocus in Focus by Aaron Wallace Guy Selga: Twitter / Touring Plans If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/3/2022 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 45 seconds

The Mad Chatters are back this week to do some mad chatting in the form of some of our favorite segments. Join us for a grab bag of games, segments, and silliness, including: Alternate Titles (For this game, we took the names of various Walt Disney World experiences and replaced every word with a synonym for that word. Can you guess the attraction?) Madsterpiece Theater The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (We share our picks for the best and worst walk-up windows in WDW.) 11-Second Rants And MORE! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/8/2022 • 1 hour, 37 minutes

Over on the Dizney Coast to Coast podcast, our friend Jeff DePaoli (whose show is currently on hiatus) has been spotlighting other Disney podcasts, including our own. To return the favor, we're bringing you one of our favorite episodes of his show, which he recorded with fellow friend and podcaster Courtney Guth. On this episode, Jeff and Courtney take a look at the evolution of Cruella de Vil, from her first appearance in the original book "The Hundred and One Dalmatians," to Walt Disney's portrayal of her in the animated classic "One Hundred and One Dalmatians," Glenn Close's live-action interpretation in "101 Dalmatians," and, of course, the latest prequel "Cruella." Get ready for some Disney villain goodness and so much more on this episode! To check out more of what Jeff has cooked up on Dizney Coast to Coast, visit DizneyCoasttoCoast.com.

1/26/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 19 seconds

With the recent return of The Amazing Race, which is currently airing its 33rd season on CBS, we thought it would be fun to dream up a season of the show that took place entirely on Walt Disney World property. We asked Dan Heaton, host of The Tomorrow Society podcast and fellow fan of the CBS reality show, to help us come up with ideas for challenges teams would have to complete if The Amazing Race were to have a Walt Disney World-themed season. Come join the fun as we share the wacky tasks, challenging obstacles, and Disney-themed escapades we’d love to see teams face throughout the parks and resorts (48:56). (Listener discretion advised. The discussion might cause a desire to binge old seasons of the now 20-year-old reality show.) Also on this episode, Dan and Derek compete in a game of Something Rotten, in which they must guess which of two Disney films has a lower score on Rotten Tomatoes (29:25). Plus, Derek gives a full report on his experience running the 10K and the half marathon during this year’s Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (01:00). On your marks. Get set. Let’s race! Be sure to find Dan online and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/19/2022 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 57 seconds

It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights. It’s time to raise the curtain on our annual awards night. We proudly present: The 2021 Chatties! As we celebrate the dawn of a new year, we also want to take a moment to look back at the year that just concluded and highlight the best and worst moments throughout The Walt Disney Company during 2021. Tune in to find out what events, attractions, and moments will take home the biggest awards, including Best Addition to Walt Disney World, Biggest Disappointment, Entertainer of the Year, and much more. Pop some bubbly and tune in! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/2/2022 • 52 minutes, 45 seconds

Our favorite Disney questionnaire is BACK! This week, special guest Brooke McDonald joins us to answer ten random questions on topics such as Epcot food booths, WDW Christmas decorations we wish we could take home, ideas for future "Olaf Presents" shorts, and more! Plus, Brooke gives us the lowdown on the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend that took place earlier this month. As Derek prepares for his first runDisney event in 2022, Brooke shares tips, stories, and exciting details of what to expect from a runDisney race. If you're a runDisney connoisseur, if you've ever considered participating in a runDisney event, or even if you've never heard of runDisney before now, this runDisney deep dive is for you! A huge thank you to Brooke for joining us this week! Be sure to find her online and let her know you enjoyed hearing her on the show: Twitter: @BrookeGMcDonald | Instagram: @brookegmcdonald If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/27/2021 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 1 second

Last week, to honor The World’s Most Magical Celebration, we highlighted 25 of the biggest moments that brought the vacation kingdom to where it is today, one for each year from 1971-1995. This week we are BACK to wrap up the list and pay tribute to one major milestone from each of Walt Disney World’s most recent 25 years, 1996-2020, and discuss why the impact of each moment is still felt today. Also on this week's show, guest Jennifer Lapsker helps us honor the Harmony Barber Shop on its 50th anniversary. We discuss the location's history, and Jen shares about her personal experience taking her son for his first haircut at the Main Street, U.S.A. location. In another edition of Armchair Imagineering, we share our ideas for "Fab 50" gold statues that would have directly honored Walt Disney World, rather than characters from the films. See which iconic attractions, characters, and landmarks we think should have made the cut, as well as ones that we know Disney would NEVER make. Be sure to find Jennifer online and let her know you enjoyed hearing her on the show! Twitter: @JLap64 | Instagram: @jlap64 If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/21/2021 • 2 hours, 34 minutes, 50 seconds

Now that The World’s Most Magical Celebration has officially kicked off, we’re taking time to pay tribute to Walt Disney World in our own way: by celebrating the biggest moments that brought the vacation kingdom to where it is today. Join us as we highlight one major milestone from each of Walt Disney World’s 50 years and discuss why the impact of that moment is still felt today. Also on this episode, friend and Disney Buzz cohost J.T. Landry helps us report on all of the celebrations, new fireworks, and biggest happenings that took place at the Walt Disney World Resort the week of October 1, where the three of us were on the scene. Plus, we continue our Countdown to the 50th by showcasing one of WDW’s opening-day hotels, Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here's how you can find J.T. online and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show: Podcast: The Disney Buzz|Instagram: @jtishere|@disbuzz If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/12/2021 • 2 hours, 29 minutes, 20 seconds

Sixteen players... Six Disney games... Immeasurable fun... Our fifth GAME NIGHT episode is here! Grab a snack, put on your thinking hat, and play along as Jeremy, Derek, and a ton of special guests compete in Disney-themed games like Password, Match Game, "Which Disney Character Said It?", Before & After, and more! Our "Game Night" episodes would not be possible without our INCREDIBLE guests. Here is where you can find each of them online. Go check out the awesome projects they are part of and let them know you enjoyed hearing them on the show! Jonathan Harvill:Twitter: @jonathanharvill | Letterboxd: @jonathanharvill David Alpert: Podcast: E-Ticket to Broadway | Twitter: @directfromdavid Courtney Guth:Podcast: Book of the Mouse Club|Twitter: @Courtney_Guth|Instagram: @greatguthsby Emily McDermott: Podcast: Book of the Mouse Club| Instagram: @emily_mickde | Twitter: @emily_mickde J.T. Landry: Podcast: The Disney Buzz |Instagram: @jtishere Melanie McBurney: Podcast: The Disney Buzz |Instagram: @mrs.melanie23 | @disbuzz Aaron Wallace:Website: aaronwallaceonline.com| Latest Book:The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom 2020|Twitter: @aaronwallace|Instagram: @aaronhwallace Reuben Gutierrez: LEGO Instagram: @wibblywobblylegowego | Amorette's Patisserie chef Blake Taylor: Disney Podcast: Park People|Disney Instagram: @parkpeoplepod|Twitter: @blake_242 Teri Deel: Twitter: @terideel Jeff DePaoli:Podcast: Dizney Coast to Coast|Online Podcasting Course: YouCanPodcastNow.net|Twitter: @JeffDePaoli(personal)@DizneyCTC(podcast) |Instagram: @disneyctc Marshal Knight:Instagram: @marshalknight|Twitter: @Marshal_Knight | Podcast/Blog: Um, Sure? Guy Selga:Book: Unofficial Guide to Disneyland|Twitter: @guyselga If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/27/2021 • 3 hours, 35 minutes, 1 second

Halloween Horror Nights, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar — Some of Orlando's best theme park offerings are actually found outside the boundaries of Walt Disney World and instead are part of Universal Orlando Resort. On this week's show, we discuss some of our favorite attractions, restaurants, procedures, and other elements of Universal Studios that don't have an equivalent at a Disney park. Should Disney bring these ideas to its parks? If so, how could Disney take these ideas and make them better? These are just some of the questions we try to answer on this episode (56:38). In our continuing Countdown to the 50th, we highlight the Orange Bird, a beloved character who was part of Magic Kingdom on opening day, disappeared for a few decades, and then made a grand return, bringing endless opportunities for merchandise with him (01:04). Plus, in a round of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly we talk about the best and worst spots in Walt Disney World to visit after dark (24:15). Come join the fun! Be sure to find our guest Jonathan Harvill on Twitter and on Letterboxd: @jonathanharvill If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/6/2021 • 1 hour, 58 minutes, 50 seconds

Will Walt Disney World ever see a nighttime parade again? Will Disney Genie+ be embraced by guests as a worthy replacement for FastPass? How much longer will we have to wait for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind? On this episode we take a broader look at Walt Disney World to talk about which areas of the parks have not yet gone back to the way they were before the resort closed in 2020—and whether or not we think they ever will. Tune in as we share our thoughts on Genie+, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the future of daytime entertainment, and more (33:01)! As we continue to count down to the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, we shine a spotlight on the opening-day attraction The Hall of Presidents and share a list of ten facts about the classic show (2:44). Plus, we put on our poets’ hats with another edition of MADsterpiece Theater (30:28). Come join the fun! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/25/2021 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 36 seconds

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 [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/12/2021 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 20 seconds

If you've ever wanted a bottomless carpetbag like Mary Poppins or dreamed of rubbing a magic lamp and having three wishes of your own, have we got the episode for you! Tune in as guest Jeff DePaoli helps us list fantastical objects, magical places, and just plain practical items from Disney movies that we wish existed in real life. Also in this episode, we play a virtual game of hide and seek with a round of "Where in Walt Disney World Am I?" Plus, in our continuing countdown to WDW's 50th anniversary, we shine a spotlight on the Electrical Water Pageant, an underrated but always delightful hidden gem. Be sure to find Jeff online and follow his Disney projects: Podcast: Dizney Coast to Coast|Attractions Magazine Column: DePaoli on DeParks|Twitter: @JeffDePaoli(personal)@DizneyCTC(podcast) |Instagram: @disneyctc If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/13/2021 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 58 seconds

The show must go on, as they say. And that is why we are BACK this week to close out our two-part series on the ABC sitcoms that filmed episodes at the Disney Parks. This week we kick things off with the 1998 episode of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch that coincided with the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and we make our way all the way to 2019, when The Goldbergs spoofed National Lampoon’s Vacation with an episode that followed the family on their cross-country trip to Disneyland in the late 80s. Join us as we talk about the best hidden gems, the most magical moments, and the most laughable, that-would-never-happen goofs from shows like Modern Family, Black-ish, and more! Also on this episode, guest Blake Taylor joins us for the game “Before and After,” in which he and Jeremy compete to see who can guess the Disney-related mashup first. Plus, as part of our continuing countdown to Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, we play a round of “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” in which we share our picks for the best and worst elements of Magic Kingdom on its opening day. It’s all happening now on The Mad Chatters Podcast. Tune in! Be sure to find Blake online and follow his Disney projects! Disney Podcast: Park People | Disney Instagram: @parkpeoplepod|Twitter: @blake_242 If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/28/2021 • 2 hours, 45 minutes, 15 seconds

Has there ever been a more magical example of corporate synergy than when our favorite ABC sitcoms filmed episodes at the Disney Parks? On this week's episode we travel back to the 90s—before DVR and streaming were part of everyone's vocabulary—and we talk about six episodes of classic 90s sitcoms that take place in Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Join us and our guest Teri Deel as we catch up with Cory and Topanga at The Living Seas, check out Steve Urkel's latest gadget at Innoventions, watch Danny Tanner get spit on during Aladdin's Royal Caravan, and much more (0:31:48)! In this week's edition of our Countdown to the 50th, we showcase Liberty Square, a land that is unique to Magic Kingdom and that opened just five years before America's Bicentennial (0:01:50). Plus, we show off our poetry skills in the new segment Madsterpiece Theater (0:29:00)! If you would like to find and stream the six television episodes we discuss on this show, here is a handy list: Blossom – "The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men" – Season 3, Episode 19 Full House – "The House Meets the Mouse" – Season 6, Episodes 23-24 Family Matters – "We’re Going to Disney World" – Season 6, Episodes 22-23 Roseanne – "We’re Going to Disney World"/"Disney World War II" – Season 8, Episodes 17-18 Step by Step – "We’re Going to Disney World": Parts 1 & 2 – Season 5, Episodes 22-23 Boy Meets World – "The Happiest Show on Earth" – Season 3, Episode 21 If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/16/2021 • 2 hours, 13 minutes, 47 seconds

In light of the recent news that Jungle Cruise is about to be enhanced, we thought we'd take this opportunity to highlight other attractions and experiences at Walt Disney World that we think could use some TLC. From stale rides to dated resorts to embarrassing uses of technology, we each talk about ten areas we'd most love to see get updates and enhancements (1:02:33). In this week's Countdown to the 50th, we share ten facts about Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, one of three resort hotels that opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971 (0:00:50). Plus, we test our Muppets and Disney Channel knowledge in a new game (0:30:10), AND we bring back the segment Mad Chatter Jeopardy, in which we respond to dumb answers by providing even dumber questions (0:57:18). Come join the fun! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/2/2021 • 2 hours, 10 minutes, 25 seconds

Join us for a musical tour of the Hollywood that never was and always will be: Disney's Hollywood Studios! Years ago, we launched a series in which we discussed the background music and the original songs that play in each Walt Disney World park. At the time, Disney's Hollywood Studios was mostly a construction zone, but now that the park has completed its glow-up, we figured it was high time we close out that series and talk about the background loops and original songs in areas like Sunset Boulevard, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and more! If you missed our other "The Music of..." episodes, you can find them here: Show 103: The Music of Magic Kingdom Show 128: The Music of Disney's Animal Kingdom Show 166: The Music of Epcot Also on this week's show, Jonathan Harvill joins us for a round of Disney Hashtags, in which we access our most juvenile, immature inner selves with the hashtag #MiddleSchoolDisney. Plus, in our Countdown to the 50th, we highlight the WDW opening-day attraction Country Bear Jamboree. Be sure to find Jonathan online and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show!Twitter: @jonathanharvill If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

2/14/2021 • 1 hour, 59 minutes, 6 seconds

On February 8, 2001, Disney's California Adventure opened to the public as Disneyland Resort's long-awaited second gate . . . and fell flat. However, after some initial misfires and long-lasting growing pains, the park was able to turn things around and bring us some truly original and inspired experiences. This week, on the park's 20th anniversary, guest Guy Selga helps us count down ten ways in which Disney California Adventure changed the game for Disney theme parks. Join us as we look at ten attractions and experiences we might not have if DCA had not done them first. Also on this week's show, we create a Mad Chatters Playlist full of Disney songs not currently at the parks that we think would fit well in a certain area of Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Plus, we continue our Countdown to the 50th by looking at another item Walt Disney World introduced to the world when it opened in 1971, and this week we are highlighting the Transportation and Ticket Center, sharing ten facts about this parking lot that is so much more than a parking lot. Be sure to find GuyonTwitter (@guyselga)and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! Also, check outThe Unofficial Guide to Disneylandfor your Disneyland travel needs. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

2/1/2021 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 46 seconds

What better way to ring in the new year than with a party? After a long hiatus (sorry!), we are back this week with one of our favorite segments: the wacky, hypothetical Disney questionnaire we call a Mad Q Party. Join us and special guest Aaron Wallace as we pose and then answer ten questions on topics ranging from Muppet remakes of Disney films, to LEGO sets we'd like to see Disney release, to Disneyland attractions we're going to view differently once the pandemic has ended. Also on this week's show, we kick off a new segment called "Countdown to the 50th," in which we will take a closer look at groundbreaking elements of Walt Disney World that opened with the resort when it debuted to the public 50 years ago. This week we highlight Cinderella Castle by sharing ten facts about this iconic structure. Plus, Aaron joins us for a game called "The Resort Report." Come play along and join the fun now! Be sure to check out everything Aaron is up to and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the podcast!Website: aaronwallaceonline.com| Latest Book:The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom 2020|Twitter: @aaronwallace|Instagram: @aaronhwallace If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/18/2021 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 5 seconds

They're rascals and scoundrels. They're villains and knaves. They're devils and black sheep. They're really bad eggs. They're the infamous crew of misfits and evildoers known as the DISNEY VILLAINS! On this week's show, guest Marshal Knight helps us take a closer look at the deep well of villains in Disney's catalog, from the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the can-you-believe-they're-actually-the-villains of so many of the Disney films of the 2010s. On this episode we discuss what makes a great Disney villain, how the Disney villain has evolved over time, which Disney villains get the best representation at Walt Disney World, and which villainous moments at Walt Disney World are our favorites. Plus, Marshal and Derek compete in a villain-themed game, and in another edition of "The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A." we put the spotlight on Imagineer Yale Gracey, who contributed special effects to both Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. Come join the villainous fun now! Be sure to find Marshal onTwitter (@Marshal_Knight)andInstagram (@marshalknight)and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! And if you want more Marshal material, check out his blog, "Um, Sure?" and its affiliated Instagram page. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/26/2020 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 59 seconds

Last week we got to spend a few days in the parks—and we have thoughts! On this mini episode we give our take on the current state of the parks, what it's like experiencing the parks with so many precautions in place, what to know and how to prepare before visiting, why a Disney trip might or might not be best for your family right now, and much more! We had a lot of listeners reach out with questions about what it's like navigating the parks right now. If we didn't answer a question of yours, feel free toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/18/2020 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 7 seconds

This week we are joined by friend of the show Reuben Gutierrez (pastry chef at Amorette’s Patisserie and all-around expert on WDW food) as we discuss 15 of the most iconic theme park treats and look at them through the lens of Walt Disney World. Join us as we hop around the parks and resorts in search of classic items like hot dogs, ice cream, popcorn, funnel cakes, and more! Want to know if and where you can find these foods at Walt Disney World (and where you should avoid them)? We've got the "scoop"! In another Mad Chatter game, we try to guess the Disney experience based on its alternate title, made up of synonyms for the real words in its title. Plus, we chat about the Presidents Hall of Fame in Clermont, Florida, The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, and more. Tune in now! Be sure to find Reuben online and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show!Instagram: @wibblywaffle|Lego Instagram: @wibblywobblylegowego If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/16/2020 • 1 hour, 57 minutes, 54 seconds

On this week’s episode we are joined by David Alpert, host of E-Ticket to Broadway, as we take a closer look at seven live musical productions that have at one time or another graced a stage at a Disney theme park. Join us for this virtual tour of seven different live venues in Disneyland and Walt Disney World and the musical productions that once performed (or still perform) there. For this episode we have chosen one show from each theater to highlight, review, share our memories of, marvel at, and, in some cases, laugh at. The seven featured shows include: Dick Tracy Starring in Diamond Double-Cross Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage The Hunchback of Notre Dame: A Musical Adventure Animazement – A Musical Tarzan Rocks Storytelling at Royal Theatre: Tangled Frozen – Live at the Hyperion In keeping with the theme of musical theater, we also host a miniature Broadway-themed Mad Q Party, in which we talk about the Broadway shows we’d like to see Disney bring to the big screen, the entertainment roles we’d like to have in the parks, and more. Plus, we bring back our Disney Hashtags segment with the hashtag #BroadwayButMakeItDisney. Come join the fun now! Be sure to check out David’s podcast E-Ticket to Broadway, on which he interviews Broadway stars about their love of the Disney theme parks. You also can find him on Instagram or on his website, where you can let him know how much you enjoyed hearing him on The Mad Chatters! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/20/2020 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 11 seconds

On our last episode we gushed about the best, most creative, and most magical movie tie-ins at Walt Disney World. It seemed only fitting that we follow up that show by sharing our picks for the WORST movie tie-ins at WDW—those times when Disney tried to shoehorn a film into the parks and the end result felt lazy and uninspired or completely missed what the movie and its beloved characters are all about. Join us and our friends J.T. and Melanie from The Disney Buzz as we count down the biggest fails in Disney’s rich history of incorporating movies into Walt Disney World. But that’s not all! As a nod to The Disney Buzz and its tradition of drinking while podcasting, we also discuss our favorite drinks and places to drink at the Walt Disney World Resort. Plus, we play a game called “Drunk on Disney,” in which players must guess the Disney film based on a beverage-themed line of dialogue. Come play along! Our guests this week are our friends J.T. and Melanie, cohosts of The Disney Buzz. Be sure to find them online, check out their podcast, and let them know you enjoyed hearing them on the show! Podcast: The Disney Buzz | Instagram: @disbuzz If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/7/2020 • 2 hours, 11 minutes, 29 seconds

The Disney theme parks have always been a place where guests can see their favorite films come to life. While not every in-park treatment of a film is wildly inventive or thematically appropriate, every once in a while a Disney park or resort gives life to a film in a way that wows and immerses guests, fits its surroundings perfectly, and does the movie justice. On this week’s episode we’re counting down the Top 10 Film Tie-Ins at Walt Disney World that, for us, do just that. From small props to full-blown stage productions, we have fun talking about our favorite ways in which movies were given new life at WDW. Come hear our picks! Plus, we go on another trip inside our Time Rovers, this time traveling back to the ABC Super Soap Weekends of the late 90s and early 2000s. Join us as we check out what soap opera fans could experience at these popular events at Disney-MGM Studios. Our guest this week is our friend and soap-opera expert Albert Gutierrez. Be sure to find him online and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! Twitter: @Escapay | Instagram: @captainescapay | Blog: Alby Seeing You If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/31/2020 • 2 hours, 21 minutes, 24 seconds

For a certain log flume attraction in Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, it’s time to be movin’ along. Help us say goodbye to Brer Rabbit and his briar patch as we look back at 31 years of Splash Mountain, its earliest conception, its controversial source material, its status as a Disney icon, and its future as a Princess and the Frog ride. Also on this week’s episode, Jeremy shares about his experience with the new procedures and practices at Walt Disney World during his visit to Animal Kingdom on its Cast Member Preview day. Plus, in a game called “Disney Springs or Dis-Not Sprung” we try to determine if various stores can or cannot be found at Disney Springs. Our guest this week is historian and author Andrew Kiste. Check out his books on Amazon or follow him online: @HistTourWdw on Twitter. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/14/2020 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 53 seconds

This week we look back at two fully-realized theme park projects that ultimately never came to be: one developed by Walt and his Imagineers around the time of the 1964 World’s Fair, just before Walt Disney World began construction in Florida, and the other dreamed up by Michael Eisner and company during the Disney Renaissance of the early 1990s. Join us and guest Courtney Guth as we talk about the Riverfront Square project in St. Louis and Disney’s America theme park in Washington, D.C., the attractions and experiences that were to be included at these locations, and why they ultimately failed. Plus, we travel back to the summer of 2010 to talk about what guests might have experienced during the Summer Nightastic limited-time celebration. We also go “Behind the Magic” of the Norway Pavilion in Epcot by talking about our favorite details and things to see at this World Showcase nation on its 32 anniversary. Buckle up, history nerds. This time-hopping episode is for you! 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'd like to see concept art for Disney's America, you can find a high-resolution brochure HERE. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/29/2020 • 1 hour, 50 minutes

On May 18, Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) created a stir on Twitter when he described what he deemed to be the 18 types of songs that make up the Disney songbook. According to him, every song in the history of Disney animated movies fits one of these types. On this episode, we're joined by Blake Taylor as we dissect the 18 categories Justin came up with, share our thoughts, and have a general discussion about the Disney songs we believe are the most successful and/or impactful. If you'd like to follow along, you can see the original thread here or read the list below: This Is the Movie I Want I'm the Villain We Should Bone Cheer Up, Kid Here's My Deal Here's Our Deal Here's Their Deal Things Will Be Okay It's Dancing Time! Montage Package Movie Shorts We Won! It's Nature Time Here's a One-Note Character The Drug Song Life Lesson Time Problematic PLUS – In keeping with the music theme, we each share three ideas for Disney songs we'd like to hear covered and which popular artists we'd like to hear cover them. We also play a round of "Where in Walt Disney World Am I?" Come join the fun now! Be sure to find Blake online and follow his Disney projects! Rotoscopers Articles: rotoscopers.com/author/blake-taylor | Disney Instagram: @disney_blake|Twitter: @blake_242 If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/11/2020 • 2 hours, 1 minute, 2 seconds

It’s time to play the music, light the lights, and raise the curtain on our most celebrational, Muppetational episode ever! Join us and guest Jeff DePaoli as we look back at ten big moments the Muppets have had at Walt Disney World, from extinct attractions to long-lived shows to restaurants and more. And here’s a special bonus: This episode is one half of the very first Mad Chatters/Dizney Coast to Coast crossover event! Currently on Jeff’s podcast you can hear Jeff and Jeremy discuss in depth the TV special “The Muppets at Walt Disney World,” which aired on NBC on May 6, 1990, and which kicks off our list of 10 Muppetational Moments. The Muppet fun doesn’t stop there. Also joining us on this week’s show is biographer Brian Jay Jones, who shares highlights from his book “Jim Henson: The Biography” and talks to us about what it was like researching Jim’s life, reading his journals, and speaking to his family and friends. As we honor the 30th anniversary of Jim’s passing and celebrate the 65th birthday of Kermit the Frog, come soak in all the Muppety goodness now! Brian Jay Jones Interview: 16:45 10 Muppetational Moments at WDW: 58:52 Be sure to find Jeff and Brian online and follow their projects: Jeff DePaoli:Podcast: Dizney Coast to Coast|Attractions Magazine Column: DePaoli on DeParks|Twitter: @JeffDePaoli(personal)@DizneyCTC(podcast) |Instagram: @disneyctc Brian Jay Jones: Twitter: @brianjayjones | Website: brianjayjones.com If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/13/2020 • 2 hours, 4 minutes, 2 seconds

We're back with another BONUS Mad Chatter game! On this episode, we bring back one of our favorite quizzes called “How May I Yelp?” in which players must guess the Disney attraction or restaurant that is being described in various one-star Yelp reviews. For this special Disneyland edition, we're joined by guests Jeff, Dave, Kristen, and Julia from the Mousetalgia and the Mousetalgia Minute podcasts. Come play along! Be sure to find our guests online and follow their Disney projects! iTunes: Mousetalgia and Mousetalgia Minute Website: mousetalgia.com If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/29/2020 • 42 minutes, 47 seconds

What makes the Disney Parks so special? What's the reason so many of us are longing for the day when the parks can safely reopen? On this week's show we set out to answer those questions, but instead of expressing ourselves using our own words, we take a look at 12 quotes we love from men and women throughout history who also appreciated the magic of the Disney Parks. Come get sappy with us as we read what Walt and others had to say about the most magical places on earth and then look at those words through the lens of 2020. Also on this week's show, we think about the animals that are currently roaming Walt Disney World, and we share our picks for the good, bad, and ugly animal encounters. Plus, we bring back the segment "It's the Small Things After All," in which we each list the small details and experiences at WDW we'd LOVE to have in our lives right now. Tune in for one of our most sentimental episodes ever! Be sure to find Jonathan online and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! Twitter: @jonathanharvill If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/22/2020 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 35 seconds

Warm up a bowl of "Hi, Dad" Soup and grab some CHEDDAR WHIZZY, because A Goofy Movie is turning 25 years old! To celebrate the anniversary of one of our favorite Disney films, we reunited actor Jason Marsden and Director Kevin Lima and asked them to share some memories from the making of the film and talk about why the movie still strikes a chord with fans young and old today. If you're a fan of this movie, you'll love this fun chat about how a little film about Goofy and his son became a cult classic. In another edition of Armchair Imagineering, guest Aaron Wallace helps us come up with ideas for what The Walt Disney Company can do with A Goofy Movie today. Plus, we share our personal experiences with and memories of the film, and we play a Mad Chatter game related to numbers. Come join the fun! 20:00: Armchair Imagineering 45:30: Interview with Jason and Kevin Aaron Wallace: Website: aaronwallaceonline.com| Latest Book:The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom 2020|Twitter: @aaronwallace|Instagram: @aaronhwallace If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/7/2020 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 36 seconds

This week we’re passing the time by inviting friends of the show to play some Mad Chatter games. On this bonus episode, guests Blake Taylor and Reuben Gutierrez join us for a game called “WDW Soundbites” in which players hear clips from Walt Disney World attractions and must finish the quote. Come play along! Be sure to find our guests online and follow their Disney projects! Blake Taylor – Disney Instagram: @disney_blake | Twitter: @blake_242 Reuben Gutierrez – Instagram: @wibblywaffle | Lego Instagram: @wibblywobblylegowego If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/28/2020 • 45 minutes, 42 seconds

This week we’re passing the time by playing some Mad Chatter games. On this bonus episode, we bring back the 20 Questions-style game "Where in Walt Disney World Am I?" in which two Chatters have to ask yes-or-no questions in order to find out where in WDW the third Chatter is "hiding." If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/24/2020 • 38 minutes, 30 seconds

This week we’re passing the time by inviting friends of the show to play some Mad Chatter games. On this bonus episode, guests Mark Willard and Tom Bricker take on Mad Chatters Matt and Jeremy in a game called "How May I Yelp?" in which players must guess which Walt Disney World attraction or restaurant is being described in various one-star Yelp reviews. Come play along! Be sure to find our guests online and follow their Disney projects! Mark Willard – @MarkWillard85 on Twitter|@markwillardphotography on Instagram Tom Bricker – Disney reviews and blog posts:Disney Tourist Blog |Twitter: @Tom_Bricker |Instagram: @tom_bricker | Travel blog (Disney and non-Disney): Travel Caffeine If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/21/2020 • 48 minutes, 4 seconds

This week we’re passing the time by inviting friends of the show to play some Mad Chatter games. For this bonus episode we hosted a round of Disney Outburst featuring guests Jeff Birou, Marshal Knight, and Matt Parrish. Play along as our contestants try to list as many answers as they can that fall under a given Disney topic. Be sure to find our guests online and follow their Disney projects! Jeff Birou:Instagram: @jeffsoubirous|Twitter: @jeffsoubirous Marshal Knight:Instagram: @marshalknight|Twitter:@Marshal_Knight Matt Parrish: Podcasts:The Thirty20EightandWEDway Radio|Twitter: Thirty20Eight If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/20/2020 • 32 minutes, 57 seconds

This week we’re filling our time by inviting friends of the show to play some Mad Chatter games. On this bonus episode Jeff DePaoli, Jennifer Lapsker, and Guy Selga join us for a round of Disney Password, in which teams of two must use one-word clues to try to get their partners to guess the Disney answer. Play along now! Be sure to find our guests online and follow their Disney projects! Jeff DePaoli:Podcast: Dizney Coast to Coast|Online Podcasting Course: YouCanPodcastNow.net|Twitter: @JeffDePaoli(personal)@DizneyCTC(podcast) |Instagram: @disneyctc Guy Selga:Book: Unofficial Guide to Disneyland|Twitter: @guyselga Jennifer Lapsker:Twitter: @JLap64 If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/19/2020 • 29 minutes, 23 seconds

How about some bonus content? This week we're filling our time by inviting friends of the show to play some Mad Chatter games. On this bonus episode, Aaron Wallace as well as "Book of the Mouse Club" hosts Courtney Guth and Emily McDermott join us for a game we're calling "QUOTE-19" in which players must guess the Disney movie based on the dialogue that is heard at the 19-minute mark. Can you guess the films before our players do? Play along and find out! Be sure to find our guests online and follow their Disney projects! Courtney Guth:Podcast: Book of the Mouse Club|Twitter: @Courtney_Guth|Instagram: @greatguthsby Emily McDermott: Instagram: @emily_mickde | Twitter: @emily_mickde Aaron Wallace: Website: aaronwallaceonline.com| Latest Book:The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom 2020|Twitter: @aaronwallace|Instagram: @aaronhwallace If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/19/2020 • 33 minutes, 14 seconds

Ahoy, mateys! Welcome to the happiest podcast that ever sailed, where everything is satisfactual and all the elephants have their trunks on. On this week's show, guest Guy Selga helps us look back at 65 years of Disney boat rides, from the most classic of Disney rides to short-lived attractions that are all but forgotten. Join us as we discuss the history of these rides and discuss what makes or made each one unique. Also on show 240, we bring back Mad Chatter Jeopardy, our own wacky version of the classic game show where we provide the answers AND the questions. Be sure to find GuyonTwitter (@guyselga)and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! Also, check outThe Unofficial Guide to Disneylandfor your Disneyland travel needs. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/18/2020 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 8 seconds

We’re joined by seven-time director Ron Clements as he shares stories from his time at Walt Disney Animation Studios creating films like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Moana, and more. Tune in to hear Ron recount the highs and lows of working at the studios in the 80s and 90s, the pressures of creating the first African-American Disney Princess, the joys of working with Lin-Manuel Miranda, and much more! Also on this week’s show, we discuss Disney’s CEO shakeup and take a closer look at one of the names etched on a Main Street window: Donn Tatum, the first Disney CEO who was not part of the Disney family. Plus, we go “Behind the Magic” by chatting all things Jungle Cruise. Lots of fun awaits. Tune in now! 8:05 – The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A.: Donn Tatum 17:58 – Jungle Cruise discussion 37:18 – Interview with Ron Clements If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/4/2020 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 46 seconds

We’re back! And so is composer Christopher Willis, who created the soundtrack and the original song for the upcoming attraction Mickey and Minnie‘s Runaway Railway. Now that the ride is just weeks away from opening, we checked back in with Chris to hear more about the Imagineering process, the new Mickey cartoon coming to the Mickey Shorts Theater in Hollywood Studios, and more! Also on this episode, guest Teri Deel helps us break down Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance with a spoiler-filled review of the groundbreaking attraction. We nerd out about the amazing details, our favorite moments, and more. Plus, we talk about the three new films at Epcot and we compete in a Mad Chatter game by trying to guess what a number of Disney items have in common. Come join the fun NOW!

2/18/2020 • 2 hours, 44 seconds

On our first show of the new decade, we look ahead to what The Walt Disney Company has in store for 2020. From upcoming films like Mulan, Black Widow,andOnward, to exciting attractions and experiences debuting at the parks such as Remy's Ratatouille Adventureand Regal Eagle Smokehouse, to the original content premiering on Disney+, we do a deep dive into the many exciting things coming from Disney in the coming year. Plus, we share our spoiler-filled thoughts onStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/17/2020 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 56 seconds

It's time to pop the bubbly and roll out the red carpet as we honor 2019's biggest moments: the highs and lows, the hits and misses, the surprises, the changes, and much more! Join us for the sixth annual Chatties, our special awards show that celebrates (and bemoans) the moments that most defined 2019. Special guest Marshal Knight helps us bestow honors on the Best Addition to Walt Disney World, the Biggest Surprise, the Weirdest Moment, and more. Help us ring in the new year with our 2019 wrap-up! Also on this week's show, we put together a Mad Chatters Playlist featuring our favorite songs and anthems that either debuted during the past year or in some way sum it up. Plus, we look ahead to 2020 by sharing some New Year's resolutions we hope The Walt Disney Company will make for itself in the coming months. Thanks for making this another fantastic year of podcasting for us. We are so grateful for every single one of our listeners—for your support, your encouragement, your willingness to laugh with us, and your shared love of all things Disney. We don't take the love for granted, and we're so excited to bring you more content in 2020. Be sure to find Marshal onTwitter (@Marshal_Knight)andInstagram (@marshalknight) and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! And if you want more Marshal material, check out his recaps of Disney+ series and more on laughingplace.com. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

12/31/2019 • 2 hours, 15 minutes, 35 seconds

Blockbuster franchises, immersive theme park expansions, revolutionary nighttime spectaculars, an all-access magic bracelet — the 2010s gave us all of these and more. On this week's episode, special guest Courtney Guth helps us look back at the biggest moments, themes, and cultural shifts that defined The Walt Disney Company over the past ten years. As we close out another decade, join us for this nostalgic journey through the most iconic news items of the 2010s! In another edition of The Disney Fix, we chat about Bob Iger's new book, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and a noteworthy souvenir from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Plus, we have some festive fun with the hashtag #DisneyChristmasMashups. Tune in today! 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 toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

12/18/2019 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 42 seconds

Our favorite Disney questionnaire is BACK! In our latest round of 10 ask-and-answer questions, we brainstorm themes for a new miniature golf course at Walt Disney World, share the items we wish were banned from the parks, discuss the live-action movies we'd like to see head to Broadway, and much more! In another Mad Chatter game, we try to guess which of two Disney Twitter accounts has more followers. Plus, we chat about what we've been streaming on Disney+. Tune in! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

12/2/2019 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 36 seconds

More than 20 resort hotels sit on Walt Disney World property, and in typical Disney fashion, each resort has its own unique theme, executed with style and incredible attention to detail. On this week's show, we take a closer look at the three hotels that have been part of Walt Disney World since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, and then we work our way through the many more that have opened their doors in the years since, all the way to the nearly completed resort: Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge. Join us as we discuss the unique theming at each hotel, how Disney hotels have evolved over the years, and much more! In another edition of "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," we grade the best and worst hotel entrance signs on property. Plus, we play "Cast That Celebrity" by assigning random actors and actresses the Disney roles we think they would be best at playing on potential reboots or remakes for Disney Plus. Come join the fun! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/13/2019 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 12 seconds

The restaurants, the live entertainment, the immersive experiences, the nightlife, the pretty atmosphere — Disney Springs is much more than a glorified outlet mall. On this week's show we take a closer look at what this unique complex at Walt Disney World has to offer, from our favorite dining spots to our top reasons to spend a few hours there. Plus, we look back at the many former iterations of Disney Springs/Downtown Disney, share our must-do's, and more! In another edition of Behind the Magic, we shine a spotlight on the many gingerbread constructions on Walt Disney World property. Plus, we pen some Love Letters to Disney. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/1/2019 • 1 hour, 14 minutes

From a barbershop quartet to a crew of drumming janitors to a pair of Stormtroopers on patrol, characters and performers help bring magic to the streets and lands that make up Walt Disney World. On this week’s show we take a closer look at Disney “Streetmosphere,” discuss why it’s essential to the parks, and talk about our favorite acts on property. In a special round of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, we look back at five years of The Mad Chatters Podcast and share our picks for our favorite moments as well as our lowest lows. Plus, we share stories from the Disney Skyliner, give our thoughts on Epcot Forever, and more! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/10/2019 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 21 seconds

The screams! The explosions! The whistles! The sounds of Steven Tyler! On this week's show we talk about some of the most notable noises and sound effects at Walt Disney World. Special guest Aaron Wallace joins us as we go park by park to discuss the sounds you'd be left with if you stripped away the background music and the attraction soundtracks at the Disney parks. To kick off the show, we do a deep dive into Walt Disney World's newest land: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Hear our first reactions and overall thoughts on the newest addition to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Plus, we each pick three songs to add to a new Mad Chatters Playlist that celebrates Hollywood Studios and its past 30 years. Come join us! Be sure to find Aaron online and check out the awesome projects he’s part of: Website: aaronwallaceonline.com| Latest Book:The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom 2020|Twitter: @aaronwallace|Instagram: @aaronhwallace If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/18/2019 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 10 seconds

For The Walt Disney Company, August went out with a bang! At this year's D23 Expo, Disney fans received a ton of information about the Disney+ streaming service, upcoming park attractions, new Marvel movies, and much more. On this week's episode Jeff DePaoli is here to help us break it all down, from news of Epcot's huge transformation, to sneak peeks of Pixar's upcoming films, to big expectations for the original content coming to Disney+. We also take a closer look at the Disney Legend award, what it is, who we'd love to see be named a Legend in the future, and more. For a fun and nerdy discussion about all of the exciting things happening at Disney, tune in! Be sure to find Jeff online and check out the awesome projects he's part of: Podcast: Dizney Coast to Coast|Online Podcasting Course: YouCanPodcastNow.net|Twitter: @JeffDePaoli(personal)@DizneyCTC(podcast) |Instagram: @disneyctc If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus onFacebook (/madchatterspodcast),Instagram (@madchatters), andTwitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/4/2019 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 50 seconds

It's all fun and games on this week's episode. No, really! For the fourth year in a row, we've brought together a slew of our former guests—members of The Mad Chatters Podcast Universe—to compete in a series of Disney games. Tune in and play along as we laugh, battle, and stumble our way through Disney-themed rounds of Family Feud, Password, Movie Trivia, and more! This marathon of Disney games would not have been possible without our INCREDIBLE guests. Go check out their social media accounts and the awesome projects they are part of, and let them know you enjoyed hearing them on the show: Jeff Birou: Instagram: @jeffsoubirous| Twitter: @jeffsoubirous Marshal Knight: Instagram: @marshalknight | Twitter: @Marshal_Knight Jeff DePaoli: Podcast: Dizney Coast to Coast| Online Podcasting Course: YouCanPodcastNow.net| Twitter: @JeffDePaoli(personal) @DizneyCTC (podcast) | Instagram: @disneyctc Guy Selga: Book: Unofficial Guide to Disneyland | Twitter: @guyselga Jennifer Lapsker: Twitter: @JLap64| Disney Parks Moms Panel Courtney Guth: Podcast: Book of the Mouse Club | Twitter: @Courtney_Guth | Instagram: @greatguthsby Aaron Wallace: Website: aaronwallaceonline.com| Latest Book: The Thinking Fan's Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom 2020 |Twitter: @aaronwallace | Instagram: @aaronhwallace Jonathan Harvill: Twitter: @jonathanharvill Adam Rucker: YouTube Channel: ajruck | Instagram: @ajruck Matt Parrish: Podcasts: The Thirty20Eight and WEDway Radio | Twitter: Thirty20Eight Teri Deel: Twitter: @terideel | Instagram: @terideel If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/21/2019 • 3 hours, 47 seconds

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 onTwitter andInstagram and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/7/2019 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 24 seconds

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 toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/24/2019 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 33 seconds

We can't guarantee no worries for the rest of your days, but our latest episode delivers plenty of "Lion King" chatter and will have you feeling the love tonight for the classic Disney film. Join us and guest Courtney Guth as we look back on 25 years of The Lion King, including its huge response at the box office, the Broadway show it spawned, the ways it has shown up at the parks, and the lasting legacy it has created. Also on show 225, we discuss some of the latest happenings at Walt Disney World and play a round of "Where in WDW Am I?" Come join the fun! 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 toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/10/2019 • 2 hours, 5 minutes, 56 seconds

Patriotic anthems, eerie waltzes, soaring ballads, Broadway-style musical numbers—music plays a key role in making our favorite attractions what they are. Join us on this week's show as we count down our top ten favorite soundtracks and musical moments in Walt Disney World attractions. Plus, hear our thoughts on Toy Story 4, check out our reviews of Jiko and Bongos, and play along in our latest round of Disney Hashtags. It's all happening now on episode 224! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/26/2019 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 21 seconds

Come with us to a magical land where you can ride a pirate ship, an elephant, a rocket, and a double-decker omnibus, all on the same day! On this week's episode, special guest Jonathan Harvill joins us for an in-depth look at every attraction vehicle in Magic Kingdom, from its theming to its comfort to its ornate details and beyond. Also on show 223: we play a round of Mad Chatter Jeopardy, share our picks for the good, bad, and ugly doors at Walt Disney World, and more. Come join us! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/12/2019 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 28 seconds

From Snow White's Scary Adventures to Frozen Ever After, this week we're discussing a type of ride that has had deep roots with the Disney Parks ever since Disneyland opened in 1955: the DARK RIDE. Join us for a discussion about the history of dark rides, the evolution of dark rides at the Disney Parks, and the reason dark rides have become such an essential element of theme parks today. Plus, we do some Armchair Imagineering by sharing our own ideas for the Disney films that would make good dark rides. In another Mad Chatter game, we bring back a fan favorite, "You Get a Star," in which we try to guess the Walt Disney World experience based on its Yelp reviews. That, our thoughts on the new Aladdin, and so much more. Tune in now! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/29/2019 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 2 seconds

This week guest Aaron Wallace joins the show to help us break down some of the Disney-Parks fun we've been able to experience over the last two weeks. First, he and Jeremy discuss the after-hours event Moonlight Magic, which they had the chance to attend at Epcot. Then, he and Derek report on the new attractions they experienced and the big changes they noted during their weeklong trip to Disneyland, including Galaxy's Edge construction, Pixar Pier, a new space for Mickey's PhilharMagic, and much more. Also on show 221, we discuss some of the biggest news that has come from the Disney universe recently, including a new Disney Villains After Hours event, new fireworks for Mickey's Not-So-Scary, and more. Plus, we test our knowledge of Disney villains in a new game. Come play along now! Be sure to find Aaron on Twitter (@aaronwallace) and Instagram (@awallnotawol) andlet him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! Plus, check out his website to find out where you can get his awesome books about Walt Disney World and more. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/15/2019 • 1 hour, 59 minutes, 49 seconds

Anyone who has visited Walt Disney World knows that a trip to a Disney park can take you on a roller coaster of emotions. On this week's show, special guest Vincent from Vincent Vision joins us as we each share the moments, attractions, and places that, for us, spark joy, sadness, fear, laughter, and disgust. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, we discuss the elements of the parks that stir up our emotions the most. Also on show 220, we share our picks for the good, bad, and ugly gift shops at the Walt Disney World Resort. Plus, we put together a playlist of our favorite covers of Disney songs. Come join the fun now! Be sure to check out Vincent Vision on YouTube and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/24/2019 • 2 hours, 35 seconds

This week we're bringing you some of the latest updates from Walt Disney World and around the Disney universe in a hodge-podge series of short segments. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the new on-ride photo on Haunted Mansion, the latest updates on Disney's upcoming streaming service, an in-depth look at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, dining reviews of The Hollywood Brown Derby and Rose & Crown, and more! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/17/2019 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 42 seconds

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'sDumbo, review Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, discuss the latest WDW news, and more! Be sure to find Brandon on Twitter andInstagram (@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 toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/3/2019 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 42 seconds

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is turning 30! And if the new logo and the new parking signs are any indication, then characters from Frozen, Toy Story, and Star Wars are to be the official faces of the park, moving forward. But these are just the latest franchises to join the park’s deep well of past properties and characters, and on this week's show we’re looking back at all of them! Join us and special guest Marshal Knight for a deep dive into 30 properties that have had a presence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios since the park first opened. Think of it as a DHS yearbook... In another Mad Chatter game, we test our knowledge of which celebrities have handprints in front of the Chinese Theater, and which do not. Plus, Jeremy shares about a park scavenger hunt he hosted, and we discuss the latest Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge news. Be sure to find Marshal on Twitter (@Marshal_Knight) and Instagram (@marshalknight)and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/20/2019 • 2 hours, 28 minutes, 16 seconds

Sometimes the best details and an entirely different perspective are awaiting you overhead, and all you have to do to see them is look up. On this week's show, guest Jeff Birou joins us for a tour of Walt Disney World, in which we stop in each park to share our favorite architectural details, beautiful artwork, and other features that are above eye level. In another edition of "The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A." we pay homage to the late Ron Miller, Walt's son-in-law who made great contributions to The Walt Disney Company in the 70s and 80s. Plus, we play another round of "Where in WDW Am I?" and we provide our own suggestions for which bands we think should appear at the Garden Rocks concert series in Epcot. Come join the fun! Be sure to find Jeff onTwitter or Instagram (@jeffsoubirous) and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/6/2019 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 38 seconds

Not all theme park restaurants are created equal. One of the biggest mistakes first-time guests can make when visiting a Disney park is to stop and eat at the first place they see because they assume every restaurant will serve the same cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets. Walt Disney World actually has a large variety of counter-service options, and many of them are quite good. On this week's show, we count down our 15 favorites across property. In another edition of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, we share our picks for the most well designed attraction entrances, the most unattractive, and the ones that could use a bit of work. Plus, we have some fun with the hashtag #BadDisneySequels, and in another Mad Chatter game we try to guess how much certain Disney items sold on eBay. Come play along now! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

2/20/2019 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 23 seconds

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 Guyon 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. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

2/7/2019 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 57 seconds

In this bonus episode of the podcast (look for a brand new full episode next week!), we take a closer look at the new Disney offerings that debuted in January of this year. First, we give our take on Mickey and Minnie's Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom, as well as "An Incredible Celebration" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In special editions of "Munchies and Merch" and "Armchair Imagineering," we talk about the new treats and souvenirs we have our eyes on, plus we come up with ideas for a Pixar character meal at Walt Disney World. Also on show 213, we discuss why we are so excited to attend this year's Festival of the Arts at Epcot, and we create a Mad Chatters Playlist featuring some of our favorite tunes from Disney Theatrical productions. Plus, friend of the show Zach clues us in on Kingdom Hearts III, what to expect from the brand new video game, and why Disney fans might want to dive in to the Kingdom Hearts series if they have not already. All that and more awaits you on this episode of The Mad Chatters Podcast! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/30/2019 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 36 seconds

2019 marks the 60th anniversary of the very first roller coaster to open at a Disney park: the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Disneyland was open for four years before it got its first coaster, and when the mountain-themed attraction debuted, it was anything but your average, off-the-shelf ride. In fact, it was the first tubular steel coaster in the world! That attraction was the first in an iconic lineup of roller coasters that would eventually be introduced at the U.S. Disney parks, and on this week’s show we work our way chronologically through all 12 of them. Join us and special guest Courtney Guth as we discuss the impact and legacy of the Disney coasters and how we feel each one succeeds as a Disney attraction. Also on episode 212, we review some of our recent meals at Ale & Compass, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Olivia’s Cafe. Plus, we have some fun with the hashtag #DisneyfyDisney by adding Intellectual Properties to original Walt Disney World attractions and restaurants. Come join the fun! 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 *We apologize for the audio issues you’ll hear throughout this episode. We were dealing with loud computer fans and a microphone that ended up not being plugged in, which we unfortunately realized too late. We hope you still enjoy the episode! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/16/2019 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 57 seconds

Just about every attraction, restaurant, show, and snack at Walt Disney World has made a Top Ten list at some point, whether it’s the best rides to experience at night, the best ways to use a snack credit, the worst places to take your kids, or something else. But what about the experiences that don’t get talked about at all? What about the offerings that aren’t anyone’s favorite or least favorite but are still worth experiencing? Enter episode 211. On this week’s show, guest Aaron Wallace joins us as we share 15 Walt Disney World experiences that are almost never talked about but are worth checking out if you take the time to notice them. Hear why offerings like Trivia Night at Port Orleans or Main Street Philharmonic just might give your Disney vacation the extra burst of magic it needs. Also on show 211, we look ahead to what’s coming in 2019 around the Disney universe, including blockbuster films, new attractions, and more. Plus, we play the game “Which Came First?” in which we try to remember when certain WDW attractions opened. Come play along now! Be sure to find Aaron on his website or on social media (Twitter: @aaronwallace | Instagram: @awallnotawol) and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/2/2019 • 2 hours, 15 minutes, 42 seconds

A new land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a flammable parade float, two Marvel box-office juggernauts, a handful of monorail mishaps —2018 brought them all! On this week's show we look back at the biggest, the best, and the worst things 2018 gave us. Tune in to find out which events and attractions are going home with Chatties for Best Addition to WDW, Worst Change at WDW, Weirdest Moment, and much more! Plus, hear our picks for a Disney playlist devoted to all things 2018. A HUGE thank you to everyone who has tuned in to The Mad Chatters Podcast during 2018. We love our listeners and cannot adequately express how much it means to us to have you along for the ride. Here's to a magical 2019! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

12/19/2018 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 58 seconds

It's the most wonderful time of the year —to be at Walt Disney World! (Or at leastwethink it is.) Last week we packed in as many of WDW's Christmas offerings as we could in four days, including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, the gorgeous decorations at the deluxe resorts, and much more! On this week's show, guest Teri Deel helps us break down all of the limited-time experiences the parks and resorts have to offer this time of year, from the so-so to the cant-misses. Tune in for this on-the-scene report of what it's like to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World! Warning: Not suitable for those averse to Christmas cheer. Also on show 209, we do some Armchair Imagineering by coming up with our own ideas for limited-time holiday overlays, new floats for the Christmas parade, and more. Plus, we play a festive holiday edition of Mad Chatter Jeopardy. Come join the fun now! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

12/5/2018 • 2 hours, 1 minute, 29 seconds

Did you know Disney released 16 live-action films between One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) and The Sword in the Stone (1963)? You've probably never met anyone whose favorite Disney film isGreyfriars Bobby,but the fact is these films hold a special place in many people's hearts, and they make up a huge portion of the Disney film catalog. On this week's show, Jeff DePaoli of Dizney Coast to Coast joins us for a deep dive into Disney's live-action films, from 1950'sTreasure Islandto the upcoming live-action remake ofDumbo. We discuss the history of Walt's interest in live action, our favorite films from this category, where these films show up in Walt Disney World, and much more!Plus, Jeremy walks us through ten Disney documentaries he especially recommends Disney fans watch. In another round of Take 5, we use just five words to respond to categories such as "The Current Condition of WDW Monorails" and "Song Titles in Frozen 2." Plus, we discuss the big news that was announced at this year's Destination D. Come join the discussion now! Be sure to check out Jeff's podcast and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on our show: Dizney Coast to Coast. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/21/2018 • 2 hours, 28 minutes, 19 seconds

A very special mouse is celebrating a very special birthday, and we're getting in on the festivities! On this week's show, guest Kristen Nowicki (cohost of the Disneyland podcast "Mousetalgia") joins us for a special Mad Q Party centered on the mouse who started it all. This week's all-Mickey edition of the Disney questionnaire includes discussions about Mickey merchandise we'd like to see, Mickey keepsakes we especially treasure, ideas for Mickey-themed restaurants at the parks, and much more! Also on episode 207, guest Matt Parrish of The 3028 Podcast joins us for a closer look at the many iterations of costumed Mickeys that have appeared at Walt Disney World since the resort's earliest days. Join us as we trace the mouse's look from the weird-looking Ice Capades Mickey to the upcoming white-suited Mickey and Minnie that will debut in 2019. Plus, Matt and Derek go head to head in a game that tests their attention to detail regarding various aspects of Walt Disney World. Play along and join the Mickey celebrations on show 207 now! Be sure to find our guests online, check out their podcasts, and let them know you enjoyed hearing them on the show! MATT – Podcast: The 3028 | Twitter: @Thirty20Eight KRISTEN – Podcast: Mousetalgia | Twitter: @mousetalgiakris| Facebook: @mousetalgia If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/7/2018 • 2 hours, 1 minute, 12 seconds

More than just thrilling attractions, delicious food, and magical experiences, the Disney Parks are home to some incredible works of art, many of them “hidden in plain view,” meaning they often go overlooked despite being an essential element of theming and atmosphere. On this week’s show, we highlight some of our favorite artists and artistic elements that help bring the parks to life. In a chat with Greg Maletic, we discuss the many attraction posters he has designed for Disney parks throughout the world, and we talk about why these classic pieces of art are so beloved by fans. Then, we sit down with Jerrod Maruyama to chat about Hipster Mickey as well as his other fantastic creations based on Disney rides and movies, including the brand new collection of Happiest Cruise vinyl figures he created in the style of It’s A Small World. But that’s not all! Acting as cohost this week, Jennifer Lapsker helps us count down our Top 5 Works of Wall Art at Walt Disney World, from murals to mosaics to hand-painted ice cream carts. Plus, in a round of Armchair Imagineering we each share our own ideas for how our favorite artistic elements at the parks can be turned into merchandise for guests to take home and enjoy. It’s a jam-packed episode full of art and full of heart. Tune in now! Be sure to find our guests online and let them know how much you enjoyed hearing them on the show! Jennifer: @JLap64 on Twitter Greg: @gregmaletic on Twitter | Blog: gregmaletic.wordpress.com Jerrod: @jmaruyama on Twitter and Instagram | Portfolio: jmaruyama.com If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/24/2018 • 2 hours, 16 minutes, 51 seconds

Did you know Albert Falls, the founder of the famous Schweitzer Falls featured in Jungle Cruise, had a granddaughter who turned his home into a restaurant for hungry travelers, and that the restaurant is the very Skipper Canteen that's located in the Magic Kingdom? Or were you aware that the Tree of Life was planted by an ant who wished for a tree that would provide shelter for his animal friends? Disney Imagineers are known for crafting detailed stories around almost everything they create for the Disney parks, and on this week's show we take a closer look at some of those stories, from the real identity of Mama Melrose to the mysterious Society of Explorers and Adventurers and beyond! Also on episode 205, guest Jonathan Harvill joins us for a round of Mad Chatter Jeopardy, in which we provide silly questions for even sillier answers. Plus, we play "Cast That Celebrity" by assigning random actors and actresses to Disney roles. Come join the conversation now! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/10/2018 • 2 hours, 17 minutes, 7 seconds

If this week's guest sounds familiar, it might be because you've ridden one or both of the Walt Disney World attractions he currently narrates! Joining us is voice actor Mike Brassell, who lends his voice to both the PeopleMover in the Magic Kingdom and Living With the Land in Epcot. We spoke to Mike about the events that led to these roles, what it's like hearing his own voice when riding these attractions, and the other Disney projects he's been part of. Also on episode 204, we're joined once again by Mad Chatter Matt! Our OG cohost joins us for a deep dive into the many news items coming out of The Walt Disney Company. Plus, we share our own ideas for what kind of show should replace IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, and in another Mad Chatter game, we listen to one-star Yelp reviews and then try to guess the attraction, hotel, or restaurant for which each review was given. Come play along! Be sure to find Mike online and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show:https://twitter.com/mikebrassell If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/26/2018 • 2 hours, 13 minutes, 57 seconds

This week we’re going global! On our latest episode we take a closer look at the eight Disney parks outside Florida, and we each highlight five aspects of those parks that we think could be incorporated well at Walt Disney World. Joining the discussion is guest Jeff Birou, who has had the privilege of visiting all 12 Disney parks worldwide and is able to give us the scoop on what the international parks do best. Also on this week’s show, we showcase the career and incredible achievements of Disney Legend Mary Blair. Plus, we share our picks for the good, bad, and ugly water features in WDW, and we play our favorite game of hide and seek: Where in WDW Am I? Come play along on episode 203! If you‘re not already following Jeff online, go let him know how much you enjoyed hearing him on the show! You can find him on Twitter and Instagram: @jeffsoubirous. If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/12/2018 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 13 seconds

Your Hallowishes have come true: Fall has arrived at the Magic Kingdom! Whether you think Halloween in August is a trick or a treat, the fact is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties have begun, and on this week's show Mad Chatter Derek, along with special guests Aaron Wallace and Courtney Guth, break down the very first party of the season. With three brand new attraction enhancements, an assortment of fall treats, and a ton of can't-miss experiences, this year's party gave us a lot to talk about. Hear our thoughts on episode 202! Plus, we dish on other current happenings at Walt Disney World, including Donald's Dino-Bash and the brand new Chicken Guy! In another Mad Chatter game, we test our knowledge of Disney actors and the other well-known characters they have played. And in a twist on the segment Disney Taglines, we assign classic quotes fromThe Officeto various Disney films and attractions. Come join the fun now! Are you on social media? Be sure to find Courtney and Aaron online and let them know you enjoyed having them on the show: Instagram: @greatguthsby and @awallnotawol Twitter: @Courtney_Guth and @aaronwallace Aaron's website:http://www.aaronwallaceonline.com/ If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/29/2018 • 2 hours, 33 minutes, 15 seconds

Come take a stroll with us! This week we're taking a virtual tour of the Magic Kingdom in order to take a closer look at the signage scattered throughout. Join us and special guest Marshal Knight as we discuss the often overlooked attraction signs, restaurant signs, directional signs, and more that can be seen in every land at the Magic Kingdom. As we chat about our favorite signage throughout the park, we shed light on why the magic really is in the details! Also on show 201, we create a Mad Chatters Playlist featuring our favorite "Weird Disney Songs." Plus, we predict a few headlines that might be big news items "In the Year 2071." Tune in now! Be sure to find Marshal on Twitter, Instagram, and his website (disneybop.com) and let him know you enjoyed hearing him on the show! If you want to interact with us online,we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/15/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 24 seconds

If Walt Disney World had a yearbook, which attractions, characters, hotels, etc. would appear on the Superlatives page? Allow us to suggest some nominees! On this week's show we present our picks for Walt Disney World's Best Dressed, Biggest Overachiever, Class Clown, Most Likely to Succeed, and much more! Plus, special guests Steve and Lisa Griswold of MouseChat join us for a round of Disney Password. Play along as we try to guess Disney-related answers based on one-word clues. And be sure to check out the MouseChat website to learn more about our guests! And to celebrate 200 episodes, we reflect on our first five shows and chat about how far we've come and what some of our favorite memories are. To all of you who have followed along, whether you've heard one episode or all 200, we can't thank you enough for your support. If you're on social media, we’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/1/2018 • 2 hours, 7 minutes, 34 seconds

Audio-animatronics have been a staple of Disney parks for over five decades. But what many guests might not realize is that "Audio-Animatronics" is a registered trademark because Walt Disney and his team of Imagineers were actually responsible for inventing the technology! On this week's show we trace the history of audio-animatronics, stopping along the way to discuss some of the biggest milestones and our personal favorite audio-animatronics, including Abraham Lincoln, the Tiki Room birds, Hopper, and much more. Also on this week's episode, Jeremy and Matt discuss their recent adventures in Walt Disney World and share their thoughts on the World of Disney's new look, Toy Story Land, and more. Plus, we play another round of Take 5 by sharing our thoughts on various Disney topics using only five words. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/25/2018 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 31 seconds

No attraction is perfect. (Well, Pirates of the Caribbean came pretty close before Disney added that bizarrely placed on-ride photo.) And although we love so many of the rides and shows at Walt Disney World, we will admit there are elements we wish were different or removed altogether. On this week's show, we count down the five moments in attractions that bug us the most, from annoying characters to design flaws and beyond. Also on episode 198, we host a few friendly debates on topics such as which holiday party to attend, which attraction's entertainment level hinges more on where you sit, and what band or artist should replace Aerosmith on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Plus, we test our knowledge of Disney characters in a new Mad Chatter game. Come play along now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/18/2018 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 12 seconds

Back in 1989, composer Alan Menken made his Disney debut with the majestic score and the memorable songs featured inThe Little Mermaid. The film not only launched the famous Disney Renaissance of the 1990s, but it also marked the start of a beautiful partnership between Disney and Menken, who ended up creating music for classics such asAladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Hercules,and more. On this week's show we take a closer look at 11 Disney projects for which Menken provided the music, and we share our picks for the most essential Menken tunes. Also on this week's episode, we highlight the good, bad, and ugly interiors of quick service restaurants at Walt Disney World. Check it out on show 197! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/11/2018 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 36 seconds

Now that 2018 is halfway over, we want to take a step back and look at where the Disney parks are and where they are headed. In this week's show, we discuss some of the latest new offerings at Disney parks, including Toy Story Land and Pixar Pier, and we dive in to the latest news and rumors regarding upcoming attractions. In honor of America's Independence Day, we go "Behind the Magic" of one of the best patriotic attractions at Walt Disney World: The American Adventure in Epcot. Plus, we address a few questions from listeners concerning our favorite Disney sources and our recommendations for what to do at WDW when you're flying solo. It's all happening now on show 196! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/4/2018 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 31 seconds

Our favorite Disney questionnaire is BACK! For this week's Mad Q Party, friend of the show Jonathan Harvill joins the discussion as we answer ten questions related to all things Disney. Some of this week's questions include: What'sa panel you’d like to see take place at next year’s D23 Expo? Name something from a Disney movie that you wish were real so you could own it or use it. And more! Also on episode 195, Jeremy and Jonathan go head to head in the game "The Common Dis-nominator," in which they must figure out what a list of clues have in common. Plus, we get a bit silly with the hashtag #BoringDisneyAttractions. Come join the madness! Be sure to find Jonathan online (@jonathanharvill) and let him know how much you enjoyed hearing him on the show! We’d love for you toconnect withus too! Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/27/2018 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 15 seconds

Disney Game Night is back! And this time it’s bigger than ever. On episode 194, a slew of special guests and friends of the podcast join us to play some of our favorite game shows with a Disney twist, including Family Feud, Match Game, and more! Play along as we test our knowledge of Disney trivia and compete our way through one Disney game after another. A HUGE thank you to our guests for coming out to play on this week’s show! Be sure to find them all online and let them know how much you enjoyed hearing them on The Mad Chatters Podcast: Jeff Birou: @jeffsoubirous on Twitter and on Instagram Jeff DePaoli: @JeffDePaoli on Twitter | Host of Dizney Coast to Coast(@DizneyCTC on Twitter and Instagram) Teri Deel: @terideel on Twitter Courtney Guth: @Courtney_Guth on Twitter | Host of Book of the Mouse Club(@BookOfTheMouse on Twitter) Matt Parrish: @Thirty20Eight on Twitter | Host of The 3028 Guy Selga: @GuySelga on Twitter | Writer for The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and contributor for TouringPlans Aaron Wallace: @aaronwallace on Twitter | Host of Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod | Find his books ataaronwallaceonline.com. Mark Willard: @MarkWillard85 on Twitter | @markwillardphotography on Instagram We’d love for you toconnect withus too! Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/20/2018 • 2 hours, 56 minutes, 18 seconds

Can you believe it's been 20 years since Mulan was first released in theaters? To celebrate this milestone, we've asked the film's directors, Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, to take us behind the scenes of the making of the film and talk to us about the legacy the movie has built over the last two decades. Tune in to hear Tony and Barry share stories of working at the animation studio that used to be part of Disney-MGM Studios, and get an inside scoop on the film's hidden Easter eggs, how the final film differed slightly from their original vision, and more! Also on this week's show, we give our take onSolo: A Star Wars Storyand the latest trailer forWreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet.Plus, we play another wacky round of Mad Chatter Jeopardy. Tune in now! If you want to follow along with Tony and Barry's other projects, you can find Tony on Twitter (pumbaaguy1) and Instagram (@pumbaaguy). And be sure to check out Barry's new short film, Blinker:https://youtu.be/VVf9GHIBNjs We’d love for you toconnect withus too! Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/13/2018 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 54 seconds

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 toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/6/2018 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 35 seconds

In this week's culinary tour of Walt Disney World we turn our attention to the counter service restaurants in Disney Springs. We browse the menus at places like The Daily Poutine and Earl of Sandwich, and we share our own thoughts on the offerings at D-Luxe Burger, Cookes of Dublin, and much more! In another round of "Where in WDW Am I?" we are given 20 questions to help us find where our fellow chatters are "hiding" in Walt Disney World. Plus, we discuss the cast member positions we'd most like to have for a day. Come join the discussion! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/30/2018 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 39 seconds

The most magical day at a Disney park deserves the most magical finale, and we can't think of a better conclusion than a Disney fireworks spectacular. This week we look back at the numerous fireworks shows that have been part of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, from Fantasy in the Sky, to Happily Ever After, to some of the limited-time shows that have graced the skies over Cinderella Castle. Join us for this blast of a retrospective! In another Mad Chatter game, we try to guess the attraction based on its official description on the Disney website. Plus, we introduce the hashtag #DisneyBands and have some fun creating our own ridiculous bands with a Disney twist. Come join the fun! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/23/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 22 seconds

"Did you know?" Those three words, when overheard at Walt Disney World, always pull us in. We either want to learn something new, or we want to be able to debunk whatever kind of nonsense we're about to hear. While many Disney fans have heard just about every "fun fact" there is to know about the Vacation Kingdom of the World, some facts and hidden Easter eggs really are "fun," especially when you discover them for the first time. For this week's show, we've each compiled a list of our favorite facts and tidbits we've heard over the years about Walt Disney World, including details to look for, backstories of attractions, and much more. In the segment "Behind the Magic," we put the spotlight on the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Plus, Derek reviews his dinner at Maria & Enzo's Ristorante in Disney Springs, we discuss some tough losses for WDW fans, and much more. Tune in! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/16/2018 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 12 seconds

Last week marked the tenth anniversary of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which kicked off with the release ofIron Man in 2008. WithAvengers: Infinity Warcurrently smashing records at the box office, and with Disney constantly adding more Marvel offerings to both the big screen and the parks, we thought it was the perfect time to do a deep dive into this huge fictional world. We've brought on special guest and friend of the show Teri Deel to talk all things Marvel with us, from its history with Disney, to our favorite moments in the movies, to the attractions we're looking forward to at the parks. Come nerd out with us! Also on this week's show, we provide our own ideas for how Disney can bring Marvel to Walt Disney World in a big way. Plus, we chat about the cast recording of Frozen: The Broadway Musical, give a few Magic Kingdom updates, and much more! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/9/2018 • 2 hours, 4 minutes, 12 seconds

In every Haunted Mansion stretching room there is at least one person who decides to quote the script along with the Ghost Host. And while that might be, frankly, annoying for the other people in the room, the fact is there are countless lines of dialogue from Disney rides that are fun to say because they are clever and memorable and they are attached to some of our favorite attractions. On this week's show, we each count down our top five favorite quotes from Walt Disney World attractions, from witty banter in preshows to magical words that make our hearts go pitter-patter. In another edition of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, we turn our attention to the interior decor inside table service restaurants. Plus, we play another round of "Higher or Lower," in which we try to guess closest to the correct Disney-related number. Play along now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/2/2018 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 29 seconds

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 toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/25/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 17 seconds

Disney's Animal Kingdom is turning 20 years old! To celebrate, we've put together a list of 20 of our favorite fun facts about Walt Disney World's youngest park, from hidden details we love, to engineering feats that set the park apart from all other theme parks. But that's not all. Animal Kingdom takes center stage in our other segments as well, including "Munchies & Merch" and "Take Five." It's our wildest episode yet. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/18/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 24 seconds

Our favorite Q&A is back! Special guest Courtney Guth joins us for another Mad Q Party to help us answer ten ridiculous questions centered on all things Disney. In this week's edition of the wacky questionnaire, we share our ideal Disney lands, the Disney families we'd love to be part of, the characters we want to meet at Walt Disney World, and more. In another round of The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A., we pay tribute to E Cardon Walker, former president of The Walt Disney Company and man behind the wheel of such projects as EPCOT Center and The Disney Channel. Plus, Derek reviews Frozen: The Musical, which he recently got to see in New York City. Come join the fun! Be sure to connect with Courtney online and tell her how much you enjoyed having her on the show! You can follow her on Twitter (@Courtney_Guth) and Instagram (@greatguthsby). And you can always connect with us as well. Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/11/2018 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 26 seconds

Sup! Welcome to our totally fly celebration of all the Disney things we loved in the 90s! Join us on episode 183 as we look back at the Disney movies, attractions, TV specials, and merchandise we associate with the 1990s, including VHS releases, McDonald's sponsorships, and more. It's our phattest episode yet! If you think we're limiting the 90s to our main segment . . . AS IF! In a round of Armchair Imagineering, we present our ideas for how to bring back something from the 90s and make it relevant and fun for today's audience. Plus, we create another Mad Chatters Playlist, this time putting together nine of our favorite Deep Cuts from the Disney music library. All that and more goes down on episode 183. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

4/4/2018 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 8 seconds

This week we get back to Disney basics — and get a bit sappy in the process. Join us as we open up about the Disney movies we watched the most as children, the movie moments that made us cry, the Disney souvenirs we treasure the most, our favorite Disney memories, and more! In the segment "This Week in Disney History," we look back at events such as the 50th Academy Awards and the restoration of the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. Plus, we respond to a few listener emails regarding Walt Disney World honeymoons, the resorts we would choose to stay at, and more. Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/28/2018 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 42 seconds

Not every idea is gold. On this week's show we look back at eight specific ideas implemented at Walt Disney World that had less-than-stellar results. From attractions guests loathed to audio-animatronics that didn't quite live up to what Disney promised, we discuss Walt Disney World's biggest flops and bombs over the last four decades. In a round of Armchair Imagineering, we present our ideas for what Disney might be planning in the former location of River Country, where some construction seems to be taking place. Plus, we introduce a new Disney hashtag (#DisneyfyAMovie) and discuss the latest price increases for WDW Resort hotel guests. Come join the conversation! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/21/2018 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 17 seconds

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! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/14/2018 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 19 seconds

This week our series on the table service restaurants at Walt Disney World takes us to the BoardWalk area, where we visit nine dining locations at three different Disney resort hotels, including Beaches & Cream, Flying Fish, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and the new Ale & Compass. Join us for another culinary tour as we read these menus and give our own takes. In another Mad Chatter game, we try to guess the Disney movie based on the film’s dialogue at the 30-minute mark. Plus, we host another zany round of Chatter Jeopardy, in which we provide ridiculous questions to off-the-wall answers. Come join the fun! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

3/7/2018 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 57 seconds

It's A Small World (After All), Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Winnie the Pooh—Besides being some of the most iconic and recognizable Disney songs of all time, these tunes have something else in common: They were penned by the Sherman brothers! On this week's episode we take a closer look at Robert and Richard Sherman, their rich history with The Walt Disney Company, and the most memorable songs that were produced by this incredible partnership. Join us for an extensive discussion about these Disney legends and the songs from their catalog that we love the most. Also on episode 178, we read a few funny stories and respond to some questions we received from listeners. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

2/28/2018 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 10 seconds

Remember that time Disney came under attack for something it had produced that was considered culturally insensitive? In truth, Disney has had to address this issue many, MANY times over the last several decades. When you’ve been around for as long as The Walt Disney Company has, it’s almost inevitable that you will run into these kinds of problems as times change and people evolve. On this week's episode, we look back at the instances when Disney addressed issues of political incorrectness by changing or removing elements in their properties, including films likeSong of the SouthandFantasia, as well as attractions at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. We also discuss examples of scenes in Disney movies and rides that are still considered by many to be insensitive, even though they remain unchanged to this day. In another round of The Disney Fix, we chat about Black Panther, Disney scents in your home, and a BuzzFeed article about outrageous moments that have happened in a Disney park. Plus, in the segment "The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A.," we take a closer look at Walt's dad Elias. All that and more on episode 177. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

2/21/2018 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 16 seconds

Did you know Big Thunder Mountain is located in the town of Tumbleweed and sits on Native American burial ground? Or that the steam train you board before riding Expedition Everest once transported tea for the Royal Anandapur Tea Company? Disney is all about storytelling. Sometimes understanding the story is easy, but other times it requires a bit of digging. Enter our latest episode... On show 176 we highlight nine Walt Disney World attractions and share the fictional stories you become part of whenever you ride them. Rides discussed include Kali River Rapids, the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and more! Plus, we play a round of "Where in WDW Am I?" and we do some Armchair Imagineering by giving Rock 'n' Roller Coaster a brand new overlay. Come join the fun! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

2/14/2018 • 2 hours, 1 minute, 19 seconds

What foods do you still dream about when you return home after a Walt Disney World vacation? What Disney treats make your mouth water the most when you think about them? That's the very question we answer on this week's show! Join us as we each count down the top five foods we've eaten at Walt Disney World. (We don't recommend listening on an empty stomach.) Also on our 175th episode, we share our picks for the good, bad, and ugly meet-and-greet experiences in the parks, from the most top-notch settings to the most pathetic. Plus, we have some romantic fun with the hashtag #DisneyValentines. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

2/7/2018 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 10 seconds

From 1995's Toy Story to Pixar's most recent release, Coco, we're diving deep into Pixar's catalog. On this week's episode, we look more closely at the Pixar films by discussing the ways in which each one is represented at Walt Disney World. Join us as we scour the parks for signs of our favorite Pixar movies and characters, from rides to musicals to meet and greets and beyond, and give our take on what works and what doesn't. In the new segment "This Week in Disney History," we look back at the theatrical release ofThe Three Caballerosby reading the original New York Times review that was published this week in 1945. Plus, we play another round of Chatter Jeopardy. Come join the fun! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/31/2018 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 13 seconds

Special guest Ben Lancaster (@WaltsFrzenHead on Twitter) joins us for another round of our favorite hypothetical extravaganza: a MAD Q PARTY! This week's lineup of off-the-wall questions related to the Disney universe includes: What’s an element from an extinct attraction you’d like to see return in some form? Who is the next celebrity you want to see make a surprise appearance at an attraction he or she is attached to? And much more! Come join the fun on episode 173! (Find out more about The Further Adventures of Walt's Frozen Head at waltsfrozenhead.com.) Also on this episode, we go "Behind the Magic" by taking a closer look at one of our favorite areas: Sunset Boulevard. Plus, we peek into the future to see what Walt Disney World will be like "In the Year 2071." Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/24/2018 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 39 seconds

This week we’re joined by special guest and Broadway star Jenn Gambatese, who just wrapped up a weekend of performances at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts as part of its "Disney on Broadway" concert series. We spoke to Jenn about her extensive Broadway career, her favorite roles (including Jane in Disney’s Tarzan), and what it was like filling in last minute at the Epcot festival. Also on this week’s show, we take a closer look at the new restaurants that opened last week at Disney Springs, including Pizza Ponte and The Edison, and we take you inside the first weekend of the Festival of the Arts. Plus, in another Mad Chatter game, we play “Disney by the Numbers.” Come join the fun on episode 172! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. If you want to add more Jenn Gambatese goodness to your life, be sure to check out her albumco*ckeyed Optimist: Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein,and follow her on Instagram (@jenngambatese) and Twitter (@jenngambatese). Thanks for listening!

1/18/2018 • 1 hour, 43 minutes, 6 seconds

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! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/10/2018 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 40 seconds

Toy Story Land! Avengers: Infinity War! Animal Kingdom’s 20th anniversary! Surprise announcements? On this week’s episode we highlight 18 things the Disney universe will bring us in 2018, from new restaurants to blockbuster films to exciting updates on the many construction projects happening at the parks. Join us as we look ahead to an exciting year for Disney fans. Also on show 170, we create a playlist of our favorite inspirational Disney songs to help you get motivated for a new year and a new you. Plus, we discuss the Disney gifts we bought for ourselves and others this Christmas, chat about the latest hot topics in the Disney realm, and much more. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

1/3/2018 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 31 seconds

It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights. It’s time to raise the curtain on our annual awards night. It’s time for the Chatties! As we always do whenever another year comes to an end, on this week’s episode we highlight the best and worst moments throughout The Walt Disney Company in the year 2017. Tune in to find out what events, attractions, and announcements will take home the biggest awards, including Best Addition to Walt Disney World, Worst Announcement for the Future, and much more. Plus, we look back at the biggest news items that had the Disney community all abuzz this past year, and we reveal whether or not we kept our Disney resolutions for 2017. Join us now for the final episode of the year! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening! Happy New Year!

12/27/2017 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 29 seconds

After 3+ years of podcasting, the three of us finally visited a Disney park TOGETHER! On this week's show we give a full report of the things we saw, ate, and experienced on our trip to Walt Disney World, including the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail, two different viewings of Candlelight Processional, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and much more! Come join us as we reminisce, swap stories, and laugh about our favorite moments of the past week. Also on episode 168, we discuss the latest Disney news, including the buyout of 21st Century Fox, the end of Flights of Wonder, and The Last Jedi's big box-office haul. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening, and have a merry Christmas!

12/20/2017 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 17 seconds

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls – The Mad Chatters proudly present our spectacular(ish) deep dive into Magic Kingdom's many festival pageants of magic and imagination over the last 46 years. On this week's show, special guest Aaron Wallace of Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod joins us for a detailed look at the parades, street parties, and cavalcades that have traveled down Main Street, U.S.A. since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, from the grand opening parade to the most current spectacle, Festival of Fantasy. Come with us on a trip down memory lane as we discuss our favorite parade moments, floats, and soundtracks of the last 4-plus decades. Also on episode 167, we share our picks for the good, bad, and ugly attraction loading areas at Walt Disney World. Plus, we each share one of our favorite hidden gems in the segment "It's the Small Things, After All." Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

12/6/2017 • 2 hours, 25 minutes, 13 seconds

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! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/29/2017 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 9 seconds

For our latest episode, come hungry and come often. This week we're eating our way through The Landing and Town Center, two of the newest areas at Disney Springs. Join us as we read the menus and provide short reviews of new restaurants such as STK, The BOATHOUSE, and Frontera Cocina, as well as classics like Raglan Road. Also on this week's show, we play "Once Upon a Line," in which we try to guess the film based on its opening line of dialogue. Plus, we pen a few Love Letters to Disney, discuss the latest Star Wars news, and more! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/22/2017 • 1 hour, 50 minutes, 28 seconds

Walt famously said, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.” On this week’s show, that mouse takes center stage as we celebrate Mickey‘s 89th birthday! We are thrilled to welcome to the show special guest Christopher Willis, who provides the music for Mickey Mouse, the series of cartoon shorts that airs on The Disney Channel. On this episode Chris takes us through the process of scoring a Mickey cartoon and gives us an inside look at the upcoming attraction Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, for which he is providing the soundtrack. In this week's edition of The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A., we put the spotlight on Ub Iwerks, who played a large role in the creation of Mickey Mouse. Plus, we bring back the wacky segment Take Five, in which we use just five words to express our feelings on various categories. Episode 164 includes all of that, Disney news, and much more. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/15/2017 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 56 seconds

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! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/8/2017 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 43 seconds

Goodbye, Halloween, Hello, Christmas! Whether you're ready for it or not, the holiday season is about to be in full swing at Walt Disney World. On this week's show, we give a preview of the holiday offerings you can expect to find at the four parks so you can be sure not to miss a thing if you happen to be planning a trip in November or December. In a holiday edition of Armchair Imagineering, we provide ideas for holiday overlays we think should come to Walt Disney World attractions. Plus, we play some Disney trivia and discuss the latest news coming out of the Disney parks. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

11/1/2017 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 49 seconds

It’s Halloween(loween), everybody! And on this week’s show the Disney villains are coming out to say BOO (to you and you and you and you), as we take a look at the best in-park representations of those dastardly men, women, and creatures we love to hate. Join us as we count down our top five incorporations of the Disney villains into the Disney parks, from audio-animatronics to show scenes and beyond. In the segment Behind the Magic, we take a closer look at the history, details, and hidden gems of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, we play our favorite game of 20 questions: Where in Walt Disney World Am I? Whip up a pumpkin spice latte, grab the closest black flame candle, and come join the spooky fun! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/25/2017 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 12 seconds

Most everyone’s mad here—and we wouldn’t have it any other way! This week we’re bringing you another Mad Q Party, featuring ten new off-the-wall questions related to the Disney parks, the Disney films, and the rest of the Disney universe. Join us as we have fun discussing the Disney documentaries we want to see get made, the Disney tattoos we wouldn’t mind having, and much more! In a round of The Disney Fix, we chat about pets at WDW, Mickey Mouse shorts, and Disney’s ownership of ESPN. Plus, we’re joined by special guests Chris and Sarah, who go up against two Chatters in the game “What’s My Line,” in which the players must complete quotes from Disney attractions. Come join the madness! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/18/2017 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 41 seconds

When you gotta go, you gotta go. That's true. But that doesn't mean you can't be educated about WHERE to go when you gotta go! Enter Episode 159... On this week's show we go park by park in order to highlight our favorite restrooms to use in Walt Disney World, based on criteria including size, design, crowds, space, and more. We also pick out a few restrooms we recommend avoiding if you can help it. In our latest edition of Eating Around the World, we provide quick reviews of three restaurants we recently dined at: Kona Cafe, Les Chefs de France, and Nine Dragons. Plus, we play another round of Mad Chatter Jeopardy, in which we provide ridiculous questions to even more ridiculous answers. Come join the fun! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/11/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 16 seconds

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 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 toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

10/4/2017 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 46 seconds

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! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/27/2017 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 19 seconds

All aboard the Walt Disney World monorail, your highway in the sky and your direct access to the ten delicious table-service restaurants at the three deluxe resorts near Magic Kingdom. On this week's show, we take a grand circle tour around the Seven Seas Lagoon in order to highlight the sit-down offerings at Disney's Contemporary, Polynesian Village, and Grand Floridian Resorts, including Chef Mickey's, Kona Cafe, Citricos, and Victoria & Albert's. Join us as we read the menus and take a closer look at what these dining locations have to offer. In another Mad Chatter game, we try to guess the Disney Legend based on one-word clues. Plus, we do some Armchair Imagineering by providing our own ideas for how the Walt Disney World parks can emulate Cars Land's Haul-O-Ween takeover and get into the Halloween spirit. Come hungry and come often! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/20/2017 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 30 seconds

We've always claimed to be your very important date with the happenings at Walt Disney World and around the Disney universe, and on this week's show we truly are taking you "around the Disney universe," from Marceline, Missouri to Paris, France. On show 155, Jeremy reports on his recent visit to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, while Matt fills us in on his trip to Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, both of which are part of the Disneyland Paris resort. This week we also take a closer look at what's going on within The Walt Disney Company, from Walt Disney World updates to Star Wars shake-ups to Hurricane Irma aftermath and beyond. Plus, in "The Disney Fix," we each share the Disney topics we've had on our minds lately. This week it's all about current events and hot topics, so come join the discussion! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/13/2017 • 2 hours, 22 seconds

Even though it's only the first week of September, Halloween Time and the fall season are in full swing at Walt Disney World. On this week's show, Matt and Derek give a full report of their visits to the Disney parks last week, including a neat VIP experience at Festival of the Lion King, a ride on the revamped Mission: SPACE, and a spooky good time at the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of 2017. In another round of "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," we share our picks for the best and worst Pixar representations at Walt Disney World. Plus, we go Behind the Magic as we take a closer look at the design and hidden gems of Frontierland. Come join the fun on episode 154 NOW! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/6/2017 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 15 seconds

This week we're celebrating Labor Day by sharing our picks for the five best ways to take a break, relax, and rejuvenate at Walt Disney World. From our favorite people-watching spots to the attractions that do the best job of refreshing our bodies and minds, we highlight our favorite ways to take a vacation from your vacation. Also on this week's show, we sit down with Brent Young and Dina Benadon, owners and co-founders of The Walt Disney Birthplace project. We chat with them about their efforts to restore Walt's childhood home, what they hope to achieve with the project, and what visitors can expect to get out of the experience when the project is finished. To find out how you can get involved in this noble effort, be sure to check out thewaltdisneybirthplace.org! This episode also includes another round of Disney Taglines, Hollywood Studios rumors, and more. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/30/2017 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 23 seconds

If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World and you haven't been in the last five years, your vacation experience will look a lot different now that Disney has rolled out MyMagic+. On this week's show we highlight the main features of the My Disney Experience app and give our personal tips for how to make the most of FastPass+, Mobile Ordering, and other MyMagic+ features during your Disney vacation. In Disney news, we discuss more changes at Hollywood Studios, a stand-alone Star Wars film, and more. Plus, we play another round of Chatter Jeopardy and provide our own ideas for the upcoming Star Wars resort. All that and much more awaits you on Episode 152! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/23/2017 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 24 seconds

On August 13, Disney fans said goodbye to two classic Walt Disney World attractions: Ellen's Energy Adventure (aka Universe of Energy) and The Great Movie Ride. On this week's show we honor these two rides by looking back at their origins, discussing our favorite elements of the attractions, and talking about what their closings mean for the futures of their respective parks. Also on this week's episode, we answer one listener's question about the Disney collections we own and we create another Mad Chatters Playlist by sharing three picks for "Songs That Make Us Dance." Plus, we discuss the latest news regarding Mission: SPACE, DuckTales (woo-oo!), and more. Tune in now! Are you on social media? We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/16/2017 • 2 hours, 8 minutes

Let the games begin! For our 150th episode we invited tons of special guests to join us for an epic game night, and as we suspected, they all came ready to compete (and entertain). Now it's your turn to play along! Test your Disney knowledge in games like "What Year Is It?" and Disney Buzzword. Try to beat our contestants to the punch in a round of Disney Password. Then, finish it off by listening to the hilarity ensue in a super-sized round of The Match Game. It's nothing but games this week, so come join the Disney fun now! We especially want to thank the incredible guests who came out to play this week. If you aren't already, go follow these terrific ladies and gentlemen online and be a part of the awesome work they do. (Tell them The Mad Chatters sent you.) Jeff Birou –Twitter:@jetsetter_Jeff/ Instagram: @jetsetterjeff Tom Bricker – Disney reviews and blog posts: Disney Tourist Blog/ Twitter: @Tom_Bricker / Instagram: @tom_bricker/ Travel blog (Disney and non-Disney): Travel Caffeine Teri Deel –Twitter: @terideel Jeff DePaoli – Podcast: Dizney Coast to Coast(and on iTunes) / Twitter: @JeffDePaoli and @DizneyCTC / Instagram: @dizneyctc / Daily Disney Decision on Periscope Stephen Lim – Instagram: @thedailydisney Guy Selga – Twitter: @guyselga / Instagram: @guyselga /Touring Plans (writer) / Book: The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland (co-author) Aaron Wallace – Twitter: @aaronwallace / Instagram: @awallnotawol / Podcast: Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod / Books:Hocus Pocus in Focus, The Thinking Fan's Guide to WDW: Magic Kingdom, The Thinking Fan's Guide to WDW: Epcot/ Website: aaronwallaceonline.com Mark Willard – Instagram: @markwillardphotography/ Website: markwillardphotography.com And you can always find us online as well.We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/9/2017 • 2 hours, 40 minutes, 12 seconds

Please stand clear of the doors – The Mad Chatters Podcast will depart momentarily. On this week's show we're highlighting three modes of transportation that have strong ties to Disney parks: the skyway, the monorail, and the peoplemover. Not only do all three of these transportation methods offer an above-ground alternative to cars and boats, but they also were all very new to the U.S. when The Walt Disney Company brought them to the parks. On our latest show we look back at the history of these transports, how they revolutionized the Disney parks, and why they mean so much to Disney fans today. In our latest edition of "The Windows of Main Street," we honor the life of Disney Legend Marty Sklar, who sadly passed away last week. Plus, we share some of our favorite WDW hidden gems in the segment "It's the Small Things, After All." Come join the conversation! (For the comfort of others, no smoking please.) We’d love for you toconnect withus online! Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

8/2/2017 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 10 seconds

Dreams are make believe . . . But could they all come true? To discover the answer to that question, we're going deep inside Mickey's imagination, where we'll encounter princesses, a fire-breathing dragon, and all the forces of evil, all while searching for the true reason Fantasmic has been such a popular show since it debuted in Disneyland 25 years ago. Celebrate this epic nighttime spectacular with us as we dive deep into the show's history, its changes over the years, and what the future might hold. Also on this week's show, we look more closely at some of D23 Expo's biggest announcements and toss in our own ideas for how to plus them. Plus, in another round of the Mad Chatter Top Ten, we present the Top Ten Uses for the Great Movie Ride Audio-Animatronics After the Ride Has Closed. We nowinviteyou to join Mickey and experienceFantasmic!—a journey beyond your wildest imagination. We’d love for you toconnect withus online! Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/26/2017 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 40 seconds

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 toconnect withus online! Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/19/2017 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 27 seconds

Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, It's A Small World – Many of the classic attractions for which Disney parks are known can be found on both U.S. coasts. The assumption, therefore, is that Magic Kingdom is simply a replica of Disneyland. In reality, though, the two parks are different in many ways. On this week's show, special guest Jeff Birou (@jetsetterjeff) helps us take a closer look at these two parks and highlight the attractions, food, and landscapes that make each of them unique. Also on this week's show, we look ahead to the D23 Expo and discuss the panels that sound most interesting to us. Plus, we play the 20 Questions-style game "Where in WDW Am I?" Play along and join the fun now! We’d love for you toconnect withus online! Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/12/2017 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 15 seconds

As Rafiki once asked in Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, "ARE YOU READY FOR THE PARTY?!" On this week's show, guest Matthew Parrish (host of WEDWay Radio and The Thirty20Eight) joins us for another Mad Q Party, in which we answer ten off-the-wall questions about the Disney universe. Our latest hypothetical extravaganza has us dreaming up movie-themed restaurants at the parks, naming our dream podcast guests, and much more! Also on episode 145, we share our picks for the good, bad, and ugly use of screens at Walt Disney World. Plus, we share a few Disney Confessions and discuss the buzzworthy news surrounding Pirates of the Caribbean. Come join the fun now! A huge thanks to Matt for joining us this week! Be sure to check out Wedway Radio and The Thirty20Eight on iTunes. We’d love for you toconnect withus as well! Find us on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/7/2017 • 2 hours, 13 minutes, 11 seconds

No theme park is perfect. In its 45 years of bringing us magical moments, breathtaking environments, and technological breakthroughs, even Walt Disney World has stumbled once or twice. On this week's show we count down our picks for the top five worst attractions Disney has ever given us, from boring shows to loud cars to rides that left us wondering what the Imagineers were thinking. (And yes, biases and personal experiences play a LARGE role.) Also on this week's show, to get in the 4th of July spirit we introduce the hashtag #AmericanizeDisney. Plus, we highlight the career of Disney legend Dorothea Redmond in another edition of "The Windows of Main Street, U.S.A." Come join the conversation now! We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/28/2017 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 20 seconds

An entire episode about pre-shows? Wait a minute . . . I love that idea! This week we have an open discussion about attraction pre-shows at Walt Disney World by answering the question, "What qualities do the best pre-shows possess?" We visit rides like Tower of Terror and Soarin' and characters including Dr. Marsh and SergeantC4703BK2704-90210, and we give our own take on what makes a pre-show great, which WDW attractions have the best and worst pre-shows, and why pre-shows are important. Also on this week's show: Matt and Derek review their recent lunch at Tiffins, we share our thoughts onCars 3 and the latest Pirates film, and we play "What's the Score?" in which we try to guess the movie based on the names of individual tracks in that movie's original score. Come join the fun now! We’d love for you toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

6/21/2017 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 34 seconds

Fresh off of a ten-day vacation at Walt Disney World, the Mad Chatters have plenty of catching up and reporting to do. With so many brand new experiences to discuss, including Pandora, The Music of Pixar LIVE, and Happily Ever After, we're anxious to share our thoughts with each other and with you listeners. Joining in the conversation this week is special guest Aaron Wallace, who helps us break down what's new at the parks. Also on this week's show, Derek's mom and dad share about their six-day vacation from their perspective. Hear about their first visit to Epcot, which rides they loved, how they managed a full week in Walt Disney World, and some of their favorite moments from the trip. So many exciting things are happening at WDW, and on this week's show we want to take you there. Come join the conversation now!

6/14/2017 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 40 seconds

Our culinary tour of Epcot concludes this week as we visit the table service restaurants in Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. We read the menus and give our personal thoughts on places like Teppan Edo, Chefs de France, and Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room. (Be sure to check out episode 136 if you didn't catch Part 1.) Also on this week's show, we do some Armchair Imagineering by coming up with ideas for new table service restaurants at the current World Showcase pavilions. Plus, we play our favorite 20 Questions-style game, "Where in WDW Am I?" Come join us!

6/7/2017 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 48 seconds

Get that Netflix queue ready! On this week's show we share our picks for the films that will best prepare you, educate you, and give you all the Disney feels before you take a trip to Walt Disney World. From obvious films that have ample representation in the parks to non-Disney films that will help you better appreciate the details, we recommend plenty of movies to help you passthe weeks and months leading up to your vacation. In this week's round of "Behind the Magic," we take a closer look at Journey Into Imagination With Figment on its 15th anniversary. Plus, we play the new game "Chatter Jeopardy" by providing responses in the form of questions to answerssuch as "Big, angry, and hairy."

5/31/2017 • 1 hour, 33 seconds

While planning fora 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 discussfive optional add-ons and give our two cents on whether or not they are worth the cost: 1. Park Hopper 2. Disney Resorts 3. Food (Dining plan, table service, etc.) 4. Dessert Parties and Dining Packages 5. 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 toconnect withus on Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), Instagram (@madchatters), and Twitter (@MadChatters). Or, send your emails to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

5/24/2017 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 56 seconds

At last we see the lights, and it’s like the sky is new! On this week’s show, join us for a closer look at the best lamps, light bulbs, and spotlights throughout Walt Disney World. We go park by park, “highlighting” the best lighting techniques used by Imagineers to bring that special touch of magic […]

5/17/2017 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 18 seconds

This week we’re bringing you up to date on all the latest happenings at the Walt Disney World Resort, from the biggest news (Baby Groot! Johnny Depp! Driverless shuttles?) to an on-the-scene report from our most recent trip. We share stories from the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, the 28th birthday of Disney’s Hollywood […]

5/10/2017 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 23 seconds

Bienvenidos!We invite you to join us as we continue to make our way through the table service restaurants at Walt Disney World. This week our series takes us to Epcot, where we read the menus and give our thoughts on the restaurants in Future World and the Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, and Italy pavilions. Eateries […]

5/3/2017 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 29 seconds

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 […]

4/26/2017 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 53 seconds

Does Star Wars Land belong in Disneyland? Will Walt Disney World get its own Club 33? What in the world is happening at Epcot? These are some of the hot topics being discussed within the Disney community, and this week we want to get in on the conversation. Join us as we address these issues […]

4/19/2017 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 13 seconds

Incorporating a film into the Disney parks is an art. It requires a delicate balancein which Imagineers must givethe moviejustice and the treatment it deserves without making it feel forced or shoehorned into a certain space. On this week’s show, we chat about those times when the Imagineers nailed it. From entire attractions to single, […]

4/12/2017 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 25 seconds

Aloha! Welcome to our tropical hideaway. We invite you to join us as we look back at Disney’s vibrant history with the Polynesian culture. From 1937’s “Hawaiian Holiday” to last year’s “Moana” (and every Dole Whip in between), we span the decades in order to present ourlist of ten Polynesian inspirationsThe Walt Disney Company has […]

4/5/2017 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 26 seconds

On our latest episode, Stephen Lim (@thedailydisney on Instagram) joins us for another Mad Q Party, our favorite hypothetical extravaganza in which we ask and answer ten off-the-wall questions related to The Walt Disney Company. This week’s edition has us brainstorming ideas for new quick service restaurants, choosing a celebrity to join us for a […]

3/29/2017 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 11 seconds

Dole Whips, Fantasmic, Splash Mountain,Chef Mickey’s… Some experiences at Walt Disney World appearon about every “Must List” you’ll come across online. But that doesn’t mean they arethe only things worth experiencing on a Disney vacation. This week we list some of our favorite attractions, restaurants, and other experiences that don’t quite get the attention we […]

3/22/2017 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 39 seconds

On March 18, 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean opened in Disneylandand instantly changed the game for theme park attractions, forever affecting how all futureattractions would be measured. This week we honor the legendary ride’s 50th anniversary by diving deep into its conception by Walt and a team of trusted Imagineers, the attraction’stransformation throughout the years, […]

3/15/2017 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 46 seconds

Join us on our latest episode as we takea musical tour of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From the original songs in “Finding Nemo – The Musical,” to theAfrican street party taking place in Harambe, to the soothing sounds of nature that can be heard as you enter the park gates, we discuss the original music that […]

3/8/2017 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 58 seconds

Travel + Leisure recently posted an article called “60 Foods Everyone Should Try At Least Once When Visiting [Walt] Disney World.” On this week’s show, we break down the60 food itemschosen by the author and discuss what makes Disney food so iconic and blog-worthy. Keeping with the food theme, we kick off the month of […]

3/1/2017 • 2 hours, 1 minute, 56 seconds

Whether it’s a pair of striped socks, a flashy Hawaiian shirt, or a fashionableplaid 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 […]

2/22/2017 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 52 seconds

You can hardly take ten steps in a Disney park without coming across a costumed character (or at least a queue of people waiting to meet one). For some, meeting characters is as much a part of a Walt Disney World vacation as seeing Cinderella Castle for the first time or riding It’s a Small […]

2/15/2017 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 46 seconds

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, and over on The Mad Chatters Podcast we’re getting in the holiday spirit by discussingthe Disney characters we’d love to see pair up. From preshow personalities at Walt Disney World to our favorite characters inthe animated films, we open up about who we’re shipping. It’s zany, ridiculous, […]

2/8/2017 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 52 seconds

Continuing our series on table service restaurants throughout Walt Disney World, this week our culinary tour takes us to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where we read the menus and give our reviews of eateries such as Yak &Yeti, Tiffins, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, and more. Over in Epcot, Broadway star Kerry Butler […]

2/1/2017 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 27 seconds

Not every idea is a winner– not even at Disney. Unfortunately, some of those bad ideas still made it out ofthe drawing room and into Walt Disney World. From bad overlays to questionable themes to impractical designs, this week wecount down the top ten moments that left us asking, “What were they thinking?!” But first, […]

1/25/2017 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 41 seconds

What makes Magic Kingdom worthy of its name? Is it the rides? The smells? The Cast Members? The music? Is it a mixture of all of the above? Or is it different for every person? On this week’s show we open up (read: gush) about what makes Magic Kingdom so “magical” to us. From single […]

1/18/2017 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 29 seconds

If you could relive a specific Walt Disney World memory, would you change anything? Is there something youdid that you wish you hadn’t? Is there an opportunity you wish you had taken because now it’s too late? If so, you’re not alone! This week we discuss some of our biggest Disney regrets, from restaurants we […]

1/11/2017 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 6 seconds

If the end of the year is for looking back, then the beginning of a new year is a time for looking forward, and that’sexactly what we do on this week’s episode as we break down the biggestevents, films, and coming attractions of 2017.What has us excited about movieslike Coco and Star Wars: Episode VIII? […]

1/4/2017 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 5 seconds

As 2016 comes to an end, it’s time once again for us to roll out the red carpet and don our formal wear as we proudly present the 3rd annual Chatties, ourspecial awards givento the best and worst moments throughout the year withinThe Walt Disney Company. After a year filled with new experiences, devastating losses, […]

12/28/2016 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 3 seconds

Haul out the holly, put up the tree, and pop the bubbly (or rather, the eggnog) because it’s time for another Mad Q Party, and this week it’s all about the Christmas season! Our friends Jon and Lindsey join us on our latest showto help us answer ten hypothetical questions related to The Walt Disney […]

12/21/2016 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 12 seconds

As another year comes to an end, we take a look back atseven of Walt Disney World’s biggest trends over the last 12 months. As we focus on topics like hard-ticket events, unique dining, and the Muppets, we give our take on which of these trends have outstayed their welcome and which ones we’d love […]

12/14/2016 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 24 seconds

Once upon a Christmastime at Christmas, the Mad Chatters experiencedas many of Walt Disney World’s holiday offerings as they possibly could in two and a half days, and then they reported on it. On episode 115, join us fora closer look atChristmastime at the parks as we experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Candlelight Processional, […]

12/7/2016 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 48 seconds

If on any given Saturday you had to guess which attractions would have the longest wait times, which rides or meet-and-greets would you list? That’s our challenge this week as we each “draft” ten picks and create our teams of attractions, hoping to have the highest combined wait time based on actual numbers this past […]

11/30/2016 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 6 seconds

It wouldn’t be The Mad Chatters Podcast if we didn’t talk about food, and our latest episode is no exception! This week we kick off a new series devoted to the table service restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. First up: Magic Kingdom. Fromhot tickets like Cinderella’s Royal Table toless sought-aftereateries such as The Plaza Restaurant, […]

11/23/2016 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 11 seconds

It’s not all fun and games on The Mad Chatters Podcast… Except when it is! This weekwe’ve invited former guests of the show to put on their thinking caps, bring out their best game faces, and join us foran episode filled with nothing but games. Our Mad Chatter Game Night includes Disneyfied versions of Password, […]

11/16/2016 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 22 seconds

“It’s the spirit of the season. Can you feel it in the air?” Or rather, can you HEAR it? If you’re the kind of person who cranks up the Christmas tunes as soon as November rolls around, have we got a treat for you! On thisweek’s episode we sit down with Jamey Ray, musical arranger […]

11/9/2016 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 16 seconds

Aselection season kicks into high gear in the U.S., we’re putting the spotlight on the land in Magic Kingdom dedicated to all things America: Liberty Square. This week we go “Behind the Magic” to highlight attractions like the Liberty Square Riverboat, eateries such as Columbia Harbour House, and the details and hidden gems that make […]

11/2/2016 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 18 seconds

It’s Halloween-loween, everybody! (Let out a scream!) This week we’re getting in the Halloween spirit by putting spooky twists on some of our favorite Mad Chatter segments, including Armchair Imagineering, Disney Hashtags, and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Our discussions take us everywhere from the fall decorations and merchandise at Walt Disney World […]

10/26/2016 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 41 seconds

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 aboutall things hotels. We break down the three levels […]

10/19/2016 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 30 seconds

Walt Disney World had quite a week! Just days after celebrating its 45th anniversary, the resort closed to guests for only the fourth time ever due to Hurricane Matthew. And the Mad Chatters were on the scene for all of it! To help us report on all of the craziness, we brought in a few […]

10/12/2016 • 1 hour, 49 minutes

Forget your troubles – Come on, get hypothetical! This week’s Mad Q Party has us dreaming up attractions for World Showcase, planning our weddings at the parks, creating specialty food items for the fall, and much more. Joining us for our latest hypothetical extravaganza is Jeff DePaoli (@JeffDePaoli), host of Dizney Coast to Coastand the […]

10/5/2016 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 23 seconds

With Walt Disney World turning 45 years old this weekend, we thought it would be fun to go back in time and take a look at one of Magic Kingdom’s biggest birthday celebrations of the past. As we discuss the park’s 25th anniversary, we take a closer look at the Remember the Magic Parade, Illuminations […]

9/28/2016 • 52 minutes, 14 seconds

This week we count down the moments at Walt Disney World that touch us the most, tug most strongly at our heartstrings, and maybe even draw the most tears from our eyes. From fireworks spectaculars to patriotic tributes, we each list our five most moving moments at the parks. In the new segment “Mad Chatters […]

9/21/2016 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 41 seconds

It’s a small world filled with grim, grinning ghosts. But hey, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, so put on your Sunday clothes, queueup TheMad Chatters Podcast, and drink up, me ‘earties. Yo ho! This week we take a musical tour of Magic Kingdomto discoverthe background loops that play in the park’s sixthemed lands, as […]

9/14/2016 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 22 seconds

In our ongoing series highlightingthe quick service restaurants at Walt Disney World, we head to the deluxe resorts to check out eateries like Contempo Cafe, The Mara, and Roaring Fork. We cover every menu item and offer our own reviews and thoughts. In “Take Five,” we use just five words to share our feelings on […]

9/7/2016 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 24 seconds

Fresh off another trip to Walt Disney World, Derek and Matt share aboutnew experiences like Frontera Cocina, an updated Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Preshow, changes in Tomorrowland, and lots more. Speaking of Tomorrowland, in this week’s round of “Behind the Magic,” we dig deeper into the land in Magic Kingdom that depicts “The Tomorrow That […]

8/31/2016 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 13 seconds

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 […]

8/24/2016 • 2 hours, 1 minute, 34 seconds

Put on your party hats and pop thebubbly – It’s time for another Mad Q Party! This recurring segment is just a fun way for us to dream big and besilly as we discuss all things Disney. This week’s hypothetical Disney questions hit on topics such as nighttime parades, an all-Disney Great Movie Ride, themed […]

8/17/2016 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 53 seconds

Now that Maelstrom has been gone for over a year, Tower of Terror is down to its final few months atDisney California Adventure,and rumors are swirling that Great Movie Ride will be no more by 2018, the question becomes: Isanything safe? On this week’s show, we list the 16 opening day attractions that are still […]

8/10/2016 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 51 seconds

Party of one? No problem!On this week’s show, we break down the pros and cons of touring the Disney parks on your own. Being the frequent solo travelers we are, we also provide tips for how to get past the awkwardness, use your time wisely, and make the most of your one-man or one-woman vacation. […]

8/3/2016 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 14 seconds

In our efforts to highlight every quick-service menu at Walt Disney World, this week our adventure takes us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and such eateries as Backlot Express, Starring Rolls Cafe, and ABC Commissary. We discuss featured items like the Carrot Cake Cookie and the Butterfinger Cupcake, and weshare a few personal reviews as well. […]

7/27/2016 • 53 minutes, 51 seconds

This week we’re joined by Captain America enthusiast and photographer extraordinaire Mark Willard of markwillardphotography.comas he takes us on a virtual tour of Shanghai Disneyland during its grand opening celebration. We hear stories from the park’s very first days, as well as Mark’s take on attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken […]

7/20/2016 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 49 seconds

It wouldn’t be The Mad Chatters Podcast without a bit of madness, which is why this week’s show is a grab bag of Disney tips, Disney chatter, and Disney fun. We check in with a fewlisteners to get the scoop on their recent trips to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and the Walt Disney Hometown […]

7/13/2016 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 38 seconds

What used to be Maelstrom is now Frozen Ever After. The original show Rivers of Light has been put on hold, and a “Jungle Book” show has debuted in its place. Now, rumors are flying that attractions like Mission: SPACE and Tower of Terror will be given “Guardians of the Galaxy” overlays. Is the age […]

7/6/2016 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 33 seconds

Stage shows, nighttimespectaculars, dark rides, restaurants… All sorts of new experiences have just debuted atWalt Disney World, and on this week’s show we break it all down. Derek and guest Aaron Wallace (@aaronspod|aaronwallaceonline.com)were on the scene to seeattractions likeMickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, Soarin’ Around the World, and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular premiere,and they report […]

6/29/2016 • 1 hour, 53 minutes, 32 seconds

Did you know you can parasail in Walt Disney World? Or golf? Or sing along with Chip andDale around a campfire? On this week’s show, we list tenways you can enjoy Walt Disney World without even stepping foot in a theme park or water park. Our list takes us from the gorgeous resorts to the […]

6/22/2016 • 58 minutes, 37 seconds

If Walt Disney toured Magic Kingdomtoday, what would he say about the current state of the park? That’s the premise of the upcoming film “The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head,”in which a low-level employee stumbles upon Walt’s head in storage and is persuaded to take him around Walt Disney World. Ben Lancaster, the man […]

6/15/2016 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 43 seconds

It’s time to go menu diving once againin our continuing series on the quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World. This time our search takes us to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where we discuss the casual offerings at places like Harambe Market, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe. We list every menu item […]

6/8/2016 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 56 seconds

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 […]

6/1/2016 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 46 seconds

We wants the redhead!From lovable audio-animatronics to quirky on-screen personalities to the unseen voices that fill our ears, this weekwe count down our favorite characters that are original to the Disney parks. Plus, as promised, Jeremy shares the five films you need to watch during Disney Channel’s epic marathon of their 51 most popular original […]

5/25/2016 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 5 seconds

This week we boardour Time Rovers once again to travel back to the past, and this time our destination is the Millennium Celebration that overtook Epcot from October 1, 1999 to January 1, 2001. We reminisce about the Mickey wand on Spaceship Earth, the construction of Leave a Legacy, the World Showcase parade “Tapestry of […]

5/18/2016 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 6 seconds

Let’s get hypothetical! The questions on this week’s Mad Q Party have us dreaming up Marvel overlays, pitching ideas for films set in Walt Disney World, imagining worst-case scenarios in the parks, revealing our dream Cast Member positions, and more. In The Disney Fix, we chat about the newest issue of Life magazine dedicated to […]

5/11/2016 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 55 seconds

This week we dive into the Mad Chatter mailbag to read trip reports from three of our listeners. Letters include thoughts on the Star Wars Half Marathon, opinions about Disneyland from a Disney World regular’s perspective, and fun memories from the parks. Other segments on this week’s hodgepodge show include 11-Second Rants, Love Letters to […]

5/4/2016 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 51 seconds

After spending an entire week in Walt Disney World,Derek and Matt have a lot to talk about. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear their thoughts onthe latest additions to the parks, new table service restaurants like Morimoto Asia and Skipper Canteen, one of the best snack items on Disney property, Star Wars at […]

4/27/2016 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 24 seconds

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 […]

4/20/2016 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 30 seconds

In our continuing effort to help first-timers know what not to miss and what to skip if crunched for time, this week we set our sights on Epcot. We discuss the highlights and mehs of both Future World and World Showcase, trying to help newcomers make the most of their time in this massive park […]

4/13/2016 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 19 seconds

It’s a real chucklefest on this week’s episode as we discuss the Disney movies, scenes, attractions, and more that makeus laugh out loud. Adding to the laughter are special guests Teri and Brittany, who help us reminisce and reflect on the funniest moments in the Disney universe, from A-ticket rides in Disney California Adventure to […]

4/6/2016 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 14 seconds

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 realizenothing will ever match that first impression. Also on this […]

3/30/2016 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 47 seconds

This week we sat down witha few of ourlistenerswho recently visited Walt Disney World for the first time, their minds full of the facts, tips, and recommendations they had heard on our show, and we talked to them about the parts that lived up to their expectations and the elements that surprised them most. While […]

3/23/2016 • 2 hours, 5 minutes, 31 seconds

Come with us on a culinary tour of the quick-service dining options in Future World and World Showcase. On this week’s episode, we share the menu highlights of every casual dining location in Epcot and give our own thoughts about what’s worth tryingand what should be avoided. In “Take 5” we use just five words […]

3/16/2016 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 10 seconds

It happens all of a sudden and in the most unexpected places. You get a whiffof something familiar and you are instantly transported to Walt Disney World. This week’s show is all about those unmistakable Disney scents, from musty attractions to tantalizing food and beyond. We also pack in a fair share of fun with […]

3/9/2016 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 52 seconds

How did Disney fare at the Oscars? Why was Darkwing Duck spotted at Magic Kingdom last week? Howdoes the new tiered ticketing system work at the Disney parks? On this week’s show we chat about all of the latest rumors and news coming out of the Disney universe, from newfilms to upcoming attractions to budget […]

3/2/2016 • 58 minutes, 52 seconds

Our favorite hypothetical extravaganza has returned, and this weekwe’ve addeda fourth number to the party. Podcaster and author Aaron Wallace (aaronwallaceonline.comand @aaronspod on Twitter) joins us as we answer ten ridiculous hypothetical questions related to Walt Disney World and the rest of the Disney universe. Topicsthis week include a 2010s section of Disney’s Pop Century […]

2/24/2016 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 46 seconds

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 fromAnimal KingdomtoWilderness LodgetoWorld Showcase as we gush […]

2/17/2016 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 1 second

This week we conclude our series on the movies of Walt Disney Animation Studios and their presence in the parks. As we scour Walt Disney World for signs of Tangled, Frozen, and other hit films of this decade, we also discuss Disney’s overall success in balancing intellectual properties with original attractions and elements in their […]

2/10/2016 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 42 seconds

This week we once again hop in our Time Rovers and take a trip back to the past. This time our destination is 2001, when Disney California Adventure first opened to the public. Joining us for our virtual tour of one of Disney’s most scrutinizedparks is Guy Selga (@GuySelga) of Touring Plans. Together we walk […]

2/3/2016 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 49 seconds

Every regular Walt Disney World guest knows the magic is in the details. This week we discuss some of our favorite hidden gems, Easter eggs, and other often-overlooked details at the parks, from hidden Mickeys to inside jokes that pay homageto former attractions. In this week’s round of Armchair Imagineering, we create unique, limited-time experiences […]

1/27/2016 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 14 seconds

On The Mad Chatters Podcast, food is always one of our favorite topics. And yet, in our regular segment “Eating Around the World,” we’ve somehow left out thequick-service restaurants of Walt Disney World. This week we remedy that as we take a tour ofthe quick-service eateries in Magic Kingdom. We read the menus of every […]

1/20/2016 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 51 seconds

This week we continue our “Do This, Not That” series, in which we share our tips for what can’t be missed at Walt Disney World . . . and what can be skipped ifpressed for time. In this episode,we share our tips for the must-do restaurants, experiences, and rides at Disney’s AnimalKingdom, as well as […]

1/13/2016 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 29 seconds

When and where will Star Wars Land construction begin? What kind of magic will Disney’s Animal Kingdom have to offer when it’s open aftersunset? Just how long will people have to wait in line to rideFrozen Ever After in Epcot? On this week’s episode we look to the year ahead and discuss what’s in store […]

1/6/2016 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 12 seconds

Roll out the red carpet, put on your best formal wear, and pop the champagne… It’s time for the 2015 Chatties! In our final episode this year, we present our picks for the best and worst moments of the past yearat Walt Disney World. Categories include Best and Worst Additions to WDW, Biggest Surprise, the […]

12/30/2015 • 47 minutes, 59 seconds

Our favorite party has returned, just in time for the holidays. But for this party you don’t need to wrap presents or bake cookies. It’s a Mad Q Party! You know the drill: ten hypothetical questions and ten hypothetical answers, all related to the Walt Disney Company. This week’s questions involve special holiday offerings at […]

12/23/2015 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 54 seconds

The Force officially awakens on December 18, and we can hardly contain our excitement. This week we discuss all things Star Wars, includingSeason of the Force offerings at Disneyland, Star Wars treats at Walt Disney World, box office predictions, theater rules and regulations, and more. In “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” we critique […]

12/16/2015 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 11 seconds

It’s hard to think of Walt Disney World without picturing the manyaudio-animatronics that serve as guideson certain attractions. In fact, the very term “audio-animatronic” is a registered trademark of Walt Disney Imagineering. In light of the recent news that three iconic audio-animatronics from long ago have made a triumphant returnto Walt Disney World, this week […]

12/9/2015 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 58 seconds

It’s hard to do everything at Magic Kingdom in one day. That’s why it’s important to prioritizeahead of timethe attractions you don’t want to miss. We’re here to help you out. This week we share our tips for the must-do shops, restaurants, and rides at Magic Kingdom, as well as the elementsof the park we […]

12/2/2015 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 18 seconds

If you could invite characters from the Disney films and from Walt Disney World to join you for Thanksgiving dinner, who would you want around the table? On this week’s episode, we “draft” our picks for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner companions. In the new segment “Armchair Imagineering,” we create Thanksgiving experiences for the Disney parks. […]

11/25/2015 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 20 seconds

What if you could take your favorite parts of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the other Disney parks worldwide, and unite them to create your very own happiest place on earth? That’s exactly the question we set out to answer on this week’s show. We have some Imagineering fun as wedescribe what we think would […]

11/18/2015 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 31 seconds

“Epcot will be Disney World’s Least Visited Park by 2020.” That was the headline from November 1 over on The Motley Fool. In the article, the author made some interesting points about Epcot’s growth (or lack thereof) in the last several decades. On episode 59, we discuss the article and give our own thoughts about […]

11/11/2015 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 59 seconds

Our search for signs of Disney films at Walt Disney World getsa 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 […]

11/4/2015 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 56 seconds

Our favorite hypothetical extravaganza is back, andthis time it’s all things Halloween. We try to plus Halloween Time at Walt Disney World by answering questions like, “If you could hide somewhere in Walt Disney World and scare people, where would you do it?” and, “If you had to add a fall or Halloween ‘twist’ to […]

10/28/2015 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 27 seconds

With the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in full swing, on this week’s show we take a virtual tour around World Showcase and visit the variousbooths in order to find the five food items we most want to try. From the lamb meatballs in New Zealand to the haggis in Scotland, we discuss the […]

10/21/2015 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 8 seconds

Which is better: Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Because wehear that questionall the time, we thought we’d pit the two resorts against each other on this week’s show. Comparing everything from attractions, to hotels, to weather, to elbow room, we award points toboth parks depending on how they stack up in various categories. While at […]

10/14/2015 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 11 seconds

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 […]

10/7/2015 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 40 seconds

We’ve been teasing (and boring) you for months about a Mad Chattertrip 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 theyreview 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. For more of the Chatters, follow us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), and send your feedback to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

9/30/2015 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 6 seconds

On this week’s show we continue our series on the Disney animated films and their presence at Walt Disney World. Aswe 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 […]

9/23/2015 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 13 seconds

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 parksnews, we discuss the latest Frozen addition to […]

9/16/2015 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 50 seconds

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 thenever-realized attractions that were scrapped to make […]

9/9/2015 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 23 seconds

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(@MarkWillard85and @MWillardPhotos) about his favorite spots for taking pictures and the techniques he uses to get that perfect snapshot. After grilling him for […]

9/2/2015 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 25 seconds

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 […]

8/26/2015 • 50 minutes, 40 seconds

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 […]

8/19/2015 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 28 seconds

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 […]

8/12/2015 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 24 seconds

Although the films of the 1980s are poorlyrepresented 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 atthe theater. Join us as we talk about the darker films of the 80s, such as The Fox and the Hound, The […]

8/5/2015 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 50 seconds

Ever wondered what it’s like to work at Walt Disney World? This week we chat with former Cast Member David about his internship at the parks. Learnabout the audition process, hear a few funny behind-the-scenes stories, and discover why working for the Mouse is just asmagical as meeting him for the first time. Also on this week’s show, we shareour thoughts on the latest Disney news, including the huge plans for Shanghai Disneyland, the latest Frozen addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a Mad Chatter’s prediction come true, and more. Plus, we hear from two listeners about the ups and downs of their recent trip to WDW. All that and more awaits you on episode 44, so come join the conversation now! Toconnect with us, be sure tofind us on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast) or send your feedback to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/29/2015 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 58 seconds

Want to beat the heat at Walt Disney World? You’ve come to the right place! On show 43, we list our favoritehints, tips, and secrets for how to make the most out of a Disney trip when you’re hot, sweaty, and cranky and the temperature seems almost too much to bear. In this week’s round of “Take 5,” we tackle topics like The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, the final scene in Carousel of Progress, and the short-lived poop-themed treats at Animal Kingdom. Plus, we share our deepest, darkest secrets in the new segment “Disney Confessions.” Join the fun now! Come connect with us online! We’re on Twitter (@MadChatters) and Facebook (/madchatterspodcast), and you can always send your comments and questions to [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/22/2015 • 1 hour, 49 seconds

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 […]

7/15/2015 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 14 seconds

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”? […]

7/8/2015 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 17 seconds

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 [emailprotected]. Thanks for listening!

7/1/2015 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 49 seconds

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 movieslikeRobin Hood, The Aristocats,andThe Rescuers have such little presence in the parks . . . and why the classic character […]

6/24/2015 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 20 seconds

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

6/17/2015 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 14 seconds

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 […]

6/10/2015 • 54 minutes, 19 seconds

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 Worldthatneed 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 […]

6/3/2015 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 10 seconds

Jeremy and Matt attended this year’s 24-hour event in Magic Kingdom, which kicked off the “Coolest Summer Ever.” Onepisode 35, they share the highs and lows oftheirlate-night adventures in the park, and wetalk about how their experiencecompared to that of guests who attended the same eventin Disneyland. Also on this week’s show, we read our […]

5/27/2015 • 57 minutes, 48 seconds

Let’s party! It’s time once again for the Mad Chatters to put onour creative caps and get hypothetical. We poseten “what if” questionsrelated 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 […]

5/20/2015 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 35 seconds

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 […]

5/13/2015 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 30 seconds

You’re going to Disney World again?!Do you seriously enjoy Living With the Land? Why do you keep saying “queue”? On this week’s show we list ten characteristics of Disney fandom that most people just can’t make sense of. From odd vernacular to annoying habits to geeky obsessions, we confess about the things that make us […]

5/6/2015 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 52 seconds

Does MyMagic+ work? Are MagicBands a success? Is this Next Generation experiment worth the cost? These weresome of the questions posed in a recent online article published byFast Companymagazine. On this week’s episode we break down the article and share our thoughts on Disney’s attempts to reinvent itself and revolutionize the vacation experience. In another […]

4/29/2015 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 39 seconds

Once again we hop in our Time Rovers and go back to the past, this time ending up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in its opening year. Topics of discussion include Countdown to Extinction, Discovery River Boats, and the never-realized Beastly Kingdom. Join us for our virtual tour of the newest Disney World park as it […]

4/22/2015 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 38 seconds

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 […]

4/15/2015 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 34 seconds

WithCinderella in theaters and filmslikeThe Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast,and Mulanon the docket, live-action remakes seem to be Disney’s latest obsession. Is it working? Is it necessary? This week we discuss the live-action remakes, both past and future, and what we think about them. We even do a bit of armchair casting and talk […]

4/8/2015 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 42 seconds

As we continue our series on Disney’s animated films and their presence in the parks, this week we focus on the films of the 1950s. From towering castles to spinning teacups to flying ships, we discuss what films like Cinderella and Lady and the Tramp brought to the Disney parks. In another Mad Chatter game, […]

4/1/2015 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 8 seconds

This week we discuss the little things we like to do when gearing up for a trip, as well as the ways in which we cope after having returned to the real world.

3/25/2015 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 30 seconds

We recommend that you eat before listeningto this episode of The Mad Chatters Podcast, or at least have a snack on hand. This week we each list five food items from the Disney parks that lingered in our minds and on our hearts long after we finished them. From savory entrées to sweet treats, we […]

3/18/2015 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 49 seconds

Whether because they made us sick, bored us to tears, or left us asking, “Why?” there are some Disney experiences we are perfectly content to never have again. This week we list the foods, rides, shows, and more that best fit the category “One and Done.” In a new segment called “You Be the Judge,” […]

3/11/2015 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 29 seconds

One of the charms of Walt Disney World is its ability to bring the Disney animated films to life right before your eyes. This week we focus on the films of the 1930s and 40s and talk about their representation (or lack thereof) in the four parks.We discuss the surprising number of nods toThe Three […]

3/4/2015 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 14 seconds

What if? That’s the big question as we host another Mad Q Party, in which we pose (and then debate) ten hypothetical questions related to attractions, restaurants, merchandise, movies, and more. Plus, in another Resort Roundup we turn our attention to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. We review the rooms, dining, and overall atmosphere of this […]

2/25/2015 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 3 seconds

Wizards, mummies, and beer—Oh my! Butterbeer, that is. This week we report on our recent trip to that other theme park in Orlando: Universal Studios. We talk about the newest expansion, Diagon Alley, as well as the other attractions and offerings. From our Disney World perspectives, we discuss what works and what doesn’t at both […]

2/18/2015 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 15 seconds

Love is in the air this week on The Mad Chatters Podcast. We talk to newlywedsDavid and Katie about their recent honeymoon to Walt Disney World. We chat about the highs and lows, the must-dos and must-don’ts, and all the magic a Disney honeymoon has to offer. Keeping with the theme of Valentine’s Day,Jeremy hosts […]

2/11/2015 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 13 seconds

This week we hop aboard our Time Rover and travel back to 1971 and the opening days of Walt Disney World. Join us for a virtual tour of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding areaas we takein the sights, smells, and entertainment, as experienced bythe park’s very first guests. Also on this week’s episode, we discuss […]

2/4/2015 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 43 seconds

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 […]

1/28/2015 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 45 seconds

As magical as it is during the day, certain parts of Walt Disney World really come alive after the sun has set. On this episode we take a virtual trip around the Disney parks after dark, discussing the attractions, entertainment, and overall atmospheres we especially enjoy at night. Also, Jeremy reports on the Magic City […]

1/21/2015 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 1 second

IsWalt Disney World home toa private, hidden club?Has anyone died on a Disney attraction? Do the Disney films have underlying messages that aren’t suitable for kids?This week we discuss the most popular Disney urban legends, separating the real stories from the myths. In another Resort Roundup, we turn our attention to Disney’sContemporary Resort, next door […]

1/14/2015 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 36 seconds

While 2014 might have had its ups and downs, the start of another year means anything can happen at our favorite place in the world. On this week’s episode, we list 15 exciting things we know are coming to Walt Disney World in 2015, from expansions to restaurants to the removal of a certain supersized […]

1/7/2015 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 17 seconds

It’s awards season on The Mad Chatters Podcast, which means it’s time to host The Chatties. On this week’s episode, we celebrate Walt Disney World’sbest and worst of 2014. We give awards to the best additions to the parks, the worst changes that were made, the biggest surprises, and more. We also share our favorite […]

12/31/2014 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 29 seconds

Hang the streamers, put on your party hat, and whip out the cake and ice cream. It’s time for another Mad Q Party! On this week’s episode of The Mad Chatters Podcast, we pose ten questions related to the Disney universe and have fun listening to (and disagreeing with) each other’s answers. We chat about […]

12/24/2014 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 20 seconds

Christmas is in full swing at the parks, and Matthew and Jeremy were on the scene! On this week’s episode they report on the Candlelight Processional in Epcot, Holidays Around the World in World Showcase, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom, and other holiday happenings. Keeping in the Christmas spirit, the three of […]

12/17/2014 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 6 seconds

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 […]

12/10/2014 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 17 seconds

Let’s get musical! On episode 10 of The Mad Chatters Podcast, we discuss the songs, scores, and background loops at the parks that especially tickle our ears. We also play the music-themed game “Disney Humdinger.” Plus, Derek and special guest Teri talk about their time on stage in the now extinct attraction The American Idol […]

12/3/2014 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 48 seconds

On episode 9 of The Mad Chatters Podcast, we share our Disney bucket lists, packed full of the restaurants, hotels, and other Disney Worldofferings we want to experience before we die. Plus,it’s a Thanksgiving extravaganzaas we review Liberty Tree Tavern’s Thanksgiving-style feast, play a round of It’s the Small Things After All, and pen some […]

11/26/2014 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 40 seconds

Is Star Wars coming to the parks? Will four parks become five in the near future? This week we gather around the proverbial watercooler and discuss the latest rumors swirling around the Walt Disney World Resort. We also share a listener’s trip report and answer some interesting questions it brings up. Plus, Jeremy hosts a […]

11/19/2014 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 2 seconds

It’s time for another countdown! On this week’s show, we each list our five favorite live shows across Walt Disney World. But first, we talk about some of the latest holiday additions to Magic Kingdom, review Downtown Disney’s Cookes of Dublin, and share our thoughts on Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: Riverside. Plus, we squeeze in […]

11/12/2014 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 42 seconds

On Episode 6 of The Mad Chatters Podcast, we host our first Mad Q Party, in which we answerten “what if” questions related to Disney parks and movies. Anything goes as we put ourselves in the shoes of Disney Imagineers, filmmakers, cast members, and the richest of Disney vacationers. We also continue our series, The […]

11/5/2014 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 7 seconds

It’s all things Halloween on episode 5 of The Mad Chatters Podcast. From attractions to snacks to parties, we share the must-dos of Disney World during Halloween time. We also play a few rounds of “Guess the Villain” and do a special spooky edition of My Disney Experience. Plus, we discuss more shakeups at Disney’s […]

10/29/2014 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 44 seconds

Tune in to episode 4 NOW as we discuss myths and misconceptions of first-time Disney vacationers. Also on this week's show: Love Letters to Disney, a few of our favorite hidden gems at the parks, and the good, bad, and ugly of Adventureland.

10/22/2014 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 19 seconds

On Episode 3 of The Mad Chatters Podcast, we each count down our five favorite non-live shows in the four Orlando parks. Plus, Jeremy hosts a Disney character trivia game, Matt reviews The Garden Grill Restaurant, and we sound off on some of our pet peeves at the parks. Twitter: @Mad_Chatters Facebook.com/madchatterspodcast Email: [emailprotected]

10/15/2014 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 47 seconds

On Episode 2 of The Mad Chatters Podcast, Jeremy and Derek talk about their recent trip to Anaheim and the biggest differences they noticed between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Jeremy also reviews the guided tour, “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps.” Plus, we discuss the latest shakeups at Disney World and we each share some […]

10/8/2014 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 26 seconds

On Episode 1 of The Mad Chatters Podcast, we discuss the closings of Maelstrom and the Studio Backlot Tour and what this means for their respective parks, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, we review Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room and we share our Love Letters to Disney.

10/3/2014 • 50 minutes