The DisGeek Podcast - Your Guide to the Disneyland Resort (podcasts)

Daniel and Paul explore the 5 senses of New Orleans Square with our 5 Senses of Disneyland segment. We also visit the Main Street Newsstand and as always we have our Tip of the Week.

News

DISNEYLAND
Halloween Time and Mickey’s Halloween Party (all decorations are UP)

Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy is now up

Haunted Mansion Holiday is now UP

Pirates is closed for a lengthy referb. Due to return November 23rd.

Disneyland Railroad - The Final Dino Scene has returned and the Steg and T-Rex look better than ever!

DCA
The Top CUPOLA Topper has been attached to the Carthay Circle Theatre and it is STUNNING.

California Screaming closed for referb. They REMOVED the loop and replaced it with a new one.

Feature
5 Senses of Disneyland - New Orleans Square

Tip of the Week w/ TommyPix

Direct download: DisGeek_23.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 7:55pm EDT

In this episode Paul makes his triumphant return and we pay our respects to the Disneyland version of Carrousel of Progress. We also have the latest stories and Tommy's Tip of the Week.

News

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom has been announced

Disneyland’s Half Marathon was this last weekend

WonderCon moving to Anahiem - March 16 – 18, 2012

Matterhorn and Trazan’s Tree House has reopened.

Haunted Mansion is now closed to install Haunted Mansion Holiday. Should open Sept 15th.

ElecTRONica on Hiatus Until September 30th

Plaza Pavilion is now behind walls to begin it’s transformation in Jolly Holiday Bakery

Feature

Graveyard - Carousel of Progress
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel_of_Progress
http://www.yesterland.com/progress.html

YouTube
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKz6qdexetY

Tommy’s Tip of the Week
Take a ride on the Lilly Belle
Paul’s Touch of Disneyness
Fantasmic!

Twitter
Daniel - @disgeekpodcast
Paul - @disgeekpaul
Tommy - @tommypix

Email
podcast@disgeek.com

Voicemail
661 450-8290.

Please Review us in iTunes!

Daniel and Tommy are guests on the Disneyland Gazette Issue 87!  Take a listen!

Direct download: DisGeek_22.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 9:34pm EDT

Daniel and Tommy visit the D23 Expo and share their experiences.

NEWS Side opening at DCA opened today
New Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles offer lap bars, individual seats at Disneyland
Main Street USA Restaurants to Expand at Disneyland

D23 EXPO
Parks and Resorts Panel - They talked about, New FantasyLand in WDW, Carsland, Shanghai, Aulani, Disney Crusie Line But as far as disneyland changes go:
Disneyland to create Fantasy Faire at Carnation Plaza Gardens

The Stage that Walt Built

Carousel of Projects

A model of New Fantasyland and Storybook Circus is on display,

The model shows off the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster, The Little Mermaid ride, Beast’s castle, and lots of Trees. Cars Land, with full size animated Cars characters and ride vehicles on display, including Radiator Springs Racers and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.

A model of Buena Vista St and the Carthay Circle Theater are also on display for the ongoing makeover of Disney California Adventure.

The Great Destini, an interactive Audio-Animatronics figure that runs completely on its own. Destini converses with guests, recognizing their words and facial patterns.

A VERY small model of Shaghi that didn’t really show much

Talking Mickey

Adventures by Disney, Aulani, DVC, Disney Cruise Lines represented as well.

Other Panels.. CarLand, Beuna Vista St, Voices of the Parks, Imagneers

Tip of the Week

Always remember to pick up the show times.

Twitter:

Daniel - @disgeekpodcast

Tommy - @tommypix

Paul - @disgeekpaul

Old school email -

podcast@disgeek.com

And finally you can also leave a voicemail on our voicemail line at 661 450-8290.

Review us in iTunes!

Direct download: DisGeek_21.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 12:01am EDT

Join Daniel and guest host Tommy for a look at the Walt Disney Studios. We also talk D23 Expo and the latest news out of the Disneyland Resort.

News

Disneyland
The Matterhorn is still closed due to some referbs. Scheduled to reopen Sept 1st

The Finale of the Primeval World is Hidden by curtains as T-Rex is getting a referb

The AP Processing Centers in DL (Plaza Pavilion) and DCA (Greetings) have closed. Guests who purchase an AP now receive their AP right at the ticket gate and have the option of having their picture taken by photopass photographer in the parks or upload a photo from home.

It’s rumoured that the Plaza Pavilion will be the new home of the Blue Ribbon Bakery. It is said it will have a Mary Poppins Theme. (It will be funny to see if they have a Do Not Feed The Birds sign) It is also said that the current Blue Ribbon Bakery will be used as an indoor seating area for Carnation Cafe.

DCA
Golden Gate Bridge in DCA is pretty much gone now. Walls are up around the base.

Walls are up around the California Zephyer. The engine car of the train has been completely removed. Disney has donated the authentic train engine, along with other unique historical artifacts that were on display in the California Zephyr storefronts, to the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.

Condor Flats sign works! Used to spin, didn’t for awhile, not it spins again!

California Screaming Volleyed. It was due to a backpack falling off the when the the train hit the loop.
http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2011/07/23/backpack-closes-california-adventure-ride/82685/

DLR Special Offers
Through September 24, you can enjoy these great offers for Disneyland Resort hotel stays:
Save up to 30% for most Sunday – Thursday nights at a Disneyland Resort Hotel (for hotel stays from 8/14 – 10/01)*, or
Save up to $450 on a 4-night/3-day Disneyland Resort Vacation Package and receive one free Character Dining meal for each person in your party (for hotel stays from 8/14 – 9/28).*

See all of the details on these offers here.

D23 Expo Disneyland Related events
Friday Aug 19
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

HISTORY OF THE DISNEYLAND HOTEL
See vintage film footage, featuring Walt, the Mouseketeers, Annette Funicello, and more!
Stage 28

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m
THE MAKING OF THE LITTLE MERMAID — ARIEL'S UNDERSEA ADVENTURE
Imagineers Lisa Girolami, Larry Nikolai, and Chris Crump take you behind the scenes.
Stage 28

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS
Glimpse into some of the exciting projects currently underway at Disney's parks and resorts. Arena

Saturday Aug 20
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m
A GOOD LOOK AT BUENA VISTA STREET
Sneak a peek at the new entrance to Disney California Adventure with Imagineers.
Stage 28

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
LEGENDS OF WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING
Disney Legend Marty Sklar will lead a celebration of Imagineering careers and accomplishments. Stage 28

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
IMAGINEERING'S GUIDE TO CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
A panel of Imagineers discuss how they use storytelling and technology to make Disney magic. Stage 28

Sunday Aug 21
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
RADIATOR SPRINGS REALITY
Pixar's John Lasseter and Roger Gould join Imagineers for a sneak peek look at Cars Land.
Stage 23

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
THE MAKING OF STAR TOURS — THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE
Find out how Imagineers updated the attraction, hosted by Imagineering's Tom Fitzgerald.
Stage 23

See More at http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/schedule-events/index.html

And on the Floor - WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be showcasing its "great big beautiful tomorrow" with a sneak peek at imaginative new experiences in the works for Disney parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney and Disney Vacation Club.

Tommy's Video of the D23 Expo from 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlB1fKlyJyQ

Feature
Daniel’s Trip to the Walt Disney Studios

Tip of the Week w/Tommy
White River Snacks at Grand Californian Hotel

Twitter

Daniel - @disgeekpodcast
Tommy - @tommypix
Paul - @disgeekpaul

Check us out on Stictcher! Download it at sticher.com or your favorite app store

Email us old school style at - podcast@disgeek.com

Voicemail - 661 450-8290.

Please take a sec and review us in itunes!

Direct download: DisGeek_20.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 12:53pm EDT

In this episode Daniel and Paul visit the graveyard and pay respects to Flight to the Moon / Mission to Mars. Plus a visit to the Main Street Newsstand and our Tip of the Week.

News

Rene Zelwiger and John Stamos were spotted visiting disneyland together.

Disneyland Celebrated it’s 56th anniversary this past weekend.

http://youtu.be/a8ROGnywIhw

Pan Pacific DCA Gates are now open

According to the Disney parks Blog the Golden Gate Bridge on the monorail track is starting the process of being removed. In it’s place will be a replica of Glendale-Hyperion bridge. Shops and dining around sunshine plaza are set to close Aug 1st. So say goodbye to Engine Ears Toys, Bakers Field Bakery, and Bur-r-r bank Ice Cream. The entrance to these shops have a train facade (The California Zephyr). The shops on the other side of sunshine plaza, including Greetings from California and the candy shop also close in Aug.

Feature: Garveyard

Flight to the Moon / Mission to Mars http://www.yesterland.com/moonrocket.html

Tip of the Week

TommyPix - Other ligit ways to charge your stuff 

Twitter

Daniel - @disgeekpodcast

Paul - @disgeekpaul

Tommy - @tommypix

Voicemail - 661 450-8290

Email - podcast@disgeek.com

Review us in itunes!

Direct download: DisGeek_19.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 9:27pm EDT

<p>We&rsquo;ve got an official DisGeek Trip Report. &nbsp;Goofy s Sky School, Paradise Pier, 4th of July fireworks, and more. &nbsp;Plus Tip of the week and a visit to the Main Street Newsstand. Click More for full show notes.</p>

<p><!--more--></p>

<p><strong>News</strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-executive-changes-20110705,0,6941221.story" target="_blank">Meg Crofton named President of operations in the U.S. and France.</a></p>

<p>Matterhorn Closes next week for a lengthy referb. &nbsp;Set to open in SEPT. &nbsp;Rumours say the bobsleads will receive lapbars.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disney-prepping-adventure-movie-based-206982" target="_blank">Disney To make new movie based on Matterhorn</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/07/06/disneyland-rolls-out-new-audio-guide-blind-visitor/" target="_blank">Disney Rolls out new Audio Guides for the Visually Impaired</a></p>

<p>Listen to <a href="http://www.windowtothemagic.com/index.html" target="_blank">A Window to the Magic</a> #250 to get an idea on how this works.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.examiner.com/disney-travel-in-national/mickey-s-halloween-party-tickets-go-on-sale-at-disneyland" target="_blank">Tickets for Mickey&rsquo;s Halloween Party now on sale</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney-halloween-disneyland-16796/" target="_blank">Some more details for Mickey&#39;s Halloween Party</a></p>

<p><a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/06/disneyland-grad-nite-new-twists-on-a-50-year-tradition-coming-in-2012-and-2013/" target="_blank">Gradnight moves to DCA</a></p>

<p>Corn Dog Castle reopens</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/dining/menus-detail.cfm?restaurant.ID=544 " target="_blank">http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/dining/menus-detail.cfm?restaurant.ID=544&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Feature Trip Report</strong></p>

<p>Talk about Goofys Sky School</p>

<p>Redwood Creek Challenge Trail with the UP Characters. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Disneyland Hotel,&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tangaroa Terrece, Trader Sams,&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paradise Garden Dining area,&nbsp;</p>

<p>Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta</p>

<p>Paradise Garden and Grill.</p>

<p>What&rsquo;s with the walk around vendors selling ice cream and stuff? Were they always there?</p>

<p>4th of July Fireworks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Star Tours randomness? &nbsp;50 something odd adventures? &nbsp;Out of 5 rides I saw the exact same things twice maybe 3 times.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.ocweekly.com/2011-06-30/food/trader-sams-enchanted-tiki-bar-tangaroa-terrace-disneyland-hotel-anaheim/" target="_blank">Trader Sams</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Tommy&rsquo;s Tip of the Week (without tommy)</strong></p>

<p><a href="http://mousewait.com/blog/?p=217" target="_blank">&quot;Charging Stations&quot;</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p>

<p>Daniel - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/disgeekpodcast" target="_blank">@disgeekpodcast</a></p>

<p>Paul - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/disgeekpaul" target="_blank">@disgeekpaul</a></p>

<p>Tommy- &nbsp;<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tommypix" target="_blank">@tommypix</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-DisGeek-Podcast/170058533015025" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-DisGeek-Podcast/170058533015025</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stitcher - <a href="http://landing.stitcher.com/?srcid=853" target="_blank">http://landing.stitcher.com/?srcid=853</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Voicemail - 661 450-8290.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Email - <a href="mailto:podcast@disgeek.com">podcast@disgeek.com</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Review us in itunes!</strong></p>

Direct download: DisGeek_18.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 11:05am EDT

Summer Season at the Disneyland Resort has officially begun with the Soundsational Summer promotion.  Of course this means the opening of Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, The Little Mermaid: Arial's Undersea Adventure, Goofy’s Sky School, and Mickey’s Soundsational parade.  While Goofy’s is not quite ready for prime time yet, everything else is and we have seen it all.  So keep on listening and hear what we think of these new attractions.

News

Disneyland’s Wally Boag Dies at Age 90

Disneyland’s Betty Taylor at Age 91

Special Discounts for Southerns California Residents at Disneyland this Summer

New Updates Make Disneyland Hotel Better than Ever

E3 Microsoft Press Conference they announced “Disneyland Adventures” for Kinect

Mission Tortilla is Officially Closed.  Rumour has it that Ghirardelli’s (The Chocolate Company) will replace it. 

And of Course Star Tours, Little Mermaid, and Mickey Soundsational Parade now officially open.

Star Tours

On opening morning, the queue for the attraction stretched from the entrance of Tomorrowland, filled the central plaza and stretched down Main Street, U.S.A. Following the attraction's opening around noon, the line moved off Main Street, but still ranged between two to four hours throughout the day.

Little Mermaid

Also on Thursday, Disney officially opened the new Little Mermaid attraction in California Adventure. The event included a live performance by the voice of Ariel herself, Jodi Benson along with Sherie Rene Scott who portrays Ursula in Broadway's "The Little Mermaid" show. Also in attendance was the original voice of Ursula, actress Pat Carroll.

Following Thursday's grand opening, the rush to experience the new attraction was felt Friday morning as eager guests filled a massive extended queue that wound its way throughout Paradise Park, along Grizzly Trail and into the park's entryway, Sunshine Plaza.

Feature

Soundsational Summer is officially underway with Star Tours, Little Mermaid, and Mickey’s Soundsational parade now open.  We’ve seen it all and we will share our thoughts.

Paul Rode Star Tours again and Daniel got to ride 4 times.  Does the whole Multiple Destinations hold up?

Daniel and Paul's review of Little Mermaid - Arials Undersea Adventure.

Daniel and Pail’s review of Mickey Soundsational Parade.

Tip of the week with TommyPix. 

Places at the DL Resort to cool off

Twitter

Daniel - @disgeekpodcast
Paul - @disgeekpaul
Tommy - @tommypix

"Like" us on Facebook!

Listen to us on Stitcher!

Direct download: DisGeek_16.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 1:53am EDT

Daniel and Paul talk Star Tours baby!  Plus latest stuff going on at the resort and parking tips from TommyPix.  Just don't ask Paul to take your photo. You've been warned. 

News

Disney Soft Opens Star Tours Friday - 

Lines were around the 2 hour mark and the queue extended throughout Tomorrowland and around the Plaza Inn and the end of Main Street.

World of Color added an expanded Pirates of the Caribbean Scene with with material for the new film.  It replaces the Chernabog sequence.

Seating Area and the Information Booth in Sunshine Plaza is completely gone as that area in DCA continue to Transform in Buena Vista Street.

Blue Sky Updates include New Posters for Grizzly River Run, Little Mermaid, and Goofys Sky School

Goofy Sky School Some Animated billboards have gone up

Seaside Souvenirs has a new signage, popcorn lights, and a blue and white awnings.

Corn Dog Castle Reopens

Little Mermaid Walls are now down and cast member previews begin.

Tarps go up at Golden Horseshoe.  Looks like the building. 

Over at Disney Gallery the Mary Blair exhibit we talked about last time is now open

BlackBeard now appears in Pirates

StarTrader Reopens with new look and new star wars merch

Feature (sort of)

Daniel’s Trip report that is a comedy of errors.

Paul’s Trip Report and Star Tours Review

Tip of the week

@Tommypix tell us where we can park it.

May the Force be with you!

twitter - @disgeekpodcast - Follow or we'll send a sith lord to get you. And no, C3PO will not save you.

Direct download: DisGeek_15.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 1:19am EDT

In this episode Paul and Daniel take a look at what's on the Drawing Board.  This time it's Carsland! We also visit the Main Street News Stand and as always our Tip of the Week.  Click MORE for full show notes.

News

Disneyland Closes some attractions due to Pirates Premiere -

The closed features are: Sailing Ship Columbia, Mark Twain Riverboat, Tom Sawyer’s Island, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes and the Fantasmic! show. The attractions are set to reopen May 12.


Other Attractions shops closed in may are: 

DL - Star Tours, Splash Mountain, Star Trader store, Gadget's Go Coaster ride, Stage Door Cafe and The Golden Horseshoe restaurant.

DCA - Mulholland Madness (Reopening as Goofy’s Sky School), and crews are converting a dining and shopping complex in the Paradise Pier area, which is expected to open this summer

http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2011/04/28/disneyland-closes-attractions-for-pirates-premiere/76491/

 

Disney sets up some new crowd control measures in Adventureland, NOS, and Frontierland due to pirate premiere.

The bridge over the Pirates of the Caribbean queue is divided for easier crowd flow.

 

Disney Blog gives us a look at Ariel’s Wedding Dress (probably to coincide with the Royal Wedding)

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/04/first-look-at-the-royal-wedding-dress-ariels-that-is/

 

Soundsational Sneak Peak - Last week disney filmed a commercial for Mickey’s Soundsational Parade and we got a little sneak peak of two floats

http://www.ocregister.com/news/parade-297831-disneyland-new.html

 

http://micechat.com/forums/blogs/dateline-disneyland/1814-soundsational-sneak-peek-mermaid-lights-signs-bye-bye-brother-bear-more.html

 

Mary Blair Tribute at Disney Gallery - The Art of Mary Blair celebrating 45 years of it’s a small world

http://psc.disney.go.com/eventservices/artofdisneyparks/event/dlr_thedisneygallery.html

 

Nighttime Entertainment Boosts DCA attendence

http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2011/04/19/nighttime-entertainment-boosts-disney-business/75417/

 

Marvel wants IN at Disneyland - “It’s the biggest dream of all” (keep dreaming)

http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/116/1162758p1.html

 

Quick Hits

Main Street Building refurbishments done and look brand spanking new.

Tomorrowland Star Tours Neon now glow a purpleish blue to match the new marquee (used to be orange and red) Buzz has Purple and Green

The Star Tours Mural has been updated to include the Starspeeder 1000

Little Mermaid Marquee up (but covered) & Little mermaid building lights are now on at night (looks amazing)

In DTD Kitson Kids Closed (I never knew it was there!)

Celebrity Spotting in DL over the last few weeks: 

Matt Damon, Hugh Hefner and his wives (he was riding around in an old man scooter) Paris Hilton, Tom Brady

 

Feature

On The Drawing Board - Cars Land

 

Luigi's Flying Tires

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgKoj4olEm0

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/cars-radiator-spring-7392/

 

Tip of the Week

Fireworks Viewing - @tommypix

Direct download: DisGeek_14.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 1:10am EDT

In this episode it's Us vs. Them Haunted Mansion style! We also visit the Main Street News Stand and as always our Tip of the Week.  Click MORE for full show notes.
Main Street Newsstand

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quick Hits 
 
RunDisney Announces Newest Race: Tinker Bell Half Marathon WTF do they name a foot-race after Tink!? She FLIES!!
 
Goofy Sky School opens June 3rd
 
Main Street refurbs continue.  Tarps are up that look like the buildings.
 
Star Trader got new paint - a purple blueish color and astronaut Micky survived! Shops re-open on May 4th
 
Over at Little Mermaid, the Scaffolding has been removed from the Palace of Fine Arts Rotunda.  A leftover from Golden Dreams. Revealing a new color scheme of tan, a kinda teal looking color. Doesn't really match little mermaid building so it will be interesting to see if this is going to be used for something different.  Maybe it’s not finished.
 
Maliboomer Park now open.  Some say it’s ugly, I say who cares it’s temporary 
 
Star Tours Scaffolding has come down revealing a interesting geometric design and dark purple color scheme.  The new Marque looks sweet!
 
Shanghi Disneyland officially breaks ground
 
 
Feature - Us Vs. Them
 
Haunted Mansion 
 
They Have:  Virtual Que, new anis of Hitchhiking Ghosts, New sequence at the end with the mirrors.
 
We Have: The Original, Haunted Mansion Holiday.
 
 
All Things Haunted Mansion - http://www.doombuggies.com/
 
 
Tip of the Week
Correction of Last weeks tip
 
Facebook tip 
Ashley Hodgson
 
A good Disneyland tip is the free coffee refills at The Market house near the middle of main street. They’ve been giving free coffee refills since 1955 because of Walt and to keep Walt's tradition alive they still continue it. 
 
Purchase a cup of coffee (regular, decaf, vanilla or hazelnut) and save your receipt. At other food venues, you can get free refills only as long as you’re continuing to dine at the location. You can’t come back later for free refills. That’s a unique deal at Market House only.
Ashley says: We make sure every time we go to Disneyland to get the coffee and it now has become a tradition. I am surprised how many people do not know about it so we love this tip. Keep up the great work on the podcast!!!
 
 
Check us out on Stictcher! Download it at sticher.com or your favorate app store
 
You can also leave a voicemail on our voicemail line at  661 450-8290.
Direct download: DisGeek_13.mp3
Category:Podcasts -- posted at: 2:00am EDT