I am privileged to announce the first Universal Orlando Discussion Podcast! Host Ryan Barr is joined by myself and Brandon Glover. The format is painfully simple; three Universal Orlando fans chatting about what is one of the greatest parks in Orlando. You can visit the official site here. A few people have already asked the obvious and NO, I will not be reviewing the Universal Discussion Podcast on Wakefield Report. You, however, can. Feel free to visit the site, subscribe to the feed, and LIKE the show on Facebook and tell us how you feel. We look forward to bringing you quality and entertaining audio!
WDW Discussion Show #5:This week’s show was a little bit
difficult to listen to. The content and information was enjoyable and very
usable but the show lacked some structure and the foundation lost its footing
within the first 10 minutes of the show. This week the hosts give their own A-E
rating to attractions in the Magic Kingdom. The premise of the show is good but
the execution is weak. Co host Anthony King kind of bullies his way through the
show and is constantly reminding host Ryan Barr the he is older than him. Every
5 minutes Tony blurts out something like, “Well that’s because you’re a kid”,
or something. It’s quite distracting and a huge turn off. I’m not sure if that
will continue but I would hope it won’t. That being said; the show is very
young and the content that they do manage to provide is very insightful and
interesting. If you ignore some of the minor hang-ups I had about the show, it
was somewhat of a good listen. I spent over 4 hours recently recording a new
podcast with host Ryan Barr, and he is very smart, passionate, and interested in
others opinions. That’s the important thing. I’m not trying to rag on the show,
as much as I am giving my readers a bit of a warning that this week’s show is a
little rocky, but I’m sure it will get better. Ryan and crew did release a second show this week that I did not have time to listen to before writing this article. It is an interview with Dark Side of Disney author Leonard Kinsey. I am sure it is a great show and interview!
In the Loop Rebooted Jan 16:The show this week from Clint, Adam,
and the Legend is nothing out of the ordinary for regular In the Loop
listeners. Legend does share some very important information about updates and
rehabs from the Orlando parks. The crew plays a fan favorite game, I’ve got
Five on it, where the winner gets a Coater Clock! Surprisingly, the only people
who want to call in and win the “clock”, are young people under the age of 16. Like
I have said before, this show is one of the best produced podcasts out there. Clint
and his co hosts are funny, witty, and very open to engaging with their
audience. Each show brings lots of laughs and really great updates about theme
parks.
WDW Today Episodes 982-983:Matt Hochberg and crew are back for another
full week of shows. On episode 982 they take a look at the “One More Disney Day”
promotion that was rolled out on January 1st. The crew is a bit late
getting to this topic but I not going to hold that against them because I
admire and respect their expertise so much, I look forward to their views and
opinions. The information and conversation in this show is a bit generic, but
the hosts do offer up some unique thoughts. A few of them do intend on staying
at the park for the entire 24 hours and I think they are planning a meet or
two. On episode 983 the crew talks about the music loops at WDW and how it affects
the mood and atmosphere at Disney parks and resorts. I am not the biggest fan
of listening and dissecting Disney music loops so I have to admit listening to
this show was nothing more than background noise for me while I played Xbox(I
know, background noise, I realize how ironic that is.)
WDW Fan Boys Show #110:This week show from Bret, Tim, and
Paul is not the most flamboyant or glamorous. It is a long trip report from
Bret and Tim. The two were down at WDW for a week or so during and after the New
Year holiday. They share some stories with their listeners but the bulk of the
actual content is nothing to lose sleep over if you miss the show. Bret shares
his adventures at EPCOT on New Years and reminds me of why I don’t want to set
foot near WDW during the holidays. Co host Tim does offer up some really great
information to listeners who might be traveling to the park with a family member
with disabilities. Tim talks about how the guest assistance card works and
shares the challenges and adventuress of having a disabled family member at
WDW. In all, this weeks show is not too spectacular but it’s nice to listen to
a few friends sit and chat for a bit about their recent trip to Disney and
Universal.
Show of the Week: The DisGeek Podcast Episode 30: This week’s offering from hosts Daniel and Paul is
very deserving of Show of the Week. The show starts off with a pretty good new
segment. The hosts break down the latest movements and happenings Disneyland. I
am someone who does not spend a lot of time listening to DL podcasts, but this
show is a must listen for any Disney fan. There are some very important things
that make this Show of the Week. The feature segment this week is an interview
with Jae Brattain about former Disney imagineer Roger Broggie. Jae took
a lot of time to research this topic and he really knows his stuff. He offers
up a lot of important and fun information. This segment is a must hear; but
what really makes this week’s show top notch is the rant that co host Paul goes
on. The team presents the news that the Disney dance club elecTRONica is being
replaced by the Tim Burton inspired Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Tea Party. The
rant is too good to put into words, but I can assure you it is an early
favorite of Rant of the Year!
WEDWAY 104:What can I say about WEDWAY that I haven’t
already said. Once again, the brothers Parrish turn in another fabulous
episode. Packed with history, stories, and a bit humor, the show this week is another
fun trip into Disney’s past. This week Matt and Nate are joined by author and Disney
historian Sam Gennawey and talk about the Disneyland and Disney World themed land
“Adventureland”. Sam is a great interview. I recommend that you pull out an
Adventure land map to keep track of what the hosts and Sam are talking about.
Sam shares some really great stories and is a real treat to listen to. Without
much fanfare the Parrish brothers turn out another stellar episode that had me
clinging to my headphones and wanting to hear just one more minute of the
podcast. Also I should say the WEDWAY Radio has my favorite show opening audio!
WDWNT #225:If you are a fan of the usual format
for WDWNT then you might find this week’s show a little bit different or
lacking. Host Tom Coreless has a bit of a shortened show this weeks when he is
joined by co host Scott Smith to talk about the new Magic Kingdom interactive
game, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. Nothing
too fancy n this show as Scott shares his experience and thoughts on playing
the game. Tom does a great job at providing the listener with images from the
game using WDWNT’s unique enhanced show technology. At times, Scott does come
across as a bit too nitpicky and critical of the game. Scott seems to be the
one in the WDWNT hosting group who is always there to criticize or be generally
negative about something; but maybe I’m
the one who is criticizing too much. Altogether this week’s show is a really
good listen and I enjoyed hearing the details about the game from Scott and
Tom.
Mousechat.net Jan 7, 2012:Hosts Lisa, Bob, Chris and Laruen
take some time this week to look at what’s ahead for Disney World and Universal
Orlando in 2012 and they also discuss which attractions in WDW are the most
underrated. The crew does a great job this week breaking down everything that’s
coming to Orlando in 2012. I am a new listener to this show and I am very
impressed with their professionalism and their willingness to listen to the
other talk. Often times when you have multiple hosts in podcasting they are
busy talking over each other or you can tell that they are just waiting for
their co host to stop speaking so they can say their own piece; but the Mouse
chatters are very different. Their opinions on topics are very well thought out
and there was even some disagreement between the hosts on a few topics. Like I said,
I’m new to this podcast. I’m not sure if every show is as good as this week’s,
but if they are then this show will soon be a favorite of mine.
Coasterradio.com #615: This week’s coasterradio.com show was
a real treat. The hosts are joined by Seth Kubersky who is the author of "Universal
Studios 2012: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park.". Seth shares some really great insight
and information with hosts about how things unfolded at Universal Orlando last
year and what is set to go down this year at UOR. In the same vein as Jim Hill,
Seth has a unique behind the scenes perspective that only a few theme park
insiders can provide. Hosts Mike and E.B did a great job of holding things down
as well. Mike and E.B remind me of a throwback AM morning radio duo who keep
you laughing on your way into work while managing to throw some nuggets of news
your way. The crew discusses what may or may not replace the now empty JAWS and
Amity area at Universal. They even manage to get in a quick lesson on the “ethics”
of theme park journalism. The information exchanged during this show is must
hear for any Universal Orlando or Harry Potter fan. This show is definitely
worth the listen in what was otherwise a slow and stale week in theme park
podcasting,
Show of the Week: WDW Radio #256:Let me start off by saying that I am NOT a big
fan of WDW Radio. It is not near the top of my must listen shows for the week,
and if I go a week or two without listening I am not heartbroken. That being
said, this week’s offering from Lou Mon J-e-ll-o(its alive!) blew me the eff
out of the water. I downloaded this show at my house and then went on what was
going to be a leisurely bike ride to Siesta Key Beach here in Sarasota, Florida
(rated the number 1 beach in America by Dr. Beach btw). The bike ride takes
about 30 minutes. As I started listening to this week’s WDW Radio, I heard Lou
introduce his guest for this week, Jim
Korkis. My interest was piqued; but then when I heard Lou say that he and Jim
were in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and that they were going to discuss the
history and legacy of the Disney film The Rocketeer I was ready to turn off the
podcast and coast to the beach with Dave Matthews Band in my ears. I am so glad I decided to listen to this show
instead. With little to no knowledge of the Rocketeer I learned a hell of a lot
of new thing about the film and the hidden gems in DHS from this show. As
usual, Korkis is a huge source for Disney knowledge and he unleashed his mighty
brainy fury of Lou’s listeners this week. I am headed to DHS on January 17, and
I plan on looking for the artifacts that Jim and Lou talked about. This show
covers almost everything you want to know, or everything you didn’t know you
wanted to know about the Rocketeer.
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In the Loop Rebooted
Jan 2: This week the
coaster crew hosts are joined by Doug Barnes of The Season Pass Podcast. The iTunes
description for this week’s show says it all, “They BS more then they chat.”
This is completely true. The show this week is a little bit less structured
than usual but if you’ve listened to this show more than one, you are used to
it, and you have learned to love it. Special host Doug adds more comedy and
insight on this show. I guarantee you will laugh from start to finish while
listening to this week’s show. Listener Gavin calls in with his trip report
from his recent visit to Dolly Wood. Gavin in young and offers insight and
analysis like no one else can. The “kettle corn” segment is the best. The crew
tries to call co host Legend to get some first hand, on sight reporting of the
closing of the Universal Orlando JAWS ride, but he won’t answer the damn phone! You will never think about your computer mouse the same way after listening to this week's show.
This week’s show in particular takes on a stream of consciousness type of flow
that will keep you on your toes. This show is always in my weekly rotation and
I listen to it live, or download it for a morning bike ride to work.
Be Our Guest Podcast Episode399:This show is
the warm, fluffy, cuddle kind of show that really makes you feel good. Not that
much controversy, or arguments and really relaxing. BOG is a neat show that I
like to listen to while trying to relax from a hectic day of retail management.
On this week’s show host Mike Rahlmann flies solo this week and interviews two
Disney fans about their most recent visit to WDW. The couple is very likeable
and seems to have a good time while on the show. Host Mike does a good job at steering
interviews and does a good job at pulling the important information out of his
guests. This week’s show is just a trip report and a little one dimensional. No
news, rumors or other content, but that’s ok. This is a very good trip report
from the guests. The really make a conscious effort to share their trip with
the BOG listeners. Trip reports are a great and unique way of podcast host
connecting with their fans and sharing information with their listeners.
WDW RadioShow 255: Whew! This week’s offering from Disney podcasting overlord Lou
Mon(j-e-ll-o) is monster two and a half hour show. I have to say that I am not
the biggest WDW Radio fan. Lou’s show tends to lack objectivity at times; and
while I don’t think every show needs to rag on Disney on each and every show, I
do think the same old, “Disney is great and wonderful all the time” get very
tired after about three shows. That being said I was hooked on this week’s WDW
Radio show after about the first 10 minutes of listening. Lou was joined by a
few co hosts for this special show where they look back on 2011 Disney news and
happenings. From attraction openings, closings, AVATAR, cruise lines and restaurants
this show covers almost everything Disney in 2011. Except for a certain new
annoying theme park blog debuting in late fall of 2011. Lou has some really
great insight and opinions on what went down at Disney in the past year, but I
have to go back to the lack of objectivity. At one point in the show he even manages
to put over Stitches great Escape! No one, I mean no one is such a huge fan of
Walt Disney World that they can put that attraction over. Somehow overly
positive Lou manages to do it though. Other than that this week’s show was a
huge success in my book. I really enjoyed listening to this show and it was an
early favorite of mine to be show of the week.
Inside the Magic Show #352: This week’s shows from host Ricky
Brigante is over four and a half hours long….! I’m still listening to it and I’ll
get around to doing a review on it around the third week in May.
Betamouse #92:This was the finale show for Henry
Work and the Betamouse crew. They all got together for a live show and talked
about the past present and future of Disney tech. They all did a great
retrospective on their previous episodes running down show topics and guests. After
listening to them run down the previous episodes I am now more curious than
ever to go back into the Betamouse archives and listen to them all. Throughout
the entirety of the live show the crew took live calls from listeners, former
guests, and others. It was very fun, yet sad to listen to the crew reminisce
about the past 91 shows. Really consider taking some time out of your day to
listen to this genuine group of friends say good bye.
Show of the week: Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast #21:Damnit! Damnit, damnit, damnit! I was
trying really really hard to not repeat “Show of the Week” in the first few
months of this blog. I was trying even harder to not have a back to back “Show
of the Week” winner. I was trying extremely hard not to seem like a whoreish
shill for UUOP (even though I really am!), but the purpose of this part of the
blog is to showcase which show I think offers up the most information, content,
and history to the average theme park podcast listener. This week Unofficial
Universal podcast is a tribute show to JAWS. When I first heard about the idea
for this show I thought, “Well, ok, that should be decent.” Decent it was not;
this show was freaking awesome. I can say that this is an early Show of the Year candidate! Lee and Tracey
open the show by giving us their thoughts of the classic Universal ride closing.
Then they invite a former Universal JAWS skipper on to talk about his
experiences and adventures on the attraction. The insight offered up by this
former skipper is amazing. The behind the scenes info he shares would rival the
kind offered by Jim Hill. Speaking of Jim Hill, he is also on the show and
gives information on the building and evolution of the famous ride. There is
also a helping of cast member SPEW stories, trip reports, a fact Hunter
segment, emails from fans, and much much more. This show is without a doubt
story telling at its best. This is everything I think a podcast should be! Two thumbs
all te way up to Lee, Darren, and Tracey for putting out an instant classic!
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