If you think Disney isn’t just for kids, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re a couple with a passion for all things Disney! Join us every Monday as we discuss different Disney topics from the best countries in EPCOT to the latest Disney news to the most overrated attractions at the theme parks. Plus, we frequently have guests, including Disney Legends, Imagineers, and former Animators and Directors to talk about their time with Disney and the role they played in shaping all of our childhoods. So help us to spread some pixie dust and subscribe today!
Episodes
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
Disney Cruise Line announce that their newest ship, the Disney Adventure, will have not one, not two, but three attractions including their first ever roller coaster at sea. And if we weren’t excited before, we are now.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 5 years since the launch of Disney+.
Back then, it was seen as a great value in the world of streaming with access to the entire Disney vault for the low price of $6.99/month.
And while it launched to great fanfare (and the debut of the Mandalorian) it’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride since.
So this week we take a look back at the history of Disney+ and the shifting strategies Disney has taken to try and make it profitable.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps:
Welcome 00:00
Disney News 01:55
The History of Disney+ 05:29
Is streaming making classic movies irrelevant 09:24
Why Disney wanted a streaming service 11:52
Initial launch of Disney+ 13:50
Disney had great timing 18:43
Best and worst original content 20:27
The struggles with Disney+ 27:04
Pixar and Premier Access 29:32
Content costs too much 35:25
Why the parks are so expensive 36:23
Fixing Disney+ 43:04
Tell us what you think? 53:50
See you next Monday! 54:13
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
Just as you can count on the leaves changing for Fall, you can count on Disney World to raise ticket prices. This week Disney World announced price increases for all levels of their annual pass.
But hey, at least they also announced Satu’li Canteen is going to start service breakfast. So we guess it isn’t all bad.
We’d all love to spend the whole day in the parks, but what if your time was limited?
Maybe you only have a few hours.
Well you’re in luck, because on today’s show we’re walking through our perfect day at each Disney World park if we only had 4 hours.
What are the must ride attractions? The shows we would prioritize? The food we would eat?
Plus, if you are feeling adventurous and want to try the 4 park challenge we offer our tips and tricks for making the most of the experience.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps:
Welcome 00:00
Disney News 1:55
What would you do with 4 hours in each Disney World Park?-05:53
Animal Kingdom Rides and Food - 06:29
Hollywood Studios Must Dos - 14:01
Our Picks for EPCOT - 21:00
Our Favorite Rides and Food at Magic Kingdom - 29:15
All 4 Parks in One Day 39:15
What Are Your Must Dos? 48:02
See You Next Monday! 48:17
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
We finally have a date for when parts of Dinoland will start closing for its conversion to Tropical Americas. Plus Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom is getting a year long overhaul and Brooks announced a major partnership with RunDisney.
Seeing as it’s Halloween this week, we are discussing the history of the holiday in the parks.
Plus, what sounded like a good idea at the time, we show up in costume.
While Halloween is big business at Disney now, it wasn’t always that way. In fact, most of what you know and love about Halloween time in the parks came around within the past 20 years.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps
Welcome 00:00
Disney News 02:09
Disney’s Early Attempts at Halloween Events in the Parks 08:29
When Did Halloween Become So Popular? 11:04
The First After Hours Event at Magic Kingdom was for Halloween 16:02
The Birth of the Modern Halloween Party 18:29
Halloween Overlays and Decorations 29:48
See You Next Week! 34:44
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
This week Disney announced a major addition to the Lighting Lane family with the Lighting Lane Premier Pass.
The Premier Pass will be available at Disney World and Disneyland in the next few weeks and allows you one ride on each Lighting Lane attraction a day.
But it also comes with a hefty price tag.
So this week, we cover the ins and outs of the new Premier Pass, which turns out it actually might not be that expensive by theme park standards.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps:
Welcome 00:00
What is the Lighting Lane Premier Pass? 01:40
Why the limited supply is a good thing 05:32
What comes with the Premier Pass? 11:25
What is the price per attraction? 15:24
Is the Premier Pass Too Expensive? 19:27
How does it compare to Universal’s Express Pass? 22:42
Lighting Lane Premier Pass at Disneyland 25:10
Is it worth it? 27:11
Why Disney Parks are building more attractions 33:38
Do we plan to get a Premier Pass? 34:58
What do you think? 38:17
See you next week! 38:30
Monday Oct 14, 2024
Monday Oct 14, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
Disneyland announced ticket prices have increased with the most expensive day now at over $200. But then the Disney Marketing Department was like “no need to pay attention to that because Paint the Night is coming back!”
This week, we are beyond excited to be talking with former Imagineering President, Bob Weis.
Bob’s new book Dream Chasing is all about his incredible 40+ year career in the themed entertainment industry.
From working on Tokyo Disneyland to the overall of DCA, Bob has had a hand in every Disney park across the globe.
So join us as Bob gives us a behind the scenes look at what goes into brining your favorite attractions to life.
Get your copy of Bob's book Dream Chasing today!
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Timestamps
Welcome 00:00
Disney News 00:45
Welcome Bob Weis! 05:50
How a theater background helped Bob’s career 06:20
How to become an Imagineer 08:45
Second generation of Imagineering 13:54
Hallway culture 18:23
Maintaining a creative culture 20:46
How to decide what goes in the parks 23:57
The common thread across Disney parks 29:25
What Bob sees when he visits the parks 31:57
Dealing with constraints and creativity 35:49
Prototyping ideas and R&D process 40:11
Favorite attractions 50:01
What is it like working in the public eye? 51:07
Biggest challenge throughout Bob’s career 55:39
What’s it like opening a new park? 57:50
Was there anything you couldn’t make a reality? 1:01:38
Development timeline for new attractions 1:05:32
What is the future of themed entertainment? 1:07:22
Dream Chasing is out now! 1:12:11
See you next Monday! 1:12:39
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
This week we’re super excited about the upcoming John Williams documentary coming to Disney+ on November 1st.
Did you know there are things to do outside of the parks in Disney World?
We know, crazy right?
But even we were shocked by the sheer amount of fun to be had outside of the parks. Most of which, we never even knew existed.
So we thought we would share the best ones with you. From getting your degree in Sangria to Segway tours, join us as well discuss the lesser know activities Disney World has to offer.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps
Welcome & Preview of Next Week’s Show 00:00
Disney News 02:19
Try New Activities at Disney World 07:10
Best Activities to Do at the Hotels 10:05
Life as a Disney Horse 18:52
Top Activities on the Boardwalk 21:08
Best Activities in the Parks 23:55
Fun Activities at Disney Springs 40:42
Our Top 5 Picks 35:54
What’s Your Pick? 43:46
See You Next Monday! 44:04
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
RunDisney announced some changes to the upcoming Disney Marathon and with the earlier start time, we’re debating whether it’s even worth it to go to sleep the night before.
When is it worth taking young kids to Disney?
Where are the best character meals?
What are the best rides to take my kids on?
This week, we’re helping parents everywhere tackle one of life’s major milestones . . .taking your kids to Disney World.
We cover each park and give you our best recommendations for rides, food and activities that every kid will be sure to enjoy!
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps
Welcome 00:00
Disney News 00:35
Taking Your Kids to Disney World 03:42
3 Attractions, 1 Activity and 1 Restaurant 07:29
What Attractions Can Anyone Ride? 08:15
Magic Kingdom Picks 09:43
EPCOT Picks 23:28
Hollywood Studios Picks 34:21
Animal Kingdom Picks 41:26
Places to Stay 49:17
See You Next Monday! 50:38
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
Disney announced more details on the Story Living Community in California and it seems like they are making a play to capitalize on the aging Disney adult population.
Plus, Walt Disney World announced its lineup for this year’s Jollywood Nights.
We’ve officially entered Spooky Season and to celebrate we’re joined by our friends Jennifer and Keifer to discuss their recent trip to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Even though the weather didn’t fully cooperate, they still were able to check almost everything off of their to-do list.
Jennifer and Keifer come with all of the deets on the candy, shows and parades at MNSSHP. Then we head up the street to HHN, where they were absolutely blown away by the entertainment and quality of the houses and scare zones.
Everything sounded like so much fun, that now we’re even sadder we won’t be visiting Florida this Halloween season. But there’s always next year!
You can follow Jennifer on Instagram @princess_woodruff.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps:
Welcome 00:00
Disney News 01:46
Spoke Season Correspondents 08:06
Mickey’s Not So Scary Overview 09:07
What were the crowds like? 12:32
Which characters can you meet? 14:24
How does this year compare to previous years? 17:16
MNSSHP entertainment offerings 18:18
Disney’s Costume Policy 21:17
Universal Halloween Horror Nights 26:14
A first timer’s perspective 27:47
Early park access with HHN 28:55
HHN’s level of detail is incredible 30:27
How scary is it? 32:39
More about the HHN houses 34:31
Top 3 HHN houses 37:59
Get the Express Pass! 39:15
Scare zones and show 41:03
Comparing HHN to MNSSHP 43:02
Differences between MNSSHP and Oogie Boogie Bash 45:45
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Review 49:38
Final tips and tricks 52:49
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
Disney has been pretty quiet with news lately and while we don’t think that bodes well for the future, they did announce The Nightmare Before Christmas is returning to theaters October 11.
When is the best time to visit the Disney parks?
Unfortunately, this isn’t as straightforward an answer as it was even 5-6 years ago. So this week we give you all the tools you need to make the best choice for your next trips.
In order to do so, we review the best times of year for both coasts based on:
-weather
-cost
-crowds
-special events
So join us as we tackle one of the biggest trip planning questions around. And be sure to let us know what time of year you decide on.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps:
Welcome 00:00
Disney News 01:22
When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit the Disney Parks? 6:56
Best Time Based on Weather 08:32
Best Time Based on Price 15:45
Best Time Based on Crowds 28:06
Seasonal Events 37:35
The Best Time Overall 42:11
When’s Your Favorite Time of Year to Visit Disney? 47:29
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Hello and welcome to the Enchanted Ears Podcast, where we discuss anything and everything Disney.
This week, Disney announced of the closure of a beloved Hollywood Studios attraction . . .Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. The show will be closing to make way for a new Villains show debuting next year.
Who knew a theme park about Hollywood would have so much DRAMA?
Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) opened back in 1989 as the 3rd park at Walt Disney World, but unlike its predecessors, its history is filled with lawsuits and corporate disputes.
Plus its mere existence may have single handily started the Theme Parks Wars with Universal Studios.
So join us as we look back at what guests experienced on the park’s opening day and how drastically it’s changed since then.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
Don’t forget to check us out on:
Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code Enchanted at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Timestamps:
00:00-Welcome!
00:49-Disney News
05:20 - Hollywood Studios is Eisner's Park
09:31-Hollywood Studios' Origins
10:45-Did Disney Copy Universal?
14:14-The Birth of the Theme Parks Wars
16:55-It's Disney-MGM Studios Not Hollywood Studios
18:27-Lawsuits!
22:01-MGM Grand Adventures
26:34-The Park was Just the Backlot Tour
29:42-What Else Was There to Do?
32:56-Superstar TV and Monster Sound Show
38:28-Theater of the Stars
40:18-How the Park Has Changed
42:55-The Great Movie Ride
47:32-Star Today
51:13-See You Next Monday!