The Mad Chatters Podcast | Walt Disney World and Around the Disney Universe

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 […]

Does MyMagic+ work? Are MagicBands a success? Is this Next Generation experiment worth the cost? These were some of the questions posed in a recent online article published by Fast Company magazine. 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

With Cinderella in theaters and films like The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan on 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 […]

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, […]

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.

We recommend that you eat before listening to 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 […]

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," […]

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 to The Three […]

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 […]

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 […]

Love is in the air this week on The Mad Chatters Podcast. We talk to newlyweds David 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 […]

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 area as we take in the sights, smells, and entertainment, as experienced by the park's very first guests. Also on this week's episode, we discuss […]

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 […]

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 […]

Is Walt Disney World home to a 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's Contemporary Resort, next door […]

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 […]

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's best 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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 […]