Ep 245. The One with Autism on Disney Cruise Line

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In the 245th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are back together (as it should be) with d$ returning from all his travels!  Thanks to Kyla & The Moana Mom for filling in the gap last week! 

The news is aplenty, with new promos, thoughts on Disney's Epic perspective, water parks opening up, new shows finally debuting at Hollywood Studios, Buzz getting a massive makeover, and the possible return of baggage carrying at resorts.

Then, d$ shares some from his Disney Fantasy voyage from the perspective of an Autism family, and how the sailing went - from dietary needs to working with Cast Members to navigating the ship... plus the dark thought of "what happens if you fall off the boat"... and the banana boat / missing wife disaster.

Ep 244. The One with Even More Girl Chat

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In the 244th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave gives way to Jenn & Kyla & Heather, as Dave is finally on his Spring Adventures - so to fill the gap, fan favorite #KylaKylaKyla and the show's (quasi) producer Heather, aka The Moana Mom, are here to chat about Flower & Garden and whatever else comes to mind.

In a free flowing conversation, the trio tackles everything from Disney's massive laundry operation to Kyla not knowing .38 Special (what?) to Heather's butterfly garden tail to Fluid Gel (?) to Impossible Foods taking over to Krispy Kreme vs Dunkin vs local to scallops (pronounced "scallops" not "scallops") to Spike the Bee to Hot Beef.  It's 90 degrees, would you like your Hot Beef?

Ep 243. The One with Art of Animation

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In the 243rd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are discussing value resorts, value flights, and valuable savings at "Select" Disney Resorts.

Dave is still getting ready for his upcoming travels, while Jenn is catching up from all of her recent adventures - then they look at a brand new Disney promo, one that is pretty awesome, but only for a select number of people... make sure to see how you can save!

Then, a look at the Disney panel at the recent SXSW event, which included new Avengers and new Monster's Inc Coaster updates. 

And the big travel news - Southwest's big changes. What do we think, and how will it affect YOUR travel?

Finally, a look at one of the most beloved resorts on property, Disney's Art of Animation Resort. The overview includes a little history on the Art resort (and how it was born from Pop Century), and the overall theming of the resort and each room. Plus, a look into each suite and what you'll find, the transportation options to the parks, getting around, the Mermaid standard rooms, your food options, and some of the similarities, and differences, with All Star Music's family suites.

Ep 242. The One with Universal's Stella Nova Resort

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In the 242nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are taking a look at the park down the street and one of the new hotels that comes with it - or at least, they are listening to the quasi-producer of the show Heather, aka The Moana Mom talk about it, as she's been there!

First, Jenn just returned from Disneyland and gives a quick update on the park, as well as a few tips for first time Landers.  Then Heather gives her take on her recent Disney Wish voyage, and loving the ship - a new take on a previous opinion!

The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival starts today, and Mufasa has a release date... and then, a discussion about one of three new Universal Orlando hotels, Stella Nova Resort.  We chat about the rooms, the resort location, getting to the new Epic park, overall resort categories, and where to stay on property if you are a family with more 4. 

Ep 241. The One with the Festival of the Arts Recap

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In the 241st episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn and Dave are excited to turn their duo into a Fantasmic Four -- Quasi-Producer Heather and 3rd Co-Host Kyla join the show for a roundtable discussion all about the Epcot event that just ended -- The Festival of the Arts! 

First, Jenn has just returned from the Disney Wish, while Heather is headed that direction in a few days... and KylaKylaKyla has just returned from the parks, and is set to head back soon... while d$ is preparing ever more for his upcoming cruise and park visit. 

Then, a look at the Jan 2026 WDW Marathon Weekend medals...  a preview of the newest Jurassic Park movie... Animal Kingdom extra hours... and Moana 2 hitting Disney+

Finally, a longer chat about all Festival of the Arts.  The good and the better... the food and drink... things that everyone loved to do... the interactivity, and all the things to look forward to in next year's Festival!       

Ep 240. The One with NO Virtual Queues

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In the 240th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are super happy about the fact we can all ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tiana's Bayou Adventure as much as we want in a single day (of course, at the mercy of the lines...)

First, Jenn is preparing for her Wish trip in a few days, while d$ is not only looking forward to his Disney Fantasy cruise in March, but also, gives a full review of "Captain America: Brave New World" -- the good and the not quite as good. 

Then, a quick look at some of the just-released itineraries for Disney Cruise Line in Summer 2026.

And finally, they chat about Disney dropping Virtual Queue lines and allowing standby for Guardians and Tiana, and what it means for YOUR trip -- doing rope drops now, how those on the DAS Pass are affected, Lightning Lanes, and why this is all a fantastic thing! 

Ep 239. The One with Things We Love About Travel

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In the 239th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave chat a little travel and the things we love about it! And what better way to share the love than chatting with Friend of the Show and podcaster and vlogger extraordinaire THE Derek Frank!

While Jenn is prepping for a Disney Wish sailing, Derek is talking Disney, while d$ found more magic while weekend thrifting. 

Then, a little news covering all the latest for Disneyland's 70th Anniversary celebration, plus the Season of the Force Star Wars news -- all the stuff Disney World isn't getting anytime soon. 

Finally, a random list of things we love about travel... what we love to snack on in WDW... where we love to stay... the ships we enjoy sailing on... the beaches we love to walk... and much more love shared right before Valentine's Day! 

Along the way, random Simpsons chatter... Celine and Peabo.. who sings the Pocahontas songs... and who is Shanice? And excitement over Universal's animatronic dragon! 

Ep 238. The One with the Imaginary Itineraries

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In the 238th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave welcome in co-host of The Living with the Landspeeder Podcast and IAmGeek Podcast - Ryan Street (now a fantastic Travel Advisor with Upon a Star Travel!)

Dave is booking excursion for a Disney Cruise, while Ryan is creating new Kyber Crystals... with a Potter twist.

Jenn celebrates the demise of It's Tough to be a Bug coming soon... the film "Mufasa" is headed for streaming... play mini golf at Disneyland... the Garden Rocks series is announced for Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival... and Ryan and d$ breaks down the new "Fantastic Four" trailer

Then, all three plan itineraries to some of Disney and Universal's most exotic lands... how about a cruise through the Galaxy towards Hoth?  Or spending some time strolling Cherry Tree Lane?  Or maybe a week in the spires of Hogwarts Castle, on this first edition of Imaginary Itineraries 

Ep 237. The One with Big Families

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In the 237th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are here to talk about some of the biggest headlines to hit Disney news in a while.

First, more mugs for Jenn, while Dave finally watched "Moana 2" in theaters, and gives his overall honest review of the film.

Then, a look at the brand new Universal resort, Stella Nova, over next to Epic Universe -- and what exactly are those new categories for Universal resorts?

Disney also made a slight change to the Disability Pass Service - we take a look at it. 

Then, Disney dropped on everyone that MuppetVision*3D will be closing in June -- and both of our co-hosts have thoughts, including the one group behind the scenes that really, really needs to up their game. 

Finally -- what to do when you have a group headed to Disney larger than just 4 or 5? Those families with 6 or 7 or more, or groups with larger numbers looking for a resort. We've got you covered -- family suites, rooms with multiple bedrooms, the Treehouse, and much more, as they explain options to you... and what may not work for you either. 

Ep 236. The One with Disney Character Dining

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In the 236th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are here! Well, sort of... in this episode, Dave gives the intro which leads to a special audio presentation of the Upon a Star YouTube Show, Stars Unscripted.

In this episode, it's all about the Character Dining - there are a bunch of places to sit and eat a meal on Disney property, and a lot of them have a chance to meet some of your favorite Disney pals like Mirabel, Tiana, Mickey, Chip'n Dale, and in one special place, even Lilo & Stitch!  Not only do you get your fave co-hosts Jenn & Dave, but also Friends of the Show Bluebird Gifting Co's Emily Ryan and our Travel Advisor pal Donna DeGiacomo.

It's a fun conversation, with a few rabbit trails, lots of great info and advice, and much more! 

Ep 235. The One with 2024 in Review

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In the 235th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave recap what was quite a year! Its the annual review of the year's past, this time, a look back, month by month of 2024.

First, Jenn has her DuckTales (Woo Hoo!) coffee cup, and Dave gives his review on the fantastic John Williams documentary "Music by John Williams", available on Disney+

Then, kicking off in January 2024, with the elimination of Park Pass Reservations and the return of the Disney Dining Plan, we revisit some of the biggest stories of the year -- the opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure... Country Bears closed and opened... Epcot walls coming down... Fort Wilderness Cabins... the Cake Bake Shop... Genie+ going away and Multi Pass is here to stay...

Plus, Epic Universe announcements all year, and Jenn traveling the Western Hemisphere and more!  

And a quick reminder of D23 and all the announcements of things to come... plus, Upon a Star Travel gets some well deserved recognition! 

Ep 234. The One with the Busy December

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In the 234th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave finally get to record again!  After an extremely hectic holiday season that saw Jenn take TWO trips to Walt Disney World, while d$ took a 7 day trip that turned into 10 days, they are both here to give the scoop on all the news and reviews.

First up, a quick review of the Disney+ documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man", a movie that d$ absolutely loved. Then, the fate of Rip Ride Rockit at Universal, plus how Animal Kingdom's Boneyard can be saved.  Free Dining was announced recently, while Big Thunder Mountain and Gran Fiesta Tour are both closed for refurb - one with a much longer down time than the other.

To finally cap off the Christmas season, they give their thoughts on 2024's Jollywood Nights event and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, while Jenn chats about her New Years night spent in Epcot.  

Then d$ shares a little about his travels to WDW, and why three of those vacation days were spent in the hospital - and the incredible respond of Disney.

The ENCORE with the Attraction Bracket

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It was our 200th episode last April, and our good friend of the show Derek Frank suggested this for ENCORE week here at the podcast... the Attraction Bracket!

Derek put together 64 shows/rides/attractions for a tournament style episode and d$, Jenn, Derek, and Quasi-Producer Heather, aka The Moana Mom, discuss each "match", one on one, to determine the best thing at WDW.

Plus, this ep was when the Tiffany vs Debbie Gibson debate surfaced between d$ and Heather. 

Enjoy (or re-enjoy) this ENCORE ep from April 2024! 

Find the original show notes here! 

The ENCORE with D23 News

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 Today's ENCORE episode of the Main Street Electrical Podcast is one of Quasi-Producer Heather, aka The Moana Mom's, faves -- the one with the news from D23.

Back in August, Heather attended D23 in Anaheim and she, Jenn, d$, and #KylaKylaKyla spend a good hour+ discussing all the closings (Tom Sawyer Island, Dinoland) and all the things to come (Tropical Americas, Villains Land, etc), plus lots of speculation (this was recorded before we knew the fate of Muppet Courtyard and Monsters Inc Land.)

You can find the original episode show notes here

The ENCORE with the Ride ReThemes

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It's day 2 of ENCORE Week of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, as we are giving you five of our fave episodes from 2024 (and in today's case, 2023!).  Upon a Star Jenn has listed this as one of her all time faves, and with good reason... the Ride ReThemes are pretty fantastic, as we bring in our good friends influencer Derek Franks and podcaster Ryan Street.

If you've heard the episode, it's a fun day to enjoy it again... if you've never heard it, then it's a great way to pick up the show!

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The original show notes can be found here

The ENCORE with the Guardians Soundtrack

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It's ENCORE Week here at The Main Street Electrical Podcast, as we are serving up 5 of our fave episodes from the past year -- hear it for the first time, or hear it again! 

Our first ENCORE is the one where Kyla came on and we discussed re-doing the soundtrack to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind -- the episode was originally released on May 23rd, 2024, as Episode 206! 

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First up, Jenn is getting ready for her trip, Kyla is spending a fortune on passes, 

Retheming Rock'n Roller Coaster and why rock bands may not work... The best Beatle, the worst Beatle, and who finds them overrated... an early look at the "Disney Dreams that Soar" drone show over Disney Springs waters... and a party date sells out. 

And finally, the Guardians playlist played in the ride includes:

• "One Way or Another" by Blondie
• "Conga" by Gloria Estefan & the Miami Sound Machine
• "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears
• "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps
• "I Ran" by Flock of Seagulls
• "September" by Earth, Wind, And Fire

 And the challenge is... which songs should stay? Which songs should go? Dave, Jenn, and Kyla all pitch in ideas of what should be removed and what should replace it - bands like Van Halen, Heart, and Queen all get nods, as well as slower rock and even some EDM (thanks Kyla)

Plus, find out why Kyla doesn't like "September" at all!  And what song is "Sandstorm"?

Ep 233. The One with the Disney Treasure

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In the 233rd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are finally back on the show!  After weeks of travel and meet-ups and trip hiccups and more, the hosts have hit the record button in their respective studios and are ready to talk some Disney travel -- more specifically, the newest Disney Cruise ship to set sail, the Disney Treasure.

First, a little Disney catch up, on Jenn being gone for weeks and d$ finishing up 10 days at WDW, then an update on the newest refurb dates for attractions like Gran Fiesta Tour, plus updated closing/opening dates for several other attractions - plus what will happen with the Skyliner?

Then, Jenn gives her report on the Disney Treasure, with so many of its features and surprises - the lounges, including the Haunted Mansion lounge (and its secret menu) and the Scat Cat lounge, themed after the Aristocats... the shows, including the new Moana stage show and speculation of it coming to Broadway... the restaurants, like the Coco experience and show... plus so much more than Jenn saw, and didn't have time to get to.

One more ep for 2024 coming up next week! 

Ep 232. The One with Disney Thanksgiving

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In the 232nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, the entire podcast crew comes together to say THANKS to the listening audience, as well as some thanks all around for Disney and for travel and more!

Upon a Star Jenn, d$, Quasi-Producer Heather (aka The Moana Mom) and fan favorite #KylaKylaKyla are all on the show today, all getting ready for an upcoming Disney Trip!

The big topic is the announcement of Muppet*Vision 3D closing, and the Muppets themselves moving across Hollywood Studios and taking over Aerosmith's Rock'n Roller Coaster, as everyone gives their own opinions on the idea, what can be done with the Muppets to preserve the 3D show, and why Disney isn't using current empty spaces.

Then, all four give their own thanks for things like Epic U giving Disney some competition... Walt coming back to Disneyland... that D23 was a great presentation (finally)... Spirit Airlines reviving... and even a hot take, being thankful that DinoLand is closing...

Plus, we all give thanks for YOU for the years of support and for listening to the show!  

 

Ep 231. The One with Disney First Timers

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In the 231st episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are here to talk all about those first time guests to Disney World! 

First, Jenn and Dave both are getting their holiday fashions ready, though both are very different styles... then a little news, including the newest Harry Potter area in Epic Universe, and a chat about whether Disney will match the immersion of Epic. 

Then, runDisney Princess Medals... Premier Pass sells out... Yacht Club holiday decor... and ahead of Jenn's "shakedown sailing", a Disney Treasure reveal

Finally, tips and tricks and thoughts on first time visitors to Disney World.  The planning, learning the lingo, asking for help, being flexible... whether a large or small family, kids or no kids, the obvious things to do, and things that may not be as obvious. 

If you are heading down for the first time to WDW -- and even to Universal Studios -- this is a great episode to take notes on!

Ep 230. The One with Disney Animation

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In the 230th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are talking Disney movies, Disney history, and Disney movie history today.

In a slow news week, Jenn is making plans for her upcoming New Years Eve trip to WDW, while Dave is set for more Star Wars Legos.... plus picking up a copy of "The Good Dinosaur", which leads to a discussion of the chaos in Dave's media shelf and Phil Collins going super hard on the Tarzan soundtrack.

Then, going all the way back to "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", they put a spotlight on each of the seven known era of Disney animation - Golden, Wartime, Silver, Bronze, Renaissance, Post Ren, and Revival - plus, creating a new era for the latest batch of films.

They list their favorites from each era, some nostalgia with some, and even a few they don't care for as much ("Black Cauldron" alert!), plus lots of random trivia and Disney animation tidbits along the way.  

Here is a handy rundown of the films in each era

The Golden Era - 1937-1942
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi

The Wartime Era - 1943-1949
Saludos Amigos, The Three Caballeros, Make Mine Music, Melody Time, Fun and Fancy Free, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad

The Silver Age - 1950-1969
Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, The Jungle Book

The Bronze Age - 1970-1988
The Aristocats, Robin Hood, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Rescuers, The Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron, The Great Mouse Detective, Oliver and Company

The Disney Renaissance - 1989-1999
Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, Hercules, Pocahontas, Mulan

Post Renaissance Era - 2000-2009
Fantasia 2000, The Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Lilo and Stitch, Treasure Planet, Brother Bear, Home on the Range, Chicken Little, Meet the Robinsons, Bolt

The Revival Era - 2010-2019
The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, Wreck It Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Frozen II, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Moana

The Streaming Era - 2020-Present (we made this up, but we like it)
Encanto, Raya & the Last Dragon, Strange World, WISH, the forthcoming Moana 2, Frozen III, and 2Topia