Ep 252. The One with Animal Kingdom Lodge

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In the 252nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave this week is actually Kyla & Dave as Jenn is enjoying the Blue Carpet Premiere of Epic Universe! 

3rd co-host Disney Geek Kyla steps in to dive deep into the Disney Deluxe resort that is Animal Kingdom Lodge! The eats, the drinks, the swims, the rooms - savannah views and resort views.

They give the pros and cons of the resort - its gorgeous but its way down in the corner... the bread plate is delicious but finding Mara can be a chore... 

Plus - a discussion about pin traders at Epcot... Jodi Benson vs Johnny Depp... wearing socks and sandals.... McQueen crocs... unpacking habits... and all the laughs it to print. 

Ep 251. The One with the Epic U Review

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In the 251st episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave have been talking about it for what feels like years... Universal Orlando's new theme park - Epic Universe is a week from opening, and now, both Upon a Star Jenn and d$ have been. And they are here to talk all about it. 

We break down Epic Universe, or at least talk about the breakdown of much of Epic (and it's habit of having rides not work) and go portal by portal - Isle of Burk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

We give our feedback (the theming is out of this world) and the criticism (more shade!) on this epic Epic Epicsode... Episode. 

Ep 250. The One with Our Fave Disney Movies Part 2

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In the 250th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave welcome back Matt & Susie for the second part of the two week episode. If you haven't listened to last week's episode, go back to hear the Fantasmic Foursome's list of their favorite Disney movies, Nos 25 thru 11. 

This week is the Top Ten... Pixar! Aslan! Joy and Sadness!  More Princess Mia! and so much more, as they all four laugh and remember and enjoy chatting about their favorite Disney films, both now and all their lives. 

It's a cool way to celebrate 250 episodes of The Podcast!  Plus, some news on the new Pirates tavern coming to Magic Kingdom! 

Ep 249. The One with Our Fave Disney Movies... Part 1

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In the 249th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave have the delightful pleasure of inviting back to the show the (unfortunately former) ImagineEars podcast hosts Matt Appleby and Susie Denton -- and when Matt and Susie show up, you know its a big deal! 

And thus, the two part ep leading to Ep 250, where all four give their list of their 25 favorite Disney Films of all time (as Susie says, "not the best... but our favorites."

Whether its Princess Mia or McQueen or Angela Lansbury or going Zero to Hero, the foursome are here to serve up the first parts of their lists, leading to next week's Top 10! 

Ep 248. The One with the Star Wars Movie Rankings

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In the 248th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are not hanging out here - because Jenn is in Epic Universe!

So d$ has invited in one of the best friends of the show, none other than THE Derek Frank! 

After a little chit-chat, including discussing the VIPassholders dining perks this summer, Derek and d$ give their own Star Wars stories and how they became life long fans.

Then, starting at 1977's original Star Wars, they rank all 12 theatrical films in the SW Universe... the 9 films in the three trilogies, the two stand-alone films, and that gosh awful Clone Wars movie.

Two life long Star Wars fans talking The Force and Disney... what more could you want! 

Ep 247. The One with Disney's Riviera Resort

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In the 247th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are back for more travel chatter and magical conversations.

News covers the new Passholder VIPs experiences for this summer... the Skyliner's down days... info about the Disney Destiny... Cars Land permits being filed... 

And another chat about Real ID - why you need it, and how to get it. 

Finally, a look at Disney's Riviera Resort - a DVC deluxe resort close to Epcot, on the Skyliner line.  Jenn & Dave walk through the lobby, the amenities, having breakfast, having dinner, and an overall look at this deluxe resort! 

Ep 246. The One with Disney on the Spectrum

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In the 246th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are doing a sort-of part 2 to last week's episode - about Autism on the Disney Cruise - with a discussion about Autism in the parks! 

First up, an Epic Universe update with the just announced soft opening, and what to expect (and how to get in!)

Then, the first of a new segment of Travel Tips... pay attention to your TSA line! Including MCO, which has a habit of closing their TSA pre-check early! And get your STAR ID! 

Finally, a revisit to previous ep 120, when they discussed special needs in the parks - with the newer DAS qualifications, they chat about d$'s recent trip to the parks, working with DAS and dietary restrictions, and helpful tips to navigate with Autism and more. (as always, d$'s family's experience will be different than yours so with all advice, your mileage may vary.) 

Oh, and what happens when you lose your kid in the Magic Kingdom. Because that happened.

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!