Ep 157. The One with Disney Springs Dining

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In the 157th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave aren't together this time - as Upon a Star Jenn is returning from a well deserved week at Walt Disney World, so Dave brings on Frequent Show Contributor #KylaKylaKyla and Quasi-Producer Heather to discuss one of all of our fave subjects... food at Disney Springs!

First, Heather "The Moana Mom" talks about her recent move, and settling in, to her new home right behind Coronado Springs, only a few miles from property -- and the feeling of being able to leave the living room and be in front of the castle an hour later. 

Then, #KylaKylaKyla talks a little about her home in New Hampshire, visiting Boston nearby, as well as the 17 miles of the coastline.

A little news goes over the sold out Star Wars Starcruiser... Splash Mountain finally closing... Rock'n Roller Coaster finally re-opening... and 2024 now available.

Then, a roundtable discussion on the best dining that Disney Springs has to offer... quick services, including love for The Polite Pig... table service like The Boathouse and Chef Art's and Splitsville... the best snacks, including big pretzels and dancing corn dogs and poutine.  And of course, all the drinks like Cold Brews and margaritas and cookies and more.

Ep 156. The One with the Starcruiser Re-Do

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In the 156th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are taking a look at not only the the brand new Disney World ticket for the summer, but also the bigger news of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser ending its run in September... with no word of on what it might become (don't worry, that's why we are here!)

First we give a nod to Jenn, who is not only celebrating a birthday this week but also celebrating that birthday in her first time in the parks since early in the year. Then, Dave who isn't celebrating a birthday or headed to the parks, at least got the coolest shirt ever for his kid!

Making his return to the show is our guest today, John Rogers from TravelMation, and host of Travel Tips Tuesday, available on Facebook and YouTube each Tuesday night!  

Our little crew first chats about the new 4 Park Magic Ticket, how to use it, when to get it, and it's limitations.  Then, the news about the Star Wars Starcruiser, and it's untimely demise in mere months.

What will Disney do with the area?  That's what Jenn, Dave, and John will offer their ideas... first, what if Disney leaves it as a Star Wars theme... maybe a day care? a hotel? a meeting space?  Then, if Disney scraps the whole Star Wars idea and gives it a new theme... Marvel? Villains? Even Soarin?  

And of course... there's always All Star Space. 

Ep 155. The One with Live Action Disney

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In the 155th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave celebrates THREE YEARS of the podcast!  Started on May 17, 2023, the show enters it's 4th year and here on the 155th ep, both share a very cool Top Ten List.

First up, a Jenn is all moved in, while Dave's LEGO set is finally complete. Then a quick look at the just announced Minion Land over in Universal Orlando coming this summer.

Then, Dave & Jenn chat about Disney's Live Action movie favorites. They each rank their own top ten, including old flicks (Hayley Mills gets double!) and newer but not new (Amy Adams!!) and a few recent modern classics (Alexander's bad day?)

Plus, Jenn breaks down Narnia and gives a house update.

And plans for the summer, including a Patreon and a live show to come!  

Ep 154. The One with the Dining "Planniversary"

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In the 154th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave arrive with major 2024 Walt Disney World news! First up, Dave is close to completing his own Lego figure set, while Jenn continues to wear all the Disney and surround herself with all the magic. 

And as Dave celebrates 10 years as a travel agent, a "planniversary" if you will,Jenn and Dave share their own travel stories, both how they each came to be travel agents, then how Jenn decided to start her own travel agency (Upon a Star Travel) and the random magical road Dave took to come to work for Upon a Star Travel. 

Finally, they dish on the big news Disney dropped on everyone this week - a possible Genie+ change that may resemble a previous system... extended hours continuing... park reservations finally being ended in January 2024, and the "good to go" days for Annual Passholders... and finally, the January 2024 return of the dining plan, plus a great chat on the ups and downs of the plan, the details (as known now), and how you can decide if it's right for you. 

Ep 153. The One with New MCU Updates

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In the 153rd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave put on their best masks and power up the Quinjet (though they heed Edna's "No capes!" rule) and head toward the massive film entity of The Marvel Cinematic Universe... aka The MCU.

But to discuss such a large story and filmography, they figure a few expertise wouldn't hurt. Enter Podcasting Poobah and host of the Geek Out Loud podcasting empire, Steve Glosson! 

In Disney'ing this week, they talk a little about Return of the Jedi in theaters, too many LEGO sets, and Jenn's upcoming river cruise overseas. 

Then, they each share a little about what brought them into the MCU fandom, and finally, they dive into Marvel Phase One, Two, and Three, with a look at the original 2008 "Iron Man". From there, they go indepth in some, breeze past others, and discuss the overall monumental achievement made by Marvel and by Disney.

Finally, some guesses as to where MCU might be headed, and a few things they can do to nail Phase Five. 

Ep 152. The One with the Worst Rides

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In the 152nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are all over the place! 

Jenn first reports on the status of her other podcast, "Divas Dish Diz", then the continued unpacking of the new home, while Dave finally got his Annual Pass, but also signed up for the Virtual 5K series this summer.

And Jenn's haunted home, plus the dangers of credit cards over social media.

The news kicks off with Fantasmic burning down... Edna Mode returning to Hollywood Studios... the Star Wars Starcruiser discounts to be had... the emergence of PickleBall at the parks... Animal Kingdom's time capsule

They randomly take a sidebar to the tech and style of the 90s, where not to meet people in the parks, and some great ideas for character nights and meeting places at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood's Pixar Place. 

And the sad fate of Dave's Mr. T action figure. 

Finally, Dave and Jenn both give their takes on the "Worst" attractions, or at least attractions that land in the Bottom 5 in their rankings. 

From Jenn finding some attractions useless to Dave declaring some rides are taking up valuable space for good attractions... and why he'd never go see "Are You There God It's Me Margaret", and the worst queue in the parks.  

Ep 151. The One with the Ride ReThemes

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In the 151st episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave decide its high time to take some classic rides and put a new spin on them at Walt Disney World.  And to help, some expert ride-rethemers themselves, Vlogger and Influencer Derek Frank and IAMGeek co-host Ryan Street are back on the show.

Ryan and Derek talk about their new podcast, Living with the Landspeer, and turning WDW attractions into Star Wars attractions. Then, using that same theme but reversing, everyone randomly chooses a new theme and a new ride to retheme.

The results? Hilarious and ingenious new attractions, with Jungle Cruise getting some Hades action... princess ideas for a roller coaster... putting Kuzco in Splash... and an incredible Mr. Toad idea.

Ep 150. The One with Star Wars Celebration

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In the 150th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave lament that they could not travel to London, England, over the weekend to check out the biggest Star Wars convention in the world - Star Wars Celebration!

And unfortunately, the guest on the show also didn't make it there either, but Mikey Nipp (The Deucecast Movie Show) is still one of the smartest Star Wars minds around -- and he's joining the show to talk about all the current and upcoming Star Wars magic we can expect, from TV shows to movies to announcements.

From Mando to Asohka to Baby Yoda vs Grogu to Acolytes and everything in between, we give you the preview. 

In the news department, Disneyland's Splash Mountain finally has a closure date... Walt Disney World will be selling Annual Passes once again... Epcot's Garden Grill will reopen for breakfast... and Rogers: The Musical has an opening date at California Adventure! 

Ep 149. The One with the End of the 50th

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In the 149th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave invite Quasi-Producer Heather, aka The Moana Mom, to join the show and take a look back and the 18 month long Disney event that has dominated their park vacations -- the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration.

As the 50th Celebration comes to a close, the trio discuss all of the major topics and events that happened along the way -- the Golden Statues... the 50th Merch... Epcot's Beacons of Light... Harmonious/Enchantment/KiteFails... Tron and Guardians... Magic Band + and the many issues with Genie+... plus so much more to discuss. 

Plus, an update on Jenn, who is finally moved into her new home, and Heather, who is even more moved in... and of course, d$ has new Legos. 

Also, check out the 50th Recap in Episode 73, recorded right after the actual 50th Anniversary trip.

Ep 148. The One with Roundup Rodeo

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In the 148th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave aren't here as usual, as Jenn is busy moving in her house and trying to make her closet work.

So Dave takes on the show solo, and gives a full review of the newest restaurant in Hollywood Studios -- The Roundup Rodeo BBQ located in Toy Story Land. 

Based on a recent visit, one that happened 3 days after it's official opening, Dave walks through the menu, discussing each course of the pre-fixe menu, the service, the theming, and even some allergy options given to the table. 

It's a shorter show than usual, but its a great listen if you are ready to mosey on down to the Roundup! 

Ep 147. The One with the Grand Floridian

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In the 147th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave kick off the show with a house update from Jenn, and planning a Disney trip around an overly excited 11yo at d$'s house. 

But first... a handful of news bites, including the reopening of ToonTown at Disneyland Park, as well as the soft opening of Tron in Magic Kingdom, and a great change to Genie+.

Then, advice on why you should never assume Disney will be slow, and why you pretty much need to have a plan when you go.

Finally... a look at the history of the Grand Floridian, including what it was supposed to be (an Asian themed resort?), how it morphed into what it is now, and the beauty and wonder of the resort itself -- including how Disney helps you not be disoriented when you come into the lobby from the 2nd floor.

Plus, Jenn's own take on her favorite restaurants there, the Enchanted Rose, Victoria & Alberts, the best shops, and why she feels so at home when she stayed at the Grand Flo.

Ep 146. The One with All the Latest Magic

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In the 146th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave take on the challenge of discussing all the news that Disney dropped in the last few days. 

After a house update from Jenn, then a reminder from d$ to visit his social media to vote on your fave movies, they take a podcast trip "around the world"!

Animal Kingdom is readying for their 25th anniversary!

In Epcot, Figment is coming this summer, Spaceship Earth has a new show, and CommuniCore has been reimagined.

And Happily Ever After returns to Magic Kingdom... Tron action figures are customizable... Energy Bytes are available soon... and Mirabel is on her way.

Disney Springs sees Corkcicle and Summer at the Lake coming soon, while Disney hits SXSW with HoloTink and Robot Judy Hopps. 

Finally, thoughts on Bob Iger's talk about pricing at Disney, and some thoughts on what can be done immediately for positive guest experiences. 

Ep 145. The One with the runDisney Rookies

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In the 145th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave bring in a familiar name and returning guest Kyla Melberg, aka #kylaKylaKYLA as she's known in the podcast.

Together, the three open up with Disney mugs and Disney shirts and Disney Funko Pops (and d$'s obsession with collecting sets now), before turning to the brief news -- including doom for the Simpsons area at Universal and a possible new princess meet n greet in MK.

Then, a quick look at an upcoming auction where Disney transport - Autopia cars, monorails, Skybuckets - and more are being sold.

Finally, a rundown of the Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend from a few weeks ago. Jenn shares her comparison from previous runDisney events to this one, while #kylaKylaKYLA and d$ give their rookie experience.

Kyla shares about Sunrise Yoga, which is the new trend at the parks, while all talk about the Expo, getting to the event itself, running the race, and all the fun details -- plus what to expect when you sign up. 

Ep 144. The One with Airport Transfers & TSA

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In the 144th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are talking all about airport transfers and TSA Precheck woes, both having experienced the same insanity of a long line at Orlando's MCO airport...

First up, several news items, including guests being told a ride was closed after all the signs say that the ride is closed... Small World adding some disability representation... the new Disney Cruise Line status... eating BRUNCHCOT in EPCOT... Capt Steve Rogers getting his own musical... 

And updated info on Florida taking over Reedy Creek at Disney World. 

Then, the duo discuss the good and bad about the available transportation first for those arriving at MCO and trying to get to their Disney World resort, including Mears, Sunshine Flyers, rideshares, private cars, Away We Go and more...

And then the far worse, and more entertaining, travails of trying to return back to Orlando's airport, including d$'s Mears fiasco and what happens when PreCheck is just straight up closed. 

Ep 143. The One with Antarctica

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In the 143rd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave finally have the pleasure of releasing an episode recorded a few weeks ago, but only able to drop today... all about visiting Antarctica.

Unfortunately, neither Jenn nor Dave got to actually go on the Adventures by Disney trip to the continent on the bottom of the world... but fortunately, Friend of the Show (and Disney exec) Marcy did! 

Marcy D joins the show to tell us all about the recent 12 day trip that she and her daughter Rory took with Adventures by Disney, first with their stop off at Buenos Aires, then traveling through the Drake Passage (the Drake Lake? the Drake Shake??), and stepping foot onto the actual land itself. 

From the calmness of the waters to the penguins to the safety policies and protecting the environment, Marcy gives a great account of how special this trip is. 

Ep 142. The One with Dave on the Wish

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In the 142nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn and Dave are back after a two week absence caused by time, a faulty computer, and the fact that co-host d$ was in the Caribbean aboard the latest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Wish!

First, a pile of news to discuss, including delayed openings at Disneyland's ToonTown... the 2023 Garden Rocks lineup... the latest on Toy Story Land's Rodeo Roundup... trying to figure out who Moon Girl is... new meet n greets in the parks... new Disney sequels to Frozen, Zootopia, and what Toy Story 5 might be like... and much more! 

Then, a look at The Disney Wish, from a newbie cruiser (or a first in 19 years cruiser) d$, and not only things he didn't realize, but also things about the ship you should know -- from dining to extra costs to Castaway Cay to how DCL handles some of their special needs programs. 

Ep 141. The One with Pop Century

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In the 141st episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave do a deep dive into one of the most popular resorts on property -- Disney's Pop Century Resort.

But before they do, there is news to get to! Photopass jackets changing... more characters return, with those wretched photo boxes... Splash and Woody Woodpecker demolition begins... who in the world is selling Splash Water??... Tron Lightcycle locker systems... Disneyland's Mickey Minnie Runaway Railway is now open, and Dave has a big problem with them having a superior queue... 

And then, a look at the cool history of Pop Century, with the original intent, how the plans were totally derailed, and where Art of Animation sprang from. Plus a quick overview of the resort itself, including a few cons, a lot of pros, and who might want to stay here. 

Ep 140. The One with Listener Questions

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In the 140th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave finally get back to questions from the listener, something not done on MSEP since Ep 11 in 2020! 

Jenn is getting ready for her trip (that she's on now) and Dave is getting ready for his Disney Wish sailing in a few weeks, but first, it's time to talk about the pros and cons of staying on property. 

What other parks do Jenn & Dave enjoy besides WDW and Universal?  Why sail on a Disney Cruise?  What rides in the parks are considered "Untouchable"? Who should return to the podcast?  What would it take for Jenn to stay in an All Star Resort? 

And can Disney animation recover from it's recent setbacks?

Great questions, and a great discussion of answers on this week's episode! 

Ep 139. The One with Video in Disney

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In the 139th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave welcome to the show for the very first time branding and marketing expert, musician, and Disney Vlogger Derek Frank!

After some chit-chat about returning attractions to WDW, Derek shares a little about his Disney history, and how he got into the photography and videos inside the park itself.

Then, Jenn, Dave, and Derek share thoughts on their favorite picture and video spots in all four parks -- from taking reflection shots to finding the right bridges to catching the monorail at the right time. Plus, Derek shares his idea to turn Hollywood Studios into an entire Star Wars park.

Finally, Derek gives out his tips for amateur Disney Vloggers, and how to take some great shots around the parks themselves. 

Make sure to follow Derek on YouTube (search "The Derek Frank") and Instagram @TheDerekFrank and website www.thederekfrank.com 

Ep 138. The One with Disney Surprises

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In the 138th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn and Dave are trying to catch their breath from a solid day of announcements and headlines that hit on Tuesday... so they break down ALL the Disney Surprises tossed at us in a single day! 

First, Dave continues to sing the praise of the Captain America trilogy and Jenn continues to not have seen them, and they dive right into the stories of the day...

Tron Lightcycle has an opening date!  And a new theory on when Annual Passes may return. 

Happily Ever After is returning! Disney Enchantment is going away!  We compare the two, and discuss Epcot Forever's return, and why Epcot HarmonioUS couldn't get over Stargate and Taco Barges

Disneyland moving its Park Hopping times to earlier in the day, and could that -- plus AP holders getting a benefit on park hopping too -- translate to Disney World?

The parking is now complimentary again, and why this is a huge deal!

And the Disney Dining promo, how it breaks down, and what it all means.  

Finally, Adventures by Disney River Cruises! 

Plus, a total rabbit trail on Voyage of the Little Mermaid, what could go in that space, and more randomness as we are known for. 

Ep 137. The One with 2022 in Review

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In the 137th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave welcome in 2023 with a look back at 2022! And because she was a part of the 2021 review, of course, we had to bring back The Moana Mom, aka Quasi Producer Heather.

Month by month, we hit the major, and minor, topics of the year, from all the returns to all the closures to mask mandates to Bob in Bob out, and all the overwhelming, underwhelming and just whelming whelming news. 

Quasi Producer Heather also shares her magical story from Epcot's 40th and meeting Keale Settle (and how d$ was right there... and didn't know it)

Plus, a look at the Shakedown (of the Wish, not Bob Seger), some predictions for 2023, why Splash Mountain has no chance of staying, and why 2022 was a strong year indeed. 

Among the topics included: Strollers... bad transfers... Sunshine Flyers... Lightning Lane... masks... Starcruisers... Spirt of Aloha... Hoop dee Doo... hugging characters again... MSEParade in Disneyland... Guardians debuts... the new Finding Nemo... MagicBand+... Angela Lansbury... H20 Bath Products... BBB opening again... Hurricane Ian... Epcot's 40th... Akershus... Splash says goodbye

As always, thanks for listening and hope you enjoy the first ep of 2023!! 

Find Agent Meredith's interviews with Epcot's original Cast Members here.