Disney Books, Docs, and Music... and Chapek too.

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In the 314th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are getting ready for Halloween, with Christmas season only 10 days away! 

First up, Dave's Gertie gear with Jenn's NatGeo meeting - and what National Geography has to do with Disney (and why it's NOT Adventures by Disney)

Then, upcoming dates for the Christmas parade taping, the return of Tree of Life Awakenings, and new stuff on Disney+

Then... full review of former CEO Bob Chapek's book "Behind These Castle Walls", as Dave digs into it so you don't have to. Plus the shocking sales of the book, stories from the book, taking on Bob Iger, passing the blame and taking the credit, and a random theory about what happened... from the book itself.

Then, a discussion about our favorite documentaries, shows, and books that take you behind the scenes of Disney parks, Disney history - including a great chat about The Sherman Brothers and "The Boys" documentary on Disney+. And even some of our fave Disney tunes!

The Disney Believe & Magic of Animation

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In the 313th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave welcome in long time Upon a Star Star and first time guest Susan Burks, aka SUSIE B, to the show!

First up, Disney Cruise reservations, Believe Bookings, and Cinderella's Royal Table in December!  Plus, Jenn herself just got back, Susie B survived the rain, and Dave has the Glimmer
ing Greenhouse

The Candlelight Processional dining packages are available now, and once again, we go over why this is necessary and a big deal. Then, Jollywood Nights and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party sell-outs

Jenn and Susie B were down in Disney for the Disney Believe reveal, so the trio goes over all the announcements and news - new lounges, new entertainment, the Gazelle hub, and thoughts on Disney doing MORE Frozen on the Believe.

Finally, thoughts on Disney Imagination, and why it should be here in the states (and what could go to Japan instead)

The Latest News of the World

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In the 312th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are split, as Jenn is finishing up the Disney Believe event, Daves the mic solo with a bevy of magical topics to run through.

First up, Avenger Endgame Encore, and all the extra scenes... plus a preview of Bob Chapek's book "Behind the Castle Walls"

Then a rundown of the Disney Believe, or at least we Disney Cruise Line has revealed to us thus far - including the new dining, the return of select dining, some of the bars and lounges, the entertainment area, and some other details

Holiday overlays with Christmas tunes hitting some great attractions, including The Waitresses in Guardians of the Galaxy!

Then, why you should consider booking Holiday 2027 way early, instead of waiting on promotions.

Changes with Epcot's Candlelight Processional narrator lineup, Annual Passholders loses their water discounts, and Christmas party tickets that are selling out.

55 WDW Things for 55 WDW Years

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In the 311th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are excited to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney World (and the 44th anniversary of Epcot)!

Jenn previews her upcoming trip to Walt Disney World for the Disney Believe event, while Dave shares details and highlights from his recent couples trip celebrating his wife's 50th birthday, which included attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Dave provides a few things to consider and remember when navigating the Halloween party - prioritizing what you want to do, when its the right time to eat and dealing with the 4p crowds.

And then the duo give a combined list of things to love at Walt Disney World - 55 thing for 55 years - from resorts to attractions to dining, even Hidden Mickeys, shows and experiences, and both childhood and recent memories, it's a celebration of Disney Fandom and things we all love. 

Finally, a quick tribute to an author and podcaster that passed away last week. 

Make sure to follow Jenn on Instagram @UponaStarJenn for her trip next week, and Dave @Themagiconadollar for all of his latest travel news! 

Recasting the Muppet Show (and other random news bits)

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In the 310th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are wondering why it's so quiet in the Disney World, but that doesn't mean we won't talk about anything and everything! 

First, Jenn is prepping for the Fantasy, and Dave is excited to read some behind the scenes in the upcoming book The House of Mouse, then it's always fun to talk Crocs with Jenn... like the new Dinoco Lightning McQueen Crocs (and t
he heartbreak of missing your shoe size).

Plus, Disney gives us a TEN HOUR video of Zootopia 2, one party left for Halloween, and the quiet demise of the Play Disney Parks app. ,

Finally, lamenting that Disney is trying way too hard when it comes to The Muppet Show, and so we decide to fix it, giving plenty of host ideas. 

Episode Rundown

• Disney Cruise Plans & upcoming The House of Mouse:   Jenn’s upcoming Disney Cruise booking on her favorite ship, the Disney Fantasy and Dave's excitement for the upcoming book The House of Mouse: Bob Iger and the War of Succession at Disney by Robbie Whelan, comparing it to the classic DisneyWar and discussing the modern corporate transition era between Bob Iger and Bob Chapek.

• Disney Merch & Pop Culture Quirks:

  • Dinoco Lightning McQueen Crocs: New McQueen Crocs and Jenn cringes

  • Zootopia 2 Marsh Market Lofi: 10 hours of Zootopia 2... ten.

• Park News & Seasonal Events:

  • Halloween & Christmas Parties: One Halloween Party left, while Christmas is wide open

  • Retirement of the Play Disney Parks App: We hardly knew ye

• Feature Topic – Saving The Muppet Show:

  • Following the Emmy-winning Sabrina Carpenter special, Disney reportedly expressed hesitation over the premise of a full revival.

  • Dave and Jenn break down why Disney is overthinking a classic format and brainstorm an all-star roster of potential guest hosts, including Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke, The Jonas Brothers, Jason Segel & Amy Adams (with Walter), John Stamos, Jack Black, and Josh D'Amaro.

The Magic Kingdom CEOs

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In the 309th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are once again joined by fan fave #KylaKylaKyla to take the controls as CEOs of Magic Kingdom. Armed with a blank check (and a few ground rules), the trio pitches creative overhauls, attraction swaps, and quality-of-life updates to enhance Walt Disney World’s flagship park. Before diving into their park overhaul, they cover recent Disney trip highlights, booking tips, and festival entertainment updates.

• Food & Wine French Brunch: Jenn reviews the weekend-only French breakfast/brunch buffet at Les Chefs de France in Epcot, highlighting the pastry spreads, cheeses, and overall value.

• Cruise Secrets & Booking Tips: Kyla shares a Disney Cruise Line booking story aboard the Disney Treasure. Dave details how Disney Cruise "restricted guaranteed" rates work (full payment upfront, non-refundable, no cabin choice) and how they can yield major savings.

• Epcot News: Candlelight Processional - Breakdown of the celebrity narrator lineup (including Auliʻi Cravalho, Ralph Macchio, Neil Patrick Harris, and Robin Roberts), and why booking a Candlelight Dining Package is practically mandatory for top-tier narrators to avoid massive standby lines.

• CEO Roundtable: Reimagining the Magic Kingdom

  • Tomorrowland Speedway: Jenn pitches replacing it with an opening-day-style hover/skitter attraction, while Dave suggests keeping the track footprint but converting it to electric vehicles themed after classic Disney cinema cars (Herbie, Cruella's limousine).

  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic & Tomorrowland Meeting Spots: Kyla calls for retiring PhilharMagic in favor of a quieter cinematic experience, while Dave pitches turning the former Stitch/Alien Encounter footprint into a dedicated indoor Tomorrowland character greeting lounge.

  • Beauty and the Beast Expansions: Bringing back the pre-fixe lunch menu and quick-service breakfast at Be Our Guest, plus adding a Beauty and the Beast dark ride alongside Princess Fairytale Hall.

  • Storybook Circus & Tangled: Re-energizing the Big Top Souvenirs merch/snack experience, turning Storybook Treats into an interactive lounge/margarita spot, and adding a proper lantern-filled Tangled dark ride near the Fantasyland courtyards.

  • Pins, Collectibles & Scavenger Hunts: Dave's plan to clean up park-wide pin trading boards and revamp Frontierland's pin depot into a true collector outpost; Jenn calls for the return of park-wide interactive family scavenger hunts (like the former Family Magic Tour).

  • Villains Land & Piston Peak Concerns: Addressing sightline worries between Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and the new expansions, plus ideas for a dramatic dusk-to-night transformation moment as Villains Land comes alive.

Plus all the nonsense that happens when Jenn, Kyla and Dave are on the same recording.

Becoming the Universal Orlando CEO

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In the 308th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave grab their CEO badges again—and this time, we control of Universal Orlando! 

First, Jenn is ready to hit the parks, and Dave has already hit the track - wrapping up another summer runDisney virtual series.

A little news covers upcoming refurbishments, including Tiana's, the Railroad, and Art of Animation, plus the Skyliner closing dates. 

Plus the new Hurly Burly lounge at Boardwalk... Halloween party tickets disappearing..  and shipping policies at WDW have changed! 

Then, after doing episodes where we take the CEO controls over Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Hollywood Studios, we take a look down the interstate... what happens if we are given control over Universal Orlando?

We give the real reason Universal isn't likely to connect the two parcels of land they own... why 3D motion simulators need to chill... why Helio needs the Express Pass.. and the nostalgic filled land that we all need to happen.

The Main Street Fall Preview

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In the 307th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are ready to take a look at the Fall Season in Disney World!

Dave talks a little about his Lego builds during important meetings, and then a look at the terrible loss of icon Dolly Parton and now Tim Curry.

Plus, Robin Williams Lost Boy statue in Hollywood Studios... Disney Cruise Line Itineraries released... Disneyland rates now out for 2027. 

Then, why Labor Day is never really that busy... Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket updates... 

A look ahead to the Food & Wine Festival, starting today (August 27), with food booths, activities, merch and more, the Eat to the Beat concert series and dining packages.

And Typhoon Lagoon's last seasonal stand, WDW & Epcot's birthday, and Powerline's questionable staying power.

Finally, comparing five attractions that have reopened in the last few months as to if they've improved, gotten worse or stayed the same

The D23 Recap (and our prediction results!!)

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In the 306th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave have now watched another Disney D23 come and go, and our predictions have also succeeded and failed.

Up first, Jenn getting set for her January trip, while Dave is sporting some new Star Wars Merch, and they chat about the Brightline update on a new station in Cocoa Beach.

News brings another resort added to the airport transfers at Disney World... lights come up from Epcot... more trash can issues (poor MawMaw!).

Then, a quick rundown of the movies and shows announced over the weekend.

And then a full recap of the Parks & Experiences Panel, with world parks, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland and Disney World. 

We chat - and disagree - on why the show was over 2 hours... the Dreamfinder coming back, but in what capacity... Avengers Campus... Encanto ride... the odd Timon in the Tropical Americas carousel... gutting Spaceship Earth... Monstropolis updates, and why the land will likely partially open... and Villains Land and all the scary details.

The D23 Predictions

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In the 305th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are ready to talk D23, ready to call our shots on what will be announced, and ready to be disappointed when nothing we want comes to fruition... and to help with all of the predictions, we invite in Past (and future) Guest and Friend of the Show, Dave Adams, co-host of the Disney podcast Pod999.

Together, the trio shares a little Disney of the week, from Legos to trips to Jenn's Tower elevator.. Dave's huge LEGO purchase.. then a quick chat about the DAS pass, and why parents cannot feel guilty about using services Disney provides... 

Then, our list of predictions, from Space Mountain to Spaceship Earth, possible Epcot additions and returns, new lands in various parks, how Disney is really gaining momentum in their construction, putting the boot to Universal, and the things we really want to see Josh announce. 

Take a listen, then watch the Parks presentation this weekend to know if we are right! 

Aboard the Norwegian Getaway

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In the 304th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave have returned from a busy week away - they and the Upon a Star Team spent a day or two in Fort Lauderdale and then a 3 night sailing on the Norwegian Cruise Line Getaway!

First up, Jenn and Brady just returned from a night or two from WDW, while Dave spent the afternoon in the parks running around, and is getting ready for the upcoming trip with his kid.

Next, a look at Norwegian Cruise Lines - sailing on the Getaway, out of Miami, they take a look at the great - the internet, Fleetwood Mac - and the good - Stirrup Cay, Ice Bar - and the not as good - lack of daily entertainment, the obnoxious atrium, the onboarding - and the downright terrible - the service charges! UGH!

A full review of the ship and what to expect when sailing Norwegian!  

The Muppet Film Rankings

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In the 303rd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are talking all the Mahna Mahna with Friend of the Show Derek Frank, this time looking at the eight theatrical Muppet films- The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, The Muppets Take Manhattan, Muppets Christmas Carol, Muppets Treasure Island, Muppets from Space, The Muppets, and Muppets Most Wanted - and ranking them one by one.

The discussion covers each of their own Muppet stories, including watching the shows as kids, seeing them in theaters, the first films in our Muppet journeys and more.

Trash Cans, Space Refurbs, & Moana Hot Takes

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In the 302nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are Disneying with their upcoming trips!!

Both have their own trips ahead, as well as the team Norwegian Cruise coming up soon!

Then, tackling the biggest stories around Disney, including Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket updates, as well as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights tickets on sale.

Jenn has a mini-rant about the Epcot Trash Cans (Why Disney Why??) and Dave has a very hot take on Moana, regarding the franchise and the recent bomb of the live action film.

Then, Disney announces the opening date for Hollywood Studios' Magic of Animation area
, a tragic loss in Universal Studios (not really) and Disney props up for auction.

Finally - Space Mountain rumored for a full refurbishment and we chat about what we might get!

Park Time in the Heat

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In the 301st episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are back to chat about the heat wave covering Florida and how to handle it.

First, both are getting ready for a Brightline journey up the coast to Orlando, and Dave is looking ahead to his father/son trip coming up in August.

Then, the newest All Star Resort merch!

A new feature, we like to call Birthday Magic

Finally, revisiting a topic from many episodes ago - the heat in Disney World. We discuss ways to deal with the heat, ideas on where to get some cool AC, buying water vs getting it free, working with a stroller in the rain, and more random tips and tidbits

The 300th One

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In the 300th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are back together after her jaunt through the Mediterranean!  It's a news and conversational episode this time around, catching Jenn up on all the things she missed.

First, Jenn is back, with a quick highlight of her trip (more to come soon), and Dave's full review of "Toy Story 5" - The plot, how it fits in the Toy Story franchise (and do you have to see the TS4?) and yes, yes, it should have ended after part 3, we all know this.

Then, a look at the new Level 99 in Disney Springs - what it is, where it is, and figuring out the details in real time.  And then a look at the new Universal Kids Resort in fantabulous Frisco, Texas... and the online reaction. 

Then, a review of previous stories, getting Jenn's take on the returning breakfast in the France pavilion.... the Eat to the Beat lineup and why the dining package is important... losing the Gingerbread House (and theories on the possible future of it)... and of course, the reaction to Disney's announcement about Disney Springs Parking, and multiple uses of the word "Kerfuffle".  Plus, Disney finally clarifying some vague details, and more questions.  

Finally, why we do what we do - what we love about travel planning, what we love about our jobs, and some of our fave travel planning moments, and some of our biggest guests over the course of 300 episodes!

And on our way to the next 100!!!

Ep 299. The One with Disney Springs Parking & Eat to the Beat

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In the 299th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn is sailing the high seas around Italy on the Disney Dream, so joining Dave in the podcast is first time guest / guest co-host April Craft, aka Curated By April on Insta.

A fellow travel planner at Upon a S
tar Travel, April is here to give her own opinions and discuss all the latest!

First, April is excited about helping the clients, while Dave is happy with Toy Story Taylor (Tay Story?) CDs in the mail.  

Then, a look at the latest, including Disneyland changing up their Autopia cars... the breakfast buffet returning at Chefs de France... and then, an extensive look (much longer than we thought) at the Eat to the Beat line-up, highlighting artists that we know (Boyz II Men! Tiffany! Fitz!) and spotlighting those we aren't sure about (Fly Guys? The War and the Treaty? Element?)

Finally, we look at the new small announcement made by Disney last week, that the new policy for parking at Disney Springs will take effect on June 28th - and how a small announcement has turned into quite a topic, mostly supportive, but also those pushing back.  We chat about why we like it, how people will try to get around it, and address some of the biggest questions on it - including how Disney doesn't like to give details when making such policies. 

Ep 298. The One with the Disney Horror Stories

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In the 298th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are ready to share some Disney horror stories... but first... we know the best answer to any question is "Spend the night in Disney".  And for Dave's kid, the best answer is "We have a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table!"

Then, Jenn is getting set for her upcoming cruise in Italy, walking through both the cruise itinerary she's ready for, but also getting ready for the cruise - some tips on things to know and pack for, and some differences in American cruises and European cruises.

Finally, they give their is "horror stories"... not the awful, devastating things, but those things we just find super duper inconvenience - getting stuck on a ride... in the hot sun.  Getting caught in the rain... and the humidity that comes after.  Finding out the MCO lines are closed... or the wrong song... or a Lightning Lane across the entire park...

Ep 297. The One with Bouncebacks, Buzzy, and the Carousel of Changes

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In the 297th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are looking at the changes forthcoming on a classic attraction - the CoP.

First up, Jenn preps for more trips, while Dave reviews "Stolen Kingdom", a documentary about Disney explorers... and the lore of Buzzy's Disappearance. (its a great doc!)

Next, runDisney crashes online, to the dismay of the runners.  Taylor Swift has joined forces with Disney Pixar with the upcoming Toy Story 5.  Bluey's Virtual Queue disappears a week after it shows up. And Disney releases 2027 Bounceback Promos. 

Then, the Carousel of Progress... Disney has announced it's closing in July for a long refurbishment period in which all the scenes will change. How do we feel about it? We talk through the upcoming shifts, what is rumored to be happening, and what we will miss - we want Orville!

We do a brief look at the voice cast, wonder who might be the new narrator, and discuss the upcoming Walt audio-animatronic. And overall - do we approve? Or do we wish for the current version to remain? 

Ep 296. The One with Mando, Grogu, & The Cool Kids Review

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In the 296th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are back for the latest Star War, Cool Kids and even bringing the baggage news!

First, Jenn had a blast on her birthday weekend down in the parks, while Dave saw The Mandalorian & Grogu - and gives his honest review (spoiler: he liked it...)

Then, the updated luggage services from Disney World! We knew you could turn your luggage into your value resort before you fly home, but now, you can turn your luggage in early and have it delivered to your resort!!! 

Finally - Jenn was there for the Cool Kids Summer Preview!  She spills the news on Bluey's Wild World over in Animal Kingdom... loving the new Soarin (but also loving the OG)... The Muppets performing for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster... smoother rides at Big Thunder... and much more happening now! 

Plus, thoughts on CommuniCore and why Jenn seems satisfied but why Dave wants more. 

Ep 295. The One with The First One (Our 6th Anniversary Episode!)

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In the 295th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are celebrating SIX YEARS of podcasting together - as the show turns six years old, we run through a series of quick topics and headlines
first...

Booking Adventures by Disney and why you need to consider it for your worldwide touring vacations... Jenn has another week of heavy travel coming up... rumors of the Lego Main Street USA set (which has now been revealed since recording)... 

And an overview of the Bluey Virtual Queuey... and remembering the legendary voice of Tom Kane.

Then, a quick look back at the Darkest Timeline of Spring 2020 and what was happening and starting the podcast.  And finally, a replay of our very first episode, dropping on May 21st, 2020, with a little Q&A between the two of us. 

THANK YOU FOR SIX YEARS OF LISTENING!!!!