Thursday, March 2, 2023

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. 

Thursday, February 23, 2023

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. 

Thursday, February 16, 2023

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. 

Thursday, February 2, 2023

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. 

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

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! 

Thursday, January 19, 2023

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 

Thursday, January 12, 2023

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. 

Thursday, January 5, 2023

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. 

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Ep 136. The One with Candlelight Revisited

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In the 136th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave revisit one of the most popular episodes from 2021 -- the Candlelight Processional.

After catching up a little on Christmas weekends -- including Jenn with a houseful of kids and Dave sending his lovely wife to Orlando for 24 hours -- they re-introduce the Candlelight Processional.

All the way back in episode 85, using the actual script from Epcot's Candlelight Processional, Jenn & Dave narrated the show, backed by the actual Epcot choir... and we thought it would be a great treat to present to you again!

Thanks so much to you, the listener and fan of the show, for all the love shown in 2022 and we cannot wait to bring you more magic in 2023!

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Ep 135. The One with Christmas Gifts & Holiday Memories

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In the 135th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave gear up for the final few days before Christmas! From running around town in random shopping to getting excited for the house building (a house update!!), both are ready for the big day - including Jenn's Christmas Vacation shirt and Dave's Chrisnizzle Sweatizzle. 

Amongst the news headlines, more train opening rumors... confirmed refurbishments for January in Disney World... and the returning princesses!

Dave gives a quick spoiler-free review of Avatar: The Way of Water, plus a reminder to Jenn that the first Avatar existed.

Then, the annual Disney Christmas Gifts segment -- a list of Disney themed items that are exorbitantly priced -- from posters to passports to toy trains to train wheels... incredibly cool and vintage collectables worth lots and lots of money, and available to you for purchase! 

And an entire quick chat about a Walt Disney signed flip book that we learn about as we talk about... it's not a napkin, apparently... 

And you can find the flip book (and it's very un-PC cover) here!

Finally, Jenn & Dave share some Christmas memories, both most recent and from their own childhoods - Jenn with her American Girl dolls then and low crowd Christmas recently, and Dave with his AT-AT then and Fastpasses more recently. 

A special Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all that celebrate, and thank you for listening to our show!   


Thursday, December 15, 2022

Ep 134. The One with Christmas on Both Coasts

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In the 134th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are back after a week off, and are here to talk Christmas previews and reviews and all the festiveness of the season.

After sharing the sure to be infamous Surrey Bike on the Boardwalk story, they dive into the news, which includes "Strange World" streaming soon... Te Fiti comes to Epcot... the new Ducktales Adventure... those CVS receipts on Disney merch... 

Then, Jenn & Dave give a quick review of the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, including the cookies and seeing Tron in testing and characters and fireworks and parades, and the crowd levels.

Plus, more Disney Christmas, with thoughts on the 2022 Epcot Cookie Stroll, some tips on navigating special diets and menu prices, and how to utilize the DAS pass with a Virtual Queue! 

Then Jenn gives her thoughts on Christmas on the West Coast, as she flew out to a special Agency Owner's special event, and to end the show, a shout out to Dakota, one of the best Jingle Cruise skippers in recent memory! 

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Ep 133. The One with Geeks in Galaxy's Edge

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In the 133rd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave finally decide it's time to finish up the long running Hollywood Studios series - and do so, we bring in some guys who know Star Wars extremely well -- Catron and Ryan from the IAmGeek Podcast!


The questions first... if Iger asks us what needs to be addressed, what do we say?  Everyone gives their thoughts, ranging from Epcot completion to new attraction openings to the need for proper culture -- plus, bring back resort bag check! 

Also, a brief word on using the DAS pass with long Lightning Lane lines. 

Then, a dive into Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, and a look at the land overall. We discuss first walking into the land itself, our first thoughts, sometimes emotional, of seeing the Millennium Falcon for the very first time, and piloting the legendary hunk of junk - and... what is the Chewbacca mode? Find out. 

We then lead to experiencing Rise of the Resistance, and how blown away we all were as we were brought into a Star Destroyer, and how we see the ride today.

Everyone gives their opinion on Blue Milk vs Green Milk, Ryan discusses a few personal stories regarding Savi's Workshop, and thoughts on droid building. 

And Ryan solves the problem of having the newer characters in the park at the expense of not having the Original Trilogy characters.

Find Ryan's Kyber Crystals and Catron's Landspeeder shirts HERE on the IAMGEEK SHOP


Thursday, November 24, 2022

Ep 132. The One with the Bobs

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In the 132nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave give thanks... thanks for some big, BIG changes that seemingly came out of nowhere over the weekend.


First, Jenn is still preparing for the upcoming group trip, while Dave gives a quick review of the newest Disney+ film "Disenchanted", of course starring his beloved #AmyAdamsAmyAdamsAmyAdams.

Then, the real story... Chapek. Iger. Two Bobs, only one can remain CEO. 

Jenn & Dave give a quick recap of how we got here, including Iger's resume before and at Disney, then the challenges that arose after Bob Chapek moved into the CEO position, and what led to the ouster over the weekend -- and the insane story it became on Sunday night. 

Then, they give a few thoughts of where the company might be headed, dream a little on what might happen (and recognize what will not be happening), and give their overall thoughts on this historical moment in Disney history.

Finally... Dave finishes his fave Pixar recap, as he left off the #1 movie from last week's episode.

And on this Thanksgiving, THANK YOU for listening, for reaching out, for sharing the show and for being a part of our small but growing Main Streeters in the podcast world! 

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Ep 131. The One with Pixar Movies

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In the 131st episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are excited to talk all about Pixar movies!  First, both lament about the upcoming winter, and then more about the upcoming Disney group trip.

Then, they clear up the latest in the "Disney Ticket Increase", and explain whats what in the misleading headlines. 

Guardians Holiday kicks off soon, Starcruiser wins an award, and more guest behaving stupidly.

Then, Jenn & Dave look at the 26 Pixar movies that have been released, with Dave having seen all of them, and Jenn having seen 21 of the 26, they both start at 20 and rank their Pixar movies all the way to number one. 

Lots of crossover, lots of discussion on how Covid affected films, and how "Soul" might be the biggest movie loss in the pandemic.

Make sure to let us your favorites too at TheMSEPodcast at gmail.com! 

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Ep 130. The One with the VIP Tours

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In the 130th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are keeping an eye on the storm as they come for another week of Magic.


First, Jenn is prepping for the upcoming group trip, while Dave gives a quick overview of his weekend trip to Orlando for The Thing Conference. Along the way, he gives his thoughts on the Disney Springs hotel he was in, including the fantastic 10 minute walk to Disney Springs. 

Plus, meeting listener Kylene and hearing some of her fantastic movie theories. 

Then, a quick look at the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, plus the few dates that have tickets remaining, the legacy of Alice Davis, the newest popcorn bucket and what Disney is doing to combat resellers, plus an update on Tropical Storm Nicole

(after we recorded, Disney announced the parks to close early on 11/9 and open late on 11/10)

Finally, Dave took his very first VIP Tour through Disney World last week, and with Jenn having done it previously, they give you the rundown on the VIP Experience. 

Part of the conversation includes the best time to start (and which event to end on), and deciding which parks to include. Plus, whether you should eat, a few myths busted for Dave, and just how big is that Guardians building.  

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Ep 129. The One with the Disney Christmas Preview

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On the 129th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are ready for Christmas!  They talk about their Halloweekend and how they (didn't) party, a little about packing habits for both, and parks to hit when you only have a half day.

Then, a little news with Universal closing down the timely and modern day Fievel and Woody Woodpecker attractions... an update on Tiana's Bayou Adventure and likely Splash merch... early reviews on the returning Fantastic! are positive...

And the truth behind some of the more adult images allegedly in Disney animated classics -- @TomBancroft on TikTok spills the story of that dust up in Lion King.

Then a look ahead to the Christmas season at Disney World, starting with tempering expectations on going Christmas week -- the busiest, most expensive time of the year, but it can be an absolute blast!

A look at each park, including the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, and the Jingle Jungle Cruise has already returned!

Over at Epcot, and the 2022 Festival of the Holidays, and why you need to do the Cookie Stroll... some of the decor at Animal Kingdom... and the Tower of Terror all dolled up with the screams coming in the distance.

Of course, Disney Springs has the Christmas Tree Stroll again, Blizzard Beach features Santa in his Hawaiian shirt, and the resorts get the holiday seasoning as well! And... do you Gingerbread House it or do you Chocolate Carousel it!?

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Ep 128. The One with Disney Villain Songs

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After dreaming about what's Beyond Big Thunder last week with Quasi Producer Heather and d$, building a Villains park, and basically planning Magic Kingdom's future... Jenn returns from her jaunt to Mexico on this Halloween themed episode! 

She gives a quick rundown on the Mexican humidity (and the hair poofy) and Dave shares one of his upcoming Disney plans that he's super excited about.  

A little news kicks off, including Blizzard Beach reopening... Fantasmic! returning... Candlelight Processional's restaurants... and Elton John on Disney+, which leads to an entire side conversation about concerts, who they want to see and why neither do many concerts.

Then!  The Villain Songs!  Before the show, Dave reached out to several Friends of the Show to get their own Top Ten lists of Fave Disney Villain songs, and with almost two dozen submitted, one definitive Top Ten list was created!

Jenn & Dave share their own personal top ten Disney villain songs, then a look at many of the songs that didn't make the official Top Ten list. 

Finally, the list... starting at 10, they take it song by song, share a story or two, and take about some great behind the scenes -- including the two songs that have super serious backstories mirroring both history and real-life... the Villain songs not sung by the actual villains... the creepiest Disney Villain song out there... and Gaston sings Shakespeare... 

Make sure to check out and follow our contributors to this episode - check them out on Instagram and find their shows! 

Skywalking Thru Neverland @SkywalkingPod

The ImagineEars Podcast - @the_imagineears 

The IAmGeek Podcast - @IAmGeekShow

Rob Lott, Dapper Dan & Six Gun Slocomb - @BlueTrumpetCreative

Quasi-Producer Heather - @TheMoanaMom

And here are links to all the songs in our Top 10 -- don't click til you listen to the episode, so it doesn't ruin it for you! 

Disney Villain Song Number 10

Disney Villain Song Number 9

Disney Villain Song Number 8

Disney Villain Song Number 7

Disney Villain Song Number 6

Disney Villain Song Number 5

Disney Villain Song Number 4

Disney Villain Song Number 3

Disney Villain Song Number 2

Disney Villain Song Number 1

 

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Ep 127. The One with the Disney Villains Park

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In the 127th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave cannot start the show and it's Quasi Producer Heather, aka Upon a Star Heather, aka The Moana Mom, joining Dave, since Upon a Star Jenn is literally in Mexico (at a conference) as we record.

First up, a little Disney'ing by wearing vintage shirts and new Disney PJ pants, plus Heather remembers to book her own room for a trip upcoming.

Then, sorting through the news and rumors including a possible canceled pavilion (rumor) and a princess breakfast returning (fact), we also take a look at five still-closed attraction and experiences, and weigh in on whether they will return or not. 

And then, we harken back to D23 when Josh D'Amaro dared to dream and tell us, the rabid Disney fans, that maybe someday maybe, Disney will take a look at what "lies beyond Big Thunder Mountain" -- and then he mentioned the magic word... "Villains".

So tonight, we build our own Villains Land in Magic Kingdom with each giving their ideas of the Disney Big Bads who could lead their own rides, shows, restaurants and more.  From Henchmen dancing to a speeding carpet through the streets of Agrabah to a Fantasia ride... a scary Fantasia ride. 

Hope you enjoy our suggestions for how we'd build this land, and we'd love to hear your own!  

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Ep 126. The One with Mrs. Potts & the News

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In the 126th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave start off by looking ahead to their group trip to WDW in December, then Dave laments his luck at resort on his first night.

The news is loaded today, with information about all the price increases across Genie+ (and Dave's and Jenn's ways to turn around the bad PR that haunts the Disney name)... plus Fantasmic on it's way back... a new Holiday Remix song at Guardians in Epcot... and Magic Band+ heading out to Disneyland

Plus, the 100 Year Disney celebration begins soon, and possible details on the new Potter attraction coming soon to Universal's Epic Universe.

Finally, a quick look at the career and incredible legacy of Dame Angela Lansbury, who we lost at the sweet age of 96.  Jenn & Dave discuss some of her movies, her roles, and why Mrs. Potts might not be the best of moms.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Ep 125. The One with Epcot's 40th

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In the 125th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave have returned to their respective homes in their respective states after a crazy and chaotic group trip over the weekend, all to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their beloved Epcot's doors opening for the first time. 

The damage to Disney World vs Universal, and Peppa Pig has a park (or had?)... riding out the Hurricane... taking the group to Epcot's 40th... an overview of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, with new and improved bags... decisions you have to make at special parties... fine dining at Topolino Terrace at Riviera Resort... quick service breakfast... 

We take a look at Epcot's history, including what led up to building the park, and the opening day attractions and a number of those attractions added since. 

We also ask the question, "What makes you love Epcot so much?" and our first experiences at the park in our younger days... and we answer the question, "Is Epcot good for kids?"... 

Finally, we play a little "Stop Start Continue" with some ideas for Disney & Chapek on what Disney should STOP doing with Epcot (too much tech?) and what Disney should START doing with Epcot (more original stories) and what Disney should CONTINUE doing with Epcot.  SummerFest with Olaf anyone?