Ep 164. The One with McNair & Curiosity

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In the 164th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave continue their conversation with author/speaker/creative brain and former Disney Imagineer McNair Wilson!

In this second part of their long chat, McNair shares stories about Hoop de Doo Revue and the celebrities he met... a love of Rocky & Bullwinkle... more Eisner... more Marty S
klar... a friendship with Mel Brooks (and a crush on his wife... Mrs Robinson. Yep, that one.)

Plus, sharing the story of designing the original ideas for Hollywood Tower of Terror and how it came to be what you know today. 

And, McNair shares the title and details of his new book, and we all answer the question of why Curiosity is such an important thing. 

Ep 163. The One with McNair & the Adventurers Club

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In the 163rd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave welcome back the gent who was the show's first guest in May of 2020 (and his continued conversation in Ep 20) -- author, speaker, and former Disney Imagineer McNair Wilson.

McNair catches everyone up on his latest, diving in with some Marty Sklar stories and tales from Downtown Disney (in Orlando!) as well as being a creative, then tells the tales of the fabled Adventurers Club -- its creation, the heyday, and it's closing. 

Plus, McNair's thoughts on the Guardians and Tron rides at the parks, as well as Jenn and Dave both asking all the Disney questions.  And Dave's kid makes an appearance because of course he does. 

Part 2 of our chat with McNair, coming next week!

Find Bluebird Gifting Co HERE

Find McNair's Ted Talk HERE

Ep 162. The One with Travel Hacks

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In the 162nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave finally pod together again, and welcome in first time, and of course future, guest and now Friend of the Show, Sarah Sharp, but you may know her on Instagram as Sarah Goes Bananas! 

We do a little chit-chat and catch up on how the trio connected, both on the Disney Wish, and at the Prince 1/2 Marathon, and then Sarah gives the background on the funny and memorable name Purple Banana Travel.

Then, Jenn, d$, and Sarah Goes Bananas share some tried and tested Travel Hacks -- some of their favorite tips regarding passports (watch that expiration date!) and flights (using medical pre-board with special needs) and car rentals (debit cards - bad!) and all-inclusives (tipping is key!) and even some Disney -- tips with the kids and without. 

Don't miss this great conversation from three travel professionals giving you all kinds of wisdom that you may not think about... even packing tips!

Ep 161. The One with the All Stars

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In the latest ep, Jenn is returning from her conference with the Other Guys (aka, Universal Studios Orlando) so Dave runs the show alone... 

Disney's Jollywood Nights tickets are going on sale, so Dave is going after those, which leads to an off the cuff discussion about Universal vs Disney, and how Universal is swinging for the fences, while hopefully Disney will make some major announcements later this summer.

News on Genie+ updates, as well as new popcorn buckets, and Tiana's water tower goes up. 

Finally, a chat about All Star Sports, All Star Movies, and All Star Music.  Dave gives both the pros and cons of staying at these resorts, going over the rooms, the dining, the transportation, and the Music Family Suites in detail -- hopefully you'll know by the end of the show if you love them or would avoid them at all costs! 

Ep 160. The One with Elemental Jollywood

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In the 160th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are ready for the Halfway to the Holiday Season, and even wonder when that became a thing...

First up, Jenn is getting ready for her upcoming travels, as she dishes on her overseas cruise, and the fun people she'll be traveling with (Our Friend Marcy! KylaKylaKyla!) and Dave rehashes the runDisney stress to sign up for the 1/2 marathon.

News reveals the possible Bruno meet n greet coming to the park, and all the promo news that was dropped last week (and that we speculated about on last week's show), and then the return of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party... Christmas on the Disney Cruise Line (and Santa's journey through the waters to deliver presents)... what the parks will have in store for the Christmas season... and the brand new Jollywood at Hollywood Studios, and all that will bring.

Finally. a review of "Elemental", Pixar's latest, plus some thoughts as to why it's not performing well - and what people can expect, no matter what beliefs they hold.

Ep 159. The One with Disney at Night

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In the 159th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave have returned from their agency Pittsburgh retreat, aka The Pitty Party, and share a little of the weekend - including the Puttery Adventure, and Dave's race to catch his flight. 

A little news explains the Adventures by Disney around the world trek... the new virtual Christmas races (and new ways for Disney to cash in)... the expectation of Christmas party dates... and 2022's theme park attendance rankings (spoiler alert, Disney dominates... again)

Finally, a fun conversation regarding Disney at night, especially some of Jenn's and Dave's favorite places to be in the parks when the sun goes down -- both with lots of neon, like Radiator Springs in Disneyland or Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, or in dim lighting that sets the theme, like Adventureland or the Haunted Mansion area. 

Ep 158. The One with Birthdays, Mermaids & Spider-People

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In the 158th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are back on the show together again, after Jenn celebrated a birthday in Walt Disney World in, where else, The Grand Floridian! 

In addition, Dave discusses the wonder, magic, and yet silliness of "Encanto", which somehow Jenn leads into a chat on the latest "Fast & Furious" film, "Fast X".

A little news on the Starcruiser openings and Apple's brand new partnership with Disney, and the new, possibly terrifying, VR Goggles.  And the Princess 1/2 Marathon details are released! 

Jenn gives the recap of her recent trip, including the food, the parks, and finally getting to experience Tron Lightcycle/Run. 

Then Dave gives his review on both the most recent live-action remake of "Little Mermaid", but also "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse".

And somehow, "Fast X" comes back up because why not.  

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.