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?


Thursday, September 29, 2022

Ep. 124: The One with Storm Chatter

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In the 124th episode, Jenn & Dave are pushing through what they've dubbed "HURRICANE WEEK", and they talk through the insane travel week both have had.

From planning and re-planning and re-re-planning, not only their own travels, but taking care of clients and other families and all done under the umbrella of "we have no idea exactly how this is going to go". 

Plus, a walk through a stormwind blown memory lane, and the history of Disney closures when it comes to major hurricanes.

Then a bit of news and discussion, including Disney Cruise Line lifting shot requirements... the Candlelight Processional speaker lineup... and a closer look at the progress of Universal's Epic Universal and it's projected features -- and why the Harry Potter area has changed. 

Important note: While we talk in annoyance and humor about our struggles to make it to Disney World for a scheduled trip, we are both fully aware that so many people will lose power, homes, jobs, livelihoods, and maybe even lives as Hurricane Ian hits Florida. We have both prayed for all of it, and keep in mind everyone affected. 

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Ep 123. The One with Echo Lake

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In the 123rd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave continue their long running series touring through Hollywood Studios. The show opens with a blast from the past, an early 90s commercial for Disney-MGM Studios, just to take you back a little, when Jenn rewatches Moana, while Dave wears a bowling shirt. Legit.

Then, they start walking around Echo Lake, including comparing both Prime Time and Hollywood & Vine both pre- and post-pandemic -- wondering why Miles and Catboy never made it to a character breakfast.

They talk through Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, getting ice cream from Gertie's, grabbing lunch from Dockside, and then dive into a little history of the Hyperion Theater... what was there before Frozen? The American Idol Experience, of course. And before that? Find out!

Finally a fun throw back at all the parades that have taken shape over the years at Hollywood Studios!


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Thursday, September 15, 2022

Ep 122. The One with Adventures By Disney: Costa Rica

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In the 122nd episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave finally get back to what they wanted to talk about last week... Costa Rica!

First, though, Jenn chats about all her December trip tickets, Dave talks about more shirts (and the couponing that come with it) then they dive into the D23 recap -- a lot of swings a


nd misses on predictions from last week's episode, but mostly because of non-announcements... including The Main Street Electrical Parade's last Disneyland appearance... but maybe not the last last appearance.

Among the highlights, we both give our opinions on the new ride coming to Avengers Campus in Disneyland... 

Then, a rundown of Jenn's trip to Costa Rica via Adventures By Disney, from how to start your trip, what to expect before you take off and after you land, and the numerous activities involved -- in this case, white water rafting, zip lining, Catamarans, walking through a cave, hanging on the beach, and meeting new people and making new friends. Plus, a chocolate waterfall?  Yes please. 

Also, a great discussion on why Disney is the best when it comes to touring the world, and its not "Mickey Mouse in Costa Rica" -- local tour guides, Disney's exclusive excursions and much more, and Jenn's half hour hanging in the Vatican. 


Thursday, September 8, 2022

Ep 121. The One with the D23 Predictions

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In the 121st episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are together again, as she has returned from her Adventures by Disney trip!  She's ready to spill the mountain roasted coffee beans on her trip... but we'll get to that.


First up, Jenn and her Sloth shirts, and d$ and his shirt selfies... then fires in Epcot... and more delays in Epcot... and a tiny-mini rant on why Disneyland gets all the cool stuff over Disney World... plus, the dwindling days remaining on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party...

Then, a look at D23 happening this weekend in Anaheim, California -- and lots of predictions... including our thoughts on...

--Opening dates for Tron and Moana Journey of Water
--Disneyland changes and Avengers Campus Phase 2
--What about nighttime spectaculars?  
--What parks will get the most love and expansions?
--The danger of too much MCU content
--A possible Animal Kingdom glow up
--Why they need more Figment
--More surprise announcements and more thoughts on what may come

And... our very first 1-star review on iTunes (make sure you head to your fave podcast streaming app like iTunes and Spotify and do the five star review!)

Then, Jenn gives a quick look at her Costa Rica trip -- and because of time, we push the entire Adventures by Disney chatter to next week -- so make sure you tune in next week too!  

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Ep 120. The One with Special Needs in the Parks

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In the 120th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave are split up this week, as Jenn is kayaking down the Pacuare River and ziplining with spider monkeys in the rainforest of Costa Rica.  So stepping in for hosting duties again is Quasi Producer and Third Host Heather, aka The Moana Mom!

Dave & Heather discuss the prospects of Tron's opening day (this fall? Next year??), and an update on Moana's Journey of Water attraction. Plus, Heather gives a rundown the pros and cons of Magic Band+, Dave gives the update on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party selling out, and looking ahead to D23.

Then, with both Heather and Dave having special needs in their families, they discuss having special needs in the parks. Dealing with meltdowns, special dining, lining up party nights, taking breaks, using the DAS pass (and who shouldn't use it), strollers and wheelchairs, and sharing their own tips and ideas and experiences with both Autism/cognitive disabilities and physical limitations. 

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Ep 119. The One with the Disney Princesses

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In the 119th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave celebrate World Princess Week!  We aren't sure if its a Disney thing or it's an actual thing thing, but either way, we are turning our attention to the Disney characters that wear the crowns, have the castles, fire the arrows, swing the swords, cook the beignets, read the books, screech into the well, befriend the critters, and more.

The show kicks off with more Costa Rica prep from Jenn, as she is headed out soon, while d$ gets to help create a magical moment for a fellow Upon a Star Agent... plus get more shirts and more LEGOs. Because he needs that.

Then, a look at the the demise of H20 toiletries, and then a look at the tweaks made to Park Pass Reservations.

Finally, the Disney Princesses take centerstage... Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Tiana, Moana, Merida, Pocahontas, Mulan, and the newest Princess-elect, Raya... we chat about the history of "The Disney Princess" label, the characters that were princesses before (and were replaced), and each one added.

Then, we just list our fave Disney Princess movies... songs... attractions based around them... who has the best sidekicks... who has the best Prince... and characters that could be -- and maybe should be -- an official Disney princess.

And our thoughts on whether Leia should be an official Disney Princess.... 


Thursday, August 18, 2022

Ep 118. The One with the Coasters

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In the 118th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave revisit one of the first episodes of the cast... the one with roller coasters. 

First up, some chatter about Jenn's upcoming trip to Costa Rica, and Dave's obsession with more Disney Lego... and Jenn gives an update on the house, plus a Bougie Closet Preview

The news topics include the Boardwalk Deli opening... what the new Electrical Parade Magic Band+ might mean for upcoming parades (including a prediction from Dave)... Disneyland Magic Key (annual pass) renewals... Epcot Tours coming back... and a random sidebar about The Weeknd's Blinding Lights and face surgery mask. 

And finally, a look at Episode 15 of the podcast, when Jenn & Dave gave their top 10 roller coasters, before they were able to ride Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure, and before VelociCoaster or Guardians even opened.  They give their revised Top Tens, each with 3 that dropped out of the initial list, the three new coasters added in, and others moving up and down the charts. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Ep 117. The One with the Disney Wish

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In the 117th episode of The Main Street Electrical Podcast, Jenn & Dave review the incredibly magical experience of Disney's newest ship, The Wish!  However... while Jenn just got off the ship a few weeks ago, Dave hasn't been on a Disney cruise since 2004. 

Thus, bring in Quasi Producer Heather, aka The Moana Mom, who also disembarked The Disney Wish a mere week ago.  After briefly chatting about upcoming stays and resort roulette, plus a Heather mini-rant about clickbait websites, Dave opens up the discussion between Jenn and Heather all about the ship.

Starting out with boarding day, the muster drill, when to check in, where to stay the day before, and getting signed up for all the fun stuff, the conversation shifts to restaurant experiences like Marvel and Frozen, the pool areas, the cabins, and Heather talks about what it's like for families, while Jenn speaks about adult vacations on the ship.