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Disney World Shows Part 2: Epcot & Magic Kingdom · Ear Scouts Podcast

• Rob: In this episode of the Ear Scouts podcast, we're continuing our show about shows. Last week we talked about the shows at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. And this week we're talking about Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We've got a lot of shows to talk about, so let's get to it. Hi ho everybody, this is Rob with Ear Scouts, coming to you from our makeshift studio here in Celebration, Florida. Joining me, as always, is the other half of Ear Scouts, Eric. Hi ho, Eric. Erick: Hiho everyone! Rob: Eric is going to be keeping up with the live chat over on Patreon. If you'd like to join us live as we record each and every episode of the Ear Scouts podcast, just head on over to patreon.com forward slash Ear Scouts. Also with us from the great state of Indiana is our resident Disney trivia guru Craig. Hi ho, Craig. Craig: I ho, everybody. Rob: And also with us from the lovely state of Connecticut is our good friend and the host of Jessica Scraps on YouTube. Jessica. Hi ho, Jessica. Jessica: Hi ho, everyone. Rob: Jessica, why don't you share with everyone there were a couple of questions that came in that inspired this episode. So Kind of set us up. Jessica: Yeah, and just a reminder if you're on our Patreon and you have ideas for shows or questions, please put them there. Or anytime you want to put a question, you can put question for podcast in the comments of this video and we'll make sure we cover it. But here are two that prompted this show. first from Rachel Russell. How about an episode about shows? Which ones are worth it? and Debbie GB piggybacked on that and said, yes, I would love an episode about shows. I'm not clear on whether a lightning lane gets you better first choice of seats or just guarantees you get into the next show. Are there any good shows for lightning lanes? Rob: And that's pretty much exactly what we're gonna do today. we're gonna go through kind of in alphabetical order from each park. We're gonna start with the shows that have lightning lanes because those tend to be the bigger shows in each park. And then we'll go through the other shows in alphabetical order as well. All right. Well, let's move on to our penultimate park. Epcot. Not as many shows in Epcot, and actually very few of them have lightning lanes. We're gonna start with the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. And this one does have a lightning lane. I'm not sure why. Jessica, why don't you tell us about the Disney Pixar Short Film Festival? Jessica: So I'll say this is the second one out of when I told John the topic that he said we really need to to talk about because this was the sleeper hit of Epcot the last time we went. we had never I think I had seen it, he had never seen it, so we were trying to do something we had never seen, and we were blown away. I forgot how good these shorts are. They're super entertaining, they're super fun compared to the shows we talked about in Hollywood Studios that are these movie shows. This is so much better. There is a scene where it seems like something's on the stage and then it's not. It blew our mind on how they did that with the 3D. So this is a definitely falls into the everyone should do it and it's a maybe do. The Lightning Lane, I don't you don't need the Lightning Lane. It falls into the same category of if you need a burner, it's a good burner to use. It's a definite must do at least one time and then keep it on your maybe do list if you need air conditioning. It's a great it's a great show. Rob: Yeah. I would actually agree with that. And I I think I think that it's it this show becomes I think for a lot of people, because the lightning lane is always available for right that moment, people kind of write this show off as like, you know, a bottom of the barrel kind of attraction at Epcot. I agree with you though. The sh the the the shorts are cool. The You can only experience them. So unlike the vacation fun where you can kind of watch it on Disney Plus, these there's like effects that happen on that stage that can only happen on that stage. Like even if you were to see the shorts outside this theater, they would not be the same. So I agree. I think if you've never done it, you gotta do it. Not something I do all the time, but I'm glad I did it the first time. and you definitely don't need a lightning lane ever unless you want a burner. Craig, what about you? Disney Pixar Short Film Festival. Craig: Well, I guess I have to say one and done 'cause I think I've only done it maybe once or twice. But they do keep changing the film, so I probably should go more often. But again, you can generally see most of them on Disney Plus, so Rob: Yeah, you can, but I do think that th especially the one Jessica, you think you know which one I'm talking about, the one that's the the Mickey classic that's been updated and three D eyed and that one blows your mind when you see it on the stage. Jessica: Updated. Yeah. With it is it blows Craig: Huh. Well I'd I'd love to Jessica: Give it a try. Craig: see my mind blown by three D 'cause it usually isn't, so cool. Jessica: I Rob: Eric, what about what about for you? Is this a must do, maybe do one and done? Erick: with Craig is one and done and Jessica: Ha ha. Erick: same thing I will watch it just on Disney Plus. Rob: All All right. the next show in Epcot with a Lightning Lane is Turtle Talk with Crush. I would say just in terms of the lightning lane, it's very rarely helpful, only on the busiest days. you can usually tell if you're gonna need a lightning lane for it because the the line will be like kind of wrapped out and you can usually get a lightning lane for it at the last minute. So I wouldn't say there's something you need to plan a lightning lane for. Let's just say that. you're not going to get a better seat with a lightning lane though. You're just going to kind of get into the same mass of people that's going to go into the space. but there's really not a bad seat in this show. It's essentially one of those there's it's a it's a show where there's an animated character on the screen that is alive in the sense that he's he's able to interact with the audience. it's crush from finding Nemo and he's gonna interact with the kids. He's gonna ask kids are gonna ask him questions, he's gonna ask kids questions, and hilarity is almost always going to ensue. if you've ever seen that old show Kids Say the Darndest Things, that's basically The concept of this is to get kids to say fun and funny things with Crush. it's cute. If you've got kids, definitely gotta go do it at least once. for me, I I really very rarely go see this show unless I'm taking someone to see it who's never seen it before. And usually only if they have kids. but it's very cute. What about for you, Jessica? Jessica: Haven't seen it since I had little kids, so I would call that a one and done as an adult with no kids going to the park. Rob: Yeah. What about for you, Craig? Craig: Yep, same thing, one and done. I saw it when it first came out and yeah, it was just it was just skewed to the little kids. But yeah, it was fun. Definitely had a good time, but it's not my kind of thing that I want to go see again. Rob: Yeah. Eric. Erick: depends on the audience, how fun they are while interacting. So I would say it's a one and done. Rob: Yeah. I mean, I I've had the pleasure of seeing it a few times. And you're right though, Eric. Like there's been some times I was like, that was hysterical. Like that was awesome. It was a really I was really glad I went to see it. And there are other times where it was just kind of like, okay, well, that was cute. all right. That is one though that does change every time. Totally different show every time. those are the last of the shows with lightning lanes. However, there's still some pretty big shows in Epcot that don't have lightning lanes, and I would say this is one of them. the American Adventure. Craig, why don't you tell us about the American Adventure? Craig: Okay, so yes, the American Adventure takes place in the American Adventure Pavilion, surprisingly enough. and it is an animatronic show, but unlike any other one you've seen at Disney, it's the sta again, the stagecraft is mind boggling. What it takes to put this show on. And it's all animatronics. I mean, all the human has to do is push a button. But the way everything just works is is fantastic. the show is dated. I have to give it that. It really has not changed since nineteen eighty two. except for the final. There's like a film montage at the end. So, but yeah, it's it's it's a maybe. It's been a while since I've done it, but it has been on my list. It just has we just haven't had the time to do it yet. but yeah, I would I'd definitely want to see it again and soon. Rob: Yeah. for me, I w it's all about those animatronics and as you said, the stagecraft, the way that they the way that they move, the way that they, you know, take place, you know, they they kind of come in and come out, is really impressive. if you're a fan of stagecraft and animatronics and cool whiz bang stuff, go see it at least once. But I agree with you, Craig, that it needs an update. Not The animatronics are great. I'm not saying the animatronics, I mean they probably would update those, but it's really the filmed portions and the music feel kind of I don't know. It's like a it's like one of those educational film strips from middle school or something. It's just Jessica: Ha ha Craig: Mm-hmm. Rob: it's it needs an update. so for that reason I would say do it at least once, but you probably aren't gonna feel the need to do it every time. what about for you, Jessica? Jessica: Agree everything you guys said. Do it once. Don't feel like you need to go back. Rob: Yeah. What about for you, Eric? Erick: I'm with you guys. Rob: Yeah. All right. next up is Awesome Planet, which is in the land pavilion. Jessica, tell us a little bit about Awesome Planet. Jessica: So imagine you're a real estate agent and you're trying to sell people on purchasing the earth. That's awesome planet right there. it's a show that's in the land pavilion. I wouldn't even say you have to do it once. I think it's just right now it's just a skip. I'm sorry. It's not, it's dated in a not a great way. And it doesn't have animatronics. So for me, it's a unfortunately a one and done. Just save some energy. Rob: You know, I I I completely agree with you, Jessica. And I shared that once with a friend of mine who's a cast member at Epcot. And Jessica: dear. Rob: he he was he was appalled that I thought that. He was like, I l are you that's like one of my favorite things in all of Disney World. But I'm with you, Jessica. It it it remember how we Jessica: Get it. Rob: I was saying that it that other the the American adventure parts of it feel like a film strip from middle school? Like that's all this is in my mind. I don't know. Like I I I yeah, Jessica: It's weird. Rob: I don't love it. what about you, Craig? Craig: yeah, I agree with Jessica. Not the one and done part, but the you probably don't even need to do it once part. Because I honestly I have not seen this version of the film that's there. It's like third or fourth version that's been in that that theater, but yeah, I haven't seen Awesome Planet. Rob: Yeah. What about you, Eric? Erick: The Awesome Planet show is so awesome that I cannot remember what it is about so I will skip it. Craig: Ha ha ha. Rob: Yeah. I I I will I will tell you this. I went to see it the other day. I can't remember why. but there are some like effects that happen in the space at the end. And I had to ask the cast member when I came out, I like, has that always been there? And he was like, Yeah. And I was like, I didn't remember any of that even happening. And now I can't even remember what those effects were. But I remember it's like, there's effects that happen. I yeah, it's a very forgettable show. Yeah. Jessica: No, not. Just forget it. Rob: Okay. next up is the Beauty and the Beast sing along. Jessica, since you told us about Beauty and the Beast live on stage, why don't you also tell us about the Beauty and the Beast sing along? Jessica: Beauty and the Beast sing Along is the songs from Beauty and the Beast. If you had LaFou narrate it from his point of view, and then they asked people to sing along to verses that they're not really sure what the words are because they're not picking this. Parts of the song everybody knows. That's what Beauty and the Beast Sing Along is. So it's technically Beauty and the Beast sing Along without the parts of the songs you know and love, without really the story that you know and love. It's an odd retelling of Beauty and the Beast. But I have a child named Belle, so it's at the very least a maybe do for me. Rob: For me, the only good thing about this is that it's it's narrated by Angela Lansberry. And I love Jessica: That's true. Rob: Angela Lansbury, but as Jessica said, it is told as if LeFu is the hero of the story secretly. You just didn't know that he was the hero of everything. Yeah, it's weird. It's just weird and not Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: in a good way. I I I feel like it's so bad it's weird. Not so bad, it's Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: good. And I I don't know. I don't love it. for me, I would just rather that they stopped showing it and got back to showing impressions de France, which we'll talk about a little bit later. Craig, what about you? What's the what's your Craig: Well, this is another one I have yet to do. And I really have wanted to. but just timing never worked out. But my expectations are very tempered thanks to you guys. So I'll I'll go in there with a with an open mind. Jessica: Yes. Rob: Eric, do you disagree with all of us? Is is this truly a masterpiece that you can't wait to see again? Craig: Ha ha Erick: And I agree with you guys entirely. Rob: Yeah. Yeah. It it's not great. They should redo it or put something else in there, or we'll talk about impressions to France in a little bit. That's another option. Next up is Canada Far and Wide in Circle Vision 360. So there are a few shows, there's really only two that are true the 360 shows, where essentially they had this really cool rig that was created by Don Iwerks, the son of. Of iWorks, who drew the first Mickey Mouse. He helped to create this cool camera rig that could film in all directions at once. And so when you're there, it's like you're in these places. It's filmed all around you. The unfortunate thing is that most of this footage was filmed many, many years ago. So it does feel a little dated. The good news, however, is they did recently redo this one for Canada. it was re the narration was redone by if you're a fan of Shits Creek, it's Johnny and Moira Rose. it's narrated by the great Katherine O'Hara, who's one of my favorite performers of all time. one of the greatest losses we had this year. And Eugene Lovey, who was her scene partner in many films and also was in her in Shits Creek with her. his his son created that show. Their their narration is very fun. but I would say this is a probably a one and done for me, even though it's cool to see the three sixty and to feel like you're soaring through Canada and seeing the different sites in Canada. That's kind of cool. You should do it once, but probably once you've done it, yeah, it's probably not something you're gonna feel compelled to do again. Jessica, what about you? Jessica: One and done for motion sickness. if you get motion Rob: yeah. Jessica: sickness, I had to actually leave the theater. if you get motion sickness at all, avoid these three sixty shows. Rob: Yeah. What about for you, Craig? Craig: yeah, I'm gonna have to call it one and done. And it's unfortunate because if I I should say so Eugene Levy and Katherine O'Hara are only voiceovers. You don't actually see them. Now Rob: Right. Craig: if if they were actually in the film, I think it would definitely be a maybe. Rob: Yeah. Craig: But yeah, one and done. Rob: What about for you, Eric? Erick: Same with same with Craig as well, once and done. Rob: Yeah. All right. Well, but you should do it once if you don't have motion sickness issues. Craig, why don't you tell us about Celebration Encanto? Craig: Yes, this is actually one of another one of my favorite shows because it's my favorite movie. And this takes place in a world celebration in the Communicor Plaza area throughout the day. it is it's I wouldn't say it's a real a retelling of Encanto, but it's about doing the songs. there's actually some quizzes involved about the film. So, you know, Quizmaster Craig loves that part. But basically you've got like I think four or five dancer singers who help facilitate it. But you also get to see Bruno and Mirabelle in the show. But it's a sing along, it's it's a lot of fun. it's a maybe, it's not a must do for me, but it's a maybe for sure. And if it's playing, I'm gonna sit around and watch part of it at least, depending on what I'm doing what where I need to be at any given moment. Rob: Yeah. I'm gonna say if you're there with kids who are learning Spanish or kids for whom Spanish is their their first language, this is a great show for them because it's one of the only shows that really incorporates both Spanish and English and makes everyone feel a part of the show, which I love that about it. other than that, I would say for me it's a one and done. But I do think that's a nice aspect of the show. Jessica. Jessica: I think it's it's maybe do. the singers, this is another one where the performers are just so good. I mean Disney's has some of the best performers. And if you're there, watch it. if you like Encanto, go see it. For me, it's a maybe do. Rob: Okay. What about for you, Eric? Erick: have never seen it like entirely the entire show so I won't give my opinion on this one Rob: All right. next up is my favorite show in Epcot. I I don't know. I I honestly I can't explain to you why I love this as much as I do. It's Impressions de France. And it is, admittedly, a very dated film that takes you through the different regions of France. There's a section where you're at the the Tour de France. There's My favorite is this like village where you're I'm assuming when it was filmed it was it was all contemporaneous, but it looks like everybody is like in the 1940s. I don't know. I I love this because it's like a time capsule and it's a trip to France all rolled into one. And I just find it charming. it's got beautiful music. Some of the music is from Beauty and the Beast. and I just find it relaxing. And This is one show. Unfortunately, you can only see it right when the park opens or once it gets dark. Usually around dark, they bring it back. If you're not there at those times, you're going to be subjected to the abomination that Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: is the Beauty and the Beast sing along. But if you're there in the evening or early, first thing in the morning, you can see Impressions de France. And I I do it a lot. Actually, I mean, this is one of those things that if I'm in Epcot in the evening, I'm and it's in and there's and I look up and it's like gonna start in two minutes, I'm there. I'm in that theater and I fully understand that I might be the only one who feels that way. Jessica, what about you? What are your thoughts on Impressions de France? Jessica: I have only seen it once because of timing. It was a great show. If it played more, I'd see it more. But at this point, I'm not rope dropping it and I'm probably not staying to get it right before in so it's what it done. Rob: All right. What about for you, Craig? Craig: Yes, it's also one and done. I think you're understating how dated this like four and a half decades Rob: Ha ha ha. Craig: worth of dated. This is coming from me. So that that's a bit I Rob: It's it's a time capsule. Craig: d yeah, that's yeah, but we'll we'll we can go with that. Jessica: It's a time capsule. Craig: But yeah, one and done for that reason. Rob: What about actually I feel like I don't even need to ask Eric because so lot of times Eric and I are there in Epcot together and I'll be like, there's Impressions de France is gonna start in two minutes. And Eric's like, Well, yeah, man, I got a book with me, so you can go in and do that. Eric, what are you what about you? What are your feelings about Impressions de France? Erick: You gave the perfect answer. Craig: Ha ha ha. Rob: Yeah. Yeah. This might just be a me thing, but I love it and I'm gonna stand by that. All right. next up is Reflections of China, which is another this one's dated and I don't I I don't have the same love for it that I do. Impressions de France. This one is a circle vision thing. It's you the the the screens surround you. I don't know. I'm I'm not I'm not really taken with the the scenes in this one like I am with Impressions de France. if you're really interested in seeing parts of China, then maybe this is gonna be something you'll enjoy doing. But I don't know. For me, this is the one that I would say it really needs to be redone. I mean it I I know everyone else felt that way about Impressions de France too, but I think this one Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: just feels ancient. And not in a good way. I would say you could even skip this one. Jessica, what about you? Jessica: Never seen it. So I'm gonna have to skip my opinion. Rob: All right. Craig. Craig: yeah, you can skip it. I d I don't know how old it is compared to a lot of other things. But then again, I'm old, so things that are twelve years old. It's been there for twelve years, it felt like it just opened two years ago to me. So but yeah, one and done for sure. Rob: Yeah. Eric, what about for you? Erick: when and then. Rob: All right. last but certainly not least, we have Luminous, the symphony of us. This is the big nighttime spectacular at Epcot. Jessica, why don't you tell us about Luminous? Jessica: Luminous is a show that took over a few years ago. it tells about the story of a person's life and their relationship to the people around them because we are a part of the great big symphony of us and we make harmony together because everyone brings their own instrument. It's very, it's it's a very good show. Some of us love it more than others. but it is at Epcot in the middle in the in the lagoon. And so basically, there's not a bad view. You can see it around any part of Epcot. Kind of makes it a good nighttime show. There are fireworks, there's water, water projections. it is the whole thing. There is no lightning lane for this, but there are dining packages. I'm gonna go over those real quick. there are different fireworks packages at Epcot. The sit-down table packages that are prefix menus. Rosen Crown, Spice Road Table, and Sheiki Sai. the Rosen Crown and Spice Road Table puts you on a balcony right on the water that you can then kind of have front row seats to the show. However, I will say at Spice Road Table, you're kind of in a patio with an overhang. So if you're not right there at the first table, may not have as great of a view, but both of those kind of guarantee you a water view. Shiki Sai is newer. You're actually sitting up in the Japanese pavilion in the restaurant looking at it through the glass. I have not done that yet, but I imagine I've stood up there. So I imagine that's a good view. Probably will not get as good of a view of the water or the things going on in the water there. The final package is they do have a Geo82 fireworks package. Now, all of the other ones are kind of a Prefix dining package that comes with food and one alcoholic beverage and it ranges from ninety dollars to a hundred and twenty dollars depending on which restaurant. Geo eighty two is a hundred and eighty dollars a person and it's not a full meal. It's like a I call it the tea service. It's like you get some sandwiches and a couple desserts and a glass of champagne. very rarely do you hear me say this. This is not worth the money. Geo one eighty two, the fireworks package is not. In my opinion, not worth the money. Geo82 for Fireworks, 100% worth it. You do not have to get the Fireworks package to see the Fireworks from Geo82. I just want to say that. But all of those packages are available for Luminous. Luminous for me is a must-do. It is my favorite nighttime show. I love it. Rob: All right. I I will say that you definitely do not need one of those packages to enjoy Luminous. As as Jess Jessica said, there's many good places to see it from. I will tell you quickly a couple of my favorites. One is in the UK pavilion. There's some there's like a little patio along the water with seating that is kind of behind the bar that's the little beer cart that's beside Rosen Crown. A lot of people don't even realize that that's open seating. They think it's seating for Rosen Crown. but you can just go back there and grab a table right on the water, and that is the absolute best view of that show. You're you're in a perfect position. I would say my second best option, and this one you don't have to get there as early for, is if you want to get onto the the that cheeky sai, the restaurant in Japan, they have a large porch that's elevated. And anyone can walk up there and watch the show from up there. And it's not usually super crowded up there either. that's a good viewing area. And you're essentially getting the same view as the people sitting in Chiki Sai are getting. you're just outside. as far as the show, I'm I don't love Luminous. it's fine. I've watched it multiple times. I'm not saying I don't watch it, but Of the nighttime shows, for me, it is my least favorite, just because I feel like it's a very it's a very introspective nighttime show. It's Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: a very, it's very thoughtful. We're gonna think about things like love and loss and death. And it's it's a lot for a nighttime show, in my opinion. I prefer one that we'll be talking about soon at Magic Kingdom. But if you want a slice of deep, thought with your with your fireworks, this is definitely the show for you. Craig, I know you're a fan. What tell us what what what you think about Luminous? Craig: Yeah. yeah, it's it's a must do. I love it for pretty much all the reasons that Rob doesn't. Rob: Ha ha ha. Jessica: Exactly. Exactly. Erick: Ha Craig: Which is very rare. So no, it's it's my favorite. It's a must do. I actually enjoy it more than illuminations, I think, overall, over time. one thing I do want to add about When she was talking about Geo eighty two and that is a great thing. You I mean, you don't have to pay extra and you can get a good view and it's world celebration. It's right under spaceship Earth. But getting reservations at nighttime, like to be able to see the fireworks, is tough. So just don't think you're gonna be able to just go up there when you show up and and be able to get in. Jessica: Good point. Craig: So but yeah, love it. Rob: Eric, what about for you? Craig: Ha ha. Erick: miss the tacos and the donuts over there. Rob: Yeah. For those who are not familiar, he's talking about Harmonious, the previous show that had what people affectionately referred to or unaffectionately referred to as the tacos and the big donut, because they cluttered up the lagoon all day long. But yes, continue, Eric. Erick: Just like, I feel like harmonious has a soul and this one is just wants to take your soul away. So. Rob: wow. Wow. Craig: Whoa Jessica: see, I feel the exact opposite. I feel like it's Craig: Dang Yeah. Jessica: I feel like it's it remind all of us have had loss, even not death, but loss. And we've all been able to come back together from that and we're stronger together as a humanity. I just it's just I don't know. It speaks to me. Rob: I I I agree with Eric though. Harmonious was a party at the end of the night. Like Jessica: Yes, yes. Rob: you would walk around Epcot and people were cheering and dancing and excited and having fun. And you walk around and people watching people enjoy Luminous. And some of them might be crying and they're just kind of I mean, it's it's it's a it's a lot for a fireworks show, in my opinion. I think of Luminous as if you ever heard the joke about if you play a country song backwards, you get your wife back, your dog back, and your house back and all you know, like it Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: that's how I feel about Luminous. Luminous is just it's kind of dark. It's a little dark. But all right. Jessica: Yeah. Rob: let's ask our friends on Patreon though. I'm curious, Eric, what are we hearing on Patreon? Do they do are they in Jessica and Craig's camp or are they in our camp with with Luminous? Erick: From Jan, I agree with Rob, it's very thought provoking, which is why I actually love it. The message of unity is wonderful. From Laura I love it so much but also see my earlier comment about needing a character hug after to heal my trauma. and also from Ray I have said this before but I like harmonios better than luminos Rob: Yeah. I mean, I think that sounds like though we're we're hearing a lot of the the same thing that we've talked about. And I think you can probably take what you heard from everybody and and probably figure out whether or not this is gonna be a fireworks show that's gonna be for you. Well, our final park is the Big Kahuna Magic Kingdom. Surprisingly, though, I don't think Magic Kingdom has the most shows. Definitely has the most rides. It has the most stuff to do, but shows not the most, but still some good ones. let's start off with the ones that have lightning lanes, and there's actually only two that have lightning lanes. Mickey's Philhar Magic is the first. Craig, tell us about Philhar Magic. Craig: So yes, it does have a lightning lane. is it helpful? Not really. it's it's another one of those, it's a great burner attraction if you want to, you know, tap into something first thing in the morning. but otherwise, I mean it's not a huge theater. I wouldn't wait more than one show for it for sure. But yeah, Rob: Yeah. Craig: it's a three D show. It had great Disney music if you want to see characters on film. it's very funny. It's got a great storyline with Donald who stole Mickey's Sorcerer's hat and just can't control the magic. So that's basically the plot of the movie. but yeah, it's so much fun and great animation, a lot of different styles of animation, and there's a cocoa section. If you Rob: Mm-hmm. Craig: haven't seen Jessica: Mm-hmm. Craig: the cocoa section yet, that's it's phenomenal. Rob: So the only time I've ever found Lightning Lane to be useful for this show was right when that cocoa section got added, because this became super popular for a hot minute. And during busy days, if you didn't have a lightning lane, you would have to wait through a show cycle. I haven't seen that in a very long time. So I'm gonna say at this point, you don't need a lightning lane, probably ever. This is another one of those. I don't like to be the first at the front of the doors. I like to come in at the end and that way I can pick my row and pick my seat. I like to be among the last to sit. So I agree with Craig though. It's charming, it's it's cute. I don't do this every time I'm in Magic Kingdom, but I I try to make a point to do it whenever I'm there with someone who's never seen it before. And if I'm if it's like really swelteringly hot. This is definitely one that I enjoy going in, getting an AC break, and I'm gonna have a good time in there. I enjoy watching the show. One last thing, if you're there, be sure at the end, there's a moment, I'm not gonna spoil it, but something's gonna be happening behind you. So just know the end, you're gonna want to turn around and see what happened behind you so you don't miss it. Jessica, what about for you? Jessica: When they did the update just recently and they added the extra 3D around the edges, it became a motion sickness issue for me. I I tried it a couple times. I can no longer do this one. So it's a s it's a skip for me, a one and done. for me, this unfortunately it's a cute show. I wish I could do it, but the change they just did, if you are like me and you have an astigmatism and an emotion sickness really gets to you, this this one's rough right now. Rob: All right, good to know. what about for you, Eric? Erick: It's a... I think I'm with you Rob, for the same reasons. Rob: Yeah. So must do if you've got someone who hasn't seen it, otherwise maybe do. Erick: Also you want to avoid the heat. Rob: Yeah, yeah. All right. next is Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. This is the only other show in Magic Kingdom that has a lightning lane. You never need a lightning lane for this show. ever, I don't think, even on the busiest days. I will say this though it is important that you see this show in the middle of the day when lots of people are going, because this show, much like Turtle Talk with Crush, it's audience interaction. And if you're there on at a time when there's very few people in the theater, it gets very awkward. I've been in that show late at night, like when it's like just like a handful of people, and it's not a fun show then. If you're there Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: when there's a big crowd of people, it is fun. So timing is important on this one. you're going into Monsters Inc. Laughlor is basically Mike Wazowski's comedy club that he's created to collect laughs that now power the city of Monstropolis. And you're there to laugh and and fill up their power container thing. it's cute, and I think it's definitely something you should do once, especially if you're a Monsters Inc. fan. but it's not something that I do every time. what about for you, Jessica? Jessica: One and done, I it's not something I need to do. If somebody hasn't done it, I'll do it. But it's not a must do or an even maybe do. Rob: Okay. What about for you, Craig? Craig: Yeah, in general one and done. actually did it this last trip in June for the first time in many, many years. So and I didn't enjoy it. So but yeah, it's definitely not one that's on my list. Rob: Yeah. What about for you, Eric? Erick: similar to the one in Epcot with Crush. It depends a lot on the people that attend the show. So maybe a once and done. Rob: Yeah. I will say I'm hopeful that we're gonna see something new come into this space once Monstropolis opens over at over at Hollywood Studios, because it does feel like that could maybe take the place of this show and we could get something that's a little bit more tomorrowland focused in tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. next up is the country bear musical jamboree. Craig. Tell us about this recently redone show at Magic Kingdom. Craig: yeah. So this is another animatronic show. now the Country Bear musical Jamboree is a little different from the Country Bear Jamboree, which used to be the show here for many years. with different iterations. They had a Christmas version, they had a vacation, like a summer vacation version as well. So I think this is basically the fourth iteration of the the country bears that I can think of. but yeah, it's it's one of those you don't need to worry about a lightning lane, you don't need to r worry about where you're sitting. they do Disney songs now, with these animatronic bears. The animatronics look great. A lot of fun special effects new that they added in as well. one thing I do want to mention as far as like we were talking about when to go into the theater, and we're always saying hold back. one thing, if you are in a time crunch, maybe you do want to get in first because the first people in who are on the far end are the first people out as well. So you don't have to wait for a bunch of people. Not a big deal at this theater. It's never that crowded. So but yeah, it's it's it's it's a maybe for me. I I usually I enjoy it every time I do it. it's generally not on a list, but I I do enjoy seeing it. Rob: Yeah. I think for me it's a it's a I I personally preferred the original version, but I enjoy this version. whereas the original version I would have said is a must do, especially if you'd never done it. I would say this is a maybe do. but I still enjoy it a lot. And the animatronics look better than they ever have. So I'm glad for that. Jessica, what about you? Jessica: Must do. Happy songs, fun. Love the animatronics. So must do. I make I'm I force people to do this. So must do. Craig: Ha. Rob: I'm curious, do you like the new version better than the original? Jessica: I do but I had some real issues with the songs in the first version. So it was a problematic set of Craig: Yeah, there was there was a little problematic. Rob: Mm-hmm. Jessica: songs and I I don't necessarily think that we should keep those kinds of things. So I Rob: All right. Jessica: agree with getting updates. Rob: Fair enough. Eric, what about you? Erick: I the old version so much it's fun when I'm Rob: Mm. Yeah. Eric is not a fan of the new version. But I I I miss, yeah, I I I will I will agree with Jessica. There were some things that could have been modified for sure from the original version that were problematic. But there was a lot of natural that was not problematic, you know, that that I do miss that was just, you know, charming. And now it's it's still charming, just in a different way. Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: And I do think this has given the attraction a new s a new lease on life. Because the the crowds that come into Disney World now, they know the music already. They know these songs. They're all classic Disney songs. It makes sense why they did what they did. Jessica: I wish they Rob: all right. Next is Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. This is the first of the parades that we're gonna talk about. Jessica, tell us about the Adventure Friends Cavalcade. Jessica: This is a very short cavalcade that only has characters, basically. There's no big floats, there's no big, there's no big dancers. Is a set of characters walking through the park. It just so happens it has some of the best characters you're gonna see. It has Merida. It has Judy Hops, it has Bruno, it has all of the best characters. So I think it's a must do. It also has a very catchy tune. It's quick. I lobbied for this to be added to the list. It was not on the list originally when we made it for the show. So I'm going to say must do. If you're in Magic Kingdom and you see it, stop, watch it, vamos, dance. It's very exciting. And it will stay with you the rest of the day. Rob: I if it's passing by, I stop and watch it's very short. It's it's very Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: quick. It doesn't take much much of your time up to stand and watch it. I don't make it a point to go and like wait for it to come by. but if it's going by, I will watch it. Craig, what about you? Craig: Mm-hmm. Yeah, same as you, Rob. It's it's a maybe. If it's there, I'll I'll watch it. I do say I have seen Jessica watching this parade and going crazy for Judy Hops. I actually took video of it because she was so exuberant. So and Judy Judy loved it too. So yeah. Jessica: love it. I love it. There you go. Craig: If it's your favorite characters, absolutely. Rob: What about for you, Eric? Erick: I if it's passing by, I will watch it otherwise. It's a very short parade. That's why they call it Kabalke, I believe. Yes, Jessica: Cavalcade. Yeah, it's a cavalcade. Erick: yeah. Rob: Yeah. Which I g I suppose cavalcade meaning that there's it's just it's like a parade, but there's only one float, right? It's just a one thing that passes by and it's over. yeah. but I it it's cute. so while the cavalcade is not technically a parade, this next one definitely officially is a parade. Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away. This is the newest parade at Disney World. Craig, why don't you tell us about Craig: Yeah, so this is nighttime parade. And I'm gonna already call it it's a must do because we went way too long without a nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom. and this, I don't know. I I love it. I I think it's great. the floats are huge. they're well designed. They're I I always notice something new when I watch it. the characters are great. I've always managed to get interactions with them just by, you know, yelling their name or whatever. but yeah, it it's it's one of my favorite. Again, like the n I've loved the nighttime sp parades, the Main Street electrical parade, Spectrum Magic, those were like big things. Like that was part of the Magic Kingdom Day. I'm just glad to have it back. Rob: Yeah. I I would say I like it. To me, it compared to some of the other nighttime parades that are available at the parks around the world and were previously available at Magic Kingdom. Like this one's a little bit it's a little too homogenous for me. Like all the floats kind of feel a little bit the same. There's like kind of an aesthetic that runs throughout all of it. But other than that, it's it's lovely. It's you know, the music's nice. And I will say this we took Eric's family there recently. And Eric's mom specifically said it was her favorite thing that she did in all four days at Disney World. So I do know that for a lot of people, they l not only like this parade, they love it. So if it's appealing to you, you should definitely make make a plan to see it. and for me, I if if I'm able to st stop and watch it, I do. it's not something I I don't dislike it. I like it. It's just not my favorite nighttime parade. what about for you, Jessica? Jessica: because I'm a sing along kind of gal, this parade, all the music has no words, it's orchestral. it's beautiful. If they had words, this might be my favorite thing ever. Because there Rob: Okay. Jessica: are no words, it's a maybe do. Like if I'm there, I'll watch it. But I love singing along and you can't sing along. I mean, I try, but people don't love that. I it's also sometimes when we've seen it. There hasn't been as many of the dancers in between the floats. And I think the dancers really make it come to life. So it's been a hit and miss for me. so it's a maybe do for me. Rob: Yeah. The one other thing I will say, there's this moment where Peter and Wendy are supposed to fly. And I think I've seen it maybe once, but almost every time when I go to see it, something's wrong. And either either the float Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: isn't even there or it's there and they're not able to fly. So I've I've had bad luck with this one too. Craig: Yeah, I I I guess I never noticed that there were no words. But you're right. And that maybe and Jessica: There are no words, and Craig: maybe that is why I love it so much. So Jessica: You yeah, there are no words is orchestral the whole time. Craig: Yeah. Rob: Eric, what about for you? Erick: I would say it's a maybe if you happen to be there at the right time or watch it otherwise I prefer Festival of Fantasy. Rob: Yeah. Which we'll talk about momentarily, but I I would agree with that. next, however, we're gonna move away from parades because we have another show, which is Enchanted Tales with Belle. Craig, you actually just saw that one you were saying. Why don't you tell us about Enchanted Tales with Belle? Craig: yes. It had been a long time since I'd seen it. And then I saw it again this last trip and really kind of fell in love with it again. so basically you're going to go into Bella Maurice's cottage and you're going to go into Maurice's workshop. and there is a magic mirror there that will transform and take you into the beast's castle. It's an amazing effect. It's very cool. so once you're in the In the Beast Castle, you first you meet the dresser who hands out all the roles because we're going to recreate the story of Beauty and the Beast for Belle because it's her birthday. So after we get all the roles, we move into the library, which is is quite beautiful. I mean, it's it's not a huge set, but it it really does a nice job of conveying the library from the film. and then basically they the little kids tell the story. Beauty and the Beast with the help of the cast members. so yeah, it's it's great for little kids. If you have a kid who likes to be on who wants to be on stage, yeah, there's roles for everybody. Like they will make sure if anyone wants to be in it, they make sure they have a role to play. but yeah, it's it's kind of small, it's intimate. a lot of screaming kids when I saw it. Let's I will say that, but they were just full of energy and excited. But yeah, I would say it's definitely a maybe. I mean, if you haven't done it and you love Beauty and the Beast, I would definitely recommend it. You know, if you're not into like kid shows, you might want to skip it. But Rob: Yeah. What I think is cool about this one, it's a combination, it's a show. There's also Belle is there. So it's kind of like a character meet and greet where you don't actually have to have that interaction if you're not in that kind of freaks you out. The idea of having a talk to a character during a meet and greet. This is a great opportunity to kind of see a character and have some time there. and then there's also a photo pass photographer. Who's going to be taking pictures throughout the entire experience? And if you're one of the, if someone in your group is part of the the performers who are chosen to act out the story of Beauty and the Beast, then you will get what is it, Eric, that they give you? It's like is it a book? It's a bookmark, isn't it? Yeah. Craig: It's a it's a bookmark. Erick: It's a bookmark. You will get a bookmark. Rob: Yeah. And so you can use that bookmark to link the photos from the entire show that you saw. your My Disney Experience ac account. Yes, Eric. Erick: as Lumiere will say, you will mark the occasion. Rob: Yeah, I I it's cute and I think it's well done. And I I think for all the things I just said, I don't do it every time. But if I'm ever there with Littles or I'm there with a group who hasn't done it, who's, you know, curious about it, I'm always happy to go and do it again. what about for you, Jessica? Jessica: I have not done this because I assumed I think in my head it's a kid show. You guys have convinced me to go back and give it a try. So I Rob: Yeah. Jessica: I will give it a try and report. Rob: Yeah. And and the but you know what, the I was gonna say it's the performers are all little kids, but they also have adults in, you know, that that play the guards. So yeah, it's for everyone, I think. what about for you, Eric? Do you think is this something that you would you do more than once or one and done? Erick: For me, it's one and done. The effects of the mirror, it amazes me. It still amazes me every single time I see it. But yeah, I would just do it once and done. just a parenthesis over here as well. This is a show. This won't be considered a meet and greet just because like, Bell. would not sign your books. Rob: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Erick: yeah, just, and again, like they might, you might be able to get the photo of your kid with Bell from the place that you were seated. Rob: Yeah. Yeah. No, it's definitely it's not a meet and greet. I didn't I didn't mean to say it's it's kind of like a meet and greet in the sense that you have some time that you're able to spend in the space with the character, you know, who's who's doing the show. but yeah, it's not a true meet and greet. That's correct. Craig: Yeah. I also I forgot to mention there's a Lumiere animatronic that is really cool. And once Rob: Mm-hmm. Craig: you figure out how they do it, it's it's so simple, but it it really looks great. I forgot how I I'd forgotten all about that until I saw it again. I was like, wow, that really was cool. Rob: Funny thing, the last time I saw this, I was with a guy who he is he he's he's a professor of robotics. That's what he teaches is building robots. And that was the one animatronic all day that he was like, that was well done. That was clever. The the Lumiere Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: from Beauty and the Beast. all right. Well, moving on, we're we're we've we took a quick break from parades, but now it's time to go back to parades for the biggest parade of them all, Festival of Fantasy. Jessica, why don't you tell us about the Festival of Fantasy Parade? Jessica: Festival of Fantasy is exactly what it sounds. It is a parade of most of the popular Disney films that you have loved your entire childhood or your children's childhood. it has multiple floats, big, small, multiple characters, multiple dancers. It has a maleficent dragon that is amazing and assuming the weather is right, will actually breathe fire on you. song is catchy. You can sing. They have words so you can sing along. So it's it's great. to me, it is a must do. It is a must do. at least once per trip, it's a must do. I love the Festival Fantasy Parade. It's it's one of my favorite things at at Magic Kingdom. Rob: Yep. You know, and and what I said about before about Starlight, the thing I don't love about that one is there's a cohesion to the whole thing. Like all the floats feel very similar to each other. The exact opposite with Festival Fantasy. Every single parade float that comes by is a whole new world. And if you don't love one, there's a good chance you're gonna fall in love with the next one. I mean, it's just there's so much artistry in this parade. I love it. The performers are great. The music's great. I this is this is I think my I think this is my favorite parade I've seen at any of the Disney parks that I've been to. This one in particular, I just love it. Jessica: I love it. Yeah, I agree. Rob: so I I think this one is a must do for me. sadly, I don't always do it just because I don't always have time when I'm at Magic Kingdom, but whenever I do have the time, I make the time for it. what about for you, Craig? Craig: it's a maybe for Jessica: no. Craig: me. Except for the except for the Maleficent. If you have not seen the Maleficent, I mean you have to see the whole parade regardless. I don't know. It I feel like it's been around forever. It's only been 12 Rob: Yeah. Craig: years. I had to look it up, but yeah, I'm kind of bored with it, to be honest. Yeah, well, not in Rob: Twelve years is a lot. Craig: Disney time. Not when Impressions de France is forty four years old. But but Rob: Yeah. Craig: Yeah, no, I mean yeah, definitely seeing it, but it's not something I make time for. Rob: Yeah, I mean fair enough. It it it it's been there for a long time. But I'm gonna say this though. You gotta give them credit. Those floats are so well done. They if you I would not have guessed if you hadn't told me that, that there were that was twelve year old technology that we were seeing on those parade floats. They feel very up to date Yeah. What about for you, Eric? Erick: I think it's a must-watch, especially for me, the Maleficent, Float is the best one, but it's showing a lot of the popular movies. I think there's something for each one of the generations, and Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: Mm-hmm. Erick: I really wish I could have seen the Float for Merida. Just because they said that they told me that They had her brothers as little bears like on the side Jessica: Bears. Erick: so yeah Rob: Yeah, so clearly it has evolved over the over the time. It hasn't stayed the same, but it is at at its heart, it's the same parade as it has been for a long time. well, now we are done with all of the different parades and we're going back to shows, and this is a show much like Impressions de France that I love that I feel like maybe not everyone else loves as much as I do. it's the Hall of Presidents. And I especially love this show because I just happen to be one of my best friends who was one of my theater professors when I went to school for theater. She's the voice of the Hall of President, so I always feel like I'm going and spending time with an old friend when I go see that show. But that's not the only reason that I love it. I love it because I feel like this this is a it's a it's a show that takes you through the history of the presidency very quickly. it's kind of a top level story of the history of of the presidency of the United States. And what I love about it is it takes you through some pretty dark times in our history and it shows you how we came through those dark times. And so even when you're feeling a little bit down about the state of things, it's a good reminder that there's always a rebound. We always come back from whatever difficult things that we may be facing. And I love that about that show. And it's really cool in the end to see they have an animatronic of every single president, some better rendered than others, and I find it Jessica: Ha ha ha. Rob: amusing at the end. So the end is just I say a roll call. They just each president kind of gives a nod, little nod when they say their name or maybe they give a little gesture. that goes on for a little bit because there's a few presidents that they gotta get through. But I enjoy seeing all the different animatronics and kind of comparing them against each other, which ones look more like the the actual president. I'm a nerd and so I love this show for all those reasons. but I'm thinking that probably maybe we're gonna hear some other opinions. I don't know. Jessica, what are your thoughts on the old presidents? Jessica: one and done. Not my jam. Just Rob: Yeah. Yeah. Jessica: not my jam. Rob: What about for you, Craig? Craig: Yeah, it's it's a nap and done. Erick: I Rob: And what about for you, Eric? Erick: mean, have appreciation for very similar reasons to your rock. I I also have the pleasure to meet the person who voices it and it brings very good memories. But also I still remember the first time I went there and I got goosebumps. It just like the level of patriotism. that it reflects, it's amazing, and I really appreciate that show. Rob: Yeah. funny story, I I went there with a kid who's he I think he was twelve at the time, and he had just for school, he had to recite part of the Gettysburg Address. And so he Jessica: Yeah. Rob: knew the Gettysburg Address by heart at that particular moment. He was so excited by that, like because he knew the words and he was just like he was so in that in that moment. At the end of the day at Magic Kingdom, I said, What was your favorite thing that you did all day? Hall of Presidence. He was just so if your kid is currently studying the presidency, your kid might be very excited about the Hall of Presidents. Otherwise, maybe not as much, but your mileage may vary. all right. And let's move on to Mickey's Magical Friendship Fair, another perhaps polarizing show. Jessica, tell us about. The friendship fair. Jessica: So this is the show that takes place at the castle stage. it takes place a few times during the day, and it is a show where Mickey and Minnie are bringing out their friends for a magical fair. And so they've got Tiana, they've got Rapunzel and Flynn, they've got Anna and Elsa, and they do a few songs. I swore that I have seen this, so I decided to watch it today in preparation for this show. Pretty sure I blacked out for part of that. Cause I don't remember, like, I know I've seen this show. I don't remember it. I it if you like the if you like Princess and the Frog, if you like Rapunzel, or you like Frozen, the the banger hits from those movies are in this show. The song that they sing that is the celebration song at the beginning and the end is like they put into an AI generator. If you wanted Magic Castle fun and festival, make a song. It makes no sense at all. so I would say this is a one and done for me. I'm probably not gonna see it again. But today, watching it for the 20, it's a 20-minute show, guys. It's also a 20-minute show. But when Let It Go came on, I was singing in my office, Let It Go. So it's still It still has let it go and it has a little bit of fireworks. So there you go. Rob: Yeah. I it's this show is a bit of a mess and I don't I don't understand how it's survived as long as it has 'cause I mean ba it's it's basically like you you said it the best. It's like it's like they took an AI generator and just said, Okay, we need to have these popular characters in there and we guess we gotta have Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: Mickey and Minnie and just I don't know, make something with that. Like it it doesn't feel like it has any logical sense. It's I mean Are they aren't they like house guests or something? It's like, yeah, well Tiana Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: and and Elsa and Anna are just coming over to Mickey's house for tea or something. I don't know. It it's Jessica: Right, 'cause he's having a fair. He's having a f magical friendship fair. Rob: It's weird. It's a weird show that doesn't make a lot of sense. And I think that Disney would do much better to just have those characters, I don't know, roam about the way that they do at Disneyland, where you could just have magical moments with those characters rather than watching them try to figure out why they should all be in Mickey's living room together. I mean, I don't know. I I think it's a weird show, and I'm not a big fan. I would say it's not even a one and done. I'd say you can just sort of Listen to the songs that you like as you're passing by. but yeah, not a fan. Craig, what about you? Craig: it's a skip unless you got little kids who like cheesy shows. Rob: Yeah. Eric, I feel like you've been sub you've probably had to watch this show more than all of us. yeah. Jessica: Been subjected. That's what he almost said. He almost said been subjected to. I heard it. Rob: Yeah. It was it might have been almost you've you've enjoyed this show more times than the rest of us. what are what are your thoughts? Erick: I love when my best friend Olaf comes out the show. Yeah, Jessica: That I didn't mention Ola. Erick: so, and everyone goes like, No, it's a skip for me. Just, nope. Rob: Yeah. Yeah. We're not fans. I'm curious to hear at the end of this what Patreon has to say. Let us know. Are there anyone anyone in Patreon who loves the friendship fair? next up is Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, which is currently on a hiatus. So we we can't really talk about what it's gonna be, but we can talk about what it is. Craig, why don't you tell us about carousel progress? Craig: yeah, it's a it's an animatronic show. the original version, it just went through the early decades of this last century. And yeah, it's nice. You're sitting in a theater. The theater is actually a ride. It's it's an actual carousel because it does go around. The stages, it's like separated into five different pieces of like pie, and there's five different theaters as well. So you just kinda go around and They put you in the next in the next scene. So yeah, as Rob said, it's getting all redone. it was always it it was a maybe, depending on I know like they refreshed the seats recently, which was wonderful because they needed it, but up until that point, it was still kind of like, it's just kind of sad to watch because it needed an update so desperately. And it's finally getting one. So we're happy with that. It was a skip and now it's probably gonna it's gonna be a must do for sure once it reopens. Rob: Yeah. So the final scene of Carousella Progress, it takes you from, you know, like the earliest decade presented, which I think was the ninth the turn of the century, right? now it's gonna start in the nineteen sixties. Craig: sixties. Rob: Yeah. but the final scene is supposed to be the future. And in the most recent iteration, there was a joke about, well, you guys didn't even have car phones. I was like, Well, that's the future, car phones. Craig: Car phones. Rob: It was screaming out for an update and I'm so glad it's getting one. I liked it though. I s even in its very dated form, I guess I like dated things it seems, but I enjoyed it and I would watch it semi regularly. So yeah, I can't wait to see the new version and I think it'll be a must do when it comes out. Jessica, what about you? Jessica: Same. It was a maybe do, and it'll probably be a must do for a while as it's new and then hopefully it stays a must do, but otherwise it'll probably be a maybe do. Rob: Yeah. What about for you, Eric? Erick: I love the song, I love the show itself, so it was a must do for me. Rob: Yeah. and that's that's that's kind of that's the first of one of the the older shows that's been around. I feel like everybody kind of gave it a a a thumbs up. So all right. We're almost at the end. We got two shows left. Next is the enchanted tiki room, which this is one of my favorite classic shows. I think this is gonna be another one that's probably gonna be an all around the board crowd pleaser. this is basically a show where you go into the Enchanted Tiki room, which is very well air conditioned. It was the first air-conditioned attraction at Walt Disney World, and it wasn't air conditioned for the people, it was actually air conditioned for the animatronics so that they wouldn't break, but but people were very excited to have the air conditioning themselves as well. so this was the first air-conditioned attraction, and more importantly, it's an adorable show. It hasn't changed a whole lot. from its original format. It's changed some, but not a lot. So it's kind of like got a a very cool retro, fun, tiki thing going on that I feel like has kind of become cool again. I feel like the tiki scene kind of comes and goes, but I feel like we're in another tiki moment right now where people appreciate that. Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: it's a fun show. It's cute and it's you can take your Dole Whip in. That's another one. It's a show that you can bring in your dole whip and eat it while you enjoy the show. I think it's a must do. What about you, Jessica? Jessica: Must do, must do, must do. Sometimes rope drop it. Rob: Yeah. That's correct. This is this is one of Jessica's rope drop favorites. Craig, what about what about you? Craig: For me it's a maybe, it's not necessarily a must do, but you can always talk Jessica: Okay. Craig: me into it. If you want to go, sure Rob: Yeah. Craig: I'll go with you. Rob: Yeah. And what about for you, Eric? Erick: I'm with Craig. It was the first time I watched it. I hated, really, really hated it. I thought it was outdated. And then when we started Ear Scouts and I did my research and I learned about the show itself, I was like, my God, this is amazing. So Jessica: Mm-hmm. Erick: now it's, I really enjoy it. I really like it. Rob: Yeah. so I think we all thumbs up for the tiki room. If you've never done it, you definitely need to put it on your your must-do list at least once. And now the final show, and probably the biggest, most attended show in all of Walt Disney World, so it's appropriate we're ending we're ending here Happily Ever After. Jessica, tell us about Happily Ever After. Jessica: Happily Ever After is the main fireworks show that happens in the Magic Kingdom. It has projections on the castle and then on buildings down Main Street. It has most of the songs that you know and love. And the for this show, Happily Ever After is a song that you can listen to. It is amazing. it is, like you said, it is unlike Luminous that tells a story and has a up and down. Happily ever after is happily ever after. It is all upbeat. It has a pirates montage. It has even the villains montage is fun and exciting. You will leave this feeling like you've been to a party. It's everyone loves it. At the end, there's a surprise, which hopefully everybody listening to this podcast knows that Tinkerbell may fly if the weather is good. And If you were gonna cry, that's most likely when you cry. And it's it's a beautiful thing. I've never taken anyone to Happily Ever After who didn't love Happily Ever After, so it is a must-do. I do want to give a few shout-outs to the firework package options that are at Happily Ever After. So they have three very different fireworks options. The first is called seats and suites. It's called Seats and Suites because it is a sit-down at the Tomorrowland Terrace where you get a table to watch the fireworks while you have a set of desserts. this is between $124 and $134 a person. the view may not be great if you're not right at the terrace and you're kind of sitting in a weird angle to view the castle, but this is the guaranteed place you will get a chair. You actually get to sit down to watch the fireworks. This is it. The other two ways that you can do a package for the fireworks are dessert parties. There is a pre-party and a post-party. The pre-party, ready for this, you eat desserts before the fireworks. The post party, never gonna guess. You eat desserts after the fireworks. Both of them share the location on the hub grass. It is as you're looking at the castle to the right of the hub, there's a section that you go and you will have dedicated sitting seating standing for. standing because there is no, there's no chairs in there, just the grass. The desserts party is a option of desserts, some cheeses, light snacks, some alcoholic beverages are available at both of these. Both the post and the the pre parties are $99 to $109. we personally have done the post party. If you're going with people that don't like crowds, having that place on the hubgrass, although it may not be the best place to see the fireworks if you have the optimal centerline viewing, it's a good place to see the fireworks. And there are Proportionally a lot less people surrounding you and touching you, you'll actually get some space. So worth it is subjective. But if you have people that may hate the fireworks, if you don't give them this space, it it wasn't a bad deal for a hundred bucks. Rob: Okay. Jessica: But for me, happily ever after overall is a must. Rob: Yeah, for sure. If you've never seen Happily Ever After, it absolutely have to put this on your must do list for your trip. in terms of the best way to see this show, I think the absolute best viewing for me, I like to be as close as I can, just a little bit past the the the Walt and Mickey statue, the partner statue, meaning that I like to be Farther away from the castle than that statue, but not much because I like to be able to kind of see the details of the projections on the castle really well and be far enough back that the fireworks actually appear over the castle and not behind it. Because if you're right up on the castle, some of the fireworks kind of appear behind it. That's my first favorite spot, but my second favorite spot is really easy to get. It's it's on Main Street. And if you're there on a moderate day when it's not crazy busy, you can walk up and get a spot in the middle of midway down Main Street, pretty close to the last minute. so I love watching on Main Street too, because you get a good distance from everything and you can see the projections that happen on Main Street as well. but it's a must-do. And I think it's it's it's probably While I still say Lion King is my favorite show, I think Happily Ever After is if you only do one, it should probably be Happily Ever After. Craig, what about you? Craig: It's a little tough. so first I'm a wishes guy, which was the predecessor to Happily Ever After. So it took me a while to warm up, but I have warmed up to Happily Ever After for sure. The music's great, the finale's great. I'm gonna put in maybe just because I don't have to watch it in the Magic Kingdom. Like I there are times I'd rather watch it from the shores of the Polynesian or just to be away from all the crowds. That's the only thing. But yes, I listen to the show, I've like will put it on. Disney Plus, the version that they have on Disney Plus often. So I'm gonna just have to put it in the must do, I guess. Rob: Okay. Jessica: Mm-hmm. Rob: What about for you, Eric? Erick: I think it's supposed to... I miss Enchantment. Rob: Mm-hmm. Jessica: Mm-hmm. Erick: But honestly, like, this is a really good show as well. Rob: Yeah. I think Eric and I were the were the were the two biggest fans of Enchantment. I feel like every everybody else was like, Really? You like that show? But yeah, we both really like that show. but I love Happily Ever After as well. And you can still see Enchantment. If you want to see it, you can still see it at the after hours parties that they have at Magic Kingdom. In fact, you can see both fireworks shows on those nights. Not not so scary, not very merry, just the traditional after hours events have that enchantment show. Well, that is a wrap on all of the shows at Walt Disney World. We did it. We got through all of them. And we we don't really have a question of the week because this whole episode essentially was the question of the week. But if you would like to have a question answered in a future episode, just leave your question in the comments of our YouTube channel, which you can find at your scouts.com forward slash podcast. Or by searching for the Ear Scouts video podcast on YouTube. Just leave us the question. And as Jessica said, put in all caps, you know, question for podcast, and we'll try to include it in a future show. Or you can ask us on Patreon at patreon.com forward slash Ear Scouts. But now, before we say goodnight, it is time for our happily ever after, which we call happy thoughts. Jessica, what is your happy thought this week? Jessica: So my happy thought is this weekend John and I were randomly looking for things to do around us, and we found something called ready, the Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum. Didn't know, didn't know what it was. We walk in, and it is this man, this man and woman, the Barkers, their collection of over 80,000. probably closer to a hundred thousand by now of old toys and memorabilia from just that characters, comics, and cartoons. If you love Disney, it was it was insane. It was so much cool stuff. I took some pictures, I sent it to the guys, I put on Patreon a picture of me with one of the original WALL-E displays from one of the movie theaters. So much fun. Look them up. But attached to that, they also have an art museum or an art gallery that is a Disney fine arts arts gallery. So all of the Disney artists are represented in this Cheshire, Connecticut, random place. And they had a Rob Caz original Bova Fett actually there that I walked out with. So I was very excited. So random. Middle of nowhere in Connecticut, I got myself a signed Robcaz. So very exciting. That's my happy thought. Rob: Very cool. Very cool. Craig, what is your happy thought this week? Craig: Okay, so I think you've heard us talk about Geo82, the the lounge in Epcot, and they have this drink called a brown butter old fashioned. And so it's made with brown butter bourbon. Well, how do you do that? Well, you have to make it. And I found a recipe online and I tried this several months ago and it was okay. It didn't do great. Tried it again with a little better ingredients, and boy, I tell you, it came out perfectly. So I'm gonna have a little little nip during the after party here. and So yeah, that that made me happy that it came out and all I had to do was just up the up the quality of the ingredients. So and it was very easy to make. Rob: Very nice. You have to share that recipe on Patreon. Eric, what is your happy thought this week? Erick: while we were doing Food and Wine in Epcot, we randomly stopped by the American Pavilion. We were just resting inside and then the voices of America, they started singing Remember Me and honestly, being able to experience it through their performance. It was just fantastic. Everyone was very excited as well. And it was a very... It was sang in a very unique way and it was awesome to experience it. Rob: Yeah, so the the Voices of Liberty are in the American Adventure Pavilion and they're an a cappella singing group and I'm so sad I missed that. So I'm gonna have to try to get over there and catch catch their performance so I can hear hopefully they'll do that song when I'm there, because that does sound amazing. my happy thought is that we we were at the Wine and Food Festival for the last four or five days. Basically we were there every single day Since it started to try all the new foods. I think there were like 48 new food items. I mean, it was a lot. And we finally managed to try all of the new food at Food and Wine this year. you can find our reviews over on Patreon, and we're gonna have a video coming out with our picks for the top 30 new food items. So stay tuned for that. But I just wanted to say that my my happy thought was that there were so many really delicious new things added to the festival this year. And the one that surprised me the most, I I am so over the Dubai chocolate like takeover of the universe. I feel like you can't go into a 7-Eleven without there being like 11 Dubai chocolate things to choose from. So you I would not have expected that I was going to call out a Dubai chocolate style item as a must-try from this festival. But I gotta say, in the Morocco pavilion, they have this cookie. It's basically, it's basically a Dubai chocolate cookie, but it is so stinking good, it made me understand why Dubai chocolate is the rage that it is. So if you're like me and you've been like, I don't get this whole Dubai chocolate thing. go to the Morocco Pavilion, try that amazing cookie, and you know, maybe, maybe like me, you'll be like, okay, now I get it. but be sure to check out food and wine. It's a lot of good new food this year. And I'm sure we'll be talking about that and more things in future podcasts to come. Until then, don't forget to think happy thoughts, everybody. We'll see you again real soon. Craig: Mm.