Mouse Extra

Although certainly not official there has been some interesting tidbits on the Inside the Magic website. According to thier sources, the ride will shut down around April 15th not to reopen again until sometime in late September. Its certainly a long refurb, but more interestingly, it will be shut down for the entire summer season. It will, of course, be open for the Easter/spring break and the Christmas rush, but all summer long, the guests will be lacking the high speed attraction.

The ride will have “upbeat music, engaging media, dramatic lighting and a collection of Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles.” Guests will use design stations to “make” thier car and then test it out the on Test Track course. Accoridng to Inside the Magic the “design area can be likened to interactive queue elements that Walt Disney World has been adding to other attractions in recent months and will precede the ride itself, which should include many (if not all) updated show scenes.” After the ride, there will be a post show involving your concept vechile.

Sounds like a nearly complete overhaul with mostly just the track itself sticking around. Hopefully, Disney will release more news and concept art in the coming weeks.

Disney has officially announced plans for the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game. Rumors about the game have been swirling around the internet for some time. Merlin will be recruiting people to play the game inside the Magic Kingdom, which apparently will be similiar to the extremely popular Kim Possible game at Epcot. Work has already begun on the project in Adventureland.

My kids love the Kim Possible game. In fact, both played it this past August. And I loved playing along with them. My only conern about this would be space. The Magic Kingdom gets a lot more congested than the wide open World Showcase.

Personally, I would love to see a Phineas & Ferb game as well. I originally though Phineas and Ferb would be a good replacement for Kim Possible as Kim Possible is not really in the kid’s culture these days. But the more I think about the more I would like to see a 3rd park use this. I would love a Phineas & Ferb game for Disney Hollywood Studios. And while we are at it, Disney’s Animal Kingdom could be an interesting choice for a game like this. Perhaps, Donald’s Safari Interactive game and what not.

The podcast, BetaMouse, did an excellent episode on the potentials of this game in thier episode 73, back in July. I recommend you check that out.

One thing I love to do is listen to podcasts about Disney stuff. There are many that I like such as WDW Today, WDW Radio, Betamouse and others. One that I have always listened to was Mouse Guest Weekly. Well, on a sad note, this saturday at 2pm, Mouse Guest Weekly will be airing its final show, which will be live. I encourage everyone to listen and join in and give Eric, Cathy and Dan a big send off.

Mouse Guest Weekly has always produced quality podcasts from a fan’s point of view. I enjoyed the banter of the three hosts and their clear love for Disney. If you are reading this blog, then I am sure you share that with them.  I particularly enjoyed episodes 114 and 99 when our very own Dave from Mouse Extra was a guest.

But all kidding aside we here at Mouse Extra wish the Mouse Guest Weekly folks all the best and hope they come back at some point. I will keep my itunes subscription just in case.

Now please stand clear of the door……

One of my favorite types of coffee in the world is Kona coffee. I can drink that stuff all day (and often do). So, it should be no surprise that at Walt Disney World I am going to try to get the stuff at least once during a vacation. Lets be honest, the only thing rarer than a good cup of coffee at the Mouse is a good slice of pizza.

At the Kona Cafe in the Polynesian Resort, you can get a great pressed pot of Kona coffee. You can also get a terrific assortment of brekfast foods. I am a big fan of the macadamian pineapple pancakes and the tonga toast (think banana stuffed into french toast). To me, there is no better way to start a morning before traipsing around the Magic Kingdom. You can also try such dishes as the Big Kahuna (which is basically everything on the menu) and the Samoa (sort of like Eggs Benedict).

The Polynesian Resort mixes a beautiful setting with great food

But, it does not stop at breakfast. Dinner is fantastic here. The rolls served before your meal are tremendous. The macadamian butter is to die for. I love the pan asian noodles. Other items that meet high praise are the steak with pineapple glaze, the cocunut almond chicken and the sticky wings appetizer. Even picky eaters who might not want to try exotic items will be ok here. When Disney des ethhic foods, they tend to tone it down for the american guest. It seems work well here. 

The Kona Cafe makes a fine choice for lunch, as well. Its a great way to escape the maddening crowds at the Magic Kingdom for a few hours. The resort is beautiful, once of the most enjoyable at the Mouse. Plus, the food is far better than anything in the park. Many of the exceptional dinner items are present for lunch.

Recently, the good folks at the Be Our Guest Podcast did a review of the Kona Cafe. Mike from that show said that the Kona Cafe is his personal favorite restaurant at WDW. And I tend to agree with him. Its right there in my top 5 with places like Boma and Teppan Edo.

Just remember to get the coffee.

Today’s posting is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

I would like to take this space to thank Eric and Dan of Mouse Guest Weekly for allowing me on their amazing podcast this week.  The show is available to download now, so go over to www.mouseguest.com and take a listen. 

We discussed the potential changes to the FastPass system, and really go into a great discussion regarding Epcot and the new direction that park has taken over the last few years.  While you’re at their website, take a listen to their past shows.  This a unique Disney podcast .  Almost all of their shows are timeless, and can be really fun to hear no matter how old they might be.  Also, take a look at the website.  It’s absolutely  terrific.  They have some more to go to make it complete, but it has the potential to be the very best Disney fan-based website.  When it’s done, it will be a Disney World addicts dream!

After you hear the show, feel free to let me know what you thought.  Post it on the comments here, or find the both of us over at the Mouse Guest Forum.  Thanks again, guys!

I often get asked what Disney podcasts I listen to.  In a very short time, the choices have really become overwhelming.  Some are good, others not so good.  What I thought I would do today is give you five of the shows I listen to regularly and enjoy the most.  There are others that I download often, but these are the ones I make a point not to miss.

WDW Today –This show is a Disney World traveler’s dream.  It is hosted by Len Testa, co-author of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, Matt Hochberg of mgmstudios.org, Mike Scopa of MousePlanet, and Mike Newell of Mouse World Radio.  They also bring in the occasional guest host.  Each one brings a wealth of knowledge to the show.  For anyone planning a trip to Orlando, listen to this as often as possible, but it is also for anyone just interested in hearing about Disney World.  There is an occasional two hour live show that allows the audience to call in and ask the experts advice.  (Just be aware they all have a strange obsession with Narcoossee’s)

Mouse Guest Weekly –Hosted by Eric and Dan, this show is unique to other Disney podcasts.  Terrifically produced and very well paced, Mouse Guest Weekly is an overall Disney show.  They don’t focus on news or rumors, just whatever they want to discuss.  It offers great features and music, and talks about movies, theme parks, and every Mouse related subject in between.  The best way I can describe this show is that it is just plain fun.  The hosts are genuine in their delivery, and they truly love the subject.  (hopefully I’ll be kicking Eric’s butt in fantasy baseball this year!)

WDW Radio –Hosted by Lou Mongello, author of the Disney World Trivia books, WDW Radio is for the true Disney addict.  Lou focuses on rumors, history, trivia, and news.  After listening a few times, you come to realize that he is an encyclopedia of Disney knowledge, but he doesn’t come off that way at all.  Mongello used to co-host Mousetunes, but when that show was cancelled, he started his own podcast.  WDW Radio far exceeds Mousetunes in nearly everyway.   

MiceCast –Hosts Greg and Mike define their show as a PG-13 show that’s, “not for the soccer mom crowd”.  The two former Disneyland employees couldn’t be more correct.  I like to call MiceCast the curmudgeon’s podcast.  They dispense with any noticeable production tricks and just start recording.  The profanity comes as the “adult beverages” start to flow.  But don’t mistake this for some amateur production.  Amid the drinking, laughing, and belching are two guys who are opinionated and knowledgeable and debate each other in a terrifically entertaining fashion.  (not for children, if you haven’t already figured that out)

Inside the Magic –this podcast is the best produced of all I listen to.  Filled from start to finish with great music, sound effects and park audio, Inside the Magic succeeds in making you miss the Mouse.