Golden Dream: 50 Years of Walt Disney World
Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things attractions, but mostly theme parks. We're dropping in quick from our hiatus to cover a topic near and dear to our hearts, Walt Disney World! In honor of WDW's 50th anniversary, we're looking at the five full decades the Florida Project has been open and determining what was the best decade for Walt Disney World.
About this Episode
Of the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, and 10s, what was the best decade in Walt Disney World's history. Was it the new ground of the 1970s, or the fast paced construction of the 90's? Cohosts Nick and Katie have some strong opinions on the matter, so tune in and find out what they think!
Last Episode's Trivia Question: What was the original name of Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside at Walt Disney World Resort?
Answer: Dixie Landings
This week's Trivia Question: The Amateur Athletic Union building on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, near Disney Springs at WDW, was originally built for what purpose?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Golden Dream: 50 Years of Walt Disney World

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things attractions, but mostly theme parks. Co-host Katie is one lucky duck and this week is heading to sunny Hawaii to experience the amazing Aulani Disney resort. While host Teknikipedia is certainly jealous, we're taking the opporunity to discuss some of the most magical places to spend a night, the Disney Resorts!
About this Episode
Join us as we talk through the Disney resort experience and what makes it so special. We then look at our picks for the best and honorable mentions of Disney resorts in the US. So, if you want to hear what two seasoned resort-goers have to say about places to stay at the happiest and most magical places on Earth, check out the following:
Value Resort (28:55)
Moderate Resort (36:56)
Deluxe Resort (48:00)
Deluxe Villa Resort (59:22)
Best Standalone Resort Experience (1:10:34)

Last Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we mention the Walt Disney-created show “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” that was built for the 1964 New York World's Fair. What pavilion was this show created for?
Answer: Illinois Pavilion
This week's Trivia Question: What was the original name of Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside at Walt Disney World Resort?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Staying at the Magic: Disney Resorts

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things attractions, but mostly theme parks. In this episode, we're tackling a topic that is definitely not without controversy: What place does history have in theme parks and attractions?
About this Episode
There's been some interesting updates coming out of the world of theme parks as of late. Not only are there plans in the works to replace the theme of Splash Mountain, but just recently Disney announced changes coming to the classic Jungle Cruise. Also, in Orlando, the inauguration of a new President of the United States means updates coming to the Walt Disney World original Hall of Presidents. Given that the hall has had an interesting time in the past few years, it brings up the question of whether the Hall should continue in its current form, or is it time to retire this tribute and give it to the annals of history.
Tune in and hear hosts Nick and Katie discuss these specific examples as well as a few more from past and present. We ask that you listen with an open mind, but if you have a different opinion or just want to let us know your thoughts, feel free to get in touch with us at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Trivia
Last Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we mentioned Universal’s prized themed snack Butterbeer. In how many different ways can you enjoy a Butterbeer at Universal theme parks?
Answer: 6, or 7 if you count pre-packaged Ice Cream
This week's Trivia Question: In this episode, we mention the Walt Disney-created show “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” that was built for the 1964 New York World's Fair. What pavilion was this show created for?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, see you next time!

It's Complicated: Attractions and "Real" History

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things attractions, but mostly theme parks. This is our first episode of 2021, and it's only fitting that this is episode 21! In this week's episode, Katie and Nick are once again talking about food. But this time, they're heading to the big spinning globe of Universal Parks and Resorts to look at their most treasured tasty treats.
Join our hosts as they dive in to their top choices in Universal theme park cuisine, as well as, once again, the food they feel may be a bit overrated. In this episode, we're covering our favorite foods (and honorable mentions) in the following categories:
Theme Park Snack (24:50)
Themed, Seasonal, or "Authentic" Foods (34:52)
Quick Service Restaurant (43:40)
Table Service Restaurant (53:52)
Overrated Offering (59:30)

Last Episode's Trivia Question: One of the most cherished Disney holiday traditions is the Candlelight Processionals at Disneyland and Epcot. What year did the Candlelight Processional debut at Epcot?
Answer: 1994
This week's Trivia Question: In this episode, we mentioned Universal’s prized themed snack Butterbeer. In how many different ways can you enjoy a Butterbeer at Universal theme parks?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Good Taste is Universal: Theme Park Food: Universal Edition

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things location-based entertainment, but mostly theme parks.
In this week's episode, we have a little something different, but it all revolves around a very festive theme, the holidays! We start with a couple quick trip reports from The Festival of the Holidays at Epcot and "I Love Christmas Movies" at the Gaylord Resorts. Next, we chat about what makes holidays at attractions so special.
Last Episode's Trivia Question: In the late 80’s to mid 90’s, Disney featured a special food offering described as the “sandwich of the future”. What was the name of this treat?
Answer: The Handwich!
This week's Trivia Question: One of the most cherished Disney holiday traditions is the Candlelight Processionals at Disneyland and Epcot. What year did the Candlelight Processional debut at Epcot?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
To give us a little more time to prep for the new year, and to spend quality time with our loved ones, this will be the last episode of 2020. We're not sad to see this year go, that's for sure. Happy Holidays to you, and thanks for listening, we'll see you in early 2021. TTFN!

Let it Snoap! ~ Attractions and the Holidays

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things location-based entertainment, but mostly theme parks.
In this week's episode, Katie and Nick are talking food. Yep, food. Specifically, Disney Parks and Resorts food. Join our hosts as they dive in to their top choices in theme park cuisine, as well as the food they feel may be a bit overrated. In this episode, we're covering our favorite foods (and honorable mentions) in the following categories:
Theme Park Snack (19:00)
Themed, Seasonal, or "Authentic" Foods (34:55)
Quick Service Restaurant (53:25)
Table Service Restaurant (1:07:30)
Overrated Offering (1:21:40)
Bonus! (1:34:45)

In a future episode we'll be looking at what foods we love (or are overrated) at Universal, as well as other favorite parks!
Last Episode's Trivia Question: This year, Disney opened Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As part of this attraction, a special theme song was written. What is the name of the song?
Answer: Nothing Can Stop Us Now
This week's Trivia Question: In the late 80’s to mid 90’s, Disney featured a special food offering described as the “sandwich of the future”. What was the name of this treat?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, see you next week!

Fun You Can Taste ~ Theme Park Food: Disney Edition

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things location-based entertainment, but mostly theme parks.
In this week's episode, Katie and Nick are finishing up their look at one of their absolute favorite things in the world, theme park music. To finish this up, they're looking at Shows!
In this episode, we're covering our favorite songs (and honorable mentions) in the following music categories:
Pre-Show Music
Atmosphere Entertainment
Shows Using Existing Intellectual Properties - Follow the Original Story
Shows Using Existing Intellectual Properties - Create a New Story
Original Shows (or Original Music)

We hope you enjoyed this look at our favorite pieces of Theme Park music!
Last Episode's Trivia Question: In what year did FastPass debut at the Walt Disney World Resort?
Answer: 1999
This week's Trivia Question: This year (2020), Disney opened Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As part of this attraction, a special theme song was written. What is the name of the song?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, see you next week!

Playing By Ear ~ Theme Park Music: Part II

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things location-based entertainment, but mostly theme parks.
We're back from our Thanksgiving break, and in this week's episode Katie and Nick are talking about the pandemic. Suffice it to say the pandemic has had numerous effects, both negative and even a few positives, on the theme park industry. Although, let's be honest, it's mostly negative. Katie, being a Central Florida resident, tells us all about her experiences in the parks and how things have changed.
Last Episode's Trivia Question: In the queue for the original Test Track, there were a group of crash test dummies located just outside the original briefing rooms, and in that group, there was a baby dummy. What was the baby’s name?
Answer: CRABI
Correct Answerers: None this week.
This week's Trivia Question: In what year was FastPass introduced at the Walt Disney World Resort?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, TTFN!

The New Normal? ~ COVID19 and Theme Parks

Greetings Adventurers, and welcome to Episode 16 of the Main Entrance Cast!
Cars, no matter your own thoughts on automobiles, they have made an incalcuable impact on the world we know today, and their impacts on entertainment design are just as gargantuan. From car rides and roller coasters to drive ins and Stranger Things, cars are still helping us get out to have fun, just sometimes in a more literal way.
Join host Teknikipedia in this week's segments:
Variations on a Theme: Cars in Theme Parks (1:43)
HistoriScope: Six Flags Autoworld (17:35)
CreatiCore: Cars as Entertainment (27:32)
Spotlight on the World: Ferrari World (40:31)
Where in the World is Nick?: BMW Welt (52:15)
Last Week's Trivia Question: At what theme park can you find the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure?
Last Week's Answer: Universal Studios Singapore
Correct Answers: Lee
This Week's Trivia Question: In the Queue for the original Test Track, there were a group of crash test dummies located just outside the original briefing rooms, and in that group, there was a baby dummy. What was the baby’s name?
If you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.

As always, if you’re looking for a new best friend, adopt, don’t shop, and always make time to explore your world.
Thanks for listening!

Let the Good Times Roll ~ Cars I

Greetings Adventurers, and welcome to a very special episode of the Main Entrance Cast. Thanks to a special break in the space-time continuum, the MEC has gotten its hands on a park review from an alternate dimension, a dimension where Jurassic Park, the famous dinosaur theme park, is real.
Join Teknikipedia's alter ego, NikiCarta, as he and his lovely wife make a special visit to the place where prehistoric dreams come true. Remember, it was all started by a mosquito!
Last Week's Trivia Question: What cocktail, which some have claimed originated in Juarez, Mexico, traditionally features tequila, lime, and triple sec, and can be served either on the rocks or blended?
Last Week's Answer: Margarita
Correct Answers: Lee, Teresa, Jackie, Katie, Sonya, and Cody
This Week's Trivia Question: At what theme park can you find the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure?

If you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com


 
As always, if you’re looking for a new best friend, adopt, don’t shop, and always make time to explore your world. Thanks for listening!

Spared No Expense ~ A Visit to Jurassic Park

Bienvenidos Adventurers and welcome to Episode 14 of the Main Entrance Cast. In this episode, we're heading south of the border to look at ways to have fun involving Mexico!
 


Join host Teknikipedia as we talk about the following:


Traditions: Dia de los Muertos (2:07)


Variations on a Theme: Mexico (11:50)


CreatiCore: Mexico Pavilion at Epcot (23:33)


HistoriScope: Chichen Itza (37:52)


Culinary Adventures: Mexico (48:15)


Last week’s trivia question: What theme park, located in America’s heartland, features an entire land dedicated to Halloween, featuring not one, but two world-renowned wooden roller coasters?
Last week’s answer: Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN
Correct answers: None this time. (Sadness)
This week’s trivia question: What cocktail, which some have claimed originated in Juarez, Mexico, traditionally features tequila, lime, and triple sec, and can be served either on the rocks or blended?


If you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com


 
As always, if you’re looking for a new best friend, adopt, don’t shop, and always make time to explore your world.


Thanks for listening, adios!

Aventura con Amigos ~ Mexico

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to Episode 13 of the Main Entrance Cast. It's quite fitting that our 13th episode would be all about one of our absolute favorite times of year, Halloween!
Join host Teknikipedia as we talk about the following:
Theme Park Psychology: Why Do We Like To Be Scared (2:26)
Variations on a Theme: Silly & Scary (10:50)
CreatiCore: Halloween Horror Nights Haunted Houses (19:18)
HistoriScope: Phantasmagoria (31:50)
Traditions: International Halloweens (39:13)
Last week’s trivia question: What is the oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball
Last week’s answer: Fenway Park in Boston, MA
Correct answers: Tracy and Teresa!
This week’s trivia question: What theme park, located in America’s heartland, features an entire land dedicated to Halloween, featuring not one, but two world-renowned wooden roller coasters?
If you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com
As always, if you’re looking for a new best friend, adopt, don’t shop, and always make time to explore your world.
Thanks for listening, we hope we didn't frighten you too much! Lol.

Ghoulish Delights ~ Halloween

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to Episode 12 of the Main Entrance Cast.
In this episode, just in time for the World Series, we're looking at the national pastime of the United States: baseball! Join us for a look at some location-based entertainment options all about the old ball game.
This week on the cast:
Spotlight on the World: The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (1:50)
 HistoriScope: Boardwalk & Baseball (7:42)
  CreatiCore: Fun Off the Field (15:40)
  Traditions: Fun On the Field (26:22)
  Off the Beaten Path (35:45)
Last week's trivia question: What is the name of the main theme of the Main Street Electrical Parade
Last week's answer: Baroque Hoedown
Correct answers: Kyle, Oliver, Elliet, Rachel, Lee, and Ardi. Great job everyone!
This week's trivia question: What is currently the oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball?

Special add on question: What is the newest ballpark in Major League Baseball?
If you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com
As always, if you're looking for a new best friend, adopt, don't shop, and always make time to explore your world.
Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy the show. Play ball!

The Old Ball Game ~ Baseball

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to our salute to all things location-based entertainment, but mostly theme parks.
In this week's episode (our first feature since the relaunch), Katie and Nick are talking about one of their absolute favorite things in the world, theme park music. Yes, it's mostly Disney Theme Park music, but we have a little Universal, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens mixed in for good measure too! In this episode, we're covering our favorite songs (and honorable mentions) in the following music categories:
Attraction Soundtrack (13:18)
 Background Music (30:28)
 Parade (47:00)
 Nighttime Spectacular (1:01:05)

In a future episode we'll be covering shows, but for now, we're looking, or rather, listening to those pieces of music that make going to a theme park so magical!
Last Episode's Trivia Question: Based on a famous cocktail from the TV show “The Simpsons”, what concoction, that was made partially from cough syrup on the show, was recreated (and reformulated)  in non-alcoholic form for Springfield at Universal Parks?
Answer: The Flamin' Moe
Correct Answerers: Jared, Becky, Colin, Mike, Jess, Ardi and Ron
This week's Trivia Question: In this episode we mentioned the Main Street Electrical Parade. What is the title of the main theme of that parade?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, see you next week!

Chiming In ~ Favorite Disney/Universal/SeaWorld Theme Park Music

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to Episode 10 of the Main Entrance Cast. 
In this episode, we'll be looking at topics related to, what the Simpsons called the cause and solutions to all of life's problems, beer! Well, specifically a few ways beer contributes to location-based entertainment experiences.
This week on the cast:
Spotlight on the World: The Great American Beer Festival (2:06)
 Variations on a Theme: Brewery Tours (7:14)
  CreatiCore: Exclusive Specialty Beverages (15:44)
  HistoriScope: Busch Gardens (21:44)
  Tripping with Nick: Oktoberfest 2018 (30:02)
Last week's trivia question: What was the original name of the Liberty Belle Riverboat that departs from Liberty Square?
Last week's answer: The Richard F. Irvine
Correct answers: Rachel, Josh, Oliver, Elliet, Teresa, Lee, Sonya, and Jerry. Great job everyone!!!
This week's trivia question: Based on a famous cocktail from the TV show “The Simpsons”, what concoction, that was made partially from cough syrup on the show, was recreated (and reformulated)  in non-alcoholic form for Springfield at Universal Parks?
If you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com
As always, if you're looking for a new best friend, adopt, don't shop, and always make time to explore your world.
Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy the show!

Good Brews, Good Times ~ Beer

Greetings Adventurers and welcome to the relaunch of the Main Entrance Cast!
In this episode, in honor of the 49th anniversary week of Walt Disney World we will be taking a look at few parts of Disney's Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, FL.
Join host Teknikipedia as we talk about the following:
Main Entrance Review (7:42): Magic Kingdom and the TTC
 Variations on a Theme (18:35): The Trains of Magic Kingdom
  CreatiCore (27:00): The Utilidors
  HistoriScope (35:13): Spectromagic Parade
  Insider Tips (45:44): Hidden Gems of the Magic Kingdom

Last Episode's Trivia Question: What classical song at one time could be heard in two distinctly different styles at both World Showcase in Epcot and Tomorrowland at Disneyland?
Answer: Aquarium from The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns; it could be heard at Impressions de France at Epcot in it's original arrangement, and in Space Mountain at Disneyland in the surf guitar style by Dick Dale.
This week's Trivia Question: What was the original name of the Liberty Belle Riverboat that departs from Liberty Square?
If you think you know the answer, let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Thanks for listening, see you next week!

The Second Kingdom ~ Magic Kingdom Park

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Main Entrance Cast. In this episode, Nick and Katie finally finish their two-episode examination of the most unique Theme Park in the entire world, Epcot!
Now, on with the show!
Feature Presentation (6:14)
It's no secret Epcot is changing. But what does the future hold for this park, and is the change for the best. Nick and Katie feel very differently about this, so tune in to hear what's happening to Walt's greatest dream and hear their perspectives on what that means to them!
Trivia & Wrap Up (2:08:40):
Last Episode's Trivia Question: What was the name of the original host of the predecessor for Backstage Magic, the Astuter Computer Review in CommuniCore?
Last Episode's Trivia Answer: Earlie the Pearlie
This Episode's Trivia Question: What classical piece of music at one time could be heard in two distinctly different styles at both World Showcase in Epcot and Tomorrowland at Disneyland?
If you think you know the answer, drop us a line at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
That's it for Episode 8. If you're looking for a new best friend, adopt, don't shop, and always make time to explore your world. Thanks for listening!

A Whole New World ~ Epcot Part II

Greetings Adventurers! Welcome to Episode 7 of the Main Entrance Cast.
We're taking a short break from our look at Epcot past, present, and future to bring you an amazing interview with an industry professional, Louis Alfieri, of Raven Sun Creative. Tune in to hear about Louis's design journey with projects at SeaWorld, Universal Creative, and more!
This interview is a great listen for any inspiring location-based entertainment designers.

Interview with Louis Alfieri ~ Theme Park Designer

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Main Entrance Cast. In this episode, Nick and Katie will begin a two-episode examination of perhaps the most unique and intriguing Theme Park in the entire world (and yes, they may be a bit biased) Epcot!
Updates:
The Main Entrance FastCast is available every weekday on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and most major podcast providers. The FastCast is also available for your daily Flash Briefing on Amazon Alexa, so make sure to add the Main Entrance FastCast to your Alexa Skills.
 We're still working to make our episodes more reasonable in length, and we hope today's episode is a great example of the episode lengths to come.

Now, on with the show!
Feature Presentation (4:35)
What is Epcot and why is it so captivating to its die-hard fans? Well, two die-hard fans, Nick and Katie, are eager to talk about it. But, since a straight discussion of Epcot could go on for weeks, we needed to set some standards to guide the conversation. And so, we're looking at the four stages of Epcot's history as it relates to three guiding principles: technology showcase, foster international fellowship, and redefine the idea of community. In this episode, we're focusing on the first two stages of Epcot: EPCOT the city, and Epcot as it was (Epcot Center).
Next episode, we'll finish up the discussion by relating the latter two stages: Epcot, and the Epcot of Tomorrow.
Trivia & Wrap Up (1:15:00):
Last Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we talked about escape rooms and their increasing popularity. On a currently running police comedy television show, a number of main characters also experience and escape from a highly-themed escape room. What is the show?
Last Episode's Trivia Answer: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
This Episode's Trivia Question: What was the name of the original host of the predecessor for Backstage Magic, the Astuter Computer Review in CommuniCore?
If you think you know the answer, drop us a line at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
That's it for Episode 5, be sure to check out the Main Entrance FastCast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and most major podcast providers. If you're looking for a new best friend, adopt, don't shop, and always make time to explore your world. Thanks for listening!

A Grand and Miraculous Dream ~ Epcot

Welcome, Adventurers, to Episode 5 of the Main Entrance Cast. In this episode, hosts Nick and Katie talk about one of their very favorite forms of location-based entertainment, Escape Rooms!
Also, we are excited to announce the second podcast of the Main Entrance family, the Main Entrance FastCast. Each and every weekday, the FastCast will bring you a 3-5 minute nugget of LBE awesomeness.
Monday: Motivation Monday: Giving you a motivational quote to start your day and how it relates to LBE.
 Tuesday: Attraction Spotlight: Shining a light on a different way to have fun!
 Wednesday: CreatiCore: The Creative Core of the FastCast, we will focus on topics of design and technology.
 Thursday: Theme Thursday: Talking about Themed Entertainment.
  Friday: Flashback Friday: A little LBE history to end your work week!

News (3:55)
In this segment, Nick and Katie talk about the announced changes and updates coming to Epcot at Walt Disney World, FL. Are these changes good for the park, do they take something away? Tune in for some brief thoughts. Could this be a teaser for our next episode? Maybe...
Feature Presentation (28:40)
In this episode, we talk about a relatively new type of entertainment, escape rooms. The segment starts with a brief history of the various types of entertainment that led to escape rooms, including video games and puzzle rooms. We then talk about what makes a good escape room, what makes a not so good one, and all things in-between.
We then go over some of our favorite escape rooms,  puzzles, and challenges. We finish up by talking about what the future holds for escape rooms.
Have you had the chance to experience escape rooms? Did you escape, or should we send a search party? Let us know at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
Trivia & Wrap Up (1:46):
Last Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we talked about the possibility of the Carousel of Progress moving to the Smithsonian or other museum. Turns out, there is already a piece of Disneyland prominently featured in the National Museum of American History. What is that artifact?
Last Episode's Trivia Answer: An Original Dumbo the Flying Elephant Ride Vehicle
This Episode's Trivia Question: In this episode, we talked about escape rooms and their increasing popularity. On a currently running police comedy television show, a number of main characters also experience and escape from a highly-themed escape room. What is the show?
If you think you know the answer, drop us a line at connect@mainentrancecast.com.
That's it for Episode 5, be sure to check out the Main Entrance FastCast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and most major podcast providers. If you're looking for a new best friend, adopt, don't shop, and always make time to explore your world. Thanks for listening!

The Main Entrance Cast: An Attraction and Theme Park Podcast

The Main Entrance Cast: An Attraction and Theme Park Podcast

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