Even though Lou refuses to friend me on FB, I still promised him I’d review all of his Audio Guides. Maybe it’s empathy for how he always seems nervous when I’m around, but I feel it’s the least I can do for having never called security on me. While I’m sure fans of our show are likely expecting me to tear him apart in my classic comical fashion, I assured Lou I’d only speak well of his work. Of course, he repeatedly said if I didn’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything, but here it is nonetheless…
With a voice that’s made for talking endlessly, Lou Mongello has pushed the envelope to put out six Audio Guides(so far) that most any Disney fan should enjoy. Every guide is full of great facts and hidden gems, shared with the familiar background sounds that pertain to each land, making it easy to reminisce about your last trip to WDW. Even if you don’t listen to(or like) his weekly podcast on WDWRadio.com, his audio guides are stocked with little details and interesting tidbits, more than enough to enjoy while passing time between WDW vacations.
The best guide to start with is Main Street USA, as it touches upon early Disney, as well as all areas of the Magic Kingdom. Able to hear the familar train whistle and horse drawn trolley in the back, Lou points out the stories and legends one can discover walking down Main Street, with the occasion annoying guest being overheard in the background. Discussing in detail WDW Railroads, windows, vehicles & decor of Main Street, all the way up to the hub and Castle, the past and present are talked about with enough detail to easily hold one’s attention. The only questions listeners may have are “Do they use the smellitizer in the men’s room?” and “Did they make the height of the shop windows in anticipation of Lou?”.
Transitioning to Adventureland, we’re informed to expect adventure, romance, and mystery. Details from attractions & shops to the smallest sign & decoration are all pointed out, and we’re told how this land came to fruition, sometimes in an amusing attempt at speaking Spanish. Informed why Dole Whips are one of the greatest treats of all time, we also learn who The Orange Bird was and why he was there. Sadly, after the crop damaging freeze of 1986, the bird was sacrificed to the fruit gods and gone forever.
On to Fantasyland, we hear a more about Walt’s dream. Through design, architecture, attractions, and characters, we hear how this land focuses on children & families, no matter how annoying some can be. From Cinderella Castle to the extinct Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride & 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Lou shares details that many fans may not have been aware of, like the scandalous naming of King Stefan’s Royal Table.
The story of Liberty Square begins with Walt’s patriotism and facination with American history, explaining how Walt originally planned a Liberty Street in Disneyland. Numerous details are shared of the Haunted Mansion and it’s leading women, Columbia Harbour House with it’s signs for illiterates, and the remaining attractions, shops, and restaurants of Liberty Square. Shockingly, “Dueling Dumbos” does not refer to a debate in the Hall of Presidents.
In his best John Wayne, Lou introduces us to Frontierland and why it came to be. Comparing California and Florida, we’re told what these lands originally were supposed to be and in contrast what they are today. This land probably has the most extinct artifacts & attractions, along with those that never came to be. My only concern is the rumor of a guy in a bathtub in his underwear on Big Thunder Mt.
Gone but not forgotten, Mickey’s Toontown Fair had the most details I never knew before. Originally temporarily created as Mickey’s Birthdayland, then changed to Mickey’s Starland before settling on Mickey’s Toontown Fair, this land gave guests a specific location to always find Mickey Mouse. Due to it’s popularity(and County Bounty cash cow), it was given a more permanent home until Fantasyland pulled an Owl and reclaimed the deed. After listening to Toontown Fair, the only questions one may have are “What was Shirley Feeney doing at the opening and where was Boo-Boo kitty?”.
With plenty of facts & trivia peppered throughout, the Lou Mongello Audio Guides can be appreciated by most all Disney fans. Listened to by my son nightly before bed, Lou claims that his guides have been helping put kids to sleep for years, so who am I to argue? Just a reminder, we’re still waiting for the Tomorrowland and Fantasyland Expansion guides. ”The expansion isn’t even finished yet!” is no excuse.
PixieVacations.com: Making Magical Memories Disney World SweepstakesFanBoy Loyalty Program For every $1000+ in combined purchases you spend per calendar year through our Amazon link, we will give you a t-shirt of your choice. Our new shop is up and running, and we have t-shirts available with our current and classic, regular and uncensored logos. All you need to do is send us a list of the items that you purchased, we’ll verify it against our records and then we’ll send you the t-shirt of your choice.
Project Fan Boy Contest Win a chance to appear on our show in a short segment where you can talk about a topic of your choosing with us. Winners will also receive WDW Fan Boys swag, and Brett will record a custom outgoing voice mail message for you. To enter the contest send us an e-mail, video, or audio file explaining why you should be on the show. The funnier the better. All entries should be submitted to questions@wdwfanboys.com.
By now we all know that Disney has changed the name of the former MGM Studios to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Was it because Disney’s recent track record of decent movies is like a roller coaster ride run by the carney from hell? Is it because neither sides billion-dollar moguls could agree on a fixed price rape that would allow them the gold bathroom fixtures on their 17th yacht? Either way, I really couldn’t care less. The name change doesn’t affect me, but I do miss the MGM Studios of 20 years ago.
While the initial MGM Studios did not have as many rides as today, you did have the full Backlot Tour to experience. This is another thing I really miss about the the old studios, as I went on this ride countless times during my visit and every time received the entire tour, including walking through prop departments. I don’t think I would change things back if I could, but I would like to see the old integrated with the new(if anyone’s asking).
After finally resting up and drying my tears at being missed by the other Fan Boys, I finally get to relay my trip report.
After getting Paul & Ashley, we briefly stopped at the condo, then were off to EPCOT. While Tim went to Ticket Services, the rest of us went to take pictures at the big ball thingy. Paul, Ashley, and I went to Guest Services so they could get their Just Engaged pins. When I joking told the cast member it was Paul and I who got engaged, he unsurprisingly became very excited. After about 20 minutes, Tim’s attempt at a hostile takeover failed and he settled for Platinum Fast Passes, which got us “Chuck Norris” ride placement. After stopping for a quick frozen treat (uncomfortable choice), we headed off to Via Nipoli (according to Tim’s tweet) and admired the decor. As I’m sure you’ve read, the Italian Balls appetizer was extremely bland. The four-cheese half of our pizza was outstanding and is a definite re-order when I return with the family in December. Paul and I were noticing the couple next to us and 
how she seemed more into texting than her date. I guess it was another night alone on the internet for him. After our early dinner, we continued to Future World and went on Test Track & Mission: Space. We watched Illuminations, where we finally ran into the World’s #1 Hacker. What are the odds?
All in all, this was a fantastic trip, shared with some truly great people and genuine Fan Boys/Girls. Paul, Ashley, Marie, and Tim are some of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of vacationing with, and I sincerely hope we can make this an annual gathering at minimum. Next time I plan on staying from start to finish and will even feel safe falling asleep first. I’ve also found the place we all can live someday.