On the Road w/Mickey 236 – The ABCs of Disney: Things we like that start with the Letter T!
Episode 236
Monday, September 9, 2024 • Duration 59:42
Episode 236 – The ABCs of Disney: Things we like that start with the Letter T!The ABCs of Disney: Things we like that start with the Letter T!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 236 and this week our feature topic is The ABCs of Disney: Things we like that start with the Letter T! In this episode, we continue our ABC series with the things that we like that start with the letter T! Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Sophie: Coming to Hollywood Studios in the Summer of 2025 – an all new Villains Show, featuring such villains as Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, among others! It will be where the Lightning McQueen Racing Academy is, so if you want to see that one last time, check it out before it closes on October 7th.
Mike: The 2024 Christmas season is arriving at Disneyland Resort beginning November 15th! Continuing through January 6th, 2025, there will be a lot of holiday fun to be had! Let us know if you are going to be there during that time, and tell us what it was like!
Brenda: On Disney Cruise Line news, bookings for the Disney Destiny will begin on September 12! The maiden voyage will be out of Port Everglades on November 20, 2025 for a four-night cruise. After the maiden voyage, the inaugural season will be four and five night cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Every cruise will feature a stop at either Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay – and some will have both! Lastly, don’t forget about Cask and Cannon, the new pub inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean!
Kourtney offered up this delicacy: “Cheeseburger spring rolls!!! It’s a favorite in our house”
Sheila said: “Gaston’s tavern cinnamon rolls” and added a tip for us “I finally figured it out making with cake flour makes them so light and fluffy”
Friend of the show Cindy added her favorites: “I loved the Chicken and Waffles from the Honey Bee-stro (F&G) and the Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib from Pastoral Palate (FOTA). The beef is probably the best savory dish I’ve ever had at a festival!”
Feature Topic: The ABC’s of Disney: Things we like at Disney that start with the letter T!
“”Why worry? If you’ve done the very best you can, worrying won’t make it any better.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: Tips for getting the most out of your Fall Trip to Disney!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
On the Road w/Mickey 235 – Role Reversal and Disney Recipes we Make at Home!
Episode 235
Monday, September 2, 2024 • Duration 33:54
Episode 235 – Role Reversal and Disney Recipes we Make at Home!Role Reversal and Disney Recipes we Make at Home!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 235 and this week our feature topic is Role Reversal and Disney Recipes we Make at Home! In this episode, we have switched roles around for fun, and we’re also talking about Disney recipes we make at home! Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Brenda: Disney After Hours is back for 2025! These are specialty tickets that you purchase to get extended hours at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios on select nights. For Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the after hours times are from 10PM – 1AM, and you can get in starting at 7PM. For Hollywood Studios, the hours are from 9:30PM – 12:30AM, and again, you can get in starting at 7PM. Dates vary so reach out to us if you want to add after hours tickets into your vacation planning!
Sophie: The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is upon us! It started last week on August 29th and continues through November 23rd this year. I’m here to tell you all about the FOOD!
At CommuniCore Hall, you can find the Macatizers Menu with four different types of Mac & Cheese!
Near Mission: SPACE is the Coastal Eats Menu, where Daddy can enjoy the Warm Water Lobster Tail with garlic butter.
In World Showcase there are a lot of options, of course, but one that piques my interest is in China, the Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings with house-made sweet and spicy sauce, and the Crispy Duck Bao Bun with hoisin sauce!
Lastly, don’t forget about our favorites in Canada: The Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Soup served with a pretzel roll and the Filet Mignon with mushrooms, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs mashed potatoes, and Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs butter!
Here’s the link to the whole lineup:
On the Road w/Mickey 225 – Where in the World is Sophie?
Episode 225
Monday, June 24, 2024 • Duration 01:03:28
Episode 225 – Where in the World is Sophie?Where in the World is Sophie?
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 225 and this week our feature topis is Where in the World is Sophie? In this episode, Sophie is sharing a lot of photos and Brenda and I are trying to guess where they were taken! Here’s what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese:
Brenda: Coming to Hollywood Studios this fall, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”. This is a brand-new reimagining of the movie.
Mike: Over at Islands of Adventure, the new show “Hogwarts Always” castle projection show has started. One thing that is neat is that there are four different endings to the show, each one featuring a different house.
On the Road w/Mickey 135 – Things to do on Check-out Day!
Episode 135
Monday, August 22, 2022 • Duration 48:03
Episode 135 – Things to do on Check-out Day!Things to do on Check-out Day!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 135 for August 22, 2022, and today our feature topic is Things to do on Check-out Day! Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and relax, and tell us in the comments below what you think! Here’s the rundown of what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese
Brenda: Winnie the Pooh and Tigger are back for meet and greets at the Magic Kingdom! We used to see Pooh over by Journey to Imagination but you could only see him at a distance, now they are meeting together at The Thotful Spot in Fantasyland. Well, that’s all I’ve got! TTFN! Ta-Ta for now!
Sophie: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is going to be re-released in IMAX starting on August 26th in anticipation of the release of the Disney+ series, Andor. In addition to Rogue One, you can also get an extended preview of what the series will look like.
Mike: As Brenda announced on her Facebook page recently, the Disney Skyliner will be down for maintenance from January 22-29, 2023. This will impact all resorts that have Skyliner service, and bus transportation to all parks will be available during the refurbishment.
On the Road w/Mickey 134 – Our Favorite Disney Smells!
Episode 134
Monday, August 15, 2022 • Duration 43:59
Episode 134 – Our Favorite Disney Smells!
Our Favorite Disney Smells!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 133 for August 8, 2022, and today our feature topic is an Our Favorite Disney Smells! Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and relax, and tell us in the comments below what you think! Here’s the rundown of what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese
Brenda:On the Disney Wish, one place I want to “investigate” for our listeners – of course, all in the name of research – is Inside Out: Joyful Sweets! We’re talking freshly made waffle cones, signature desserts based on each of the emotions (in cupcake form), and nearly 40 flavors of gelato and ice cream!
Sophie:Coming to Disney+ on Disney+ Day, which is September 8th, is a brand new original series, “Cars on the Road”. Featuring Mater and Lightning McQueen, the story is that they are traveling across the country to visit Mater’s sister back east! This looks to be a 9 episode series!
Mike:Lost a little bit in the headlines, August 1st, Coronado Springs Resort celebrated its 25th anniversary! The resort opened on August 1, 1997, and was our first Disney on-property resort that we stayed at back in 2007.
On the Road w/Mickey 133 – Update on 22 Things for 2022 List!
Episode 133
Monday, August 8, 2022 • Duration 44:00
Episode 133 – Update on 22 Things for 2022 List!
Update on 22 Things for 2022 List!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 133 for August 8, 2022, and today our feature topic is an Update on our 22 Things for 2022 List! Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and relax, and tell us in the comments below what you think! Here’s the rundown of what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese
Brenda: Exciting news out of the Magic Kingdom! On July 31st, the Harmony Barber Shop reopened for the first time since it closed due to the pandemic. Yay! Additionally, Merida is back at the Magic Kingdom in her usual location to meet and greet Guests!
Sophie: Coming to Disney+ on September 21st, a special 3-episode premiere of the new Star Wars series, “Andor”. This series takes place prior to the events of Rogue One, and focuses on Cassian Andor’s journey and the pieces that come into play that lead to the beginning of the rebellion! This is a 12 part series, and I know that Daddy and I are really excited about it! If you haven’t seen the trailer yet here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKOegEuCcfw
Mike: This is not Disney related, but On the Road with Mickey would like to extend their prayers to the family of Vin Scully, in my opinion the greatest sports broadcaster ever known, on his passing. He died on August 2nd at the age of 94. As someone said, he’s still calling games, but now he’s doing it for the Angels.
On the Road w/Mickey 132 – 3 Disney Restaurants To Try!
Episode 132
Monday, August 1, 2022 • Duration 52:31
Episode 132 – 3 Disney Restaurants To Try!
3 Disney Restaurants To Try!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 132 for August 1, 2022, and today our feature topic is 3 Disney Restaurants To Try! Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and relax, and tell us in the comments below what you think! Here’s the rundown of what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese
Mike:Last Wednesday, July 27th, MagicBand+ debuted at Walt Disney World. The latest version of the popular wearable technology still does all that you are used to doing, but it also includes such new features as interactions with the Disney Fab 50 statues and more!
Sophie:Last Tuesday the 26th was the 70th (or is it 71st) Anniversary of the release of Alice in Wonderland. To commemorate the anniversary, Disney Artist and Historian Stacia Martin wrote a post on the Disney Parks Blog, along with an accompanying YouTube video, showing how to draw the Cheshire Cat.
Brenda: Late this summer, the Boardwalk Deli will open up at the location that used to be the Boardwalk Bakery. Featuring authentic delicatessen sandwiches, it will also have a lot of sweets to enjoy as well. No official opening date has been announced, but if you look at the calendar for the restaurant it shows operating hours starting on August 15. Also, it’ll be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 131 for July 25, 2022, and today our feature topic is Disney Legends! We’ve talked about Disney Legends previously. At the start of last year we talked about all of the Nine Old Men when Brenda joined us, and then later that year we talked about them some more when we looked at Fred MacMurray, Ub Iwerks, and Julie Andrews. Well, today we’re continuing our look by focusing on Mr. Dick Van Dyke, Roger E. Broggie, and the incomperable Lillian Disney! Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and relax, and tell us in the comments below what you think! Here’s the rundown of what we talked about:
In the group, we asked what Wowza foods you’ve encountered at Disney. We had a great response! Check out the answers we received:
On the Road w/Mickey 130 – 3 Disney Wowza Foods!
Episode 130
Monday, July 18, 2022 • Duration 52:27
Episode 130 – 3 Disney Wowza Foods!
3 Disney Wowza Foods!
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 130 for July 18, 2022, and today our feature topic is 3 Disney Wowza Foods! Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and relax, and tell us in the comments below what you think! Here’s the rundown of what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese
Mike: More characters are returning to some of the dining locations at Walt Disney World! On September 20th, our friends from Winnie the Pooh will be back at the Crystal Palace! On September 27th, Lilo and Stitch will be back for breakfast at ‘Ohana! Yay! Lastly, on October 4th, Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast will be back with some of your favorite Disney friends! Get ready, everyone!
Sophie: Over at Animal Kingdom Park, we have a new addition to the Red River Hog family! This piglet was born to Mom “Daisy” and Dad “Cheech”, and is currently backstage bonding with them. Check out these really awesome pictures!
Brenda: Over at Hollywood Studios, the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is getting ready to undergo a small refurbishment. Beginning on August 22nd, the closure is scheduled to last until September 16th, and performances will return on September 17th.
Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, that’s Brenda, and and he’s Grogu, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is episode 129 for July 11, 2022, and today we’re recapping our trip in Sophie’s 21st Birthday Trip Recap! Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and relax, and tell us in the comments below what you think! Here’s the rundown of what we talked about:
Cheddar from the Big Cheese
Mike: The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival runs from July 14 – November 19, 2022, and along with it, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series will run from July 14 – November 14, 2022. Each night will feature three performances at the America Gardens Theatre – 5:30 PM, 6:45PM, and 8:00PM. We’re sharing a link to the Disney page that will show the complete list of performers and their dates of performance, so check it out here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/epcot/food-wine-eat-to-the-beat-concerts/
Sophie: We’ve talked before about the retheming of Splash Mountain at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Well, recently it was announced that the ride will become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and will come to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in late 2024!
Mike: Starting last week (August 29th to be exact) and continuing through November 3rd, the Darker side of magic is back at Universal Orlando Resort as the Death Eaters are back at Diagon Alley!
Mary Poppins – Uncle Albert, Admiral Boom, Jane Banks
A little bit of Walt
“I like corn.” “When I was a kid, a book I read advised young artists to be themselves. That decided it for me. I was a corny kind of guy, so I went in for corn.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: The ABC’s of Disney: Things we like at Disney that start with the letter T!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
We had some listener feedback on our Instagram channel! This is from Pam, who writes: “I listened to the podcast yesterday and I started thinking of my magic places. Disney World is just my magic place…but my special places are just looking at/arriving at the beautiful castle, riding it’s a small world, riding Peter Pan (I love the classics), viewing the nighttime fireworks and music (can bring tears to my eyes), and getting that text message saying “your room is ready!”
Listener Feedback Disney Cruise Itineraries:
Donna writes: “As long as it is DCL it doesn’t matter.”
Sheila has some ideas on her top cruises: “12-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) ending in Barcelona; Or 9-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome). My husband loves cruises but is very picky about where to go.
Friend of the show Chrissy writes that she has never been on a cruise and doesn’t know what itinerary she would want, but here’s what she added: “I know I want my first one to be a week long one and Disney.”
On YouTube, Pam writes: “I really enjoyed the info about Disney cruises. I had no idea there are so many international itineraries. I’m looking forward to checking them out online. Happy birthday Sophie.”
“There’s a great feeling of satisfaction in winning an award for a job well done, whether it be for winning a footrace, designing a rocket, or making a motion picture. Now, we haven’t done too well with the first two on the list, but pictures, that’s something else. No one person can take credit for the success of a motion picture. It’s strictly a team effort. From the time the story is written to the time the final release print comes off the printer, hundreds of people are involved – each one doing a job – each job contributing to the final product. And, if the picture wins an award, the feeling of satisfaction we were speaking of can rightfully be shared by each and every one.”- Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: Best of On the Road – Patriotic Disney
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
We received some more listener feedback on their favorite Disney smells.
Jennifer has these favorites she likes: “The old Soarin jasmine smell, POTC smoke smell and popcorn.”
Tanya said “I like the smell of Dinosaur!, Popcorn and turkey legs.”
Stephanie has two favorites: “Fiji scene in Soarin, Yacht club lobby”
Sheila likes these smells: “Original Soaring of California, Grand Floridian Gingerbread House and The musty clean smell of pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland”
Vickie has an affinity to Wilderness Lodge: “Wilderness Lodge. Nothing like walking the hallway down to Roaring Forks. So many memories at that resort. I have some wax melts that come close.”
Last, but certainly not least, Chrissy from BCOM had this to add: “Flight of passage, soarin polyenisan scene, soarin’ India smell”
Feature Topic: Things to do on Check-out Day!
Nice sit-down breakfast
Resort hopping to check out other resorts
Visiting some areas you haven’t been to recently, like Disney Springs or the Boardwalk area.
When Dining comes back, convert extra credits for snack credits.
Meeting up with local friends
Monorail Mania Meal – Start at the Poly at Tambu Lounge, Contemporary with lunch at the Contempo Cafe, and then Grand Floridian Gasparilla Grill for ginormous cake pops
A round of mini golf
Sleep in but don’t forget check-out time is 11:00 AM
Take in the pool on your last day.
Check out the resort arcade
Booking a character dining experience at a resort, like Chef Mickey’s, Cape May, etc.
Check out a Disney movie at a Disney theater at Disney Springs
Depending on your flight time, check out Cirque du Soleil
Take time to journal the things you didn’t get a chance to do.
“I feel there is no door which, with the kind of talent we have in our organization, could not be opened, and we hope we can continue to unlock these barriers as long as we are in the business of bringing a happy note to those who patronize our pictures.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: Would You Rather…Disney Style!
Watch us on YouTube!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
2) SpaceShip Earth “Fire of Library in Alexandria”
1) Water smell PoTC with the use of bromine
Brenda:
3) Avatar: Flight of Passage. When the banshee lands in the cave.
2) Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Be Our Guest scene with the desserts
1) Karamell Kuche smell
Honorable Mentions: The scents from the Polynesian Resort and the Yacht Club Resort.
Mike:
3) Original Soarin’ ride – the orange grove scene
2) The incredible smell of fresh popcorn at Town Square in the Magic Kingdom.
1) The smell of the rain on the pavement during Extra Magic Hours with the cooler evening temperatures.
Listener Interaction:
My sister Robin loved the scent at the Yacht Club when she came over to visit before they all headed home. She also loved the scent of sunscreen and laughed about Sophie’s infamous “cough syrup” drink. 🙂
John said he loves the smells at the Grand Floridian, at Basin at Disney Springs, and at the Riviera.
Cindy said Pop Century’s lobby, the Taj Mahal scene in Soarin’, and that water smell you encounter on all of the boat rides. I wouldn’t want that last one as a candle, but I definitely associate it with the parks.
Sandi loves the smell of fresh popcorn for the collectable popcorn buckets
“Animated picture-making is an expensive business. One wrong pencil line can cost hundreds of dollars. I can’t hold a pencil to the artists in my studio. I credit the success of my films to the teamwork in my organization.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: Disney Check-out Day Excursions
Watch us on YouTube!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
“Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: Our Favorite Smells at Disney
Watch us on YouTube!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
“Most of my life I have done what I wanted to do. I have had fun on the job. I have never been able to confine that fun to office hours.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: An update on our 22 things for 2022 list
Watch us on YouTube!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
Sheila said “The salmon at the Hollywood Brown Derby in DHS . It was so tasty! The salmon was on a bed of rice in a pool of pesto; with a decorative piece of puff pastry.”
Chandler chimed in: “We were on our last day and our last quick service meal during our 3-day visit in Jan, 2020. We were tired, hungry, ready to end our day, and simply needed something to eat. We didn’t know anything about Satu’li Canteen, and just happened across it. This ended up being the absolute BEST meal we had. When we visit again in the future, Satu’li will most likely be in the MUST DO list.” – Chandler, from the picture it looks like the Combination Bowl: Grilled Beef & Chicken. Let me know if I’m wrong.
Chrissy added her favorites: “The Gray Stuff, Homecoming’s Deviled Eggs, Satuli’s former Family Platter which had a little of everything on it, and Space 220’s King Oyster Mushrooms.”
My sister Robin added her Wowza food: “The salad at Liberty Tree Tavern! Stephanie and I scarfed that down like it was manna from Heaven!”
Lastly, my friend Cindy added her pick: “It’s just a little dessert, but the 50th anniversary lemon chiffon at Sunshine Seasons is amazing and gorgeous!”
You can see some of the pictures that were shared with us over at the Facebook Group or you will also see some of them on our YouTube of the episode.
Feature Topic: A Look at Disney Legends!
This week on the podcast, we are taking another look at some of the incredible Disney Legends that have been selected over the years. Each of us has done our research on our pick and we are looking forward to sharing that with you. We hope you enjoy this as much as we do!
Brenda: Dick Van Dyke
Richard Wayne “Dick” Van Dyke was born December 13, 1925 (just 11 days before my daddy) in West Plains, Missouri. He is an American actor, producer, comedian and writer.
After serving in the Air Force during WWII, he and a friend formed a pantomime act, “The Merry Mules” and performed Laurel and Hardy-type performances in nightclubs across the country. He broke into television and in 1961 he was cast as comedy-writer Rob Petrie on the hit series The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Although the show was a huge success, Walt Disney had never heard of him. When casting for Mary Poppins, Dick’s name was suggested to Walt and after a private screening of an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show, Walt chose him on the spot – no audition needed!
Dick Van Dyke, of course, played Bert the Cockney chimney-sweep/kite-peddler/sidewalk artist/one-man band in the 1964 Academy-Award-Winning film, Mary Poppins (a film in which Walt Disney devoted four years of his life to creating).
When Dick read the script, he decided he also wanted to play the part of the old bank chairman, Mr. Dawes. He told Walt, “I’d like to play Mr. Dawes – and I won’t charge you a nickel.” Walt said, “The price is right, but you’ll have to test for the part.” So, Dick went to the studio and did a screen test as doddering old Mr. Dawes, long white beard and all. The actor improvised a slapstick scene of a wobble-kneed oldster descending the steps with a cane. Walt loved it so much he had a step added to the boardroom set so Van Dyke could do the bit in the movie.
Because of union rules, Dick Van Dyke wasn’t allowed to do the role for free – but Walt suggested an alternative. The Disney company paid Van Dyke $4,000 to play the part of Mr. Dawes, and the actor donated that amount to Walt’s favorite cause, CalArts.
Dick Van Dyke said those months he spent filming Mary Poppins were the happiest, most fun few months he had ever spent in his life. The best part was working with Walt. “What I liked about him”, Dick said, “was that he had the enthusiasm of a ten-year-old about the work. To work with him was one of the most serendipitous things that ever happened to me.”
Dick Van Dyke was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1998 under the FILM category. Alongside him as fellow inductees that year were: Kurt Russell, Roy E. Disney and a man named Paul Kenworthy (who I don’t know but I like his last name). lol
Roy E. Disney said of Dick Van Dyke, “Every time I see Mary Poppins, I’m amazed at how Dick’s brilliant performance effortlessly ties this film together. After all, it is Dick who first welcomes us to number 17 Cherry Tree Lane. It is his chalk pavement picture that provides entry into one of the greatest fantasy sequences of all time. And, it is Dick who bids Mary Poppins goodbye at the end of the movie.”
For many years after Mary Poppins, Dick Van Dyke had many roles in other Disney productions.
It was Dick who inducted Walt Disney into the American Television Hall of Fame in 1986. Joined on stage by Mickey and Minnie, he presented the award to Walt’s wife, Lillian.
Dick is also the voice narrating Walt: The Man Behind the Myth (and if you haven’t seen it, I HIGHLY recommend it).
Dick Van Dyke is now 96 years old. He celebrated his 90th birthday at Disneyland. The festivities included a parade down main Street, a flash mob performing “Step in Time,” the presentation of a silhouette of Bert dancing and all the guests of the park gathering to sing “Happy Birthday” to him.
In his personal life, Dick was married to Margie Willett from 1948 until they divorced in 1984. He married Arlene Silver in 2012 and they are still married. He has 4 children: Barry, Stacy, Carrie and Christian Van Dyke.
Every time I see him, I smile. He is playful, just a kid-at-heart. He is utterly charming and loves to entertain – especially making people laugh. He is still amusing us all, all these many, many years after he entered our hearts.
Mike: Roger E. Broggie
Roger E. Broggie was inducted as a Disney Legend in 1990. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on October 22, 1908, Roger joined the Disney Studios in 1939 as a precision machinist. His initial assignments were to work on installing the multiplane camera at the new Burbank studio and working with Ub Iwerks on special effects. In 1949, though, Roger Broggie worked with Walt Disney to create model trains for Walt’s ½ mile long Carolwood Pacific Railroad located in the backyard of Walt’s home. He is credited with supervising the building of the Lilly Belle, a 1/8th scale miniature working live steam locomotive named after Walt’s wife, Lillian.
Roger Broggie is considered to be the first Disney Imagineer.
Roger was promoted to be the head of the Disney Studios Machine Shop in 1950, and he became the transportation specialist. He created the special effects for the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and as they were working on Disneyland, he was in charge of development of the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, the Disneyland Monorail, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. He was instrumental in developing the mechanical aspects of all Disney attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, including the Omnimover ride transit system, which he co-developed with Bert Brundage.
Roger and his machine shop co-workers developed the first fully functioning Audio-Animatronic human figure in 1963. Can you guess which character that was? Between 1973 and 1975, Roger Broggie worked on the EPCOT Center project at Walt Disney World.
Roger Broggie passed away at his home in Carmel, California on November 4, 1991. On October 21, 2003, Roger Broggie, Jr. and Michael Broggie, his children, rededicated the Walt Disney World Railroad steam locomotive No. 3 Roger E. Broggie in honor of their father. It was the fourth and final locomotive to be overhauled. Local trivia – it was overhauled at the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, NC.
Lastly, on March 30, 2007, Roger E. Broggie was honored with a window on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland. The text reads: “Can Do Machine Works / Mechanical Wonders / Live Steam Engines / Magical Illusions / Cameras / Roger Broggie, Shopmaster / Advisor to the Magic Makers”. He has also had a window installed in Town Square at the corner of the Fire Station and Emporium. That one reads “Broggie’s Buggies / Roger Broggie, Wheelwright – Wagons – Surreys – Sleighs”
Sophie: Lillian Disney
Born Lillian Marie Bounds on February 15, 1899 in Spalding, Idaho.
Youngest of 10 children, her father died when she was 17.
After her high school graduation, she attended a year of business college before moving to Southern California in December, 1923. She lived with her sister Hazel.
Kathleen Dollard was hired in ink and paint to help with the Alice series, and Walt asked her if she knew anyone. She went to Lillian and told her “I have a job for you, but I am telling you about it on one condition: don’t marry the boss.” Lillian decided to go for it, and went to the studio for an interview. It was there that she met Walt for the first time, and recounted that he wasn’t wearing a suit. Rather, a brown coat, sweater, raincoat, and pants. One January 19, 1924, she got the job at 15 dollars a week…
Despite Kathleen’s warning, Walt quickly became enthralled with Lillian, offering to drive Lillian and Kathleen home on late nights. The thing of it is… Lillian lived closer to the studio, yet Walt always drove her home last.
It is also said that Lillian admitted once, “I was not very artistic at all, and I was not very good at inking and painting. Later, Walt made me his secretary, but I made too many mistakes when he was dictating. He always said I was so bad that he had to marry me.
And marry her, he did. On July 13, 1925, they were married at Lillian’s Brother’s home. It doesn’t say which one. But Lilly made her dress herself, and was given away by her uncle. They had two daughters, Diane Marie, and Sharon Mae. And like Lilly and her siblings, the two girls gave them 10 grandchildren.
She was credited with working on Plane Crazy, and her sister Hazel was recruited as the head of “Ink and Paint” after Lillian started working there.
He took her advice and didn’t name the famous mouse Mortimer.
He named one of his Disneyland railroad cars “Lilly Belle” in her honor.
And the paddle steamer replica at downtown Disney was named “The Empress Lilly” and was christened by Lillian herself.
In 1987, she pledged $50 million to the construction of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
On December 15, 1997, Lillian passed away from a stroke, exactly 31 years after the death of Walt.
She was inducted into the Disney Legends in 2003 alongside Roy’s wife, Edna Francis Disney.
“As the original Mary Poppins budget of five million continued to grow, I never saw a sad face around the entire studio. And this made me nervous. I knew the picture would have to gross $10 million for us to break even. But still there was no negative head-shaking. No prophets of doom. Even Roy was happy. He didn’t even ask me to show the finished picture to a banker. The horrible thought struck me: Suppose the staff had finally conceded that I knew what I was doing.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: Our Top 3 Disney Restaurants we’ve always wanted to try!
Watch us on YouTube!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
Feature Topic: Three Disney Food items we ate that made us go Wow!
On our last trip to Disney, there were some specific food items we had that made us go Wow! Today, we’re each sharing three of them. What’s on your list?
Sophie:
1) Oga’s Obsession (Oga’s Cantina) $7.50
2) Liege Waffle (Connections Eatery) $5.29
3) I can not tell a lie Milkshake (Liberty Tree Tavern) $9.00
“Childishness? I think it’s the equivalent of never losing your sense of humor. I mean, there’s a certain something that you retain. It’s the equivalent of not getting so stuffy that you can’t laugh at others.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: A Look at some of the Disney Legends
Watch us on YouTube!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
Today for our feature topic, we are all going to talk about what we liked most about our recent trip to Walt Disney World. Since Sophie was the reason for the trip, I’m going to let her go first!
Sophie:
1) Having the On the Road with Mickey Meetup to ride the PeopleMover.
2) Being in the moment, especially at Epcot
3) Enjoying her time with McKinley and Aleyah
4) Also time at Hollywood Studios with Daddy.
5) Sophie’s Right of Passage at turning 21
Brenda:
1) Her time with her girls
2) Seeing the excitement of her girls seeing the characters again and them being able to ride the rides together instead of one with Mimi and one with Papi.
3) LOVED the Bread Pudding Challenge!!!! Also loved Liberty Tree Tavern where Cindy sat with them.
4) Meeting friends for the first time. Cassie & Sophie, Chris & Chrissy and their families
“I wanted something live, something that could grow, something I could keep plussing with ideas, you see? The park is that. Not only can I add things but even the trees will keep growing; the thing will get more beautiful every year. And as I find what the public likes—and when a picture’s finished and I put it out—I find out what they like, or they don’t like, and I have to apply that to some other thing; I can’t change that picture, so that’s why I wanted that park.” – Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: The Food items we had that made us go Wow! Or, perhaps better, Three Wowza Foods!
Watch us on YouTube!
As always, thank you for listening. We are having a lot of fun talking Disney, and I’m glad you are enjoying it as well! Remember, you can reach us in many ways — by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. You can also talk to us on our Facebook Page, On the Road with Mickey or in our On the Road with Mickey Group. Feel free to join us! Have a great week, and we’ll be back to talk with you again next week!
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to On the Road with Mickey, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
