Monorail Tales

Join us as Ric and Patrick have a Christmas fireside chat with Sheila, diving into all the festive fun happening around Walt Disney World this holiday season — from party dates and foodie must-trys to Disney Springs magic, resort décor, and even what it's really like to attend the filming of the Disney Parks Holiday Special. Cozy vibes, good laughs, and lots of peppermint-flavored opinions await!

Join us as Ric chats with Chris Malek of the Dub Dee Dub Revue Podcast as he shares his fresh-off-the-runway stories from his recent trip to Florida from Chicago. The guys talk about why you should always show up on time for your flight, even if the board says "DELAYED"—because as he learned, airlines can "un-delay" faster than Chris can say, "Wait… they're boarding NOW?" Then the conversation rolls into the Uber zone, where Chris reveals three lesser-known Uber features, including that nifty safety option that lets you record your ride—perfect for peace of mind, or for dramatic reenactments later. Chris shares his experience with scheduling ahead and rolling the dice on a "Share a Ride" feature (what kind of monster would do that is what Ric wants to know?), which has a surprising result. And of course—because no great travel story ends without a twist—Chris recounts a weird airport moment on his return trip that would've fit perfectly into the original Planes, Trains & Automobiles if Steve Martin needed one more reason to lose his mind. It's a casual episode, a useful one if you're traveling soon, and possibly the perfect show filler—with absolutely zero questionable pillow situations. We checked. Before you rush off to catch your next flight, train, monorail, Uber, or anything else that may or may not leave on time… we'd love to hear from you. Visit www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales and leave us a message—preferably recorded before your gate mysteriously changes. To keep the journey rolling long after this episode ends, check out www.monorailtales.com, follow us on Facebook, and join our community of Disney-loving travelers, storytellers, and occasional airport survivors. For even more tales from the road, sky, and beyond, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Got a show idea? Want to be a guest? Email Sheila at sheila@monorailtales.com—she promises not to leave you stranded at baggage claim. And if your next adventure includes dreaming of your own Disney Vacation Club escape, swing by our friends at DVC Shop for the best deals on resale contracts and rentals. They're far more reliable than the departure boards. From all of us at Monorail Tales— thanks for taking the trip with us… even if it wasn't nonstop.  

What if your partner's Disney Side wasn't quite what you thought? On this episode of Monorail Tales, Sheila and Steve put two brave couples to the test in a magical challenge! Facing off are Jordan and Jill Bivins from North Carolina and Bill Mitchell—our very own co-host—and his wife Kelly (in her first podcast appearance!) from New Jersey. As the questions fly, secrets surface, and the answers… don't always line up. But by the end, the couples uncover a result no one saw coming.

Grab your favorite blanket and a mug of something warm — it's time for another Disney+ Deep Dive! Join Sheila, Steve, Bill, and Luis as they explore everything new, nostalgic, and downright magical streaming on Disney+ this November. From festive premieres and returning favorites to hidden gems you might've missed, the crew shares their must-watch picks for cozy nights and holiday weekends. Expect a few laughs, plenty of friendly debates, and the usual helping of Disney trivia along the way. Whether you're queueing up the latest Marvel adventure, rewatching your favorite Pixar classic, or discovering something brand-new, this episode will help you make the most of your Disney+ watchlist all month long! ✨ Tune in, stream on, and let the Disney magic keep you warm this fall! Before you continue on your next Disney adventure, we'd love to hear from you. Visit www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales to leave us a message and share your own Disney dreams — or tell us what you're watching this month on Disney+. To keep the magic alive long after the show ends, visit www.monorailtales.com, follow along on Facebook, and join our Disney-loving community — where the conversation stays as warm as a Main Street cocoa on a chilly evening. For even more stories and connections, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. If you have a show idea or would like to join as a guest, reach out to Sheila at sheila@monorailtales.com — your magical moment might be just one message away. And if you're dreaming of your own Disney Vacation Club getaway, be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for the best offers on resale contracts and rentals. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for spending this cozy fall day with us. May your season be filled with Disney wonder, warm memories, and just a sprinkle of pixie dust.

Join us as Luis and Ric trade capes for cobwebs and step into the shadowy corners of the Marvel Universe with The New Mutants! This Halloween-inspired episode of The Marvelous Side of Disney dives into Marvel's creepiest, moodiest, and most misunderstood movie — part teen angst, part asylum thriller, part monster mayhem! From demon bears to dragon plushies, Luis and Ric unwrap the film's eerie charm and explore how this long-delayed mutant flick blended superhero grit with just the right dose of spooky vibes. Ric faces his first "horror" movie since The Blair Witch Project (seriously!), while Luis gleefully geeks out over magic swords, creepy smile-men, and the forgotten corners of X-lore. Whether you're a mutant, a misfit, or just here for the Halloween mood, this episode proves that the Marvel Universe isn't all sunshine and Infinity Stones. Before you continue on your next Disney adventure through the shadows, we'd love to hear from you—if you dare. Visit www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales to leave us a message and share your own Disney dreams… or nightmares. To keep the magic (and maybe a few ghosts) alive long after the show ends, visit www.monorailtales.com, follow along on Facebook, and join our Disney-loving community—where the conversation never rests in peace. For even more strange stories and mysterious connections, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. If you have a show idea or would like to rise from the mist as our next guest, reach out to Sheila at sheila@monorailtales.com—your spine-tingling moment might be just one message away. And if you're conjuring your own Disney Vacation Club escape, creep on over to our friends at DVC Shop for the best offers on resale contracts and rentals—no tricks, just treats. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for wandering these haunted halls with us. May your nights be filled with Disney wonder, friendly spirits, and just a touch of enchanted moonlit pixie dust.

In this spine-tingling (but totally fun!) episode, Sheila and Ric are joined by Jeni for a last-minute adventure to Halloween Horror Nights! From scare zones and haunted houses to rainbow goth fashion, Jeni recounts how she conquered her fears and dove headfirst into the fright-filled fun. Jeni shares insider tips to make the most of your night — from timing your visit and navigating the crowds to indulging in those creepy-cool treats like bloody popcorn and yum-yum deviled eggs. You'll also hear how Horror Nights stacks up against Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and get Jeni's practical advice for flying Frontier, including how to maximize your carry-on space (and sanity). If you're on the fence about visiting Halloween Horror Nights, this episode might just convince you to grab your rainbow goth gear and embrace the spooky season!

All aboard for a voyage of wonder!

Join us as Sheila, Patrick, and Ric journey through seven decades of Disney holiday magic with the Candlelight Processional — the radiant Christmas tradition that began at Disneyland in 1955 and now fills EPCOT's America Gardens Theatre with music, story, and candlelight each winter. From Walt's early vision and Dr. Charles Hirt's first massed choir to today's star-studded narrators and full orchestras, we'll explore how this beloved event has evolved across both coasts while keeping its timeless message of hope and harmony. Along the way, we'll share fascinating trivia, spotlight the most frequent narrators, and unveil the complete 2025 narrator lineup — from Constance Wu to Gary Sinise and beyond. So light a candle, cue the trumpets, and step into the procession as we celebrate one of Disney's most heartfelt traditions — where faith, music, and magic come together in perfect harmony.

  Join us as Sheila chats with cohost Al, founder of The Waffles Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity making a big difference through the power of music. Al gives us all the details about his upcoming live fundraiser, streaming October 14, 2025, from the Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! The event will be broadcast live on his YouTube channel, featuring music, magic, and a touch of Disney fun—all in support of kids' music programs across America. Don't miss this chance to join the cause and help bring the joy of music to children nationwide! https://www.youtube.com/@KindredSoulsOfBrooklynSarasota https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064405464782 https://www.wafflesfoundation.org/ Before you continue on your next Disney adventure, we would love to hear from you. Visit www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales to leave us a message and share your own Disney dreams. To keep the magic alive long after the show ends, you can visit us at www.monorailtales.com, follow along on Facebook, and join our Disney-loving community where the conversation never stops. For even more stories and connections, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. If you have a show idea or would like to join as a guest, reach out to Sheila at sheila@monorailtales.com—your magical moment might be just one message away. And if you are envisioning your own Disney Vacation Club experience, be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for the best offers on resale contracts and rentals. From all of us at Monorail Tales—thank you for walking this path with us. May your days be filled with Disney wonder, warm memories, and just a touch of pixie dust.    

Join us as Luis and Ric suit up for a fantastic deep dive into Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps! The duo talk shop about what makes Marvel's first family so special — from Pedro Pascal's stretch into Reed Richards to Vanessa Kirby's powerful take on Sue Storm. They tackle everything from family dynamics and fatherhood themes to cosmic battles with Galactus and a surprisingly heartfelt message about sacrifice and unity. Expect laughs, heartfelt moments, and classic comic callbacks as Luis and Ric celebrate the film's retro-futuristic 1960s flair, standout performances, and that unforgettable speech that had us all cheering, “It's clobberin' time!”

Join us as Bill, Patrick, Steve, Sheila, and Ric, Gather ‘round the pumpkin patch—take your pick! We're brewing up chatter, a cauldron of cheer, For the Disney+ treats arriving this spooky year. From SuperKitties prowling through season three, To Mickey & Minnie's Holiday Songs: Halloween, We'll float with The Balloonist high in the sky, And shiver when Something Wicked comes by. The Russos return in Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, With magic and mischief all over the space. Then Vampirina: Teenage Vampire takes flight, In a brand-new adventure that lasts through the night. And don't forget Frozen's puffins—such trouble they bring, While Star Wars: Visions makes the galaxy sing. October is packed with enchantments anew, So grab your candy corn, we've got chills just for you!

Join us as Steve and Sheila chat with the one and only Stan Solo from The Solo Show podcast and The Grand Circle Tour Podcast. Get to know our good friend Stan a little better as he shares his Disney side at home and in the parks! https://www.facebook.com/TheSoloShow01 thesoloshow01@gmail.com https://thesoloshow.libsyn.com/ https://www.facebook.com/grandcircletourpodcast gctpodcast@gmail.com https://gctpodcast.libsyn.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@grandcircletour Before you continue on your next Disney adventure, we would love to hear from you. Visit www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales to leave us a message and share your own Disney dreams. To keep the magic alive long after the show ends, you can visit us at www.monorailtales.com, follow along on Facebook, and join our Disney-loving community where the conversation never stops. For even more stories and connections, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. If you have a show idea or would like to join as a guest, reach out to Sheila at sheila@monorailtales.com—your magical moment might be just one message away. And if you are envisioning your own Disney Vacation Club experience, be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for the best offers on resale contracts and rentals. From all of us at Monorail Tales—thank you for walking this path with us. May your days be filled with Disney wonder, warm memories, and just a touch of pixie dust.    

✨ Monorail Tales Podcast Presents… Disney 10-Second Rule! ✨

Join us for a very special episode as Sheila and Ric are joined by co-host Patrick Wheeler and Chris Malek of The Dub Dee Dub Revue Podcast and the Dubs Community Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charity, as they talk about the recent challenges that have come up in his fight with ALK+ Lung Cancer. The Monorail Tales Podcast has teamed up with the Dubs Community Alliance to raise funds for Patrick and his family as well as raising awareness of this rare type of cancer. We are starting with a sale of T-Shirts, bracelets, and buttons for the remainder of September and will be hosting a raffle and a live show later this year. You can find our fundraiser here: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/staying-on-track-for-patrick You can find out more about ALK+ Lung Cancer here: alkpositive.org/what-is-alk You can find the Dubs Community Alliance on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dubscommunityalliance You can find Chris Malek and The Dub Dee Dub Revue Podcast on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheDubDeeDubRevue and in their Facebook group, EDCOT https://www.facebook.com/groups/205268363542494 Before you continue on your next Disney adventure, we would love to hear from you. Visit www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales to leave us a message and share your own Disney dreams. To keep the magic alive long after the show ends, you can visit us at www.monorailtales.com, follow along on Facebook, and join our Disney-loving community where the conversation never stops. For even more stories and connections, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. If you have a show idea or would like to join as a guest, reach out to Sheila at sheila@monorailtales.com—your magical moment might be just one message away. And if you are envisioning your own Disney Vacation Club experience, be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for the best offers on resale contracts and rentals. From all of us at Monorail Tales—thank you for walking this path with us. May your days be filled with Disney wonder, warm memories, and just a touch of pixie dust.  

Join us as in this episode, Steve and Sheila invite us to take a stroll up Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom, pausing to reflect on the stories behind the names etched upon the upper windows above the shops. Each name represents a legacy—individuals whose vision, dedication, and creativity helped shape the Disney parks into the beloved places we know today. Among those remembered are Tom Nabbe, Buddy Baker, Dick Nunis, and Card Walker, each leaving an indelible mark on Disney history. Before you continue on your next Disney adventure, we would love to hear from you. Visit www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales to leave us a message and share your own Disney dreams. To keep the magic alive long after the show ends, you can visit us at www.monorailtales.com, follow along on Facebook, and join our Disney-loving community where the conversation never stops. For even more stories and connections, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. If you have a show idea or would like to join as a guest, reach out to Sheila at sheila@monorailtales.com—your magical moment might be just one message away. And if you are envisioning your own Disney Vacation Club experience, be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for the best offers on resale contracts and rentals. From all of us at Monorail Tales—thank you for walking this path with us. May your days be filled with Disney wonder, warm memories, and just a touch of pixie dust.

Arrr, Matey! Join us as Ric chats with Kimberly Stroh of Savvy Mama Lifestyle about her recent visit to Walt Disney World in which she was able to visit The Beak and Barrel, the new spirited pirate tavern located in Adventureland right next to Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom Park. Kimberly shares all the details about The Beak and Barrel, but don't worry-she keeps it spoiler-free so listeners will be able to enjoy the special experiences firsthand! Kimberly tells us about her highlights from the menu of seaworthy sips and snacks and shares how Disney's Imagineers thought of every detail from carvings on a picture frame to the animatronic mascot of The Beak and Barrel, Rummy the pirate parrot quartermaster.  Of course, Disney's Cast Members make the magic, and Kimberly shares with us that the Cast Members at The Beak and Barrel are no exception! She lets us know to expect a lot of fun interactions while visiting. Kimberly gives us a few tips and tricks that will help visitors maximize their time in The Beak and Barrel, so be sure to take some notes! Check out Kimberly's YouTube Channel, Savvy Mama Lifestyle, to see her video of the experience! You can find Kimberly Stroh and all of her content at savvymamalifestyle.com!

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a little crisper, we're cozying up with a brand-new batch of Disney+ and Hulu premieres to kick off the season! Join Patrick, Sheila, Steve, and Ric as they dive into what's fresh this September, from Minnie's delightful new Bow-Toons: Pet Hotel adventures and the live-action magic of Lilo & Stitch, to laugh-out-loud collections like How Not to Draw and Random Rings: Shorts. We'll also check in on returning favorites like The Simpsons (Season 36) and set off on daring discoveries with specials like Lost in the Jungle and To Catch a Smuggler (Season 9). So grab your pumpkin spice treat of choice, settle in, and let's celebrate the season of new beginnings—on screen and beyond!

Join Sheila and Al for an exciting preview of the Waffles Foundation, Inc. Annual Fundraiser at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando! Al and his wife, Kerry, started the foundation in honor of their departed son, Matthew “Waffles” Bahna, a gifted musician. The Waffles Foundation is a certified 501(c)(3) that provides scholarships, musical instruments, and support to children, schools, and music programs across the United States. This year's event will feature Al broadcasting live from the Magic Kingdom, along with a former Disney Guest Relations Trainer who will be traveling the park and sharing little-known facts and secrets—all during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Viewers will even have the chance to interact live with the broadcast!

Join us as Ric and Patrick dive into all the latest Disney magic coming your way! From the big shake-up at Hollywood Studios' Animation Courtyard, to the return of spooktacular nights at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, festive cheer at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and the glam of Jollywood Nights—we've got your seasonal fun covered.

Join us as Sheila and Steve welcome first-time guest to the show, Justin Noel Hall. They recently met Justin while he was hosting the special D23 event called “D23 on the Road" which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Goofy movie. Justin shares with us what it is like hosting the event and also talks about his background as an actor, musician, and a model. This episode is filled with laughter and love as Justin shares his story with us! Here are Justin's links that were talked about during the show.  https://www.youtube.com/@justinnoelhall https://www.instagram.com/justinnoelhall/ https://sceagency.com/ https://www.nikoylenoel.com/

✨ To all who believe in the magic—this episode is for you. ✨

Join us as Sheila is joined by past guest and good friend Annette Bartoli-Dorman

Join us as Steve and Sheila welcome her son Dave Flook to the show along with his partner Sheri Tobin. Dave and Sheri both believe that life happens all around you, and with that in mind, they created their business called Ontario 360° Tours. On this episode, both Dave and Sheri talk about Ontario 360° Tours and also share tips and advice on using 360° video camera technology while at Disney. Dave, who is also a professional graphic designer, is currently offering a discount on his services—which include websites, logos, printed materials, and much more—to our listeners and members of our Facebook group. Check out the link below to get in contact with him, and just let him know that you are part of the Monorail Tales family to qualify for a friends and family discount. Website - https://purewebgroup.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Ontario360Tours Website - www.ontario360tours.caYYouTube: Ontario 360° Tours - YouTube

Join us as Sheila sits down with Karen Daves from the Mickeyphile Podcast as well as Gary and Ric to discuss all the details of their attempts at the Main Street 16 Challenge, organized by The Main Street Magic Podcast!! You can listen to The Disney Crush to hear about their attempt https://thedisneycrush.com/crushing-for-a-cause You can find The Main Street Magic Podcast here https://www.mainstmagic.com/

Join us as Steve and Sheila chat with Thomas as he shares the latest of his special trips to Disney that he took during the Holiday Seasons! Listen in as he talks about his fun time that he had during Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, and the New Year holidays, and to top it all - also doing four parks in one day!

Join us as Sheila and Ric dive into the latest Disney news, from scavenger hunts and snack passports at Epcot's upcoming Food & Wine Festival to spooky updates on Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Along the way, they dish out hot deals for Florida residents, Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration, and even a new Disney theme park announcement—Abu Dhabi, anyone? Sheila struggles adorably with pronunciation, Ric plans a covert candy trash can heist, and yes, the Savannah Bananas are officially part of the Disneyverse now. 

Join us as Sheila and Ric chat with good friend and past guest to the show, Jason Svoboda. Listen in as Jason shares what it was like to be on the Disney College Program and his time spent working at Typhoon Lagoon. Jason also shares that his dream of working on Main Street at Magic Kingdom will come true as he takes on a summer job working for Arribas Brothers!

Join us as Steve and Sheila welcome Thomas and his Auntie, Lisa, back to the show to talk about their recent trip to Disneyland Paris. For Thomas, this was a dream come true as he had dreamed for over twenty years about the day he would be able to ride a doom buggy in the Phantom Manor. Thomas shares the backstory to this attraction and takes us on the ride, room by room, describing the differences between Phantom Manor and its counterparts in the USA!  Lisa talks about the food they ate, where they stayed during their vacation, and offers tips and advice for those that might be thinking of going to Disneyland Paris themselves.

Join us as Sheila and Ric sit down with Gary to talk about the 4th Annual Main Street 16 Challenge—a four-day event filled with magic, memories, and a mission to make a difference. In this episode, you'll hear about all the exciting activities planned for the weekend, including meetups, park fun, and the main event: the 16-ride challenge across all four Walt Disney World parks in one epic day! Learn how this event blends the love of Disney with a powerful purpose—raising funds to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Join your host Ric on this special episode of Monorail Tales, where Bill, Gary, Jeni, Patrick, Sheila, and Steve each dive into real TripAdvisor reviews of Disney World—both glowing five-star praise and candid one- to three-star critiques. Our panel doesn't stop at simply reading the reviews: they roll up their sleeves to troubleshoot the worst experiences, offering practical ideas and insider tips to turn those “bad trips” into magical memories. From conquering endless lines, maximizing Genie+ and Lightning Lane, to navigating dining plans and avoiding hidden pitfalls in the parks, this crew has you covered. Tune in for honest reactions, smart solutions, and a healthy dose of Disney nostalgia—because even the toughest critics can find a little magic with the right strategy! Connect with Jeni—the queen of trip planning magic and pure fabulocity! Facebook: Wondermakers Travel with Jeni Cohen Instagram: @rockabillydisney Website & Blog: Rockabilly Disney Whether you're looking for expert itinerary crafting, the latest park-hacks, or a dose of Jeni's signature vintage flair, Jeni's your go‑to Disney travel guru!

This week, Sheila & Ric dive into a jam-packed episode full of Disney magic and must-know updates!

Gary, Al, and Ric team up with Steve and Sheila to dive into the 2007 Disney film Meet the Robinsons!

Join us as Sheila and Steve welcome past guest and good friend, Ken Huntoon, back to the show! In this episode, Ken goes back in time to the 90s and shares memories of his time spent at what was then called Downtown Disney.

Join us as Patrick and Sheila sit down with Gary as he shares everything about the recent Disney Cruise he took with his wife. This was a three night cruise, sailing on the Disney Wish to the Bahamas. Taking a cruise without their children allowed them to be able to explore many of the areas of the ship that are restricted to adults over the age of 18. One of the highlights for the both of them was having a romantic meal at the Enchanté Restaurant, which is a fining dining experience for those over the age of 18.

Join us as Steve and Sheila welcome back good friends, Dawn and Katie from the Main and Magic Podcast, to share their experience attending the 2025 Disney College Program Alumni Homecoming event. From early in the morning to late at night, they both made sure that this trip would be filled with magical moments. Besides the planned activities that Disney put on for the event, they were also able to spend a day in the parks as well as have a  professional photo shoot on the evening of the semi-formal.  Here are Katie and Dawn's links that was shared on the episode: Katie Fisher - Pictures and Postcards Travel Website - http://picturesandpostcardstravel.com/ Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/131995770751572 Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/picturesandpostcardstravel email - kfisher@nyaaa.com Dawn Browne - Degrees North Images Website - https://degreesnorthimages.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/degreesnorthimages Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/degreesnorthimagestx email - dawn@degreesnorthimages.com Main and Magic Podcast Website - https://www.mainandmagic.com/ Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/mainandmagic Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mainandmagic Their portrait session photographer - Kiste Photography Website - https://www.kistephotography.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Kistephotography/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KistePhotography/    

Join us as Bill, Sheila, Steve & Ric dive into all the exciting new arrivals coming to Disney+ this March!

Join us for a sweet treat as Sheila sits down with Al to discuss his most recent Magic Kingdom trip with his wife, Kerry, where he fulfills a longstanding dream and talks about a few unexpected surprises. For more information on the Waffles Foundation, please check out: https://www.wafflesfoundation.org To check out Al's YouTube channel:   https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kindred+souls+of+brooklyn

Join us as we embark on a magical journey through the enchanting lands of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom! In this This or That episode, we'll debate the ultimate park experiences, from thrilling attractions to iconic treats! ✨