Monorail Tales

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! ✨

  Join us as Sheila talks with Jodi from Timeless Tales Travel about her recent seven-night cruise on Disney's newest ship, Disney Treasure! Joining her on this voyage were her husband and her two boys. Jodi shares lots of information about her experience onboard the ship as well as the three port calls, which included Tortola and Saint Thomas! Listen in for some great tips and advice for when planning your Disney Cruise. To get in contact with Jodi: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JodiAtTimelessTalesTravel By email - Jodi@timelesstalestravel.com You can leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/MonorailTales You can find us on the web at www.monorailtales.com. Find us on Facebook and like our page and join our fun Disney group! You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram If you a show idea or would like to be on the show, email sheila@monorailtales.com For the best deals on DVC Resale contracts and DVC rentals, check out our sponsor DVC Shop at DVCShop.com  

Sheila is delighted to welcome back past guest Dave Greiner, joined by his lovely wife, Rita, as they share their enchanting adventure at Disneyland Paris! With just one day to explore, they made every moment count—discover how they experienced the charm, wonder, and magic of the park in true Disney fashion. ✨ Did they see Sleeping Beauty's Castle in all its fairy-tale splendor? ✨ How did they make the most of their limited time? ✨ What special Disney touches made their trip unforgettable? Tune in for their très magnifique Disneyland Paris experience!

Join us as Sheila and Bill as they welcome back fourth-time guest and former Disney College Program Cast Member, Cassidy Wojcik. Follow along as she continues following her Disney dreams and take a peek backstage as she shares her latest adventure as an engineering intern at Walt Disney World!

Here's a Muppet-style version of your show notes, packed with whimsy, fun, and a little chaotic energy!