It’s my birthday week! Would you like a present? :) Stay tuned for a giveaway…
Edit: the giveaway has ended (see below), congratulations to Matthew Young! The review still stands though, and as I said – I planned to buy these again for you, so it’s definitely worth checking out the bundle at WDWRadio.com or on iTunes!
But first, let me just say that you’ll be giving yourself a gift if you treat yourself and your family to these audio guides. I actually purchased them each individually before I realized there was an amazing bundle price, and still I have absolutely no regrets – except perhaps that I am impulsive ;)
In each of the available Audio Guides, Lou Mongello (host of the WDW Radio Show, author of a series of Walt Disney World trivia books and 102 Ways to Save for and at Walt Disney World, and a genuinely nice guy) takes you on a tour of one of six Magic Kingdom lands.
When I first listened, I started at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom with the Main Street USA guide. Here Lou begins by telling the story of “the show” that is the Magic Kingdom and surrounding areas. He points out details throughout the entrance and the train station, discusses the infamous “Windows on Main Street” and shares some of the influences of the design of the picturesque “land” welcoming you to the perhaps the most quintessential Walt Disney World park. He points out how no detail is an accident, but that instead each of them has ties to Disney films, historical figures, etc.
If you’ve read and enjoyed any of the Imagineering Field Guide books you will also love these tours. Lou shares the backstories of the street – from the story of the Emporium’s proprietor, Osh Popham, to the changes experienced by the town throughout the turn of the century – as he also shares architectural and design details you may have missed. In the background you’ll hear the hustle and bustle of the park, familiar sounds of the steam trains and other attractions, and area music you may recognize and love.
The Audio Guides to the rest of the lands are done with just as much detail and care. Stories of attractions in which Walt had a hand, American history come to life in the form of Disney “edutainment”, the sound of Adventureland drums that almost makes me think I can taste a Dole Whip… I can’t even pick a favorite. You’ll really just want to get them all.
The Guides are wonderfully produced. Sound quality is great; travel tips, hidden treasures and trivia are scattered throughout. Though I’ve never tried it, I love Lou’s suggestion of taking the audio with you into the parks as you walk. They are available at WDWRadio.com or on iTunes, which makes it super easy to download and listen wherever you go.
Oh! And one of you lucky friends will be getting the complete pack of six audio guides for FREE! Enter below…. the winner will be announced on November 15th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: I bought my own Audio Guides. I then reached out to Lou to ask how I could buy some for you, because I like them that much and think you will, too. Lou is gracious and has offered to give a set away, instead. So mine were paid for, one winner’s are free. All opinions are unsolicited and 100% my own. :)
Linda Raymond
We also love Lou’s tapes, we listen to them on our drive over, even though we have heard them more then once. Lou’s enthusiasm on his tapes, is just so uplifting, it gets us in the mood even more. We have learned so much from these tapes. This is a fantastic prize. Good luck to all.
Linda Raymond
We also love Lou’s tapes, we listen to them on our drive over, even though we have heard them more then once. Lou’s enthusiasm on his tapes, is just so uplifting, it gets us in the mood even more. We have learned so much from these tapes. This is a fantastic prize. Good luck to all.