Mike Ellis

Season 2, Episode 25 – Disney Legends

June 21, 2021 by Mike Ellis Leave a Comment

Disney Legends

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and that’s Brenda, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is Season 2, Episode 25 for June 21, 2021, and our feature topic today is Disney Legends.Today we are taking a look at the Disney Legends program. We’ve each picked a Disney Legend to showcase and talk about. Here’s our rundown of what we talked about:

Cheddar from the Big Cheese
- Sophie: Coming July 7th — Monsters at Work! Taking place the day after Monsters, Inc., the story is what happens after Mike & Sulley determine that laughter is ten times better than screams for power.
- Brenda: We spoke, and Disney listened! Fueled by all of the feedback about how upset everyone was on how ‘Ohana was getting rid of the noodles, Disney has changed their mind — and the noodles are back on the menu!
- Mike: Disney has announced five new dates for the Boo Bash. The dates are:
  - Sunday, September 5, 2021
  - Sunday, September 12, 2021
  - Sunday, September 19, 2021
  - Sunday, October 10, 2021
  - Sunday, October 17, 2021
  - Tickets for this new set of dates went on sale on June 15th.
- Sophie: This is NOT a rumor! Disney announced that Fireworks will be back at the Disney Parks starting July 1st at Walt Disney World and July 4th at Disneyland!
- Mike: On a personal note, this is the 75th Episode of On the Road with Mickey! Sophie and I would like to thank you all for joining us since day one, and a heartfelt thank you also goes out to Brenda for taking a leap and getting in on the action! A special shout out goes to my client Diana who emailed me and asked if I ever thought of starting a podcast, and another shout out goes to Sheila and Jagan for their suggestions on how to improve the end product. Lastly, Sophie and I want to give it up for Cindy/Mommy. She is more than the driving force behind On the Road with Mickey (and the one who came up with the tagline “Cheddar from the Big Cheese”), she is the glue that binds us together, and Sophie and I would be lost without her.
Connect with us! Here’s how:
- Facebook: https://facebook.ontheroadwithmickey.com
- Facebook Group: https://facebookgroup.ontheroadwithmickey.com
- YouTube: On the Road with Mickey (Don’t forget to subscribe, like the videos, and comment!)
- Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
- Email: info@ontheroadwithmickey.com
- Phone Voicemail: 919-799-8390
Feature Topic: Disney Legends
- Mike’s Submission:
  - Fred MacMurray, inducted into the Legends in 1987
- Sophie’s Legend:
  - Ub Iwerks, inducted into the Legends in 1989
- Brenda’s Legend:
  - Julie Andrews, inducted into the Legends in 1991
This Day in Disney History for June 21
- A list of films that were released today!
  - The Parent Trap (1961)
  - Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
  - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
  - Lilo and Stitch (2002)
  - Wall-E (2008)
  - Monsters University (2013)
  - Toy Story 4 (2019)
Disney Who’s Who Character
- Dude Crush from Finding Nemo
Walt Disney Quote
- “Courage is the main quality of leadership, in my opinion, no matter where it is exercised. Usually it implies some risk — especially in new undertakings. Courage to initiate something and to keep it going, pioneering and adventurous spirit to blaze new ways, often, in our land of opportunity.” ~ Walt Disney
Sponsorship
- On the Road with Mickey is sponsored by Pixie Vacations by Mike Ellis and Tech Solutions NC.

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 — first, by email to info@ontheroadwithmickey.com. Second, you can leave us a voicemail at our voicemail box 919-799-8390. 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!

Season 2, Episode 24 – Brenda’s WDW Recap!

June 14, 2021 by Mike Ellis Leave a Comment

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Brenda’s WDW Recap!

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and that’s Brenda, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is Season 2, Episode 24 for June 14, 2021, and our feature topic today is Brenda’s WDW Recap! Today we are hearing all about Brenda’s trip, along with comparisons between how things were for her last trip as opposed to this trip! So, if you have a trip planned, this may be full of great information for you! Grab a drink, relax, and join us as we talk about all the things that we came up with! Here’s our rundown of what we talked about:

Cheddar from the Big Cheese
- Sophie: ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is re-opening July 9; booking available June 10!
- Brenda: ‘Ohana reopening is good — changing the menu like they did…not so much.
- Mike: There was an accident on the Skyliner on June 8th — no injuries and all is good now from what I’m reading.
Connect with us! Here’s how:
- Facebook: https://facebook.ontheroadwithmickey.com
- Facebook Group: https://facebookgroup.ontheroadwithmickey.com
- YouTube: On the Road with Mickey (Don’t forget to subscribe, like the videos, and comment!)
- Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
- Email: info@ontheroadwithmickey.com
- Phone Voicemail: 919-799-8390
Feature Topic: Brenda’s WDW Recap!
- Listener Questions:
  - Jennifer asks: “Are the parks doing the service where you purchase items and they are able to send to your resort without you having to carry the items around yet?”
  - Diana asks: “Are the lines longer with increased capacity- like back to normal long?”
This Day in Disney History for June 14
- Three major attractions open at Disneyland.
- Also, on June 9: Happy Birthday Donald Duck! Donald makes his debut on this day in 1934 in the Disney Silly Symphony short “The Wise Little Hen”
Disney Who’s Who Character:
- Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty
Walt Disney Quote
- “You’ll be a poorer person all your life if you don’t know some of the great stories and great poems.” ~ Walt Disney
Coming Next Week: A Look at Disney Legends
Sponsorship
- On the Road with Mickey is sponsored by Pixie Vacations by Mike Ellis and Tech Solutions NC.

Season 2, Episode 23 – Four Park Challenge

June 7, 2021 by Mike Ellis Leave a Comment

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Four Park Challenge

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and that’s Brenda, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is Season 2, Episode 23 for June 7, 2021, and our feature topic today is our Four Park Challenge. Today we are coming up with our special four park challenge — one attraction (or ride) and one show to do at each park! So, grab a drink, relax, and join us as we talk about all the things that we came up with! Here’s our rundown of what we talked about:

Cheddar from the Big Cheese
- Mike: Over at Animal Kingdom, it was recently announced that Tusker House Restaurant will be reopening on June 20th! You can start making bookings for the restaurant as of this past Friday, June 4th.
- Sophie: A while back we reported on a new baby zebra born at Animal Kingdom. The baby is coming along quite nicely, and he has now been named Dash.
- Mike: Dates are released for the Disney After Hours Boo Bash! Starting August 10th and running through October 31st on select nights. Tickets in August and September are $129 for children under age 10 and $139 for anyone over age 10, plus tax. October pricing is $159 for children and $169 for anyone over age 10. October 31st pricing is $199 per person.
Connect with us! Here’s how:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnTheRoadwithMickey
- YouTube: On the Road with Mickey (Don’t forget to subscribe, like the videos, and comment!)
- Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
- Email: info@ontheroadwithmickey.com
- Phone Voicemail: 919-799-8390
Feature Topic: The Four Park Challenge
- Brenda’s choices:
  - Living the dream at Walt Disney World, not worrying about her 4 park challenge choices. 🙂
- Sophie’s choices:
  - First, get up at 7 am and get a boarding pass for Rise of the Resistance.
  - Then spend a leisurely hour getting ready for the day.
  - Take the first bus over to Animal Kingdom
    - Ride: Expedition Everest
    - Show: Festival of the Lion King
  - Next, hop on a bus to Magic Kingdom
    - Ride: Haunted Mansion (I don’t care. It’s my favorite.)
    - Show: Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  - Go to the Rivera for a quick lunch.
  - Take the Skyliner to Epcot
    - Ride: Spaceship Earth
    - Show: Reflections of China
  - Hop back on the Skyliner, have dinner at Caribbean Beach, and go to Hollywood Studios
  - Ride: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  - Show: Fantasmic!
  - [Challenge complete]
  - Reward: Rise of the Resistance.
- Mike’s choices:
  - Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Country Bears Jamboree
  - Epcot: Frozen Ever After, American Experience
  - Hollywood Studios: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Muppet Vision 3D
  - Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest, Festival of the Lion King
- Listener Responses
  - Tony:
    - MK – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, MNSSHP Fireworks
    - Epcot – Test Track, Illuminations
    - HS – Rise of the Resistance, Fantasmic
    - AK – Flight of Passage, Festival of the Lion King
  - Jennifer:
    - MK: Haunted Mansion; Festival of Fantasy Parade (not a fan of the new fireworks show).
    - AK: Expedition Everest; FOTLK show
    - EPCOT: Living with the Land; Fav show used to be the British Invasion band. Not sure what I’d stick around to watch now.
    - HS: ToT; Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
  - Cindy:
    - MK – BTMRR, Cavalcades
    - EPCOT – Soarin’, Beauty & Beast Sing a long
    - HS – Rise of the Resistance, One Man’s Dream
    - Ak – Expedition Everest, Nemo the Musical
  - Dana:
    - MK – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Carousel of Progress (consider that a show)
    - AK – Flight of Passage (because I haven’t done it yet), Nemo
    - EPCOT- Soarin, not sure about a show choice there
    - HS – Toy Story Mania, Fantasmic
  - Sheila:
    - We have done this one time We went to Ak first did FOP, then went HS did Great Movie Ride, then to Epcot Spaceship Earth then last we did MK 7 dwarfs mine train. We only did one show, that was Carousel of Progress.
This Day in Disney History for June 7
- Daisy Duck emergence, Tom Jones, and BBC-TV Returns.
Disney Who’s Who Character:
- Linguini from Ratatouille
Walt Disney Quote
- “Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” ~ Walt Disney
Listener Picture Submissions
- We have photo and video submissions this week from the following listeners:
  - Heather
  - Holly
Coming Next Week: Brenda’s WDW Recap
Sponsorship
- On the Road with Mickey is sponsored by Pixie Vacations by Mike Ellis and Tech Solutions NC.

Season 2, Episode 22 – Nighttime things to do at Disney

May 31, 2021 by Mike Ellis Leave a Comment

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Nighttime things to do at Disney

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and that’s Brenda, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is Season 2, Episode 22 for May 31, 2021, and our feature topic today is Nighttime things to do at Disney. Today we are taking a look at the things at Disney that we love to experience at night, whether it be attractions, different areas of the resort, or just about anything! So, grab a drink, relax, and join us as we talk about all the things that we came up with! Here’s our rundown of what we talked about:

Cheddar from the Big Cheese
- Brenda: Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort has reopened! It opened on May 18, and is serving breakfast from 7:30 – 11:30AM, and dinner from 5:00 – 9:00PM. Currently, there are no characters, but hopefully that will change soon. For now, at least the price has been modified to reflect the lack of characters — it is now priced at $25 per adult, $14 per child (plus tax and gratuity) while it was previously priced at around $42 per adult, and $27 per child pre-pandemic.
- Sophie: May 20, 1996 — over five years before I was born! — Disney’s Fantasia Gardens miniature golf course opened! This year marks the 25th anniversary of it opening!
- Mike: June 15, 2021: Disneyland opens up to Guests from outside of California!
Connect with us! Here’s how:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnTheRoadwithMickey
- YouTube: On the Road with Mickey (Don’t forget to subscribe, like the videos, and comment!)
- Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
- Email: info@ontheroadwithmickey.com
- Phone Voicemail: 919-799-8390
Feature Topic: Nighttime things to do at Disney
- Brenda’s choices:
  - RIDES: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Slinky Dog Dash, Expedition Everest, Dumbo, Nighttime viewing of Kilimanjaro Safaris, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (and the queue is fantastic at night), TTA PeopleMover, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  - ACTIVITIES: Many years ago, my family started enjoying what we called our “monorail mania meal.” We would start at the Grand Floridian for drinks, then hop the monorail to eat at the Contempo Café at the Contemporary and then monorail to the Polynesian to enjoy dessert (bet you can’t guess which one hahahahaha). During our meal we would enjoy seeing the Electric Water Pageant.
  - PARK OFFERINGS: Closing down the Magic Kingdom, enjoying the beautiful Pandora – World of Avatar which is so gorgeous at night; Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios which is super cool at night; and, of course, the World Showcase is very romantic at night.
  - RESORT FUN: Nighttime swimming at your resort.
- Sophie’s choices:
  - The Not-so-Scary Halloween Party and the Very Merry Christmas Party
  - Disney Springs
  - Pool Time and Late-night Resort Attractions
- Mike’s choices:
  - Jellyrolls Boardwalk
  - World Showcase
  - Block Party
  - Fireworks
  - Extra Magic Hours
  - Night vision goggles at AKL
  - A special night…
- Listener Responses
  - Tony says to rent a pontoon boat for Magic Kingdom Fireworks or Epcot show
  - Deb says “Sitting on the beach at the Poly watching the Electric Parade on the Water, Fireworks when they have them and of course seeing the monorail make the rounds.”
  - Di says “Campfire with Chip and Dale!”
This Day in Disney History for May 31
- Birthdays: Matsuo Yokoyama and Ewan McGregor
Disney Who’s Who Character:
- Jaq from Cinderella
Walt Disney Quote
- This quote is from a March, 1941 issue of Ladies Home Journal in an article entitled, “Mr. and Mrs. Disney.” The article stated, “When Disney was eight his parents moved to Kansas City. Around this time he developed another talent, the ability to act, which has turned out much better than his drawing. In 1913 Kansas City was a hive of Chaplin-impersonation contests. Walt said, ‘I’d get in line with half a dozen guys. I’d ad lib and play with my cane and gloves. Sometimes I’d win $5, sometimes $2.50, sometimes just get carfare. I made the wig out of old hemp used to stuff pipes; it stunk of creosote. Later I got wise to crepe hair.’ According to Alva Johnston, a student of the period, Disney was the second-best Chaplin in Kansas City.” ~ Walt Disney
Listener Picture Submissions
- We have photo and video submissions this week from the following listeners:
  - Sheila
  - Megan
  - Deb
Coming Next Week: Surprise topic!
Sponsorship
- On the Road with Mickey is sponsored by Pixie Vacations by Mike Ellis and Tech Solutions NC.

Season 2, Episode 21 – Under Appreciated at Disney

May 24, 2021 by Mike Ellis Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Under Appreciated at Disney

Hey everyone, I’m Mike, she’s Sophie, and that’s Brenda, and we’re On the Road with Mickey! This is Season 2, Episode 21 for May 24, 2021, and our feature topic today is Under Appreciated at Disney. Today we are taking a look at the things at Disney that we feel are under-appreciated and need some love and recognition. So, grab a drink, relax, and join us as we talk about all the things that we came up with! Here’s our rundown of what we talked about:

Cheddar from the Big Cheese
- Brenda: From Sunday, Jan. 23 through Thursday, Jan. 28, 2022, the Disney Skyliner line between EPCOT International Gateway, Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed. During this time, Disney bus transportation will be provided for Guests to EPCOT. FriendShip boat service is also available for EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
- Sophie: Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park, Disney has relocated the areas where ride sharing services pickup and dropoff from. But equally intriguing is that they have also installed Minnie Van signs in the same area. You may remember the Minnie Vans that were the polka dotted vehicles that you could hire through the Lyft service. It looks like they are returning, although we don’t know when just yet.
- Mike: Disney has released a new offer for United Kingdom residents! The package includes up to $950 in Disney dining credits for guests staying two weeks at select Disney hotels. Also included are 14-day park tickets for the price of 7-day tickets for arrival dates in 2022. Memory Maker is also included with those tickets. Also, every booking will also receive a $200 Disney Gift Card. Finally, if UK residents book by July 17, 2021 in select Disney hotels, you’ll receive a free celebration gift basket, which contains a Limited Edition 50th Anniversary commemorative coin, exclusive Disney merch and treats, and a Mickey insulated cooler bag.
- Mike: Lastly, from June 7-12, the Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closing for a short refurbishment.
Connect with us! Here’s how:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnTheRoadwithMickey
- YouTube: On the Road with Mickey (Don’t forget to subscribe, like the videos, and comment!)
- Instagram: On the Road with Mickey
- Email: info@ontheroadwithmickey.com
- Phone Voicemail: 919-799-8390
Feature Topic: Under Appreciated at Disney
- Mike’s choices:
  - 3) Piano Player at Casey’s
  - 2) Conservation Station
  - 1) Mickey & Minnie Houses
- Brenda’s choices:
  - 3) Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
  - 2) First Time in Forever: Frozen Sing-a-long
  - 1) Carousel of Progress
- Sophie’s choices:
  - 3) Epcot Pixar Film Festival
  - 2) Rizzo’s Pizzaria in Hollywood Studios
  - 1) Resort Shops and most of Disney Springs
- Listener Responses
  - Bambi says that the Enchanted Tiki Room is totally under-appreciated!
  - Jorge said: “Hoop de doo Revue and Trail’s End! Especially Trail’s End”
  - Jenni said: “Carousel of Progress”
This Day in Disney History for May 24
- Pandora – The World of Avatar
Disney Who’s Who Character:
- Tinker Bell from Peter Pan
Walt Disney Quote
- “We did it Disneyland, in the knowledge that most of the people I talked to thought it would be a financial disaster – closed and forgotten within the first year.” ~ Walt Disney
Listener Picture Submissions
- We have photo and video submissions this week from the following listeners:
  - Shannon
  - Holly
  - Heather
Coming Next Week: Nighttime things to do at Disney
Sponsorship
- On the Road with Mickey is sponsored by Pixie Vacations by Mike Ellis and Tech Solutions NC.

Mike Ellis

Disney Legends

Brenda’s WDW Recap!

Four Park Challenge

Nighttime things to do at Disney

Under Appreciated at Disney

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