Advertise on podcast: Monorail Tales: A Disney Fan Podcast

The mutants are back, and Ric and Luis have plenty to say about X-Men '97 Season 2! On this episode of The Marvelous Side of Disney, Luis brings his years of comic book knowledge to the table while Ric offers the perspective of someone who knows the X-Men primarily through the movies and animated series. And while they both enjoyed the season, that doesn't mean they're letting it off easy! The guys dig into the time-travel storylines, Wolverine's return to the spotlight, Magneto's fate, the emotional moments involving Rogue and Gambit, and an Apocalypse storyline that promised a lot more than Luis thinks it delivered. They also discuss the behind-the-scenes changes involving Beau DeMayo and whether those changes affected the finished season. There's plenty to celebrate, too, including some terrific action sequences, familiar faces from the original animated series, and a few Marvel cameos that might hint at what's coming next. Before getting into the review, Luis also takes a moment to remember X-Men comic book artist Joshua Cassara, sharing a personal story about meeting him and receiving a special drawing of Forge. And, as always, the conversation wanders into what else they've been watching, including Avengers: Infinity War, Bad Genius, and Resident Evil. So did Season 2 live up to Season 1? Where does Apocalypse go from here? And what do Ric and Luis give the season? WARNING: This episode contains major spoilers for X-Men '97 Seasons 1 and 2! Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share the show with your fellow Disney and Marvel fans! Visit us at MonorailTales.com for more episodes and Disney fun. Join the conversation in our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram! Have a question, a comment, or an idea for a future episode? Want to join us on the show? Email [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Let our friends at The Curated Travel Collection help you make some magical memories! Thinking about Disney Vacation Club? Be sure to check out DVC Shop for your DVC needs. Until next time, keep the magic alive, keep making magical memories, and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

On this episode of Monorail Tales, Sheila and Al get together for what starts out as a little Disney conversation and turns into one of those chats between good friends where you never quite know where the conversation will go! From Epcot's Food & Wine Festival and Soarin' to adventures in Canada, Niagara Falls, and plenty of unexpected detours, Sheila and Al have lots to catch up on. But there's a very special reason for this episode. Al shares the story of The Waffles Foundation, the nonprofit he and Kerry established in memory of his son, Matt, a talented musician who loved sharing his passion for music with young people. On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the foundation is coming home to Brooklyn for a special benefit concert featuring the New York Rats at Young Ethel's. What makes this event especially meaningful is that the band's lead guitarist, Henry Diaz, was Matt's fourth-grade music teacher—the man who introduced him to the electric guitar and helped spark a lifelong love of music. It's a story about the lasting influence of a teacher, a family's love, and how one young man's passion continues to make a difference in the lives of children across the country. The Waffles Foundation provides musical instruments, lessons, and scholarships to young people who might otherwise go without. Al also shares how listeners can help, whether through donations, instruments, or simply spreading the word. Waffles Foundation Benefit Concert Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 Location: Young Ethel's, Brooklyn, New York Featuring: The New York Rats Benefiting: The Waffles Foundation All proceeds from admission will benefit the foundation! Learn more, donate, or find out how to help: https://www.wafflesfoundation.org As Al reminds us, the foundation's mission is simple: "Helping tomorrow's musicians today." Join Sheila and Al for a little Disney, a lot of friendship, and a story that reminds us how much difference one person can make. Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're here to help every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive... keep making magical memories... and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us as Steve, Sheila and Thomas get together to talk about Thomas's Fourth of July weekend trip to Disneyland with his family, including a new lightsaber, a memorable character encounter and a birthday surprise on the journey home. Thomas shares his experience checking out the new offerings at Galaxy's Edge and building his very own lightsaber, with his friend Stephanie joining him to share the moment. He talks about what made the experience so much fun and why he would recommend it to others. With his new lightsaber in hand, he also had the opportunity to get a photo with Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia together, another highlight of his visit. The adventure continued after the family left Disneyland. As a birthday gift for Thomas, his mom had booked an overnight stay in Las Vegas to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. With spectacular visuals, breathtaking sound and 4D effects, the experience became a special memory for Thomas and his mom to share. To close out the show, Thomas gives us a little teaser of his next family adventure, a Disney cruise aboard the Disney Destiny. Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical getaway.

Join us as Sheila welcomes first-time guest Alex Smith to the show! Alex is married and a dad to three children, ages 13, 11, and 4, and for the past three years has been sharing his love of Disney through his blog, "Second Dad to the Right." Alex shares the story behind the name of his blog and how what started as his own Disney adventure has turned into a family affair. His children have gotten involved too, sharing their ideas and helping with the blog, making the experience even more rewarding as they get to enjoy it together. Disney trips can add up, and Alex's wife, Audrey, found a creative way to help make those visits happen by starting her own online SAT/ACT test prep tutoring classes. Together, they've been able to visit Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris. Along the way, Alex has continued building his blog and helping other guests make the most of their own time in the parks. To close out the show, Sheila gets to know even more of Alex's Disney side as they talk about his time in the parks and the experiences that keep bringing him and his family back to the magic. You can follow along with Alex on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads @seconddadtotheright, and visit his website at seconddadtotheright.com. To reach out to Audrey for more information about her tutoring services, visit tutoringwithaudrey.com. Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're here to help every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive... keep making magical memories... and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us as Bill, Sheila, and Thomas welcome back past guest Peyton Columbus to share the story behind what Peyton calls his best Disney moment ever. Ever since he was a child, Peyton had dreamed of meeting one of Disney's rarer characters: Bullseye from Toy Story. That dream finally became a reality this year with a little help from his friend Thomas. After two years of friendship and plenty of Disney conversations, Thomas shared with Peyton where he might be able to find Bullseye in the park. What happened next turned an ordinary park day into a moment Peyton will never forget. After Cast Members learned just how much meeting Bullseye meant to him, they helped make some extra Disney magic happen, taking Peyton to meet Bullseye for a special one-on-one interaction and finally bringing a childhood dream to life. Peyton also shares highlights from his recent trips to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, including some of his favorite experiences from each coast. He also talks about the benefits of visiting the parks solo and why experiencing Disney on your own can be a very different and rewarding kind of trip. To close out the show, the conversation turns to something every Disney fan can probably relate to: why do certain Disney characters mean so much to us? Bill, Sheila, Thomas, and Peyton discuss the characters they have connected with over the years, where those connections come from, and how a character like Bullseye can become part of a Disney memory that lasts a lifetime. Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're here to help every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive... keep making magical memories... and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us and "Be Our Guest" as Sheila, Bill, Gary and Ric celebrate the music that has become such an important part of our Disney lives. Disney music has a way of finding a permanent place in our memories. Sometimes a song takes us back to a favorite movie, sometimes it brings back a special moment in the parks, and sometimes it reminds us of a person or a time in our lives that we never want to forget. No matter how old we get, hearing the right song can make us believe that "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" waiting just around the corner. On this episode, we each choose some of the Disney songs that mean the most to us and share the stories behind them. Some make us laugh, some bring back memories and others remind us that even when life gets difficult, sometimes all we can do is "The Next Right Thing." But we didn't want this to be only about our choices, so we decided to see "How Far I'll Go" and asked our friends and listeners to join the fun. They sent us their favorite Disney songs along with the reasons behind their choices, and their answers gave us plenty of time for a little "Reflection." Some songs brought back childhood memories. Others were tied to parents, children, spouses, vacations and moments that have stayed with people for years. A few reminded us that sometimes the "Bare Necessities" really are all we need, while others proved that a special song can make you feel like you have the entire "Circle of Life" playing out in just a few minutes. There were songs that made people want to shout "Hakuna Matata," songs that reminded them that "You'll Be in My Heart" can mean something very different depending on who you are thinking about, and songs that showed us just how many memories can be hidden in all the "Colors of the Wind." And somewhere in the middle of it all, Ric even manages to work in his own "Homespun Melody." Of course, Disney music isn't limited to the movies. For many of us, the music of the parks is every bit as powerful. A few notes can transport us back to standing in front of Cinderella Castle watching a nighttime spectacular and making "Wishes" that somehow still feel real years later. Even after the lights come back on and everyone starts heading for the exits, those melodies have a way of following us home to our own "Happily Ever After." And when it comes to Disney music, sometimes you don't even need words. A familiar melody can have your imagination soaring before you realize what you're hearing. Before long, you're mentally flying over mountains, oceans and landscapes and wondering why someone suddenly sprayed the smell of oranges into the room. That's when you know Disney music has really managed to make your spirit "Soarin'." After hearing everyone's stories, there was only one thing left to do. Ric added up the votes to find out which songs our friends and listeners chose most often. We thought we were heading toward a Top 3, but apparently Disney music decided that "We're All in This Together," because a tie turned our Top 3 into a Top 4. Which songs made it to the top? You'll have to listen to find out. We don't want to spoil the surprise, because sometimes it's more fun to "Dig a Little Deeper" and discover the answer for yourself. Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, don't "Let It Go" without subscribing wherever you get your podcasts, leaving us a review and sharing the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group and follow us on Instagram. You never know what might be waiting "Just Around the Riverbend," from the latest Disney news and show updates to plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode? Don't be a "Poor Unfortunate Soul" sitting there wondering how to reach us. We'd love to hear from you! Contact Sheila at [email protected] and tell us what's on your mind. Planning your next Disney vacation? Maybe you've been thinking "I See the Light" at the end of the vacation-planning tunnel, but you aren't quite sure how to get there. Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise or an all-inclusive getaway, they can help you discover "A Whole New World" of vacation possibilities and be there every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Don't spend your time "Waiting on a Miracle." Visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. After all, when your next Disney vacation is calling, sometimes you just have to say, "Here We Go!" From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. We hope that no matter where your next adventure takes you, you'll always remember that "You've Got a Friend in Me." Until next time, keep the magic alive, keep making magical memories, and "When You Wish Upon a Star," we hope some of those wishes lead you right back here for the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us as Sheila welcomes past guest and good friend Abigail Bourque back to the show to share her recent trip to California with her sister, Emily. The main focus of their trip was to see a stage show performed by Team StarKid, an American musical theatre company. But Abby also had a longtime dream of spending a day at Disneyland, and this trip gave her the perfect opportunity to finally make that dream a reality. Abby spent her last day in California at Disneyland, and standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, she could hardly believe she was really there. It was one of those moments where she had to keep pinching herself to make sure it wasn't a dream. She spent the day fitting in as many attractions as she could, including Indiana Jones Adventure, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Her first day at Disneyland has made Abby even more excited for a family trip coming up in February 2027, when she'll return with her mom, her sister Emily, and her two young nephews. Stay tuned for that episode! Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends.   Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun.   Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected].   Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're here to help every step of the way.   Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership.   From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive... keep making magical memories... and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us as Gary and Matt Fernando share all about a very special family vacation aboard the Disney Destiny. This four-night sailing out of Fort Lauderdale marked the first time Gary, Matt, and their parents had all cruised together, and there was plenty to celebrate. Gary, Matt, and their dad were each celebrating milestone birthdays of 40, 45, and 75. Their wives joined them for the trip, along with Matt's young daughter, making this a true family celebration. This was also Matt's first Disney Cruise, and he shares his impressions of the Destiny and the experience of cruising with Disney for the first time. Before the ship even set sail, the family took advantage of the open house at the kids clubs, which gives parents and families a chance to explore the spaces together. Matt was so impressed with the clubs that he jokes he was the one who did not want to leave. Gary and Matt talk about the many activities available onboard and how they spent their time during the four-night cruise. Gary had purchased a spa package that included access to the Rainforest Room, while Matt found plenty to explore throughout the ship. They also discuss the pirates and villains theming found throughout the Destiny and some of the details that make the ship unique. Of course, food is always an important part of a Disney Cruise, and Gary and Matt share their experiences with the restaurants, room service, drinks, and other dining options onboard. One particular favorite was the Mickey Churro Waffles at breakfast, which earned enthusiastic reviews from both of them. When the ship arrived in Nassau, Gary and his wife headed to Blue Lagoon Island for a dolphin encounter experience. Gary shares what the excursion was like and some of the highlights from their day. Later in the episode, Gary and Matt also talk about their visit to Castaway Cay and how each of them chose to spend their time on Disney's private island. There was also an important mission aboard the Destiny. Gary and Matt were second in line when the ship's stores opened, determined to track down the elusive Evie the Towel Animal Plush. Despite their excellent position in line and their best efforts, Evie did not make the trip home with them. Matt also talks about the value of purchasing the onboard photo package and highly recommends it for families who want to make sure those special moments from their cruise are captured. Whether you have already sailed with Disney or are thinking about taking your first Disney Cruise, Gary and Matt pack this episode with stories, experiences, and plenty of useful information from their family celebration aboard the Disney Destiny. Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're here to help every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive... keep making magical memories... and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us as Sheila, Bill and Ric take a look at what's coming to Disney+ in September! There is plenty to talk about this month, including the Disney+ premiere of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, along with its official podcast and a new LEGO Star Wars special. Disney+ also adds Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Kraven the Hunter, new episodes of Disney Jr. Ariel – The Little Mermaid, The Simpsons Season 37, and a new Halloween episode of Marvel's Spidey and the Avengers. Dancing with the Stars returns for Season 35, with live episodes on Disney+ and next-day streaming on Hulu, along with the return of the official Dancing with the Stars podcast. Sheila, Bill and Ric share some of the titles that caught their attention, what they are most looking forward to watching, and what they have been watching since the last episode. Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're here to help every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive... keep making magical memories... and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us as Sheila talks with Megan Lewis, owner of Dreamland Nannies, about the childcare services available to families visiting the Orlando, Florida, and Anaheim, California, areas. Dreamland Nannies offers several options for parents looking for an extra pair of helping hands while on vacation. A nanny can accompany the family for a day in the parks, or fully babysit the children while Mom and Dad enjoy a few hours in the parks on their own. Dreamland Nannies provides care for children from 6 weeks to 16 years old. While the children are with their nanny, parents can stay connected through regular texts and photos, giving them peace of mind while they enjoy some time away. Megan also offers pet care for visitors traveling with their furry family members, so you don't have to leave the parks to head back to your resort room for a walk or check-in. To close out the show, Megan shares a little of her Disney side with Sheila. If you'd like to connect with Megan and learn more about Dreamland Nannies, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @dreamlandnannies. Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're here to help every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive... keep making magical memories... and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us as Sheila and Ric talk with Patrick, Amber, and their daughter Lydia about their latest Walt Disney World adventure! Staying at Port Orleans Riverside, the family packed their days from rope drop to park close with plenty of rides, food, firsts, and a little unexpected Disney magic along the way. They share highlights including an incredibly close encounter with a rhinoceros on Kilimanjaro Safaris, Amber getting pixie dusted with a Mickey ice cream bar and earning her first Clean Plate Club award at 50's Prime Time Café, and Lydia conquering both Tower of Terror and Space Mountain. They also experienced Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away for the first time, finally heard every song on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Lydia gives her thoughts on why Soarin' Across America doesn't quite live up to the version it replaced. Patrick gives us the rundown on the food and restaurants they enjoyed, while the family somehow manages to get stuck on multiple attractions without letting it spoil the fun. And after full days in the parks, Lindsey apparently still had enough energy to run another five to nine miles back at the resort! Patrick closes out the trip with a special moment on Main Street, watching the fireworks while capturing the emotions on his family's faces—a memory they'll treasure until they're all back in the parks again. And yes... that one got Sheila. ❤️ Thanks for listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your Disney-loving friends. Keep the magic alive between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and plenty of Disney fun. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, a cruise, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're here to help every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive... keep making magical memories... and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us for a cruise recap with a first-timer twist! Sheila is joined by Ric and his wife, Brandi, along with a very special first-time guest—Brandi's mom, Debbie! The group recently set sail aboard Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas from Port Tampa Bay, with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. For Debbie, it wasn't just her first time on Enchantment—it was her first cruise ever, and she's sharing what the whole experience was like through completely fresh eyes. Meanwhile, Ric and Brandi compare their experience aboard Enchantment of the Seas with previous sailings on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Fantasy and Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas. How does an older, smaller Royal Caribbean ship stack up? What surprised them? What did they love? And where did they find themselves saying, "Well… Disney does this differently"? They're talking food, entertainment, activities, ports of call, the ship itself, and all those little moments that can make—or break—a cruise vacation. From first impressions of Enchantment to adventures ashore and plenty of family fun along the way, there's a lot to talk about. Did Enchantment of the Seas live up to its name? Has Royal Caribbean gained a brand-new cruiser? And after Cozumel, Costa Maya, CocoCay, countless meals, shows, activities, and a whole lot of family time, what would everyone do differently next time? There's almost as much to unpack in this episode as there was in their luggage. So grab your SeaPass, find a chair by the pool, and join us as we set sail for another episode of Monorail Tales! Thanks for sailing along with us on this episode of Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed the voyage, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your fellow Disney and cruising friends. Keep the adventure going between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, travel adventures, and plenty of fun. Have a question, comment, or your own cruise story to share? Maybe you have an idea for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Ready to set sail on an adventure of your own? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan a stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether you're dreaming of Disney, Universal, Royal Caribbean, another cruise line, or an all-inclusive getaway, they're ready to help you find the vacation that's right for you. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Be sure to visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thanks for coming aboard! Until next time, keep the magic alive, keep making magical memories, and we'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us as Luis and Ric swing into the latest chapter of Spider-Man on the big screen with a spoiler-filled discussion of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. They look back at their own history with Spider-Man and how they were first introduced to the character before talking about what, if anything, they did to prepare for the new movie. They also talk about trying to avoid spoilers leading up to seeing the film, their theater experiences and audience reactions, and their overall impressions of Brand New Day. From there, the conversation turns to the characters and performances that stood out, favorite moments and scenes, surprises along the way, and what worked—or didn't work—for each of them. Finally, Luis and Ric look at where Brand New Day leaves Spider-Man, where the story could go from here, and what they would like to see next. Then they wrap things up with a look at what they've been watching recently. Thanks for swinging by and listening to Monorail Tales! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share the show with your friendly neighborhood Disney-loving friends. Stay connected to the Monorail Tales web between episodes! Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for the latest Disney news, show updates, and whatever else gets caught in our web. Have a question, comment, or an idea for a future episode? Our Spidey senses are always tingling when a new message comes in! Reach out to Sheila at [email protected]. Planning your next Disney vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection are ready to swing into action and help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation at no additional cost to you. Whether your next adventure takes you to Disney, Universal, aboard a cruise, or off to an all-inclusive getaway, they'll help you navigate the multiverse of vacation planning every step of the way. Looking to add Disney Vacation Club points or purchase a DVC membership? Swing over to our friends at DVC Shop for expert service, outstanding prices, and a passion for helping Disney fans make the most of their membership. With great membership comes great vacation possibilities. Or something like that. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for being part of our Disney family. Until next time, keep the magic alive, keep making magical memories, and remember—with great podcasts comes great responsibility. We'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure!

Join us for our first-ever 9th Anniversary episode! (It only took us nine years to finally have one.) Only seven weeks late. We like to think of it as an Extended Magic Hour. Show #513 (Don't worry. Ric has a spreadsheet somewhere that explains all of this. Probably.) Nine years, 638 episodes including specials and bonus episodes-and somehow they keep letting us make more. 174+ guests, and 17 cohosts. Of those 17 cohosts, 11 are still part of the Monorail Tales family today—and 8 of those 11 first appeared on the show as guests before eventually finding a permanent seat behind the microphone. Today we're taking a stroll down Main Street U.S.A. memory lane. Joining the celebration are Bill, Al, Gary, Ric, Steve, and Sheila. Steve kicks things off by sharing the origin story of Monorail Tales—how the podcast got started, who sat behind the microphones in those early days, and how the show evolved into the group of Disney-loving enablers (and sometimes troublemakers) we have today. Ric follows with a look at the numbers because, as the accountant of the group, someone had to bring spreadsheets to the anniversary party. He breaks down the show's statistics, including the different types of episodes we've produced, our incredible lineup of guests, and the many games and game shows that have entertained—and occasionally embarrassed—the hosts over the years. Sheila then reflects on the incredible variety of guests and Disney topics that have filled nearly a decade of episodes. She also offers heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make Monorail Tales possible—from our cohosts and guests to the hosts of our fellow Disney podcasts who have shared their time, stories, and friendship with us. The reminiscing continues as Sheila asks everyone a few questions, including what inspired them to start podcasting, their favorite types of episodes to record, their favorite Monorail Tales memories, and which Disney character they'd most like to invite onto the show. Patrick couldn't join us for the recording, but he sent in his answers ahead of time. Ric was entrusted with reading them... and may or may not have taken a few creative liberties along the way. We'll let Patrick decide whether they were improvements. To close out the show, Ric puts everyone on the spot with a few lightning rounds of "Who's Most Likely?", including: Who's most likely to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger? (According to Ric, these people are monsters.) Who's most likely to walk all the way across a Disney park... just for a snack? Who's most likely to fall asleep during a recording? (No spoilers... but there really is only one correct answer, because only one person has actually done it. Multiple times.) Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or just climbed aboard, thank you for being part of the Monorail Tales family. Here's to nine magical years, countless laughs, and hopefully at least one more anniversary episode next year! Thanks for spending a little time with us here on Monorail Tales! If you laughed, learned something, or started mentally planning your next Disney trip before we even finished the episode... our work here is done. If you haven't already, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave us a review, and tell a Disney-loving friend about the show. Word of mouth is still our favorite marketing strategy—mostly because it's free. The fun doesn't stop when the microphones turn off. Visit MonorailTales.com, join our Monorail Tales Facebook Group, and follow us on Instagram for Disney news, show updates, and the occasional glimpse behind the curtain. Have a question, a comment, or an idea for a future episode? Drop Sheila a line at [email protected]. We actually read the emails. (Well... eventually. We're celebrating this anniversary seven weeks late, so you know how deadlines work around here.) Planning your next vacation? Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection would love to help you plan your Disney, Universal, cruise, or all-inclusive adventure. Their planning services are completely complimentary, which is a travel industry way of saying, "Seriously... it doesn't cost you anything." Thinking about Disney Vacation Club? Visit our friends at DVC Shop for expert advice, great prices, and people who can explain resale contracts far better than we can explain why Show #513 is actually our 638th+ published episode. From all of us at Monorail Tales, thank you for spending the last nine years with us. Whether you've been here since June 2019 or you accidentally clicked on this episode because your podcast app got confused, we're glad you're along for the ride. Until next time... Keep making magical memories... Be kind to each other... And remember... We'll see you on the next Monorail Tales adventure.

The dog days of summer have settled in at last, But Disney+ is making August fly by fast. Join Steve, Sheila, and Luis as we sniff out the biggest new arrivals headed to Disney+ this month. We'll wave our wands as Wizards Beyond Waverly Place returns with more magical fun, Then race through the galaxy where Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi has only just begun. We'll cheer for Camp Rock 3 and turn the music up loud, Then celebrate the Disney Princesses as they dazzle every crowd. We'll build a little magic with LEGO Disney Princess: Magical Mayhem, bright and bold, And welcome new adventures from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir before the month grows old. We'll even visit Springfield for The Simpsons: Yellow Mirror, a Disney+ exclusive treat, With plenty of new stories making August feel complete. So grab a cool drink, find a shady place to stay, And let Disney+ brighten another summer day. The queue is fresh, the premieres are in sight— Let's press play and make this an August to remember! If this little journey brought you a smile, Please subscribe and stay awhile. Leave a review, spread the cheer, And tell your Disney friends we're here. When the episode ends, the fun's not through, There's plenty more magic waiting for you. Visit MonorailTales.com when you're online, Join our Facebook group—it's a magical time. On Instagram too, you'll always find Disney news and fun of every kind. Got a question or an idea to share? Or a topic you'd love to hear? Drop Sheila a note, we'd love to know— At [email protected], let your ideas flow. If castles, cruises, or coasters call, Or an all-inclusive escape sounds best of all, Brandi & Ric with The Curated Travel Collection are ready to do The planning and details, all for you. From Disney dreams to adventures afar, They'll help you discover just where you are. If Disney Vacation Club is part of your plan, Our friends at DVC Shop are some of the best in the land. Whether buying, selling, or renting your stay, They'll help bring more Disney magic your way. From all of us here at Monorail Tales, thank you for riding along. You're part of our Disney family, where every story belongs. Until next time, keep the magic alive wherever you roam, Keep making magical memories to treasure when you're home. We'll meet you again where the monorails glide— For another Monorail Tales adventure... enjoy the ride!