WDW Beyond The Gates Podcast

Mike in Michigan joins me again as Gary begins to settle into his new Compound.  It's pretty much status-quo in Michigan and Florida right now.  

This week we discuss what we think Walt Disney World might look like when they finally open things up.  When do we think they are going to resume operations?  Is is going to be a phased approach?  What will the parks, restaurants and resorts look like?  What's going on with Disney Cruise Line?  Are you curious about Disney's Annual Passes and Tables In Wonderland?  We hope you enjoy this weeks episode!!

Thanks for listening,

Mike and Gary

Mike joins me again this week as it was moving day for Gary and his family during the day of our recording.  As Gary gets his studio ready for future recordings, Mike, Mike and Doug are hit with a dilemma.  

During this lengthy quarantine, the three of our wives have had enough and threw us all out of the house on the same day.  We all have a suitcase and we have to come up with a plan.  One thing is for certain.  We're moving to Orlando and are looking for jobs at Disney World.  We've narrowed our job searches down to (5) per man.  We also discuss what bars we'd frequent and where we would do eat and do take-out.  Where would you want to work?

Thanks for listening,

Mike and Gary

Mike from Michigan joins us again while Gary continues to help with moving preparation activities.  The two begin the show with some conversation regarding how the current pandemic is affecting both of them in different geographical locations.

The meat of the episode involves where we would want to quarantine our families at Walt Disney World.  The premise of our conversation is that all guests have been A-Systematic and cannot spread the Coronavirus.  The Parks are still closed but Resorts, Restaurants and leisure activities are open for business.  Where are we going to stay and why?  You might be surprised with our answers.  Where would you want to quarantine?  We hope you enjoy the show and stay safe.

Thanks for listening,

Mike and Gary

Our good friend of the show Mike Schafer, who has contributed a number of times on the show and is an original member of the Gentlemen's Golf Trip joins us.  He and I are going to man the ship over the next month or so as Gary is busy helping his family pack and move.  I thought it was time to interview Mike and let our listeners know what his 'Loves' of Disney are.  

We took a week off during this crisis, because we simply weren't in the mood to talk Disney during these trying times.  I felt it was time to get back to work and step away from the news and talk Disney.  Do you remember Donald's 50th Birthday Parade back in 1984?  SpectroMagic or Main Street Electrical Parade?

Thanks for listening,

Mike and Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #316 - Quick Update

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast Mike & Gary discuss the latest going on in the world. It didn't seem like it was time to talk Disney with everything going on, but wanted to keep you all updated on our status.

Hopefully next week will be a return to a normal episode. Thanks for your understanding, and as always, thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #315 - Coronavirus and Disney World

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike and Gary are joined by Mike in Michigan to discuss the impact Coronavirus has on the world and Disney World. This episode is a bit more serious than most, but we felt having the discussion was important.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #314 - Disney Skyliner Food Tour

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary talk about which places to try out while using the Disney Skyliner. They talk about the Banana Cabana and Bar Riva, among other places.

Also, Mike shares a tale of broken golf clubs and lawn maintenance equipment.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #313 - Disney Has a New CEO and Other News

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss all the news from Walt Disney World in the last week. There was a lot to catch up on, including a new dining plan option, multiple ride mishaps and an abrupt end to the Bob Iger era at the Disney Company.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #312 - Happy Six Years Plus Disney World News

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss their 6 year anniversary of the podcast. Then the guys talk about the recent increase in annual pass prices at Walt Disney World and the menu of the newly debuted Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #311 - What's to Come in 2020

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss what they are looking forward to experiencing in 2020 at Walt Disney World. 

They also talk about Mike's recent trip to the Korn Ferry Tour at Lakewood National.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #310 - Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast Mike & Gary discuss Mike's recent trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

They discuss the food options and some of the many activities available at the resort. This was not high on Mike's list, but did his mind change after this stay?

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #309 - Top Cheerleader Quick Serve Restaurants

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates podcast, Mike and Gary are joined in studio by Jurgenia! She talks about what she likes about Disney before heading off to bed. The guys discuss their choices for the top cheerleader quick serve in each of the four parks.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #308 - Animal Kingdom Lodge Trip Preview

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss Mike's upcoming stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. He has dining reservations at Boma and Jiko, and also a logistical nightmare of getting to Fort Wilderness.

The guys also discuss the possibility of moving the Gentlemen's Trip to the winter months for the 2021 season.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #307 - We Do Not Have A Patreon Page

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast Mike & Gary discuss the cheating scandal currently running roughshod through Major League Baseball. 

The guys also promote their YouTube page and discuss what's coming up. Gary spends some time bashing Patreon beggars and promising not to ever stoop to that level. Mike is on the fence. 

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #306 - Disney World News, Also We are Idiots

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss golf foursome etiquette, weather patterns, and Walt Disney World news!

They also realize they are idiots (took long enough). Find out why!

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #305 - Trying New Drinks at Walt Disney World

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss which cocktails they'd like to try at Walt Disney World. 

They also discuss NFL coaching changes and college bowl games. Happy New Year!

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #304 - Christmas Trip Review

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss Mike's recent trip to Walt Disney World to take in all the Christmas festivities.

They discuss Art of Animation, EPCOT's Candlelight Processional, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and much more!

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #303.5 - HALF-A-SODE Top 5 Christmas Movies

In this very special half-a-sode, Gary is joined by Mike from Michigan to discuss their top 5 favorite Christmas movies! 

Thanks for listening and Merry Christmas!

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #303 - Perfect Disney World Christmas Meal

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike and Gary talk about building their perfect Walt Disney World Christmas meal from scratch. They each pick a cocktail, appetizer, entree and dessert from anywhere on property that they feel would make a perfect Disney World meal for Christmas.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #302 - Top 5 Things at Disney World at Christmas

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary talk about their top 5 things they love about Disney at Christmas.

The guy also discuss the President's Cup and golf cheating.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #301 - Best Lobbies at Christmas

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary decide they may have been better off starting a band. Unfortunately for them, and for their listeners, they are here talking about the top lobbies at Walt Disney World at Christmas.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #300 - Grand Floridian Cafe and Oak Trail Golf

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss how their Thanksgiving was and also some top tier putter talk.

Mike reviews his recent brunch at Grand Floridian Cafe and a 9-hole round at the Oak Trail Golf Course.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #299 - Kona and EPCOT for the Day

In this week's episode, Mike & Gary talk about Mike's recent trip up to property to meet his Aunt and Uncle (Gary's parents) for breakfast at Kona Cafe and a few hours at EPCOT.

The guys also discuss Thanksgiving plans and Patreon weasels.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #298 - Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Worth It?

In this week's episode Mike & Gary discuss whether or not Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is worth the extra cost. The guys break down what you get and how much you will pay.

The guys also break down the latest in college football. 

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #297 - Gross News and Holiday News

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss some news items out of Walt Disney World.

One story involves cockroaches, weasels and much worse. The other story is a festive look at the new holiday offerings at Animal Kingdom.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #296 - Eat to the Beat Review and News

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss some news from Walt Disney World including the hot "FuelRod" topic.

Mike also discusses his latest concert at EPCOT.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast Episode #295 - Gentlemen's Trip Review 3 of 3

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast Mike & Gary are joined again by Mike in Michigan for the final installment of the Gentlemen's Trip Review. 

This week the guys discuss Lake Buena Vista Golf, EPCOT, Tokyo Dining, Ale and Compass and much more.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #294 - Gentlemen's Trip Review 2 of 3

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary are joined once again by Mike in Michigan to discuss the recent Gentlemen's Trip from late September and early October.

This week the guys discuss Manny's Chophouse, Animal Kingdom and golf at both the Magnolia and Palm golf courses.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #293 - Gentlemen's Trip 1 of 3

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast Mike & Gary are joined by Mike in Michigan to recap the Gentlemen's trip. They talk about Parrish, Florida, and the arrival at Walt Disney World.

The guys also discuss Mountain Dew braised bratwurst and why Rhode Island "sucks".

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary

WDW Beyond the Gates Episode #292 - New at EPCOT

In this week's episode of the WDW Beyond the Gates Podcast, Mike & Gary discuss the new things at EPCOT that they experienced on the Gentlemen's Trip.

They also big goodbye to Illuminations for the final time and discuss the new Disney Skyliner.

Thanks for listening,

Mike & Gary