I did not have my first visit to a Disney park until I was a responsible family man with 3 small children. Growing up in New England, a trip to Walt Disney World was thought as a far away and expensive trip. It took a very close friend of mine to organize a trip to get me there in the first place. Well, today that close friend jokes about creating a monster! Now that my children are grown, I think he may be correct. I want to say I spoiled them, that I introduced them to a such a glorious, engaging place so early in life that they just didn’t appreciate it. Whatever the case is, my children just don’t have the love for everything Disney. Oh, they enjoy it, but they actually think that there are other equally enjoyable vacation options. They roll their eyes when served Mickey shaped waffles at home, wonder why each coffee mug has a Disney character on it and actually remove the antenna topper off the family car when they drive it. Who are these people?
You can imagine my glee in hearing a podcast hosted by young adults who actually love Disney! While I recognize that I cannot adopt into my family such individuals, I know I want to listen to what they have to say. Yes, I am talking about the the Generation Mouse Podcast. Jenn, Jess, Libby, Mark and Ashleigh make up the ensemble that allows us to experience Disney thru the eyes of young adults. Now these are not the obnoxious, young adults wearing t-shirts that read ‘DRUNK-ateers’ that ruin the pre-Illumination experience for everybody else. They value the Disney legacy, have an appreciation for the parks and give us a wide-eyed look to the future with excitement.
The topics they have zeroed in on really run the gamut, from the TV show ‘Once Upon a Time’, to keeping romance alive at the parks, and even Disney weddings. Every year I look forward to these budding foodies take on the Food & Wine Festival, even if I feel compelled to correct their pronunciations. One of the themes that I really enjoyed and wish they would again approach is ‘Keep, Change or Drop’ where they look at different attractions leading to one of those outcomes. What they think of the movies, music, the latest from the Imagineers and what they would like to see for the future is always funny and intriguing. If you haven’t been listening to this unique podcast, may I suggest one of their latest, Episode #75 entitled The Disney Boonies. Have you ever considered combining Disney and camping? You will be rolling in laughter listening to this one.
One refreshing aspect is that while they are the generation that knows social media, they aren’t interested in forming their own independent niche. They quote other websites, utilize touring apps and even ‘borrow’ other podcasts themes, all without a competing attitude. As I said, refreshing.
To hear as they and their families grow and mature enjoying all the Disney Company has to offer will be fodder of recordings for many years to come. This is such an exciting time in the Disney community, and in order to keep Disney progressing forward, we need the positive, forward thinking appreciation that we find with The Generation Mouse Podcast. And if this is the next generation of people who appreciate Disney Parks, the Cruise Line, Disney movies and TV, we can be sure the future is bright.
You can find the Generation Mouse Podcast here. Or to subscribe on iTunes.
For brief highlights of the latest Disney podcasts you can follow Shawn on Twitter at @Dis_Pod_Review.
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