BETAMOUSE

BETAMOUSE #92 – Live Finale

Henry Work — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:15:29 +0000

Because all somewhat cool things must come to an end….

Thanks much to MouseWorldRadio for making this live thing possible.

And to all our listeners… thank you. And stay classy.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com! Woo!

BETAMOUSE – Code Review

Henry Work — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:25:17 +0000

Thanks to the laborious efforts of our very own Nate Parrish (of Wedway Radio fame), we’re eager to let you in on an internal Code Review we’ve conducted. It may sound like a bunch of random clips from the last two years of Betamouse rockingness — but I assure you, this is an internal metrics document used to gauge Podcasting performance for each of the hosts. Its similarity to a fitting, end-of-series clip show is a biproduct we have simply learned to deal with.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com! Woo!

BETAMOUSE #91 – Looking Forward

Henry Work — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:43:47 +0000

On our penultimate show, we thought it would be fitting to take a look forward, as well as backwards, to see what the Parks are going to be like in the next 5 years, and talk about the stuff that gets us amped, jazzed, and makes our individual Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boat’s float!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com! Woo!

It’s Not You, It’s Us!!!!!!11

Henry Work — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:34:26 +0000

(seen here: Henry and Nate; picture taken by Scott; not seen here: Jeff and Katie; your task: imagine the Betamouse five, plus all of our listeners ever in a massive group hug)

Well, all you number #1 fans of the Betamouse podcast out there, the time has come to say goodbye. 3 of us are starting new gigs in January, the other two are insanely busy, so it’s time to hang up our super expensive and high quality microphones, and ride out into the digital sun.

WE’VE GOT TWO MORE EPISODES, THOUGH!

One will be out later next week, 22nd/23rd. The final episode, however, WE’RE DOIN’ IT LIVE::

December 27th, 8pm ET, 5pm PT (9am the next morning in the Philippines), live on MouseWorldRadio and on http://betamouse.net/live — we’ll be accept calls and talking about Disney and Technology for a change. We hope you all can make it!

Until then….

BETAMOUSE #90 – Optimized Touring Plans

Henry Work — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:33:56 +0000

TouringPlans.com czar Len Testa returns to dive into the newly launched Optimized Touring Plans! Very nerdy stuff ahead.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com!

BETAMOUSE #89 – RFID Turnstiles Test

Henry Work — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:45:44 +0000

Today we’re joined by Travis Munsion of DisneyProjects.com to talk about the recent RFID Turnstiles testing going on at Epcot. We think this is pretty slick.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com!

BETAMOUSE #88 – Push Notifications

Henry Work — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:42:33 +0000

This episode we dive into the wonderful world of push notifications, and their potential power to improve the pre-trip, mid-trip, post-trip experiences. We’re joined by Mousetalgia Dave Breiland and Henry has the worst microphone possible. Enjoy!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com!

BETAMOUSE #87 – Sorcerers Playtesting

Henry Work — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:20:48 +0000

SORCERERS OF THE MAGIC KINGDOM is on our collective minds again this week. Joined by special guest and TouringPlans.com researcher Scarlett Litton, who was lucky enough to see Sorcerers being playtested in the wild, we talk about further developments in this new attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom in early 2012. Also check these new images released by the Disney Parks Blog.

And lastly… check this video out!

Enjoy!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com! Check them out–and for you Rails developers out there, they’re hiring!

BETAMOUSE #86 – This Week In Disney Tech

Henry Work — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:56:04 +0000

A veritable smorgasbord of Disney news and commentary for you this week, including: Winnie the Pooh interactive queue refurb, Holiday segment for Magic, Memories, and You!, new D-Tech wares, Carsland interactive entertainment (?), Talking Mickey comes to Magic Kingdom, and the Not-So-Scary text alert system!

Enjoy!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com! Check them out.

BETAMOUSE #85 – Disney World Resort WiFi

Henry Work — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:01:02 +0000

This week we talk about the sudden, and potentially experimental, introduction of free wireless internet at various Walt Disney World resorts! At long last, there was much rejoicing.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #84 – Counter Service Tech

Henry Work — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:26:10 +0000

This week we talk about Counter Service technology with the excellent AJ Wolfe from the DisneyFoodBlog.

Sorry for the lame delay between this and the last episode!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #83 – Aulani Tech

Henry Work — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:14:51 +0000

Up this week: AULANI technology with some very special guests: Lou Mongello from WDW Radio and Beci Mahnken from Mouse Fan Travel.

Check out Lou’s Menehune Adventure Trail video::

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #82 – Virtual Magic Kingdom

Henry Work — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:41:41 +0000

This week we’re joined by Travis Munson from Discussion Kingdom to talk about the famed-but-no-longer-with-us Disney online community game Virtual Magic Kingdom or VMK. Definitely check it out — and check out @DisKingdom on Twitter!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #81 – Sorcerers, HKDL AR, BIM, InstaParks

Henry Work — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:49:44 +0000

We talk four things for #81: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom’s official announcement, Hong Kong Disneyland’s new Haunted Halloween Augmented Reality App, an official DisneyParks video Imagineers Use of Innovative Technology to Build New Fantasyland, and Henry’s own @InstaParks project (see @InstaLand, @InstaWorld, @InstaParcs, @InstaLandTokyo, @InstaLandHK, and, of course, @InstaPotter). Also see InstaParks.com, a web interface done by our friend Rustin Jessen.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #80 – D23 Expo 2011 Tech

Henry Work — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:02:02 +0000

We talk D23 Expo technology stuff this week on Betamouse. Joined by fanboy #1 of the Betamouse nation, Michael Gold of Spoon Creative, we go through all the Parks and Resorts announcements and demostrations, including Talking Mickey and Great Destini.

NOTE: We talked about Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom as if it hadn’t been officially announced yet, as we recorded it last week.

Hard-to-find (at least for us) *LEGIT* Talking Mickey videos:

As for everything else discussed, go check them out on YouTube!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #79 – 1scream’s Doug Sisk

Henry Work — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:04:49 +0000

We talk to 1scream’s Doug Sisk (@DougSD) this week about several slick projects he’s built in the Theme Park/Disney space! This kid’s got a lot of fire, and makes us all look really lazy. Be sure to listen!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #78 – NextGen Concept Art

Henry Work — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:39:51 +0000

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE on DizFanatic. We discuss this article in great lengths in this podcast episode of ours. Hope you enjoy!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #77 – Disney Social Networks

Henry Work — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:34:36 +0000

This week we talk vertical social networks… specifically of the Disney type (a break from our usual conversation, I know). The best example of this subject is Ravelry, a social network for the knitting community. We touch on a few existing sites, talk about where the Disney-specific social interaction is going on right now, and what we’d want in our ideal Disney-specific network (and if it should exist or not!).

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE D23 Expo Mandatory Fun Time

Henry Work — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:12:03 +0000

Scott and I are going to the D23 Expo next week, and we decided to touch base and get some grub. To spare us having to make awkward, computer science-related conversation, we’d like to invite others along. We’re going to have a mandatory* “meetup” outside of Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in Disney California Adventure on Thursday, August 18th, at 6:30pm. All are welcome; no need to RSVP, bring Scott gifts, or code up your own events service to promote the event.

*By “mandatory,” I mean that at least Scott needs to be there. Also, it’s a requirement that he must have fun.

If you’re into declaring location intent on the internet, here is our Plancast: http://t.co/2kkesmH and Facebook: http://t.co/QH0rNx6.

Hope to see you there!

Photo copyright Disney. Check me out in the bottom-left-hand corner!

BETAMOUSE #76 – Win, Fail, Meh – Disney Parks Technology

Scott Barrett — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 19:55:10 +0000

This week together to bring you a Part III of one of our very favorite episodes: Win, Fail or Meh!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #75 – Tech Companies We’d Buy If Put In Charge

Scott Barrett — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:00:55 +0000

This week we talk about technology companies we’d buy if Disney put us in charge of mergers and acquisitions.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #74 – Disney Wi-Fi Research

Henry Work — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:30:24 +0000

This week we look at a set of papers from Disney Research on the subject of Wi-Fi in a theme park-like environment.

Specifically, a bunch of papers: “Towards Carrier-Grade 802.11 at Disney Theme Parks” and “Carrier-Grade 802.11 Operating in Paired Spectrum” published in 2010 by Roberto Aiello, an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Walt Disney Company and Stefan Mangold, a Senior Research Scientist at Disney Research. Another one is “Evaluation of Dual Transceiver Approaches for Scalable WLAN Communications” by Stefan Mangold from Disney Research in collaboration with Dublin City University.

We’re hardly scholars, but we try to decipher this stuff the best we can.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #73 – Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Henry Work — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:17:33 +0000

This week we talk about Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, a rumored interactive experience coming to the Magic Kingdom. This rumor comes our way via Jeff Kober, a Staff Writer over at MousePlanet.com. Check out his April 1st (but no fooling) article, as well as this more recent article where he fleshed out the developments. As Disney hasn’t announced anything, please take it all with a grain of salt. But we thought it would be fun to pick through and it discuss its potential and predecessors a bit. Hope you enjoy!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #72 – Disney Camera Lenses

Henry Work — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:13:05 +0000

This week we talk Camera Lenses with our good friend Tom Bricker of TouringPlans.com and the DisneyTouristBlog. He also likes to take “photos” over on Flickr.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #71 – Disney’s MotionBeam

Henry Work — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:35:09 +0000

This week we talk Disney’s Motion Beam, a project from Disney Research in Pittsburgh (CMU). It needs to be seen to be described, so… here’s the video embed:

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #70 – Drink Hacks

Henry Work — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:02:25 +0000

This week we continue our series of “Hack” episodes about Drink Hacks, alcoholic and otherwise, spanning the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. We talk our tips to make the best out of your vacation in terms of water, coffee, and beer. And make sure to drink responsibly, coffee-snobs!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #69 – Kinect Disneyland Adventures

Henry Work — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:02:16 +0000

This week we talk with about Kinect Disneyland Adventures, a new game debuted at E3 2011 that provides visitors with a virtual Disneyland experience using the Microsoft Kinect platform. We’re joined by E3 attendee Robbie Fenoglio, a 6-year veteran of the gaming industry and fanboy #1 of the Betamouse Nation, who was able to demo the game at the event. Forgive us for neglecting to cover the other E3 stuff Disney put out this year!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #68 – Digital Animal Kingdom

Henry Work — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:03:28 +0000

This week we do a bit of Podcast Imagineering and talk about Matt Hochberg’s favorite park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But our question: what techy things would “plus” Animal Kingdom? Listen, then leave your ideas in the comments below. Or just say them outloud while you’re listening on the bus and then see if your fellow commuters agree.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #67 – Star Tours

Henry Work — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 02:01:32 +0000

This week, we’re joined by StarToursLive.com and TouringPlans.com‘s Scarlett Litton to talk about STAR TOURS: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE. Four of the Six on the Panel have experienced the attraction, and we try to cover the more techy elements of the show in front of a live, loud audience of Betamice. Hope you don’t completely hate this!

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

Betamouse is going LIVE at 10pm ET on Wednesday, June 1st

Henry Work — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:44:16 +0000

Known for its early planning, The Betamouse Podcast (TBP) is going LIVE tomorrow, Wednesday, 10pm ET, to discuss the newly new “Star Tours” attraction that has recently open in WDW and officially soon in DLR. You should come and hang out with us: http://betamouse.net/live. I really think you should.

BETAMOUSE #66 – Adventureland Tech

Henry Work — Sat, 28 May 2011 23:03:27 +0000

We go into the hearty depths of Mekong, The Blue & White Nile, and Amazon rivers to find… techy things in Adventureland! We talk Tiki Room, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, that Robinson Treehouse thing, and, of course, the Dole Whips.

Please enjoy this episode! It’s a lot better than hating it.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #65 – Fantasyland Technology

Scott Barrett — Thu, 19 May 2011 22:13:46 +0000

This week, we talk about different technology used in Fantasyland in Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #64 – Disney D-Tech

Henry Work — Mon, 09 May 2011 04:42:41 +0000

This week, we go LIVE to talk Disney D-Tech (and then we check in with D-Tech).

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #63 – Star Tours / StarToursLive.com

Scott Barrett — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:46:45 +0000

This week, we go LIVE to talk about Star Tours, startourslive.com and what we think of Disney’s online efforts to promote the opening of the updated attraction.

Joining us in this episode is Matt Hochberg from studioscentral.com.

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #62 – Tomorrowland Tech

Henry Work — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:07:05 +0000

This week, we go LIVE to talk our favorite technology features from Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #61 – Turnstiles, Magician Mickey, Haunted Mansion 2.0

Henry Work — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:16:02 +0000

This week, four topics for the good-looking upstanding citizens known as the BETAMOUSE audience.

Epcot’s turnstile-less turnstiles. Faster and Better access to the fun!
Magician Mickey‘s new queue adorned with “Enchanted Art” a la the Disney Dream and Harry Potter World.
The new Haunted Mansion interactive queue.
The wickedly awesome new Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghosts effects.

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #60 – Disney APIs Redux with Rustin Jessen

Henry Work — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 21:13:33 +0000

This week we look again at Disney APIs — this time, however, with someone who actually knows what they’re talking about. We’re lucky enough to be joined by Rustin Jessen of J Blackbird, a former Systems Analyst for Disney Parks Entertainment (and one heck of a designer).

Rustin gives us his thoughts on Disney APIs, Disney-as-a-platform, and Disney fostering a third-party developer community.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #59 – DizCollect.com

Henry Work — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:22:03 +0000

This week we look inwards and interview our own Scott Barrett about his Disney-collectible site DizCollect.com. We sprung this topic on him on this last minute.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #58 – Disney APIs

Henry Work — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:10:14 +0000

A long episode for you this week, folks: we talk about Application Programming Interfaces and “Disney as a platform.” What an API is, what Disney currently has, what we want them to have, how to foster a 3rd party developer community revolving around Disney, and other stuff of this nature.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #57 – Non-Disney Travel Apps

Henry Work — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:30:58 +0000

This week, we’re talking about our non-disney travel apps (sorry, Android folk!), and how they relate to our Disney trips. We talk about our best time sink apps, work apps on the road, communications and social, and general touring/travel related apps. Probably our least Disney-focused episode so far, but we hope you glean some app / travel-flow ideas from it.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #56 – Bambi, Togetherville, Mickey, HM Queue

Henry Work — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:57 +0000

This week, we’re talking four unrelated stories that are related to Disney and Technology (a departure for us I know — next week we’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming of DVC with pets).

We touch on:

Some Bambi iPad Thing.
Togetherville, a social network for kids, that was acquired by Disney.
Talking Mickey made a new appearance.
Haunted Mansion interactive queue is coming…

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #55 – Hotel Hacks

Henry Work — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:40:18 +0000

This week, we’re talking about our best hotel hacks and our breakdown on the hotel booking engines out there. Also, we touch on what’s coming in this space. Rock on.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #54 – Faster and Better Access to the Fun

Henry Work — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:39:41 +0000

This week, we talk about this speech by Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. He talks a lot about these “NextGen” efforts — most notably, announcing a ride and show reservation system that guests will be able to use before they even get to the parks.

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #53 – Fly ‘n’ Buy

Henry Work — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:48:37 +0000

This week we talk our strategies and practices for booking airfare vs. jumping in the winnebago and cruising at 35 miles an hour down to WDW or DLR.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #52 – Disney Dream Tech Redux

Henry Work — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:29:36 +0000

Two EXCELLENT guests on this week, Beci Mahnken from Mouse Fan Travel and Mike Newell from Mouse World Radio. Not only are they ardent DROID users, but they happened to have have been on the Disney Dream five times in the last month between them. We asked them (more like coerced) to join us for a rousing 7-person episode on how the new ship’s technology came out. Also see Episode 28: Disney Dream Tech for a preview of the ship.

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #51 – Martin Smith

Henry Work — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 06:05:20 +0000

Firstly, go watch this video:

The Land 1 of 3 – 1982 – Ultimate Tribute from Martins Videos on Vimeo.

Then go check Part Two and Part Three.

Lastly, listen to this episode!! We’re extremely lucky to have Martin Smith of martinsvids.net, a website devoted to keeping the magic of past and present Disney park attractions alive. We think you’ll be impressed with his approach to producing high quality Disney video! Thank you so much, Martin, for joining us!!

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

Sorry for the audio issues on this one, folks!

This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #50 – Shootin’ Fireworks

Henry Work — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:55:58 +0000

Episode 50 chronicles the plight of two struggling photographers trying to properly use their ND filters in the Vacation Kingdom. We’re lucky enough to have Cory Disbrow from WDW Photography and Tom Bricker from TouringPlans.com. We talk about photography related to fireworks. Enthusiasm rocks, woo!

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #49 – Epic Mickey

Henry Work — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:36:39 +0000

Epic Mickey! It’s a video game. That Disney built. That some of us played. And now we talk about it.

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com, the website that has that Crowd Calendar and those Touring Plans and this Lines App thing.

BETAMOUSE #48 – Flying Entertainment Vehicles

Henry Work — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:11:25 +0000

Hello fellow aeronautic enthusiasts, this week we bring you an episode on FLYING ENTERTAINMENT VEHICLES, a patent awarded to Walt Disney Imagineering R&D unit. Can you say, flying audio-animatronics?!? We can. And we shall talk about it.

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

This episode has been brought to you by the lovely crowd weatherman over at TouringPlans.com.

BETAMOUSE #47 – Disney Operational Command Center

Henry Work — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:46:36 +0000

Hello famed Disney-centric geeks, nerds, and geeknerds out there, this week we bring you an episode on the New York Times article entitled Disney Tackles Major Theme Park Problem: Lines (and no, they’re not referring to TouringPlans.com’s Lines [though they totally should be]).

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This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com and by Mission: Space fans everywhere.

BETAMOUSE #46 – Map Apps

Henry Work — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:13:52 +0000

This week we talk Map Apps. Are they useful to first-timers? Are they useful for park veterans? This is what was on our mind this week, Team Betamouse… and so here’s our braindump on the subject.

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

This episode has been brought to you by TouringPlans.com… and by the letter “G.”

Apps Reviewed:

BETAMOUSE #45 – Win, Fail, Meh – Part Deux

Henry Work — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 23:42:51 +0000

Happy Holidays Team Betamouse! This week a special panel gets together to bring you a Part II of one of our very favorite episodes: Win, Fail or Meh!

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

Thank you so much to our sponsor TouringPlans! What better gift to give this holiday season than the gift of saving time at Disney Parks? Visit TouringPlans.com today to get a premium subscription!

Henry introduces the special Panel this week!
The team discusses this week’s Win, Fail, or Meh topics including (but not limited to!):
Dining discounts
The new scene in Toy Story Midway Mania
Space Mountain in Disney World
Haunted Mansion refurbishment
Gowalla and Disney
DSLRs in the parks
ElecTRONica
Disney Research Team
Disney Parks based movies
Animal Kingdom Lodge night vision goggles
Wild African Trek

Thanks for listening Team Betamouse! Remember to check us out on Twitter, Friendfeed and Facebook or email us at show@betamouse.net!

BETAMOUSE #44 – Winnie the Queue

Henry Work — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:57:54 +0000

This week we’re talking Winnie the Queue, the brand new facade and queue area with “interactive elements” for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Jeff, Katie, and Henry visited the queue recently and join the podcast to break it down and tell ya their thoughts.

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

Thanks to TouringPlans.com for hooking us up with server space and bandwidth!

Here’s a link to the Disney Parks Blog and a video explaining the changes:

Enjoy!

BETAMOUSE #43 – Science of Touring Plans – Part 2

Henry Work — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:47:27 +0000

This week we have the distinct pleasure of having Len Testa AGAIN, president of TouringPlans.com on to talk about the implementation details and software used for the Touring Plans that appear in the Unofficial Guide and TouringPlans.com.

Be sure to check out Part 1 before reading this episode.

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

Enjoy!

BETAMOUSE #42 – Science of Touring Plans – Part 1

Henry Work — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:24:52 +0000

This week we have the distinct pleasure of having Len Testa, fearless leader of TouringPlans.com (and Henry’s boss) on to talk about some extremely nerdy tech that goes on behind the actual Touring Plans that appear in the Unofficial Guide and TouringPlans.com.

Because the conversation is so nerdy, we’ve had to extend it to two episodes. Part Two will be coming next week!

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

Enjoy!

BETAMOUSE #41 – Disney + Gowalla == Love

Henry Work — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:24:58 +0000

This week we talk about the DisneyParks/Gowalla announcement. Disney integration into a location based service — woot!

Thanks to our sponsor TouringPlans.com!

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode.

Enjoy… and Happy Thanksgiving!

BETAMOUSE #40 – Toy Story Mania

Henry Work — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:28:10 +0000

Team Betamouse! This week we are talking about one of the tech-iest rides at Disney, Toy Story Midway Mania!

Thank you to our amazing sponsor, TouringPlans. Visit TouringPlans to save time and money at Disney.

Subscribe to our feed or download the episode.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Nate gives the history of TSMM.
The team discusses rope drop strategies and how they differ at Disney World and DCA.
Henry asks the Panel what they think of the queue, including Mr. Potato Head.
Team Betamouse discusses the ride itself, the history and the tech involved.
Henry discusses some Toy Story Mania secrets. An episode of WDW Today illustrates them all! Check it out.
Henry also discusses the community’s obsession with high scores at Toy Story, especially in DCA.
Katie and Scott discuss Toy Story for the Wii and iPhone and if they are worth the buy.
The Team discusses their final thoughts.

Reminder! Come to the Team Betamouse December meet! December 3rd, 8:45am right outside of Epcot!

BETAMOUSE #39 – Mouse Hacks

Henry Work — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 06:40:01 +0000

Welcome one and all to the greatest Disney Technology podcast on the internet… Betamouse. This week we talk about some of our best “hacks” we have for visiting the Mouse House. And to understand what we mean by the word “hack,” for a great essay on the word, check out this essay by Paul Graham.

This episode is brought to you by TouringPlans.com‘s Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover page (love that page).

Both TouringPlans and Betamouse will be having events at Reunion 2010! Here are the details:

Betamouse: Friday December 3rd, 2010 at 8:45am. Rope drop meet! We’ll be meeting outside the turnstiles and then getting our ride tech on by venturing over to Sum of All Thrills! Afterwards we’ll be meeting for coffee outside the Universe of Energy. So join us!

TouringPlans: Friday December 3rd, 2010 at 6:30pm. Meet us in the UK Pavilion as we take over and pass out free fish and chips to all! The majority of the team will be there, so please come say “Hi”!

‘Til next week, Team Betamouse!

BETAMOUSE #38 – Tech in the Morning

Henry Work — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:37:45 +0000

Hola Betamice! This week the Panel discusses the tech that you use and encounter at Disney Parks first thing in the morning.

This episode is brought to you by TouringPlans.com‘s Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover page (love that page).

The crew talks:

Apps that help you in the beginning of the day including weather apps and Lines.
Battery charges you need to remember to bring to the parks, like this one.
Transportation wins, fails and mehs at Disney Parks.
Ways to improve the transportation so you can get to your favorite park faster.
And finally, the dreaded turnstile situation at Walt Disney World.

Both TouringPlans and Betamouse will be having events at Reunion 2010! Here are the details:

‘Til next week, Team Betamouse!

BETAMOUSE #37 – BetaPotter

Scott Barrett — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:27:11 +0000

Betamouse #37 is a bit different this week. We stray a bit from the Disney theme and move into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Henry and Katie discuss their likes and dislikes with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando.

So lean forward, put your face in the pensieve and enjoy the show!

BETAMOUSE #36 – NextGen PhotoPass

Henry Work — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:06:31 +0000

Today — again — we’re talking NextGen, and this time, a souped-up version of Disney’s PhotoPass.

This week the Panel discusses-

Enhanced Disney Captured moments – videos and photos of your experiences on attractions and character interactions
Special Effect pictures and videos – HD or Slow motion video captures of you on attractions; 3D-photos and videos of your family while touring the parks
Story Builder – Your memories and vacation experiences of you and your family built into a story book.
Instant sharing of your photos and videos across social networks
Digital memories including paper crafts, digital pins and virtual badges.

BETAMOUSE #35 – Cory Disbrow and Tom Bricker

Henry Work — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 07:26:05 +0000

We have the pleasure of talking to two excellent Disney photographers today. Cory Disbrow is the co-founder of wdwphotography.com and is an active Flickr user. Tom Bricker is known as wdwfigment on various Disney forums and is the newly appointed Chief Photo Dude for TouringPlans.com (yes, more shameless-ness!)

Download the episode here or subscribe to the feed!

We talk many things in this episode. If you’re interested in photography, make sure to check out this episode.

Photo gear
Their approach to touring and taking good shots
Their opinion on the cell-phone photo craze
This Book.
Cory’s awesome site, wdwphotography.com
Tom’s photo trip reports: here, here, and here.
Many, many, many other awesome things

Thanks for listening!!

BETAMOUSE #34 – Personalized Attractions & Surprises

Katie Siloac — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:04:25 +0000

Betamouse #34 is here and is talking all about Disney’s secret ideas on personalized attractions to make your time at Disney World Parks much more special!

Subscribe to the feed or download the episode directly.

The Betamouse Crew was sent a survey that Disney was floating around (thanks to our spy Scarlett). What do you think of the ideas? Check this out first before listening to the episode!

This week the Panel discusses-

Special surprises in the Magic Kingdom, including RFID technology so guests can celebrate with Winnie the Pooh and a color show in the Mad Tea Party.
A debate on the etiquette of Disney taking and using your photo at will throughout the parks.
Epcot updates including a needed Foursquare badge for eating and drinking around the World.
Improvements to Hollywood Studios including being able to see your Toy Story Midway Mania score history, which Team Betamouse loves.
The Team debates on how Disney could implement “guest hand prints” into the cement around the park and decides it must be digital.
The need for online field guides at the Animal Kingdom and push notification alerts when your animal comes into viewing.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor TouringPlans! Save time at Disney using TouringPlans and the mobile application Lines!

See you next week Team Betamouse!

BETAMOUSE #33 – Disney’s Queueless Queues

Henry Work — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 05:32:44 +0000

Welcome to #Betamouse Episode 33, people! This week we talk about the next generation of Disney queue technology: the upcoming Queueless Queues of Walt Disney World, and if they work, Disneyland as well.

If you enjoy the show, you can subscribe to our feed or download the episode directly.

This episode includes:

-A brief history of Queue design and technology in the Disney Parks (brought to you by our very own Nate Parrish)
-A look at the playtesting of queueless queues that’s been going on at Pooh’s Playful Spot, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (2x), and Haunted Mansion in Walt Disney World
-Speculation and discussion about this “NextGen” tech going in the new Dumbo attraction in the Fantasyland Expansion in WDW.

Plus, many other things. You might have to just give it a listen.

BETAMOUSE #32 – The Mysterious NextGen Project

Henry Work — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:52:18 +0000

What’s the deal with this $1-$1.5 billion project coming out of Disney Parks and Resorts? We, of course, have no sources, but we do have google. We breakdown and discuss a lot of the rumors so far.

Or, download this episode directly and subscribe to our RSS feed.

Relevant Articles:

Return to Flash Mountain (it’s the third sub-story — MiceAge.com)
Have we found our X-Band? (ProgressCityUSA)
Fantasyland Plans Surface (D-Report)
Disney quietly working on $1 billion-plus “next generation” technology post (Orlando Sentinel)
Brave New (Disney) World (MiceAge.com)

Hope you enjoy this episode, tweeple — we’ll definitely keep our eyes on NextGen in upcoming episodes.

BETAMOUSE #31 – Mobile Dining Reservations

Henry Work — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:49:19 +0000

Disneyworld.com now has a mobile interface for booking Advance Dining Reservations — and it turns out, it’s actually better than the main interface in lots of ways! In a short but sweet episode, Scott, Jeff, and Henry dissect the new mobile web view. Also check out episode #19 — Disney Dining System Changes!

Or, download this episode directly and subscribe to our RSS feed.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, TouringPlans.com!

BETAMOUSE #30 – The Mike Newell Show

Henry Work — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:35:20 +0000

Today the Panel is joined by none-other by the great Mike Newell of MouseWorldRadio and the WDW Today podcast. The topic? Mike Newell. And Disney Audio.

Or, download this episode directly and subscribe to our RSS feed.

Want to email the show? Email: show@betamouse.net.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, TouringPlans.com! Visit TouringPlans.com to save time in line at Disney!

Things covered in this episode:

The old-school days.
Recording audio loops in bushes.
The murky legalities of the underground Disney Audio.
The tech behind Mouse World Radio and Live 365.
The tech behind WDW Today episodes and live shows.
How awesome Mike Newell is.
Taking the gear on the road.

Thanks for listening and we’ll see you next week.

BETAMOUSE #29 – Disney SEO

Katie Siloac — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:40:24 +0000

Greetings Team Betamouse! Today the Panel discusses how to alter your Disney blog or site to ensure the best SEO (search engine optimization). Do you have any advice or tips? Email: show@betamouse.net.

Or, download this episode directly and subscribe to our RSS feed.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, TouringPlans.com! Visit TouringPlans.com to save time in line at Disney!

Henry introduces the Panel.
Scott explains in depth what SEO is.
Henry explains how a relevant domain may be necessary.
Scott explains why you should or should not have Disney in it.
Henry discusses changes your permalink URLs to make them the most relevant.
Scott and Katie discuss making your site SEO friendly when not knowing much code and how websites like SquareSpace and WordPress help you with this already.
Henry and Nate discuss the options of Google Analytics and compare it to the analytics of Woopra.
Henry and Scott discuss Google Webmaster Tools.
Scott discusses writing for SEO versus writing for the reader, which is the best way to go?
The Panel discusses link backs, are they good for your site or not?
Katie questions the reason why some small blogs would use Ads on their site.
Henry gives tips and tricks about dates and tagging your blog posts to increase SEO.
Nate asks about SEO using image links.
If you have any ideas about Disney SEO tweet us, like us or chat with us on FriendFeed!

BETAMOUSE #28 – Disney Dream Tech

Henry Work — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:46:59 +0000

This week Team Betamouse discusses the new and innovative technology on the yet to launch Disney Cruise Line ship the Disney Dream! We’re sorry about the audio on this one folks!

The Panel watches a video posted on the Disney Parks Blog that demonstrates some of the fantastic new technology on board the Disney Dream and then weighs in with their thoughts. Make sure to watch the video before listening to the show if you can!

Special thanks to listener Damien Zoomers for sending this our way!

You can subscribe to the feed here or download the episode directly here.

Some of the new technology includes:

The interactive magic play floor for kids.
A Turtle Talk with Crush like experience.
Virtual portholes.
Interactive art.
The AquaDuck.

The Panel discusses the positives and negatives to each addition such as:

The technological advances of the play floor.
How the Turtle Talk with Crush show will interact with guests on the ship.
Are the virtual portholes cheesy?
How will guests interact with the art on the ship and will the technology be outdated too soon?

Team Betamouse, are you getting ready to sale on the Dream? Let us know any questions or comments! Email: show@betamouse.net and follow us on Facebook and Twitter! We’ll also be starting a conversation on the topic in our FriendFeed room so check it out!

BETAMOUSE #27 – Android Playtest In Epcot

Henry Work — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:59:24 +0000

This week we have a very special guest, Matt The Esquire from the Mouse Droppings Podcast, dfmylife.com (not for the kids in the room), and the new Table for One podcast (find it on iTunes!). He was lucky enough to test something VERY BETAMOUSE in the parks a couple of weeks ago, and joins us to discuss this very exciting new playtest from WDI.

You can subscribe to the feed here or download the episode directly here.

BETAMOUSE #26 – Disneyland Tech Odds and Ends

Henry Work — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:36:45 +0000

Four of the five members of TEAM BETAMOUSE recently visited the Disneyland Resort and this week we’ll share with you a number of very Betamouse moments and other features from our visit.

You can subscribe to the feed here or download the episode directly here.

This show includes:

World of Color
Tony Baxter’s plussing of Snow White
Disneyland.com/buzz
Tower of Terror video filtering effect
Biometric Machines coming to Disneyland? (via Al Lutz)
Cell/internet coverage

BETAMOUSE #25 – UNPLUGGED!

Henry Work — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:32:40 +0000

BETAMOUSE goes UNPLUGGED this week and harks back to a time before future boxes, the “internet,” and before the words “amped” and “jazzed” were even known of. Marc Lorenzo (LOOOOORREEEENZOOOO) of the Disney World Moms panel joins us with a great show topic: How would TEAM BETAMOUSE cope in 1990? The guys take over this episode — Katie is on her honeymoon!

In other news, COME TO OUR DISNEYLAND MEETUP!!.

You can subscribe to the feed here or download the episode directly here.

This show includes:

Lots of talk of “research” in the book-era, including the Unofficial Guide (DING!) Nate goes through his experiences with the early Unofficial Guide and the AAA books.
Scott, Jeff, and Marc go through their old-school Disney trip experiences — Scott heading to Disneyland, Jeff to WDW, and Marc being a “late bloomer.”
We talk about how people got “Savvy” with touring, both through guidebooks and experiences. Nate’s (and brother Matt) were quite the park commandos back in the day.
Marc didn’t go to Disney for 14 years. 14. Years. The rest of the panel expresses their sympathy. Marc also talks about his entry into the “scene” and becoming a Disney Mom.
We mention something called “walkie-talkies” and touring pre-cell phones. We even bring up the famous “left vs. right” touring strategies.
We bring up the “lost child” issues before the digital era, and thank Marc profusely for coming on the show

So, thanks, Marc Lorenzo! We’ll see you all next week.

BETAMOUSE #24 – Disney Apps, Apps, and Apps

Henry Work — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:37:52 +0000

Disney Apps! Disney’s Official Apps, Music Apps, Photo Apps, Gaming Apps, and Wait Time Apps! We cover (nearly) it all, in short 5-minute breakout sessions. Enjoy it, tweeple!! Let us know your favorite apps in the comments or via email: show@betamouse.net.

In other news, COME TO OUR DISNEYLAND MEETUP!!

You can subscribe to the feed here or download the episode directly here.

We talk shop. (sorry, Katie’s on her Honeymoon so this is Henry giving you the briefest possible show notes).
Scott talks about the Disney.com official app. Seems dope. Then Scott talks about the official Disney Digicomics app. Both are for iPhone. Henry notes a few official Disney apps for the BlackBerry.
Jeff’s up next: music apps. He has five: Live 365 official app (iPhone — no background ability yet!). FStream (iPhone — allows multiple audio stream types — but has an issue with Live365 streams). Wunderradio — expensively on iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry, but good! 4th: HiDef Radio (iPhone, Droid) — Jeff rates it a B! And lastly, ooTunes — highly rated amonst Team Betamouse — and with a very responsive developer. You can also stream your music library from your Mac/PC to your phone!
Next, Katie goes nuts on photo editing / capturing apps. First two apps: Pano vs. AutoStitch — listen to the ep to find out which is better. Next up: Hipstamatic — Katie’s a big fan, uses it a ton (including from her Disneyland honeymoon!). Diptic is a cool, artsy app — but not great for in the parks. ColorSplash is great for the partner’s statue. CameraBag is another she enjoys. For Android: try PhotoShop, PicSay FX Camera, and Vignette.
Nate is next with gaming apps for the iPhone. First up, the great Greg Maletic’s Wishing Stars for Disneyland — we’re all big fans of Greg! Nate’s excited to use it in the parks. Next up are two apps from Disney: Disney Fairies Fly (a side-scroller) and an Alice in Wonderland (which Nate isn’t a big fan of). Lastly, the Phineas and Ferb app.
Henry does wait times. First up, shamelessly, Disney World Lines — Henry obviously think this is the first one you should check out. Next, Disney World Wait Times and the Undercover Tourist wait times app, also for Disney World. For Disneyland, including Disneyland Wait Times and MouseWait, both of which are good options. He also touches on Disney’s Mobile Magic, which is available for Verizon’s BREW phones.

Wheh! That’s it! What are your favorite Disney Apps?

BETAMOUSE COMES TO DISNEYLAND ON AUGUST 4TH

Henry Work — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:15:20 +0000

SoCal/Visiting Betamouse fans: Nate, Scott, and Henry will be in Disneyland holding a “non-meet” (suspiciously near the beer truck) on Wednesday, August 4th, at 7:30pm at Cocina Cuacamonga in Disney California Adventure. Check out the plancast page for more details, and as usual, follow us on http://twitter.com/betamouse.

Let us know if you’re planning on stopping by. We may need to register this as a “completely awesome” event with park operations….

Above: attendance at the last Betamouse meetup…

BETAMOUSE #23 – The New Disneyland.com

Henry Work — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:53:41 +0000

This week the Panel discusses the relaunch of Disneyland.com (erm, disneyland.disney.go.com, rather). What do you think of new site? Let us know in the comments or via email: show@betamouse.net

WE ALSO HAVE A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT — we’re having a non-meet meet (suspiciously near the beer truck) in Disney California Adventure with Henry, Nate, and Scott on August 4th! Details in the ep or here.

You can subscribe to the feed here or download the episode directly here.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you so much to our rockin’ sponsor TouringPlans.com!
We announce the first non-meet Disneyland meet.
Our first impressions: like/not-like. Scott’s answers are the soul of wit.
We talk about the whole Safari/iPad/iPhone issues with Jeff and Katie.
Nate takes up the whole “Disney Parks” branding.
Scott & Henry bring up their continued and extended use of Adobe Flash for interactive elements. And then nearly fight over the direction the site is headed in terms of “converting” user vacations. Nate, Jeff, and Katie step in!
Katie’s planning a first-time trip soon, chimes in about what she used on the new site (can’t make ADRs yet!).
What do you think of the new site? Let us know on Facebook, FriendFeed or Twitter!

Roll, Team Betamouse!

BETAMOUSE #22 – Disney Win, Fail, or Meh

Henry Work — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:31:40 +0000

This week the Panel is a true roundtable as each Panelist gives a topic and the rest vote “Win, Fail, or Meh.” What do you think of each topic? Let us know! Email: show@betamouse.net

You can subscribe to the feed here or download the episode directly here.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you so much to our sponsor TouringPlans.com!
The topic this week has each Panelist giving a Disney/Tech topic and the rest vote: “Win, Fail, or Meh”.
Topic #1 Living character initiatives. The Panel is unanimous voting win, except for Jeff, who concludes he likes to keep the classic non-talktive characters.
Topic #2 Pal mickey. The Panel divides here debating on how it could be a win if it has been discontinued.
Topic #3 The soarin’ queue. The Panel sides toward fail on this interactive game.
Topic #4 Biometric finger-readers. Everyone votes fail to this except for Nate who doesn’t want to carry a pass.
Topic #5 Checking into FourSquare for every attraction ridden. The Panel divides here saying it may be necessary when doing meet-ups.
Topic #6 Online ADR system. The Panel votes a total win here!
Topic #7 Kodak’s Imagination Station. Team Betamouse is voting meh here!
Topic #8 Online checkin to the hotel. The Panel splits here, Jeff saying it has tech issues and Katie states that she never seems to receive room requests when checking in online.
Topic #9 Mr. Potato Head. The Panel loves this idea but doesn’t think it was completed well enough. There are too many errors and the sayings are repeated! What does the rest of Team Betamouse think?
Topic #10 Disney’s FastPass system. The Panel splits here and gives their opinions on FastPass. It is a gem, but are the guests educated enough on it? What do you think?
Topic #11 Buzz Lightyear. Team Betamouse likes the idea but notes that it is better at Disneyland than Disney World.
Topic #12 Ordering kiosks at Pecos Bills. The Panel loves this new tech. They save time! Genius!
Topic #13 The Haunted Mansion bride scene. The Panel generally loves this improvement to a classic attraction.
Topic #14 2D vs. 3D. The Panel splits here again as they yearn for more 2D films but know why 3D is important.
Topic #15 The ride vehicle of Indiana Jones Adventure/Dinosaur. Henry votes win while the Panel votes fail as they agree the “jostling” is too intense.
What do you think of all of these topics? Win, Fail, or Meh? Let us know on Facebook, FriendFeed or Twitter!

BETAMOUSE #21 – The Tech of Disneyland Paris

Henry Work — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:09:47 +0000

We’re back from our week summer break and better than ever! This week Nate takes a turn hosting the show and Henry tells Team Betamouse all about Disneyland Paris tech! Questions or comments? Email: show@betamouse.net

You can subscribe to the feed here or download the episode directly here.

Nate introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor TouringPlans.com! Visit TouringPlans to save time at Disney!
Today the Panel talks Disneyland Paris tech and how it is similar and different from the other parks.
Henry gives advice in planning for a trip to Disneyland Paris including how to book.
Henry discusses Disneyland Paris’ New Generation Festival theme and how it plays into the tech at the park.
Katie mentions how you can use your DVC points to travel to Disneyland Paris.
The Panel discusses which cell phones can be used oversees and how to purchase data plans or sim cards to travel with your phone.
Henry warns on the ease of going over data while overseas.
The Panel discusses the woes of lack of WiFi in the hotels and when available how it expensive it was.
Henry discusses the differences in tickets at the parks including FastPass window options and how paper tickets are used at the FastPass machines.
Henry mentions the overall state of the parks is in need of tender loving care and also illustrates the tech of some of the more common rides such as Pirates and Phantom Manor.
Jeff mentions a document that explains how Disneyland Paris is using flashcode and bluetooth to give guests wait times and showtimes.
The Panel compares this unique offering to the likes of Mobile Magic.
Have you been to Disneyland Paris? How does the tech compare to other parks? Let us know in our FriendFeed room!
Also follow Betamouse on Twitter and Facebook! Follow or become a fan!

BETAMOUSE #20 – The iPhone 4 Show

Henry Work — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:17:01 +0000

Today Team Betamouse the announcement and imminent launch of the much hyped iPhone 4! And struggles (nay, EXCELS AT) to relate it to Disney. Questions? Email: show@betamouse.net

Subscribe to our feed, or download the episode directly.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our sponsor TouringPlans.com! Disney fans, visit this site to save time in line at Disney Parks!
Today the Panel discusses the features of iPhone 4 and how they can be used in Disney Parks.
Jeff mentions the front facing camera and how he hopes it will be integrated with streaming apps like UStream so that he can share his Disney trip live!
Katie mentions the use of the front facing camera for easily taking self portraits while traveling to Disney solo.
Scott mentions multitasking and folders and the ease of organization of Disney apps!
Nate and Jeff talk about Apple’s form of multitasking and how it will reduce crashing at Disney.
The Panel discusses FaceTime and if, and how, it could be used at Disney.
Scott elaborates on the limitations of FaceTime at Disney.
Jeff talks about recording HD video and how it could replace Flip cameras at Disney Parks.
To wrap up the show, each of the hosts detail on if they will be getting an iPhone4.
Thank you again to our sponsor TouringPlans!
Remember: connect with Team Betamouse on Twitter, FriendFeed and Facebook!

BETAMOUSE #19 – Disney Dining System Changes

Katie Siloac — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:42:27 +0000

Today Team Betamouse tackles the changes made to the new online ADR system. Are they successful or a bust? Find out! Questions? Email: show@betamouse.net

Listen to the feed directly here:

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our sponsor TouringPlans! Save time in line at Disney Parks with TouringPlans!
Henry starts off by asking the Panel what they think of the changes to the online ADR system.
The major change includes being able to search widely for restaurant availability for a range of times.
For example simply searing “Epcot for dinner” and seeing all availability.
Katie talks of the importance of this in learning that there is, indeed, much more availability for dining than people think.
Scott touches base on the ease of the system for someone who is new to online ADRs.
Henry focuses on Disney’s advertising of these new changes, or lack there of.
The Panel agrees that it seems this is the first time that Disney has ever released something in Beta and that could be why there is a lack of announcement.
What do you, our listeners, think of the new way to search for restaurant availability?
Remember, follow TouringPlans on Twitter, Facebook and FriendFeed.
And thank you again to our sponsor TouringPlans!
Speaking of TouringPlans, check out the newly launched TouringPlans Flickr Pool and submit your fun Disney photos!

BETAMOUSE #18 – Froyo at Disney

Katie Siloac — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:52:34 +0000

This week Team Betamouse talks all about the Google I/O announcing Froyo (Android 2.2) and what these updates mean for touring Disney Parks whether on iPhone, Android, Palm or Blackberry. Questions, comments or concerns? Email: show@betamouse.net! Sorry for Katie’s sound quality this episode folks!

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor TouringPlans.com! Visit TouringPlans to save time touring Disney Parks!
Today the Panel discusses the Android 2.2. update “Froyo” and how the updates from it could affect touring the Disney Parks.
Nate also chimes in on how he has recently switched to an iPhone.
Henry asks Katie, who is in the Parks at the time of taping, how her iPhone does touring and if Froyo updates are something she wished she had.
The Panel discusses multitasking and how Apple’s implementation is different from Google.
Henry touches base on tethering and how Android offers a Wifi hotspot.
Katie talks about cell service in the parks.
Katie and Nate talk about free WiFi and the possibility of adding it to the resorts in Disney World because it is available in the Disneyland Resort lobbies.
Henry talks about push notifications introduced in Froyo and how they can and can’t be used in the Disney Parks.
The Panel talks about how Disney could implement their own push notifications.
Thank you again to our sponsor TouringPlans!
Remember to follow Betamouse on Twitter and Facebook!
Also, remember to join our WWDC 2010 chat on Monday June 7th, 2010 at 1PM EST in the Betamouse FriendFeed room.

TEAM BETAMOUSE WWDC CHAT!

Katie Siloac — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:18:40 +0000

It is time to host another Betamouse geeky smartphone chat!

Join Team Betamouse in our FriendFeed room for the Apple WWDC Keynote 2010 as we listen to Mr. Steve Jobs himself tell us all about the next iPhone and let’s all cross our fingers, toes and power cords together that he releases OS 4.0 that day!

Details:

Where? Betamouse FriendFeed room

When? June 7th, 2010 at 10AM PST 1PM EST

Why? Because it is fun to be a huge nerd with other people who “get it”

And thanks to our fantastic sponsor TouringPlans.com one person from the chat at random will win a premium subscription to TouringPlans! (Or a one year extension to your current subscription) Premium subscribers get access to the mobile wait times application Lines! Multitask in OS 4.0 with Lines and know the wait times at Disney faster than ever!

Whether iPhone user, Android lover or Crackberry addict, please come join us! Will you be there?

See you June 7th Team Betamouse!

BETAMOUSE #17 – Living Character Initiative

Henry Work — Thu, 27 May 2010 05:40:37 +0000

Today TEAM BETAMOUSE talks about the Living Character Initiative, which is on everyone’s mind once again with the Talking Mickey “playtest” hitting the parks. Questions? Comments? Email show@betamouse.net!

Subscribe to our feed, or download the episode directly.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Scott takes over, we’re talking Living Character Initiative today!
Impetus for the show: a Talking Mickey appears
Jeff finds it creepy! Jeff’s full thoughts here. Katie finds it a bit creepy, being that Mickey hasn’t talked for years. Nate likes it. Word.
Panel agrees we need an old-fashioned car sound whenever WedwayRadio.com is mentioned
Nate / Henry spar over introducing (or bracing) kids to non-talking characters at the parks. OK–sparring is a bit of an exaggeration.
Scott’s kids want to see Talking Mickey! They were floored.
Henry brings up that Disney may have not been ready for popularity of these videos — the “playtest” may disappoint people who are now expecting it. Katie, Scott and Jeff all chime in: hard to remove expectation. Remember the old adage, folks: set low expectations and vastly them.
Henry cites some old Jim Hill Media LCI originals, and we talk about the voice acting part of this thing.
Nate thinks the line for Talking Mickey would be, and I quote, “hellacious”. New word. Scott agrees. Panel muses over bringing these things into the Parks.
Lotso the next LCI character? There’s Lots O’ Lotso in the Parks of late.
Henry asks: what’s your favorite Living Character Initiative?
Nate: Turtle Talk. Jeff: Remy, and then explains how he stalked Remy in December of ’09. Scott: Turtle Talk and then Roz at Monsters Inc: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue. Henry talks about his Roz experience. Nate brings up E.T. Which we struggle to finish, because it’s not Disney-related. Katie likes Turtle Talk, but wishes it could be a bit more different show-to-show. Henry doesn’t like Monsters, Inc Comedy Club.
We talk Monsters, Inc, and how the audience can submit jokes (Jeff will get one in one day!).
We talk about the “hit or miss” quality of these shows. Some epic, some not.
Scott brings up the “mobile” characters. We like PUSH. And talk about the cool-ness of the other experiments.
What do you think of Living Character Initiative? Let us know about on our FriendFeed room!

BETAMOUSE #16 – Starting Your Disney Blog

Henry Work — Thu, 20 May 2010 05:51:15 +0000

Today the Panel wants to help you with your dreams of starting your own Disney blog! Learn about how and where to start and find out some tips and tricks from the Betamouse crew! Questions? Email show@betamouse.net!

Subscribe to our feed, or download the episode directly.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our sponsor Touring Plans. Check out Touring Plans to see a brand new site design and an update to the Crowd Calendar!
Scott leads off the show by explaining how to start your Disney site: find your Disney passion.
Scott then explains some different blogging platforms:
Blogger
WordPress
Drupal
Squarespace
Katie explains the importance of being comfortable on the platform that you choose to blog on.
The Panel then discusses overcoming the fears of duplicating subjects and “biting off more than you can choose.”
Jeff discusses being consistent in blog posts and content production.
Henry touches base on the importance of production value is to bloggers and also encourages the launch of the blog rather than waiting for perfection.
Henry gives the tip of linking back to many other blogs in your own to build a network.
Scott and Jeff talk about writing the first post and overcoming the nerves.
Katie talks about committing to the blog but the importance of having fun with your posts.
To end the show the Panel gives one last bit of advice for having a successful blog.
Do you have a blog? Let us know about your ideas of starting it or starting one in our FriendFeed room!

BETAMOUSE #15 – Disney Q&A

Henry Work — Thu, 13 May 2010 07:17:23 +0000

This week the Betamouse team discusses the how to’s of asking Disney trip planning questions. Where do you go for this source? Message boards? Twitter? Email: show@betamouse.net with ideas!

Subscribe to our feed, or download the episode directly.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor Touring Plans! Visit Touring Plans to save time in line at Disney and get the most bang for your buck on your next Disney trip!
Henry asks the Panel what they do when they have a Disney trip planning question.
The Panel has various outlets:
Twitter
Facebook
Message Boards
Google
The Panel discusses the pros and cons of each of these options including what is easiest and most comfortable to do and what will generate the fastest response.
The Panel also touches base on how to jump into the realm of Twitter Disney questions if you are a first time users.
Henry and the Panel then touch base on start up Q&A websites that could be useful in Disney questions including:
Fluther
Aardvark
Henry also mentions a new start up Quora that could definitely be helpful to Disney trip planners in the future.
All of these sites offer the service of asking any question and getting fast answers by people who may be knowledgeable in the subject.
Have you tried any of these services? Come chat with us in our Friendfeed room!
Thank you again to our sponsor Touring Plans! Have a great week Team Betamouse!

BETAMOUSE #14 – Carousel of Progress

Henry Work — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:43:06 +0000

This week the Betamouse crew takes a look at the last scene of the Carousel of Progress and talks about tech that Disney could add and update.

Subscribe to our feed, or download the episode directly.

Check out the Carousel of Progress if you haven’t seen it live at Disney!

Carousel of Progress 1993 from Martins Videos on Vimeo.

Have your own idea? Leave a comment here or email show@betamouse.net!

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our sponsor Touring Plans! Visit the Touring Plans crowd calendar to save time in line at Disney!
Jeff hosts and asks the Panel what tech they would update in the last scene of the Carousel of Progress.
Henry wants to update the voice activation bits and the video game.
Scott wants to see an update to the television in the scene.
Nate and Katie talk about the importance of the kitchen in today’s modern family and touch base on how that needs to be updated.
Nate and Jeff also mention updating the tree lighting segment.
Jeff now wonders what the Panel would add to the last scene of the ride.
Jeff wants video conferencing or live streaming video to added to the final scene and Scott and Katie agree.
Henry wants to see the family involved in their own interests and sharing them with each other through technology and Katie agrees with the idea.
Nate mentions how, ironically, technologies that Team Betamouse has mentioned could be found in older ride attractions like Horizons and Spaceship Earth.
Henry demands robots in the updated Carousel of Progress.
Nate talks about the idea of “automation” that is present in the current Carousel of Progress and how it shows the lack of connection to the current times.
Jeff mentions not updating the last scene of the Carousel of Progress to the future but leaving it in its original state of the 60′s.
Do you have an idea on updates for the last scene of Carousel of Progress? Does it need updating at all? Let Betamouse know on Twitter, Facebook or FriendFeed!

BETAMOUSE #13 – The Lou Mongello Show

Henry Work — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:46:22 +0000

Today Team Betamouse interviews the famous Lou Mongello and together they talk tech! Questions or show ideas? Email: show@betamouse.net!

Subscribe to our feed, or download the episode directly.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor Touring Plans!
Henry introduces the podcasting legend Lou Mongello and today the Panel talks with him about general Walt Disney World geeky tech.
Henry asks Lou the ultimate question: iPhone or Android?
Henry and Lou talk about the production process of putting out the WDW Radio podcast.
Lou details the tech it takes to produce live shows at both his home and at live events in the Parks and touches base on the creation of the “box people” at the D23 event.
Lou talks about the tech it will take to produce the 24 hour live show event. Team Betamouse hopes that all of our listeners will support this wonderful event as it is for the Make a Wish Charity.
Nate and Lou discuss the production and research that goes into producing WDW Radio.
Henry and Lou talk about social networking and how Lou uses avenues like Twitter to interact with his audience.
Katie discusses eventually having Lou’s publications in epub format for devices like the iPad.
Lou takes a moment to talk about the creation and release of his first WDW Radio iPhone app now LIVE in the iPhone and iPod Touch App Store.
To end the episode, Henry and Lou discuss the common tech devices that Lou brings into the parks on his everyday research trip.
Please visit Lou’s site to learn all about the wonderful Disney magic he spreads to the community on a daily basis. Thank you so much for joining us, Lou!

The People Demand More Betamouse!

Henry Work — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 02:47:06 +0000

Sorry folks, had to pull the eps. It seems we’ve outgrown the touringplans.com server, with betamouse usage saturating out 10mbit pipe! We’re moving to a new, secret location. Stay tuned….

THE PRODIGAL PODCAST HAS RETURNED!! — let us know see anything weird going on.

BETAMOUSE #12 – All About Twitter

Henry Work — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:17:41 +0000

Today your Betamouse Hosts are talking all about Twitter, specifically, the Official Disney Twitter accounts. Questions or comments? Email: show@betamouse.net!

Subscribe to the betamouse feed or download this episode directly.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you so much to our sponsor Touring Plans. Visit Touring Plans to save time and money on your next Disney trip.
To start the Twitter conversation, Henry asks the Panel which Twitter clients they use.
Scott currently uses Hootsuite on his desktop and iPhone. (Similar to what the official Disney accounts use: CoTweet)
Jeff uses Seesmic on his desktops and Twittelator Pro on his iPhone.
Katie currently uses Osfoora on her iPhone.
Nate uses Twitbird Pro on his iPod Touch and Swift on his Android.
Henry uses Tweetie for desktop and on his iPhone.
Henry asks the Panel what they think of the Official Disney Twitter accounts: DisneyParks, Disneyland, WaltDisneyWorld and DisneyD23
Scott things they are doing okay.
Jeff doesn’t follow any of the accounts because it is mostly advertisement of the blog articles.
Katie would like to see them become more interactive and Nate and Henry agree.
Henry asks about the unofficial Disney tweeps the Panel follows.
Scott uses Twitter for the social Disney interaction.
Jeff believes that it is good for up to the minute news as well as social interaction.
Katie uses Twitter for news and to promote her blog as well as interacting with Disney fans. She mentions the use of Twitter lists for organizing followers with Lists on Twitter.
Nate talks about how the Disney Twitter community has replaced Disney forums for him.
Henry touches base on the Disneyland vs. Disney World Twitter community.
Henry also mentions the Twitter Chirp conference and the Panel discusses Twitter acquiring Tweetie to make it native and also developing their own native applications for Blackberry and Android.
The Panel finishes the show by touching base on Twitter announcing location services versus applications like Foursquare.
Thank you again to our sponsor Touring Plans!

BETAMOUSE #11 – A Podcast On Podcasts (That’s so meta…)

Henry Work — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:52:32 +0000

Betamouse #11 is here and is a podcast talking about podcasts! Have an idea show a show? We want to hear it! Email: show@betamouse.net

Subscribe to our feed or download directly here.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor Touring Plans! Touring Plans will give you everything you need to save time touring the Disney Parks!
Scott has launched DizCollect! Check it out today!
Henry asks the Panel how long they have been listening to podcasts.
Scott started in 2005 with The Daily Source Code.
Jeff started in 2006 with WDW Today.
Katie started in 2006 as well and it may have been WDW Today.
Nate started with a running podcast called Podrunner. And started his Disney kick with WDW Radio.
Henry started his podcast love in 2005 with Inside the Magic.
Henry wants to know what tech the Panel uses to get their podcasts. Every member uses a form of iTunes with an iPod or iPhone.
The Panel varies when they listen to their podcasts from when Scott is writing code to when Katie is driving during long car trips. Listeners, when do you get your podcast listening in?
Henry wants to know what podcasts the Panel listens to. They include but aren’t limited to (so you should check them out!):
Above the Firehouse
All About the Mouse
Beyond Mainstreet
Stack Overflow
Bringing Disneyland Home
Diggnation
Be Our Guest Podcast
Imagineering My Way
Mice Cast
Inside the Magic
Mouse Lounge
Mousetalgia
The Official Disneyland Resorts Podcast
The Week in Tech
WDW Radio
WDW Today
Wedway Radio
A Window to the Magic
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod
The 3 Caballeros
AppJudgment
Dis-Unplugged
MacBeak Weekly
Mouseguest Weekly
Mouse Station
All Songs Considered
Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me
Progress City Radio Hour
Remember the Magic
The Season Pass
Smodcast
Lost Podcast
iPhone Live
Maccast
Netcot
Running to Disney
Mouse Travel Tips
Disney Brit Podcast
Communicore Online
The Laughing Place
Coaster Radio
Straight Talk & Magical Moments With The Disney B
Those Darn Cats
Henry then asks the Panel what makes a good podcast. They agree it needs passion, regular shows and good audio quality.
The Panel then talks about the past 10 episodes and how they can improve. What do you think Team Betamouse?
Thank you again to our sponsor Touring Plans!
Remember: follow Betamouse on Twitter, FriendFeed and Facebook!

TEAM BETAMOUSE Raffle Winner!

Katie Siloac — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:16:48 +0000

Our FriendFeed room chat during the iPhone OS preview event was a success! We had a ton of people come out and chat with us! Thank you so much!

And congratulations to our winner of the Touring Plans premium subscription raffle, Mike Hamilton! Thank you so much for coming out.

A premium subscription of Touring Plans gives you all you’ll need to plan your next Disney vacation and gives you access to the best Disney Wait Times app, Lines! So congrats, Mike! You better get planning!

BETAMOUSE #10 – iPad, Disney, And Other Geeky Stuff

Henry Work — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:39:44 +0000

Today the panel discusses the much hyped iPad and how it could be used at Disney Parks. Questions, comments or have a show idea? Email: show@betamouse.net!

Subscribe to our feed or download directly here.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor Touring Plans. Visit Touring Plans for all your Disney planning needs.
Henry asks the panel if they have purchased the iPad and no one but Henry has.
Some of the reasons they give include: not buying the first generation of a tech product, no camera was included, and lack of funds.
Henry asks how this would change traveling to and at Disney.
Scott talks about the need for a good case because of the delicate screen.
Jeff mentions that it wouldn’t be able to replace traveling with his laptop so, in essence, he would have to lug another tech product down.
Katie talks about traveling with the iPad to Disney and how convenient it would be.
Nate states that the video and gaming ability the iPad has is great for entertaining a small child at Disney.
Henry, the only one on the panel who has purchased one, talks about the beauty of the product and how it is unlike any tech device he has used.
Henry also mentions the need to protect the iPad while traveling.
A roundtable discussion begins on how Disney could use this tablet device.
Scott talks about using the iPad as an interactive way to manipulate the rides at Disney live.
Jeff talks about its ability to be an input device for cast members and as a tool in interactive queue lines.
Henry explains how the iPad would be better than another tablet device for certain Disney projects because of its graphical capabilities.
Jeff talks about the need for a camera to do augmented reality at Disney Parks.
Katie argues the need for a camera for augmented reality but not a front facing camera.
Henry thinks Disney should build an interactive map for the iPad.
Henry talks about third party apps on the iPad.
The Panel would like to see Lines on the iPad as well as some planning apps like Dining or a DVC Planning app.
Note: Touring Plans is giving away a free five year subscription to the first person who submits a photo of Lines on the iPad at a Disney Park. Email: henry@touringplans.com for more details!
Thank you again to our wonderful sponsor.
Make sure to visit the Betamouse FriendFeed room Thursday, April 8th at 1pm EST for an iPhone chat and win some swag! Details.
You can also find Betamouse on Twitter and Facebook.
Thank you for helping get us to Episode 10. Keep listening!

TEAM BETAMOUSE iPhone OS 4.0 Live Chat!

Katie Siloac — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:39:54 +0000

By now most of you may have heard that Apple is going to preview the next operating system for the iPhone this Thursday at 1pm EST. Now, this may not be the hardware announcement we are all sitting on pins and needles waiting for this summer but it is where we could hear about the “M word.”

Multitasking, people!

But whatever it is you are dreaming that this next update will have, I’m sure you want to chat about it. And let’s be honest, the presentation is smack in the middle of the work day, but that isn’t going to stop you from stalking every social media site you can think of to find out what they are talking about there at Apple Headquarters, right?

Well, then come chat with your Betamouse crew in the Betamouse FriendFeed room and have an opportunity to win some swag!

What is FriendFeed? It was actually the place the Betamouse podcast was born! The Betamouse room gives subscribers the ability to chat live with others in threaded discussion. It is easy and it is fast and it doesn’t give you a fail whale.

So navigate on over to our room and click subscribe to Betamouse. Once you do you can either log in if you have a FriendFeed account or you can sign up right there. It is totally free. And then start chatting with us! Start your own thread, or comment on others. And we’ll meet you there at 1pm est (10am pst) for the big event.

Oh, I forgot to mention the most important thing. Free swag! In honor of the iPhone event our wonderful sponsor Touring Plans is raffling away a premium subscription to someone chatting in the chat room during the preview! That gives you full feature access to the best Disney wait times application, Lines. Note: if you already have a subscription, Cheers! and you’ll be bumped up another year.

But you don’t have to own or even like the iPhone to win! You just have to be chatting with us in the room during the event to be entered in the giveaway. The premium subscription to Touring Plans gives you all the features you will need to plan your next Disney vacation and Lines access, which is supported on many smartphones!

So come join us this Thursday for some fun geeky chat and a chance to win!

BETAMOUSE #9 – The Disney Blogosphere

Henry Work — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:13:05 +0000

Betamouse #9 is here and all about the online community of Disney blogs we know and love. There are so many blogs and sites the we frequent that we couldn’t have possibly named them all in this episode. So if there is a blog you love we didn’t mention leave a comment here! Questions, comments or concerns? Email: show@betamouse.net

Subscribe to our feed or download directly here.

Henry’s audio is low for this ep–but a new mic & setup are on the way for ep 10! Sorry folks!

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our sponsor Touring Plans! Visit Touring Plans to save time and money at Disney.
Today the Panel will talk about Disney blogs and Henry starts off the show by asking how they digest all of the information on the internet.
The Panel agrees that they all use Google Reader, a RSS reader. Katie also integrates Instapaper in her daily routine.
Henry asks the Panel about their favorite news blogs.
Scott likes the Pixar blog and Blue Sky Disney.
Jeff frequents AllEars and Studios Central.
Katie frequents: DVC News, The Disney Driven Life, The Disney Food Blog, Samland, Run to Disney.
Nate enjoys good reads on Dateline Disneyland.
Henry enjoys the Disney Parks Blog and AllEars.
Henry asks about niche Disney blogs.
Scott mentions Vintage Disney Tickets Blog and Nate agrees and also recommends Walt Dated World.
Jeff likes Mouse Plant and It’s A Disney World Afterall.
Katie recommends WDW Autism.
Henry likes the Disney Report and Disney Shawn.
Henry asks the Panel about their favorite Disney blog layouts.
Scott likes the WDWRadio site.
Katie mentions Zannaland.
Henry notes the production value of DLRP Today.
Want to chat with Team Betamouse about Disney blogs? Have an idea of what to do with the Betamouse blog? Tweet us. Find us on Facebook. And most importantly, chat with us on FriendFeed.

BETAMOUSE #8 – Disney Meetup Tech

Henry Work — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:24:24 +0000

On this week’s episode of Betamouse the crew discusses the way new tech has enabled Disney Meet Ups to happen with ease. Comments, suggestions or ideas? Email: show@betamouse.net

Or you can download it directly here.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our sponsor Touring Plans. Visit Touring Plans for everything you need to save time and money at the Disney Parks.
Henry introduces the topic of tech and Disney meet ups and asks the panel when they started doing meet ups with other Disney fans.
Scott did a meet up in San Francisco with Lou Mongello and met Henry there!
Jeff has only been to WDW Today Reunion 2009 as far as Disney meets and confesses that he has been listening to WDW Today since episode 6.
Katie started her meet ups in 2009 at Studios Central Star Wars Weekends and has since been to Reunion 2009 and Tentfest as well as marathon weekend with the Be Our Guest Podcast.
Nate talks about Westfest, a Disneyland meet, and how he has been in the Disney community since the late ’90′s.
Henry has been following the Disney community since 2004 and started doing meet ups as recently as last year.
Scott talks about the “meet of the month” idea taken from Lou Mongello from WDW Radio.
Henry asks the panel about tech influences on the meets.
Scott hears about the meets on Twitter or Facebook events.
Jeff talks about using social media and Katie’s influence on him to join Twitter at Reunion 2009.
Katie talks about the need for planned events and quick updating social media like Twitter to keep up with all of the Disney meet ups.
Katie describes what a “flash meet up” is.
Nate touches base on the idea of giving away swag at meets.
Henry asks about using technology to exchange contact information at Disney meets while keeping information semi private.
Scott talks about the ease of giving away email and Twitter accounts.
Jeff and Katie talk about the new app Lokast and how it could be used to share media at Disney meets.
Henry talks about a way to aggregate photos and media into a group stream at these types of meets and Katie recommends a group Posterous account.
Henry asks the panel what is one thing they would do at a Betamouse meet.
Scott suggests a contest using mobile devices similar to a scavenger hunt.
Henry talks about a group check in on FourSquare.
Katie wants to have a group meet at an Apple store.
Henry wants to have free WiFi at a Betamouse meet, a group photo with everyone on their smartphones and to make a Twitter list of the events.
Thank you again to our sponsor Touring Plans for hosting the show.
Come chat with the Betamouse crew on FriendFeed, Twitter, Facebook and Posterous.

BETAMOUSE #7 – Location Services at Disney Parks

Henry Work — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:13:23 +0000

On this week’s episode of the Betamouse Podcast the team discusses location services apps and how one might use them in the Disney Parks. If you have ideas, comments or would even like to be a guest blogger for our site please email us: show@betamouse.net!

You can also download the episode directly here.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our sponsor Touring Plans. Visit Touring Plans to save time and money at Disney.
In honor of SXSW the team discusses location based apps.
Henry asks the panel which apps they have loaded on their phone right now.
The overwhelming and trended response is a mixture of: Foursquare, Gowalla, MyTown and Plancast.
Henry asks the panel how they use the apps in life and if at Disney, where they would check in.
Scott finds it hard to remember to check in and if in Disney would only check in to parks and attractions.
Jeff loves “checking in” on the apps and finds it easy to remember to do so.
Katie briefly explains the applications.
Katie and Henry touch base on the fact that the user has full control over how your location is broadcasted to your friends.
Nate compares Foursquare and Gowalla on Android and states that he likes the Gowalla interface better but the application is way too slow.
Henry talks about Foursquare and how, because it became popular where he lives before any others, that is the application that he primarily uses.
Henry asks the panel how they would use the applications at Disney.
Scott would use the application to check in and family and friends could follow along with their trip.
Jeff decides that checking into attractions would be useful with large groups at Disney because people could find each other based on check ins at Disney.
Katie talks about adding Foursquare to her tweets and how Gowalla could be so great at Disney but sometimes its features are too advanced.
Henry talks about how businesses can use Foursquare and Gowalla to promote themselves.
Nate adds to this by talking about Social Media business ideas.
Henry touches base on the privacy issues surrounding this applications.
Scott talks about www.pleaserobme.com.
Henry adds that if you are just starting to use these services don’t tweet or Facebook out your location until you feel comfortable.
Jeff states that he does not feel unsafe broadcasting his location and will continue to do so.
Nate talks about young kids who robbed celebrities because they knew they were not home from their Twitter accounts.
Katie talks about controlling what information you release through these applications.
Henry asks about the future of these applications.
Scott talks about an app always locating you so that family and friends could see where he is without checking in and Jeff likes that idea.
Katie touches base on using Plancast for group events and will go into detail on next week’s show so please check that out!
Henry talks about check in practices and would like to see Foursquare implemented at the Disney Parks officially.
Thank you again to our sponsor Touring Plans. Visit them for all your Disney touring plans, a fantastic blog and the official mobile application for Disney wait times: Lines!

Comparison Of US And UK Disney World Sites

Gillian Armstrong — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:34:14 +0000

This is a guest post by Gillian Armstrong, a fearless Betamouse listener from Northern Ireland. Got an idea for a killer guest post? email us.

After listening to the first episode of Betamouse on “feature requests for disneyworld.com”, I couldn’t help but think of the frustrations I had when planning my last trip with using disneyworld.com. So naturally I thought I would use the traditional method of venting - write about it on the internet.

In many respects, I had been spoiled by all the super resources out there already – so many great podcasts, websites and of course the good book itself (what would I do without the unofficial guide!). Without the information I had already learned from them, I may never have realised that I was geographically disadvantaged disneyworld.com-wise.

The first frustration I found was that since I live outside of the US (in Northern Ireland) if I tried to go to any page on disneyworld.com, I was automatically redirected to the UK home page http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdwi/en_GB/. And I mean any page – it can get very annoying if you are trying to follow links from other sites to continually find yourself pinged back to the home page. Of course you can “work around” this by adding /?forceDomestic=true on the end of any disneyworld.com URL to ensure you get straight to the page you want.

Although the redirection was a bit annoying, I did understand it. It does make sense for companies to provide “localised” versions of their sites. However, I found that the UK site wasn’t just the US site with some UK specific information and prices in £ rather than $, the whole layout, information and services provided were completely different.

US version - Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

UK version - Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

For instance, when I went to try out online dining reservations I found no mention of it on the UK site. To get this option you would need to switch to the US site (an option on the top left hand corner of the site) and navigate through to the Dining section there. Although you can see all the restaurants on the UK site with descriptions of each, the page is a lot less “pretty”, with the US site being a much more visually pleasing modular design, and including pictures on the summary page. In fact the whole layout of the UK site is vastly inferior to the US version – with solid color backgrounds and confusing navigation (I realise there is plenty to say about the layout of the US version too, but by comparison it is a thing of beauty).

There is also a distinct lack of information about many things on the UK version of the site. One example I found was that a search for “Segway” on the UK site yields no results at all, but the same search on the US site gives me the results I would expect (showing all the available Segway Tours). If I was just a “regular tourist” from the UK and not a Disney geek, I would have no idea that Segway Tours were even possible at Disney World; let alone amazing things like online dining reservations and online check in for your resort (also missing from the UK site).

I should point out that Disney did not restrict me because of my geographical disadvantage. Once I switched to the US site I was able to do things like reserve online dining, or check in online. However, I don’t think many people would expect to get such a difference in information between the versions of the site. So I have to wonder, is this just an oversight, or are they “targeting” different things at different countries? Is the layout deliberate, or have they just “not got around to” updating it yet? Are they attempting to limit the online services to mostly US visitors by keeping them solely available from the US site? Will we ever really know….?

BETAMOUSE #6 – Disney With Laptops

Henry Work — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:54:03 +0000

Today the Betamouse Team talks bringing laptops (and labtops) into the Disney Parks. Learn tips for traveling, the best bags to carry them and if any of the crew have actually taken a laptop into the parks! If you have any show ideas or comments on this topic email: show@betamouse.net!

Or you can download the episode directly.

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to our sponsor Touring Plans! Visit Touring Plans for all your Disney touring plans needs!
Henry & Katie would like to thank all those who mentioned Betamouse at the WDW Today TentFest.
Henry asks the panel what laptops they own and how they travel with it.
Scott owns a 17 inch Macbook Pro. Scott does not bring his laptop into the parks at all but does use it in the hotel room.
Jeff has a 13 inch Macbook Pro. He also does not take it into the parks at all but uses it for general usage at night.
Katie has a 13 inch Macbook and travels with it to Disney but does not bring it into the park.
Nate has multiple laptops, including a Macbook and he has traveled with them to Disney.
Henry owns a 15 inch Macbook Pro and travels with it to Disney but also does not take it into the park.
Henry asks the panel how they travel with their laptops.
Scott carries it in a standard laptop bag and travels with it under the seat of the airplane or packed safely in the car.
Jeff carries his laptop in a Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Bag. A fantastic feature of this bag is that you do not have to take your laptop out of the bag when going through airport security!
Katie asks the panel if they would be comfortable checking their laptop with bell services if needed and the panel is split on the idea.
Nate travels with his laptop and shares a few of his travel secrets.
Henry asks the panel how they keep their laptops secure in the hotel room.
Scott hides his-no safe is big enough!
Jeff takes a picture to prove his laptop was in the room.
Nate talks about hotel security overall.
Henry has an Incase cover for his laptop for security.
Henry asks the panel how they manage with Disney hotel wired and wireless internet and the discussion continues of bringing and setting up routers in the room.
Jeff interjects that when staying offsite at an AllStar vacation home he saves money and gets WiFi!
Henry asks if there will ever be a situation where the panel will bring a laptop type computer into the park and the conversation leads to the newly announced iPad.
Scott doesn’t think there will be a situation where he needs a computer into the parks.
Katie can’t see a situation where she would need an iPad in the Parks as she has an iPhone.
Jeff wants to wait for version 2 as far as the iPad and won’t be taking a computer into the parks.
Nate won’t be taking a laptop into the parks or will ever get an iPad.
Reminder: Join the Team Betamouse FriendFeed room and come chat with the group!
Again, email the show or any panelists any questions you may have!
Thank you again to our sponsor Touring Plans!

BETAMOUSE #5 – Lifestreaming From The Parks

Henry Work — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:19:19 +0000

Welcome to Betamouse Episode #5! Today we talk about lifestreamining from the Disney Parks… how to best use twitter, stream video, and more! Have show ideas of your own? Email show@betamouse.net!

Or you can download the episode directly.

Henry introduces the panel.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor Touring Plans! Visit Touring Plans to save time touring the Disney Parks.
Team Betamouse Henry and Katie will be at WDW Today’s TentFest. Come say Hi!
Henry asks about the panel’s Twitter etiquette.
Scott tweets pictures of his children for family.
Jeff tweets the big events he comes across at Disney, including group meets and rides.
Katie talks about the hardship between separating the Disney community and family and friends who “don’t get it”. Katie uses Twitter for her Disney community social network and sometimes keeps Facebook separate.
Nate does separate his WedWay Radio “personality” from his regular Facebook.
Katie tweets anything and everything from the parks. Personal moments as well as interesting happenings. Katie also tweets audio and video.
Nate decides before a trip whether he will be tweeting or not. When it is a family trip he tends to not tweet as much.
Henry tweets anything and everything and also keeps two separate Twitter accounts. Henry also talks about the best practices of Disney tweeting such as keeping it positive and not negative.
Scott continues the Twitter best practices conversation by asking: how often should you Tweet?
Nate says that the frequency of tweets does not bother him as long as the conversation is interesting and overall the panel agrees.
Henry asks what the panel likes to see on Twitter.
Scott likes to see tweets of special events at Disney.
Jeff likes personal tweets.
Katie wants to see what’s going on in the parks at any given time.
Nate likes to see any tweets from the Disney Parks and points out that the 140 characters makes Twitter an easy and fun read.
Jeff likes to see panoramic views of the various lands to see crowd perspective.
Nate wishes people would announce UStream events in advance.
Henry asks if the panel has done any streaming of video. And in a chorus of yes; they have.
Katie likes UStream but comments that the battery drainage may not be worth it.
Jeff has just signed up for an account but plans to do UStream at one point.
Henry has streamed videos through Qik and one of his favorite times to stream is Rope Drop at a park.
Henry asks the panel where they think Twitter will evolve.
Scott and Jeff agree that video clips will take over.
Nate would like to see more geotagging of pictures and video and websites that utilize that technology.
Thank you again to Touring Plans for sponsoring the Betamouse Podcast.
Remember Katie and Henry will be at TentFest, please come say hello!
Katie and Henry will also be running the Princess 5k so look for them there to say hello.

Thank you for listening!

BETAMOUSE #4 – Camera Gear and Photo Tips at the Disney Parks

Henry Work — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:50:09 +0000

Welcome to Betamouse Episode #4! Today learn some tips from the Betamouse crew regarding photos and camera gear in the Disney Parks. Have show ideas of your own? Email show@betamouse.net!

Or you can download the episode directly.

Please remember to join the Betamouse FriendFeed room for geeky chat any time!

Henry introduces the panel.
Thank you to the Betamouse sponsor, Touring Plans!
Henry asks the panel what camera gear they bring into the Disney Parks.
Scott brings a Sony HD Handycam, his iPhone and an Olympus DSLR.
Jeff brings a Pentax DSLR and two lenses into the parks! He also brings his iPhone and a Sony point and shoot camera as well.
Jeff tells the panel that sometimes picture taking at the parks is a job in itself!
Katie simply brings her iPhone and a Panasonic TZ-5 point and shoot camera.
Nate brings his Canon Powershot, a FlipCam, a Canon Vixia HandyCam and an Olympus point and shoot camera.
Henry brings his iPhone into the parks and then proceeds to borrow point and shoot cameras from other vacation goers.
Scott brings his camera and camera gear every day into the parks and shoots hundreds of shots a day in order to capture the perfect moments.
Scott uses a Star Wars backpack to carry his camera gear after years of never finding a comfortable camera case.
Nate states that his dilemma is actually carrying all the gear into the parks as it becomes so cumbersome.
Jeff carries his camera and lens in an easy access case around his waist. If with the family, Jeff takes the camera to Epcot and Animal Kingdom the most as he likes the scenery there the best. If he is solo he will take the camera everywhere.
Jeff states that the point and shoot camera is best to capture quick intimate moments of his children and the DLSR works well for a set up shot.
Katie uses the point and shoot as her “fancy” camera and actually uses the iPhone more often.
Like Nate, Katie wants to know how she will carry a DSLR into the parks without it being cumbersome.
Nate shocks everyone with a twelve year photo project he has been working on which the panel quickly dubs “Shirley”.
Henry asks the panel if they take pictures on the attractions.
Scott does and asks for no flash photos on the attractions.
Jeff does take some photos on the attractions but again, no flash!
Katie prefers only to take photos that give a vantage point off the attractions.
Nate prefers not to take photos on the attractions at all.
Henry describes how he likes to take photos of himself on attractions while completing ultimate touring plans at the parks.
Henry asks the panel what attractions and photo spots that they like taking photos of the most.
Scott likes the outdoor attractions like TeaCups and Dumbo.
Jeff likes shots on Dumbo and Aladdin’s Magic Carpets.
Katie likes shooting in the Animal Kingdom, preferably at night.
Nate tells the panel about a cool project of taking pictures of buildings at Hollywood Studios and then actually visiting the buildings in LA.
Henry likes taking pictures of group meets in the parks.
Henry imagines a day when a flying orb would take pictures of him and his family during his entire Disney vacation.
Henry asks the panel about their preferred method of sharing photos while in the Disney Parks.
Scott will share photos from his iPhone instantly through TwitPic.
Jeff will only share from his iPhone as well from the Parks.
Katie shares often through all the media outlets using Posterous. She also loads the days pictures she has taken every night back at the hotel room onto her laptop and uploads them to Flickr.
Katie talks about her Owners Locker and how she is going to keep a wireless router in it.
Nate does not share his photos.
Henry uses Twitter photo clients to share his photos from the parks.
Henry does not prefer to stream all of his pictures to different clients at once.
Henry asks the panel for their quick tips regarding photography at the Disney Parks.
Scott gives some advice about taking photos at night.
Jeff says to have the PhotoPass photographer take pictures with your camera!
Jeff and Scott do not use tripods in the parks but say that balancing the camera on a trashcan works fine.
Katie’s favorite spot to take pictures of the castle is on the bridge leading to Frontierland.
Nate talks about his traditional spots to take family photos and gives the advice to consider the time of day when taking photos in the Disney Parks.
Henry talks about setting up a blog or social media site to share pictures with friends and family while on vacation.
Thank you to our sponsor Touring Plans! Visit Touring Plans for all of your Disney wait times needs!
Visit the Betamouse FriendFeed and chat with us all day every day!
Note: Katie and Henry will be attending the WDW Today TentFest and want to know if you’ll be there too! Email show@betamouse.net and we would love to meet you and thank you for listening!

BETAMOUSE #3 – Smartphone Survival Guide

Henry Work — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:46:28 +0000

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Betamouse Podcast! Learn all about how to keep your smartphone juiced and dry at the Disney Parks! Have show ideas? Let us know! Email: show@betamouse.net

Or, you can download it directly here.

JOIN US IN OUR FRIENDFEED ROOM–ALL WELCOME (well, except Nate on his Android): http://friendfeed.com/betamouse.

Show Notes

Henry introduces the Panel.
Thank you to Touring Plans for sponsoring Betamouse!
The Panel talks about what smartphones they own. The majority of the panel is enjoying the wonder of the iPhone. Nate provides the Android experience.
Henry asks the panel how they keep their batteries going white touring the parks.
Scott talks about the settings on his iPhone that he shuts off: wifi, bluetooth, brightness, location services and yes, even 3G.
Henry declares he must have his iPhone screen of optimal brightness.
Jeff jokes that the best way to keep your iPhone charged is to go to the parks with family that deems it unacceptable for the iPhone to always be in your hand. Jeff states that his anti-glare screen protector allows him to keep his brightness way down and still see the screen fine.
Henry brings up the interesting point of: is bringing out your smartphone in public now socially more acceptable?
Katie (resident Apple fangirl) talks about the settings she shuts off to keep her battery going: wifi, bluetooth, location services and low brightness. Katie also uses an external battery, the Major Mojo 3g Juice, to keep her phone going. She inquires about case batteries such as the Mophie Juice Pack and Henry lets the panel know the charging power of those is not that great.
Nate turns off all the general settings to save battery as well and also states that he has battery issues much more often at Walt Disney World than at Disneyland because at Disneyland he returns to the hotel more often. Henry has the same issues only the exact opposite: he always returns to the hotel for a break at Disney World.
Henry lets Disneyland fans know that there are power outlets available for charging at Billy Hill in Disneyland.
Henry states that he will turn off all settings but he will not give up 3G. He also does not want to give up Twitter push notifications.
Scott will not bring power cords to charge his iPhone to the parks. He will take a break and charge at the resorts.
Jeff gives the ultimate pro tip: there is an outlet to charge your smartphone in the lower rose garden area at Magic Kingdom. He also lets the panel know that there are outlets at the Tutto Italia waiting area.
Katie gives the advice of checking the counter service locations for outlets.
Nate states that one of his favorite charging areas is the Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian Resort.
To save battery life, Henry informs the panel to turn on airplane mode when going into a long indoor ride such as Pirates or Soarin’.
Henry’s favorite charging area is in Innoventions West at Epcot.
Henry asks the panel how they keep their phones safe and dry.
Scott’s biggest tip: never keep your phone on a belt clip! While he is on an attraction, his phone stays in his front pocket. For water rides, Scott uses a simple plastic ziplock bag.
Jeff uses the Otterbox Defender case for his iPhone. There is nothing hurting his phone now!
Katie throws her phone in her bag and although she likes her CaseCrown case she prefers her iPhone as naked as Steve Jobs intended. Katie had a Power Support anti-glare film as well and while she loved it, she states the screen is much more crisp without it.
Nate states that he is not the one to give advice on keeping phones dry as he has ruined smartphones that way before! He just keeps his phone in his pocket for security. Nate compares holding his phone in a belt clip to holding his infant in a Baby Bjorn. One member of the panel was sure to compare their smartphone to an infant at one point!
Henry does use the pouches on the attractions and only one time did he forget something in one! Henry lets us know that if it’s raining and you need to use your phone, just hold your phone under your poncho!
Henry wants to know what applications the panel checks consistently at the Disney Parks.
Scott checks Twitter, FourSquare and sometimes email.
Jeff uses Twitter and email and plays DoodleJump in line.
Katie uses Twitter and FourSquare and will often use iCal to keep her ADRs and schedule in line.
Nate uses Posterous and the panel talks about what a great blogging service it is.
Henry uses Twitter and his iPhone camera quite a bit while at the parks.
Thank you the Betamouse sponsor Touring Plans. Use Touring Plans to tour the Disney Parks and save time and money. And speaking of smartphones, check out the mobile application Lines for all your Disney wait times needs!
Henry announces the Betamouse FriendFeed room. Join the Betamouse crew for live geeky chat everyday!

BETAMOUSE #2 – The Kim Possible Experience

Henry Work — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:33:39 +0000

Betamouse episode #2 is available. Give us a listen and let us know what you think! Do you have your own ideas about what we should be talking about? Email henry@touringplans.com today!

Or, you can download it directly here.

Henry introduces the podcast panel.
Remember to follow Betamouse on Twitter and Facebook!
A big thank you to our sponsor Touring Plans. Visit Touring Plans today and shave four hours off your wait times at the Walt Disney World Resort!
Katie kicks off the show by describing the overall Kim Possible Experience.
Henry describes how Kim Possible tells a story through the park.
Katie states that her favorite pavilion in the Kim Possible Experience is China.
Katie likes the idea of the hidden picture taking during Kim Possible and mentions that it might be a fun way to implement that throughout all the parks and resorts.
Henry introduces the idea of NextGen and Nate describes the NextGen Disney revolution.
Nate also states that the head of the Disney NextGen project is the former VP of Epcot who spearheaded the Kim Possible Experience.
Nate gives an example of what could be considered Disney’s NextGen initiatives such as the queue-less queues and the new Dumbo attraction that is slated for the Fantasyland expansion.
Katie describes a Kim Possible mission in detail.
Henry thinks that the Kim Possible “check ins” remind him of the popular FourSquare idea.
The question arises if the missions get repetitive to which Katie touches on the fact that each pavilion’s experience is a totally different one.
Jeff states that he would like a Kim Possible app for his iPhone.
Henry loves the idea but explains the difficulties of supporting the app on multiple platforms.
Jeff argues that there are only three platforms: iPhone, Android and “maybe” Palm. Henry declares his love for Palm devices.
The talk of different mobile platforms causes Katie to point out her gripes with the Kimmunicator device.
Jeff points out that although the technology of the actual device is lacking, the overall experience tells a story well and fits well with the Kim Possible show.
Jeff has the idea of putting missions and experiences in the Deluxe resorts and states he would rather not have more of the missions in the parks.
Nate points out that being in the parks around people using the devices can take away from the overall experience of Epcot’s World Showcase.
Henry asks if the technology is a distraction from enjoying the pavilions but Jeff and Katie argue it actually gets you more involved.
Katie has the idea of using the technology for Disney’s special events such as Flower & Garden and Food & Wine to “check in” to the different kiosks.
Henry asks about the ease of use of the device and Katie and Jeff agree it is easy to use with Jeff confirming that his young children could indeed man the device by themselves.
Scott gives us insight on the underlying technology of the Kim Possible Experience and the differences in using RFID versus GPS technology.
Henry tells the panel about his interest in being involved in implementing this type of technology in the parks.
Henry asks the panel for a roundtable on how to take the Kim Possible Experience to the next level.
Scott wants to see the technology taken into the attractions, perhaps a NextGen ride based on the riders likes and dislikes.
Jeff would like to see the technology outside of the parks and wonders if the technology will be taken into the Magic Kingdom and be based on the Kingdom Keepers.
Katie elaborates on her idea of images being captured throughout the trip for guests to enjoy afterwards and relive memories.
Nate would like to see a customizable theme park experience based on what the traveler likes to see and do.
Henry states the difficulties of customization for so many guests. Instead he would like to see the Kim Possible technology expanded to all the parks. Katie interjects that this would be the perfect way to see four parks in one day.
Remember to follow Betamouse on Twitter and Facebook!
Thank you again to our sponsor Touring Plans! Visit them for all of your Disney park touring needs!

BETAMOUSE #1 – Feature Requests For disneyworld.com

Henry Work — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:16:40 +0000

Well, folks, here it is: the very first episode of the betamouse podcast. Our topic? Feature requests for disneyworld.com!

NOTE: if you want to email the show, please send to show@betamouse.net. Do it!

Or, you can download it directly here.

Show Notes:

Henry introduces the podcast panel.
Scott gives the “newbie” perspective of planning on disneyworld.com and states that the site might provide information overload to novice planners and things may get over looked.
Henry comments that using gateways like college websites might provide a better experience for different user categories: beginner planners, intermediate planners and advanced planners.
Jeff states that the redundancy of entering data more than once can be annoying. The website itself should remember user information. This leads into the discussion- should Disney provide loyalty programs?
Katie gives the Disney Vacation Club member perspective on the online experience and is a bit miffed that DVC members can still not book their vacations online.
Henry asks opinions on the Disney online experience on mobile devices and shocks the panel by stating that there is a mobile Disneyworld site!
Nate is looking for a better comparison tool on the Disney World resorts. Katie is also looking for a linear option to compare the resorts and Jeff interjects that this is present on the site.
Henry comments on the slow loading speeds of the site in general and how the large pictures on every page are not needed and excessive. He also commends the Disney Parks Blog as a step in the right social media direction.
Thank you to Touring Plans for sponsoring Betamouse! Visit Touring Plans for wait times, park touring plans and information on the new Disney World mobile wait times app Lines.