Ep91: Which way to Anaheim?

In this episode: In this episode we discuss what went down when we visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Hollywood. We welcome back our buddy Jeff Heimbuch who tells us a bit more about his new project called 'Return Home' and our pal Skyler joins us to talk about Zootopia.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been a long awaited destination since the announcement that it was coming to Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA. The detail is amazing. From the buildings to the decor to the people talking around in wizard robes to tell you where the bathroom is, it truly feels like you’re stepping into the story.

#Hogsmeade!!!

A video posted by @podketeers on Mar 5, 2016 at 3:18pm PST

Here are some photos from that day. Click on the thumbnail to bring up a larger version.

We didn’t mention this on the podcast but we’re pretty disappointed we don’t have a dragon. 🙁

Although our story was not as happy as others, we were eventually able to have some fun despite what had happened earlier that day (listen to the episode). The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is still in its “soft opening” phase for testing and is scheduled to have its grand opening on April 7, 2016. Have you visited yet? How was your experience? Tell us in the comments section down below.

We talk to our pal Jeff about his new podcast called ‘Return Home’. Here is the description from their website:

Return Home is a serialized audio drama, done in the style of radio shows of ages past. It is fully produced, in stereo sound, to make you feel like you are part of the action. Though you can listen however you’d like, it’s recommended you do so with headphones. Alone. In a darkened room.

Return Home is the story of Jonathan Barker, who returns to his home of Melancholy Falls, NJ, after five years away. An unknown entity beckons him back East, in order to unravel the mystery of what his home town has become…or has always been. Reunited with his best friend, Buddy, Jonathan must discover the secrets of Melancholy Falls, and why he was told to return home.

Click the ‘Return Home’ logo below for links and information on how/where to download.

We mentioned the audiobook ‘The Mist’ by Stephen King. If you’d like to give Audible a try and listen to that story to free then click the banner below to sign up and get your free audiobook and start your 30-day free trial.

We had our buddy Skyler on to talk about Zootopia. The movie itself was great! The movie actually started as a story centered around a very cynic, Nick Wilde. Around the 1 year mark, changes began to happen and the movie was changed to be told through the optimistic eyes of the plucky Judy Hopps. Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde) talks about that in this clip:

**WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD **

One of the best surprises going in was the we didn’t know this was a detective story from the original trailers but we’re actually glad we didn’t know that going in. There is also a running theme about prejudice in society and how optimism and tenacity will help you succeed.

There was one character name Gazelle (played by Shakira) who sings the main theme of Zootopia. We started off not liking it too much from trailers or even while watching the movie BUT we do understand the song in the context of the film. Listen to the song below:

Did you watch Zootopia? How did it make you feel? Leave a comment down below.

If you’d like to follow Skyler to check out his favorite daily Disney facts, he is @DisneyFilmFacts on Instagram and Twitter.

Until next time! °o°