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