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[0:00] David Alpert: Welcome to E-Ticket to Broadway, where Broadway meets Main Street. Here's your host, my pal, David Alpert.

[0:25] David Alpert: Thanks for tuning in to another episode of E-Ticket to Broadway, the only podcast that asks your favorite Broadway stars just how many Dole Whips one should enjoy during a trip to the Disney parks. Did you know there's an official E-Ticket to Broadway merchandise shop? Whether you're looking to show off your love of both Broadway and the Disney parks, or just some cool Disney parks merch, we've got you covered. Head to www.eticketpodcast.com to start your shopping adventure today. Now's a great time to be sure you're following the podcast on Instagram to see photos of our guests at the parks, fun Disney and Broadway memes, games, trivia, and a great way to stay connected to the community. This episode's guest is the star of the new Broadway musical, Maybe Happy Ending. Please welcome to E-Ticket to Broadway, Helen J Shen.

[1:14] David Alpert: Helen, welcome to E-Ticket to Broadway. I want to start off with a very important question, and that question is, how much do you love Baymax?

[1:29] Helen J Shen: That's such a great question, David. I'm so glad you asked it. I love Baymax so much. If I could impart how much I love, I have a full plushie that sleeps with me every night. He's just the best character. He's such a comfort character. It's such a great question to start out. You know, in California Adventure now, they have Baymax walking around. I haven't gotten to meet Baymax yet. I went to Shanghai Disney this past December, and it was past the time. I think we got there around like 4 p.m., and he's only there from like 10 to 12 or something.

[2:12] David Alpert: Well, you have to go back.

[2:14] Helen J Shen: I guess I just have to go back.

[2:16] David Alpert: Or off we go to California, and we'll see it there.

[2:19] Helen J Shen: Correct. But I love that you love Baymax. Please tell the listeners what you're wearing.

[2:23] Helen J Shen: I'm wearing my Hugs All Day Baymax t-shirt and my Donald Duck butt hat that I got from Shanghai Disney. It looks like at the end of PhilharMagic when Donald is like thrown into the wall and you look behind you. That's what I think it's giving. It's stunning.

[2:44] David Alpert: It flops too.

[2:47] Helen J Shen: So what you're not seeing is that Donald's feet are flipping back and forth. This is the most perfect headgear I've ever seen on this podcast. So thank you, Helen.

[2:59] Helen J Shen: Thank you.

[3:01] David Alpert: Let's go back in time. You're a kid in New Jersey. Was Disney a big part of your life growing up?

[3:06] Helen J Shen: Yeah, definitely. The first VHS tape that we would play over and over again was Lion King. It was just always bootlegged movies that we would play in the van that were definitely probably not legal, but it's how I got into the franchise of just the storytelling and seeing how. Yeah, I mean, I think as a young child growing up, the princesses and. I guess lack of princess like like Mulan wasn't technically a princess, which I always found very infuriating, but also kind of why did they need to be princesses for them to be valid, I guess so. But yeah, I grew up loving Disney movies and singing Disney songs. It's the best gateway into, I guess, musical theater, which is such an interesting. This is why it's so fun to be on this podcast right now.

[4:17] Helen J Shen: Yeah, I really found like Disney was kind of our gateway. I mean, if you grew up with Little Mermaid, you're suddenly hearing the work of the writing team of Little Shop and you're, you hear Lion King and that's Elton John and that brings you to other great stuff. And I do want to talk about like, there's so many women in Disney films and either they're royalty or they're just highly respected. For me, Mulan is what a well-respected, not a princess. I think Pocahontas is respected in her communities, but there has been, you know, not everyone has to be royalty to be respected.

[4:50] Helen J Shen: It's funny because I always just didn't care about that part except for when they were not on backpacks.

[5:01] David Alpert: I know exactly what you mean. Okay, great.

[5:03] Helen J Shen: Oh, I know. There's also like pencils and like where they place them. It was like that we need to do better about. I totally hear you. So you're in your van, you're singing along to Lion King. Did you relate to any of the characters in the movie?

[5:12] Helen J Shen: In the Lion King, I really loved when young Simba went to live with Pumbaa and Timon. I thought that era of the movie was such a great place to kind of escape into and have a little time to grow up aside from Pride Rock and all of the drama that was. And I love Scar. I think he's a really great villain. He is. I mean, he is ruthless, but funny and a gentleman, but also just crazy. Just really crazy. I mean, were there other in that kind of renaissance of Disney films besides Lion King that you really liked?

[6:01] Helen J Shen: I think definitely the top ones for me were. Oh, well, Beauty and the Beast was also pretty big for me. I have an autograph book from when I went on the cruise. That's that I when I went up to Belle to talk to her and get her autograph and get a picture with her. I said, my mom's your favorite. Obviously, I meant my mom's favorite princess was Belle. But I panicked. Of course, it was Belle. What are you going to do? You, of course, are going to panic.

[6:35] David Alpert: That's very sweet. So you just shared. So going on a Disney cruise at a young age, that must have been so exciting. Do you remember any of those memories that were not so uncomfortable, perhaps?

[6:45] Helen J Shen: I think I remember the first time I went on a Disney cruise. I think, yeah, meeting all the characters. I've always loved face characters. The ones that were in a suit were definitely scarier to me, I think. But I loved like meeting. I think I said that meeting Shang or I don't really remember. I think I met Shang and I was like, he's very handsome in the like little notes part of the autograph book.

[7:19] David Alpert: Yes. Like commentary. What's funny is like, we know, of course, no one's wearing a costume. Those are actually the characters. However, I distinctly remember meeting Dopey, my favorite, and hugging him and feeling his face next to mine. I was like, it was plasticky. And that was weird.

[7:34] Helen J Shen: Yeah, there's something since memory about it. I as an adult now, I have done Breakfast with Winnie and Friends, Winnie the Pooh and Friends. And my life changed when I met the one that's really sad, Eeyore. Meeting Eeyore was really life changing, actually.

[8:03] David Alpert: I hope for the better.

[8:04] Helen J Shen: Yes.

[8:05] David Alpert: Yeah. Eeyore's so sweet. And again, a great example of his friends just accepting them for who they are and just letting Eeyore be. I love, we love Eeyore. Talk to me now, you know, of course, this podcast is Broadway and the Disney parks. What was your earliest memories of going to a Disney theme park?

[8:18] Helen J Shen: I think it was, there's something that's in my memory that I'm not even sure is a memory. That's how far back it was, but it was seeing the Lion King show in the Kingdom. And I remember like, there's like a curtain, it's a tent, question mark. Yeah, there's something about that that I'm remembering. But maybe it could totally be me hearing my parents talk about how they took me there and that I've created an imagination of what that memory was. But apparently, I was crying so much when the lights went down, because that was my first theatrical experience ever.

[9:01] David Alpert: Isn't that so cool? I mean, like, there's many in the theater community that, you know, you like Disney. It's like, yeah, Disney is where we first really got to see theater and get to, you know, really see a story. I think it's great. I love that you love that. Do you remember seeing the castle for the first time?

[9:18] Helen J Shen: Yeah, I remember seeing the castle. I think like, of the Disney parks, though, Animal Kingdom is my favorite. Yes. There's something about the Tree of Life that just sends a shiver down my spine every time. It's magic.

[9:31] David Alpert: Yeah. Those park icons, whether it's Spaceship Earth or Cinderella Castle or the Tree of Life, and I guess Hollywood Studios, the Tower of Terror. I feel like for Hollywood Studios, it's the road that you walk down. It's the path, I guess.

[9:54] Helen J Shen: Yeah. But there's icons like I'm very squarely a land boy. And when I see Sleeping Beauty Castle, I'm just like, it's perfect. It's so beautiful. Yeah. Now, the Shanghai Disney Castle was beautiful. It was glistening. Oh my gosh, I can't wait.

[10:19] David Alpert: So let's talk about those early trips. What are some of the rides that you loved going on?

[10:24] Helen J Shen: Oh, I really loved going on – I call it the runaway train. What is it called? Well, there's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland, the roller coaster, or there's Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. I think it was Mickey and Minnie's – Oh, no, no, it was Big Thunder. It was Big Thunder because that was my first roller coaster proper that I felt brave enough to try. Which is a good gateway because it's not too bad. Like you think it's going to be fast, but it actually slows down. It's a good first one.

[10:54] David Alpert: Unless you're in the back, in which case.

[10:55] Helen J Shen: Unless you're in the back. Well, today, do you enjoy being in the back? Are you really big into roller coasters?

[11:01] Helen J Shen: Yeah, you love it. Love, love, love.

[11:02] David Alpert: Let's talk about the other roller coasters. What do we think about Space Mountain?

[11:06] Helen J Shen: Oh, it's so great. It's so great. It's so fun that you feel like you're going so much faster, but it's only because you're in the dark. I love that.

[11:14] David Alpert: Yes. I will say, yes, the one at Walt Disney World, but the one at Disneyland is smoother and has music. Have you been on that one?

[11:21] Helen J Shen: Yes. I would say Disneyland has, to me, I'm a big park food person. The beignets in Disneyland, I have deep memories of those. There's certain iconic foods that I love to go back to and feel like. There's people who are like ride people. There's people who are whatever. There's something for everybody in the park.

[11:53] Helen J Shen: Sure. I was deemed on a recent trip to Disney World the head of sitting and eating.

[12:00] David Alpert: Yes, good.

[12:02] Helen J Shen: Because in every trip, it's easy to get swept up in, I want to do this. I want to do that. Whenever I got tired and needed to sit, I was like, the group is sitting. The group is sitting.

[12:13] David Alpert: It's actually better.

[12:15] David Alpert: Well, Helen, I have an important question. How many Dole Whips do you think you get on each trip?

[12:20] Helen J Shen: Oh my god, I try to get at least two in. At least two, and do you do, are you like traditional, like it's just the regular? Yes. Okay, yeah. Because there's so many flavors now. There's a lot of flavors and then you can also get it with a pineapple juice, which is all great, but I... and you can also buy it in stores now, but I'm like too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Yes. And I think, when I think about it, I want to be next to the Tiki Room. Yeah, I just want, and I don't even really want the big, the big cup of it. I think two small cups of it is perfect. I could have, I could house one right now. I love this podcast because I love just hearing people talk about how much they love a snack at a Disney park. It's so special to me. What other, besides Dole Whips, are there other foods, you like beignets, are there any foods that you're like, I have to get that?

[13:13] Helen J Shen: The Disney pickle.

[13:18] David Alpert: The Disney pickle? That's come up on this podcast.

[13:24] Helen J Shen: There's a moment and one just has to look inside themselves to feel when it is right, but when the pickle is right, there will never be a better snack to... It'll refresh you. It'll reinvigorate you. Your senses will be open for more rides and more experiences. Like that is a commercial for the parks right there. And apparently at Disneyland, I don't know if this is true of the world, like if you're the first person to get a pickle of the day, you get to pose with a sign that's like, I got the first pickle today.

[13:53] David Alpert: New goal unlocked.

[13:54] Helen J Shen: I know, new goal. Yes. Open a Broadway show and then be the first pickle eater of the day.

[14:09] David Alpert: Helen, you've talked about going to Shanghai, to Disneyland, to Disney World. It sounds like you really enjoy the international parks. I know this, that you loved the Pirates of the Caribbean in Shanghai. What about it is so special to you?

[14:22] Helen J Shen: I just think the magic trick is so magic. We went on it twice when we went and even knowing that the magic trick was coming, it was still just simple theater magic. Same kind of with Haunted Mansion too. It's these like really simple theatrical magic tricks that every time you could know it's coming and still be dazzled. So, yeah, I think that was definitely mind blowing. But also the beginning of the Pirates ride in Shanghai, where you go underwater and it feels somehow like you're falling, even though you're not. I can't explain it. It's so glorious. Well, just the video work. I was lucky enough to have dinner with this woman, Amy, who is the imagineer that was behind the video creation of that. And just hearing her talk about it, it's like, what a way to take a ride that opened in the 60s right in Disneyland and then bring it to the audiences of today with technology. But it still feels magic and not overproduced.

[15:35] David Alpert: It's interesting that you say that because this is just genuinely thinking about the show that I will be in. Maybe Happy Ending has a lot of video projection, has a lot of LED use, but very measured and for the story. And I think that's what's so great about Disney, too, is that they use the technology, but only use not to kind of say, oh, we have this cool thing. Let's show you how cool this tech is. It's to elicit an emotional reaction. And that's why it lasts even when inevitably new technology will come and all that stuff.

[16:15] Helen J Shen: Like, I feel strong.

[16:17] David Alpert: I do, too, especially like there's another theme park in the same area that rhymes with Universal. And a lot of times there's a lot more video and I get kind of a headache because I'm switching gears. Like, I prefer one specific form of storytelling with video that kind of just makes it a little better. But I really think Disney does a nice job with that. Were there other parts of Shanghai that you were like, this is way better than the American parks?

[16:46] Helen J Shen: It was just so different because I think culturally they think about characters differently. They think about merch differently, food differently. All of these things that the feng shui of it was really, you don't think about that. And then we were like, oh, but it felt so calm, actually. It didn't feel like I was rushing from thing to thing. It felt very sprawled. And yeah, it was just such a different experience. One of the first it was still, I think, opening ish of Zootopia Land, which was amazing. God, it was so cool to see. Yeah, I had never even thought that that would be something that I ever cared about was like being at an opening of a park or an opening of a land. And it really is really exciting because everyone's seeing these things for the first time. It definitely gets a little crowded, but there's nothing that beats that anticipation. And it was cold.

[17:56] Helen J Shen: It was freezing. It was cold. I remember like I've been to Paris many times and Tokyo once. I've been to the two in China, but I remember like being in Disneyland Paris and freezing. And I was like, gosh, it's so strange to be at a Disney park. And it's so cold. That's why I have this hat on.

[18:11] David Alpert: That's right.

[18:12] Helen J Shen: I got it because it was a necessity.

[18:15] David Alpert: Yeah, the merchandise that we see coming from the international parks are so cool. They definitely have like now they're coming in, but like the Mickey headbands where you can personalize them. And in the States, it's pretty boring, not boring, but it's like the Fab Five and some princesses. But overseas, they have some of the dwarves. And I was like, I need the Dopey one. I need to go. That's like reason enough to go. I can't wait.

[18:37] Helen J Shen: Yes.

[18:38] David Alpert: And they have Duffy and friends.

[18:40] Helen J Shen: Yes, they do.

[18:41] David Alpert: Which I think is so interesting that it really didn't catch here or anywhere else, really. And I just find it fascinating because it's something that we can latch on to because we know the IP. And we can know the history of how Duffy was tried here. But it really took off in the international parks. Have you been to any of the other international parks?

[19:06] Helen J Shen: No, not yet. Next one on the docket, I hope, is Tokyo.

[19:12] David Alpert: Well, Helen, look under your chair.

[19:14] Helen J Shen: Oh my god! Can you imagine?

[19:18] David Alpert: Okay, so let's come back to the United States. Let's talk about Animal Kingdom and your love for it. Do you have a favorite place to eat in Animal Kingdom?

[19:23] Helen J Shen: Animal Kingdom has a lot of really great, fast, casual options that are just great. And the level of food is – the baseline is just higher. So like genuinely – and I'm not just saying this – like genuinely every option feels like a strong option in Animal Kingdom.

[19:47] David Alpert: What are like your must-dos when you go to Animal Kingdom?

[19:50] Helen J Shen: Flight of Passage.

[19:51] David Alpert: Flight of Passage, right away.

[19:53] Helen J Shen: Oh, oh, the safari ride.

[19:57] David Alpert: I love the safari ride.

[19:59] Helen J Shen: Andrew just did the trek.

[20:01] David Alpert: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[20:04] Helen J Shen: That was Joe Rohde's favorite thing, question mark? I've learned a lot more since being with Andrew. Of course. I was definitely a tangential Disney lover, and his love of the parks has permeated. And so I know a lot more.

[20:20] David Alpert: Yeah, sure.

[20:21] Helen J Shen: But he recommended that I do the walk next time.

[20:25] David Alpert: Yeah.

[20:26] Helen J Shen: What's cool about the safari, too, is because – I mean, I remember my first time to Animal Kingdom, I had to tell myself, these are real animals. Because I'm used to going on like the Jungle Cruise, and I was like, okay, that's actually a real giraffe. But I love that they really talk about the conservation efforts at Animal Kingdom. They talk about how to protect the wildlife. I was like, good job, Disney, of really reminding us that this is important.

[20:47] David Alpert: Now, how many times do you think you can handle going in Expedition Everest without pausing?

[20:53] Helen J Shen: Three.

[20:54] David Alpert: Yeah, three.

[20:55] Helen J Shen: I'm going to tell you I did it once. It was just twice back to back, and I was like, mm-mm.

[21:01] David Alpert: That's intense.

[21:02] Helen J Shen: But I do think you have to maybe pick a different spot every time. I mean, I was like in the front both times. I'm okay with it, but it's intense.

[21:10] David Alpert: It's intense.

[21:11] Helen J Shen: Do you enjoy it?

[21:12] David Alpert: I love it.

[21:13] Helen J Shen: I love the Yeti.

[21:14] David Alpert: I know. I mean, what are you talking about? I'm going to be surprised at the end.

[21:19] Helen J Shen: Yeah.

[21:20] David Alpert: I think if you're listening to this podcast, Expedition Everest, I think we're past that.

[21:26] Helen J Shen: But who knows? What's funny is because when I think of Animal Kingdom, I don't always think about the attractions, but you're like, right, what a passage, Expedition Everest, the safari. I mean, there's so many great things to do there. But it does sometimes seem like a half-day park, but I think you would fight me on that.

[21:40] Helen J Shen: I think you would say it's a full day.

[21:42] David Alpert: I would say it's a full day because I think it's about immersing yourself there and not just hitting the highlights. And with the new D23 news, more things are coming to Animal Kingdom. Are you looking forward to anything in particular?

[21:58] Helen J Shen: As I look up exactly what they announced. Is Indy going there?

[22:02] David Alpert: Indy's going there.

[22:04] Helen J Shen: Well, Dinoland.

[22:05] David Alpert: Oh, yes. Should we talk about how do you feel about Dinoland leaving us?

[22:09] Helen J Shen: I don't have any ties to Dinoland personally. I think I missed that boat. So I'm okay with it.

[22:17] David Alpert: That's fine.

[22:18] Helen J Shen: But we're going to get – I think what they're calling it is Tropical Americas.

[22:22] David Alpert: Right.

[22:23] Helen J Shen: And Kanto.

[22:24] David Alpert: I think that's going to be really beautiful and exciting.

[22:26] Helen J Shen: Oh, I'm loving Kanto. I think that's such ripe – yeah, that's the little brother, his room. Just perfect.

[22:36] David Alpert: So exciting. It's like when you see those Disney movies and you're like, that's going to translate really well to the parks. I think that was definitely one. Do you think that they are thinking about that when they're making these movies? Or do you think that that's something that is kind of chicken or the egg kind of thing?

[22:52] Helen J Shen: I think Disney is so good about that kind of – what's the word? Not syzygy. That's from spelling bee. Synergy.

[23:01] David Alpert: Synergy.

[23:02] Helen J Shen: Synergy. Yeah, I do think Disney is so good about making sure that the movies and the parks and the merchandise all kind of blend together exactly. And I'm sure they're trying to do whatever's best for the story, but I'm sure that in the back of their minds, they're definitely thinking like, this could be great. And I think probably in the drawing room, they're really trying to figure out what could be exciting.

[23:38] David Alpert: So let's talk about kind of overall Disney parks. Are there any attractions that you're like, no, thank you. I'm not going on that?

[23:43] Helen J Shen: Mission Space.

[23:45] David Alpert: Mission Space.

[23:46] Helen J Shen: Mission Space, unfortunately. I've tried and it makes me nauseous. I really enjoy – well, the first time I did it, I did it with my grandma and family. And the part where you're supposed – it becomes a little bit user – it was before the Star Wars ride, which is very much like your fate is in your hands. But I didn't realize that. And so my grandma sitting there didn't – wasn't pressing the buttons. And then we crashed into Mars and I was like, grandma.

[24:23] David Alpert: I know.

[24:24] Helen J Shen: How dare you. This is your fault.

[24:26] David Alpert: I've never been on Mission Space.

[24:29] David Alpert: So, Helen, you mentioned your love for Baymax. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

[24:59] Helen J Shen: Absolutely! Baymax is just the cutest character ever. I love how he embodies kindness and care. Having a plushie of him at home makes me feel like I have a little piece of that magic with me all the time.

[25:29] David Alpert: That's so sweet! I think a lot of people can relate to having a favorite character like that. How did Disney influence your childhood?

[25:59] Helen J Shen: Disney was a huge part of my childhood. I grew up watching Disney movies, and "The Lion King" was definitely one of my favorites. The music, the story, everything about it just resonated with me. I remember going to Walt Disney World and feeling like I was stepping into a dream.

[26:29] David Alpert: That's amazing! And I know you have a special connection to "The Festival of the Lion King." Can you share that experience?

[26:59] Helen J Shen: Yes! Seeing "The Festival of the Lion King" was such a pivotal moment for me. The energy, the music, the performers—it all felt like a celebration of everything I loved about Disney and musical theatre. It really opened my eyes to the possibilities of storytelling through performance.

[27:29] David Alpert: It sounds like it had a profound impact on you. What are some of your favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom?

[27:59] Helen J Shen: Oh, there are so many! I absolutely love "Flight of Passage." The immersive experience is just breathtaking. And "Kilimanjaro Safaris" is another favorite of mine. I could spend hours just watching the animals. Plus, the "Tree of Life" is such a stunning piece of art.

[28:29] David Alpert: The Tree of Life is incredible! And I hear you have a unique title when it comes to enjoying food at the parks?

[28:59] Helen J Shen: Yes! I've been dubbed "The Head of Sitting & Eating." I just love trying all the different foods at Disney Parks. Beignets, Dole Whips, pickles—oh my! There's just so much deliciousness to enjoy.

[29:29] David Alpert: Those are some great choices! Do you have a favorite food item that you always go back to?

[29:59] Helen J Shen: I think I have to say Dole Whips. They’re just so refreshing, especially on a hot day at the park. Plus, they remind me of all the fun times I've had there.

[30:29] David Alpert: Dole Whips are definitely a classic! Now, I know you have a special love for Shanghai Disneyland's "Pirates of the Caribbean." What makes that attraction stand out for you?

[30:59] Helen J Shen: The Shanghai version of "Pirates of the Caribbean" is just next level. The technology and storytelling are so immersive. It feels like you're part of the adventure, and the visuals are stunning. I could ride it over and over again!

[31:29] David Alpert: That sounds incredible! And what about the "Carousel of Progress"? I know you have a soft spot for that one too.

[31:59] Helen J Shen: Yes! "Carousel of Progress" is such a nostalgic experience for me. It captures the essence of innovation and the American spirit. Plus, the song is so catchy! It always puts me in a good mood.

[32:29] David Alpert: It really is a classic! Now, let's dive into some listener questions. What character are you most excited to meet at the Disney Parks?

[32:59] Helen J Shen: Oh, that's a tough one! I think I would love to meet Baymax in person. It would be such a fun experience to interact with him and take a picture together.

[33:29] David Alpert: That would be amazing! Now, is there an attraction that you refuse to ride at Walt Disney World?

[33:59] Helen J Shen: Yes, there is! I have to admit, I refuse to ride "Tower of Terror." The drop is just too intense for me. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground!

[34:29] David Alpert: Totally understandable! It's not for everyone. Thank you for sharing all of your Disney experiences and insights, Helen. It's been a pleasure having you on the show!

[34:59] Helen J Shen: Thank you so much for having me! I had a blast chatting about all things Disney.

[35:29] David Alpert: And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in! Be sure to follow us for more magical conversations.

[35:59] Helen J Shen: Yes, and don’t forget to create memories where you couldn't have ever planned it!

[36:29] David Alpert: Until next time, keep dreaming and enjoying the magic!

[36:44] David Alpert: Welcome back to E-Ticket to Broadway! We have the amazing Helen J Shen with us today.

[37:14] Helen J Shen: Thank you for having me! I'm so excited to be here and talk about all things Disney.

[37:44] David Alpert: So, Helen, you mentioned your love for Baymax. Can you tell us a bit about that?

[38:14] Helen J Shen: Absolutely! Baymax is just the cutest. I have a plushie version of him that I keep with me. He represents so much joy and comfort, and I think he embodies the spirit of Disney perfectly.

[38:44] David Alpert: That's so sweet! How did Disney impact your childhood?

[39:14] Helen J Shen: Disney was a huge part of my childhood. I grew up watching Disney movies, and "The Lion King" was one of my all-time favorites. I remember going to Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, and those experiences really opened my eyes to the magic of storytelling through music and performance.

[39:34] David Alpert: And how did that lead you to musical theatre?

[39:36] Helen J Shen: I think it was the connection between the music and the stories. Seeing "The Festival of the Lion King" at Animal Kingdom was a pivotal moment for me. It was like a live-action version of the movie, and it made me realize how powerful musical theatre can be in bringing stories to life.

[39:38] David Alpert: Animal Kingdom has some incredible attractions. What are your favorites?

[39:40] Helen J Shen: Oh, I absolutely love "Flight of Passage" and "Kilimanjaro Safaris." The Tree of Life is stunning, and I could spend hours just exploring the details. And let's not forget about the food! I've been dubbed "The Head of Sitting & Eating" because I take my time enjoying all the delicious snacks.

[39:42] David Alpert: What are some of your favorite Disney Park snacks?

[39:44] Helen J Shen: Beignets, Dole Whips, and pickles are definitely at the top of my list! There's something so special about enjoying those treats while soaking in the atmosphere of the parks.

[39:46] David Alpert: You also mentioned your love for Shanghai Disneyland's "Pirates of the Caribbean." What makes that attraction stand out for you?

[39:48] Helen J Shen: The immersive experience is incredible! The attention to detail is just mind-blowing, and it really transports you into the world of pirates. Plus, I have a soft spot for the Carousel of Progress. It’s such a classic!

[39:50] David Alpert: We have some listener questions for you. Which characters are you most excited to meet at the Disney Parks?

[39:52] Helen J Shen: I would love to meet Baymax, of course! But also characters like Mulan and Tiana. They represent such strong, inspiring stories, and I think it would be amazing to interact with them.

[39:54] David Alpert: Is there any attraction at Walt Disney World that you refuse to ride?

[39:56] Helen J Shen: Yes! I have to admit, I’m not a fan of "Tower of Terror." The drop is just too intense for me! I prefer to keep my feet on the ground when I can.