Disney At Work Podcast

In 2014 I penned a post on Disney at Work about the 10 things I love about Disney's Hollywood Studios. At the time, the park was celebrating its 25th anniversary. I cover that original list and explain what I was feeling at that time during that major milestone event. But much has happened in the eight years since, and I'm here with a new list that has some old favorites and new delights. How do they compare? Number 2 on the new list may very well surprise you. Find out for yourself! Join us in celebrating 10 things I love about Disney's Hollywood Studios.

In our last Disney at Play podcast we spoke of Pleasure Island and it's offerings. We talked about the clubs, the food & beverage, retail and other entertainment. And we spoke about how it came to be and how it competed against Orlando's Church Street Station. In this podcast we look at how well the concept was accepted, and how initially the nighttime venue failed to deliver. We talk about how Michael Eisner's own Funmeister turned the club around, and created what was a fairly successful venue for well over a decade. Then we talk about what factors ultimately led to the end of Pleasure Island. Join us in this podcast for what saved and killed Pleasure Island.

We return to our multi-part series on the heritage of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. In this podcast we look at the advent of Pleasure Island. Here we look at its history since opening in 1989 adjacent to the Walt Disney World Village. Running next to the Empress Lilly this attraction took on the role of competing against Church Street Station in downtown Orlando. We look at the attractions, restaurants and shops that were part of this experience, and we bring you personal memories of the Pleasure Island in its hey day, both as an annual pass holder, and also as a Cast Member at Walt Disney World. Finally, we visit the downfall of this attraction, and why it no longer exists today.

When Walt Disney recalls the making of his first park, Disneyland, he spoke of days when he sat on a bench eating peanuts. There's a reason they call it a park. This podcast explores the joy of just that. When at Walt Disney World there's nothing like grabbing a favorite snack and enjoying a park bench. We explore those options from Magic Kingdom to Disney's Animal Kingdom, from churros to cupcakes. Consider these choices as you explore a more leisurely approach to enjoying a day at the Vacation Kingdom to the World. It's seats and snacks: Walt Disney World's Best Park Bench & Goody Combinations.

In our previous podcast, Part I, we chronicled two years of a pandemic that was highlighted by Covid, the Black Lives Movement, and the Presidential Certification by Congress. Titled similarly, this podcast is Part II, but is now called the hastening fall of Bob Chapek, not the long fall. We now move into the last three months of 2023, which in some ways has been nearly as turbulent as the preceding two years. Decisions in years past to support Republican members of the Florida Legislature have come back to haunt Disney as Governor DeSantis has sought to sign into law a bill referred by many as "Don't Say Gay". We will make sense of all of these events, and why they have unravelled the way they have. We will revisit the role of Bob Chapek as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and how an organization that promises to be more active in matters of diversity, equity and inclusion can at times be so far away from the goal. And finally, as this is a Disney at Work podcast, we'll offer some thoughts as to what these ev

Two years ago this month Walt Disney World and Disneyland closed its gates. As events were unfolding world-wide Bob Chapek was named the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, replacing Bob Iger. While some highlights stand out, it has been a painful experience for most involved during this time period. Much of this has been played out not just during a time of Covid, but during a time frame that stretches from awareness that Black Lives Matter to the present "Don't Say Gay" legislation happening. In this we not only look at whether Chapek is the "right fit" as CEO, but we address how an organization that promises to be more active in matters of diversity, equity and inclusion can at times be so far away from the goal. Join us on this podcast: The Slow Fall of Bob Chapek, and Disney's Long Road to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. This is Part I. Part II will be available in the next few days. You can see an outline of all this on DisneyatWork.com

I announced in a post/podcast in December six missing Disney resort hotel options. One of them was announced this week. Disney Vacation Club will build additional villas at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. We look at the announcement and then discuss the pros and cons of this addition, as well as the general response. This addition means that we're saying goodbye to the luau, which has practically been here since opening day. We'll look at its history and heritage. We also had the opportunity to dine at Ohana yesterday. Ohana currently means Family dining, and we'll look at that experience as well. Join us at this tropical hideaway as we explore Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

It's Spring at Epcot and that means the International Flower & Garden Festival is well underway. We'll bring you our three favorite gardens, topiaries and culinary kiosks. But then there's much more as we look at whether you get the bang for your buck with Genie+. Is this park worth it? What about getting an exclusive Lightning Lane option for Ratatouille? Can you do this? Or is there another way to get in without the long wait? We then move beyond Genie+ to discuss what's come back to Epcot, what's still not present in Epcot, and importantly, the status of attractions promised to the park--are they coming or are they not? Finally, we'll end with Epcot's best lunchtime secret. Something I had no idea of! So stay tuned.

It's now been a few weeks since guests to include publicists, podcasters and bloggers have experienced Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. What was excitement originally turned 180 degrees just months before the premiere of this new cruise-style experience. Reviewing the reports of at least ten who have visited, we take a look at everything from the arrival to visiting Batuu; from the cabins to the culinary choices. Is this something you would want to do, and are you willing pay what seems to be a very steep fee to visit. In all of this we consider what are your choices for your money and how they stand relative to visiting the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. Spoiler alert. While I have not yet personally been on this experience, I will share key components and events. If you're going to spend the money, you should know what you are and are not getting for what is the ultimate interactive theater experience.

It's been a while since we dedicated an update to Disney's Animal Kingdom. From the parking lot to Maharajah Jungle Trek, we catch up on this vast and entertaining park. Included is a conversation about whether Fox's Ice Age would ever be a right fit for the park. We talk about what's still missing from the park, and what's not. Have you heard about the 50th anniversary Gold Coins? We visit Mombassa gift shop in Africa to check it out. And we explore some of the park's simplest pleasures as I get to take my granddaughter to the park for the first time. So join us as we re-explore Disney's Animal Kingdom here at Walt Disney World.

In an earlier podcast, we spoke about some of the great things happening technology wise at Disney, even as it relates to IT. We'll look at real challenges Disney is facing and how they have consistently struggled with making improvements, adopting innovation, or working across the board instead of in silos. We'll consider how organizations like Disney are re-looking at whether they should have a dedicated IT department at all. And we'll explore options for Disney to get this right moving forward. Remember, when we talk about the primary thing that upsets Disney guests and fans more than any one thing--Genie+, it's a paid product centered around technology. And yet this may be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to technology. Technology matters at Disney, and Disney has to turn it around--especially if it wants to go into the metaverse. Key notes and links are available for this podcast on Disney at Work. Please subscribe!

This week Disney announces a new business segment to their Disney Signature Experience. Called Storyliving by Disney, and it is a set of planned communities with a Disney-designed aesthetic and customer service experience. Bloggers and others are referring to it in the same way Epcot was initially thought conceived by Walt himself, which it is not--nor does Disney draw that comparison. It is also being compared to Celebration and Golden Oak, which does have some shared similarities. In truth the relationship here is more like Arvida, a company Disney purchased in the 1980's, and whose organization eventually evolved into the Disney Development Company. We'll walk through all of this, and then explore what is Cotino, the first of these master-planned communities being built in the Coachella Valley area, near Palm Springs. We'll look at its amenities and features. Will you visit and perhaps live in Cotino? Let's find out on this next Disney at Play podcast.

January and February were always weeks where Epcot seemed especially dead. But Epcot's International Festival of the Arts has not only helped fill the park, it's become a classic of its own. From the rainbow colored lights of Spaceship Earth to the sights and sounds of Disney on Broadway at the American Gardens Theatre, we explore what's new and what's returned to this annual event. We talk about progress on projects around Epcot to include the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy coaster. We also deep dive many of the dishes offered during the festival, and we explore what's up with this whole Figment popcorn bucket. If you are still planning on attending in the little time remaining, or if you are looking at this possibility in the future, check out this podcast where we give you the inside scoop. And we look ahead to what's happening with the International Flower & Garden Festival coming up shortly. You can see links to videos, photos and more at Disney at Play. Subscribe! Also, check out our YouTube sit

The Main Street Confectionary has always been a part of the Main Street USA experience in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. But it hasn't always been the same over the years. We begin 50 years ago with the original history of the store, compare it to other Magic Kingdom style parks, show how it has grown over the years, and how the new store just recently opened is remarkably different than the last previous store. We promise that at no time Smellitzers will be used to make you want to go out and consume sugar, but this is a sweet tribute to an important part of Main Street U.S.A. and at no time will we fudge any of it. An accompanying outline, plus photos and videos can be found here at Disney at Play. Also, check out our YouTube site, J. Jeff Kober for more Disney videos. And consider being a member of our Patreon group, The Wayfinder Society. Check it out!

Story and technology go a long way back with Disney. Since the advent of sound and Mickey Mouse, Walt understood that technology could not only advance the story being told, but give the organization a competitive advantage in the marketplace. From multi-plane cameras to audio animatronics to streaming on Disney+, Disney has had any number of feats--and hundreds of patents! But what really sets Disney off is not High Tech, but High Touch, and we're going to explore what that looks like. From Mobile Ordering to Hey Disney, to Turtle Talk with Crush, we'll look at some innovative approaches Disney has taken, and why they succeed. Along the way, we have some messages--souvenirs you can take home--that will allow you to think how you use technology in your own role or organization. Know that our next Disney at Work podcast will look at what I see are challenges with what Disney does not do well. Also...my apologies to those who had sound problems in the first version of this that went out. Talk about Technology

Recently during a celebration of my daughter's birthday we had a chance to visit Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. There is much that is really great from this restaurant, and for those who have never seen it before, it is a wow experience to walk into. We get first hand from my daughter her take of the experience, which was her first time there, and then I go through a systematic dining review of the entire experience. If you are considering dining at this restaurant, or it's been a while, then you may want to listen in on our experience during this podcast. Notes, videos and more can be found at Disney at Play.

The title may sound sensational. But in truth, Disney's investment in the Metaverse may be equivalent to building an entirely new theme park. CEO Bob Chapek has spoken about this being potentially a part of Disney+ but encompassing all aspects of Disney, especially in the parks. We'll explore in this podcast what the meta verse is and how the heritage of Disney has led to this moment in time. We'll take a look at how both artificial reality and virtual reality might play out for Disney. We'll explore current research and efforts underway, as well as brainstorm possibilities for the future.

With increasing costs happening at Disney Parks, guests are wondering if they are being "priced out of the market". In truth, is Disney more about making money than ever before? We look at a number of assumptions that guide Disney's financial choices, many of which target their audience focus. We look at ways in which Disney is targeting audiences in a different way, and whether you may be part of that audience. We'll also overview a new price tier for those who can't afford to visit the parks at all. Intrigued? Then this podcast will help you re-think how Disney looks at its audience.

This last week Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, penned a letter to all Disney Cast Members. Here he shares his vision of where the company is going while it's seeking to move forward past this pandemic. To that end, he outlines three pillars for moving forward, one on storytelling, one on innovation, and one focused on the customer. We dissect his remarks and consider what implications lie between the lines. Join us for this Disney at Work podcast, as we consider where The Walt Disney Company is headed as it begins its next 100 years. We'll also consider the implications of this message as it relates to your organization. You can read the text of Bob Chapek's letter to Cast Members on our Disney at Work site.

Just yesterday an unexpected opportunity allowed me to visit Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. After over three decades, guests still are delighted with this show, and laugh frequently at its memorable one-liners. We take the opportunity to deconstruct the film portion of this experience to understand how so many elements were combined to make this immersive experience. In the process it was often referred to in marketing materials as Muppet Vision 4D with the 3D crossed out. While this does contain some spoilers, know that our conversation will help you to appreciate this Disney World attraction like never before.