Disney At Work Podcast

This week Disney's Typhoon Lagoon re-opens for the first time in nearly two years in the wake of a pandemic. In commemoration of this event, I've asked my daughters Jennica and Madison to share with me their thoughts about how both parks compare. We itemize via our comparison sheet what each park has, and how they both compare. Both offer something very unique. If you're planning your next trip, and you're wanting a vacation from your vacation at Walt Disney World, both are well suited for the occasion. So join us as we compare Walt Disney World's premiere water parks. You can find additional material at our Disney at Play post, to include a comprehensive comparison of the two water parks.

In our last podcast, we noted all of the attractions--over 60--that premiered in 2021. But what about 2022? This year stands to be as amazing as 2021. Not necessarily for the number of attractions and offerings, but for the size of investment. In addition to major rides and attractions, at least three parks (and maybe more) across the globe will be receiving all new lands, complete with rides, attractions, entertainment, food, beverage, shopping and more. Two new hotels also premiere, and more expensive than all of them, a brand new Disney cruise ship will set sail this summer--the first ship in over ten years. Plus all of the attractions returning that were put on hiatus during the pandemic, 2022 will be another major banner year for Disney Parks everywhere. Tune in to this podcast as we explore all this and more! Post shares photos, drawings and an outline of all we share in the podcast on Disney at Play.

Hopes at the start of 2021 was that it would erase the disaster, not prolong the pandemic craziness that was 2020. In truth, there was actually a lot of good that occurred in Disney theme parks world-wide, from Disneyland Paris to Shanghai Disneyland, not to mention the stateside parks of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. It may surprise you that there were not only some 60 different new Disney resort offerings across the globe, but that some of the best shows and attractions ever premiered this year--but you didn't know it. We'll take a look at those--including all those that use the word Enchanted! All combined, it is the equivalent of Disney opening up an entirely new theme park. And will talk about how the parks stateside were too often marred by new initiatives that impacted the customer experience. We'll look at all of it--what worked and what didn't. Plus we hold in memorium those things that ended in 2021. Despite the pandemic, it's been a busy year, and there's much to cover. So join us as we review

What's your favorite Disney movie? Most people generally concur up thoughts of animated film classics from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs to The Lion King to Tangled & Moana. These and more are found in Wonderful World of Animation, a projection show mapped out on the Chinese Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. But that show has a companion piece, and recently Disney Movie Magic returned to Disney's Hollywood Studios. This projection show under the stars after sunset is a companion piece to that animation tribute. I want to showcase that film, and use it as a stepping stone to talk about my favorite Disney film classics. Moreover, let's talk about the presence of those same films (or lack thereof) in the Disney parks. As we look over the decades, we see that beyond animation, Disney's film productions are a showcase in and of themselves.

We all know how Roy O. Disney's leadership in the wake of Walt Disney's passing in 1966 ultimately led to the creation of Walt Disney World 50 years ago on October 1st, 1971. But there were two little-known, but important decisions that were made by Roy in the wake of the Florida opening, just weeks later. They would create great consequences for the organization moving forward over the years to come. On this, the 50th anniversary of Roy O. Disney's passing, we will look at those two decisions that came within two months after the park's opening, and consider what we can learn about decision making in our own individual worlds.

From inside Epcot at Walt Disney World we bring this joyous season to you in the form of Festival of the Holidays. From holiday music tied to Beacons of Light on Spaceship Earth, to the organic evolution of the lights at Living with the Land we find Christmas throughout the front of the park. Moving to World Showcase we check out festival goodies, and look at a number of shops and entertainment that are happening for the first time since the advent of COVID. We check out the Candlelight Processional and holiday shopping at Die Weihnachts Ecke, Germany's Christmas Corner shop. We look at what's happening with Lightning Lanes at Frozen Ever After, check out the crowds for Harmonious and then do a little holiday shopping at the new Creations gift shop. All this and more as we bring you the sounds of Epcot during this festive time of year. Photos, videos and links can be found on our Disney at Play post.

In this podcast we offer not one, not two but three restaurant reviews. Opening on October 1st of this year was Steakhouse 71 at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Formerly known as The Wave, this restaurant may well be one of the best ways you can celebrate Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary celebration. It is a traditional Seventies' style restaurant, with plenty of memorabilia cherishing the creation and first decade of the Vacation Kingdom of the World. Then we have a second experience on the other side of the Walt Disney World resort property. For a recent birthday celebration my wife and I visited Topolino's Terrace, a restaurant I did a review on sometime earlier. This time we were seated against the window where we could enjoy Harmonious from the air. It was a far better experience than before. But no dining experience of late was as impressive as Toledos-Tapas, Steaks and Seafood. Located high atop the tower at Disney's Coronado Springs resort, not only did the setting set itself apart from all other

Where would you like to see the next Walt Disney World Resort hotel? What would you be willing to pay for that isn't there already. There is room enough to do some additional resort experiences that guests would go crazy for. We offer six of those opportunities, which are for all intent and purposes exciting and yet practical. Three ideas would take advantage of the current Walt Disney World monorail system. Three ideas would take advantage of a new Skyliner system that would connect between Epcot and Disney Springs. And some of these ideas may be on their way, even if they haven't been announced. Make sure you check out the maps, photos and images that accompany this podcast at Disney at Play.

In the wake of the opening of Disney's Encanto, we propose that the next major World Showcase attraction be based on Encanto's Casita de Madrigal? Why? Because guests long for film-based attractions that open worlds of fantasy and suspense. And this casa does it in ways no other has done before. We look at Encanto, why World Showcase needs a property like this, and what an attraction like this would look like. We'll also look at other intellectual properties that could become attractions or even countries in World Showcase. Whether or not you have seen Encanto, join us in this spoiler-free brainstorming of what this attraction might be like.  In addition to the podcast channel you listen to, please visit DisneyatPlay.com and DisneyatWork.com and subscribe to our website. That way you get notices of new posts and podcasts coming out. If you like what we have to offer, please visit iTunes and offer us a favorable rating and even a review. This helps notify others of what we have to offer.  If you like videos

Recently I had an epiphany about my podcasts and what I wanted to offer. I provide plenty on all matters regarding the magic and fun of Disney. They are at the heart of Disney at Play. I also offer unique podcasts that focus on best-in-business ideas from Disney that can be applied back to your organization. It's called Disney at Work. But I felt I wanted to provide those who listen to this podcast something even more unique. Something more inspiring that can be a catalyst for becoming the best we can be. To that end, I'm introducing new set of podcasts on this channel around what I refer to as Performance Journeys. It is taken from a former Magic Kingdom attraction known as The Timekeeper. And it's that attraction that serves as the message for today's podcast as well--defying the impossible & improbable at Disney and beyond. Join us on this Performance Journey.  We thank you for visiting and listening to us. We appreciate your patronage and your friendship. To help make these websites and podcasts poss

In the wake of an announcement filled D23 weekend we have much to share with you from across the globe. We take you to Paris and Asia, and then to Disneyland and Walt Disney World where we bring a large number of announcements and updates. We also bring news of what's happening with the Disney Cruise Line and with the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company in 2023. Our update covers not just what was announced but what wasn't announced. Which brings us to new news that almost all Walt Disney World Annual Passes have been suspended. There is much to cover, so join us for this Disney at Play podcast.

Just one evening at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World can be full of so many amazing things to see and do. And yet, there are also these moments when one wonders what is happening and why? We go through such an evening as this, and cherish amazing moments like holiday lights on Main Street, U.S.A., the newly revised and gorgeous Mickey's PhilarMagic, and Disney's Enchanted Fireworks. And with all of this, it is off set by some comments made about reducing food portions, unbelievable price hikes on the Christmas party, and a tram system that is still not operational. And then we have what seems to be a very misleading--perhaps deceitful occurrence on Seven Dwarf's Mine Ride as it relates to Genie+ Lightning Lanes. Join us as we share the magic and realities, the bliss and the miss of an evening at Walt Disney World.

In our first cruise since the onset of COVID, we boarded the Disney Fantasy for what was to be a three night getaway. Despite new protocols, this was probably one of our favorite and most memorable of our eight Disney cruises. I share seven highlights from this cruise, almost all of which were new experiences we had not encountered before. From changes to protocol to new entertainment and offerings, our experience on board the Fantasy will make you consider taking a Disney Cruise experience sooner than later.

Join us as we set sail from Port Canaveral on board the Fantasy ship of the Disney Cruise Line. For my wife and I this is our first voyage in two years and we'll give you the highlights of signing up, registering online, showing up at Port Canaveral, getting tested and finally boarding the ship. This is the first of our podcasts on revisiting the Disney Cruise Line. Join us!

Recently we had the opportunity to visit the new Snow White's Enchanted Wish at Disneyland, which replaces as a dark ride the previously titled Snow White's Scary Adventure. We look at the original version of this attraction, and how it was changed in 1984. We then compare the new experience today and note all of the individual scenes that have created for a "happily ever after" while still keeping many of the "scary" moments the attraction has been known for over the decades. This is the original dark ride for Snow White and it is a beloved attraction. With special effects and projections, this experience is more enchanting than ever.

There has recently been an intensified attention drawn on Disney CEO Bob Chapek in the last month. On one end of the spectrum, the CEO has been the subject of a petition on change.org to have him removed. As of the time of this writing, some 65,000 have signed. In truth, this petition was started a long time ago, but a week or so ago it got feverish attention where people signed in droves. Still that fever has temporarily subsided, and 65K worth of signatures isn't much to write your Disney board about even if a few bloggers shed light on it. Meanwhile on the other end of the spectrum, Rick Munnariz of The Motley Fool suggests that perhaps Chapek should be CEO of the year, given that he has pulled through a difficult pandemic and that stock has risen 38% since he came in. So is Bob Chapek man of the year or next to be fired? We look at a key issues that are working well, and several that are simply not. You decide where he should leave or you should by stock.

Recently I had the opportunity to do a date night with my wife at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Orlando has many choices as to where to dine. I don't do food reviews of places to eat. But when we choose to eat a table service meal at Walt Disney World we are looking for a dining experience, not a place to eat. This review is not a food review, it is a review of the dining experience. That experience was one of the poorest I have ever had at Walt Disney World. More than just sharing my love/hate relationship about this place, I want to suggest ways in which we can learn from that experience in serving customers in your own organization. So stay tuned to this channel as we present how Prime Time Cafe becomes more like Catastrophe Canyon.

It won't take long before you realize who has really made Halloween amazing at the Disney Parks. We look at both Walt Disney World's offering and Disneyland's offering to compare the two experiences. We look at theming, ambience, added attractions, entertainment, food and so much more. Even if you don't attend and pay for their exclusive parties, there's still Halloween goodness to be found. As we ready for this Halloween, we'll look at who does it best, as well as what could be improved.

Imagine you had a chance to visit the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in the days, weeks and months right after opening. What would it have been like? Together with legendary (but alive) Disney historian Jim Korkis we explore those earlier times. We talk about attractions that that have come and gone like the Greenhouse Flower Shop or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. We talk about entertainment like the Diamond Horseshoe Review, the Liberty Square Fife & Drum Corps and the Pearly Band. Remember the Mile Long Bar? Do you remember what sodas you could get that you can't get today? And then there's Scat Cat and his band from AristoCats. Join us as we head to the Magic Kingdom of the early 1970s, hear Jim's unique stories that we share on this the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World's dedication on October 25th. Oh...and what about that Tomorrowland Railroad station under construction? We share this and all the more and then invite you to share on Facebook with us what E-ticket ride would you go on if you h

David Zanolla and I get together to discuss Day Three in trying to deal with Genie. In particular, David is all over the idea of grabbing a few at the beginning of the day and then stacking the FastPasses towards the end of the day. We not only set off to do this at the Magic Kingdom--joining other resort guests at the start of their day, but then David later visits Disney's Hollywood Studios and even Epcot, utilizing lightning lane passes via Genie+ and select attractions. We look at how much time David has ended up saving and whether it was worth the amount of money he put into it. It's our best approach to hacking Genie and getting the best value possible.