Disney At Work Podcast

April 15th was the day that every Californian could book reservations for Disneyland. But being from Florida, I had no option in joining half the state of California in booking reservations for Disneyland. Still, I knew my great friend Taleia, who has joined me in previous podcasts on what we love most about Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, would be working hard to get a reservation. I text her on the 15th to see how it was going. No response. A day later I get a text from her at mid day. It took 16 hours the first day with no luck! Then she started again at midnight and finally got them two hours later. She scored two, two-day tickets at 2 am that morning. 18 hours total! She paid $470 ($235 a piece) for those two sets of two-day tickets, which would have handled the better part of a single annual pass for her a few years ago. Is it worth it? You bet! For that reason, I'm stating 18 reasons to wait 18 hours for reservations to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. It still may be a while bef

This week I've been in three of the Walt Disney World parks and noticed that opportunities for purchasing food & beverage were limited due not so much to COVID, but simply poor decision making on the part of management. In the wake of this, when Disney needs to make all of the money it can to get through this once-in-a-generation moment, we have instead money being left on the table by guests who frankly are ready to spend in the parks. In this Disney at Work podcast we look at 7 ways Disney is missing the opportunity to improve their per caps. You may not run a restaurant--that's not important here. But if you have a business, you may learn some thing about how you could be generating greater revenue than you thought possible--especially in uncertain times like these.

It's a beautiful day here at Walt Disney World as we start the morning here in the Magic Kingdom. So much to check out in this podcast and video. We start in the parking lot looking at ongoing transportation issues (could Epcot monorails be returning?) and then on to entering the park using the new facial recognition system. In Town Square we check out changes that have been made to the fire house after Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom has come to an end (and yes, a new interactive experience is underway). Cinderella Castle continues to get layered with a treatment of bunting, spiraling ribbons and baubles of jewels for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary. We check that out and head right into Fantasyland where touches of gold have also been added to the carousel. Moving on to Storybook Circus we see that Casey Jr. is getting spiffed up, but that's nothing compared to ongoing construction of the new Tron coaster. Additional surprises await as we see the Tomorrowland Peoplemover in motion in hopes (cross your f

There are so many things happening around the world that are affecting Disney Parks. Look at all we have to cover: Epcot--New offerings coming this summer Magic Kingdom--Several changes and initiatives Disneyland announces character appearances when they open News on Tokyo Disney's newest hotel and on its new Fantasyland Theater Shanghai Disneyland celebrates its 5th anniversary Big news and constant changes coming from the Disney Cruise Line A major milestone with the new Disney Wish Finally, an update on the new Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line's Newest Island All this and our own insights as to what is happening! Join us!

There's a favorite spiel that for many years has been heard on the Jungle Cruise towards the end: "Now for the most dangerous part of our journey, the return to civilization". That's what lies ahead for Disneyland as it reopens. From the Governor's office to Avengers Campus we share all of the crazy details that may result in Disneyland being back to normal in only a few more months. We look at the details involved in reopening Disneyland on April 30th. We'll look at a host of reservation issues and then turn our attention to what rides and attractions are opening--and not opening when that day arrives. Avenger's Campus has been given an opening date of June 4th, and we'll look at what's coming there when that moment unveils itself. There's a lot going on at Disneyland. So keep your hand and arms inside the boat until we are safely back at the dock.

Finally! We are long overdue for an update at Disney's Animal Kingdom and this one is packed with lots to talk about! NOTE however, that this was shot a couple of weeks ago and while references to the new Disney MagicMobile Pass, the release of Raya and the Last Dragon and to food items like St. Patrick's Day Food may seem dated, the context, stories and insights given are relevant. There is so much to this podcast from visiting the new goat farm on Kilimanjaro Safaris to end of day queuing at the end of the day at Pandora, to night time additions to the Tree of Life. So check this out as we have so much to catch up on! You can also see the video here.

In celebrating Disney California Adventure's 20th Anniversary, we thought we would pay homage to what I think are 5 great things about the park that were there on opening day, but are no longer had among us. Disney California Adventure did not start off well. Some attractions, like Soarin', were fantastic when it opened and they are still around. Still other things that added to the experience and even to the park's soul is no longer here. We explore five of those things and what came in their wake. We look at some of the most beautiful pieces of workmanship, some fun and wonderful attractions, and a special look at phenomenal music that no longer fills the air of Disney California Adventure.

We head over to Epcot to check out all that's new to the park in the last few weeks. We take advantage of trying out some food & beverage specialties that are part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. We showcase three things you may not have seen or were aware of in China. We embark on Spike's Pollen-Nation Exploration for 2021 and are surprised by the gift dishes at the end of the journey. We examine new additions made to the World Showcase Lagoon in preparation for HarmoniUS, and share why its centerpiece ring is not framed perfectly to the center of the lagoon. We find some hidden flower & garden gems in the pavilions and check out even more food plus some fun Easter eggs celebrating the 55th anniversary of "it's a small world" at Disneyland. Finally, we explore a returned rumor about a new hotel coming to Epcot. Lots to talk about. Join us!

Despite a major pandemic, and the fact that the Disneyland Resort has not been open for over a year, Disney officials made a major announcement that could rock the entire Disneyland resort, taking it to another entirely new level. This includes massive expansions in terms of lands, rides and attractions to Disneyland and Disney California in spaces that extend away from Disneyland. It also includes a complete resort, shopping and dining experience occupying what was the Toy Story parking lots south of the parks. This plus a new parking lot. This post and podcast brings you an in-depth look at what is being considered, and what may not be so obvious. But make no mistake. This expansion may be almost as massive as the 2001 addition of Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disney's Grand California. Images and maps can be seen on our DisneyatPlay.com site.

We welcome you to this Disney at Work podcast where we share best in business ideas from the Happiest Places on Earth. Disney CEO Bob Chapek, in a recent Bloomberg interview, shared the following: “Our guest satisfaction scores since we have re-opened across the world have shown that indeed, our guests are more satisfied than they were even before the pandemic.” Is this so? Is Disney’s customer satisfaction better than prior to the pandemic? How could it be when COVID has slowed everything down, when guests are having to make a reservation, wear masks, and stay socially distant? How could you have better customer satisfaction when there are no parades, no character meet ‘n’ greets, when many shows attractions are not available and no fireworks mark the conclusion of a park day? We’ll look at how this is not only possible, but what implications there are in your organization and how you should consider the possibilities of improving customer satisfaction, even under difficult times. Also, if you like this p

Growing up, the best part of the newspaper was the comics or the "funnies" section. In today's podcast, we'll look at Disney's recent headlines on The Jungle Cruise. Changes they have announced place Alberta Falls, granddaughter of Dr. Albert Falls as the story focal point in new changes coming to this legendary attraction. We look at the origin story for Dr. Albert Falls and the waterfall's original name. We discuss how this contrasts with the film Jungle Cruise apparently docking this year on July 29th to a movie theater near you, and we talk about other rumors happening in Adventureland, namely The Enchanted Tiki Room. The challenge to all of this however, is that very little of it is funny...or even the least bit punny, as we all know the Jungle Cruise to be. If you like this podcast, we really appreciate you helping out the "littlest podcast that ever could by visiting iTunes and giving us a positive rating and review. This helps more people find us out there. And speaking of podcasts, may I recommend

We bring you to Disney's Hollywood Studios for an update on all the magic happening at this Walt Disney World park. We walk down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards to check out the happenings going on there. Pixar's Character Cavalcade comes by and we head over to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show Theater to check out the new relaxation station. Passing by crowds lined up for Toy Story Mania and Slinky Dog, we take in ribs over at Docking Bay 7 at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. We then look at what makes the queue work at Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run as well as Mickey's Runaway Railway Train. It's a full day of activity as we exit the park after closing. Check out all the excitement on this complete update.

This week marks the time when Disney announced the closure of both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Other international parks had already closed, but this announcement cemented the national emergency that was within U.S. borders. While the Walt Disney World parks did re-open in July, there is still so much guests still miss, while at the same time so much we've learned. I cover the key milestones over the last year. I cover the top three of what I will not miss about this pandemic period; what I would keep moving forward; what I still miss while waiting for this to all end; and what I'm grateful for. You can see photos, videos and an outline for this podcast on our site, DisneyatWork.com

At the start of a terrible pandemic one year ago, Bob Chapek was surprisingly placed in the difficult position of being Disney's new CEO. The year that followed has been a horrific period for businesses across the globe. Today The Walt Disney Company held their annual shareholders meeting for 2021. We look at what was announced in that meeting, as well as reflect on the events of the last year. We make a case that Bob Chapek has done some heavy lifting in keeping this company not only alive, but in making it agile and even innovative. While his performance isn't perfect, the period of his tenure has been remarkable given such difficult times. We look at why people throw criticism at Bob Chapek, particularly petty, personal comments that have nothing to do with performance. We look at how that is reflected in most workplaces, as too often the boss at the top becomes the shared enemy that unifies others. We look at why that's unproductive, and why Chapek's own performance as CEO has merit.

The State of California noted on Friday new guidelines for theme parks and stadiums that could conceivably offer a window for Disneyland to reopen as early as April 1st. We look at what has come down from the state, how Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock has responded, and offer insights and thoughts around when this might actually happen as well as the implications.

  We visit Epcot on a beautiful Spring day as we see blossoms and topiaries in full bloom during this year's flower & garden festival. It begins at the entrance of the park, where new flag stanchions, and a beautiful new score welcomes guests as they first enter the park. We check out flower & garden favorites such as the butterfly corner in Future World and the container gardens in Italy. We talk not only about what is unique during the festival, but what things you can see all year around such as the rooftop plantings in Norway and the train Garden in Germany. And did we mention topiaries? Lots of beautiful topiaries can be found throughout. We also check out several eateries during the festival, offering reviews of the food and visiting World Showplace. The new "Stargate" has been placed into World Showcase Lagoon, and we offer thoughts and insights as well as discussing the openings of the new gelato location in Italy and Space 220 in Future World. We cap off the experience as we see the new ligh

We spend an evening visiting the Magic Kingdom to check out the crowds, construction, and the latest happenings at the park. During our time we take you on a spin at the Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland. We head over to the Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland and the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square. We then take a look at what's happening at "it's a small world" and Mickey's PhilarMagic. We check out construction at Cinderella Castle as it takes on the next phase of preparations for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary. We consider how Disney responds when an attraction like Pirates of the Caribbean goes completely down with no hope of being back in operation that same day. All this and an update discussion about eating in safe places during this COVID time.

More guests are deciding to return to the parks even though restrictions and restraints due to COVID-19 are still in play. With little expectation that such restrictions will change much over the remainder of the year, guests planning a visit in the months to come must make important choices as to how they dine. This is always a big part of the Disney theme park experience, but its relevance is even greater during this pandemic. Just which restaurants are your better choices during this period. Having been in the park nearly 75 times since re-opening, we look at those issues that guests struggle with, and offer insights as to what choices might be best whether its counter service or full-scale dining at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom. Red, Yellow and Green scores with comments and insights will help you as a guest determine your best culinary choices for your upcoming visit. We are offering a new program where you have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive offerings

On a very windy and rainy day we head out to Epcot to check on a number of activities going on. Before entering the park, we take a look at the new colorful Leave a Legacy display that has been added to the front entrance to the park. Inside we talk about new announcements made for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary, to include a new light aesthetic being planned for Spaceship Earth. We check out construction on Guardians of the Galaxy, MouseGear, Ratatouille and the new gelato location in Italy. We see some of the preparations underway for the upcoming Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and also take in the Voices of Liberty as they perform Disney Songbook at the American Adventure Gardens Theater. All this and a little barbecue across the way in this update to Epcot at Walt Disney World. Be sure to also check out our new Disney Wayfinder Society, a Patreon group with the Disney fan in mind. Check it out!

Bettina Crzeskowiak is no ordinary Disney Cast Member. Her story of seeking out an opportunity to work at Epcot in Germany is just a sampling of her tenacity. She also was part of the original team when the Disney Wonder launched. But her own life story beyond that is what really makes Bettina truly magical, as she fought poverty, abuse and other challenges only to rise to become a leader in helping homeless people in the shadows of Walt Disney World. This is her story, and how she came to create Embrace Celebration. You'll hear her vision for helping others, and you'll be invited in how you can help for as little as $5 a month while receiving amazing interactive tools and multimedia showcasing all things Disney through the Wayfinder's Society, our new Patreon Group. Check it out! Bettina's story is an amazing journey. To know more about the Wayfinder Society, click here. To know more about Embrace Celebration, click here.