Disney At Work Podcast

In our previous post & podcast, we had a chance to take a look at the retail magic found in Shanghai Disneyland. We had a chance to move up the right side of Mickey Avenue, head over to Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, and then continue counter-clockwise around to Fantasyland. Today we're going to continue that direction, finishing out Fantasyland, move through Toy Story Land, Tomorrowland, and then finish out in Avenue M Arcade. We finish off at World of Disney at Disney Town. Be sure to check out the photos and more on our post at Disney at Work.

Most who have visited Shanghai Disneyland have referenced the wealth of thematic detail played out throughout the park. Every Disney park has so many details within, many of which are found in the attractions and in the general park ambience. But much of it can be found in the retail areas, and that's especially true here at Disney's newest park. Let's look at the many stores at Shanghai Disneyland and see some of those details played out. We might even look at some of the merchandise. Not everything is perfect, but there's a lot to admire about the work that has been done here. Be sure to check out our photos and notes page on DisneyatWork.com.

Walt Disney World has announced its offerings for the holiday period. We look at what's coming and what's not. There are significant pieces that are missing, but it still feels like the holidays. We also consider the real reason why Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is making such a substantial closure over such a long period of time. It's not about Moana. We have good and bad news around re-opening the Disneyland Resort. That's added to promising news out of Hong Kong Disneyland and the Tokyo Disney Resort. And Disney Studios Paris? We'll look at that rumor too in this very busy Disney News on Parade for September 8th, 2020.

We compare all the Tom Sawyer Islands found in Disney parks around the world. This podcast talks about forts, caves, treehouses, bridges and more as we look at the original Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, and then back to what it is at Disneyland today. This article builds off of other podcasts we've done, including those comparing park castles around the world and "it's a small world" at parks across the globe. It's all part of our Disney Distinction Series. Be sure to check out our notes page where we show not only maps and photos, but offer a big chart comparing all of the different islands. Hop on a raft and join us for this unique podcast!

In honor of the passing of Judson Green this week, we look not just at his contribution to the Walt Disney Company, but the standard of leadership ideals he sought to put in place. An accomplished jazz musician and composer, he knew as more about the "show" in show business than most any Disney executive. He led an organization to accomplish great things in building out the Disney Decade in the parks world-wide as president and chairman of Walt Disney Attractions. We look at his perspectives around performance excellence and his legacy. And we learn why his advent and departure was what I believe the best and worst decision Michael Eisner ever made.

The Walt Disney Company announced its decision to release their new live action film Mulan on its new Disney + premium service. Both Disney+ and Mulan represent two ends of a spectrum where one initiates change and where one is dictated by change. We look at the decision behind both the streaming service and the choice to release the film as a premium pay option. While both are examples of outside forces impacting its business, it's not Disney's only foray into change over the last century. We look into the legacy to keep moving forward amid change, the key milestones in that heritage, and what lessons can be learned as you respond to change in your own world.

There are many differences guests are facing as they return to the parks during this COVID-careful period. But there are some unique circumstances that make visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios even more challenging. We're here to offer the best unofficial guide to Disney's Hollywood Studios now that the park has re-opened. This especially includes how to get a boarding pass to Rise of the Resistance. But it includes many other ideas for how to enjoy other great park attractions, plus making the best of entertainment, dining and retail. If you are looking to visit the park during 2020 and probably the first part of 2021, you want to listen to this podcast and pay attention to the notes that follow.

Welcome to our Disney at Work podcast, where we talk about best in business practices from the "Happiest Places on Earth!" In our last Disney News on Parade, we spoke of an interview Josh D'Amaro made with the CEO of the U.S. Travel Association Roger Dow. We're going to dissect his conversation about brand trust at Disney, and we'll look at what it means to your organization, especially during this pandemic. We'll talk about the millions of ways Disney connects with its customers, and look at The Chain Reaction of Excellence that makes Disney customers so loyal.

We cover a range of topics today from Bob Iger's comments on CDC while reinstalling wages at the Disney executive level. Cast Member furloughs to continue and NBA makes a protest inside the Disney bubble about tragic events occurring outside. A security guard gets attacked for asking a guest to wear his mask, and Disneyland is poised to reopen. All this and the best part--Halloween news at Walt Disney World. Join us for this week's Disney News on Parade.

In the course of two back-to-back visits I had the opportunity to really canvas all that is going on at Epcot. Construction at this park is the highest since the park opened nearly 40 years ago. We go above the fence to check it out, from the front of the park all the way to the back. On the way we experience five really great World Showcase Discoveries--magical moments that sparkle even during this time of Covid and Construction. And yes, we talk about huge crowds--or the lack thereof. Check out this major update. Come join us at Epcot.

We welcome you to what we believe to be a 7 part series on Disney Springs. We bring to you the first in the series, a focus on The Marketplace. Here we look at its history since opening in 1975 as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. We compare the Walt Disney World Village of the 1980's with the Marketplace of today. And we share historic insights going back to California harbor shopping all the way to the present, and we bring you memories of the Marketplace over the decades. You may be surprised how much this little shopping village is so foundational to the entire Walt Disney World experience.

It's been a few weeks since we really checked out what's going on at Disney Springs. With it comes big news of the re-opening of AMC Movie Theater, a new opening date for Cirque du Soleil--Drawn to Life, new retail and eateries, plus so much more. It's Disney News on Parade dedicated to Disney Springs for August 19, 2020.

David & Leah's boys provide the latest podcast one the best in attractions, shows, and especially food as Kingdom for Kids presents Epcot. Support these boys by checking out this short, but charming podcast. Photos available on Disney at Play.

Is now the time to pull the lever on coming back to Orlando? Should you reconsider going to Walt Disney World? David Zanolla hosts this episode of Disney at Play by discussing several concerns travelers are weighing at this point. In this Q&A, Jeff Kober offers several points of view and issues that should be addressed in deciding about your next trip. Is it for you? As a fan, the timing may be right to coming to Walt Disney World, but only if you consider some important issues. Be sure to also check out Disney at Play as well, where we have updated a key grid to help you in making your decision. 

Lots of news this week as Disney makes way for testing to occur on Disney property. Actor's Equity has allowed Disney to go back to work. We look at new upcoming hours at the parks, issues facing annual passholders, and even new taste tests at Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival. Then we go around the globe to see some important happenings going on at Shanghai Disney, Hong Kong Disney and Disneyland Paris--all of which has implications for the American parks. It's a busy news day for Disney News on Parade. And did we mention new animals for Kilimanjaro Safari? Be sure to check out our notes page as well for photos and links.

With so little word about the Disneyland Resort in recent weeks, we wondered about a big project that was underway at Disney's California Adventure. It is the Avengers Campus. We want to share in detail what is planned for this entirely new land, it's attractions, restaurants, retail and more. When will it finally be constructed and will it help save the resort's attendance when it finally opens? Hosted by J. Jeff Kober, be sure to check out our notes page with lots of photos, videos, links and more.

No, this is not sensationalized podcasting! Rather, sharing three little-known tales from Disney's legacy. In this Disney at Work podcast, we share Imagineering experiences that can be applied to your own organization. Here we talk about the challenges of building three very unique projects during completely different decades. You'll find lessons of courage and determination. It's about working and supporting others in creating projects and meeting deadlines. Be sure to check out our notes page on Disney at Work. You can find images and souvenirs (takeaways) for your organization. Definitely check it out!

What do neon barbershop trailers at Disney's Grand Floridan Resort, sunken Splash Mountain logs, and toy barbecue restaurants have in common? It means another episode of Disney News on Parade, where we're covering all that's happening throughout Walt Disney World. We're showcasing everything from empty cantinas to empty stores to empty campgrounds. From Food & Wine additions to Fort Wilderness additions to Disney+ additions and more. Join J. Jeff Kober as we review everything going on. And be sure as well to check out our notes page with lots of photos and videos.

Disney had probably its most difficult investor moment as it announced its earnings for what has been the worst quarter in any year of the company's history. It's important to know what went on and what it means going forward. We will share the highlights, the questions and concerns, as well as the hopes for going forward. Make sure you check out the key points in our post on Disney at Work.

A review of Disney's Wilderness Lodge--Perhaps Walt Disney World's best destination resort hotels. We look at the total resort experience during a COVID-19 stay. The hotel is based on the U.S. National Park Inns found in Yellowstone and elsewhere. We compare the experience to that, we look at some of the ambience of the hotels. We specifically review the Deluxe Studio Villa we had at Boulder Ridge, and we check out many of the resort's amenities. Check out Disney at Play for photos and more.