Disney At Work Podcast

Howdy folks! And welcome to the one and only original Disney Insights! The Country Bear Musical Jamboree has opened and we bring to you a review of the entire experience. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much happening at Magic Kingdom and we want to cover all of it. From the new stores of Tiana's Bayou Adventure to Smellephants on Parade, we'll check it out all out. We'll visit each land, discuss various attractions, eateries, stores and entertainment where change is happening. Beignets anyone? How about some menu changes at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. Lots happening in the Magic Kingdom, but our primary focus is on the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree. So sit back, relax, and just enjoy the show! __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. A

Starting July 24th a new virtual queue system will be put in place. Building off of both the Genie+ system and the earlier FastPass+ system, Walt Disney World will now offer Multi & Single Pass Lightning Lane experiences. I've invited David Zanolla of Zanolla Travel, to help me make sense of it all. We'll review what has happened over the last 25 years beginning with FastPass, followed by FastPass+, Genie+ and now Lightning Lane. And we'll answer a number of questions that will help you know how to best make the right choices when it comes to planning your next Walt Disney World vacation. So join us, and let us get you the insights you need on this new virtual system. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. Also, for those examining = other business benchm

Well, Humunga Kowabunga! Typhoon Lagoon is 35 years old this year. We've had the opportunity to celebrate the 35th anniversary of several Walt Disney World attractions, and we would be remiss if we didn't take the plunge on this one as well. We'll dive in on the history of this water park and how it came to be. We'll also look at how it compares attendance wise to parks across the globe. Then we'll cover 10 tips for how to best enjoy your day at the park without getting burned--sun burned at least. Finally, we'll rewind the clock and share a conversation of why Typhoon Lagoon is such a joy to visit. So join us as we commemorate Typhoon Lagoon's 35th anniversary. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. Also, for those examining = other business benchmarks beyon

This week we had a chance to visit and experience Tiana's Bayou Adventure in a set of five visits. Our previous podcast was an in-depth look at why Splash Mountain ended and why Tiana's replaced it. This podcast goes into big details as to how this entire experience plays out from arrival, through exterior/interior queues, the entire ride, and afterwards. This is a major spoiler alert, and we think you should listen. Most will only have one opportunity to visit in their upcoming visit. The logs move down the river quickly, and you will miss the chance to see all of these details come to life. This expose helps you be able to capture it all. Accompanying this podcast is an extensive set of photos and videos that support these details. We also have a complete grid which details a scene-by-scene comparison of what Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom had compared to what Tiana's now shares. Join us for the details of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century o

With previews well underway on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and before I spend the time giving insight to what works and doesn’t work on this attraction, now is the time to understand why this attraction has been built, and why it has replaced the enormously beloved Splash Mountain. Critics abound and some have a point to be made. But it makes no sense to criticize if you don’t understand the reason and the why. We will look at how we got to this point, which began back park-wide decades ago and has had its own storied past, for both guests and Cast Members. In the end we’ll see that there is not only a need to create stories that others can see themselves in, but to know that there were some legitimate operational issues that needed to be addressed. All of this comes together in one pivotal moment in time and has now resulted in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-19

This week the Vice President of Epcot, Kartika Rodriguez, announced that “after years of creative vision, innovation and dedicated work, I’m thrilled to share that the historic transformation of our park is complete.” We will look at this final puzzle piece of this important transformation. CommuniCore is a complex which includes food and beverage, meet ‘n’ greets, indoor and outdoor event space, and a great new show. We look at the original proposal for not just all of Epcot, but specifically for what is now CommuniCore. The soul of this place is the ¡Celebración Encanto!  This show is hot, and the theater much hotter–literally. I review all of this in detail. We talk in memoriam about what is missing as this transformation comes to an end. And we talk about new attractions that are just around the corner at Walt Disney World. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check o

Last week we shared how the better part of 7 decades took George Lucas as a child from the Disneyland Park gates in 1955 through to creating the cinematic masterpiece Star Wars to working with Disney to build Star Tours the attraction to even selling Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company. Today we step off from that point to see how Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge came to be. We’ll share the moment it was announced through development and construction. Remember Seasons of the Force and Star Wars Launch Bay? We’ll talk about that. I’ll share my feelings entering Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge during the first week of operation at Disneyland, and the subsequent chaos of Disney’s Hollywood Studios opening. And then there is Rise of the Resistance, followed by Rise of the COVID-19. Join us for some remarkable insights on the creation, opening and operation of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, all on the 5th anniversary of this attraction. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insigh

The story of how Star Wars Galaxy's Edge came to be is one that goes back nearly 7 decades. It is a story that circles back around to Disney’s own history again and again. This presentation showcases those milestone moments that paved the way for this attraction to occur. It is the story of George Lucas and how he created one of the most beloved film franchises, one that truly seemed like it was something from the Disney Studios. It moves forward through the development of Star Tours and ultimately the purchase of Lucasfilm. Join us for Part I as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge with this historical timeline. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. ________________________________________________________ More Disney Insights can be found below! Disney Insights

Like Disney-MGM Studios, Pleasure Island at Walt Disney World opened up 35 years ago. Also like Disney's Hollywood Studios, it morphed over time. Unlike the studios however, it's gone--with only a few remnants reminding us of that strangely unusual "outside the brand" creation. We consider each of the clubs, plus restaurants, stores and more. We look at how it got started, and how it met its demise. And I share my own personal stories of interacting with this unique entertainment offering and its incredibly talented Cast, all the while staying sober. Join us as we find insights from Walt Disney World's Pleasure Island. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. ________________________________________________________ More Disney Insights can be found below! Disney Insights YouTube Page--Chec

Last week we spoke about new announcements at Disneyland Paris and their implications for American Parks. This last week news and video has been coming out about the new Fantasy Springs that is beginning to open at Tokyo Disney Sea. Plus news of Disneyland Forward being approved by the Anaheim City Council means that work can commence on a future Disneyland that has many more possibilities than ever before. Add new attractions coming to Walt Disney World "Beyond Big Thunder" and elsewhere, and we have one amazing podcast. We'll talk about Tokyo attractions based Frozen, Peter Pan, Rapunzel, Beauty & the Beast, Space Mountain, Toy Story, Wreck-It-Ralph and more, and how they may impact attractions coming to you based on Cars, Moana, Zootopia, Encanto, Coco, Indiana Jones, Pandora, Marvel, Star Wars and more. This is a big podcast, so join us as we look at how new Tokyo Disney attractions just may have implications for the American Parks! __________________________________________________ My new book, A Cen

Big new announcements have been made at Disneyland Paris and whole new lands and experiences are opening at Tokyo Disney Resort. We not only look at some very new ideas for what could be in a Disney theme park, but we see how some of this could be coming to Disneyland or Walt Disney World here in the United States. Perhaps not the show, but the concepts, the intellectual properties, special technologies and ride vehicles. We'll look at resorts here at Disneyland Paris, happenings at Disney Village and the Disneyland Paris Park, and then go over to The Walt Disney Studios Paris park for what are massive and major changes. Lots of implications for the American parks, so join us for this Disneyland Paris announcements. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. _________________________________

May the 4th be with you! This podcast is a replay that celebrates all things Star Wars in a very unique way that ties also to The Golden Girls, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and a man by the name of Andrew Gold. It has great insights so join us as we share this unique podcast. __________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. ________________________________________________________ More Disney Insights can be found below! Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others. The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here

o much of what was the Disney-MGM Studios over the years has come and gone. Only one attraction remains as it was largely designed during its opening. This park is perhaps more radically different than any other Disney park between its opening and the present. And yet there are some really wonderful gems that were there when the park opened, and they are still here today. We look at those timeless pieces and what makes them such treasured keepsakes of what is Disney's Hollywood Studios today. Each of them may have some surprises you may not have known until now. So join us for Disney-MGM Treasures From 35 Years Ago. ________________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. __________________________________________________________ More Disney Insights can be found below! Disney Insights YouTube Page-

It seems hard to imagine that Disney's Hollywood Studios opened 35 years ago! The first park to open under the leadership of Michael Eisner, the Disney-MGM Studios as it was known then has a storied past. How it got started, why it became the way it did, and how it competed with Universal Studios is the stuff of movie legend. Join us as we look at how an idea became Walt Disney World's third theme park; how it struggled to move from a half-day concept to a full-day park experience; how it came to add the MGM name; how it sought to imitate Universal and how Universal in turn sought to imitate Disney; and how the park was so popular in its first weeks of operation that it turned away guests before it even reached its official opening time. Join us as we learn lessons and insights from the opening of Disney-MGM Studios 35 years ago! _________________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my two of my other

Over the last couple of decades Disney has been attentive and has invested seriously in supporting guests with disabilities. I suppose it was a slow news day, Disney social media influencers decided to call fire in the Lightening Lane. Headlines and statements were irresponsible, and in most cases, just wrong. We will look at Disney's history is providing accessibility. We will look at the statements and changes Disney is looking to enact, and I will offer honest and candid feedback on what is working and what may be the challenges moving forward. All of this comes in the context that I have two Autistic children, one of which struggles to function in tight spaces without impacting the experience of others. If you really want to understand what is happening, join us on this podcast where we will explore the challenges and efforts Disney makes. _________________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my t

This May and June Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and Disney's Pleasure Island will be 35 years old. The only way this would have occurred is if there were employees to make that happen. By this time the market for available front line employees was tight as Universal was preparing to open its first theme park, and other competitors and hoteliers in the area were needing people as well. The answer was to intentionally create a place for people to go to get a job as a Walt Disney World cast member. The design of this unique facility offers many insights as to how to attract potential hires. This work may be more virtual these days with a wide range of online tools, but the messages from this facility and its unique hiring processes still stick. Join us for hiring lessons from 35 years of the Disney Casting Center. _________________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my

The Walt Disney Company held its annual meeting of Shareholders. This event was seminal in that it concluded a feud between outside investors and Disney. It allowed Bob Iger to emphasize a message of 'Renewed Strength'. But there is more to learn from all of the tea leaves of this presentation. We'll discuss not just some of the many facets of where Disney is and what it intends to do moving forward, but focus largely on parks and experiences--to include new insights on the Padora/Avatar attraction coming to Disneyland Resort., and its possible tie to an announcement about the Autopia this week. We'll also look at Bob Iger's own response to Universal's Epic Universe being built just down the way, and how Disney has been "strategically" anticipating this addition for over ten years. So join us as we look at the results and insights of Disney's 2024 Annual Shareholder's Meeting. __________________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now availa

BREAKING NEWS! Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight's District has come to an Agreement! More at the end of the podcast! We come to you from deep in the jungle of Disney's Animal Kingdom to not only tell you the latest and greatest on what's happening at Disney's Animal Kingdom, but how these connect to major happenings across the Disney universe. The big news is in Dinoland, but Asia, Africa, Pandora and Discovery Island all have some thing to share. We'll look at what's potentially happening with the advent of Indiana Jones, Encanto, Zootopia and more. We'll talk about Animal Kingdom's own Joe Rohde's new announcement, and what's happening for the 30th anniversary of Disney's Lion King. There's much to talk about, to include attendance in the park and big records being set at Orlando International Airport. Join us for this very insightful visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. __________________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! N

You can learn a lot about what's going on at Disney by spending a little time at the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World. My recent visits there provide background and context for a number of things that are going on or are set to happen. Like the song from Disney's Princess and the Frog, "We're Almost There". Or so it seems. We'll check out every land around the Magic Kingdom and talk about what's going on. New ticket packages and new announcements. From the parking lot tram to Happily Ever Fireworks. From Tiana to Tron. Let's look at insights at what's happening at Magic Kingdom and beyond __________________________________________________________ My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights is available! Now available on Amazon! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. __________________________________________________________ More Disney Insights can be found below! Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscr

For months now Disney has been in a proxy fight with several outside entities in the strategic direction of Disney moving forward. In taking the offense, this week Disney filed with the SEC a statement of how it will move forward. There are four key priorities the company has during this time to strategically transform. Our focus is Experiences Growth--particularly in the theme parks. We will explore what that means and how that is defined by CEO Bob Iger in this announcement. What is the company's strategy for theme parks? We will also look at other recent announcements and how they are shoring up that strategy moving forward. Based on these insights, we'll project forward as to how Disney will begin to spend 60 billion dollars in the theme parks worldwide in the next years to come. Also, what could 1000 undeveloped acres or 7 new lands do for Disney? We'll also talk about other key points Disney is making at this time in addressing their challenges with Peltz, Perlmutter and Rasulo, as well as Blackwell's o