Disney At Work Podcast

You see it all the time, headlines that say attendance is down at Walt Disney World or Universal's Epic Universe is going to take away all the business from Disney. Well, is it? We have a strong sense of how parks are faring after the pandemic, now that TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) and AECOM (Architecture, Engineering ,Construction, Operations and Management) has released its Global Attraction Attendance Report for 2022. From this we can begin to read the TEA leaves (get it?) as to how these parks are faring. There are a number of surprises, not just among parks in Florida, but in California and internationally. Plus we look at astonishing numbers for water parks--especially at Disney. Join us as we examine the theme index report of 2022 to see how theme parks are really faring, and where they are going to in 2023 and ahead in 2024. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in busine

When we started this podcast series examining the lands of Disneyland Park in the Disneyland Paris Resort, we began our first focused podcast with Fantasia Gardens, moved past the Disneyland Hotel, and down the left side of Main Street U.S.A., to include the Liberty arcade. We have then moved through Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. Now we will return to Main Street and move down the right side toward the castle. One might think this is a lot of podcast for what is a lot of shops and eateries but I hold that this is perhaps the best designed retail and dining experience in the world. Even better than any of the other Main Streets found in parks world-wide. The attention Imagineers put toward the design of this street is unparalleled in terms of attention to detail, especially for something that is not really about rides and attractions (though we will talk about the Disneyland Railroad). In fact, we will consider this as to whether this is the best combined indoor/outdoor entertainm

The success of Pixar's Toy Story and its sequels have given way to a number of park attractions and offerings in Disney parks around the world. The biggest compilation of these has been in creating Toy Story Lands in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Orlando. The premise of these lands is the idea that Andy has created his own playground with his Toy Story pals in his back yard. We look at all of these lands with their attractions, food & beverage and retail offerings. We'll compare all these lands, talk about how they fit into their respective parks and ask the question, which of these is the best of the best? Join us for this podcast as we compare Toy Story Lands.

Today Apple made a big announcement. The tech giant announced a new platform, in the same scale as the iPhone, iPad, and the Apple Watch. Apple Vision Pro and its headset is Apple's way of embarking in a major way into virtual reality. It offers many benefits and creates an experience that may be unlike any other platform they have previously sold. To that end, moments later Disney CEO Bob Iger presented on stage at this conference to share that Disney will be making its Disney+ content available on the new platform on Day 1 when this device is sold at the Apple Store. But there is much more to this in terms of what could be offered. All the while, this foray into partnering with Apple is juxtaposition to Disney's recent decision to layoff many of the people involved with developing product for the Metaverse. So is Disney moving into artificial reality? We'll consider that question along with whether Disney's involvement suggests that Apple and Disney may merge as one corporation.

Of all the Tomorrowlands in all the Magic Kingdom-style parks, there is no version more unique than the one in Disneyland Paris, whose title is not Tomorrowland but Discoveryland. Intended to celebrate the scientists and futurists of Europe, the look and feel of this land really stands out above the rest. If steampunk had a theme park, much of this land would serve as home to it. We'll visit the attractions, shops and restaurants of this section of the park as we continue our celebration and examination of the many lands of Disneyland Paris. We'll look at how some of this original design dates back to early attractions Tony Baxter once conceived for Disneyland. And we'll explore some rumors of new attractions that might be coming to this land. Join us in Discoveryland as we go to the past to explore the future.

Six years ago this last weekend Disney premiered its newest land, Pandora: World of Avatar. Based on James Cameron’s successful film, this land set a new level of experiences not seen anywhere else. The centerpiece of this experience was Avatar’s Flight of Passage. It is called Flight of Passage because the flight is a rite of passage. We will look at what exactly are those rites of passage that play out in this attraction. Moreover, we will talk about how we are ourselves have our own rites of passage that we must observe. Our focus on this attraction will take on a new level of understanding and insight as we not only see the fruits of a well Imagineered Disney experience, but see how those same concepts play out personally and in our professional lives. Join us as we continue our celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom as we study the Rites of Passage on Avatar’s Flight of Passage. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and

We're heading into summer and it's time to think about how to make it work when you're visiting Disney theme parks--particularly Walt Disney World during the summer months. People are often surprised how hot, humid, wet and rainy a typical summer day can be. We're here to give you decades worth of smart steps you can take as you embark on a Disney day during these months. You can still have a great summer vacation--if you follow these practical ideas for enduring the weather. Join us for Beat the Heat Hacks for Summer at Walt Disney World! This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not onl

As part of the 25th Anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom, we want to talk about how this park came to be and the leaders that made it happen. I had the privilege of meeting back up with Rick Barongi, the first animal care zoo keeper hired by Imagineering to develop and make Disney's Animal Kingdom a reality. Roy E. Disney, Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, and Imagineers like Craig Russell, Paul Comstock and of course, Joe Rohde. He shares the role Jane Goodall played in supporting the park and of adventures in constructing it. Join us as we talk about the pioneers of Disney's Animal Kingdom who were the leaders that truly made this park a reality that we know and love today. Our big thanks to Rick Barongi who joined me for this podcast and has done so much to further the betterment of animals, nature and conservation throughout the world. Check out his latest undertaking, Longneck Manor in Fredericksburg, Texas. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its

While we like going into the weekend with lighter news, this week a couple of key announcements were made, and they are reflective of some tough financial decisions being made particularly at the Walt Disney World Resort. First and foremost, Disney has announced that the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser will cease operations in a few months. We explore why this is coming to an end, and most importantly, what lessons can be learned from it. Disney has also announced that it is no longer going to relocate staff into a planned campus that was to be located in a Lake Nona campus here in Orlando. And we also look at the tea leaves to see how attendance is doing at Walt Disney World. This conversation is timely, as we have worked with organizations big and small to consider how they can save their customers time. It’s one of the major processes that really trip up a customer experience. At  Performance Journeys, we work with organizations in the public, private and non-profit sector to help give their customers the g

The biggest guest complaint at Disney Parks is how long the waits are. Guests are always wondering how they can enjoy the experience without getting worn out waiting for one ride after another. Tools such as the Disney app showing wait times, or Touring Plans can direct guests as to where to go next when they are in the parks. But those tools don't always offer context as to what is happening that creates that wait time. And sometimes those tools are simply not accurate. How do you determine that accuracy? With decades of experience being in these parks I wanted to present a simple tool for thinking through all this. I present Disney CSI+. Disney CSI+ stands for the following: Capacity, Schedule, Interest & Genie+. We will present the issues to each of these in a simple way that you can identify for yourself what attractions will easily be walk ons and which ones are going to involve serious consideration as to when to ride. Disney CSI+ will give you the key concepts and principles that will help you make

We continue our series focusing on the many lands of Disneyland Paris. This week we explore Fantasyland, which not only built out one of the elegant versions of this land, but sought to create a level of whimsy and magic well beyond just being another European village, which can be found anywhere on this continent. We explore the many attractions, restaurants and retail experiences. A study of all this yields a conclusion that the details of this land create for one of the most lavish and charming of any land built in any park. The details are effusive and the outcome is fantastical. Join us as we journey through Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris: A place of joy and magic. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve

Big announcements were made to the Disney experience that affects your reservations, your stay and potentially your dining experience. We will walk through these announcements and try to understand what is happening and what is not. We’re also going to try our hand on why all of this is about 2024 and not a day or month sooner. Are there additional changes we like to see that haven’t been announced? And does any of this have to do eventually with Disneyland? Maybe, maybe not. Join us as we discuss big changes to Walt Disney World Park Reservations & Disney Dining in 2024. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership o

Some of Walt Disney World’s best restaurant experiences are within her resorts, and the deluxe resorts are the focal point of that kind of dining, epicurean adventure. We visit two such restaurants. First we check out Narcoose’s for dinner with John and Lori Scali at Disney’s Grand Floridian Restaurant. Then my wife and I enjoy an evening at Artist Point for a character meal with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and the Wicked Queen, along with friends Mark and Melanie Esty. We look at those restaurants, how they came to be, and how solid the culinary experience is at both. These are high-priced dining experiences. Would you want to spend not only your money, but your vacation time checking out either of these restaurant? Join us as we provide dining reviews at Narcoose’s and Artist Point. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing be

There is so much happening in the Disney parks and resorts across the world, and it's time to catch up. From Walt Disney World to Disneyland, From Paris to Tokyo, there are really cool things happening and we want to share them with you. Even happenings on the Disney Cruise Line as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. And yes...there are some lawsuits as well. We'll take a few moments to catch you up to date, but we really want to share some of the magic going on around the globe. In fact, we have over a dozen happenings throughout all of Disney that we have to share. So join us for news around the world and lawsuits too. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale

The response to Tron Lightcycle/Run in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has been phenomenal. Guests love the thrill experience, and comparisons are made constantly between it and the new Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rerun. But there's more than just the ride at the center of this attraction. We look at new food & beverage concoctions made available at Energy Bytes. We visit the newly renovated Tomorrowland Launch Depot and check out an amazing array of retail experiences. And finally, we meet the Tron Green Team, a post-show provided by sponsor Enterprise Holdings, otherwise known as Enterprise Rental Car. Here we have a chance to talk about some key dynamics in team leadership, whether you're an imagineer, part of a car rental organization, or your own work. With that, we'll offer some free souvenirs for your organization as you think about team dynamics. Join us as we go beyond the ride to look and extend the Tron story at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Photos and links tied to this pod

It's hard to believe that Disney's Animal Kingdom is 25 years old! And with it come so many memories of a park that is truly distinct among all other Disney theme parks worldwide. Join me on on this 25th birthday celebrating not only the park but Earth day. I visit each of the lands of the park and share some unique memories not only of my own experiences here professionally and with my family, but also stories from Cast Members who have shaped the the park and have played roles big and small. It's a beautiful day in "Natazu", come join us as we celebrate 25 years of Disney's Animal Kingdom. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve

Since D23 last summer there have been many rumors about if and what kinds of expansion plans are in the works for Magic Kingdom. At that time WDW Imagineering Portfolio head Chris Beatty and Walt Disney Animation head Jennifer Lee joined Josh D'Amaro on some blue sky dreaming of what might happen in the Magic Kingdom. Since then a big change came with a new CEO to Disney. With that came even more rumors. This last week or so two YouTube bloggers have given their insights to these rumors. This includes Jack DSNY Broadcast and Brayden Holness of Mickey Views These have included adding to the Tiana New Orlean's theme, building out Coco, Encanto and even the Villains Lair. We look at all of these and how they might impact the entire Rivers of America to include Frontierland and Liberty Square. And we look at even an additional rumor or two as well. So join us as we dissect Magic Kingdom expansion rumors. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year

In this special Disney Insights podcast, we review what was shared Monday, April 17th in a News Conference Governor Ron DeSantis held at The Reedy Creek Improvement District Headquarters in Lake Buena Vista. Many sound bites were shared during this conference, but we take a look at the details of the conference and how the governor is firing back at Disney. And we'll look at the implications to you and your organization. Throughout this, ask yourself if you feel that a government institution has the right to do these very things to your organization, big or small? Join us as The Empire Strikes Back as DeSantis retaliates against Disney!

This week we bring back to you an interview we did with Tom Morris back in 2019. This segment showcases not only Tom's work with Disneyland Paris, but that of his colleagues during that time. It's a perfect piece to return to as we continue our Disneyland Paris series on each of the themed lands of this park. While references occur to Disney at Work and Disney at Play, we do bring to you many of the things noted in the podcast on this Disney Insights page. So join us as we talk Disneyland Paris with Imagineer Tom Morris.

My friend Brian went to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon only to find it was closed for capacity during Easter weekend. What happened? By sharing a chronology of nine different water park experiences here in Orlando, we'll offer you context on what is occurring in the very competitive water park arena here in Central Florida. We'll also examine certain red flags that are on the horizon not just for water parks but for attendance in general here in Orlando and elsewhere. Is Typhoon Lagoon closed for capacity because so many people are attending? Or is there another story underneath all of this. This is a story I love because frankly, I was a part of the history made in all of this. Join us as we explore the Great Orlando Water Park Race. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, priv