Disney At Work Podcast

It may be Paris, but somehow Disney has managed to bring the jungle to the City of Love. In this podcast we bring you Disneyland Paris's Adventureland. This land begins with the streets of Agrabbah, only Disney's Aladdin wasn't even a hit film until after the attraction was designed, constructed and opened. While adjoining Frontierland has no Tom Sawyer Island, this land offers an Adventure Isle of its own for play and discovery. This Adventureland also was the first of a Disney Magic Kingdom-style park to NOT include a Jungle Cruise. But it does offer Disney's first 360 Loop coaster--and at one time a backward-riding journey. And don't forget Pirates of the Caribbean, which took all of the favorite, beloved scenes from Disneyland and Walt Disney World and put them into a new sequence all of its own. Come see a very different Adventureland, one that truly helps to set Disneyland Paris apart. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a trai

On April 3rd, The Walt Disney Company held its 2023 Shareholder Meeting. This meeting included recorded and live portions, to include a question and answer session. We look at the highlights of that presentation and what it means for Disney moving forward. Difficult issues were put forward and more than just responding to them, Bob Iger as CEO set a tone for the shareholder meeting in a way that was positive, non-defensive and hopeful. And, there was a big message about the future investment of the company in Walt Disney World to the tune of 17 billion dollars. If you want to know what the Walt Disney Company is all about on this their 100th anniversary, then this may be the podcast for you. Join us as we look at insights from Disney's 2023 Shareholder Meeting. 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

There are many things happening across Disney these last few days and possibly bigger events in the days to come, so before things move on it's time to acknowledge the news about what is happening in this year's International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot in Walt Disney World. It's been happening for a couple of weeks now, but we wanted to do a more thorough review and offer insights for visiting, especially since it's happening through the end of June. Meanwhile, visuals were shared on the web of just what the new Mary Poppins attraction was supposed to be. It still isn't officially cancelled, but it certainly isn't under construction either. We look at the realities of that. Also, as the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World ends, we bid goodbye to Harmonious, perhaps one of the best parts of that anniversary celebration. There's lots to cover in this week's update, so join us!

After what has perhaps been the longest wait for an announced restaurant, Roundup Rodeo Barbecue has finally opened in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. What is this restaurant all about and is it worth dining at? We look at the setting, the food and the service. And at the end we compare it to other barbecue offerings around Walt Disney World and even beyond. We even compare it to what I believe is the worst restaurant experience I've had at Walt Disney World to date. Is this new offering worth getting a reservation? And by the way Jeff, how did you manage to pull one off. We'll share all of this and more in our Roundup Rodeo BBQ Review! 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

Welcome to what is the first podcast under our new title, Disney Insights. Since there are so many new listeners, I decided that I wanted to bring my most popular podcast back for this, our first Disney Insights podcast. It will reference both Disney at Play and Disney at Work, but that's okay because Disney Insights builds on the previous podcasts and posts we have done over the years. This particular podcast celebrates Sinbad's Storybook Voyage, a remarkable gem few people know about unless they have visited Tokyo DisneySea. There are many of the things to love about this dark ride boat attraction. But threading through all of it is probably one of Alan Menken's best songs, The Compass of Your Heart. It's simply a beautiful message that gives courage to all that is wonderful about life. It is also the phase I have used at the conclusion of my podcasts. So join us as we revisit Sinbad's Storybook Voyage & The Compass of Your Heart. Visit photos, videos and more at DisneyInsights.com. This podcast as well

Last week as part of the press event for Tron, details-sparsely given-were provided on Epcot Celebration and construction at the heart of Epcot that never seems to end. Given an important image made public a few years ago, we seek to explain why this section of Epcot is going to become what it is. It also will help us to understand why the uniquely designed Festival Pavilion never got built and why we ended up with Harmonious--a show that is speculated to be worth over $100 million dollars and what appears to be completely uprooted and tossed out. Or is it? We'll go over those vague press details in an effort to understand not just what is going to happen, but what is not going to happen and why. Join us for this podcast on what's happening at Epcot. ANNOUNCEMENT@ Join us for the same great podcasts with an all-one title! Disney Insights celebrates all things Disney with news, analysis, discoveries & best-in-Disney business ideas! Be sure to subscribe as you visit DisneyInsights.com. Expect the podcast na

Howdy! Welcome as we continue our series on Disneyland Paris with a left turn into Frontierland. The French love the American West and Disney delivered a version that is truly over the top. Here you get favorites like Big Thunder Mountain, but you also get Disney's version of the Haunted Mansion, known as Phantom Manor. The Rivers of the American West offers an impressive experience. And this is the only Frontierland that has not just one but two formal dining experiences. The attention to detail is no less than amazing. Indeed, some of it as we will chronicle here, constitutes a Western museum on its own merits. Join us as we explore Disneyland Paris's Frontierland. Is this the best Frontierland of all the Magic Kingdoms? Saddle on up and let's find out! NOTE! Please join us for our next podcast when we have some exciting news to share. Meanwhile, please make sure you are subscribed to this podcast! This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year

This past week Disney Legend Rolly Crump passed away after having a unique career helping to build such memorable attractions as The Enchanted Tiki Room and "it's a small world". One of his first assignments was remodeling the Adventureland Bazaar. We share that story and its messages around trust. And then we head to two separate Emporiums across the globe--one at Walt Disney World and the other at Disneyland Paris. This ties into our last podcast where we toured part of Main Street, U.S.A. at that park. Here we glean additional insights from two other retail locations about the importance of organizational trust. Join us as we celebrate Rolly Crump and learn about the power of trusting others. 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 yo

We begin a multi-part series that looks at the amazing details around Disneyland Paris. Today we begin at Fantasia Gardens and the Disneyland Hotel in the front of the park. We then step down the left side of Main Street U.S.A., which seems on the surface very similar to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. But we'll look at details you'll never see in Florida as we peel back the layers to this fantastic land designed by Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto. Not only will we go through shops and restaurants up and down the street, but we'll see some buildings you won't find in your local Town Square. Join us as we look at Disney insight on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Paris. If you are even remotely considering going to Paris to see this park, this podcast series will get you to book your next trip.

Journey Into Imagination has been one of the most visited, mentioned, and missed Epcot attractions since it opened 40 years ago this week. We look at what this entire corner of the park was really all about and specifically what the attraction Journey Into Imagination really was. Because the original attraction was significantly gutted and changed back in 1999, many guests simply don't know what the ride is about other than this purple dragon called Figment. Taking segments from two previous podcasts we bring you not only an overview of the entire pavilion, but what the 14 minute Journey Into Imagination the ride was actually like. We'll also hear from former Disney Imagineer Tom Morris, who was responsible for arranging the layout of the original attraction. I'll then some important lessons learned from this attraction, from its creator Imagineer Tony Baxter, and its sponsor host, Kodak. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Figment.

Taking photos and making memories through them are such a big part of the Disney experience, no matter which Disney resort you may visit. And yet we've never really taken the time to discuss how to best capture the magic through photos. So today I have the privilege of Ryan Crane joining us to share his insights on just that. If you are like me, you're always looking for that ideal way of capturing that perfect moment. We'll talk about things you should and shouldn't do, and how the simplest steps can make a good photo great. Join us as we find new ways to capture the Disney magic through photography. 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 t

Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law legislation that puts the State of Florida in charge of a reconstituted body known The Reedy Creek Improvement District. Positioned at a firehouse down the way from Disney Springs, the governor put into law this legislation. It occurs on the same day his new book came out, The Courage to Be Free, Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival. Now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, it still functions like a county government and takes care of things like roads, construction permits, fire services, building codes, water and waste collection, among other infrastructure concerns. But in this instance it will be led by individuals the governor has chosen to put in place rather than those elected by its district, namely the Walt Disney World Company. Why does this matter, and what are the consequences? Moreover, what messages is it sending to Disney, its fans, and importantly, the citizens of the state of Florida? We will look at how all this came to

Let's walk around the World! It may be the annual Walt Disney World Princess Marathon this weekend but don't worry if you've missed it! Don't even worry if you don't run! In one day you can do a thirty mile walking marathon that covers not only all four Disney Parks: Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios--but Walt Disney World Resorts and Disney Springs. My friend Rick Williams has walked through Walt Disney World many times, but this time he spends over twelve hours walking through almost all of it! We join him along the way to learn his approach and strategy as well as just enjoy the ambience that makes this a very walkable experience. Whether you are young or young at heart, you can walk right through the magic of Walt Disney World. See our show notes, photos, video and more at DisneyatPlay.com Visit our Patreon group at Wayfinder Society for a free sample of interactive Disney magic and insights you can have when you join!

We have entered into a new portal of Disney magic and we want to invite you to learn all about it. Join me, my daughter Jennica and my son-in-law Jason as we share with you our first impressions of experiencing TRON for the first time here at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. We'll look at the queue, the ride and the challenges of embracing this new high octane thrill ride that goes up to 60 miles an hour. I'll also discuss how this attraction compares to its sister portal in Shanghai Disneyland and how the whole of this attraction fills a major need here in Tomorrowland. Whether or not you are a TRON fan or you've even seen the movies, you will be after this ride. Join us as we take on one of the most comprehensive reviews available on TRON Lightcycle Run 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 b

Last week we spoke of the first quarter earnings and the strategies Bob Iger has put in place for revitalizing The Walt Disney Company. One of those opportunities is to build capacity in the parks. To that end he announced the addition of an Avatar experience at Disneyland, with the intent that it would not only create greater capacity thus allowing more guests to visit, but would draw more interest in attending the parks. In this podcast we look at that strategy and how that could play out not only in the four parks but throughout the entire Walt Disney World property. While some do involve large scale capital expenditures and a long-term construction period, there are many things that could open up capacity and be put in place in the short term. Join us as we look at not only potential intellectual properties, but increasing capacity at Walt Disney World. Check out our patreon group, the Wayfinder Society for more Disney Magic and to support this podcast. This podcast as well as all others are brought to yo

In the 1st Quarter earnings report for 2023 Bob Iger shared the status of the Walt Disney Company and made a startling announcement: An Avatar experience is coming to Disneyland! We will look at how this could happen and what it could mean? Where could you put this? There is a way! We'll also look at other announcements made in this event and what it means to those who love to visit Disney Parks and watch their share of all things Disney in theaters and on Disney+. Exciting news is buffered by tough cuts, but it does pave a way for Disney's success as it moves far away from the Bob Chapek era. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year in bringing best in organization ideas through learning, development and training solutions to the public, private and non-profit sectors. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance. Visit our Patreon group, the Wayfinder Society where for as little as $1 a month, you

In previous podcasts I've shared not only my love of all things Disney but a largely wonderful experience I had being a part of the Walt Disney World Company. For me, working at Disney was the best thing that ever happened to my career. But leaving Disney was the second best thing I ever did in my career. This is that story of how I left and how I eventually learned the business of consulting and created Performance Journeys. It's also a tale of my companion business, World Class Benchmarking, and how we've created best-in-business programming. I'll share some of the fantastic places, clients and opportunities I've had. I'll also share how I've come full circle writing best-in-Disney books, apps and online tools. Through it, I've had an opportunity to bring Disney business magic alive--even after Disney. Visit The Wayfinder Society, our Patreon Group, where for as little as $1 a month, you can access interactive tools that bring Disney to life. Visit us and check it out!

I've spent several decades having a date night with my wife once a week. Every year we share with all of you the latest and greatest at each of the annual Epcot Festivals. Rather than just go through the motions of sharing the latest and greatest differences in the most recent festival, I thought I would talk about how to make a date night really special for you and the one closest to you. Much of this can be applied to many of the festivals, but we'll focus this podcast on Epcot's annual Festival of the Arts. We'll chat about different activities to enjoy to include Figment, stuff to buy--to include Figment, food to sample and best of all the entertainment. In fact, this festival has some of the best shows you can see anywhere in Disney property. So join us for Date Night at Epcot's Festival of the Arts, where it's just you, the one your love, and yes, a lot of Figment! This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development

In previous episodes we spoke of my life long love of Disney and how it eventually led me to an opportunity to work with The Walt Disney Company, first as a consultant, and then as a leader with Disney University Professional Development Programs, a group that later became part of, and then took over The Disney Institute. In a previous podcast I spoke of that merger, and how I was also responsible for bringing new training & development solutions to what was an antiquated classroom style program. In this episode we see the effects of that experience as we truly had the privilege of bringing Disney magic into organizations far and wide. These stories show how powerful ideas Walt Disney originated in customer service, creativity, innovation, employee engagement and leadership could be applied in so many settings. We also see the challenges behind do so, and ultimately how I eventually would leave Disney for an opportunity to bring these concepts and ideas to others in a way I could never do at Disney throug

With Disneyland's kickoff of the 100 years of Wonder celebration this weekend, we have the opportunity to pause for just a moment to see if events that have unfolded over a century's worth of time aren't happening again in some form or another. We'll look at three such issues, which focuses on competition, Cast Member buy-in and wolves on Wall Street. We'll also look at how Disney needs to grasp its heritage and learn from it. Otherwise, it will spend the next 100 years simply repeating it. There are so many wonderful things ahead for The Walt Disney Company, but it must not allow itself to keep making the same mistakes. Join us for 100 Years: New Chapters or Old Problems?