WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!

859 · EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Sweet 16 Bracket-Style TournamentWhat happens when you take the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Sweet 16 desserts, and put them into a bracket-style tournament, recorded LIVE at the Festival?You get delicious chaos.After the success of last year’s Savory 16, we’re doing it again. But this time we’re diving into the sweetest side of EPCOT’s most beautiful festival. From nostalgic cereal milk shakes to fruit sushi, funnel cakes, frozen cobblers, and unexpected surprises, 16 desserts go head-to-head across World Showcase to determine one champion.I am joined by two fellow foodies (who joined me for our Savory 16 tournament last year), as we walk the promenade, taste every contender, debate favorites, and crown the Best Sweet Treat of the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.Along the way we talk festival strategy, surprising standouts, value picks, and the dishes you absolutely should not miss.If you love EPCOT festivals, Disney food, or just playing along with your own bracket in the parks, this one is for you.Subscribe for more Disney insights, reviews, and conversations, and join the community in the WDW Radio Clubhouse.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

857 · 50+ Disney Cruise Line Insider Hacks | The Ultimate GuideWhat if your next Disney cruise already had upgrades built right in... and you just did not know where to look?Recorded LIVE aboard the Disney Magic, Lou Mongello is joined by cruise expert and Mouse Fan Travel’s Beci Mahnken to reveal 50+ Disney Cruise Line insider hacks that experienced cruisers use to sail smarter, avoid crowds, and unlock hidden experiences most guests never discover.Together, they break down the ultimate insider playbook.We cover:How to book at the lowest possible priceStateroom hacks most guests never think aboutDining strategies that completely change your experienceSecret snack moves... and custom creationsSpa, port arrival, and upgrade strategiesA hidden speakeasy onboardThe “Golden Hour” most guests never take advantage ofHidden experiences people walk right pastAnd dozens more Disney Cruise Line insider hacksThese are real insider moves, little-known tips, secret snacks (yes, they exist), and pro strategies that turn a great voyage into an unforgettable one.Whether you are planning your first sailing or your fiftieth, you are going to hear at least one thing that makes you say... “Wait... you can DO that?!”Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and come share your own best Disney Cruise Line insider hacks in the WDW Radio Clubhouse.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

857 · Top Ten Extinct Walt Disney World Experiences We'd Bring Back Some of the most powerful memories you have from Walt Disney World probably aren’t tied to a single attraction.They’re tied to something else.This week, in Episode 857, we’re counting down our Top Ten Extinct Walt Disney World Experiences We’d Bring Back. No rides allowed. No $2 ticket books. Just the details, the atmosphere, the in-between moments that quietly changed how the parks felt.These weren’t headliners.They weren’t rope drop priorities.But somehow… they became part of our story.From the unexpected to the emotional to the “Oh wow, I forgot about that,” this list is going to spark memories... and maybe a little debate.And as you listen, I want you building your own list.Because I guarantee at least one of yours won’t be on mine.Join the conversation, share what you’d bring back, and be part of the community at WDWRadio.com.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

856 · I Just Got Off a Call With Disney’s New CEO, Josh D’Amaro...Disney just named only its ninth CEO in more than 100 years, and days later, I found myself on a video call with Disney’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro.In this episode, I share what that on-the-record conversation revealed about Josh’s leadership style, his Josh D’Amaro Disney CEO leadership vision, and his commitment to remaining accessible to fans and Cast Members even as his role expands. We talk about why so many people feel a personal connection to Josh, and how that authenticity shapes the way he leads.We also explore why the pairing of Josh as CEO and Dana Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer may be one of the most important structural decisions Disney has made since the Bob Iger era - and why this leadership design matters more than the title change itself.We discuss what this moment means for Disney Parks, storytelling, technology, Cast Members, and the Disney fan community, and why this doesn’t feel like a simple succession, but the beginning of a more unified Disney.This is an honest, thoughtful look at the Josh D’Amaro Disney CEO leadership vision and why it could redefine how Disney shows up as one company, everywhere we experience it.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

855 · My Interview with Tony Baxter on Figment,and the Art of Imagination at DisneyHow did Figment become one of the most beloved and enduring symbols in Disney Parks history?Disney Legend Tony Baxter reflects on Figment, imagination, and creative legacy in a rare conversation recorded at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts. Joined by Michael Young, CEO of Disney Fine Art, this episode explores how Disney art and storytelling connect generations of fans.Tony Baxter is one of the most influential creative leaders in Disney theme park history. Over his decades at Walt Disney Imagineering, he helped shape iconic experiences including Journey Into Imagination, Figment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Splash Mountain, and the creative vision behind Disneyland Paris.In this episode, Tony looks back on imagination as the emotional heart of EPCOT, the mentors who shaped his creative philosophy, and the personal artwork he created years before many of his most famous Disney projects ever existed. He also shares what he hopes fans feel when they live with a piece of Disney art in their home.Lou is also joined by Michael Young, who offers insight into Disney Fine Art’s role in preserving artistic legacy, curating storytellers across generations, and why Disney art is about far more than what hangs on a wall.This is a conversation about imagination, mentorship, legacy, and the enduring emotional connection Disney fans have with art and storytelling.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

What if there was no right or wrong answer…only where you stand?854 · Disney In or Out - Pick a Side on These Disney DebatesIn this episode of Disney In or Out, we have a fast-paced, passionate conversation about the Disney topics fans love to debate.From Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Magic Kingdom attractions to Marvel after Avengers Endgame, we explore the Disney debates fans care about most and why they strike such an emotional chord.This is Disney In or Out at its best - thoughtful, fun, nostalgic, and unapologetically opinionated.I'm joined by Lisa Dinoto Glassner and Matthew Woolley, and our conversation also takes a thoughtful turn into Disney leadership, as we explore what comes after Bob Iger and whether Disney’s future might depend on rethinking how the CEO role itself is structured.It's not about being right… it’s about why we as Disney fans care so deeply, and what our opinions reveal about nostalgia, storytelling, and the future of Disney.And the best part is that you can play along, pick your side, and share your take in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or on the voicemail.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

853 · Disneyland Handcrafted Review and Interview with Leslie IwerksDisneyland has been analyzed and celebrated for decades. But Disneyland Handcrafted shows us something far more rare. How the park was actually built.This week, I sit down with Academy Award nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks for a deep conversation about her new documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted, followed by my review and thoughtful discussion with Adam Bankhurst from IGN after attending the world premiere on the Walt Disney Studios lot.We talk about unseen archival footage, Walt, the pressure of building Disneyland in less than a year, and the craftsmen and builders whose hands shaped the park we know today. This is not nostalgia. It’s history, risk, and belief in motion.🎧 What you’ll hear:How Disneyland was literally built by handWhy this story changes how you experience the park todayThe human side of Walt Disney’s greatest riskLessons in leadership, creativity, and perseverance📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

852 · The State of the Disney Parks: What 2025 Changed and Why 2026 MattersIf you had to describe Disney in 2025 and what it means for 2026, what word would you choose?2025 wasn’t a year defined by massive new attractions. Instead, it was a year of movement, transition, and emotional goodbyes. Lands closed. Atmospheres shifted. Comfort gave way to construction. And for many fans, it felt like Disney was asking us to trust what comes next.This is not simply another 2025 Disney year in revue and look ahead to or predictions for 2026. This week, we have a very honest, thoughtful conversation about Disney in 2025 and what it means for 2026. We look at what closed, what opened, what surprised us emotionally, and why this year may end up being one of the most important setup years in Disney history. We also explore what Disney needs to deliver in 2026 to make all of this feel worth it.Join the conversation, share your memories, and be part of the WDW Radio community.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

851 · D23 and the Future of Disney Fandom with Michael VargoWhat is D23 today - and what will it become in the years ahead?This week, Lou Mongello is joined by Michael Vargo, Head of Disney’s D23, for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of D23, the future of Disney fandom, and what fans can expect in 2026 and beyond. From the return of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim to expanded global experiences, digital storytelling, milestone celebrations, and unprecedented access behind the scenes, this episode explores how D23 continues to bring Disney fans closer to the magic - and to each other.Join me and the WDW Radio family for the 19th Annual Morgan & Morgan Walk for Wishes on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. One easy mile for Make-A-Wish, with food, entertainment, and more! Learn more and register at WDWRadio.com/WalkForWishes.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

850 · Disney Q&A: Hidden Magic & Helpful AdviceWhat Disney question have you always wanted answered? This week, we try something brand new as we answer a wide variety of your Disney listener questions and tips in a fresh, fun, and faster format. We talk about the choices you face when planning your next Disney adventure. We look at Disney Cruise Line decisions like the Destiny vs. the classic ships, the things we wish Disney would bring back, the experiences we think are underrated, our favorite dining rooms at sea, the best souvenirs we have ever taken home, and the tiny details in the parks that bring us joy.More than that, we talk about why these questions matter and how your stories and messages continue to shape the heart of the WDW Radio community.If you love learning, exploring, planning, laughing, and discovering something new each time you visit a park or a ship, this is for you. And if you have your own thoughts or questions, I would love to hear from you.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

849 · My Five Hidden Dining Gems at Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World is packed with incredible food, but some of the very best meals hide in the places guests walk right past. This week, we’re digging into My Five Overlooked Dining Locations at Walt Disney World, including tucked away lounges, lakeside escapes, and resort restaurants that deliver amazing food without the rush or the reservation scramble.You’ll hear why these five locations stood out, what makes them special, and how they bring value, atmosphere, and some surprisingly bold flavors. We’ll head from Disney Springs to the resorts and even inside the parks to uncover spots offering everything from global street food flavors to waterfront comfort dishes.Whether you’ve been visiting for years or planning your very first Disney vacation, these overlooked gems might help you discover a new favorite meal.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

848 · How to Walk Smarter and Feel Better at Walt Disney WorldLong days in the Disney parks are magical… but they’re also full of walking, standing, heat, excitement, and unexpected moments that can leave you feeling drained before the fireworks even start. This week, I’m joined by a doctor of physical therapy to talk about practical tips to help you feel better all day at Walt Disney World.We explore simple, science-based habits you can use before, during, and even after your trip to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and energized throughout the day. From footwear and hydration to stretching, pacing, mindset, and even daily habits, these are easy ways to help every member of your family enjoy more of the magic.Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, grandparents, first-timers, or tackling a full rope-drop-to-fireworks adventure, these insights can help you feel your best.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

847 · Top Ten Reasons You Need to Cruise on Disney DestinyJoin me this week for the ultimate Disney Destiny review, as we share our Top Ten Reasons Why You Need to Cruise on the Disney Destiny.We take you inside Disney Cruise Line’s newest Wish-class ship and reveal everything we discovered on board. From the heroes and villains theme to the immersive storytelling, characters, dining, and unexpected surprises, the Destiny delivered new experiences that may even be paving the way for what comes next for Disney Cruise Line.If you want real insights, helpful tips, and honest reactions before planning your Disney Destiny cruise, this episode will help you decide if this ship is the right choice for your next vacation.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

846 · Mary Poppins: Untold Stories and the Making of a Disney ClassicMary Poppins is practically perfect, but the process behind it was emotional, unpredictable, and filled with incredible stories that most fans have never been told.There are very few "perfect" movies in this world: Jaws... The Shawshank Redemption... The Shining... Back to the Future... and from Disney, there is only one on this list - Mary Poppins. This week, I’m joined by author and Disney historian Todd James Pierce, whose new book Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film uncovers the deeper, more emotional, and often surprising history behind the film. Together, we explore the Sherman Brothers’ remarkable journey, Walt Disney’s creative vision, and the behind-the-scenes breakthroughs that shaped one of Disney’s most beloved classics.My friend… these stories will change the way you watch Mary Poppins forever.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

845 · Cotino – What It’s Really Like Inside Disney’s First Storyliving CommunityWhat if Disney built a place you could actually live?This week, I take you inside Cotino, Disney’s first Storyliving by Disney community... and share what I discovered as one of the first people invited to explore it.I didn’t know what to expect… but what Cotino revealed about Storyliving truly surprised me. In this episode, we’ll look at what makes this place so much more than homes in the desert, how it honors Walt’s revolutionary ideas and dream for a living, breathing community, how it reimagines that vision for today, and why it might mark the next great chapter and evolution in Disney’s own story.🎧 Listen and discover how Disney is once again changing not just how we experience stories... but how we live them.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

👻 What if Disney made Halloween at Walt Disney World even spookier?This week, Lou Mongello shares his five original, story-driven Disney Halloween ideas that could transform the parks with new attractions, experiences, and eerie overlays - all filled with that perfect mix of nostalgia, storytelling, and Disney magic.From haunted celebrations of extinct attractions to imaginative new Halloween experiences, Lou dreams up what could make the Walt Disney World Halloween season even more magical - with creative concepts that celebrate Disney’s history, innovation, and a few friendly frights along the way.🎃 Whether you love the Haunted Mansion, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, or just the fall vibes in the parks, you’ll love these spooky “what if” ideas inspired by Disney’s unique blend of fun and fantasy.💬 Which idea is your favorite, or what kind of Halloween experience would you love to see at Walt Disney World?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Is EPCOT the best full-day Walt Disney World park? Should Genie+ be eliminated? Who is the greatest Disney villain of all time?This week on WDW Radio, Lou Mongello hosts another round of In or Out. It is the fun, fast-paced Disney fan debate segment where we tackle the big and small questions about Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney movies, and beyond. From replacing Pirate Night on Disney Cruise Line, to where is the best storytelling, Disney villains, the future of Disney Parks experiences, and much more... every topic is up for debate!So think about your own answer as you listen and let me know… are you in, or are you out? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

842 · Disney Adults: Fandom, Identity, and the Magic of Never Growing UpWhat does it really mean to be a Disney Adult?I sit down with AJ Wolfe - founder of Disney Food Blog and author of the new book Disney Adults - to explore one of Disney fandom’s most passionate and misunderstood communities. Together, we unpack:Why Disney Adults face stereotypes, criticism, and double standardsHow Disney shapes identity, belonging, and even adulthood itselfThe joys and challenges inside the Disney Adult communityDisney’s role in cultivating lifelong fans and what the future holdsAJ’s personal journey, surprising research, and unforgettable storiesWhether you proudly call yourself a Disney Adult or just wonder why so many grown-ups are drawn to Disney, this episode will give you new insight into fandom, culture, and the magic of never growing up.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

The biggest Disney fan event of the year, D23’s Destination D23 2025, delivered history and heritage, stories and surprises, parks and people, performances and passion. Over three unforgettable days at Walt Disney World, Disney fans came together to celebrate the past, present, and future of the magic we love.This week on WDW Radio, we recap the 23 biggest takeaways from Destination D23 2025 - from emotional tributes to bold Disney Parks announcements, hidden details to historic reveals - and even (what I think is) one big surprise hiding in plain sight that no one is talking about, but I believe is a sign of what’s to come.More than just news, we will explore what these moments mean for the future of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Plus, Pixar, and Marvel - and for the incredible community of fans around the world.✨ What was your favorite announcement from Destination D23?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

840 · Disney Destiny Shipyard Tour: Behind the Curtain of Disney Cruise Line’s Boldest ShipJoin me for an exclusive Disney Destiny Shipyard Tour inside Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, where the newest Disney Cruise Line ship is coming to life. I take you behind the scenes to step aboard the Destiny during construction, explore first looks at venues like the Haunted Mansion Parlor, Doctor Strange Sanctum Lounge, and Pride Lands dining, and witness the unforgettable float-out as she touched water for the very first time.The Disney Wish set the stage. The Disney Treasure raised the bar. And the Disney Destiny feels like a game-changer that embraces character-driven storytelling, immersive experiences, and a heroes-and-villains theme unlike anything Disney has attempted before.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!