Disney At Work Podcast

We are behind in celebrating Disney California Adventure through its 25th year, and yet one cannot really talk about this park, without considering what was to have been created originally in its place. WestCOT may be the most popular park concept that Disney never built. A west-coast version of Epcot, this park was in many ways more ambitious than its neighbor across the promenade, Disneyland itself. We will look at this amazing design, as well as the entire proposal for what was originally intended to become The Disneyland Resort. We'll look at the whole of it, what it included, how it would impact Anaheim, and then consider what led ultimately to its fall. Join me on this fascinating look into a park led by Imagineer Tony Baxter and what could have created an entire Disneyland Resort than the one we know now.   Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization. __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube

This last week Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin formally reopened at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The attraction has long been a perfect complement to Tomorrowland, where it has recruited guests to fight the Emperor Zurg for the better part of three decades. As an attraction it has found a home at some time in all six Magic Kingdom style parks across the globe, making it one of the most commonly found attractions in any park. Moreover, it was the first Pixar based ride to be created in the theme parks. I remember being one of the first to ride it with my children in Cast Member previews in 1998. So I have a fond memory of this attraction, both here and across the globe. We'll compare all of these versions, and talk about how some versions have since been replaced. And of course, we'll board our ship and give you a review of the newly revised ride, emphasizing what is new and different. It's a welcome improvement to a Tomorrowland that is always on the go. So join as a new Buzz Lightyear attractio

The Disney Destiny is Disney's newest ship here in the Western hemisphere. Recently I had an opportunity to meet up with the entire Zanolla Family. I often promote the David & Leah as being the best travel agent out there--so very much because they truly know Disney near, far, and globally. I use their services not only to book our own family's trips, but a number of groups that I have hosted in the programs and workshops I deliver. Today we get insights from not just them but their three children who offer not only insightful impressions, but candid remarks about what they truly enjoy as a family when traveling. Moreover, it's just fun banter as we talk about not only this ship, but the entire Wish class of ships that have been built recently. Disney Destiny is at the crest of a large wave of development and implementation in the cruise ship industry. So join us as we offer a family of insights with the Disney Destiny. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas &

There's been much discussion over the years about Disney's Intellectual Properties being the driver of choosing new attractions being built in the parks. And with recent openings like World of Frozen at the new Disney Adventure World there has been a lot of speculation that Disney is focused more on single IP offerings rather than "lands" as has been in the past. We study attractions previously built and those soon to come to see if "worlds" with single intellectual properties are the way of the future over lands. And then we note something we call Relations, which consist of Twins, Siblings and Orphans. We'll introduce these terms and how these relate to each other in terms of deciding what to build, where to build it, and the scale by which it is built. From this we'll identify what the most likely paths forward for Imagineering as it tries to build its future forward with the most options possible--particularly at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney California Adventure and Disney's Adventure World. Join us

This Disney Insights podcast is one of the most unique podcasts I've hosted over the hundreds I've presented over the last few years. It is about a work I have been laboring on for the better part of a year and a half, but in truth, It's the story of a lifetime of learning and understanding Disney. Indeed, it spans some five decades and its result is truly what I believe is something unique that I am introducing into the marketplace today. If you want to know the stories, the histories, the heritage that has really made Disneyland what it is today, this work seeks to provide that. Moreover, unlike nearly any other treatise, this seeks to answer how you can lead an organization, engage your employees and provide as powerful a customer experience as you can at "The Happiest Place on Earth". Join me as I introduce Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization. __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyIns

We have much to share as Bob Iger steps aside and Josh D'Amaro takes reign as the new CEO of Disney. We will share some important messages he has shared in the first 24 hours as he stepped into this role and hosted the annual shareholder's meeting for The Walt Disney Company. We then will look at a number of opening dates for attractions that are coming to Walt Disney World, as well as the name for Disney Cruise Line's newest ship. With that, we'll even cover some rumors out there. So join us as we talk about Josh on Day 1 as the new CEO plus announcements for Walt Disney World and DCL. Oh...and at the end I will give you a status of my newest project, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization.   __________________________________________________ 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 interac

Today's podcast is a busy one, because Walt Disney World is a busy place. We begin with the most popular theme park in the world as we check out construction challenges big and bigger. Disney's Hollywood Studios is in major construction mode as well, with three big construction projects and even a few minor ones. We check all of them out. And then we head to this year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. It does not disappoint. It is stunningly beautiful, with much to do. We take a look at this not only on our podcast, but we look at all three projects on our YouTube page. So wherever you are, be sure to check out not only this major festival, but the big construction updates at both parks as well. __________________________________________________ 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

If Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, then Fantasyland is in Marty Sklar's words, "The Happiest Kingdom of Them All". He goes on to say that "Here in the 'happiest kingdom of them all,' you can journey with Snow White through the dark forest to the diamond mine of the Seven Dwarfs; flee the clutches of Mr. Smee and Captain Hook with Peter Pan; and race with Mr. Toad on his wild auto ride through the streets of old London Town. Dumbo, the elephant with aerodynamic ears, will take you on a flight high above Fantasyland, while the haughty Caterpillar of Alice in Wonderland carries you down the Rabbit Hole into the ...Tulgey Wood. In colorful Dutch canal boats or the Casey Jr. Circus train, you'll journey through Storybook Land to see the homes of the Three Little Pigs, Pinocchio's Village, and Cinderella's Castle." Join us as we see those inspirational nuggets that are found throughout the sprawling grounds of Fantasyland, From Sleeping Beauty Castle to the majestic and might Matterhorn Mountain. We'll c

All last week you probably heard rumors about Josh D'Amaro changing out plans for Villains Land. You may have also heard that he said that he thought Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run was good not great. We talk about this and more as we look at these issues in greater context and offer you insights that may not make enough social media hits, but will likely be closer to what is really going on at Imagineering. Yes, there are changes. Yes, there is greater transparency. But what does it mean? We'll offer you insights, and how it relates to something called Experiential Intelligence. Join us as we talk about Villains Land, Smuggler's Run, Josh D'Amaro, Experiential intelligence and so much more. ____________________________________________________ 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. My newest

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship hotel of Walt Disney World, and one of the premiere resorts among Disney owned hotels. Nearing its 40th year of operation in 2028, and having been through a number of major remodeling changes, how does this signature property compare? I've invited former Disney resort leader, Vance Morris, to spend some time with me on site where we look at the many offerings of this unique hotel, so proximate to Magic Kingdom. We take the time to consider the performance and challenges of its Cast, its grand Victorian setting, the processes which support a Disney-owned resort operation, as well as its many services and amenities. Is it worth the price? Let's discuss as we provide you an operational review of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. ____________________________________________________ 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 pod

It's hard for even the most devout Disney Apologist to forgive what was the original Disney's California Adventure. With a troubled budget from the start, and perhaps the wrong theme for millions of people already living in California, this failed on so many levels when it came out the gate. It certainly didn't help that it was being built across arguably the greatest park ever built. And yet in the shadows of Disneyland, there is really something magical about Disney California Adventure and with time and investment, it has come around to being the 5th most popular theme park in North America, behind Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Epcot & Disney's Hollywood Studios, and yet ahead of Disney's Animal Kingdom, and every Universal Busch Gardens, Sea World and Six Flags park in the country. It's been a long 25 years, but with big new attractions coming, Disney California Adventure stands to compete in big ways moving forward. Join us as we celebrate Disney California Adventure! ___________________________________

In overviewing 2026 I said that the naming of a new CEO would be the most important milestone of the year for Disney. In truth, it may be the biggest moment of the decade. Today, February 3rd 2026, The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors announced that, in a unanimous vote held on Monday, it elected Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro to become Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. We look first at the context of that announcement, and the specifics behind it, to include the promotion of Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment into a new role. We'll see what others have to say about this, to include not only James Gorman, Chair of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors, but Bob Iger, current CEO, and even Michael Eisner, the former CEO of the company. We'll then highlight some of the tactical challenges ahead as well as the strategic opportunities moving forward, in this, one of the most unique companies in the world. Join us as we offer Disney Insights to the appointment of

Several topics have been circling around recently, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to offer some thoughts about what is going on in several Disney park realms. Anything about Villains Land has people curious as to what is happening. This includes some work being done by The Haunted Mansion. We'll explore the rumors and conjecture on how this land will be laid out. Next we talk about Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. There have been announcements of not only new additions, timelines, and offerings being added not to Disney's Hollywood Studios version of this land, but at Disneyland. Finally, speaking of Disneyland have you seen Disneyland Handcrafted? This film done by Leslie Iwerks gives insights to what things looked like when Walt Disney determined he would open a brand new themed park concept in the space of a year of construction. This is a fascinating documentary with some terrific ideas, So join us for Disney Insights on Villains Land, Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and Disneyland Handcrafted. ___________

Extinction is coming fast for Dinoland, so many areas have closed and the remainder will come to an end quickly. We bid our final adieu by digging for lessons to be learned from this corner of Disney's Animal Kingdom park. They serve to help us understand what worked and didn't work not just in this land, but for people trying to perhaps not build a theme park, but build organizations and take them to the next level. We may not be going back to the Cretaceous period, but we are considering how this land became what it became. And we are looking at some very intricate details that shape our understanding of how life must have been here in Diggs County. Join us as we go digging' for Insights at Dinoland. ________________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. NOTE: The five stories shared today are on Disney Insights YouTube Page! DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney

The Wall Street Journal this week published an article entitled, "The 3,000-Person Team Working in Secret to Create Disney Magic". This article written by Ben Fritz makes a number of claims about the challenges Walt Disney Imagineering has in being able to do massive projects on time, under budget and on benefit. We will share these claims and weave these insights with a book I use in my leadership programming--How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project. It becomes a sense by which we can better understand why Imagineering experiences the challenges it does. We'll look at Imagineering Leadership and CEO leadership, and how it has had a big impact on how the work gets done as Disney seeks to spend 60 billion within the next ten years. And already one Imagineer, Joe Rohde has weighed in on his comments. So joining us for Walt Disney Imagineering: The Secret to Being on Time Under Budget & On Benefit. ________________________________________________________ Disne

As we enter 2026 we continue our celebration of Disneyland's 70th anniversary with a look at Mickey's Toon Town. One of the newer places on the map, this little corner beyond Fantasyland is filled with whimsy and charm. We share with you how the concept came about, due in large part to three major influences of that time--Including Snoopy! We look at the original Toon Town and compare it to how it looks today, to include the addition of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Train. It's the same attraction as the one at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but it isn't because of an amazing queue. We'll talk all about that, and other little details of this town built on celluloid. Join us during Disneyland's 70th anniversary where we celebrate Mickey's Toon Town! ________________________________________________________ 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 jo

I have to admit that this year has flown by quickly. Full of highlights, but still Spring became summer, and summer went right into Thanksgiving, and the next thing you knew the year was closing. On many levels I have enjoyed the parks perhaps more days in the year than in previous years. Unless I'm out of town I'm there once a week at least, but lately, I've found myself easily there 2-3 days out of seven. And it's been wonderful. Just during the Christmas season we have had some really wonderful visits. We'll discuss new attractions that have emerged in 2025, as well as moments I have had cherishing the final days of attractions that have now parted. Among all this I'll share my favorite moment of the entire year. Then we'll look forward to the new year. I don't believe Disney has yet to disclose all that is happening in the parks in 2026, but there's a solid start to the first half so far. We'll look at each incoming experience, and then focus in on what will be the most important announcement to happen in

Seasons Greetings! Happy Holidays! This has been a wonderful year in many ways, but it has also been a year of tremendous lost to myself and many who knew Judy Perry Daley. Judy was the first female manager in operations at Walt Disney World, and had a tremendous work experience, hosting presidents and princesses, rock stars and movie stars. She truly was one of the most remarkable leaders of Walt Disney World. Together my friend Joseph Gardner, and my long time friend and my business partner Mark David Jones meet with Danni Mikler, who was Judi's best friend at Walt Disney World. She shares her journey with Judi, where you will learn more of Guest Relations in those early days, talks of managing Candlelight Processional, and of the challenges of opening Epcot with Dick Nunis. Did you know there was no centralized reservation, World-Key system in the first months of Epcot? How about the Epcot circus or President Reagan's Inaugural Parade through World Showcase? We talk about all of these crazy events and Judi

Bright Suns! Throughout this year we have celebrated Disneyland's 70th Anniversary by looking at the nine lands of the park. And as the celebration continues in Anaheim, we continue our celebration here on Disney Insights. Today we look at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. This is perfect because this land especially references the last three film series in the larger trilogy. This week Star Wars: The Force Awakens came out ten years ago into the movie theaters. So much of that film and the two others that fall after it tie into the Black Spire Outpost of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. We're going to relive the opening of this themed land at Disneyland, talk about the similarities and differences to its twin at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and then share with you my top 7 Easter egg-style references to Star Wars within this land. Join us as we celebrate Star Wars Galaxy's Edge on Disneyland's 70th anniversary. _______________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. Di

Everyone knows that the minute Halloween is over the Disney Parks ready themselves for the Christmas holidays. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom seem to up and ready overnight, and in the first week or so of November we were able to see the joy of these parks during this time of year. Epcot, on the other hand, waits patiently until its International Food & Wine Festival is over. Then it readies everything for the holidays right before Thanksgiving. Last week I had the chance to spend not one day, not two days, but three days at Epcot, and was re-immersed in how truly fun this approach to holidays around the world really is. This podcast serves to relive many of those experiences, and to consider some previous podcasts where we highlighted this park during the midst of Covid. Then we turn the podcast over to the music of the park, where we have provided musical enjoyment while you make last minute seasonal preparations. So join us for the 2025 Epcot International Festiva