
WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Disney Parks and more! - WDW Radio is the award-winning Disney podcast dedicated to celebrating the magic of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars since 2005. Tune in and subscribe for Disney news, Disney vacation planning, Disney travel tips, Disney trivia, contests, deep dives into Disney history, interviews, theme park secrets, as well as attraction, dining, and resort reviews.
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Hosted by Disney expert, author, speaker, and Podcast Hall of Fame inductee Lou Mongello, this family-friendly show is your Walt Disney World Information Station, and has been voted Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and also features a blog, videos, LIVE video, welcoming community, and special events including monthly meetups, group cruises, On The Road experiences and more!
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Over the years, WDW Radio has been graced by a plethora of esteemed guests. Disney Legends like Julie Andrews, the iconic Mary Poppins, Tony Baxter, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Richard Sherman, Bob Gurr, Alan Menken, Paige O'Hara, the voice of Belle, Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, and renowned Producer Don Hahn, have shared their stories and experiences. The podcast has also ventured into the Marvel and Star Wars universes with guests like Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, and Ashley Eckstein, the voice behind Ahsoka Tano. From Walt Disney Imagineers, dedicated Cast Members, to talented actors, writers, producers, authors, and many more, WDW Radio has been a platform for the voices that make Disney truly magical. It is also home to Lou Mongello's Walt Disney World Trivia Books, The Disney Interviews book, 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World, and virtual Audio Tours of Walt Disney World.
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Lou is also the founder of the Dream Team Project, which has raised more than $550,000.00 to date to send children with life-threatening illnesses to Walt Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
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Whether you're planning your next trip to Walt Disney World or simply reminiscing about your favorite Disney memories, the WDW Radio Disney podcast is your passport to the Walt Disney World and the Disney Parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars! Learn more at WDWRadio.com.
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In addition to creating content around the Disney brands, Lou is also a keynote speaker, author, coach, and founder of the Momentum series of events and workshops for those looking to build their business and brand by sharing the magic of Disney, delivering exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, and community. Learn more at LouMongello.com
Latest episodes

May 11, 2025 • 1h 24min
828 · Disney’s Abu Dhabi Theme Park: A Whole New World Unveiled
828 · Disney’s Abu Dhabi Theme Park: A Whole New World Unveiled Disney just announced a bold new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi – and it could change everything. In this episode, we explore the Disney Abu Dhabi theme park announcement from every angle – cultural, creative, and corporate. We also have a thoughtful conversation about some of the questions and concerns this move has raised. Discover why Disney chose Abu Dhabi, what the “authentically Disney, distinctly Emirati” vision means, and how this expansion could shape the future of Imagineering, Disney’s global parks, and Bob Iger’s legacy. 🙋🏻♀️ How do you feel about Disney expanding to Abu Dhabi? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn 🎧 Explore More: - WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more - WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards - WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights - Events & 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!

May 5, 2025 • 1h 40min
827 · Build Your Star Wars Movie Memorabilia Museum
827 · Build Your Star Wars Movie Memorabilia Museum The ultimate Star Wars collector’s wish list - no budget, no limits, just dreams! This week, in honor of May the 4th, we’re heading to a galaxy far, far away… and diving into a fun, nerdy, and personal conversation, as we explore a galaxy of imagination and nostalgia and build our "Star Wars Movie Memorabilia Museum." We’re not talking about toys or collectibles from the parks - we’re talking about the actual props, costumes, and iconic items from the Star Wars movies that we wish we could own. The ones that captured our imaginations, sparked our fandom, and still make us feel like kids again. But this isn’t just about stuff. It’s about stories. About why these things matter - to me, and to you. Because Star Wars isn’t just a series of films. It’s part of our lives. Our memories. Our connections with the people we share them with. So in this episode, I invite you to imagine your own dream Star Wars memorabilia museum… and come with us as we build ours. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Star Wars for the first time, this is a celebration of the stories, symbols, and stuff that connect us… from a galaxy far, far away. 🙋🏻♀️ What's the one piece of Star Wars movie memorabilia that you would want in YOUR museum collection? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn 🎧 Explore More: - WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more - WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards - WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights - Events & 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!

Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 57min
826 · How Disney Brings Star Wars to Life: Reveals and Stories from Star Wars Celebration Japan
826 · How Disney Brings Star Wars to Life: Reveals and Stories from Star Wars Celebration Japan Have you ever dreamed of living your own Star Wars story? This week, I take you inside Star Wars Celebration Japan for a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Parks and Lucasfilm are transforming the way we experience Star Wars - and reveal new stories, secrets, and adventures you need to know about. Join me for exclusive interviews with leaders from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment, exciting updates to Galaxy's Edge, new droids, and the future of Star Wars storytelling in the parks. Plus, I host a live panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan all about how you can live your own Star Wars story - and how emotional, immersive storytelling is changing Disney Parks forever. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or just love Disney's magic of storytelling, this is one journey to a galaxy far, far away you won't want to miss. 🙋🏻♀️ What's the one thing you would love to experience in Galaxy's Edge to make your Star Wars dreams come true? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 📬 Stay Connected: Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights Events & 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!

Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 21min
825 · The Top Ten Things We Love About the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT - From the Archives
825 · The Top Ten Things We Love About the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT - From the Archives Konnichiwa, my friend! As this episode is released, I’m on my way to Tokyo to host a panel at Star Wars Celebration about Living Your Star Wars Story in the Disney Parks! So, in the spirit of sushi, samurai, sake, and Star Wars, we're reaching back into the WDW Radio archives for a listener favorite: The Top Ten Things We Love About the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT. No, not the country (although I am heading back soon for our WDW Radio Adventures by Disney trip to Japan!) - but the incredible World Showcase pavilion that captures Japan’s beauty, culture, cuisine, and yes... the gift shops. Originally recorded in 2016 (how was that 9 years ago?!), this episode is a nostalgic journey through one of EPCOT’s most beloved pavilions. From the serene gardens to Mitsukoshi’s Pokémon overload, it’s a celebration of all things Japan... but in the Walt Disney World park. And be sure to follow me on Instagram @LouMongello for content from Star Wars Celebration, Tokyo Disneyland, and DisneySea all week long. Yes... it’s for research. 😉. 🙋🏻♀️ What’s YOUR favorite part of the Japan pavilion… and why? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 (WDW1) 📬 Subscribe for updates + get my FREE Disney book! 🔗 Connect: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn 🌐 Explore more: 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Blog & Archives 🎁 WDWRadioNATION - Support & Rewards 📺 WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE 📅 Events - Events, cruises, and more! 🌟 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 and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for the opportunity to be inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame! Please tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show... and as always... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!

Apr 8, 2025 • 51min
824 · My 5 Favorite Outdoor Queues in Walt Disney World (That Are Worth the Wait)
824 · My 5 Favorite Outdoor Queues in Walt Disney World (That Are Worth the Wait) This week, we’re stepping into the sunshine - and into the story - as I share my 5 favorite outdoor queues in Walt Disney World. These aren’t just lines… they’re immersive experiences filled with storytelling, hidden details, and atmosphere that make the wait part of the magic. Whether you’ve walked them a hundred times or never taken a closer look, this episode will help you see (and hear) them in a whole new way. 🙋🏻♀️ What’s YOUR favorite outdoor queue in Walt Disney World… and why? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 (WDW1) ❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package! 📬 Subscribe for updates + get my FREE Disney book! 🔗 Connect: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn 🌐 Explore more: 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Blog & Archives 🎁 WDWRadioNATION - Support & Rewards 📺 WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE 📅 Events - Events, cruises, and more! 🌟 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 and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for the opportunity to be inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame! Please tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show... and as always... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!

Mar 30, 2025 • 1h 50min
823 · The Savory 16: A Bracket-Style Showdown for the 2025 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
823 · The Savory 16: A Bracket-Style Showdown for the 2025 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival This week, we’re doing something fun, fresh… and flavorful, as we taste and debate 16 of the newest savory dishes from this year’s EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. It’s a bracket-style showdown we’re calling: The Savory 16! We taste-tested everything, made our notes, and brought our appetites and opinions as we decided what moved on, what got eliminated, and which dish deserves the crown as this year’s Flavor of the Festival. And there were surprises, upsets, blowouts, and buzzer beaters. 🙋🏻♀️ What is your favorite item at this year's Festival... or the one you want to try most after listening this week? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks! ❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package! 📧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 102 Things To Do at Least Once in Walt Disney World book at WDWRadio.com/Subscribe 👍🏻 Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and WDW Radio on YouTube 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Visit the site and blog 🎁 WDWRadioNATION - Get monthly rewards, and help support the show 📺 WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET 📅 Events - Disney meets, events, cruises, and more! 🌟 LouMongello.com - Are you a 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 can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership. THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 33min
822 · Top Ten Details and Tributes Hiding in Plain Sight at Walt Disney World
822 · Top Ten Details and Tributes Hiding in Plain Sight at Walt Disney World What makes Walt Disney World truly special isn’t just the attractions or even the food - it’s the details. The ones that tell stories, spark smiles, and honor the people and moments that built the magic. This week, we count down our Top Ten Details and Tributes in Walt Disney World Hiding in Plain Sight - little nods, Easter eggs, and meaningful touches that make the parks unlike anywhere else. 🙋🏻♀️ What do you think about the addition of Disney and Marvel characters to it's a small world? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks! ❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package! 📧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 102 Things To Do at Least Once in Walt Disney World book at WDWRadio.com/Subscribe 👍🏻 Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and WDW Radio on YouTube 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Visit the site and blog 🎁 WDWRadioNATION - Get monthly rewards, and help support the show 📺 WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET 📅 Events - Disney meets, events, cruises, and more! 🌟 LouMongello.com - Are you a 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 can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership. THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 53min
821 · The Cake Bake Shop: Tour, Tasting, & Talk with Gwendolyn Rogers & Ashley Eckstein
821 · The Cake Bake Shop: Tour, Tasting, & Talk with Owner Gwendolyn Rogers & Speical Guest Ashley Eckstein Join me for a deliciously special episode of WDW Radio as we explore Disney's most enchanting destination, The Cake Bake Shop on Disney's Boardwalk. I'm joined by founder Gwendolyn Rogers and Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars and the founder of Her Universe) for a sweet journey through this culinary and design masterpiece. We take you on an exclusive tour of the entire restaurant, bar, and bakery, and share hidden details (and a piece of Walt Disney World history) you might miss. Plus, we dive deep into Gwen's fascinating and inspiring entrepreneurial journey, hear heartwarming stories from Gwen and Ashley, and - of course - indulge in a LOT of incredible cake tasting. Don't listen hungry! 🙋🏻♀️ Have you ever been to The Cake Bake Shop? What did you think, or is it on your list on your next Walt Disney World vacation? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks! ❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package! 📧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 102 Things To Do at Least Once in Walt Disney World book at WDWRadio.com/Subscribe 👍🏻 Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and WDW Radio on YouTube 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Visit the site and blog 🎁 WDWRadioNATION - Get monthly rewards, and help support the show 📺 WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET 📅 Events - Disney meets, events, cruises, and more! 🌟 LouMongello.com - Are you a 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 can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership. THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
820 · "In or Out?" Disney Parks, Movies, and Cruise Line Debates!
820 · "In or Out?" Disney Parks, Movies, and Cruise Line Debates! Are you In or Out? This week, we’re diving into some of Disney’s most fun, fascinating, and sometimes even controversial topics - from the parks to the movies, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond! Join us as we talk about the Disney Treasure; IP in the parks; who can, will, or did save Marvel; the most exciting Walt Disney World attractions... and what Walt would think. 🙋🏻♀️ Do you agree with our takes? Do you think Walt Disney would be happy if he saw the parks today? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks! ❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package! 📧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 102 Things To Do at Least Once in Walt Disney World book at WDWRadio.com/Subscribe 👍🏻 Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and WDW Radio on YouTube 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Visit the site and blog 🎁 WDWRadioNATION - Get monthly rewards, and help support the show 📺 WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET 📅 Events - Disney meets, events, cruises, and more! 🌟 LouMongello.com - Are you a 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 can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership. THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 24min
819 · Designing Disney with Former Imagineer Jason Surrell
819 · Designing Disney with Former Imagineer Jason Surrell Imagine starting as a Jungle Cruise skipper and ending up helping to shape some of Disney’s most legendary attractions! Join me as I sits down with former Disney Imagineer and master storyteller Jason Surrell, whose creative work spans Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, New Fantasyland, and much, much more. Jason shares his origin story, behind-the-scenes insights, and the future of immersive Disney storytelling, plus lessons from Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and other Disney legends. If you love Disney history, Imagineering secrets, and hidden details, this episode on Designing Disney is hopefully the first in a series of episodes you won’t want to miss! 🙋🏻♀️ Which Disney attraction do you think has the best storytelling, and why Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks! ❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package! 📧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 102 Things To Do at Least Once in Walt Disney World book at WDWRadio.com/Subscribe 👍🏻 Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and WDW Radio on YouTube 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Visit the site and blog 🎁 WDWRadioNATION - Get monthly rewards, and help support the show 📺 WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET 📅 Events - Disney meets, events, cruises, and more! 🌟 LouMongello.com - Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum Workshop and Retreat in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership. THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!