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

Lou Mongello - Disney Expert
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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 WorldWhat 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? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in 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 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!
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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 & Special Guest Ashley EcksteinJoin 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? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in 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 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!
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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? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in 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 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!
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Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 24min

819 · Designing Disney with Former Imagineer Jason Surrell

819 · Designing Disney with Former Imagineer Jason SurrellImagine 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📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in 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 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!
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Feb 17, 2025 • 58min

818 · Marvel at Disney: Bringing the Comic Universe to Life in the Parks and at Sea - Megacon Panel

818 · Marvel at Disney: Bringing the Comic Universe to Life in the Parks and at Sea - Megacon PanelJoin us this week for an in-depth exploration of Marvel's presence in Disney Parks worldwide. This week's episode was recorded LIVE at Megacon Orlando, as I hosted a panel which will take you on a journey through Disney's complex relationship with Marvel characters - from Universal Studios' Marvel Super Hero Island to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line, to Hong Kong Disneyland's Marvel attractions. We'll also answer audience questions and talk about the future possibilities of Marvel in Walt Disney World. Whether you're a Disney parks enthusiast or Marvel fan, this episode offers expert perspectives on how these beloved characters and stories come to life in theme parks around the globe.🙋🏻‍♀️ What Marvel experience(s) would you like to see come to Walt Disney World?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in 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 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!
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Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 35min

817 · Music of Disney's Animal Kingdom

817 · Music of Disney's Animal Kingdom    Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a soundtrack unlike any other park - one that immerses us in nature, culture, and adventure. From the peaceful Oasis entrance music to the high-energy beats of Harambe, the ethereal sounds of Pandora, and even the kitschy rock vibes of DinoLand, USA, every note plays a role in the park’s storytelling. This week, I take you on an audio journey through the music of Disney's Animal Kingdom, exploring how its music enhances the experience, the live performances that bring it to life, and even a look ahead at what we might hear in the upcoming Tropical Americas expansion. 🙋🏻‍♀️ What is your favorite piece of music or area music in Disney's Animal Kingdom?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 also offer keynote speaking and consulting to 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 inducted 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!  
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Jan 28, 2025 • 59min

816 · Debates, Dates, Romance, Resorts... and Carousel of Progress Change? Listener Email

816 · Debates, Dates, Romance, Resorts... and Carousel of Progress Change? Listener Email   Have you ever had a burning Disney question, a magical memory to share, or just needed advice on planning the perfect trip? This week, I open the overflowing mailbag of listener emails to dive into your questions about how to convince your family to visit Disney more often, which resort to pick and why, dining without the kids, the evolution of all of our Disney experiences, and an age-old debate about one of Walt Disney's most cherished attractions. Join the conversation, and you never know... your question might be next! 🙋🏻‍♀️ How has YOUR Walt Disney World experience changed or evolved?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in 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 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!
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Jan 14, 2025 • 48min

815 · EPCOT Festival of the Arts: Behind the Curtain

815 · EPCOT Festival of the Arts: Behind the CurtainStep behind the scenes of EPCOT's International Festival of the Arts as we dive into the magic that makes this one of Disney's most creative celebrations. Join me for exclusive interviews with Adrian Sarple, Associate Director from Disney Theatrical, who curate the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and Aaron Babcock, Merchandise Manager with Disney Merchandise Strategy, who oversee artist bookings and festival art curation. Learn the stories, secrets, and inspiration that make this festival a "party for the senses" and find out what makes it a must-visit for Disney fans, art lovers, and Broadway enthusiasts alike. 🙋🏻‍♀️ What is your favorite aspect of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts?📣 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 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!
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Jan 8, 2025 • 57min

814 · My Five Things in Disney I'm Looking Forward to in 2025

814 · My Five Things in Disney I'm Looking Forward to in 20252025 is shaping up to be an incredible year, filled with exciting experiences, milestones, and magic on the horizon, from the Disney Parks, experiences, Disney Cruise Line, movies, Disney+, and more! This week, I’m sharing My Five Things in Disney I’m Most Looking Forward to in 2025, including some new things on the horizon I've been working on, but first, I’ll reflect a bit and take a look back at My Five Favorite Episodes, Moments, and Events from 2024.🙋🏻‍♀️ What are you looking forward to most in the world of Disney in 2025? 📣 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 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!
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Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 50min

813 · History and Evolution of Christmas at Walt Disney World: From Candlelight to Dancing Lights - From the Archives

813 · History and Evolution of Christmas at Walt Disney World: From Candlelight to Dancing Lights - From the Archives🎄 The holiday season at Walt Disney World is unlike any other, with traditions, decorations, and magic that have been cherished for decades. This week, we’re opening the WDW Radio Archives to revisit a very special show from 2016, originally aired on show # 467. Join me and my dear friend, the late Jim Korkis, as we gather by the fire to explore the rich history of Christmas in the parks, resorts, and beyond. From the Candlelight Processional to parades, and even forgotten gems like the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, we reflect on the traditions that make the season so magical.🎅🏻 This episode is also a heartfelt tribute to Jim Korkis - an incredible storyteller, dear friend, and integral part of this show. As we remember Jim and the joy he brought to so many, especially during this time of year, we honor his legacy and the passion he had for Disney history.🙋🏻‍♀️ What’s your favorite holiday memory from 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 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!

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