
WDW Radio: The Disney Podcast for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and More
WDW Radio is the award-winning Disney podcast that brings the magic of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars to life. Since 2005, host Lou Mongello – Disney expert, author, speaker, and Podcast Hall of Fame inductee – has been your trusted guide through the parks and beyond.
Each week, tune in for Disney news, vacation planning tips, interviews, trivia, deep dives into Disney history, attraction and dining reviews, hidden park secrets, and more. From first-timer visitors to lifelong fans, this family-friendly podcast shares the tips, stories, secrets, and insights to help you plan smarter, experience more, and feel the magic like never before.
Voted Best Travel Podcast 9 years in a row, WDW Radio also features a blog, videos, live shows, community meetups, group cruises, and special Disney fan events around the world.
WDW Radio has welcomed legendary guests including Julie Andrews, Tony Baxter, Marty Sklar, Alan Menken, Richard Sherman, Paige O’Hara, Jodi Benson, Kevin Feige, Ashley Eckstein, and countless Imagineers, Cast Members, actors, producers, and creators who bring Disney magic to life.
Explore Lou’s books (Walt Disney World Trivia, The Disney Interviews, 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World) and virtual Audio Tours at WDWRadio.com.
Lou is also the founder of the Dream Team Project, which has raised more than $550,000 to grant wishes for children to visit Walt Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Start listening now to discover the stories, secrets, and magic that make the Disney Parks, Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars truly unforgettable.
🎙️ Learn more at WDWRadio.com
✨ Lou Mongello is an acclaimed keynote speaker and founder of Momentum – a transformative platform of events, coaching, courses, content, and community. He provides creators and entrepreneurs with practical guidance and inspiration to help turn passion into profession, build an audience with purpose, and grow a meaningful, sustainable business.
As a speaker, Lou shares powerful business and leadership lessons from the Disney Parks and Walt Disney himself, helping organizations improve storytelling, customer experience, company culture, and innovation through unforgettable, actionable presentations.
🔗 Discover more at LouMongello.com
Latest episodes

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h
WDW Radio # 805 - My Five Scariest Disney Animated Movie Moments
WDW Radio # 805 - My Five Scariest Disney Animated Movie Moments It's my favorite, spooky time of the year, and I love a good, scary movie. And when you think of animated Disney movies, "scary" probably isn't the first word that comes to mind, but there are a few frightening scenes that prove that Disney isn’t just about happily ever afters. So this week, I will share My Five Scariest Disney Animated Movie Moments and revisit some of the most haunting, unforgettable, and often surprising moments in Disney movie history. - What Disney animated movie moment do you think is the scariest? ? 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! 📧 Subscribe to our 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, and 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!

Oct 8, 2024 • 59min
WDW Radio # 804 - Listener Email: Secrets, Park Planning, History Mysteries
Becky Mankin, a passionate Disney lover and owner of MEI and Mouse Fan Travel, joins the discussion. They dive into Disney’s hidden gems and essential park planning tips. Listeners will discover nostalgic insights about the evolution of the Dinosaur ride, alongside advantages of hiring VIP guides for a seamless experience. Travel tips for Tokyo Disneyland with children are shared, along with must-try snacks and attractions. The conversation sparks excitement for community engagement and magical Disney adventures!

Sep 23, 2024 • 41min
WDW Radio # 803 - Bob Weis, Former Walt Disney Imagineering President
WDW Radio # 803 - Bob Weis, Former Walt Disney Imagineering President I sat down with Bob Weis, the former President of Walt Disney Imagineering at our booth at the recent D23 - The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. It's a deep dive into the magic behind Disney's parks and beyond with Bob, who shares his journey of nearly four decades of creativity, leading to the release of his inspiring new book on Dream Chasing. - If you could have any role at a Disney park, what would it be and why? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. Subscribe to our 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 But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode onf the WDW Radio show. ---------------------------------- 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! 407-900-9391 - Call the voicemail with a question, comment or "Hello!" from the parks ---------------------------------- LouMongello.com - Let me help you turn what you love into what you do and turn your passion into your profession with one-on-one mentoring, mastermind groups, and my Momentum Workshop and Retreat in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who can present at your event, conference, business, or school, and provide mentoring and consulting to individuals and organizations looking to build their businesses and brands. I speak on a variety of topics, including sharing the magic of Disney, and teaching how to deliver exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, community, following your dreams, and more. ---------------------------------- THANK YOU for your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show!

Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 8min
WDW Radio # 802 - Disney "In or Out?"
WDW Radio # 802 - Disney "In or Out?" This week, I'm trying something new as we have fun conversations and controversy in a new segment I'm calling "Disney In or Out?" We'll talk about the Disney Parks, resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Movies and Disney+ in a segment where I invite you to share your thoughts on the discussion and debates. - What do you think of this new segment idea? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. Subscribe to our 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 But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode from the Archives on the WDW Radio show. ---------------------------------- 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! 407-900-9391 - Call the voicemail with a question, comment or "Hello!" from the parks THANK YOU for your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! ---------------------------------- LouMongello.com - Let me help you turn what you love into what you do and turn your passion into your profession with one-on-one mentoring, mastermind groups, and my Momentum Workshop ⭐️ (SAVE $200 using promo code LOU200) ⭐️ and Retreat in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who can present at your event, conference, business, or school, and provide mentoring and consulting to individuals and organizations looking to build their businesses and brands. I speak on a variety of topics, including sharing the magic of Disney, and teaching how to deliver exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, community, following your dreams, and more.

Sep 13, 2024 • 37min
WDW Radio # 801 - Pete Renaday, Disney voice actor (Country Bear Jamboree, 20,000 Leagues, TTA and more) - From the Archives
WDW Radio # 801 - Pete Renaday, Disney voice actor (Country Bear Jamboree, 20,000 Leagues, TTA and more) - From the Archives This week, I'm sharing a special episode from the Archives, as my interview this week comes from show # 232 back in 2011 in honor of legendary voice actor Pete Renaday, who passed away on September 8. Pete's iconic voice brought life to unforgettable characters in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, including Henry from the Country Bear Jamboree, Walt Disney World's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (as Captain Nemo), The Hall of Presidents (as Abraham Lincoln), the Disneyland version of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and The Walt Disney Story as narrator, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Adventure Thru Inner Space, and Mark Twain Riverboat. He was also the Ghost Host on the Haunted Mansion album (which I still have and love). I feel fortunate to have Pete be able to share his story in his own words and iconic voice as he shares his incredible journey—from meeting Walt Disney to his work on animated films and iconic attractions. So just refrain from hibernatin’, and let’s enjoy the show, cause he’s still got a lot to give. - Which of Pete Renaday's voices do you like or recognize most? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. Subscribe to our 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 But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode from the Archives on the WDW Radio show. ---------------------------------- 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! 407-900-9391 - Call the voicemail with a question, comment or "Hello!" from the parks THANK YOU for your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! ---------------------------------- LouMongello.com - Let me help you turn what you love into what you do and turn your passion into your profession with one-on-one mentoring, mastermind groups, and my Momentum Workshop and Retreat in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who can present at your event, conference, business, or school, and provide mentoring and consulting to individuals and organizations looking to build their businesses and brands. I speak on a variety of topics, including sharing the magic of Disney, and teaching how to deliver exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, community, following your dreams, and more.

Sep 10, 2024 • 38min
WDW Radio # 800 - Joe Rohde: Our Conversation on Art, Wildlife, and Culture
In this enlightening talk, Joe Rohde, a former Walt Disney Imagineer and newly-inducted Disney Legend, dives into the inspiring intersection of art, wildlife, and culture. He shares his adventures in Mongolia and Nepal, focusing on snow leopard conservation and the vital role of community engagement. Rohde discusses upcoming fundraising efforts at the University of Central Florida, emphasizing how personal choices can significantly impact conservation efforts. He reflects on the legacy and potential of inspiring future generations through art and culture.

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 14min
WDW Radio # 799 - 10 Things You Never Knew About the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and an Evening at the Tip Top Club Event
WDW Radio # 799 - 10 Things You Never Knew About the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and an Evening at the Tip Top Club Event This week, we're traveling back in time to Hollywood, 1939. Amid the glitz and the glitter of a bustling young movie town at the height of its golden age, The Hollywood Tower Hotel... or in this case, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, is a star in its own right, and is filled with secrets and stories. So this week, I invite you, if you dare, to step aboard, as we look at 10 Things You Never Knew About the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. And speaking of the Tower, I also share details about a very special event this October, where we invite you, if you dare, for an Evening at the Tip Top Club. - What is your favorite detail at the Tower of Terror? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. Subscribe to our 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 But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode onf the WDW Radio show. ---------------------------------- 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! 407-900-9391 - Call the voicemail with a question, comment or "Hello!" from the parks THANK YOU for your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! ---------------------------------- LouMongello.com - Let me help you turn what you love into what you do and turn your passion into your profession with one-on-one mentoring, mastermind groups, and my Momentum Workshop ⭐️ (SAVE $200 using promo code LOU200) ⭐️ and Retreat in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who can present at your event, conference, business, or school, and provide mentoring and consulting to individuals and organizations looking to build their businesses and brands. I speak on a variety of topics, including sharing the magic of Disney, and teaching how to deliver exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, community, following your dreams, and more.

Aug 27, 2024 • 53min
WDW Radio # 798 - My Five Most Missed Attractions in Walt Disney World
Join a heartfelt journey through the most missed attractions at Walt Disney World. Dive into the nostalgia of beloved rides like 'If You Had Wings' and 'Horizons,' as personal anecdotes spark cherished memories. Explore the evolution of space-themed experiences in Tomorrowland and reminisce about the iconic monorail ride. Engage with trivia challenges and hear about potential park changes, all while reflecting on the impressive storytelling that created lasting memories for countless visitors.

Aug 20, 2024 • 3h 3min
WDW Radio # 797 - D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Recap
WDW Radio # 797 - D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Recap We'll revisit and recap D23 2024: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this week, from the show floor to the panels, presentations, merchandise and more. After months of anticipation and speculation, we'll recap, react, unpack and discuss all of the announcements, from the Studios, Marvel, and Star Wars, to a deep dive into all of the new attractions, shows, and experiences coming to the Disney Parks around the world. We'll share our thoughts about balancing the past with the promise of the future... and the passionate response from Disney fans as well. - What was the most surprising reveal from D23? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. Subscribe to our 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 But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode onf the WDW Radio show. ---------------------------------- 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! 407-900-9391 - Call the voicemail with a question, comment or "Hello!" from the parks THANK YOU for your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! ---------------------------------- LouMongello.com - Let me help you turn what you love into what you do and turn your passion into your profession with one-on-one mentoring, mastermind groups, and my Momentum Workshop and Retreat in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who can present at your event, conference, business, or school, and provide mentoring and consulting to individuals and organizations looking to build their businesses and brands. I speak on a variety of topics, including sharing the magic of Disney, and teaching how to deliver exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, community, following your dreams, and more.

Aug 12, 2024 • 35min
WDW Radio # 796 - Josh D'Amaro - My Exclusive Interview at D23 with the Disney Experiences Chairman
WDW Radio # 796 - Josh D'Amaro - My Exclusive Interview at D23 with the Disney Experiences Chairman At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed a groundbreaking lineup of new attractions, lands, and projects that solidify and highlighted Disney's bold vision for the next decade. The event was a remarkable milestone for many reasons, and the highly-anticipated Disney Experiences Showcase fulfilled wishes and exceeded expectations. I had the incredible opportunity and privilege to sit down, one-on-one, with Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro the morning after his presentation to discuss the event, fan speculation, wishes, expectations, and responses. It is a very candid and personal conversation that offers unique insight into the strategy, mission, legacy, and message from this year's presentation. Josh takes us behind the scenes, emphasizing the connection between the Walt Disney Company and its fans. I was remarkably impressed with Josh's transparency, particularly illustrating the importance of listening to fan feedback, including criticism, to understand better and meet high expectations, underlining his humility and dedication to the Disney community. I did not take the responsibility of being granted this interview lightly, and rather than, in the limited but incredibly generous time I had with Josh, try and touch on individual announcements and attractions, but instead focus on the important overarching and significance of the event, and the relationship of the Company and its fans like you and me. So I invite you to pull up a chair, and sit at the table with me and Josh, and hopefully find our conversation as enjoyable, insightful, and rewarding as I did. And of course, huge thanks to Josh, who is someone I didn't think I could like and respect any more, but who gave me new appreciation of him as a fan and leader. (And just so you know... Josh and I shared that hug right after we were done recording). - What did you think about our conversation? Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show. Subscribe to our 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 But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show. ---------------------------------- 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! 407-900-9391 - Call the voicemail with a question, comment or "Hello!" from the parks THANK YOU for your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! ---------------------------------- LouMongello.com - Let me help you turn what you love into what you do and turn your passion into your profession with one-on-one mentoring, mastermind groups, and my Momentum Workshop and Retreat in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who can present at your event, conference, business, or school, and provide mentoring and consulting to individuals and organizations looking to build their businesses and brands. I speak on a variety of topics, including sharing the magic of Disney, and teaching how to deliver exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, community, following your dreams, and more.