WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!
Lou Mongello - Disney Expert
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, hosted by 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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 13, 2010 • 4min
Bass Fishing Excursion in Walt Disney World
There's more to explore in Walt Disney World, as guests of all ages can enjoy catch-and-release fishing led by expert guides in the waters in front of the Magic Kingdom. Join Lou Mongello from WDW Radio as he spends a day on the water for some magic outside the theme parks Visit the web site at http://WDWRadio.com Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello
May 10, 2010 • 1h 28min
WDW Radio Show # 169 - May 9, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #169 for the week of May 9, 2010. With the recent closing of Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios for an unspecified update, it's a great time to take a look back at the relationship between Disney and the Muppets, including the story of how the Muppets came to Walt Disney World in a variety of ways. We'll tour the park and explore some of the secrets, stories and history of MuppetVision 3D, Muppet-based shows that are no longer here, the Disney-Henson marriage, as well as "The Muppets That Never Were," as Jim Korkis and I wander the Studios and discuss some of the proposed concepts that never made it both in and out of the parks. It's a fascinating live tour of the Muppets in the present, as well as a look back in time, and possibly even into the future of the Muppets in Walt Disney World. I'll have a few announcements, and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
May 3, 2010 • 1h 23min
WDW Radio Show # 168 - May 2, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #168 for the week of May 2, 2010. We'll take a look at some Walt Disney World news and a few rumors this week, including some old favorites getting ready to return to the parks, and Imagineers continue to test new ways to pass the time in the queue, this time at a classic attraction in the Magic Kindgom. I'll ask you to comment in the show notes and weigh in on some possible changes that may be coming. I often kid about how attractions and shows in Walt Disney World are just things to occupy our time in between meals, but the parks and resorts do offer a wide variety of wonderful dining options - and not all of them require you to make dining reservations in advance. In fact, some of Walt Disney World's best food can be found at the numerous counter service locations. So this week, we'll count down our Top Ten list of Walt Disney World Counter Service Restaurants. If you weren't hungry when you started listening, you just might be by the time you're through. And hopefully we'll introduce you to some options that you might not have considered before. I'll have a few announcements, and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Apr 25, 2010 • 1h 26min
WDW Radio Show # 167 - April 25, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #167 for the week of April 25, 2010. Properly planning your Walt Disney World vacation is crucial, and an important part of that planning needs to focus on not just time spent in the parks, but getting to and from the resort. This week, we're going to take a look at Disney's Magical Express, the free bus service to and from the airport. Whether you're a first time visitor or think you know how Magical Express works, we'll talk about not just how the the system works, but its pros and cons, how to get the most out of it, and some very important details you need to know before you go. Next, I'll call a listener and invite her to play Fact or Fiction, where she can answer Walt Disney World trivia questions for a chance to win some prizes. Play along at home, see how you do, and find out how you can enter for a chance to play on the air as well. I'll announce a new product this week, have a few announcements, and then play more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Apr 19, 2010 • 1h 16min
WDW Radio Show # 166 - April 18, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #166 for the week of April 18, 2010. I'll answer more of your listener email this week, including questions on Pal Mickey, Magic Your Way ticket options, finding specific characters in the parks, attractions for young children, free Disney trading cards, a look back at an extinct character meal, nightlife, restaurants and much more. I love exploring and sharing the wonderful stories created by Disney Imagineers in every attraction, shop, restaurant, resort, and almost everything you see and experience on property. But I especially enjoy having the opportunity to take a closer look at a location whose story may seem obvious on its face, but is full of wonderful details and history. And this week, such is the case with Fantasyland's Pinocchio Village Haus. Jim Korkis joins me once again to tell some of the "Stories Behind the Stories" in this DSI: Disney Scene Investigation. I'll play more of your voicemails and have some announcements at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Apr 13, 2010 • 1h 2min
WDW Radio Show # 165 - April 11, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #165 for the week of April 11, 2010. This week, join us at the dinner table as we sit down to dine at and review Paradiso 37, the high-energy waterfront restaurant located in Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island. We'll review a number of different items from the menu, and discuss the decor, ambiance and overall dining experience to give you a taste of this restaurant which offers cuisine inspired by the Street Foods of the Americas. I'll play more of your voicemails and have some announcements at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Apr 4, 2010 • 1h 27min
WDW Radio Show # 164 - April 4, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #164 for the week of April 4, 2010. It's time for another Top Ten list, as this week we once again count down the best of the best. This week, it's about something that's an integral part of the ride experience itself as we explore the Top Ten Ride Vehicles in Walt Disney World While the Adventurers Club may be closed, the legacy, stories and cast of characters did not die with it. This week, we'll look and see how the legacy is being preserved, and how you can be a part of it. I'll have some important announcements at the end of the show, including details on another event coming very soon before playing more of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Mar 29, 2010 • 1h 32min
WDW Radio Show # 163 - March 28, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #163 for the week of March 28, 2010. This week we get to know the Dads from the 2010 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, and discuss some of their tips and recommendations, and things for guys to do on their "mancation." We'll continue our detailed tour through Mickey's Toontown Fair, as Jim Korkis and I do a DSI: Disney Scene Investigation through Minnie and Mickey's Houses as well as Donald's boat, pointing out the details, secrets and history before Toontown makes way for the expansion of Fantasyland. I'll have some announcements about The Dream Team Project charity at the end of the show before playing more of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Mar 21, 2010 • 1h 18min
WDW Radio Show # 162 - March 21, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #162 for the week of March 21, 2010. I'll open up the inbox and answer more of your listener emails this week on topics such as Walt Disney and the Olympics, "date night" in Walt Disney World without the kids, hidden tributes in the parks, the Utilidors, Port Orleans, unused passes, in-room dining and much more! Walt Disney World is all about making dreams come true, and special moments that remain timeless. And during our visits, parents, grandparents, husbands and wives, and nervous young men about to propose look for ways to makes vacation experiences, or even individual moments or occasions even more magical. And you may not know this, but there is a team of people behind-the-scenes at Walt Disney World whose job it is to do just that - help create those special memories with some very unique gifts and experiences. I'll have some announcements at the end of the show before playing more of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Mar 14, 2010 • 1h 35min
WDW Radio Show # 161 - March 14, 2010 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #161 for the week of March 14, 2010. Last weekend, a number of special events took place in Walt Disney World - one celebrated the first anniversary of D23, the official community for Disney fans with a private party in the Magic Kingdom, and the other brought out thousands of princesses, and a few princes, to take part in the 2nd annual Disney Princess 5k and Half Marathon Weekend. This week, I'm joined on the roundtable by fellow D23 members who attended the event with me to discuss the event, and other news coming from Disney and D23 during the recent shareholders' meeting. We'll also recap the marathon weekend, and talk about some other Walt Disney World News and even a few new rumors as well. I'll have some announcements at the end of the show before playing more of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171. Visit the web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums Join the fan page on Facebook: http://facebook.com/wdwradio Follow Lou on Twitter: http://twitter.com/loumongello Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
