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
Jul 16, 2007 • 59min
WDW Radio Show # 23 - July 15, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome to the WDW Radio Show. This is Show #23 for the week of July 15, 2007, and thank you for tuning in once again. This week's show will be just a bit different, due to this weekend's MagicMeet, so there won't be any news or email due to when I had to record and get the show up, but I promise to make up for it next week as I already have a whole lot of news to cover, and tons of your emails to get through. My apologies again for the delay in getting them read on the air. But unlike last week's show with one detailed segment, there's a whole bunch of great topics to cover with plenty of special guests, including "Walt Disney World: Fact or Fiction?" with Cody Pepper, who proves the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and Hidden Treasures with Gary Chambers. This week's visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill is full of exciting and interesting rumors about the Disney-MGM Studios, Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain and more. In our Character Connection segment, Jeff Pepper and I talk about the Duck behind the Magic of Mickey's Toontown Fair, Cornelius Coot. Jonathan Dichter's Voices Behind the Magic covers the talented Angela Lansbury and Mike Scopa joins me for another Best of the Best - this time, it's the Best General Rule for Touring the Parks. We will also announce the winner of our first WDW 1/2 Marathon Challenge contest, and introduce our second Challenge, where you can play for a chance to win great prizes and entry to win our Grand Prize at the end of the contest. Thanks to Eric Hollister from GeoMouse.com, this contest will help make a child's wish come true, through his donations to the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project. 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Jul 8, 2007 • 1h 38min
WDW Radio Show # 22 - July 8, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome to the WDW Radio Show. This is Show #22 for the week of July 8, 2007. I'm your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in once again. This week's News and Views from Walt Disney World segment starts off with confirmation of a long-standing rumor about Epcot, Animal Kingdom Villas, July 4th ceremonies, concerts, room rates and more. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill is full of exciting news about Jedis, more character enhancements, new shows and a whole lot more. In honor of America's Independence Day, and the recent update to the pavilion, Jeff Pepper and I will conduct a very detailed Disney Scene Investigation of the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. We will cover the history of the pavilion, the show, story, technology backstage and onstage, the recent updates to the show, and the intangible qualities that make it one of the most moving experiences in any of Disney's theme parks worldwide. This segment will also include exclusive interviews with some of the people that make the pavilion truly exceptional, including a long-time American Adventure Cast Member that shares some of his secrets and details, as well as with the Voices of Liberty, part of the pavilion's pre-show that is a true wonder in an of itself. Of course, it's a salute to all nations, but mostly America. Of course, I have 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Jul 1, 2007 • 1h 44min
WDW Radio Show # 21 - July 1, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome to Show #21 of the WDW Radio Show for the week of July, 2007, and thanks for tuning in once again. I'm your host Lou Mongello, and I have a lot of fun segments planned for you this week. My visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill includes discussion and audio evidencing some possible big changes and improvements to the resort and ADR reservation systems, plenty of rumors from the Disney-MGM Studios, an abandoned venue, as well as a possible new addition to Cinderella Castle, and the Canada pavilion in World Showcase. Eric Hollister and I introduce the first of our Walt Disney World Marathon Contest challenges, and I announce the winner of our first "Where in the World Have You Seen This?" Contest. I announce the next in our 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World series - the Walt Disney World monorail, and discuss with Jeff Pepper its origins, technology, fun facts and intangible qualities that make it a true wonder. Fred Block's Magic Meet event is coming up soon, and once again he was kind enough to allow us to hold our DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project charity auction to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation of America. Pat Whitson joins me to talk about the auction, some of the amazing items and experiences which are included, as well as how the generosity of so many Disney fans will once again help make a seriously-ill child’s wish come true to visit Walt Disney World. Gary Chambers joins me for another Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World, this time in Epcot. This week's email segment talks about handheld technology in the parks, July 4 fireworks in WDW, Adventureland then and now, Seasonal vs. Annual passes and so much more. You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Jun 24, 2007 • 1h 42min
WDW Radio Show # 20 - June 24, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome back and thanks for tuning in once again to the WDW Radio show. I'm your host Lou Mongello, and this is Show #20 for the week of June 24, 2007. News and Views from Walt Disney World includes additional information about the computers at the Contemporary Resort, the queue for Soarin', and a few updates. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill covers topics such as Disney Dollars, the Wonders of Life pavilion and more. Jeff Pepper and I take a trip aboard my Walt Disney World Wayback Machine as we continue in our Epcot Retrospective series. This week, we journey back to 1982 and take a detailed look in and around Communicore. Tim Sampson joins me for another Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World, and for this one, we'll stay on Main Street, USA. I announce a new, interactive, and ongoing contest with the help of Eric Hollister that I think you'll enjoy, and one that will benefit the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Dream Team Project. Be sure to stay to the end for 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Jun 17, 2007 • 1h 37min
WDW Radio Show # 19 - June 17, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #19 for the week of June 17, 2007. Our News and Views from Walt Disney World segment includes talk about the first change to the Haunted Mansion, and new handheld devices available in the parks. Our visit to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill includes a rumor about a possible corporate partnership and new retail location in Walt Disney World, and some nearly-news about the Contemporary Resort and BIG changes coming to resorts property-wide. This week's show will include some guests who will join me for some segments. First, Jeff Pepper and I conduct a detailed Disney Scene Investigation in Disney’s Animal Kingdom; and Gary Chambers from the MouseLounge podcast joins me to look at a Hidden Treasure of Walt Disney World on Main Street, USA. I'll also take a quick look at the Year of a Million Dreams promotion, and update you on some of the statistics and fun facts. Jeff comes back to talk about one of Disney’s forgotten character’s connection to Walt Disney World. The topics in this week's email segment include Cirque du Soleil La Nouba, technology in the theme parks, the Backlot Theater, E-Ride Nights, young children in Walt Disney World and more! Stay tuned for a special announcement from Jonathan Dichter 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Jun 11, 2007 • 1h 21min
WDW Radio Show # 18 - June 10, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #18 for the week of June 10, 2007. We'll start off as always with some News and Views from Walt Disney World, where I talk about FASTPASS and Western Way. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill is full of rumors from the Disney-MGM Studios which includes Star Tours, Halloween and more. I also have BREAKING rumors about changes to room rates and policies in 2008, changes at the Contemporary Resort, including more rumors about what the new tower building will be, and news about the Legendary Years at Pop Century. Jonathan Dichter has another Voices Behind the Magic segment, and Jeff Pepper sent in a solo Disney Scene Investigation of some creepy old crypts. Mike Scopa and I cover another Best of the Best at Walt Disney World. Once again, it revolves around food, and this time, it's the best "Bang for the Buck" meal on property, and it might not be where you’re thinking! One of Walt Disney World's Hidden Treasures can be found in Liberty Square, and has not only historical significance, but it's own interesting history and story behind it. This week's email segment has questions about the Treehouse Villas, Pop Century’s Legendary Years, medical care at WDW, leaving the kids at home while you play in Disney, a very special tree near Disney’s Animal Kingdom and more. I also introduce a new contest this week, where you have to use your eyes instead of your ears! Be sure to stay to the end for the outro and 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
Jun 3, 2007 • 1h 16min
WDW Radio Show # 17 - June 3, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #16 for the week of May 27, 2007. I'm back from Walt Disney World with my trip report and some wonderful information including some attraction and restaurant reviews, Cast Member stories, news and rumors, and some true "insider information" about something new coming to one of Walt Disney World's theme parks early next year. As this trip afforded me the chance to meet Jeff Pepper, whom you've heard on a number of segments with me, he will join me to talk about the trip and some of the experiences we shared along the way. There's a lot more to this report than just a summary of our trip, as we include our review of the Gran Fiesta Tour, a suggestion about how to possibly improve the ADR (Advanced Dining Reservations) system, some dining reviews, and introduce the first of a new "Hidden Treasures" segment, where we discuss the experience of an Illuminations Cruise. I also came back with an exclusive interview with Mark Seppala, Senior Design Manager for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. If you've ever purchased a souvenir, decoration, seasonal piece, home decorations, art or collectible, chances are he had a hand (literally) in creating it. He shares fascinating stories about his career at Disney, some of the legendary artists and animators he met, the process of creating merchandise and Disney pins, and even offers tips and suggestions for someone looking to join the Disney Design Group. Of course, I will cover this week's Walt Disney World News and Views, as well as take a trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where we look at some rumors about merchandise, FASTPASS, Soarin' and more. Be sure to stay tuned for some listener voicemails at the very end of the show. Thank you again for tuning in, and just 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
May 27, 2007 • 1h 43min
WDW Radio Show # 16 - May 27, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #16 for the week of May 27, 2007. I'm back from Walt Disney World with my trip report and some wonderful information including some attraction and restaurant reviews, Cast Member stories, news and rumors, and some true "insider information" about something new coming to one of Walt Disney World's theme parks early next year. As this trip afforded me the chance to meet Jeff Pepper, whom you've heard on a number of segments with me, he will join me to talk about the trip and some of the experiences we shared along the way. There's a lot more to this report than just a summary of our trip, as we include our review of the Gran Fiesta Tour, a suggestion about how to possibly improve the ADR (Advanced Dining Reservations) system, some dining reviews, and introduce the first of a new "Hidden Treasures" segment, where we discuss the experience of an Illuminations Cruise. I also came back with an exclusive interview with Mark Seppala, Senior Design Manager for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. If you've ever purchased a souvenir, decoration, seasonal piece, home decorations, art or collectible, chances are he had a hand (literally) in creating it. He shares fascinating stories about his career at Disney, some of the legendary artists and animators he met, the process of creating merchandise and Disney pins, and even offers tips and suggestions for someone looking to join the Disney Design Group. Of course, I will cover this week's Walt Disney World News and Views, as well as take a trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, where we look at some rumors about merchandise, FASTPASS, Soarin' and more. Be sure to stay tuned for some listener voicemails at the very end of the show. Thank you again for tuning in, and just 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
May 20, 2007 • 1h 29min
WDW Radio Show # 15 - May 20, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #15 for the week of May 20, 2007. With the popular Star Wars Weekends events at the Disney-MGM Studios rapidly approaching, I am joined this week by two Disney fans who share a love for Star Wars as well: Matt Hochberg and Jonathan Dichter, who come to to discuss the special events, celebrities, characters and merchandise, as well as planning for the weekend and tips for making the most out of the event. Listener Jarred Matthes was able to obtain an exclusive interview with Don Dorsey, creator of such musical events in Walt Disney World as the Main Street Electrical Parade and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. I received a phone call from Margaret "Tinker Bell" Kerry, who will be on board the Disney Magic with me this November for our Trivia Cruise. She'll join me on the show to invite you to come aboard with us, talk about some of the events she and I have planned for the cruise and more. Thank you again for tuning in, 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
May 13, 2007 • 1h 37min
WDW Radio Show # 14 - May 13, 2007 - Your Walt Disney World Information Station
Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #14 for the week of May 13, 2007. On this week's show, we'll start as always with some News & Views from Walt Disney World where I'll talk about some changes coming to some elements of the WDW transportation system as well as to FASTPASS. We'll also discuss some recent rumors that are now official, and on this week's trip to the Walt Disney World Rumor Mill, I'll talk about some rumors for an extinct attraction in the Magic Kingdom, the Leave a Legacy sculptures in Epcot, and more. Jeff Pepper joins me once again for a very detailed discussion of our next in the 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World. This time, we explore the history, trivia, architecture, changes and significance of a true iconic wonder - Cinderella Castle. We also discuss why it's a true wonder, as well as it's significance to so many people. At the end of this segment, I will announce the next entry in the 7 Wonders series, as I want to enlist your help and ask you to share your comments, thoughts and experiences via voicemail for an upcoming show. This will give you the chance to talk about something that I think we all agree is a truly magical part of Walt Disney World. A number of listener emails was the catalyst for this week's Best of the Best at Walt Disney World segment, as Pam Forrester from The Magic For Less Travel and I discuss the best resort strategies for parties of 4 or more when traveling to Walt Disney World. Speaking of your feedback, I'll answer more of your emails and play 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 at 206-202-4WDW. Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com.Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!
