The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

829 · Celebrate Happy: A Complete Guide to Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Something special is happening at Disneyland… It’s turning 70, and the year-long Celebrate Happy party is packed with magic, surprises, returning favorites, and history in the making. Join me and theme park journalist Carlye Wisel as we unlock what’s new, what’s back, and why you need to visit - from "Paint the Night" and "World of Color Happiness" to Duffy’s return, MagicBand+ secrets, incredible merchandise, interactive activities (and free souvenirs!), more than 70 new food items, the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, and much more!

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.

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. Wheth

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.

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 S

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

WDW Radio # 815 - EPCOT Festival of the Arts: Behind the Curtain Step 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.

WDW Radio # 814 - My Five Things in Disney I'm Looking Forward to in 2025 2025 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.

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

WDW Radio # 812 - Disney Treasure Review and Guide I invite you join us as we dive deep into Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, the Disney Treasure! We will uncover the magic, surprises, and innovations that set the Treasure apart - not just from her sister ship, the Disney Wish, but from the entire cruise industry. From immersive dining experiences to jaw-dropping spaces like the Haunted Mansion Parlor, discover how Disney raises the bar for storytelling and placemaking, dining and entertainment in this complete guide and review to everything you need to know about the Disney Treasure!

WDW Radio # 811 - Muppets, Monsters, and Lakeshore Lodge... LIVE! This week, we delve into some big news: the bittersweet closure of Muppet Vision 3D, the exciting arrival of Monstropolis at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and details about the new Lakeshore Lodge Resort coming to Walt Disney World. We also speculate on the future of the Muppets in the park, some of the details in the Monstropolis concept art, and what else might be coming... and going as we look to the past, present, and exciting future of the Disney Parks and resorts.  And this show is a little different, as it was recorded during this past week's WDW Radio LIVE show on Facebook and YouTube, so I was able to also react and respond to YOUR comments in the live chat, Please join me this and every Wed. at 7:30pm ET so you can be part of the community and conversation!

WDW Radio # 810 - The Future of Disney Cruise Line with Disney Signature Experiences President Thomas Mazloum This week, I'm excited to welcome Thomas Mazloum, President of Disney Signature Experiences, for a conversation about the future of Disney Cruise Line. We dive into the storytelling and design behind the Disney Treasure, Destiny, and Adventure, explore the bold vision for Disney’s global fleet expansion, and reveal how Disney is redefining family cruising around the world. From sneak peeks at new dining, entertainment, and destinations to behind-the-scenes insights on how these ships come to life, Thomas shares stories, inspiration, and details for Disney fans and travelers alike, and an incredible look at the magic ahead!