Disney At Work Podcast

In almost two weeks my wife and I will be heading to Europe. For my wife this is her first trip as we see the United Kingdom and France. For me it is a returning trip, but as it relates to visiting Disneyland Paris, it has been some 17 years since I last visited. I'm anticipating this trip and excited to not only take in all that is precious and beautiful about this park, but to be able to see things I haven't had a chance to see before. I'll walk through both the Disneyland Paris park and the Walt Disney Studios park to outline places that are new that I haven't taken in before--even places you may have never heard of. I'll also talk about the resort end of the experience. Plus, I'll discuss things some really wonderful things I may be missing as a part of this experience, because I was too late, or too early (i.e. Avengers Campus).

I was fortunate to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind during previews at Epcot, and so I'm excited to share the entire experience with you. We'll go in depth on the entire layout of this attraction, and without really sharing too many details of the story, what you'll experience as you move throughout. This has an impressive queue, but nothing holds a light when it comes to the ride experience. We'll talk about why this is really a fantastic roller coaster experience. We'll compare it to other attractions not only Epcot but at Walt Disney World and even beyond. Moreover, I'll discuss how it compares to Tron Light Cycles coming to the Magic Kingdom. Having done both, I'm excited to share my insights on what works and what doesn't and why you want to put Guardians of the Galaxy on your next Walt Disney World Epcot visit.

The press event for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was held this week. As part of that event, announcements were made about World Celebration & Discovery. Want to know what all that construction was about in the center of former Future World at Epcot? Well, despite ambiguous imagery, it appears we've been given a clearer view of what is coming to the heart of this Walt Disney World Resort. park We'll take a look at the details. As such, we'll look at what is the new festival center coming, Communicore, as well as a much more expanded Moana gardens than previously showcased. At least, that's what the drawings show. So let's see what is coming to a big chunk of Epcot and what it will look like. We'll share all the details we've uncovered, and we'll overview what we don't know.

A centerpiece dining experience has been unveiled at Epcot this last week. Connections, located next to Creations (the gift shop), sits in what is ultimately to become World Celebration. This is the former Electric Umbrella, and before the Stargate Restaurant. But now it's much bigger, brighter, and fortunately tastier. It is two sided with one side dedicated to being a counter service restaurant, and the other side being a Starbucks cafe. I've had a chance during the last week to visit on three occasions, to include a shared visit with John Frost, owner of The Disney Blog, and a terrific friend. We connect (it's Connections after all) to look at a number of dishes and to talk all things Epcot. I also had a chance to visit with my daughter and later with my wife, and I share some of the culinary experiences we had to include not only the food, but the Cast, setting and processes. Join us as we review the dining experience at Epcot's Connections Cafe & Eatery.

Resort with his wife and child. What makes this Disneyland trip review interesting is that while Cameron grew up on in the shadows of Walt Disney World, it had been over 20 years since he went to Disneyland for the first and only time. It was only months after Disney California Adventure first opened. He shares his Walt Disney World experience, recalls his first memories of the Disneyland Resort, and then discusses what he loved about the California resort, and how it compares to his home turf at Disneyland. We'll also talk about what's happening in the parks now as new shows and construction are underway. Join us as we experience Disneyland yesterday and today!

In recent days and weeks the Florida state legislature led by Governor Ron DeSantis has sought to end the Reedy Creek Improvement District, an independent governing body that provides regulatory control and support to The Walt Disney World Resort. Currently, the elephant does not seem afraid of the mouse, and it's looking to stomp on it if possible. There are many people chiming in and various reports being filed as to what might happen should it be implemented next June. We bring to the table some questions we think should be asked and what the ramifications might be. We make simple what this is all about, talk about whether it's really going to happen, and more importantly, how it might affect your next visit to Florida. Join us in this podcast as we talk about Walt Disney World's Reedy Creek Improvement District: Questions, Facts & Uncertainty.

Diabetes is a real challenge for millions of people, and yet, how do you make it workable at the happiest places on earth? We are joined by David Zanolla who shares with us the challenges that Diabetics face when they are in the Disney Parks. We look at how he and others have taken that issue and made the experience not only workable, but as a place to enjoy. Where to go, what to eat, and how to monitor your energy level as you embrace a big day at the parks? Will cover that and much, much more. Join us at Disney at Play as we find out how to do Disney as a Diabetic.

In 2014 I penned a post on Disney at Work about the 10 things I love about Disney's Hollywood Studios. At the time, the park was celebrating its 25th anniversary. I cover that original list and explain what I was feeling at that time during that major milestone event. But much has happened in the eight years since, and I'm here with a new list that has some old favorites and new delights. How do they compare? Number 2 on the new list may very well surprise you. Find out for yourself! Join us in celebrating 10 things I love about Disney's Hollywood Studios.

In our last Disney at Play podcast we spoke of Pleasure Island and it's offerings. We talked about the clubs, the food & beverage, retail and other entertainment. And we spoke about how it came to be and how it competed against Orlando's Church Street Station. In this podcast we look at how well the concept was accepted, and how initially the nighttime venue failed to deliver. We talk about how Michael Eisner's own Funmeister turned the club around, and created what was a fairly successful venue for well over a decade. Then we talk about what factors ultimately led to the end of Pleasure Island. Join us in this podcast for what saved and killed Pleasure Island.

We return to our multi-part series on the heritage of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. In this podcast we look at the advent of Pleasure Island. Here we look at its history since opening in 1989 adjacent to the Walt Disney World Village. Running next to the Empress Lilly this attraction took on the role of competing against Church Street Station in downtown Orlando. We look at the attractions, restaurants and shops that were part of this experience, and we bring you personal memories of the Pleasure Island in its hey day, both as an annual pass holder, and also as a Cast Member at Walt Disney World. Finally, we visit the downfall of this attraction, and why it no longer exists today.

When Walt Disney recalls the making of his first park, Disneyland, he spoke of days when he sat on a bench eating peanuts. There's a reason they call it a park. This podcast explores the joy of just that. When at Walt Disney World there's nothing like grabbing a favorite snack and enjoying a park bench. We explore those options from Magic Kingdom to Disney's Animal Kingdom, from churros to cupcakes. Consider these choices as you explore a more leisurely approach to enjoying a day at the Vacation Kingdom to the World. It's seats and snacks: Walt Disney World's Best Park Bench & Goody Combinations.

In our previous podcast, Part I, we chronicled two years of a pandemic that was highlighted by Covid, the Black Lives Movement, and the Presidential Certification by Congress. Titled similarly, this podcast is Part II, but is now called the hastening fall of Bob Chapek, not the long fall. We now move into the last three months of 2023, which in some ways has been nearly as turbulent as the preceding two years. Decisions in years past to support Republican members of the Florida Legislature have come back to haunt Disney as Governor DeSantis has sought to sign into law a bill referred by many as "Don't Say Gay". We will make sense of all of these events, and why they have unravelled the way they have. We will revisit the role of Bob Chapek as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and how an organization that promises to be more active in matters of diversity, equity and inclusion can at times be so far away from the goal. And finally, as this is a Disney at Work podcast, we'll offer some thoughts as to what these ev

Two years ago this month Walt Disney World and Disneyland closed its gates. As events were unfolding world-wide Bob Chapek was named the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, replacing Bob Iger. While some highlights stand out, it has been a painful experience for most involved during this time period. Much of this has been played out not just during a time of Covid, but during a time frame that stretches from awareness that Black Lives Matter to the present "Don't Say Gay" legislation happening. In this we not only look at whether Chapek is the "right fit" as CEO, but we address how an organization that promises to be more active in matters of diversity, equity and inclusion can at times be so far away from the goal. Join us on this podcast: The Slow Fall of Bob Chapek, and Disney's Long Road to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. This is Part I. Part II will be available in the next few days. You can see an outline of all this on DisneyatWork.com

I announced in a post/podcast in December six missing Disney resort hotel options. One of them was announced this week. Disney Vacation Club will build additional villas at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. We look at the announcement and then discuss the pros and cons of this addition, as well as the general response. This addition means that we're saying goodbye to the luau, which has practically been here since opening day. We'll look at its history and heritage. We also had the opportunity to dine at Ohana yesterday. Ohana currently means Family dining, and we'll look at that experience as well. Join us at this tropical hideaway as we explore Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

It's Spring at Epcot and that means the International Flower & Garden Festival is well underway. We'll bring you our three favorite gardens, topiaries and culinary kiosks. But then there's much more as we look at whether you get the bang for your buck with Genie+. Is this park worth it? What about getting an exclusive Lightning Lane option for Ratatouille? Can you do this? Or is there another way to get in without the long wait? We then move beyond Genie+ to discuss what's come back to Epcot, what's still not present in Epcot, and importantly, the status of attractions promised to the park--are they coming or are they not? Finally, we'll end with Epcot's best lunchtime secret. Something I had no idea of! So stay tuned.

It's now been a few weeks since guests to include publicists, podcasters and bloggers have experienced Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. What was excitement originally turned 180 degrees just months before the premiere of this new cruise-style experience. Reviewing the reports of at least ten who have visited, we take a look at everything from the arrival to visiting Batuu; from the cabins to the culinary choices. Is this something you would want to do, and are you willing pay what seems to be a very steep fee to visit. In all of this we consider what are your choices for your money and how they stand relative to visiting the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. Spoiler alert. While I have not yet personally been on this experience, I will share key components and events. If you're going to spend the money, you should know what you are and are not getting for what is the ultimate interactive theater experience.

It's been a while since we dedicated an update to Disney's Animal Kingdom. From the parking lot to Maharajah Jungle Trek, we catch up on this vast and entertaining park. Included is a conversation about whether Fox's Ice Age would ever be a right fit for the park. We talk about what's still missing from the park, and what's not. Have you heard about the 50th anniversary Gold Coins? We visit Mombassa gift shop in Africa to check it out. And we explore some of the park's simplest pleasures as I get to take my granddaughter to the park for the first time. So join us as we re-explore Disney's Animal Kingdom here at Walt Disney World.

In an earlier podcast, we spoke about some of the great things happening technology wise at Disney, even as it relates to IT. We'll look at real challenges Disney is facing and how they have consistently struggled with making improvements, adopting innovation, or working across the board instead of in silos. We'll consider how organizations like Disney are re-looking at whether they should have a dedicated IT department at all. And we'll explore options for Disney to get this right moving forward. Remember, when we talk about the primary thing that upsets Disney guests and fans more than any one thing--Genie+, it's a paid product centered around technology. And yet this may be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to technology. Technology matters at Disney, and Disney has to turn it around--especially if it wants to go into the metaverse. Key notes and links are available for this podcast on Disney at Work. Please subscribe!

This week Disney announces a new business segment to their Disney Signature Experience. Called Storyliving by Disney, and it is a set of planned communities with a Disney-designed aesthetic and customer service experience. Bloggers and others are referring to it in the same way Epcot was initially thought conceived by Walt himself, which it is not--nor does Disney draw that comparison. It is also being compared to Celebration and Golden Oak, which does have some shared similarities. In truth the relationship here is more like Arvida, a company Disney purchased in the 1980's, and whose organization eventually evolved into the Disney Development Company. We'll walk through all of this, and then explore what is Cotino, the first of these master-planned communities being built in the Coachella Valley area, near Palm Springs. We'll look at its amenities and features. Will you visit and perhaps live in Cotino? Let's find out on this next Disney at Play podcast.

January and February were always weeks where Epcot seemed especially dead. But Epcot's International Festival of the Arts has not only helped fill the park, it's become a classic of its own. From the rainbow colored lights of Spaceship Earth to the sights and sounds of Disney on Broadway at the American Gardens Theatre, we explore what's new and what's returned to this annual event. We talk about progress on projects around Epcot to include the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy coaster. We also deep dive many of the dishes offered during the festival, and we explore what's up with this whole Figment popcorn bucket. If you are still planning on attending in the little time remaining, or if you are looking at this possibility in the future, check out this podcast where we give you the inside scoop. And we look ahead to what's happening with the International Flower & Garden Festival coming up shortly. You can see links to videos, photos and more at Disney at Play. Subscribe! Also, check out our YouTube sit