Disney At Work Podcast

Join us as we set sail from Port Canaveral on board the Fantasy ship of the Disney Cruise Line. For my wife and I this is our first voyage in two years and we'll give you the highlights of signing up, registering online, showing up at Port Canaveral, getting tested and finally boarding the ship. This is the first of our podcasts on revisiting the Disney Cruise Line. Join us!

Recently we had the opportunity to visit the new Snow White's Enchanted Wish at Disneyland, which replaces as a dark ride the previously titled Snow White's Scary Adventure. We look at the original version of this attraction, and how it was changed in 1984. We then compare the new experience today and note all of the individual scenes that have created for a "happily ever after" while still keeping many of the "scary" moments the attraction has been known for over the decades. This is the original dark ride for Snow White and it is a beloved attraction. With special effects and projections, this experience is more enchanting than ever.

There has recently been an intensified attention drawn on Disney CEO Bob Chapek in the last month. On one end of the spectrum, the CEO has been the subject of a petition on change.org to have him removed. As of the time of this writing, some 65,000 have signed. In truth, this petition was started a long time ago, but a week or so ago it got feverish attention where people signed in droves. Still that fever has temporarily subsided, and 65K worth of signatures isn't much to write your Disney board about even if a few bloggers shed light on it. Meanwhile on the other end of the spectrum, Rick Munnariz of The Motley Fool suggests that perhaps Chapek should be CEO of the year, given that he has pulled through a difficult pandemic and that stock has risen 38% since he came in. So is Bob Chapek man of the year or next to be fired? We look at a key issues that are working well, and several that are simply not. You decide where he should leave or you should by stock.

Recently I had the opportunity to do a date night with my wife at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Orlando has many choices as to where to dine. I don't do food reviews of places to eat. But when we choose to eat a table service meal at Walt Disney World we are looking for a dining experience, not a place to eat. This review is not a food review, it is a review of the dining experience. That experience was one of the poorest I have ever had at Walt Disney World. More than just sharing my love/hate relationship about this place, I want to suggest ways in which we can learn from that experience in serving customers in your own organization. So stay tuned to this channel as we present how Prime Time Cafe becomes more like Catastrophe Canyon.

It won't take long before you realize who has really made Halloween amazing at the Disney Parks. We look at both Walt Disney World's offering and Disneyland's offering to compare the two experiences. We look at theming, ambience, added attractions, entertainment, food and so much more. Even if you don't attend and pay for their exclusive parties, there's still Halloween goodness to be found. As we ready for this Halloween, we'll look at who does it best, as well as what could be improved.

Imagine you had a chance to visit the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in the days, weeks and months right after opening. What would it have been like? Together with legendary (but alive) Disney historian Jim Korkis we explore those earlier times. We talk about attractions that that have come and gone like the Greenhouse Flower Shop or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. We talk about entertainment like the Diamond Horseshoe Review, the Liberty Square Fife & Drum Corps and the Pearly Band. Remember the Mile Long Bar? Do you remember what sodas you could get that you can't get today? And then there's Scat Cat and his band from AristoCats. Join us as we head to the Magic Kingdom of the early 1970s, hear Jim's unique stories that we share on this the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World's dedication on October 25th. Oh...and what about that Tomorrowland Railroad station under construction? We share this and all the more and then invite you to share on Facebook with us what E-ticket ride would you go on if you h

David Zanolla and I get together to discuss Day Three in trying to deal with Genie. In particular, David is all over the idea of grabbing a few at the beginning of the day and then stacking the FastPasses towards the end of the day. We not only set off to do this at the Magic Kingdom--joining other resort guests at the start of their day, but then David later visits Disney's Hollywood Studios and even Epcot, utilizing lightning lane passes via Genie+ and select attractions. We look at how much time David has ended up saving and whether it was worth the amount of money he put into it. It's our best approach to hacking Genie and getting the best value possible.

Do you need Genie+? We explore what it's like in this Lightning Lane world of visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios without any of the cost extras that have been put in place in the Disney Parks. Our family gets in line for Rise of the Resistance, and enjoys a number of attractions, many of which are walk well before the park closes. This comes on the heals of having spent a day at Magic Kingdom using Genie+, where we share with you the ongoing saga of not even being able to book on the system.

We visit the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on the first day of the new Genie, Genie+ and Lightening Lane program. We look at what it involves to get it set up in the morning prior; we discuss the differences between booking at a hotel or off property; We look at some of the challenges in booking and whether you can book attractions at other parks whether it's with Genie+ or with select attractions. We look at wait times in the parks for those on standby and we have a showdown when you down't show up to a select attraction on time. Lots to share in this very busy, very different world led by Genie.

Part of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World was the premiere of Disney KiteTails at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We look at this surprisingly cute little offering, which includes two shows, one based on Disney's The Lion King and the other based on Disney's The Jungle Book. We also share other happenings going on throughout the park to include 50th anniversary offerings and more.

Many fans are aware of the Look and Life magazines which came out with covers and articles about the opening of Walt Disney World in October of 1971. Because it didn't have a cover photo, few have remembered Time Magazine's offering, and even less have referred to it. For me personally, it was the very first introduction to me of Walt Disney World in Florida. Its essay, maps and photos unfold little known details and insights of what the park was like on its opening days. From hatless Dumbos to roofless Mad Tea Parties; from Contemporary Hotel Construction to even a Tomorrowland train station. Here on the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World we're here to explore all of that, as well as relive what it was like for a ten year old boy studying this for the first time and dreaming about the possibilities of someday traveling to Orlando.

In the last hours of a weekday news cycle Disney chose to release further details around their new Genie+ product, which will launch on Tuesday, October 19th. That's a sign as to whether or not guests will be happy with what's being laid out before them. Along with David Zanolla, we study those details, to include pricing, availability to on-property and off-property guests (not to mention annual passholders) as we as what attractions will be included under Genie+ and what will be available for individual lightning lane purchase. We'll also compare it to the announcements made for Genie+ to be released at Disneyland. Is this something you will want to get when you visit next time? Join us and let's discuss what lies ahead. Join us at Disney at Play for podcast notes, charts and more! Make sure you visit with David when booking your next trip!

Disney has called Harmonious one of its most complex night-time spectaculars. In truth, Harmonious is ambitious. We look at how we got to this point in time, and examine the show in depth. We look at the song list for this show, and consider comparisons to the earlier Magic Kingdom fireworks show of Happily Ever After. We study all of the technical aspects that make up this show, and how it comes together. And then there is Beacons of Light: Epcot, which is a game changer and stands far apart from anything done at Epcot. This is a turning point in the re-development of this park and we'll look at what is working and how this is really one of the best shows Disney has ever created globally. Be sure to check out photos, videos and links at Disney at Play.

It's not a small thing when a new fireworks show appears at Walt Disney World, and with the 50th Golden Anniversary of Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom has a new show in the form of "Disney Enchantment". We talk about the entire experience of seeing the show for the first time on October 1st 2021, of the crowded conditions, and of the show itself. We'll look at its technical merits and importantly, the sound track of the show. We'll compare it to its predecessors, especially "Happily Ever After", and we'll look at its pre-show Beacons of Light. This is the capstone experience for the Magic Kingdom on its 50th anniversary. How does it measure up? You can see videos of both the Beacons of Light show and the fireworks at Disney at Play.

We are here on the morning of Walt Disney World's 50th Golden Anniversary at the Magic Kingdom. Here we have a chance to see the new welcome Cinderella Castle Show. We have a chance to see the head of Walt Disney Attractions Josh D'Amaro and visit with Jeff Vahle who is head of the Walt Disney World Resort. We check in with several woman who were hosted the original preview center. We check in on all the lands to see opening day attractions that were here in 1971. It's a full day and we present it via both video and podcast.

Tomorrow Walt Disney World will begin its celebration of it's 50th Golden Anniversary with an 18 month celebration. When you come to visit, what will you see? We'll cover all of the happenings in the parks with attractions, entertainment, decor, food & beverage and more. We'll also examine what isn't happening, what is missing in action. Is it possible that Disney will announce and premiere other offerings over the next 18 months? We'll look at that and much, much more as we canvas Walt Disney World's offering for the 50th anniversary, and prepare for October 1st.

In a space nestled between competing Disney California Adventure attractions, Disney Imagineering has created an entirely new place devoted to the Marvel super heroes. Avengers Campus is truly a unique themed land, with impressive rides, attractions and other offerings. We will look closely at this campus setting, explore its two major attractions, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! and Web Slingers: A Spiderman Adventure. As the Avengers assemble on campus we'll look at a host of entertainment offerings featuring Spiderman, Dr. Strange, Dora Milage and Guardians of the Galaxy. We'll also look at food & beverage options as well as retail and much more. Join us on Disney at Play as we experience Avengers Campus.  

With one week to go prior to Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary, we talk about what's new as the resort prepares ahead. We begin at Epcot with a look at the new Club Cool and Celebrations Shop. The Space 220 Restaurant has also opened. Should you go see it? We see statues at all four parks, and in the case of Disney's Hollywood Studios, it may suggest the future of Voyage of the Little Mermaid. All this happens as Rise of the Resistance moves from a virtual queue to a standby queue in advance of Genie+. Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom Primeval Whirl faces its own extinction while Finding Nemo the Musical is delayed for a remodeling. Finally, good news as "Let the Magic Begin" park opening ceremony at Cinderella Castle returns on October 1st, along with a new float to the Electrical Water Pageant. Photos and videos at our Disney at Play website as well. Check it out!

While I've grown up with Disneyland and have visited throughout so many years, it's been two years since I last visited. My return was a much needed one that was marked with simple charms and a beautiful park. It was filled with Disney characters making surprise visits to beautiful flower gardens spread throughout to churros at every turn. Timeless and beloved attractions awaited us as well as experiences new to us. We revisit Galaxy's edge after two years and check out construction going on in Toontown. Our four days in the parks did not provide us a chance to see everything and relive all that we have enjoyed prior. Join us as we step through not only Disneyland but Disney California Adventure where we check out the new Mickey's PhilarMagic and the Coco Celebration.

We come to you live from Disneyland where we bring you insights on the issues and concerns with visiting the Disneyland Resort in this unique time. We look at opportunities in pricing and availability of airfares and hotels. WE offer lessons learned when it comes to transportation when visiting the greater Los Angeles area. All of this suggests where you may want to stay when you're visiting. With this we also look at ticketing, reservations, parking, security as well as virtual queues to both Rise of the Resistance and to Web Slingers: A Spiderman Adventure. There compare these processes to the ones at Walt Disney World. We also note the challenges that face those utilizing Mobile Ordering for their meals. Should you visit? Definitely--but you want to know some important things before you go, and this podcast tackles those issues.