Disney At Work Podcast

There is much on Disney+ that not only teaches us about what matters most in life, but what works at work! This week Pixar released a new series of shorts that center around the work life of Monsters Inc. This humorous adventure shows how change occurs when the product being produced goes from scares to laughs. It's particularly impactful on a new employee who planned his whole life to work at Monsters Inc., but now finds himself in the maintenance department when he no longer can use his strengths he forged in screaming. It's a great little satire about how organizations must be agile to change. At the same time, another Disney+ offering showcases life at Pixar itself, and how some problematic trends in developing a dominant number of male characters became noticed by a front line worker, Jessica Heidt, assigned to manage script documentation. This too offers tremendous insight as to the culture of Pixar and how it is working to move its internal culture forward in positive and impactful ways. Be sure to c

What would you think about doing a one night's stay at Disney's Art of Animation Resort to include a visit to see Epcot's fireworks return for the first time in 15 months! That was the goal of our short Walt Disney World staycation. From there, just about everything went south--more than you could expect to happen in less than 24 hours. Did we mention two adult autistic children and one brand new grandchild visiting for the first time? We don't usually do trip reviews, but this one not only stands out but probably offers a couple of important lessons for everyone else planning on visiting. Good news--there's a Happily Ever After Ending, but it comes two nights later. Be sure to connect with Disney at Play for the lessons we learned from this staycation nightmare!

It's been busy here as we've been working to help organizations in their efforts to be world-class. But that gives us an opportunity to share a client experience I had while at Walt Disney World this last week. In this Disney at Work podcast, where we share lessons from the Happiest and most Magical Places on Earth, we talk about customer expectations, exceeding them, and building positive perceptions from negative ones. We do this in the setting of Topolino's Terrace--found on the top of Disney's new Riviera Resort. It's the perfect setting to not only discuss expectations, but to consider it in context of Disney's Vacation Club, and how it is a contrast to tradition time-share industry approaches. Join us for this Disney at Work podcast! You can find the Disney at Work post for this podcast here! If you want to take your organization to the next level, join us at Walt Disney World or at Disneyland Resort for our upcoming business programs. Both events are in 2021. Contact us to learn more. We also provide

Big announcements came out today all tied to Walt Disney World's 50th Golden Celebration. Beyond announcing an opening date for HarmoniUS, Disney has announced a new nighttime show for the Magic Kingdom, as well as a new daytime show to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Additionally, new entertainment and offerings will complement the entire Walt Disney World celebration. And then there's new books being offered for this event. But what is missing in action? What significant offerings are not yet outlined for Disney's 50th, and will it feel like the Walt Disney World we have all come to love without those shows and experiences?   See the photos, videos and links at Disney at Play.

We have a busy update that takes us from the Parking lot of the Magic Kingdom, on a masked monorail ride to the park, and then through all the six lands to see all the things happening in the park. We see where masks are no longer required, and we get a sense of what that feels like when waiting in a busy line for attractions. That attraction is the Jungle Cruise where we check out new additions being added to this world-famous experience. From there we check out what else is gone, and what's been added through the parks, to include places that are still closed and locations that are full of guests. Is attendance strong at Walt Disney World? We discuss that question in this update. We look at Tron's progress and then ride the PeopleMover at night to see a bright and colorful Tomorrowland at night. In the evening glow of Cinderella Castle we talk about fireworks returning to the Magic Kingdom on July 1st as well as to Epcot. Join us in this evening stroll through the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

In the last week news has spread world-wide of parks, attractions, resorts and restaurants re-opening while COVID regulations are reduced. We go from Walt Disney World to Disneyland to across the globe and even to the Disney Cruise Line to hear what's now happening, what's coming shortly in the months to come, and what's still waiting to return. From renovated attractions to new shows to Halloween events to even fireworks we look at how the parks are quickly starting to look like--the parks! We even talk new details about the new private island being reconfirmed by Disney Cruise Line this week. This is one busy post and podcast as we look at how Disney's doors have blown wide open. See additional notes, drawings and photos at Disney at Play.

The success of The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is due to so many things--among them polished performers, amazing technical effects, and a tie to a great film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. That film has its own story around trust, but the show at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World wouldn't have come together if it wasn't for Jerry Rees, who took a stunt show and made it into something both epic and spectacular. We look at how that came to be, and in Disney's trust in Jerry's ability to make movie magic come to life. But the story doesn't end there, as this is a show that involves real stunt performers doing things that are actually dangerous--even fatal. We look at that reality, and it's own repercussions. It's a story that suggests how important trust is to creating success not just in a world of make believe, but in the real world itself. You can find images, links, souvenirs and other notes in our post on Disney at Work.

Did you know there are only two Disney intellectual properties that can be found as an attraction in every Magic Kingdom style park around the world. It's not Star Wars or Marvel. It isn't Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid or even Frozen. In fact, neither were blockbuster hits, and the one we're studying in this post and podcast failed in the box office. One is Dumbo with it's symbolic spinner style. But the other surprisingly is Alice in Wonderland. Five of the six parks have spinning cups but many of them have attractions that are beyond that. And some have multiple retail or food & beverage experiences. Parades, entertainment and other offerings showcase Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and more. We'll get into the rabbit holes of all these places to understand this creative Disney property. We'll go across the globe to see how this unique Disney film has been retold in parks near and far. In celebration of your Un-Birthday, join us as we share Alice in Wonderland: A Disney Park Compariso

This week on Disney at Work we have the good pleasure of being joined by Kim and Mac Cantrell who works with companies and leaders in creating organizational excellence. At the heart of this has been some recent experiences of Kim and Mac at Walt Disney World. We look at the link between leadership and creating a strong customer service brand via a customer-focused culture. We discuss not only Disney, but other organizations like Chick fil-A, Ritz-Carlton, Publix and others. Join us for this insightful look at what makes organizations great! You can see more about Kim and Mac, as well as take advantage of our complimentary souvenirs for your organization when you visit the post for this podcast at Disney at Work.

On October 15th, 1971, the world saw some of the first images of Walt Disney World as they spread across the pages of Life Magazine. We provide a deep dive of those pages and show you how the Vacation Kingdom of the World was first presented in this weekly news article. Here we'll study who was present when 1,500 Cast Members gathered together in front of Cinderella Castle. We'll look at the original Disney characters and parades that appeared at the time. We'll explore the significance of attractions like The Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree. At the center we'll also take a close look at what exactly the Magic Kingdom looked like from the air only a day or two after the park opened on October 1st. With the approaching anniversary of Walt Disney World, we examine more closely 50 years of magic. Be sure to check out the photos from Life Magazine found in our Disney at Play post.

Disneyland fans living outside the state of California have now been given the chance to come visit the "Happiest Place on Earth". We look at what that involves then turn our attention toward other magical happenings occurring at the Anaheim Resort. As Avengers Campus prepares to open we look at how players can advance their gaming success--for a price. At Snow White's newly refurbished and named Enchanted Wish, we learn of details and behind-the-scenes insights. We also learn of the Jungle Cruise new date for re-opening, and how this attraction ties-or doesn't tie-to the new film staring Dwayne Johnson. We finish off with Brandy's new single Princess hit, being launched at Disneyland as part of the Ultimate Princess Celebration. It's a big Disneyland update you won't want to miss!

When out-of staters think about visiting Orlando theme parks in the summer, they might think about hurricanes. While that's a factor in our discussion, the reality of summer is not so much your next hurricane but the daily grind of heat, humidity and thunderstorms. These factors more than any can affect the enjoyment of your next Central Florida vacation. We look at what months of the year it's hot, and what months its worse than hot. We look at practical choices you can make to get through the day, and we look at your best options for fun in the sun. With nearly 30 years of Florida living, plus a one-time career in managing water parks, let me share with you the realities and practicalities of dealing with the heat, humidity and thunder storm craziness that is Central Florida. You can find the post with this podcast as well as links, images, and more at Disney at Play.

We provide you this week a whirlwind tour of Epcot as we stroll a mask-free World Showcase. The International Flower & Garden Festival is still very much in bloom with butterflies, food & more. We check out the new Gelateria Toscana in Italy. Is it as good as L'Artisan des Glaces in France or as a sundae at Beaches & Cream? Morocco is closed or under the knife in many places. We look at what's happening and what could happen (yes, this is a pitch for Sinbad's Storybook Voyage). The Skyliner is closing in January for refurbishment, Spaceship Earth is getting lights installed and progress continues with HarmoniUS. We check out the reinstalled audio animatronics at Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros and we talk about hiring going on for Space 220. All this and much, much more on this Epcot update!

After more than a year of being closed to the public, the most favorite entertainment show at Walt Disney World has reopened. Yes! The King has Returned! We look at the reopening of Festival of the Lion King to understand what is different about this revised show while exploring what has made it so special from the beginning. Along the way, we note the absence of the guest participation scenes (it's alright, you should already know what sound a giraffe makes by now) as well as the missing monkeys. Plus changes in choreography, especially in the romantic ballad, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight". Still, there's plenty of color, music, dance and spectacles as this Disney Animal Kingdom favorite returns. You can also see the show completely without commentary The reopening of the Festival of the Lion King.

We are at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World on the first day that masks are no longer required while outside on the streets of the park. We are here to capture that experience and show you what it looks like when boarding resort transportation, visiting attractions and experiencing retail. We'll take you through the queue of Big Thunder Mountain as well as Peter Pan's Flight, where we will mask up to take a ride through Neverland. All this plus lots of insights about what is happening currently in the parks. Join us for this visit through the Magic Kingdom!

We bring you sudden breaking news from Disney today that Masks are no longer required--or are at least optional--throughout all of Walt Disney World including the theme parks and Disney Springs. We also share that Disney has added additional reservation slots for those staying at select hotels and those purchasing theme park tickets. We cover these two announcements and the context behind them. Join us! This builds on our previous podcast, so check that out as well as it suggests what implications may be in store with these announcements.

In the last 24 hours sweeping news was announced by the CDC that profoundly impacts the path for completely removing all COVID restraints in Disney Parks and the Disney Cruise Line. To that end, Bob Chapek in the quarterly report call yesterday made significant comments that suggested that masks might be removed at Walt Disney World by summer. While news continues to evolve rapidly, we examine what's going on and what's behind these announcements. We project what it means and how you may want to consider your next trip to Disney. We offer the most comprehensive coverage possible on all of this, so join us for this milestone podcast.

We canvas every corner of Disney's Hollywood Studios in this week's update where we see how this Walt Disney World park is still very much under the influence of a pandemic. From attractions and entertainment; from dining to shops to even park services we look at some 40 offerings that are still closed to guests. This is why guest crowds look as large as they do when in truth the attendance is still hovering around 35%. You can see it as we start in the parking lot how many empty spaces there are, and with those lower crowds, operations has suspended a large part of its operation. What do you still miss at Disney's Hollywood Studios? Are you ready to come back, when the park has not completely re-opened? While there are fantastic attractions--and even new lands and experiences ahead for guests, we explore what is still missing in action. You can see our YouTube video of this on our channel J. Jeff Kober. A complete list and more can be found on our Disney at Play website.

Are you ready to return to Disneyland? After observing the first week of Disneyland's reopening, we offer ten smart tips for how to manage your next visit to Disneyland. These insights will help you to not only navigate your stay at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, but will offer you thoughts on when you may want to pull the lever and head to Anaheim. These same principles are also important ones to remember as well if visiting Walt Disney World or any other Disney theme park in the months to come as COVID comes to a close. Get ready to relive the magic of visiting the "Happiest Place on Earth" as we share 10 tips for returning to Disneyland.

Starting from the Ticket and Transportation Center we share news about all things happening at the parks, especially here at the Magic Kingdom. To dropping fever checks to new paint and final touches, the Magic Kingdom is preparing for its 50th anniversary. We hear from the Dapper Dans and check out Mickey in his character cavalcade in front of Cinderella Castle, where all the finishing touches have been placed. We check out the new mobile ordering at Aloha Isle, Friar Tucks and Sleepy Hollow, plus talk about upcoming Halloween announcements. We visit Pinocchio's Village Haus with new food items and then take in "it's a small world" where we share little known facts about this attraction. Of course no update would be complete without a check on Tron construction and our ever popular PeopleMover. There's a lot being covered in today's update, come join us!