WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!-logo

WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!

Arts & Culture Podcasts

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

Location:

United States

Description:

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

Language:

English


Episodes
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856 · I Just Got Off a Call With Disney’s New CEO, Josh D’Amaro

2/9/2026
856 · I Just Got Off a Call With Disney’s New CEO, Josh D’Amaro... Disney just named only its ninth CEO in more than 100 years, and days later, I found myself on a video call with Disney’s new CEO, Josh D’Amaro. In this episode, I share what that on-the-record conversation revealed about Josh’s leadership style, his Josh D’Amaro Disney CEO leadership vision, and his commitment to remaining accessible to fans and Cast Members even as his role expands. We talk about why so many people feel a personal connection to Josh, and how that authenticity shapes the way he leads. We also explore why the pairing of Josh as CEO and Dana Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer may be one of the most important structural decisions Disney has made since the Bob Iger era - and why this leadership design matters more than the title change itself. We discuss what this moment means for Disney Parks, storytelling, technology, Cast Members, and the Disney fan community, and why this doesn’t feel like a simple succession, but the beginning of a more unified Disney. This is an honest, thoughtful look at the Josh D’Amaro Disney CEO leadership vision and why it could redefine how Disney shows up as one company, everywhere we experience it. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as...

Duration:01:23:31

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855 · Tony Baxter, Figment, and the Art of Imagination at Disney

1/26/2026
855 · Tony Baxter, Figment, and the Art of Imagination at Disney How did Figment become one of the most beloved and enduring symbols in Disney Parks history? Disney Legend Tony Baxter reflects on Figment, imagination, and creative legacy in a rare conversation recorded at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts. Joined by Michael Young, CEO of Disney Fine Art, this episode explores how Disney art and storytelling connect generations of fans. Tony Baxter is one of the most influential creative leaders in Disney theme park history. Over his decades at Walt Disney Imagineering, he helped shape iconic experiences including Journey Into Imagination, Figment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Splash Mountain, and the creative vision behind Disneyland Paris. In this episode, Tony looks back on imagination as the emotional heart of EPCOT, the mentors who shaped his creative philosophy, and the personal artwork he created years before many of his most famous Disney projects ever existed. He also shares what he hopes fans feel when they live with a piece of Disney art in their home. Lou is also joined by Michael Young, who offers insight into Disney Fine Art’s role in preserving artistic legacy, curating storytellers across generations, and why Disney art is about far more than what hangs on a wall. This is a conversation about imagination, mentorship, legacy, and the enduring emotional connection Disney fans have with art and storytelling. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker

Duration:00:50:55

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854 · Disney In or Out - Pick a Side on These Disney Debates

1/21/2026
What if there was no right or wrong answer…only where you stand? 854 · Disney In or Out - Pick a Side on These Disney Debates In this episode of Disney In or Out, we have a fast-paced, passionate conversation about the Disney topics fans love to debate. From Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Magic Kingdom attractions to Marvel after Avengers Endgame, we explore the Disney debates fans care about most and why they strike such an emotional chord. This is Disney In or Out at its best - thoughtful, fun, nostalgic, and unapologetically opinionated. I'm joined by Lisa Dinoto Glassner and Matthew Woolley, and our conversation also takes a thoughtful turn into Disney leadership, as we explore what comes after Bob Iger and whether Disney’s future might depend on rethinking how the CEO role itself is structured. It's not about being right… it’s about why we as Disney fans care so deeply, and what our opinions reveal about nostalgia, storytelling, and the future of Disney. And the best part is that you can play along, pick your side, and share your take in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or on the voicemail. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:01:16:42

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853 · Disneyland Handcrafted Review and Interview with Leslie Iwerks

1/12/2026
853 · Disneyland Handcrafted Review and Interview with Leslie Iwerks Disneyland has been analyzed and celebrated for decades. But Disneyland Handcrafted shows us something far more rare. How the park was actually built. This week, I sit down with Academy Award nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks for a deep conversation about her new documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted, followed by my review and thoughtful discussion with Adam Bankhurst from IGN after attending the world premiere on the Walt Disney Studios lot. We talk about unseen archival footage, Walt, the pressure of building Disneyland in less than a year, and the craftsmen and builders whose hands shaped the park we know today. This is not nostalgia. It’s history, risk, and belief in motion. 🎧 What you’ll hear: 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of...

Duration:01:15:09

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852 · The State of the Disney Parks: What 2025 Changed and Why 2026 Matters

1/4/2026
852 · The State of the Disney Parks: What 2025 Changed and Why 2026 Matters If you had to describe Disney in 2025 and what it means for 2026, what word would you choose? 2025 wasn’t a year defined by massive new attractions. Instead, it was a year of movement, transition, and emotional goodbyes. Lands closed. Atmospheres shifted. Comfort gave way to construction. And for many fans, it felt like Disney was asking us to trust what comes next. This is not simply another 2025 Disney year in revue and look ahead to or predictions for 2026. This week, we have a very honest, thoughtful conversation about Disney in 2025 and what it means for 2026. We look at what closed, what opened, what surprised us emotionally, and why this year may end up being one of the most important setup years in Disney history. We also explore what Disney needs to deliver in 2026 to make all of this feel worth it. Join the conversation, share your memories, and be part of the WDW Radio community. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:01:52:00

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851 · D23 and the Future of Disney Fandom with Michael Vargo

12/15/2025
851 · D23 and the Future of Disney Fandom with Michael Vargo What is D23 today - and what will it become in the years ahead? This week, Lou Mongello is joined by Michael Vargo, Head of Disney’s D23, for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of D23, the future of Disney fandom, and what fans can expect in 2026 and beyond. From the return of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim to expanded global experiences, digital storytelling, milestone celebrations, and unprecedented access behind the scenes, this episode explores how D23 continues to bring Disney fans closer to the magic - and to each other. Join me and the WDW Radio family for the 19th Annual Morgan & Morgan Walk for Wishes on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. One easy mile for Make-A-Wish, with food, entertainment, and more! Learn more and register at WDWRadio.com/WalkForWishes. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:00:55:48

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850 · Disney Q&A: Hidden Magic & Helpful Advice

12/8/2025
850 · Disney Q&A: Hidden Magic & Helpful Advice What Disney question have you always wanted answered? This week, we try something brand new as we answer a wide variety of your Disney listener questions and tips in a fresh, fun, and faster format. We talk about the choices you face when planning your next Disney adventure. We look at Disney Cruise Line decisions like the Destiny vs. the classic ships, the things we wish Disney would bring back, the experiences we think are underrated, our favorite dining rooms at sea, the best souvenirs we have ever taken home, and the tiny details in the parks that bring us joy. More than that, we talk about why these questions matter and how your stories and messages continue to shape the heart of the WDW Radio community. If you love learning, exploring, planning, laughing, and discovering something new each time you visit a park or a ship, this is for you. And if you have your own thoughts or questions, I would love to hear from you. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:01:00:14

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849 · My Five Hidden Dining Gems at Walt Disney World

11/30/2025
849 · My Five Hidden Dining Gems at Walt Disney World Walt Disney World is packed with incredible food, but some of the very best meals hide in the places guests walk right past. This week, we’re digging into My Five Overlooked Dining Locations at Walt Disney World, including tucked away lounges, lakeside escapes, and resort restaurants that deliver amazing food without the rush or the reservation scramble. You’ll hear why these five locations stood out, what makes them special, and how they bring value, atmosphere, and some surprisingly bold flavors. We’ll head from Disney Springs to the resorts and even inside the parks to uncover spots offering everything from global street food flavors to waterfront comfort dishes. Whether you’ve been visiting for years or planning your very first Disney vacation, these overlooked gems might help you discover a new favorite meal. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:00:41:45

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848 · How to Walk Smarter and Feel Better at Walt Disney World

11/24/2025
848 · How to Walk Smarter and Feel Better at Walt Disney World Long days in the Disney parks are magical… but they’re also full of walking, standing, heat, excitement, and unexpected moments that can leave you feeling drained before the fireworks even start. This week, I’m joined by a doctor of physical therapy to talk about practical tips to help you feel better all day at Walt Disney World. We explore simple, science-based habits you can use before, during, and even after your trip to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and energized throughout the day. From footwear and hydration to stretching, pacing, mindset, and even daily habits, these are easy ways to help every member of your family enjoy more of the magic. Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, grandparents, first-timers, or tackling a full rope-drop-to-fireworks adventure, these insights can help you feel your best. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:00:55:06

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847 · Top Ten Reasons You Need to Cruise on Disney Destiny

11/19/2025
847 · Top Ten Reasons You Need to Cruise on Disney Destiny Join me this week for the ultimate Disney Destiny review, as we share our Top Ten Reasons Why You Need to Cruise on the Disney Destiny. We take you inside Disney Cruise Line’s newest Wish-class ship and reveal everything we discovered on board. From the heroes and villains theme to the immersive storytelling, characters, dining, and unexpected surprises, the Destiny delivered new experiences that may even be paving the way for what comes next for Disney Cruise Line. If you want real insights, helpful tips, and honest reactions before planning your Disney Destiny cruise, this episode will help you decide if this ship is the right choice for your next vacation. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:02:16:45

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846 · Mary Poppins: Untold Stories and the Making of a Disney Classic

11/8/2025
846 · Mary Poppins: Untold Stories and the Making of a Disney Classic Mary Poppins is practically perfect, but the process behind it was emotional, unpredictable, and filled with incredible stories that most fans have never been told. There are very few "perfect" movies in this world: Jaws... The Shawshank Redemption... The Shining... Back to the Future... and from Disney, there is only one on this list - Mary Poppins. This week, I’m joined by author and Disney historian Todd James Pierce, whose new book Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film uncovers the deeper, more emotional, and often surprising history behind the film. Together, we explore the Sherman Brothers’ remarkable journey, Walt Disney’s creative vision, and the behind-the-scenes breakthroughs that shaped one of Disney’s most beloved classics. My friend… these stories will change the way you watch Mary Poppins forever. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:01:38:54

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845 · Cotino – What It’s Really Like Inside Disney’s First Storyliving Community

11/2/2025
845 · Cotino – What It’s Really Like Inside Disney’s First Storyliving Community What if Disney built a place you could actually live? This week, I take you inside Cotino, Disney’s first Storyliving by Disney community... and share what I discovered as one of the first people invited to explore it. I didn’t know what to expect… but what Cotino revealed about Storyliving truly surprised me. In this episode, we’ll look at what makes this place so much more than homes in the desert, how it honors Walt’s revolutionary ideas and dream for a living, breathing community, how it reimagines that vision for today, and why it might mark the next great chapter and evolution in Disney’s own story. 🎧 Listen and discover how Disney is once again changing not just how we experience stories... but how we live them. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:02:18:24

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844 · My Five Spooky Disney Halloween Ideas for Walt Disney World

10/27/2025
👻 What if Disney made Halloween at Walt Disney World even spookier? This week, Lou Mongello shares his five original, story-driven Disney Halloween ideas that could transform the parks with new attractions, experiences, and eerie overlays - all filled with that perfect mix of nostalgia, storytelling, and Disney magic. From haunted celebrations of extinct attractions to imaginative new Halloween experiences, Lou dreams up what could make the Walt Disney World Halloween season even more magical - with creative concepts that celebrate Disney’s history, innovation, and a few friendly frights along the way. 🎃 Whether you love the Haunted Mansion, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, or just the fall vibes in the parks, you’ll love these spooky “what if” ideas inspired by Disney’s unique blend of fun and fantasy. 💬 Which idea is your favorite, or what kind of Halloween experience would you love to see at Walt Disney World? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:00:32:44

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843 · In or Out? - Agree, Disagree, and Defend Your Disney Picks

10/6/2025
Is EPCOT the best full-day Walt Disney World park? Should Genie+ be eliminated? Who is the greatest Disney villain of all time? This week on WDW Radio, Lou Mongello hosts another round of In or Out. It is the fun, fast-paced Disney fan debate segment where we tackle the big and small questions about Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney movies, and beyond. From replacing Pirate Night on Disney Cruise Line, to where is the best storytelling, Disney villains, the future of Disney Parks experiences, and much more... every topic is up for debate! So think about your own answer as you listen and let me know… are you in, or are you out? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:01:11:46

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842 · Disney Adults: Fandom, Identity, and the Magic of Never Growing Up

9/8/2025
842 · Disney Adults: Fandom, Identity, and the Magic of Never Growing Up What does it really mean to be a Disney Adult? I sit down with AJ Wolfe - founder of Disney Food Blog and author of the new book Disney Adults - to explore one of Disney fandom’s most passionate and misunderstood communities. Together, we unpack: Whether you proudly call yourself a Disney Adult or just wonder why so many grown-ups are drawn to Disney, this episode will give you new insight into fandom, culture, and the magic of never growing up. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:01:30:34

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841 · 23 Takeaways from Destination D23 2025

9/1/2025
The biggest Disney fan event of the year, D23’s Destination D23 2025, delivered history and heritage, stories and surprises, parks and people, performances and passion. Over three unforgettable days at Walt Disney World, Disney fans came together to celebrate the past, present, and future of the magic we love. This week on WDW Radio, we recap the 23 biggest takeaways from Destination D23 2025 - from emotional tributes to bold Disney Parks announcements, hidden details to historic reveals - and even (what I think is) one big surprise hiding in plain sight that no one is talking about, but I believe is a sign of what’s to come. More than just news, we will explore what these moments mean for the future of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Plus, Pixar, and Marvel - and for the incredible community of fans around the world. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:02:14:16

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840 · Disney Destiny Shipyard Tour: Behind the Curtain of Disney Cruise Line’s Boldest Ship

8/17/2025
840 · Disney Destiny Shipyard Tour: Behind the Curtain of Disney Cruise Line’s Boldest Ship Join me for an exclusive Disney Destiny Shipyard Tour inside Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, where the newest Disney Cruise Line ship is coming to life. I take you behind the scenes to step aboard the Destiny during construction, explore first looks at venues like the Haunted Mansion Parlor, Doctor Strange Sanctum Lounge, and Pride Lands dining, and witness the unforgettable float-out as she touched water for the very first time. The Disney Wish set the stage. The Disney Treasure raised the bar. And the Disney Destiny feels like a game-changer that embraces character-driven storytelling, immersive experiences, and a heroes-and-villains theme unlike anything Disney has attempted before. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:01:43:21

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839 · Disney Q&A: Cruise Rankings, Solo Park Tips, Disneyland Food & Hidden Secrets

8/3/2025
839 · Disney Q&A: Cruise Rankings, Solo Park Tips, Disneyland Food & Hidden Secrets This week, Lou opens up the inbox for a fun, fast-paced episode filled with listener questions - from planning the ultimate solo day at Walt Disney World, to why Disneyland’s food might just outshine Epcot’s, to a ranking of every Disney Cruise Line ship. He also reveals a hidden Easter egg in Journey Into Imagination, debuts a rapid-fire round of Disney “Would You Rather?”, and teases a special announcement about the Disney Destiny… including a very special experience he’s bringing you along for. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:01:06:20

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838 · Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn on the Future of the Disney Parks

7/27/2025
838 · Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn on the Future of the Disney Parks What happens when you sit down with the head of Walt Disney Imagineering… and just hit record? In this exclusive, unscripted conversation, Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, shares stories, insights, and opens up for a behind-the-scenes look at the future of the Disney Parks - and the emotion, magic, and meaning behind it all. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the people, places, and legacy of Imagineering. This time, we look ahead. Join me for an authentic and personal discussion about creativity, storytelling, leadership, and the next generation of magic makers. We talk about Imagineering’s evolving philosophy, lessons from Walt, reverse mentoring, innovation vs. nostalgia, and how emotion is the true product of everything Disney builds. Whether you’re a Disney fan, creative professional, or entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with inspiring insights on leadership, storytelling, and building experiences that last a lifetime. 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More: WDWRadio.comWDW Radio NationWDWRadioLIVE.comEvents & CruisesLouMongello.comMomentumkeynote speaker 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Duration:00:42:30

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837 · Walt Disney Imagineering Tour: Behind the Scenes Where Disney Magic Is Made

7/20/2025
837 · Walt Disney Imagineering Tour: Behind the Scenes Where Disney Magic Is Made What if you could get a guided tour through the heart of Walt Disney Imagineering - the place where Disney dreams aren’t just imagined, but engineered, designed, and brought to life? I was honored with the rare opportunity to step inside the hallowed halls of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, California... and this week, I’m taking you with me. Join me for a personal, behind-the-scenes tour through the models, soundscapes, animatronics, and innovations shaping the future of the parks and carrying on the legacy of Walt Disney's enduring dream.

Duration:00:54:19