Podcasts about Imagineering

Disneyland's sold-out evening tickets, Walt Disney World dining trends, and a possible Space Mountain overhaul lead off this week's Disney Dish. Len and Jim also answer listener questions about Cars Road Trip and Victoria & Albert's before returning to the history of Imagineering's Living Character Initiative. In the main feature, Jim explains how Turtle Talk with Crush emerged amid the deteriorating relationship between Michael Eisner, Steve Jobs, and Pixar. NEWS • Why Disneyland's $59 evening tickets may owe their existence to Bluey and stroller traffic. • What the Coral Reef Restaurant's move to seasonal operations could reveal about Lightning Lane spending and declining demand for table-service dining. • How a major Space Mountain refurbishment could improve reliability, capacity, and Tomorrowland operations. • Universal Studios Florida moves up the closing date for Fast & Furious - Supercharged. • Could Universal retain The Simpsons, or might Back to the Future eventually replace Springfield? FEATURE • How Finding Nemo became Pixar's biggest hit despite Michael Eisner's doubts about the film. • Why Steve Jobs held Cars back as leverage during Disney and Pixar's contract negotiations. • How Disney's Circle 7 Animation plans further damaged its relationship with Pixar. • Why Eisner approved Turtle Talk with Crush without seeking Pixar's input, and how the experimental attraction outlasted Stitch's Great Escape. For this episode's full show notes, click here.HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Save on discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets through UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disneyland's sold-out evening tickets, Walt Disney World dining trends, and a possible Space Mountain overhaul lead off this week's Disney Dish. Len and Jim also answer listener questions about Cars Road Trip and Victoria & Albert's before returning to the history of Imagineering's Living Character Initiative. In the main feature, Jim explains how Turtle Talk with Crush emerged amid the deteriorating relationship between Michael Eisner, Steve Jobs, and Pixar. NEWS • Why Disneyland's $59 evening tickets may owe their existence to Bluey and stroller traffic. • What the Coral Reef Restaurant's move to seasonal operations could reveal about Lightning Lane spending and declining demand for table-service dining. • How a major Space Mountain refurbishment could improve reliability, capacity, and Tomorrowland operations. • Universal Studios Florida moves up the closing date for Fast & Furious - Supercharged. • Could Universal retain The Simpsons, or might Back to the Future eventually replace Springfield? FEATURE • How Finding Nemo became Pixar's biggest hit despite Michael Eisner's doubts about the film. • Why Steve Jobs held Cars back as leverage during Disney and Pixar's contract negotiations. • How Disney's Circle 7 Animation plans further damaged its relationship with Pixar. • Why Eisner approved Turtle Talk with Crush without seeking Pixar's input, and how the experimental attraction outlasted Stitch's Great Escape. For this episode's full show notes, click here.HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Save on discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets through UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cars Land is already one of the most beloved and immersive themed lands Disney has ever built. So what happens when you try to improve something that's already great?This week, the Idiots head back to Disney California Adventure to tackle one of the most difficult Imagineering challenges we've faced all season: plussing a near-perfect land. After examining the history of Luigi's attraction and the role it plays within Radiator Springs, we propose a bold replacement: Luigi's Pit Crew Dash, a new family launch coaster that expands the story of Cars Land in a way no current attraction does.Guests become the test drivers for Luigi and Guido's newest pit crew recruits, racing through a high-speed training course complete with synchronized pit stop sequences, live evaluations, and a final public demonstration right in the heart of Radiator Springs.Along the way, we explore a bigger question about the future of themed entertainment: should attractions simply tell contained stories, or should they function as living parts of the worlds they inhabit?Send us Fan MailDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Welcome back to Hangin' at the Hangar Bar! This week, Scott and Candice explore the Disney experiences they were convinced they would dislike—only to discover that some of them eventually became favorites. From classic attractions and Pixar films to bourbon tastings and fireworks shows, this episode is all about keeping an open mind and letting Disney surprise you.In this episode:✨ Why Scott went from avoiding Carousel of Progress to calling it one of his favorite attractions in Walt Disney World—and how its storytelling, history, and connection to Walt Disney changed his perspective.

This beach is a crime scene… but thanks to Marc Davis, we have enough evidence to solve the crime. On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we slide down into the ghostly grotto to explore Dead Man's Cove and Hurricane scenes in depth. Along the way, we take the microscope to the history of this iconic scene to explain what actually happened to the pirates, identify some sea critters and plant life, and explore the creative process that brought us to the final version using rare Imagineering documents, concept art, and never-used (but recorded) audio tracks. Kate checked out Marc Davis's 1951 library books to identify a source of inspiration, Kirk takes us on a journey through shipwrecks and crabs, and we both have some questions about what ACTUALLY happened to the real human remains from 1967 after they left the attraction… including some evidence that a story commonly told may not be entirely true. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disneycicerone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disneycicerone.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠walruscarp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at  E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Kate's Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MOWD app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distory T-shirts and Stickers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kate's Substack

Are you planning a family vacation with Disney Cruise Line? In this episode of the DCL Podcast, host Lake sits down with our guest Abby to discuss her incredible sailing aboard the Disney Treasure. Abby shares her firsthand review and expert tips on navigating a Disney cruise with an eight-month-old infant. Discover everything you need to know about Disney cruise dining, on-board nurseries, and planning a magical Walt Disney World pre-stay. Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned DCL fan, this episode is packed with essential Disney Cruise Line tips to help you cruise a little smarter! Screenshot Screenshot Main Segment:Pre-Cruise Stay: Details on their pre-stay at Disney's Beach Club Resort, visiting Epcot and Magic Kingdom in the heat, and utilizing the Epcot Baby Care Center.Medically Necessary Carry-Ons: Navigating airport travel and boarding the ship with multiple crates of specialized baby formula, including utilizing the TSA Cares program.Stateroom Logistics: Reviewing their Category 4A Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Deck 10, including how they fit a pack-and-play with a SlumberPod.On-Board Nursery Experience: Booking and adjusting nursery hours, dropping off an infant during late-night dining, and changing strategies to bring the baby to dinner.Disney Treasure Dining & Lounges: Reviews of Plaza de Coco, World of Marvel, 1923, Marceline Market, Donald’s Cantina, Periscope Pub, Skipper Society, Haunted Mansion Parlor, and Scat Cat Lounge.Adult Activities & On-Board Tours: Participating in the ship’s fitness classes, marathon training on board, and taking the exclusive Imagineering ship tour. Departure Port: Sailed out of Port Canaveral, Florida.Ports of Call / Stops:Tortola (British Virgin Islands), where they did the Jost Van Dyke beach transfer excursion.St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), where they booked the St. John’s On Your Own excursion.Disney Castaway Cay (Bahamas), where Abby and her husband went ashore while leaving their daughter in the ship's nursery.Want to be on the show? Fill out this form, and we'll be in contact with you real soon!https://dclpodcast.com/want-to-be-on-the-show/Support our show via Patreon:http://www.patreon.com/dclpodcastUse Christy's Travel Services:https://dclpodcast.com/book-with-christy/Follow the DCL Podcast via:http://www.facebook.com/dclpodcasthttp://www.instagram.com/dcl_podcastFollow Lake at:https://www.instagram.com/mouse.genhttps://www.youtube.com/@MouseGenFollow Christy at:http://www.packyourpixiedust.comhttps://www.instagram.com/packyourpixiedust

01:13 Things disney is already updating/will never update 02:33 Magicband+ 05:20 Epcot lighting 06:23 Closed counter service areas 08:06 Naming conventions 10:05 Animal Kingdom at night 11:44 My Disney Experience app 12:58 Attraction fixes 17:55 Guest experience 21:36 Creativity from Imagineering on new attractions 22:31 More transportation options 25:30 Disney dos and don'ts

D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 is happening in Anaheim, California—just next door to the Disneyland Resort—on August 14, 15, and 16. The schedule for this D23 Expo was just announced. In this episode, I'll highlight the panels and events you won't want to miss, and I'll share my predictions for the Disney Experiences Showcase, which will include announcements for the Disney Parks from Walt Disney Imagineering. You can learn more at D23.com. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

Disneyland's bargain evening tickets disappear, Universal Orlando rolls out an unusually affordable Florida resident pass, and Epic Universe lights up the night with Celestial Goodnight. Len and Jim also examine revealing Disney and Universal guest surveys, a fog-screen patent that may be connected to Tropical Americas, and some wonderfully strange theme park history. Then Jim continues the story of Disney's Living Character Initiative, tracing how Finding Nemo pushed Imagineering to bring animated characters into the parks faster than ever before. NEWS • Disneyland's $59 evening tickets have sold out for the remainder of 2026. • Epic Universe debuts Celestial Goodnight, a new nighttime spectacular featuring fountains, fireworks, lighting effects, and the Helios Grand Hotel. • Universal Orlando introduces a $199 Florida resident pass offering unlimited visits to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure through December 16. • New Disney and Universal surveys raise questions about Lightning Lane planning, hotel benefits, dining revenue, and the value of Universal Express. • A Disney patent describes a 360-degree image projected onto a laminar-flow fog screen, potentially for a future animal-filled attraction. FEATURE • Universal's rapid transformation of popular movies into theme park attractions forced Disney to reconsider its traditionally slow development process. • Finding Nemo became Pixar's biggest hit to date, leaving Disney Parks searching for a faster way to bring Nemo and his friends to guests. • Before a permanent attraction could be built, Disney experimented with a tiny drivable Nemo character in the Magic Kingdom and at the Transportation and Ticket Center. • Imagineering's solution became Turtle Talk with Crush, a groundbreaking interactive experience developed in roughly ten months and still entertaining guests today. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Save on admission to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and select special events with UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disneyland's bargain evening tickets disappear, Universal Orlando rolls out an unusually affordable Florida resident pass, and Epic Universe lights up the night with Celestial Goodnight. Len and Jim also examine revealing Disney and Universal guest surveys, a fog-screen patent that may be connected to Tropical Americas, and some wonderfully strange theme park history. Then Jim continues the story of Disney's Living Character Initiative, tracing how Finding Nemo pushed Imagineering to bring animated characters into the parks faster than ever before. NEWS • Disneyland's $59 evening tickets have sold out for the remainder of 2026. • Epic Universe debuts Celestial Goodnight, a new nighttime spectacular featuring fountains, fireworks, lighting effects, and the Helios Grand Hotel. • Universal Orlando introduces a $199 Florida resident pass offering unlimited visits to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure through December 16. • New Disney and Universal surveys raise questions about Lightning Lane planning, hotel benefits, dining revenue, and the value of Universal Express. • A Disney patent describes a 360-degree image projected onto a laminar-flow fog screen, potentially for a future animal-filled attraction. FEATURE • Universal's rapid transformation of popular movies into theme park attractions forced Disney to reconsider its traditionally slow development process. • Finding Nemo became Pixar's biggest hit to date, leaving Disney Parks searching for a faster way to bring Nemo and his friends to guests. • Before a permanent attraction could be built, Disney experimented with a tiny drivable Nemo character in the Magic Kingdom and at the Transportation and Ticket Center. • Imagineering's solution became Turtle Talk with Crush, a groundbreaking interactive experience developed in roughly ten months and still entertaining guests today. For show notes for this episode, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Save on admission to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and select special events with UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tomorrowland is supposed to represent the future… so what happens when one of its oldest attractions starts feeling stuck in the past?This week, Kaity takes on one of Magic Kingdom's most debated pieces of real estate: Tomorrowland Speedway. We explore replacing the opening-day attraction with Final Frontier with WALL•E & EVE, a new E-ticket space adventure that brings guests to the year 3505 for humanity's next great expedition beyond Earth.At the McCrea Center for Space Research, guests join WALL•E and EVE aboard a KUKA-powered rocket pod as they travel through the cosmos, explore the moon, and help discover what the future of responsible space exploration could look like.Along the way, we discuss the challenge of adding another space-themed attraction to Disney parks, how WALL•E can expand beyond its original story, and why keeping Tomorrowland moving forward may require leaving parts of its past behind.Listen now and let us know: should Tomorrowland Speedway make way for the future?Send us Fan MailDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

In this listener question-and-answer episode, we discuss our thoughts about the latest changes to Walt Disney World bus transportation and removal of the Grand Floridian ginger bread house, new resort hotels, annual pass breakeven points, how Disney transitions guests between lands, what we would want to take Roy Disney to see, and more listener questions. Thanks to Carly Caramanna for joining me on this episode! Make sure to pre-order her new book: The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

It's mid summer and the right time to take a look at what's happening at Disney Parks across the globe. More is happening than you might imagine, and we want to capture all the highlights. Our family was there for all the major Fourth of July holiday events at Walt Disney World and we'll share the Red White and Blues of all of it. We'll also look at the larger attendance trends not just at Walt Disney World but at Disneyland. Many beloved attractions have been getting attention recently, and we'll take a look at what's working and maybe what isn't. It's part of Disney to draw attention to the parks to some of the rides and shows we love the most, while they are busy trying to construct major mega offerings. We'll consider the philosophy behind this from both an Imagineering and operational view. This includes recent changes focused on keeping day guests from jumping on a bus at Disney Springs. Is Disney trying to keep everyone not staying at a Disney Resort away? We'll study this, and then we'll look at efforts internationally at a number of Disney Parks. Big things are afoot and you may not know what's on its way. Join us for a big summer update at Disney Parks here and across the globe. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization. __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.  Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!  David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena.  Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!  

This week, Josh D'Amaro chats with Josh Gad, new merchandise featuring Tomorrowland is now available, Discounted evening ticket sales paused as the new Anaheim resident ticket becomes available, Disneyland welcomes its one billionth guest, we talk with Matt Mason about his recent trip to Disneyland Paris, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: Josh D'Amaro marked his first 100 days as Disney CEO with a chat alongside Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf. The conversation covered Disney's future, storytelling, and the challenge of keeping a company built on magic, movies, and theme parks connected to fans around the world. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-entertainment/josh-gad-josh-damaro-interview-100-days-ceo/ There are two new merchandise collections arriving at Disneyland. The new Once Upon a Bag line features customizable tote bags with interchangeable straps and clip-on accessory pouches, with designs including Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, Haunted Mansion, and Tinker Bell. A new Tomorrowland collection has also debuted, featuring retro-inspired apparel, mugs, water bottles, pins, tote bags, magnets, and Mickey ear headbands, with artwork inspired by classic attractions like Space Mountain. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/tomorrowland-merchandise-collection-disneyland-2026/ https://www.micechat.com/438777-disneylands-once-upon-a-bag-is-a-diy-fashion-dream-come-true/ Disney is highlighting a new Mickey's of Glendale collection tied to Walt Disney Imagineering for the D23 Ultimate Fan Event. The line includes apparel like jackets and shirts, pins, tote bags, mugs, and collectible accessories, all featuring design themes inspired by Imagineering and Disney park storytelling. – https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/mickeys-of-glendale-d23-walt-disney-imagineering-collection/ Disneyland's newly announced $59 Evening Ticket promotion seems to have been so popular that tickets seem to have sold out within days. Disney had said that sales of these tickets may be paused at any time, so tickets may still become available at a later date. At the same time, the resort has introduced a new Anaheim resident ticket deal, offering discounted one day visits for only $71 for eligible residents through the end of summer.  – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-evening-ticket-summer-2026/ https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-anaheim-tix-summer-2026/ An Arizona family got the birthday surprise of a lifetime when 8-year-old Andres Robles was named Disneyland Resort's honorary one billionth guest. The celebration included Disney characters and a VIP day in the parks. The milestone comes just days before Disneyland's 71st anniversary on July 17th. The last time the population sign was updated was in 2013 when it changed to reflect the 650 millionth guest. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-resort-one-billionth-guest/ SnackChat: Big Boi Lumpia opens – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/big-boi-lumpia-now-open-downtown-disney/ https://wdwnt.com/2026/07/big-boi-lumpia-co-opens-new-filipino-food-stand-in-downtown-disney-district/ Discussion Topic: Disneyland Paris with Matt Mason At The Corner of Fantasy and Main: Disneyland, Midlife, and Churros – https://www.amazon.com/At-Corner-Fantasy-Main-Disneyland/dp/1735769134 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if Disney built a fifth gate at Walt Disney World... and it wasn't the long-rumored Villains Park?In this episode, the Dudes put on their Imagineering hats and dream up what Disney's next theme park could be. From immersive lands based on unexplored Disney franchises to entirely original concepts, they discuss the possibilities, the challenges, and what Disney fans would actually want to see.Could a park focused on adventure and exploration rival Animal Kingdom? Is there room for a Disney Seas-inspired destination in Florida? What intellectual properties deserve their own park, and which ideas should stay on the drawing board?The Dudes debate the future of Disney Parks, share their wildest concepts, and answer the big question: if Disney announces a fifth gate tomorrow, what should it be?Join the conversation as imagination runs wild and the possibilities are endless in this episode of Disney 5th Gate: Not Villains.#Disney5thGate #DisneyPodcast #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyParks #DisneyImagineering #ThemeParkPodcast #DisneyFans #DisneyDiscussion #FutureOfDisney #DisneyWorld #ThemeParks #DisneyDudes #ParkExpansion #DisneyMagic #ImagineeringIdeas

Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week's Disney Dish with news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and the wider entertainment industry before digging into listener questions and recent theme park patent applications. They discuss Typhoon Lagoon's upcoming maintenance closure, Disneyland's unusual evening ticket offer, the new pirate-to-skeleton effect in Pirates of the Caribbean, and Universal's long-awaited Hellraiser Halloween Horror Nights house. Then Jim continues his history of Disney's Living Character Initiative with a look at Pixar Place, Toy Story Mania, and the short-lived Luxo Jr. figure that hopped into Hollywood Studios history. NEWS • Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to close for annual maintenance on September 9, 2026, leaving Blizzard Beach as Walt Disney World's open water park. • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sees another sold-out date, with Len and Jim looking at why early weekend parties disappear quickly. • Level99 opens at Disney Springs, prompting a discussion about interactive play spaces, Disney Quest, and why Disney IP is not part of the experience. • Disneyland introduces a $59 evening ticket for select summer nights, suggesting softer attendance in Southern California. • Universal Orlando announces Hellraiser for Halloween Horror Nights, giving Pinhead a long-awaited haunted house spotlight. FEATURE • Jim revisits the Living Character Initiative after Disney's 2006 Pixar acquisition reshaped priorities inside Imagineering. • Mickey's Midway Mania becomes Toy Story Mania as Pixar characters move to the center of Disney's park strategy. • Hollywood Studios' Pixar Place is designed as a tribute to Pixar's Emeryville campus, complete with a Florida version of Toy Story Mania. • The Luxo Jr. figure debuts as a six-foot-tall living character but vanishes after only about ten months due to weather exposure and trademark complications. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week's Disney Dish with news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and the wider entertainment industry before digging into listener questions and recent theme park patent applications. They discuss Typhoon Lagoon's upcoming maintenance closure, Disneyland's unusual evening ticket offer, the new pirate-to-skeleton effect in Pirates of the Caribbean, and Universal's long-awaited Hellraiser Halloween Horror Nights house. Then Jim continues his history of Disney's Living Character Initiative with a look at Pixar Place, Toy Story Mania, and the short-lived Luxo Jr. figure that hopped into Hollywood Studios history. NEWS • Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to close for annual maintenance on September 9, 2026, leaving Blizzard Beach as Walt Disney World's open water park. • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sees another sold-out date, with Len and Jim looking at why early weekend parties disappear quickly. • Level99 opens at Disney Springs, prompting a discussion about interactive play spaces, Disney Quest, and why Disney IP is not part of the experience. • Disneyland introduces a $59 evening ticket for select summer nights, suggesting softer attendance in Southern California. • Universal Orlando announces Hellraiser for Halloween Horror Nights, giving Pinhead a long-awaited haunted house spotlight. FEATURE • Jim revisits the Living Character Initiative after Disney's 2006 Pixar acquisition reshaped priorities inside Imagineering. • Mickey's Midway Mania becomes Toy Story Mania as Pixar characters move to the center of Disney's park strategy. • Hollywood Studios' Pixar Place is designed as a tribute to Pixar's Emeryville campus, complete with a Florida version of Toy Story Mania. • The Luxo Jr. figure debuts as a six-foot-tall living character but vanishes after only about ten months due to weather exposure and trademark complications. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when an attraction isn't just a show, a walkthrough, or an interactive space... but all three at once?This week, Marissa presents her very first solo Imagineering project, transforming EPCOT's UK Pavilion into Alice's Unbirthday Party, a story-driven Wonderland adventure where guests become active participants in a secret celebration hidden from the Queen of Hearts.Blending an interactive hedge maze, immersive environments, live storytelling, and playful exploration, this concept reimagines one of World Showcase's quietest corners as a fully connected guest experience where every choice helps bring the Unbirthday Party to life.More than an Alice in Wonderland attraction, this episode explores a growing trend in modern Imagineering: the blending of traditional attraction formats into a single, seamless experience.Send us Fan MailDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Sometimes the roller coaster world hands you a story so absurd you don't even need a punchline — you just need to read the facts out loud. This week on Coaster Radio, the original theme park podcast, Mike and EB dig into the sudden, bulldozer-bound death of one of the best roller coasters in America: Fun Spot Atlanta is closing on August 2nd, taking Arie Force One — an RMC hybrid barely four years old that regularly cracks top-five lists nationwide — down with it. No, it's not relocating. No, someone can't just "cut out the footprint" and paste it into their backyard. This thing is probably headed straight for the scrapyard, and the guys break down what made this coaster great and if there's any hope at all of it being saved.   From there, it's a genuinely stacked news week (there were two episodes' worth of stories backed up, and it shows): a viral video of a kid tumbling out of Disneyland's Tiana's Bayou Adventure that had half the internet convinced it was AI-generated, Pirates of the Caribbean's brand-new projection-mapped skeleton animatronic (and a pretty compelling argument for where Imagineering should have actually put it), Holiday World's all-American 2027 addition Cannonball — a family water coaster that splashes straight into a themed community pool — and a deep dive into the very mixed reviews rolling in from Universal's newly opened Kids Resort in Texas.   After the break: Six Flags Over Texas delays Tormenta, Cedar Point is selling literal chunks of Magnum XL-200 track for $300 a slice (and they're already sold out), Halloween Horror Nights brings Hellraiser to Hollywood and Orlando, Six Flags Great Adventure unveils its boardwalk-themed Shoreline Pier, and Knott's Berry Farm's long-dead Montezuma the Forbidden Fortress is back and testing with a powerful launch. And because it's the Fourth of July, the show closes out with the 20th-ish annual Coaster Radio tradition: the Sparktacular Explosaloosa, live from EB's back deck — now with video.

Send us Fan MailKevin and Amanda recently returned from Disneyland with one question on their minds: How well does the newly reimagined pirate fit into Pirates of the Caribbean?In this episode of Imagine That, they share their firsthand impressions after experiencing the attraction in person and dive into a deeper discussion through the lens of the Imagineering Pyramid. From storytelling and character design to immersion and thematic consistency, they examine where the new addition succeeds, where it may fall short, and why changes to beloved attractions are rarely as simple as they first appear.Whether you're excited about the update, skeptical of the change, or simply fascinated by the art of theme park design, this episode offers a balanced look at one of Disneyland's newest additions—and the Imagineering principles behind it.Join us in our completely free Discord https://discord.gg/4nAvKTgcRnCheck out all of our amazing sponsors!Getaway Todayhttps://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=8636If you want to book a Disney Vacation, please use our friends at Getaway Today. Also, if you call 855-GET-AWAY and mention Walt's Apartment, you will get a special dose of magic Where In The Park The Podcast-“Discover the history behind the details of Disney parks and more on the Where In The Park podcast”https://whereinthepark.comCheck Out Sunken City Designs - from the mind of Louis Medinahttps://sunkencitydesigns.bigcartel.com

Disney Imagineering has introduced one of its most ambitious new Audio-Animatronics in years—but not everyone is celebrating. This week, we dive into Disneyland's new transforming pirate inside Pirates of the Caribbean, a figure that blends traditional Audio-Animatronics with cutting-edge projection mapping to create an effect unlike anything Disney has attempted before. But is this a genuine Imagineering breakthrough… or has Disney crossed a line? We explore how the new technology works, our thoughts on this idea, and discuss some of the surprising criticism from longtime Disney fans. Does the new scene enhance the story, or does it disrupt the eerie atmosphere that has defined the attraction for generations? Are projection-mapped faces the future of Disney attractions, or are they replacing the physical artistry that made Audio-Animatronics legendary? Plus, we imagine where this technology could appear next—from Villains Land to Monstropolis—and debate whether this innovation belongs in classic attractions at all. Join us as we separate nostalgia from innovation and ask the ultimate question: Is this the future of Imagineering, or technology in the wrong place? Join the conversation and let us know what you think! Civil discussions encouraged. Email us at show@magicourway.com, call or text 815-MOWICAN (669-4226), or slide into our social media DMs. Every thought and opinion will forever be welcome on this Disney fan podcast. This is show #635. Magic Our Way — Where Every Opinion Is Welcome.

Imagineering just showed off its treasured new animatronic. A pirate with a changing face and a recursive curse! It's a cool technology for sure, but what does this mean for Pirates of the Caribbean? It's changed so much throughout the years. Much has been added, some has been taken away. Sparrows, and barrels, and red-haired girls... it's hard to keep track of it all! So join Captain Kirk & Long John Silver as they search for buried treasure on a cursed new episode of Trammin' - A Disneyland Podcast!Listen to full episodes every other Windsday and topic-only uploads on Big Thunder Thursdays!InstagramTrammin' - https://instagram.com/TramminPodcastChristian Rainwater - https://instagram.com/imrainwaterKirk - https://instagram.com/tramminkirkMusicLocal Forecast - Elevator Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Trammin' - The Disneylanders, Addy DaddyUsed with permission.Character Art & AnimationNadia Dar - https://nadsdardraws.carrd.co/Trammin.comTrammin' is written without the use of Artificial Intelligence.©Trammin' - A Disneyland Podcast

In today's episode of The Great British Waffle, Ben, Becca, John, and Claire are diving nose-first into the fascinating world of Disney's environmental scent engineering. From the iconic musty bromine water on Pirates of the Caribbean to the smoky burning library in Spaceship Earth, we break down our favorite (and least favorite!) aromas across Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.We also explore the history of Imagineering's famous "Smellitzer" machine, debate why Hollywood Studios ranks lowest on our sensory list, share a heartwarming insider story about the bats at Animal Kingdom, and give you the ultimate guide to the best (and worst) restrooms on Disney property!If you love bringing the magic home with Disney-inspired wax melts and candles, this episode is a must-watch!✨ Join the Conversation!What is your single favorite smell in Walt Disney World? Are you Team Burning Rome or Team Tomorrowland Speedway Petrol? Let us know in the comments below!

BOOM BABY! Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris has not received a brand new headline attraction in more than 20 years. For a park widely considered one of Disney's most beautiful, that raises an interesting question: when is it finally time to make a major change?This week, Stephen heads overseas to tackle one of the biggest Imagineering challenges of the season. After weighing several controversial possibilities, he makes one bold decision and pitches an all new Adventureland experience inspired by The Emperor's New Groove, reimagining one corner of the park through a completely new lens.Along the way, the team explores what makes a Disney IP truly belong in a land, why some attractions are worth sacrificing to move a park forward, and what Disneyland Paris should prioritize as it enters its next era.Send us Fan MailDon't forget to check us out on Instagram!

The United States of America turns 250 this July 4, 2026. In many ways, Disney embodies, reflects, and propels American culture, and Walt Disney himself was a patriotic American who volunteered in World War II, admired Abraham Lincoln, and created stories based on American lore. Today, many Disney Parks experiences celebrate various aspects of American history, geography, and psychology. For this special two-part episode, we share our favorite patriotic experiences at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, including many that might surprise you. Special thanks to Philander Butler for joining me on this episode. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

The Swinging Wake Podcast – Episode 33 Madame Leota Special Welcome, foolish mortals, to Episode 33 of The Swinging Wake Podcast! This week, Alex and Kris gather around the séance table for a deep dive into one of the Haunted Mansion's most beloved residents: Madame Leota. From her origins in Imagineering history to her appearances in films, merchandise, and parks around the world, we're summoning spirits from regions beyond for a complete exploration of the Mansion's mysterious medium.  In This Episode

870 · 10 Reasons to Visit Shanghai Disneyland... and Why This Trip Changed MeChina is a long way to go for a theme park... but Shanghai Disneyland is not a theme park. It is a destination that happens to have a Disney castle at its center.Lou Mongello had the privilege of being invited by Disney for Shanghai Disneyland's 10th anniversary celebration, with time alongside the Imagineering team who built it. In this episode, he gives you 10 reasons to visit Shanghai Disneyland, and why right now, during its 10th anniversary, is the perfect time to go.Here is what you will hear:The one design decision that makes Shanghai unlike any Disney park you have ever set foot in, and why it disorients you in the best possible wayThe only place on Earth you can walk through Zootopia, a land so detailed that guests line up just to photograph the lamppostsWhy the tallest Disney castle in the world is something you go inside, not just photograph, plus the anniversary-only shows playing on it right nowThe trackless boat ride that fans who have been to every Disney park call their single favorite attraction, periodThe one land where Disney hands you the controls, and the climb that Lou says sends you back down a different personThe stunt show with a real, raging tornado on stage, performed more than 10,000 times with live performers inside itThe snacks worth flying for, the Cast culture built from scratch, and the brand-new Spider-Man land rising right now with its coaster track already complete!and much more!And stay with me to the end, because this is the part I did not see coming. This trip did not just give me new things to talk about. It genuinely, fundamentally changed the way I think about Disney parks, not just what I think about them, but how. I am going to explain exactly how, and why, and why it might just change the way you see them too.Whether Shanghai is already on your bucket list or you have never once considered it, this one might change your mind.

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill cover a packed Disney Dish news lineup, from Disney's “virtual reservations” patent to new Disney Springs transportation checks, rare two-day ticket discounts, and Disneyland Autopia's electric future. They also dig into listener questions about steak pricing, Jersey Week crowds, and whether Disney's new AI trip-planning tools could reshape vacation booking. Then Jim takes us back to the early days of Imagineering's Living Character Initiative, where Mickey's Toon Elevator, Dinotopia, and one very complicated dinosaur helped pave the way for interactive characters in the parks. NEWS • Disney's hotel-room patent appears to confirm how “virtual reservations” can hold back short stays to protect longer bookings. • Walt Disney World expands verification checks for buses and boats leaving Disney Springs. • A rare two-park, two-day ticket deal targets late-summer demand at EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. • Lakeshore Lodge's Pocahontas-themed pool area, The Wetlands, gets a closer look. • Disneyland's Autopia faces a February 2027 deadline to retire its gas-powered engines. FEATURE • Jim traces the Living Character Initiative back to Push the Talking Trash Can and Mickey's Toon Elevator. • Lucky the Dinosaur's development gets tied to ABC's short-lived Dinotopia era, allegedly. • Imagineering's early living-creature tech needed carts, batteries, and a whole lot of legal caution. • The story sets up Disney's next wave of interactive characters after the Pixar acquisition. For this episode's full show notes, click here. View transcript here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVCrentalStore.com, offering discounted theme park admission at prices better than Disney's. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill cover a packed Disney Dish news lineup, from Disney's “virtual reservations” patent to new Disney Springs transportation checks, rare two-day ticket discounts, and Disneyland Autopia's electric future. They also dig into listener questions about steak pricing, Jersey Week crowds, and whether Disney's new AI trip-planning tools could reshape vacation booking. Then Jim takes us back to the early days of Imagineering's Living Character Initiative, where Mickey's Toon Elevator, Dinotopia, and one very complicated dinosaur helped pave the way for interactive characters in the parks. NEWS • Disney's hotel-room patent appears to confirm how “virtual reservations” can hold back short stays to protect longer bookings. • Walt Disney World expands verification checks for buses and boats leaving Disney Springs. • A rare two-park, two-day ticket deal targets late-summer demand at EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. • Lakeshore Lodge's Pocahontas-themed pool area, The Wetlands, gets a closer look. • Disneyland's Autopia faces a February 2027 deadline to retire its gas-powered engines. FEATURE • Jim traces the Living Character Initiative back to Push the Talking Trash Can and Mickey's Toon Elevator. • Lucky the Dinosaur's development gets tied to ABC's short-lived Dinotopia era, allegedly. • Imagineering's early living-creature tech needed carts, batteries, and a whole lot of legal caution. • The story sets up Disney's next wave of interactive characters after the Pixar acquisition. For this episode's full show notes, click here. View transcript here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVCrentalStore.com, offering discounted theme park admission at prices better than Disney's. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney's BoardWalk is getting new experiences starting this summer 2026 (plus a quick-service location to be announced later this summer). Disney Lakeshore Lodge (opening 2027) has a confirmed recreation area called The Wetlands with views of Magic Kingdom fireworks. Disney Transportation bus and ferry boat departures from Disney Springs will be limited to those with specific reservations beginning June 28, 2026. In this episode, we discuss all this news and my analysis and opinions. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

The United States of America turns 250 this July 4, 2026. In many ways, Disney embodies, reflects, and propels American culture, and Walt Disney himself was a patriotic American who volunteered in World War II, admired Abraham Lincoln, and created stories based on American lore. Today, many Disney Parks experiences celebrate various aspects of American history, geography, and psychology. For this special two-part episode, we share our favorite patriotic experiences at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, including many that might surprise you. Special thanks to Philander Butler for joining me on this episode. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

What storytelling do most people miss in the Pirates of the Caribbean queue while they are waiting in line? And what bizarre detail dates back to Disneyland's opening day?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we examine the history of the exterior facade and queue for Disneyland's iconic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Along the way, we find some history that most people overlook, like an odd old tree with some history, a mysterious anchor, and a sign of welcome in plain sight. Kirk gives us a botanical tour of the plants in the queue, Kate points out some features of New Orleans Square that have a hidden meaning, and we both question the effectiveness of the flyover bridge.As we discover architectural concepts and original Imagineering documents throughout this episode, we discover that this exterior queue has so many fascinating details you'll (almost) get excited to stand in line for this classic Disney ride. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disneycicerone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disneycicerone.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠walruscarp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at  E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Kate's Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MOWD app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distory T-shirts and Stickers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kate's Substack

In this episode, Michael shares with Tom information from two recent talks he attended at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. The first presentation, "Imagineering in the Building 1952-1955: They Created Disneyland", featured Disney Legend and former Imagineer Tom Morris. Next, "In the Director's Chair with Frank Oz: In Conversation with Pete Docter" covered Oz's directorial journey from Muppets to Brando.Links:Michael's Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's better than a theme park podcast? A theme park podcast recorded while a tornado is actively threatening to rearrange EB's house. Welcome to another completely unhinged episode of Coaster Radio, where we somehow manage to discuss the future of Disney Imagineering, a legendary wooden coaster's potential comeback, and the glorious grit of America's boardwalk parks while EB monitors live storm tracking from his studio. We kick things off with some big news: Adobe has announced a collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development to bring AI-powered pre-visualization tools to the theme park design pipeline. The idea is to take Imagineering's massive archive of concept art and accelerate the development process — from blue sky sketch to 3D model, faster than ever before. Sounds exciting, right? Well, EB has thoughts. A lot of them. Speaking of attractions, Hershey Park's legendary Tidal Force — one of the most spectacular splash zones in the history of boat rides — is closing after 32 years this September. Alabama Adventure is teasing a big announcement that fans hope means the long-dormant Rampage wooden coaster is finally coming back, possibly with RMC treatment. Universal Epic Universe is debuting a brand new nighttime spectacular called Celestial Goodnight featuring seven million LED lights and 350 fountains. And Dollywood's Night Flight Expedition has been pushed back to August — which opens the door for Holiday World, who appears to be announcing their single biggest investment ever on July 1st at 8:45 AM, and all signs point to a Mack rocking boat ride coming to Boulder Canyon in 2027. Then we pivot to the second half of the show — a full celebration of boardwalk parks and the beautiful, gritty, chaotic joy of beach amusement. Mike's heading to Ocean City, Maryland for vacation, and we take a loving tour of some of America's great seaside spots: the Santa Monica Pier, Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (including a very generous offer of free tokens to Treasure Hunt), the New Jersey piers, Coney Island (which Mike has still never visited and yes, we're calling him out), and the terminally underrated Indiana Beach. We also go deep on mini golf — specifically, how much a well-themed mini golf course with animatronics slaps, and why the card-swipe ticket system is a crime against childhood nostalgia. And yes, there's a million-dollar mini golf course for sale in EB's town if anyone's interested. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the Coaster Radio Insiders Club at patreon.com/coasterradio.#coasterradio

This quarter across Disney Parks brings major shifts into focus as long-running projects move from concept art to real-world construction, classic attractions enter major reinventions, and new lands begin to visibly take shape across Walt Disney World and beyond.In this Q2 2026 edition of State of the Kingdom, we break down the biggest official announcements from Disney, including a landmark reimagining of Carousel of Progress and new details surrounding Monstropolis at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We also look at Halloween season changes coming to Disneyland Resort and what they signal for the future of seasonal entertainment.Then we move into the construction updates, where major projects like Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, and Monstropolis continue to rise at an accelerating pace, alongside ongoing work across Magic Kingdom and classic attractions like Cinderella Castle and Haunted Mansion.Finally, we dive into the rumors making waves this quarter, from emerging technology patents and expansion speculation to ongoing questions about Disneyland and international resort growth, including renewed discussion around Shanghai Disneyland's future.A quarterly report on Disney Parks and Imagineering… where everything is always under construction.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside opened as Dixie Landings at Walt Disney World in 1992 in the Disney Springs resort area, joining its sister property Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. Celebrating the spirit of rural Louisiana, the resort includes Southern-style mansions (Magnolia Terrace) and cottages (Alligator Bayou) along the Sassagoula River, plus iconic entertainment (Yehaa Bob Jackson at River Roost), recreation, pools, and dining. Transportation includes bus service to the Walt Disney World theme parks and boat service to Disney Springs. In this episode, we discuss the resort's history and Imagineering, and we share everything you need to know for your next Port Orleans Riverside stay. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   View virtual room tours of Aulani: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/us-hawaii/aulani-hawaii/points-rooms   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

Welcome to your Disney News for Tuesday, June 9th, 2026! Get ready for some enchanting updates from the world of Disney. - Tokyo Disneyland is revamping the Enchanted Tiki Room with a summer makeover, fusing traditional Polynesian charm with modern technology for an enhanced experience. - Disneyland in Anaheim celebrates 67 years of the Matterhorn Bobsleds with special events and commemorative merchandise. - Disney Animation Studios unveils "The Legend of the Aurora Dragon," a stunning new film about a mystical dragon in the Northern Lights. - Disney+ introduces "Disney Detours," a mini-series offering an exclusive look at the Imagineering process and behind-the-scenes magic. Have a magical day and tune in again tomorrow for more updates.

Animal Kingdom broke Stephen this week.After scrapping multiple fully developed concepts (including a Tarzan attraction, a suspended canopy ride, and an Emperor's New Groove idea that refused to fit the park's philosophy), the team tackles one of the most challenging design questions in Disney Parks: what is missing on Discovery Island?Inspired by Shanghai Disneyland's Challenge Trails and grounded in the values that define Animal Kingdom, Stephen proposes the Wilderness Explorers Challenge Course: a multi-level treetop adventure through Discovery Island that transforms guests from observers into participants as they climb, cross, and explore their way toward Paradise Falls.Plus, listener Nate Heasley (the reviewer formerly known as "Hedgehog") joins the show with an Imagineering pitch of his own, finally proving once and for all that he is, in fact, a real person, not a woodland creature.Can a challenge course become Animal Kingdom's next great adventure? And what makes designing for this park so different from every other Disney destination?Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

Summer months at Walt Disney World can feel very hot and humid with daily thunderstorms and rain, but Disney has thoughtfully designed guest experiences to maximize your comfort and safety. In this episode, we discuss our best tips and tricks for traveling to Walt Disney World in the summer, including ways to stay cool at the parks and where to stay to maximize your fun. Special thanks to Serena from Living By Disney for joining me on this episode. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

What character in Pirates of the Caribbean is secretly a tribute to an Imagineer's friend? And what inspired the iconic song Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we watch the creative process unfold as the figures in Pirates of the Caribbean are shaped, dressed, and animated to create life-like scenes in this iconic attraction. Along the way, we hear some hilarious stories from Alice Davis, discover how Blaine Gibson began his sculpting career at WED, and take a closer look at the 119 audio animatronic figures and 54 animals. We also learn some secrets about Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me) and X. Atencio's script-writing process, before pausing just before opening day and contemplating how grief can disrupt the creative process as the Imagineers hit a creative roadblock after losing Walt Disney. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disneycicerone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disneycicerone.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠walruscarp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at  E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Kate's Books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WalrusCarp T-shirts & Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MOWD app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distory T-shirts and Stickers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kate's Substack

Monstropolis: The City Frightful now has an official backstory from Walt Disney Imagineering. In this Walt Disney World news episode, we discuss the latest information from Disney about the Monsters Inc. land, the new area inspired by the animated Disney-Pixar film coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Details include the story behind the land and the attractions coming to the park, such as the suspended doors roller coaster and Harryhausen restaurant, along with my personal predictions about what we can expect. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

On this episode of the Dis-List, Nick and Rob are diving into the world of intellectual property — and calling out the ones that deserve way more love at Walt Disney World.Disney has one of the deepest benches in entertainment, but not every franchise gets its moment in the parks. So this week, we're each counting down our Top 5 IPs that we think are overdue for more representation — whether that's a new attraction, themed land, dining experience, or even just a little extra presence.Are we talking about underutilized classics? Modern fan-favorites? Maybe a few deep cuts that Imagineering is sleeping on? You'll have to listen to find out.As always, we're bringing the debate, the creativity, and a few ideas that might actually make you wish we had a say in the parks.Let us know what IPs YOU think deserve more representation — we might have missed a big one!Plan Your Trip With Our AffiliatesPlanning your own Disney vacation? Support the Dis-List while making your trip unforgettable:• Be Our Guest Vacations: https://beourguestvacations.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=dislistpod• DVC Rental Store: https://dvcrentalstore.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=dislistpod• Unlocked Magic: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=dislistpodBooking through these links helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you — and gets you expert help for your next trip!

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets and Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run (featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu) opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on May 26, 2026. These new experiences include a heightened degree of Imagineering details, especially Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, which now combines the legacy Disney attraction with Muppet Vision 3D and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. In this episode, we discuss how Disney updated these attractions in a quick period of time and the easter eggs you won't want to miss from either attraction. Plus, I interview four Walt Disney Imagineers who worked on these experiences, including Bette Lombardi (Producer), Vanessa Huber (Project Manager), Justin DeTolla (Creative Director), and Morgan McDowell (Senior Software Project Manager). Special thanks to James from Guide2WDW for joining me on this episode. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is getting a major update in 2027, including a new Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney and updated show scenes, plus much more. In this episode, we discuss everything Disney just announced about this classic Magic Kingdom attraction upgrade. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

Cool Kids Summer is back at Walt Disney World in 2026, and it's better than ever. On May 26, all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom) opened new attractions to kick off the summer season. These include Jessie's Roundup, Goofycore, Soarin' Across America, Bluey's Wild World, Magic of Disney Animation (including Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live), Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: Starring the Muppets. This is in addition to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which recently reopened with major enhancements and upgrades. In this episode, I share my honest review of Cool Kids Summer thanks to a week-long preview hosted by Disney Parks. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

867 · Walt Disney World Just Got Major Upgrades - and This Summer Is the Best Time to VisitThis might quietly be one of the biggest overall summer upgrades Walt Disney World has had in years.Not because of one giant new land - but because every park, every age group, and nearly every type of guest got meaningful, real enhancements at the exact same time.After being invited by Disney to their Summer Fun Fest media event, Lou Mongello goes far beyond the headlines in WDW Radio Episode 867.At one point during the event, he sat in a room with Disney leadership - park operations, Imagineering, and the facility asset management team (the most important team at Walt Disney World that most guests have never heard of) - for a candid conversation about how Disney actually makes decisions, processes guest feedback, and thinks about the future of the parks.That context changes everything that comes after it.Buzz Lightyear. Big Thunder Mountain. The Muppets. Mandalorian and Grogu. Bluey. Every park, something real - and a full conversation with a Walt Disney Imagineering Story Lead about how Disney decides what to change, what to keep, and why it all matters.Plus: why the connection between films, streaming, and parks is stronger than it has ever been. And why now - right now - is the best time to visit Walt Disney World in 2026.

Welcome to Summer 2026! Today we take our show topic for Listener Shamus from Jacksonville, Florida as we re-imagineer some lounges all around Walt Disney World! Shamus gives us his idea as to how to tie Disney lore into each of his unique destinations and then Scott, Rikki and myself give our thoughts and expand on some new possible locations at places like Pop Century, the All-Star Resorts and even the Port Orleans Resorts! What do you think? Please share your thoughts over on the Discord channel at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse. We hope you enjoy today's podcast!  Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com.  Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast. Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

Walt Disney World Resort hotels include their own medley of music loops, from the cozy acoustic sounds of Disney's Wilderness Lodge to the whimsical, Disney-inspired songs at the Disneyland Hotel. In this episode, we analyze the music loops of the Disney Resort hotels in the EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland resort areas. We also discuss how Walt Disney Imagineering selects music to match the theme of each Disney resort hotel. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   View virtual room tours of Aulani: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/us-hawaii/aulani-hawaii/points-rooms   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

After exploring the problems with Disneyland's many iterations of Tomorrowland in last week's episode, Michael and Tom practice some armchair Imagineering and suggest some of their own ideas for updates to the troubled land.Links:Michael's Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

864 · What Does It Actually Take to Lead Disney? Chairman Thomas Mazloum - His First InterviewWhat does it really take to lead Disney at a global scale... while still making every single guest feel like they matter?In this episode, Lou Mongello sits down with Thomas Mazloum in his first interview since stepping into his new role as Chairman of Disney Experiences - overseeing 12 theme parks, 57 resort hotels, Disney Cruise Line, Imagineering, and more than 180,000 Cast Members around the world.Recorded live during a special Make-A-Wish event at Disneyland, this is a rare, candid, and deeply personal conversation about Disney leadership and guest experience... and why scale doesn't change what matters most.Thomas shares his own Make-A-Wish story, the emotional impact of granting wishes, and the responsibility that comes with being chosen by families during some of the most important moments in their lives. He also reveals his three guiding pillars - trust, quality, and simplicity - and how they shape every decision across Disney parks, resorts, and experiences worldwide.From the future of Disney Cruise Line and global expansion, to the philosophy behind Disneyland Forward, to what Walt Disney still means to him every single day... this conversation goes far beyond strategy.It's about people, purpose, and creating a “perfect Disney day” for every guest.This is a very real conversation with one of the most thoughtful, people-first leaders in the company's history.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Disney leadership starts with trustHow guest experience drives every decisionThe role of Cast Members in creating magicWhy scale doesn't change what truly mattersWhat's next for Disney Parks and Disney Cruise LineIf you care about where Disney is going... and why... this episode is for you.