The Wdw Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

851 · D23 and the Future of Disney Fandom with Michael VargoWhat 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.

850 · Disney Q&A: Hidden Magic & Helpful AdviceWhat 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.

849 · My Five Hidden Dining Gems at Walt Disney WorldWalt 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.

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

847 · Top Ten Reasons You Need to Cruise on Disney DestinyJoin 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.

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

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

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?

842 · Disney Adults: Fandom, Identity, and the Magic of Never Growing UpWhat 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:Why Disney Adults face stereotypes, criticism, and double standardsHow Disney shapes identity, belonging, and even adulthood itselfThe joys and challenges inside the Disney Adult communityDisney’s role in cultivating lifelong fans and what the future holdsAJ’s personal journey, surprising research, and unforgettable storiesWhether 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.

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.✨ What was your favorite announcement from Destination D23?

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

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

838 · Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn on the Future of the Disney ParksWhat 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, a

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

836 · Inside Imagineering: Zsolt Hormay on Sculpting Stories in Disney ParksDo you ever walk through the Disney Parks and say, "How did they do that?" or better yet, "WHO helped bring these incredible places and spaces to life?"I was recently invited into the hallowed halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to discover the answers to those questions, and will have a full recap of what (and who) I saw, as well as just some of Imagineering's legacy, people, and projects as I was taken behind the scenes into where Disney magic is made. And while I was there, I has the privilege of sitting down with Zsolt Hormay, Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering and the sculptor behind some of Disney’s most breathtaking environments – from the Tree of Life to Cars Land to the floating mountains of Pandora and Galaxy's Edge. I have known of him and admired his work for decades, so this was not only a special moment for me personally, but we had a wonderful, one-on-one conversation not just about his journey from Hungary to

835 · "In or Out?" - Trilogies, Overlays, Lounges, Live-Action, Leadership & More!Are you In or Out? Is the Indiana Jones trilogy really Disney’s best? Should Tower of Terror get a Halloween overlay? And is Josh D’Amaro the future CEO of Disney?That is just the beginning! This week, we dive into bold opinions and big questions about the parks, movies, cruise line, lounges, and leadership. From the Country Bear update to adult-only experiences, EPCOT’s GEO 82, live-action remakes, the Grand Floridian’s new lobby bar and much more... nothing is off the table.You might agree. You might not. That’s the fun of it! So… are YOU in or out?

834 · Ultimate Guide to Indiana Jones in the Disney ParksWhat if there was an Indiana Jones land so ambitious it could’ve changed the Disney Parks forever?Or that Indy once shared the stage with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Mark Hamill himself… for one night only?And what if Indiana Jones has a rich, decades-long history in the Disney Parks - with attractions, shows, and experiences around the world, each filled with hidden stories, wild trivia, and surprises you’ve probably never heard before?Join Lou Mongello and former Imagineer Jason Surrell for the ultimate deep dive into Indiana Jones in the Disney Parks. From The Great Movie Ride and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular to the Temple of the Forbidden Eye and beyond, this episode uncovers decades of storytelling, innovation, and adventure... including legendary events and unbuilt attractions that almost were.

833 · The Boy Who Became Tom Sawyer – Disney Legend Tom Nabbe - From the ArchivesHe was just 12 years old when he pitched himself to Walt Disney to become Tom Sawyer… and Walt said, “I’ll think about it.”In this From the Archives episode of WDW Radio, I sit down with Disney Legend Tom Nabbe, the boy who went from selling newspapers outside Disneyland on opening day to becoming the real-life Tom Sawyer… and eventually helping open Walt Disney World, EPCOT, and even Disneyland Paris.With Tom Sawyer Island set to close forever on July 7, 2025, this conversation is more meaningful than ever.You’ll hear:What Walt Disney was really like in the parksHow Tom helped shape the original Tom Sawyer IslandHis journey from Cast Member to Disney Legend – with his own Main Street, USA windowStories from the opening of Disneyland, Disney World, and EPCOTAnd what it’s like seeing the parks now through the eyes of his granddaughterThis is a story about curiosity, courage, legacy… and the people who helped build the magic.

832 · Adventures by Disney Japan Recap: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tokyo & Kintsugi - Part 2Every step through Japan tells a story - and this week, I want to share ours.From centuries-old villages to hidden antique shops, we went looking for adventure... and found something even more meaningful. Japan continues to unfold its magic in Part 2 of our Adventures by Disney to Japan recap, as we travel to the serene mountain town of Takayama, the timeless village of Shirakawa-go, and the vibrant heart of Tokyo.But beyond the destinations, it was the small, unexpected moments that truly defined the journey - the quiet ones, the funny ones, and the ones that took our breath away. From stumbling into a tucked-away backstreet antique shop, to mending broken pottery with gold, to the awkward bravery of stepping into your first onsen... this wasn’t just a trip. It was an experience that changed us.It’s about the connections we made, the lessons we learned, the memories we’ll never forget - and the Adventures b