Disney Insights

https://feed.podbean.com/disneyatwork/feed.xml

Celebrating All Things Disney with News, Analysis & Best-in Business Ideas on Life & Work from the Happiest Places on Earth!

Episodes

5 hours ago

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns

5 hours ago

I'm so excited to talk about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which makes its return after a lengthy remodel. It has been well executed and it's as fun as ever--though perhaps in a slightly less bumpy way--at least for the moment. We will cover not only the history of this mountain but of its sister mountains at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. My business partner, Mark David Jones, joins me to discuss the original opening of Big Thunder here at Magic Kingdom, where he was part of the opening crew. He emphasizes how the attraction was the starting point for massive changes that would emerge at Walt Disney World in the years that followed, making it the resort destination of the world. And of course I'll give you my play by play review of the attraction in its refurbished state. So join us as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns.

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.

7 days ago

May the 4th Be With You & A Disney Cruise Line Review

7 days ago

For years I've been trying to talk my two good friends, John and Lori Scali into taking a Disney Cruise. They finally made that happen on the Disney Wish--and in Concierge no less! They are long-term Disney fans, and they offer us a very insightful review which we recorded at the Disney Vacation Club Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Village & Bungalows, which they offer some thoughts on as well. Around the same time my wife and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary, which happens to be on May 4th--the same day Disney's Hollywood Studios would be the welcoming mat to thousands of Star Wars Fans who want to celebrate May the 4th be with you. Let me share the chaos of all that and what you may want to do differently next year--as it will be the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars film which is where this holiday originates.

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

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.

Tuesday Apr 28, 2026

5 Frustrations at Walt Disney World--And 5 Things They're Doing or Could Be Doing Right

Tuesday Apr 28, 2026

So many things at Walt Disney World create magic for millions of guests. And yet there are those less than magical moments. I listened to a vlogcaster go on for an hour about everything wrong at Universal and Disney. Indeed, that individual not to be named seems really negative in most of his videos. But I have to admit there are a handful of things that could be improved upon, and I'm using those things to not only highlight, but to also remind us what is working right, or what could be done easily to make it right. We talk about one particular problem that affects all four parks and then pay attention to issues at three of the four Walt Disney World Parks--Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Join us for 5 frustrations at Walt Disney World--and 5 things they're doing or could be doing right.

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

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.

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026

Westcot: A Proposed But Never Built Park at The Disneyland Resort

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026

We are behind in celebrating Disney California Adventure through its 25th year, and yet one cannot really talk about this park, without considering what was to have been created originally in its place. WestCOT may be the most popular park concept that Disney never built. A west-coast version of Epcot, this park was in many ways more ambitious than its neighbor across the promenade, Disneyland itself. We will look at this amazing design, as well as the entire proposal for what was originally intended to become The Disneyland Resort. We'll look at the whole of it, what it included, how it would impact Anaheim, and then consider what led ultimately to its fall. Join me on this fascinating look into a park led by Imagineer Tony Baxter and what could have created an entire Disneyland Resort than the one we know now.

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

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.

Tuesday Apr 14, 2026

A New Buzz Lightyear Attraction to the Rescue at Magic Kingdom

Tuesday Apr 14, 2026

This last week Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin formally reopened at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The attraction has long been a perfect complement to Tomorrowland, where it has recruited guests to fight the Emperor Zurg for the better part of three decades. As an attraction it has found a home at some time in all six Magic Kingdom style parks across the globe, making it one of the most commonly found attractions in any park. Moreover, it was the first Pixar based ride to be created in the theme parks. I remember being one of the first to ride it with my children in Cast Member previews in 1998. So I have a fond memory of this attraction, both here and across the globe. We'll compare all of these versions, and talk about how some versions have since been replaced. And of course, we'll board our ship and give you a review of the newly revised ride, emphasizing what is new and different. It's a welcome improvement to a Tomorrowland that is always on the go. So join as a new Buzz Lightyear attraction comes to the rescue at Magic Kingdom!

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

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.

Wednesday Apr 08, 2026

The Disney Destiny: A Family of Disney Cruise Line Insights

Wednesday Apr 08, 2026

The Disney Destiny is Disney's newest ship here in the Western hemisphere. Recently I had an opportunity to meet up with the entire Zanolla Family. I often promote the David & Leah as being the best travel agent out there--so very much because they truly know Disney near, far, and globally. I use their services not only to book our own family's trips, but a number of groups that I have hosted in the programs and workshops I deliver. Today we get insights from not just them but their three children who offer not only insightful impressions, but candid remarks about what they truly enjoy as a family when traveling. Moreover, it's just fun banter as we talk about not only this ship, but the entire Wish class of ships that have been built recently. Disney Destiny is at the crest of a large wave of development and implementation in the cruise ship industry. So join us as we offer a family of insights with the Disney Destiny.

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.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

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

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.

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026

How Disney Lays Out Theme Parks: IPs, Lands, Worlds & Relations.

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026

There's been much discussion over the years about Disney's Intellectual Properties being the driver of choosing new attractions being built in the parks. And with recent openings like World of Frozen at the new Disney Adventure World there has been a lot of speculation that Disney is focused more on single IP offerings rather than "lands" as has been in the past. We study attractions previously built and those soon to come to see if "worlds" with single intellectual properties are the way of the future over lands. And then we note something we call Relations, which consist of Twins, Siblings and Orphans. We'll introduce these terms and how these relate to each other in terms of deciding what to build, where to build it, and the scale by which it is built. From this we'll identify what the most likely paths forward for Imagineering as it tries to build its future forward with the most options possible--particularly at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney California Adventure and Disney's Adventure World. Join us for How Disney Lays Out Theme Parks: IPs, Lands, Worlds & Relations.

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.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

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

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.

Wednesday Mar 25, 2026

Announcing Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization

Wednesday Mar 25, 2026

This Disney Insights podcast is one of the most unique podcasts I've hosted over the hundreds I've presented over the last few years. It is about a work I have been laboring on for the better part of a year and a half, but in truth, It's the story of a lifetime of learning and understanding Disney. Indeed, it spans some five decades and its result is truly what I believe is something unique that I am introducing into the marketplace today. If you want to know the stories, the histories, the heritage that has really made Disneyland what it is today, this work seeks to provide that. Moreover, unlike nearly any other treatise, this seeks to answer how you can lead an organization, engage your employees and provide as powerful a customer experience as you can at "The Happiest Place on Earth". Join me as I introduce 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.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

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

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.

Thursday Mar 19, 2026

Josh on Day 1 as New CEO Plus Announcements for Walt Disney World & DCL

Thursday Mar 19, 2026

We have much to share as Bob Iger steps aside and Josh D'Amaro takes reign as the new CEO of Disney. We will share some important messages he has shared in the first 24 hours as he stepped into this role and hosted the annual shareholder's meeting for The Walt Disney Company. We then will look at a number of opening dates for attractions that are coming to Walt Disney World, as well as the name for Disney Cruise Line's newest ship. With that, we'll even cover some rumors out there. So join us as we talk about Josh on Day 1 as the new CEO plus announcements for Walt Disney World and DCL.

Oh...and at the end I will give you a status of my newest project, 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.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

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

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.

Wednesday Mar 11, 2026

Magic Kingdom & Studio Park Construction Updates, Plus Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival

Wednesday Mar 11, 2026

Today's podcast is a busy one, because Walt Disney World is a busy place. We begin with the most popular theme park in the world as we check out construction challenges big and bigger. Disney's Hollywood Studios is in major construction mode as well, with three big construction projects and even a few minor ones. We check all of them out. And then we head to this year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. It does not disappoint. It is stunningly beautiful, with much to do. We take a look at this not only on our podcast, but we look at all three projects on our YouTube page. So wherever you are, be sure to check out not only this major festival, but the big construction updates at both parks as well.

__________________________________________________

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.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

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

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.