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

4 hours ago
4 hours ago
55 min
Now that the dust has somewhat settled, and though I have already done some very detailed announcements around Piston Peak, Imagination, Tomorrowland and Villains Land, there are so many other details from my experience at Disneyland and at the expo that I haven't really unpacked. It's taken me many days to get my head around everything that took place. This podcast is my effort to summarize all of that, to better get a sense of the whole of D23, not just park announcements--which I have a lot to cover--but the event itself, from D23 day at Disneyland to the Exposition floor to the Honda Center events at night. It was an incredible, but intense and intimate experience--shared with some other 100,000 people. Join me as we look at insights on D23 and the promises ahead for the Disney Parks.
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!

Aug 18, 2026
Aug 18, 2026
16 min
The Parks & Experiences D23 presentation at the Honda Center has concluded and with it came two big pieces of news in what was literally the last two minutes of the entire program. Disneyland fans rejoice with the fantastic news that Tomorrowland is finally going to get some serious TLC as it gets set to be remodeled in time for Disneyland's 75th anniversary in four years. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World fans fave finally received huge notice that their beloved Journey Into Imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder will be completely revamped to something more like the original attraction. And then did we mention Villains Land? Yes, confirmation was given to the two E-ticket attractions that will headline this corner of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. So join us as we highlight the crazy details from this year's D23 expo.
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!

Aug 17, 2026
Aug 17, 2026
23 min
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!

Aug 7, 2026
Aug 7, 2026
23 min
A hallmark of what has made Disney a world-class organization is its attention to its customers—and especially to return customers. They of course refer to them as guests in their parks, which is a sign that this commitment on Disney’s park is intentional and is more about relationships than it is about transactions. But there’s a lot more intentional effort made when creating guest or customer loyalty. And it’s important too, because loyal fans made purchasing decisions that are powerful to any one’s bottom line. New announcements have been made about Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge located on Bay Lake. And at the same time preparations are being made for next week’s big D23 event. Both showcase how impactful guest Disney loyalty is, how it and other world-class organizations benefit long term financially, but how any organization could benefit by creating greater customer loyalty.
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!

Jul 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
29 min
D23 is truly right around the corner and so many have chimed in to share their hopes and expectations of what is coming. Get ready as I share my insights as to what I see is likely be announced, not just for Walt Disney World and Disneyland, but across the globe and even for the Disney Cruise Line.
I think this D23 will make us more hopeful and excited for things to come. We’ll look at the possibilities of what Imagineering will showcase in their Horizons exhibit, and how all of this will play out in the parks panel on Saturday night, August 15th. Join us as we get ready for D23 the Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
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!

Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026
55 min
Almost every part of Disney California Adventure has experienced considerable change over the years. And that has happened to some degree in Grizzly Peak. But in truth, it's been very little compared to the rest of the park. And that's because this part really has held the heart of the park--and its mountainous symbol--since day one. Here we'll summarize the original Golden State and then look at Grizzly Peak Recreation Area as it is today. Of course there's attractions like Grizzly River Rapids and Redwood Creek Trail. But the highlight is Soarin'. We offer a tribute to all Soarin' films but mostly Soarin' Over California, and why that film is truly the best of all of them. We also look at a wide range of dining experiences, some of which are not in the park, per se, but have become extensions to the park. And we talk about a metaphor for this area of the park that winds through it all like a grape vine. The details we share here aligns well with a John Muir quotation found within: "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." Join us to see Disney Insights into Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure that is so much the heart of this unique park.
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!

Jul 16, 2026
Jul 16, 2026
1 hr 3 min
I'm way overdue for reviewing Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets--there's several reasons for that, but I'm excited to share my thoughts on this remake--not just for the coaster but for the muppets in the park. And that's not all that's going on at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Monsters Inc. is in big build mode--everything in scaffolding and iron girders going vertical. We'll talk about the approach to this land. And then I share my emotional impressions of the new Magic of Disney Animation courtyard, which now has an opening date of September 14th, 2026. All this and more, plus a really good churro makes what's happening at this park really exciting. Join us for this Muppets Rock & Roller Coaster Review, Monsters Inc. buildout & Magic of Disney Animation Opening Date.
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!

Jul 10, 2026
Jul 10, 2026
58 min
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!

Jul 2, 2026
Jul 2, 2026
13 min
We are here at Epcot to enter The Land Pavilion and check out the new Soarin' Across America to provide a play by play POV review of this new attraction. Note that since it has opened times can vary greatly, from 20 minutes to over 90. If you can't walk on it first thing in the morning, I recommend dinner time. If the queue is long, hover around the area doing other attractions until you see the time go down, and then scurry over. And scurry quickly because others are seeing the same. That means that while the new shake at Seasons "Smorin' Across America" is tasty, you need to focus and get in the queue while the opportunity presents itself.
Here's a link to Disney's Insider look at Soarin' Across America.
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!

Jun 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
38 min
The Hall of Presidents is something that goes back decades—nearly as early as Disneyland itself. We look at its original incarnations, from Liberty Street, to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, to ultimately the Hall of Presidents itself. There is much to learn and much to cherish from these attractions. We’ll look at its history, the details and insights that will truly help you to appreciate not only these shows created by Walt Disney, but better appreciate being an American. Join us as we visit Liberty Street, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and The Hall of Presidents.
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!
