Disney Insights

Where would you like to see the next Walt Disney World Resort hotel? What would you be willing to pay for that isn't there already. There is room enough to do some additional resort experiences that guests would go crazy for. We offer six of those opportunities, which are for all intent and purposes exciting and yet practical. Three ideas would take advantage of the current Walt Disney World monor...

In the wake of the opening of Disney's Encanto, we propose that the next major World Showcase attraction be based on Encanto's Casita de Madrigal? Why? Because guests long for film-based attractions that open worlds of fantasy and suspense. And this casa does it in ways no other has done before. We look at Encanto, why World Showcase needs a property like this, and what an attraction like this wou...

Recently I had an epiphany about my podcasts and what I wanted to offer. I provide plenty on all matters regarding the magic and fun of Disney. They are at the heart of Disney at Play. I also offer unique podcasts that focus on best-in-business ideas from Disney that can be applied back to your organization. It's called Disney at Work. But I felt I wanted to provide those who listen to this podcas...

In the wake of an announcement filled D23 weekend we have much to share with you from across the globe. We take you to Paris and Asia, and then to Disneyland and Walt Disney World where we bring a large number of announcements and updates. We also bring news of what's happening with the Disney Cruise Line and with the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company in 2023. Our update covers not just...

Just one evening at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World can be full of so many amazing things to see and do. And yet, there are also these moments when one wonders what is happening and why? We go through such an evening as this, and cherish amazing moments like holiday lights on Main Street, U.S.A., the newly revised and gorgeous Mickey's PhilarMagic, and Disney's Enchanted Fireworks. And with...

In our first cruise since the onset of COVID, we boarded the Disney Fantasy for what was to be a three night getaway. Despite new protocols, this was probably one of our favorite and most memorable of our eight Disney cruises. I share seven highlights from this cruise, almost all of which were new experiences we had not encountered before. From changes to protocol to new entertainment and offering...

Join us as we set sail from Port Canaveral on board the Fantasy ship of the Disney Cruise Line. For my wife and I this is our first voyage in two years and we'll give you the highlights of signing up, registering online, showing up at Port Canaveral, getting tested and finally boarding the ship. This is the first of our podcasts on revisiting the Disney Cruise Line. Join us!

Recently we had the opportunity to visit the new Snow White's Enchanted Wish at Disneyland, which replaces as a dark ride the previously titled Snow White's Scary Adventure. We look at the original version of this attraction, and how it was changed in 1984. We then compare the new experience today and note all of the individual scenes that have created for a "happily ever after" while still keepin...

There has recently been an intensified attention drawn on Disney CEO Bob Chapek in the last month. On one end of the spectrum, the CEO has been the subject of a petition on change.org to have him removed. As of the time of this writing, some 65,000 have signed. In truth, this petition was started a long time ago, but a week or so ago it got feverish attention where people signed in droves. Still t...

Recently I had the opportunity to do a date night with my wife at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Orlando has many choices as to where to dine. I don't do food reviews of places to eat. But when we choose to eat a table service meal at Walt Disney World we are looking for a dining experience, not a place to eat. This review is not a food review, it is a review of the dining experi...

It won't take long before you realize who has really made Halloween amazing at the Disney Parks. We look at both Walt Disney World's offering and Disneyland's offering to compare the two experiences. We look at theming, ambience, added attractions, entertainment, food and so much more. Even if you don't attend and pay for their exclusive parties, there's still Halloween goodness to be found. As we...

Imagine you had a chance to visit the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in the days, weeks and months right after opening. What would it have been like? Together with legendary (but alive) Disney historian Jim Korkis we explore those earlier times. We talk about attractions that that have come and gone like the Greenhouse Flower Shop or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. We talk about entertainment li...

David Zanolla and I get together to discuss Day Three in trying to deal with Genie. In particular, David is all over the idea of grabbing a few at the beginning of the day and then stacking the FastPasses towards the end of the day. We not only set off to do this at the Magic Kingdom--joining other resort guests at the start of their day, but then David later visits Disney's Hollywood Studios and...

Do you need Genie+? We explore what it's like in this Lightning Lane world of visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios without any of the cost extras that have been put in place in the Disney Parks. Our family gets in line for Rise of the Resistance, and enjoys a number of attractions, many of which are walk well before the park closes. This comes on the heals of having spent a day at Magic Kingdom usi...

We visit the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on the first day of the new Genie, Genie+ and Lightening Lane program. We look at what it involves to get it set up in the morning prior; we discuss the differences between booking at a hotel or off property; We look at some of the challenges in booking and whether you can book attractions at other parks whether it's with Genie+ or with select attrac...

Part of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World was the premiere of Disney KiteTails at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We look at this surprisingly cute little offering, which includes two shows, one based on Disney's The Lion King and the other based on Disney's The Jungle Book. We also share other happenings going on throughout the park to include 50th anniversary offerings and more.

Many fans are aware of the Look and Life magazines which came out with covers and articles about the opening of Walt Disney World in October of 1971. Because it didn't have a cover photo, few have remembered Time Magazine's offering, and even less have referred to it. For me personally, it was the very first introduction to me of Walt Disney World in Florida. Its essay, maps and photos unfold litt...

In the last hours of a weekday news cycle Disney chose to release further details around their new Genie+ product, which will launch on Tuesday, October 19th. That's a sign as to whether or not guests will be happy with what's being laid out before them. Along with David Zanolla, we study those details, to include pricing, availability to on-property and off-property guests (not to mention annual...

Disney has called Harmonious one of its most complex night-time spectaculars. In truth, Harmonious is ambitious. We look at how we got to this point in time, and examine the show in depth. We look at the song list for this show, and consider comparisons to the earlier Magic Kingdom fireworks show of Happily Ever After. We study all of the technical aspects that make up this show, and how it comes...

It's not a small thing when a new fireworks show appears at Walt Disney World, and with the 50th Golden Anniversary of Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom has a new show in the form of "Disney Enchantment". We talk about the entire experience of seeing the show for the first time on October 1st 2021, of the crowded conditions, and of the show itself. We'll look at its technical merits and importa...

We are here on the morning of Walt Disney World's 50th Golden Anniversary at the Magic Kingdom. Here we have a chance to see the new welcome Cinderella Castle Show. We have a chance to see the head of Walt Disney Attractions Josh D'Amaro and visit with Jeff Vahle who is head of the Walt Disney World Resort. We check in with several woman who were hosted the original preview center. We check in on...

Tomorrow Walt Disney World will begin its celebration of it's 50th Golden Anniversary with an 18 month celebration. When you come to visit, what will you see? We'll cover all of the happenings in the parks with attractions, entertainment, decor, food & beverage and more. We'll also examine what isn't happening, what is missing in action. Is it possible that Disney will announce and premiere other...

In a space nestled between competing Disney California Adventure attractions, Disney Imagineering has created an entirely new place devoted to the Marvel super heroes. Avengers Campus is truly a unique themed land, with impressive rides, attractions and other offerings. We will look closely at this campus setting, explore its two major attractions, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! and We...

With one week to go prior to Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary, we talk about what's new as the resort prepares ahead. We begin at Epcot with a look at the new Club Cool and Celebrations Shop. The Space 220 Restaurant has also opened. Should you go see it? We see statues at all four parks, and in the case of Disney's Hollywood Studios, it may suggest the future of Voyage of the Little Mermaid....

While I've grown up with Disneyland and have visited throughout so many years, it's been two years since I last visited. My return was a much needed one that was marked with simple charms and a beautiful park. It was filled with Disney characters making surprise visits to beautiful flower gardens spread throughout to churros at every turn. Timeless and beloved attractions awaited us as well as exp...