The Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast

On this episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss what Walt Disney World attractions should be upgraded next, how Disney's backstories can backfire, the latest news, and more. Plus, we chat with D23 head Michael Vargo about D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

On this episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss what's going on at Disney Adventure World, how Disney is doing you a favor (while saving money), the latest news, and more. Plus, we chat with Danny Shuster of WDW Magazine about the new podcast Parks & Pages! We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

On this episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Bob Iger's tenure, in-person shareholders meetings, and more. Plus, Alex chats with filmmakers and cast from Pixar's "Hoppers" We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

On this episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Josh D'Amaro's new job, The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl commerical, and more. Plus, we are joined by author Marcy Carriker Smothers ( Eat Like Walt ). We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

On this episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss eventizing, DCA's birthday, and more. Plus, we are joined by Gavin Doyle of Mickey Visit to discuss Disney's earnings. Note: This episode was recorded on February 2, 2026 - AKA, the day before the CEO announcement. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

On this special episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we're joined once again by Rebekah and Doobie Moseley for a look back at our 2025 Bold Predictions and place our bets for 2026! We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

On this episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss the anxiety surrounding Disney's CEO announcement, Disney's customer service, and more. Plus, we chat with Beci Mahnken from Mouse Fan Travel for National Plan For Vacation Day. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

On this episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Asad Ayaz's latest role, EPCOT's weakest festival, and more. Plus, we chat with filmmaker Leslie Iwerks about "Disneyland Handcrafted." We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

On the second season premiere of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Benji's resolutions for Disney, the parks' pricing strategy, and introduce a new segment: The Pick 6. Plus, we chat with author Stephen Hall about his new book "A Spoonful of Sugar: The Story of the Upjohn Pharmacy in Disneyland" We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laugh...

In today's special episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Benji's picks for the Most Fascinating Disney People of 2025 — and the Disney Person of the Year. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss whether Disney could be an acquisition target after Warner Bros. Discovery, the anniversary of "Think Again," and the latest Disney news. Plus, we chat with Disney Legend James Cameron as well as  Jack Champion, Trinity Bliss, and Bailey Bass from "Avatar: Fire and Ash." We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discover, how Disney can mix dynamic pricing with price discrimination, and the latest Disney news. Plus, we chat with Patrick Warburton about "Zootopia 2" and his Disney legacy (so far). We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Disney's current stagnation, what we can learn from recent Dancing with the Stars success, and the latest Disney news. Plus, we chat with  Kenzi Richardson and Janice LeAnn Brown about their Disney Channel shows! We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Disney's recent embrace of its history, what the future may hold for D23: The Official Disney Fanclub, and the latest Disney news. Plus, we chat with Gavin Doyle of Mickey visit to recap Destination D23 and much more. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss what lessons we can learn from the success of "KPop Demon Hunters", the good and bad of Disney nomenclature (and why it's time to bring back FastPass), and the latest Disney news. Plus, we chat with Scott Gustin about Destination D23 and more. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@la...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss a possible return for Paramount Parks, how Disney Lorcana fits into the Disney flywheel, and the latest Disney news. Plus, Stephanie Shuster of WDW Magazine joins us to discuss her Disney origin story, her recent experience in Papenburg, Deutschland, and much more. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and q...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th anniversary, how Walmart celebrates its founder (and how Disneyland is set to honor its), the latest Disney news, and more. Plus, Alex chats with cast members of "Zombie 4" We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss the need for smaller Disney theme park experiences, why Disney should create a savings account for fans, the latest Disney news, and more. Plus, Benji chats with Don Hahn & Christopher Merritt about their new book The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland . We welcome your feedback, so ple...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Disney current advantage over its media rivals, how teaser announcements can backfire, the latest Disney news, and more. Plus, Benji chats with the cast and crew of Pixar's "Elio," including Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian, Mary Alice Drumm, and Yonas Kibreab.  We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questio...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss Disney "getting back on the treadmill," how movie theatres became merchandise engines, the latest news, and more. Plus, Alex has a chance to chat with Vincent Martella who voices Phineas on the new season of "Phineas and Ferb." We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.com.

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss who recently became Ben's pick to become the next Disney CEO, how Disney films actually become hits, the latest news, and more. Plus, we have a very special chat with former animator and Imagineer Joe Lanzisero about his career(s) as well as his children's book "Lemonade The Yellow Bear." We welcome your feedback, so please...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss the competition to become Disney's next CEO, what Disney could do with a premium credit card offering, the latest news, and more. Plus, we talk to Mickey Visit's Gavin Doyle about Disney's earnings — including the big Abu Dhabi Disney announcement. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podca...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss the new Walt Disney - A Magical Life attraction, where Disney could expand its Parks to next, the latest news, and more. Plus, Ben and Tony talk to "Big City Greens" creators Shane and Chris Houghton about their big 100th episode. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to podcast@laughingplace.c...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss what it's like to be a fan in 2025, the continued existence of Disneynature, the latest news, and more. Plus, Mike talks to Asa Kalama and Michael Serna from Walt Disney Imagineering about current and future(!) Star Wars experiences in the Disney Parks. We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts and questions to...

In today's episode of the Laughing Place "On Balance" Podcast, we discuss the competition Universal Epic Universe brings to Florida, what increasingly thrilling attractions means for those less tolerant of such things, the latest news, and more. Plus, we talk to Eric Kimelton & Christopher Ninness about their new documentary "Not Just a Goof." We welcome your feedback, so please send your thoughts...