WDW Radio - Disney Parks and Experiences
1286 episodes Last Updated: Jun 23, 25
WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Disney Parks and more! - WDW Radio is the award-winning Disney podcast dedicated to celebrating the magic of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars since 2005. Tune in and subscribe for Disney news, Disney vacation planning, Disney travel tips, Disney trivia, contests, deep dives into Disney history, interviews, theme park secrets, as well as attraction, dining, and resort reviews.
Hosted by Disney expert, author, and speaker Lou Mongello, this family-friendly show is your Walt Disney World Information Station, and has been voted Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and also features a blog, videos, LIVE video, welcoming community, and special events including monthly meetups, group cruises, On The Road experiences and more!
Over the years, WDW Radio has been graced by a plethora of esteemed guests. Disney Legends like Julie Andrews, the iconic Mary Poppins, Tony Baxter, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Richard Sherman, Bob Gurr, Alan Menken, Paige O'Hara, the voice of Belle, Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, and renowned Producer Don Hahn, have shared their stories and experiences. The podcast has also ventured into the Marvel and Star Wars universes with guests like Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, and Ashley Eckstein, the voice behind Ahsoka Tano. From Walt Disney Imagineers, dedicated Cast Members, to talented actors, writers, producers, authors, and many more, WDW Radio has been a platform for the voices that make Disney truly magical.
It is also home to Lou Mongello's Walt Disney World Trivia Books, The Disney Interviews book, 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World, and virtual Audio Tours of Walt Disney World.
Lou is also the founder of the Dream Team Project, which has raised more than $550,000.00 to date to send children with life-threatening illnesses to Walt Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
Whether you're planning your next trip to Walt Disney World or simply reminiscing about your favorite Disney memories, the WDW Radio Disney podcast is your passport to the Walt Disney World and the Disney Parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars!
Learn more at WDWRadio.com
In addition to creating content around the Disney brands, Lou is also a keynote speaker, author, coach, and founder of the Momentum series of events and workshops for those looking to build their business and brand by sharing the magic of Disney, delivering exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, and community. Learn more at LouMongello.com
Episodes
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.💬 What’s your favorite Indiana Jones moment in the Disney Parks - or one you wish you could experience?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE 102 Things to Do at Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!
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.👉 What’s YOUR favorite memory from Tom Sawyer Island – and how do you feel about this piece of Disney history being replaced? I’d love to hear your thoughts.📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and moreWDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewardsWDW Radio LIVE - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nightsEvents & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into...
Jun 17, 2025
832 · Adventures by Disney Japan Recap: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tokyo & Kintsugi - Part 2
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 by Disney difference.🙋🏻♀️ If you could visit one place in Japan, where would it be… and why?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit Japan (and maybe Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea)? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!
Jun 12, 2025
831 · Disneyland at 70: Walt’s Vision, Origins, Secrets, and Stories from the Park - From the Archives
831 · Disneyland at 70: Walt’s Vision, Origins, Secrets, and Stories from the Park - From the ArchivesCelebrate 70 years of Disneyland with a deep dive into hidden stories, surprising history, and unforgettable secrets from Walt’s original park.In this special WDW Radio Archive episode, I'm joined by the late, great Jim Korkis as we explore the surprising origins of Doritos and churros, the story of Walt's lost Holidayland, unusual Main Street shops, and hidden details in Tomorrowland mosaics (yes, really).From snoring bears and the Wizard of Bras to personal memories and overlooked moments, we peel back the layers of the Happiest Place on Earth. It’s a tribute to Disneyland at 70 - and to Jim’s incredible legacy of storytelling, research, and passion for preserving Disney history.🙋🏻♀️ Is Japan on your travel bucket list?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit Japan and maybe Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn 🎧 Explore More:- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!
830 · Adventures by Disney Japan Recap: Stories & Highlights - Part 1 Japan is truly unlike anywhere else in the world. And this week, I want to take you there - not with a guidebook, but through the memories, moments, and magic we experienced together on our recent WDW Radio Adventures by Disney Journey to Japan group trip. Join me and some of the friends (who are really more like family) from our group as we reflect on our journey through Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Tokyo - and how this adventure changed us in ways we never expected. We’ll share the beauty, the surprises, and the emotion of this remarkable experience - and explore not just what makes Japan so special, but why Adventures by Disney makes it unforgettable. And if you weren't able to join us on this trip... don’t worry. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next very special WDW Radio adventure. I promise - you won’t want to miss it. 🙋🏻♀️ Is Japan on your travel bucket list? 📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391 ✈️ Looking to visit Japan and maybe Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com 📬 Stay Connected: - Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book! - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn 🎧 Explore More: - WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more - WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards - WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights - Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups! - LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership. 🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame. Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!
829 · Celebrate Happy: A Complete Guide to Disneyland’s 70th AnniversarySomething special is happening at Disneyland… It’s turning 70, and the year-long Celebrate Happy party is packed with magic, surprises, returning favorites, and history in the making. Join me and theme park journalist Carlye Wisel as we unlock what’s new, what’s back, and why you need to visit - from "Paint the Night" and "World of Color Happiness" to Duffy’s return, MagicBand+ secrets, incredible merchandise, interactive activities (and free souvenirs!), more than 70 new food items, the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, and much more!🙋🏻♀️ What part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary are YOU most excited about?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit Disneyland for the 70th? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!
828 · Disney’s Abu Dhabi Theme Park: A Whole New World UnveiledDisney just announced a bold new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi – and it could change everything. In this episode, we explore the Disney Abu Dhabi theme park announcement from every angle – cultural, creative, and corporate. We also have a thoughtful conversation about some of the questions and concerns this move has raised. Discover why Disney chose Abu Dhabi, what the “authentically Disney, distinctly Emirati” vision means, and how this expansion could shape the future of Imagineering, Disney’s global parks, and Bob Iger’s legacy.🙋🏻♀️ How do you feel about Disney expanding to Abu Dhabi?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!
827 · Build Your Star Wars Movie Memorabilia MuseumThe ultimate Star Wars collector’s wish list - no budget, no limits, just dreams!This week, in honor of May the 4th, we’re heading to a galaxy far, far away… and diving into a fun, nerdy, and personal conversation, as we explore a galaxy of imagination and nostalgia and build our "Star Wars Movie Memorabilia Museum."We’re not talking about toys or collectibles from the parks - we’re talking about the actual props, costumes, and iconic items from the Star Wars movies that we wish we could own. The ones that captured our imaginations, sparked our fandom, and still make us feel like kids again.But this isn’t just about stuff. It’s about stories. About why these things matter - to me, and to you. Because Star Wars isn’t just a series of films. It’s part of our lives. Our memories. Our connections with the people we share them with.So in this episode, I invite you to imagine your own dream Star Wars memorabilia museum… and come with us as we build ours.Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Star Wars for the first time, this is a celebration of the stories, symbols, and stuff that connect us… from a galaxy far, far away.🙋🏻♀️ What's the one piece of Star Wars movie memorabilia that you would want in YOUR museum collection?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me...
Apr 29, 2025
826 · How Disney Brings Star Wars to Life: Reveals and Stories from Star Wars Celebration Japan
826 · How Disney Brings Star Wars to Life: Reveals and Stories from Star Wars Celebration JapanHave you ever dreamed of living your own Star Wars story?This week, I take you inside Star Wars Celebration Japan for a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Parks and Lucasfilm are transforming the way we experience Star Wars - and reveal new stories, secrets, and adventures you need to know about.Join me for exclusive interviews with leaders from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment, exciting updates to Galaxy's Edge, new droids, and the future of Star Wars storytelling in the parks.Plus, I host a live panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan all about how you can live your own Star Wars story - and how emotional, immersive storytelling is changing Disney Parks forever.Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or just love Disney's magic of storytelling, this is one journey to a galaxy far, far away you won't want to miss.🙋🏻♀️ What's the one thing you would love to experience in Galaxy's Edge to make your Star Wars dreams come true?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!
825 · The Top Ten Things We Love About the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT - From the ArchivesKonnichiwa, my friend! As this episode is released, I’m on my way to Tokyo to host a panel at Star Wars Celebration about Living Your Star Wars Story in the Disney Parks!So, in the spirit of sushi, samurai, sake, and Star Wars, we're reaching back into the WDW Radio archives for a listener favorite: The Top Ten Things We Love About the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT.No, not the country (although I am heading back soon for our WDW Radio Adventures by Disney trip to Japan!) - but the incredible World Showcase pavilion that captures Japan’s beauty, culture, cuisine, and yes... the gift shops.Originally recorded in 2016 (how was that 9 years ago?!), this episode is a nostalgic journey through one of EPCOT’s most beloved pavilions. From the serene gardens to Mitsukoshi’s Pokémon overload, it’s a celebration of all things Japan... but in the Walt Disney World park.And be sure to follow me on Instagram @LouMongello for content from Star Wars Celebration, Tokyo Disneyland, and DisneySea all week long. Yes... it’s for research. 😉.🙋🏻♀️ What’s YOUR favorite part of the Japan pavilion… and why?📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park... or anywhere in the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com📬 Stay Connected:- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube 🎧 Explore More:- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!