On this week's listener interaction episode, I'll share some questions and comments from our listeners on Disney topics including animatronics out at Tokyo Disneyland, the upcoming Disney+ digital streaming service set to launch by Disney later this year, Easter eggs from "Mary Poppins Returns", a really cool exhibit all dedicated to Mickey Mouse in NYC, and much more!

On this week's Disney News episode, the Disneyland Resort announces 2019 ticket increases, a soundtrack is now available for Pandora - The World of Avatar, new details about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge are revealed during a backstage tour as well as remarks made by Bob Iger hinting at a June opening at Disneyland, Kevin from "Up" is headed to Disney's Animal Kingdom, and a whole lot more!

On this week's feature discussion show, author Kimberley Bouchard joins us as we talk about the things that make Disney. Whether it's theme parks, movies, music, or characters, all of these products have a way of shaping pop culture and even who we are as people in a way that no other company or product has been able to do. Together, we'll delve into aspects that make Disney so much more than just a brand.

On this week's Friday with Friends listener interaction show, we had a request for some park audio from the Walt Disney World Railroad. Since it is currently closed due to construction on the Tron attraction, I wasn't able to get the audio requested. However, Bryce Yelverton is going to join us for a special look at the railroads at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and the details that help make them so special to the parks.

On this week's Disney News episode, Disney reveals the 30th anniversary logo for Disney's Hollywood Studios, pieces of Buzzy are stolen from Cranium Command at Epcot, Marvel characters previously licensed by 21st Century Fox could see some green-lighted projects at Disney in 2019, and more.

On this week's feature discussion show, author and host of the Disney History Institute podcast, Todd J. Pierce, joins us as we take a look at the evolution of Disney theme parks from the genesis of Walt's original idea for Disneyland all the way to the massive theme park conglomerate that we have today with a dozen parks around the world, scores of resort hotels, shopping districts, and more. Join us as we travel back in time and look at the historical events that shaped the Disney Parks and Resorts into what we know today!

On this week's Friday with Friends listener interaction show, Sarah Evans joins us for a spoiler-free look at "Mary Poppins Returns". Together, we'll look at the film contrasted with the original 1964 Mary Poppins classic, point out some Easter Eggs and references to the original in the film, share feedback from our listeners and what they thought of the film, and more!

On this week's Disney News episode, Will Smith responds to critics of Entertainment Weekly's first look at a non-blue Genie, Mary Poppins Returns officially hits theaters to good reviews and respectable box office numbers, the Disney Junior Dance Party debuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disneyland's Tropical Hideaway opens with the world famous Dole Whip being featured on the menu, and much more!

Merry Christmas everyone! Sam Polkinghorne has put together a fantastic collection of Christmas audio from the Disney theme parks in celebration of Christmas. Enjoy this bonus episode!

Track list: It's A Small World Holiday (Disneyland) Mater's Jingle Jamboree (Disney's California Adventure) Once Upon A Christmas Time (Magic Kingdom) Mickey Mouse Holiday Autotune Remix Haunted Mansion Holiday (Disneyland) United Kingdom Father Christmas Full Show (Epcot) Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! (Disney's Hollywood Studios) Jingle Cruise (Magic Kingdom) Holiday Wishes (Magic Kingdom)

This year Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" celebrated it's 25th anniversary. Although regarded by many to be a Halloween film, many people consider to be a Christmas film as well. Join us while we talk with Producer/Creative Director/Writer Dave Bossert, who worked on part of the film and has interviewed many other key animators and artists for an upcoming book about the making of "The Nightmare Before Christmas". We'll talk about what makes this film such a Disney contemporary classic, the origins of the story, and some of the behind-the-scenes work that took place to make it.