We all know how Roy O. Disney's leadership in the wake of Walt Disney's passing in 1966 ultimately led to the creation of Walt Disney World 50 years ago on October 1st, 1971. But there were two little-known, but important decisions that were made by Roy in the wake of the Florida opening, just weeks later. They would create great consequences for the organization moving forward over the years to come. On this, the 50th anniversary of Roy O. Disney's passing, we will look at those two decisions that came within two months after the park's opening, and consider what we can learn about decision making in our own individual worlds.

From inside Epcot at Walt Disney World we bring this joyous season to you in the form of Festival of the Holidays. From holiday music tied to Beacons of Light on Spaceship Earth, to the organic evolution of the lights at Living with the Land we find Christmas throughout the front of the park. Moving to World Showcase we check out festival goodies, and look at a number of shops and entertainment that are happening for the first time since the advent of COVID. We check out the Candlelight Processional and holiday shopping at Die Weihnachts Ecke, Germany's Christmas Corner shop. We look at what's happening with Lightning Lanes at Frozen Ever After, check out the crowds for Harmonious and then do a little holiday shopping at the new Creations gift shop. All this and more as we bring you the sounds of Epcot during this festive time of year.

Photos, videos and links can be found on our Disney at Play post.

In this podcast we offer not one, not two but three restaurant reviews. Opening on October 1st of this year was Steakhouse 71 at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Formerly known as The Wave, this restaurant may well be one of the best ways you can celebrate Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary celebration. It is a traditional Seventies' style restaurant, with plenty of memorabilia cherishing the creation and first decade of the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

Then we have a second experience on the other side of the Walt Disney World resort property. For a recent birthday celebration my wife and I visited Topolino's Terrace, a restaurant I did a review on sometime earlier. This time we were seated against the window where we could enjoy Harmonious from the air. It was a far better experience than before.

But no dining experience of late was as impressive as Toledos-Tapas, Steaks and Seafood. Located high atop the tower at Disney's Coronado Springs resort, not only did the setting set itself apart from all other dining experiences on Walt Disney World property, but so did the meal itself. It was impressive as I was joined by a team of six managers, visiting Walt Disney World to know more about leadership, agility and the future of customer service.

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 monorail system. Three ideas would take advantage of a new Skyliner system that would connect between Epcot and Disney Springs. And some of these ideas may be on their way, even if they haven't been announced.

Make sure you check out the maps, photos and images that accompany this podcast at Disney at Play.

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 would look like. We'll also look at other intellectual properties that could become attractions or even countries in World Showcase. Whether or not you have seen Encanto, join us in this spoiler-free brainstorming of what this attraction might be like. 

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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 podcast something even more unique. Something more inspiring that can be a catalyst for becoming the best we can be. To that end, I'm introducing new set of podcasts on this channel around what I refer to as Performance Journeys. It is taken from a former Magic Kingdom attraction known as The Timekeeper. And it's that attraction that serves as the message for today's podcast as well--defying the impossible & improbable at Disney and beyond. Join us on this Performance Journey. 

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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 what was announced but what wasn't announced. Which brings us to new news that almost all Walt Disney World Annual Passes have been suspended. There is much to cover, so join us for this Disney at Play podcast.

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 all of this, it is off set by some comments made about reducing food portions, unbelievable price hikes on the Christmas party, and a tram system that is still not operational. And then we have what seems to be a very misleading--perhaps deceitful occurrence on Seven Dwarf's Mine Ride as it relates to Genie+ Lightning Lanes. Join us as we share the magic and realities, the bliss and the miss of an evening at Walt Disney World.

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 offerings, our experience on board the Fantasy will make you consider taking a Disney Cruise experience sooner than later.

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!