Imagination Skyway

Bret Iwan might be best known for his iconic voice work, but his creative endeavors extend beyond the studio. As a painter, a designer, and a restoration artist, Bret is currently pursuing several personal projects, including a ranch he's building up north (Terbeau Ranch), an historic railroad he's restoring, ongoing antique restoration, and other creative endeavors. In this episode, we discuss the personal side of Bret Iwan, including his projects, his home, his aspirations, and his thoughts on ways to stay creative and engaged. You can follow Bret Iwan on Instagram and YouTube.

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Disney's Lakeshore Lodge opens summer 2027, and today's Disney Parks Blog article confirmed new dining and fireworks spaces coming to the resort, including a new table-service restaurant, a quick-service restaurant, a pool bar, and a terrace. Disney's Lakeshore Lodge will be inspired by Pocahontas (from Walt Disney Animation Studios) and the natural landscape surrounding Bay Lake at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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For many Disney fans, choosing a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland often comes down to proximity—travelers on the east coast default to Walt Disney World, and west-coasters often select Disneyland—but there are numerous advantages to vacationing at the resort farther from your home. Removing the distance factor from our travel plans, we compare what it's like to vacation at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, staying on property in each case, and how traveling with young kids changes the experience. We also discuss our favorite attractions, food, and memories from our most recent trip to the Disneyland Resort.

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Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is the flagship hotel of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Opening in 2001, Grand Californian is the closest hotel to a Disney theme park, just steps away from Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney District, or a brief walk to Disneyland Park. Inspired by the craftsmanship of California architecture and the natural beauty of the golden state, the Grand Californian Hotel offers spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, fine dining, and more, with the quickest access you can get to both Disneyland Resort theme parks. In this episode, I'm joined by Philander Butler to discuss everything you need to know about this hotel, including the reasons you might want to stay here (despite competitive prices you can get at other hotels) and ways to make the most of your visit.

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D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 is happening in Anaheim, California—just next door to the Disneyland Resort—on August 14, 15, and 16. The schedule for this D23 Expo was just announced. In this episode, I'll highlight the panels and events you won't want to miss, and I'll share my predictions for the Disney Experiences Showcase, which will include announcements for the Disney Parks from Walt Disney Imagineering. You can learn more at D23.com.

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In this listener question-and-answer episode, we discuss our thoughts about the latest changes to Walt Disney World bus transportation and removal of the Grand Floridian ginger bread house, new resort hotels, annual pass breakeven points, how Disney transitions guests between lands, what we would want to take Roy Disney to see, and more listener questions.

Thanks to Carly Caramanna for joining me on this episode! Make sure to pre-order her new book: The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook.

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The United States of America turns 250 this July 4, 2026. In many ways, Disney embodies, reflects, and propels American culture, and Walt Disney himself was a patriotic American who volunteered in World War II, admired Abraham Lincoln, and created stories based on American lore. Today, many Disney Parks experiences celebrate various aspects of American history, geography, and psychology. For this special two-part episode, we share our favorite patriotic experiences at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, including many that might surprise you.

Special thanks to Philander Butler for joining me on this episode.

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Disney's BoardWalk is getting new experiences starting this summer 2026 (plus a quick-service location to be announced later this summer). Disney Lakeshore Lodge (opening 2027) has a confirmed recreation area called The Wetlands with views of Magic Kingdom fireworks. Disney Transportation bus and ferry boat departures from Disney Springs will be limited to those with specific reservations beginning June 28, 2026. In this episode, we discuss all this news and my analysis and opinions.

Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.

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The United States of America turns 250 this July 4, 2026. In many ways, Disney embodies, reflects, and propels American culture, and Walt Disney himself was a patriotic American who volunteered in World War II, admired Abraham Lincoln, and created stories based on American lore. Today, many Disney Parks experiences celebrate various aspects of American history, geography, and psychology. For this special two-part episode, we share our favorite patriotic experiences at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, including many that might surprise you.

Special thanks to Philander Butler for joining me on this episode.

Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.

How to Support the Show

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Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside opened as Dixie Landings at Walt Disney World in 1992 in the Disney Springs resort area, joining its sister property Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. Celebrating the spirit of rural Louisiana, the resort includes Southern-style mansions (Magnolia Terrace) and cottages (Alligator Bayou) along the Sassagoula River, plus iconic entertainment (Yehaa Bob Jackson at River Roost), recreation, pools, and dining. Transportation includes bus service to the Walt Disney World theme parks and boat service to Disney Springs. In this episode, we discuss the resort's history and Imagineering, and we share everything you need to know for your next Port Orleans Riverside stay.

Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.

How to Support the Show

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