828 · Disney’s Abu Dhabi Theme Park: A Whole New World Unveiled

Disney 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?

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🙏 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 Museum

The 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?

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- 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!

826 · How Disney Brings Star Wars to Life: Reveals and Stories from Star Wars Celebration Japan

Have 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

📬 Stay Connected:

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• 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 Archives

Konnichiwa, 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 (WDW1)

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🙏 THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for the opportunity to be inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame!

Please tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show... and as always... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!

824 · My 5 Favorite Outdoor Queues in Walt Disney World (That Are Worth the Wait)

This week, we’re stepping into the sunshine - and into the story - as I share my 5 favorite outdoor queues in Walt Disney World. These aren’t just lines… they’re immersive experiences filled with storytelling, hidden details, and atmosphere that make the wait part of the magic. Whether you’ve walked them a hundred times or never taken a closer look, this episode will help you see (and hear) them in a whole new way.

🙋🏻‍♀️ What’s YOUR favorite outdoor queue in Walt Disney World… and why?

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  🌟 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 and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and for the opportunity to be inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame!   Please tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show... and as always... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!

823 · The Savory 16: A Bracket-Style Showdown for the 2025 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

This week, we’re doing something fun, fresh… and flavorful, as we taste and debate 16 of the newest savory dishes from this year’s EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. It’s a bracket-style showdown we’re calling: The Savory 16!

We taste-tested everything, made our notes, and brought our appetites and opinions as we decided what moved on, what got eliminated, and which dish deserves the crown as this year’s Flavor of the Festival. And there were surprises, upsets, blowouts, and buzzer beaters.

🙋🏻‍♀️ What is your favorite item at this year's Festival... or the one you want to try most after listening this week?

Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks!

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🌟 LouMongello.com - Are you a 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 can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.  

THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show! 

 

822 · Top Ten Details and Tributes Hiding in Plain Sight at Walt Disney World

What makes Walt Disney World truly special isn’t just the attractions or even the food - it’s the details. The ones that tell stories, spark smiles, and honor the people and moments that built the magic. This week, we count down our Top Ten Details and Tributes in Walt Disney World Hiding in Plain Sight - little nods, Easter eggs, and meaningful touches that make the parks unlike anywhere else.

🙋🏻‍♀️ What do you think about the addition of Disney and Marvel characters to it's a small world? 

Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks!

❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package!

📧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 102 Things To Do at Least Once in Walt Disney World book at WDWRadio.com/Subscribe

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🌟 LouMongello.com - Are you a 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 can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.  

THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show! 

 

821 · The Cake Bake Shop: Tour, Tasting, & Talk with Owner Gwendolyn Rogers & Speical Guest Ashley Eckstein

Join me for a deliciously special episode of WDW Radio as we explore Disney's most enchanting destination, The Cake Bake Shop on Disney's Boardwalk. I'm joined by founder Gwendolyn Rogers and Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars and the founder of Her Universe) for a sweet journey through this culinary and design masterpiece. We take you on an exclusive tour of the entire restaurant, bar, and bakery, and share hidden details (and a piece of Walt Disney World history) you might miss. Plus, we dive deep into Gwen's fascinating and inspiring entrepreneurial journey, hear heartwarming stories from Gwen and Ashley, and - of course - indulge in a LOT of incredible cake tasting. Don't listen hungry!

🙋🏻‍♀️ Have you ever been to The Cake Bake Shop? What did you think, or is it on your list on your next Walt Disney World vacation? 

Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks!

❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package!

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🌟 LouMongello.com - Are you a 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 can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.  

THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show! 

 

820 · "In or Out?" Disney Parks, Movies, and Cruise Line Debates!

Are you In or Out? This week, we’re diving into some of Disney’s most fun, fascinating, and sometimes even controversial topics - from the parks to the movies, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond! Join us as we talk about the Disney Treasure; IP in the parks; who can, will, or did save Marvel; the most exciting Walt Disney World attractions... and what Walt would think.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Do you agree with our takes? Do you think Walt Disney would be happy if he saw the parks today? 

Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks!

❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package!

📧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 102 Things To Do at Least Once in Walt Disney World book at WDWRadio.com/Subscribe

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• 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Visit the site and blog
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🌟 LouMongello.com - Are you a 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 can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.  

THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show! 

 

819 · Designing Disney with Former Imagineer Jason Surrell

Imagine starting as a Jungle Cruise skipper and ending up helping to shape some of Disney’s most legendary attractions! Join me as I sits down with former Disney Imagineer and master storyteller Jason Surrell, whose creative work spans Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, New Fantasyland, and much, much more. Jason shares his origin story, behind-the-scenes insights, and the future of immersive Disney storytelling, plus lessons from Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and other Disney legends. If you love Disney history, Imagineering secrets, and hidden details, this episode on Designing Disney is hopefully the first in a series of episodes you won’t want to miss!

🙋🏻‍♀️ Which Disney attraction do you think has the best storytelling, and why

Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) with a question, comment or hello from the parks!

❓ Answer this week's trivia question for a chance to WIN a Disney prize package!

📧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and get a FREE copy of my 102 Things To Do at Least Once in Walt Disney World book at WDWRadio.com/Subscribe

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• 🌐 WDWRadio.com - Visit the site and blog
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🌟 LouMongello.com - Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum Workshop and Retreat in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who can help you build your business brand, including how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.  

THANK YOU for listening and your support by voting WDW Radio Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, for your support in affording me the opportunity to be indcuted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame, and, of course, for listening! Please be sure to tune in next week, and help spread the word about the show! But for now... sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio show!