Yes! We predicted yesterday that Disney was going to announce a new park in Abu Dhabi, and that announcement has come to pass! "A whole new world" is coming to this corner of the world. With over four billion guests having visited some six Disney theme park destinations around the world, let's look at this newest Disney resort in Abu Dhabi, which will be the seventh in the world. This was part of its 2025 2nd quarter presentation, and the announcement dwarfed everything else. Why build here, and exactly where is it going? What will make this different than anything ever built before? How will it be built and managed? Let's explore what's new coming to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

_________________________________________________________________________

More Disney Insights can be found below!

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe.

DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

________________________________________________________

Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469

_________________________________________________________________________

Performance Journeys

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

Breaking news this morning as rumors about that Disney could be announcing a brand new theme park slated for United Arab Emirates. The possibility is that an announcement could be made Wednesday morning, May 7th, but some sources suggest this may be happening and in time with the 2nd Quarter 2025 announcements from Disney happening at the same time. Check it out!

_______________________________________________________

More Disney Insights can be found below!

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe.

DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

________________________________________________________

Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469

________________________________________________________

Performance Journeys

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

When Disneyland premiered in 1955, it was so unique above anything else that was found in the world. And yet, its roots are found in sources that are across the globe. We look at those major influences that shaped not only Walt Disney's interest in building an amusement enterprise, but in how that was actually shaped and created. These sources stem from even before his birth and can be found along his travels throughout the United States and Europe. And while his intent was to create a place that parents and children could enjoy together, the result of is a place that welcomes all who come to this happy place. Join us as we share the inspiration Walt found on the journey to Disneyland.

________________________________________________________

More Disney Insights can be found below!

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe.

DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

________________________________________________________

Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469

________________________________________________________

Performance Journeys

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

You see it all the time, headlines that say attendance is down at Walt Disney World or Universal's Epic Universe is going to take away all the business from Disney. Well, is it? We have a strong sense of how parks are faring after the pandemic, now that TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) and AECOM (Architecture, Engineering ,Construction, Operations and Management) has released its Global Attraction Attendance Report for 2022. From this we can begin to read the TEA leaves (get it?) as to how these parks are faring. There are a number of surprises, not just among parks in Florida, but in California and internationally. Plus we look at astonishing numbers for water parks--especially at Disney. Join us as we examine the theme index report of 2022 to see how theme parks are really faring, and where they are going to in 2023 and ahead in 2024.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Lots of photos, videos and links supporting this podcast at DisneyInsights.com

Special Announcement!

Jim Korkis needs your help! The 72-year-old, internationally-respected Disney historian who has authored thousands of articles and dozens of books about all things Disney. He has also been a guest on several Disney Insight Podcasts. Moreover, he's been a friend for years. Jim is now struggling with a series of major medical issues and is in need of financial help to pay his bills. We invite you to help!

There are three ways you can support Jim with any or all of the following:

1. Go to Go Fund Me and make a direct contribution to Jim Korkis.
2. Join our Patreon Group, the Wayfinder Society at any level and all 2023 donations will be contributed to supporting Jim.
3. Be among the first 100 people to do the following and we'll make a $3 contribution each to supporting Jim:
   • Subscribe to DisneyInsights.com
   • Subscribe to Disney Insights on YouTube and Share a Video.
   • Join our Disney Insights Facebook Group Page and Share with Others.

When we started this podcast series examining the lands of Disneyland Park in the Disneyland Paris Resort, we began our first focused podcast with Fantasia Gardens, moved past the Disneyland Hotel, and down the left side of Main Street U.S.A., to include the Liberty arcade. We have then moved through Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. Now we will return to Main Street and move down the right side toward the castle. One might think this is a lot of podcast for what is a lot of shops and eateries but I hold that this is perhaps the best designed retail and dining experience in the world. Even better than any of the other Main Streets found in parks world-wide. The attention Imagineers put toward the design of this street is unparalleled in terms of attention to detail, especially for something that is not really about rides and attractions (though we will talk about the Disneyland Railroad). In fact, we will consider this as to whether this is the best combined indoor/outdoor entertainment/retail/dining mall-style experience across the globe. Join us as we continue our series of celebrating the many lands of Disneyland Park in Disneyland Paris.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Lots of photos, videos and links supporting this podcast at DisneyInsights.com

Special Announcement!

Jim Korkis needs your help! The 72-year-old, internationally-respected Disney historian who has authored thousands of articles and dozens of books about all things Disney. He has also been a guest on several Disney Insight Podcasts. Moreover, he's been a friend for years. Jim is now struggling with a series of major medical issues and is in need of financial help to pay his bills. We invite you to help!

There are three ways you can support Jim with any or all of the following:

1. Go to Go Fund Me and make a direct contribution to Jim Korkis.
2. Join our Patreon Group, the Wayfinder Society at any level and all 2023 donations will be contributed to supporting Jim.
3. Be among the first 100 people to do the following and we'll make a $3 contribution each to supporting Jim:
   • Subscribe to DisneyInsights.com
   • Subscribe to Disney Insights on YouTube and Share a Video.
   • Join our Disney Insights Facebook Group Page and Share with Others.

The success of Pixar's Toy Story and its sequels have given way to a number of park attractions and offerings in Disney parks around the world. The biggest compilation of these has been in creating Toy Story Lands in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Orlando. The premise of these lands is the idea that Andy has created his own playground with his Toy Story pals in his back yard. We look at all of these lands with their attractions, food & beverage and retail offerings. We'll compare all these lands, talk about how they fit into their respective parks and ask the question, which of these is the best of the best? Join us for this podcast as we compare Toy Story Lands.

Today Apple made a big announcement. The tech giant announced a new platform, in the same scale as the iPhone, iPad, and the Apple Watch. Apple Vision Pro and its headset is Apple's way of embarking in a major way into virtual reality. It offers many benefits and creates an experience that may be unlike any other platform they have previously sold. To that end, moments later Disney CEO Bob Iger presented on stage at this conference to share that Disney will be making its Disney+ content available on the new platform on Day 1 when this device is sold at the Apple Store. But there is much more to this in terms of what could be offered. All the while, this foray into partnering with Apple is juxtaposition to Disney's recent decision to layoff many of the people involved with developing product for the Metaverse. So is Disney moving into artificial reality? We'll consider that question along with whether Disney's involvement suggests that Apple and Disney may merge as one corporation.

Of all the Tomorrowlands in all the Magic Kingdom-style parks, there is no version more unique than the one in Disneyland Paris, whose title is not Tomorrowland but Discoveryland. Intended to celebrate the scientists and futurists of Europe, the look and feel of this land really stands out above the rest. If steampunk had a theme park, much of this land would serve as home to it. We'll visit the attractions, shops and restaurants of this section of the park as we continue our celebration and examination of the many lands of Disneyland Paris. We'll look at how some of this original design dates back to early attractions Tony Baxter once conceived for Disneyland. And we'll explore some rumors of new attractions that might be coming to this land. Join us in Discoveryland as we go to the past to explore the future.

Six years ago this last weekend Disney premiered its newest land, Pandora: World of Avatar. Based on James Cameron’s successful film, this land set a new level of experiences not seen anywhere else. The centerpiece of this experience was Avatar’s Flight of Passage. It is called Flight of Passage because the flight is a rite of passage. We will look at what exactly are those rites of passage that play out in this attraction. Moreover, we will talk about how we are ourselves have our own rites of passage that we must observe. Our focus on this attraction will take on a new level of understanding and insight as we not only see the fruits of a well Imagineered Disney experience, but see how those same concepts play out personally and in our professional lives. Join us as we continue our celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom as we study the Rites of Passage on Avatar’s Flight of Passage.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Check out our post, photos and links at Disney Insights!

Join our Disney Insights Facebook page and let us know your favorite part of Avatar: Flight of Passage

We're heading into summer and it's time to think about how to make it work when you're visiting Disney theme parks--particularly Walt Disney World during the summer months. People are often surprised how hot, humid, wet and rainy a typical summer day can be. We're here to give you decades worth of smart steps you can take as you embark on a Disney day during these months. You can still have a great summer vacation--if you follow these practical ideas for enduring the weather. Join us for Beat the Heat Hacks for Summer at Walt Disney World!

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Visit our website at DisneyInsights.com

Please share your weather hacks during a summer at Walt Disney World on our Facebook page!

As part of the 25th Anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom, we want to talk about how this park came to be and the leaders that made it happen. I had the privilege of meeting back up with Rick Barongi, the first animal care zoo keeper hired by Imagineering to develop and make Disney's Animal Kingdom a reality. Roy E. Disney, Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, and Imagineers like Craig Russell, Paul Comstock and of course, Joe Rohde. He shares the role Jane Goodall played in supporting the park and of adventures in constructing it. Join us as we talk about the pioneers of Disney's Animal Kingdom who were the leaders that truly made this park a reality that we know and love today.

Our big thanks to Rick Barongi who joined me for this podcast and has done so much to further the betterment of animals, nature and conservation throughout the world. Check out his latest undertaking, Longneck Manor in Fredericksburg, Texas.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Our podcast today spoke of vegetation at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the role Paul Comstock played. Visit our poll and tell us which land in the park has the best landscaping. Please join our Disney Insights Facebook Page and share! We would love to hear from you.

While we like going into the weekend with lighter news, this week a couple of key announcements were made, and they are reflective of some tough financial decisions being made particularly at the Walt Disney World Resort. First and foremost, Disney has announced that the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser will cease operations in a few months. We explore why this is coming to an end, and most importantly, what lessons can be learned from it. Disney has also announced that it is no longer going to relocate staff into a planned campus that was to be located in a Lake Nona campus here in Orlando. And we also look at the tea leaves to see how attendance is doing at Walt Disney World.

This conversation is timely, as we have worked with organizations big and small to consider how they can save their customers time. It’s one of the major processes that really trip up a customer experience. At  Performance Journeys, we work with organizations in the public, private and non-profit sector to help give their customers the gift of time. We can help your organization as well. The concepts presented in this podcast are an outline of the kinds of improvements we can help you make. Call us and let’s chat.

The biggest guest complaint at Disney Parks is how long the waits are. Guests are always wondering how they can enjoy the experience without getting worn out waiting for one ride after another. Tools such as the Disney app showing wait times, or Touring Plans can direct guests as to where to go next when they are in the parks. But those tools don't always offer context as to what is happening that creates that wait time. And sometimes those tools are simply not accurate. How do you determine that accuracy? With decades of experience being in these parks I wanted to present a simple tool for thinking through all this. I present Disney CSI+. Disney CSI+ stands for the following: Capacity, Schedule, Interest & Genie+. We will present the issues to each of these in a simple way that you can identify for yourself what attractions will easily be walk ons and which ones are going to involve serious consideration as to when to ride. Disney CSI+ will give you the key concepts and principles that will help you make better "in the moment" decisions.

This conversation is timely, as we have worked with organizations big and small to consider how they can save their customers time. It's one of the major processes that really trip up a customer experience. At  Performance Journeys, we work with organizations in the public, private and non-profit sector to help give their customers the gift of time. We can help your organization as well. The concepts presented in this podcast are an outline of the kinds of improvements we can help you make. Call us and let's chat.

This month marks the 85th anniversary of The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. While Walt Disney had a couple of other smaller studio locations previously, this location has flourished for decades and has remained the headquarters of The Walt Disney Company. We'll look at how these studios came about, how it became a world-class facility, what set it apart from other movie studios in town, and why it was such an "employee-friendly" place. And we'll look at how all that still happens today! With all of this we'll share some lessons for any business location or place of business. And we'll also suggest how it contrasts with Disney's Hollywood Studios, as it points to a particular problem the Studios has that is different than the other Walt Disney World theme park experiences. So join us for the 85th anniversary of The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.

________________________________________________________

More Disney Insights can be found below!

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe.

DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

________________________________________________________

Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469

________________________________________________________

Performance Journeys

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

We continue our series focusing on the many lands of Disneyland Paris. This week we explore Fantasyland, which not only built out one of the elegant versions of this land, but sought to create a level of whimsy and magic well beyond just being another European village, which can be found anywhere on this continent. We explore the many attractions, restaurants and retail experiences. A study of all this yields a conclusion that the details of this land create for one of the most lavish and charming of any land built in any park. The details are effusive and the outcome is fantastical. Join us as we journey through Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris: A place of joy and magic.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Make sure you check out our show links, photos, videos and more at DisneyInsights.com

Big announcements were made to the Disney experience that affects your reservations, your stay and potentially your dining experience. We will walk through these announcements and try to understand what is happening and what is not. We’re also going to try our hand on why all of this is about 2024 and not a day or month sooner. Are there additional changes we like to see that haven’t been announced? And does any of this have to do eventually with Disneyland? Maybe, maybe not. Join us as we discuss big changes to Walt Disney World Park Reservations & Disney Dining in 2024.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

See more details at our website, DisneyInsights.com

Some of Walt Disney World’s best restaurant experiences are within her resorts, and the deluxe resorts are the focal point of that kind of dining, epicurean adventure. We visit two such restaurants. First we check out Narcoose’s for dinner with John and Lori Scali at Disney’s Grand Floridian Restaurant. Then my wife and I enjoy an evening at Artist Point for a character meal with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and the Wicked Queen, along with friends Mark and Melanie Esty. We look at those restaurants, how they came to be, and how solid the culinary experience is at both. These are high-priced dining experiences. Would you want to spend not only your money, but your vacation time checking out either of these restaurant? Join us as we provide dining reviews at Narcoose’s and Artist Point.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Visit DisneyInsights.com

Check Out Photos on DisneyInsights.com

Share on Facebook

Have you done a character meal at Disney? What is your favorite? What characters do you like to meet? Which one are you looking to see on your next visit? Visit Disney Insights Facebook Page and share! We would love to hear from you.

There is so much happening in the Disney parks and resorts across the world, and it's time to catch up. From Walt Disney World to Disneyland, From Paris to Tokyo, there are really cool things happening and we want to share them with you. Even happenings on the Disney Cruise Line as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. And yes...there are some lawsuits as well. We'll take a few moments to catch you up to date, but we really want to share some of the magic going on around the globe. In fact, we have over a dozen happenings throughout all of Disney that we have to share. So join us for news around the world and lawsuits too.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

The response to Tron Lightcycle/Run in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has been phenomenal. Guests love the thrill experience, and comparisons are made constantly between it and the new Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rerun. But there's more than just the ride at the center of this attraction. We look at new food & beverage concoctions made available at Energy Bytes. We visit the newly renovated Tomorrowland Launch Depot and check out an amazing array of retail experiences. And finally, we meet the Tron Green Team, a post-show provided by sponsor Enterprise Holdings, otherwise known as Enterprise Rental Car. Here we have a chance to talk about some key dynamics in team leadership, whether you're an imagineer, part of a car rental organization, or your own work. With that, we'll offer some free souvenirs for your organization as you think about team dynamics. Join us as we go beyond the ride to look and extend the Tron story at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Photos and links tied to this podcast can be found at Disney Insights!

Be sure to visit Disney Insights Facebook Page to share which attraction, TRON or Cosmic Rewind, you like most? 

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

It's hard to believe that Disney's Animal Kingdom is 25 years old! And with it come so many memories of a park that is truly distinct among all other Disney theme parks worldwide. Join me on on this 25th birthday celebrating not only the park but Earth day. I visit each of the lands of the park and share some unique memories not only of my own experiences here professionally and with my family, but also stories from Cast Members who have shaped the the park and have played roles big and small. It's a beautiful day in "Natazu", come join us as we celebrate 25 years of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Make sure you catch some key photos and visuals supporting this podcast at Disney Insights. Included are rare aerial photos taken of the park during construction.

Also, visit our Disney Insights Facebook page and share your favorite memories of Disney's Animal Kingdom!

Since D23 last summer there have been many rumors about if and what kinds of expansion plans are in the works for Magic Kingdom. At that time WDW Imagineering Portfolio head Chris Beatty and Walt Disney Animation head Jennifer Lee joined Josh D'Amaro on some blue sky dreaming of what might happen in the Magic Kingdom. Since then a big change came with a new CEO to Disney. With that came even more rumors. This last week or so two YouTube bloggers have given their insights to these rumors. This includes Jack DSNY Broadcast and Brayden Holness of Mickey Views These have included adding to the Tiana New Orlean's theme, building out Coco, Encanto and even the Villains Lair. We look at all of these and how they might impact the entire Rivers of America to include Frontierland and Liberty Square. And we look at even an additional rumor or two as well. So join us as we dissect Magic Kingdom expansion rumors.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

You can see photos, links, maps and more at Disney Insights. Please subscribe!

In this special Disney Insights podcast, we review what was shared Monday, April 17th in a News Conference Governor Ron DeSantis held at The Reedy Creek Improvement District Headquarters in Lake Buena Vista. Many sound bites were shared during this conference, but we take a look at the details of the conference and how the governor is firing back at Disney. And we'll look at the implications to you and your organization. Throughout this, ask yourself if you feel that a government institution has the right to do these very things to your organization, big or small? Join us as The Empire Strikes Back as DeSantis retaliates against Disney!

This week we bring back to you an interview we did with Tom Morris back in 2019. This segment showcases not only Tom's work with Disneyland Paris, but that of his colleagues during that time. It's a perfect piece to return to as we continue our Disneyland Paris series on each of the themed lands of this park. While references occur to Disney at Work and Disney at Play, we do bring to you many of the things noted in the podcast on this Disney Insights page. So join us as we talk Disneyland Paris with Imagineer Tom Morris.

My friend Brian went to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon only to find it was closed for capacity during Easter weekend. What happened? By sharing a chronology of nine different water park experiences here in Orlando, we'll offer you context on what is occurring in the very competitive water park arena here in Central Florida. We'll also examine certain red flags that are on the horizon not just for water parks but for attendance in general here in Orlando and elsewhere. Is Typhoon Lagoon closed for capacity because so many people are attending? Or is there another story underneath all of this. This is a story I love because frankly, I was a part of the history made in all of this. Join us as we explore the Great Orlando Water Park Race.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

You can see more about this podcast at Disney Insights.

Join us today as we take a look at not one, not two but three phenomenal Disney Resorts across Asia. Today we're joined by David and Leah Zanolla of Zanolla Travel. They recently hosted a group along with their family that visited Asia over the holidays. This included Hong Kong Disneyland, where the new World of Frozen premiered last year. In China, they had a chance to share their favorite moments visiting the new Zootopia attraction at Shanghai Disneyland. And then there is Tokyo Disney Resort. Here they saw not only the new Fantasy Springs attraction that included mini-lands centered around Tangled, Frozen and Peter Pan, but also the much talked about Beauty and the Beast attraction. Plus highlights of other amazing experiences during their journey. So join us for the best of Disney Parks in Asia, to includes some incredible new attractions.

________________________________________________________

More Disney Insights can be found below!

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe.

DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

________________________________________________________

Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469

________________________________________________________

Performance Journeys

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

It may be Paris, but somehow Disney has managed to bring the jungle to the City of Love. In this podcast we bring you Disneyland Paris's Adventureland. This land begins with the streets of Agrabbah, only Disney's Aladdin wasn't even a hit film until after the attraction was designed, constructed and opened. While adjoining Frontierland has no Tom Sawyer Island, this land offers an Adventure Isle of its own for play and discovery. This Adventureland also was the first of a Disney Magic Kingdom-style park to NOT include a Jungle Cruise. But it does offer Disney's first 360 Loop coaster--and at one time a backward-riding journey. And don't forget Pirates of the Caribbean, which took all of the favorite, beloved scenes from Disneyland and Walt Disney World and put them into a new sequence all of its own. Come see a very different Adventureland, one that truly helps to set Disneyland Paris apart.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

On April 3rd, The Walt Disney Company held its 2023 Shareholder Meeting. This meeting included recorded and live portions, to include a question and answer session. We look at the highlights of that presentation and what it means for Disney moving forward. Difficult issues were put forward and more than just responding to them, Bob Iger as CEO set a tone for the shareholder meeting in a way that was positive, non-defensive and hopeful. And, there was a big message about the future investment of the company in Walt Disney World to the tune of 17 billion dollars. If you want to know what the Walt Disney Company is all about on this their 100th anniversary, then this may be the podcast for you. Join us as we look at insights from Disney's 2023 Shareholder Meeting.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

An outline of this podcast and additional images and graphics can be found at Disney Insights.

There are many things happening across Disney these last few days and possibly bigger events in the days to come, so before things move on it's time to acknowledge the news about what is happening in this year's International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot in Walt Disney World. It's been happening for a couple of weeks now, but we wanted to do a more thorough review and offer insights for visiting, especially since it's happening through the end of June. Meanwhile, visuals were shared on the web of just what the new Mary Poppins attraction was supposed to be. It still isn't officially cancelled, but it certainly isn't under construction either. We look at the realities of that. Also, as the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World ends, we bid goodbye to Harmonious, perhaps one of the best parts of that anniversary celebration. There's lots to cover in this week's update, so join us!

After what has perhaps been the longest wait for an announced restaurant, Roundup Rodeo Barbecue has finally opened in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. What is this restaurant all about and is it worth dining at? We look at the setting, the food and the service. And at the end we compare it to other barbecue offerings around Walt Disney World and even beyond. We even compare it to what I believe is the worst restaurant experience I've had at Walt Disney World to date. Is this new offering worth getting a reservation? And by the way Jeff, how did you manage to pull one off. We'll share all of this and more in our Roundup Rodeo BBQ Review!

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

You can see photos, videos and more at DisneyInsights.

Welcome to what is the first podcast under our new title, Disney Insights. Since there are so many new listeners, I decided that I wanted to bring my most popular podcast back for this, our first Disney Insights podcast. It will reference both Disney at Play and Disney at Work, but that's okay because Disney Insights builds on the previous podcasts and posts we have done over the years. This particular podcast celebrates Sinbad's Storybook Voyage, a remarkable gem few people know about unless they have visited Tokyo DisneySea. There are many of the things to love about this dark ride boat attraction. But threading through all of it is probably one of Alan Menken's best songs, The Compass of Your Heart. It's simply a beautiful message that gives courage to all that is wonderful about life. It is also the phase I have used at the conclusion of my podcasts. So join us as we revisit Sinbad's Storybook Voyage & The Compass of Your Heart.

Visit photos, videos and more at DisneyInsights.com.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Last week as part of the press event for Tron, details-sparsely given-were provided on Epcot Celebration and construction at the heart of Epcot that never seems to end. Given an important image made public a few years ago, we seek to explain why this section of Epcot is going to become what it is. It also will help us to understand why the uniquely designed Festival Pavilion never got built and why we ended up with Harmonious--a show that is speculated to be worth over $100 million dollars and what appears to be completely uprooted and tossed out. Or is it? We'll go over those vague press details in an effort to understand not just what is going to happen, but what is not going to happen and why. Join us for this podcast on what's happening at Epcot.

ANNOUNCEMENT@ Join us for the same great podcasts with an all-one title! Disney Insights celebrates all things Disney with news, analysis, discoveries & best-in-Disney business ideas! Be sure to subscribe as you visit DisneyInsights.com. Expect the podcast name to change as you look for your next podcast later this week. Be sure to subscribe if you aren't already to this podcast and you'll be automatically transferred to our new one later this week.

Howdy! Welcome as we continue our series on Disneyland Paris with a left turn into Frontierland. The French love the American West and Disney delivered a version that is truly over the top. Here you get favorites like Big Thunder Mountain, but you also get Disney's version of the Haunted Mansion, known as Phantom Manor. The Rivers of the American West offers an impressive experience. And this is the only Frontierland that has not just one but two formal dining experiences. The attention to detail is no less than amazing. Indeed, some of it as we will chronicle here, constitutes a Western museum on its own merits. Join us as we explore Disneyland Paris's Frontierland. Is this the best Frontierland of all the Magic Kingdoms? Saddle on up and let's find out!

NOTE! Please join us for our next podcast when we have some exciting news to share. Meanwhile, please make sure you are subscribed to this podcast!

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

This past week Disney Legend Rolly Crump passed away after having a unique career helping to build such memorable attractions as The Enchanted Tiki Room and "it's a small world". One of his first assignments was remodeling the Adventureland Bazaar. We share that story and its messages around trust. And then we head to two separate Emporiums across the globe--one at Walt Disney World and the other at Disneyland Paris. This ties into our last podcast where we toured part of Main Street, U.S.A. at that park. Here we glean additional insights from two other retail locations about the importance of organizational trust. Join us as we celebrate Rolly Crump and learn about the power of trusting others.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

We begin a multi-part series that looks at the amazing details around Disneyland Paris. Today we begin at Fantasia Gardens and the Disneyland Hotel in the front of the park. We then step down the left side of Main Street U.S.A., which seems on the surface very similar to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. But we'll look at details you'll never see in Florida as we peel back the layers to this fantastic land designed by Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto. Not only will we go through shops and restaurants up and down the street, but we'll see some buildings you won't find in your local Town Square. Join us as we look at Disney insight on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Paris. If you are even remotely considering going to Paris to see this park, this podcast series will get you to book your next trip.

Journey Into Imagination has been one of the most visited, mentioned, and missed Epcot attractions since it opened 40 years ago this week. We look at what this entire corner of the park was really all about and specifically what the attraction Journey Into Imagination really was. Because the original attraction was significantly gutted and changed back in 1999, many guests simply don't know what the ride is about other than this purple dragon called Figment. Taking segments from two previous podcasts we bring you not only an overview of the entire pavilion, but what the 14 minute Journey Into Imagination the ride was actually like. We'll also hear from former Disney Imagineer Tom Morris, who was responsible for arranging the layout of the original attraction. I'll then some important lessons learned from this attraction, from its creator Imagineer Tony Baxter, and its sponsor host, Kodak. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Figment.

Several announcements have occurred in recent days regarding attractions closing to make way for upcoming construction activity at Walt Disney World. That information (and the lack of other information) is starting to tell us much about how attractions are going to come on board in the years to come, and even in the months to come. We look at what attraction building criteria is driving those dates, then take a new look at the calendar extending all the way up to 2030. We look closely at some possibilities with new projects named such as Bluey, and the theater in Monstropolis. And we offer some smart low-hanging potential projects Disney could take advantage of to fill its attraction roster. So join us for Disney Insights on construction calendars for new and upcoming Walt Disney World projects.

________________________________________________________

More Disney Insights can be found below!

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe.

DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

________________________________________________________

Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469

________________________________________________________

Performance Journeys

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

Taking photos and making memories through them are such a big part of the Disney experience, no matter which Disney resort you may visit. And yet we've never really taken the time to discuss how to best capture the magic through photos. So today I have the privilege of Ryan Crane joining us to share his insights on just that. If you are like me, you're always looking for that ideal way of capturing that perfect moment. We'll talk about things you should and shouldn't do, and how the simplest steps can make a good photo great. Join us as we find new ways to capture the Disney magic through photography.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Ryan Crane is an artist, designer, photographer and cancer survivor. Ryan has a Master's degree in Business Administration. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer Ryan was an accomplished photographer, and had a website designed to teach photography to beginners. Ryan's photography career began after a family trip to Walt Disney World. He had shared some of his photos from the trip and people wanted to buy them. The rest is history, as they say. He attributes the popularity of his Disney photography to being quite a Disney fan and his perception of the world of Disney. Ryan is an avid car guy and enjoys customizing his and his son's cars on days he feels able.  This past Spring, he received the great news that he is Cancer FREE! Unfortunately, he is still unable to work due to complications and other medical challenges. Rather than letting his new challenges bring him down, thanks to Squarespace, he created RyanCranePhotography.com as a way to get back on his feet and offer his artwork to you so that it may bring you joy in your own home.  

You can see photos discussed in this podcast at Disney at Play.

Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law legislation that puts the State of Florida in charge of a reconstituted body known The Reedy Creek Improvement District. Positioned at a firehouse down the way from Disney Springs, the governor put into law this legislation. It occurs on the same day his new book came out, The Courage to Be Free, Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival. Now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, it still functions like a county government and takes care of things like roads, construction permits, fire services, building codes, water and waste collection, among other infrastructure concerns. But in this instance it will be led by individuals the governor has chosen to put in place rather than those elected by its district, namely the Walt Disney World Company. Why does this matter, and what are the consequences? Moreover, what messages is it sending to Disney, its fans, and importantly, the citizens of the state of Florida? We will look at how all this came to be, and importantly, why the State of Florida should probably not be in charge of Reedy Creek.

Note: I mention Walt Disney's concern about spending $100K on building out Walt Disney World. I meant to say $100 million.

Let's walk around the World! It may be the annual Walt Disney World Princess Marathon this weekend but don't worry if you've missed it! Don't even worry if you don't run! In one day you can do a thirty mile walking marathon that covers not only all four Disney Parks: Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios--but Walt Disney World Resorts and Disney Springs. My friend Rick Williams has walked through Walt Disney World many times, but this time he spends over twelve hours walking through almost all of it! We join him along the way to learn his approach and strategy as well as just enjoy the ambience that makes this a very walkable experience. Whether you are young or young at heart, you can walk right through the magic of Walt Disney World.

See our show notes, photos, video and more at DisneyatPlay.com

Visit our Patreon group at Wayfinder Society for a free sample of interactive Disney magic and insights you can have when you join!

We have entered into a new portal of Disney magic and we want to invite you to learn all about it. Join me, my daughter Jennica and my son-in-law Jason as we share with you our first impressions of experiencing TRON for the first time here at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. We'll look at the queue, the ride and the challenges of embracing this new high octane thrill ride that goes up to 60 miles an hour. I'll also discuss how this attraction compares to its sister portal in Shanghai Disneyland and how the whole of this attraction fills a major need here in Tomorrowland. Whether or not you are a TRON fan or you've even seen the movies, you will be after this ride. Join us as we take on one of the most comprehensive reviews available on TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

See our show notes, photos, video and more at DisneyatPlay.com

Visit our Patreon group at Wayfinder Society 

Last week we spoke of the first quarter earnings and the strategies Bob Iger has put in place for revitalizing The Walt Disney Company. One of those opportunities is to build capacity in the parks. To that end he announced the addition of an Avatar experience at Disneyland, with the intent that it would not only create greater capacity thus allowing more guests to visit, but would draw more interest in attending the parks. In this podcast we look at that strategy and how that could play out not only in the four parks but throughout the entire Walt Disney World property. While some do involve large scale capital expenditures and a long-term construction period, there are many things that could open up capacity and be put in place in the short term. Join us as we look at not only potential intellectual properties, but increasing capacity at Walt Disney World.

Check out our patreon group, the Wayfinder Society for more Disney Magic and to support this podcast.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

In the 1st Quarter earnings report for 2023 Bob Iger shared the status of the Walt Disney Company and made a startling announcement: An Avatar experience is coming to Disneyland! We will look at how this could happen and what it could mean? Where could you put this? There is a way! We'll also look at other announcements made in this event and what it means to those who love to visit Disney Parks and watch their share of all things Disney in theaters and on Disney+. Exciting news is buffered by tough cuts, but it does pave a way for Disney's success as it moves far away from the Bob Chapek era.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year in bringing best in organization ideas through learning, development and training solutions to the public, private and non-profit sectors. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Visit our Patreon group, the Wayfinder Society where for as little as $1 a month, you can access interactive tools that bring Disney to life. Visit us and check it out!

In previous podcasts I've shared not only my love of all things Disney but a largely wonderful experience I had being a part of the Walt Disney World Company. For me, working at Disney was the best thing that ever happened to my career. But leaving Disney was the second best thing I ever did in my career. This is that story of how I left and how I eventually learned the business of consulting and created Performance Journeys. It's also a tale of my companion business, World Class Benchmarking, and how we've created best-in-business programming. I'll share some of the fantastic places, clients and opportunities I've had. I'll also share how I've come full circle writing best-in-Disney books, apps and online tools. Through it, I've had an opportunity to bring Disney business magic alive--even after Disney.

Visit The Wayfinder Society, our Patreon Group, where for as little as $1 a month, you can access interactive tools that bring Disney to life. Visit us and check it out!

I've spent several decades having a date night with my wife once a week. Every year we share with all of you the latest and greatest at each of the annual Epcot Festivals. Rather than just go through the motions of sharing the latest and greatest differences in the most recent festival, I thought I would talk about how to make a date night really special for you and the one closest to you. Much of this can be applied to many of the festivals, but we'll focus this podcast on Epcot's annual Festival of the Arts. We'll chat about different activities to enjoy to include Figment, stuff to buy--to include Figment, food to sample and best of all the entertainment. In fact, this festival has some of the best shows you can see anywhere in Disney property. So join us for Date Night at Epcot's Festival of the Arts, where it's just you, the one your love, and yes, a lot of Figment!

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

Visit The Wayfinder Society, our Patreon Group, where for as little as $1 a month, you can access interactive tools that bring Disney to life. Visit us and check it out!

In previous episodes we spoke of my life long love of Disney and how it eventually led me to an opportunity to work with The Walt Disney Company, first as a consultant, and then as a leader with Disney University Professional Development Programs, a group that later became part of, and then took over The Disney Institute. In a previous podcast I spoke of that merger, and how I was also responsible for bringing new training & development solutions to what was an antiquated classroom style program. In this episode we see the effects of that experience as we truly had the privilege of bringing Disney magic into organizations far and wide. These stories show how powerful ideas Walt Disney originated in customer service, creativity, innovation, employee engagement and leadership could be applied in so many settings. We also see the challenges behind do so, and ultimately how I eventually would leave Disney for an opportunity to bring these concepts and ideas to others in a way I could never do at Disney through my organization, Performance Journeys. Join us for this podcast on bringing Disney business magic to others.

This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through best-in-training solutions to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. At Performance Journeys, it's as much about the journey as it is about the performance.

With Disneyland's kickoff of the 100 years of Wonder celebration this weekend, we have the opportunity to pause for just a moment to see if events that have unfolded over a century's worth of time aren't happening again in some form or another. We'll look at three such issues, which focuses on competition, Cast Member buy-in and wolves on Wall Street. We'll also look at how Disney needs to grasp its heritage and learn from it. Otherwise, it will spend the next 100 years simply repeating it. There are so many wonderful things ahead for The Walt Disney Company, but it must not allow itself to keep making the same mistakes. Join us for 100 Years: New Chapters or Old Problems?

Welcome aboard, mateys! We set sail to Disneyland Paris to take a pirate's plunge of Adventureland. Here we experience a unique version of Pirates of the Caribbean, where a very different approach to the narrative has been taken. With it lies not just an amazing gift shop at the exit, but a tropical restaurant that rivals the very popular Blue Bayou. We also maroon ourselves on Adventure Isle, home to the stories of Swiss Family Robinson, Treasure Island, and Peter Pan. We climb treehouses, explore caves, board ships and swing across bridges. All of this is brought to life for you via our Disney Insights Pirates of the Caribbean Interactive Journey, which I'll not only share some backstory on, but share with you how you can have a 7 Day Free Trial. So join us for Disneyland Paris: A New Take on Pirates.

________________________________________________________

More Disney Insights can be found below!

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe.

DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts.

Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others.

The Wayfinder Society--Disney Insights Patreon Page--More Disney Insights to interact with, while supporting the podcast. Here we bring the best in Disney both in terms of the magic of the parks as well as the business behind the magic! And now as part of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, we have a new interactive Disney Insight Fact Discovery, which unlocks scores of fascinating details few know about. With text, images, video and audio, we explore these realms whether you are right on the streets of the "Happiest Place on Earth" or enjoying it virtually from your own couch at home. Join today!

________________________________________________________

Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469

________________________________________________________

Performance Journeys

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

In a recent podcast I overviewed the first three decades of my love of all things Disney and how it eventually led me to a full-time salaried position as a leader providing professional development programs to Fortune 100 companies and others at The Disney Institute. In this next two-part experience I'll canvas that experience and what it was like to wear a name tag and represent The Walt Disney World company. I'll share the joys of the experience as I worked in nearly every corner of the property to bring benchmarking experiences to participants. I'll also share with you some of the bureaucratic headaches that were a part of the craziness. My working for Disney was the best thing I ever did in my life professionally. I had the one of the greatest opportunities I could have ever hoped for.

This weekend Splash Mountain ended at Walt Disney World after more than 30 years of operation. Soon Disneyland, which built the first Splash Mountain, will close as well. While there may be controversy of its replacement, there is no question, this attraction was a brilliant Imagineering masterpiece. Led by designers like Tony Baxter and Bruce Gordon, this attraction did what no other ride or attraction could do--especially for Disneyland and later for Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland. We not only explore the brilliance of this attraction, but celebrate it for what it accomplished. While there is much good regarding the advent of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, there will never be anything like the innovation that is Disney's Splash Mountain. This podcast is dedicated to celebrating this Imagineering masterpiece.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Performance Journeys, the company I founded not long after I left The Walt Disney World Company. In celebration of that event, I wanted to share how my career has tied in with Disney over the decades. In the weeks to follow I will share a three part series of my history, to include my years working as a leader for The Walt Disney World Company, as well as my years following as I shared best practices of Disney around the globe. This podcast that you will listen to today is a re-play of one I recorded back in June of 2022. Many listeners don't know my back story, so I thought it would be well to provide that context again as a preface to the ones that I will share later. The thing that is found in all of these decades is a love of Disney that perhaps you can relate to as well.

You can see images and video here at Disney at Play!