855 · Tony Baxter, Figment, and the Art of Imagination at Disney

How did Figment become one of the most beloved and enduring symbols in Disney Parks history?

Disney Legend Tony Baxter reflects on Figment, imagination, and creative legacy in a rare conversation recorded at EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts. Joined by Michael Young, CEO of Disney Fine Art, this episode explores how Disney art and storytelling connect generations of fans.

Tony Baxter is one of the most influential creative leaders in Disney theme park history. Over his decades at Walt Disney Imagineering, he helped shape iconic experiences including Journey Into Imagination, Figment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Splash Mountain, and the creative vision behind Disneyland Paris.

In this episode, Tony looks back on imagination as the emotional heart of EPCOT, the mentors who shaped his creative philosophy, and the personal artwork he created years before many of his most famous Disney projects ever existed. He also shares what he hopes fans feel when they live with a piece of Disney art in their home.

Lou is also joined by Michael Young, who offers insight into Disney Fine Art’s role in preserving artistic legacy, curating storytellers across generations, and why Disney art is about far more than what hangs on a wall.

This is a conversation about imagination, mentorship, legacy, and the enduring emotional connection Disney fans have with art and storytelling.

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What if there was no right or wrong answer…only where you stand?

854 · Disney In or Out - Pick a Side on These Disney Debates

In this episode of Disney In or Out, we have a fast-paced, passionate conversation about the Disney topics fans love to debate.

From Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Magic Kingdom attractions to Marvel after Avengers Endgame, we explore the Disney debates fans care about most and why they strike such an emotional chord.

This is Disney In or Out at its best - thoughtful, fun, nostalgic, and unapologetically opinionated.

I'm joined by Lisa Dinoto Glassner and Matthew Woolley, and our conversation also takes a thoughtful turn into Disney leadership, as we explore what comes after Bob Iger and whether Disney’s future might depend on rethinking how the CEO role itself is structured.

It's not about being right… it’s about why we as Disney fans care so deeply, and what our opinions reveal about nostalgia, storytelling, and the future of Disney.

And the best part is that you can play along, pick your side, and share your take in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or on the voicemail.

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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!

853 · Disneyland Handcrafted Review and Interview with Leslie Iwerks

Disneyland has been analyzed and celebrated for decades. But Disneyland Handcrafted shows us something far more rare. How the park was actually built.

This week, I sit down with Academy Award nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks for a deep conversation about her new documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted, followed by my review and thoughtful discussion with Adam Bankhurst from IGN after attending the world premiere on the Walt Disney Studios lot.

We talk about unseen archival footage, Walt, the pressure of building Disneyland in less than a year, and the craftsmen and builders whose hands shaped the park we know today.

This is not nostalgia. It’s history, risk, and belief in motion.

🎧 What you’ll hear:

1. How Disneyland was literally built by hand
2. Why this story changes how you experience the park today
3. The human side of Walt Disney’s greatest risk
4. Lessons in leadership, creativity, and perseverance

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✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com

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• WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more
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• WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights
• 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...

852 · The State of the Disney Parks: What 2025 Changed and Why 2026 Matters

If you had to describe Disney in 2025 and what it means for 2026, what word would you choose?

2025 wasn’t a year defined by massive new attractions. Instead, it was a year of movement, transition, and emotional goodbyes. Lands closed. Atmospheres shifted. Comfort gave way to construction. And for many fans, it felt like Disney was asking us to trust what comes next.

This is not simply another 2025 Disney year in revue and look ahead to or predictions for 2026.

This week, we have a very honest, thoughtful conversation about Disney in 2025 and what it means for 2026. We look at what closed, what opened, what surprised us emotionally, and why this year may end up being one of the most important setup years in Disney history. We also explore what Disney needs to deliver in 2026 to make all of this feel worth it.

Join the conversation, share your memories, and be part of the WDW Radio community.

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com

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• WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more
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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!

851 · D23 and the Future of Disney Fandom with Michael Vargo

What is D23 today - and what will it become in the years ahead?

This week, Lou Mongello is joined by Michael Vargo, Head of Disney’s D23, for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of D23, the future of Disney fandom, and what fans can expect in 2026 and beyond. From the return of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim to expanded global experiences, digital storytelling, milestone celebrations, and unprecedented access behind the scenes, this episode explores how D23 continues to bring Disney fans closer to the magic - and to each other.

Join me and the WDW Radio family for the 19th Annual Morgan & Morgan Walk for Wishes on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. One easy mile for Make-A-Wish, with food, entertainment, and more! Learn more and register at WDWRadio.com/WalkForWishes.

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com

- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!

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• WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more
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• WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights
• 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!

850 · Disney Q&A: Hidden Magic & Helpful Advice

What Disney question have you always wanted answered?

This week, we try something brand new as we answer a wide variety of your Disney listener questions and tips in a fresh, fun, and faster format.

We talk about the choices you face when planning your next Disney adventure. We look at Disney Cruise Line decisions like the Destiny vs. the classic ships, the things we wish Disney would bring back, the experiences we think are underrated, our favorite dining rooms at sea, the best souvenirs we have ever taken home, and the tiny details in the parks that bring us joy.

More than that, we talk about why these questions matter and how your stories and messages continue to shape the heart of the WDW Radio community.

If you love learning, exploring, planning, laughing, and discovering something new each time you visit a park or a ship, this is for you. And if you have your own thoughts or questions, I would love to hear from you.

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com

- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!

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• WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more
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• WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights
• 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!

849 · My Five Hidden Dining Gems at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is packed with incredible food, but some of the very best meals hide in the places guests walk right past. This week, we’re digging into My Five Overlooked Dining Locations at Walt Disney World, including tucked away lounges, lakeside escapes, and resort restaurants that deliver amazing food without the rush or the reservation scramble.

You’ll hear why these five locations stood out, what makes them special, and how they bring value, atmosphere, and some surprisingly bold flavors. We’ll head from Disney Springs to the resorts and even inside the parks to uncover spots offering everything from global street food flavors to waterfront comfort dishes.

Whether you’ve been visiting for years or planning your very first Disney vacation, these overlooked gems might help you discover a new favorite meal.

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com

- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!

- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

• WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more
• WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards
• WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights
• 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!

848 · How to Walk Smarter and Feel Better at Walt Disney World

Long days in the Disney parks are magical… but they’re also full of walking, standing, heat, excitement, and unexpected moments that can leave you feeling drained before the fireworks even start.

This week, I’m joined by a doctor of physical therapy to talk about practical tips to help you feel better all day at Walt Disney World.

We explore simple, science-based habits you can use before, during, and even after your trip to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and energized throughout the day. From footwear and hydration to stretching, pacing, mindset, and even daily habits, these are easy ways to help every member of your family enjoy more of the magic.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, grandparents, first-timers, or tackling a full rope-drop-to-fireworks adventure, these insights can help you feel your best.

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com

- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!

- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

• WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more
• WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards
• WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights
• 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!