
893 episodes

The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station Lou Mongello - Disney Expert, Host, Author, and Speaker
-
- Society & Culture
-
-
4.8 • 3K Ratings
-
WDW Radio: Your Passport to the Disney Parks and more! - WDW Radio is the award-winning Disney podcast dedicated to celebrating the magic of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars since 2005. Tune in and subscribe for Disney news, Disney vacation planning, Disney travel tips, Disney trivia, contests, deep dives into Disney history, interviews, theme park secrets, as well as attraction, dining, and resort reviews.
Hosted by Disney expert, author, and speaker Lou Mongello, this family-friendly show is your Walt Disney World Information Station, and has been voted Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years, and also features a blog, videos, LIVE video, welcoming community, and special events including monthly meetups, group cruises, On The Road experiences and more!
Over the years, WDW Radio has been graced by a plethora of esteemed guests. Disney Legends like Julie Andrews, the iconic Mary Poppins, Tony Baxter, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Richard Sherman, Bob Gurr, Alan Menken, Paige O'Hara, the voice of Belle, Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, and renowned Producer Don Hahn, have shared their stories and experiences. The podcast has also ventured into the Marvel and Star Wars universes with guests like Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, and Ashley Eckstein, the voice behind Ahsoka Tano. From Walt Disney Imagineers, dedicated Cast Members, to talented actors, writers, producers, authors, and many more, WDW Radio has been a platform for the voices that make Disney truly magical.
It is also home to Lou Mongello's Walt Disney World Trivia Books, The Disney Interviews book, 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World, and virtual Audio Tours of Walt Disney World.
Lou is also the founder of the Dream Team Project, which has raised more than $550,000.00 to date to send children with life-threatening illnesses to Walt Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
Whether you're planning your next trip to Walt Disney World or simply reminiscing about your favorite Disney memories, the WDW Radio Disney podcast is your passport to the Walt Disney World and the Disney Parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars!
Learn more at WDWRadio.com
In addition to creating content around the Disney brands, Lou is also a keynote speaker, author, coach, and founder of the Momentum series of events and workshops for those looking to build their business and brand by sharing the magic of Disney, delivering exceptional customer service, social media, podcasting, live video, and community. Learn more at LouMongello.com
-
WDW Radio # 759 - Best of the Disney Parks Around the World: Part 1
This week’s show is one that I have literally waited years to record and share with you, as we embark on a magical journey through the best of the best from Disney Parks around the globe! From dining to resorts to attractions, shows, and spectaculars, we share your ultimate guide to the most unforgettable (and overlooked) experiences the Disney Parks around the world have to offer!
- What is the best dining experience from any Disney Park around the world, or which would you like to experience most? -
WDW Radio # 758 - Surprising Disney Movies That Impacted the Disney Park Experience
This week, we explore the surprising and significant impact of some lesser-known Disney movies and how they have influenced the Disney theme park experience. We share some insights and perspectives on how these Disney animated and live-action films have contributed to, and in some ways transformed, the magic of the Disney Parks
- Which of the lesser-known Disney films mentioned in this episode (or one of your own) do you believe had the most influential impact on the theme parks and why? -
WDW Radio # 757 - The Voice of Mickey Mouse, Bret Iwan, and History of The Partners Statue - from the WDW Radio Archives
To celebrate Mickey Mouse’s birthday on November 18, I will take what Walt Disney said to heart and not lose sight of one thing… “that it was all started by a mouse.” This week, we’ll remember just that, as I have two segments from the WDW Radio that both involve Mickey Mouse.
First, we’ll venture into Magic Kingdom, and explore not an attraction, land, shop or show, but a single location. In fact, a single statute. In our DSI: Disney Scene Investigation, Jim Korkis and I look at the history and story behind the iconic Partners statue of Walt and Mickey.
The legacy of and bond between Walt and Mickey goes far beyond one of simply artist and creation. In fact, Walt actually lent his voice to his most famous work. Over the years, Walt passed that torch to other men who became the voice of Mickey, and this week, I want to share my conversation with Bret Iwan, the man who eighty years after Mickey spoke his first words on screen, took over that role of a lifetime. We talk about his personal story of becoming the voice of Mickey, the legacy, and the future.
- What is your favorite personal memory of Mickey Mouse? Was it on TV? In a Disney Park? A piece of merchandise? -
WDW Radio # 756 - Jollywood Nights Review, Guide, Reflections, and Recommendations
I just attended the first ever Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new, after-hours holiday event, and I am joined by fellow attendees this week to share our full guide to the party, including what you need to know before you go. In this very thorough discussion, we also recap the entire evening, and share our insights, reviews, and recommendations, including how to decide if this party is right for you.
And because I want you to experience Disney Jollywood Nights for yourself, I’m going to have a very special giveaway! Find out how you can enter for a chance to win two tickets to the event, and join us for our WDW Radio Night at Jollywood Nights!
Then stay tuned for remarkable offers and opportunities to help children through our Dream Team Project and Make-A-Wish Foundation! -
WDW Radio # 755 - Disney Legend Dave Smith Interview - From the WDW Radio Archives
As part of our celebration of the Disney 100 year anniversary, it’s only appropriate that this week I go way back into the Archives for an interview with Disney Legend Dave Smith, the founder of the Walt Disney Archives. 13 years ago, I was at work and literally had to lock myself in a closet at my office to interview Dave, who I had known for some time. His name is, and always will be, synonymous with Disney history. From founding the Walt Disney Archives in 1970, to authoring numerous books, Dave Smith’s 40 year career with the company afforded him the opportunity to help preserve the magic that began with Walt himself. Dave and I discuss his career, including not just his role in the creation and legacy of the Archives, but its challenges, personal highlights, changes and his future, as he prepares to retire from this “temporary” job that lasted four decades. It’s a fascinating conversation not just about the Archives, but the person who made it a reality, and was the guardian of Disney’s most treasured memories. Dave sadly passed away in 2019 leaving behind a treasure trove of Disney lore for generations to come.
- If you could visit the Walt Disney Archives, what is the one item from Disney history you would like to see? -
WDW Radio # 754 - Top Ten Moments in Walt Disney Company History - Part 2
Join me as we continue our magical trip down memory lane, diving deep into the Top Ten moments and incredible individuals who truly made a mark on the Disney legacy, and shaped the happiest company on earth.
Customer Reviews
Much love to Lou and his “crou”
This is my favorite podcast for all things Disney. Lou’s positivity always puts a smile on my face.
I could go on, but I don’t want to take up too much time. Thank you Lou and your “crou” for the lovely podcasts. Have a good one!
PS: Thank you for recycling some of your classic podcasts for those of us that found your podcast more recently.
Amazing Podcast with an even more Amazing message
Dear Lou,
I have been a long time listener of this podcast (around 15 years), and it never disappoints. Every week I tune into Lou on Wednesday nights, it will always be the box to me, and prepare for amazing time full of info and laughter as only Lou can produce. I am confident that Jim Korkis is smiling down knowing that the Disney Magic and knowledge is safe and alive within Lou and this show. You truly are a positive leader and role model for everyone in a difficult post pandemic world. I want to Thank You deeply for all of the love, laughter and legacy for this thing called Disney Magic, that you bring with a smile each week. Keep up the passion and always choose the good!!
P.S. much Love to Becki and Tim as well
Scott D
Massachusetts
Love this show!
Jumping into this podcast is like stepping into a Disney dreamland. It's a delightful blend of magic and nostalgia, making my commute just a bit brighter every time.
From Bona and Team Capsho