In the center plaza of Disney California Adventure at The Disneyland Resort lies 4+ icons with stories that speak of triumph and failure. J. Jeff Kober shares experiences from the Fidler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, The Mulholland-like fountain in the center of the plaza, the Red Car Trolley, the Carthay Circle Theater Restaurant and the Storyteller's Statue with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. They are stories of persistence, vision, courage and consequence. Join us, and be sure to check out our ...
May 06, 2020•32 min•Ep. 111
You've often heard: "Please stand clear of the doors...Por favor mantenganse alejandro del las puertas." In the wake of Covid-19, you may hear: "Please stand clear of others...por favor mantenganse alejandro de los otros." How will Disney get guests to follow safe practices when they re-open? This podcast follows a series of key podcasts that have examined the realities of Coronavirus on the closure of Disney parks across the globe. In a previous podcast, we examined measures Disney may have to ...
Apr 29, 2020•45 min•Ep. 110
Join J. Jeff Kober and his guest Drew Ostler as they share what they love most about the experience of Disneyland Paris. Be sure to also check out his notes page on Disney at Play, where images, links and exclusive videos are found. If you have never been to Disneyland Paris, or you're remembering what you love most, definitely check out this podcast.
Apr 27, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 109
So many projects happening at Walt Disney World, we thought it well to dedicate a podcast to all of the upcoming additions. Because of the pandemic, some if not many of these are fluid. Let's look at each--there are over 50 such projects! We'll talk about what may be happening as Disney grapples with being shut down globally. Make sure you also check out our notes page on Disney at Play with scores of photos and videos for you to see. You'll also want to check out What's New at Walt Disney World...
Apr 22, 2020•43 min•Ep. 108
In our continuing series, we look in depth at one of the most popular parks in the world--one that is perhaps believed to be the best Disney park ever created--Tokyo DisneySea. David Zanolla and I explore this park in detail and share what we love most about the experience. Make sure you check out the extensive notes page, complete with scores of photos and videos. They are available at Disney at Play.
Apr 20, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 107
Despite uncertainties around this pandemic, we explore in detail the issues and realities Disney faces in trying to re-open. What will it be like to enter the parks, go on rides, order food, utilize transportation, etc? We'll also look at the stages for re-opening, which parks many open first, and who will actually be first to visit the resorts. Join J. Jeff Kober and David Zanolla as we explore all of these issues and more.
Apr 15, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 106
J. Jeff Kober along with David Zanolla celebrate the reasons that this is one of the greatest theme parks ever. A combination of the best of Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, this is truly a remarkable place everyone must visit. Moreover, the quality in which the park is kept up, and the attractions that are uniquely there's makes this a fantastic place. Join us as we celebrate what we love about Tokyo Disneyland
Apr 13, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 105
J. Jeff Kober examines why organizations choose to learn best-in-business practices from Disney, and the benefits derived therein. He also looks at what some perceive as the "Disneyification" of their organization when programs like those offered at The Disney Institute seemingly try to push a "Mickey Mouse" agenda on them. In particular, he drills down on an op-ed post written about the investment George Washington University (GWU) made when it allegedly spent millions on Disney programs. To th...
Apr 08, 2020•56 min•Ep. 104
Join your host, J. Jeff Kober along with colleague David Zanolla as we go throughout the Hong Kong Disney Resort to talk about the hotels, attractions, food, and experiences we love best. It's the second of a multi-part series that explores each of the Disney Resorts around the world and summarizes the highlights of each. Make sure that you join us at the Disney at Play notes page where we have dozens of photos and videos showcasing the places we share in the podcast. DisneyatPlay.com is dedicat...
Apr 06, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 103
J. Jeff Kober presents powerful leadership lessons that we can learn from Disney during this pandemic of Coronavirus and the closures at Disney parks. Be sure to check out the notes page for an outline of this podcast, along with Souvenirs for you and your organization. J. Jeff Kober is your host for DisneyatWork.com where we bring you best-in-business ideas from the "Happiest Place on Earth".
Apr 01, 2020•56 min•Ep. 102
Join your host, J. Jeff Kober along with colleague David Zanolla as we go throughout the Shanghai Disney Resort to talk about the attractions, food, and experiences we love best. We visit the hotels, Disneytown, and every corner of Shanghai Disneyland. It's the first of a multi-part series that explores each of the Disney Resorts around the world and summarizes the highlights of each. Make sure that you join us at the Disney at Play notes page where we have over 60 photos and videos showcasing t...
Mar 30, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 101
From the legendary Disney attraction, "it's a small world", J. Jeff Kober shares three life lessons of inspiration and hope that stem from the ride's song, written by the legendary Sherman Brothers. We also share tales from the experience of Alice Davis, who created the costumes for each of the dolls. Finally, we share the actual story of "it's a small world", which involves a young boy named Bobby. Make sure you check out the accompanying post on Disney at Work ....
Mar 26, 2020•35 min•Ep. 100
We do a deep dive and compare six versions of "it's a small world" across the globe. Starting at the New York World's Fair, we move to Disneyland, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris & finally Hong Kong Disneyland. Join J. Jeff Kober, who has visited all of the Disney parks across the world, and compares each location distinctively. Included are photos, videos and a comparative chart on our show notes page at DisneyatPlay.com. Check it out.
Mar 23, 2020•57 min•Ep. 99
Join J. Jeff Kober as we look at how Disney parks have closed around the world. We explore three ways we can move forward to create a big beautiful tomorrow by staying positive, rising up, and serving others.
Mar 23, 2020•35 min•Ep. 98
J. Jeff Kober does a scene-by-scene play on the new Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, now playing at the Chinese Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. We look at what's working, what's not working and how it plays out similarly to other attractions in the Disney universe. Be sure to check out the notes page with plenty of photos on DisneyatPlay.com.
Mar 23, 2020•48 min•Ep. 97
In just one week, a third major Disney park, Tokyo Disney Resort has closed, and another--Disneyland Paris--is under pressure to close due to Coronavirus. What do we know about these and Shanghai as well as Hong Kong Disneyland being closed? What is the possibility of closing parks in the U.S.? What about the Disney Cruise Line? Join J. Jeff Kober as we look at the sobering realities of this virus, and its implications on Disney parks world wide.
Mar 02, 2020•28 min•Ep. 96
Big changes were announced as a new CEO was named immediately for The Walt Disney Company. Bob Iger will step aside and serve his remaining time as Chairman, while Bob Chapek will become the new CEO. What does this mean for the company? What's the good news/bad news? We'll explore all of it, study Disney's long history of not doing succession planning well, and then finally, what it means to you.
Feb 26, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Show is one of Disney's Four Keys to Excellence, along with Safety, Courtesy and Efficiency. We look at ways in which Show manifests itself in the parks, and identify examples of how to apply these concepts back to your organization. Join your host, J. Jeff Kober, while he brings these Disney concepts to life. And be sure to follow along with our notes page at Disney at Work .
Feb 25, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 94
We offer a bonus second podcast this week as we review the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse Craft Drafts and Barbecue in Epcot at Walt Disney World. This counter service restaurant, formerly known as the Liberty Inn, Offers a brand new look and a tremendous menu. Join J. Jeff Kober, as he reviews this new restaurant on opening day.
Feb 20, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Before Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway premieres at The Chinese Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we note 10 reasons for loving The Great Movie Ride. Join us as we cherish all that is part of this landmark attraction, which for so many years was the centerpiece of Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happiest Place on Earth....
Feb 18, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 92
We visit the Swiss Family Treehouse at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World to learn lessons around trust, courage, and what really matters most. Be sure to check out our video and notes page at Disney at Work . Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happiest Place on Earth.
Feb 11, 2020•22 min•Season 1Ep. 91
We go across the globe to look at all of the Disney Castles and what makes them each unique and distinct. We first visit Disneyland, then Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. We look at the three Disney parks in Asia--Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai, and also Disneyland Paris. We look at what makes each castle unique in what we refer to as the Disney Distinct series. Be sure to check out our extensive notes page on Disney at Play , which offers a lot of photos, videos and even a chart comparing all...
Feb 04, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 90
What if the Golden Girls commandeered the Millennium Falcon? Join us as we look at the legacy and heritage Golden Girls, Galaxy's Edge, and Lights! Motors! Action Extreme Stunt Show share at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We also share tips about how to work as a team when you experience Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happ...
Jan 29, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 89
What do you do when you have no FastPasses, no plans, no reservations, no agenda? We gather friends and family to talk about how we find simple "in the moment" fun in each of the Disney parks, plus Disney Springs and the Resort. Join us for this Disney at Play podcast! How do you Stop, Drop & Disney!? Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happiest Place on Earth.
Jan 23, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Disney has four keys for creating happiness. One of those keys is Courtesy. We’ll look at how Disney creates a courteous guest experience, and what it means to you and your organization. We look at Disney's heritage for courtesy, it's languaging, its evolution, and its importance backstage as well as onstage. Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happiest Place on Earth. Be sure to check...
Jan 15, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 87
David Zanolla and I discuss tips about how to to ride the new Rise of the Resistance and enjoy Galaxy's Edge. We offer important details in planning your trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Be sure to also check out our extended show notes page at DisneyatPlay.com
Jan 06, 2020•57 min•Season 1Ep. 86
We go around the world to look at Disney parks in 2019, while also taking a glimpse at 2020. We also present what's coming to Disney at Work & Play. Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happiest Place on Earth.Visit the show notes page here !
Dec 30, 2019•45 min•Season 1Ep. 85
I share three personal stories of our family that tie Christmas to the magic of Disney. Plus I celebrate the beauty of Walt Disney World during this season. Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happiest Place on Earth. Be sure to check out the attached post at Disney at Play.
Dec 23, 2019•28 min•Season 1Ep. 84
In our final podcast with Tom Morris we talk about his management duties at Hong Kong Disneyland then chat about current activities since leaving Disney. Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happiest Place on Earth. Check out our show notes page here .
Dec 18, 2019•42 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Podcast & Photo Review of the New Rise of the Resistance Attraction in Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Your host is J. Jeff Kober, who as a life-long fan and former Disney Institute leader, brings a love of all things Disney to life and work from The Happiest Place on Earth. Check out the Photos at DisneyAtPlay.
Dec 09, 2019•57 min•Season 1Ep. 82
