Most who have visited Shanghai Disneyland have referenced the wealth of thematic detail played out throughout the park. Every Disney park has so many details within, many of which are found in the attractions and in the general park ambience. But much of it can be found in the retail areas, and that's especially true here at Disney's newest park. Let's look at the many stores at Shanghai Disneyland and see some of those details played out. We might even look at some of the merchandise. Not every...
Sep 12, 2020•27 min•Ep. 171
Walt Disney World has announced its offerings for the holiday period. We look at what's coming and what's not. There are significant pieces that are missing, but it still feels like the holidays. We also consider the real reason why Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is making such a substantial closure over such a long period of time. It's not about Moana. We have good and bad news around re-opening the Disneyland Resort. That's added to promising news out of Hong Kong Disneyland and the Tokyo ...
Sep 09, 2020•33 min•Ep. 170
We compare all the Tom Sawyer Islands found in Disney parks around the world. This podcast talks about forts, caves, treehouses, bridges and more as we look at the original Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, and then back to what it is at Disneyland today. This article builds off of other podcasts we've done, including those comparing park castles around the world and "it's a small world" at parks across the globe. It's all part of our Disney Distinction Series. Be sure to check ou...
Sep 08, 2020•52 min•Ep. 169
In honor of the passing of Judson Green this week, we look not just at his contribution to the Walt Disney Company, but the standard of leadership ideals he sought to put in place. An accomplished jazz musician and composer, he knew as more about the "show" in show business than most any Disney executive. He led an organization to accomplish great things in building out the Disney Decade in the parks world-wide as president and chairman of Walt Disney Attractions. We look at his perspectives aro...
Sep 03, 2020•23 min•Ep. 168
The Walt Disney Company announced its decision to release their new live action film Mulan on its new Disney + premium service. Both Disney+ and Mulan represent two ends of a spectrum where one initiates change and where one is dictated by change. We look at the decision behind both the streaming service and the choice to release the film as a premium pay option. While both are examples of outside forces impacting its business, it's not Disney's only foray into change over the last century. We l...
Sep 02, 2020•24 min•Ep. 167
There are many differences guests are facing as they return to the parks during this COVID-careful period. But there are some unique circumstances that make visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios even more challenging. We're here to offer the best unofficial guide to Disney's Hollywood Studios now that the park has re-opened. This especially includes how to get a boarding pass to Rise of the Resistance. But it includes many other ideas for how to enjoy other great park attractions, plus making the ...
Aug 31, 2020•44 min•Ep. 166
Welcome to our Disney at Work podcast, where we talk about best in business practices from the "Happiest Places on Earth!" In our last Disney News on Parade, we spoke of an interview Josh D'Amaro made with the CEO of the U.S. Travel Association Roger Dow. We're going to dissect his conversation about brand trust at Disney, and we'll look at what it means to your organization, especially during this pandemic. We'll talk about the millions of ways Disney connects with its customers, and look at Th...
Aug 29, 2020•31 min•Ep. 165
We cover a range of topics today from Bob Iger's comments on CDC while reinstalling wages at the Disney executive level. Cast Member furloughs to continue and NBA makes a protest inside the Disney bubble about tragic events occurring outside. A security guard gets attacked for asking a guest to wear his mask, and Disneyland is poised to reopen. All this and the best part--Halloween news at Walt Disney World. Join us for this week's Disney News on Parade.
Aug 28, 2020•23 min•Ep. 164
In the course of two back-to-back visits I had the opportunity to really canvas all that is going on at Epcot. Construction at this park is the highest since the park opened nearly 40 years ago. We go above the fence to check it out, from the front of the park all the way to the back. On the way we experience five really great World Showcase Discoveries--magical moments that sparkle even during this time of Covid and Construction. And yes, we talk about huge crowds--or the lack thereof. Check ou...
Aug 26, 2020•46 min•Ep. 163
We welcome you to what we believe to be a 7 part series on Disney Springs. We bring to you the first in the series, a focus on The Marketplace. Here we look at its history since opening in 1975 as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village. We compare the Walt Disney World Village of the 1980's with the Marketplace of today. And we share historic insights going back to California harbor shopping all the way to the present, and we bring you memories of the Marketplace over the decades. You may be surp...
Aug 24, 2020•46 min•Ep. 162
It's been a few weeks since we really checked out what's going on at Disney Springs. With it comes big news of the re-opening of AMC Movie Theater, a new opening date for Cirque du Soleil--Drawn to Life, new retail and eateries, plus so much more. It's Disney News on Parade dedicated to Disney Springs for August 19, 2020.
Aug 20, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 161
David & Leah's boys provide the latest podcast one the best in attractions, shows, and especially food as Kingdom for Kids presents Epcot. Support these boys by checking out this short, but charming podcast. Photos available on Disney at Play.
Aug 19, 2020•21 min•Ep. 160
Is now the time to pull the lever on coming back to Orlando? Should you reconsider going to Walt Disney World? David Zanolla hosts this episode of Disney at Play by discussing several concerns travelers are weighing at this point. In this Q&A, Jeff Kober offers several points of view and issues that should be addressed in deciding about your next trip. Is it for you? As a fan, the timing may be right to coming to Walt Disney World, but only if you consider some important issues. Be sure to a...
Aug 17, 2020•48 min•Ep. 159
Lots of news this week as Disney makes way for testing to occur on Disney property. Actor's Equity has allowed Disney to go back to work. We look at new upcoming hours at the parks, issues facing annual passholders, and even new taste tests at Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival. Then we go around the globe to see some important happenings going on at Shanghai Disney, Hong Kong Disney and Disneyland Paris--all of which has implications for the American parks. It's a busy news day for ...
Aug 14, 2020•44 min•Ep. 158
With so little word about the Disneyland Resort in recent weeks, we wondered about a big project that was underway at Disney's California Adventure. It is the Avengers Campus. We want to share in detail what is planned for this entirely new land, it's attractions, restaurants, retail and more. When will it finally be constructed and will it help save the resort's attendance when it finally opens? Hosted by J. Jeff Kober, be sure to check out our notes page with lots of photos, videos, links and ...
Aug 12, 2020•42 min•Ep. 157
No, this is not sensationalized podcasting! Rather, sharing three little-known tales from Disney's legacy. In this Disney at Work podcast, we share Imagineering experiences that can be applied to your own organization. Here we talk about the challenges of building three very unique projects during completely different decades. You'll find lessons of courage and determination. It's about working and supporting others in creating projects and meeting deadlines. Be sure to check out our notes page ...
Aug 10, 2020•23 min•Ep. 156
What do neon barbershop trailers at Disney's Grand Floridan Resort, sunken Splash Mountain logs, and toy barbecue restaurants have in common? It means another episode of Disney News on Parade, where we're covering all that's happening throughout Walt Disney World. We're showcasing everything from empty cantinas to empty stores to empty campgrounds. From Food & Wine additions to Fort Wilderness additions to Disney+ additions and more. Join J. Jeff Kober as we review everything going on. And b...
Aug 07, 2020•37 min•Ep. 155
Disney had probably its most difficult investor moment as it announced its earnings for what has been the worst quarter in any year of the company's history. It's important to know what went on and what it means going forward. We will share the highlights, the questions and concerns, as well as the hopes for going forward. Make sure you check out the key points in our post on Disney at Work.
Aug 05, 2020•33 min•Ep. 154
A review of Disney's Wilderness Lodge--Perhaps Walt Disney World's best destination resort hotels. We look at the total resort experience during a COVID-19 stay. The hotel is based on the U.S. National Park Inns found in Yellowstone and elsewhere. We compare the experience to that, we look at some of the ambience of the hotels. We specifically review the Deluxe Studio Villa we had at Boulder Ridge, and we check out many of the resort's amenities. Check out Disney at Play for photos and more....
Aug 03, 2020•38 min•Ep. 153
This week's Disney News on Parade covers three stories around Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. First, it explores a new cantina being introduced in a virtual game by ILMXLAB. Next we look at changes to the boarding pass policy to Rise of the Resistance. And finally, we cap it off with a look at the TEA/AECOM annual theme park attendance report, and what impact--or lack thereof--Galaxy's Edge played on attendance at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Be sure to check out our notes page with image...
Jul 30, 2020•34 min•Ep. 152
Disney has done a huge job trying to create the most COVID-19 free experience possible. Still, there are some things that could really improve the park experience--not so much to make it safer, but to make the experience better for guests visiting during this period. Join J. Jeff Kober as we explore 5 park fixes that are needed. You can also find these listed over at Disney at Play.
Jul 29, 2020•36 min•Ep. 151
We take a look at the challenge service providers at Disney have in wearing a mask, and why they should still smile, even though their face is covered. We look at the implications for every organization who is trying to provide great customer service. Join J. Jeff Kober in this Disney at Work podcast, which includes a show notes page . The ideas here are based from Jeff's book, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney....
Jul 27, 2020•23 min•Ep. 150
What's different about this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? It's starting earlier than ever, making it the longest festival ever held It's combining some components of the International Flower & Garden Festival, which ended prematurely. It's a "Taste of Epcot", which references many favorites from the past, as well as the idea that it's not as big as in years past. Many aspects have been re-positioned, given ongoing construction in former Future World We review over two ...
Jul 25, 2020•44 min•Ep. 149
Join David's boys as they take over the podcast and share their favorite Magic Kingdom attractions, food & more. It's a short podcast, but it's a cute take from kids who really know their parks. Be sure to listen!
Jul 23, 2020•13 min•Ep. 148
Our apologies to those who tried to listen to this earlier. We had technical difficulties. We have repaired the first one, but have sent this one out as well, since sometimes podcasts are easily re-loaded. Enjoy the podcast. With the parks re-opening, what's next? What's not next? We visit all four Walt Disney World parks and talk about everything from castles to closures. We check out the attendance at Epcot and future attractions at risk for being built. We talk about the closure of two attrac...
Jul 23, 2020•46 min•Ep. 147
With the parks re-opening, what's next? What's not next? We visit all four Walt Disney World parks and talk about everything from castles to closures. We check out the attendance at Epcot and future attractions at risk for being built. We talk about the closure of two attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We look at new insights to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge based on the comic book about Black Spire Outpost, and we look at the new castle look for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Join J....
Jul 22, 2020•46 min•Ep. 146
We visit Epcot at Walt DIsney World for the first time since reopening its doors. Here we see some great happenings, and some challenges moving forward. We go around all of the park and note what is working and what is still very much a struggle.
Jul 20, 2020•34 min•Ep. 145
As Disney's Hollywood Studios reopens at Walt Disney World, J. Jeff Kober brings you the experience within the park. Here we see what's happening from the moment the park opens through a hot, humid day where guests are wearing masks, all the way through an evening thunderstorm. We look at the new online boarding pass system at Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. We note the attendance and queue lengths and so much more. Be sure to check out our notes page with videos, photos, links and more....
Jul 17, 2020•32 min•Ep. 144
We now complete a global journey of celebrating the Disney parks with what we love about Disney's Hollywood Studios. We talk about our favorite places, attractions, restaurants and so much more. Rick and Sherri Williams join me as we share the things we love so much. Be sure to check out our post with photos, videos and much more. We premiere this podcast on the eve of Disney's Hollywood Studios reopening to guests.
Jul 15, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 143
From arrival through attractions, from food & beverage through retail, throughout Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom parks we look at over 65 ways Disney parks are keeping You COVID-19 free. Join J. Jeff Kober as we look at an effort that is not perfect, but is enormously intentional. Is it possible that Disney is providing the best model for how an organization can be safe and still run a business in this economy? This is Disney working at its hardest, and we show you more ways than ...
Jul 14, 2020•29 min•Ep. 142
