The WDW Radio Show - Your Walt Disney World Information Station

On April 22, 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened its gates and instantly established itself as something very different, and definitely “NAHTAZU.” More importantly, the park’s opening represented a continuation of Walt Disney’s dream for bringing unique animal experiences and an awareness of the importance of conservation, and truly living with the land to guests from around the world. This week, we will look back at the dream that became a reality, thanks to Michael Eisner. We’ll explore the early concepts, planning, and development, and the massive, collaborative effort it took to a create a living, breathing, evolving, and magical park, which embodies the spirit of edutainment.

In honor of “Women’s History Month” (and just because they are awesome), this week we look at the some of the many important women in Disney history who are not just groundbreaking female leads, but global cultural icons, inspiring role models, and true heroes, and we’ll examine the qualities and characteristics each posses that make them so important and influential. And while there are many…. This week we are going to look at our Top Ten Disney Heroines from the worlds of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars.

Walk and share with us as we wander and taste our way LIVE through the entire 2020 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. We explore each of the locations throughout Future World and World Showcase, sample and review the Best of the Best of the Festival, and share our Top 3 must-try items.

I open up the inbox this week and answer your questions. We start with a review of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, then discuss Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party, taking pictures on attractions, Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea must-dos, EPCOT construction, future transportation options in Walt Disney World, can't-miss Disneyland, and Disney cruises you’re probably never taken (or probably even heard of), the World Cruise and Moonlight Cruise.

I invite you to join me as we unlock the mysteries of the most secret society in the Disney Parks… the S.E.A. - The Society of Explorers and Adventurers. We will explore its origin story, as well as it’s history in the Disney Parks, pre-history in the Adventurer’s Club, and the characters (and some of their real-world Imagineering inspirations) that make up this very elite club. We’ll then virtually tour the Disney Parks, as we trace the Society’s origins and backstories to Japan and Tokyo Disney Sea, then journey through Walt Disney World and Disneyland, venture to Hong Kong and Aulani, then sail aboard the Disney Cruise Line to discover where secret meeting locations, characters, and tributes can be found. I’ll then take you back in time to a date and special WDW Radio event where some of the Society’s members made their one and only appearance, and look to the future of Disney’s most fascinating and fun secret league of extraordinary adventurers.

We recap and review our WDW Radio group cruise on the inaugural sailing of the Disney Wonder from New Orleans. We will discuss our time and events in New Orleans, as well as everything from the embarkation process to cabins, dining, activities, shows, our WDW Radio special events, and more. We'll also look at cruising from a number of different perspectives, including as a family, solo travelers, cruising with special needs, and first time cruisers. I’ll then announce what's next for a very special WDW Radio group cruise!

With more than 30 different resorts on property, Walt Disney World has a place to stay, play, and dine for every budget, theme, and kind of immersive experience. And with so many options to choose from, we are going to look at the Top Ten Walt Disney World Resorts. Beyond just WHY you should stay in a Walt Disney World Resort, we'll explore not just the most luxurious or expensive, but will take into account other factors including location, theming, dining options, amenities, activities, room types and decor, cost, nostalgia, and more. And of course, I'll ask YOU to share your favorite resort(s) and why.

If breakfast really is the most important meal of the day then shouldn’t it be delicious, unique, and at a place that is worth making a special trip to? This week, I invite you to join me at Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort where together, we will sample and enjoy the tropical ambiance of the Great Ceremonial House, and a variety of savory (and a little sweet) unique egg dishes, pancakes with a Polynesian twist… and a reason to get out of bed in the morning… Tonga Toast.

Walt Disney said of Disneyland that it “...would never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world. It is something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing and adding to.” The same is very much true for Walt Disney World, and while I have been saying for some time that it is a wonderful time to be a Disney fan, 2020 brings even more exciting additions, changes, expansion and experiences to the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. So this week, we will share 20 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in 2020 - whether you are planning your first vacation, think you may have seen or done it all, or need a few more reasons to come back, there is something here for you… including a few (very) hidden things you won’t find on a guide map or web site.

This week, we take a close, personal look at Star Wars... what was, what is, and what will be, as The Rise of Skywalker, The Rise of the Resistance, The Mandalorian, Galaxy’s Edge, and The Galactic Starcruiser are all part of an epic legacy. We will explore and discuss them individually as well as collectively, how they fit together, the state of Star Wars fandom, and what the future holds on the screens and in the Disney Parks.

Listener Email: runDisney marathon recommended hotels, Mexico pavilion changes, Walt Disney World scavenger hunts (and how you can get them), favorite snacks in the parks, the case of the missing Mickey (and Leopold?) statue in Disney's Contemporary Resort, New Year's Eve in Disney, Tower of Terror props, attractions that may be extinct soon, birthday dinners, and a question that lets YOU put on your creative Imagineering hat.

The wait is over… and it was so well worth it. Rise of the Resistance opened in Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World on December 5, and will open in Disneyland on January 17, 2020. We react, review, and discuss the attraction just moments after having taken our first ride, with no spoilers, but an in-depth look at the storytelling, technology, emotions, and where this fits among the best of the best of Disney theme park attractions worldwide.

Starting early November, Disney Cruise Line adds some extra holiday magic to each of its ships during Very Merrytime Cruises, with special stem-to-stern holiday events, characters, overlays, entertainment, dining, merchandise, and more! This week, we'll look at not only what you can do, eat, enjoy, and expect on board, but how to get the most out of your Disney Cruise, including what to do before you go, can't-miss experiences, a few "hidden treasures" on board, and what it is that makes these voyages so special, memorable, and valuable.

Join me at the table in The Wave of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a LIVE dining review. We sit down for lunch and sample a wide (wide) selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, in a dining location that may not have been on your radar before… but should be. You’ll hear why, but be warned - don’t listen hungry!

Please join me as we continue reviewing and recapping our Adventures by Disney to Japan. We continue through this incredible country on a remarkable journey to Takayama, Odawara, and our time in Tokyo before punctuating our adventure at Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea.