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Disney Parks Podcast Show #868- Disney New For The Week Of April 21, 2025

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #868- Disney New For The Week Of April 21, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about new details on the Disney Destiny cruise ship, updates about Disney Lakeshore Lodge, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks podcast.

Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

  • Victoria & Albert’s at Grand Floridian has retained its MICHELIN Star for over 20 years.

  • Capa at Four Seasons Orlando keeps its Michelin Star, led by Chef Malyna Si, Florida’s only female Michelin-starred chef.

  • Pride Lands dining show aboard Disney Destiny features Lion King-inspired entertainment and African-fusion cuisine.

  • De Vil’s lounge offers Cruella-themed cocktails in a fashion-forward piano bar setting.

  • The Sanctum is a Doctor Strange-inspired lounge with interactive magical mixology.

  • Edna Á La Mode Sweets serves character-themed desserts with fun photo ops on Disney Destiny.

  • The new “Disney Hercules” stage show debuts on Disney Destiny, and it features updated music, costumes, and puppetry.

  • Loki, Cruella, Dr. Facilier, and Maleficent headline villain-themed experiences aboard Disney Destiny.

  • Smugglers Run ride updates coming May 22, 2026, including Grogu, The Mandalorian, and new destinations.

  • Disney Lakeshore Lodge construction is underway near Fort Wilderness; opening is planned for 2027.

  • Stitch’s meet-and-greet at Disneyland Paris now uses a virtual queue system.

  • Additional Paris characters (Mickey, Olaf, Princesses, Star Wars) will join the virtual queue soon.

  • Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a year-long event starting June 28, 2025.

  • “Friendtastic!” parade and “Momentous” nighttime drone/fireworks show featured in HKDL celebration.

  • The new Sorcerer Mickey-themed guest room will open at Tokyo Disney Ambassador Hotel on October 13, 2025.


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Listen to the Episode Below (0:42:05)

Disney Parks Podcast Show #867- Interview With Theron Skees – Former Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #867- Interview With Theron Skees – Former Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering

Theron Skees, former senior creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, has spent his career infusing brand stories and narrative into theme parks, destination experiences, and organizations worldwide. Leading projects worth billions of dollars, he now applies his 30+ years of experience as the founder of The Designer’s Creative Studio. By using Narrative Experience Design to transform customers into engaged audiences, drive business growth, and enhance brand equity, Theron emphasizes that story and experience are core values, not just add-ons, in shaping an organization’s identity.

Find Theron at these websites:
https://www.designerscreativestudio.com

https://creatingmemorableworlds.com

https://leagueofextraordinarystorytellers.org

 


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Listen to the Episode Below (0:59:28)

Disney Parks Podcast Show #866-Disney New For The Week Of April 14, 2025

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #866-Disney New For The Week Of April 14, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about New Details for Lion King Ride Coming to Disneyland Paris, New details about Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby Renovation, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

    • 🦁 A Lion King-themed water ride is coming to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris in 2026, featuring:

      • Iconic scenes and songs from the 1994 film

      • A 52-foot drop and 120-foot Pride Rock

      • Cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics and special effects

    • 🦁 The ride is part of a new Lion King land with themed dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets(construction starts Fall 2025)

    • ❄️ Disney Adventure World will also feature:

      • World of Frozen and Adventure Way

      • New “Up” spinning carousel and Rapunzel Tangled Spin

      • Grand opening in 2026

    • 🎬 A new park entrance opens May 15, 2025, themed to Hollywood, with new dining, shopping, and entertainment in World Premiere Plaza

    • 🌳 The expansion will double the park’s size, reimagining 90% of Walt Disney Studios Park, including:

      • Over 1,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs

      • New themed areas like Toy Story Garden

    • 🏨 Disney Sequoia Lodge will be fully refurbished in 2026 with forest-themed Disney touches

    • 🏕️ Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows are getting character upgrades (like Donald Duck themes), bookable starting June 12, 2025

    • 🛍️ Disney Village gets a major update:

      • New shops: Disney Glamour, Disney Style, Deco by Disney (open April 19)

      • New Disney Wonders store in late 2025

      • Dining upgrades: Petite Rosalie, new McDonald’s, Casa Giulia Italian Restaurant (2026), and a revamped Sports Bar & Lounge

    • 🎆 New shows and festivals:

      • Tales of Magic nighttime spectacular launched in 2024

      • Disney Music Festival (April 19 – Sept 7, 2025) with 12 musical experiences across all lands

    • 🏨 Grand Floridian Resort is completing a multi-year renovation:

      • Refreshed lobby, staircase, and front desk

      • New Victorian-inspired furnishings and carpeting

      • A new birdcage-style lobby bar with woodwork, stained glass, and murals

    • ⚓ Starting December 2025, the Disney Fantasy cruise ship will debut:

      • New 2-story Fantasy Tower Suite inside the funnel (sleeps 8, 2,030 sq ft)

      • New venues: Ramone’s Cantina, refreshed Senses Spa, Hercules-themed Concierge Lounge, and new Edge tween club

    • 📺 Disney+ subscribers can book summer 2025 hotel discounts:

      • Rooms start at $99/night for stays June 29 – July 31, 2025

      • Valid at select Disney Resort hotels with proof of active subscription

    • 👕 Walt Disney World revealed new Custodial cast member costumes:

      • Modern blue-and-white design with practical features

      • Part of a broader wardrobe refresh initiative

    • 🐰 For Easter 2025:

      • Meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom (through April 20)

      • Chocolate egg displays at top resorts

      • EPCOT Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt returns

      • Special Easter merchandise and extended park hours

    • 😈 New stage show “Unfairly Ever After” opens May 27 at Hollywood Studios:

      • Stars Cruella, Maleficent, and Captain Hook

      • Interactive audience voting and a Magic Mirror narrator

      • Dozens of virtual villains via LED screen technology

    • 🤖 Star Wars BDX droids debut later this year at Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World:

      • More expressive, lifelike droids like Grek

      • Free-roaming with gestures, light effects, and show integration

    • 🥩 Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina replaces Shula’s Steakhouse at Dolphin Hotel in mid-2025:

      • Elevated dining with premium beef & seafood

      • 10th Bourbon Steak location and 3rd in Florida

A lot of exciting new offerings and events across Disney locations!


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Listen to the Episode Below (0:47:39)

Disney Parks Podcast Show #865-Disney New For The Week Of April 07, 2025

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #865- Disney News For The Week Of April 07, 2025

In today’s show, news about New Airport Luggage Transfer Service Piloting at Select Disney Resorts, New Show, Character and More Entertainment Coming to Disneyland Resort This Spring, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.

Key Takeaways from this week’s show:

  1. Downtown Disney Expansion:

    • Lululemon will open a store offering athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories in the former ESPN Zone.

    • Nectar Life will bring vegan, plant-based bath products, launching with a pop-up store this spring.

    • Bopo Go! will open a boba tea café inspired by Asian convenience stores, offering bubble teas and snacks.

    • Two new restaurants by Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori:

      • Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon (steakhouse).

      • Pearl’s Roadside BBQ (North Carolina-style barbecue).

  2. New Airport Service:

    • Starting April 3, Disney Resort guests can drop off luggage at Orlando International Airport for direct delivery to Southwest Airlines.

    • Available at select Disney Resorts for guests with flights departing after 1 p.m.

  3. Water Park News (Walt Disney World):

    • Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks will open May 21–September 7.

    • H2O Glow After Hours returns at Typhoon Lagoon, with tickets available.

  4. New Entertainment at Disneyland:

    • New show: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! from May 16.

    • Meet-and-greet with Rex from Toy Story on June 1.

    • Returning events: Pixar Pals Playtime Party and Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast from May 23.

  5. New Treats at Disney’s Pop Century Resort (April 4):

    • New ice cream and dessert offerings like sundaes, shakes, and cake bars.

  6. Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (Nov 14–15, 2025):

    • Unlimited tastings from 23 restaurants, live music, and celebrity chef appearances.

  7. D23 Event – A Goofy Movie 30th Anniversary Tour:

    • Themed events and screenings of A Goofy Movie from May 3–August 28, 2025, in over 20 U.S. cities.

  8. Monsters, Inc. Land Construction Delay:

    • The construction of a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been delayed, though it is still expected to move forward soon.

A lot of exciting new offerings and events across Disney locations!


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Listen to the Episode Below (0:39:58)

Disney Parks Podcast Show #864-Disney New For The Week Of March 31, 2025

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #864- Disney New For The Week Of March 31, 2025

On today’s Disney Parks Podcast, we have news about the Opening dates for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure, among other things.


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Listen to the Episode Below (0:25:40)

Disney Parks Podcast Show #863-Interview With Neil O’Brien Author of After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America’s Favorite Media Company

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #863-Interview With Neil O’Brien, Author of After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America’s Favorite Media Company

Neil O’Brien is an accomplished journalist and historian specializing in media and entertainment. With a deep passion for animation history, O’Brien has extensively researched and written about the evolution of the Walt Disney Company, particularly its transformation after the passing of its legendary founder. His book, After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America’s Favorite Media Company, offers an in-depth look at the struggles, triumphs, and leadership shifts that shaped Disney in the decades following Walt Disney’s death. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, O’Brien provides a compelling narrative of how Disney Animation survived and eventually flourished, paving the way for a new era of storytelling.

Summary of Key Takeaways from After Disney

  • Walt Disney’s Death and Its Impact – Walt Disney’s passing in 1966 left a significant void at Disney Animation. The book explores how the company and its creative teams adapted without his leadership.
  • The Aristocats as a Turning Point was the first animated feature produced without Walt’s direct involvement. Its success was crucial in proving that Disney Animation could continue without him.
  • Roy Disney’s Role – Roy E. Disney stepped up to guide the company and maintain Disney’s creative vision while implementing business strategies to ensure financial stability.
  • The 1970s and 1980s Struggles – The book covers Disney’s challenges, including leadership transitions, financial instability, and creative struggles.
  • The Black Cauldron and Creative Risk—The Black Cauldron was an attempt at a darker, more ambitious animated film that faced setbacks, revealing internal conflicts and creative risks.
  • The Formation of CalArts’ Character Animation Program – The book highlights how CalArts became a key talent pipeline for Disney Animation and the broader industry.
  • The Animation Renaissance – The groundwork laid in the ‘70s and ‘80s led to the Disney Renaissance of the late ‘80s and ‘90s, starting with The Little Mermaid.
  • Rise of New Leaders – Figures like Ron Miller and Michael Eisner played pivotal roles in shaping Disney’s future direction.
  • Influence on Other Animation Studios – Many animators who trained at Disney went on to establish or work at studios like Pixar and DreamWorks.
  • Legacy of Walt’s Influence—Despite leadership changes, Walt Disney’s foundational vision and storytelling principles continued to shape the company.

Where to get the book

AMAZON

Disney Family Museum Tickets


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Listen to the Episode Below (0:56:03)

Disney Parks Podcast Show #862-Disney New For The Week Of March 24, 2025

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #862-Disney New For The Week Of March 24, 2025

In today’s show, we have news about Three Incredible Dining Experiences Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort, the New Disney Vacation Club Lounge Opens at Magic Kingdom Park, and so much more on today’s Disney Parks Podcast.


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Listen to the Episode Below (0:39:59)