Disney Insights

Hosted by Performance Journeys

Society Culture

Website RSS feed

Episodes

598

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

Celebrating All Things Disney with News, Analysis & Best-in Business Ideas on Life & Work from the Happiest Places on Earth!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 14, 2026Episode 62645 min

How Dangerous Are Coasters & Rides? Disney to Six Flags & Beyond

Unsettling news and disturbing footage have emerged from Six Flags Over Georgia. Yes, this is a Disney podcast, but when it comes to ride systems and guest safety, it's a small world. With shared manufacturers, there is lots of overlap between all of these, and when something jarring like this happens, it becomes everyone's focus--as it should be. We look at what happened on the Goliath Hyper Coaster, but then look across the Six Flags portfolio. We compare it to Disney's safety record and the hard realities about how many fatalities and deaths have occurred at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. With that we consider what's working and what needs improvement and how Disney is seeking to improve it. Finally, we look at the biggest safety challenge--the one any theme park struggles to control--and that is you! Join us as we go from Disney to Six Flags--it's about safety and fatalities. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization . __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

October 9, 2026Episode 62547 min

DCL Believe & Monstropolis! 2 Imagineering Offerings Created 2 Different Ways

Currently the two biggest announcements for 2027 at Disney are moving in about the same timeline toward completion in 2027--and yet they couldn't be more different than the other. This week the Disney Cruise Line announced not only that the Disney Believe is setting sail on December 18th of next year, but they announced much of what this fourth Wish-class ship is going to be like. At the same time, Monstropolis, which is slated to have at least Phase One open in 2027, likely during the last months of the year. What's surprising is how the excitement for one is waning while the interest in the other is building. Why? We'll look at both creations and see what is going on. Both are being built in the context of an earlier design--Believe being a Wish class ship, and Monstropolis, being built in the foot print of what was largely a Muppet experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Yet one seems somewhat like a re-tread, while the other is becoming more and more its own creation. Join us as we look at 2 Imagineering offerings being created in 2 different ways. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization . __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

September 30, 2026Episode 62435 min

Walt Disney World at 55! Celebrating the Original 1971 Experience!

I would be remiss if I didn't take the time this week to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Every October 1st is a date to celebrate the Most Magical Place on Earth, but 55 is a moment to really cherish the joy of this place. And what better way to do that than being in the Magic Kingdom itself. We will visit all the original attractions that are still here today. We'll talk about how they have evolved over the years, but mostly we'll talk about all that makes them so very cherished to guests. And we'll take a moment to consider the entire Vacation Kingdom when it first opened. So join us as we celebrate 55 Happy Years at Walt Disney World. __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

September 23, 2026Episode 62359 min

Steps in Time: From Hollywood Land to Avatar

We return to our 25th anniversary review of Disney California Adventure as we explore all the lands of the park. Originally titled Hollywood Pictures Backlot, what is now known today as Hollywood Land opened at first as the symbol of everything wrong with Disney California Adventure. And 25 years of changes hasn’t really fixed this dead-end corner of the park, which was probably one of the most terribly master planned themed lands ever created. Astonishing that while Disney-MGM Studios came out of the gate small but immensely popular, this version of Hollywood took a crash on Hollywood Boulevard. Of its ten most major highlights or attractions, almost all have been changed—and most changed several times—over the last number of decades. As improvements were made to Disney California Adventure, it seemed the original components of this land would only get more and more ignored. Even though it opened as one of only three lands in the park, it still stands as a testament to bargain basement Imagineering. And with Pandora World of Avatar coming sometime in the future, the greater part of it is now on the chopping block. Join us as we dig through the backstory of the Hollywood Pictures Backlot and look toward what is ahead in the proximate years to come. __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

September 16, 2026Episode 62247 min

The JOY and The Magic of Disney Animation

As I moved through the new Magic of Disney Animation on opening day a manager sought me out and asked how my experience was with the new attraction. My response: You have taken my soul, turned it inside out and made it into an attraction. There are many reasons I love Disney's Hollywood Studios, but this made the top of the charts immediately. I am so impressed with the level of attention, investment, and loving care that has gone into this project. This is made by people who love Disney and who love the art of Disney Animation. It's an old space made new, but it might have well been something from the ground up. I've been processing the experience since, and have captured five reasons why I love this experience and can't wait to take my family here. This is Disney at its best, and if this is a hint of things to come, I'm very excited about the future of the Disney parks. Join me in this somewhat emotional review of the JOY and The Magic of Disney Animation. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization . __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

September 10, 2026Episode 62154 min

Disney Deep Dives and Discontents

We are coming to a time when we will have a lot to share on this podcast, but there are a number of things I've been thinking about that I need to share/vent/talk about. We're going across the board from California Grill to Wolfgang Pucks; From Liberty Square bathrooms to Piston Peak additions; from Moroccan views to Tower of Terror colors; from Walt Disney World ground breaking ceremonies to Labor Day openings. It's a hodge podge of topics that I really have some strong opinions on. In the process, there are some insights that probably would help us at work or our own individual lives. So join us for Disney Deep Dives and Discontents. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization . __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

September 5, 2026Episode 62038 min

Nibbling Away at Better Ideas! Epcot International Food & Wine at 30!

Summer is coming to a close, and Fall is well…falling right behind, and at Epcot, the International Food & Wine Festival begins. Only this year, Epcot is celebrating the 30th anniversary of this festival. It was the first of the four festivals during the year, to include Flower & Garden, Festival of the Arts, and the festival of the holidays. And its advent has perhaps shaped how guests approach this park more than any attraction or other offering here at Epcot. We’ll talk about the history of this festival and how it has evolved over the years. Then we’ll check out some of the culinary offerings being showcased. We’ll look at some new and interesting bites, but also commemorate some of original offerings that have been here for decades. In the process we’ll look at how some of the lessons of this festival can serve as inspiration in work and life. So join us as we share Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival at 30, as we nibble away at better ideas. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization . __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

August 26, 2026Episode 61955 min

Disney Insights on D23 & What Lies Ahead

Now that the dust has somewhat settled, and though I have already done some very detailed announcements around Piston Peak, Imagination, Tomorrowland and Villains Land, there are so many other details from my experience at Disneyland and at the expo that I haven't really unpacked. It's taken me many days to get my head around everything that took place. This podcast is my effort to summarize all of that, to better get a sense of the whole of D23, not just park announcements--which I have a lot to cover--but the event itself, from D23 day at Disneyland to the Exposition floor to the Honda Center events at night. It was an incredible, but intense and intimate experience--shared with some other 100,000 people. Join me as we look at insights on D23 and the promises ahead for the Disney Parks. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization . __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

August 18, 2026Episode 61816 min

2 Big Surprise D23 Announcements--And The Real Truth About Villains Land!

The Parks & Experiences D23 presentation at the Honda Center has concluded and with it came two big pieces of news in what was literally the last two minutes of the entire program. Disneyland fans rejoice with the fantastic news that Tomorrowland is finally going to get some serious TLC as it gets set to be remodeled in time for Disneyland's 75th anniversary in four years. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World fans fave finally received huge notice that their beloved Journey Into Imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder will be completely revamped to something more like the original attraction. And then did we mention Villains Land? Yes, confirmation was given to the two E-ticket attractions that will headline this corner of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. So join us as we highlight the crazy details from this year's D23 expo. Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization . __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

August 17, 2026Episode 61723 min

Magic Kingdom Piston Peak News from D23: Insights & More!

Be sure to check out my latest endeavor, Disneyland Insights: Inspiration, Ideas & Magic for You and Your Organization . __________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page --Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com- -So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You . Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys , which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing