Disney Insights

Hosted by Performance Journeys

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580

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Jun 2026

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

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June 17, 2026Episode 60939 min

Creating a Magical Place to Stay with a Little Bit of Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust!

We imagine the excitement of heading to Florida to visit Walt Disney World, Universal, Sea World, beaches, sunshine and more. Our itineraries fill up quickly with things to do, and yet one of the most important ingredients in any vacation is where to stay. This is particularly true if you’re planning on a total holiday vacation stay, or if you are being joined with other friends and family, or if you’re looking for a truly unique experience in your accommodation. We visit with Danielle and Shane Peterson, who as Disney fans, have created some amazing vacation homes for families looking for a park-like experience when they come back at night from the parks. We’ll look at their journey, how they got into the vacation rental arena, the huge marketplace here in Orlando, and the amazing “wow” creations the Danielle and Shane have developed. Here only the hallway separates you from the worlds of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Frozen, Beauty & the Beast and more. If you’re thinking of doing an AirBNB type stay while visiting Central Florida, this podcast is for you. Moreover, I think you’ll be touched by their story, and how very difficult circumstances led them to creating a work of love—together. Join us as we talk creating a magical place to stay with a little bit of faith, trust & pixie dust! To learn more about the homes Danielle and Shane have created, please visit www.magicaladventurehomes.com You can also join them on their Instagram page: @magical.adventure.homes. Know that you can use disneyinsights (all lowercase) as a discount code for helping you find the best discount possible! 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!

June 10, 2026Episode 60852 min

Disney Insights of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure

So far in 2026 we’ve gone through a walk through of Disney California Adventure of when it opened, and of two projects that were considered previously in its place, WestCOT and Port Disney. Today we begin our exploration of today’s Disney California Adventure, beginning with the entrance to the park, Buena Vista Street. We look at the thinking and the design choices made by imagineers as they removed the original postcard style entry and built something more akin to what Walt Disney would have found when he first arrived in 1923. More than just a stroll down the boulevard looking at shops and eateries, we will study a plethora of hidden details that truly celebrate those early days of Walt and Roy and what they tried to do as they moved from the origins of Mickey Mouse to the premiere of their first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Joins us as explore the Disney Insights of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. 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!

June 1, 2026Episode 60742 min

Carousel of Progress Preparing for A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

This last week Disney announced that the Carousel of Progress would be closing after July 5th to be completely refurbished. John and Sara and the family will all be part of this four act show, but it will be set in completely new eras. We showcase the news of what this show will look like, and provide insights about what it means. But we're also taking the time to step back in history to see how this show came to be legendary to millions of people around the world. Indeed its history goes back to 1958, nearly some 70 years ago. From Edison Square to the New York World's Fair, from a new 1967 Tomorrowland in Disneyland until its final home in the Magic Kingdom, we will look at little known stories and details about this amazing show whose creator is the ever visionary Walt Disney. Join as on the Carousel of Progress as it prepares for a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow. 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!

May 28, 2026Episode 60632 min

Mandalorian & Grogu, Movie & Ride, What Works & Doesn't

Summer is here and several new attractions have premiered at Walt Disney World and at Disneyland. We focus on a new mission for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, one that is led by Din Dijarin, the Mandalorian, along with Grogu. We look at how this compares with the previous version of the attraction, and whether first time as well as repeat guests will enjoy this experience. And we preface all of that with the new film, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, which premiered on the same day that the new version of the attraction premiered in both parks. We experienced both in the same day, and can offer you insights as to why you might want to experience both of them. So join us as we head to the cinema and to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge for Mandalorian and Grogu, Movie and Ride, What Works and Doesn't. 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!

May 18, 2026Episode 60540 min

Port Disney and DisneySea

We are using 2026 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Disney California Adventure. And while we did an overview of this park on that anniversary date, it is nearly summer and we've yet to go into the lands of the park. In the interim we took a big left turn to talk about Westcot, which was proposed long before the concept of Disney California Adventure was created. Now we take another left turn to talk about Port Disney and DisneySea, a project proposed at the same time for Long Beach. We will look at this project, why it was proposed, what it offered, and what became of its ideas--one of which eventually landed in Disney California Adventure. Oh, and there's the connection of Tokyo DisneySea-or not! Join us as we look at Port Disney and DisneySea. 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!

May 12, 2026Episode 60456 min

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns

I'm so excited to talk about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which makes its return after a lengthy remodel. It has been well executed and it's as fun as ever--though perhaps in a slightly less bumpy way--at least for the moment. We will cover not only the history of this mountain but of its sister mountains at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. My business partner, Mark David Jones, joins me to discuss the original opening of Big Thunder here at Magic Kingdom, where he was part of the opening crew. He emphasizes how the attraction was the starting point for massive changes that would emerge at Walt Disney World in the years that followed, making it the resort destination of the world. And of course I'll give you my play by play review of the attraction in its refurbished state. So join us as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns. 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!

May 7, 2026Episode 60357 min

May the 4th Be With You & A Disney Cruise Line Review

For years I've been trying to talk my two good friends, John and Lori Scali into taking a Disney Cruise. They finally made that happen on the Disney Wish--and in Concierge no less! They are long-term Disney fans, and they offer us a very insightful review which we recorded at the Disney Vacation Club Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Village & Bungalows, which they offer some thoughts on as well. Around the same time my wife and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary, which happens to be on May 4th--the same day Disney's Hollywood Studios would be the welcoming mat to thousands of Star Wars Fans who want to celebrate May the 4th be with you. Let me share the chaos of all that and what you may want to do differently next year--as it will be the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars film which is where this holiday originates. 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!

April 29, 2026Episode 60244 min

5 Frustrations at Walt Disney World--And 5 Things They're Doing or Could Be Doing Right

So many things at Walt Disney World create magic for millions of guests. And yet there are those less than magical moments. I listened to a vlogcaster go on for an hour about everything wrong at Universal and Disney. Indeed, that individual not to be named seems really negative in most of his videos. But I have to admit there are a handful of things that could be improved upon, and I'm using those things to not only highlight, but to also remind us what is working right, or what could be done easily to make it right. We talk about one particular problem that affects all four parks and then pay attention to issues at three of the four Walt Disney World Parks--Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Join us for 5 frustrations at Walt Disney World--and 5 things they're doing or could be doing right. 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!

April 22, 2026Episode 60157 min

Westcot: A Proposed But Never Built Park at The Disneyland Resort

We are behind in celebrating Disney California Adventure through its 25th year, and yet one cannot really talk about this park, without considering what was to have been created originally in its place. WestCOT may be the most popular park concept that Disney never built. A west-coast version of Epcot, this park was in many ways more ambitious than its neighbor across the promenade, Disneyland itself. We will look at this amazing design, as well as the entire proposal for what was originally intended to become The Disneyland Resort. We'll look at the whole of it, what it included, how it would impact Anaheim, and then consider what led ultimately to its fall. Join me on this fascinating look into a park led by Imagineer Tony Baxter and what could have created an entire Disneyland Resort than the one we know now. 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!

April 15, 2026Episode 60052 min

A New Buzz Lightyear Attraction to the Rescue at Magic Kingdom

This last week Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin formally reopened at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The attraction has long been a perfect complement to Tomorrowland, where it has recruited guests to fight the Emperor Zurg for the better part of three decades. As an attraction it has found a home at some time in all six Magic Kingdom style parks across the globe, making it one of the most commonly found attractions in any park. Moreover, it was the first Pixar based ride to be created in the theme parks. I remember being one of the first to ride it with my children in Cast Member previews in 1998. So I have a fond memory of this attraction, both here and across the globe. We'll compare all of these versions, and talk about how some versions have since been replaced. And of course, we'll board our ship and give you a review of the newly revised ride, emphasizing what is new and different. It's a welcome improvement to a Tomorrowland that is always on the go. So join as a new Buzz Lightyear attraction comes to the rescue at Magic Kingdom! 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!

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