836 · Inside Imagineering: Zsolt Hormay on Sculpting Stories in Disney Parks

Do you ever walk through the Disney Parks and say, "How did they do that?" or better yet, "WHO helped bring these incredible places and spaces to life?"

I was recently invited into the hallowed halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to discover the answers to those questions, and will have a full recap of what (and who) I saw, as well as just some of Imagineering's legacy, people, and projects as I was taken behind the scenes into where Disney magic is made.

And while I was there, I has the privilege of sitting down with Zsolt Hormay, Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering and the sculptor behind some of Disney’s most breathtaking environments – from the Tree of Life to Cars Land to the floating mountains of Pandora and Galaxy's Edge.

I have known of him and admired his work for decades, so this was not only a special moment for me personally, but we had a wonderful, one-on-one conversation not just about his journey from Hungary to becoming a leading figure in theme park design, but how rockwork becomes storytelling, and the emotional and cultural depth behind the places and spaces he and his team create. From the Tree of Life to Fantasy Springs in Tokyo DisneySea, his work is quite literally etched into the parks we love.

I also posted the entire video version on the WDW Radio YouTube channel, and will share even more about what I saw, experienced, and learned during my unforgettable visit to Imagineering on an upcoming podcast episode, so stay tuned!

🙋🏻‍♀️ Which Disney land or attraction do you think has the best storytelling through its environment?

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835 · "In or Out?" - Trilogies, Overlays, Lounges, Live-Action, Leadership & More!

Are you In or Out? Is the Indiana Jones trilogy really Disney’s best? Should Tower of Terror get a Halloween overlay? And is Josh D’Amaro the future CEO of Disney?

That is just the beginning! This week, we dive into bold opinions and big questions about the parks, movies, cruise line, lounges, and leadership. From the Country Bear update to adult-only experiences, EPCOT’s GEO 82, live-action remakes, the Grand Floridian’s new lobby bar and much more... nothing is off the table.

You might agree. You might not. That’s the fun of it! So… are YOU in or out?

🙋🏻‍♀️ Should Josh D’Amaro be the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company? If not him… then who?

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• LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.

🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.

Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

834 · Ultimate Guide to Indiana Jones in the Disney Parks

What if there was an Indiana Jones land so ambitious it could’ve changed the Disney Parks forever?

Or that Indy once shared the stage with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Mark Hamill himself… for one night only?

And what if Indiana Jones has a rich, decades-long history in the Disney Parks - with attractions, shows, and experiences around the world, each filled with hidden stories, wild trivia, and surprises you’ve probably never heard before?

Join Lou Mongello and former Imagineer Jason Surrell for the ultimate deep dive into Indiana Jones in the Disney Parks. From The Great Movie Ride and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular to the Temple of the Forbidden Eye and beyond, this episode uncovers decades of storytelling, innovation, and adventure... including legendary events and unbuilt attractions that almost were.

💬 What’s your favorite Indiana Jones moment in the Disney Parks - or one you wish you could experience?

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🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.

Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

833 · The Boy Who Became Tom Sawyer – Disney Legend Tom Nabbe - From the Archives

He was just 12 years old when he pitched himself to Walt Disney to become Tom Sawyer… and Walt said, “I’ll think about it.”

In this From the Archives episode of WDW Radio, I sit down with Disney Legend Tom Nabbe, the boy who went from selling newspapers outside Disneyland on opening day to becoming the real-life Tom Sawyer… and eventually helping open Walt Disney World, EPCOT, and even Disneyland Paris.

With Tom Sawyer Island set to close forever on July 7, 2025, this conversation is more meaningful than ever.

You’ll hear:

• What Walt Disney was really like in the parks
• How Tom helped shape the original Tom Sawyer Island
• His journey from Cast Member to Disney Legend – with his own Main Street, USA window
• Stories from the opening of Disneyland, Disney World, and EPCOT
• And what it’s like seeing the parks now through the eyes of his granddaughter

This is a story about curiosity, courage, legacy… and the people who helped build the magic.

👉 What’s YOUR favorite memory from Tom Sawyer Island – and how do you feel about this piece of Disney history being replaced? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit a Disney Park, Disney Cruise Line, or any vacation destination around the world? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you! - visit MouseFanTravel.com

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• LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.

🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into...

832 · Adventures by Disney Japan Recap: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tokyo & Kintsugi - Part 2

Every step through Japan tells a story - and this week, I want to share ours.

From centuries-old villages to hidden antique shops, we went looking for adventure... and found something even more meaningful.

Japan continues to unfold its magic in Part 2 of our Adventures by Disney to Japan recap, as we travel to the serene mountain town of Takayama, the timeless village of Shirakawa-go, and the vibrant heart of Tokyo.

But beyond the destinations, it was the small, unexpected moments that truly defined the journey - the quiet ones, the funny ones, and the ones that took our breath away. From stumbling into a tucked-away backstreet antique shop, to mending broken pottery with gold, to the awkward bravery of stepping into your first onsen... this wasn’t just a trip. It was an experience that changed us.

It’s about the connections we made, the lessons we learned, the memories we’ll never forget - and the Adventures by Disney difference.

🙋🏻‍♀️ If you could visit one place in Japan, where would it be… and why?

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✈️ Looking to visit Japan (and maybe Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea)? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com

📬 Stay Connected:

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- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.

🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.

Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

831 · Disneyland at 70: Walt’s Vision, Origins, Secrets, and Stories from the Park - From the Archives

Celebrate 70 years of Disneyland with a deep dive into hidden stories, surprising history, and unforgettable secrets from Walt’s original park.

In this special WDW Radio Archive episode, I'm joined by the late, great Jim Korkis as we explore the surprising origins of Doritos and churros, the story of Walt's lost Holidayland, unusual Main Street shops, and hidden details in Tomorrowland mosaics (yes, really).

From snoring bears and the Wizard of Bras to personal memories and overlooked moments, we peel back the layers of the Happiest Place on Earth. It’s a tribute to Disneyland at 70 - and to Jim’s incredible legacy of storytelling, research, and passion for preserving Disney history.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Is Japan on your travel bucket list?

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit Japan and maybe Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com

📬 Stay Connected:

- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!

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🎧 Explore More:

- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more

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- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights

- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!

- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.

🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.

Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

830 · Adventures by Disney Japan Recap: Stories & Highlights - Part 1

Japan is truly unlike anywhere else in the world.

And this week, I want to take you there - not with a guidebook, but through the memories, moments, and magic we experienced together on our recent WDW Radio Adventures by Disney Journey to Japan group trip.

Join me and some of the friends (who are really more like family) from our group as we reflect on our journey through Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Tokyo - and how this adventure changed us in ways we never expected.

We’ll share the beauty, the surprises, and the emotion of this remarkable experience - and explore not just what makes Japan so special, but why Adventures by Disney makes it unforgettable.

And if you weren't able to join us on this trip... don’t worry. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next very special WDW Radio adventure. I promise - you won’t want to miss it.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Is Japan on your travel bucket list?

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit Japan and maybe Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com

📬 Stay Connected:

- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!

- Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

🎧 Explore More:

- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more

- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards

- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights

- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!

- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.

🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.

Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!

829 · Celebrate Happy: A Complete Guide to Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary

Something special is happening at Disneyland… It’s turning 70, and the year-long Celebrate Happy party is packed with magic, surprises, returning favorites, and history in the making. Join me and theme park journalist Carlye Wisel as we unlock what’s new, what’s back, and why you need to visit - from "Paint the Night" and "World of Color Happiness" to Duffy’s return, MagicBand+ secrets, incredible merchandise, interactive activities (and free souvenirs!), more than 70 new food items, the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, and much more!

🙋🏻‍♀️ What part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary are YOU most excited about?

📣 Comment in the WDW Radio Clubhouse or 📞 Call the Voicemail: 407-900-9391

✈️ Looking to visit Disneyland for the 70th? Let our friends at Mouse Fan Travel help you with expert planning at no cost to you - visit MouseFanTravel.com

📬 Stay Connected:

- Subscribe for email updates + get my FREE Disney book!

- Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

🎧 Explore More:

- WDWRadio.com - Blog, archives, podcasts, and more

- WDW Radio Nation - Support the show and unlock rewards

- WDWRadioLIVE.com - Watch and chat LIVE Wednesday nights

- Events & Cruises - Join us for group trips and in-person meetups!

- LouMongello.com - Creator or solopreneur? Turn your passion into your profession with coaching, courses, and events, including our Momentum events in Walt Disney World. I am also a keynote speaker who shares how to leverage lessons from Disney on customer service, experience, and leadership.

🙏 Thank you for listening, being part of the WDW Radio family, and helping the show be recognized as the Best Travel Podcast for nine consecutive years - and for the incredible honor of being inducted into the ⭐️ Podcast Hall of Fame.

Please subscribe, tell a friend, and join me again next week... and as always, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's episode of the WDW Radio Show!