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Len Testa is my guest on the latest episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to discuss many important topics. It’s his fourth appearance on the podcast, which sets a new record. On this extended conversation, we talk about the different layers of issues facing Disney and its parks. Testa is an expert on the industry and regularly talks about similar topics on The Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill. He has plenty to say and speaks candidly about how Disney operates.

BIG QUESTIONS FOR DISNEY’S PARKS

During our latest conversation, Testa and I cover the following key Disney topics:

* Why hasn’t Disney focused more on higher capacities for its new attractions, and how will they handle the crowds that will descend on the parks for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?
* What will be the “Galaxy’s Edge Effect” on the industry a few years after the opening of this new land?
* Given the diminishing success of restaurants like Be Our Guest and Le Cellier, is it possible for an extremely popular dining spot in the parks to retain its quality and value?
* Looking beyond the Skyliner opening, what are the next steps with transportation that Disney should take to improve access?
* How will Disney handle expanding resort types that go beyond simple categories like Deluxe, Moderate, and Value in the future?
* What would we choose to do on the new “World of Dreams” tour to make it worth the $12,000 price tag?

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/len-testa...

On the latest episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast, Mongello talks with me about what inspired him to turn his podcast into a career. Plenty of us have Disney podcasts and are dedicated to them, but few have taken that next step. Mongello describes the moments of fear after his choice and what aspects of his personality drove him to make that happen.

Lou Mongello has hosted WDW Radio since the mid-2000s and is a motivational speaker and life coach.Mongello also talks about podcasting and where he believes it’s heading. Despite the growth of hits like Serial, a majority of people still know little about podcasts. His up-close perspective going back to the early days gives Mongello an interesting take on what growth we may see in the future.

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/lou-monge...

A few weeks ago, I took a quick one-night trip to Silver Dollar City with my daughters. This bonus episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast is all about our experiences there. I had not planned to record a podcast documenting our trip, but I changed my mind because we had such a great time. We only visited Silver Dollar City for one day and could have easily spent another full day there. The light crowds and mild weather made it easy to accomplish a lot, but there was definitely more to see.

During this episode, I describe the roller coasters, dark rides, and impressive variety of attractions at Silver Dollar City. We also spent time in the two kids’ areas, The Grand Exposition and Fireman’s Landing, and enjoyed both lands. The highlight for us was Marvel Cave, which is a destination unto itself. Other vintage attractions like The Flooded Mine and Fire in the Hole were also big hits with my girls. There is an effective mix of thrill rides and interested themed sections that help to make Silver Dollar City much more than your typical local park.

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/silver-do...

Bob Baranick is my guest on the latest episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast. On this show, we talk about how he got started and delve into his projects for Disney and other companies. Our conversation includes these exciting topics:

* Why was it a challenge to get approval from Disney for Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris?
* What was it like to work with Rolly Crump on updates to The Land, including Living with the Land?
* How do original concepts for Indiana Jones connect to what Disney is currently doing with Rise of the Resistance?
* What excited Baranick about working on the replacement of the Swiss Family Treehouse with Tarzan’s Treehouse at Disneyland?
* Why was it difficult to make changes to classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, especially with the “politically correct” update?
* What made him interested in designing the “boutique park” Whirligig Woods in North Carolina? Why didn’t the park work out?

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/bob-baran...

Guth and McDermott are my guests on the latest episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast. We talk about their backgrounds and their stories of the Disney College Program. Guth and McDermott had different experiences working in the parks on attractions and entertainment, respectively. We also talk about some of their favorite books about Walt Disney, the parks, and a lot more. There are so many great Disney titles out there, and our conversation should offer a good starting point.

More info and show notes: https://tomorrowsociety.com/courtney-...

This episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast includes the first part of my trip report from our seven nights at Aulani. We visited during my daughters’ Spring Break in mid-March and experienced the wide range of activities at the resort. Aulani gives you the chance to relax, but it also offers plenty to keep you busy for a week. How long you decide to stay really depends on what you’re seeking in a vacation.

On this podcast, I describe the big steps in planning a trip like booking airfare and advance reservations. I also cover our first impressions entering the Maka’ala Lobby and the resort’s atmosphere. Other segments look at the core elements, including the pool, beach, and our one-bedroom villa. I also give some tips on reserving spots like Aunty’s Beach House and other activities to enjoy.

The episode includes clips that I recorded at Aulani to capture my immediate thoughts while experiencing the resort. My hope is this podcast will help if you’re interested in visiting Aulani or just curious about whether it’s right for you.

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/aulani-po...