Lou Mongello is a former attorney turned Disney enthusiast, founder of WDWRadio.com Disney podcast in 2005 (named Best Travel Podcast 9 consecutive years), member of the Podcast Hall of Fame, author, speaker, and business coach at LouMongello.com.
🥲 Dad, I just held a REAL Lightsaber...
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Your Guide to Disney Parks & ExperiencesDAD, I JUST HELD A REAL LIGHTSABER.I have to start with a sincere, grateful, and humble THANK YOU to YOU (yes, you)... as anything and everything I get to do and share is because of you. I am thankful each and every morning when I wake up, and again before I got to sleep, for the gift of being able to experience and share my passion with you. And the past few weeks have been nothing short or continuous "pinch me" moments. Not sure if you saw on my social media, but I was invited to take part in a VERY small and special behind the scenes tour of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, California, right after our first WDW Radio Adventures by Disney to Hollywood and Disneyland. 🥹 I still remember seeing Star Wars with my dad in May, 1977 and it’s not hyperbole to say how much it impacted me… and us. He bought me my first “lightsaber” (a flashlight with inflatable blade) that same year. He would have loved Galaxy’s Edge, and I wish I could have returned the gift by taking him to build one of his own at Savi’s Workshop… but now I just want show him this. See the video on Facebook or Instagram. I also interacted with (and controlled!) the new BDX droids which debuted in Walt Disney World's Galaxy's Edge today, went to the sound studios, the Research & Development labs, saw interacted with Audio Animatronics, models, figures, and much, much more! I'll have plenty to talk about and share on an upcoming podcast and on social! Plus, I have a VERY special, exclusive interview opportunity while I was there! Have you ever walked through a Disney park and wondered, “How did they do that… and who made it possible?”While at Imagineering, I was invited to sit down, one-on-one, with Zsolt Hormay, Creative Executive and the sculptor behind iconic environments like the Tree of Life, Cars Land, Galaxy’s Edge, and Pandora. We talked about his journey, the art of storytelling through rockwork, and how his work is etched into the parks we love. Listen to WDW Radio # 836 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app - and watch the full video now on the WDW Radio YouTube channel. More Imagineering stories are coming soon, so stay tuned! 🎥 MORE VIDEOS FROM MY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURES!I've been sharing content throughout the days while in California, and have a LOT more coming, so be sure to follow me on Instagram ☝️From red carpets to movie magic, to Walt’s barn and favorite restaurant, to a surprise visit from Disney Legend Floyd Norman, Day 1 of our WDW Radio group Adventures by Disney trip was unforgettable! ✨ 🍽️ Where’s the BEST place for lunch in Disneyland? 🎹 What’s your favorite simple pleasure in Disneyland? ✨ 🫔 Is THIS the BEST quick service item in Disneyland?!??! ☕ Where’s the best coffee in Disneyland? I need your go-to spot for a perfect pick-me-up in the parks! 🎨 Disneyland’s Paint the Night Parade ⚖️ The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a better attraction than Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout in Disney California Adventure… ✨ Are you In or Out? 🌸 Did you know a brand-new window honoring Lillian Disney was just unveiled on Main Street, U.S.A. today? I show you the window and explain some of the tributes and details (and meanings) hiding in plain sight. 💐 🎥 The new Walt Disney animatronic from Walt Disney - A Magical Life, which opens in July 17, is unbelievable… because it’s so believable! ✨ What do YOU think? 🎥 I got a sneak preview of Walt Disney: A Magical Life… and I wanted to share my initial thoughts right after seeing it. ✨ Here’s my honest reaction... and why you need to experience it for yourself. 👀 🥞 Where (and what?) is the best breakfast in Disneyland or Disney California Adventure? ☕️🥞🧇🍳 🚢 Mark Twain in Disneyland just hits different… Still not over losing the Liberty Belle at Disney World. Too soon? 💔 🛶 Reason # 471 why I love Disneyland 🛶 Have you ever experienced the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes? 🌍 What's Next?!I'm still in Disneyland, as I stayed to experience and share Disneyland's 70th Anniversary celebration on Thursday, July 17 - Stay tuned to my Instagram for videos, photos... and maybe even a LIVE broadcast! And speaking of LIVE... 🔴 Join me LIVE TONIGHT from Disneyland 7:30pm ET on Facebook or YouTube!🚢 PLUS... we have many more adventures, meets, and group cruises coming up, including our voyage on the Disney Destiny in February! ✨ Ready to turn your passion into purpose, profit, and impact?!Join me October 16 - 19 at Walt Disney World for my Momentum Weekend Workshop - a transformational experience for creators, solopreneurs, and entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their business (and themselves) in powerful, purposeful ways. 🎯 This isn’t your average business event. It’s an intimate, 4-day workshop and mastermind with just 50 amazing humans, filled with real-world strategies, meaningful connections, and a little bit of Disney magic. 🎤 Learn from incredible speakers like:
💥 Only 10 seats left and the $100 Early Bird Discount ends SOON! 🎟️ Grab your spot before it’s gone Let’s make some magic and create your momentum! Want to dip your toes in before diving in? No problem... here are a few ways to start: 🧠 Download my free Mindset Mastery Guide – get clear, focused, and fired up You’ve got the spark. Let’s build the fire... together! 🔥 No matter where I go, you are always with me! Thank you for your support which allows me to share all these amazing adventures with you! If the podcast, newsletter, or even a moment on Clubhouse has brought a little magic to your day, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider sharing it with a friend. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways to help our WDW Radio family grow. And if I can help you with anything (Disney, business, or otherwise), please feel free to reply to this email and let me know. I'm here for you! Until next time... Choose the Good, be kind, and keep moving forward! P.S. Are we connected on LinkedIn? Please connect with me there... I'm working on a few new (and very exciting!) things, so let's talk about business, entrepreneurship, and more! |
Lou Mongello - WDW Radio
Lou Mongello is a former attorney turned Disney enthusiast, founder of WDWRadio.com Disney podcast in 2005 (named Best Travel Podcast 9 consecutive years), member of the Podcast Hall of Fame, author, speaker, and business coach at LouMongello.com.
Your Guide to Disney Parks & Experiences Hello, my friend! 👋 We are almost a month away from the Momentum Weekend Workshop (breathe, Lou!), a 1 room, 50-person, 4-day event at Walt Disney World for solopreneurs and creators. Since 2016, this event has helped attendees monetize, market, grow their brands... and ultimately turn their passions into profit. One question I get all of the time is: "What makes this event different from other conferences?" My answer? Well it's two-fold. First and...
Your Guide to Disney Parks & Experiences Hello, my friend. I hope you are doing well and having a great week so far! First, I want to start with an apology… and a thank you. I’ve missed sending you the newsletter these past couple of weeks. No excuses, but I have a reason... I’ve been happily juggling a lot of exciting (and all good!) things, including travel, speaking, projects, and of course, the show. But I never take for granted that you give me the opportunity to do what I love, and that...
Hey Reader! ✨ Sometimes, all it takes is one little spark to change everything.✨ Walt Disney was an entrepreneur with big dreams who just needed that one event, moment, break, or relationship to bring his vision to life. I created the Momentum Weekend Workshop Scholarship to be that spark for you – an opportunity to attend the event without the financial barrier holding you back. Join me October 16–19, 2025 in Walt Disney World for an unforgettable, 4-day, 1-room, 50-person event weekend of...